Posts Tagged ‘Natalie Kaar’
Memorial Day Guide: Apps & Games to Get Kids for the Car
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
As every parent knows, if you’re about to embark on a lengthy road trip (or flight) with the fam, you’d better be prepared, especially if there are little ones involved.
Not only does everyone need their essentials for enjoying the destination, but there’s that whole getting-there thing that can really be tricky. Make that nightmarish. Paying for gas can be a cake walk in comparison to keeping a toddler entertained in a belted-in seat for hours on end. The same can apply to teens and tweens.
But with a few old-school games and new-school apps, not to mention a little always-in-vogue creativity, you can just about banish “Are we there yet?” from existence. And fortunately, we’ve done all the work for you just in time for your Memorial Day escape. We’ve pored over review after review and used our own parenting experience as well as that of our friends to come up with some super-solid suggestions.
SWAG’s top picks in keeping kids entertained in the car (or plane):
First Things First: Technology Protection
BubCap intro pack, BubCap covers on iPhone and iPad (Photo courtesy of Natalie Kaar)
For all of the iPhone and iPad parents out there, that makes millions upon millions of us — TechCrunch reports that Apple has sold more iPhones in four years than all Macs ever — did you know a sticker that costs about a dollar could save you from all kinds of potential data-destroying stress, helping kids stick to kids’ apps and not send Tweets or worse without you knowing?
BubCap home button covers are these stickers that stick to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, covering up the home button, leaving it useful for an adult but preventing toddlers, even older kids, from moving from app to app. The stickers are very sticky, but you can remove them if you want to, with the help of finger nails, and reapply later — with no sticky residue. Genius.
There’s an intro pack available with four stickers, two of the regular BubCap stickers (for toddlers using iPhone or iPod Touch) and two of the ultra (for toddlers with iPad or older kids with iPhone or iPod Touch) for $6.99 on Amazon. There’s also a BubCap Max four-pack, sold separately, for older kids with iPad.
One tip: Just get your kiddo used to the diminishing freedom before a flight or long car ride. At first, of course, they’ll be a bit frustrated.
A little creativity can banish the question "Are we there yet?" from existence. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/Luidmila P. Sundikova)
Best of the Old School (games)
Count, count count. We all know that the good ol’ US of A is home to many a McDonald’s. Same for Starbucks. Make that work for you. Have everyone in the car guess how many Mickey D’s there will be within a specific distance — best idea: the whole trip — and offer a prize to the person who comes closest. You could do the same with vanity plates as well, especially in Virginia. A big hit on I-95: Count the cops. Of course, at least one (honest) person has to keep track the whole time.
Virginia Tire & Auto also points out the convenience and hours of creativity that a simple clipboard, crayons and some copy paper can provide to kids of practically all ages.
Alphabet games … there are many. Have someone name an animal, for example; then the next person has to name an animal that starts with the last letter of the animal just mentioned and so on.
Crank up the tunes. Jimmy Buffett has some kid-friendly songs, and the King of Kicking Back signals summertime even more than Memorial Day. Belt ‘em out! Beats Barney any day.
Screen smiles. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/Subbotina Anna)
Best of the New School (apps)
For kids 1-4:
“The Monster at the End of This Book”–This long-loved book by Jon Stone and illustrated by Mike Smollin, about “Sesame Street’s” Grover is brought to life like never before. With each turn (swipe) of the page, untie ropes, knock down brick walls and more to find out who the monster at the end is, much to Grover’s chagrin. My 17-month-old LOVES this book, and gets really tickled going through the app all by herself. $3.99, for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
First Words: Animals–Kids love animals, and this app helps kids learn about the sounds different animals make, how to recognize different letters, how to spell and more. A huge hit with toddlers. $1.99 for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
My Playhome–Playing house has never been more fun. In other words: This baby will keep your kiddos entertained for hours as they explore different rooms with their family of five, and have them do things like fry an egg, run the dishwasher, watch TV as a family and put the kids to bed. Headphones are really recommended, especially if your little tyke likes to turn everything on. $3.99 for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
Highlights: My First Hidden Pictures–Finding the hidden pictures in “Highlights” magazine was a highlight of many parents’ childhoods, including yours truly’s, and the classic puzzles are just as fun on a screen today. $1.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Rated 4+.
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox–This colorful game that has kids help a monkey pack his lunchbox is the No. 1 preschool game in the app store for ages 2-5. Helps preschool-aged kids learn colors, how to count and more. $.99 for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
Other faves include the interactive Sandra Boynton book apps like “Moo, Baa, La, La, La,” “The Going to Bed Book,” “Blue Hat, Green Hat” and more, which cost $3.99 for iPhone and iPad.
