expert advice: get a germ-free kitchen

Keeping things clean around the kitchen is a challenge. But according to Dr. Larry Weiss, CleanWell Chief Scientist, a little extra hygiene can help you keep your kitchen germ free. Here are five easy way to get started:

1. Spam the Sponge: "The micro crevices that make a sponge such an effective cleaning device also make it a cozy home for germs. Wiping your counters or dishes with a dirty sponge will only transfer the bacteria from one item to another. Wet your sponge and then pop it in the microwave for two minutes to eliminate the germs that lurk inside." (note: My husband does this all the time!)

2. Wash your Hands Before Meals and Snacks: "In the kitchen the number one time to wash your hands and make sure your kids do, too, is before you eat anything. Use the CleanWell All Natural Anti Bacterial Hand Soaps and water with a little elbow grease. Anti-bacterial soap is a good idea for extra protection." Fun Fact: People who wash hands seven times a day have about 40% fewer colds than the average person.

3. Wipe Away Germs: "Use a disinfectant spray or wipes on sink faucets, refrigerator handles, stove handles, cupboard handles, trashcans, doorknobs, and any other area that you touch with your hands. These sprays or wipes kill germs on contact and should be done several times a day."

4. Cut Out the Germs On the Cutting Board: "Cracks and crevices in your cutting board provide plenty of space for bacteria to grow. Use separate boards for raw meat and making salads and clean and disinfect inside the fridge, microwave, cupboards and other surfaces that come into frequent contact with food."

5. Have it Well Done: "Cooking food thoroughly and evenly will reduce the number of germs. Generally, the higher the temperature reached, the more germs are killed."

For more great info and healthy tips, or to try my favorite hand sanitizer with a spray pump applicator, go to www.cleanwell.com.

pass the popcorn, please!

Are you experiencing diet doldrums? Have you been great at keeping up your healthy eating regimen since the new year, but find that you still have some cravings? You're in luck. Today is National Popcorn Day--and a great day to try Popcorn, Indiana, a healthy, gourmet, fun brand of popcorn with no hidden chemicals and lots of taste. Popcorn, Indiana comes in yummy flavors like Famous Original Kettlecorn, Movie Theater Popcorn, Aged White Cheddar Kettlecorn (cheesy--in a good way!), Smoked Cheddar Cheese Kettlecorn, Buffalo Cheddar Kettlecorn and Sea Salt Popcorn (just salty enough!). The Cheddar and Sea Salt are my favorites! Unfortunately, they're my husband's faves too so I have to buy two of each so we each get our fair share. Available at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores, select Costco locations, CVS, Duane Reade, Fairway, Food Emporium, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Wegmens, and Whole Foods or online at www.popcornindiana.com (3.5 oz – $2.29 or 7.5 oz – $3.99).

beauty resolutions: let it rain!

It's a new year and one of my top beauty resolutions is to drink more water. It's good for your waistline, your mind, your hair and your skin. The problem is, I need a drink with a little more flavor to get me motivated to stay hydrated. The TalkingRain Beverage Company comes to the rescue with two new, natural options for flavored water: actiVwater, a vitamin-infused versions for health-conscious, active types that offers half the calories of its competitors (only 25!), and twist, a healthy alternative lightly sweetened with organic agave nectar (nothing artificial) for the rest of us (only 9 calories!). The best part: There are plenty of flavors to choose from: Twist comes in Mandarin White Tea, Pomegranate Blueberry (light and fruity), West Indies Lime, Mango Acai, Marionberry, Mandarin, Peach and Lemon; ActiVwater comes in Black Berry, Triple Berry, Pomegranate Berry, Tropical Citrus, Strawberry Kiwi (my fave) and Dragonfruit. It's the best way to get your daily dose of vitamins and supplements. Choose your favorite drinking water from this great selection. Both brands are available nationwide and online at www.talkingrain.com ($1.29 - $1.49 for each 19 oz. bottle).

holiday gift guide: give peter lamas

As the new year approaches, women everywhere are renewing their vows to be thin. But the one thing they don't want is thin hair. That's why the Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Regenerating System Promoting Healthy Hair Growth makes a great holiday gift, especially for new moms and moms-to-be who are going through dramatic changes in their hair density and texture. And all the products are 100% natural and vegan, so breastfeeding moms don't have to worry about harmful chemicals. The kit includes a Stimulating Shampoo, Stimulating Conditioner, Revitalizing Nutrient Mist and Revitalizing Styling Cream. The combination is designed to stimulate and energize weak hair and scalps. Check out www.lamasbeauty.com for more info.

germs be-gone!

My son Harrison learned to sneeze into his elbow from "Sid the Science Kid" so I was anxious to try Germy Wormy disposable germ-catching sleeves. When I first heard of Germy Wormy, I had my doubts that they'd be worth the investment, mainly because I wasn't sure if kids would remember to use them. The truth is, now is as good a time as ever to try such an eclectic product. Designed to put an end to the spreading of germs, colds and flus, these disposable sleeves can be slipped onto kids' arms over their clothes to catch germs when they sneeze. Just play the Germy Wormy Germ Smart for Kids DVD for your little ones ($15; it's educational and entertaining), then slide on a sleeve (25-pack, $9.99; 10-pack; $4.50; fits kids ages 1 to 11!) and wait for the big "achoo!" Inventor Margaret Back created the product when her daughter Morgan kept coming home from preschool with every kind of cold, flu and sinus infection under the sun. She claims the product has reduced the spread of illness around homes and school by 50%. Go to www.germywormy.com to place your order and stay out of bed this winter!

safe water

The next time you're chugging a bottle of Evian, think about this: 884 million people, roughly one-eighth of the world’s population, don't have access to safe water? World Water Day takes place on March 22 to raise awareness of the global water crisis, one of the largest public health issues of our time. Nature’s Gate, a company dedicated to developing personal care products based on botanical remedies, produces pure, natural organic products designed to help you and the world around you. The company's products are free of animal derived ingredients and never tested on animals. This Sunday, March 22nd, Nature's Gate partners with WaterAid America, an international non-profit that helps poor communities in Asia and Africa gain access to sustainable supplies of safe, clean water. To learn how you can help, visit www.wateraidamerica.org. In the meantime, use the coupon posted below to try some of Nature's Gate's organic products. Kids love the Kid's Block 30 Giggleberry Scent Sunscreen Lotion--so stock up while you can. Nature’s Gate products are available at Whole Foods and other health and natural food stores across the U.S. and Canada or by visiting www.natures-gate.com.