let the sun shine

Whether you're battling a cold, dry winter or a scorching hot summer, one thing you shouldn't leave the house without is sunscreen--especially for your lips. Thanks to Dr. T and the makers of SuperGoop, a natural, organic sunscreen company, it's easy to keep your skin and your lips protected from the environment. SuperGoop has no artificial colors, no unecessary chemical additives, and requires no animal testing. The formula is eco-friendly, packed with vitamins and minerals, and safe for the whole family. For those on the go (what family isn't?), stock up on the 4 Lips Pocket-Stick Set, SPF 30 Sun & Wind Protection 4 Lips ($19), a compact box packed with four individual lip protectant sticks. So everyone can grab their own and go! Kids love the wintermint and original flavors. Other SuperGoop essentials: the SPF 30 Bug-Away Spray, a deet-free two-in-one sun and bug protectant in a lightweight, lemongrass and cedar formula that offers broad spectrum sun protection, and the SuperGoop! Cabana Kit ($42),a beach tote for toddlers featuring a 5 oz. super-spray SPF 30 SuperGoop!, an SPF 30 Quick and Easy Touch-Up Stick with titanium dioxide and a lightweight 100% cotton sun hat for UV 50 sun protection in one of four breezy color combinations. You'll never be unprepared for the beach--or street--again! See www.SuperGoop.com for more info.

roll with it

When I was seven months pregnant with my son, my husband and I used to sit in Central Park on nice days and watch all the strollers roll by. The options were more confusing than the coffee menu at Starbucks. There were big wheels, little wheels, swivel wheels and removable wheels, easy-to-fold versions and clunkier models, state-of-the-art suspension systems, reclining seats, storage bins, canopies, extra traction, adjustable handles... We were lost! If we had only known about BOB Strollers and the "Which BOB is Right for Me?" feature on the company's website, we might have slept easier. After logging on to bobgear.com and answering a few questions (what terrain do we use our stroller on? do we walk, run or stroll? do we have one child or two?), we got an expert recommendation--the Revolution Duallie was the one for us. Available in navy/cool gray or mesa orange/chocolate, the Duallie has ultra-padded, reclining seats, adjustable sun canopies, a jogging mode, and can hold up to 100 pounds. Also available are the Ironman (a lightweight model ideal for serious road running), the Sport Utility Stroller (for off-road jogging), and the Revolution 12" AW which is the most compact (read: fits best in your New York City apartment!) The great thing about the site is that it really gives you lots of specifications for each model. And while no one stroller is going to meet all your needs, BOB strollers pretty much get as close as you're going to get. Find out which BOB is right for you at http://www.bobgear.com.

first-class seats

We all know the drill: You get the kids dressed and pile them into the car for a long drive. Not even 20 miles into it, your nine month old's bottle leaks all over the infant car seat and your toddler throws up his lunch...we're talking projectile! Thankfully, you've packed a spare set of clothes for each. Double thankfully, you've just installed your new Dressy Dribbles car seat covers. I know, you're thinking car seat covers? A little much, right? But when you find yourself in this predicament, you'll be glad you decided to invest. They snap right onto your infant or toddler car seat and come off easily so you can throw them in the washing machine when they need a cleaning. The best part: They are beautifully made and feel luxurious to the touch. I put mine down on the couch for a minute and my 16 month old daughter put her head down on it and went to sleep. Made of quality minky, denim, cotton and satin fabrics, it's the only car seat cover that snaps on and off so you don't have to rethread the car seat straps every time you remove it. All styles are reversible so you get two patterns in one; matching canopy covers and blankets are also available. My favorite: The Miracle ($50; shown here), a purple flower Asian brocade with reversible lavender minky. Available at http://www.dressydribbles.com. For a more affordable version, check out the Dressy Dribbles line for Target which features a pink or blue cotton/denim style for only $29.99! Go to www.target.com to make your purchase.

