Whenever I think about leaving for college in a few months, I get extremely excited : this is my first opportunity to make my own choices and to be completely  (well...almost completely) independent. But, because waiting is my absolute nemesis, I of course wanted to start this sovereignty spree early. I started with something very small, but very important to me: my soap. To me, a shower is the only time of the day where I am awake but am able to be completely relaxed. It is my daily heaven, which makes it extremely important to me. Ever since I can remember, my mom has always picked out my shower soap for me. While I've always wanted a fun an exciting soap, I was always infatuated with "Zest" as a child, my mom picked the ever so popular soaps like "Dove" or "Olay" because they are "good for my skin". Although those have done my skin well, they lack the excitement I need for an enjoyable shower. So in my independence frenzy, I found a soap that I find truly liberating. What I like to call the "Holy Grail of Soaps" has that perfect blend of fun and practicality  I've always craved. I truly believe that the Botanical Collection soaps are the greatest thing to have entered my show. Ever. I'm obsessed. I've only tried the "Citrus" and "Lavender" soaps, but I'm in love. And I'm not saying that because I'm an intern: my complexion is rejuvenated  (I don't know how much more youthful it can be because I'm seventeen, but it does), my skin feels clean and healthy, and a nice scent follows me after my own little slice of paradise. It may be embarrassing but, to be rather blunt, I look forward to maintaining my hygiene BECAUSE of my amazing soap. And it's even better when I get to use my Coconut Citrus Body Scrub...but now I'm just going off on a tangent!  All of this may seem obnoxious, but is there a relationship that's more important than your soap? It is your soap's duty to make you feel clean, glowing, and confident about yourself. If you're not clean, glowing, or confident...ouch.  I know I made the right decision because I feel good about my skin, body, and myself post-shower. One of the most important things I have learned from my internship so far is that it is important to pay attention to what you put on your body as well as in it. Before my internship, I was very ignorant to what products I used because my cosmetics can't hurt me, right? Wrong. And by knowing that they potentially can, I opted for an organic soap. I am proud to use my Botanical Collection soap because I decided to make a positive change for my body. It is comforting to know that I do have the capacity to make good decisions for my body and myself. And if I- indecisive, ignorant, and impatient- can take a small step towards bettering myself and my lifestyle, everybody else can too! As I continue to grow up and make decisions, outside of my cosmetics, I hope that I model my choices after my new favorite soap: pragmatic, good for me, and fun! 

Need the perfect Host or Hostess gift?  Well Lifestyle Expert Mar Jennings takes the guess work out of it...Naturally TBC products are proudly displayed. Take a look:

http://www.better.tv/videos/m/27848271/hostess-gifts.htm

Lisa Agona discusses her medical experience, the creation of our website, and the new product line on ABC 8 CT.