Productopia: The ConsumerSearch Blog

Micro Chip Crisp'r: Watch us try it!

Scott Nyerges — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:20:51 +0000

A couple weeks ago, we posted photos of a mystery gadget on our Facebook page, asking readers for their guesses as to what it was. "It" turned out to be a Micro Chip Crisp'r (*Est. $6), a plastic gadget to make your own potato chips in the microwave.

We got plenty of oddball replies. Many people thought it had something to do with bundt cakes; a couple readers thought it was a U.F.O., while a few others suggested devices that we can't discuss on a family-oriented website like ConsumerSearch.

Strangely, almost no one asked if the darn thing even worked. So we decided to put it to the test.

All cars, all day at IMPA "Spring Brake"

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:44:49 +0000

Last week, I drove out to New York's Bear Mountain State park for the International Motor Press Association's (IMPA) "Spring Brake" event, at which a variety of manufacturers have a selection of cars and SUVs for IMPA members to sample throughout the day. The only bad thing about the event (which was blessed with ideal driving weather: warm temps and sunny skies), was that there were more cars on hand than there was time to sample every one. So I mixed it up, trying out rides that ranged from around $20,000 to well over $300,000. Read on for a quick take on each one.

While I was there, I also taped an appearance for Gary Gastelu's Fox Car Report on FoxNews.com, which you can watch below. Gary aptly describes the event as "speed dating for auto journalists." Can't say I disagree. Have a look and weigh in on the cars in the comments.

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2013 Ford Mustang V6

The color is called "Gotta Have It Green" and this particular car is gussied up in the Mustang Club of America special-edition package (hence that grille, the graphics, etc). Underhood Ford's 3.7-liter V6, which, at 305 horsepower, is more powerful than the 4.6-liter V8 I have in my 2006 Mustang GT. As much as it pains me to say so, during my brief spin in it, this V6 felt every bit as fast, and it gets great fuel economy (19 mpg city / 31 highway / 23 combined with the 6-speed automatic, according to EPA estimates). While it's probably more fun to drive with the available 6-speed stick, this car with the automatic is an immensely appealing daily-driver combo.

Then again...

This particular V6 car was optioned up beyond the $34K mark. That puts it in 2013 Mustang GT territory, except the GT has a fantastic 440-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and might be the best performance-car value out there today.

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2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler, whose post-bailout resurgence has been marked by a slew of dramatically improved cars and trucks, brought along its new small car: the 2013 Dodge Dart sedan, which you should start seeing in showrooms any day now. Thanks to Chrysler and Fiat being joined at the hip, the Dart inherited its architecture from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a sporty hatchback that we don't get here. Those are, as they say, "good bones." This example was equipped with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed manual. (Obviously, you can get it with an automatic, too.) The interior is really nice (it makes the current Honda Civic's look 20 years old). The turbo engine packs a decent punch, and the overall ride is a pleasant balance between comfort and sportiness.

Then again...

The Dart enters a space with some good cars competing for shoppers' monthly payments, like the value-laden Hyundai Elantra. Fortunately, it appears to have the necessary ingredients to make some noise.

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2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster

A smaller Mini may seem like a ridiculous idea, but it works. The stylish, 2-seat Mini Roadster is like a slot car that you can actually drive, and in turbocharged Cooper S trim, it's absurdly fun and engaging. It also has better visibility than the regular Mini Cooper Convertible, whose top doesn't stow neatly out of sight the way the Roadster's does.

Then again...

Typical Mini-related gripes: Interior ergonomics are sort of an afterthought, with some basic controls (like the radio) that are just unreasonably unintuitive. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is also one of the world's great driver's cars, gives you the same open-air experience, and has a straightforward, non-gimmicky interior.

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2012 Infiniti JX35

Infiniti's brand-new 3-row crossover is good looking, has a beautiful, quiet interior, and a smooth 265-horsepower V6. The full arsenal of Infiniti's driver-aid technology is available, naturally. The V6 makes 265 hp, which seems "low" for the class, but is ample power in real life. Since I'm already seeing these on the road with regularity, it appears Infiniti has a hit on its hands.

