The kitchen is command central at any house, and the countertop has to be a workhorse that can withstand food prep, homework, bill paying and any number of projects. If your workspace is looking worse for wear, you usually have one choice: go out and buy a replacement. Not anymore.

Rust-Oleum’s Countertop Transformations kit can makeover an out-of-date food prep area to something you wouldn’t mind showing off. It’s an alternative to expensive countertop replacements that is guaranteed to last for years.

The DIY kits (as low as $207 on SHOP) are an innovative, decorative coating system that can replicate the look of today’s most sought-after countertop materials, like natural stone. You can use in kitchens, bathrooms, bar tops, tabletops…pretty much anyplace that needs a fresh new surface.

You do this makeover in a few easy steps:

• Step 1: Prepare the surface with the Diamond Embedded Sanding Tool (included).
• Step 2: Apply the Countertop Transformations Adhesive Base Coat.
• Step 3: Spread the Decorative Color Chips.
• Step 4: Sand and smooth.
• Step 5: Apply the Countertop Transformations Protective Top Coat.

Check out before-and-after photos at Rust-Oleum.

Did you know that most bottles of cleaner only contain about 5% of actual cleaner solution? The rest is plastic and water. The folks at Replenish have come up with a way to cut down on it’s environmental footprint while helping you keep your home clean.

The all-in-one bottle ($6.99) allows you to measure, mix with water, store and spray a powerful, yet eco-friendly, cleaner using replaceable concentrate pods. Using the built-in measuring cup, each concentrate pod makes four bottles (64 ounces diluted ounces) of powerful, nose-perking fresh cleaner with no pouring, no mess and much less waste.

Because of Replenish’s innovative reuseable bottle, all you need to do is flip the bottle upside down and squeeze the concentrate pod until the measuring cup is full, mix in water out of your tap, and go head and start cleaning. When the pod runs out, you can buy a replacement ($3.99), which comes in three different fresh scents: Sun Lemon, Fresh Lavender and Green Tea. The company says the bottle should last three years before it wears out, and the cleaner works on most hard surfaces. I’m going to check this one out.

Since January 1, I’ve been trying a combination of 3-day cleanses, more exercise (thank you, Tracy Anderson) and an overall better diet so that I can fit once again into my skinniest jeans. Obviously fruits and veggies are a staple of the menu.

If you’re looking for more ways to eat more of the good stuff, or if you’re looking for ways to get reluctant spouses and kids to eat more of that good stuff with you, check out Yonanas.

This kitchen appliance  ($49.99) takes frozen fruits and vegetables – such as ripe bananas, mangos, peaches, coconut, pumpkin, and strawberries – and creates a creamy frozen treat that looks, tastes, and feels just like soft-serve ice cream. Really.

Check out the Yonanas website for yummy recipes and serving ideas.

If you have a tight space that has multiple uses–say a dorm room, studio apartment or guest bedroom/office–there are times when you want to create the illusion of two distinct spaces. Drapes or folding screens can work, but they are often a little heavy or outdated. German firm Koziol has a modern, somewhat hipper take with Stixx.

Created by French designer Ren Barba in a distinctive diamond-cut look, the Stixx sheets are 10.5 x 10.5-inch squares that can be configured to suit any need. Hook them together (they come with hooks) to create a room partition, a decorative element on a wall, or a way to encase an less-than-stellar ceiling fixture. Each square is $10 each.

Coffee addicts often love single-cup coffee makers, but with a cost of 25 cents or more for each little coffee “pod”, it’s a convenience can really add up. The Scoop from Hamilton Beach is your answer: it brews a single serving with any ground coffee — and can fill up to a 14-ounce cup. This clever little gadget, just $59.99, comes with two scoops, ensuring that your coffee is perfect every time. Who needs the coffee house, anyway?

Here’s a hot tip sure to keep your home the perfect temperature no matter what is going on outside: the Nest programmable thermostat.

In just three days, the theromostat learns the settings you dictate with quick turns of the dial. It figures out when you’re home and not home, adjusting heat and the air conditioning accordingly. You can modify the temperature remotely from your web browser, smart phone or tablet. Bonus: it checks the weather reports to ensure that the settings are energy efficient. You’ll be saving money on your heating and cooling bills in no time. What I love about this in the cool of winter is that I can amp up the temp on my drive home so that the house is warm and cozy by the time I get there.

Like a magpie, I’m drawn to colorful, shiny objects. This was the case with the Koziol Pip Party Set. Eight little bird-shaped appetizer picks perch on a tree, ready to help your guests peck away at the appetizers–think olives, dates and other bite-size treats– on your party table. When you’re not using the set, the birds live inside the base of the tree. $31

The Nordic countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland – are known for their clean-lined and natural decor. Long, dark winters can be a little dreary, so many Scandinavians offset the blues by infusing cheery white palettes and natural materials into their decor. Furniture is clean-lined and materials like bare wood, leather, linen and wool invite you to nestle in with family and friends.

1. Moroccan-style Candle Lantern, $15

2. Ingrid Cane Chair, $948

3. Nolan Purple Pillow, $14.99

4. Paddington Sofa, $799

International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, took place this week. One of the award-winning products featured at the show as the RCA USB wall plate charger. This little gadget (under $20) converts any electrical outlet into a two-port, rapid-charging outlet for portable devices, along with a single standard AC outlet. The wall plate is designed to fit in seamlessly and look like a standard outlet, so you can leave it in place permanently. That means no more searching for the charger any more.

A new year means many of us are back on the fitness wagon. For me, that means some more exercise, but really, I’ve made a recommitment to water. No big ceremony or dress involved (although that would be have been more fun). Just a promise to all the little cells in my body that I will drink much more water every day. But water can be a bit boring boring. And yet, it is so good for you. To blend these conflicting emotions, I like the Fontana water carafe by Blomus. This pretty little thing is made of clear glass, plastic and stainless steel. I like to fill it partially with ice, pour in water and add some flavor goodies to sweeten or tart things up. Think: slices of citrus, berries, basil or mint leaves.

I love that it’s elegant enough to leave out on my office desk, prompting me to pour and sip away on flavored water all day. Pretty and healthful.