Most parents know that mixing a toddler and a long car trip can be a recipe for disaster. When we headed to the beach this summer we decided that our iPad 2 was a perfect way to help pass the time for our 2 year old on our 12 hour drive. Our problem is that we don’t have a in-car DVD player, we really wanted to use the iPad2 so that he could watch a cartoon or two on our way there. So, we headed to our ever trustworthy friend, Griffin Tech to see what options they had available. Our result? The CinemaSeat. This simple case helped turn our iPad into the best in-car entertainment system that our van had ever seen!

Features:
Wide, adjustable straps that go around the headrest (actually around the bars)
Several access points that make it easy to reach the volume, headphone jack and other buttons while in the case.
Sturdy case and frame construction
Mesh pocket on back of case to store headphones or various cords

While it sat nicely on the headrest it was a little difficult for anyone not sitting directly behind the CinemaSeat to see the screen. This isn't a fault of the CinemaSeat but more an issue with the shape and size of the iPad screen. Although I like how easy it was to put the iPad in and out of the case when it was in use. Since we have a Honda Odyssey we were able to balance the case on the hand bar on the back of the seat it was attached to. I did wonder how high or low the case would sit in a vehicle that doesn’t have anything to support the bottom of the case. If I could make one change I wish that there was a way to strap the case between the driver and passenger seat so that we could use it in the middle so that both kids could easily see the screen. My conclusion: with it’s solid Griffin frame it is the perfect option for our DVD-less van, or any DVD-less vehicle for that matter. It makes it so that our kids can easily watch a movie while we travel and with the headphone jack readily available it’s nice to think that I really don’t HAVE TO listen to them watch another episode of Chuggington again (while in the van at least). So, if you are also DVD player-less in your vehicle for only $25 on Amazon.com the CinemaSeat is a perfect option. Trust me we’ve tried the “shoestring” option too, but now this way I can rest assured that our iPad is secure! On a side note, I also like that we can easily use this in any vehicle that we want and all we have to do is strap it onto the headrest and we are set.

PS- Please notice that we are watching the much loved Toy Story movie on our iPad snug inside the CinemaSeat.

Disclosure: Griffin Tech provided me with our CinemaSeat mentioned above. But this post and opinions are my own and not paid for or influenced by the item provided. To read their reviewer policy be sure to check out http://bit.ly/griffinreview.

If you have a Twitter account, it's about to help you get $5 FREE credit on Amazon for Video On Demand. Just click on the yellow "Tweet and Get $5" button and follow the steps to redeem your credit. This credit expires on 10/31/11.

This sounds like there is going to be a cheap or free date night at home in our near future!

Thanks Freebie Shark

Do you remember those personalized cassettes that sang your name along with your favorite songs? Well, there is a company called Just Me Music and you can now have Elmo, Mickey or even Bob and Larry sing to your child. Right now you can get three free songs on their site. Just enter MYELMO in the code box and your email address to score a FREE Personalized Elmo Song for Your Child!

Make sure to click on the “No thanks, I just want my free tracks” blue button if you only want the free tracks.

Thanks Hip2Save

Join them at Town & Country on September 3 from 11am-1pm for their Community and Volunteer Firefighter recruitment event. There will be activities for children and adults, equipment displays, demonstrations, blood pressure checks and more! Little B LOVES fire trucks so I'm pretty sure that we will be here!

To show appreciation to all the active duty military families the Boonshoft is part of the Blue Star Museums program. The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park and Fort Ancient have joined more than 600 museums from across the nation in offering free admission to military families throughout the summer. The Blue Star Museums program is in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and participating museums, and is scheduled to run through Labor Day 2011. For more information about the Blue Star Museums program, including eligibility and the proper forms of ID required, please visit: http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/faq.htm

Free admission under the Blue Star Museums program applies to active duty military and up to five (5) immediate family members. So if you are looking for something to do between now and Labor Day.. this might just be the thing!

Thanks Family Fun Mom

CLOSED: This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner Christy.
YOU CAN VIEW OUR LIST OF GIVEAWAY WINNERS HERE.

INTERESTED IN USING SIGN LANGUAGE WITH YOUR BABY OR TODDLER? DON’T MISS THIS GIVEAWAY!
An Interview with Amy-Hope Guisleman, from Spring Into Learning

What led you to teach your children more than just those basics?
When our oldest son was about 8 or 9 months old, I discovered Baby Signing Time which led us to teach him signs for pets, family members, toys, etc. When he was about 18 months we started learning even more signs as we began learning the signs taught on the regular Signing Time videos as well.