in the bag

There's no doubt in my mind that the expression "everything but the kitchen sink" was thought up to describe the contents of the average diaper bag. I love my trendy denim version--even though it's always jam packed with wipes, creams, disposable diaper bags, snacks, drinks, books, toys, extra clothes, medicines, hand sanitizer, and--oh, right--diapers. The Velcro closure sometimes doesn't stay closed and the bag hangs low on my stroller, weighing us down. On top of it all, I still have to stash other must-have items underneath the stroller. I've often wondered why someone can't just design the ideal diaper bag that looks good and holds everything. Dad Thorsten Kothe had the same idea. He created the Baggino ($149), a three-in-one bag that combines style and functionality with plenty of room to spare. The combination diaper bag can go from messenger bag to stroller bag to changing belt (so you don't have to put it down on unsanitary surfaces) in no time flat. It includes a changing mat, zippered pouch for parents' valuables, cell phone holder, built-in baby wipes case, five interior pockets, two side pockets, a handy key clip and a two-sided zipper which makes it reversible. And forget baby blue and powder pink--this cutting edge style comes in classic black, lime green and black with lime green. So classic, my husband won't even mind pushing the stroller... Get yours now at www.Baggino.com (the bag, not the husband!)

come clean

Most of us remember our teenage years as being a really fun time in our lives. Parties, proms, getting our driver's licenses... But some teens are faced with one of the biggest obstacles during this time--breakouts. There are plenty of treatment options on the market but many contain harsh ingredients that can strip skin of its natural oils, which can cause breakouts and increase oil production. Definitely a vicious cycle! Dermalogica comes to the rescue with Clean Start, a complete line of skincare products designed to address the needs of teenage skin (even the package design is pretty clean!) Wash Off (a foaming cleanser; $20), All Over Clear (a refreshing toner; $18), Ready, Set, Scrub (a mask/scrub in one; $21) , Welcome Matte SPF 15 (a lightweight lotion that eliminates shine without drying skin or clogging pores; $24), Brighten Up SPF 15 (a lotion/UV shield that gives you a natural tint and subtle shimmer for an all-day glow; $24), Bedtime for Breakouts (an overnight treatment that purifies, exfoliates and clears skin; $22), Hit the Spot (a concentrated blemish treatment; $22), Smart Mouth Lip Shine (shine without stickiness; $16) and the Clean Start Kit (five mini-sized products; $35). In addition to clearing up your skin, Dermalogica has helped clear the way for some pretty dedicated teen artists. The brand has partnered with Inner City Filmmakers (ICF), a Los Angeles-based mentoring program that offers urban teens creative, educational and professional opportunities through all aspects of filmmaking. ICF produced the video that launched these new products, showcasing the talents of this creative group. Go to www.cleanstart.dermalogica.com to learn more or click on www.ulta.com to stock up now.

the whole package

My kids always try to steal my makeup. They love opening the packaging, playing with the tubs and tubes, and trying to squeeze or scoop out the product. I try to keep my favorite finds out of sight but Paul & Joe Beaute isn't making it easy. The company just introduced a limited edition Disney collection featuring pampering products in packages that feature your favorite Disney characters--sure to attract both the young and the young at heart.

Dust on Face Color B. ($36), a soft, shimmer highlighter, on cheeks with the accompanying powder puff. It comes in classical pink (featuring Flower) and fantasy orange (featuring Bambi). Slick your lips with the Milky Lip Treatment ($18; featuring Marie the Cat from the Aristocats) in a flirty pink shade for a dose of moisture and a hint of color. And smooth your hands with Protective Hand Cream (featuring Lady and the Tramp), an orange-flower scented cream that locks in moisture and protects your skin ($24).

Designed by Parisian Sophie Albou, Paul & Joe was originally started as a men's fashion line named after her two sons. She added a women's fashion line, then a beauty collection to make up the creative assortment it is today. The product lineup consists of foundations, powders, concealers, lipsticks, glosses and liners, blush, eye color, mascara, eye liner, brow liner, pencil and powder, nail color and treatment products, skin care, fragrance, brushes, and other makeup tools. All of the products are innovative, inspiring, complimentary and fun, and come in feel-good illustrative packaging.

Says Albou: "It's about having fun. I don't ask for advice; I just have things I love!" Go to www.primpingparleur.com to make your purchase.