From the Hips: Got a Minute? Time Savers for the Hip Mom
Getting it all done has never been the problem. Finding enough hours in the day? Now that’s another story. And now that school is back in full swing, our lazy summer days are a thing of the past. Bedtimes have been re-enforced, after-school activities are chipping away at family dinnertimes and our days are literally getting shorter. What’s a Hip Mom to do? Never fear. Here are some of my no-fail shortcuts that save not only time, but money, too.
Shellac Manicure.
I don’t even polish my fingernails anymore; it’s just not worth it. Until now. Shellac by CND is a polish system that is a gel/polish hybrid, which lasts for two weeks with no chips! Book your Shellac manicure or pedicure with Gretchen at Toni Johnson Salon, 35th and Peoria, one of the few salons authorized to carry the line. Manicures are $35 with Shellac and pedicures are $50.
Dinner for Four at Whole Foods Market.
Tucked away in the bottom shelf of prepared foods and wrapped in a Whole Foods brown bag, these fully cooked, generously portioned dinners for four start at $13.99 on sale and just $16.99 regular price. Meals come complete with sides, rolls and main course (think pork enchiladas, chicken kebabs, or roasted chicken). And, not that we would ever do it, but now there is no excuse for feeding our families fast-food dinners.
Blow Dry Perfector by Garnier .
We all can’t afford the cost or time commitment of a professional Keratin treatment or Brazilian Blowout. These effective yet costly treatments all but eliminate frizz and tame the craziest curls without damaging or making your hair unnaturally straight like the old Japanese straighteners. Finally, the mass market has gotten on board with the trend. Garnier is the first company to market a straightening/frizz-eliminating treatment, like the Keratin, for at-home use and at a fraction of the cost. Available at Ulta for $11.99, Blow Dry Perfector by Garnier, is easy-to-use and lasts up to seven shampoos. Not quite the three months with the pricier version, but worth it as a trial or for a special event.
Groupon and Living Social.
Sure, we all subscribe to sample or coupon sites, but these are different. Delivered daily to your inbox and offering only one deal per day, Groupon and Living Social are specialized for us here in Tulsa (or any city you choose). And you won’t have to sift through sale sites for the perfect deal! The catch is that the deal is available only if a minimum number of deals are purchased. Invite your friends for referral credit, too. Previous deals include half price gift certificates for local restaurants and deeply discounted spa services.
What to Wear Now.
Fall is the season for jackets. And this year, there are plenty of styles to fit your look. My favorites: classic camel with clean lines, military-inspired fatigue jacket, and fur. Don’t overdo the fur, though. A stole, collar or vest is all it takes. Pair these jackets with your favorite jeans and a $10 Threadless Threads v-neck from Whole Foods for a casual and hip look. And don’t be afraid to pair the jacket for evening too. Even the fatigue jacket complements cocktail dresses just as easily. Want more? Pop in to Tulsa’s newest conquest: Anthropologie in Utica Square. The boho chain specializes in mixing prints, texture, and ladylike style — three fall trends that I love.
