PRODUCT REVIEW- No!No! Hair removal

Today, I'm reviewing the NoNo Hair remover, that I bought online from my-no-no.com 3 weeks ago.

I've been using this product for 2 weeks now, about 3 times a week. I can already tell you that the results weren't quite what I expected. For one, the smell of burning hair is a real turn off, unless, for some unknown reason, you're into the odor of rotten eggs. Secondly, I have very fine hair on my legs from YEARS of hot waxing. This seems to be a problem with the NOno. You have to go over the same area at least 3 times before you can get any sort of hair removal. This is a problem if you have sensitive legs, as the removal blade can get quite hot.

I decided to try the NoNo against hot waxing, the Nono on one leg and the tried-and -true wax on the other. What I found:

There are some advantages to the NoNo system. I have noticed that the hair that was removed is growing back much slower and lighter than the waxed leg.

Secondly, it seems as though the leg I used the Nono on was actually smoother than the waxed leg, though not for long, as the stubby hairs appear after 2 days.

The verdict: If I could go back in time, I would probably not have bought the Nono, it just seems like a waste of money, unless you're sasquatch and have a lot of time on your hands.

On the other hand, when the Nono starts showing up in the thrift stores ( as I'm sure they will) you should pick on up provided they are no more than $20.

Overall rating: :S - Crooked emoticon- only worth it if you have time and an extra $200 lying around.

DEATH TO HIP HUGGER JEANS!

What's wrong with this picture? That's right. The most evil fashion trend sprung upon humans since the Orlon Leisure suit- hip hugger jeans! Now, I live in Los Angeles, and many, many women wear these, an might I add- wear them BADLY. I've seen these things for the better part of 10 years, and I am finally fed up! I have to say what most people, including your husbands, boyfriends, mothers, etc. Have been afraid to tell you- you look incredibly stupid and clumsy, trying to pull this look off.  Now, I'll admit, I tried to wear these jeans when they first came out, but then I discovered how unattractive it was to keep pulling the back of your jeans up at a 5 minute interval. ( Even if you are skinny like me) But seeing them on other women, both thin and thick, is all too painful. Things I have seen in these jeans can't be unseen. 

And you men aren't immune either. If I see another hairy crack peeking out the back of your jeans, be warned, I will chuck a chip of ice down them! So, here are some tips that won't get you run over by me or my car, while I'm wearing my high waisted 70's jeans.

• If you feel the need to wear these jeans, PLEASE, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING HOLY, SHAVE!!!  I don't want to see your Brillo pad "down there"- I'd really like to keep my lunch.
• Don't wear these if you are "big boned", "ample", or "rotund". Muffin tops belong on muffins. It doesn't look healthy that you are cutting off your circulation , either.
• Don't expose your thong!! ( Unless you live in a trailer park or are a guest on "Jerry Springer", it's only acceptable in those 2 areas.)
• Oh, and big boned gals, DON'T EVER WEAR A THONG WITH HIP HUGGERS! The effect is like putting a tight rubber band on a grapefruit. Not pretty.
  
• To my fellow skinny chicks- you're not all that either, these jeans make you look short! I also don't want to be in a grocery store and be forced to watch you pull up your pants every 2 seconds or be exposed to an underwear ( or even worse) shot. 

I think that's my rant for this week.  If you want me, I'll be at the park, pushing the cat in the stroller, wearing my "Charlie's Angels" jeans. 

How did mom do it?

       Me, but not quite.

I don't have to tell you that times are tough. Here in the Thrifty Fifty household is  no exception.  I lost my job at the end of February and, Mr. Thrifty has been left the sole breadwinner. 

As a "GenXer", it came at first as quite a blow. We girls who grew up in the 70's & 80's, for the most part were taught that it was only responsible to have a job to contribute. You know, to afford all those nice little gizmos that the last 10 years have brought us.  

But since I lost my job, it really doesn't seem all that bad. You know, I think Mom & Grandma were on to something.  All this takes a LOT more work than either being an administrative assistant or reporter, but I think I may have something. I have far more time to concentrate on my home business ( AFFORDABLE retro clothing & jewelry. Handmade, of course.) Plus, by the power of this grandson of the Univac ( see picture)  I have been able to start classes in both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese online. I have also connected to other bloggers ( because I'm new to this) and found some new ideas to save money. 

1. Be resourceful.  There are places like Ralph's Grocery ( Kroger for you folks on the East Coast) that still take double coupons.  Albertson's has a great Savings card program that automatically registers you for sweepstakes.  Also, check out places like CVS for 50% off cosmetics. 
2. Use those "Club" stores.  Smart & Final is a great place to get a lot of stuff for less. Costco is good, too and you can save on gas, too.
3. Like old things? Can't afford to pay the high price for them? Mom and I always like to scan the classifieds for yard or estate sales.  You can find great things, and in this economy, sometimes ( but not always) people will take a little less.  And, of course, are the old standbys- Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores. If  you can glean through the bad stuff, you will be shocked at the gems you find.  And of course, good old EBAY. 

This was my first blog, and I will return tomorrow with a recipe.