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!

Find the Time

Leave it to Dominique MacPherson and Melinda Marinack, founders of www.theminisocial.com and working mothers, to come up with some basic guidelines for balancing children and careers. 1. Toddlers dawdle. Give yourself extra time to be on time with your kids. 2. Color your clutter. Organization is essential. Keep a color-coded calendar for each family member. 3. Top chef. Plan your meals a week in advance to speed up prep time and lessen stress. 4. Me time. Save some time for yourself to read, do a spa treatment or just take a nice long shower! 5. Office space. Turn off the blackberry when you get home and spend quality time with your family. And here's a few that work for me personally: 1. Involve the kids in what you do. I review lots of beauty products and let the kids help me open jars and feel the textures, then tell me what they think. It's fun to hear the adjectives they come up with! 2. Ask for their advice. Whenever I have a work meeting I have to get to in NY, I ask my son to tell me the best way to get there by subway. He loves trains and takes pride in helping me find my way. 3. Tell them when work is done. My daughter's eyes light up when I say, "I finished my work now; what should we play?" By the way, when you do have some free time, check out www.theminisocial.com, one of my favorite sites for moms and kids.

cool it

My son is three and has been walking for two years now. He hates sitting in the stroller but can never seem to make it to our destination by foot. My husband and I end up carrying him part of the way. My two-year-old daughter will cozy up in the Phil and Ted's if she's ready to nap, but otherwise she wants to walk or be carried as well. After lugging around the extra weight, and constantly stooping down to their level to hand them things or pick things up, back strain has become second nature. So I was anxious to try Elemental Herbs® Herbal Cool natural pain-relief spray ($12.49 for two ounces; $20.49 for four ounces).

The 100% botanical and natural herbal-based healing tonic is made of wildcrafted herbs and menthol for quick relief. Designed to relieve strains, sprains, bumps, bruises, sore backs, joints and muscles, it also soothes arthritis, tendonitis and helps ease menstrual cramps. It is a must-have remedy for athletes but I think parents can equally benefit from its use.

I got my husband to spray it on my sore shoulder blades but neglected to tell him there was no need to rub it in (a little massage never hurt anyone!). It immediately felt cool on my skin and continued to soothe my muscles for the next couple of hours. The three anti-inflammatory herbs--Arnica, St. John's Wort and Balsam Poplar work together to reduce inflammation. Granted, I wouldn't trade it for a deep tissue massage but it's the next best form of relief when there's no one else around.

Go to www.elementalherbs.com or a local retailer to try it for yourself. Also check out the company's other popular products like All Good Lips lip balm and Sunscreen Sport.

open arms

For me, one of the most annoying things about going to the playground is having to carry a bag with your keys, cell phone and cash, or even worse, stuff them all into your pockets. Try pushing a swing or digging in a sandbox with your bag falling off your shoulder or your pockets bulging. That's why I LOVE these innovative, Hands-Free Bags ($49.99 + tax) from Jupiter Freedom. Founded by Genevieve Liboiron in Montreal, Canada. Far more cooler than traditional "fanny packs," the hands-free bags can be worn on your upper or lower arm, wrist or even thigh and holds your cell phone, lipstick, PDA, keys and even most pocket size digital cameras. They're made with quality materials and have amazing features--like an all-around zipper for both right- and left-handed moms, an adjustable elastic straps for the best fit, breathable mesh for comfort, a removable change purse, and more. So what if it was really invented by Liboiron so she could be hands-free when going clubbing? Moms can live vicariously through her as we jump around in Gymboree class! Choose from about a dozen styles at www.jupiterfreedom.com.

fight prostate cancer: with Anthony Logistics

When my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer just before his 60th birthday, our family was devastated. Prostate cancer is the third most common form of death from cancer for men of all ages; one in six men in America are diagnosed with the disease. My dad opted for surgery and overcame it, but we continue to support prostate cancer research programs and studies to further prevention and treatment for the disease.

Anthony Logistics For Men shares our passion. Anthony Sosnick, the founder of Anthony Logistics, has made prostate cancer awareness his cause since launching the brand in 2000, and has become a vocal advocate, encouraging the men that he meets giving skincare consultations all over the country to get PSA tests.

This month, the company announces the launch of an oversized (32 oz) Sea Salt Body Scrub ($15) created to support the fight against Prostate Cancer during Prostate Cancer Month. The Sea Salt Body Scrub is an Anthony Logistics favorite – sea salt exfoliates, sea kelp extract nourishes, aloe vera gel soothes, nutmeg oil tones and vitamin C nourishes. The result: Smooth skin you're proud to show off. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to the Aureon Protocol Study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for its Prostate Cancer Research program.

To pick up a Sea Salt Body Scrub for the man in your life or learn more about the company, go to www.anthony.com.

book it!

You read to your kids every night before bed. But here's your chance to really celebrate books and create a positive vibe around reading. On Saturday, September 26th, the Library of Congress will host the 2009 National Book Festival. Held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, the festival will feature more than 70 authors and writers and is open to the public.

At the Teens and Children's pavilion, expect some of your kids' favorite writers. Children's authors include Mary Brigid Barrett, Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, Kate DiCamillo, Shannon Hale, Nikki Grimes, Megan McDonald and Mo Willems. Teen and children authors include Judy Blume, Sharon Creech, Paula Deen, Liz Kessler, James Patterson, Rick Riordan, James > Swanson and Jacqueline Woodson, among others. The event is sponsored primarily by Target, in conjunction with other kid-friendly companies like PBS Kids Raising Readers, The Washington Post and Scholastic, Inc.

If you can't get to the DC area, get updates on the festival via the Library's new social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and iTunes, or through free podcasts featuring interviews with festival authors. Book lovers will also enjoy the launch of the website Read.gov, an accessible platform for readers of all ages.

Go to www.loc.gov/bookfest for more info on this amazing event, then get to the Mall to spend a very special day with your family.

in the clear

Going back to school is tough enough. Don't let your pre-teen or teen bring their acne breakouts with them. Check out Mario Badescu's newly launched Acne Resource Center. The renowned skincare specialist created this special area of their website to offer great advice, helpful solutions and award-winning products to those who need them. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17), made with a blend of Calamine and Salicylic Acid helps clear up whiteheads and heal pimples quickly. The Acne Facial Cleanser ($15) is a deep exfoliating cleanser with acne-fighting salicylic acid as well as aloe vera and chamomile to soothe skin. The Drying Mask ($18) heals acne flareups, controls oily buildup and soothes irritated skin. The best part: Log onto www.mariobadescu.com to read answers to frequently asked acne-related questions or ask one of your own. MB experts will provide professional advice to suit your specific needs.