I am a Saver…
Ali makes fun of me for many reasons, but mainly because I am always saving for a rainy day. Whenever we get an unexpected windfall, i.e. a tax refund or a nice birthday gift in the form of a check, I immediately run to the bank to deposit it. I even started saving for Maya’s college education before I met Ali!
Yes, I am that fiscally responsible.
With these self-described quirks, it should come as no surprise that I find it very difficult to splurge on things. I blame it on my Indian upbringing! Luckily my wardrobe doesn’t suffer too much because I am quite fortunate to have a fantastic mother-in-law who keeps my closet fully stocked. Otherwise I may still be wearing the ugly Express Ponte Pants I bought 9 years ago, which, incidentally, are still hanging in my closet because it makes me feel great to know that 5 years after having Maya I can still fit in a size 2. I pretend that isn’t due to the fact that the pants are made out of a very cheap, stretchy material.
Some of the things I refuse to splurge on include:
- Very expensive restaurant dinners – I’m talking about places that charge $18 for a Caesar Salad composed of a few leaves of lettuce and a couple of croutons.
- Designer Jeans – I’ve learned my lesson on this one, although Paige still holds a special place in my heart.
- Haircuts – Every single time I’ve spent a lot on a haircut I’ve had to spend more at another salon to get it fixed.
Apparently I am a slow learner because I spent $75 last week to get a trim at a so-called reputable salon, only to have my hair literally hacked to death. I had no idea what to say when I saw the end result so I did what any other non-confrontational person would do – I told the stylist that it looked great, I gave her a fat tip, and I headed to Supercuts.
I almost cried when the Supercuts stylist said, “Oh honey, what happened to your hair?” I almost cried again when she told me that she’d have to cut 3 inches off in order to correct my chia pet look.
Before:
After:
Don’t let my moronic smile fool you – I am really quite upset that my hair is gone and I look like a boy. So, as I ponder why I am a complete idiot for not telling the stylist the truth (although she could obviously tell she did a terrible job), and I avoid mirrors like the plague, I am off to Target to splurge on some much-needed hats.
I see myself wearing a lot of those for the next few months.
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
no, i love the new hair!!! i mean yea how scary would that be hearing a hair dresser pretty much say “nope, its gotta go love” ahh!!! but i really love it short!! u dont look like a boy at all!! it gives you a fresh look and balances out ur facial features, and it looks quite healthy and thick. turn the frown into a smile 😀
You look really nice! I have learned my lesson with the hair salons. My Mom and I decided that we would learn trimming and layers at home and we did. I now cut my own hair and I think my hair looks much better then what most stylist do to it.
Honestly, I don’t see anything wrong with your hair in either picture Ameena. And you most certainly do not look like a boy with short hair. If you still think so though at least know you’re a very pretty looking boy 😀 You know those people have a face that will look good with short or long hair, orange or purple? I think you’re one of those people. No need to waste money on a hat to cover up that beautiful face and smile my friend. You look great in my books, short or long hair 😀
LOL – I love that you have tagged this as “I have boy hair”.
I honestly believe the cut is cute, but I know how tragic it is to have your long hair robbed by an expensive hair hacker with a pair of scissors who is working under the alias of “hair stylist”.
LIARS.
Wait??! What??! “Boy hair”? It’s still down to your shoulders girl!! Gosh, I was expecting a Pixie cut or something hahaha 🙂
You look GORGEOUS and I would give my left arm to look like you…and that’s my writing hand 😉
Seriously, I should blog about my bad hair-cuts…the day of an interview when I first moved – I had a stupid idea to get a cut…yep – hacked to pieces – and I mean HACKED – as in not even , short on top, long on bottom, short little bangs on one side…
It took me a year and several haircuts for it to START to return to normal…then I got it cut again- and holy crap back to square one – ruined…I am still reeling from all the torture it’s been through…I don’t think it’ll ever be the same again…it’s still “hole-ly” in many places where it should “flow” due to thinning shears the size of edward scissors hands used on my head…
Oh and you look like Salma Hayek. And her hair is shorter than that…and she’s HOT! 🙂
Oh, I’m so sorry about your hair! (I’ve had my fair shair of bad cuts too — it’s so depressing!) I have to say though, I think your new cut is cute. 🙂
i really don’t think your hair looks bad, but obviously your opinion is the only one that really matters. i am with you about not spending a lot of money on haircuts, restaurants, and jeans, though i have to say i’ve been lucky to get a lot of designer stuff for cheap/free from swaps and swag.
Boy hair?! No way! Im like you—a total tightwad and always saving. I must be a bad little blogger because I just refuse to spend a bunch of money on nut butters, they are expensive =)
Sadly, too many people don’t save any money at all–and that is a bad situation waiting to happen. Plus, a hefty wad of cash in the bank allows you to have so much freedom! What an excellent example you are giving to your daughter–you should be proud.
