tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post7739077157256121400..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: The cost of good groomingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-62453594954914643672008-05-19T22:16:00.000-05:002008-05-19T22:16:00.000-05:00I shave my legs every other day, wear makeup every...I shave my legs every other day, wear makeup every day, all the way to the lipstick, and I enjoy experimenting with my hair, so it's usually styled nicely. I have never had a manicure or pedicure in my life. I trim my nails when one breaks, and I rarely wear fingernail polish (probably 2-3 times in the last 5 years.) I sometimes paint my toenails in the summers because it lasts longer. I never had my teeth whitened, and I don't pluck or wax eyebrows, nor do I have anyone else do this to me (OUCH!) I cut my own hair and do the same for everyone in my family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-65868820759242230522008-05-14T18:46:00.000-05:002008-05-14T18:46:00.000-05:00If you're not used to shaving your legs frequently...If you're not used to shaving your legs frequently, I'd suggest sticking with the current schedule (except for when wearing a bathing suit). The longer you go without shaving, the more time it takes for the hair to grow in next time.Carrie Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03931461293042944671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-72313136989061616912008-05-10T21:34:00.000-05:002008-05-10T21:34:00.000-05:00Dear Meredith,I love your blog! You might want to ...Dear Meredith,<BR/>I love your blog! You might want to try electrolysis for permanent hair removal. It is about 15/half hour and you could easily get your brow hair done once or twice and poof gone forever!!I did it on my upper lip and it has stayed away for 25 years. It works and is less hassle and expense than waxing in the long run.<BR/>LauraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10161747472534723832008-05-09T14:41:00.000-05:002008-05-09T14:41:00.000-05:00Wow, I am amazed at what everybody does. I don't k...Wow, I am amazed at what everybody does. I don't know if it was because I grew up without much money, or because everyone is more casual in California, but I never heard of anybody doing any of these things except a manicure. I always though that spa treatment type things were for the rich, the vain, or the pretentious. It saddens me that some people might look down on others because they don't do those things.<BR/><BR/>When I went to school I knew tons of people with dry or cracked feet; I never thought anything of it and never heard anyone ever say anything about it. Every time I have tried even mildly exfoliating my feet, it was painful to walk for several days.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-57760191033428813022008-05-09T13:12:00.000-05:002008-05-09T13:12:00.000-05:00A great after shave that is somewhat expensive, bu...A great after shave that is somewhat expensive, but worth it when it comes to not having ingrown hairs or razor burn, is called Follique. I order it online. A friend suggested it a few years ago. A bottle lasts me about a year, but if you shave every day you'll probably go through it quickly. I don't really use it on my legs unless I've nicked myself well. I use it on those most sensitive areas.Amanda on Mauihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07025963903013322746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-7515667733655172162008-05-09T05:44:00.000-05:002008-05-09T05:44:00.000-05:00I so feel the need to go take a shower right now!I...I so feel the need to go take a shower right now!<BR/>I try to makeup everyday, as I have very dark under eye circles <BR/>(I look like I haven't slept in months w/o make up). A friend cuts my hair, (which has not been done since July), and while I LOVE a styled cut, I can never get it to look as good, and I just get frusterated with it after a week. Instead, I keep it longer with layers, and to give it some oomph, I use the largest of my hot rollers,(using squares of toilet paper as curl papers- really ladies, some kind of curl paper makes all the differnce, it keeps uneven ends togther, and eliminates those unsightly kinks that sometimes occur)keep them in for about 5 minutes, and then take them out. A good shake and a spritz of hair spray, and I'm good. And the best part, is it usually still looks good the next day, since I rarely get to shower everyday.<BR/>Shave very time I shower, my nurse when I had my second baby was so impressed "Well bless your heart you even shaved your legs before you came!"Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01363843039604440511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-15270537817694891582008-05-09T03:23:00.000-05:002008-05-09T03:23:00.000-05:00Hmm, I am definitely inspired to go and pamper mys...Hmm, I am definitely inspired to go and pamper myself -- my legs and feet definitely need some attention. <BR/><BR/>I have a pet peeve about people with ugly cracked heels wearing sandals in the summer. It is so easy to give yourself a footbath and exfoliate your heels, there is no excuse -- except maybe pregnancy, but surely one has friends or kids one can press into service? I need to do this for myself, though, especially because I just bought this year's flip-flops.<BR/><BR/>I work in nursing, so I am not allowed to have long fingernails, wear nail-polish, or jewelry on my hands or wrists because of hygiene concerns. (I wear my wedding ring on a necklace when I am at work.) I do keep my nails clipped and filed, though -- also because it is not nice for the patients to be scratched by a ragged nail.<BR/><BR/>I think I last got my hair cut some time in the autumn, but I cut my own bangs with varying levels of success. It was really expensive last time, but she was very good -- I'm debating whether to go back or get my sister-in-law to do it (not as good but probably adequate, especially since it just wants a trim). <BR/><BR/>I also have dark facial hair -- I pluck my own eyebrows and this has never posed a problem for me, I don't have trouble following the arch of the brow at all and usually get compliments on my eyebrows. I wax my little moustache and sideburns (might also have PCOS) although probably not as regularly as I should -- and pluck any strays. <BR/><BR/>I don't wear make-up because I break out from it, the only way I have been able to keep my skin calm is to wash and moisturise with products I buy at the pharmacy (I use A'Derma face soap and Ceridal face cream -- these are European brands) and then no make-up. I will occasionally wear mascara, but the only one I can tolerate (that does not make my eyelashes fall out) is Clinique's gentle waterproof mascara. <BR/><BR/>I can't wear perfume either, because of allergies, although I can wear blends of essential oils. <BR/><BR/>My husband misses the look with make-up and such but agrees that the consequences are too much. Otherwise, as long as I keep myself clean and neat and relatively hairless he is ok with it. <BR/><BR/>I have found that if you have a tendency to get infected hair follicles when shaving, it helps to exfoliate before shaving and wash with chlorhexidine surgical soap afterwards to avoid the red bumps. This REALLY helps. (Also if you have a tendency to skin abscesses.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-49833353331532027132008-05-08T16:43:00.000-05:002008-05-08T16:43:00.000-05:00I have a 100 dollar budget every month to either s...I have a 100 dollar budget every month to either save or spend on whatever I need or want. I usually buy MAC makeup which can seem expensive, but it lasts for a long time because I don't have to use much to get the desired coverage. <BR/>I let my boyfriend's mom trim my hair, which I don't do often enough.<BR/>I wash my hair every other day (shampoo, condition) and I shave at least once a month. I'm a fair haired blonde so the hairy legs aren't noticeable to other people.<BR/>I like getting my eyebrows waxed, but I haven't had that done in around 5 years. I just pluck them.<BR/>I have a face mask and scrub from Origins. They're nice, though costly at first. I used to do them once a week when I first got them, then it dwindled and I haven't used them for a while (though I may start again because I have a trip to visit family coming up). <BR/>Garnier Nutrise face lotion at night and the one with spf 15 for day. Put on some chapstick, and I'm usually pretty good.<BR/>I have bleached my hair myself, and my sister used to do the box kits on me, but I haven't dyed my hair in 4 years. Now that my hair is nice and long and healthy I may want to dye it, but I think I'll trust my hair to a salon this time.<BR/>Oh, and a nail buffer and ceramic file are my friends.Amanda on Mauihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07025963903013322746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-34328776530822023162008-05-08T15:39:00.000-05:002008-05-08T15:39:00.000-05:00I keep my fingernails short and unpolished. This ...I keep my fingernails short and unpolished. This summer I want to get a salon pedicure *soon* for a nice smooth start, and then just keep it up throughout the rest of the summer. <BR/><BR/>A facial is a real treat, and maybe a once a year luxury. I don't consider it part of my beauty regimen as much as a chance to escape and relax.