It’s August! Rather than being dismayed at the end of summer fun, it’s time to take advantage of the hot deals available this month. As everyone prepares for the crisp fall season, retailers are anxious to unload outdoor gear and there are screaming good deals to be had. If you want to save some cash (and make sure you’re well-outfitted next spring), take advantage of deep discounts on the following:

Patio Furniture: The entire 7-Piece Country Living Seneca Patio Set (above) is available for $374.99 after discounts–more than 50% off the original price of $799.99. Shop for more deals on patio furniture.

Camping Equipment: Save 20% on the Wenzel 9×7 4-Person Tent (currently $39.97, was $49.99). Shop sale tents and camping gear.

Water Toys and Swimming Pools: For inflatable backyard fun, snag something like the Intex Rainbow Ring Playcenter at 30% off (currently $31.48 was $44.99–click the Target store to see the sale).

And finally… don’t forget to check out sales on swimsuits, shorts and tank tops for the whole family!

To see the great sale items every day, follow us on Twitter!

–Becky Ellis

Arm yourself with this cool sun kit from Sephora. Think of it like a Whitman’s Sampler–you choose from twelve SPF makeup, sunscreen and self-tanning products from brands like Bliss, Jack Black, Clarins and Kate Somerville, all in travel-ready sample sizes. They’re housed in a shocking pink makeup case (cute to throw in a bag for the pool or beach) and come with two UV monitoring bracelets that let you know when you’ve reached your ray limit. And the best part? It’s valued at $90, but only $25, with 100% of the net profits being donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Not only are doing something good for you skin, but giving back too;  what more could you ask for under the sun?

It seems the cell phone has ousted the watch as the new standard for time-telling devices, but when you’re active, toting along your phone just isn’t practical. Enter the Wooloot Wave Ion Sport Watch. Unlike many bulky, serious-looking sports watches, this fun, functional, durable rubber watch is more like a funky accessory. It’s ultra lightweight–it weighs just 10 grams, or about as much as two teaspoons of sugar–and water resistant to 3 ATM (ie, in 96 feet of water). Perfect for days at the beach or active sports, from surfing to snowboarding to softball, the Wooloot Wave Ion Sports Watch is available in 12 colors and in sizes ranging from XXS (for children up to age 10) to Large. And at just $19.95, it’s an easy, inexpensive gift idea for just about anyone, from kids to teens to grown-up sports enthusiasts.

Remember how terrible it was to get blood drawn when you were a kid? The needle seemed so big and so scary (getting a blood drawn is no picnic now, either!). It’s no wonder, then, that kids with diabetes hate testing themselves over and over again throughout the day. If this is something that your child is struggling with, check out Bayer’s Didget meter, which is the only blood glucose monitor just for kids. It motivates kids to test by hooking up to a Nintendo DS system. When kids test regularly, it rewards them with points that can be used to unlock special levels and game features. Kids can even connect to a worldwide Didget community.

Obviously, managing diabetes is no fun–for kids or parents–but incorporating games and rewards can be the “spoon full of sugar” that makes testing go down a little easier.

Who else remembers when tooth whitening was an expensive procedure you could only have done in a dentist’s office? In the last 10 years, at-home tooth whitening has become safer, faster and cheaper, and it seems to have culminated in this little Listerine Whitening Pen.

With the Listerine Whitening Pen, you can whiten anywhere; no strips or mouthwashes or trays are required. Just twist the end and brush the gel onto your teeth. Within two weeks, you’ll have whiter teeth. How genius is that? It also kills bad breath, so it’s a fantastic 2-in-1 device. Has anyone tried it?

