Remember playing with paper dolls? On a recent rainy afternoon I plunged right back to the days I’d endlessly rearrange my gals’ myriad outfits (some of which I‘d painstakingly designed and cut out myself) at the Couturious.com beta site, where I happily dressed and redressed an avatar/model in a tsunami of togs, shoes, and accessories. With a simple little click I could see just what a frock (or leggings. Or tunic. Or blouse. Or coat) looked like on any one of the eight models I’d chosen, and how it coordinated with, say, platforms or flatties, a string of baubles or a choker, a hobo or clutch — or all of the above.

I picked from a collection of styles – casual chic, street, romantic, edgy, classic – and mixed, matched, and mingled to my heart’s content. It was like being my very own stylist – but I could also access suggestions from guest stylists for more inspiration. And if I fell in love with something? Another little click led to straight to where I could buy it on the spot.  Duds from designers like Cynthia Rowley, Tory Burch, and Alice + Olivia carried heftier price tags than, say, striped leggings from American Apparel, but it all went into a very cheerful, healthy mix.

I’m looking forward to even more options as the beta site develops– as in soon the current eight models will expand to differ not only by ethnicity but also body type, and by year’s end up to 100,000 items should be in the inventory. Plenty to play with now, though, so visit to build fantasy outfits you can actually bring to life. And see if it doesn’t take you back to rainy afternoons of your own.

What is it with me and restaurants? Every time I think about going out to eat I find myself wondering what a phenomenal fillet of fish or spectacular species of steak we could get for that kinda money. So I get pretty stingy when it comes to blowing bucks on meals out that somehow end up consuming time, energy, calories, and savings. But Restaurant.com’s current $25 certificate for just $10 is bringing home the bacon, and changing habits – which of course is exactly what they want.

But fine with me, if it means all I have to do is type in my zip code and, voila, a list of eateries of every stripe and ethnicity in my neighborhood pops up, along with descriptions and even menus to choose from.

Pizza? Check. Indian? Check. Sushi? Wow–which one? More than 13,000 restaurants have signed on for this service nationwide. Why? Because they get new customers, who’ll in turn talk up the restaurant to their friends. And then there’s the unconditional guarantee to take the edge off the unknown; if something isn’t right, Restaurant.com’s customer service will make it right.

Gift certificates, too – what a great (and cost-effective) way to treat someone! As they say, your favorite restaurant is in your neighborhood – maybe you just don’t know it yet.

Blood Pressure Monitor ($59.32; reg, $130)

We heart Amazon under any circumstances, but now the megasite is clearly hearting us back with up to 60% off 500 health-care items calculated to keep us fit, feisty, and fired up–starting with the HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor above, which boasts IntelliSense technology to inflate the innovative pre-formed Comfit Cuff just so. The 90-memory recall with date and time stamp helps you track your blood pressure and pulse progress as you kick butt to a healthier lifestyle. 

Blood pressure taken, it’s time for a nice, energetic walk with your trusty Omron Pocket Pedometer and its health-management software. It’ll measure steps, aerobic steps and minutes, calories and distance, and its 7-day history reveals and reviews a whole week of exercise, while its special software tracks your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly progress.

Pocket Pedometer ($33; reg. $60 )

Back home, chronicle what you’ve burned off on the way-cool EatSmart Digital Bathroom Scale with extra-large backlit 3.5″ display and oversize platform.

Slick Digital Bathroom Scale ($29; reg. $50 )

And then ahhh, unwind with a Homedics FM-S Therapist Select Shiastsu Foot Massager (whose very three words inspire a kind of happiness difficult to describe) with toe-touch control to allow selection of  massage only or massage and heat combined, so it’s juuuussst the way you like it.

Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat ($39.88; reg. $60)

But don’t neglect the other end, those tight little shoulders that tend to grab and hold onto stresses and tensions for dear life–the SoftHeat Electric Neck & Shoulder Wrap can take care of that with its four heat settings, and its long cord and machine washablity make it practical as heck.

Electric Neck & Shoulder Wrap ($17.79; reg. $30)

Oops, is that a lil blister from that extra round of stairs or lap around the block? No worries with these waterproof Batman bandages, which’ll protect and promote healing, spark curiosity and comment, and – most important — inspire confidence. (Never to be underestimated!)

