dry heels, elbows and knees--oh my!

When it comes to moisturizers, there are cutting-edge products, innovative formulas and trendy ingredients. Then there are names you can trust. Jergens is one of them--and the brand's new Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer is what every dry, cracked heel, elbow and knee needs in the dead of winter. Moms who spend hours on their knees and feet, and running around outdoors in frigid temps, will appreciate this lotion for dry skin and its moisture retaining lipids that offer 24-hour hydration. So if you smooth some on in the AM and don't have time to reapply at night, you're still covered. Thanks to a combination of vitamins C, E and B5, this innovative skin product is supposed to triple your skin's moisture content. I can't vouch for the exact amount of hydration it offers, but it sure makes my rough patches feel smooth again. For your dose of soft skin and a complete collection of skin healing products, go to www.jergens.com.

coverage where you need it: miss oops

Every once in a while a brand emerges with such unique and innovative products that I can't wait to spread the word. Miss Oops is my latest obsession. With a collection of products that address your most personal needs, Miss Oops has you covered.

Boob Tube: For starters, keep your cleavage under wraps (until you want to show it off!) with Boob Tube ($25). Made of stretchable lace, it's a modern-day bandeau that provides just the right amount of coverage without the added bulk of another layer. Looks great under a work suit or when you want to camouflage your pre- or post-baby knockers. The best part: It's so comfy--you won't even realize you're wearing it! Available in S/M or M/L in black, white or beige.

Show Stoppers: Feeling a bit perky? Try Show Stoppers ($16), a pair of reusable silicone nipple covers designed to prevent “perk out.” Show Stoppers are tapered at the edges making them invisible under garments and reusable up to 15 times.

Rescue Sponge: Deodorant marks on your clothes? Make-up powder on your collar? Try Rescue Sponges ($10 per two-pack), reusable dry sponges created to rub away the mark without having to wet your clothes. A great diaper bag or makeup bag stash, they're totally totable and safe to use on all fabrics. I tried it on a cotton tee after my daughter wiped pasta residue on it. It really works!

Popper Stoppers: Now no one has to know that you're due any day (unless your size gives it away!) These ingenious Popper Stoppers ($13 for 5) cover and flatten a "popped" bellybutton so you don't look like you're about to poke someone! They look like an oversized Band-Aid; they feel like a sticker but don't leave you sticky or itchy.

Try these and other Miss Oops products at www.missoops.com.

pass the popcorn, please!

Are you experiencing diet doldrums? Have you been great at keeping up your healthy eating regimen since the new year, but find that you still have some cravings? You're in luck. Today is National Popcorn Day--and a great day to try Popcorn, Indiana, a healthy, gourmet, fun brand of popcorn with no hidden chemicals and lots of taste. Popcorn, Indiana comes in yummy flavors like Famous Original Kettlecorn, Movie Theater Popcorn, Aged White Cheddar Kettlecorn (cheesy--in a good way!), Smoked Cheddar Cheese Kettlecorn, Buffalo Cheddar Kettlecorn and Sea Salt Popcorn (just salty enough!). The Cheddar and Sea Salt are my favorites! Unfortunately, they're my husband's faves too so I have to buy two of each so we each get our fair share. Available at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores, select Costco locations, CVS, Duane Reade, Fairway, Food Emporium, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Wegmens, and Whole Foods or online at www.popcornindiana.com (3.5 oz – $2.29 or 7.5 oz – $3.99).