Let's talk about hair removal

I was shaving in the shower and many thoughts ran through my mind. Since I know y'all hang on every word that I write about such earth shattering subjects, I wanted to ask a question.

Yes, there will be a poll.

First of all, I want to share a major revelation that I just had: If you shave often, it's easier to shave! Normally, I will shave when I look down and my response to the sight of my legs is one of horror. When I lived in Florida, shaving just naturally happened more often. Not so here Up North. In fact, I'm inclined to believe that the winter growth somehow helps me keep warmer. But, I digress.

Since I am now shaving on a schedule, I know that I don't have to rush around and nick myself a lot when I need to dress quickly to go out. Or just wear pants all the time. My legs are always presentable.

My question stems from the fact that I currently shave every four days. I've been thrilled with the results. BUT, perhaps those whose legs are always lovely shave more often. Or they wax. Or they just have better genetics than I do.

Anyway, please share how often you take care of hair removal. I may be inspired to take it to a whole new level!

"In-between" Care for Manis and Pedis

I have gotten into a routine that I'm finding easy to do. After all the work of a pedicure (especially) and a manicure, I find that I want to keep things looking nice.

The every-other-day moisturizing is really making a difference in my skin. It's also using up all those MANY bottles of moisturizers I've been collecting. So, that's the biggest step for "in-between" care.

For pedicures, the next biggest step is to use some sort of pumice to keep the callouses at bay. I like the ones with handles. I found mine at a dollar store and I keep it in my bedside table. After a shower, I go sit on the bed, smooth everything and slap on some lotion. (Caution: Keep your feet up off of the floor. Lotion attracts hairs. Yuck.)

For manicures, I have files everywhere now. Even in the car. I also use my towel to push back the cuticles every time I get out of the shower.

That's all I've got. That's my big "in-between" tips. Well, that's better than what I used to do, which was nothing!

I'm liking the results of a little extra care. Some day I may go to a lot of extra care. Until then, I am at least no longer ashamed of the condition of my extremities!

Chassis Maintenance: Manicure

I bite my nails. I've been doing it for decades. My mom made a deal with me when I was 5 or 6 years old. She sat me on her lap and we had a serious conversation. She would stop smoking if I would stop biting her nails.

She's been smoke free ever since. I, on the other hand, actually chipped my front tooth because of decades of pressure on that one point. So much body work to be done on this chassis!

My manicure was minimal last night. I did the basics. In two weeks my nails SHOULD be longer and I'll have a little more to "manicure."

Here's the Bare Minimum Manicure (aka "The Mini Mani"):

• Apply moisturizer to clean hands and leave on.
• Take a tablespoon of baking soda and rub all over hands and fingers.
• Wash hands with soap and warm water.
• Apply Vitamin E to cuticles and let soak (Thanks for the tip, Jeannie!)
• Use orange stick to push back cuticles.
• Wash hands with soap and warm water.
• File nail edges.
• Use buffer to smooth nail tops.
• Apply light moisturizer.

Next time I might apply polish!

Chassis Maintenance: Hair color

I forgot to post about coloring my hair last week. I'm so sorry if you've been waiting on pins and needles to hear my words of wisdom on this subject. Please forgive me.

Gray hair. Well, graying hair. What a subject. To be honest, I am NOT one who looks good during the graying process. It makes me look faded and tired. I look that way anyway, so I don't want my hair to emphasize it.

My son is only 7 years old. I like my natural hair color. But, I didn't want people to think that I was my son's GRANDmother. So, I bit the bullet and had it colored professionally.

After my wallet recovered, I decided I could do it myself.

I DID try to color my hair once before. I found my first gray hair the day after I turned 25. At about 35 it was beginning to make its presence known on a greater level. I got a box of color and followed the directions EXACTLY.

My hair turned out the same shade of black as my laptop. Without the sheen. There wasn't a single highlight to relieve the flat black. I was horrified. Aghast, even. I promptly began washing it.

After 28 shampoos in two days we were down to a duller black. I vowed that I would never do that again!

For the last six years I have colored my grey. I settled on a product that works well for me. It was WAY cheaper than going to the salon, but I still felt like it was wasteful. Most of you probably know this, but for the one possible one who doesn't, I discovered something:

You don't have to use the WHOLE box of color every time you want to cover your gray!

Revelation! I mix equal parts of the color and the other bottle. I use a brush to "paint" it onto my gray roots parting my hair in skinny strips from ear to ear. I am able to get 4-5 touchups out of one box of color.

NOW it's in my price range!

My chassis maintenance challenge comes in because I really hate to color my hair. I would always let it go 2-3 weeks past when I really should have done the deed which meant that I was sporting a "skunk do" several times a year.

No more. Now I regularly hear, "What a handsome SON you have." Granny Roxanne no more!

Shoes

I've found this whole shoe discussion to be very interesting. I seem to have struck an area that needs attention.