They’re not the sexiest items to shop for, but having a stocked emergency kit is a necessity. With hurricane season upon us, it’s especially essential for those in the south and other flood-prone areas to be prepared. You may already have many of the things on the government’s list of recommended items (below), but take a moment to review the contents of the basic emergency supply kit and stock up on what you need:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio (I like the Stansport Compact Crank, Solar Power and Battery Powered Flashlight and AM/FM Radio, pictured above)

NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

We’re just a few weeks away from the first official day of summer, and if you haven’t already been trolling the sunscreen aisles for sun protection, it’s time to get started! Here’s something that will make the selection easier: Consumer Reports tested 12 leading sunscreens and just released the findings. The magazine has never had ads–so you never have to worry about undue influence from companies spending money to get their products in the pages–and the products were tested by an outside lab to see how well they kept volunteers from burning.

Two of the best? Banana Boat UltraMist Continuous Spray SPF 30 (above) and Aveeno Continuous Protection spray SPF 50 (below), both of which are under $10. (One of the most expensive sunscreens–at $18.82 an ounce–ranked near the bottom!) Experts added that many of the sunscreens, including drugstore brands, performed very well, so consumers should factor in the smell and feel of the product to ensure they enjoy (and therfore, will wear) it.

On Good Morning America today, a renowned doctor talked about the benefits of Tumeric–how sprinkling this antioxidant-rich spice on foods helps quell inflammation and and protect your body from harmful free radicals that may cause cancer.  Topical antioxidants, like vitamin c, berries, and green tea, fight free radicals that damage skin, and tumeric is one scientists have looked at too. But it’s been difficult to incorporate this zesty Indian spice in to skincare; its orange color, lack of water solubility and sharp aroma don’t mix well with an elegant face formula. Recently, though, the scientists at P&G (the mega-giant personal care products company) have found a way to do it, and put the potent Tumeric antioxidants in their DDF Advanced Protocol skincare products.

While the entire line works to firm, tone and renew aging skin, the one product I’m zero-ing in on right now, is the Advanced Micro-Exfoliation Cleanser. The main ingredient–Rice Bran Wax–gently scrubs away impurities and dead skin cells, leaving behind hydrating moisturizers, the protective Tumeric complex and a gorgeous glow. You get radiant skin, and nourishing ingredients all in just one wash. Fresh start to the decade, alright!

Pink is the new black right now, since October is officially National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And what better way to proudly wear your pink than with a pretty compact, palette or lip gloss that helps fund the research to eradicate Breast Cancer?

Think of it as a small way to doing your part every time you whip out your lipstick or compact.  The dollars you spend on your fab beauty item go directly go to breast cancer research  grants (some through the cosmetic companies own foundations) or to help women dealing with a diagnosis. You’re also be raising awareness: A quick flash of pink is a simple reminder to take charge of your breast health, like making an appointment to schedule a mammogram or remembering to do self exams. Plus, there’s loads of pink-ribbon endorsed beauty products now, so finding something you need is simple (you were going to buy a new blush anyway, right?).  Herewith, a few cool ones to consider:

 Estee Lauder Golden Ribbons compact, $55. This purchase goes towards Estee Lauder’s $500,000 fund for BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation).

 Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection, including Lipstick and Gloss, $40, purchase goes towards a $35,000 donation to BCRF.

Jane Iredale In the Pink Gloss for Breast Cancer Awareness, $19  Proceeds will benefit Cancer and Careers, a non-profit resource for working women with cancer.

Prescriptives Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Palette for Lips and Eyes, $49 with proceeds going towards a $20,000 donation for BCRF.

Gone are the days when veganism was simply a dining preference. Now veganism is prevalent in fashion too — and beauty, hair products, even vegan pet food! Not to mention causing havoc in the media, like this controversial Peta ad that made headlines for weeks. Fashion designer Stella McCartney is renown for her vegan clothing and accessories, and for a cheaper option, there’s the New York based Olsen Haus brand and Montreal-based Matt & Nat, specializing in handbags made from recycled water bottles and other non-animal materials. And I’m a HUGE fan of the relatively new Cri de Coeur line of naturally made shoes, like the Alexa style above.

Matt and Nat Pool Clutch

No blog post about vegan fashion would be complete without a mention of the highly publicized TOMS brand shoes, that not only uses all-natural materials like canvas and hemp, but for every pair purchased, they give a pair to a child in need.

