waxing poetic

these are difficult times, and my recent unemployed status has meant cutting back on certain things. one area that's suffered the most significant budget cuts is the beauty/pampering department. I've managed to cope without the overpriced haircuts, facials and spa treatments -- I'm a survivor, and I've scoured my local drugstores for thrifty alternatives with more than modest success.


earlier this year I took advantage of some good deals my gym (which also offers nice spa services) for pre-paid packages. I purchased three pre-paid wax treatments for eyebrows and upper lip, or as I like to call it, the latina special. sadly, about four weeks ago I used the third and final treatment. my eyebrows can probably take another couple of weeks of growth before my vision is obscured, but the 'stache was getting outta control. I recently came into some money (always thoroughly check all envelopes and boxes before throwing them out!) and instead of blowing it all on goofballs and more waxing, I decided to hit up my local drugstore and peruse their hair removal options. I quickly discarded bleach (orange mustache isn't the look I'm going for) and depilatories (the smell of nair still sends me into convulsions) which left me with either wax or some weird emery board contraption that's supposed to rub hair off your skin. after a quick mental picture of a raw, sandpapered face, I went ahead and chose
nad's facial strips.




I was ready for yet another at-home waxing disaster (spilled wax that haunted my bathroom floor for almost a decade), but I did have a dim ray of hope that these little beauties would help me go from furry to fabulous.



the kit contains 12 double strips (each double can be used for two applications), desensitizing wipes for treating the area before waxing and finishing wipes for cleaning up any leftover wax afterward. make sure your face is clean and dry before using the desensitizing wipe, then prepare for a burning sensation like you've never felt before. seriously, I thought my face was catching fire. wait for your face to dry and use the time to inspect your skin to make sure it's not red and bubbling. now, you take one of the double strips and use your hands to warm it up, kind of like mr. miyagi in the karate kid. I tried writing out a better description just now, but it kind of sounded like bad romance novel porn. peel the double strip apart to reveal two pre-waxed strips. smooth it down on your furry bits, go over it a few times to make sure it's attached properly... ready for it? hold your skin taut with one hand and let 'er rip!

I was so happy with the results! my facial hair is nothing to sneeze at, and if nad's can handle what my upper lip dishes out then I'm extremely impressed. the finishing wipes were a little too oily for my liking, so I'd probably skip that step or perhaps just cut the wipe into halves or quarters in the future.

I considered including before and after photos for this, but despite my many years in retail and office space hell, I still have a tiny shred of dignity left.


in conclusion:




p.s.
I'm not stupid enough to try to tackle my own eyebrows, for that I'm willing to save up and let a professional work her magic.

the gag reel

today's lesson: don't try anything as complicated as gargling with listerine when you're still half asleep. why? because you might accidentally swallow a little bit and spend the next three minutes gagging into the sink.

kinda blah, but not bad blah

now that the depeche mode free show has passed, I've hit a blah zone. nothing's wrong, I think I just might be in a bit of a rut. I've been crafting and actually just upped my skill level, so yay for me! but I need something else, a new project or adventure to get wrapped up in.

I wish that clothing construction class had worked out, it would have been a lot of fun and just think of the crazy crap I could have made for myself! I've tried making up for it by watching episodes of "project runway" on you tube. although it's entertaining, it's not quite enough.

perhaps baby steps are the best way to proceed. I'll start off with a banana malt for lunch, then move on from there.

yes, that sounds reasonable.

tea for two

This picture of my mom reminded me of a scene in the movie "Grey Gardens", when Big Edie is sitting with a giraffe print blanket on her lap.



It just dawned on me that if we had more money, my mom and I would be a modern day Mexican Big Edie and Little Edie. I should start practicing my dancing and start collecting head scarves just in case.

valentine's day project

Hang on to your sweet tooth... I was recently introduced to my new favorite blog, Bakerella, and the most recent entry almost knocked me out of my chair. Once I recover and wipe the drool from my monitor, I'm going to attempt the Valentine's Day Gift Box project! At the very least, I'm going to make those Red Velvet Cake Balls, which sound like something lifted straight out of my dreams. I apologize in advance to anyone in my neck of the woods for your soon to be expanding waistlines!