What are the benefits of signing with infants and toddlers?
Two of the key benefits during these early years are early communication and reduced frustration. Children are able to begin signing between 6 and 14 months of age - much earlier than they typically begin speaking clearly. Toddlers experience a great deal of frustration due to not being understood. They understand a lot of what we say, but we cannot understand them and they find this very frustrating. Children who are taught sign language can clarify what they need or want and so experience much less frustration (and typically fewer tantrums) than their non-signing counterparts.

These are only two common benefits of signing with infants and toddlers – the full range of benefits are hard to put into words and really must be experienced first-hand. It is so much fun to teach your very young child something so perfectly suited to his or her ability level (children develop control of their hands and bodies long before they develop the control of their mouths necessary for clear speech). Your child will love to learn to sign and you will love to see her learning. Time spent reading books together will be more fun and will hold your child’s interest more as you incorporate signs you have learned. Mealtime may be less stressful as your child begins to incorporate signs to express his desires. You will be able to easily communicate with your child across a room or while other children are sleeping without making a lot of noise. I could go on an on about the potential benefits for your interaction with your child, but the best recommendation is to try it first hand and see what you think!

What types of classes does Spring Into Learning offer?
We currently teach two types of classes: Baby Signing Time Play and Sign Classes are 30-45 minute classes that meet once per week and use stories, songs, and activities to introduce and/or reinforce signs to you and your children from birth up until their fourth birthday. (I am flexible on age; please talk with me if you have questions about which class is most appropriate for your child or if you need for an older child to attend with a younger sibling.) Start Out Signing Workshop is a 2-hour workshop designed for the new or expectant parent who has little to no experience signing with children. Parents are introduced to the many benefits of signing with children and taught many of the most useful signs for signing with infants and toddlers. Tips and activities for signing with young children will also be provided.

Our Giveaway:

Spring Into Learning is giving away one free 4-week module of Play and Sign Classes with supporting materials (a $60 value) OR one free Start out Signing Workshop with supporting materials (a $65 value) to one lucky reader. PLUS- They are offering 10% off any September class (either Play and Sign or Parent Workshop) for anyone who registers through their site by August 31st and enters "Deals for Dayton" in the comment box on the registration page.

How To Enter:

Main entry: Check out Spring Into Learning and tell us what class you like would want to win. (Be sure to leave your comment on this post so that it gets counted)

Additional Entries:

Well, here are some more ways you can enter, just be sure to leave a additional comment for each additional entry requirement that you fulfill.

- Follow Deals For Dayton on Facebook, if you already do just leave leave that in your comment. Be sure to leave your comment on this post.

- Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. If you already do just leave leave that in your comment. Be sure to leave your comment on this post.

This contest ends Saturday, August 27, at midnight EST. We will use Random.org to pick our winner. Amy-Hope Guisleman is a sponsor of DealsForDayton.com

Photo credit: Tiny Fingers

Do you have some exciting outdoor projects included in your summer plans? Are you a member of Home Depot's Garden Club yet? Well be sure to sign up and receive valuable money saving offers, tips and more via mail. Join Home Depot Garden Club for Free and get exclusive members only coupons, timely regional tips and expert answers to all your gardening questions!

I've already gotten a few mailers already that have great coupons and info about taking care of your outdoor plants, so be sure to sign up so that you don't miss out! Just click on the image above to sign up.

There is another new Pink Nation coupon for members. Just login or register to print a coupon valid for a FREE Mini Mist with any Pink purchase! If you get a PINK lip gloss or pair of PINK undies you’ll qualify for the FREE PINK Mini Mist! Sometimes you can find PINK Lollipops or nail files near the register for just $1— which will really make for some inexpensive Mist!

Ok, maybe you are thinking, "but I hate printing stuff out." Well, you can also text NATION to 877465 to join, they will send you the deals to your phone also.

Have you been sucked into... I mean... found Pinterest yet? I have to seriously limit how much time I spend on that site or else my time is quickly wasted finding all the wonderful things that other people have pinned!

Maybe you've seen the pins on your friend's Facebook pages but wondered-what is Pinterest? Well, in their terms, "Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and share their favorite recipes." Umm, pretty much.. it's amazing! I love how you can see great things others have found or save ideas from other sites that you want to remember for later. Plus it gives you the ability to leave a little description of your pin. I like how it's literally a visual scrapbook of ideas, recipes and more.

Recently I decided to start a couple boards to keep all my fun ideas for Back To School lunches, freezer breakfasts and teacher gifts. Have you been using Pinterest? What types of things do you pin? If you aren't a member of Pinterest ask around on Facebook if your friends are members and ask them to send you an invite. If you are on Pinterest already feel free to come and join me there!

I'm linking up over at The Diaper Diaries for Things I love Thursday.