Celebrity and non-celebrity parents of new babies have one less thing to worry about. No Slip
Charlie(TM), a unique baby bath safety product offered by mompreneur-owned Mom Sense, gives parents the ability to maintain a firm but gentle grip on their wet, slippery baby during bath time. Already embraced by mommy bloggers and consumers both as a personal must-have and as a great baby gift idea, No Slip Charlie(TM) is now on its way onto celebrity parents’ hands. The stylish bath safety product has been accepted by Celebrity Baby Swags for inclusion in baby gift bags created for famous new moms and moms-to-be. No Slip Charlie(TM) will debut with Celebrity Baby Swags in packages sent to Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie.

Soft, durable and easy to maintain, No Slip Charlie(TM) is a pair of fingerless gloves that promote bath safety by providing a secure gripping surface while leaving parents’ fingers free to wash hair and make skin contact with the baby. In addition to a pair of soft poly/lycra gloves, each No Slip Charlie(TM) package also contains two machine-washable terrycloth wash mitts that attach to the gloves during bath time. The product is available in pink and blue.

No Slip Charlie(TM) was created by mompreneur Kim Shulman, who realized the need for this type of baby bath safety product after the birth of her son, Charlie (for whom the product is named). Worried about the dangerous combination of her wet, slippery baby and the equally wet and slippery hard surfaces of a bathroom, Shulman developed the gloves to help alleviate unnecessary stress that can arise during an otherwise joyful time. With No Slip Charlie(TM) gloves, parents can relax and have fun with baby during bath time, knowing they are equipped to keep their child steady in the tub
and while lifting their baby in and out of the bath.

For more information on No Slip Charlie(TM) (http://www.noslipcharlie.com)

And for your older kids, don’t forget the importance of hand-washing!

— Spread a fresh scent. Light scented candles or place dryer sheets inside garment drawers so the home smells fresh.
— Convenience cleaning. Put cleaning supplies in each room, so if there is a mess you can easily grab the right tool for the job.
— Prevent the mess. Leave shoes at the door so dirt doesn’t drag in.
— Pick up as you go. As you move from room to room, take a laundry basket and collect the items that need to go to their proper place, like mail, books, clothes, etc.
— Spot clean. Remove fingerprint marks and smudges as you notice them so that you avoid a fingerprint masterpiece on your glass table.

PhotoWorks new Mother’s Day photo books ($39.95) include floral-themed designs for mother and grandmother that feature the expression “All About Love.” Scrapbook-themed designs feature expressions such as “Mother is the Heart of Our Family” and kid-friendly, polka dot designs feature expressions such as “Behind Every Great Mom are the Kids Who Love Her.” Each photo book design also features a special poem or sentiment on the title page that can be customized with names and dates.

Mother’s Day expressions are also available on 11 new PhotoWorks greeting cards ranging from traditional single-fold cards to tri-fold and poster cards ($2.07 - $3.47 per card). Examples include “Mommy, You’re the Best,” “What is a Grandma?,” “You’re a Wonderful Sister,” “Mother Memories,” “Daughter, You’re Very Special,” and more.

PhotoWorks also features a variety of unique gifts that can be customized with a personalized photo, including:

— Bucket Tote ($89.95) - This elegant, yet sturdy, tote features a zipper closure, multiple interior pockets and a key fob to hold everything from valuables to playtime snacks.
— Clutch/Cosmetic Bag ($49.95) - A microfiber clutch and wristband handle for her night out on the town!
— Wine Box ($29.95) - This maple wood wine box holds a standard-size bottle of wine.
— Personal Journal ($14.95) - Perfect for noting everything from favorite vacation memories to shopping lists.
— Recipe Cards (As low as $.95 per card in bulk) - Help Mom remember her favorite recipes by turning post cards into handy 4 x 6 inch recipe cards, $1.50 individually.
— Perpetual Calendar ($13.46- $14.95) - Keep Mom organized with this customized calendar.

PhotoWorks Mother’s Day photo books and gifts can be purchased online at http://www.photoworks.com; select items are available at more than 200 American Greetings and Carlton Cards stores nationwide.

And after you’re done shopping, check out Martha Stewart’s gift wrapping tips here!

Grooming a trophy-worthy yard does not need to be an overwhelming and expensive task,
according to the May issue of Consumer Reports. According to CR, some of the latest mowers and tractors cut time and effort as well as the grass without breaking the bank. And tests of trimmers and blowers show that top-rated models can be $70 or less and make for a trophy yard.

Consumer Reports also tested two robotic mowers. One of them, the LawnBott LB3200 Evolution can pose a serious safety risk and Consumer Reports judged it “Not Acceptable.”

