Trader Joe's Plain Non-Fat frozen yogurt, $3.49 for per quart.
What happens: Billed as pleasantly tart with active cultures, this yogurt gives you a refreshing, healthy frozen dessert that provides a perfect foil for a variety of toppings.
What works: Part of the appeal is the tart flavor tempered by a bit of sweetness, which sets Trader Joe's plain frozen yogurt apart from flavored varieties. It's not heavy or cloying in any way. If you want to switch it up, you can add fresh berries and enjoy a rich-tasting dessert without a speck of guilt.
What doesn't: If you're not a fan of plain yogurt, then this might not be the dessert choice for you.
What you get: A 1/2-cup serving contains 100 calories, 5 mg cholesterol, 3 protein grams and 50 mg sodium. Ingredients include nonfat milk, sugar and corn syrup solids.
Where you get it: Available in the freezer section of Trader Joe's stores.
Ulta Contour lip liner pencil, Flesh, $7.
What happens: This flesh-toned lip liner pencil will give you a terrific natural lip color — a perfect choice for a casual summer look.
What works: Finding a true flesh-toned lip liner pencil is tougher than you'd expect, but Ulta brand offers a perfect nude that still adds definition to your lips. It's not too dark nor is it invisible. It goes on smoothly and is perfect with just a little gloss or your favorite lip color.
What doesn't: Skin tones differ, so it might not be the perfect flesh color for everyone.
What you get: This thin wooden pencil comes with a plastic lid and can be sharpened with a regular sharpener.
Where you get it: Available at Ulta stores and through www.ulta.com.
LG LuV400T Kompressor vacuum, $524.99.
What happens: From hardwoods to carpets and even your mattress, this upright vacuum will keep your entire house in tip-top shape.
What works: This handsome black-and-chrome upright vacuum offers superior suction on carpets, and works equally well on hard surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. The LED light comes in handy as do the added controls on the wand that allow you to change settings or turn the vacuum on or off when the wand is detached from the base. The flexible crevice tool gets into tight places like inside dryer filters. Equipped with a practical, extra long 40-foot cord.
What doesn't: The mechanism to empty the bin is a little awkward to use and the Click 'N Go wand takes a bit of practice to get it to slide into the base smoothly.
What you get: The vacuum uses the Kompressor system, which employs a wiper blade in the bin that compresses the dust, allowing it to store up to three times more than other vacuums, so you don't have to empty it as often. Accessories include two crevice tools, a mattress tool, pet hair turbine tool and a nozzle for hardwoods. It also comes with a handy felt tote to stash the tools.
Where you get it: At most Sears stores, and www.bestbuy.com can ship to local stores.
About the Author