Batman Band-Aids: 6 20-count packs of assorted strips & patches ($15.25)

Saw my BFF Kirsten last night and danged if she didn’t do it again – manage to combine the cutest, coolest, (and sometimes weirdest) accessories, clothes, jewelry, and shoes and make them look like there was no other way to do it. Huh?? Well, turns out she’s not alone, as Polyvore.com’s huge community of fashionistas demonstrate, with their myriad collections, or “sets,” of selected combos hunted down from across the web. In this universe, trendsetters, shoppers, and aspiring stylists post thousands of sets a day, each accompanied by an illustrated list calling out the brand and the price of each item, as well as–pow--where you can purchase it.

What one might wear in Paris ...

Polyvore’s virtual styling tool lets even the stylistically challenged mix and match products from any online store to see how they look together, so even if you feel perennially stuck in AnnTaylor mode, there’s sooo much to inspire you it’s just a matter of time before you’ll be up to your stacked bangles in enterprising ensembles observing a parade of themes (ruffles, plaid shirts, liquid jeans, wide-brimmed hats). It’s like a cheerfully crazed fashion equivalent of fantasy football.

Find tons of sets like this ...

Browse by category (jeans, skirts, bags …), trend (floral dresses, cuff bracelets, multistrap heels …), or designer to help explore the infinite ways these disparate items can make friends with each other. Check out the contests too, challenging style mavens (could be you!) to come up with sets reflecting, say, where you’d go if you could spirit yourself anywhere and what you’d wear when you got there; or an outfit you’d create that features your favorite pair of killer red heels (like we show on top).

Fetching, romantic inspiration ...

But be forewarned: this stuff can be pretty addicting–even if you’re just flicking through, even if you’re determined not to buy so much as an itty bitty T-shirt. In this universe of cool-kitty combos, just about anything can happen …

We're loving plaid ...

The Sainted Lemon LuLu

My mother, bless her soul, who was born in Hungary, raised in Paris, and lived for 50 years in New York City, knew from great bakery and was, well, just a teensy bit snobbish about it. Mail order cake? Quelle horreur, what could they be thinking? But when it came to Mother Myricks, she was all over the Lemon LuLu, and she spread the gospel by shipping those sainted cakes to favorite friends and family during her final years.

So maybe I’m a tad prejudiced, and maybe I also happen to love lemon in all its incarnations, but hard fact is, this sublime, inspired pound cake – light, moist,  not too sweet, and bathed in a delicate fresh lemon glaze – will almost certainly blow minds and cause grown men to weep. It ain’t cheap (the small LuLu, which serves 8, is $28.95; the large, which serves 14, runs $38.95, and that’s before shipping charges), but the Mona Lisa, Meryl Streep, and other marvels  aren’t either.

Beautiful Buttercrunch

Leaning toward a crunchier, darker, sweeter world? Mother’s buttercrunch, crisp and buttery, waits saucily in the wings, its fresh-made toffee centers dipped in chocolate (milk or dark) and then rolled in freshly roasted crushed cashews and almonds, happy to melt in your mouth. Awesome. And really hard to share. So get plenty. (1 lb, $32; 2 lbs, $58; 7 oz. $16)

Chocolate Almond Bark

There’s also Chocolate Almond Bark if you want crisp nuts in milk, white, and/or dark chocolate – gotta love that snap in the chocolate and crunch in the toasted almonds. (1 lb, $24).

Mother Myricks, based in pretty little Manchester, Vermont, is picky about things arriving fresh, so if you’re opting for UPS ground (the least pricey route), plan a bit ahead, as orders are delivered on weekdays and non-holidays only. S’worth it. Really.

We’re often taken aback here at Coldwater Creek. Just when we start thinking it’s for Grandma (some of the stuff, you gotta admit, is a wee bit … frumpy), we stumble upon a revelation, and this time it’s with the accessories — and the ones on deep sale, no less. Wow — who knew? The cool folk-arty 24” x 12” embroidered twigs pillow above, fr’instance, appliquéd on rustic jute hopsack, works in living room, den, salon, or bedroom, and makes a terrific gift too. Zip-off cover is cotton with corduroy on back. ($55; reg. $90).

Tri-tone Petal Bracelet ($56; reg. $85.50)

Then consider this multiple-strand tri-tone petal bracelet, with liquid silver heishi beads accented by delicate petals of sterling silver and gold vermeil, finished off with a lovely lobster clasp. (Fits wrists to 7 1/2″)

Hammered Stretch Belt ($29; reg. $59.50)

Could not believe this hammered metal stretch belt was a stretchy – but indeed, it’s linked with biomorphic cast-metal waves, then joined with a stretch cord to adjust for a perfect fit. We can see it making a special splash on a simple solid-color dress or ensemble.

