CARRY-ON: Helium Pilot Suiter Trolley, $400, Delsey

WHAT HAPPENS: You won't care if airlines do charge for checked baggage if you use this roomy carry-on.

WHAT WORKS: The trolley is quite handsome with its black heavy-duty fabric and black-and-chrome accents. We like the three zippered pockets on the exterior that are handy for stashing paperwork or a book. Inside, there's plenty of room.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: Like a lot of carry-on pieces, this one comes with accessories that we don't often use and that take up a bit of room. The good news is that they zip or snap so they're easy to remove.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: This lightweight carry-on measures 22 inches high by 14 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep. It expands 2 inches more. Its Teflon-protected nylon comes in black, blue or platinum. It also includes a toiletry kit, organizational pockets, water-resistant laundry pocket and a garment cover.

TO BUY IT: Bloomingdale's at Lenox Square mall, and www.luggageonline.com —- for less than half the price.

BODY CREAM: Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment,

$50, Wei East

WHAT HAPPENS: If you have dry, dull skin, smooth on this rich cream and you'll feel softer instantly.

WHAT WORKS: This makes a perfect all-around skin cream that you can slather on anytime your skin needs a moisture boost. We love it on our legs after shaving and on feet, arms and, well, everywhere. It keeps skin feeling soft for hours and we like that it has a subtle fragrance.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: The cream features light diffusers, which means it has a faint glow, so if you don't like that in a cream, this might not work for you. It's not available in stores.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: It comes in a 13.5-ounce tube and a little goes a long way. The cream features Chinese herbs, including ginseng. It also contains wild turmeric, licorice and red sage root.

TO BUY IT: Available through www.weieast.com.

WINDOW FILM: Heat Control Platinum, $32.98, Gila

WHAT HAPPENS: Line windows that are facing south or that get a lot of sun exposure and you'll tone down the heat level in the good old summertime.

WHAT WORKS: We like that this film reduces glare in the windows. And it keeps the windows somewhat cooler, reducing the temperature in the room. While these are platinum- tinted, you can still see out of the window, but it's harder to see in, making windows more private.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: The film is a royal pain in the neck to apply if you're doing it by yourself. And since you have to spray the windows as well as both sides of the film with an adhesive solution, it's also a messy project.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: The roll of Mylar-like film measures 3 feet by 15 feet. The film is designed to reflect up to 70 percent of the summer heat and block up to 99 percent of UV rays.

TO BUY IT: Available at Lowe's stores.

BROOM: Airwick FreshSweep, $10.99, Quickie

WHAT HAPPENS: The idea is that when you sweep, you also freshen up the room with an Airwick air freshener built into the broom.

WHAT WORKS: The broom itself is pretty good. It's lightweight, comfortable to hold and the angled bristles do a terrific job sweeping up most messes. We really liked the scent of the air freshener.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: Had I been at the meeting where the idea of combining a stick-up air freshener with a broom was pitched, I would have politely said that it's a silly notion —- and it is. You might get an occasional and slight whiff of fragrance, but not enough to make a difference.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: A nice broom with the Airwick air freshener placed in a specially designed compartment above the bristles on the broom.

TO BUY IT: At home improvement stores and mass merchandisers.

DIAPER PAD: Diaper Changing Pad, $39.99, Butt-Ums Up Baby

WHAT HAPPENS: If you're out and about with your baby and don't want to drag around that heavy, jampacked diaper bag, this version, developed by a local mom, Stacy Sager, offers the perfect, lightweight solution.

WHAT WORKS: This is a pretty diaper pad and the fabric is soft and plush. It's also practical. It easily unrolls with one hand, thanks to the Velcro closure. And when you're done, simply roll it back up. We like the easily accessible pocket that holds wipes (slim case included) and extra diapers.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: Chances are, if you have one, your friends with babies also will want one, so you might have to splurge on these as baby gifts.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: Folded, it measures 12 inches wide by 6 inches high and unfolds to about 30 inches long. It comes with a clip that attaches to a stroller or handbag. The vinyl lining wipes clean, and the whole pad is machine washable. It comes in a variety of patterns, even ones that won't embarrass dada.

TO BUY IT: Available through www.buttumsupbaby.com and at Sweet Peas in Canton, 678-880-2942.

All prices are manufacturers' suggested retail price.