As Seen On TV products have always been marketed on the premise that they make life easier.  Chores are done more quickly, more efficiently, more easily, and with less mess than ever before when you use the latest, greatest infomercial products.  It’s a premise that works well, as the As Seen On TV industry continues to grow and reach record profits despite a persistently deflated economy.

In recent years, infomercials have gone beyond the idea of making chores easier and have started touting As Seen On TV products that even make leisure more . . . well, leisurely.  These products make relaxation an art.

I’m not sure if it started with the Total Pillow, which conforms to just about any possible shape one might want for proper and perfect cradling of the head while lounging, or if that icon of relaxation and warmth, the Snuggie, was the instigator.  I do know that I am all about any product that make relaxing and staying warm even easier and cozier than it was before, and that any As Seen On TV product that glorifies laziness is totally making my Christmas wish list.

Enter “Forever Lazy.”

No, that’s not just a description of your SeenOnTV Express blogger.  It’s the actual name of  As Seen On TV loungewear that makes comfort, warmth, and coziness priorities and takes laziness from the list of Seven Deadly Sins and makes it practically a virtue.  If you thought Pajama Jeans were designed for ultimate comfort, wait until you get a load of Forever Lazy.

Forever Lazy is footless, one piece fleece loungewear.  It looks, in short, awesome.  If you have ever seen a baby in pajamas, and saw that baby sleeping like . . . well, like a baby, and thought to yourself, “Why don’t they make pajamas like that for adults,” THEY DO.  Forever Lazy is like the perfect onesie for grown-ups.  You can swaddle yourself head-to-toe in cozy, warm fleece and still have complete range of motion to get up and grab another cup of coffee or hot chocolate before curling back up with your book or Netflix or whatever.  It even has flaps like the old “union suits” for quickly taking care of your, um, business.

I’m not kidding.  This is on my Christmas wishlist.  If Santa sees fit to bring it to me, I promise you this . . . I will not take it off from December 26 until sometime in April.  Bring on Snowpocalypse 2012.

On a side note, I think it is important to instill children with the virtues we hold dear.  As Seen On TV coziness extends its benefit to children as well:  Pillow Pets, Happy Nappers, and BlanKid are all combination cuddly stuffed animal/blanket/pillow sets that help your kids stay comfortable and comforted.  And while you are snuggling in front of the TV for family movie night, you and your honey can snuggle up under your Couples Snuggie while your kids are warm and toasty in their Snuggie for Kids.  Even your pets can get in on the action inaction with Snuggie for Dogs or the PetZZZ Pad pet bed warmer.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but with As Seen On TV blankets and more, inside it’s so delightful.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It seems like more and more, our perception of what is healthful and nutritious is changing.  Workouts used to be aerobics driven, and “toning” consisted of high repetitions of low weights.  Now, both men and women are encouraged to build lean muscle through intensive weight training to build muscle and boost metabolism.  As Seen On TV workout videos have changed their focus from Jazzercise type aerobics videos to boot camp style, high intensity workouts like Insanity and P90X.

Nutrition recommendations have changed as well.  We used to fear eating eggs because they are loaded with cholesterol, but now doctors have determined that the cholesterol from foods does little to affect the cholesterol in our bodies.  We used to shun fats at all costs, but now we are encouraged to consume healthy fats that protect our hearts, such as the fats in walnuts, avocados, and Omega-3 fatty acids which promote healthy brain function.

To help incorporate healthy antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and plant-based “good fats,” nutritionists have long recommended drinking smoothies.  However, it is important to be careful when relying on smoothies for healthy eating, because those from restaurants, fast food chains, and specialty smoothie shops are often laden with hidden fat, sugar, and calories.  For the optimum nutrition from smoothies, health experts recommend blending your own smoothies at home.

As Seen On TV juicers and blenders have long been popular for making delicious smoothies easily.  Juicers such as the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer, the Sharper Image Super Juicer, and the Living Well Healthmaster Emulsifier allow you to quickly take the nutritious juice from fruits and veggies while separating pulp, seeds, and other unwanted portions.

Juicers are great for making nutrient-rich juices from whole foods, but many people simply don’t have the counter space or storage space for yet another appliance.  The Ninja Kitchen System is a great new solution.  The Ninja is more than a blender or juicer.  In fact, with its two containers and five attachments, the Ninja does the work of your blender, food processor, juicer, mixer, and more.  The Ninja comes with a 72 ounce blender pitcher and a 40 ounce processing bowl.  Its five attachments include:

• Blending blade
• Food processing blade
• Whisk attachment
• Dough hook
• Dough paddle

With the Ninja, you can make not only smoothies, but also salsas, soups, pizza dough, and even ice cream.  By making these items at home, you can be certain of the ingredients included and know that there are no added preservatives, hidden fats, or extra sugar.  Make foods as low fat, high fiber, and healthy as you want.

