The Hair Thing...and Tea

[scarlettina]

When I was more regularly employed, I used to spend more money that I ever felt comfortable spending to make sure my hair color was good and my hair was cut in a way such that it would grow out continuing to look good. When work became less regular, I learned to color my hair myself (always remembering that, as the packaging said, contact between contents and eyes may cause blindness). The last time I had it cut was probably sometime last spring, maybe more.

Well, now that I'm regularly employed again, I decided it was time to go back to the expensive place because I really wanted to treat myself. And it was still expensive, but I've decided that it was totally worth it. It was relaxing. It was indulgent. I read the latest issues of Rolling Stone and O (how's that for a combination?). I enjoyed not one but two cups of excellent tea. I got a scalp massage, good hair color that we'll transition to slightly lighter and a tiny bit redder later this spring, a nice cut, and mindless girl banter. I came away feeling much better about myself, much more presentable, and with a cut that I can wear curly or straight if I want to.

And I realized tonight that tea has become something really comforting to me. I'm not a green tea drinker; I'm really a devoted black tea drinker. Having my black tea tonight at the salon while I waited for my colorist, and then enjoying another cup while my hair was being cut, felt so civilized, such a pleasure (or, as my mother used to say, such a machiah). And it's such a little thing. I drink a cup or two a day, usually just after I start work in the morning, and I realized tonight that it just really makes everything a little less stressful. It makes you slow down and just enjoy things a little more. This is a goodness.

Ahhhh...

Comments

[mevennen.livejournal.com]

I am a great fan of tea (having some now). Few things can't be improved by a decent cup of tea.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

My one personal splurge is a good haircut (and color, these days, because purple doesn't spontaneously generate). It adds tons to your confidence, it pays off in work interactions... it's just imminently worth it.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I couldn't agree more.

[peartreealley.livejournal.com]

I spend about as much on tea/tisanes in a month as someone who goes to Starbucks for latte once or twice a day does. I feel guilty about the expenditure quite often, but it is wonderful and soothing, and it doesn't get wasted, so I suppose as long as I can afford it without breaking the bank, it's worth the indulgence.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

:: chuckle :: Compared to how much I spent on my hair last night, the cost of tea is a merely trifle. But a worthwhile and tasty trifle. :-)

Tea delight

[girasole.livejournal.com]

I never drink coffee, never could, so I am a devoted and really snobby tea drinker. You can get really good loose tea, a nice pot (I love Bodum's Assam pot, among others) and treat yourself beautifully at any time.
I hear the Crumpet Shop is closed for earthquake repairs (??) until spring, but I remember Seattle as having very good loose tea available. My own favorite vendors are Harney and Sons and Upton's.

Re: Tea delight

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I was unaware of the closure of the Crumpet Shop. I feel compelled to investigate!

As for tea, my parents were devoted coffee drinkers, and yet my mother raised me on tea. I'm not sure why and, sadly, she did not live long enough for me to really become aware of the difference and ask. But in this city of coffee drinkers, I'm a pretty staunch tea drinker (except for the occasional mocha). And yes, there are some fine purveyors of tea in this town, like this one (http://almostoneaday.blogspot.com/2010/05/zen-dog-studio-tea-house-gallery.html) or this one (http://www.teahousekuanyin.com/) or even this one (http://www.remedyteas.com/). It's a veritable tour of tea--a tea tour . . . a magical, mystical tea tour! :-) (I need a tea icon. Also? It's way too early for me to be posting on a public forum. I'm getting silly.)

Re: Tea delight

[holyoutlaw.livejournal.com]

That end of the market has a lot of construction going on there. Don't know why, but we didn't look around for explanations.

If you don't mind sharing. . .

[joyful-storm.livejournal.com]

. . .what's your salon?

Re: If you don't mind sharing. . .

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I went to Gene Juarez at U Village. I used to go to the one in Bellevue, but I'm not on the Eastside often enough anymore to make it practical. Well, that, plus my colorist and cutter there have both moved in. Seemed like a good time to transfer my loyalties to the city side.

Re: If you don't mind sharing. . .

[joyful-storm.livejournal.com]

Aha!

I usually go to the one downtown.

[willowgreen.livejournal.com]

I decided some years ago that I would spend any amount of money necessary on a good haircut, so I totally relate. Glad you had a wonderful salon experience!

[prettyshrub.livejournal.com]

Some studies seem to show that black tea helps with stress:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20061005/drinking-black-tea-may-soothe-stress

And if you've ever read 101 Dalmations, the scene in the old country house where the old man makes sweet milky tea and buttered toast sort of cemented my love of tea.

[diwriter.livejournal.com]

I love tea - the ritual of it is just so very soothing to me. I have an entire shelf of our (NYC apartment) kitchen devoted to different teas! That alone says something.

And it impresses my British friends to no end that I keep British tea in stock. PG Tips or Typhoo!