Yes, shoes are primarily functional. We need our feet covered in the winter and at least the bottoms protected in the summer. They don't have to be fancy. They don't even have to be stylish.

They do, however, need to be well-cared-for looking.

Many of us have commented about the condition of our shoe collections. Tennis shoes that are worn out do not HELP your body when you try to exercise. Dress shoes that are scuffed, nicked, stained, etc. do not "finish" your appearance when you've gone to the trouble of dressing up.

Many years ago I had a friend who was definitely a "Mercedes." She was ALWAYS put together. Every hair was always in place. (She cut and colored it herself). Her clothes were always neat, clean, and never worn looking. (She bought quality when it was on sale and carefully took care of mishaps as soon as they occurred.) Her nails were always impeccable. (She gave herself manicures and pedicures.) I added the parenthetical statements to show that SHE was the one who took care of her "chassis maintenance."

Once, I asked her for advice regarding laundry because I was so impressed to see the same classic clothing for several years and yet it looked as good as new. I will post her laundry tips separately (they are GOOD!), but I want to share her shoe regime now:

• Have two pairs of everyday work shoes and alternate them so that one can air while you wear the other.
• When you've worn shoes in inclement weather, clean them as soon as you can. Salt, mud and dampness shorten a shoe's life.
• Regularly take time to examine dress shoes for scuffs and worn areas. Use a "Magic Eraser" to remove black marks. Clean with a little soap and water. Use liquid shoe polish (She had one of each color) to coat and protect the shoes. If they're a favorite, comfortable pair, have the heels repaired when they become worn.
• If they're too worn...Replace them!

One doesn't have to go out and buy new shoes all the time. Remember that CARING for our belongings makes them last longer.

The clothing part of my "Chassis Mission" on Sunday will include an examination of my shoes to see what can be changed. I will follow my friend's advice. If you've used any words to describe your shoe collection that are less than positive, maybe it's time to take a hard look and allow your feet to always look like you care about them...and yourself.

After all, they have to hold us up and get us around to do all that we need to do--for the next several decades!

I'm Torn...

According to the most updated poll results (it's not over yet--go and vote!), I'M the one whose middle name is "Imelda!"

I see from those who have commented and also by looking at my closet that we buy shoes for function over form.

My shoe collection is very serviceable. I do need to replace at least two worn pairs. I'll do that at some point soon.

My "chassis maintenance" challenge, however, is to get myself AWAY from doing only the minimum, getting by with just the necessary. I'm also all about saving money and not spending much if any. I have a dichotomy on my hands.

Since it's summer, I think we're in the easiest season to add a little spice to the shoe closet. My goal is to look around and see if I can add a pair of PRETTY sandals (that also feel good!) for under $2.00. Yard sales are good for this as are thrift shops. If you're squeamish about wearing "previously owned" shoes, keep an eye on the sale racks at the stores. Rini found a pair of flip flops at Old Navy for $1.00, for example.

Speaking of flip flops, I would consider them as candidates for this mission. They come in all SORTS of colors and designs. If you're up for joining me in this challenge, the rules are simple:

• They must cost $2.00 or less.
• They must be comfortable.
• They must be pretty.
• Black or brown is admissible ONLY if they are strikingly pretty.
• Looking at them should bring a smile to your face.

I have a soft spot in my heart, though, for the flip flops my parents would buy every year at the beginning of summer. They would always have a giant plastic flower attached. I loved them! Do they make those for adults?

I just did a search and they ARE out there! Look at these two cute numbers. Any bells going off for you?? HOT GLUE, baby! Get a cheap, comfortable pair of flip flops and decorate! If you do it, link a picture. Then, consider your chassis upgraded!

Ladies, ladies...

I think some of you are voting too harshly about yourselves on the "What Kind of Car Would Be the Result of Your Chassis Maintenance" poll. (Me, I'm definitely a farm truck. )

Or, maybe we're not. Perhaps it's good to face up to the fact that taking care of ourselves beyond the basics has gone by the wayside (temporarily, right?). It's time to step up to the plate. Go the extra mile. Bite the bullet. Set our faces like flint. For me, that means today I had to...

Tweeze.

May I just say, "ouch." I think I'm going to try the ice cube trick next time. This is what happens every time I attempt this--it flat out hurts! I figure that my eyebrows aren't TOO bad...just a little unruly. But, I'm not backing down this time! I'll be checking them again in 3 days. With ice cube in hand.

Now, if I could CHOOSE the eyebrows I would like to have, I would choose Reese Witherspoon's. Ah, perfection! I don't suppose I have to have the heart-shaped face, too, do I?

Anyone old enough to remember the 80s eyebrows? Thick and mildly bushy was in. The 50s, however, were very sculpted. I've decided that neat and reasonably controlled is what I'm going for. I can manage that, I think.

What about you? To what eyebrow example to you aspire?