Top-Rated Mowers and Lawn Tractors

The Toro Super Recycler 20092 at $500 has a rust-free aluminum deck and superb side-discharging, while the highly-rated Honda HRR216K3VXA at $580 has a blade-brake clutch that stops only the blade but not the engine when the safety lever is released. For lower-priced models, CR suggests Lawn Boy 10685 at $370 for its handling and ease of use, but the Toro Recycler 20066, named a CR Best Buy, at $350 is better for mulching. All of these Consumer Reports Quick Picks are self-propelled, rear-drive mowers.

For smaller lawns, CR found the self-propelled, gas-powered Cub Cadet 12AE18M with electric starting for $290 or the push Cub Cadet 11A-18MC, a CR Best Buy, for $230 can meet the needs of consumers who are fine with mostly bagging clippings. In the electric mower category, CR recommends the cordless Homelite UT13122 for $300 and the corded Black and Decker MM875 at
$230 for their mowing versatility.

CR also tested lawn tractors. Consumer Reports notes that the John Deere LA115 at $1,650 has easy mode changes and a washout port, and the Craftsman 28828 at $1,650 and 28724 at $1,500 have relatively large yet smooth-cutting decks. All of these models are CR Best Buys.

Consumers that have a flat lawn that presents several obstacles might want to consider a zero-turn radius model. These types of mowers use levers to steer the rear wheels and can lose traction and be hard to control on hills. For those with flatter lawns willing to live with those drawbacks, CR suggests the Toro TimeCutter Z4200 at $2,500 or John Deere Z225 at $2,900 for even mowing or the Toro TimeCutter Z5000 at $2,800 for its relatively wide, 50-inch deck. CR also tested two mowers that provide tight turning but still use the familiar steering wheel. The John Deere X304 at $3,500 is better at mulching. The Cub Cadet i 1042 at $2,700 is good for side-discharging.

Robotic Mowers - Emerging Technology

Robotic mowers promise to save time and effort as they rove within a perimeter wire that sets the mowing boundaries. But Consumer Reports found that one of these robotic machines poses a serious risk to those it would serve.

Consumer Reports tested Friendly Robotics’ $2,000 RoboMower RL1000 and LawnBott’s $2,500 LB3200 Evolution. Both crisscross randomly within their boundaries, reversing direction when they reach the perimeter wire or an obstacle and returning to their charging stations when needed. And both use metal blades. When Consumer Reports testers lifted the 78-pound RoboMower
while mowing, its blades stopped roughly 1 second after its wheels left the ground. But the 25-pound LawnBott’s blade kept spinning until it was lifted beyond roughly 45 degrees. Even after that, its blade took nearly 4 seconds to stop. Either situation could harm an adult or a curious child.

Consumer Reports contacted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and asked it to investigate the LawnBott LB3200. CR also contacted the U.S. distributor, which said that a downloadable software update stops the blade within 1 second after the mower is lifted beyond about 35 degrees. Consumer Reports believes that even with this update, the LawnBott LB3200 Evolution poses a serious safety risk and has judged it “Not Acceptable.”

For more advice on lawncare, check out this post on lawn care first-aid!

His birthday is coming up.

Does the modern man remind you of someone? Take a look at his father. From the renewed gravitation toward sophisticated spirits like scotch to the fact that gift certificates for old-fashioned barber shaves have topped men’s holiday gift guides across the country, guys are taking a cue from the men who reared them as they revisit all things classic.

What’s old is new again, and as fashion and image become more important in their everyday lives, men are increasingly focused on style and grooming. Case in point: shoes. Sales of higher-end shoes are growing at a faster rate than mid-price brands. And men aren’t just shopping for nicer shoes; they’re seeking ways to take better care of them.

To aid with this task, Kimberly-Clark today announced the arrival of Shine to Go(TM) Shoe Polisher, a nourishing polisher set to revolutionize the shoe care market. Designed to offer today’s busy professional an entirely new, convenient and portable solution never before possible, the proprietary all-in-one Shine to Go system delivers all the benefits of a quality shine — deep luster, water-resistant protection, scuff coverage and real cream polish — in just minutes.

Since 60 percent of adults groom on-the-go, convenience is paramount when it comes to shoe polish. However, quick fixes like shoe wipes and sponges don’t provide a quality shine. No product on the market matches the convenience and performance delivered by Shine to Go. The entire package is smaller than a dollar bill, enabling consumers to shine wherever and whenever they need to so they can look their best.

The result? Shined shoes — just like Dad’s — without all the fuss.

According to a recent survey(1), maintaining a professional appearance down to one’s shoes increases confidence (77%) and assertiveness (60%) and creates the perception of earning a higher salary (71%) within the workplace.

— Thirty-eight percent would shine more often if they had a more convenient method.
— Three-fifths (59 percent) of professionals shine their shoes at least once a month.
— However, one-quarter of professionals never shine their shoes because traditional home-polishing is inconvenient, time-consuming and messy, and polish often ends up where it’s not wanted.

