Now completely transformed for its fourth generation, the 2012 Honda CR-V heads in a more sophisticated direction with refreshed styling, improved fuel economy, innovative technology and even greater value for money.

The 2012 Honda CR-V has received several changes from the 2011 model. Honda focused on offering the driver more space, improved technology and fuel economy. The vehicle was changed to make it more in line with the traditional SUV while remaining true to the mid-size Honda style.

CR-V Exterior

The fourth generation Honda CR-V’s subtle changes to the exterior and interior give consumers upgrades they expect in a new vehicle but Honda kept the overall design of the CR-V similar to previous models consumers have proven to love for years.  The exterior of the 2012 CR-V has stylish fenders and tail lights in this year’s model. The overall look of 2012 CR-V is more sleek than the previous model; the exterior is more aggressive overall. The front bumper has been lowered and the wheels are tailored with a large five-spoke alloy.  The CR-V from Honda in 2012 has a lower, more aggressive exterior style; the mid-size SUV offers more space with accommodations alongside better fuel economy to the driver. What’s not to love about that?

CR-V Interior

The interior for the 2012 Honda CR-V is intended to create more space inside the vehicle; overall, Honda wanted to be more accommodating to the passengers in the vehicle for toddler car-seats and other necessities and they succeeded with the many storage compartments including my favorite, the

The CR-V has a host of new features along with the new design; though, there are few faults in what Honda offers in the 2012 CR-V. The 2012 CR-V has improved engine performance and accomplished a more stylish appearance, in my opinion.

CR-V Engine & Fuel Economy

Honda has given the CR-V a lighter and more fuel efficient engine this year; the CR-V has two different engines for drivers to choose from for this model.  Either engine will still have the five-speed automatic transmission, however the difference will be between the old engine or a new option Honda is offering. The driver can choose the original 2.4 liter in-line engine from the previous model that produced 175 hp or the driver may choose the new option; the latest 2.5 liter in-line engine produces 201 hp. Honda has also claimed to improve the fuel efficiency for this year’s model.

Honda focuses on more style, more space and better performance in the new fourth generation CR-V; the company also wanted to offer more innovative technology to the driver. Beyond these changes, most aspects will be the same about the 2012 model from last year. Drivers will experience more space and better accommodations in this new model. The cargo space is a nice improvement and number of cup holders is fabulous too! The various luxury and technology packages and upgrades available for the 2012 CR-V can be seen on the CR-V website.

Honda CR-V Leap List

Honda has made a Leap List on Facebook.  I filled out my Leap List and can’t wait to see your Leap List!  Fill it out and add a link to your Leap List in the comments below, if you’d like to share.

Connect with Honda:

Disclosure: I was invited by Honda to test drive the 2012 Honda CR-V in California.  While my travel and accommodations were covered by Honda, I was not provided financial compensation for this review.  All opinions here are 100% my own and were not influenced in any way.

My Review of the All-New 2012 Honda CR-V is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

My kids are 12 and 5 years old.  They love each other but aren’t the best of friends. I’m sure you understand if you have kids who are far apart in age.  My 12 year old hardly acknowledges that my 5 year old exists and when he does it’s often to correct her, poke at her, or ask her to do something for him.

Therefor, I was pretty nervous about driving the kids to Florida (from our home in Atlanta) alone as I’ve never driven the kids to Florida by myself before and I never know when they are going to be at each other’s throats. Well not really but you know what I mean.   My husband and parents didn’t want me to drive the kids by myself in case something happened with the car or the kids during the drive.  And me being the paranoid girl that I am, I think about the kids getting car sick (it’s happened before!), getting a flat tire, accidents, traffic, the rushed need for a restroom when there’s none around, etc and those thoughts usually consume me.  However, I didn’t let those thoughts consume me this time.  Mostly because I was consumed with the fact that my 5 year old and I had just gone to urgent care the day before our trip and I found out that I had a sinus infection requiring anti-biotics and steroids and she had something that required anti-biotics.  I was just hoping to get there and to feel better the next day.  Little did I know that 7 days later, I’d be fighting a different infection and working from bed.

Here are a few things that I did to ensure that I and the kids had a fun, safe, happy, and successful 8 hour road trip to Florida and back last week:

Keep them Fed!

• Packed lots of cups of water
• Brought pre-portioned Snacks
• Included fruits & veggies in their snack bags
• Plastic plates and utensils

Keep things Fun!

• Activity Tray for each child
• DVD’s that they agreed on before hand
• iPad – full charged with a few new apps installed
• Blank paper to color and write on
• Pencil box with crayons and colored pencils
• Sticker books (for my 5 year old)
• Nook Color (for my 12 year old)
• Wireless headphones for kids

Keep the kids and car Clean!

