Back when I lived in NYC I'd go get a mani-pedi once a month, at least. It's so cheap there, $20-25 for both together if you go on a Monday through Wednesday to your local corner shop. It was a way to still feel pretty, even when I wasn't, and still feel like I could treat myself, even when I really couldn't.
I can't ever keep my nails nice. If they're not painted I bite them, and if they are painted they chip. So I tried the Shellac a couple of times and liked it, but then I moved here to Michigan and getting my nails done is way more expensive. So I rarely do it here, although I do try to give my toenails and fingernails a swipe of color at home sometimes.
So my going to get a mani-pedi last night was like visiting an old friend, even though it was a nail shop I hadn't been to before. I'm going to the beach with my best friends from college for four days--no kids, no significant others--so I decided to get Shellac on my fingernails (otherwise they'd be chipped before I even got to the plane). Here's what happened:
My fingernails are Shellac Midnight Swim. I'm a fan of navy on my nails, but this is a dark midnight blue with a bit of sparkle. My toenails are OPI Senorita Rose-alita, which is a pink with gold in it. Yes, my hands and feet are that pale.
It felt good. And now my nails are pretty again!
Why are mani-pedis in NYC (a high cost of living locale) cheaper than they are in Michigan (a medium cost of living locale)? Discuss.
My answer...supply & demand (yay minor in economics), but beyond that I got nothing.
Posted by: SarcastiCarrie | January 18, 2013 at 05:43 PM
Yeah, one time in San Francisco, I got a mtani for $8 and they offered a Pedi for $10. I came home (Ohio) and searched HIGH and Low to find prices like that. Nothing below 45. SIGH. I do my own.
Posted by: Kris | January 18, 2013 at 08:19 PM
SarcastiCarrie: cheap immigrant labor.
Posted by: Beate | January 18, 2013 at 11:28 PM
Economies of scale! I miss the $12.99 for mani + pedi that I used to be able to get in Brooklyn. Now I'm in Chicago and can't even get one nail service done for less than twice that price!
Posted by: Erin | January 19, 2013 at 12:36 AM
Love Shellac too. I have read that there are concerns about the UV lights though. I figure once in a while should be fine.
Posted by: JMom | January 19, 2013 at 05:22 PM
I use a salons/spa with students for pedis (and all spa treatments if I have time to indulge) - at least 50% discount plus IMO they do a better job because they aren't burned out or just trying to get it done as fast as possible.
I also used to have my hair cut and colored by students (always had great experiences and saved lots of $$) but then stuck with one student after she graduated - she is and always has been amazing! I can't believe it took me 30 years to discover velcro rollers and to really understand wash only the roots and condition the ends...even as beauty/time challenged as I am, I can get my stick straight, fine hair to look fabulous super fast.
Posted by: Miss V | January 20, 2013 at 06:09 AM
I had Senorita Rose-alita on my toes when I got married. Love that color! (I'm also that pale.)
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Posted by: Giraldi | January 30, 2013 at 04:44 AM
Thanks so much for your post Kimberly!…I am sooo happy to hear you may be expandading to once aa0week for youradself! As you know it\‘s pure gold! Amazing, how many esxuces Ia0can make up even after aa0year of reapading the benadeadfits! Ia0almost (operadaadtive word being almost) blew off my Thursday movie to update my webadsite. Uhhh.…what\‘s up with that!? So happy Ia0went…saw \“People vs. State of Illusion\”…great conadtent. Delighted we\‘re on this path togetha!!!
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Posted by: Joyce | January 30, 2013 at 04:56 AM
Se o chefe ali tirou o relatf3rio com a data do meas passado e veio sem o campo e9 pquroe o programador ne3o fez certo. Agora se ele pegou da gaveta um relatf3rio impresso no meas passado, ai tem q pedir carona para o Dr. Brown eheheheTem q ser muito manco para pegar um relatf3rio impresso no meas passado achando q iria aparecer o novo campo como me1gica.
Posted by: Felisa | January 30, 2013 at 05:11 AM
Well good grief, hon. I think there's nothing worse than not rsenitg or having funsies on a day off! I hope that you're taking full advantage of this weekend, girlie!I know what you mean by not being blown away by a place. Meh. You touched my feet, scrubbed them, shaped and cleaned my nails, and painted them. Thanks and bye. Lol
Posted by: Rup | January 30, 2013 at 08:22 AM