PRO YOGURT
Yogurt has changed over the years – from a health food to one loaded with chemicals and sugar. Dannon is taking a step back, with its reformulated Danimals. This has no artificial flavors or colors, and no high fructose corn syrup. The yogurt also now contains the probiotic LGG – to help digestive and immune function and oral health. Danimals is available in 3.1-oz. drinkable bottles ($1.99 for a 4-pack), and in 4-oz. cups ($3.60 for an 8-pack) in a variety of flavors. At grocery stores; for more information, go to www.danimals.com. (4/07)
PARTY IN A BOX
You can plan your child’s birthday party online with the new Posh Party Box. There are four themes: pirate, tea party, sleepover and campout, with more to come, including party themes for tweens and teens. Each box includesinspired invitations, decorations, goodie bag; the pirate invitation fits in the included bottle and mailing tube, and the campout kit includes a canteen, mess kit and camo bandana. Kits are $265 for a party of 8. For more info, go to www.poshpartybox.com or call (949) 498-0664. (4/07)
GERM FIGHTERS
When you take your kids out to eat, you have to worry about more than a kid-friendly menu and your child’s behavior. You also have to make sure the restaurant is clean – not just the kitchen, but also the floor, table and high chair. Life is easier with Write-On Wrap Around Placemats, which stick to the table and wrap over the edge, providing a germ-free barrier. The mats, which are made from biodegradable mineral powder, are $9.99 for 20 mats and four triangular CrayAngles (which don’t roll onto that dirty floor). At Babies ‘R Us or www.classy-kid.com. The Clean Shopper, a soft shopping cart cover, can also fit over restaurant high chairs, but the onus is on you to remember to wash it; $29.95 at www.cleanshopper.com. (4/07)
NATURAL GOOD LOOKS
Mineral fusion is a new all-natural makeup for women who want to choose products that are paraben-free, with no chemical dyes or perfumes. The line, which includes foundations, eye shadows, blushes and lip colors, offers UV protection and antioxidants, in a variety of shades. mineral fusion is sold at Whole Foods, $14-$37. For more information, go to www.mineralfusioncosmetics.com. (4/07)
TAG, YOU’RE IT
Tag-Mates are a new way to get out of the sticky situation of losing your kids’ clothes – the mini labels stick to clothing care labels so you don’t have to iron or sew them on. You can choose up to 20 letters, in purple on a white background. Tag-Mates adhere even through washing and drying, and can be customized with one of more than three dozen icons, from fire truck to seahorse. $18 for 75 labels at www.mabel.ca. (4/07)
DWELL ON IT
Dwellbaby is growing up. The line of crib sheets in sophisticated patterns is now available for twin and full-size beds. dwellkids linens are sold in sets with sheets, pillowcase and duvet cover; patterns include cowboy or cowgirl, dots and clover. The New York parent company, dwell home furnishings, also makes linens for adults, tablecloths and throw pillows. $320 for a twin set, with duvet cover, flat and fitted sheet, pillowcase and sham; $352 for a full set that has two pillowcases. At Mini Jake in Brooklyn, or www.minijake.com. (4/07)
BREAKFAST RE-MAKE
-There’s a new mouse in the house, but don’t call the exterminator. Disney cereals have been reformulated to conform to the new nutritional guidelines Disney is following in its licensed products and at its theme parks. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse berry crunch, Princess flakes and Little Einsteins fruity stars are whole grain, have less sugar than most cereals marketed to kids, and very little sat fat. $1.99 at grocery stores. (4/07)
-Smucker’s Better Beginnings Breakfast Program has recipes from chef Jon Ashton and cookbook author Miriam Weinstein. The website has new breakfast ideas (peanut butter bread pudding, or a trail mix bar for breakfast on the go) and asks readers to pledge to eat breakfast every day. For recipes, go to www.smuckers.com/promotions/breakfastbeginnings/default.asp. (4/07)
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