Keep the kids Comfortable!

My Road Trip Survival Guide – How I Survived 8 Hour Road Trips Alone with Two Kids is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

As a seasoned traveler, “Mr. Daddy,” a.k.a. Robert Nickell, knows how stressful it can be to voyage with small children, and during the holidays it often becomes a requirement. Don’t get caught up in the stress this year. Follow these tried and true tips for ensuring easy travel with your kids this holiday season.

Whether you’re flying or driving to your travel destination this holiday season, here are a few reminders to help you and your children get where you’re going smoothly and happily.

• Preparations Are Key:
  Make sure your family knows of this year’s holiday plans well in advance so they are able to collect their favorite movies, download their favorite music and pack up their favorite stuffed animals. Your itinerary should be solidly planned out with a little extra room for hiccups and delays. If you’re driving, purchase a road atlas for your car, print out directions from Google Maps, or program and update your GPS system, and check on road conditions and closures due to weather in advance so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
• Packing:
  When it comes to packing it’s all about being organized. And, as it turns out, one of the more difficult activities when traveling is packing in an organized fashion. You will need to decide how many suitcases you’ll be packing and who will be responsible for what bags or belongings. Don’t wait until the last-minute to pack, start early. Remember to pack up a bag full of snacks and goodies to have on-hand during your travels. Whether on a plane or in a car, getting into baggage once the journey’s begun might not be a viable option. We also stick a pair of pajamas in the on-hand bag. Most of the time, our traveling stretches into the night; changing from day clothes into pajamas while traveling at night helps kids feel more comfortable.
• Entertainment:
  Chances are your child is going to get bored and burnt-out while traveling, so, as the parent, it’s your responsibility to have a handful of tricks up your sleeve. Toys, puzzles, games and books are great sources of entertainment on the go. Stick a few surprises in your on-hand travel bag so that you can head-off your fidgety child before boredom turns into a meltdown. When you’re driving during daylight, you and your child can watch license plates, keep track of the different colors of cars you pass or listen to a book on tape. When in the airplane, booklets of mazes and coloring books can be extremely helpful when it comes to keeping kids entertained. It doesn’t hurt to have a favorite movie on your iPod or portable DVD player to pop on when your child gets sleepy.
• Keep in Mind:
  Your kids are going to be exhausted from traveling, so allow them ample time to rest. More than likely, you will be having more activity than a typical day at home would consist of, so keep a close eye on your children to see when they’ve had enough. Traveling can put stress on our bodies and immune systems, so make sure you all drink lots of water and try to eat healthy. Remember you’re on vacation with your children. Plan out some special, kid-friendly activities you know they’ll love and enjoy!

Make sure you explain everything to your children in advance so there are no surprises upon stepping onto an airplane for the first time or visiting the snow. Your child will feel more comfortable, safe and secure if they know what to expect in advance. Remember to be flexible and have a little fun – nothing ever goes quite according to plan, so be prepared for a few minor hiccups and roll with the punches.

Nickell is the writer of a weekly parenting blog where he writes on topics such as bonding with your child, and what the father should expect during pregnancy and infancy. He writes from a man’s perspective and keeps dad engaged throughout his children’s lives.

Nickell is also the founder of DaddyScrubs, a line of fashionable hospital attire for the expectant father to wear during labor and delivery. He is the father of five children, and his practiced advice has been heard on TV and radio shows around the country.

These tips may be reprinted when credited to Robert Nickell, a.k.a. “Mr. Daddy,” father of six, founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds for dads, and the Daddyscrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

To learn more about Mr. Daddy or to read additional blogs, visit blog.daddyscrubs.com. Visit DaddyScrubs.com to view apparel and gift items.

This is a guest post.

‘MR. DADDY’ Makes Holiday Travel with the Family Stress-Free! is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

Photo Source: Park Hyatt Aviara

I am staying at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, in Carlsbad, CA, 30 minutes north of San Diego for a couple of days.. What a beautiful resort!

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort offers a range of lodging choices, including “The Respire by Hyatt,” a series of hypoallergenic rooms. Rooms vary in size from Double and King sizes, up to the suite accommodations, including the Presidential Suite. Some rooms feature furnished balconies; and others, a terrace. Marble bathrooms are a feature of some rooms, as is teak furniture. And some rooms highlight views of the golf course and lagoon.

Dining options include Vivace, a AAA-Four Diamond restaurant which features elegant Italian cuisine. Vivace is the resort’s signature restaurant. The Argyle Steakhouse, based out of the Aviara Golf Clubhouse, offers views of the 18th green and lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus. The casual California Bistro, as its name suggests, dishes up the state’s eclectic cuisine. The Ocean Pool Bar and Grill provides a dining option poolside, serving up American favorites complete with a children’s menu. I enjoyed a delicious, juicy hamburger with fries at the Lobby Lounge overlooking the overlooking the Palm Courtyard, for lunch.

