BECKY SHER | Hype 3-in-1 gel offers a great smell

Two things we love about Philosophy's Pumpkin Pie 3-in-1 gel: First, it does triple-duty as shampoo, conditioner and body wash. And second, it really does smell like pumpkin pie. Those are pretty much the only two reasons we need to shell out 16 bucks for a bottle of the stuff.
Pumpkin Pie has always been a part of Philosophy's mega-popular baked goods cookbook, a good-enough-to-eat collection that includes 3-in-1 gels in flavors like Cinnamon Buns and Banana Nut Bread. And now, just in time for fall, Pumpkin Pie is all on its own. The whole 3-in-1 thing is pretty ingenious for several reasons, not the least of which is that you never have to worry about the fragrance of your shower gel clashing with the scent of your conditioner. And believe it or not, this stuff works equally well no matter where you're using it.
Dig the idea of bathing with a Thanksgiving fave? Check out www.philosophy.com, www.sephora.com or www.beauty.com to buy Philosophy products.
Card creations
It's your best friend's birthday, and you bought her the cute T-shirt she's been eying for months. And even though you know she's gonna love it (and you, of course), you're still looking for a way to make your gift stand out. How 'bout making her a handmade card? It's pretty much guaranteed to be one of a kind, and we bet she'll still have it pinned to her bulletin board long after she's given the T-shirt to her little sis.
Like the idea of making your own cards, but lack the inspiration? Pick up & quot;Handmade Cards & quot; (Klutz Books, $24.95), an all-in-one instruction book/portfolio that will have your bedroom looking like a Hallmark factory in two seconds flat. The hardcover box holds all the tools you'll need for card-making -- templates, paper in tons of colors, a measuring grid and a nifty folding tool that lets you create razor-sharp creases, just like pros. And the instruction book is written in easy-to-follow language, with tons of great tips. We made a gorgeous 3-D daisy card, which looked super-complicated, but turned out to be a cinch. Trust us, once you get started, you'll be making cards for every occasion you can think of.
Look for & quot;Handmade Cards & quot; at bookstores, toy stores and online booksellers. Or visit www.klutz.com.
XBecky Sher writes Hype for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can write to her at bsher@krtinfo.com.