New Smartphone System Helps Drivers Avoid Accidents

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, January 9th, 2012

Talk about a driver's friend, the Mobileye 560! (photo courtesy of Mobileye)

Hello there, shoppers!

Hot news out of the 2012 CES, the most talked about annual all-things-tech trade show, to start tomorrow in Sin City!

Mobileye’s next-generation after-market offering the Mobileye 5-Series, now available for shipping in the U.S., is promising to be the driver’s third eye. In other words: the world’s most innovative Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in the market, helping to help drivers avoid and mitigate collisions. Your trusty GPS doesn’t do that, now does it?

Here are the Mobileye deets according to a press release:

A smart camera, proprietary algorithms and a microprocessor work together to detect and alert drivers to unintended lane departures, imminent collisions, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists on the road. The Mobileye systems even have the ability to read speed limit signs, intelligently control hi beams and alert drivers of rear-end collisions, the most common form of accidents.

The new series includes Bluetooth capabilities, which allow for Mobileye 5-Series to work in tandem with smartphones, attached to a windshield.

Safety Functions include:

•    Mobileye Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – this advanced system alerts the driver when
unintentionally veering into another lane. This also conditions the driver into using turn signals
when changing lanes.
•    Mobileye Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – a driver can be alerted up to 2.7 seconds
before a collision, allowing enough time to react and avoid collisions.
•    Mobileye Headway Monitoring and Warning (HMW) – provides programmable visual and
audio alerts before collisions. It also serves to educate the driver to keep a safe following
distance from the vehicle ahead.
•    Mobileye Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW) – prevents or mitigates accidents during the
daytime with visual and audio warnings up to two seconds before an imminent collision with a
pedestrian or bicyclist.

Convenience features include:

•    Mobileye Intelligent High Beam (IHC) - lowers and raises high beams without
inconveniencing oncoming or preceding traffic.
•    Mobileye Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) including Speed Limit Indication (SLI) – detects
and classifies various traffic signs including speed limit signs. All is communicated via
Mobileye’s Smartphone application.

Of course this level of help will cost you. The Mobileye 5-Series is available now in two models, the Mobileye 560 and Mobileye 550. The Mobileye 550 has a list price in the USA of $749, and the 560 model is listed at $849.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Must-Hit Weekend Sales

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 6th, 2012

As seen on "American Idol," this dress is available at Undeniable Boutique at 25 percent off!

Hello there, shoppers!

If your weekend plans leave any room for shopping, you’re really in for a treat: local sales galore.

A few of the most enticing:

Now’s the perfect time to get organized for the new year, and The Dandelion Patch (all locations) is offering all agendas and calendars this weekend only, Jan. 6-8, for $5.

It’s also time to get your abode nice and welcoming for the cold months ahead — believe it or not with today’s blissful temps — and Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria is having a White Sale, with all in-store bedding discounted 20 percent off.

And when is it not a great time to grab a fab new pair of jeans? Periwinkle in National Harbor is offering 20 percent off all jeans today through 7 p.m., and free two-hour parking validation with any purchase.

And for those mommas and papas who love to plan ahead, Dharma & Leopold’s in Gainesville is offering all fall clothing at a 40-percent discount, and all holiday apparel is now discounted 60 percent. Plus, just a heads-up, they now carry bridal party apparel for little ones.

Oh, and definitely don’t forget that Urban Chic is having a designer blowout sale at their Fairfax Corner location until it closes for good on Jan. 14. Save on DVF, Rebecca Minkoff and more!  Neighboring Undeniable Boutique is also having a serious sale on party dresses, skirts, jackets, pants and more!

Lots of the big chains are also offering big bargains. For instance, Cusp is having a Last Cuts Sale; enjoy up to 65 percent off regular-priced apparel and accessories from the hottest designers in contemporary fashion!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Shopping Simplified: Hipmunk

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Photo: Hipmunk

Hello there, shoppers! Booking flights can be a fright. That’s without a little online help in the form of a handy dandy website or shopping app that simplifies the situation.

I used to think Kayak ruled the school, but these days it’s Hipmunk — hands down. Talk about Shopping Simplified! The site and app (for iPhone, iPad and Android phones) make booking air travel a breeze.

Instead of throwing you a whole bunch of irrelevant search terms in a format that’s beyond frustrating to read, it puts everything in a clean visual timeline that helps you pick the best flight for you at a glance.

At the jump, things are simplified already, as you can enter airport codes or city names. And that’s just the beginning of the ease, as you’ll see when I search for flights from IAD (Dulles) to Barcelona, leaving Jan. 13, returning Jan. 14, for two people in business class. (Don’t I wish!) You can sort results by agony OR price OR duration OR departure OR arrival.