I have also learned the hair lesson the hard way. Not to self, never allow a cruise ship beautician to dye your hair somewhere in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I was in high school, I didn’t know any better!
Your hair is beautiful!!! Even with the trim, it is still super long to me, since they use the clippers on the back of mine when I get a trim. LOL
This may not make you feel much better, but the one good thing about an iffy haircut is that at least it will grow out eventually. I actually like your new cut, but you’re the one who has to live with it.
Can I tell you the one thing that I absolutely will NOT splurge on: Valet Parking. I hate it with a passion!
Other things, I splurge within reason, but I hate an expensive meal that isn’t good. It’s one thing if it’s an amazing meal/experience – then sure, charge me an arm and a leg!
Awww I think your hair looks absolutely gorgeous!!!
I think your hair looks great!!
Im really anal about what I do with my money, granted, I dont have any so thats probably why. But I have to say, I do splurge when it comes to my hair. Only because Im very particular, I always think it looks bad, and I finally found a hairdresser that has never once let me down. He costs a fortune (which is why Im about 6 months overdue for a trim) but I love him and wont go to anyone else.
My hair is long and curly so I always have to hold up a small section of my hair and say THIS MUCH ONLY! Otherwise the stylist goes scissor happy on my curls and I look like a fluffy dog. And I don’t know why, but in my experience at the more expensive salons, the stylists feel like they can do whatever they want to your hair!
Your new hair isn’t that bad.
I actually do spend my money on premium denim. I love knowing that my jeans fit me like a glove and look absolutely fabulous. However I agree, restaurants that are ridiculously expensive for just a meal aren’t worth it.
I’m a saver, too. Even when I have “extra” money, the thought always runs through my mind that you never know when a rainy day is coming.
Oh, I think you’re being too self-critical. The haircut looks cute. It looks fresh and healthy. I always like my hair long and feel sad when I get it cut, but I think I am accepting that my hair looks good shorter. Yours does too. It looks pretty long as well, and it will get back there. I hate when I get bad haircuts though. I have been in tears over them before. As you know, I’m a big saver too. I don’t like to splurge though, apparently, I’m getting much better (or is it worse?) in this department. We don’t go out to eat that often, so I’m ok with spending money on a nice meal… but I just about lost it in Vegas when we got charged $13 for a bottle of water. Grr, it still bothers me to think about it.
Yup, I’m a Saver too. I blame that on my Asian upbringing, too. Unless taken to the extreme, I don’t really see that as a negative attribute though. It’s responsible.
It’s funny that you should mention that splurging on designer jeans = off limits. I used to splurge on designer jeans in high school with all that hard-earned money that I made while working part-time for minimum wage, and just as soon as I’d purchased the jeans, I would inevitably go off and gain 10 pounds something.
Apparently I’m a slow learner too, because I made the mistake twice. For shame!
Like Lynn said, your haircut looks fine to the rest of us, but in end, it really is about what you think. Often times though, new haircuts just take some time to get used to though. Give it a week?
🙂 aletheia
I think the haircut is cute! And I totally know what you mean about refusing to splurge on certain things. The girl who does my hair is a sister of a friend. I go to her apartment every three or four months for a trim that costs me $20. I have no idea how I thought I could go to a salon and spa and drop $150 on a cut and color every three months in college… no idea. Maybe I’m so cheap about it now because I know part of my student loans that I’m paying back helped pay for those haircuts….
One good thing about a bad haircut: you can play with new styles because there’s not much to ruin! I know you like your hair long and straight, but if you hate it anyway you can try curls, braids, updos, and coaxing it into different shapes to “hide” it. Who knows–you may find a new look you adore.
Oh gosh, I am terrified of a bad hair cut. The last time my husband had his hair cut the hair dresser butchered it. He’s a very non-confrontational person, so of course he didn’t say anything. I was more upset than he was, lol.
Your hair is gorgeous! It will grow back. I know it feels like watching grass grow right now, but within weeks you’ll need another trim. 😀
Jenn
I think your hair looks terrific Ameena. But next time save the 75 bucks and just go straight to the cheap source…if u want to loan out some moula like that, send it here 🙂
joking. nice post.
Hmm… maybe I will go to Supercuts!
Okay, you do not look like a boy, you crazy lady!!! You are beautiful!
BUT– I do sympathize with you– I know how much it SUCKS to get a haircut you weren’t expecting. I’ve had too many times where I’ve requested a “trim” and gotten upwards of five inches chopped of. GRRRR.
