What's The One Thing You Can't Live Without?

"Jeans and pony tail holders." -Tessa K., East Liberty, OH

We're with you. Sure, we look professional in our lab coats, but a few months ago, you might have spotted staffers running around in denim during our "tummy control" jeans test. Of the pairs we tried on, Lee's Midrise No Gap Antonia Modern Trouser ($54) rated the best. We found that these already-cozy pants melted away an impressive one to two inches from our testers' waistlines. We also loved the long and lean silhouette we got from these straight-leg, jeans.

"My coffee maker is right up there, and so is a good travel mug!" –Michele M., Cary, NC

If you're like us, your day doesn't really start until you've had your coffee. We tested coffeemakers to find out which ones brew the best cup of joe. For entertaining, the Technivorm Moccamaster with Thermal Carafe ($300, amazon.com) is pricey but excellent. The Cuisinart Filter Brew 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker's ($110, amazon.com) user-friendly controls won't be hard to program before you've had your daily dose of caffeine and this model makes a piping hot pot. We also like the Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew ($120, amazon.com), which features a stainless steel carafe like the Technivorm, but at less than half the price.

"Lipstick!!!" –Colleen R., Ridgefield, WA

A good shade can make all the difference. We looked at long-lasting lipstains to see which stayed on all the day without drying out our lips. Chanel Rouge Double Intensite Long-Wear Lip Colour ($34, amazon.com) was the priciest of the bunch but, for your money, you get lovely color that won't wear off by lunch and the included gloss keeps you moisturized. Consumer testers also loved the more affordable Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain ($8.99, amazon.com). It's easy to apply this duo with balm evenly and it comes in a wide range of shades to suit every skin tone.

"Stevia for my green tea, warm fuzzy slippers, computer w/internet." –Jo N.

Nothing makes you feel like you're home than shedding your shoes and sliding into a comfy set of slippers. The lightweight Isotoner Micro Terry Ballerina ($20, amazon.com) has minimal insulation, making for a snug fit that won’t get too hot. Plus, these washable slippers are small enough to be tuck into a suitcase or weekend bag. The Acorn Ewe Collar Scuff ($75, amazon.com), has a little more support and insulation for those chilly winter nights. The sheepskin exterior repels stains too, to keep them looking good as new.

"Stevia for my green tea, warm fuzzy slippers, computer w/internet." –Jo N.

It's hard for us to imagine living without our laptops either. And we love that so many of the new models are light enough to comfortably carry around in a tote bag. The Lenovo IdeaPad (starting at $900, amazon.com) is only three pounds and we found it plenty easy to use. Plus it boasts an impressive 6-plus hours of battery life. For Apple fans, the thin, stylish MacBook Air (starting at $999, amazon.com) offers plenty of computing power packed into a tiny frame.

"Alarm clock!" –Kelly B., Ithaca, MI

Whether you're the one who needs a friendly wake-up in the morning, or you rely on it to get your family up and going, a good alarm clock can make all the difference in your A.M. routine. The couple-friendly iHome Dual Dock iPod Alarm Clock Radio ($149.95, amazon.com) lets you charge multiple devices at one time and its three separate alarms can be set to gradually get louder for a gentler awakening. For sleepy teens, the Sonic Alert Sonic Bomb SBB500SS Alarm Clock ($43, amazon.com) comes with a bed shaker that goes under your child's pillow or mattress to give them that extra push to get moving in the morning.

"My ShopRite flavored water. Anything else I can make do." –Rhonda F., Dayton, NJ

Want to add a little pizzazz to your summer thirst quencher? It's easy to liven up your water with summery add-ins, says GHRI Nutrition Director Samantha Cassetty. Just throw in a sliced, peeled cucumber or green apple, watermelon chunks, basil and lemon twists, or mint leaves and peach slices, for a calorie-free treat. For a little added fizz, the Sodastream Genesis countertop soda maker ($100, amazon.com) is fast, easy to use, and virtually maintenance-free. A carbon dioxide cartridge (enough for 60 liters) converts tap water into seltzer for pennies; a sampler pack of 12 flavors lets you play mixologist every day of the week. Or, for a quick fix, check out Hint, one of our favorite off-the-shelf flavored waters ($2 per 16 ounce bottle, amazon.com). We love that Hint has no added preservatives, sweeteners, or colors.