The sting of shots and the burn of bandage removal are two things sick kids endure, and watching the processes can be equally painful for their parents. This morning, Dr. Travis Stork showed Rachael Ray a few of his favorite products to quell the pain. The first is a natural tonic concocted by an 8-year-old girl called Taking Off ($7 for 4 oz. bottle) that eases the rip of removing a band-aid. I wish this genius potion had been around when my epidural tape had to come off! And the second must have is Buzzy ($35), a vibrating bee, that distracts a tot's attention away from the needle that is being injected. The insect comes with gel and ice wing sets, batteries, and a Velcro strap.
Packing Double in a Single Sack! The Best Diaper Bags For Moms of Twins
When packing for twins, a mother shouldn't have to bother with two diaper bags! Women who have and raise multiples are nothing short of amazing — the ladies feed, clothe, nurture, and change two babes (or more) so they don't have time to shop around for the perfect sack. I've rounded up five functional diapers bags for mamas who need to cart more than one tot's belongings. Check out the options.
Gilt Fitness: Because Who Doesn't Love a Sale?
It's a new year and maybe even a new you. With so many of our readers committed to making healthy lifestyle changes in 2011, it seems fitting that Gilt is kicking off the year with a huge fitness sale. The online luxury discount retailer has partnered with Self, and together they're offering some pretty sweet deals. Highlights include a home gym bundle, fitness DVDs from Tracy Anderson, and workout gear from New Balance, Reebok, Columbia, Puma, and Beyond Yoga. In the past I've scored Manduka mats from Gilt fitness sales and saved almost 50 percent off of the retail price. I think it's pretty safe to assume that savings for this sale will be much the same. The sale starts on Thursday, Jan. 6 and runs through the weekend, but keep in mind that everything is first come, first served. Sign up here and start shopping early!
Do Celebrity Endorsements Make Products More Appealing?
Jessica Simpson, Justin Bieber, and P. Diddy are the secrets to Proactiv's success. Forbes reports that the company is on track to making $800 million this year— that's just how powerful celebrity endorsements are. Although most consumers know that these stars are being paid to promote the product, perhaps they tend to trust the brand more after seeing their idol gushing about the item.
The ultimate example of how well celebrity endorsements work is the Oprah Effect. I must admit, while I was watching Oprah’s Favorite Things, I marveled at her ability to make people emotional over mac and cheese. I’m guessing that Oprah is a public figure who people trust, which is why her stamp of approval works like magic. I’m wondering, does a celebrity endorsement of a product make you want to buy it or does it not matter?
Savvy Gift Guide: Budgeting Down Oprah's Fave Things 2010
The Oprah's favorite things episode is one of the most anticipated shows of the year, and since this is her last season, I'm sure a lot of people were wondering how much bigger and better her gifts can get. Lucky audience members cried, screamed, and even told the staff to hurry as they unwrapped the gifts. Oprah's favorite things would make great holiday gifts for your loved ones or a treat to yourself, but a lot of them are pretty expensive. I've replaced 11 of her must-have items with more wallet-friendly versions so everyone can afford to have a little Oprah in their lives!
What Do You Think of Piggy Banks Made From Real Pigs?
A Vancouver-based site, thecheeky.com, is in hot water with animal rights groups because of a product they took too literally — piggy banks which they made from dead piglets, reports CNN. Don't worry animal lovers, the site says these taxidermied piggy banks are made from baby pigs who have died from natural deaths. Still, the Winnipeg Humane Society calls the product a "callous and demeaning exploitation of a baby animal's dead body."
These piglet banks are going for $4000, but even if they were affordable, I think I would be too creeped out to put coins into a piggy bank that looks extremely lifelike. What do you think of the piglet coin-holders?
Brilliant or Baffling: Subtle Butt Pads
I don't know about you, but I'm thinking these subtle butt pads made by Pond Inc. will come in handy in the office when you want to let loose a loud, smelly one. According to the company's website, the stink will be neutralized by the "activated carbon layer." Is this a brilliant tool to use in the office or just plain baffling?
The Man Behind the Baby Food: Paul Lindley of Ella's Kitchen
Did you ever picture a British man making your baby's food? Paul Lindley's pouches of organic purees have become a staple in many families' cupboards. The founder of Ella's Kitchen and father of two recently took the time to answer a few of my questions.
LilSugar: Why did you decide to create Ella’s Kitchen?
Paul Lindley: I created Ella's Kitchen because I thought that my daughter, Ella, and her generation, should have the chance to eat healthy, handy, and fun foods so families could discover that good food can be cool. I thought that if we could create foods that appealed to all babies and young children's senses, we'd be able to help find a way to encourage kids to develop healthier habits, early in life, leading to a happier future.
LS: What about pouch packaging made it appealing?
PL: The pouch itself is tactile and playable, which babies and toddlers love, as they quickly get at ease with the idea of eating from it. The straw or spout is perfect for little ones to squeeze and slurp themselves, giving them a little control in the feeding routine and empowering them, while being really easy for mom to squeeze onto a spoon to feed if that is easier. The resealable lid ensures that moms don't have to worry about finishing a whole pouch every time because the food will save, safely for later. The whole thing is so convenient for when moms are out and about that they find it so convenient to pop into their diaper bag or purse. The way we have branded the pouches also really engages babies and toddlers, the bright colors appeal to the youngest ones, and the simple language and images intrigue older toddlers. All in all, the pouch is a really great modern way to engage young children whilst providing real benefits to moms!
To see when the full line of Ella's Kitchen products will be available in the US and Lindley's take on fatherhood, read more
Segway Inc. Owner Dies Driving Off Cliff on Segway
What a horrible, horrible tragedy. Millionaire James Heselden, 62, died yesterday when he drove off the cliff on a Segway and fell more than 30 feet into the River Wharfe in West Yorkshire. Heselden's family said in an emailed statement “there is absolutely nothing to suggest it was anything other than a tragic accident.”
The battery-powered two-wheeled vehicle faced negative press in the past when 23,500 Segways had to be recalled four years ago because of some reversal problems. In 2003, former President George Bush was also seen jumping off a Segway after losing control of it.
I'm a huge fan of company executives using their own products, but a scenario like this makes me a bit hesitant about riding Segways. What about you — has this bit of news turned you off the scooters?
Does the "Made in" Label Matter to You?
The lines between the "Made in Italy" and "Made in China" labels are being blurred due to tens of thousands of Chinese laborers migrating to Italy and filling up its clothing factories, said the New York Times. With the world being so globally connected, it's quite common for retailers to outsource production or use material from other countries to cut costs. When you buy a piece of clothing, do you care about what the label says the origin is?