Then again...

The third row is a kids-only area, in my opinion, because the seat bottoms are too low to the floor for adults to sit comfortably. Also, this fully-loaded example stickered at over $55,000. You might want to wait for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, which should cost less, is based on the same architecture and will be mechanically very similar. There are also a variety of other well-received three-row SUVs out there, like the Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-5, and Acura MDX.

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2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas

Honda is the only automaker to currently offer a mass-market natural-gas-powered car to retail customers. If you have access to compressed natural gas CNG filling stations where you live (there are around 1,000 around the country in total), you might consider this alt-fueled Civic. From behind the wheel, there's zero difference in how it drives. Unless you look at the understated "Natural Gas" badge on the trunklid, there's no way to visually differentiate it from a gas-powered Civic.

Then again...

The CNG infrastructure nationwide is hardly robust, at only around 1,000 stations, with less than half accessible to the public. Also, the 2012 Civic's interior is a complete letdown compared to pretty much every small sedan it competes against. Absent the CNG powertrain, you have better options than the Civic right now (though continues to sell very well, regardless).

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2012 Bentley Mulsanne

It's like the Yale Club on wheels. Spectacular, and powerful too. Drives smaller than it actually is. In 20 minutes, I discovered my inner Thurston Howell.
Then again...This one stickered at (deep breath) $346,300.

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle

This was one of my favorite rides of the day. The Bug you see here was not a highly-optioned car, either. It had the base 2.5-liter five cylinder, a manual gearbox, a decent stereo, and (my favorite), this retro-fantastic wheel package, which mimics the look of basic steel wheels with the dog-dish hubcaps. All told, you can get one like it for a smidge over $20,000. It's cool-looking, torquey, and endearing. An older couple who were hiking the mountain were all smiles and full of questions. The wife reminisced, "In 1965, I bought one of these new, took delivery in germany, and drove around Europe with a friend. I think this is just wonderful."

Then again...

Retro's not for everyone. But that's why the VW Golf exists.

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2012 Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover's new pint-sized Range Rover starts at $44,000 and has gotten rave reviews so far. No wonder. It's gorgeous -- there is no better-looking SUV or crossover right now, period. And while its Land Rover credentials mean it has to be able to handle itself off road, on pavement (where most Evoques will live most if not all of the time), it's great to drive. AWD is standard, and power comes from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is very much the opposite of the larger, thirstier Land Rover and Range Rover models, at 18 mpg city / 28 highway / 22 combined. The interior is appropriately snazzy as well. Also, it's available as a two-door if you're looking for a more "personal luxury" experience.

Then again...

Land Rover's overall reliability record to this point is discouraging. If the Evoque can shake that, it'd be a good thing. Meanwhile, newcomers like the redesigned 2013 Acura RDX offer plenty of luxury, tech, and performance for less, even though they don't match the Evoque's show-car styling.

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2012 Volkswagen up!

First things first: You cannot buy one. The up!, VW's new microcar, is a European model that is not sold in North America. It was at the event because VW brought it over last month to appear at the New York Auto Show, where it was named World Car of the Year. Power comes from a 3-cylinder engine making around 75 horsepower, and this one had a 5-speed manual. It's nimble, feels well-built, and is surprisingly roomy, all things considered. (it's a little longer than the Scion iQ, which competes with the Smart ForTwo -- as you can see here) There are no current plans to offer the up! here. Pity. I think they'd sell tons of them.

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2012 BMW 650i Convertible

BMW's big, 4-seat grand-touring convertible is sleek, expensive (this V8-powered example starts at $90,000) and luxury drenched. Because I am not a wildly successful real estate agent in Boca Raton, I didn't think I'd be really into it. Because the twin-turbo V8 is a 400-horsepower monster, I was, in fact, quite into it.

