These last few weeks, I’ve been going over my New Year’s Resolutions from this year and I realize I’ve just brushed the surface with most of them.  It just occurred to me that I can’t possibly do well on just one goal, if I’m trying to tackle 10 others that I think are all equally important.  In reality most of the items we add to our resolution list are wishes, things we’d like to happen.  However, if they do not happen then we go back to remembering, ‘well they were only wishes anyways’.  I’ve read this in many books, but you don’t really believe it until you take a look at YOU.  So after seeing all my wishes not come true, the list is going to be only two things next year.  The first of course being having healthy finances. 

Shopping has put a dent in that goal this year. Retail Therapy, a very well known phrase to many.  Many of us use shopping as a way of relieving stress, cheering us up after a hard day, or calming the anxiety that creeps up when we haven’t had a shopping fix in a while.  My addiction to satisfying my wants instead of my needs has caused my finances to not be where I want them to be.  Debt Free.  Instead of paying down my debt with the extra amount I might make for any given month, I’ve gone out and bought the cute shoes I haven’t worn yet and the hot sparkly top that is currently collecting dust.  2012 means focusing on my spending and making sure my debt goes down faster than it has been.  So instead of retail therapy I am relying on HAIR THERAPY.

While I won’t be giving into my every whim when I see something pretty, the one thing I will not be giving up is my hair cuts at the Antonio Prieto Salon.  I first heard about this place from an email blog from Latina.com in 2009, Recession? But what about my hair?  By Angelique Serrano.  It read: “…I have some insider dish to help you get an appointment with a major hairstylist for a fraction of what they would normally charge to touch your tresses. Muy major Antonio Prieto has a salon in NYC, and he’s started a “New Talent” program where he rigorously trains for months new colorists and hairstylists, and while they are working their way up the prestigious ladder, you can score a service with them on the cheap!…They have Apprentices, Senior Apprentices and Junior Stylists training, each offering their services at discount prices. … “.  Who doesn’t want fabulous hair for less?

When I read blogs from magazine’s, I like to believe what I’m reading, so I called up the salon, asked about the program and booked my appointment.  When I sat in the waiting area the first time I went and saw the people walking out, I silently thought to myself, wow, will I look like that?  I want ‘Pantene Commercial’ hair.  I have thick, curly hair and I’ve never been wowed at the local salons I’ve visited. Even when blowing my hair out straight, my hair looked big and not at all the sleek vision I had when I showed the picture of I wanted to look like.

I remember sitting in the chair and discussing my vision with Jen, someone came over and discussed with her the approach to take with my hair to achieve my request and a lovely conversation later….I had pantene hair.  I was super impressed with The New Talent Program at this salon.  It allowed me to not only make an investment in myself but at a fraction of the price.  I fell so in love with Jen’s work that I stayed with her throughout her progress in the program and could not imagine switching stylists when she graduated the program.  I have such a connection with her that I was not at all expecting.  Not only is she my stylist but she is my part-time therapist.  I look forward to every haircut!

 For my 30th birthday, I decided to add color to my hair after seeing all the colorist hard at work and seeing the beautiful results.  Jen recommended me to Lindsay.  At the time she was also in The New Talent Program, so it was a nice way to get introduced to color at a lower price.  I’ve been nothing but pleased since.  Lindsay has also graduated the program and she’s phenomenal.

If you don’t believe the magic of this duo, Lindsay’s color expertise and Jen’s magical shears then take a look at the before and after.  I cannot wait for my next appointment in April.

Before Photos

After Photos

Try out the salon with The New Talent Program by making an appointment today by calling 1-212-255-3741.  Or ask for Stylist Jen B and Colorist Lindsay.  Its located at 127 West 20th Street, New York NY 10011.

I take Metro North into the City, jump on the subway, take the S to Time Square Station, then onto the 1 line Downtown to 18th Street, cross the street and walk up two blocks.

We all work hard for our money, if we can pick one thing that makes us smile and makes us feel good about ourselves then its worth it.  Hair is such a major investment in YOU.  You can have on a cute outfit but if your hair looks crazy then your outfit goes from cute to OK.  I get loads of compliments on my color and my cut, I’ve never been happier with my hair!

What one thing can you not live without next year? Let me know by posting your comments on the Facebook Page of My Pocketful Of Thoughts!  Haven’t been there yet?  Be sure to LIKE it to 🙂

 

PS: In the meantime I’ll be whipping my hair back and forth with my Pantene Commercial looking hair,  Thanks to Jen and Lindsay from the Antonio Prieto Salon  🙂