I’m often asked if and how much one should tip his or her stylist or if they should tip the owner. Let me clear the air.

Hair, skin, and body professionals rely on their tips as a source of their income. People tip anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of their service. (Not on tax or retail product). Still, a tip should depend on how satisfied you are. Certainly if you’ve been made to wait longer than 20 minutes, it would be acceptable for it to reflect in your tip. But if you don’t mind the wait and love your results, tip accordingly. One thing I can I assure you is that beauty professionals notice and are appreciative of tips.

What about the owner?

Many hairstylists rent a chair making them their own business owner. You won’t find a stylist who rents a chair who will refuse a tip. In contrast, major corporate chain owners whose income is from company sales more than from their haircut may not expect (or desire) a tip. Not tipping the owner is an old tradition. If your stylist is the owner simply ask the staff at the reception area what is generally done when you leave.

Often the owner charges more and in the mind of a client makes more money. I can assure you this is often not the case. The overhead, expense and pressure of owning a salon is relieved by the gracious gratuity of devoted clients. Though many salon owners will not be offended if you don’t tip, they likely won’t be offended if you do.

Something special occurred on 07 07 07. It was the celebration of the 70’s food and fashion at Christopher and Robert’s. My blog wasn’t up and running at the time, but as I reminisce I see it should really be revealed of some of the fabulousness of the occasion. I love a good costume party, and when the music, the mood, the food and the stage is set for a good time, it should really be shared for posterity.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so these images should pretty much sum up why there actually was something about the ‘70’s that was worth remembering. Personally, I hated the ‘70’s fashion. I thought (and still think) fashion took a downturn toward the worst from about 1967 through 1978. But then again, I was going through puberty through the last part of what I still see as an ugly era, and that might have had impact. Once curling irons and hot rollers returned to hairdo's, around 1978, I began to breath a quiet sigh of relief.

I feel like I’m starting all over again. After a brief hiatus from the regular TV makeover scene, I’m back at it. The process is not the same since I let my hair go gray two years ago. Trying to re invent, as it were, how I look, when I’m used to looking how I LOOKED is daunting. For years, I had enough episodes under my belt to watch and learn and remake myself in the image becoming to a TV camera, that it became rote. Now, however we have, (gasp) HIGH DEFINTION TELEVSION!! I don’t like it. I look better in person than on TV, and the glory of TV in the past was, with the right lighting, you could look BETTER on camera than in real life.

To complicate matters further, we have wide screens. So my once too skinny and defined face, which improved with horizontal bands of television, has gained in fullness and fluid, which works for me in person, but on camera , I look like William Shattner. I notice every detail from the botox to my eye lid imbalance. (I always noticed the lids, but I actually forgot about it until high def). To make matters worse, my facial issues come SCREAMING out of flat wide screens in across the country. I can hear my clients on the treadmill watching with no sound… “He’s done something, I can’t tell what, but he doesn’t look right.”

Now, this is where someone says “you’re too self critical.” Ok. You’re right. But that doesn’t change the fact that I can see way too much facial information that once passed under the radar.

I really feel for Barbara Walters now

I tried. I tried to “get it.” I tried to be “hip to the new scene” and embrace what appeared to me to be 52 horny bar chicks ready to rumble. Flipping through channels, my partner of 20 years and my guide to “am I being too bitchy?” Robert agreed. So by the time we were on our third Manhattan our two dogs, Max and Jake kept looking up to see what was wrong with the Daddies as they screamed “NOOOOO!” and “TEERRIIBBLLEE!!!”

Seeing a bunch of babes in boot-cut denims, heels and tank tops give each other high fives and click across the stage like a night club gal running to the bathroom was, to say the least, disturbing. But then to see them eliminated, put to the test, and embarrassed in front of a screaming crowd of, who were they, anyway…the crowd? Did they give free tickets at the Las Vegas Strip Mall? Ick. Well, it was disheartening.

Next, the swimsuit competition. Out come women primed for the cover of Maxim. Even I wanted to take them home, give them what they needed, and send them home grateful. There was no grace, no loveliness, just sex. Fitness and health? More like: "Twenty bucks for a lap dance?” Robert: "Where’s the pole?”