Smoothies are also a great way to sneak nutrition to your kids.  While they may not be likely to eat a plate full of vegetables, you can sneak those same veggies into a fruit-filled smoothie.  Boost brain-building DHA by adding Omega-rich flaxseed to a smoothie, or ramp up the fiber content by adding a tablespoon or two of wheat germ.

With the Ninja blender, you can make smoothies, granitas, frozen drinks, juices, and even ice cream–all low fat and full of vitamins and minerals–and you can have them as quickly as the press of a button.

Raise a glass to healthy living!

You’ve seen infomercial legend Matthew Lesko, bedecked in his question mark suit, telling consumers how to get free money from the government for more than a decade.  Now, the Riddler look-alike is the subject of a short documentary film, “The Gospel According to Matthew.”  In it, Lesko describes how he took the information used by big businesses such as Nike, Apple, and others, and brings it to individuals and small business owners, helping them get free governmental resources.

In Lesko’s As Seen On TV ads for his “free money” books, he wears his trademark suit and tells viewers that it is ridiculous to pay for something one can get for free:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLMlpY7kcdw&feature=related

This seems to be a theme in Lesko’s life.  In “The Gospel According to Matthew,” he describes that his 1987 best seller Getting Yours was essentially written by the government–not by Lesko at all.  He says, “My first New York Times bestseller was a book where I plagiarized the whole thing. Nothing in the government is copyrighted so I just want to the government printing office, bought the state book for $35 and cut and pasted. I took it to Penguin Viking and changed the titles of all the programs, went on the news shows and it became a New York Times bestseller and I didn’t write a lick.”  Lesko says he provides the government’s own information to consumers who are looking for free resources.

Of course, Lesko is not without his critics.  Because the information in his As Seen On TV finance books is readily available for free from the government, some criticize Lesko for selling the information.  However, he feels that he has consolidated the information, making it easier for individuals to access.  Though the information is available elsewhere, Lesko has done the research for consumers.

Lesko says that the government is “weird,” and points to things people can get for free–aside from cash or grants–from governmental agencies:  retired drug dogs, horses, mules, Smokey the Bear or Woodsy the Owl costumes.  He advises consumers looking for free government resources, “Don’t believe in ‘no’.”  He says that if a consumer is told “no,” they are likely asking for it the wrong way.

Though others may criticize Lesko, calling him a “symbol for self-centered free-riders,” Lesko himself sees what he does as important.  He says, “I don’t take myself seriously, but my work is serious.”  Lesko began his search for free government resources as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies before deciding to take what he learned and bring the information to average citizens.  He says, “I figured the fat cats were going to get it with or without me, so I wanted to educate normal people on the street what benefits are available to them.”

Watch a trailer for “The Gospel According to Matthew” below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43AhrGFGtcU

Roughly four months ago, the SeenOnTVExpress blog wrote of the arrest of Don Lapre, self-proclaimed “King of Infomercials.”  Lapre’s story has taken an unfortunate turn as the infomercial pitchman was found dead in his cell in Federal custody on Sunday, October 2.  His trial was scheduled to begin today, Tuesday, October 4.

A spokesman for the U.S. Marshall’s office confirmed the death of the 47 year old Lapre, saying the inmate died of an apparent suicide while in custody at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona.  Spokesman Matt Hershey said the cause of death remains under investigation.

At the time of his arrest, Lapre had serious self-inflicted knife wounds to his groin.  Police believed he was trying to commit suicide by severing his femoral artery.

Don Lapre, a high school dropout, was indicted in June on 41 criminal counts related to his infomercial business, “The Greatest Vitamin in the World,” and other infomercial schemes.  He was indicted on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and promotional money laundering.  Lapre was accused of bilking more than 220,000 people out of nearly $52 million dollars by selling a useless internet business.

On his website, ironically entitled “Enjoy Life,” Lapre wrote:

Never Stop Dreaming….

I tried to create the best product on earth, paid out millions, made very little trying to make it a success, had attorneys review my entire company, paid out millions in refunds, tried to make the commission and products better every single year, and in spite of all that, I have been accused of something I did not do.  I did not have the perfect company but never once did I allow one thing to be done that would violate any law.  Nevertheless, because the majority of people did not make money, in spite of everyone of them being able to make as many $1000 checks as they wanted, I am left to fight a battle that will for sure destroy what energy I have left inside.

Infomercial products are designed to solve problems, not create them.  For Lapre, his apparent attempt to take advantage of those wishing to build a successful internet business cost his alleged victims millions of dollars, and cost himself his life.