Must-Haves

No-Excuses Gardening

The idea of an herb garden sounds wonderful, but maintaining it is another story...at least for me. I've ended up with plenty of withering, brown plants to know that the only color my thumb will ever sport is what's painted on it's nail. But, I do love fresh herbs when cooking, so I was thrilled to learn that now even I can plant my herbs (and tomatoes and strawberries!) and eat 'em too.

Gardens-In-A-Bag delivers fresh basil, lavender, tomatoes and even strawberries straight to your windowsill or desk. Housed in a leak-proof bag, the kit comes with everything you need (but the water) to get your garden on.

And, Gardens-In-A-Bag also makes for a fun, simple project for the kids. Our tiny testers loved growing (and eating) their strawberries.

Bon Appetit!

Gardens-In-A-Bag - from $6.95 at WishingFish.com or GreenFeet.com

Gadget of the Week: Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush

Despite how far we've come, people still simply aren't good at brushing their teeth. Most of us don't spend enough time brushing, focus on the wrong areas, brush too hard...we just can't seem to get it.

So, Ultreo, has created a near foolproof ultrasound-powered brush that basically does all of the work for us. The first toothbrush to combine ultrasound technology with sonic bristle action, Ultreo delivers a gentle brushing experience and a long-lasting feeling of clean. Plus, all you have to do is hold the toothbrush in one place until a tone signals you to move to the next section of teeth. After two minutes (the recommended brushing time by dentists), you'll be left with whiter, cleaner teeth.

Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush - $169.99 at Ultreo.com

Eco-Friendly Must-Haves for New Moms

In honor of Earth Day, we wanted to showcase some of the best picks that help new moms while also helping the environment. So, we turned to Melissa Gould & Ellie Miller of The Baby Planners™, a Los Angeles-based baby concierge and consulting service that caters to the needs of expectant parents nationwide. Their clientele includes busy expecting celebrities like Marissa Jaret Winokur and Mary Lynn Rajskub who have specifically requested eco-friendly options for their arriving bundles.

Here's a look at some of their favorite finds:

	Orbit Stroller - the first baby gear company to get rid of all the harmful chemicals and materials as well as the first to seek alternative green methods of production. Ellie says, "Gotta love that you can recycle the stroller!" www.orbitbaby.com
	Re-run Messenger diaper bag by Fleurville - Roomy, lightweight and made completely from recycled plastic bottles. We love the protected iPod holder with ear-bud holes! www.fleurville.com
	Sojourn Slings from Petunia Pickle Bottom - 100% organic, comfortable and fashionable baby wearing. www.petuniapicklebottom.com
	Earth Mama Angel Baby - a comprehensive line of skin care products for both mom and baby - fabulous! www.earthmamaangelbaby.com
	gDiapers - undoubtedly the best alternative to cloth and disposable diapers. www.gdiapers.com

The F Word

Celebrated British chef, bestselling author, TV personality and father of four Gordon Ramsay is hoping to replace takeout menus and frozen dinners while proving that you can make a delicious, healthy meal for the family in minutes with his latest cookbook Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food. Featuring more than 100 recipes inspired by his hit TV show in the UK, The F Word, the book is packed with ideas for Sunday lunches, big family dinners or even cocktail parties that can all be pulled off in less time than it takes to order in.

Gordon knows the challenges of cooking on limited time -- the book is a product of his own experience of juggling his career and feeding his growing family. Many of the dishes can be prepared in less than 15 minutes -- with none of them taking longer than 30 minutes.  We love the helpful tips and great ideas for fast "working lunches."

Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food - $23.10 at Amazon.com

 

Guilt-Free and Yummy

Two candy-loving dads set out to create tasty lollipops without artificial colors and flavors -- and the results were beyond their dreams. Yummy Earth Lollipops are all-natural treats made from alternative ingredients like Japanese purple carrots and wheatgrass for color; real fruit extracts; organic evaporated cane juice instead of processed sugar; and organic tapioca syrup instead of synthetic high fructose corn syrup. That may not sound appetizing, but they really taste incredible. The Today Show dubbed them the "best lollipops ever tasted."

Kids, of course, love them and adults can't get enough either -- celebumom Cynthia Nixon serves "Lollipoptails" to friends by stirring the Pomegranate Pucker flavor into martinis. My favorite? Chili Mango Mambo - a combo of sweet mango and spicy chili...which at just 22 calories is the perfect guilt-free indulgence!

Yummy Earth Candies - available at Whole Foods and at YummyEarth.com

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