disappearing act

So your little one is finally toilet trained--congrats! No more diapers, no more wipes...but you still may encounter some messy bathroom scenarios. Learning to poop into the bowl can be tricky and can leave the bathroom a bit of a mess. To the rescue: The Poof Toilet Deodorizer ($10). Unlike ultra-strong air fresheners, dangerous matches and scented candles reminiscent of your grandmother's powder room, Poof is simple to use and eliminates odor conveniently and subtly. Just squeeze a drop or two into the toilet before or after to trap odors under the surface. A quick flush and the evidence disappears! I snuck some into the bowl before my son had to go and it really works! All you are left with is relief and a fresh mint scent. Check major supermarkets, drugstores, boutique stores, department stores and spas, or order your personal bottle at www.poofdrops.com.

something to wine about

The start of the fall season introduces a while new set of options for family outings--from apple picking to leaf collecting to, believe it or not, wine harvesting! And now you can taste the grapes and help out some kids in need at the same time.

Malibu Family Wines will host the Ninth Annual Family Fun Fest, Harvest & Crush Event benefiting City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts, Sunday, September 13, 2009, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the sprawling 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch, home to Malibu Family Wines. All proceeds from the event benefit City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts, the 24-year old arts intervention non-profit organization that transforms the lives of the most disadvantaged and at-risk children through the highest quality arts education, training and experiences.

Stop by Saddlerock Ranch to view a bounty of grapevines ready for harvest and your kids will see some exotic animals along the way: horses, llamas, buffalo and zebras. Kids can take part in the 2nd annual Art Competition for Children, and have an opportunity to paint alongside accomplished artist and vintner Lisa Semler. The event will also feature an interactive Children’s Area featuring a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where children can dress up, have their photos taken and have Tea with the Mad Hatter and other characters including Queen Elizabeth and William Shakespeare. City Hearts students will perform at the event. Face painting, a rock climbing wall, Moon Bounce, cupcake decorating and various craft projects and Eco Art activities will also be featured. The children can recharge in the Storytelling Area with healthy snacks and juices while they listen to tales from children's books.

While your kids are participating in all of the above, grown-ups can have their fun too. Try fine wines made from vines grown on the property, including Semler Cabernet Sauvignon and Saddlerock Chardonnay, bid on unique items in the silent and live auctions, crush grapes, and indulge in a refreshing foot spa.

Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (310) 455-2898 or visit www.cityhearts.org or www.malibufamilywines.com.

you can have your cake...

This is not just another mompreneur venture...theminisocial.com is the brainchild of Los Angeles based moms, Dominique MacPherson and Melinda Marinach, who worked for years in the fashion and beauty industries (C&C California, BCBG and Stila Cosmetics). They pooled their talents to create this one of a kind sample sale site featuring brands their kids love as much as they do. Starting tomorrow, theminisocial.com will host a sale on Cupcakes & Pastries--a cute, contemporary girl’s clothing featuring cotton dresses in bright, inspiring colors. You can pick up some of these cutting edge designs for up to 60% off! Go to www.theminisocial.com for details on this sweet deal.