Things that I Could Live Without...but I don't want to!

I'm teaching class today and my students are doing make up exams and working on projects.  I'm teaching Intro to Psychology this term, which I love, but I have some students that are really unmotivated this time around.  I hope they get their acts together, because I really hate flunking students.  I feel so bad about it.  Yet, when I give ample opportunities for extra credit and they don't bother to use them, I guess they just don't care.  Thankfully, the majority do seem to enjoy the class and do the work.    I love psychology so much - it's so fascinating to me - that it makes me sad when students don't even try. 

So I thought I share a few of my favorite things.  First off, as a runner, I often deal with twinges and aches and such.  One of the best items for relieving inflammation (I can't really take ibuprofin because it tends to give me stomach ulcers) is arnica gel.  This stuff is awesome.  It has no yucky smell, doesn't burn, and it decreases bruising and swelling.  It runs about $10 for a tube and you can get it at health food stores.  I've also had good success with Bromelain, an extract taken from the pineapple that reduces swelling, for treating injuries. 

Next up, my all time favorite snack.  Dark chocolate Dove bar dipped in Jif.  It just doesn't get any better than that. 

I have really long, unruly hair.  It is frizz central.  I grow it out to donate to Locks of Love repeatedly (next cut will be sometime this spring, and it will be my 3rd or 4th time - it takes me about 3 years to grow it before I can cut).  Anyhow, I think I've tried every single anti-frizz smoothing product, shampoo, and conditioner there is.  This is the best stuff I've found, and it only costs around $6.00.  It's lightweight, non greasy, and doesn't seem to leave a residue.

And lastly, a few months ago I found an Irish Wool Reader's Wrap in a magazine that I loved.  The item description reads "Made in Ireland from soft, supple, 100% merino wool, the Irish Wool Reader's Wrap will keep the avid reader comfortable and cozy.  It features an all-over Aran pattern with some of the most famous Aran stitch formations, including honeycomb, cable, and moss stitches, each steeped in symbolism.  it includes two pockets for reading glasses or other accessories and measures 26"x66""  Being a big reader, I just had to have this wrap.  It just makes me think of curling up with a book and hot chocolate.  So my mom, master knitter that she is (and that I did not inherit), made me one!  Thanks, Mom, love it! Oh, and bonus, it doubles wonderfully as a nursing coverup.

Incidentally, if you'd like one but don't knit yourself, they are available online at http://www.collectablesdirect.com/

for $89.98

Off to grade exams!