On-site resort activities include a spa experience; tennis; the Arnold Palmer Golf Course, a nationally ranked course; the golf club and academy–complete with the Taylormade Performance Lab; and the Beach Butler, a complete beach experience provided by the resort including transportation, umbrellas, towels, and meals. The golf academy, run by Kip Puterbaugh, is the Western U.S.’s longest running golf school.

Other on-site activities include Camp Hyatt, a resort experience tailored to children; a game room; swimming pools; and a fitness center.

Off-site activities include the large variety of experiences available in Southern California. Highlights include hang-gliding, hiking, hot-air ballooning, sailing, kayaking, and whale-watching. Surfers will feel at home here, too.

Nearby Batiquitos Lagoon, a wetland, is a nationally known migrating bird attraction which attracts over 130 species. Adults can enjoy touring the historic Spanish missions; the shopping in Del Mar and La Jolla; the museums of Balboa Park; the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; and the La Jolla Playhouse and Old Town San Diego. Children will enjoy a visit to the San Diego Zoo; the Scripps Aquarium; LEGOLAND California; and SeaWorld. Visitors can also explore an aircraft carrier nearby.

Enjoy your next visit to California with at least one night at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California.

Connect with Park Hyatt Aviara Resort:

Travel: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

BubbleBum is a portable and foldable booster seat that is perfect for daily car rides or for keeping in Grandma’s car for the occassional trip to story time. Made for children who weigh between 40 and 80lbs, are older than 3 years old, and can refrain from sitting on their knees during a long car ride, the BubbleBum Booster Seat is a unique solution to a problem that’s been around for years.. ever since booster seats were introduced. The problem you ask? The lack of portability and foldability. Booster seats aren’t typically known for being foldable but once you try the BubbleBum Booster Seat, you’ll realize that it’s something you’ll use more often than you expected.

PORTABILITY

The school year is about to start and I bet not everyone on your child’s pickup list has a booster seat in their car. My sister-in-law is on my daughter’s ‘safe pick up’ list and she doesn’t have a booster seat in her car. Why would she.. she doesn’t have kids!? What will I do if I need her to pick my daughter up from school? When I know that she will be picking my daughter up, I’ll send the BubbleBum Booster Seat to school with my daughter.  It’s light enough for her to carry and it even fits in her backpack!  Let’s just hope I remember to give my SIL a car pool number!
This booster seat is great when you travel via airplane as it will conveniently fit inside your carry-on or checked luggage. When you arrive at your destination, simply inflate the BubbleBum booster seat and install it in the taxi or rental car.

The BubbleBum booster seat is compact. Three BubbleBum Booster Seats will easily fit across the backseat of a car, suv, or van. No more excuses for Grandma and Grandpa to not take all three of your kids to the beach without you next weekend. You need a breather.. grab a few BubbleBums and send the kids off with the Grandparents!

SAFETY

It has been proven that children in booster seats have approximately half the injury risk of children without the use of a booster seat, and in seatbelts alone. While head injuries are the most commonly injured body region for all restrained children, abdominal injuries are the second most common injury for belted children as a result of “seat-belt syndrome” injuries. Children who were restrained by booster seats showed a notable absence of abdominal injuries.

Every parent wants their child to be safe. Here are some reasons why you should use a booster seat on EVERY journey with your child:

BubbleBum is a Belt Positioning Booster seat for children who meet all of the following criteria:
1. Children between 40lbs and 80lbs in weight
2. Children are over the age of 3,
3. Children can sit for the entire journey without sitting on their knees
A booster seat must ONLY be used with a 3 point seat belt, this is a seat belt which goes across the lap and diagonally across the chest.

To learn more about what make the BubbleBum Booster seat safe, click here.

BubbleBum can fit easily with any combination of cars seat as long as there are enough 3 point seat belts to restrain each and every child.

My 5 year old loves the BubbleBum Booster Seat. She thinks it’s cool because (a) it blows up (b) it’s comfy and (c) it makes her feel like a big girl.

You can purchase a BubbleBum for $39.99 from BubbleBum.com. As mentioned above, your child must meet certain criteria to use the BubbleBum. You can connect with BubbleBum on Facebook BubbleBum on Facebook, and follow @BubbleBumUSA on Twitter.

BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat to the Rescue! is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

Before we do anything else we have to make sure we pay attention to beach sun and safety for the season and then we can say…Welcome SUMMER!  With summer comes the sun, the beach, and staying safe while enjoying them both.