Don’t know what’s not to be missed in Barcelona? (I’d argue just about everything!). The Hipmunk website features a heatmap of popular attractions and nearby hotels; the hotel search capability is also being added to the mobile app next week according to a Hipmunk representative I spoke with today.

Filtering has never been so fabulous!

Happy shopping — and travels!

–Natalie Kaar

Resolution-Upholding Deals: Smoking Cessation

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 5th, 2012

IMAGE: Shutterstock.com/Seanika

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re resolving to scrap the cigs, I’m guessing you may need a little help. If going cold turkey isn’t your friend, fortunately there are some handy habit-kicking helpers on super sweet sales.

If your doctor prescribes you Chantix, a non-nicotine prescription medicine specifically developed to help adults 18 and over quit smoking, you can save some serious cash on the possible solution. Chantix is currently offering a coupon for $30 off your prescription copay.

If you plan on trying nicotine gum to help kick the unhealthy habit to the curb, Nicorette is offering a few of its own coupon deals.

And FREE support is available all over the area, such as Inova’s workplace support program TobaccoNET; for a program in your neighborhood, ask your doctor for recommendations. Many resources are also available online, which a recent study suggests can be very beneficial to those wishing to quit.

Happy shopping. SWAG’s rooting for you to keep those resolutions!

–Natalie Kaar

Wedding Waste

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

So we all may have seen a wedding dress in our day that truly takes everyone’s breath away, but seeing this news about gorgeous gowns being destroyed at the closing of a Priscilla’s of Boston in Minnesota made me sick to my stomach.

Priscilla of Boston Wedding Dresses Destroyed in Dumpster: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

What a waste.

–Natalie Kaar

Resolution-Upholding Deals: Health & Fitness

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Just one of the many unbelievably fabulous fitness deals offered today is from Studio BE Pilates in Fairfax -- five group mat classes or three private sessions plus three group mat classes for just $29. (Photo courtesy of Specialicious.com)

Hello there, shoppers! Happy New Year! If you resolve to be the picture of health and fitness in 2012, SWAG knows the deals to help you deliver on that goal.

First, at our very own deals site, Specialicious, today you can score five Bikram yoga classes at Bikram Yoga Reston, for $25 (worth $100); five yoga classes at Dancing Mind Yoga in Falls Church for $15; five Pilates group mat classes or three Pilates private classes plus three group mat classes at Studio BE Pilates in Fairfax for just $29; five yoga classes for just $25 or 10 yoga classes for $49 at Inner Power Yoga in Potomac Falls; two personal training sessions at One to One Fitness — with locations in McLean, Reston and D.C. —  for $59; and three- or six-week fitness boot camp at Boot Camp Challenge in Springfield for only $50.

Also, Weight Watchers – the healthy, easy-to-stick-to plan I adhere to in order to maintain my weight, keep on track — is waving registration fees right now, for its traditional in-person meetings program and online program.

Revolve, Clarendon’s new indoor cycling-only fitness center with spinning classes at varying levels, some incorporating strength training, etc., is offering 15 percent off “rides” this month.

And there are always awesome free health and fitness apps. Two faves: Restaurant Nutrition, with nutritional info for menu items at over 250 restaurants; and the Fit Bit app, which with the Fit Bit Ultra wireless activity tracker, helps you keep track of all of your daily activity and nutritional intake. I’ve been using the Fit Bit since Christmas, am addicted to checking how many stairs I’ve climbed and how many steps I’ve taken, tracking my sleep efficiency, etc. You can compare your results to others in your age group, gender, BMI as well — very motivating.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar 

Style Report: Statement Necklaces

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, December 29th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! With the year ending, there is a lot of talk about trends. As we finish up the last week of 2011, we thought it fitting to discuss in our last Style Report post of the year, a trend that really has staying power: statement necklaces.

The definition of the must-have accessory varies from person to person, but no matter the materials used, the length of the necklace and other style factors, one thing’s for sure: As their name implies, statement necklaces make a statement.

Whether you’re gearing up to rock out at a New Year’s Eve bash or looking for something to add a little extra pop to your everyday ensembles, here are some standouts that are sure to steal the show. The bonus: They don’t cost too much dough.

This first lovely is perfect for those going for the gold. I can only imagine what this accessory could do for a simple LBD, green top or coral sheath.

A true bargain beauty at just $58. Roundabout Fringe Necklace (Anthropologie)

But don’t get me started on Anthro’s statement necklace selection. I’m pretty smitten with about 3/4 of the options, like this stunner, also just $58:

Extra points for mixed metals! Beads & Bars Necklace (Anthropologie)

As for beachy beauties, why look further than Alexandria designer Meg Carter? There’s absolutely no need. Case in point:

A gorgeous necklace named after a gorgeous place, Positano, $280 (Meg Carter Designs)

Of course, Etsy is also full of great finds. 

