Big changes are underway in my world. We are selling up and moving to the Phoenix, AZ area! Several developments prompted us to make this decision. After more than 35 years of teaching, hubby has decided to retire. We have lots of family out west, and let's face it, blizzards are just not fun anymore. It's nearly June first, and our weather is struggling to hit 65 degrees. The sun is missing in action, and the grey days are putting a damper on my mood and mindset.

It was exhasuting to get the house ready, and it's monotonous to keep it moment's notice, "show shape" clean, even though I'm a seasoned neat freak. Traffic is slow, but buyers are out there. With the average sale time in our area hovering between 4 and 6 months, we are prepared to wait it out. We were finally able to plant some pretty flowers in the front this week, and our trees and shrubs are approaching full foliage.

We still have a few outdoor chores that we cannot take care of until it warms up and stops raining, like washing the siding and sealing the driveway, but we are ready to introduce our buyer to their new home. The welcome mat is out, bring on the buyer!

Most professional waxing services utilize Soft Wax (Classic Wax). Hair removal with soft wax can be done quickly and easily. Soft wax is applied to the skin in a thin layer, covered with a stip of material, and then removed by pulling across the skin. Soft wax works best on hair that is at least as long as a grain of rice, and it does not always work well on course hair that is difficult to remove.

Hard Wax is applied in a thick layer, allowed to dry, and then pulled off. It does not requrie a strip of material. Hard wax is best used on small areas. It is a good choice for sensitive skin, and for hairs that can be difficult to remove.

If you frequently breakout after waxing, try Hard Wax next time. You may have to pay a bit more for Hard Wax, but it is an effective alternative to Soft Wax. 

Hair removal is one of the most requested services in salons today. Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal. However; in some instances, the hair follicle can be damage to the point of preventing any hair from growing out of that follicle again. Waxing weakens the papilla, which nourishes the bulb, thereby possibly making it impossible for hair to return, in that follicle only. Contrary to the myth that waxing can make hair come back fuller, or more course in texture, waxing can actually reduce the number of hairs that are able to grow. 

Normal hair is constantly growing all over our bodies. The life cycle of a hair has 3 phases; Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. Anagen = the first and longest phase, during which the hair actively grows. Catagen = A short, transitional phase where the hair begins to destroy itself. Telogen = the last phase, the hair sheds and the follicel rests before the anogen phase resumes. Waxing only removes hairs that are in the Anagen phase of growth. Which means that the hairs that are in another phase when waxing occurs, are less likely to be removed. This is why you may have hairs emerge within a few days of being waxed. Hairs that are removed by waxing while they are in their anogen phase may not be seen again for up to 6 weeks. Hair is most effectivley removed if it is about as long as a grain of rice. 

Facial waxing is not for everyone. It is very common to walk into a salon and request a waxing service, and no one asks you any of the questions that may reveal that you are contraindicated for the service. Waxing skin that should not be waxed can result in being "lifted". Literally ripping off your skin, causing possible bleeding and scarring. Many people who have been lifted think that they were "burned" by hot wax.

Certain medications, creams, lotions and ointments can thin the skin, making it prone to lifting. 

Contraindications for waxing are: 

Some Oral and Topical Medications or Treatments including, but not limited to; Accutane, Antibiotics, Cortisone Creams, Retin-A/Renova, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids, Chemical Peels

Helath Conditions including but not limited to; Diabetes, Poor circulation (bruise easily), Chemo/Radiation treaments, High blood pressure, Low pain threshold, Lupus

Skin Conditions including but not limited to; Unusually pronounced moles or warts, Cuts, Abrasions, Wounds, Open Sores, Active Herpes, Acne, Sunburn, Rashes, Cysts or boils, Varicose veins.

You should not be waxed if you have spent time in the sun, or a tanning bed within 24 hours of receiving the service.

I've been "updating" my working lifestyle, so, I figured it was time to jump onto the blog wagon. Can't believe people would want to read my thoughts, but, apparently, there is something to be said for blogging. So, away we go...

It's been a long year. After twenty some years of woking in the beauty industry in some form or fashion, I decided to take it to a higher level. So, I went back to school, full time, for about 6 months. I've emerged with  the necessary qualifications to become a licensed esthetician. Being in school for 40 hours a week, on top of taking care of my family, and running my business came close to doing me in, and the rigorous homework almost landed me in a padded cell, but, I made it through. And, so did my family, only slightly worse for wear. The house is another matter altogether. 

Jumping ahead a bit, I have joined the McLaughlin Chiropractic Clinic as their Esthetician and have my very own spa room! Dr. Julie McLaughlin is an amazing medical professional. She offers many services besides chiropractic, and, she is the very reason that I am not walking with a limp and wearing a diaper today! There was a time when I did not believe in the field of chiropractic care. When I was pregant with my second child, my husband pretty much drug me into her office because I was in horrible pain (and must have been hell to live with). She has been my most valued healthcare provider since! In 2004 she came to my rescue again and saw that I got the medical care that I didn't even know I needed. So, to skeptics I say, there are good chiropractors, and there are "not so good" chiropractors, and it just so happens, I know the Best chiropractor--and now I get to work with her! 

Now my clients can experience Facials, Waxing, Chem Peels, and Cosmetic Application Lessons in a peaceful and relaxing setting, with high quality equipment and products. Appointments and complimentary 15 minute consultations may be scheduled by phoning McLaughlin Chiropractic Clinic in Lake Bluff, IL at: 847.234.2346.