Eyebrow style #1:

Eyebrow style #2:

Eyebrow style #3:

I do think it's important to consider the face shape and natural pattern of growth before snapping those tweezers in that general direction.

That is, unless your eyebrows look like this:

Tune-Up Update

I'm already enjoying the results of paying better attention to my "chassis."

The moisturizing after a shower step is really encouraging. I didn't realize how much I needed to do that. Now I look at my arm as I'm scouring the kitchen sink and smile. It looks...dare I say it?...YOUNGER!! Woo Hoo!

If you're a Ford farm truck (my vote for me), you'll see amazing changes right away. If you're good at routine maintenance, kick it up a notch and add a pampering step.

Your body is where you'll live the rest of your life. You need to take care of it so that it's ready to do what you need to do.

It's also important for a smile rather than a grimace to appear on your face when you see yourself. Saturday I had to change into sandals mid-way through the day and was horrified every time my eye caught a glimpse of my feet. Now I look down and a small smile of contentment lifts the corners of my mouth.

Much better.

Make ONE change in your routine that will be a benefit to your chassis. Just one. Please share what that is so we can encourage one another!

A little more about Tuning Up

I have an update. I've discovered WHY I am a shower girl. I thought you'd like to be the first to know.

I decided to start on my chassis maintenance tonight. I filled the tub with bubbles and got in. Instantly I realized why I always take showers. I don't like baths.

For ME, a bath is just plain uncomfortable. The extra poundage and a smallish tub do not equal comfort. Or coverage. If my bottom half is submerged and warm, my top half is cold. I dunk under to get the top half up to temperature and my knees begin to develop goosebumps. I decided to try to shave while I was there, soaking in all those suds. Well, that was an experience. Maneuverability was not at its best. Finally, I gave up and gratefully turned on the shower.

Ahhhh. Ease, warmth, speed, relaxation. All the things Doris promised me about a tub bath I found...for me, mind you...in the shower. I spoke to Doris about it and she encouraged me to find my own place in this endeavor. Bath or shower. It's the results that count.

I have three things to add to my Tune-up list. (I'll update the Tune-up post to reflect the changes):

If the Car's color begins to fade or (gasp) peel, showing the sheet metal beneath warranting a new paint job,
Then I should make sure my gray stays covered on a regular basis.
(Note: Others embrace their gray. Mine will be held at bay for many years to come.)

If the Car gets its fluids topped off routinely,
Then those 8 glasses of water each day are critical for me.

If the Car has an outward appearance that is sleek and smooth,
Then my legs, underarms, and eyebrow area deserve the same.

And One thing to change:

For regular "car washes" I deem: Bubble baths--out. Showers--in.

With Doris' approval, of course.

Time for a Tune-Up

I realized something the other day. I take better care of my car than I do of myself.

Case in point:

If the Car gets new tires when they begin to be too weather-worn,
Then I should keep my finger and toenails up-to-date.

If the Car gets to go to the carwash regularly to keep in shiny,
Then my daily shower takes on a newer purpose.

If the Car gets its oil changed,
Then I should moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

If the Car has an outward appearance that is sleek and smooth,
Then my legs, underarms, and eyebrow area deserve the same.

If the Car's color begins to fade or (gasp) peel, showing the sheet metal beneath warranting a new paint job,
Then I should make sure my gray stays covered on a regular basis.
(Note: Others embrace their gray. Mine will be held at bay for many years to come.)

If the Car gets its fluids topped off routinely,
Then those 8 glasses of water each day are critical for me.

If the Car gets decluttered and neatened on the inside,
Then I should declutter the fat.

If the Car gets to have high-priced gas,
Then I should buy organic when possible.

If the Car gets its upholstery and rugs vacuumed,
Then I should keep my clothes in great condition.

If I want my chassis to last a lifetime, I need to pay it better attention.

With that in mind, I propose the following regime:

• Monthly pedicure.
• Bi-weekly manicure.
• Whole body moisturizing after every shower--not just my face.
• Color my hair every 4-6 weeks so the "skunk" look doesn't happen.
• Now that shorts weather is FINALLY here, shave my legs and underarms every three days. We'll discuss the schedule again when winter gets here!
• Tweeze my eyebrows once a week.
• "Top off my fluids" by drinking my 8 glasses of water daily.
• Stop ingesting the junk.
• Start consuming quality foods (organic if it's affordable).
• Take a long, hard look at my aging clothing and begin to make some changes. I'll schedule going through 3 items each week.
• Do "shoe maintenance" quarterly

Doris knew all about this. Teach me, Doris.

(Doris Day in "Pillow Talk.")

As I "walked out" this attempt at upgrading my chassis, I blogged about certain aspects. Please click on the links below to read about my experience:

Shower vs. Bubble Bath

Eyebrows

Hair Color

Manicure

"In-Between" Mani and Pedi Care

Clothing Evaluation (This one has several posts.)