Health & Home
Smart Sprinkler
Seems like everything is integrated with a smart phone these days, making life more convenient and efficient. Such is the case with the Rachio 16 Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller, 2nd Generation (www.rachio.com, $249.99), a smart sprinkler controller that allows you to create a...
Just For Runners
If you’re a runner, you’ll love RunnerCrate (www.runnercrate.com, Price: as low as $20 per month), a subscription box that comes packed with four to six healthy snacks and fitness-related gadgets or gear. Also included in the box are challenges to...
Work of Art
Turn your child’s art into a high-quality plush! Submit a drawing to Budsies and once received, skilled designers hand sew each detail, creating a perfect resemblance of the original art. It’s the perfect, customized touch to add to your child’s room...
Clean Sweep
Forego the cost of a professional rug cleaner and do the job yourself! Ruggable is a 2-piece rug system where the top layer lifts off and can be thrown in the washer and dryer, removing stains, dirt and pet dander....
Lighten Up
Never pull up to a dark home again. The Smart Lighting Dimmer Kit For Wall & Ceiling Lights by Caseta Wireless allows you to control your house lights remotely – or from your couch -- using your smart device. Comes with two...
Take a Look
Chronicle your social media highlights with Chatbooks, an easy-to-use photo service app that turns your posts and digital photos into fun, 60-page 6” x 6” photo books. Subscribe to their “Ongoing Series” plan and have a completed book delivered to you...
Smart Watering
Get smart about yard watering with Rachio, a sprinkler system that’s controlled from anywhere using your smart phone. The unit is so “smart,” that it also creates a watering schedule, and takes into consideration the upcoming weather, soil type and lawn...
Art Show
Proudly display your little Picaso’s masterpieces without damaging walls or surfaces. GoodHangups is a clever hanging system by that uses reusable magnet stickers and magnet pegs to hang art, photos, posters and more. Also great for dorm rooms and business presentations....
Change is Good
If you’re like me, the announcement of the new iPhone left me perplexed. “You mean I can’t charge my phone and listen with headphones at the same time?” But just like any new version of anything … we’ll all get...
Take a Whiff
Refresh smelly sports equipment with Godors ($14.95 for a 12oz bottle, www.godors.com), a non-toxic, and all natural spray that eliminates odors and kills 46% of the fungi within five minutes of use. Contains 99% isopropyl alcohol, tea tree oil, olive...
Don’t Sweat It
Do your kids’ gym and sports clothes have a life of their own? Eliminate the stench with deFUNKit ($19.95 for a full load and $9.95 for a delicate hand-wash kit, www.defunkit.com) a non-toxic, non-allergenic fabric treatment that removes and prevents...
Say hello to fresh breath!
Add a taste of fun to your child’s morning routine with hello’s naturally friendly toothpastes. With delicious flavors like blue raspberry, bubble gum, and watermelon, your child will enjoy brushing their teeth with hello toothpaste that they’ll “rush to brush”!...
What the Smell?
Along with unconditional love, pets also bring unlimited smells … most not so good. Fresh Wave ($7.99 for an 8 oz. bottle, www.happyhealthyodorfree.com) is an all-natural essential oil spray that eliminates pet odor. Use on pet bedding, clothing, carpets and more.
Bro’ Glow
Formulated especially for him, Mënaji Advanced Men’s Skincare (www.menaji.com) has an extensive line of products that are simple to use with visible results. Our favorites are the Deep Cleansing Masque ($26) and the Power Hydrator Aftershave ($34).
Skin Tight
WHY WE LIKE IT: Medical-grade products from VI Derm (www.vipeel.com) absorb into the skin stimulating new cell generation and renewal. The Advanced Firming Lotion ($40) leaves skin looking smoother, tighter and more radiant. ABOUT THE PRODUCT: This formula contains a unique blend of ingredients for visibly...
For Your Eyes Only
Reduce puffiness and dark circles with MEG 21 Bright & Firm Eye Treatment (www.meg21.com, $75) and energize those tired eyes. You’ll see the difference immediately. Company details: MEG 21, a scientifically developed skincare line with a patented ingredient to stop the effects of...
Breathe Easier
If you are an allergy sufferer like me, you’ll surely appreciate the Dyson Pure Cool (www.dyson.com, $499.99), which removes 99.95% of harmful airborne particles by trapping them in a high-efficiency HEPA filter. In other words, the gunk we breathe that...
In the Bag
I absolutely love Bumkins, an eco-conscious company that has a wide variety of products that are great for the environment while remaining hip, fashionable and relevant. Their line includes bibs, smocks, mealtime necessities, cloth diaper systems (they are easier to...
Clean Sweep
Got a mess? Think twice before you grab the closest cleaner. So many brands on the market do a great job in cleaning, but aren’t so great for the environment and more importantly, are harmful to families. But don't fret...
