Nobody likes being sick. But along with winter comes the dreaded common cold. It’s a fact of life you can bet on every year.

I’m just getting over a case of the sniffles; and thankfully, the sneezing, coughing, and overall ickiness didn’t last long. I managed to nurse myself back to health with a few simple feel-good remedies. Notice a cold comin’ on? Try my tips and tricks and you’ll (hopefully!) feel better soon.

Drink Lots of Liquids
Doctors know best. And one of the first pieces of advice they’ll give you when you’re sick – drink, drink, drink. The more H20, the better. Flush your system with water and juice. Green tea is another warming great way to sooth your throat and boost your immune system.

Just Relax
Even if you feel too stuffy to sleep, prop yourself up with some pillows, snuggle up with your coziest blanket, and enjoy a little quality down time. Catch up on TV or pop in a DVD, and you might just find yourself snoozing after all.

Treat Yourself
When I’m not feeling well, I like to treat myself to something cold, refreshing, and delicious – like popsicles, ices, or ice cream. It feels good on the throat and inside the tummy!

Steam and a Humidifier
If I’m feeling stuffed up, I run the hot shower water and close the door. Taking a few deep breaths of the hot, humid air helps to clear my sinuses. And I always use a humidifier when I’m sleeping – even if I’m not sick.

Let Someone Take Care of You
Don’t be ashamed to accept help. Say yes to that homemade chicken noodle soup your neighbor offered to make and let your husband give you a foot massage. Never turn down a little TLC and pampering. You deserve to be spoiled — especially when you’re sick.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by HALLS via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of HALLS.
HALLS Warm-Ups are unique soothing drops that are warm and cool in one. Menthol vapors cool nasal passages while the warming sensation gently warms and soothes throats. Available in two delicious flavors: Apple Cider & Mocha Mint.

This is a cake. No, seriously. A cake. Not a delicious confection of couture, but an actual edible dessert. How much do you want to take a taste/try it on?!?!

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I’ll admit that I’m not so big on sports. In fact, the only reason I’m excited for Super Bowl Sunday is that it also happens to be my 30th birthday! (I swear I’m totally fine with this major age bump. No, seriously.)

I’d love to say that my husband is going to keep the TV turned off and lavish me with fabulous gifts and gourmet goodies… but the Patriots are playing, and that means that his first love (Boston) will take priority. And so my fabulous birthday feast will probably entail wings and nachos. (I’m actually not complaining. Like, at all.)

I’m just looking to end the night with something sweet and celebratory — like this adorable football birthday cake or 31 touchdown cookies (one for good luck!).

On the heels of the confusing holiday-white Coke can debacle, a few new DC designs have launched, and we’re diggin’ ‘em. Diet Coke has partnered with Benefit Cosmetics for the “Love It Light” campaign in Europe, creating three fashion-forward, artistic designs that are meant to reflect three distinctly fabulous feminine personas: the romantic, the fashionista, and the rock chick. We have to say that the fashionista is our personal fave,  but given our slight addiction to diet caffeinated deliciousness, we’d happily chug from any of these super-cool cans.

Pottery Barn Kids, our go-to store for nursery knickknacks, has recently announced an exciting partnership with party designer and blogger, Kim Stoegbauer of The TomKat Studio. Kim has styled a beautiful sunshine-inspired baby shower for PotteryBarnKids.com. The party canvas features bright and cheery designs in yellow, cream, and shades of gray — the perfect look whether the mom-to-be is having a girl, boy or even if it’s a surprise. Kim has created party planning how tos, step by step tutorials, recipes and complimentary downloadables including an invitation, banner, party circles and more. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We can’t wait to see more!

What happened?

Last week, the temps fluctuated from the 20s to the 60s and then settled somewhere in the 40s. But I would much rather question the need for a scarf and a hat than deal with what Mother Nature is serving us this week… freezing cold, miserable, gusty awfulness. It’s mid-January, and I’m already over the winter. All I want to do is curl up under a cashmere blanket and eat something comforting and warm. Yep, I’m breakin’ out the slow cooker (the one I got months ago that’s still sitting in the box). Finally. And here’s the first recipe on my “to-try” list. (Sounds soooo simple and looks soooo delish.)

Ingredients
•    1 tablespoon cornstarch
•    8 medium carrots, cut into thirds
•    2 medium onions, each cut into 8 wedges
•    Coarse salt and ground pepper
•    1 beef chuck roast (3 pounds), trimmed of excess fat
•    2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions
1.    In slow cooker, stir together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Add carrots and onions; season with salt and pepper, and toss.
2.    Sprinkle roast with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; place on top of vegetables, and drizzle with Worcestershire. Cover; cook on high, 6 hours (or on low, 10 hours).
3.    Transfer roast to a cutting board; thinly slice against the grain. Place vegetables in a serving dish; pour pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve, if desired. Serve roast with vegetables and pan juices.

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The winter chill is taking a bite out the Big Apple, and unfortunately, we can’t hibernate until Spring. We can, however, beat the post-holiday blues with a few good friends and some delicious custom cocktails.

Grande to Go

2 oz Belvedere Pure
½ oz Kahlua
1 ½ oz Starbucks RTD Build

Belvedere Unfiltered Buckeye

2 oz Belvedere Unfiltered
Dash Dolan Vermouth

Stir over ice and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a black olive.

Warsaw Breeze

1 ½ oz  Belvedere Pure
½ oz caraway syrup
1 ½ oz pressed apple juice
Lime juice

Shake all ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a highball glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an apple fan garnish.

Bloody Brutus

1 ½ oz Belvedere Bloody Mary
1 ½ oz Clamato juice
3 dashes Cholula hot sauce
Dash lemon juice

Build over cubed ice into a Rocks glass. Stir, garnish with a lemon wedge

The holidays are officially here. Celebrate the festive season with these adorable dessert displays from our friends over at Amy Atlas. Enjoy the holidays… We’ll be back and blogging in 2012. xo

These cute holiday cookies from Eleni’s Bakery in New York City are getting us in the merry mood. Whether it’s gourmet gift, a snack for Santa, or a sweet treat on the go, everyone will be delighted by the sight of these delicious treats — especially the big guy. Enjoy!