– Do a clean sweep. Take a weekend to get rid of things from your office or your home that you don’t use anymore. Break away from clutter by letting go of unnecessary things once and for all.
– Choose one thing to boost your health and well-being. Instead of the usual weight-loss goal, start with one new healthy habit and focus on that until it really becomes a habit. Then add another. For instance, drink six to eight glasses of water a day, add 20 minutes of walking or add five fruits and vegetables to your diet daily.
– Name a theme for your year. Give your year a clear focus and an intention. The “Year of The New Career,” “The Year of the Diva,” “The Year of Getting Fit” and “The Year of a Positive Attitude” are some examples.
– Do one thing a day towards your dream. Make a commitment to do one thing daily, no matter how small, to move ahead a dream or project.
– Give back. Raise money or volunteer your time to improve your community or the condition of people who are in need of help. You’ll be surprised how good helping others will make you feel, and motivate you to do good in your own life.
– Recruit a cheering squad. Make sure you have good supporters in your life to help you stay motivated to make your change. Teach the naysayers how to be more helpful and call on your cheering squad whenever you need them.

HA!

I truly believe that a whole industry has grown around making duvets the most incredibly complex household items possible! But there is hope. For one, choose a better duvet! Several companies now make duvets with hand slits at the corners. That way you don’t have to actually crawl into the duvet with your comforter! If your duvet doesn’t have hand-slits, you can easily make some!

Find a seam ripper (you can buy one for $1 at any store that sells sewing supplies!) Now, very carefully remove the stitching on the edges a right angles with the nose seam. (By nose seam, I mean the top of your duvet! The seam that would touch your nose while you sleep.) Carefully remove about 6 inches of stitching. If you sew, you can now apply bias tape and re-edge the seam. Otherwise, simply iron it in place. If you’re afraid of the fabric fraying, you can apply a small amount of fray check along the unfinished seam.

OR… You can simply go with the old standard method. Grab one corner of the comforter. Insert that corner into a nose corner (see above) of the comforter. Hold the joined corners in one hand. Take the opposite corner and insert into the opposite nose corner. You should now be holding both nose corners — duvet and comforter. Shake the duvet down over the comforter and button.

Good luck. I hate this chore!

An important part of getting the most out of your new workout is selecting the proper footwear for your activity. “Each activity has its own must-have components in an athletic shoe, and you should make sure that you use the right shoe for the right function,” says Lauren Bristow, VP of Brand Marketing for Lady Foot Locker.

– Running shoes come in many forms, and most companies will offer both soft and stable options.

– If you are a beginner, choose a shoe that provides greater stability than cushioning. The Nike Shox Turbo and the Nike Pegasus incorporate the Nike Plus technology that will allow you to program a soundtrack for your run, which may help to keep you on track when beginning a new routine.

– Asics offers a variety of options for the seasoned runner, such as the Asics 2130, which is lightweight, and provides additional support and stability.

– Walking shoes, like the Sportwalker 4000 by Ryka, are designed for low impact activity. They should have good shock absorption in the heels and in the balls of the feet. They tend to be more supportive than running shoes.

– Cross trainers are great all purpose shoes. The Nike Shox Electro is perfect if you just joined a gym, or are trying out different fitness classes. Cross trainers are designed specifically to support a wide range of motion. Bristow adds, “Fit and quality are two critical factors to consider when selecting any athletic shoe.”

To ensure that you get the proper fit, have a store associate measure your foot before recommending a shoe for your specific activity. You don’t break in athletic shoes, if it doesn’t feel good in the store, it doesn’t fit. Try on two-three different brands, and of those, one should feel absolutely great. This is your shoe. You should expect to spend at least $65 or more for a decent shoe, and don’t forget the importance of athletic socks and insoles as well.

– Change Your Lightbulbs - switch out your incandescent bulbs and you will reduce emissions and save money on your energy bills.
– Turn the Lights Off When You Leave a Room - Lighting uses 19 percent of worldwide energy consumption. Even you can help bring that number down.
– Use Less Paper - Cut down on mail by paying your bills online this year. But don’t forget to send your grandmother a handwritten note every once in a while. She will forgive you.
– Recycle - If you haven’t started this yet, it’s about time. Find out what your city is doing.
– Use Paper Bags - Plastic bags are so passé. Consider buying a reusable grocery bag or stick with recyclable paper.
– Turn Off the Water When You Brush Your Teeth - Does it really need to be on when you aren’t using it?
– Unplug Unused Appliances - Just because you are not charging your cell phone doesn’t mean that the charger plugged in to the wall isn’t using energy. Unplug it.
– Take the Bus or Walk - Do you really need to drive everywhere? You can fit a little exercise into your busy day this way too.
– Make Wise Purchasing Decisions - If you are replacing appliances, be sure to buy low flow toilets or energy star appliances.
– Don’t Run Your Dishwasher Unless it is Full - Enough said.