Poor Clinton Kelly. It was obviously for the money. I give him credit as he managed to hold it together in a sea of estrogen and implants when he obviously wanted to be anywhere else. As the most lovely were eliminated to leave us with, you guessed it, bottle blondes with spray tans and bleached teeth, the moment of no return: The eliminated contestant who got down and gave us 20. PUSH UPS! Joined by her sisters in strappy stilletos and bitty black dresses, we watched in horror.

What once gave us the hope that young women could sustain a title that held the name America, was drizzed down to Hooters waitresses who could, as a hobby, sing and dance. America. Once the beautiful.

My friend Mark Durkop called me to judge a fashion competition. He said “I’ve invited my friend Jack who was on Project Runway.” I’d not watched the current season of project runway, so I immediately did an internet search and go the skinny. I found Jack’s hilarious youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evCOdcJl2PEand looked forward to meeting him.

Jack arrived in time for us to appear as guests on FM107’s Lori and Julia show. Unfortunately as I pulled in to the parking lot of KSTP my car died, leaving me having to arranging towing and repairs minutes before going on air. Fortunately always there Robert, who had chauffeured Jack from the airport could stay until the segment was over and transport Jack to his hotel, and me to our home.

As I ran around trying to clean up and prepare for company (Jack, Mark and his friend, ShopNBC host Brian Kessler) Robert went to get food and drinks. Jack arrived, with laundry, and always ready to help Robert washed, dried and folded. Robert also prepared and served the food and the rest of us settled in to getting to know each other a little better. No want of conversation this group. 4 extroverts and Robert, who can certainly hold his own, but is most likely man out of the conversation when it’s ruled by 4 “front of the camera” personalities.

After about an hour we drove to CRAVE restaurant in the Galleria in Edina, where coincidentally Jack was born. Not in the Galleria, but in Edina. We met Keyvan Talebi, my business partner, and owner of CRAVE, Bella Notte, View, ReVamp! salonspa, and a few other companies I don’t know much about. His girlfriend, the ever fashionable and always charming Laura Schara joined us as we completely devoured sushi, flat bread pizzas, home made pastas, Sea Bass and Chicken. I’d go into preparation details, but that is where I have no talent. “A what reduction sauce?” Oh. Tastes good. Next.

Photo: Brian Kessler, Mark Durkop, Jack Mackenroth, Christopher Hopkins (right click to view entire image)

Photo: Mark, Jack, Christopher, Robert, Keyvan Talebi and Laura Schara (right click to view entire image)

I’m not a foodie. I like food, but discussing it is about as interesting to me, as the conversation on fashion and trend and body types was to Keyvan. I do try to throw in a business sentence or two to keep him from dozing. That or something about breasts.

All in all a lovely evening, good schmoozing, great friends and a wonderful warm up to the following night competition held at Epic Event Center in Minneapolis. But that is, another Blog.

Christopher,

I am a 47 y.o. woman who let herself go. I don't really know why except I've gained 60 lbs over the past 8 years and gave up wearing make-up and wearing anything other than sweat pants and horrible fitting blue jeans.

Your book has given me the inspiration to get out there and try again!!!! To be honest, after seeing Sex N the City movie two times since it came out, I did go out and buy 5 easy summer dresses. Non form fitting but much much nicer than sweatpants. I also bought an expensive designer purse and shoes as I couldn't go through summer in my new dresses with a 5+ year old black leather purse.

But your book has provided me with a true game plan for the summer. I am going for a pedidure today and for eyebrow shaping on Tuesday. I just booked both appointments.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me some courage to start over.

Nancy

Christopher –I just finished reading your book and had to email. I send a thousand ‘thank you’ notes for writing your book. I am a sixty something who just returned to the work force for my fourth career and believe me I had no clue what to wear. When I was twenty and thirty is was simple – read a magazine, buy a little suit, understated make-up and I was good to go. Now with the uneven skin and the wrinkles and the SAD state of dress in the work place I was totally lost. I have never before been in this position so your book was a Godsend. I shall use every page (including the ones about organizing my closet-ugh). Best of the best to you

Sincerely,

Danna

Dear Christopher,

I bought your book and loved it I have underlined and highlighted each and every page. I feel that your book is a breath of fresh air and a joy to read and am following all your hints and guidelines. I am the true alluring/dramatic can't you tell and won't give up without prying your book out of my hands.The words old lady will get people beaten to the ground.lol If you are planning a beauty journal/workbook that goes into more depth. I would buy it yesterday.

smooches phyllis

Hi Christopher!

