Summer Budget Travel Tips from Gadling

Reviews: What's New This Week

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long star in "Going the Distance." Credit: Jessica Miglio, Warner Bros./AP

Here is a look at what's new this week in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.

In Theaters: "Going the Distance"
A romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore, "Going the Distance" features two young lovers trying make a long-distance romance work. It's a realistic depiction of the emotional and sexual frustrations inherent in such a geographically-challenged relationship. Rough language, drugs, alcohol and very frank discussions about sex earn this film its rating. Rated R, iffy for kids 16-18

DVD: "Marmaduke"
Potty humor and doggy romance are the hallmarks of "Marmaduke," a live-action film featuring the famously large comic strip character. In this dog-out-of-water film, the mutts act like like teenagers and the dog park takes the place of the cliquish world of high school. Occasionally funny and never offensive, it's sure to be a hit with fans of the talking animal genre. Rated PG, OK for kids 8+

TV: "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam"
In the anxiously-awaited and heavily-promoted "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," the gang reassembles for another summer of music. A rival camp across the lake provides the drama while a few budding romances give the girls something to sigh about. Upbeat and positive, the film is Disney at its squeaky-clean best. Not Rated, OK for kids 8+

Continue reading Reviews: What's New This Week

Socks That Rule the School

back to school socks Ashi Dashi

That's one sharp-looking pencil sock. Credit: Ashi Dashi


Labor Day is just quickly approaching, which means it's time to kick off the flip-flops and lace up those new school shoes.


But you can make the transition a little easier for your teens with these clever back-to-school socks from Ashi Dashi.

Choose from pencil, notebook or composition styles or buy a three-pack and get one of each.

And who knows -- if you get their feet ready for school, maybe their minds will follow.

Available at Ashi Dashi for $11.99 each or $32 for a three-pack.

Take Picture Hanging to a Whole New Level

picture hanging by under the roof decorating

We've got some real hang-ups when it comes to picture hanging. Credit: Under the Roof Decorating


A little to the left. No, a smidge to the right. That's it! No, wait ... Arrgh!

Hanging pictures in our house is a frustrating and annoying ordeal. So, we were thrilled when we discovered the ingenious Hang & Level picture hanging tool.

Just hang your frame on the Hang & Level's single or double hook and move it into position on the wall. Then remove the frame, press the button and -- voila! -- you've got a small puncture mark that shows you exactly where to place the nail.

Two built-in levels ensure that your picture is straight while you're positioning and hanging it.

Most importantly, you save time, walls and a whole lot of frustration.

Available at Amazon for $19.12.

Related: Keep it Neat with PB&J Spreader

Star Wars Pancake Molds Make a Galactic Breakfast

star wars pancake molds williams-sonoma

A good breakfast will help them fend off the Dark Side. Credit: Williams-Sonoma


Hungry for breakfast are you, hmm? Yeesssss.

Sure, the Force is what gives a Jedi Knight his power, but even Yoda knows how important a good breakfast is for young Padawans. And nothing makes breakfast more fun than this set of Star Wars Pancake Molds from Williams-Sonoma, with Yoda, Darth Vader and stormtrooper designs.

The forms, made from nonstick steel, are simple to use: Just place the molds on a preheated griddle, pour the batter and unleash the power of a galactic breakfast.

The best part: Your kids will think you're a Jedi Kitchen Master.

Available at Williams-Sonoma for $19.95.

Related: German Girl Identifies 'Star Wars' Legos With Her Mouth

Customize Your Own Eco-Friendly Beverage Bottle

eco friendly beverage bottle

Drink, enjoy, and fill it back up! Credit: SIGG


Sick of buying countless brown paper bags and plastic water bottles to get through the school year? Yeah, so is your landfill.

Make the switch to reusable lunch boxes and beverage bottles that are eco-friendly and safer for you and your family. All SIGG products are made of pure aluminum, so they're equipped to weather bumpy bus rides or backpack tosses. And, when you're ready for a replacement, your old SIGG bottles and containers can be recycled.

There are more than 100 styles of SIGG lunch boxes and bottles ranging from solid metallic colors to funky retro designs. Even better, now you can customize your own SIGG with a photo of your choice or a unique graphic that you've created.

Available at mysigg.com.