For kids 5-8:
Cut the Rope–There’s physics to be learned with this game that is huge with the elementary set. Science never came easily to me, so no wonder my 5-year-old nephew kicks my butt at this. There’s a monster that needs to be fed candy, but the candy is tied up with ropes. Cutting the rope and letting go of the candy sounds easy enough, but guess again. $.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Rated 4+.
Goofy Mad Libs–Just as fun as you remember. Now in a digital version. Help your child show off his or her growing vocabulary and sense of humor. $3.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Rated 4+.
“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”–William Joyce’s Oscar-winning animated short film is now a highly celebrated interactive narrative on iPad. Check out a preview of the outstanding app for yourself below to see why it blows both kids and adults away. $4.99.
For kids, and adults, 9 & up:
Stack the States–Learning about our states can be a blast; this app proves it. From figuring out the state capitals to remembering what shape each state takes and where each appears on the map, this app makes learning geography easier than ever before. $.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPhone. Rated 4+.
Draw Something–Sort of a combination of Scrabble and Pictionary, this app can keep kids and adults glued all day. In my neighborhood, tons of parents in their 30s are practically addicted to it. You and your friends, who also must have the app, take turns drawing and guessing what the pictures are and spelling the answer out, choosing from scrambled letters below. If nothing else, this app provides tons of laughs. I have zero drawing ability; you should have seen my J.Lo drawing or Tina Fey, but my friends figured them out. Free, with ads, for iPhone and iPad. Must have network access. Rated 4+.
And, of course, there are always the all-around crowd pleasers Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. While traveling at last you have a good excuse to play.
Happy shopping — and happy, safe travels! But before you do either, please take a second to share a few of your own suggestions for saving everyone’s sanity — toddlers, teens and all — in transit.
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
(Photo: Shutterstock.com/Andy Dean Photography)
Gas statewide has been averaging around $3.50 per gallon this week. While that’s just a penny higher than a year ago according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, we still feel the pinch. Just in time to hit the road for the holiday weekend, learn four really easy ways to ease your pain at the pump.
We’re not talking advice like “buy a hybrid,” “go public transpo” or “suit yourself up with a SmartCar” (that’s for another article, another time) but much simpler ways to help balance your budget. Remember, each gallon you save in other spending adds up.
1. Pack snacks instead of spending a bundle at each pit stop. We know, yet another thing to pack, but just one example of the possible savings: You can score 50 packets of Starbucks ultra-convenient Via Italian Roast for $35.95, which, of course, is still more expensive than buying beans in bulk (that’s 50 cups of coffee for about $.72 a cup). No restaurant is going to charge you for hot water. Not a coffee fan? Think of how much you spend on one of those big Goldfish tubs at the grocery store versus one of those small packs offered at gas stations.
2. Another caffeine-related tip: If staying at a hotel along the way, take advantage of the free coffee, or tea offered. Even if it’s not your preferred brew — totally understand this — at least it will help keep you awake behind the wheel.
3. Don’t get stuck in gas traps. Don’t let your gas tank get so close to empty that you have to visit the next gas station no matter how ridiculous the prices are. Load up GasBuddy on your phone, plan ahead and research a bit. Find the cheapest gas along your way. For instance, a $.20 price hike on a 20-gallon tank is $4 more coming out of your wallet. Land in a gas trap just a few times, and you’ve easily cost yourself a six-pack or some cool cones at your destination.
4. Eat as a family. Most families don’t cook something different for each person sitting around the lunch or dinner table. Practice such cohesion on car trips. For instance, let’s say you didn’t have time to pack food for the car ride. If you stop for lunch at Subway, which is having a big FOOTLONG sale, order up a FOOTLONG for the kids, and split it up instead of buying several different individual sandwiches. It may sound crazy, but it’s possible, and can easily save you what you’d pay for a gallon of gas.
Happy travels! (Just think: If you save on gas, you won’t feel so guilty about scoring some new sandals, on sale, of course.)
–Natalie Kaar
Splash into Summer at Lou Lou With Blogger Kate Julian
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Discounts on fab accessories plus free sushi and sweets? Much better than lemonade. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/AlexAnnaButs)
When life hands a man lemons, he may make lemonade, but ladies handed lemons head to Lou Lou. When life hands Kate Julian lemons, however, she pays it forward, writing a blog called Then, Life Gave Me Lemons and gearing up with Lou Lou to sweeten the pot for everyone.