I’m really excited!! I bought your book yesterday – it JUMPED off the shelf at me – exactly what I was looking for to revamp and revitalize!! I have been fervently studying every page, highlighting, making notes in the margins, writing affirmations, taking measurements, and kickin’ ass!! (Okay, not literally, but you get the point).

PS – I’m 44 and I look too frumpy for the way I genuinely feel inside. I’m tired of covering up the real me with all this frumpiness!!! You’re book speaks right to the heart and soul of a woman – do you know that? Your words jump off the pages and have pulled me out of this mess that I am not, but of which I have become. THANK YOU!!!!!

Rebecca
Orange Park, FL

Good Morning, Mr. Hopkins:

I purchased your book yesterday, and while I have only had time to do the initial "hit the high points" read, I have to say that you've hit a home run. My goal this morning is to find my tape measure and determine my body type, etc. While I have always tried to dress stylishly and appropriately, and have always styled my hair and used makeup, something's been missing. Hopefully, your program will give me the little extra something I need to feel completely confident in this second act. Thanks!

Jo (age 51)

Dear Christopher,

The first time I wrote to you I had started to add some new looks to my wardrobe and was starting to wear some make up on a regular basis. Well it's almost 2 months now and my wardrobe is almost totally changed. I'm wearing a light but complete make-up everyday and for the final transformation I colored my hair for the first time in 5 years! My hair could have been called salt & pepper in the front but was nearly all gray/white in back. I used your guidelines and went with a color that was a little lighter than my natural color when I was younger. When I walked into work on Monday morning the comments were great. Everyone agreed I looked about 15 years younger and people said I looked like my own younger sister.

All that was very fun but the biggest change was on the inside. I just felt better, younger, more confident and more ready to take charge of this phase of my life. Then one day I had the opportunity to speak with the top 2 people in the company about a situation that I thought I could contribute to and do you know what happened? I got promoted! This week I moved out of the "cube farm" and into my own office. OK, so the 30 years of retail experience I bring to the job is important but you can't tell me that the changes I made both inside and out after reading your book didn't help! I'm not sure I ever would have put myself out there and spoken up for my own position without the personal confidence I've found.

Thanks again, I'm a believer and I'll be watching for the sequel,
Debbie

Staging Your Comeback has been such a consistent seller at Wal-Mart over the past couple months that it has been picked up for six different Mod sets (planograms in Wal-Mart speak) in the Fall. To put that in perspective, the only other title that HCI publishes that had more Mod sets was "A Child Called It."

Also, sales at Target have been so good that the book has been chosen for the planogram in 1,561 stores! Currently, it is on a best seller promotion because of the TV exposure. Since then sell through continues to exceed expectations and the book will move to the planogram (Life and Home section).

The book continues to hold its own on Amazon as number two in Beauty and Health (and I’m going to make sure it gets to number one!). Feel free to add a review if you have not (and you like the book!). I can use all the good reviews I can get.

Little House on the Prairie, The Musical
a must see for fans of the books and show

I had the great fun of going to the first preview of "Little House on the Prairie, The Musical" which is showing at the Guthrie and headed to Broadway. Sold out until October, the Musical has Melissa Gilbert playing Ma. I had the entertainment value of attending with Alison Arngrim (Television’s Nellie Oleson) which, of course, made the experience more interesting (and hilarious). Drinks after the show with Melissa, Alison, and other cast members reminded me why I so pleased to no longer be “in theater.” The drama, the angst, the who am I, am I good enough, who are you, I don’t care.

We did give Alison a tour of Minneapolis, complete with the flour tower tour at the Mill City Museum. A must experience if ever in the Twin Cities. Later we took her to a party at the Chambers hotel, where, gay icon that she is, she was inundated with men who LOVED that character. I looked over and she was sitting on a chair surrounded by grown men on the floor looking up at her with bright smiles and laughter. Shows you you CAN be a bitch and be loved.

