EDITOR’S PICKS

I had a very different childhood experience than most of my girlfriends: I grew up in Hawaii (thanks to my dad graduating from West Point). My fondest memories are savoring fresh coconut from the countless trees in our yard (I sent my younger brother, Mark, up to pick them) and frolicking on the beach year-round. The one caveat, however, was the sun vs. my Irish skin. My mother would slather Mark and me with sunscreen several times a day, which I found pointless and annoying. Now that I’m a mother to two blonde-haired, blue-eyed sons, I find myself slathering them with sunscreen year-round. My potion of choice is California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion. This fabulous formula is chemical-free and doesn’t irritate their skin. Too bad we don’t have a coconut tree for them to climb in our New Jersey backyard.

($19.99, www.californiababy.com)

My daily skincare and body care routine is as essential as brushing my teeth. I am positively obsessed with 100% Pure Lemon Shea Body Butter (I love the thought of slathering something). Enriched with avocado, shea and mango, this highly moisturizing body treat softens my skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s also great for giving that special someone a much-needed back massage and then, of course, having them reciprocate.

($18, www.100percentpure.com)

Fabric softener is a must-have in my house so that my boys have the softest clothes, towels and sheets possible (my significant other says that since I spoil them so much, they’ll never want to leave—is that good or bad?). Since I’ve gone green, I have looked exhaustively for a chemical-free fabric softener. I was delighted to discover Gaiam’s Dryer Balls. This amazing product reduces drying time and softens fabric without the use of chemicals. My laundry is fluffy and oh so soft. I’m hooked.

($18, www.gaiam.com)