Swimsuit season is approaching, and if your skin is looking as dry and ashy as ours, we suggest you take action before Memorial day rolls around. Organic skincare giant Weleda recently introduced their new Birch Body Scrub, just in time to save our hides. The formula uses pure plant oils and extracts to exfoliate and, more importantly, diminish the appearance of cellulite, so your bod looks toned and polished when you slip on that string bikini - or modest tank suit.

For more summer skin tips, click here.

From lazy days at the pool to evening bonfires at the beach, summer is jam-packed with photo ops requiring that your camera be at the ready. BuiltNY's 'Hoodie' camera case is made of cushy neoprene to protect your fragile LCD screen, has an hidden interior pocket for storing memory cards or extra batteries, and comes with both wrist and belt straps for easy access. Plus, the graphic prints make them far more appealing than the typical boring black canvas.

For kid-friendly cameras to slip inside, click here

Every mom with a green thumb already owns the requisite spades and hoes, clogs and flower seeds. The people at Simplemente Blanco have thought of something for an avid gardener that even she hasn't realized she needs--a clean-up kit. The sweet boxed set includes a gentle brush to remove grit from under fingernails, leaf-shaped glycerine soap to wash soil away, and bath salts in divine scents for more comprehensive cleansing. Now she can tend to herself with as much care as she tends to her tea roses.

To order, email Simplemente Blanco at contactus@simplementeblanco.com. Or for 29 more bright ideas, check out our mother's day gift guide.

If every other kid in school also has the Dora bag, consider upgrading to something truly unique. Vessel's Zoo Collection bags are made of sturdy canvas and have bright, graphic designs that featuring giraffes, elephants, and porcupines. The company also makes zippered sacks that are perfect for taking toiletries to sleepaway camp and adorable beach hats.

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Dear ballet flat, the time has come for us to express our undying gratitude to your legacy. You're comfortable, you're tasteful, and you have all but eliminated the need for otherwise stylish women the world over to wear frumpy sneakers on the way to work while carrying sky-high stilettos in their tote. We're currently digging this version by Pedro Garcia, with a softly ruched heel wearable enough to take you from play date to date night.

These Happy and Cheeky mixing spoons from Kid Central Kitchen definitely earn their name -- we just look at them and smile! We're also betting they'll make any picky eater that much more eager to experiment in the kitchen. Made from melamine and available in a selection of bright colors, a whole set would make for a nice pick-me-up in the kitchen -- we suspect you might start enjoy them as much as the kids.

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Although it's too soon for a day at the beach, looking at photos of sunnier times can take the edge off the chill. Why not put those snaps on permanent display, in these Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Coquille frames? The frames' seashell motif is fancifully fun, and the antiqued silver and gold finishes set them apart from the standard (no hint of souvenir store-tack here). Call 212-431-2575 to order. Click here for our exclusive tips on decorating with frames.

School has started and the air is slowly cooling off, but technically it's still Summer until this Sunday. Hang onto the last sunny memories of the season with this Mermaid Beach Wrap. Made in Germany from absorbent 100% cotton, the whimsical towel is as much fun post-bath as post-beach, and it's sure to keep your kid's playful vacation spirit going strong throughout Fall.

We can't stop gushing over Hilly Chrisp's collection of girls' skirts. Made of 100% cotton and trimmed with grosgrain ribbons, the three-tiered skirts mix delightfully clashing florals, polka dots, plaids and pinstripes. The result is a look that's a little bit vintage, a little bit country, and all girl--yet the sturdy fabric and comfy elastic waistband make them suitable for active (or, ahem, messy) play. Who says you can't wear more than one pattern at once?

Just say no to plastic. Sigg's water bottles, long considered the go-to favorite for the fashionable environmentalist, marry Swiss design with a myriad of pretty colors and patterns. Made from single-sheet aluminum, the bottles are crack-resistant, effective against leeching, and impossibly lightweight; they also protect against residue build-up for easy cleaning. As a result, drinking filtered water from a Sigg vessel is actually healthier than spring water bottled in chemical-laced plastics--for you, your kids, and our landfills. Any questions?

Remember how fun it was to catch lightning bugs in a jar? Today, kids can take insect obsession to the extreme with the Big Bad Booming Bugs Giant Bug Projector. Catch bugs with the bug scooper, pop 'em in the projector, and spend hours freaking out younger siblings with freak-show shadows. Or, if your child is less sadistic, get him the bug watch. Admire the little blinking guy in a wrist-worn dome for a few minutes, and then release the latch to set free.