See?

Christopher Hopkins, Tennis Star

If you have a chance to grab one of the last remaining tickets (O.K. there are tons) to the Ronald McDonald House Classic Golf and Tennis Tournament on Monday, August 4th, you will be able to watch (and play alongside) local "celebrities" and do something good for charity.

I have decided that yes, I will actually attempt to play tennis, something I have not done since 1984. Maybe 1982. And as memory serves me, I wasn't very good then. Which is why I quit. My parents TRIED to find a sport in which I could excel. I wrestled (where I just laid laughing when I got pinned "This is ridiculous"). I played basketball (where I knocked someone's tooth out doing lay ups, and was penalized for "traveling" having NO idea what that meant). I was in Little League (where I walked to first because the ball hit me in the arm, only later to get a black eye in the outfield when the ball rolled to me, hit a bump and popped up into my face). I shan't forget Miss Gullickson, the 7th the Phy Ed coach shouting "Hopkins, you pansy!" when I complained about doing ANOTHER 50 yard dash. I mean seriously, why? She must 60 something and arthritic now. One can only hope.

So for the entertainment value alone, come play tennis with us. Or golf. Or just watch and be entertained with bafoonery. I must go shopping for an outfit. I mean, I should really get on the court and practice.

Ever look back and think, "I used to...?" I do. A lot. I work through most of "I used to's.." ending up with either "I'm glad I did," or "at least I did." I rarely think I wish I hadn't.

Recently I came across some old footage of a performance of mine for a PBS special with the Erie Philharmonic. It has been nearly 10 years since I stood on that stage with Maestro Eiji Oue conducting. Some things seem like yesterday and some things seem like another lifetime. When I look now at how young I appeared then it seems like incarnations ago. I wanted to share it though, so here it is.

I'm glad I did.

I received an email from a man at growingbolder.com who asked me what I was most grateful for. I replied, “Hair.”

I sifted through my cornucopia of gratitude and thought…corny. I don’t want to sound corny. I am grateful for so many things, but for some reason its personal. I’m grateful, but its rather vulnerable for me to express gratitude, so I said "hair."

However, it IS Thanksgiving Day.

Our morning haze was interrupted by a heavy thunk on the window.

“Was it a bird?” I asked Robert, knowing of course it was, but what else do you say…

“Yeah, it’s struggling,” he said. I looked out.

“It’s a Robin.”

“No, they’ve all gone south,” he replied, as he always does. Like he knows a fact and it’s an absolute truth.

“It’s a Robin, Robert, there are bunch of them.”

As our eyes panned our yard into the neighbors’ we saw what seemed like hundreds of Robins.

“It’s Lois,” I decided. “She says ‘Happy Thanksgiving.’” .

Lois is my Grandmother whose body gave up 6 years ago. Her spirit touches me frequently. Last night it was a color – a rose-beige fabric in “White Christmas,” the sappy-but-I-love-it holiday movie we watch at least twice a year. The carpeting at "the farm" was rose beige, but by the time I could remember it, it was more …“greige.”

Thoughts come pouring when Lois touches me. She touches me when I smell lilacs. She touches me when I taste a root beer float. She touches me every Halloween and I think “popcorn balls.” She touches me when I bend over to pick up a crumb off the carpet. She touches me when I see a robin.

Spirits are stronger in the holiday season. So too is sentiment, I suppose. On Thanksgiving it is gratitude that strikes me -- hard enough too forget about being corny, and to just be grateful. Grateful for memories. Grateful for this lifetime.

I am so grateful. I’m grateful that I can live with the person with whom eternity isn’t long enough to fully appreciate. I’m grateful that my Mother has found true love, twice in one lifetime. I’m grateful that I was published, and people are touched. I’m grateful to have employees who are devoted. I’m grateful for two of the most beautiful babies in the world that press up against us hard and growl in soft happiness. I’m grateful for this…being able to express myself, at a computer, in front of a fire as flocks of birds dance through the trees. I’m grateful for so much.

And I’m grateful for hair.