Thursday, May 31, from 6-8 p.m., join Julian — whose beauty expertise will soon be shared in our mag monthly — for an exclusive one-night-only 10-percent discount at Lou Lou Alexandria (132 King St.) along with free sushi from Flying Fish and bite-sized decadent desserts from Treats by Erica.
It doesn’t get much sweeter than that! Register for the free event now.
Then again, did you hear about the fashionable, SWAG-filled event we’re sponsoring at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City this Thursday?
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Fab Finds: DERMAdoctor KP Duty
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Thursday, May 17th, 2012
So long, Chicken Skin!
by Natalie Kaar
Sephora
This spring pesky dry patches and conditions like keratosis pilaris shouldn’t keep anyone from showing some skin. A solution is as close as the nearest Sephora.
DERMAdoctor KP duty ($44 for 16 oz.) is a body scrub that delivers medical-quality exfoliation by combining components of a mini-chemical peel and microdermabrasion into a simple-to-apply, single at-home treatment. Moisten skin, apply a dab, exfoliate with fingertips, rinse and pat dry. Voila! Smooth, supple skin.
I’ve been using KP duty for a few weeks, twice a week, and could tell a major difference after just one treatment. Back-of-arm bumps: gone.
May 2012
TOMS Meets the Latest Technology
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 17th, 2012
OK, if you’re having trouble keeping your mind on work, stop reading. But if you’re looking for a fun new way to try TOMS sunglasses on, read on and get ready to play!
TOMS has added virtual try-on capabilities on its website; all you need to join the fun is your face and a webcam.
You can even move all around, and the glasses stay on your face.
A screenshot of my fun:
Happy shopping! Remember One for One; buy a pair of shades, a pair goes to a child in need.
–Natalie Kaar
Sure Things: Bumble & bumble’s Bb Styling Lotion
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
If you regularly flatiron your hair, this could become your new best friend. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Kaar)
Overachievers can be annoying. That is if they’re your siblings or something. But you’ve got to respect them. And when it comes to overachievers in hair products, I’d argue they just about deserve salutes.
Exhibit A of the latter: Bumble & bumble’s Bb Styling Lotion ($25 for 8 fl oz), one of the beauty biz’s longstanding all stars.
The product is meant for hair of all types, but it’s especially well suited for frequently styled, chemically treated or otherwise fragile strands. Let’s face it, in the summer, doesn’t that just about sum up all of our majorly in-need-of-maintenance manes?
What it does: After having saturated towel-dried hair with it before blowdrying in sections, or having applied a few sprays of it to dry hair prior to heat styling (a frequent flatiron user, this is what I do, applying three sprays — one to each side, one to the back of hair), Bumble & bumble’s Bb Styling Lotion adds body, control and sleekness while leaving the hair feeling incredibly soft (has built-in moisturizers) with natural movement. Translation: no stickiness, no weighing down the ‘do, no fly-aways. Totally dreamy.
All that for $25? I’d pay far more — but don’t tell Bumble.
I know you may be thinking “A lotion that doesn’t weigh down the ‘do?” Trust me, I was very skeptical myself, but use it once before flatironing, and I’m betting you’ll quickly become a believer.
Happy shopping — and styling!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
Current/Elliott Polka Dot Stiletto Crops, were $218, now $99.95 during the Anthropologie Spring Clearance Sale! (Photo: anthropologie.com)
Rainy commutes can really get you down. Wouldn’t you know the retail world has just what ‘s needed to help you re-energize. Deal. After. Deal. It’s as if the stores are all in a race to outdo one another.
A few of the many sensational sales begging for attention today and for a long time coming:
First, four very sweet words: Anthropologie spring clearance sale.
Assuming you’re not caught up on all things Anthro all day, you may also want to explore some shoe sales, and ASOS (for a limited time, score 20 percent off summer styles) and Endless (nab 20 percent off select orders of $100 or more with code “FRIENDS2″ through May 17) are at your beckon call.
Spring beauty on the brain? Bargains abound in this fine category as well. For starters, you can claim a 20-percent discount on Stila cosmetics through the end of May with the code “20OFF.” Bath & Body Works is also offering 20 percent off, plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more, today only with the code “TWENTY50.” And a 15-percent discount is being offered at Skinstore through May 21 with the code “MAY15.”