Beach Safety comes in many forms. Each year we hear about people drowning at local beaches but the fact of the matter is, most of these drownings could have been avoided with some common sense safety tips.  First, stay away from rip currents.  Rip currents are tides or undercurrents that flow under the water and they can be strong enough to pull even the strongest of swimmers under water to their death.  Rip currents cause 80% of all drowning deaths in the United States and account for 80% of all life guard rescues.  They tend to be more intense as the tides increase, which is often when surfers and body boarders like to hit the waves best.  It’s best to know the area and only swim in areas that are marked well and are fully guarded.

Guarded beaches are the only way to swim. Taking your chances at an unguarded beach simply is not worth the risk.  Lifeguards are trained professionals that can and do rescue people in situations that a typical, untrained swimmer will be useless.  Statistics say that your chances of drowning on a guarded beach are as low as 1 in 18 million.  These statistics alone should make your first and only choice when choosing a beach, choosing one that is fully guarded.  It could mean your life, or the life of someone you love.

We’ve all been told not to swim alone but things like rip currents and freak accidents are the exact reason why this is reiterated over and over again.  Simply put, not only should you never enter the water on your own but if you follow heed to the above information you will never be alone because there will always be a guard there to watch and protect you.

Other safety issues of the beach itself and can come in the form of many of the beach’s natural life within in. When swimming in oceans means avoiding things like jelly fish and their sting.  Although the sting of a jelly fish is unpleasant it is rarely life threatening.  Seek help from the lifeguard if you have been stung or go to the doctor if you seem to be having any complications but nearly all cases of jelly fish stings are simply a matter of discomfort.  You also want to be aware of any sharks in the area and heed any warnings of sharks.  If there is a sign that states it is unsafe to swim, for any reason, adhere to it.  That sign is put there for a reason.  It can be unsafe waters due to bacteria, sharks, harsh rip tides or something else.  The guards and personnel in charge don’t put up “Danger” signs and “Do Not Swim” signs just because they don’t want to work.  There are definitely reasons of safety involved and you must adhere to them.

This brings us to the area of sun safety. We all have been told over and over how dangerous being in the sun can be; but we also must remember that the sun does provide us with natural Vitamin D which is vital to our bodies.  Avoiding the sun completely is not good but we have to enjoy the sun safely.  Enjoying the sun at the beach is probably one of our most favorite ways to enjoy a hot summer day.  You get the benefits of enjoying the sunshine while also being able to take a swim in the water.  Researchers have proven that getting a sunburn increases your chances of melanoma.  It was originally thought that sun exposure that causes the skin to burn under the age of 18 significantly increased the risk of melanoma, but researchers have found that sunburn at any age increases the risk.  Melanoma is cancer, plain and simple, and I don’t know anyone who wants to have cancer.  So what’s the answer?  While there’s nothing you can do to guarantee you won’t get melanoma, there are some common sense factors that can help you avoid the risks.

Sunscreen is a must anytime you are in the sun, but especially when you’re in sun at the beach. Choosing an SPF is not the only thing you have to keep in mind when choosing your sunscreen.  It has been found that certain sunscreens that advertise SPF’s as high as 60 or more provide little to no protection from the actual harming rays that cause the burn and eventual skin cancer.  What you want to look for is a sunscreen that has either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  These two elements protect both types of rays UVA and UVB when applied properly.  You also want to make sure you apply your sunscreen numerous times.  You can really never apply it too often so if there’s question as to “should I put more sunscreen on?” the answer is always yes.  Sunscreen, even those that claim to be waterproof and sports oriented, need to be reapplied regularly.  The lowest SPF you should ever put on is an SPF 15, so choose an SPF 15 or higher.  While it has been debated at what point the SPF is no longer any more useful it never hurts to purchase a higher end SPF just to be safe.  The key factor is to continue applying it throughout your outing at the beach, after every swim, after sweating, and just every few hours or so to be safe.

Another key factor is when you’re in the sun. The sun is at its hottest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. so during those hours if you can keep under the shade and limit the amount of sun you are exposed to it is best.  Even if you have perfectly applied sunscreen, these are the top hours to get burned and your chances are pretty high that you could walk away with a burn.  A burn, any burn at all, is always something you want to avoid.

While you don’t want to approach the summer with fear you do want to make sure this summer, when spent in the sun and at the beach, is a safe one.  Build your sand castles with a lifeguard nearby, swim with friends in designated swim areas and make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen, applied numerous times.  In the end you’ll be sure you’re here to enjoy yet another wonderful summer filled with beach, sun, and safety!

Beach Sun and Summer Safety Tips is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!