care.com: it's free this weekend!

You want the best care for your family but it's so hard to find. How can you trust someone you don't know with the most precious people in your life? Care.com is a great site where you can search for caregivers, post jobs and get contact information--and it's free, this weekend only, from March 19th through March 21st. Whether you need child care, senior care, pet care, housekeeping tutoring, or special needs help, this site will let you know who is available in your area to fit your needs. Just list the details of what you are looking for and list your position. You can even review background info and references for those who apply. There's also a ton of info on the site to help you sort through questions about the nanny tax, budget cuts and how to talk to your kids about certain issues and concerns. Go to www.care.com to sign up now--and take advantage of this free weekend deal.

oh baby!

It's easy to get caught up in all the baby hype out there. From innovative products and cutting edge formulas, there are enough potions on the shelves to keep you spewing out cash every time you turn around. The truth is, all you need are the basics. One of my favorites is Jurlique Baby's Calming Bath Oil ($18), a gentle oil infused with lavender to nurture and soothe before bedtime. I pour a capful into the bath and mix it in with my hands to keep their skin feeling soft and calm. The Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash ($18) also comes in handy--it lathers up just enough to work into their hair but rinses out easily. The best part: It has a push-button flip cap so you can flip it open with one hand while keeping another hand on your slippery infant. I also rely on Jurlique Baby's Soothing Barrier Cream ($29) to get me through diaper changes. The thick formula really coats the skin and does wonders for preventing and healing diaper rash. Try these products for yourself at www.jurlique.com.

don't burst their bubble!

"Save me some bubbles!" is a constant cry from one of my children at bath time. My 3.5 year old son and 2 year old daughter who bathe together fight over who's going to get into the bath first and, therefore, hog all the bubbles. Lately, we've been using the super-sudsing Bath Gel from the Jason Natural Kids Only! collection so the arguments have been minimal. Just squeeze some under running water and the bath fills up with fun. Also popular at our house are the wheat and gluten-free Shampoo and Conditioner--my kids like washing each other's hair (more fun for them, less work for me!). The foaming hand soap makes them remember to wash after using the toilet and they seem to like the taste of the Strawberry Toothpaste (although they often opt for Dora instead). All of the Jason Natural kids' products are designed for children who have thinner and more sensitive skin than the average adult. Jason’s Earth’s Best baby care line is also worth the investment. The lavender everyday lotion, SPF 30 mineral based sunblock, lavender shampoo/body wash, and handy travel kit are gentle and tear-free so you feel safe using them on your little one. For more info, go to www.jason-natural.com or look for these products at your local health food store.