Your newly embraced vegan lifestyle would not be complete without a hemp collar for your pet:

Hemp Dog Collar

For the boys, I love the Herban Cowboy brand of colognes, musks, aftershaves, and deodorants. PETA supports their products and they’ve been embraced by several Hollywood movie houses.

Herban Cowboy Deodorant

Enough to convince you to join in on the vegan lifestyle? You’ll be in good company. Woody Harrelson, Morrissey, Jason Mraz, and Alicia Silverstone are all vegans too. What’s your favorite vegan pick? Please share.

Shop Vegan products

New Reebok EasyTone Shoes

It may not be the prettiest shoe ever, but sure is the hardest working. Reebok has just launched its new Reebok Women’s EasyTone Go Outside line — a training shoe that actually works you out as you walk. Using built in balance pods to create instability, the shoe makes it so that your glutes, calves, and hamstrings are always working hard — without you having to run so much as one lap! (Or even move for that matter, it works your muscles while standing too!)

The EasyTones come in five different colors and will set you back an Easy $109, but they for some shapely calves, it’s totally worth it… right? Does it work? Who knows, but it sure does remind me of another shoe I blogged about last year: The Shape Up Shoe, which according to our poll, was actually pretty well-received so maybe this Reebok shoe will do pretty well after all.

Shop Reebok EasyTones here.

Mist it on for a feel-good, look-good boost

Last week I was lucky enough to have a four-day, three-night spa vacay at Canyon Ranch in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Detox was the watchword, as I instantly retreated from my everyday life of errands, toddler-time and work ,and let me-time take over. I went snowshoeing, learned how to circuit train, spent afternoons splashing in water aerobics, mellowed out with stretching and yoga and also picked up some smooth moves in a Strip Fit class (yes, you read that right. The only thing missing was the pole.) Then, after sweating out more toxins than an Ahi tuna, I retreated to the airy, sunny spa, where I indulged in a facial, massage and other body beautifying treats.

So now that I’m home, I’m trying to savor every last bit of post-spa bliss. While I was there, I was introduced to the awesome Canyon Ranch skincare line. The good-for-your-complexion ingredients include peptides, to help stimulate collagen and elastin production, and honey to plump up fine lines and wrinkles. I’m also loving the Hydramist , since it’s loaded with antioxidants and gives you a rejuvenating, fresh and cool burst of energy immediately after you spritz it on (The facialist said to mist it over makeup or bare skin, anytime you need that dewy glow).  I’m hooked, and already using the three-piece starter kit to keep up the rejuvenating mode, even if I’m not working out 24/7 or getting regular facials . Well, at least I can look the part.

alli Pink Weight Loss System

by: ss_shopgirl
You’ve probably heard of the weight loss system everyone’s been raving about — alli. Alli is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss supplement on the market right now. Apparently it works by decreasing the amount of your fat intake (I HIGHLY recommend reading the possible side effects however) to reduce both the overall fat your body absorbs and calories too.

Anyhow, alli has a special breast cancer awareness edition of its product — and it’s on sale now at drugstore.com. Alli is a sponsor of Breast Cancer Network of Strength and has donated $150,000 to the cause.

Have you tried alli? Please share your experiences with us!

Buy alli Pink now
Shop drugstore.com now
Shop breast cancer awareness products now

Breast Cancer Awareness Scrapbooking Kit

by: ss_shopgirl

I’m not sure if scrapbooking is a relic of the early 00s, but I for one think it’s a fun way to pass a rainy day. And in this case, a great way to show your support for a great cause. This breast cancer awareness scrapbooking kit from productsforthecure.com comes with paper, cardstock ribbon, tags, scroll frame, awareness ribbon, ornaments, 2 brass stencils, stickers, and satin ribbon. What a great way to show your support for the cure! And right now the breast cancer awareness scrapbooking kit is 20% off!