Stay Dry with Primal Pit Paste
Love the feeling of dry pits but hate using harsh chemicals? Then Primal Pit Paste ($8.95-$12.95) is the deodorant for you! Primal Pit Paste is made with natural and organic ingredients (instead of aluminum and parabens) such as organic coconut...
Stick It
Forget the hammer and nails! WeMontage (3x2 collage, $59.99, www.WeMontage.com) is a removable, customized photo collage that adds a personal touch to any room! Available in many sizes, it adheres to textured and non-textured surfaces.
Photo Ready
Say goodbye to old-school photo albums and hello to Blurb (starting at $12.99, www.blurb.com). These DIY books are easy to make and a great way to show off your family photos.
Tableware For a Cause
Dress up your party table with Cheeky ($3.99 per pack, www.cheekyhome.com, sold exclusively at Target), a vibrant line of paper and plastic products that includes plates, bowls, cups, napkins and utensils. The line includes designs from artists Lotta Jansdotter and...
Cool It
Beat the heat with The Dyson Cool fan AM06 10-inch Desk Fan (www.dyson.com, $299.99). This quiet, no-blade fan brings the cool air in and distributes it evenly throughout the room without creating choppy airflow or worry about dangerous blades. Available...
That’s Smarts!
Owies aren’t so bad when you’ve got someone to cuddle up to. Thermal-Aid Zoo and Thermal-Aid Zoo Minis (www.thermalaidproducts.com, $14.95 and $7.99 for Minis) are adorable animal friends that double as heating pads or cold packs. Pop them into a...
Fun Ideas for Kids – Wide Ruled
Perfect for any lunchbox are Notebook “Paper” Napkins ($17.50 for a set of two, www.leafcutterdesigns.com), whimsical reusable cloth napkins that resemble the real deal! Made from organic cotton and measuring 8 ½” x 11”, they’re hemmed neatly all around and...
Back to School – Box Your Lunch
Make lunchtime fun and eco-friendly with the Bento Kit 2.0 by Bentology (Starting at $38.99, www.bentology.net, For the entire family). Healthy snacks, sides and main courses fit nicely inside each mini container eliminating the need for disposable plastic bags as...
All Natural: Skin Care for Dad
Keep it Natural Give dad the gift that keeps on giving! All natural, Branch to Nature's Signature Thyme Mens Shaving Collection (www.branchtonature.com) includes skin care products that make the perfect gift set for fathers who want to look and feel their best. Some...
Control Freak
Lost remote? No problem! With Pronto ($49.99, www.getpronto.com), your cell phone becomes a universal remote giving you control of all your entertainment devices (TVs, set-top boxes, DVDs and Blu-ray players). Pair with the free Peel Smart Remote app and get...
Hang It
Made out of solid steel, the Hang It jewelry organizer ($5.99 -$11.49, www.justsolutionsproducts.com) keeps your jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, untangled and unvarnished all while saving space. Hang in your closet for easy matching with your favorite outfits. Available in black,...
Boot Up
Now that boot season’s over, you’ll want to make sure your boots are stored properly. The Boot Butler (3-pair boot rack is $49.99, 5-pair boot rack is $69.99, www.bootbutler.com) saves valuable closet space and keeps your boot’s original shape. Its...
Spring into Clean: Baby Soft Detergent
Made just for baby, Baby Ecos Laundry Detergent, (Earth Friendly Products, www.ecos.com, $13.99) is a hypoallergenic scent-free laundry detergent that rinses thoroughly, leaving baby’s clothes clean and soft. No need for an additional fabric softener, that’s naturally built in. Also...
Spring into Clean: Just Add Water
Doing windows won’t be such a chore with the Visio Window Steam Cleaner (www.anvidproducts.com, $99.99), a lightweight, handheld electric steamer that uses no chemicals, just plain ol’ steam as a natural cootie killer. Results are crystal clear and cleanup, quick...
Spring into Clean: Dust Buster
Stop kicking up the dust and get rid of it for good with the Zabada Dust Glove (ZabadaClean.com, $40), which uses fibers to collect and hold thick and heavy dust and dander. No water or cleaners necessary, just wipe dusty...
Spring into Clean: All-Natural Body Sponge
Gently exfoliate and rejuvenate skin with My Konjac Sponge (www.mykonjacsponge.com, $11, for the entire family), a natural sponge made from the konjac potato plant. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free, there’s a sponge for every skin type, including one that’s made especially...
Spring into Clean: Pure Goodness
Created by moms who recognized the need for safe household cleaners, Dapple (dapplebaby.com) products are made with natural ingredients that are biodegradable, free of all phthalates, parabens, SLS, SLES, dyes and fragrances. Our favorites are Dapple’s16 oz. fragrance-free Dish Liquid...
Spring into Clean: Vanishing Act
Stubborn stains disappear with Buncha Farmers All Natural Stain Remover (www.bunchafarmers.com, $3.99), a eucalyptus and litsea scented, biodegradable stick that packs a powerful, yet natural punch. Use it on clothing, carpets, furniture and shoes. Other uses include getting rid of...
