HAIR that will make people stop and STARE!

Owner Lucy Hinojosa (standing) and Lolys Ferrara

Bad hair day? We've all had one. Whether it was yearbook pictures, the first day of school, or during a job interview, the inevitable hair day comes with a vengeance. At Salon Mio, you'll forget about all those bad hair days, and emerge yourself in relaxing sweet shampoo heaven.

Sit back in the shampooing station and listen to some music while you get ready to get your new do.

The setting is comfortable and laid back, letting the customer feel relaxed and worry free about their haircut.

They offer hair cuts and trims, up dos, facial waxings, and other salon care services.




    Many people are "regulars" at Salon Mio due to their satisfaction with what the stylists at Salon Mio have to offer. "It's so hip here," Linda San Miguel said while sitting in the laid back waiting area. Linda has been a customer for years and does not plan on going anywhere to get her hair done."I've been coming here since the 7th grade. I dont trust anyone else with my hair," Linda said. She said she enjoys it most because of the relaxed environment and for the one-on-one attention she gets at Salon Mio in Harlingen.

    Owner Lucy agreed with Linda and said they always get to personally know everyone. Lucy Hinojosa worked at Master Cuts over ten years ago, but did not enjoy it because the customers were "just a number." She also added that it was fast paced, and as for Salon Mio, you get the feeling that they are not in a rush to get the money out of your pocket and get you out the door.
   But it's not just hair to the stylists. They agreed that, "Hair is our life. It's not a job. It's art in action." Lolys enjoys working at Salon Mio along side Lucy. She said the business is invigorating and homie.
   Being open for ten years, the stylists have always been up on the "trends." "We try to travel and learn," Lucy said. She also realizes that many people in the valley don't get outrageous hairdos every single day, but said they can bring "New York looks" to whoever wants something different.
  The hairstylists not pictured are Isabel Tamez and Pricilla Garza who were not in at the time. Rick Hinojosa, Lucy's husband, also helps around the salon.
  Weither you're getting a up-do, highlights, hair color, extentions, or a facial waxing, swing by your local SALON MIO. They are a cut above your "normal" salon.

Go small, or go BROKE!

You've heard of "go big or go home," and probably never go small or go broke, well because I just made that up.
Recently, there's been a lot of hustle and bustle about BIG BANKS such as Wells Fargo, Capital One, Chase, JP Morgan, and well the list goes on.
Instead of putting your big bucks in BIG banks, switch over to a credit union, like Harlingen Area Teacher's Credit Union. CU's are not-for-profit. Yeah, big banks want you there for profit, but at Harlingen Teacher's area credit union, you are a member of the union, meaning you own part of it. I only paid a SINGLE dollar to open my account, and there are no hidden fees. Wells Fargo over 300 dollars in fees over the past few months, so I made the switch to something more local and personal, HATCU! Put your money where your house is, not in a corporation hundreds of miles away.

Serendipity: An unfortunate accident.

Probably one of the best inventions in dessert history, ever!

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with this place the other day. Serendipity is located in New York City, New York. I know that is definitely a far drive, but I think something like this would be successful in the valley. There's no denying that people of the RGV love food. At Serendipity, they have food all day, and once it hits about 11 PM they serve dessert for the night, but are not open 24 hours a day. Some people have sweet tooth's and could be satisfied at ALMOST any time of day. It is so much better than going to Chili's or Cheddars for dessert that it already pre-made. Here, you can get scrumptious amounts of desserts, all made fresh. The one I tried was frozen hot chocolate. They have a variety of other "weird" desserts that aren't something you just find at a "normal" restaurant, and I think the valley should have something like this. Something different. 

Quips and Quotes

Sign at Quips and Quotes located in Harlingen. 

Quips and quotes seems like it's a big business. I was about to ask the manager, when I saw the sign above, so it answered my question. You can find many people, mostly ladies who are shopping around for unique finds or a brunch. They sell items from Hello Kitty to Dallas Cowboy gifts to Godiva chocolate. In the little kitchen area, they serve iced coffees, sandwiches, fresh desserts, and many other menu choices which are available for lunch or brunch. 

The store has been around ever since I can remember. They also have a post office inside, so if you decide to buy a gift there, you can even mail it out that day. They sell greeting cards and do gift wrapping. To shop locally, you can stop by their store in either Harlingen or McAllen. 

Harlingen store is open from 9AM-6PM and closed on Sundays.

Sweet tooth pleaser!

Want something different in the RGV? Get yourself to Red Mango where there's soft serve yogurt. In between class, on a study break, or during the weekend, you must try RED MANGO yogurt. The name is deceiving, there are no red mangos, but there are animal crackers, fruity pebbles, strawberries, kiwis, and other yogurt topping concoctions you can add to your little bowl of yogurt goodness. Don't be afraid to try something new. It won't disappoint. I personally want to stop by every hour on the hour, but unfortunately I'm a broke college student, for now. Im definitely getting a Red Mango installed in my house when I'm out of school. My life would then be complete. Give in to that persistent sweet tooth and head on over to Red Mango in the plaza right beside Best Buy in Brownsville.

There's a small business for everything

Need to change your oil?

 

Sure you can change your oil at Walmart, but who goes to Walmart these days, unless it's 4 AM and you're in desperate need of a loaf of bread or something. My oil change here was a little under 35 dollars for my midsize car, and they did a terrific job. I usually get my oil changed at Just Right Lube Service because it's a small business in my local community. It's located off of a main road, Business 77, in San Benito. Get your car, truck, jeep to this place to change your oil next month. REMEMBER to support local economic growth by spending your green at local, small businesses!