(1.)Trader Joe’s Fat-Free Plain Greek-style yogurt.  Almost all yogurts have sugar in them, but this one is particularly low (6 grams per cup) and tastes great!  Mix it with fruit and granola and you’re off to a great start.  Use it to kick up your mashed potatoes, dollop on top of any curry dish, and even use in place of milk or heavy cream for a creamy alfredo sauce that’s low in fat and cholesterol. All the taste, none of the guilt!

(2.)Petfinder.com. I found my furry friend, Chloe, on this site over 10 years ago and can’t say enough about it and all the folks that contribute towards the adoption of lovable pets across the states.  Skip the breeder, rescue a pet and reap the benefits of a loyal companion who will enrich you and your family’s life in ways you can’t even imagine!

(3.)New York & Company for jeans that fit a women’s body!  This is the jean has no unsightly gap in the back and it boasts low and mid rise options that will ensure you don’t flash anyone when you bend over.  From sizes 0 to 18, New York & Company’s denim often come in 3 lengths – 30”, 32.5”, and 35” so you can find your perfect fit and skip the trip to the tailor. They have those sexy skinny jeans all the celebs are wearing, straight-legged, boot cut, and wide-legged options.  Even better, they are all less than $50 a pair!  And, with sales and insider deals, you can score these super stylish and comfortable jeans for even less!

(4.)Skyping. With family and friends all over the place, there is no better way to keep in touch than with Skype’s free video calling option.  Follow a few simple steps to download and get started.  Make sure your webcam is plugged in and enjoy video visits from friends around the globe!  If you don’t have a webcam I recommend Connectland’s CL-CAM63003.  With this simple USB webcam you can just plug and go!  My folks are especially pumped about video chatting with my sister in Lake Tahoe, who is expecting their first grandchild this April.  They feel good about the fact that they won’t miss a thing even from 3,000 miles away!

(5.)Starbucks Via, Ready Brew. Sold in packs of 3, this microground coffee is simple to make - just add to hot water and voila, you’ve got a great cup of java in an instant.  It’s not as budget friendly as brewing your own, but it’s cheaper than buying a subpar cup at your local fast food joint.  I keep them in my desk at work. That way, I can whip some up whenever I need a pick-me-up, or happen to be running too late to brew at home.  And you can feel good about using Starbuck’s products because they aim to ensure their coffee is responsibly grown and ethically traded. Coffee in a snap!  It can’t get better than that!

(6.)And no super cool list would be complete without the perfect Valentine’s gift for your lover, or yourself.  Check out Energy Muse, gemstone provider to the stars, for jewelry that’s said to hold special ancient healing powers.  There are countless testimonials listed on the website of this Los Angeles based company describing the amazing properties of their products. Regardless of their proposed metaphysical powers, these pieces are as beautiful as they are unique.  Whether you’re looking for love, wealth, or health, there is a piece in the Energy Muse collection just for you.  But start saving because you’re not going to score one of these art pieces for nothing – prices range from about $50 for a bracelet to over $100 for the health necklace that’s been seen on such celebs as David Beckham.  He sure seems pretty healthy to me – it must be working!

(7.)Soap Rocks from T.S. Pink are amazing conversation starters. For a gemstone (well kind of) that won’t break the bank, check out soap rocks. Soap rocks are distinctly crafted soaps that look and sparkle like various rocks and gemstones. And, since they’re made with natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry about harsh chemical reactions.  At $14.95 each, they make unique gifts or brighten up your own bath.  You’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful soap. It really is the simple things that make life great!