Then again...

Listen, there's not a lot of competition here, unless you climb higher up the ladder into something like a Maserati (foreshadowing alert!). If you have the desire and the means, more power to you. The big 6 will not disappoint.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Ststion Wagon

It's got 550 horsepower, sounds like a violent thunderstorm, and it's a station wagon -- a glorious, ridiculous $130,000, build-to-order station wagon that I would like to have in my everyday life. The crazy attention to detail extends to seats whose side bolsters actively react and adjust when you drive through curves turns to help keep you firmly planted in them. It even incorporates a stop/start system that automatically kills the engine at stoplights and restarts it when you lift off the brakes, which helps contribute to fuel economy ratings that are surprisingly not dreadful: 15 mpg city / 23 highway / 18 combined, according to the EPA.

Then again...

The Cadillac CTS-V Station Wagon matches the AMG Benz's power and performance at around half the price, AND you can get it with a stick. It's like an amusement park that fits in your garage. That said, once you climb inside, there's no comparison -- the E63's interior puts the Caddy's to shame. Also, when driven as intended, the aforementioned fuel economy numbers are total fantasy. Not that you care if you buy one of these.

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2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport

The latest addition to Maserati's lineup, the GranTurismo Convertible Sport has a 444-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 that sounds as if it was tuned by God's personal mechanic. It's easy to drive (it has an automatic transmission with paddle shifters), and the back seat actually can hold adults. $142,000, and you can have your own. During my test drive, we needed to top it off with gas. I thought kid at the pump ahead of ours was going to have a nervous breakdown. Oh, and yes, it's fast. Duh.

Then again...

I know 142 grand is a ton of money, but in the case of the Maserati, it comes off as a bargain. A genuine Italian exotic, with all the associated cachet. You can buy a drop-top Bentley or Aston Martin, both of which are similarly high-profile, but you'll pay more for both. You can also get similar performance while paying less in a car like the aforementioned BMW 650i Convertible, though it lacks the Maser's visual and aural shock and awe.

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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

This is the one that got away -- I never got a chance to drive it. There was always a wait, so I wound up invariably drifting to something else. The Abarth is the hotted-up version of the adorable little Fiat 500, only it trades "cute & cuddly" for a mean snarl. Seriously, this was one of the best-sounding cars on hand, right up there with the Maserati and the AMG Mercedes. If you haven't watched the Fox Car Report clip embedded above, go back and do so, and you'll hear what I'm talking about.

Then again...

Hey, to be continued. I'll try and drive one this summer and report back.

"Good enough" lawn mowers that won't break the bank

Catherine Jo Morgan — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:40:08 +0000

Our just updated report on lawn mowers identifies the best mowers, according to the best reviews we could find, covering all types from manual reel mowers to self-propelled gas models. But what if your lawn isn't your pride and joy, and you just want a mower that's "good enough?" How little can you pay for a walk-behind mower and still get a reasonably good cut?

Recall recap: Circulon cookware, Jeep Wranglers, and food that can make you sick

Rita Colorito — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:29:57 +0000

Don't let these recalls spoil your Memorial Day Weekend fun. Careful if you make your weekend feast using Circulon cookware: One 13-piece set was recalled because a glass lid can shatter, posing a laceration hazard to the cook. And while salads are usually among the healthier alternatives in backyard barbecue smorgasbords, several bagged salads and other salad ingredients were recalled this week, because a salmonella or Listeria contamination can make you extremely ill. In other recall news, Jeep recalled certain 2010 model year Wranglers because of a potential fire hazard.

Grilled Chipotle Chicken and Mango Skewers: Smoky flavors from a gas grill

Lisa Maloney — Sat, 26 May 2012 14:40:10 +0000

Experts and users agree: Once you find the right grill it becomes a perennial favorite, popping up in your backyard every summer. Charcoal grills make up about a third of the U.S. market, and experts say that if you're willing to spend some time (anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes) getting the charcoal ready, it imparts an unparalleled smokey taste to your food. Gas grills, on the other hand, offer cooking convenience.