10 Great Deals to Start Your Week


Free Entree at Ruby Tuesday:
Print a coupon for a free entree at Ruby Tuesday (up to $10 value) when you purchase another.

Get $3 Off Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers Coupon: Print a coupon for $3 off Huggies Pure & Natural diapers. You can also print a coupon for $2 off Huggies Little Snugglers.

Free Cookies from Mrs. Fields: Refer three friends to sign up for the Mrs. Field's email list and you'll get a free 24-count Cookie Tin. If you refer more than three friends, you can earn even more cookies -- all the way up to $109 worth of cookies!

Get $5 off at Chili's and $10 Off at Maggiano's: Sign up for the Chili's and Maggiano's email list and you'll get a coupon for $5 off your next visit to Chili's and $10 off your next visit to Maggiano's.

Free Kraft Easy Mac: Play the Kraft Noodlette Game and earn 500 points to print a coupon for $0.55 off two Kraft Mac & Cheese or 1000 points for a free Kraft Easy Mac. You can play until you win.

Continue reading 10 Great Deals to Start Your Week

Reviews: What's New This Week

flipped movie

Callan McAuliffe, left, and Madeline Carroll in a scene from "Flipped." Credit: Ben Glass, Warner Bros. / AP

Here is a look at what's new this week in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.

In Theaters: "Flipped"
A childhood crush evolves over time in "Flipped," a coming-of-age story based on Wendelin Van Draanen's novel of the same name. Set in a simpler time before social networking and texting, the film takes an age-appropriate look at growing up and falling in love. Rated PG, OK for kids 11+

DVD: "The Back-Up Plan"
A single woman is desperate to have a child in "The Back-Up Plan," a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez. After becoming pregnant via artificial insemination, Lopez' character meets the man of her dreams and the complications ensue. The rough language and frank talk about sex and pregnancy make this one inappropriate for teens. Rated PG-13, Iffy for kids 15-17

TV: "MADE: The Movie"
Based on the popular MTV reality series, "MADE: The Movie" features an awkward girl trying to break into the popular crowd by going out for the school cheerleading squad. With the help of her popular brother's girlfriend, she faces her fears and stays true to herself. The language is mild, but the frank sexual talk and scenes of underage drinking make it inappropriate for young audiences. Not Rated, OK for kids 13+

Continue reading Reviews: What's New This Week

Carry On

baby sling Serena & Lily's Peacock Market Sling

Pretty as a peacock. Credit: Serena & Lily


Keep your baby close and comforted while you're on the go with Serena & Lily's Peacock Market Sling. Even better? It also can help maintain privacy while nursing.

Made from one seamless piece of fabric without buckles, belts or straps, this beautifully-designed sling is easy to wear while keeping your baby snug. And the super-soft 100 percent organic jersey cotton lining is gentle against a baby's delicate skin.

The best part: The vibrant embroidered peacock design makes this sling as gorgeous as it is practical.

Available at Serena & Lily for $129.

Related: Baby Slings for Fashionista Moms

Find Funky Baby Clothes on a Budget

Funky baby clothes

American Eagle's 77Kids line is awesome. Credit: Ae.com


You're a cool daddy or hip mama and you want your baby to sport your same funky fashion sense. But there's one problem: Funky baby clothes often don't come cheap.


Fortunately, there are many options from big-name retailers for parents who want to dress their children in cutting edge funky baby fashions without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our faves.

Target: Known for collaborating with high-end designers to offer clothing at value prices, Target has teamed with Paul Frank to offer a line of funky baby clothes that cost less than $20. Only the coolest babies will be sporting Paul Frank for Target royal blue or aluminum zip hoodies featuring the label's iconic monkey design.

Other hip selections from Target's Paul Frank collection include the infant toddler boys' track jacket and, for baby girls, the fun, funky pink umbrella rain hat.


Continue reading Find Funky Baby Clothes on a Budget

Yo, These Toddler T-Shirts Are Fresh

Yo, These Toddler T-Shirts Are Fresh

Don't I look fly? Credit: Bumps and Bruises


What do two young, hip dads do when they can't find cool clothes for their little boys to wear?


If they're T-shirt designers like Manny Cabrera and Pedro Tuma, they start their own boys' clothing line, of course.

