Biotin or silica can be purchased at GNC or any good health store - I like Vitamineshoppe.com - can't beat them for their prices.

Acrylics are very damaging to the natural nail. It sounds like your goal is to have your own nails become naturally healthy. Any moisturizer (vaseline, cuticle oil - I like Solar Oil or Burt's Bees lemon butter cuticle stuff) used regularly will help the nails too.

Buffers should be used very carefully and not too often - you don't want to buff your nails away and it can weaken the nailbed.

The Opi stuff Sirahved mentioned I think is their Nail Envy. Some people like it; I hate it - it's expensive and didn't work for me.

For a whole slew of good nail tips, visit the gals at the MakeupAlley.com nail board. Yes, that's me there too - this little RedHedd, with now-beautiful nails thanks to what I've learned there, gets around!

P.S. Congrats on the new job! It sounds exciting!