Your Weekly Horoscope: February 12-18

Capricorn

You are appreciated this Sunday and you feel this from those around you. You are willing to listen to the disagreements so as to find a happy middle ground. You may prefer to be alone this Monday morning. No big deal--you just feel like being private. There could be roadblocks with communication this Tuesday--perhaps more with static electricity than words. However, when in doubt, ask questions! You will still be able to have conference calls and other means of communication. This Wednesday is one of those days when anything is possible. You have a tiger in your tank and a green light for all activities--particularly in groups. If you are looking for success this Thursday--it is within your grasp. You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends this afternoon--it could be that circumstances force you to be more conservative. Friday is a time during which you are at your best in regard to practical and work-related affairs. Events may line up in your favor and push you over the top to new heights of discoveries. Your personality and mode of living will be changeable each day. Somehow, fun seems more important than work this Saturday, so do not schedule too many tasks for yourself just now.

Sagittarius

Your energy is high! You feel vital; you feel good; you feel a sense of harmony with yourself, the entire world and everybody in it. Others can feel this, so they in turn are drawn to you this Sunday, making this a successful day for any kind of group endeavor. Your capable mind is working well all day this Monday. You are able to quickly divide the non-essential from the essential in no time at all today. This Tuesday is the time when you should gain recognition or credit for your hard work. There is advice available today that would be good for future reference. Trust in your own judgment. Make your plans this Wednesday and execute the next day. You are proud to deal with the business people you see each day . . . there is earnestness on all sides to have positive outcomes and fairness for all. Careful--narrow sight could hinder business dealings this Thursday. Know all the facts before beginning a project that could be very complicated. Although a sense of challenge creeps up from time to time, you can use your creative mind to turn the blocked situations into doorways of change this Friday. The law, religion or getting published are interests that may occupy your mind this Saturday. Perhaps it is time to assess this year's goals.

Pisces

Indulge your curiosity this Sunday--your imagination and creativity are at their best. New ideas are easily understood and bring an interesting and exciting response from people. Make the most of this exciting day. Athletic energy is high this Monday. Lunch time may be a good time to jog with a co-worker or shoot some baskets. This afternoon you could complete or at least make great headway on those on-going projects and clean off your desk. Interior decorating may be the perfect job for you this Tuesday; however, work in retail can be quite successful. Others value you for your ability to make practical decisions concerning group issues. You appear perhaps more charming than usual this Wednesday. Now could be the time to make that date, apply for a particular job or otherwise make yourself known. Your comprehension of issues is broadened this Thursday and your inner peace makes you tolerant of dissenting views. Your judgment is good. There are career gains to be enjoyed. A collision of powerful energies will be spilling into your life this Friday. The decisions and actions of today will have permanent effects. This Saturday you are invigorated and encouraged by finding a safe outlet for your energy.

Aquarius

Believe it or not--you are doing all the right things this Sunday. Now, however, is the time to let up on you--take it easy--do nice things for yourself. You are entering a phase of emotional directness, emotional beginnings this Monday, a fresh start and perhaps the establishment of new habit patterns. Adjustments may be necessary in order to fit comfortably into this day and with your determination and positive thinking, you will be successful. This Tuesday may portend the successful culmination of an ambitious project. The accent is on charisma today. This Wednesday is an excellent time to get to know someone better. Although this is a period that favors all types of relationships, talk among friends is usually serious. Realize that this Thursday is a busy time at work for you and allow yourself more time for each project, problem customer or instructions to others; patience. This Friday is a great time to work in groups or on a team. Gathering and exchanging information becomes a more important part of your life just now. You have tremendous mental energy this Saturday. Take care to avoid being temperamental and touchy. If you channel this energy successfully, you can be very influential today.

Aries

Your productive mind is clear this Sunday and you are able to separate the most complex concepts into their essential parts for easier understanding. Everything points to your taking the initiative on a humanitarian cause. You will probably pull away from associates who have slowed your progress this Monday. This may even mean a new job. Updating equipment or skills seems to be the focus of your growth for now. This Tuesday is a good time to lead the way on a project--ideas and creative input are yours for the asking. This Wednesday is excellent for taking the lead in a new project, for your originality is unusually heightened. This is an excellent time to sway others to your cause. This Thursday you could talk an Eskimo into buying an ice cube. You have the ability to express yourself with clever arguments; your thinking is most lucid and grasping. Lady luck is smiling on you today! Your energy is high this Friday and your creative mind is ready to be applied to the work at hand. Giving your best effort now will bring you considerable success. Your positive outlook on life is contagious this Saturday and your creative mind is busy, ready to be applied to your hobby or any chore that needs tending just now.

