The Last of the Mushroom Cuts

It’s hard enough moving to a new city away from friends and family, but leaving an established beauty routine with a specific hair stylist and a killer esthetician is like ending a committed relationship – except a little sadder, because now your appearance is at the mercy of total strangers. I had a certain stylist, who shall remain nameless, when I first moved to Ontario, who clearly had her own agenda when it came to doing my hair. Here’s what I asked for: A richer shade of brown than my natural blah color and a hair cut. I’ve always had long hair and was ready to try something new so I asked for her opinion. She said she would just shorten the length to my shoulders and add some long layers. Sounded good. What I got: A witch-black mushroom cut straight out of 1984. And all the while, she moaned on and on about the last man who dumped her. Thankfully, all I have left of that now is a bad memory and an unfortunate passport photo…

That’s why it is so important to know what you’re getting into when you visit a new hair salon. It is crucial to have a group of trusted girlfriends to point you in the right direction so you can avoid these unfortunate experiences. On a positive note, after five years of embarrassment, the time has finally come to renew my passport. I am now entitled to a much better picture. At last, I can enter and exit our fine country with my dignity intact.

Siesta in Mango

I’m in love with Mango. When the first store opened in the Eaton Centre last year, I almost cried. You see, I had a relationship with that store before they opened in Canada. Yes, I had already familiarized myself with those beautifully fitted jackets, swishy skirts, and flirty feminine tops a long time ago… well actually last May during my honeymoon in Spain. After happening upon it during a late afternoon stroll when all other stores were closed for Siesta, I knew I was in love. Two floors of gorgeous, reasonably priced items… I was in girly girl heaven!

At first my husband played along, giving me feedback on various outfits. We were on our honeymoon, after all! No one bickers during those first weeks of wedded bliss! After that, I was hooked, and every day during Siesta, I casually suggested we take a walk down the street that Mango happened to be on. On about the third day in a row of going to Mango, my husband caught on to my plan, and tried to put a stop to it. Alas! It didn’t work. I reminded him that it’s hard to find deals like that in Canada, and, to think of all the money we were saving by replenishing my wardrobe here… a one stop shop! Who could argue with such a logical argument? My husband. He was like, "blah blah blah... honeymoon... blah blah... should be exploring... blah blah blah... wasting our time... blah blah ...in a store”. Now there is a Mango store walking distance from our apartment. Now, there is nothing he can do to stop us from being together! And that’s what I call sweet revenge!

Say Hello to my Little Friend

Before the silk epil entered my life, I was nothing; I was a shadow of a woman (that is…there was shadow on my legs). A slave to my monthly wax, I spent thousands of dollars whisking those pesky hairs away… only to have them grow back within a week or less. I would have lovely, smooth legs for such a fleeting moment, it was like they were taunting me: “You’d better flirt with your man now, because at the stroke of midnight, your legs will revert back to their natural ape-like state.”

You may wonder why I didn’t just shave? Fools! It is wrong to hurt those you love…and having sharp tiny needles on one’s legs is a guarantee that you will injure your loved one. You could also say, “but, what about laser removal?” Nope… too expensive. Moving on.

One fortuitous day I happened upon the silk epil epilator in the appliance section at The Bay. For under $80.00 I really couldn’t refuse. My monthly waxes were running me $50 a month and this was a guarantee to save money....and hairy embarrassment.

After a couple of glasses of red wine and perhaps, a little bit of Tylenol, it really didn’t hurt too badly. With it’s vibrating technology, it’s like your legs get a little bitty massage while it plucks your hairs out by the root. I was ecstatic to discover it could also be used for the bikini area.

I now use my little friend whenever I want. If I want to freshen up my legs before a night out, no problem. A few minutes later, and presto! Perfectly smooth legs. If you are afraid to try it because you think it will be too painful, fear not. It really isn't that bad… And when you think of the benefits… it’s kind of a no brainer. Isn’t it?