Bib Statement Necklace by NeverMidnight, $39.74 (Etsy)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Beauty Recommendations for Ringing in the New Year

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Deborah Lippmann 'Dance Music' Holiday Mini Trio (Photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

Hello there, shoppers! Whether your New Year’s Eve plans have been solidified for months or you’re excited for something festive and spontaneous this Saturday, you know you want to look smokin’ for that big smooch. But how does one continue to dazzle after hours of dancing, eating and drinking? Nordstrom Beauty Director Cheri Botiz recommends five brilliant beauty buys that will have you looking fabulous at the strike of 12 and far beyond.

First up, the eyes, and perhaps the trickiest piece of the makeup puzzle: eyeliner. Botiz explains, “Dazzling shadows are a sure way to be New Year’s Eve-ready,” and she assures us we can keep said shadows in place all night by pairing them with NARS Larger than Life eyeliner ($23).

And while the eyes may be a window into the soul, one’s scent can reveal a lot about a person as well (and not just in regard to hygiene). Plus, I’d argue there’s nothing like a scent to signal a memory — still recognize my kindergarten teacher’s perfume. If looking to immortalize this New Year’s Eve with a new fragrance, Botiz suggests the new Prada Candy ($80-$100). “It’s the perfect scent for a special night, and you’re never fully dressed without your fragrance,” she says.

But let’s not forget about puckering up. Botiz’s recommendation for a super-kissable kisser: “Don’t be afraid to put a pop of color on that pout.” For instance, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Fascinate  ($32).

Of course, New Year’s is also a great opportunity to go a bit over the top with our nails — “a girl’s best accessory,” according to Botiz. For a real fashion-forward look, she recommends THE NEW BLACK’s Ombre Nail Shades Sets ($22). Each kit includes five polishes in graduated colors to mimick a dip-dye mani. Botiz also assures us the glittery nail lacquers in Deborah Lippmann’s Dance Music Holiday Mini Trio ($29), a Nordstrom-exclusive collection, are guaranteed to get attention.

Happy shopping — and celebrating!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. I also can’t help but personally recommend the eight-shade Stila Lip Glaze Set ($25, worth $110) — nothing beats this high-shine, yummy-tasting lip gloss in my book. And the smaller tubes are perfect for fitting into small, party-perfect bags.

Shopping Simplified: Cards App

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

With the free Cards app, turn your iPhone or iPod Touch photos into a beautiful folded or flat card, and get it mailed off to those you love in a flash. (Photo courtesy of Apple iTunes)

Hello there, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a wonderful holiday weekend and are currently enjoying an abbreviated — or, better yet, non-existent — work week.

Headed somewhere sunny or to a place with stellar slopes? Should you wish to send greetings while you’re away, download the free Cards app, and do it today.

Available for the iPhone and iPod Touch, the app makes sending personalized cards while on vacay beyond simple. You just use the pre-designed templates and photos you’ve taken on your phone or iPod, enter the recipient’s mailing address (have to have this info at the ready in your contacts or be able to access it online), the app charges you for the card and postage through iTunes, then voila. Shopping Simplified at its finest.

Domestic cards are just $2.99, including the postage. International mailings are also available.

Let’s say your friend gets an amazing shot of you catching some sick air in Aspen. By the time you’re off the next lift, a  letterpress card showing off your skills could be well on its way to those missing out on all the mountain magic.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. Just think of how quickly you could get out birth announcements or news of becoming engaged!

Virtuous Vices, Ridiculed Remedies

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, December 26th, 2011

Recent research suggests women who pop vitamins die sooner than those who don’t; more chocolate means less cardiovascular disease (milk and dark varieties); cheese and diet soda are not so bad after all; those who fear dementia have a friend in java; and alcohol each day keeps the doc away. Board-certified internist Dr. Grace Keenan, medical director and CEO of Ashburn-based Nova Medical Group, says not so fast.—Natalie Kaar

Bottom Line: Moderation and sensible living pays off! Avoid chemicals and synthetic foods.

SOURCES: www.abcnews.go.com/Health/diet-supplements-harm-older-women-study/story?id=14706684;  www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/health/30prevention.html;  www.news.consumerreports.org/health/2011/06/say-no-to-fries-and-chips-cheese-and-diet-soda-are-ok.html;  www.news.discovery.com/human/coffee-may-ward-off-alzheimers.html;  www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/wine-how-much-is-good-for-you?page=1

(December 2011)