Taurus

Your imagination soars! Awareness and insight into others' minds and into spiritual matters are especially strong this Sunday. Leave any tasks requiring attention to precise detail for another day. There is a tendency to be too strict with yourself this Monday. You probably insist that whatever does not contribute to security and other long-term goals is trivial. You are easy-going this Tuesday--your compatibility with higher-ups may draw positive attention. You will find this a very lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding your way through just about any problem you may discover. If you give your best effort this Wednesday, considerable success is yours! Excitement! New discoveries, encounters and ideas should make this a day to remember. You are realistic about your abilities and expectations for success this Thursday. This is an excellent time to get many things accomplished. This Friday should be one of those wonderful days when you have the feeling that everything is good! Working with others this morning, you are at your mental best with sharp ideas and clear thoughts. This Saturday is a good time to sit down alone and get many things accomplished--tax papers, phone calls, letters, etc.

Gemini

There is a feeling that anything is possible if you set your sights high enough. This Sunday, there is optimism, faith and a tendency to really concentrate on becoming focused and reaching future goals. Emphasis this Monday is on your work, profession or public image--not your private life. You may wish to reflect on long-range plans and just how well things are falling into place. You may take a serious attitude this Tuesday to just about all aspects of your life. For a while this morning you may feel that you are just not with the flow of energy. This Wednesday, any need for a little give and take has found its day. There are many business matters that will keep you busy this Thursday. There may be an air of seriousness to all your dealings with partners. You are filled with great optimism for success in many areas of your life. Any need for negotiation or persuasion has found its day. You may face criticism from co-workers or your boss this Friday, particularly about a project or an idea of yours. Stand by your ideas, some changes may be in order and that may be a difficulty but time will be the secret of your success. Your energy and optimism go hand in hand this Saturday to help you grasp the big picture.

Cancer

The currents of love--giving and receiving--even the desire to nurture--flow easily this Sunday. For the unattached, this could spill over to the desire to form a new relationship, even if it is an unwise decision to do so; careful. Your positive thinking and graceful influence make a positive difference with many people this Monday. There could even be an instance where others will change the wording of their sentences to a more positive content because of your presence. This Tuesday you could consider a job planner. A job planner at a nearby college may be your next step to a better employment future. This Wednesday you may want to focus on the higher aspects of life--the big picture--pesky details are a waste of time. You may be drawn to the study of religion, philosophy or psychology. You have an opportunity to take part in some fun activities tonight. You may realize a successful culmination of an ambitious project this Thursday. Events and circumstances this Friday may conspire to block your sense of freedom. Someone challenges your ideas. It may not be easy to find suitable solutions to problems just now. You will enjoy being around people this Saturday but the rapport between you and your loved one is especially strong.

Leo

To you dreamers . . . this Sunday you just might make a few wishes come true. Your mind is full of new ideas this Monday--it seems as if the moment you go in one direction another group of ideas opens up to you. If you work in the advertisement industry, you will achieve quick success. To assure that you do not misunderstand instructions at work this Tuesday, ask questions and if necessary, keep notes. Everything is positive this Wednesday morning. You will be fast-thinking and ready for action. You benefit through communication with co-workers this Thursday. Later today you will find yourself helping a co-worker stay focused on their job. You will wisely pull from your insights and past experiences to offer sound advice. After a Friday morning of exasperating negotiations, you will enjoy a more productive afternoon. There are plenty of people to help you, if you need them. There are temptations while shopping later today and if you have not been shopping in a while, you could find that you are magnetically pulled in many different directions. Quiet time this Saturday morning is one of the best parts of this day. You are either entertained or will entertain this evening--enjoy!

Virgo

Even though this Sunday may not be your workday, you become more involved in teaching, student-teaching or tutoring. Helping young people seems to be where your energies are just now. This Monday should be one of those easy-going days when nothing is a really big deal. It might be a good time to seek a solution to any technical or emotional problem that hangs over your head. If you are depending on several different people or the upswing of the dollar to save some business project this Tuesday--you could be in hot water--easy does it. If your own expertise has been the guide to this project--you have nothing to fear. You are able to tackle tasks that require real organization this Wednesday. You find yourself in a very practical mood today. You may be bored with the daily grind and itch to find a way out of the rut this Thursday. Also, independence seems more attractive than discipline just now. Business dealings may be particularly fruitful this Friday--particularly as you put your heart into helping each customer. This is a good day for thinking and ideas. Your curiosity, intuition and your desire to achieve will help you be successful in whatever you have become involved with this Saturday.

