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FitFlop Mukluks
Now that I’ve got your attention, here’s what I want for Christmas—well, you know, other than world peace, an end to the recession, health and prosperity for everyone, and all of that goodwill-toward-mankind stuff: a pair of FitFlop Mukluks. I love them. I do. I have a deep and founded love in my heart for these boots. They are super cute, water- and stain-resistant, anti-slip (good when you’re carrying a squirrelly 18-month-old), and complete with antibacterial technology, which eliminates odor—not that I need it, of course, but I thought I’d mention it. Ahem. Okay, and now for why they are the bee’s knees, the bomb diggity, the bestest: They whittle your butt with every stride. Yup! These boots are made for toning thanks to MBT, Masai Barefoot Technology, which was invented by a Swiss engineer who discovered that walking barefoot over paddy fields, like those in the East African savanna, alleviated his back pain. Swiss Masai, the company he formed, says that MBT activates the whole body by stimulating the muscle activity. These bonkers-cool boots can even reduce stress on hips and joints and help with back, hip, leg and foot problems. Tests show a 9 percent increase in buttock muscle activity, a 19 percent increase in rear thigh muscle activity, and a 19 percent decrease in the stress on the hips and joints. Bliss does a whole line of flip-flops, sneakers and fabulous leather calf boots (read: the MBT Tambo, to be exact), but, dear Santa, I’d be happy with this cozy pair and much obliged to wear them while snuggling up with you in front of the game (football game, right?—it’s football season now?) on any given Sunday. ($140, blissworld.com) |
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The No-Cry Discipline Solution Children can, indeed, reduce an otherwise smart gal to a bumbling, blithering doormat. My advice is: Just say no, set boundaries, remain calm and always be consistent. Now, having said that, I’ll readily admit that my direction is much easier advised than done. I recently read a book that might help you get through this time of whine and roses: The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums and Tears, by parent educator and best-selling author Elizabeth Pantley. Pantley presents usable solutions to the trials and tribulations of parenting by empowering readers to be proactive in handling situations and helping them to stop wallowing in the guilt and fear so often associated with being a disciplinarian. Out in the ’hood (parenthood), we need all the tools we can get to help us enact what we know instinctively. I’d keep this one bedside or desktop and read up on how to get rid of the crying games, once and for all. ($11.53, www.amazon.com) |
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Happi Tummi Got a fuss-bucket on your hands? Pick up this cool waistband from Happi Tummi, an all-natural, external, pediatrician-recommended band that provides almost-instant relief for your babe’s stomach problems. Just heat for 15 to 20 seconds, wrap and relax—that goes for your little one and you, as the lavender in the pouch serves as a natural calmer for anyone in smelling range. And, of course, it’s cute—I mean, who needs to suffer when you can soothe in style? ($24.95, www.happitummi.com) |
Are you there, Santa? It’s me, Jillian. 