Shop breast cancer awareness products
Shop scrapbooking products

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Mixer sale: $299

by: ss_shopgirl

Today marks the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in commemoration, I’ll be sure to post at least one “pink” item every day that helps to support the search for a cure for breast cancer. Breast Cancer awareness is definitely a hot topic in the news, especially with celebrities like Christina Applegate recently announcing they have breast cancer, and Delta Airlines making news by flying its brand new pink plane in support of the search for a breast cancer cure and to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

My favorite find for today is this pretty in pink KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Artisan stand mixer. Not only is it absolutely adorable, not only will $50 of the proceeds of each purchase be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, but this KitchenAid Cook for the Cure mixer is also on sale for $299.99 at Macy’s– that’s a savings of $100!

Shop all breast cancer pink products
Shop all Cook for the Cure products

Do you get nauseous easily? I just heard about this fantastic product called Psi Bands (pronounced “sigh” bands). They relieve nausea without any drugs by putting pressure on the acupressure point of your wrist — great for long flights, morning sickness, or for when you have to watch one of those really shaky movies like Cloverfield.

Psi Bands

Anyway, I got a chance to ask one of the creators of the bands, Romy Taormina, a few questions about her innovative product. Here’s what she had to say:

What makes PSI Bands so revolutionary? Who would benefit most from your product?
Psi Bands are stylish, acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness/travel, anesthesia, or chemotherapy. They are drug-free, waterproof, adjustable around the wrist and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort, reusable, and come in four fun designs. Scientific studies support the use of wrist acupressure for the relief of nausea. Wrist acupressure has grown in popularity because it is noninvasive, easy to self-administer, and affordable.

What was your inspiration for making PSI Bands?
Carla, my business partner, and I suffered from terrible morning sickness during our pregnancies and discovered the benefits of wrist acupressure to relieve our nausea. We were unsatisfied with existing products on the market and wanted to create something “more” for others who suffer from nausea as a result of morning sickness, motion sickness, anesthesia, or chemotherapy.

What are your customers saying about PSI Bands?
They love their style, comfort, and effectiveness.

What kind of feedback have you already received about your product?
Please feel free to check out our testimonials at:

http://www.psibands.com/testimonials

Do you have any other upcoming products that you’re planning on? What’s next for PSI Bands?
We are launching a fifth design later this summer. Stay tuned!

Psi Bands are available at drugstore.com.
You can also watch an informative video about them at QVC.com. Just do a search at QVC.com for “Psi Bands.”

Both Romy and her business partner Carla were also both honored by the Ladies Who Launch foundation.
Congratulations ladies! This is a fantastic product!

I’ve started feeling a bit guilty about the fact that I haven’t visited the gym in over a month. Who am I kidding, 2 months.

But I have a plan. Want to hear it?

Avoid gyms for all of January because they’ll be crowded with people trying to fulfill their “New Year’s resolutions.” Then go back in February. Good plan, right?

Ok, it’s not so great. Want to work off those holiday pounds, for real? Here are some gadgets to help you start 2008 on an athlete’s foot (hope not).

Start off with a great body fat analyzer, like Omron’s Body Fat Analyzer, which can tell you how much body fat you have in 7 seconds! Then get ready to sync up your iPod to an awesome sportswatch like the Timex Ironman iControl watch. And a workout is not fun unless you can get dolled up in some cute gear. I love Stella McCartney’s line for Adidas (which btw is ALL on markdown right now) like her sexy short & long-sleeved running tees.

For shoes, I LOVE Asics. There’s no beating them. And if you’re a treadmill freak, the Asics Gel-Treadmill is the way to go. A perfect add-on to your new Asics is the Shoewallet, a great small wallet you can stash your keys and credit card in – then attach right to your shoe!

If you’re more of a walker, check out the Talking Pedometer from Brookstone. It announces how far you’ve traveled and how many calories burned (I hope it has a mute button for those off days.)

Determined to have a killer bod by summer 2008? Check out Shape.com’s 2008 Bikini Bod Countdown and get started today.