How many times have you decided against grilling in the park because it just seems too hard to stake out one of those nasty charcoal-coated, cement-anchored picnic grills? Here's our handy (not to mention stylish) solution: the Cityboy Grill by designer Klaus Aalto. This portable grill is chic without sacrificing ease. The grate can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and it just uses an easy-to-find disposable gas cartridge. Now you're free to find the best grassy knoll in the park, and get your hot dog on.

Three titles that will have you covered no matter what you're in the mood for: Though Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him might be unsuitable for Henry James readers, the fluffy beach read provides a satiric and entertaining look at Manhattan's art scene. In Blindsided by a Diaper, a collection of short stories, parents reflect on how kids drastically derailed marital bliss. And literary journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski chronicles the early days of his career in Travels with Herodotus--describing how he sees the world for the first time and is both riveted by its beauty and shocked by its brutality.

Ever wondered what you'd look like with a moustache in profile? We haven't really, either, but these Pick Your Nose cups are too fun to pass up. Pair it with the Lekue Silicone Ice Pop Molds, which recreate push-pops but in a mix of your own flavors, and you've got quite the party. Find both at Broadway Panhandler.

The new Comfort-Lite Deluxe Portable Lounger by Brookstone will allow you to enjoy the beach or fireworks in style. The ergonomic design takes the stress off your neck and legs, the nylon is breathable to keep you cool, and you can fold the whole thing up and throw it over your shoulder. The chaise comes in four colors and is also rust and mold-proof.

Welcome to summer! Our first hot product of our week celebrating the sizzling season are these beach-perfect Oilcloth Tote. We love the brightly colored vintage designs, and the large size makes it perfect for carrying an entire day's worth of leisure items. And, of course, the fabric is sturdy, waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Not lucky enough to hit the beach this summer? You can also get the patterns on aprons, lunch bags, bibs, and tablecloths.

A wonderful fresh summer offering? Pineapple. Not so wonderful? Peeling and coring it quickly without doing bodily injury. Williams-Sonoma has us covered. Their modern-looking steel Vacuvin pineapple slicer easily cores and slices this tropical treat. Just twist the slicer in, and the pineapple flesh will come out in rings. It even leaves the shell intact, perfect for drinks.

On this, the official first day of summer, we bring you adorable new swimsuits from one of our favorite children's clothing designers, Flora & Henri. The Havana bikini shown is made from gorgeous performance-quality material, and the one-piece version has a sweet keyhole neckline. But don't think the boys have been left out--we're also quite fond of the Lord Paisley swim trunks. Precious suits and lots of sun? Let summer begin!

Anyone who's seen Oprah is well aware of Creme de La Mer's cult-following. But it's a bit too rich and heavy for some of us in the hot summer months. Enter the brand-new twist on the trusty favorite: La Mer's Moisturizing Gel Cream, an ultra-light moisturizer ideal for warmer weather and humidity. The company's patented "miracle broth" is a concoction of sea kelp and other natural ingredients to soothe, heal, hydrate, and firm. A little goes a long way...

Celebrate cherry season with less fuss (and even less worry) by investing in OXO's new cherry pitter. The ergonomic design, removable splatter shield, and dishwasher compatibility make it easier than ever for your kids to scarf the fruit down by the handful without any choking risk. And if it's scarfing you're going for, might we suggest the tasty organic cherries from Frog Hollow Farm, which just became ripe for picking? You choose the amount and the company will ship the ripest variety out from California.

On the lookout for a good hostess gift this summer? You know--something that says, "We really appreciate you" instead of "Here's another candle you don't know what to do with." Boule's dark-chocolate ladybugs filled with vanilla-pineapple ganache are a perfect solution. Made by acclaimed pastry chef Michelle Myers, the beautiful and delicious treats are sure to get you invited back.

With summer just around the corner, the folks at Sephora want to make sure we stay both beautiful and healthy. Their new Sun Safety kit--created in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month--boasts eight mini-sunscreens for the face, lips, eyes, and body, all packed into a cheerful yellow pouch. The luxe products are from covetable brands like Bliss, Clarins, and Murad, yet the kits retail for a mere $22 each. Best of all, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation. Snap 'em up now--they're only available through June.