EDITOR’S PICKS

Crock-Pot Designer Series Slow Cookers

When it comes to making dinner, I am lazy, lazy, lazy. That’s why I loves me some Crock-Pot slow cookin’. Just throw a bunch of stuff in, turn it on, and then let the appliance work its magic and make dinner for you! My meals receive rave reviews, even though I “cooked” them while catching up on back episodes of The Real Housewives of New York City on my TiVo! Recently, the brand revamped its products and rolled out a sleek new designer series. These babies aren’t your mom’s ’70s-era slow cookers; they’re sleek and stylish enough to occupy a permanent spot on your countertop, yet they still deliver the same old-school, fail-safe functionality. I’ve got the five-quart programmable version in “squond” (a sort of square/round hybrid) and it’s just too cute—and easily my favorite kitchen appliance EVER.

($65, www.amazon.com)

Sunscreen from Alba and JASON

While my lauding of these sunscreens probably belongs in my Fashion and Beauty Editor’s Picks column, the process of sunscreen purchasing and applying is an enormous part of your life during the late spring and summer months, no? That’s why I’m discussing this stuff here and now—it’s a lifestyle issue! So, I’ve read way too much recently about the dangers of chemicals in sunscreens (and really, chemicals in anything—it’s enough to make me want to live in a bubble). Therefore, I’m making a serious effort this summer to slather my family in physical sunblock only—the stuff made solely of nature-created mineral ingredients, and not scary-sounding, lab-created stuff. Generally, physical sunscreens are thick, white and goopy, but these rub on smoothly and evenly, leaving no white stripes on your kiddos. Alba’s SPF 18 Kids Mineral Sunscreen, which is formulated with natural titanium dioxide, contains vitamin E, organic sunflower and jojoba oils, plus organic lavender and organic aloe to nourish young skin. The JASON Sunbrellas Kid’s Natural Sunblock SPF 45 is also loaded with good-for-kids ingredients and is especially ideal for children with sensitive or very fair skin. I’ve got bottles in every bag and vehicle—and a stockpile to last until September!

(Around $6 each, www.amazon.com)

HomeFree Allergy-Safe Cookies and Coffee Cakes

One of my best pals has a son with hard-core food allergies. Of course, I feel so badly for the little guy, but also for his mama, who’s always having to tote around her own snacks and stuff so he won’t be prevented from enjoying a cookie on a playdate. To make it easier on her, I always stock some HomeFree treats at my house. Created by Jill Robbins, the author of Allergen Free Baking, who turned to baking when her son was diagnosed with severe food allergies, the treats are wholesome and truly delicious, something that everyone—with or without food allergies—can enjoy together. All the HomeFree products are made in a dedicated baking facility, where the HomeFree team conducts allergen testing on ingredients and random product batches to ensure that each product is free of common food allergens, so you can snack confidently, knowing you won’t be in for any terrible surprises. Delicious AND safe! Visit www.homefreetreats.com for prices and products.