EDITOR’S PICKS

MOTHER, MAY I SUGGEST THESE RAD FINDS OF THE MONTH?

Okay, that was a lame attempt at a pun. Forty-six issues since launch just might have used up my Big Pun juice-y. Oh, wait…that was kind of a pun. Nice.

Banglz Wrist Weights

Banglz Even though I am back to being hardcore about the gym, I still don't get nearly as much time as I'd like to work out. Between the time constraints, the stress (a beauty buster indeed), and the constant flow of mac and cheese and chicken fingers that passes before a mom’s eyes (and into our mouths), we need all the help we can get when it comes to looking good.

So, when I was sent a set of Banglz to try out, I was pumped. (Hehe. Another pun. Phew. I haven't lost it.) Available in cute fabrics, these comfortable half-pound weights are worn as bracelets (and are also available in anklets) and give just enough resistance to help you maximize your daily activities. Sport these trendy toners while folding laundry, doing the dishes and running errands—they’ll work to boost your strength, increase balance and give a gentle tone to your arms. Upping your fit factor will help improve your heart and joint health and, ultimately, help decrease your stress levels and bring you that much closer to your once and former bikini body—which I am en route to reuniting with for summer 2010 and beyond.

Hands down (or up), these bracelets make a very useful gift for your best gal pals and yourself.

($24.99, Banglz 1/2 Pound Wrist, www.banglz.com)

Schlori Swim-Cushions

PVC-free Schlori Swim Cushions Just in time for the summer, I found out about these awesome 100 percent cotton Schlori Swim-Cushions. We're actually featuring them in this month's Must Have It List, and they're too cool not to include in my picks. Why? Because they are PVC-free and, unlike their Walmart counterparts, they have been tested for more than 100 harmful substances, including pesticides, mercury, formaldehyde, lead and other toxins. Seriously, can you not completely smell what those plastic-y swimmies smell like right now as you read this? Ewww. All those gross chemicals plus chlorine or saltwater and sun equals a hot mess, people. A hot mess.

These smart cushions place your little one's body in the natural position for swimming without compromising her mobility. Minus the plugs and vents, they are made with durable fabric that is salt-, chlorine- and thermal water-resistant. They've been used for decades (as in, since 1936) in Germany to help fledgling swimmers find their stroke and are even recommended for use with the handicapped.

Peace Love Organic Earth are the only American company to carry them, so float on over to their site and scoop them up for your little guppies.

($28, www.peaceloveorganicearth.com)

Juice Bag Solar Beach Tote

Okay, you ready for the coolest thing ever? The Juice Bag Solar Beach Tote. Period. It's a solar beach tote. I mean, come on. First of all, what a great, great message to carry around. This bag is an instant whiplash-inducing head-turner, guaranteed to be a lightning rod for discussion. On the function front, the heavy-duty tote charges everything from your cell phone to your iPad to your digital camera while housing the rest of your beach necessities (sunscreen, snacks, toys, spare clothes, etc.). On the fashion front, it happens to be pretty dang good-looking.

I stalk this bag. I do. I am thinking of buying it so it forces me to stop working for a minute and get outside and enjoy the summer. Summer dreams…

($250, www.theultimategreenstore.com)