Flower Flip-Flops ($6.99; reg. $10.50)

And just for laughs, we can’t think of a better way to welcome spring than these fabulously fun flower flip-flops poufed with a big, jelly-clear flower — so cheerful and ridiculously affordable that we’d be silly not to pick a pair or two.

You just never know …

Some Valentine’s Days go so well that all those hearts and flowers actually lead to marriage and the proverbial baby carriage … and that’s when Old Navy can step in to make the cute critters nestled in them even cuter — as if that were even possible. (OK, we’ve got baby shamelust, and we’re not afraid to admit it.) And now’s the time to see just how much cuter, during Old Navy’s Kids and Baby Sale, which is boasting beautiful buys up to 40% off already ridiculously low prices thru Feb 18. We picked out a few we simply could not resist (it’s been a while since our babies were this little) — like the ruffle-trim polka-dot dress above (which also comes in coral), now down to $19 (reg. $22.50) — but the site has oodles more, usually available from teensy 3M sizes to big-kid 5T. And at these prices, you really can go a little crazy. It’s OK. Really.

Smocked Babydoll Top ($8; reg.12.50)

Totally adorable smocked babydoll tops in soft, slub-knit cotton jersey with ruffles along the square neckline come in a spectrum of colors and prints, but we’re partial to this one with a kinda retro feel (also available in Plus).

Graphic-Stripe Applique Polos ($8; reg. $12.50)

Boys get plenty of options too, like this ultra-cool polo with graphic icons forming a stylish stripe across the front, with a larger applique graphic at the chest earning extra cred (sizes XS to XXL).

Sleep Sets ($12.50; buy 2 @ $9)

Kids’ll go ape for this soft, snug-fitting sleep set (sizes 3M-5T), featuring a pleasing print of playful primates. (And who knows –they might even be more inclined to jump into bed!)

Rain Slicker ($14.70; reg. $24.50)

And here comes the rain, but no alarm necessary with a classic yellow firemen’s slicker to the rescue. Complete with three buckle snaps, two flap pockets and, of course, a hood.

Canvas Slip-Ons ($10; reg. $14.50)

Tired of tying shoes? No problemo with these super-cool slip-on sneakers. Available in a slew of fun patterns (plaids, camo, skulls), they express personal style and come in sizes 1–13.

Smocked Jersey Dress ($20; reg. $29.50)

Maternity mama, we’ve not forgotten you! This soft jersey maxi dress with smocked bodice is comfy  – not to mention pretty, practical, and playful — and will take you through those first months after delivery while you’re getting your body back (and yes, it will come back).  Comes in dusty blue too.

The value of love can’t be measured, we know this, but thoughtful gestures are powerful things, and diamonds are as powerful as they come. Trusty Ross-Simons knows this too, and with breathtaking discounts is tempting you to make a diamond donation to someone special, even if that someone is y-o-u.  Show some heart, then, this V-Day with these romantically reasonable riches.

The sparkling open heart necklace above, eternal symbol of true love and layered with a whole carat’s worth of shimmering diamonds set in polished 14kt yellow gold, comes with a fine 1mm chain and is guaranteed to warm anyone’s cockles. And at $485 (originally $1,250), it’s close to a steal.

Vintagey Diamond Floral Drop Earrings ($112.50; reg. $150)

How about Victorian-inspired diamond floral drop earrings (1/2″ wide and 7/8″ long) — sooo feminine and lovely we could hardly believe we could afford them. The rocks may not be huge (.20 ct.) but the effect surely is.

Diamond Bow Bangle Bracelet ($139; reg. $185)

We’re totally charmed by this pretty ribbon bangle set in polished sterling silver. It flickers with .15 ct. t.w. diamonds, comes hinged and outfitted with a box clasp with a double latch safety, and measures 3/4″ in width.

Diamond Ring with Vermeil ($131; reg. $175)

This classy, unusual band ring glistens with .25 carat t.w. diamonds, has an interesting crisscross patterned design in textured sterling silver with vermeil (18kt gold-plated sterling silver), and works great, we’re thinking, for both dress and play.

