Have You Seen My Knork?

Knork Flatware, the vision of Michael D. Miller, puts a whole new spin on the age-old "fork." The Knork combines both the capability of a knife (to slice) and a fork (to spear) into one utensil. Not only will you look less like a doofus trying to cut into your pizza slice (with a steak knife), but you can hand them over to your 11 year old sons without fearing them being thrown across the room, darts style.

Not that YOUR CHILD would ever do that, of course.

We're just saying.

Mr. Duey

As much as we love educational CDs, most of them inspire only yawns out of us. So, when we were sifting through the pile of new arrivals, were actually quite surprised to by the sounds of the Mr. Duey CD. The Mr. Duey CD pairs both great, educational hip-hop lyrics with catchy beats - making everyone want to get up and dance.

He offers lessons in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English on his CD and each song is equally great.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

Boogie Wipes

For this household, it feels like we never get a break from runny noses - cold and flu during the fall and winter and dreaded allergies for...well, the entire year. Snotty noses are just things we deal with on a more-than-occasional basis. Unfortunately, so are puffy, sore and red noses. Until Now.

Until Boogie Wipes.

Boogie Wipes, the creation of two moms, is a saline mixture soaked wipe for big and little noses, alike. The saline helps dry up noses as well as soften that little bunch of crusted on gunk they acquired somewhere in between the fresh scrubbing in the shower and the church parking lot. Plus, each wipe is super soft and has a fresh clean scent, perfect for hurting noses.

**Plus! Free shipping for all US Orders between now and September 1, 2008.

Pizza Quesadillas

Serves 4

• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup pasta sauce
• 6 slices vegetarian pepperoni, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Place tortillas on a flat surface. Use 3/4 cup of the cheese to sprinkle on one half of each of the tortillas. Top the cheese on each tortilla with 2 tablespoons of pizza/pasta sauce. Equally divide pepperoni and place pepperoni on top of sauce. Sprinkle last 1/2 cup of cheese on top of pepperoni on each of the tortillas. Fold tortilla over, pressing lightly. Having a small amount of cheese on both the bottom and top of the tortilla will help it remain closed once cheese is melted. Place olive oil in the bottom of a non stick skillet over medium heat. Place two quesadillas at a time in the skillet. Brown quesadillas lightly on each side. Allow to cool slightly and cut each quesadilla into 3–4 triangles.

*From Whole Foods

Contest!! Build your own Marble Ramp!

*photo from kidmade website

This is an AWESOME idea for kids and parents to participate in together. The idea? Build the longest marble ramp using only duct tape and cardboard. You ARE allowed, however, to use things such as walls, tables and chairs to prop it up.

Go here to check it out and read how to enter (it's really easy).

You have until the end of August to complete it! Be sure to comment here and let us know if you choose to participate! We'd love to feature ALL of our readers' photos of their ramps on our blog post!

And...just in case you haven't already signed up for our $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway for Good for the Kids, you can do so here :)

Recycled Can Lanterns

Make your own "lanterns" using recycled cans! This craft is suitable for adults and teens with a parents guidance. Please be aware that there will be sharp cutting instruments involved and sharp edges. Please keep away from children.

How to:

Rinse out any aluminum cans you wish to use. Be sure to leave the pop top intact, as you will use this to hang your lanterns.

Next, fill the aluminum cans with water and place in the freezer. Once frozen, take the cans out and place them in warm water - You want the ice inside to not be stuck to the insides of the can, yet still be a large chunk of ice. This will make cutting easier.

Using a box cutter or other blade (and preferably some thick gloves if you have them), cut slits in the can - approximately 1.5 inches apart, beginning towards the top of the can and ending towards the bottom. Once all slits have been made, bend out the sections you have just cut, so they bow outwards. You can crease them or leave them rounded.

Place the can back in the hot water to melt the ice. Lastly, place a tea-light inside. You may want to use a screwdriver to make the inverted bottom of the can more flat so the tea-light won't slide. However, glue or sticky tack may work just as well.

String your lanterns up using the pop tabs and fishing line (or string of your choice).

(The Cans featured in this craft are a drink called Fizz Ed. A great, all natural sparkling juice drink from appleandeve.com)

Spa At Home

Summer often comes with aching backs and sore muscles, and taking a day to the spa for every ache and pain just isn't feasible (for most of us). Try the tips below to create your own in-house (and affordable) spa.


For aching feet:
Fill a tub or basin with warm water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. If your feet are really tired and sore, try a mix of lavender and peppermint oils. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Then, apply sugar to your feet (or a store bought or other homemade scrub) and rub in. Use a pumice stone to smooth away any particularly rough spots. Next, rinse your feet and dry them. Use your favorite soothing lotion (or add some lavender essential oil to an unscented lotion) and massage it into your feet and legs. Once your lotion is massaged in, put The Happy Company Soothing Cozy Slippers on and relax as the pain melts away from your feet.


For an aching back:
Use The Happy Company's Foot and Body Roller (which is also great for feet) to massage the muscles in your back. For more relief, have a friend or partner apply the therapy. Afterwards, use The Happy Company's Hot or Cold Gel Water Bottle to soothe and reduce swelling in your muscles. For extra relief, try mixing some peppermint oil and a carrier oil (like olive oil) and massaging it into muscles that hurt and reapplying the Hot or Cold Gel Water Bottle.


Headache:
In a darkened room, use a carrier oil such as olive oil (about the size of a quarter) and a few drops of peppermint essential oil, massage your into and around your hairline, temples, and the back of your neck. Next, gently press beneath your eyebrows (where they start, closest to your nose) to relieve pressure. Do some gentle stretching of your neck - side to side, and then turn your chin toward your shoulder, gently grasping the back of your head with your hand and lightly pulling down. Repeat on other side. Then, use the Happy Company Soothing Gel Eye Mask to help sooth any eye strain or headaches away.

Creating a spa at home can be easy, and incredibly affordable with a just a few main supplies. Try recreating your home spa often to keep yourself relaxed and at peace - and best of all, happy.