Bikini Waxing - A Guide in Detail

As a former (hence, jobless) receptionist at a waxing salon, I would get a lot of questions from first timers.  Through the experience, I learned more than I ever thought (or wanted) to know about getting a vag wax.

So here it is: A guide to getting your first bikini wax.

MAKING THE APPOINTMENT


There are a couple different types of bikini waxes available.  Every place is different, but this is how European Wax Center categorizes the options...

Bikini Line: a strip off the top and one off each side.
Bikini Full: as much or as little off the front (yes, that does include EVERYTHING)
Brazillion: Same as bikini full, but includes the "butt strip"  (again, every place does it different but basically a "butt strip" entails laying on your stomach and holding your butt cheeks apart).

Make an appointment around a time you are not doing anything else before.  A lot of people would call and make a "reservation" right after another appointment, right after class, after work, etc.  For other things, this is a reasonable and time convenient thing to do.  For waxing, it is not.  The process is already awkward enough, so give yourself time to at least body shower before.  (Side note: We had wet wipes in the bathroom, but you won't know if other places do until you get there.  I personally would not risk it.)

Also, don't make the appointment a week before or after surfin' the crimson wave (Clueless reference, anyone?).  It hurts a lot more around then.

GETTING WAXED


A lot of people would call and ask what they should wear.  Some places give you weird little underwear for just a line, but Wax Center does not do this.  Basically, you walk into the room and "undress from the waist down" while the waxer is still in the room (reason: they don't want curious people to touch the wax and other things in the room).  It seems awkward, but they are preparing the wax and don't actually just stand there and watch.  And, they are going to see everything anyways.

Also, don't feel awkward when they are waxing you.  They see it literally all day, everyday.  As long as you don't have something seriously strange going on down there, it's just another job.

When she grabs the wax, breath in.  As she rips, breath out.  It helps.

THE AFTER


TIP your waxer!  She might have just caused some serious pain (really, its not that bad), but she had to cause that pain in a pretty intimate place, so tips are appreciated (consider it masochistic appreciation).  If you pay with a card, there is no tip line on the receipt.  The receptionist should ask before they run your card if you would like to add gratuity, but ask about it if they don't ask you first.

WAXING AS A PROCESS


Hair grows in 3 different stages (which is why you have to do so many laser removal sessions... they are removing different hair in different growth patterns).  That being said, not all the hair is removed with the first wax.  After about 3 waxes the hair will all start growing in together, and you will then get the full 3-4 weeks out of each wax.  DO NOT shave in between waxes... doing so only restarts the process.

FREE WAX


To get people started, European Wax Center offers a free wax for first time guests. For women, it's a free eyebrow, underarm, or bikini line.  A full or Brazillion upgrade is half off (full - $17.50, braz - $21) for first time guests.

Good luck and Happy Waxing!

Love to all,
Kels

Kelsey Goes Out On A Limb...

Dear David,
If you are reading this, please know this picture was supposed to be naked, but my friends and family read this so that would have been a little awkward.  Just kidding... Maybe ;)

I have been waiting for this day to come forever because I get to make my 22nd birthday wish... I am not a crazed fan, just a girl with a crush.

I am a senior at Mizzou from STL looking for a funny, down to earth guy (you always seem so humble in interviews).  My greatest quality is my sense of humor, which I get from my dad.

In the next 5 years I plan to be a rockstar e-marketer or a hot MILF (or some combination of the two).

My wish today is for my first ever real "date" to be with David Freese.  My phone number is 314-952-1488.  Call me if you see yourself having a conversation with this girl and feel like granting her birthday wish :)

Can't wait to possibly hear from you!
Kelsey Stratton

P.S.  I love to cook!

I Believe...

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends.  To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded."  -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Well put, Emerson.

I BELIEVE...

• in a long bubble bath.
• Michael Buble is always singing me a personal concert. 
• Train will one day make me their muse.  
• Nelly and the St. Lunatics are my heroes.  
• #hashtags make or break a Tweet.
• every girl should have their own gay boy. 
• in good grammar. 
• in roadtrips... and a really awesome playlist.
• in Christmas Cheer.  (I think it has to do with the weather outside being frightful and the fire being so delightful) 
• in gender roles ("househusband" just sounds so emasculating).
• "beauty magazines will only make you feel ugly." -- Baz Luhrman  (and seriously InStyle, call me frugal but $248 for a pair of pants is not such a great deal)
• So what if you threw up on the floor of a bar (or in your hands) mid (or post) shot round.  Probably not that many people noticed anyways.  (maybe just don't go back to that bar (or out in public) for a while.)  **In my attempt to make this my happy place, I will not mention names.  I will only guarantee these events have happened.
• distance makes the heart grow fonder.
• "In a thing called love... Just listen to the rhythm of my heart." -- The Darkness
• one of the greatest things in life is to hear a song that describes exactly how you are feeling at the time.  Even better: a song from the past.  Best: attached to a memory.
• "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be" -- Douglas Adams   

Love to all, 

Kels

Blessings in Disguise

So I tried to rag curl my hair last night...