That's why Michele Borboa -- cookbook author, food columnist for SheKnows.com, and personal chef from Bozeman, Montana -- uses a gas grill to create her grilled chipotle chicken and mango skewers. While researching our updated reports on gas grills and charcoal grills, we found that most review sources evaluate a grill's size in terms of how many burgers, chicken breasts, and even whole turkeys its grate can hold; but Borboa's recipe is proof that your grill can cook much more than plain or barbecued meats.

Free Wi-Fi spots on the rise thanks to cable giants' partnership

Sage McHugh — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:09:05 +0000

Five of the largest cable companies have teamed up to create a single, high-capacity Wi-Fi network with more than 50,000 hotspots across the country. If you're a customer of Comcast, Time Warner, Cablevision, Bright House or Cox, you can access free Wi-Fi hotspots through any of these providers. The launch of this service, dubbed "CableWiFi," was announced on Monday at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association's Cable Show in Boston, Mass.

In an effort to compete with mobile and satellite companies, cable suppliers hope a vast Wi-Fi network will lure new customers and help retain their current subscribers. The bulk of the hotspots are currently located in New York City and the surrounding tri-state area, Philadelphia, Tampa, Orlando and Los Angeles. However, cable companies plan to expand their territory over time.

Verizon pushes buttons by curbing unlimited data plans

Sage McHugh — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:25:18 +0000

The lucky Verizon customers clinging to a grandfather clause that allows them unlimited data for $30 a month might have to let go. Even though Verizon ended unlimited data plans for new customers in July 2011, they allowed old customers to keep their plans as long as they remained loyal to the company. But all this changed last week.

Speaking at the recent J.P. Morgan 40^th Annual Technology, Media and Telecom Conference in Boston, CFO Fran Shammo said grandfathered customers who migrate off of 3G phones to 4G Long-Term Evolution LTE phones will have to give up their unlimited plans and purchase a data-share plan. This transition is expected to take place mid-summer.

Buying a used video card

Brad Chacos — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:16 +0000

While researching information for our recently updated video cards report, I noticed several forum posts from users who said they'd saved big money by buying used graphics cards for their gaming computers. Sounds great! (Especially if you spend as much money as I do on PC components.) But digging even deeper, I found several other posts from users who bought used video cards and got stuck with defective hardware. Is it worth it to buy gaming-level video cards used for a lower price? I decided to find out.

Great apps (and one gadget) to help you throw successful summer barbecues

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:36:11 +0000

Summer is approaching, and it's time to start cleaning the grill for this year's outdoor parties. This year, you can take a virtual companion along to make the planning and grilling process easier. No matter whether you plan on cooking up steaks or grilling pineapples, there are apps to help you out. With recipes, timers, grocery lists and more, these mobile apps take the stress out of every aspect of the BBQ, so that you and your friends and family can really have a good time.

Our reports can be resources even if the product you seek isn't reviewed

Scott Nyerges — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:28 +0000

We frequently receive emails from readers who want to know why a particular product isn't reviewed on our site. Although ConsumerSearch covers more than 400 product categories, we can't review every single make and model available (though we wish we could!).

But even if you can't find a specific item on our site, chances are there is a report that touches on the product category you're interested in. All of our reports offer shopping tips and links to additional research resources -- not to mention details on products that earn positive reviews from experts and owners alike.

Read on for a selection of recent reader emails.

15 lesser-known National Parks and why you should visit

Terence Baker — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:36:10 +0000

Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Zion, Acadia, Yellowstone... everyone knows of these National Parks; they are genuine American treasures. But, what about of some of the other lesser-known National Parks?

In fact, The National Park Service lists 63 parks across the contiguous USA, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. And while the 2010 attendance at the service's jewel, Yosemite, climbed above the four-million mark, according to Fresno, Calif.-based KSEE24 News, Voice of America reports that overall, attendance to National Parks has declined severely. Officials are perplexed, considering that usually in tough economic times, attendance rises at National Parks.

To help reverse the decline and to take advantage of great National Park system scattered across the nation, we give you 15 of the lesser-known National Parks, all priceless gems in their own right. We have also included a unique fact about each Park to further entice your interest.

Five apps to make birthday, graduation and other e-cards

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:00:11 +0000

Emails and text messages are getting monotonous. If you're planning to send a birthday message on a special day or a congratulations to a graduate across the country, why not go a step further and create a personalized card online. Websites for creating e-cards have been popular for several years, and now there are apps that will help you out on the go, too. You can choose from a variety of designs, from 3D to animation to vintage cards, in addition to adding your own photos and text. Within minutes, you have a card that's ready to go - all you have to do is hit the send button and the app will take care of the rest. What a way to celebrate!

Five apps to navigate the great outdoors

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Sun, 27 May 2012 14:40:09 +0000

This summer, you can use apps not only to prepare for outdoor sports, but also to help you navigate while you are on the road, in the mountains, in the water or even paragliding in the air. There are also apps that will teach you basic survival skills, first aid, help you tie knots and more.

Five gadgets that make great graduation gifts

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:24:21 +0000

Is someone you know graduating this spring? Scrambling for a last-minute present? If so, there is no need to worry. Consider the following techy gifts for his or her graduation, such as a customizable iPhone case, a pen scanner or a car charger. All but one of these gadgets is under $50 - and each one is highly portable for the graduate on the go, whether they're transitioning to the daily commute, or taking a post-graduation road trip.

Recall recap: Folding step stools, trampolines, pool slides and bassinets; plus several Ford models

Rita Colorito — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:36:19 +0000

Outdoor fun took a serious hit this week, and so did Wal-Mart, with a recall of Sportspower Trampolines, sold exclusively through the nation's largest retailer, because the netting can break, posing a fall hazard. Banzai Inflatable Pool Slides, sold through Wal-Mart and Toys R Us, were also recalled after a reported death, paralysis and severe neck injuries when the slide unexpectedly deflated while in use. In other news, 1.6 million folding step stools got the recall boot, after reports they can break and collapse unexpectedly. And Ford recalled several makes and model years.

TV prices rise, TV ownership falls

Carl Laron — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:49:57 +0000

Reports tell us that fewer TVs are expected to be sold this year than last, and that fewer homes in the U.S. have sets at all. But that doesn't mean that TVs are getting cheaper. In fact, recent research from IHS iSuppli indicates that LCD and plasma TV prices have risen by 11.4 percent since this past December. And if you had your eye on those big-screen OLED TVs previewed at last January's Consumer Electronics Show, new information hints that the expected price of around $8,000 was a little, um, optimistic.

Chew on this: Consider the gift of mail-order steaks for Dad

Sage McHugh — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:36:12 +0000

With Father's Day approaching, you're probably looking for a unique gift for the special man in your life. And since summer and grill season are also on the horizon, we researched some of the most popular mail-order steak companies to find out how much moo you get for your moolah.

Tips to make your swimsuit last longer

Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:33:52 +0000

Once you find that perfect swimsuit for you and your wallet, all that fun in the sun can take a serious toll on your swimwear. Whether you practically live in it all summer or only take it out a few times per year, it can really hurt to see your favorite bathing suit beat up after only a few wears. Not to mention, that wear and tear results in a less-vibrant, worse-fitting suit for you.

Experts say the damage is due to the fact that bathing suits typically have a lot of Spandex or other stretchy fabrics. These materials can get damaged both by frequent stretching and by chemicals and heat. Considering all the pool chlorine, hot tub dips, and washer spin cycles, it's easy to see how the damage can add up. This summer, get more bang for your fashion-buck by taking a few easy steps to make your swimsuit last longer.

Five apps, gadgets and more for American Bike month

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:02:13 +0000

Spring is a time when bikers naturally come out of hibernation, but did you know that May is American Bike month? Whether you're a cycling fanatic or buying your first bike this year, there are plenty of activities for you to participate in. Check out the League of American Bicyclists website to see what is going on in your area. And if you need some assistance, consider the following apps and gadgets to keep you in good shape - all season long.

Recall recap: Dry pet food, SONIC toothbrushes, BMW 3-Series, plus Chrysler 300s and Dodge Caravans

Rita Colorito — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:17:09 +0000

A slew of recalls this week caution that what affects our pets can also affect us. Several high-end dry dog food brands joined an ever-expanding recall list because of possible salmonella contamination. And our pets aren't the only ones at risk. Humans who come into contact with the contaminated food can get sick, too. Experts advise to always wash your hands properly after feeding your pet, clean surfaces that came into contact with pet food, never allow children under 5 to feed animals, and be sure to keep little ones away from the pet food bowl lest they decide to munch on some kibble.

Wheels and tails up: The ins and outs of air travel with pets

Sage McHugh — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:18:57 +0000

Flying with your pet can be tricky unless you know the proper procedures. We researched the rules and regulations and dug up some to-do tips in order to make the trip less stressful for you and your furry friend.

Live from the CTIA Wireless show in New Orleans

Molly McLaughlin — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:10 +0000

Smartphones smartphones smartphones. 4G! 4G! 4G! That about sums up CTIA's Wireless tradeshow. While there's not a whole lot of breaking news here, there's no shortage of great ideas. Visa and Mastercard were demo-ing their mobile payment systems (V.Me and PayPass) which aim to make online and in-person transactions just that much easier. Meanwhile, smartphones were in abundance - many of which are not yet available in the U.S. And most companies had big ideas for 4G. Here's a look at some of the interesting products I've seen - including some truly out there smartphone cases.

The right bathing suit for your body and budget

Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:26:24 +0000

We've all seen those articles extolling the virtues of X-Y-Z swimsuit, which--among its other super powers--will make you look slim, curvy, sexy, lean, or any other adjective you could want. The problem is, we don't all have hundreds of dollars to shell out on a wear-it-a-few-times-per-year garment.

We've hunted through fashion editors' recommendations for each body type to find the common thread (pardon the pun). The result: readable, comprehensive instructions that will guide you to the best bathing suit for your body. Plus we threw in a few of our favorite suit recommendations--all under 50 bucks!

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If you're busty: Support is the name of the game here. Nix slips with a top that's sturdy--but that doesn't mean it has to be plain, says Real Simple. Underwire and other bra-like details (like a secure clasp in lieu of a flimsy tie) are signs of a supportive top, according to Self. Balance all that coverage with a bottom featuring a fun pattern or details. If you prefer more coverage, your one-piece still needs all the same support on top.

Recommended: Merona Women's Underwire Tankini Swim Top ($19.99- pictured above) and Mossimo Women's Mix & Match Hipster Swim Bottom ($19.99); Ambrielle Swim Top, Bra-Sized ($18, available up to 38DD) and Ambrielle Hipster ($18).

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If you're pear-shaped: Self suggests side-ties and ruching for customizable coverage on the bottom (so you can show a little more on vacation, a little less around the family). Other options are a minimalist bandeau top to draw eyes up, or a swim skirt to hide hips. When mixing and matching, choose a pattern on top and solid on the bottom. Just avoid boxy boyshorts, which make your hips look wider, says Glamour.

Recommended: Old Navy Women's Mix & Match Bandeau Top ($14.94) and Merona Womens Swim Skirt with Adjustable Side-Ties ($19.99); H&M Swimsuit ($29.95-pictured above).

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If you're boy-shaped: No matter the style, Self magazine suggests looking for feminine details like bows and ruffles, which add volume. Boyshorts "round out" a smaller backside. Real Simple suggests horizontal stripes, which help add curves. When going the one-piece route, a suit with an hourglass-shaped center panel creates the illusion of curves.

