The Sims franchise doesn't exactly have the best reputation for quality when it comes to console games, so it was a good sign that MySims took things in a different direction from the typical "computer people that take a half hour to pee" formula.The most noticeable change is the cutesy new look of the Sims, inspired by a style of Japanese character design. These Sims look a lot l...

Knitting for Baby (by Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas) is my go-to book for baby gifts. It has 30 patterns that range from quick-knit booties to detailed sweaters. I wouldn't recommend it as the very first book for someone interested in teaching themselves to knit, but anyone who has spent a little time with a basic instruction book will find achievable projects here. The patterns are c...

I can't stand the feel of thick, goopy foundations, so I spent years sacrificing coverage for comfort by using tinted moisturizers and other light makeup. I've seen mineral makeup commercials for years and was interested in the idea, but after getting burned (literally) by one of those pasta pots I had a rule about not buying anything with an infomercial. Eventually I met a person who u...