I read a tutorial (looked at pictures) on how to do it and came out with high hopes. So, I cut a perfectly good white T into 1 1/2 thick strips, as instructed. Then I rolled my damp hair around said strips, and tied the ends together. Step 3: Sleep on it.

I woke up this morning and mentally picked out what I was going to wear with my beautiful locks. That took a lot of morning effort, because really, it's tough to match "I could possibly be going to yoga later" with a fresh (semi permanent) perm.

Aglow with the thought of how pretty I was going to be with my little girl inspired hair-do I sashayed out of bed and fired up the Keurig for a Donut House Coffee... it was going to be a good morning, I could feel it.

I hadn't even washed my face yet, so I though it best to keep this picture focused on the issue at hand...

Ok, so it didn't turn out EXACTLY how I wanted it (or how it looked in the tutorial).

Some of them turned out ok... (so, that was my bad)

I tried anything you can do with a pony tail holder (which only angered it), but there was just no way to hide it.

I made an executive decision against using heat to fix this, so I used some good ole H2O...

I like to think since I drink a lot of water it responds well to my outsides as well as my insides.

(Erin, what really happened is I combed through it with a wet brush then went through and twisted sections together, put a bobby on the end, and blow dried on low. Then I did that a couple more times since it really was like a Chia Pet to start with. Voila.)

I was feeling fancy and had some time to kill (since my class had ended already) so I decided to add some flair:

Business Lesson: Contingency Planning

Silver Lining: We didn't do clicker points today, so the time I would have spent on Twitter was put to better use. I guess everything does happen for a reason.

Love to all,

Kels

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Of The Day...

Noted Blessing: I have great hair.

Commercial Truth: "I wear yoga pants because I'm too lazy for real pants."

Quote: "Kiss your life. Accept it just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness your waiting for do not pass you by. Kiss your life today. Now. Just as it is."

MOOD: Inspired

MOM ADVICE: Know when to listen to her "suggestions". My mom has told me all my life I could never have bangs because my face is too round (most recently: "Maybe once you get your wisdom teeth out your cheeks won't be so chubby"... If anyone can think of a self respecting answer to that question, please let me know). I got bangs about a month ago (for the first time in my life). I love them and they make me happy. Also, the words "more mature", "chic", and "slimmer face" have been used by numerous people... so suck it, Mom.

On the other hand, her "suggestions" are probably a big part of my quest for never ending beauty and reason for the existence of this blog. All her backhanded (and fronthanded) "suggestions" come from a good place. Since I learned that it has been a lot easier to find her rational point and A) not respond B) exhibit temporary signs of deafness C) walk away D) use some combination of the above. (Gene perk: When I for real don't listen and am called out on it later, I get to blame it on the fact I am 100% my father -- Thanks Daddy!)

SIDEBAR: Mom, this was not meant to throw you under the bus. I was just having a particularly good bang day, and that got my thoughts rolling. I know you have Erin's and my best interests at heart with your unsolicited advice, and I really do appreciate everything you do... more than you know. Anything I say about you is more about what I have learned about myself from you, and I hope this helps you understand where I'm coming from. Your the best! (Maybe when I finally get my wisdom teeth out my face will actually be slimmer, and you can tell me to suck it... fingers crossed, I guess)

LYRIC: "I never lived the dreams of the prom kings and the drama queens. I'd like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve." - John Mayer

Buster Pic:

How to Survive a Chemical Peel - a Guide in Detail

The Background:

As a chronic acne sufferer, I will try just about anything for a clear complexion. A list of things I have tried include but are not limited to:

-Antibiotics: "you will see results within 6-8 months"... Umm, a premature child could be born in that amount of time.

-Proactiv: It works, but I never actually used it as directed: 3 different steps, 2 times a day

-Topicals: Always prescribed with an antibiotic, and effective in about the same time frame. I get pissed off after a day with no results.

Then I was referred to an esthetician to help. I now refer to her (in my head) as my skin angel, and will probably send her a Christmas present. And maybe a birthday present. I love her that much.

The First Treatment: Acne Peel

I went in guns blazin' and told her to do anything to fix my face. I would NOT recommend anyone else say that, ever. I had a double layer of the actual chemical put on, and then was given an OxyTrio treatment. Then she did a bunch of extractions. Finally, the actual "peel" was put on top.

I left there literally fire engine red (which I later found out was from the OxyTrio... so I would suggest skipping that), had open wounds from the extractions, and something yellow and sticky covering all that (vitamin A). I looked like that for about 4 days.