Libra

This Sunday you would rather switch than fight. You are a pushover when it comes to a sad story. If there is some issue in progress that challenges you to think about your viewpoint, you would be wise to do a little research before making up your mind. You may find that this Monday is a time when job and family keep you quite busy. Discipline may be where your concentration is this Tuesday. However, maintaining your spirit of enthusiasm will help you stay on target with your goals. Mental stimulation from others is important to you this Wednesday; it's a good idea to make every effort to cooperate as well as work out a compromise if needed. An ongoing project is successful and you continue to get new ideas on how to improve a project. Any professional undertaking this Thursday will have good results. This Friday you are apt to spend a considerable amount of time and effort to improve finances, principally through physical or manual activity. You have plenty of energy to tackle any problem or project that you want to work on today. Your energy is high this Saturday! You feel vital and in harmony with the universe. Others can feel this, so they in turn are drawn to you, making this a most successful day.

Scorpio

A fascination with the mysterious may be reawakened within you this Sunday. Going beyond just finding a good novel or movie, you may be drawn towards the serious study of some occult subject. You have found clever ways to improve efficiency on the job this Monday. There may be some new software or some other technical expertise that you can introduce to others. Your focus is strong this Tuesday and your efforts today are successful. At the close of your workday, you find new ways in which to make the transition from work to home enjoyable. This Wednesday is a great day to get things done, whether you are alone or with others, especially if you lead. This Thursday is a fine time to try out some new ideas or engage in some new business dealings or investments. Compromise should be exercised whenever possible. Your sensitivity is heightened when you listen to someone else's problems this Friday. You could be most persuasive and clear in your communications. Your self-assertiveness is strong. It may be a good thing you are not working this Saturday--it could be difficult to concentrate just now. You and your friends may get together for a day in the snow or a day of sports.

Info from Daily Horoscopes XX.

Your Weekly Horoscope: February 5-11

Capricorn

This Sunday may bring an opportunity to reflect about what you do for a living. You may want to cut loose and try something completely different with regard to your profession. If ever there was a day to work with groups, this Monday is it! Your acute sensitivity to other people's moods could enable you to fine-tune those moods as you would a violin. It may seem that your emotions could take over in your dealings with others this Tuesday. This can cloud reason, so probably it is not the best day for delicate deal-making. However, communication skills play a major role in today's events. Work to develop your highest potential in these areas. An outgoing and very expressive cycle of experience has begun for you this Wednesday. This Thursday could be a day of whimsical daydreams and imaginings--there is nothing wrong with this. It could be fun. There is a danger, however, that it could go too far and you could lose your grip on the day. You may well be reminded of your various responsibilities this Friday. This is a good time to take care of some business you have previously postponed. This Saturday is a great day to get things done, whether you are alone or with others, especially if you lead.

Sagittarius

Take a deep breath and count to ten when dealing with friends or family this Sunday morning--impatience could be a problem. You greatly enjoy social and romantic activities today. You may find the push to sign contracts, conclude business deals or make future plans this Monday. Ambitious schemes and the pursuit of success and status take on a high priority this Tuesday. This brings a focus on the practical, the successful and the sensible. You become aware of new concepts this Wednesday. You may spend a great deal of time engaged in intellectual pursuits in the home. You may see the family circle increase in numbers through marriage or birth. As you think on important issues this Thursday, try to avoid being insensitive to others. You may experience abrupt changes in fortune, good or bad, in a relatively short period of time. You will feel the urge for excitement and should consider traveling--avoid extravagance, however. This Friday is a good day for making decisions, carrying out plans and communicating to others just where you stand. Make sure the dialogue goes both ways, however. Others have good ideas, too. This Saturday is an easy-flow day. You seem resigned to the way things are at this time.