<BR/><BR/>I get hair cuts maybe every 6-8 weeks. <BR/><BR/>I think that good makeup makes a big difference and one of the best things I did was get a professional makeup lesson once. Being good with makeup really can make a difference in how a person looks, but.... honestly I don't bother with makeup much. I know it works, but I don't invest the time. If I were to do more, I think that is the best area to put your time and effort into. <BR/><BR/>That, and some time hair styling / with the blow dryer and round brush, but really your face is the most important focus.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07398765438599269210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-35850672072455010312008-05-08T13:10:00.000-05:002008-05-08T13:10:00.000-05:00My secret to making a "DOLLER HOLLER" is to check ...My secret to making a "DOLLER HOLLER" is to check out the local Beauty School - They have trainees all the time who charge me only 10 bucks for a wash, conditioner, and roller set - Beauty Schools also have manicurists in training - and are actually pretty good - They only charge 10 bucks for a mani/pedicures are 15 - Can't beat it! Facials are usually 5 bucks - The students get tips - but they are not allowed to raise their prices- My daughter is 7 and I am sending her for the first time next week!<BR/>For a fam on a budget it works well!<BR/>Try it, Meredith - You might actually find it's worth it! C'mon, you deserve it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-27649681255711762642008-05-08T12:00:00.000-05:002008-05-08T12:00:00.000-05:00My dh loves me without makeup--so he always says!-...My dh loves me without makeup--so he always says!--but I find he compliments me most often when I am actually wearing a small amount of "natural" makeup. :-)<BR/><BR/>I am of scandinavian descent, so I don't have a much of a problem with facial or body hair. I do *very* quickly shave my legs and underarms every day, using only soap; it is honestly easiest for me to do it every day in the shower, instead of making a big deal of it once a week. I pluck under my brows once a week or whenever I think of it.<BR/><BR/>I wash my face and use a rich cream in the evening. I just rinse with water in the morning and apply sunscreen. I blend in a little cream blush and slap on some pink lip gloss--that is it most days. <BR/><BR/>For church and special events, I use a sheer base and powder, the same cream blush, lipstick, and perhaps a bit of eye shadow and mascara. I spend no more than 10 minutes on my makeup ever! <BR/><BR/>I keep my fingernails clean and filed short--almost never polish them--and in the winter I basically just trim my toenails. In the summer, I give myself slightly slapdash home pedicures with polish for sandal presentability . . . <BR/><BR/>I get Clinique samples or hand-me-downs whenever I can! Other than that, I buy all my grooming supplies at the drug store or Target.<BR/><BR/>I have a $22 haircut every eight weeks or so; I've paid double that at certain times in my life, but no more--my current fellow does a nice job without breaking the bank. Every day, I wash and massage in a little mousse; after it's air-dried, I comb it out and rub in a little hair cream. It is brainless and takes me about 30 seconds to do. I don't color my hair, although I did when I was younger. I got away from it during my first pregnancy--and good riddance. It was expensive and a lot of trouble.<BR/><BR/>I like to wear nice-smelling body sprays (summer) and perfumes (winter), but I never spend a bundle on these. Tiny travel sizes last me a year or more! I also use good body lotions, mostly purchased at TJ Maxx.<BR/><BR/>I am comfortable with how I look most of the time. Every once in a while--at a fancy wedding or evening event, most often--I feel as if maybe I should try a bit harder. Not even sure what to do, though--maybe something a bit more feminine with my hair??<BR/><BR/>My best to all of you lovely ladies!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-7720594046667018172008-05-08T08:22:00.000-05:002008-05-08T08:22:00.000-05:00Sounds to me like Gio has some good common sense a...Sounds to me like Gio has some good common sense advice that we all could take to heart. If you take care of the basics and have good skin and good haircuts and color and know what clothes flatter you, then you could add some makeup for special occasions and look fabulous indeed! PAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-19937418115217687822008-05-08T08:14:00.000-05:002008-05-08T08:14:00.000-05:00American women shave every day - European ones wax...American women shave every day - European ones wax every months, that is what I was brought up to believe, strange... the very best grooming investment I ever made was laser hair removal( I am of Mediterranean descent e.g. used to have very dark thick hair) spread over many years as it is quite costly - but now I only need to quicky shave once in a (long) while to have the smoothest skin and can wear skirts any day.