Then, I peeled. Talk about a catharsis. My skin looked even better than it did before puberty (a simpler time).

It took me a really long time to build up enough emotional security to put myself through it again. When I finally got another one I learned some tricks to get through the aftermath.

My Experience:

Day 1 (day of treatment): Sticky, wounded, yellow shit, face on fire

Day 2: dry skin, shiny in a creepy tight skin kind of way, refused to make eye contact with anyone

Day 3: started to peel, probably really grossed out my hair dresser due to underestimation of the "peeling", went home and picked at my face until it was all gone

Day 4: glowing, in love with self

Recommendations:

-Only get 1 treatment done at a time. Any of them are going to show results. (I started with a Pumpkin mask)... When I finally just got the Acne Peel done, the aftermath went a lot smoother.

-Ask questions - Understand the procedure and the benefits of each step

-DO NOT pick when you start to peel... It's hypocritical of me to say that because I do it anyways, but you are literally taking off the top layer of your skin. If you peel if off before it is ready you will end up red and can actually feel how raw the new skin is.

-That being said...bring lotion with you everywhere. PAT it on gently, do not rub.

-Be super gentle on your face for about a week after... I use Cetaphil during the process. This also means don't pick at your face (another hypocritical statement). The vitamin A is blocking the top layer of skin, so picking just clogs those two layers.

Disclaimer:

-The chemicals burn pretty bad. I'm no weenie about pain, but it would probably feel like the depths of hell on sensitive skin.

-Extractions are also painful (sticking a needle in your face is the first step)... but wonderful at the same time.

Personal Opinion:

Chemical Peels - The Holy Grail of Skin Care

Motivational Ending:

You look at yourself the closest and notice everything. No one else does... They are too preoccupied worrying about themselves. If you don't look awesome for a day, it's really not as bad you think it is.

Love to all,

Kels

Beauty Tip

Thanks for the advice Cosmo....

Steps to lip perfection:

1. Exfoliate - Use a tooth brush on your lips for about 10 seconds. I use an electric one, which leaves my lips a little tingly and plump...but a regular one will work fine too.

2. Moisturize - Slather on a thick balm for about 10 minutes. I have been loving Neosporin Lip Health.

3. Blot - to get rid of excess balm.

4. Add color - Liner, stick, stain... Pick your poison.

5. Make it pop - Top with gloss. For extra oomph, use a plumper -- Current fave: NEW YORK COLOR Lippin' Large Lip Plumper from Target.

My First Review - CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm

Personal interest: My mother's voice in the back of my head: "You would look better with a little color on your lips." - Thanks, I guess.

Also, cold weather is closing in and crusty lips are a sure way to turn away the hot men, and anyone with the gift of vision for that matter.

Color: Clove
First seen: Magazine Ad

Features: It's a gloss and it's a balm. What more could you ask for.
Benefit: SPF 15, natural coloring

Enticed by: "natureluxe" - I'm a sucker for anything natural... Well played, CoverGirl.

Purchased at: Walgreen's

My Experience:

When I looked in the mirror I wondered where those wonderfully moisturized, perfectly colored smackers came from. Then, I bowed my head and said a little "thank you" to the lip gods. I am always in the market for lip treatments that have a little color, (thanks again, Mom) give a little shine, and most of all protect from the elements. This product provides it all.

The Reason for Existance

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, so here goes nothing...

My name is Kelsey, and I am addicted to products.

I came to realize this when I went to Wal-Mart for one thing: facewash. Thats it, nothing else.

Mom... Please don't read the rest, and if you do I'm sorry for the credit card bill... It's a sickness.

Here's the end result...

Shampoo and Conditioner (new brand!)

Lip balm/gloss/color (triple threat, say what?!)

Burt's Bee's Hand Creme and Cutical Creme (important grooming details that should not be ignored)

Aloe Vera infused socks and gloves (to lock in the moisture, duh)

Revlon Post Trauma Nail Treatment (it fills ridges, which I totally have)

A Conair hair curling wand (best investment EVER!)

A shower scrub brush with a handle to reach the tricky places (exfoliation is a must in the winter, and it had "natural bristles")

Shaving lotion (the word "cashmere" was used)

Oh yeah, and I got facewash.

In my defense, it had been a rough week and I really do believe in the power of retail therapy... especially when you're buying things to make you feel pretty.

Needless to say, I am a sucker for marketing tactics (maybe that's why Marketing is my major). I am also a product whore. I will basically try any product that promises a unique experience, and either fall in love or feel the guilt of buying something ridiculous I am never going to use again (I could have at least got McDonald's with that money).

For those of you with the same "sickness", I have created this blog just for you. I am just a regular chick with honest opinions on everything out there that seems to work like "magic" and would like to hear other's opinions as well. Then we can all at least spend the money we don't have on shit that actually works.

Love to all,

Kels