Just remember…it will grow.
oh my gosh, I was waiting to see a pixie cut like I normally get…I don’t think you can sport a bad look period!
but I so hear you. I don’t go to hair cut places anymore at all. Each and every time I get brave and try again I get a worse one.
I just hack it myself and feel better that I got what I deserved cuz I am not a hair dresser!
my dad’s girlfriend fixes my big oopses once in a while.
like now, I am in need of a trim!
sorry about that! jeez!
yes yes yes get some cute hats! I LOVE HATS!
how fun is that?
xoxoox
i love the hair! i feel your pain at hating the hair though: i am NEVER satisfied with any hair cut i get. but i think yours looks amazing. just give it time? most of the time styles grow on me…
and i’m a super saver too. i cringe every time i have to dole out some $$ for anything hahah
ugh… what a pain–I’m sorry about your haircut but you look BEAUTIFUL!! It’s very trendy and cute 🙂
I wish I could make myself splurge more on dinner. Every once in a while you need to indulge!!
You look beautiful, Ameena. You always do. I understand the whole self-criticism thing though. Every time I get a haircut I feel awful. And when someone comments on it, I just feel embarrassed, even if they say it looks good. Change scares me.
The thing about hair stylists…the key is to find one that you like and you trust, and then you stick with them. I’ve been going to the same person for years and I won’t let anyone else touch my hair. She is very expensive, but at least I know that she’s worth it. In the meantime, if someone seems like a beginner or like they don’t know what they are doing, make a run for it.
Oh, Ameena, I still think you’re looking absolutely gorgeous and you have no reason to think otherwise. But, I can completely relate to being upset with a haircut that you think didn’t turn out well; the amount of tears I’ve shed over bad haircuts could fill a bathtub. Luckily, after all those hack jobs, I finally managed to find a hairdresser I adore, and I would follow her across the country if she ever chose to leave.
Hair seems to be one of those delicate things for us women. A good hair day usually means a good mood, and the mood that results from a bad hair day is almost impossible to fix. Luckily, hair grows, but like I said before, you’re still looking fabulous 🙂
Aww babe you look super cute! Not like a boy at all. Although you are so gorgeous that I’m pretty sure no matter what haircut you got, you would look good!
oh no, I am so sorry you had such a traumatic experience at the hairdresser! I expected from your description for your hair to be way shorter than it is. I will grow back in no time, right?
A boy? You’re nuts. 🙂 I think it looks good. It’s shorter, but it’s still shoulder length. When I get a haircut I hate (last time from an expensive salon!) I end up wearing it in a ponytail for six months while it grows out. Sorry you had a bad experience.
Oh, and I’m totally a saver, too. It drives my gadget-obsessed husband nuts. (As in: Why must we save for a house when we could get an iPad?)
First of all you do NOT look like a boy by any stretch of the imagination! I’m with you when it comes to not splurging on certain things though- I feel the same in a $30 pair of jeans as I would in a $300 pair of jeans!
I LOVE YOUR CUT!!!! IT’S SO CUTE!!!!
I think your hair looks cute! It’ll grow again.
Boy, I could learn a lot from you about being fiscally responsible.
I like your longer hair better but I still think this cut looks nice on you. I can’t believe you tipped her though! If I don’t like something (haircut, food or service at a restaurant) then I don’t tip. Good thing I try not to go back to places I don’t tip at.. they would probably spit in my food.
Give it a few days! I very rarely like a new haircut right away. But after I wash it and let me hair get over the shock I always end up loving it! 🙂
Geesh, I wish I had that kind of responsibility with money.
As I get older, I am getting better with it. I haven’t bought new clothes in I don’t know how long and I still have clothes from high school (five years ago) I still wear. I can’t imagine ever spending $60 on a shirt, pair of socks, etc because it has a little deer logo on it or something.
Don’t let it discourage you – I think your new cut looks cute! I cut a few inches off of mine recently and I’m glad it did. It updated my do a but and takes a lot less time to blow dry/straighten/yell at.
I hate when haircuts turn out worse than you hoped. You look great still, but I do understand the frustration with it.
i love your shorter hair! it is so thick and healthy! may be the idian blood in you! haha i have some in me as well 🙂
i refuse to spend on haircuts, designer clothes of ANY kind, and especially those restaurants where you get like 5 courses of one bite meals…no way hahah
I think it’s cute, but I get how you feel. If it’s not cut how I like it..I feel so bad. 😦 I wish I was that financially savvy! If you have any money saving tips I’d love to hear them.
Aww I think your hair looks totally fine and extremely healthy. It’s a fresh, shorter summer do!
P.S. My bank account would probably give you a heart attack.