Pisces

Having and appreciating things of beauty and value play a big role in your life this Sunday. Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues in your life this Monday. A fear of asserting yourself can hold you back--as can coming on too strong. There are some powerful energies spilling into your life in erratic ways this Tuesday. The actions today will have long-term effects. Work is pressing and demanding--you are able to move forward successfully this Wednesday--stay aggressive, but polite. Taxes, investments and other financial ties or obligations grab your attention this Thursday. This could mean you are helping tend to these matters on the professional level or it could mean you are getting these things in good shape for your personal income tax filings. This Friday may not be the best time to make decisions about a relationship or a business deal. You may have an intense desire to cut through the fog and get to the bottom of a confusing situation--this is a good thing. Awareness and insight into others' minds and into spiritual matters are especially acute this Saturday. Leave any task requiring close scrutiny for another day. Escape the rigors of the daily grind with a good fantasy or romance novel--rest.

Aquarius

Getting people and things organized this Sunday may be best handled in a group meeting so that everyone can be expressive. Diplomatic organizational steps are best conducted at this time. Monday marks a period of introspection and evaluation of goals. Focus your energy on self-discovery. To you dreamers of impossible dreams, you just might make them come true this Tuesday. Do not let your high spirits get too far ahead of the discipline and attention to detail necessary to make any dream a reality. You should love being around people this Wednesday, especially those to whom you are emotionally attached and better yet, older friends with whom you can reminisce. Your business day this Thursday is full of paperwork; even if you don't usually have to fill out any papers . . . it is time to do the paperwork dance. Some new rule or necessary information needs updating. You are very resourceful this Friday. You will impress people in conversation and communicate to loved ones on new levels. You may be hungry for emotional excitement this Saturday. You may be seeking out new and different kinds of people or maybe new and different kinds of places to spend the day or evening.

Aries

Everything points to your taking over some project this Sunday. Whatever you decide to do, you will feel great support from others. This Monday is a good time to lead the way on a project--at work or home. Your imagination is unusually heightened. The accent this Tuesday is on sociability. This should be one of those nice days when everything goes well--great for business transactions as well as for social get-togethers with lighthearted conversation. If you give your best effort this Wednesday, considerable success may follow. You have plenty of confidence and will succeed at any project you attempt. You are well-disposed to others this Thursday and buoyed with confidence now to succeed at any project you attempt. Make sure both your expectations and abilities are realistic before diving into something you may not be able to get out of without harm or embarrassment. This Friday is a good time to lead the way on a project, for your originality is unusually strong. You tend to engage in hard work to obtain financial security. You may not have to work this Saturday but your choice may be to use this day to make a trade or a sale anyway. This may mean that you decide to take your art to a consignment store.

Taurus

You are coming into a creative and competitive phase this Sunday, one in which you want to be admired and appreciated for what you do and who you are. You feel good and your mind is in top condition for the work that is set before you this Monday. Good eye-hand coordination and a sustained effort make almost any task run well. Some people are harder to help and you may find this Tuesday is better for working by yourself as much as possible, not to avoid issues but to allow a calm to ensue. This energy will soon pass. This Wednesday you are strengthened in your desire to succeed, not only financially, but personally as well. At this time, it's best to rely on facts rather than feelings, particularly when an expensive mistake might be the outcome. This Thursday, your mind is clear and fertile and going a mile a minute. You will enjoy communicating, with quick responses, writing letters, playing mental games and puzzle-solving--anything to give your active mind things upon which to think. You will most likely be full of energy this Friday--ready to take on the world. This Saturday morning is a time for you! Concentrate on your own goals--firm up ongoing projects or begin new ones.

Gemini

Be prepared for slowdowns, delays and cancellations this Sunday--patience. Your mind may feel like it is on a racetrack this Monday. It is moving in fast motion and insights are flashing in and out of the blue. A lot of energy goes into getting things scheduled and organized this Tuesday. You will be good at polishing details, whether as part of a project or part of an organization. You have the energy to tackle most any problem involved with work this Wednesday. This is the time to use your energy constructively; being slow to anger and worry is a good idea now. You are filled with a great desire to succeed in all areas of your life. If something puzzles you, an older, wiser head may give guidance this Thursday. If problems arise, you can handle them without panic. You may take comfort in the past, with its old ways and old solutions. This Friday is a good day to step back and reflect on the past and contemplate your next step into the future. This period usually brings about good conditions and good communication among co-workers. If you are working this Saturday it may only take up a half day effort. There is optimism. This is an excellent time for a deeper understanding of the forces that move the world and each other.

