The Beauty Denominator

The above picture is pretty isn’t it, but what in the world is it and why did I put it in this post? Looks like something you would add to your bath for a relaxing soak. HDPE Granules are actually a recycled plastic product known as high density polyethylene and is used by manufacturers for many things like Tupperware, plastic bags, and plastic refillable bottles just to name a few.

I learn something new everyday and found the process that is used to produce this refined product from raw regrind interesting. It’s great that there are so many concerned environmentalist out there that use recycled products and teach us more about the different uses for them. It’s used in packaging and it resists moisture so it’s widely used to contain chemicals and food products alike and can be used over and over.

With everyone concerned about pollution and going green I always find this type of information useful. Here are some of the different types of plastic :
Polyethylene terephthalate -oven-ready meal trays.
High-density polyethylene – Milk containers and the ones I mentioned above.  
Polyvinyl chloride – Food trays, cling film, and shampoo. 
Low density polyethylene – Carrier bags and bin liners.  
Polypropylene – Margarine containers and microwaveable trays.  
Polystyrene -  Egg cartons, vending cups, and  plastic cutlery. 

That is six of the seven major plastics and they are usually graded 1 through 7 so they are recognized on the packaging. The HDPE is labeled a 2 so be sure and check for the triangle label on your recyclable plastic. I’m sure your children might have an interest and like learning which is which and how we can do our part for the environment.

Family is very important and a lot of times in our adult life we lose touch with our siblings and others that we grew up with because we are so busy. We get absorbed in doing the best we can to take care of our spouse and kids, deal with issues of finance and career and all the other worries of our life.

My family has never been close, but after looking back at my life as a lot of seniors do after reaching retirement years some of us realize that the relationships we might have had with our siblings is not as close as it could have been.

My family situation is one that is being worked on because we have always been dysfunctional and the only sibling that I am close to is my older brother which is the only brother I have left. So many issues with my sisters have left us uncommunicative.

I’m sure there are many out there that have lost touch with their first family, premarriage and kids because of the hustle and bustle of living and that’s easily fixed, but many lose touch with siblings and family because of resentments caused by an insult or we feel slighted and deliberately decide to cut them out of our life.

Of course we will feel remorse and a desire to rebuild those bonds when we get older that we put aside so many years ago for whatever the reason may have been, but is it too late? Is there any way to make things right especially if they have moved away and you don’t even exchange greetings during holidays or you haven’t seen each other in years.

This effort to reconnect with family before it’s too late is going to take some courage, but there is something about our golden years that make us want to put past resentments and broken relationships behind us and make things right again before it’s too late to say I’m sorry.

If you’re trying to make things right then maybe they would like that also, but haven’t known how to go about it after all these years. I would suggest easing into it especially if you have an address and phone number, try sending a greeting card at first because it’s easier. Simply buy a nice card with a pleasant or funny message and write a couple lines in there.

If you are aware of his or her birthday or important dates in their life, a card to recognize that event will be a good start to rekindling and rebuilding that bridge with your sibling. I know many people keep a close and loving relationship with their siblings all through life, but it’s not always like that for everyone.

Make sure the card you send has your current address, phone number, and e-mail if you have one, you want to make sure your sibling has all that information handy so they can respond to your reconciliation gesture and with your card coming out of the blue, they will probably need some time to absorb it all.

I wouldn’t push the issue after all you waited this long and if your brother or sister does decide to write, call or e-mail then you know you’ve made the right start and hopefully it will only be a matter of time so be sure to send another card and enclose a personal letter about your life and what is going on with you. It’s always good to remind them of some special antidotes of the good times you shared when you were kids.

It is so much easier when you work in someone else’s salon and you know what your duties are and the owner has to worry about all the other stuff. Of course there is pressure to make sure your appearance is in sync with all the new styles and colors, but you don’t have to worry about maintaining the appearance and upkeep of the outside of the shop or worry about any major problems.

If you are planning on opening your own shop then everything falls on you and you have to make sure all the sanitation rules and maintenance is kept up on everything and in good shape. Besides following all rules and regulations about setting up your shop with the right amount of space, signs, entrances, and equipment and everything else necessary in order to pass the state inspection to even open. You always need to keep a few things in mind.

The exterior of your salon should be lit well and always maintained well. Your windows and drapes should be cleaned weekly and spot cleaned if needed. Doors should be kept clean and easy to open. Your wall displays should be easy to clean and easy to acess so they can be changed regularly. Your reception area should always be neat and well organized and make sure the walls in the styling area is kept clean and either covered or freshly painted.

Restrooms, mirrors, floors, and counter space around work areas should always be kept clean and everything should be sanitized as you go, don’t let things build up. Your floors should be made of some type of nonporous materials that are long wearing and easy to  clean. Remember the appearance of your shop is going to be a big selling point for you, so it has to look well kept.

Believe me the layperson doesn’t always understand how scrupulously clean you may be with your instruments and your own cleanliness and everything that is required by state laws if they see dirty floors and any type of uncleanliness as mentioned with curtains, windows, bathrooms and other spots then they may thing you’re not sanitary.

You have to make sure it is sparkling clean and believe me if someone doesn’t bother to keep their yard mowed I certainly don’t trust them with my hair.

