Garnier Fructis "Length and Strength"

I have been trying to grow my hair out for awhile now. It was mere desperation that drove me to buy a product by Garnier Fructis "Length and Strength." You see, I had tried this brand in High School and it made my hair start falling out. Yikes!

Apparently, there are products with the same purpose out on the market. I was reading Aussie has a line of products for desperate people like me, and I have been seeing commercials for an Herbal Essence hair growth product line.

Garnier Fructis "Length and Strength" is not the answer for long hair. My opinion, just take a good multi-vitamin and make sure your hair is properly moisturized at all times. Damaging hair with straighteners and highlights is fun, but it is to blame for hair that won't grow.

Verdict? Fusty (in my opinion)

Damage? Less than $10, but it will haunt you because you won't throw it away.

Kraft Food & Family Magazine

My hairdresser introduced me to this magazine one day as I was toasting my highlights under the dryer. It is free to sign up, and you will receive 5 issues a year (one for each season and one "holiday" edition). The recipes are quick and simple, yet they are still tasty and maintain somewhat of a gourmet "flair." Plus the ingredients don't cost an arm and a leg (and it's stuff I've actually heard of before). An added bonus is that they often include "light" versions of old favorites. I am a Food Network junkie, but I don't always have the time (or the energy) to make a 5 course meal. This magazine is perfect for anyone who is always on the go but loves to put a good meal on the table (almost) every night.

Sign up here.

Verdict?: Fresh.
Damage?: FREE.

Nike Women's Air Pegasus Plus Running Shoe

Right after we got married, my husband took me shopping for running shoes. He was horrified that the closest thing I owned to an athletic shoe was a pair of pink Converse. I have been (trying to start) running again, and these shoes make it so much easier. Besides being really cute (as far as running shoes go), they fit my foot perfectly. I don't know what it is about them, but not only are they super-comfortable, they literally feel like they're propelling me as I run. I also wear them when I go grocery shopping. :-)

Verdict?: Definitely fresh.
Damage?: Around $70.