<BR/>As for the rest, I have always been pretty low maintenance, but I realize that the older you get, the more polished you need to look: I found a great hairdresser and have a professional cut and color whenever needed, I do not wear any makeup at all, but take extremely good care of my teeth and gums, clean my skin and mosturize every night and wear sunscreen every day (reapplying it often - I have been told by my gynecologist that brown spots were appearing because I was working at the computer without wearing sunscreen - applying it every 2-3 hours every time I spent time on the computer for one month straight did indeed reduce my brown spots (together with idroquinine cream I put on at night whenever I remenbered). I wear (cheap) earrings and (expensive) perfume every day. To that, I try to only wear clothes that flatter my body, even if this means wearing the same pants 3 times a week <BR/>GioAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-81922775506126697472008-05-08T08:09:00.000-05:002008-05-08T08:09:00.000-05:00I haven't read all the comments, but will just say...I haven't read all the comments, but will just say that I do everything at home - I do get my brows waxed a few times a year, because plucking just doesn't always cut it!<BR/><BR/>I cut my own hair, etc...<BR/><BR/>Now, I will say that I L-O-V-E having a pedicure! I never had one until after Emily was born and oh. my. I try to have a couple a year now.<BR/><BR/>This is so hard - it can be such a huge expense if we go all out, and if we do it all at home (like I do) I know the results are not as good.Monica Wilkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17235919587298518908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-66894172363132137592008-05-07T22:58:00.000-05:002008-05-07T22:58:00.000-05:00My "can't live without item" is Almay Truly Lastin...My "can't live without item" is Almay Truly Lasting Color lipsick/gloss combo. I put it on after breakfast and that stuff stays put ALL DAY LONG. It is well worth $9.99 regular price at Walgreens (it's like I've won the lottery when I find a coupon for it) because it actually stays on all day and one tube lasts me months and months. I do wear eyeshadow, liner and mascara daily. I break out the foundation and powder for church and special events. I stopped getting professional color & highlights because my conscience and wallet were killing me - and ironically I get more compliments now on my "Kroger Aisle 5" home color jobby and my Great Clips haircut than I ever got with the expensive services. Part of that is probably because I've found a style and color that suit me really well... I MUST shave armpits every day; legs get it every other day in warm weather, 1x a week in the winter. Poor hubs, he likes to think he notices when I don't shave my legs, but he doesn't. =) I will say that one thing I have really liked was getting electrolysis on my eyebrows. My MIL treated me to it, and it worked wonders - a year later and there is very little grow-back. I want to get it done one more time and zap the unwanteds permanently!The Spaidshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18239826907388012692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-39171215375590489302008-05-07T22:37:00.000-05:002008-05-07T22:37:00.000-05:00I just read your last post on reader and though i ...I just read your last post on reader and though i am usually a lurker but i had to say i love your blog, i love your honesty and i love the fact that you try to spend the money that God has intusted you with wisely. i dont think that is stingy at all!!!! keep doing what you are doing. oh and if you couldnt tell i love your blog!Raquelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02283644191311366458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-85645179406777460382008-05-07T22:16:00.000-05:002008-05-07T22:16:00.000-05:00I read your last post on Google reader and just wa...I read your last post on Google reader and just want to tell you that I appreciate your vulnerability...and wisdom. These conversations are indeed a great help to many of us. Don't be deterred. You are doing God's work and I, one of many, am very grateful.Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10155256816626940605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-78650166723896212312008-05-07T21:12:00.000-05:002008-05-07T21:12:00.000-05:00I make a homemade brown sugar scrub which I use ab...I make a homemade brown sugar scrub which I use about once a week. And I paint my toenails per my husband's request. Other than that, I am a beauty loser! I haven't had my hair professionally cut in almost 20 years and I have never had a manicure or pedicure! But I'm way to cheap to pay for them anyway!