Cancer

This Sunday is an excellent time for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the forces that move the world. Monday is a favorable time for working in groups. Group work may be necessary when you or another co-worker requires any research or sorting as two or three can accomplish the work so much faster than one. Your intellect is sharp, making this Tuesday a good day for study or work. You may, however, feel that you are giving more than you are receiving where your work is concerned. This Wednesday is a time to make sure you do not become too self-absorbed. Keep your eye on the goal--not whether or not it is achieved your way. This Thursday is a good day to do some serious thinking about work or a certain project; much benefit comes from this type of thinking. Communications may be difficult this Friday--try very hard to keep your interchange simple. You seem instilled with a sense of practicality to get many things done. Learning and knowing a little about a lot of things helps you to stay updated with technology. There are stimulating opportunities now to change your life in positive ways this Saturday. Reading, research, writing, everything seems to lead you to where you want to go.

Leo

You have a great love for your fellow man. Spiritual interests are high and you may be of tremendous emotional help to a friend or family member and not even realize it this Sunday. Work on a project of a large or complicated manner comes knocking at your door this Monday. It may mean a bonus but the best in the end result is your ability to be flexible and organized. You are very expressive and sociable. Your personal magnetism is most dynamic this Tuesday and you are good at getting people to listen to you and to follow your lead. An experience this Wednesday will be out of the ordinary. Great opportunities may emerge in work or in personal affairs. This can be a financially favorable period. This Thursday is a good day to get things done. Your good eye-hand coordination and sustained effort make almost any task run well. Your experiences now will be out of the ordinary and you will likely feel generous. You are probably feeling high spirited this Friday. It will not, however, be a good idea to overload your schedule at this time. You are apt to enjoy considerable success at work. Group activities are fun this Saturday, even if you find yourself mending a fence, repairing a roof or perhaps darning socks.

Virgo

Becoming more practical and reliable takes on a special importance this Sunday. Taking care of the necessary underpinnings of life--health, work and such--becomes a greater preoccupation. Many projects come to fruition this Monday, especially large ones--recognition is also easy to find. Your ideas gain a great deal of attention. Besides keeping the peace, you have good practical job-related ideas this Tuesday. Mental stimulation from others is key for you right now. It's a good idea to make every effort to cooperate and compromise at this time. You may fall under the heavy burden of responsibility this Wednesday. However, this is a good time for you to show off your capabilities--you are in a high achievement mode. Business dealings may be particularly fruitful this Thursday. Every time you take a quick look at the clock, you are surprised at how quickly the day moves along. Business dealings may be particularly fruitful this Friday. Any project at hand should therefore be a great success. It is a good idea to make every effort to cooperate and compromise. Friendships are a source of great pleasure and you should be quite popular with your friends this Saturday. A wonderful type of harmony is present this evening.

Libra

This Sunday is a time when your path of self-development and expression becomes more and more unusual--setting you apart from the crowd and from all that is traditional. This Monday is definitely a day of progress, particularly if you are allowed to take the lead. You attract people to work with you whose energy matches your own energies. Your efficiency in the workplace may have been hampered by your heavy schedule this Tuesday. Your physical energy is really high as well. You are empowered with a clear and inquisitive mind this Wednesday. You will be discussing ideas with co-workers and supervisors--this can be a most beneficial and rewarding time. Do not let new circumstances change or throw you from achieving your goals this Thursday. Foggy situations will become clear to you soon. You will understand better how to handle an ongoing problem. Rushing through your day can cause you to become careless this Friday. Anyone you attract at this time will be good for you and you will make a great first impression. A neighborhood committee meeting happens soon and you take time to prepare. This Saturday is definitely a day to get a lot of things done. Communication should not be a problem today.

Scorpio

The biggest problem this Sunday is the time element in which you have to work. You are happy to be with others in a working agreement this Monday. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. Your management and organizational abilities are in high focus. There could be difficulties at the workplace on Tuesday. It is important to effectively communicate your ideas to co-workers and those who work under you. This Wednesday you could be tempted to let office gossip interfere with the normal flow of business. Excitement! New discoveries, encounters and ideas should make this Thursday a day to remember. You will not have to look for them; they will find you. Perhaps an old problem can finally be resolved due to some original thinking. Follow a preplanned list for many of your activities this Friday. Your energies could be a bit scattered and having a list to guide you will help you to remember those questions, comments, or things that will help your day progress positively. Your mind takes an introspective turn this Saturday. There could be a wedding or some other celebration taking place within your family or your friendship circle and you could be the one in charge.

Info from Daily Horoscopes XX.

