Better than Spanx

Remember that moment in Bridget Jones' Diary, where Bridget's "scary panties" (those hideous, fat sucking things) almost prevent her from shagging the dashingDaniel Cleaver? Since that scenario is only funny when happening to someone else, we suggest looking into Yummie Tummie. This truly fabulous shapewear is actually meant to be seen! Made of a dual fabric technology, each tank and tee has a middle panel that effectively smooths and shapes your stomach and hips. And because Yummie Tummie comes in virtually every form of neckline, sleeve configuration and color, you'll have something stylish to wear under every outfit.

Betsey Johnson Smells

She smells good these days! Why you ask...well she has a new perfume and What girl doesn't love the dainty, always feminine looks of Ms. Betsey Johnson? We know we can't resist her clothes, and now, with the release of her first perfume, (the aptly-named Betsey Johnson Perfume) ($55), we know we can't resist her scent, either. Just like her duds, Betsey's fragrance is flirty and fun—layering fruity top notes of pear, tangerine and black currant with seductive bottom ones, like vanilla and musk. And topping the whole package off is this fun glass bottle, capped with pink "jewels."

Get Flirty

Ok so it is a little early to think about Valentine's Day but you can never be too flirty to early. Check out Sexy Panites and Naughty Knickers. This is my new favorite site.

Active Girl Headphones... HORRAY

Your search for the perfect in-ear headphones has finally come to a smashingly successful conclusion, with the V-Moda Vibe II With Microphone($119). These ergonomically correct headphones come complete with four pairs of silicone fittings and sport earhooks for the active girl. The headphones also feature BLISS noise isolating technology and a hands-free microphone with call/music control for iPhone usage. Plus, they look damn hot, too.

Peep Pump

Soooooo retro, and in the very best way. You will love the Carmelita Peep Pump, designed by Lela Rose for Payless. This shoe boasts a satin fabric upper lined in a contrasting color and topped with a sweet bow to balance the vampy peep toe. In green/brown, black/black and black and white checked.

MUST HAVE for Savvy Shoppers

You know you have to spend money to make money, but in the case of Good Housekeeping Good Deals & Smart Steals, that cash out is just a measly ten bucks. The rate of return, however, could save you thousands! This lifesaving book offers literally hundreds of ideas for getting more bang from your buck on every kind of purchase. Learn how to cut your energy costs by five percent (hint: it involves your hot water heater), how to get out of a sucky cell phone contract and the best way to negotiate on that fabulous big ticket blouse. This is a must have for any savvy shopper

Get Going with the Go Drive

The Seagate FreeAgent Go Drive: I'm absolutely loving this thing, and not just because of the iPod-esque array of color choices and super slender body. This portable hard drive solution is designed to automatically back up all your stuff in case of a crash. And don't be fooled by its size—the Go Drive holds from 250 to 500 gigs and is easy to access via a simple (although sold separately) charging dock.

Soft and Snuggly

Slip into something more sexy, and yet more comfortable, too, with this Silence & Noise Brushed Professor Cardigan ($48). We love the details here— the button-down front, ribbed knit, shawl-like collar and cute patch pockets.

Money Issued SOLVED

Got 30 minutes? Take on some DO IT RIGHT NOW suggestions.

WORRY 1: I spend too much

1. Do it right now: MAKE SHOPPING HARDER. First, delete bookmarked shopping sites from your computer (except this one). Next gather the catalogs by your bed, in your bathroom, on your desk and even the ones that clog your mailbox and call the toll-free number for each and ask to be removed from the mailing list. OR go to www.catalogchoice.org a free service that helps you unsubscribe from hundreds of catalogs.

2.  Open your wallet and remove all but one credit card. I know this sounds hard but you will thank me later. Put the rest of the cards away in a drawer- or cancel them. When you don' see those department store cards looking back at you screaming to take them out and slide them through the credit machine, let's just say there will be less temptation.

3.  Change some of your everyday habits. Plot out the most risk-free routes to and from work and on your daily errands. if lattes are your weakness (as they are mine) that means giving a wide berth to expensive coffee shops (buh-bye Starbucks). If it's clothes, another one of my vices, then steer clear of trendy boutiques.

4. Cut of convenience foods. Walk over to your refrigerator, open it, and take out some baby carrots. Put a handful into five small plastic bags. Toss some almonds or other nuts in five more plastic bags. PRESTO - your snacks for the workweek none of which involve expensive (not to mention unhealthy) packaged foods.

Soft Winter Hands....SERIOUSLY

If there's one thing we all know, it's that winter wrecks pure havoc on our hands. In our search for a cream that actuallymoisturizes in said conditions, we ran intoKenzoKi Sensual Hands Balm  a truly amazing formula that w-o-r-k-s. This super rich balm provides "glove-like" protection all day long (even after hand washing) with natural white lupin extract and marula oil for locked in moisture and okoumyrrhine for nail protection and strengthening.