Omron Body Fat Analyzer sale $49.99	Timex Ironman iControl Watch sale $79
Adidas by Stella McCartney Tee sale $60	Asics Gel-Treadmill $103.95
Shoewallet.com $9.99	Brookstone’s Talking Pedometer $25

Don’t fall into a winter slump! It’s time to get those New Year’s resolutions in motion. Take 30 minutes a day out of your schedule to get your body moving and watch those post holiday pounds fall off. Take your dog out for a walk or use the stairs instead of the elevator. Check out these great tips to get on track to a brand new you!

Warm up.
Make sure to warm for up at least 10 minutes before you brave the cold. Colder temperatures make your muscles tight and more prone to injuries

Check out these instructional workout videos at expert village

Insulate your body.
Dress in layers for warmth and versatility. If you get hot, you can remove the top layer which should be both wind and water resistant. The layer closest to your skin should be moisture absorbent.

Drink up.
Dress in layers for warmth and versatility. If you get hot, you can remove the top layer which should be both wind and water resistant. The layer closest to your skin should be moisture absorbent.

It’s just as important to stay hydrated when exercising in winter as it is in summer, even though you might not feel as thirsty.

Propel Fitness water has a refreshing lemon flavor, keeps you hydrated and is loaded with Vitamins C and E.

Wear sunscreen.
You can still get sunburned in winter even if the sun isn’t visible! So if you’re exercising outdoors make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out.

Perfect for winter, this formula moisturizes and protects you from harmful rays

Too cold to go outside?
Start your own home gym. All you need is a set of dumbbells, an exercise ball, a jump rope and a strong motivation to get fit!

Get moving with “Just Move to Lose” Circuit Training Set

The New Year is a great time to reflect on our lives and ditch those old habits. But why does it always seem that our resolutions fizzle out as quickly as an open bottle of yesterday’s champagne? Never fear, we’ve put together some great ideas to help you make and keep those resolutions going strong all year long!

Get Fit

Who needs the gym? Ride a bike instead of driving a car. You save the planet and burn 400-500 calories per hour while you’re at it. We call that a win-win situation.

Quit Drinking

Kick those alcohol, soda (yes, even diet soda) or coffee habits for good. You’ll drop the excess weight and added stress while you’re at it. Sodas have sugar or aspartame, coffee is filled with caffeine and alcohol is a depressant. All these stimulants slow down your brain’s production of serotonin – the hormone responsible for making you feel happy and well-balanced.! Instead opt for a healthy cup of Green Tea.

Write a Book

Take some time this year and let your creative juices flow. These days it’s so easy to write and publish your own book with a click of the button! Write a poem or song, article, novel or even an internet blog! Set aside a few minutes a day to create your masterpiece then publish it yourself!

Save the Planet

Help save some of the world’s most endangered animals from extinction by adopting one in the name of someone you love. Choose from over 80 species on World Wildlife Fund’s list of critically endangered.

Great ways to remember those New Year’s resolutions:

Magnets

Just slap this magnet on the fridge for a helpful resolution reminder every time you reach for those tempting calories! You can even design your own.

Journals

Keep a journal and write down your goals, successes or failures of the day right before going to bed. In the morning, read your journal entries to remind yourself what worked or what to do better! By the end of the year you can really see all the progress you’ve made! We love these recycled blank journals.

Do you have New Year’s resolutions tips or ideas? Leave us a comment!

3. Energy-saving Christmas lights

Christmas LED energy-saving light – 90% more efficient than traditional lighting!

Use beeswax, soy, or palm oil candles instead of candles with stearic acid We like: Rawganique Vegan Hemp Candles

4. Root your Christmas tree in tradition

Instead of buying a pre-cut Christmas tree that you’ll just toss, head to Home Depot and buy a beautiful plant with roots. Like a spruce, fir, or even a jasmine plant. Then plant in your garden and voila – you’ve done it again!

Madagascar Jasmine Plant Seeds

Dead-set on a traditional tree? No problem. You can also:

• Make a bird shelter in your backyard out of your tree
• Compost your tree – or get a woodchipper and turn it into mulch

5. Holiday Décor

Organic fir wreaths

Organically grown beautiful bouquets

6. Ditch the plastic—bring your own shopping bag!

We like: Heavy duty hemp shopping bag from reusablebags.com

7. Holiday meal

Organic wines from the Organic Wine Company

Organic Tuscany Cooking classes

by D.F.

