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.

superhero teeth

Give a kid a reason to brush and you're OK in my book. Enter the Spiderman Light-Up Toothbrush ($2.99) from Dr. Fresh. Not only can my kids relate to the famous superhero but they love the actual toothbrush itself. There's a molded character handle for easy grasp (especially when wet), high-quality Dupont bristles that won't cut gums and a unique light-up timer technology that kids love. They push a button to start the blinking light which lasts for 60 seconds, the recommended time to brush one row of teeth. Then they push it a second time to brush the other arch. The light lasts for three months so parents know when it's time to get a replacement. The only problem now is, we can't get the kids out of the bathroom! Also available from Dr. Fresh are easy-to-use floss picks for kids and a great AIM Whitening Mouthwash for mom and dad. Go to www.drfresh.com for more info or go to your local Target store or drugstore to purchase.

fashion week: just shampoo, don't rinse, don't repeat

Fashion Week came and went in a whirlwind. There were so many shows/parties/events to attend, there was barely any time to prep. Thankfully, TRESemmé, the official hair care sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, came to the rescue with its TRESemmé Salon & Lounge, located right inside the tents! Throughout the week, TRESemmé hairstylists worked their magic on fashionistas and celebs as they breezed through the venue. Even Erin Lucas of MTV's The City stopped in before heading to the Tracy Reese show. Anyway, a beauty event wouldn't be a beauty event without a gift bag and this was no exception. Everyone who visited the Lounge left with a complimentary TRESemmé FreshStart Dry Shampoo. You don't have to be a fashionista to use it. It's the most perfect tool for moms on the go. Say you haven't had a chance to wash your hair in three days--we know it's happened! Just spray some on, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then brush out and style. I just tried it and it definitely gave my hair body, shine and a fresh-smelling clean look and feel. The trick is to hold the can 8-12 inches from your hair and apply evenly. There were a couple of spots where I "overdid it" a bit and dispersed too much product so my hair looked a little flatter. Overall, it works well and fits into your purse so you can just spray and go. Apply now and you'll be freshly shampooed in time for pickup! Go to www.tresemmme.com for more info.

fashion week: look younger with anagenese 25+ from orlane paris

It's hard enough fighting the natural effects of aging...but when you have kids, they seem to age you even more. I was just introduced to Anagenese 25+ from Orlane Paris, a collection of products being touted during NY Fashion Week that's designed to keep you looking younger than your birth certificate may reveal. Apparently, aging begins to settle in from age 25 and becomes visible toward age 35-40. These products fight the invisible signs of aging to delay the transformation to mature skin. Based on the science of Growth Factors, which trigger the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and improve radiance and oxygenation, they are must-haves in your beauty regimen. Apply First Time-Fighting Care cream in the AM and PM to smoothe, renew, hydrate and protect skin. Use First Time-Fighting Care Eye Contour twice a day as well to reduce fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Opt for the Morning Recovery Concentrate First Time-Fighting Serum when you start your day under your regular skincare or any time you want to even your complexion and add a luminous effect. Go to www.orlane.fr to try these products yourself or pick up a 25th birthday gift for a friend.

get heart healthy

Just because Valentine's Day is behind us, doesn't mean we should forego all matters of the heart. February is American Heart Month, created to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. According to the Center for Disease Control, about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from one. The best weapons you have to fight heart disease are a healthy diet and lifestyle, and that’s where the spa comes in. “Spas are the perfect place to learn heart healthy lifestyle techniques from relaxation methods to cooking tips,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “The No. 1 reason people visit the spa is to reduce/relieve stress.” Spas can educate you on preventative care that can lead to an overall better lifestyle. Check out these amazing spa packages, designed specially for American Heart Month: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista, CA – Heart Health Week programs include nutrition talks from Linda Illingworth, resident Registered Dietitian, and a presentation from Dr. Mark Drucker, the Medical Director of the Center for Advanced Medicine in San Diego. Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas - The Healing Hearts Go Red package is available with a donation of $25 or more that will be donated to Go Red For Women. The package includes a 40- minute each pedicure, massage and facial, plus a 25-minute scalp massage and take home gift. All for $199, Feb.1-28. For more info, contact ISPA, and visit www.experienceispa.com to find an ISPA member.

vday gift guide: give blossoms

Hint to husbands: Everyone sends roses on Valentine's day...so dare to be different and give blossoms. The “Love Blossoms” Women’s Timepiece Collection by Skagen Designs boasts affordable luxury--featuring modern, romantic styles infused with feminine details. Based on a 20-year love story between Charlotte and Henrik Jorst, the husband and wife founders of Skagen Designs. Details like CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements, tone-on-tone combinations, mother-of-pearl dials, mirrored borders and genuine leather straps make each piece romantic, yet clean and uncomplicated. If she's the sentimental type: Choose a Mother-of-Pearl dial surrounded by a stainless steel rectangular case adorned with Made with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski elements. The slim genuine leather strap in rose petal pink is dusted with a hint of shimmer. For a more classically elegant significant other: Go for the stately yet petite version the company's best-selling stainless steel case, featuring a Mother-of-Pearl dial and indicators embellished with made with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements. It’s complemented with a thin yet striking white genuine leather band. And don't worry, Skagen's got you covered too. Let your wife or girlfriend know you're a fan of round-the-clock romance. For the cultured club: Opt for the white monochromatic, tone-on-tone with touches of silver and crystal, paired with a round case and white mirror border. Features include a shiny white dial, 12 indicators made with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, and a genuine white leather strap. For the well-grounded guy: Genuine brown leather straps connect to a brushed stainless steel case, which houses a silver white dial. Features include 12 chrome and white luminous numbered indicators, a 24-hour dial and date function above the six hour. For the classic gentleman: Try an enduring timepiece with Swiss Made movement, stainless steel case with mirror border and stainless steel links. Two eyes feature day and date functions on a brushed chrome dial. Go to www.skagen.com for more info.

WIN IT: Trip To L.A.

Do you have a funny or romantic Valentine's Day memory to share?

Go to www.facebook.com/caredotcom and tell your story for a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles, including round-trip airfare, a two-night hotel stay at the luxury SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills (www.starwoodhotels.com). You'll also get dinner for two at SLS’s Bazaar restaurant and a private VIP tour of the Warner Bros. Studio lot, where “Valentine’s Day” was filmed. Twelve finalists will each receive two tickets to see the film. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Care.com will also provide the winners with a free one-month premium membership to find that perfect babysitter. Here are the details: All entries should be rated PG. The twelve finalists will be selected during the months of January and February 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 finalists in February. Three Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges on or around each of the following dates: January 23, 2010, January 30, 2010, February 6, 2010, and February 13, 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 Finalists on or around February 13, 2010.