Quick. Do it now!

As I feel my own cold symptoms creeping up on me, this one will be a more general health tip. A friend of mine works for a food product packaging company, and he gave me a box of orange-flavored Emergen-C one day, and I've been a believer since the first sip!

These packets are jam-PACKED with vitamin C (obviously) and other great cold-fighting vitamins and minerals that will help you fight that illness before it really goes into full action. Whenever I feel a tickle or a cough, I down 2 of these packets a day. It says to dissolve one packed in 4-6 ounces of water. I personally dislike any of the flavors and the fizziness, so I put in a little water as possible in a cup and take it as a shot.

The weather is getting cooler, so take care of yourselves!

Gloss that Doesn't Double as Fly Tape

Have you ever bought a lip gloss because you liked the color or the smell only to come home and find out it was stickier than tar? That has happened to me a LOT. It's also hard to find one that doesn't smell funky or like chemicals. That's why this is a product that I keep on me at all times. I also love to give it as gifts! C.O. Bigelow's Lip Shine.

These are a must-have for people like me, who don't like the feel or the bother of lipstick. I have fair skin and don't like lipstick, so glosses are great and tinted glosses add enough color for me. These also tend to go on sale often, too.

If you have dry lips and are looking for a good chapstick, my recommendation is the Kiehls Baby Lip Balm. My friend got me started on these way back in college.

One thing to remember, though, is that this balm melts very easily. You don't need to apply very much. Also, DON'T keep it in your pocket. You'll have a mess to deal with after you stand up. :)

Sweet Smell of Portability

Who are you wearing? I don't get this question very much, but when I do, it's usually about the perfume I have on. I've been through the gamut of the junior/high school classics... Fuzzy Peach by the Body Shop, CK One by Calvin Klein. Oh yes. Other favorites have included Still by Jennifer Lopez, Hanae Mori, and Isse Miyake, but for the past several years, I've been hooked on what might be a keeper for years to come still... Stella McCartney.

I tend to be drawn to scents that are clean and slightly flowery with subtle citrus notes. I get very turned off by powdery or overly flowery scents that I think are "sharp" to my nose. I also tend to feel like those super-fruity smells give the impression of a youth I've long surpassed. And don't even get me started on vanilla... I love eating it, but the artificial scent of vanilla used in lotions and perfumes makes me want to punch a baby (a la Dane Cook). BUT, the product I really wanted to share with you is this.

This 0.33 oz. roll-on version of the very perfume I love is only available at Sephora and runs $17. I keep this tiny vial in my purse at all times for freshening up after a long day at my desk, before a date with my hot hunk of man, or after soaking up unpleasant or unwanted smells at a restaurant. I'm the type that will spritz once in the morning and leave it at that, so having this little buddy around is truly convenient. Even if you don't want to start using Stella McCartney, you can certainly find a scent for you in Sephora selection of roll-on and solid perfumes that are super portable and insanely handy.

MY Girl

I'm getting a trim today, so let's chat about hair. One thing I'm willing to splurge a little on is haircuts. I've always (or almost always) had long hair. Based on first-hand experience, bad haircuts = NOT WORTH THE SAVINGS. One thing I've also learned is that good hair dressers are hard to find. I found MY hair girl at the Mario Tricoci salon in Bloomingdale, IL.

Please don't think this is a plug for Mario Tricoci, but I actually don't like the salon itself. I've been many times disappointed in the color treatments I've received and even other services that come WITH a hair cut, but without a doubt, Lisa gives me a great cut every time.

A couple tips for when you get your hair cut:

• Stick to your guns! If you said you didn't want to cut it, and the hairdresser wants you to. Don't listen to them! You're the one who has to live with it. Don't let their ideas of "style" manipulate you.
• Think about what you want before you go in. Unless you REALLY want them to do whatever they want (including short cuts, dramatic cuts, colors, etc.), then you do have some idea of what will work and what won't. Take a few pictures of celebrities' haircuts/styles you like to give your hairdresser an idea of your sense of style.
• DO let them know if you don't like the cut. Even if you're willing to live with it and come back to this same person, it will help them to know what about it you're unhappy with. Feedback is what they can build on to make you happy with your next cut.
• DON'T waste your money on products they're trying to sell you. They're overpriced and better products can be found for a cheaper price.

Over the past few years, I've tried several shampoos out. With the thick and dense hair I have, it's important to get good moisture without creating too much oil. Here's a shampoo I really like. It smells great and leaves my hair moisturized and shiny. Try Back to Basics. If you like it, you can buy the large size at Ulta and take advantage of their buy 2 get 1 deals. I would suggest, though, that you buy a pump. The conditioner is far too thick to try to coax out of the bottle every time. Pumps are fairly cheap and you get take advantage of the bulk sizes!

No Shopping, No Deals

I apologize for the posts that have been few and far between lately. When you don't shop, you don't find deals to share.

I get a lot of flack from my boyfriend, the ever faithful Banana Republic customer, about buying "classic" pieces that are durable. My tastes, however, rarely find anything I really live in stores like BR, J Crew, or anything similar. I find myself shopping at Forever21 (and the new knock-off A-Gaci). People will send compliments my way and then express sheer surprise at the fact that I found such an item there. It's all about looking for solid construction and decent material.

You won't find much at Forever21-ish stores that will last you decades, but I have several shirts I've worn for at least 4 years. The trick is to stick to items that won't wear as easily (looser fitting tops, pleated skirts, jackets, etc.) and staying away from the t-shirt-type fabrics.

When I look for clothes, the details are what catch my attention. Ribbon detail along the hems. Ruching on the bodice or sleeve seams. These are the things that make the item a "must-have."

These are the type of shirts I would stay away. Avoid "knit" tops that feel like t-shirts. These will form holes and wear out very quickly. if you like it enough, make sure it's a loose-fitting shirt that you can wear a few times before washes and buy a back-up if you think it's worth it.

Woven and loose-fitting shirts don't go under the same kind of wear that knit and fitted shirts do. This means less pilling, less tearing, fewer holes.

And yes, it's overwhelming in Forever21. This is why I like to take my time and go there alone. I've also found another gem of style that are hard to come by. The prices are comparable and items are really cute. The construction is a bit iffy and the sizes run small (oh joy), but it's definitely worth a look at www.angiehearts.net.

Happy Shopping.

No More Yellow Nails

During the 1 year+ I worked at Starbucks, one of the biggest bummers was not being able to wear nail polish (to prevent chipping into customers' drinks and food). Since then, I've found that giving myself a manicure is one way to unwind and relax, and after you're done, you've got something to show for it!

But the more I use nail polish, I noticed my nails taking on a yellowish tint. Apparently, base coats are important for that very reason. Before I have the chance to try this preventative measure, though, I need to get rid of this yellow. I've read of some home remedies online, but I found this product that did the trick.

Yellow No More (instant nail whitener) by Nail Aid does exactly what it says it'll do. The second I applied it, my nails looks visibly whiter and healthier. They recommend you apply it up to 3 times a week, and I've been faithfully complying. I'm having a hard time finding a long-lasting, quality top coat, so I've ended up redoing my nails several times a week... I'm a pro by now.

One of the best parts of this product is that you can get free shipping from the Web site if you buy 2 bottles. Each costs $6.50, which is very reasonable compared to those $8 to $14 bottles you find at specialty stores.