Introducing Bumps and Bruises, the newest toddler street wear line to hit the scene. With just the right mix of attitude and wit, these urban, graffiti-inspired T-shirts will keep your little guys looking so fresh and so clean.

Now that's sweet.

Available at Bumps and Bruises for $20.

Related: Get Ready to Express Yourself in Madonna's New Juniors' Fashion Line

10 Great Deals to Start Your Week



Free Mini Lip Gloss or Eye Primer from Sephora:
Take this coupon to the Sephora counter at any JCPenney store to get a free LORAC Mini Lip Gloss or Eye Primer. This coupon expires Sept. 22, 2010.

Get $3 Off $10 at T.G.I. Friday's:
Print a coupon good for $3 off any $10 purchase at T.G.I. Friday's. This coupon expires Aug. 25, 2010.

Girl's Circo Jeans for Only $4.99 from Target.com:
Target has Girl's Circo Jeans on sale for $6.99 today with free shipping. Use coupon code TGTDMNKD to get an additional $2 off each pair.

Two Creations from Cold Stone Creamery for $5:
Print a coupon to get two "Like-It" size Create Your Own Creations from Cold Stone Creamery for only $5.

Get 25 Percent Off Plus 55 Percent Off Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Program: Hooked on Phonics has their Kindergarten Learn to Read Program on sale for 25 percent off right now. Use coupon code SLICK55 to get an additional 55 percent off the sale price, making it only $32.98 after the discounts.

Continue reading 10 Great Deals to Start Your Week

Get Your Glam On With All Natural Makeup Sticks

All natural make-up stick for kids made by Whoops Bunny

Perfect for bunnies of all ages. Credit: Whoops Bunny


Pick up a set of Whoops Bunny All Natural Make-Up Sticks for your little one, and you may never have to hide your cosmetics case again.

Made with all-natural, biodegradable ingredients -- including pineapple extract and beeswax -- these adorable sticks come in five luscious colors that look as yummy as they smell.

All five colors come packaged together in a recyclable tube, so you can mix and match blue, green, purple, orange and pink for glamorous effects.

Just make sure she's asleep before you sneak into her room and borrow them for date night.

Available at Whoops Bunny for $24.99.

Related: New Kids' Fashion Lines: Gucci, Miss America and Crayola Vans

Keep it Neat with PB&J Spreader

Peanut butter and Jelly sandwich spreader

Peanut, peanut butter. Jelly! Credit: Cuisipro


Cuisipro's Peanut Butter & Jelly Spreader really is the best thing to happen to PB&J since sliced bread.

Designed to keep the peanut butter out of the jelly jar and vice versa, this double-ended, color-coded silicone spreader makes PB&J construction a neater experience. Soft edges and smooth surfaces won't tear bread, and the long handle makes it easy to scrape the very last gobs out of the jar.

Bonus: It's also great for kids who are learning to tackle peanut butter and jelly time on their own.

Available at Amazon for $8.51.

Related: Keep Track of Your Kid's Stuff With Cool Labels

Hang On to Your Stuff With Stroller Hooks

Stroller hooks for safety by Think King

We're hooked on these handsavers. Credit: Think King


In the "why didn't we think of that" department, comes the simple, yet immensely handy, Think King Mighty Buggy Hook.


Ideal for hanging a diaper bag, purse, knapsack or groceries, these strong -- yet lightweight -- aluminum hooks are easy to attach with a rubbery velcro strap that grips tightly to any bar.

It also works great for hanging stuff from bicycles, car headrests, wheelchairs or scooters.

Available at Think King for $14.99 for a two-pack.

Related: Stroller Review: BOB Revolution Duallie

Back to School: Cool Pencil Cases and Wallets

While you're stacking your cart with your child's ever-growing list of school supplies (toilet paper, anyone?), don't forget the fun factor, like a cute pencil case for those neon-yellow highlighters and an awesome wallet for his lunch money. We're pretty sure it will earn you an A+ in your kids' eyes.

