Who needs a humidifier in the summertime? Well, I do. And babies do, if you're running your air conditioner 24 hours a day. Moisture in the air helps people breathe easier. And for all us women with dry skin, it's a life-saver.

One good humidifier in the marketplace is Sunbeam's Cool Moisture Evaporative Humidifier.

It works like any other humidifier, but it has a "clean and dry" feature that zaps standing water, which I'm told reduces the risk of mold in the home.

Some good things: It has different control settings, and a large, 1.2 gallon capacity that offers 24-hours of operation on one filling.

And ... something I really appreciate, a dishwasher-safe base.

But back to the really important stuff: My face has softened considerably since sleeping with the humidifier. Nobody should have lizard skin in the summertime.

The humidifier retails for $42.95, and is available at department stores.

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Everything's coming up ... lavender? Roses are so passe, aren't they?

Chelsea Market Baskets in New York has come up with a couple of lavender gifts that make lovely presents for someone who needs to relax.

"Field of Lavender" (shown) includes stress-reducing bath sales, Belgian chocolates, tea in silk sachets, a chenille wash mitt, and on and on. It sells for $99.

"Lavender Blossoms" shines, too, with candles and candies and other goodies.

This company's baskets are something special. And they'll work with you to come up with a specialized gift basket or box.

Log on to www.chelseamarketbaskets.com.

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Do you ever get antsy about the state of your toothbrush, feeling compelled to get a new one every couple of weeks?

The VIOlight Antibacterial Toothbrush Sanitizer & Storage System thoroughly cleans and sanitizes up to four brushes (including electric ones).

The process takes 10 minutes; simply insert your brushes in the cup, press a button and 10 minutes later they're clean.

One bonus, if you worry about such things: The Phillip Starck- designed sanitizer looks sleek and silvery good on your bathroom sink.

It sells for $49.95 and is available online through www.violight.com, or retail stores.

Amanda Barrett is Homelife Editor.

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