EDITOR’S PICKS

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner

I’m a huge fan of my sleek, efficient, front-loading washing machine. What I’m not a fan of, however, is the moldy stench that seems to perpetually fill my laundry area, courtesy of said washer. Apparently, as gloriously as it may wash clothes, it doesn’t exactly drain quite so well. Water catches in the door’s rubber area as well as in the washer’s tub itself, which grows some funky-smelling bacteria. To get my washer smelling fresh and clean again, I’ve begun doing two things my plumber recommended: First, I’ve been keeping the washer’s door ajar when I’m not using it. Second, I’ve been using this new Tide Washing Machine Cleaner and, seriously, it works. You have to follow the directions precisely, though: Use one pouch per week for three consecutive weeks, then use one pouch per month for maintenance. It’s simple—you basically run a hot water cycle using the cleaning powder in the washer’s detergent dispenser. Muuuuuch better.

($6.99 for a package of three, www.drugstore.com)

Iomoi Canvas Bags

As I think ahead to spring break, summer, and what I hope will be many trips to the pool and beach, I am so coveting one of these handmade canvas bags from one of my favorite personalized gift sites, Iomoi. They’re just the perfect mix of rich-girl-in-Palm Beach preppy and NYC mod. You can personalize them by choosing from countless designs and patterns (my personal fave is the Bonds Cay Yellow Racing Stripe), which are then printed on both sides of your bag. The small size is 15-by-11-by-6 inches, while the large is 17-by-15-by-7 inches).

($88 to $148, www.iomoi.com)

Crocodile Creek Place Mats

I’ve got a metal table in my kitchen, and that’s where my kids eat most of their meals. To keep it from getting too covered in mac and cheese, I always keep plastic place mats on the table (on the backs of which I superglue little magnetic strips I get from the craft store—watch your back, Martha Stewart). As I’m sure you can imagine, these poor place mats get trashed three times a day and are then subject to frequent, debilitating washing. I’ve been through countless varieties, all of which disintegrate after a couple of weeks. Recently, though, I found the world’s best, most durable place mats for kids: the ones from Crocodile Creek. In addition to being hard-core functional, they’re absolutely adorable and even educational, as they come in all sorts of cool offerings like the Solar System, Great American Presidents (my fave, as I’m a D.C. gal) and Sea Animals. And at this price, even if I have to go through a few, it’s all good.

($3.99, www.crocodilecreek.com)