Great gadgets don't come cheap, but even big-ticket items can be a good value. The secret is choosing one with the features that actually matter to you.

E-READER

Save: Amazon Kindle
The new 8.5-ounce Kindle forgoes splashy graphics, banking instead on its antiglare e-ink display, 3,500-book capacity, and ability to run up to a month on a single charge. amazon.com, $139.

Splurge: Apple iPad
Consider it the ultimate in-flight entertainment device. Movies, music, video games, and a library's worth of book titles: Apple's 16-gigabyte touch-screen tablet delivers it all in full color. apple.com, $499.

• Related: How a Kindle Can Help You Travel
  

NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Save: Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3
A solid starter set, these headphones shut out up to 90 percent of ambient noise and come with three sizes of earbuds-our favorite old-school way to block sound. shopaudiotechnica.com, $100.

Splurge: Sony MDR-NC300D
When you're staring down a

Let's face it: the holidays are the hardest time to keep off extra pounds, never mind shed them. After being tempted by post-Halloween sweets in the office kitchen, we're lured by calorie-laden cocktails at friends' parties and carb-heavy dishes at family gatherings. That said, the tickets to weight-loss success (even during this diet-trying time) are already at our disposal! The following five kitchen essentials help anyone eat healthier this holiday season-and even lose weight.

1. Panini Press/Griddle
This versatile machine (which you can find for as low as $40 at Sears) cooks everything from hot sandwiches to grilled veggies, chicken, and fish (not to mention satays and grilled cheese sandwiches-perfect for cocktail parties). Its non-stick plates-which are designed to drain grease for healthier cooking-make lubing with high-fat butter or margarine unnecessary, not to mention give food that great grilled look and taste. And because food doesn't simmer and soak in oils and grease

Whether looking for the perfect teachers' gift or the perfect late-night snack for a persnickety Santa, your kids will enjoy preparing treats for everyone on their list-not to mention themselves.

1. Iced Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

With nutty, caramel notes from browned butter and a fair bit of salt to balance the flavors, these cookies will become an instant favorite. You can roll out the dough right after combining all the ingredients-no chilling required. Look for pearlized sugar in gourmet markets or craft stores. Let the kids sprinkle the coarse crystals over the icing to give the cookies a sparkly, jewel-like appearance.

View Recipe: Iced Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

2. Gingerbread People

For a whimsical presentation, arrange these cookies in a lunch box lined with colorful packing paper. Use a variety of cookie cutter sizes to create "families." If you don't want to cut the dough into shapes, roll it into two logs, cover, chill, and slice into 1/8-inch

'Tis the season for...family fights? Learn how to manage 15 classic difficult family personalities.
by Amanda Hinnant

"Everyone's a child at Christmas," the saying goes. At Thanksgiving, however, everyone simply acts like one-petulant, complaining, unhelpful, boastful-as they all assume their prescribed roles. (You, of course, are perfect.) No matter how mature your relatives may be in everyday life, when thrown together in an old, familiar situation, they regress-and their "issues" take center stage. Why? Experience has taught them that this behavior succeeds in getting people to focus on them and their agendas, says Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families ($16, amazon.com).
Related: 10 Tricks to a Trouble-Free Thanksgiving

While you can't control the actions of your role-playing relatives, you can at least control your own reactions. Here, authorities on etiquette and family dynamics offer strategies for handling a tableful of problem personalities. As

The holidays are around the corner and that may spell holiday parties or even holiday weddings that call for the perfect special occasion dress. Here to help us plus size fashionista's get that perfect party (or wedding party dress!) is celebrity plus-size style expert and David's Bridal Style Council Member Nicole Brewer. She has shared her plus size expertise on shows such as The Rachel Ray Show and now she's here to answer your most pressing fashion questions when it comes to formal wear.

What type of special occasion dresses are most flattering for:

Busty women. Women with a bigger bust should look for special occasion dresses with simple necklines that really open up the bust line. Avoid styles with high necklines, as they can make the bust area appear larger than it actually is. Draw the eye's attention away from the bust line downward towards such lovely distractions as beautiful full skirts that balance out one's shape or intricately detailed hemlines. I love the

Most of us are guilty of overindulging during the holidays, when cookies, cakes, and cocktails are as common as good tidings. But that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to looking like the rump roast you're carving. Instead follow these easy slimming tricks to keeping your winter layer under wraps while you step out in style!

1. Create shape with a belted waist.
We might be tempted to reach for loose-fitting tops and dresses when we're battling bloat, but bubble-shaped garments can actually make you appear bigger than you are. The best way to camouflage any belly bulge is to create the appearance of curves in all the right places-by using a skinny belt to lightly cinch your midsection and give you a tailored, hourglass shape.


2. Elongate your legs in nude heels.
A great rule for slimming style year-round is to always avoid sectioning off your legs, which can make you look shorter and squatter. Long, uninterrupted lines from head to heels mean a longer, leaner appearance.

By Sara Quessenberry

Each of these grand Thanksgiving finales-from a cherry cheesecake to a pear tart-takes 20 minutes or less to prep.

More Thanksgiving ideas from Real Simple:

Scene-Stealing Thanksgiving Side Dishes

10 Recipe Ideas for Stuffing

How to Fix 10 Common Thanksgiving Problems

These festive dresses help you make an entrance, no matter what the occasion.
Nasty Gal Silk Dress

Turn lighting the tree into a romantic experience with a silk dress in muted colors with flutter sleeves and a sweet ribbon belt.

Available at nastygal.com, $88.

15 CHEAP BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO STOCK UP ON

Circle lace detailing around the neckline boosts Ulla Johnson's basic, military green frock to a party-appropriate level.

Available at urbanoutfitters.com, $88.

24 GIFTS ON OUR EDITOR'S WISH LIST

You're party-hopping to three events in one night. Pull off multiple outfits with Thieves five-in-one transformable jersey dress.

Available at thievesboutique.com, $164.

3 FALL TRENDS TO WEAR 5 WAYS

With a modest neckline, wide straps, and knee-length cut, Shumaq's flirty dress is a wise choice for Hanukkah dinner with Granny.

Available at couturecandy.com,