Vacation and Fun

It takes a pretty nervy guy to launch a new business in this economy. But Steve Belkin thinks he's got an idea that will sell. The inveterate traveler and former television producer's new venture is a tour company called Competitours, in which teams of two (couples, friends, parent-and-child) travel through Europe completing "challenges" and competing for a grand prize (another trip). 

Picture Amazing Race without the frenzy. Challenges are set up for maximum exposure to the culture, not as a test of speed or prowess. One challenge might be to make a 45-second commercial at a Viking museum in Oslo. Another might be to try a dead man's finger in Copenhagen (which turns out to be a hotdog). Points are accrued by completing tasks and videos are judged for creativity, not cinematography. "This isn't about using an expensive camcorder, but being creative and original," notes Belkin.

Participants won't know what city they're starting from until a couple of days before departure, and will only know a half-day in advance the next stop on their adventure, but they can count on visiting five or six countries in Western and Central Europe during the two-week trip. "The game is more of an arc, not a leash; it's meant to complement, not overwhelm your trip," says Belkin. Teams don't necessarily travel together, though they may encounter each other as they complete their challenges. 

Cost is $2,850 per person, including international airfare, lodging, and transportation (by train, bus, ferry, or foot). Shorter and cheaper options are available. The first trip is being offered this spring. As inducement for those skeptical about whether this new venture can deliver the goods, participants' credit cards are not charged until after their return.

Grow By Thyself

You've always said that "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." But in the case of the Grobal Self Watering Pot  you really can let someone (or something) take over your dirty work for a change. The Grobal draws water and nutrients from the (included) soil pad and feeds them to your (not included) plant on an as-needed basis. The result? Fabulous foliage with a zero energy output. 

We can talk about fragrances with the best of them, but we know that choosing that perfect perfume may take more than just liking a description. Enter the Sephora Scent Sampler ($50). This set comes packed with mini bottles of Sephora's top ten bestselling scents (including Mark Jacobs' "Daisy" and Vera Wang's "Princess"). 

Sniff and sample before choosing a favorite, filling out the included voucher and heading to a Sephora store to pick up a full-sized bottle of your new signature scent.

Draw on It

Finally! An inexpensive, but surprisingly classy gift for the girl who has everything: Your boss. This Chalkboard Candle  is made of 100-pure soy wax, so even sensitive sniffers won't have a problem lighting it up. Plus, the base of this fun candle is composed of a chalkboard which comes complete with a box of chalk, perfect for penning important reminders at the office, or for leaving notes for her family at home.

Dublin Layers

Now this is the kind of sweater we can really use in our day to day. Layers Clothing's Dublin Cardigan  boasts a casual cowl neck which buttons all the way up, and a three-quarter sleeve, perfect for too-hot offices. In mallard green and maple sugar brow

Blooming Lights

When nothing's blooming in the cold outside, this Bloom Lumen will give you a foliage fix all through the winter months. This gorgeous oil lamp comes with two clear burning liquid candles, which cast a soft light onto the lamp's stainless steel tree. The result is a private screening of nature's prettiest shadow on your wall.

Polish Empowers YOU

What empowers you? For me, the Jessica Cosmetics Empowered Collection is a pretty good place to start. This line of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP-free nail color offers six feminine shades. Paying tribute to the brave women fighting breast cancer every day, each has an inspirational moniker, like "Breathe," "Endure," and favorite,"Faith". Sixty-five percent of all proceeds will go to the American Institute for Cancer Research.

Get Assymetrical

Rest assured that this cropped woolAssymetrical Button Jacket will take you through warmish fall and into mild winter without a hitch. Love the combination of army cool (off-center buttons, a notched collar) and girlishly cute (a ruffled hem. Available in olive and brown.

Every Lash Every Time

These days, it's close to impossible to keep up as mascara after mascara rolls out of the assembly line. And while we all have our favorites I'm quickly become devotees of brand new Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara. Why, you ask? For starters, it's got this great round tip, never before seen in our favorite beauty staple. The precision wand really does reach every single lash, plus it also curls them as it works. In brown and black, for every blonde and brunette.

Get a Grip - On Your Golf Game

Get a (golf) grip with the SensoGlove . For the truly dismal golfers among us, this glove, made of high quality leather, has a tiny computer hidden inside. Because the best swing requires an appropriate grip, the glove will measure yours on a scale of one to eighteen, and warn you—both visually and audibly—when you're too tight or too loose. Give the SensoGlove a try the next time you're on the green and watch your score drop faster than you can yell "Four!"