Technology Takeover: Part 2

Between the long awaited unveiling of the newest iPhone as if it was a visit from the President, the overall obsession with "checking in", and our incessant "hash tagging", the Internet and, just as well, the entire world of electronics, is seriously taking over. With hundreds of ways to share, catch up and, inevitably, stalk each other, there is no escaping it! The young digerati is in full force and, to be honest, I love it and I hate it.

It's great to be able to see what your friends are up to, grab information in a matter of seconds, and do practically everything short of eating sushi via cell phone but the reality of it all is sorta creepy! If you haven't noticed, Facebook always seems to know what you're thinking. On the side bar, they're able to post ads for products and services that you may like. And how did they know you wanted to take Salsa dancing lessons last Friday? Metadata. You're checking in to places, commenting on friends' photos, and searching for pages like there's no tomorrow and all of that information is now public - and Facebook - knowledge. By voluntarily providing all of your information to the Internet, multiple sources can now use that data to strategically implement their product or service right in front of your face so that you might click on it and potentially become a customer. Pretty smart, huh? Yep, and somewhat creepy! But that's what happens when our culture is making the shift from personal and private to totally disconnected and public. 

We can't really complain about "lack of privacy" because we're to blame for choosing to blog, tag, and update our status 15 times each day. By the time our kids have kids, there will literally be no such thing as privacy, or paper books for that matter. As a certified nerd, I don't really mind the technology take over because it's just too fun getting in on the latest gadgets but when you sit back and think about it...it's just really crazy how far we've come, even from when I was a kid - and I'm only 21! Imagine the crazy factor for my parents...

How To: Travel Like a Pro (and look like one too)

It's here again! The happiest time of the year? Uh, yeah maybe if you don't need to do a lot of traveling! For those of us who do, it can take a toll on our skin, health, and mess up a perfectly good sleep schedule! Not to mention, it's beyond stressful preparing, booking, packing, timing things, shuffling through crowds and, the worst part, WAITING. I've been on a plane 7 or 8 times in the past few months it's barely Thanksgiving! Come Spring, I'll be a professional traveler! Though my flights are relatively short, weekend jaunts to Portland are still exhausting! I barely get settled in before I'm whisked through airport security again. So what can we do to keep ourselves feeling and looking refreshed both on and off the tarmac?

Check out my little list of goodies that I keep near and dear in my carry on! Happy travels! XX.

Lip Balm - My current favorite is Nivea's "A Kiss of Moisture" because it's sheer, super moisturizing, and doesn't have the medicated sting of Chapstick. Also, I keep two in my bag - one for a perfectly soft pout, and one to tame those frizzy fly-aways peeking out around my hairline. You can also use your lip balm to freshen up brows and keep them set in place with a simple swipe.

Roller Perfume - Small and convenient! Since it would be obnoxious to pack the entire bottle, you should just pack the travel size spray bottle (you can buy cute ones separately and fill them at home, or at Nordstrom you can ask for a little sample of your scent - for free!). Or, if you're lucky, sometimes you can purchase your perfume in a gift set which includes the roller, already full of your favorite scent! Mask that stinky airplane smell once you land with a dab here and there. Major plus for meeting the new 3 oz. liquid requirements, being carry on approved, and no inconsiderate public spritzing. Genius!

Hand Sanitizer - Okay. I could go on for months and months just describing all the germs lurking in public places. Airports may be one of the biggest breeding grounds. With thousands of people in and out each day from different cities, states, and countries...oh I can only imagine what foulness exists there. I'll spare you the details - and the germs - and skip to telling you to carry a travel size hand sanitizer in your bag. Though it sounds silly, you need wash your hands (or sanitize...or both) before and after you eat, touch your face, mouth, eyes, anything. Just picture all those foreign germies lingering on handles, doorways, those overhead compartments, seat belts, and security bins just waiting to infect you with something. Makes me cringe! Help yourself and others avoid getting sick on a trip!

Ruana - My newest obsession. These cape-like, oversize scarves are perfect for flying. Airplanes are usually chilly and these are like giant adult blankets! Current, fashionable, and comfy. Just fold one up in your tote, pull it out during the flight, and cuddle up. Plus it makes for a cute outfit if you've realized you didn't pack enough cute shirts! All you need is a tank underneath, some skinny jeans and flats. Throw on the shall and wrap one side around the opposite shoulder. You'll look comfortable yet classy. H&M and Forever 21 are selling a bunch in fun prints and soft solids right now - I already own three!

