Archive for August, 2009

Travel Gear: Don’t Bite Me insect repellent patch

Categories: Be Green, Health and Beauty, Kid Stuff

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The weather is wonderful, so if you’re thinking about squeezing in one more outdoor adventure before the school year really gets under way, now’s the time. The only problem is that all of the bugs in the state seem to have the same idea, and want to share your camp site. Don’t Bite Me offers an all-natural insect repellent in a thin, transdermal patch that promises to protect against biting insects for up to 36 hours. The DEET-free patch is safe for young children; it uses Vitamin B1 and aloe, which are absorbed by the skin and secreted through the body’s pores, to create a barrier against bugs (it even protects parts of the body like the scalp and ears, which are difficult to reach with a regular insect spray). The patch is waterproof and works best if applied two hours before going outside; stick it on the kids while you’re still in the car, and by the time you get to your campsite you’ll be good to go — I mean, stay.

$7.99 for a package of 10 at Don’t Bite Me.

Kid Stuff: Flipper toothbrush holders

Categories: General, Health and Beauty, Kid Stuff

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My preschoolers are smitten by these adorable Flipper toothbrush holders — and I, deep in Get Organized Mode, am as well. They have small suction cups on the back, so you can stick them on to the bathroom mirror or tile instead of clutter up the countertop; the holders flip open easily enough for even my 2-1/2-year-old to get his toothbrush by himself, but close tightly enough to keep it secure (and clean). Vents on the sides allow the toothbrushes to dry, and the playful animal designs have my little guys looking forward to tooth-brushing time.

Two for $10.99 at Target.

Great Deal: Magazines at Amazon

Categories: Good Reads, Great Deal, Great Gift Ideas

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Did you know that you can buy magazine subscriptions through Amazon? It’s true, and their prices tend to be much lower than other deals out there. Why, right now there are over 500 choices in their Magazines $10 or Less category. Some of them are under $10 for two years! You can renew existing subscriptions this way, or begin new ones.

So whether you decide to pick up your old favorites or try something new (or even score cool mom points by ordering Seventeen for your teen), you’ll be saving big bucks.

Organized Living: Magazine Rack

Categories: Organized Living

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I am on a constant clutter hunt at our house and I find that our magazine rack is extremely useful as a clutter-limiting tool. Not only does it hold all the newspapers and magazines that otherwise would be cluttering up our house, but it sets a natural limit to what we hold on to.

This bright, fun magazine rack is available at Wrapables.com for $7.95 - a pretty sweet deal.

Great gift idea: Personalized story books from Frecklebox

Categories: Great Gift Ideas, Kid Stuff

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My kids’ names are a bit uncommon. On the one hand, this means that they’ll rarely end up in class with someone with the same name (a major issue for my husband, whose name is Michael). On the other hand, it also means that they rarely find anything with their name already on it. The folks at Frecklebox make it easy for people to give personalized gifts to kids with unusual names — and we’re talking some great stuff here, not just your run-of-the-mill plastic mugs. Though they offer lunchboxes and party favors, placemats and puzzles, my favorites are the story books. Pick a story, choose the binding, and get ready to read it over and over again with your child.

Soft cover, $19.95, or hardcover, $34.95, at Frecklebox.com.

Kid Stuff: Cleatskins

Categories: Kid Stuff

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With the school year about to start — or having already started, depending on where you live — parents with older kids are probably faced with sorting and tracking mud-clotted cleats for soccer, football, field hockey, and other sports. Cleatskins are colorful slip-on coverings that let you transform your cleats into street shoes easily, so your kids’ cleats don’t wear out as quickly (and your rugs stay a little cleaner for a little longer).

$25.45 to $29.95 per pair at Cleatskins.com.

Food and Cooking: Super Sharp Colori Pairing Knife

Categories: Food and Cooking

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It took me a while but I finally realized that a few great knives can make your cooking life a lot easier and more efficient. This ultra sharp pairing knife gets the job done and it looks good, too!

$11.50 at Delight.com

Great Deal: Godiva, baby!

Categories: Food and Cooking, Great Deal, Great Gift Ideas, Mom's Must Haves

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I don’t know about you, but I think fancy chocolate makes the perfect gift for just about anyone. And I wouldn’t mind having some, myself. Ahem.

Right now, Godiva.com is having their Semi-Annual Chocolate-Covered Sale, with savings of up to 60% off of the regular retail price. Grab a pick-me-up for a friend, or a little reward for yourself. I don’t judge.

Shipping costs got you down? Go ahead and register for their Rewards Club (it’s free); members get free shipping on orders of $25+.

Just remember who’s your friend once you’ve got all that chocolate, mmmkay?

Kid Stuff: Play Toys 50 Blocks

Categories: Kid Stuff

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Made of natural and non-toxic materials, this set of blocks comes with 36 plain and 14 brightly colored blocks. Great fun for your kids and a nice breather for you.

$19.95 at ChildTrek.com

Kid Stuff: Old Navy Lunch Kits

Categories: Kid Fashion, Kid Stuff

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These printed lunch kits are perfect for back-to-school. They’re roomy, washable, and the carry strap makes it easy to grab and go (or use the attached clips to fasten it to a matching backpack, sold separately). Also: They’re really, really cute, not to mention cost-effective.

$7.50 at Old Navy.

Gearing up to go back to school? Check out our slideshow of back-to-school bargains!

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