Of course NoVA’s swimsuit season is just shy of a week away. Time to really whip that bod into shape. And Curves-Falls Church is answering the call. Ladies, if you’re a non-member of Curves score a free 30-day membership by visiting the fitness center this week in celebration of National Women’s Health Week.
And, remember, this weekend brings Boutiques Give Back, the Old Town Boutique District’s annual Charity Day, this Saturday, May 19, when over 30 local charities will be supported through shopping at the OTBD’s amazing boutiques. There are also opportunities to recycle and save. For instance, donate a gently used bra to Bloomers on Saturday and get 20 percent off on a new one, plus a free tank top while supplies last.
Also this weekend, the uber-popular DKNY PR Girl is coming to Bloomingdale’s Tysons Corner Saturday, May 19, from 1-3 p.m. Join DKNY Style Director Anthony Conti as he presents the season’s top trends and DKNY PR Girl’s favorite pieces from the collection. Shop the collection, and receive an exclusive DKNY PR Girl tote bag with your purchase of $300 or more; spend $500 or more, receive a Bauble Bar bracelet. Plus, score a special gift just for letting Bloomie’s know to expect you. See a sales associate, or call 703-556-4716 to RSVP.
Happy shopping — and saving!
–Natalie Kaar
Justin Timberlake’s Newest Designing Gig Making Homes Gorgeous
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 14th, 2012
Justin Timberlake helped make the boy band *NSYNC beyond famous, brought sexy back all on his own, co-founded what has become a renowned denim and lifestyle apparel brand in William Rast and has starred in some of the funniest skits to ever be performed on SNL.
Wishing you could emulate just a bit of the multitalented star’s iconic style? Now you can bring a little Timberlake into your abode. The star has teamed up with esteemed Hollywood stylist/interior designer Estee Stanley in designing and curating the luxury home collection HOMEMINT.
(Timberlake and Stanley welcome shoppers to HOMEMINT. Video: YouTube)
The really cool thing about the HOMEMINT website is that it offers a free, quick style quiz that helps narrow down the amazing items to those that you should be most interested in — gotta love filtering — with new selections highlighted monthly. The site also offers memberships for $9.99 a month, the benefits of said membership being early access to new designs, discounted pricing. But you don’t have to be a member to buy from the collection.
No surprise to me, my top match after taking the quiz was a pillow, and I do love it. Another hand-picked pick I prefer is the Moroccan basket.
And you thought Pinterest was addictive?!
Happy shopping! Bag up some beauties!
–Natalie Kaar
Mother’s Day Guide: Beautiful Bouquets
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 10th, 2012
You may think flowers are so done when it comes to gift giving at Mother’s Day, but we personally don’t know many, make that any, moms who don’t just love some beautiful buds. And while time may be tight, with the special day to celebrate Mom coming up in just three days, you can still fulfill online orders without breaking the bank.
For instance …
FTD is full of gorgeous bouquets, like this sophisticated bundle, just $49.99 including the vase (plus shipping), with delivery still available on Saturday. All bouquets on the site are currently discounted 25 percent.
(Photo: FTD.com)
Another favorite at FTD, this Deep Emotions bouquet by Better Homes & Gardens comes with a free vase plus a free one-year subscription to the magazine. Various sizes range from just $39.99 to $74.99 plus shipping.
(Photo: FTD.com)
It’s also lovely to receive flowers that will last long after the holiday, like this gorgeous Celebration Orchid, with two sizes available from $89.99 to $99.99 plus shipping, from 1800flowers.com; save $20 with the code RMN20.
(Photo: 1800flowers.com)
Some sites even offer Sunday delivery, like floristexpress.net. Most local florists are still accepting orders as well. And, honestly, if you live near Mom, it’s amazing how much you can save — while still getting that wow factor — by buying flowers at a grocery store or farmers market then arranging them in an inexpensive vase from, say, Target or Michael’s.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 10th, 2012
(Photo: shoptreat.com)
Earlier this week we filled you in on the sad news that Old Town’s beloved TREAT is packing up and moving soon to San Fran as owner Jennifer Donahue relocates to the Bay area with her family.
But you know the drill, when one door closes, another window is opened. TREAT’s moving sale is in full effect! Through May 26, score an extra 30 percent off new spring and summer sales (online, use “30OFF”) and an extra 50 percent off Final Sale red-lined items (online, use code “50OFF”).
For example, you can save an extra 50 percent on the red BB Dakota garland pleated dress to the right, a total steal at $52.50 before the additional savings.
Talk about the definition of bittersweet parting.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar