BECKY SHER | Hype Hatbox bag will top off your look

Ever since we got a glimpse of Elissa Bloom's hand-beaded accessories, we've been in love. And she's added a couple of new things to her collection that are just as cute and quirky as the originals.
Our favorites are the hatbox bags, round cases that feature Bloom's trademark beaded ladies on the top. Their best trait is their versatility: Are they cosmetics cases? Handbags? Who can tell? Whatever you choose to carry in your hatbox, you're sure to look smashing. Don't want to spend the 35 bucks to buy one? Drop a few hints to the guy in your life (or to Mom and Dad), and see if you can score one as a birthday gift.
Bloom's products are available at www.nordstrombeauty.com, or you can check out her Web site at www.elissabloom.com and sneak a peek at her creations. Or leave the site conveniently on the family computer monitor and hope for the best.
Better breath
You just had to chomp on that chili dog, didn't you? It may have tasted great at this afternoon's baseball game, but now you're headed out on a date, and your breath is less than fresh. You could try gum or breath mints, but just so you know, chewing on a big wad of gum doesn't impress the ladies.
Fortunately, someone out there is looking out for you. Namely, the inventor of Supersmile In-Between Mouthrinse. The little packs contain dry mouthwash crystals -- you just add water (the packet is a makeshift cup), and you've got yourself a swig of breath-freshening, tooth-whitening mouthwash. The key is the size -- tiny enough to fit in your pocket, so you can guzzle it before that good-night kiss.
The mouthwash packets come in packs of 24 ($14) or 60 ($26). Check out www.supersmileusa.com to order or to find store locations near you.
XBecky Sher writes Hype for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can write to her at bsher@krtinfo.com.
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Site of the week: GameHouse.com
Before you enter the GameHouse Web site you better have plenty of free time on your hands. What starts off as a 10-minute visit can easily morph into a half-hour stay, and if you're not careful, you may find yourself logged on for an entire night.
What's all the fuss about?
GameHouse is the brains behind the online gaming hits "Collapse II," "Mah Jong Solitaire" and "Bounce Out." You can play these and dozens of other free games at the company's Web site, www.gamehouse.com.
In addition to online games, GameHouse offers "super" versions of its popular titles you can play offline. These "super" games offer better sound and full screen capabilities as well as expanded game options. However, there's a limit to how many times you can play the game before it stops working. If you find yourself hooked on a game, you can buy the full-length versions at GameHouse's online store and play until your heart's content. Most games don't cost more than $25, and they can be downloaded directly to your hard drive.
GameHouse also offers a free membership that will give you sneak previews of new releases and special pricing deals.
If your time is a precious commodity, think twice before logging on to the GameHouse Web site. With one visit, you may find you've spent an entire afternoon playing the site's simple, but addictive, games. Don't say you haven't been warned.
XEric Goodwin writes about Web sites for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can send e-mail to egoodwin@krtinfo.com.