Ross-Simons has 14 stores throughout the country. You can browse online and select any item to view at one of the stores; just call the local store to follow up. Meanwhile,  R-S jewelry specialists are available to guide you 24/7 at 800-835-0919. And oh yes, there’s that 30-day satisfaction guarantee … just in case there’s a change of heart.

Colin Firth Frolic ($17.99)

Maybe you’re a Jane Austen fan, maybe (incredibly) you’re not, but who can honestly say there is ever enough Colin Firth in the world? Seriously. And no better way to have him to yourself than via the acclaimed Pride and Prejudice BBC miniseries, where our man squares off with a well-matched Jennifer Ehle and the air crackles with wit, irony, and great gusts of lust, however deeply concealed. During Barnes and Noble’s sweeping 50%-off DVD/blu-ray sale, the 5-hour series is now just $17.99 (less than a movie ticket and snack these days) and—trust us–supremely, richly satisfying.

John Lennon & Co. ($6.74)

For heartthrobs of a different era – mid-century madness, anyone?—check out the Beatles’ groundbreaking film foray, A Hard Day’s Night, the sly, quirky, fast-paced, trend-setting classic chronicling life on the road for the Fab Four. Fresh and visually inventive as ever, it’s considered by some the finest rock ‘n’ roll comedy ever made, influencing such later mockumentaries as This Is Spinal Tap and the Monty Python canon (and just $6.74 – c’mon, you can’t even get popcorn for that!).

Mystery, Insight in Botswana ($26.99)

We’re also way partial to the recent #1 Ladies Detective Agency series, based on the best-selling novels by Alexander McCall Smith and featuring magnificent Jill Scott as the serene, resourceful proprietor of Botswana’s first and only female-owned detective agency, along with her fascinating crew. Three-disc set.

Hugh Jackman Rules ($17.99)

And OK, for some more-lowbrow fun, there’s Night at the Museum – Battle of the Smithsonian (with Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Robin Williams, and Ricky Gervais);  Ice Age 3 (Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary); and X Men Origins Wolverine (with hunky Hugh Jackman); plus The Golden Compass, a slew of  Monty Pythons, a whole mess of Battlestar Galacticas, Hugh Grant romantic flicks,  and many more TV series and movies of all climes from all times.

Free shipping on all orders $25 or more.

Barnes & Noble, we heart you!

4-Piece Beaded Bangle Set. $32.40

Bluefly’s got us zippin’ and zoomin’ in for dashing deals on authentic designer and name-brand merchandise – clothes, jewelry, handbags, shoes, swimwear, jeans, sunglasses, wallets, accessories, menswear, stuff for your home. We’re talking Furla to Fendi to Ferragamo — the gamut of glory—plus more down-to-earth names and brands too. Daily deals and discounts sweeten the pot, and you needn’t fret about fakes or replicas. (And how about that shopping bag all orders come with?)

Here’s what we saw today – but don’t worry; if some are gone by tomorrow, there’ll be lots more to take their place!

Those bodacious Chamak by Priya Kakkar bangles above? A set of 4 two-tone beaded beauties, 40% off, will set you back only $32.40.

They’d go great with this mandarin printed silk “Be Bop a Lula” Nanette Lapore top, also at deep savings.

Nanette Lapore Silk Top ($102; reg. $280)

Then add this bronze snake-embossed “Slim Poof” drawstring Carlos Falchi bag to create a terrific trinity.

Bronze Drawstring Bag ($158; reg. $375)

Hard to resist this scrumptious Sayami plum cashmere fringe squiggle scarf,  guaranteed to steal whatever show it’s part of.

Sayami Cashmere Squiggle Scarf ($83; reg. $138)

We could not believe what this green Versace logo wine stopper was going for – talk about an impressive gift (and who couldn’t use a wine stopper – also good for beer and fizzy water).

Versace Wine Stopper ($12.74; reg. $60)

And speaking of gifts, how amazing is this Kenneth Jay Lane brown and hematite crystal snake picture frame, perfect for wedding, birthday, Valentines, or even lil’ ole y-o-u, now 75% off!

Kenneth Jay Lane Frame ($68; reg. $270)

And in case you had completely given up on summer showing up again, we think that if this Marc by Marc Jacobs brightest coral ikat print one-piece can’t lure it out of its slumbers, then nothing will. Personally, we’re nixing the nachos for the next few months to prepare for looking beyond cute in it come July.

Marc by Marc Jacobs One-Piece ($119; reg. $198)