animal magnetism

Zucchini may be something your kids tend to leave on their plates when they're finished with dinner. But Zoocchini will likely make a more lasting impression. In addition to plush stuffed animals in friendly critter designs, the company offers decorative, dining and bath products in three adorable categories: choose from the Barnyard, Ocean and Safari collections. The animals, which come in colorful buckets, make a great brithday gift. The incredibly thick area rugs feature easy to clean designs that pop. And the Melamine Dinner Sets, which include plates, bowls, sippy cups with lids and utensils, are BPA- and Phthalate- free. All of the items are available in the three adorable collections so you can choose from a lovable lion, a quirky cow, a magical mermaid, and many others. When it comes to gift-giving, it sure beats another outfit from The Gap. And if you're buying for yourself or your kids, the rugs are my favorite. I just haven't splurged on one yet since they're all so cute, I can't decide which one to buy. Go to www.zoocchini.com to find a shop near you that carries these products, then stop by and choose your favorite friends.

wax poetic

When it comes to hair removal, I've tried it all: I've test-driven the latest razors, had my eyebrows threaded, and practically done acrobatics in the shower trying to rinse off the latest hair removal cream. So when I heard about Parissa Assorted Sizes Wax Strips (only $11.99), I had my doubts. The box says, "2 easy steps: 1. press on. 2. peel off." I didn't believe it till I tried it--but it's true. The trick is to remember to peel the strip off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. It even comes with a small vial of azulene oil to soothe skin afterward. And if I can do it, your teen or pre-teen daughter can manage too. It's a great ego-booster for starting a new school term. Whether she wants to eliminate underarm stubble, bikini strands or a fuzzy upper lip, Parissa makes it simple. Learn more about the product at www.parissa.com. Think of the benefits? You won't have to worry about her borrowing your razor. You may even be stealing a strip or two for yourself.

expert advice: back-to-school cool

Kids want to look cool for school but they also want to create their own unique style. Dominique MacPherson and Melinda Marinack have an eye for choosing modern designer clothes for mom, baby and child at up to 60% off at their members-only shopping site, www.theminisocial.com. So start your back to school shopping now. For the best value and cutting-edge style, Dominique and Melinda suggest layering a few key pieces over your favorite spring and summer staples. Throw a printed hoodie over a t-shirt, layer a long-sleeve thermal over a short-sleeve one. Add tights, leg warmers or a cardigan to a pretty dress and you're ready for the new season. Check out the royal ash gray hoody by Kingsley, the multi-stripe tunic and leggings set by Splendid, a button-down cardigan by Nest (shown here) and jelly bean baby leggings by BabyLegs. For more great looks, go to www.theminisocial.com.

get it straight: with teen orthodontist Olga Bukholts

When I was 11, my mom took me to the orthodontist for a consultation and, after an intensive evaluation, he said, "I'm sorry to inform you that you don't need braces yet." He thought I would be disappointed since he said many of the pre-teens he met wanted braces so they could be cool. A year later, my time had come and, believe me, I didn't feel too cool wearing them. After four years with a mouth full of metal, wires, wax and retainers, I was finally free! The trend of aligning teeth is still popular today and kids still cringe at the concept. Thankfully, Olga Bukholts, DDS, Director of Perfect Smiles Orthodontics and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, helps them get through it. "Correcting the misalignment of their teeth will promote teens' self-image, boost their self-confidence and enhance the overall health of their teeth," she says. Bukholts offers her patients several options, including self-ligating braces with lighter wires and lower friction brackets that eliminate the need for rubber bands, shorten treatment time and make it easier to brush and take better care of their teeth. Another alternative is the Invisalign Teen System, a series of comfortable, practically invisible acrylic aligners featuring a monitor that tells the orthodontist whether or not the patient has been wearing the aligner the required 22 hours per day. To take the stress off a visit to the orthodontist's office, Dr. Bukholts spends quality time with each patient to get to know his or her individual needs. She has even set up her office to entice children and teens--her favorite patient demographic. It features a Playstation 3 terminal with video games, satellite radio music, WiFi and a computer station with web access. Patients can also bring DVDs from home which they can begin watching in the waiting room and continue through video headsets while sitting in a treatment chair. (Hopefully, their appointments won't run as long as the latest installment in the Bring It On series, due out this month!) For more info on Perfect Smiles Orthodontic (263 West End Avenue at 72nd Street in Manhattan), go to www.perfectsmilesny.com.

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.