Lately I've been in a rut. I'm growing my hair out and everyday it's down, straight and frankly, a bit blah. Since I don't have the time to attempt one of these gorgeous updos, I was super excited to find these hairstyle mini-makeovers. In less than five minutes I had a new 'do that garnered compliments at work. Are you in a rut too? Well snap out of it with one of these.

I know this swine flu is scary, but really, it's not much different from a regular flu (other than the media coverage). I went to the doctor yesterday because of a migraine and she said I was the first person that day who didn't think I had swine flu* -- yikes!

Lets give the doctors a break and use some common sense and precautions, because we can keep ourselves safe. You know the drill, wash your hands (this soap is my current fave), stay away from sick people, maybe reschedule that trip to Cancun, etc. If you're looking for extra protection -- hey it couldn't hurt -- try one of our top five favorite anti-bacterial products:

It sounded like mission impossible when my editor gave me this task: put together a complete (and she did mean complete) makeup look -- without spending more than $5 on any one product. As in, no luxe lipsticks, no life-changing (but $60) foundations, and no looking like a clown (or this celeb) when finished.

I'm not ashamed to say that I have a total girl-crush on Halle Berry. Why? Let me count the ways: 1. Her skin is always glowing (she must be using one of these regularly). 2. She switches up her look so it's never boring (unlike, ahem, this celeb). 3. Even when she's all glammed up, she still seems like a normal gal you could totally hang with.

Wasn't life easier when we could make a construction paper card for mom and call it a gift? Those were the days. But because we're not six anymore, we sadly can't pull that off. That's why I was happy to get these beauty gift suggestions. I'm sick of giving the expected flowers and a card anyway. And I'll be able to buy these online (2 a.m. shopping anyone?) and thanks to the crappy economy, I can pretty much assume I'll get free shipping. Pretty sweet. So, what are you buying your mom or sister (who's a new mom) this year? Have any other ideas for me?

Check out these pictures -- doesn't Kim Kardashian look just like Beyonce with her new hair color? They're practically twins! Well, hair twins at least, even their roots look the same for cryin' out loud. Isn't it amazing how a hairstyle change can affect how you look? (Check out these other celeb makeovers for proof.)

Many of you thought we were being a little insensitive when we recently posted about ways internet sensation Susan Boyle could improve her looks. But after many other Web sites and publications joined us in critiquing her style, she went out and got herself a makeover. See her new and improved look above. She totally followed our advice! She darkened her hair (which, like we promised, took years off) and she got those lovely thick brows tamed. They look great too -- not extremely thin or overly sculpted. So, what do you think of Miss Boyle's new look? Do you miss her the way she was? Or, are you proud of her for getting a much-needed makeover?

Last night the Total Beauty crew attended a launch party at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, Calif. for U*tique Shop, a new luxury beauty product vending machine. See the machine above, pretty snazzy-looking, huh?

I was stoked to run into the beautiful Lindsay Price (from "Lipstick Jungle") last night at Dylan’s Candy bar in NYC. Let me just report that Lindsay is even more stunning in person. I couldn't stop admiring her luminous skin.

In an effort to save money, I'm forgoing all salon and spa visits (we'll see how long I last). Luckily, I have a few of these gadgets to see me through my facial-fasting. OK, so a few of them (like, um, this one) I'm a little scared to try, but if you're braver than me you'll probably love it.