Madd Rim

Like lawyers, physicians, veterinarians and dentists, cosmetologists are a part of a true profession. This career is regulated by a licensing board (just like the aforementioned occupations), requires continuing education, and has a statewide or national ‘board’ or exam prospective practitioners must pass before being inducted into its ranks. Wayward or errant members can be disciplined or have their licenses revoked by the licensing board, which also sets regulations and ethics for its practitioners. Truly, attending beauty college can give a young hopeful more than just a career — it can give him or her a profession.

Many law students and medical students end up hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. One of my friends is a resident in the Mideast, and she owes $350,000 in tuition loans. The amounts can be even higher if the student took out money for living expenses, which is common — it is unlikely a law student, veterinary student or medical student will have time for a part-time job and the time needed to do well in such rigorous curricula.

Beauty college is a much more affordable solution. While the curricula is something to take seriously, many cosmetology students have enough time for balance in their lives; a little fun on the weekends or working a part-time job at night. Nowadays, cosmetology or beauty school is not just for those in their late teens or early twenties; these programs offer an excellent alternative for any dissatisfied with the ‘Rat Race’ and searching for a second career.

Some say beauty college fosters camaraderie and unity among its students in ways that is not seen at other professional colleges, which can be inherently toxic in their competitive natures. I know several cosmetology graduates that liked each other so much that they all rent chairs at the same local salon.

If you are interested in what beauty college can do for your future, sign up to take a tour at your local school.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for your service member I recently discovered a military locket necklace. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive this!!!

These military style lockets honor each branch of the service; The Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines.   They may be engraved and each locket holds two photos. They are available in simple classic circular lockets or dog tag styles. What a wonderful way to show your support for your loved one.

This year why not do something unique and have your child make a special drawing for his military Mom or Dad? I can’t think of anything that can bring home to your loved one like being able to open this little gift whenever your loved one has a quiet moment. It is like receiving a hug from home.

Start off with white paper. Give your child bright crayons or markers and let the magic begin! Be sure to have them sign and date their masterpiece. Scan their drawing in and resize to fit the frame.  Remove the plastic cover and use this to trace around their picture and cut to fit.  Place their little art inside and replace the plastic cover.  Nothing thrills a child more than participating in a gift for Mom or Dad!

For the other frame, why not include a picture of you and your child. Scan into your computer, resize and cut in the same manner as done for the art.

If you do not have children, think of all of the images that represent the two of you.  You may download the artwork for your favorite song, snap a picture of the place where you first met or write words of encouragement with an elegant font. Want to make your loved one laugh? Include a romantic picture in one side of the frame, then draw glasses and a mustache on your face in your second photo. Practically anything you can think of can be resized and placed into this special locket.

Guaranteed to bring smiles, they are going to be the envy of the base with this locket!