Sunnies - Early mornings and late nights do a number on a woman's appearance. Pull a celeb move and pack a good pair of sunglasses to hide whatever tired puffiness you might have from flying. Bonus points for looking fashionable! Just try not to be ridiculous by wearing them inside the entire day while waiting at your gate...

Headphones - Most of us have an iPod or an iPhone. Don't forget to pack it! (Obviously you'd have your phone no matter what...I'd hope!) Keep boredom at bay by listening to music or watching a movie. Once those headphones are in, you can feel free to block out the airport madness and relax before take off.

Oil Blotting Sheets - It can get messy trying to powder your nose mid-flight and with a long day at the airport, possible connecting flights, and frantic rushing around, it wouldn't be good for your face to keep piling on make up throughout. So, for super cheap at the grocery store, you can buy even the generic brand of oil blotting sheets (they work just as well) and use one or two on the plane to freshen up before hitting your next stop. You'll use less of your spendy makeup by removing excess oil instead of adding more unnecessary product.

Eye Cream - Keep your eyelids moisturized, dewy, and young by using an eye cream at night during your trip. Also, if the stress of travel causes unruly break outs that seem to dry up and never completely go away, adding a ton of product to cover them up will only add texture to the overly dried out bits and make them look worse. So, after you've applied your foundation, add a small amount of an extra strength eye cream to the dried out blemish and lightly pat the area with your powder. This should keep the area moisturized - longer and better - and prevent your makeup from drying it out even more, causing those flaky patches! MAC's Fast Response Eye Cream is great because the silica in it acts as a primer. Again, if you're not ready to buy a giant tub yet, or just need a small amount for the weekend, Nordstrom will typically make you a free sample with enough to last for a few days!

Dry Shampoo - A long day in the air can cause your hair to go flat, become greasy, or even tangled from a good in-cabin nap. Dry shampoo is one of the best inventions. Ever. Not only will the powdery spray soak up any unwanted oils from your hair, it adds volume and lift when applied and massaged through your roots. Almost as good as freshly washed hair, in a matter of seconds. Travel sizes are perfect, too, because a little goes a long way!

Hat - Just incase your hair is a complete disaster, or if you just feel the need for a total disguise, a hat is great to keep at reach in your carry on!

Customize Your Christmas

No idea what to get for your siblings or besties? Well I've always been a fan of the humble home made gift, but this little website I found takes it to a whole new level! In the age of technology, who wouldn't want a new iPhone case?! Especially a customized one!

On the site, you can choose from a few different basic phone cases that fit the iPhone 3, 4, and 4s. Then, customize it with your own photos, or text, or both! Genius. I'm always jealous of those people who whip out their customized, family photo credit cards...but not anymore! A personalized phone case is just awesome in my book. Fashionable, current, and one of a kind - starting at just 34 bucks!

Not to mention, you can actually create your design, post it for sale on the site, and collect royalties every time you make a sale! For free! Uh, yes please.

An inventive gift for everyone in your life who, frankly, needs nothing.

Happy christmas shopping! XX

Kardashian-Humphries No More!

Well, it lasted an entire 72 days. I guess I wouldn't be "with it" if I didn't post something about the scandal. Everyone says they saw it coming...but, personally, being that their lives are on repeat on the E! Network 24/7, I like to think of myself as an actual acquaintance to the beauties so, naturally, I find myself defending Kim (:

Unlike everyone else, I don't really think it was a publicity stunt. That's a pretty expensive joke if you ask me. And they actually seemed sincere. I was gunning for them to work out from the beginning! Kris seemed so sweet and playful, and Kim really was more laid back around him. But, girl, I get it. A man who doesn't want to deal with your lifestyle...buh bye! Rumor has it they argued over which city to live in. Um, sorry Kris, but your wifey makes the paper and that paper would not exist in Minnesota. You can't pretend you weren't intrigued by her fortune, so wanting her to give it all up to live with you full time is a little far fetched. You have to be crazy to think she would give that up! It sounds horrible, and it is, but its the truth!

Either way, I still hoped they would work out. At least for longer than two months. Kim has the best intentions and I feel bad for her! The wedding was so gorgeous and, ultimately, a waste of money. What a shame. Anyways, as if I were actually a personal acquaintance to Kim, I still love you and I think it's horrible what everyone is saying about the whole ordeal! People should really be more sensitive to the fact that you just decided to end a marriage and taint that beautiful wedding forever.

Always a fan, no matter what! XX