Next Page >

Your Kids
Activities Babies (1803)
Activities Big Kids (199)
Activities Teens (47)
Activities Toddlers Preschoolers (174)
Activities Tweens (151)
Amazing Kids (183)
Babies (1141)
Baby-sitting (11)
Behavior (8)
Behavior Big Kids (22)
Behavior Teens (26)
Behavior Toddlers Preschoolers (21)
Behavior Tweens (18)
Big Kids (915)
Daycare & Education (2221)
Development Big Kids (28)
Development Teens (13)
Development Toddlers Preschoolers (28)
Development Tweens (25)
Development/Milestones Babies (4668)
Education Big Kids (36)
Education Teens (35)
Education Tweens (26)
Expert Advice Babies (36)
Expert Advice Big Kids (76)
Expert Advice Teens (36)
Expert Advice Toddlers Preschoolers (64)
Expert Advice Tweens (54)
Feeding & Sleeping (98)
Gear Guides Babies (93)
Gear Guides Big Kids (101)
Gear Guides Teens (45)
Gear Guides Toddlers Preschoolers (95)
Gear Guides Tweens (65)
Health & Safety Babies (5335)
Health & Safety Big Kids (52)
Health & Safety Teens (46)
Health & Safety Toddlers Preschoolers (51)
Health & Safety Tweens (40)
Newborns (793)
Nutrition Big Kids (34)
Nutrition Teens (24)
Nutrition Toddlers Preschoolers (20)
Nutrition Tweens (30)
Potty Training (36)
Preschoolers (917)
Research Reveals Babies (101)
Research Reveals Big Kids (116)
Research Reveals Teens (112)
Research Reveals Toddlers Preschoolers (92)
Research Reveals Tweens (100)
Social & Emotional Growth Teens (30)
Social & Emotional Growth Tweens (35)
Teen Culture (72)
Teens (1832)
Toddlers Preschoolers (1390)
Tween Culture (50)
Tweens (571)
Your Pregnancy (3725)
Your Life
Activities Family Time (79)
Adoption (445)
Alerts & Recalls (152)
Beauty & Style (55)
Birthdays (31)
Development Health (24)
Diet & Fitness (12)
Divorce & Custody (332)
Expert Advice Family Time (17)
Expert Advice Health (10)
Expert Advice Home Base (24)
Expert Advice Just For You (33)
Family Time (27)
Gay Parenting (88)
Going Green (220)
Health (32)
Holidays (400)
Home Base (8)
Just for You (9)
Kids' Games (149)
Mealtime (219)
Medical Conditions (536)
Nutrition Health (1817)
Places To Go (1213)
Relationships (15)
Relatives (261)
Sex (399)
Siblings (250)
Single Parenting (77)
Sleep (6)
Special Needs (61)
The Empty Nest (6)
Twins, Triplets, Multiples (36)
Work Life (1645)
Your Pregnancy
Baby Names (108)
Breast-Feeding (21)
Delivery (15)
Expert Advice Pregnancy (17)
Gear Guides Pregnancy (10)
Infertility (9)
Nutrition (8)
Pregnancy Health (37)
Week By Week (47)
Parents
Amazing Parents (144)
Just For Dads (969)
Just For Moms (1907)
Family Time
Chores (6)
Pets (12)
Resources (135)
Health
Home Remedies (26)
Celebs
Behaving Badly (129)
Bump Watch (596)
Celeb Kids (1419)
Celeb Parents (1621)
Life & Style (591)
Rumors (595)
News
Funny Stuff (169)
In The News (3408)
New In Pop Culture (175)
Opinions (613)
Playground Bureau (641)
Weird But True (850)
Hot Topics
Alcohol & Drugs (253)
Bedtime (93)
Bullying (29)
Childcare (219)
Extreme Childhood (52)
Media (6728)
Mommy Wars (123)
Religion & Spirituality (28)
Sports (44)
Gear
Baby Essentials (602)
Books (17)
Books for Kids (157)
Books for Parents (30)
Decor (685)
Fashion (167)
Gadgets (867)
Giveaways (9)
Mommy Musts (183)
Movies (80)
Music (74)
Shopping (194)
Strollers (1)
That's Entertainment (2498)
Toys (1596)
Video Games (8)
Photos and Galleries
Daily Cutie (788)
Feature Columns
Cabin Fever (22)
Dear Karla (11)
Seeing Double (3)

RESOURCES

RSS NEWSFEEDS

Powered by Blogsmith

Sponsored Links

Most Commented On (7 days)

Recent Comments

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: