Online Communities - The Nest

Product Name: thenest.com

Why it's great: This site is a great community for "smart women". It's targeted at newlyweds, but really the topics addressed are relevant for all women. I'm a big fan of the message boards, and frequent my local community as well as the ones focused on work and money.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) It's a quick way to get answers to your questions - whether it be a restaurant recommendation or a tough issue with your husband.

Pictures Last Forever - Canon PowerShot

Product Name: Canon PowerShot SD750

Why it's great: This tiny camera takes beautiful pictures and is small enough it can go anywhere with you. We're on our second generation of this product and will probably continue to buy this line when this model gets outdated. There are lots of features, and meets all of our photography needs.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) It fits in your small purse, or even your pocket, so no need to carry an extra bag.
2) The large screen makes it easy to focus on what you want a picture of, making photography fit seamlessly into whatever it is you're really doing.

Low Carb Beer

Product Name: Michelob Ultra

Why it's great: Beer is great - its good for tailgating, football watching, summer afternoons and just about any other time. But if you try to spend a whole day drinking it, you will feel like crap. Enter Mich Ultra - the solution to every all day drinkers problem. It's not filling, and it actually tastes ok.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) Not really more efficient, just fun.

Hybrid Cars - Cool for you & the environment

Product Name: Toyota Prius

Why it's great: I kinda thought my husband was nuts when my husband suggested we buy this car - I had no idea he was so into the environment. But I love it - it's spacious, fun, and socially conscious.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) Fewer trips to the gas station - more time and more money.
2) It's a Toyota, so it needs less "work" than the average car.

South Beach Chocolate Bars

Product Name: South Beach Chocolate Crisp Bars

Why it's great: These chocolate bars are yummy, and are actually somewhat good for you. And they are very filling.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) You can carry them in your purse as a quick snack (and it helps you avoid eating bad for you desserts!)
2) Less trips to the gym since you're eating a healthy dessert.

A magnum is better than a bottle

Product Name: Lindeman's Cabernet Sauvignon

Why it's great: So the economy sucks, and we have to cut corners everywhere we can. That's why we decided to start buying wines in large formats. It tastes just fine and it's a much better value.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) Only one bottle to open!
2) Less trips to the store.

Refreshing Wake-up Trick - Neutrogena Face Wash

Product Name: Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Face Wash

Why it's great: I was thrilled when I found this face wash. It has scrubbing beads that makes your face feel instantly clean. The mint scent wakes you up instantly and it's moderately priced!

How it makes you more efficient:
1) Its a cleanser and a scrub, all in one step, so no need to use two products.
2) It seriously gets me going for the day, making me more efficient all day long!

Runners & Hikers Come In - Gmaps Pedometer

Product Name: Gmaps Pedometer

Why it's great: This one is a bit of a cheat, since technically you don't have to buy it (most everything from Google is free). The tool is awesome though, so I thought it deserved to be mentioned. It allows you to chart your path, on and off road, tracks your elevation, note your calorie expenditure. It even lets you save routes for future reference.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) Let's you be positive exactly how far and how hard your workout was!

High-end Salt - It's Worth It!

Product Name: Smoked Salt

Why it's great: It tastes amazing...on just about anything! The box recommends frilled meats or Bloody Mary's, but we use it on tons of items. My favorites so far are grilled salmon and (not surprisingly) almost any vegetable. And it's a good conversation starter. Guests want to know where we got it, and why it tastes so good! We use the salt at least twice a week, and we've only made it through about a third of the $18 container in 5 months.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) No need to try lots of added seasoning - this one works most of the time!
2) It can be sprinkled on in seconds after cooking, so no prolonged prep time.

Clean Everything - The Dirt Devil

Product Name: Dirt Devil M08245 Power Reach

Why it's great: I like anything that makes cleaning easier, because like any normal human, I really hate to clean my house (or my car, or my desk, or just about anything). This hand-held vacuum at least makes cleaning bearable. It gets in to all the little spaces where my regular one can't reach. And it's really powerful.

How it makes you more efficient:
1) You can get all the dog hair off your stairs in 2 min flat.
2) It works on about any surface (couch, hard wood, rug), so there's no need to stop to change cleaning tools