Today was a long ass freaking day. I didn’t realize how tired I was until I got into Grillo’s truck and almost passed out in the short ride from Newbury Street to Lower Allston.

Despite how tired I am now, tomorrow (even though I don’t have to be at work until 10:45) I’m starting a new routine. I’ll be getting up at 7. So I have 3 full hours to myself before I have to jump on the bus. I’m hoping that this will put me in a great mindset for work.

As I didn’t have to get to work today until 1, and I woke up around 9, I was able to get a full 3 hours to myself, and it was awesome. Since I did a majority of my ‘screwing around’, I think I was more productive at work. I didn’t feel as much of a need for down time (READ: I didn’t take as many breaks).

How long do you get up before you have to go to work in the morning? Granted, I probably work more odd hours than most, since I’m in retail, but even you 9-5ers can answer this.

I was inspired by Dave Cheong, and his waking up early to get more stuff done. Anyone want to be a wake up buddy?

My mom got me into a bad habit early on (actually, I suppose it’s a great habit, it just gets expensive). I’ve been getting my eyebrows and face waxed since I was around 13. I didn’t truly appreciate this until I was paying for it myself.

I’ve tried most of the waxing kits you can get at CVS, although, that’s not saying much since a majority of them are all the same brand. And they all kind of suck, at least for me. I imagine they work well for naturally blonde girls.

Gigi Strip Free Honee Microwave Wax

Last year, I discovered the Gigi Brand at a small beauty supply store in Coolidge Corner. For about $15. I could wax my eyebrows every week for 6 months.

The Strip Free Microwave ‘Honee’ formula is my wax of choice. It smells great and you don’t have to buy any strips. You put the wax on, wait a minute for it to cool, then rip it off. I think the process moves quicker this way. While you’re waiting for it to cool you can continue putting wax on other areas. Then rip them all off, one after the other.

But I’m curious to know if any one else out there waxes at home? What products do you use? What works best for you. This is the first product I’ve tried that I actually love to use.

I must keep repeating this to my self… but I really really want this bag.

Thanks to the Nylon Blog, I bought yellow nail polish. Apprehensively.

The words “yellow nails” conjure up images of “Don’t Smoke” campaigns. People with black lungs, and yellowed nails and teeth– nasty.

But yellow is one of my favorite colors. And Nylon kept telling me how trendy it is, how urban it is, how chic it is. So I did it. I succumbed to the advertising folks at OPI/Sally Hansen/Vogue/Nylon/Fashion Blogs and whoever else is benefiting from ‘us’ falling into the trend and I painted my nails yellow.

Manicure Correction Pen by Cutex

I’m a nailbiter, by trade. In general, I’ve always skipped out on painting my nails. It’s such a hassle for multiple reasons:

• My nails are always ridiculously short.
• I end up peeling, picking, and pulling the nail polish off making the effort a waste of time.
• Because my nails are so short, I end up getting half the polish on my skin.

I bought some nice bright blue polish to go with this nice bright blue handbag I have. Then I realized, my nail polish is just one more accessory. I don’t know why it took me so long (23 years) to make this realization, but I’m glad I finally did. Plus the extra effort is making me less likely to bite my nails.

Let’s see how long this lasts. I’m on day 5 of no biting.

My best tip for a great manicure done at home? Cut your cuticles and invest in a Cutex Manicure Correction Pen.

Save some cash and look fantastic!

I was a little skeptical, and at first I just kind of forgot that she sent me back to Boston with it.

Since I talk to my mom every day, sometimes a few times a day (love you if you’re reading this!), she asked me if I tried it in my shampoo/reminded me. Finally I did.

My hair has always been a little on the unmanageable side when going ‘au naturel’. It’s thick and wavy and easily tangled and when product free just does whatever the hell it wants. The Epsom Salt made my hair so soft, and smooth, and soooo curly (probably all the silicones and waxes I use to prep my hair for the straightening iron were weighing it down into waves). I had ringlet curls, beautiful curls that with a little hairspray and shiner would be fabulous for a low-key day at work, or a day of shopping on Newbury St.

I’m doing the epsom salt in my shampoo once a week, from now on. And I am mixing it with everything I use in the shower. My facial cleanser– brighter skin. My body wash– smoother arms and legs. I also used it to scrub my feet (oh they were so dry, and pedi’s are expensive).

For less than $2, amp up your beauty regimen.