“It is a truth universally acknowledged that when one part of your life starts going okay, another falls spectacularly to pieces.” Tell me in the comments what movie this quote is from AND the author from whom “It is a truth universally acknowledged” is cribbed.
Anyway, that’s what’s happening in my lifestyle. Work is going okay as my responsibilities have changed and are more in line with my skills and interests. Yay for that. Unfortunately, several other areas are not going so well. My friend J’s dad was in the ICU last week for pneumonia that evolved into a blood infection. How awful is that? My cat Ramon has become increasingly sick and is in a lot of pain. The vet said that he has hyperthyroidism and will need to undergo radioactive iodine therapy, which costs $1500 I don’t have. This in addition to the $350 I racked up in vet bills last week. Now, I was planning on using my bonus to pay for it, however, my employer announced today that due to market conditions, bonuses won’t be given out this year. This is wildly convenient, right? So, though I think it’s incredibly tacky to have blog tip jars, for the moment, it’s the only way I can think of to try and diminish the loan I’m going to have to take out for him to have this procedure as it’s necessary and I plum can’t afford it. It’s the donate button on the right side of the page underneath the google box (through paypal). If you can contribute a couple dollars, Ramon and I VERY much appreciate it! It’s part of my several step plan to earn slash save money. The plan involves pursuing freelance work, eating soup, and eschewing social activities (non-free ones) until 2008.
So my Beauty on a Serious Budget campaign has started. I attended a black tie event on Saturday, to which I rocked a mani/pedi performed by moi in addition to a bikini wax also performed by moi. I frequently do my own manis in front of the TV, but it’s definitely something that gets easier with practice. I used Sonia Kashuk Nail Polish in Cool Bordeaux. I also painted some over my existing (but in des need of a touch up) pedi and without looking very closely, it looks like a fresh pedi. Clip nails first lest you be plagued with brontosaurus toe.
The real budget gem is Sally Hansen Brazilian Extra Strength Wax for only $10.99 for a jar that should last 2-3 uses. I’ve used other versions of Sally Hansen wax and wasn’t so impressed. This one is smart enough to grip hair, not skin. Microwave for about 10-20 seconds and wax off, like Mr. Miyagi. Lasts about 3-4 weeks and is far easier on your wallet than a wax at a salon which can range from $30-$100. If you are in the market for a salon wax in NYC on the cheap, I highly recommend my gal Julia at Davidov Salon on 2nd Avenue at 36th Street. She does a fab job and it costs about $31.
I’ll be back this week for some PR freebie reviews. Stay tuned!
xoxo,
Fab
Fightin’ Mad Mary,
Unfortunately, I had to put Ramon to sleep a couple days later. I posted about it on December 5 or 6, I can’t remember which. Thanks for asking, though.
I’m really sorry you didn’t like the bikini waxing kit, although the one I have does include strips. They must have two different kinds. However, you are right that a professional job is better. But I find these are good in a pinch for getting the “easy to reach” areas.
First let me say that I truly hope that your cat is okay, I don’t think you’ve posted an update.
Second, I bought this kit just because of your post. Have you actually tried it? It was about the worst waxing experience of my life. This kit is “strip free” and it’s really hard to remove the wax without the strips. It was a big mess and a painful waste of time. Some things are worth paying a professional.
Courtney,
Thanks very much! I’d like to make it known that NO ONE who is unemployed should contribute to The Ramon Fund going forward! But Courtney, I really appreciate your contribution. Welcome to the blog, glad you like it, come by anytime and I will absolutely keep you updated on Ramon’s status!
-F
So I’ve never even visited your blog before, but you’re linked on Temptalia so I thought I’d drop on by.
I’m really enjoying what I’ve read so far. Also, I am an absolute sucker for the kitties and I know how much they can cost (I had a cat with diabetes AND kidney failure and he cost us thousands of dollars). So…I’m sending you a couple of bucks. It’s not much, because I’m currently unemployed, but I really want to help you out.
I’m gonna add your blog to my favorites because beauty blogs>life and because I want to know how your kitty is doing. 🙂
Mar,
Thank you so very, very much! I really appreciate it. $5 is most helpful, no need to help more later! I TRY not to be a crazy cat lady. I actually got my two cats with my former roommate who has (unluckily for me) absolved herself since of any fiscal or care-taking responsibility and moved in with her boyfriend. And the way we even got them is a long story involving yet another friend of mine going to the aspca for a DOG. Ugh. Thanks for the plasma donation suggestion! Have a great day.
I’m sorry about your kitty. I sent you five bucks for now, but hopefully I can help you more later. I’m a crazy cat lady, what can I say? You might also look into plasma donation centers- they usually pay pretty well, and I know the one here has wifi so you can work while you donate (and make money from it- $50/week here!)
Thanks much, specialkalle! I appreciate your idea about marketing research (good one!) and your kind words! Hope your week is fab.
1- that pneumonia turned blood infection thing, SUCKS. Thoughts are w/ them.
2- so sorry a/b ramon. i know how it feels to not have money, but want to keep ur pet. it sucks too. but maybe start the tip jar thing and see how much u get from it. also maybe try marketing research places for a lil extra cash.