A Customizable Calendar
Add a splash of color to your office space with the Color Calendar Wall Decal by Paper Culture ($49.99, www.paperculture.com). Made from fabric, each individual decal square is removable, allowing you to get creative and reposition on walls as you please...
For Your Ups and Downs
Tired of sitting at your desk all day? The Varidesk ($275 - $350, www.varidesk.com) is the perfect solution for those looking for an alternative. It works as a riser that sits on top of your existing desk. Easily switch from...
Sip With Confidence
Ceramic Travel Mugs by Karma ($15, www.karmagifts.com) feature designs and inspirational messages to keep wonderful thoughts top of mind throughout the day. Each mug comes with a secure lid for travel, so you can sip worry free while on the...
Make a Wish
Who doesn't love the element of surprise? Ring Candles from Diamond Candles (www.diamondcandles.com, $24.95) are like two gifts in one. With a variety of scents and made with 100% soy wax, each Ring Candle has a surprise ring embedded in the...
Sweet Endings
You don’t have to channel Martha Stewart to make a dessert masterpiece. Load the Cupcake Rack ($34.95, www.thecupcakerack.com) with 19 cupcakes – homemade or store bought – and impress your guests. Comes with comes with flower pot, decorative ribbon, pastry...
Group Hug
Extend the shelf life of produce with Food Huggers (www.foodhuggers.com, $14.99 for a set of four), brightly colored silicone covers that gently hug the cut side of fruits and veggies. Reusable and long lasting, they’ll eliminate the need for plastic wrap or...
Blend, Baby, Blend!
There’s more to blending than just shakes and smoothies. The Designer 625 with Wildside Jar by Blendtec (www.blendtec.com, $454.95) is a USA-made, industrial-strength blender that whips up everything in seconds. Create your own juices, soups, salsas, dough and baby food....
Super Sippies
Nalgene, the maker of reusable bottles and containers that are safe for families and great for the environment, has come out with a new line of kids' sippy bottles that are extremely durable, spill proof, and like their other products are...
Accidents Happen
KIDS 'N' PETS Instant All Purpose Stain & Odor Remover ($4.99 for 27 fl oz.) is a non-toxic, safe and guaranteed effective solution for tackling EVERY biodegradable stain and eliminating odors on contact. No other single product has the ability to...
Super Mama
Reebok Master Trainer and pre/post-natal fitness specialist helps moms-to-be stay active and fit during their pregnancies in her two-DVD set, Expecting More: Sara Haley's Daily Sweat Pregnancy Program ($39.95). A variety of workouts focus on strengthening the core, with modifications for...
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
After suffering a stillbirth, pediatric nurse and mom Monica Leonard learned about the abundance of harmful chemicals in household products, especially in laundry detergent. To provide families with a safer alternative she launched Molly's Suds Laundry Powder, ($21), named after...
It’s in the Bag
Both stylish and practical, sugarSNAP Files ($42-$52) are individual lightweight bags with easily identifiable tabs that fit neatly in your purse, diaper bag or briefcase. Choose from the pre-labeled Classic Files, customize yourself with the Me+Mine Collection.
Blend, Baby Blend!
The Designer 625 with Wildside Jar by Blendtec ($454.95), a 30+ year-old company making industrial strength blenders right here in the USA, does everything. In addition to blending, it juices, grinds grain, coffee and meat, stirs up sauces, kneads dough, makes...
Enjoy Every Last Ounce
Waste no more with the Beauty Spoon (2-pack, $9.99), a cosmetic tool that helps retrieve any of your favorite beauty product that’s stranded in the bottom of the bottle.
Ready, Set, Accessorize!
Add a minor touch of elegance to your usual updo with Bloom Black Ties (2-pack, $34), a fashionable hair-tie alternative that doubles as a bracelet.
Grab a Chic Companion
Enough with scrambling to find a tissue pack at the bottom of your handbag. Uber Mom’s stylish and reusable Wipebox MINI ($6.99) is ideal for anyone on the go.
Shimmer And Shine
Transform ordinary nails with textured shades of purple, pink, turquoise and yellow from OPI’s Beach Sandies Liquid Sand mini nail lacquers ($12.95), a limited-edition set that’s perfect for spring!
Nurture Your Body
Luxuriate from head to toe with Herban (gift sets start at $35), an organic body care line that leaves skin feeling soft and rejuvenated all day long.
Make an Eco-Statement
Attention fashion-forward ladies! UrbanHalo Headbands ($15) get their cool colors and trendy prints from sustainable, waterless ink. Stylish enough for day wear, functional enough for exercise, Halos are also available for men.
Serve It Up
Brinware ($9.99 - $19.99) makes dining fun with its appealing and eco-friendly tempered glass and silicone plates, placemats, and food containers. Glass plates come with removable silicone covers so they’re less breakable but still easy to wash. They’re tested in...