Vistaprint is a well known company that many professionals use, but it doesn’t have to be just for business needs although you get some really great deals, but any type of printing for clubs or home use you will find exactly what you need with their products and you can even get samples of premium business cards, standard postcards, pens, large magnets, t-shirts, invitations, oversized postcards, brochures, and note cards .

You can design your own which is easy to do or you can have them custom design something for you. I like talking about Vistaprint because they are great for helping out with your business needs and they always send me free deals I can use and I always get reduction coupons which come in handy. Below is a screen shot of the latest deals they sent me and all I need to do is make a purchase and receive whatever I need. I did notice on the index page they have a lot of specials running like the ones they sent me.

You can request a sample portfolio of the different products so you can check the quality out before you make any purchases. Do you need business stamps for your business signature or address? If you decide you do then use the coupon code Stamp25 when you checkout and you will receive 25% off your stamp order. I get coupons because I joined their insider and sometimes I get coupon codes for up to 90% off.

It’s a good company and whether it’s a small job or large one you don’t ever have to pay premium prices for quality work with Vistaprint, it’s affordable for any type business.

I decided to turn this comment into a post so other people could add any comments that might help someone else concerning reciprocity between NY and Texas, so if anyone has any experiences they would like to share then please do.

Sebastian: I went to the Aveda Institute in NYC and just moved to Texas. I haven’t yet taken the test in NY to get my license, but was going to fly back to do so, and then see about transferring my license to Texas. I’ve called the Tx. Dept of Licensing and they say that there should be no problem getting a Texas license and that I won’t have to redo hours. But from everything I’ve looked at on the web, nothing says that Texas and NY have reciprocity. Am I not understanding them correctly?

I know the hours between NY and TX are not equal — I just want to make sure I can get my TX license as quickly as possible so I can start working. Another option I asked about was if I didn’t bother going to NY to take the exam to get licensed, but instead transfered my hours down here and took the test in Texas. The Dept. of Lic. said that “maybe” I would be allowed to take the test without doing extra hours, but it depends on the “mood” of the examiner. Hah. This is awfully confusing — any clarity would be appreciated.

My Answer:

I seriously doubt that Texas would let 500 needed hours slip past regardless the mood of the examiner. If you had your license already and had work experience then that would be documented and probably accepted.

It’s true that New York doesn’t reciprocate with many states and Texas is not on their list and usually those states react in kind so it’s very important to have everything clarified up front and make sure you get it in print so you will have proof of what was said.

If I were you I would have my certified school hours sent to Texas and finish the hours there and take the test just to make everything simple. It can get pretty expensive flying back paying fees waiting for your license, paying fees to have your certified licence proof sent to Texas Paying Texas fees to have your license approved.

Waiting to find out if your license will be accepted no return policy on fees if it’s not. Havi ng to take a course for extra hours anyhow then reapplying. Way too complicated for me. I like the simple direct approach and besides from the time you apply to take your boards till you go through the reciprocity process could be around 3 months and you might not be approved.

I was watching HGTV last night and they gave a tour of the completely Green house that was designed for their giveaway and it’s gorgeous and everything is Eco friendly. I have already entered to win and I can do so once a day every day through May 9, 2008. You have to go check this house out on hgtv.com. I can very easily and happily move to this home in Tradition Hilton Head, S.C. The home comes complete with all the furnishings and a new GMC® Yukon Hybrid.

You have to see this house to believe it. I love contest and sweepstakes, but I never win, but I already have a vision of myself there all kicked back enjoying retirement with Bill and all the kids coming down for vacation, although I think it might be a problem for Bill to move out of state because of grandbabies, but I will happily move and Bill can come down on weekends. Oh well doesn’t hurt to dream and I totally fell in love with that property.

Be sure to go take the tour it’s fabulous and if you golf they even have a space out back for a putting green and you also get a solar powered golf cart and golf clubs and your right next to the water. It looks like a heavenly place to live or retire to if your getting near that age.

I now have two chances in and plan on entering everyday. After you enter the first time then after that all you need to do is type your e-mail address in the “E-mail Address” field and then click the “Enter for a chance to win!” button at the bottom of the page. It cost nothing to enter so do yourself a favor and remember it could be you.

What female doesn’t love to watch remodeling and picking up all those great ideas to use for your own space. I watch any decorating show I can find over almost everything else on TV. HGTV and A&E’s Sell This House™ with Tanya Memme and I bring that particular show up because everyone has a chance to enter and win a 20,000 dollar home makeover which is being sponsored by Renuzit^® TriScents.

Over the years I have done a lot of remodeling and updating at our house and have picked up some great ideas, I would love to do some more remodeling or just move if I had the money which I don’t right now, but I can dream. I have 2 dogs and I’m always trying new products to mask Sadie’s smell.

So it was nice that I will be able to print out a coupon for the Renuzit TriScents Starter Kit which is one of those electric scented oil air fresheners and the new scents are Seaside Breezes™ and Morning Meadow. It’s great having a printer especially for all the great coupons I find for new products.

Make sure you “see official rules” on how to win the $20,000 Home Makeover and you don’t have to purchase anything all you have to do is to make either a 2 minute video showing why you need your home remodeled and why you should be chosen to win or a 250 word essay with a photo.

Make sure you do it yourself then register and “enter to win” , 10 finalist will be picked and then there will be public voting to choose the winner so if you are one of the finalist you can have all your friends vote for you and the voting starts May 8th, 2008. One of these days I’m going to post some of my before and afters.