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-59748119616612101552008-05-07T20:45:00.000-05:002008-05-07T20:45:00.000-05:00This post and all the comments have really inspire...This post and all the comments have really inspired me. I jumped right up and shaved my legs (a much needed grooming act, then organized my(very seldom used) makeup and cleaned up in the bathroom. I found my Mary Kay hand and foot treatment cream, and I'm soaking my feet as I type. Thank you ladies for reminding me that consistency is an important part of personal grooming!<BR/><BR/>And to answer the question, I'm a nail biter, so I've only had a manicure once when I managed to conquer my anxiety and grow them longer for a short time. I found that the professional manicure dried them and made them break, so I'm much happier filing and using Sally Hansen nail strenthener (it's so shiny!) when I can stop nibbling. When I make the time, I get my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed at the salon. But in between, I use nair wax strips and plucking to control my eyebrows. They're awesome. I use nair lip cream for the mustache.<BR/><BR/>And, since it's just us ladies, I'll admit to having to shave my chin at least every other day, usually every day. Don't jump all over me about shaving causing thicker hair growth! I've got PCOS which causes way too much hair growth, and there's way too many for plucking, and waxing is not nearly as convinient. I've been shaving my chin for almost ten years now, and there has been no change at all in the amount of hair. It's heavy, but it's always been heavy. That's why I had to start shaving it. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, now that I've given the internet way too much information ;), I hope you find your way through the whole attending a fancy wedding you don't really want to go to ordeal. I've been there and know it can be difficult. Good luck, I'll be praying for you!Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08475481379113353740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-77743674805411729482008-05-07T20:29:00.000-05:002008-05-07T20:29:00.000-05:00i do almost everything at home except my hair cut ...i do almost everything at home except my hair cut and color.Melissa Stoverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12839619836478423452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-18164552499257561322008-05-07T19:42:00.000-05:002008-05-07T19:42:00.000-05:00I am probably completely the "odd one out" here, s...I am probably completely the "odd one out" here, since I maintain a very... natural... appearance. ;) I shower and wash and brush my hair... I brush and floss my teeth... I think that's about it. I'm very blessed with a husband who encourages me to keep things simple and natural since that's his preference, as well. :) It's certainly easier and more affordable, and with my husband's blessing on my appearance, I can be happy with being plain and simple. :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-47022833976544748262008-05-07T19:35:00.000-05:002008-05-07T19:35:00.000-05:00Well, I'm not a mom to 9 (I have only 4 but dh is ...Well, I'm not a mom to 9 (I have only 4 but dh is deployed for year which adds another twist), but shaving regularly is essential, as well as keeping my toenails polished and eyebrows waxed. The eyebrows I have done professionally. Also, a couple of times a year I have my professionally colored; otherwise I do it myself. I also garden and don't do manicures. Don't wear makeup everyday either. Usually lipstick or gloss and light eyeliner suffice and keep me eeling pulled-together.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00396716408304381802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-6568751743169922472008-05-07T19:05:00.000-05:002008-05-07T19:05:00.000-05:00A good haircut does wonders, and keeping eyebrows ...A good haircut does wonders, and keeping eyebrows plucked (do it myself) also helps. I figure if I look clean and neat to begin with, the rest of it is easier to take care of.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-16300813362768912532008-05-07T18:34:00.000-05:002008-05-07T18:34:00.000-05:00I do my own hair color with the new 10 minute stuf...I do my own hair color with the new 10 minute stuff...works great!<BR/><BR/>I do my own nails...sometimes...when I'm going somewhere nice....not often...OK?<BR/><BR/>I love your blog!♥Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-11451920587902407512008-05-07T18:27:00.000-05:002008-05-07T18:27:00.000-05:00Class....you've got class Meredith. More than mos...Class....you've got class Meredith. More than most can say.Darlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07330592107479342634noreply@blogger.com