Oh Honey I am so sorry about your hair… I was in your shoes in October. I went to get a TRIM and walked out with my hair 5 inches shorter than when I walked in… except I let the hairdresser have it.. when I looked in the mirror and was horrified she said “oh its not bad it looks really cute” so I said “of course you say that becuase you F#@$ed it up” so then she said it is $55 for your cut and I said well I guess that comes out of your pay check cause I am not paying a penny for this S$#@ job of yours and walked out. I have left multiple bad reviews for them on city search. The worst part was getting home and seeing Raymond’s horrified face that’s when I broke down and cried like a little girl.
The good news is… its hair it will grow back but trust me I know exactly how you feel.
I’ll be honest, it looked better before. The style suited you more.
Can’t you go back and tell her: “it looks like crap, fix it”
I do that ALL the time.
You DO NOT look like a boy!! I actually really, really like it!! Seriously!! Just think of it as a fresher, lighter cut for the summer. But I know how you’re feeling b/c I’ve had my share of disappointing haircuts. The good thing about hair is it always grows back! 🙂
I think your hair looks nice!! I like the length on you 🙂 Get headbands!!!
Ameena,
As someone who prefers longer hair, I understand that you’re unhappy with the haircut. I don’t love it either. BUT-and this is an important but-you’re a beautifulll woman and you still look like a knockout. So it will grow back, but you’re gorgeous either way so there’s no need to agonize imo 🙂 ❤
That’s great that you are a saver. Most people aren’t like that!
I’m sorry you are unhappy with the haircut. 😦 It will grow back?
Sorry about the hair cut. Of course your shorter hair looks lovely, but I’m sure having to remove so much more than you planned was shocking!
I’ve finally grown my hair out past the dreaded “awkward length” but for about 6 weeks, I hated my hair every day. Headbands and ponytails were my friend! Maybe you can use this as an excuse to find some cute (and inexpensive) headbands on etsy? 🙂
I have had terrible experiences at Great Clips but great ones at a student salon… reminder to self: get hair cut soon
yours looks beautiful!
You my friend do not look like a boy!! Your hair is cute and it must grow back so quickly 🙂
I love saving, but I love splurging! How can you say no to designer denim?? Lol, I still rock them….but usually get them at the rack! shhhhh 😉
XXOO
I am such a saver. My mom has always made fun of me for having spender’s remorse. Even as an 8 year old I would buy a toy and cry and cry about the money. I even saved my Halloween candy for an entire year!
I like it! It looks cute. I have been wanting to cut my hair short for a while now but I’ve been in corona every weekend and all they have near the house is a fantastic sams so I’m kind of scared.
I love your new hair! You definitely do not look like a boy at all. (I always say that when I cut my hair so I know the feeling.) Honestly though, you look GREAT! Sorry about the crappy hair cut at the first place. I hate that and I’m so non-confrontational.
hey babe, no biggie, as i always say, it’s only hair and will grow back quick, and you totally looked cute when i saw you! nothing a lil lipstick can’t cure;) loved the express pants…i so used to shop there too, scary times!
can i adopt your mil as my step??
XOXOXOXO
I am sure that in a few days you will feel better about your hair, but I agree with the commenters that it looks good lady! I know that we are all our own harshest critics but you are already so beautiful, that know one cares about your hair as much as yourself!
Oh, and I wish I could be that frugal lady!
Good for you savers – it is a struggle for me. Is it a nature vs. nurture question? I have my dad’s genes and cannot save unless I don’t see that money or it goes straight to some savings or 401k acct. I hated it when I spent money but I could feel it in my bones that I was like my father – a spender. I am still learning from my mistakes…..
Wel, I *love* the new hair bit I would be lying if I said I didn’t know exactly HOW terrible you feel about it 😦 My long hair is my THING – I mean on ANTM and What Not To Wear they call it a security blanket but so be it my hair is my security and I am like Sampson after Delilah when I don’t have it! True story: Two summers ago, the day before my mom’s wedding, I got drunk and donated my waist-length hair to locks of love. Trust me, I was horrified when I sobered up. I wish I were one of those people who could just shrug it off and say “It’s just hair” but I know it’s not lol.
But you are such a hottie it doesnt matter what your hair looks like!
You goober! I think your hair looks good shorter 🙂
$75 is what I pay for my hair too, which is why I only got it cut once last year. Oops. 😉
“Oh honey, what happened to your hair?”, is absolutely right! However, the good news is that you don’t look like a boy at all.
I’ve had that happen to me before. A couple years ago, the stylist I usually go to wasn’t available, so I went into a fantastic sams to get a cut. The stylist there cut it way too short almost giving me a super short look. Shorter than I had requested.
I know it’s hair and it’ll grow back, but it sort of affected me in some way. At least it didn’t take me long to dry. lol.