Stay aglow in the snow

Two days ago, I awoke to the shock of my life: snow, snow and more snow. It wouldn't have been so bad if it had been there before spring break or maybe even in February, but spring break brings up thoughts of spring. I didn't expect to come back to campus and be surrounded by acres of snow. \nOn top of that, when I walked out of my apartment in a white pea coat that needs to go to the cleaners, old sneakers, black pants and a scarf, a little boy with rosy red cheeks ran up to me with the biggest smile on his face and wanted to play. \nI promptly smiled back but was thinking, "Where the hell did all these kids come from? Did it snow children too?" \nEveryone not at college-level got out of school, and here I was, too busy running to the bus stop and trying not to slip on ice that had formed on the first day of spring to enjoy any sort of winter glee.\nIt was interesting to contemplate how before spring break everyone was leaving with shorts, flip-flops, sarongs and bikinis on their minds and now they come back to this. Have the gods gone crazy? Though I wasn't anticipating 90-degree weather, 60 would have been nice. I didn't want to have to wear a coat, boots or a scarf. \nIf you look around campus, you will find many people expressing similar sentiments. People have given up on winter fashion. Sweats, boots, crazy-looking hair and non-matching outfits are dominating campus. Fashion has taken the back seat to the "we are holding out until the snow melts" look. Blazers are nowhere to be found, girls in winter skirts are long gone and guys who cared a little before really don't care now. We are sick of the snow and the only ones enjoying it are kids 17 and younger. So, I have a few tips for getting through the winter and preparing for the fashionable days of spring. \nSkin care is a must when preparing for beautiful weather. I am a fan of soft brown skin glowing in the sun and have become partial to Johnson & Johnson Soothing Naturals Nourishing Lotion. I started using it when I lost my bottle of cocoa butter, which is also good for keeping the skin nice and smooth. It works the best if you apply it everyday after bathing. \nWhen it comes to hair, I have two words: deep conditioning. My boss just went to get a deep conditioning treatment and as I saw her bounce out of the office, I thought to myself, "I've got to get one of those." For anyone who has dry hair or has come back from a spring break vacation with sun- and sand-damaged locks, a deep conditioning will get your hair back into shape.\nBecause wind and harsh weather conditions do a number on your face, Noxzema Citrus Scrub will provide relief. I, for one, do not like Noxzema, but the Citrus Scrub is a different story. It is not as harsh as apricot scrub, but it cleanses your skin just the same. It doesn't leave the same film on you face as regular Noxzema, which is a plus. For people of color, I would suggest Ambi face soap. Hands down it is the best facial soap I have ever used. You can not find it in many places in Bloomington, but Osco Drug Store carries it. \nFollow up your skin cleansing with a good facial lotion. I use eye and face lotion. I use Kinerase or Shu Uemura eye cream and the lotion from my L'Oreal Refinish MicroDermabrasion kit. Though it is a little pricey, it is well worth it. While you're busy lotioning and exfoliating, don't forget to soak your feet and body in Epsom salt, keep up with manicures and pedicures and remember the No. 1 rule: "Thou shalt wax." \nSo, while you're inside relaxing, doing your pre-spring beauty routine, you can actually enjoy hearing the children playing in the snow.