sanitizer

Use Tea Tree or Lavender Oil to Clean Gym Bag and Yoga Mat
Eco

Fit Tip: DIY Spray to Help Keep Germs Away

With all that sweat and those germs hanging out at the gym and yoga studio, your workout gear can get dirty, moldy, and smelly.
by

With all that sweat and those germs hanging out at the gym and yoga studio, your workout gear can get dirty, moldy, and smelly. So here's a tip: keep a small spray bottle of essential-oil-infused water in your gym bag so you can spray and wipe your gym stuff immediately after use.

Using tea tree and lavender oils is a great eco-friendly way to keep your gym equipment germ-free because of antibacterial, antifungal, and tension-relieving properties; tea tree oil has been used to treat poison ivy and acne, and the scent of lavender oil can help you relax.

All you need is a small clean spray bottle that seals tightly. Fill it with distilled, spring, or tap water and add one or two drops of tea tree oil, plus another drop of lavender oil. Throw the bottle in your bag and spray down your gym bag, shoes, and yoga mat when you're done or if you're feeling like your gym stuff could use some extra attention. Just be sure to wipe everything down and spray in a well-ventilated area away from anyone in case they are sensitive to the smell.

Mommy's Lil Helper: Pipila Pacifier Sanitizer
Behavior Tips

Mommy's Lil Helper: Pipila Pacifier Sanitizer

Think about all of the places a pacifier falls and what we do to clean them before giving them back to our babes.
by babysugar

Think about all of the places a pacifier falls and what we do to clean them before giving them back to our babes. Now entertain all of the germs that those suckers gather and you may be running out the door to buy the Pipila ($30), the portable pacifier sanitizer that uses UV and ozone rays to kill 99.9 percent of germs.

Introduced in Australia and about to hit the U.S., the Pipila accommodates most pacifier shapes and does not distort the nipple in its cleansing process. The unit functions on two AA batteries and is lightweight enough to carry on outings with your lil one. The one downfall seems to be that it takes five minutes to fully sterilize a binky, and as anyone with a screaming infant knows, five minutes is a lifetime! It may be wise to simply take a second sucker with you, so you can pop a it in junior's mouth while the first one is cleansing.

What's the Deal With: Traveling With Liquids
traveling

What's the Deal With: Traveling With Liquids

If you're planning on flying somewhere this Thanksgiving, don't let all the Transportation Security Agency's strict rules make you crazy.
by

If you're planning on flying somewhere this Thanksgiving, don't let all the Transportation Security Agency's strict rules make you crazy. Here's the basic gist:

  • On September 26th, the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols was changed. Now you can carry on your toiletries, packed in a quart-size Ziploc baggie, one bag per person.
  • Each individual item has to be less than 3 oz, and fit easily in the closed bag.
  • Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed.
  • If you have too many toiletries to fit in the small baggie, you're going to have to check it in your suitcase (bummer).
  • Of course, if you have a medical condition or a baby, there are no limits on amounts of liquids or prescription drugs for you. Just make sure you speak with the security people about it.
  • You're only allowed to bring beverages purchased near your gate after you pass through security.

Fit's Tips: People = Germs. It's an unfortunate truth. Get yourself a travel size hand sanitizer and keep it in your purse to de-germ at every possible moment - just make sure it's 3 oz or less.