Just when you thought toys were safe to play with, another toy has been recalled. The popular new kid’s sensation Aqua Dot –a toy craft that is composed of small beads that can be melted together with water – is being recalled from shelves across the country.

The original “Bindeez” in Australia and known as “Aqua Dots” in the U.S. were pulled from all shelves and online sites this week after scientists discovered the products were coated with the chemical 1,4-butanediol, a harmful chemical widely used in plastics and cleaners. When consumed, 1, 4-butanediol is a possible replacement for gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) a dangerous date rape drug, and can cause drowsiness, seizures, unconsciousness, coma and even death. These products, manufactured in China, were supposed to be coated with 5-pentanediol, a nontoxic compound found in glue, but instead contained 1,4-butanediol.

After all the allegations in the summer recalling toys manufactured in China covered in lead paint, we hope that the new toys will be more carefully inspected from now on. Australia have been taken to the hospital after swallowing the beads.

*Know anyone who has purchased any one of the Bindeez or Aqua Dots products? Tell them to dispose of the beads immediately or send to the toy manufacturer for a toy of equal value.

Last week, the companies that make these top-selling cough and cold medicines voluntarily recalled their products due to an FDA survey finding that a number of child deaths were linked to over-the-counter decongestant medicines, with the majority of the children aged 2 yrs old and under.

The list of recalled products are:

Dimetapp Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops
Dimetapp Decongestant Infant Drops
Little Colds Decongestant Plus Cough
Little Colds Multi-Symptom Cold Formula
PediaCare Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)
PediaCare Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough (containing pseudoephedrine)
PediaCare Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing phenylephrine)
PediaCare Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough
PediaCare Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (containing phenylephrine)
Robitussin Infant Cough DM
Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant
Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant Plus Cough
Tylenol Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold
Tylenol Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold & Cough

At a loss as to what to do without your favorite cold medicines?
Don’t worry – use these tried and true home remedies to help heal your sniffly child:

1. Have them drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus production under control
2. Use suction bulbs to gently clear infants’ clogged noses
3. Saline nose drops help drainage
4. Sinus tabs help relieve congestion
5. Use a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s bedroom
6. Use natural chest creams like Vicks Vaporub

Homeopathic remedies work great, and are generally safe for children. Have any great homeopathic remedies you care to share? Send us a few today!

It’s October, and that means Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Some quick facts about breast cancer:

• Leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15-54
• 3rd most common cause of cancer death in the US
• Expected to cause over 40,000 US deaths in 2007
• 1 in 7 women will contract breast cancer
• Men can contract breast cancer too
• Regular mammograms can detect tumors up to 2 years before they become visible

Women 40 and over should get a mammogram every 1-2 years, and all women should conduct a monthly breast self-examination.

Want to support the search for a cure? Hundreds of companies have joined the fight, and are offering sweet shopping incentives for doing it.

1. 
   1. Hershey’s Chocolate for the Cure? I don’t mind if I do…
2. 
   2. Proflowers will donate 10% for the Cure. Look at those lilies!
3. 
   3. $30 Pashmina, and get a free crystal ribbon pin AND they’ll help fund mammograms!
4. 
   4. Breast cancer Post-its – these are so much prettier than the yellow ones!
5. 
   5. This Nixon watch/bracelet from SWELL is awesome! And only $59.95 with free shipping!
6. 
   6. Snap your photos – and support breast cancer awareness!
7. 
   7. Special edition pink iPod shuffle – only at Target!
8. 
   8. Ashton-Drake Galleries collectible baby with RealTouch™ vinyl skin!
9. 
   9. Limited edition butterfly porcelain and 22K gold ornament
10. 
    10. KitchenAid Cook for the Cure® Artisan® Mixer

Find out about any other great Breast Cancer Awareness promotions going on? Please share them with us.