Recommended: Mossimo Women's Mix & Match Stripe Push-Up Swim Top in Black ($19.99) and Mossimo Women's Mix & Match Skirtini Swim Bottom with Side Tie (19.99-pictured above); Old Navy Women's Bandeau-Keyhole Swimsuit ($29.94).

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If you're curvy: Curvy girls, look for mix-and-match suits in the same color or pattern, which let you choose the perfect top and bottom. On top, halters are a great bet for providing plenty of support without looking frumpy. On bottom, a high-cut bikini will help lengthen legs, says Self, while a suit with a fitted (not flouncy or voluminous), built-in skirt or boy shorts offer coverage. Keep balance in mind; for example, a covered-up bottom and showy top will draw lots of eyes to your chest, while two pieces that cover about the same amount create symmetry.

Recommended: Victoria's Secret The Liya Halter Top ($26-$28) and Victoria's Secret Side Ruched Low-Rise Hipkini Bottom ($18-$20); Bisou Bisou Twist Front Bikini Top ($18-pictured above) and Bisou Bisou Side-Tie Skirt ($18-pictured above).

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If you're petite all around: Petite women will want to add volume. Bright colors and smaller prints are perfect for you, says Self, since you've got nothing to hide. Ties at the hips and chest can help create the illusion of curves. A sexy cut (think peekaboo cut-outs) paired with ruffles can help keep the look mature. Just don't overwhelm yourself with wide stripes.

Recommended: Victoria's Secret The Daisy Push-Up Triangle Top ($26-$28) and Side-Tie Bikini Bottoms ($18-$20); Old Navy Women's Printed String-Tie Swimsuit ($29.94-pictured above).

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If you're plus-sized: Plus-sized gals will want to combine a few of the tips that work for other women. For example, look for support up top with thicker straps and ruching to hide a tummy. When buying two pieces, try to mix and match to create the best fit for your body, suggests Self, and there's no need to hide from pattern. Distract from any problem areas by adding detailing like ruffles or an empire waist.

Recommended: H&M+ Swimsuit ($34.95, available in sizes 14-24-pictured above); Old Navy Women's Mix & Match Ruffle Tankini Top ($24.94, available up to XXL [size 20]) and Old Navy Women's Mix & Match Bikini Bottom ($14.94, available up to size XXL).

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If you have a tummy: The temptation may be to grab the suit with the most spandex you can find, but Glamour magazine says that's actually not the way to go. Instead of trying to suck it in all day, choose a suit with ruching across the tummy. Draw eyes up with a halter or other embellished top. All-over prints--both graphic and floral--can also detract from any unwanted pooch, according to Self. One-piece not for you? A tankini or flirty, feminine high-waisted bottoms with ruching both achieve the same look.

Recommended: Attention Women's Scrunched Swimsuit ($34.95-pictured above); American Apparel Nylon Tricot Criss-Cross Bikini Top ($25) and American Apparel Tricot High-Waist Swim Brief ($25-pictured above).

A new option to travel light with babe in tow

Sandra Gordon — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:24:55 +0000

Planning your summer vacation? Don't forget to book your baby gear, too. Instead of lugging a car seat, stroller and Pack 'n Play or making Grandma shell out for baby items or borrow them, why not rent everything you need to keep you and your little one safe and content?

Crib notes: What you need to know before buying a mattress

Sandra Gordon — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:29:29 +0000

Buying a crib mattress may not seem like nearly as much fun as picking out a designer stroller or dolling up the nursery, but it's one of the most important baby products you'll buy.

"Babies spend up to 70 percent of the time in their crib and they're bones are soft and growing faster than at any other time of their life. They need the support of a firm crib mattress," says Dennis Schuetz, director of marketing, merchandising and special accounts for Colgate Kids, a crib mattress company based in Atlanta.