I'm not sure which part of my self-diagnosed case of OCDiva I like more. The O, or the C? It's a toxic mix for sure, especially when it comes to magic hair tools.
I've battled my unwieldy mane from an early age and proudly wore some of the biggest hairstyles in high school during the late '80's and early '90's. So big, in fact, that my hair did not fit into the frame during yearbook photos. Nope. Part of my bangs and some fluffy side parts actually extended outside the viewfinder when the photographer gave up trying to zoom out.
My styles are far less huge now than they were back in the day, but I'm always on the lookout for the next great styling utensil that will give me soft, smooth, silky, shiny, sassy, sexy locks like I see on TV. Oh, and if it would make me thinner too, that would be awesome. So imagine my excitement when a Groupon for the "Instyler: As Seen on TV" showed up in my inbox.
I'd never seen this magnificent tool before! After a quick google search, I was smitten. Bummer though, the answer to all my hair problems was a little $pendy. So $pendy, that the Financial Planner's daughter couldn't pull the trigger. And that's when Obsessive kicked in.
Thoughts about how fabulous my hair would look consumed every waking moment. Finally, late Sunday night, I couldn't stand it anymore - so I Compulsively clicked on the Groupon and completed my order. Ahhh... relief. I'd finally be able to sleep.
Until the confirmation email arrived a few minutes later and I realized that this fabulous tool wasn't what I had wanted at all! The Groupon was for the 3/4" barrel, not the large 1 1/4" barrel I needed.
Crap. Abort! Abort! I quickly canceled my order, but I didn't stop thinking about the Instyler.
So I headed into Bed Bath and Beyond the next day. Sure, I was going to spend a little more than I did with the Groupon, but at this point, I was committed. The last Instyler in stock leapt off the shelf and into my arms, and the best part was the price was reduced by $10 at checkout! AND they accepted my expired coupon! What's not to love? Finally, I was on my way to hair bliss.
Except I wasn't. My stomach sank as I carefully unpackaged my new toy... Oops. I did it again. 3/4" barrel! Apparently I overlooked that part in all my enthusiasm. Strike 2.
Determined to make the most of it, I worked hard to convince myself I could make due with the smaller size. I even entertained the idea that I'd try to return it if if didn't work out. But then I broke it. Not the whole Instyler, just a tiny piece of the forehead protector which snapped off as I removed it. I tried to super glue it back together, but that didn't work. Double crap. Can you even return a used hair tool with a broken forehead protector? I dunno for sure, but I kinda doubt it.
After three mornings with the tiny Instyler, my good friend Obsessive came back and I knew the only way off this crazy-train was to get the bigger barrel. So back to Bed Bath Beyond I went, with another expired coupon.
New stock hadn't arrived, so the sales clerk generously offered to order it in-store and have it shipped directly to my doorstep for free! Sweet! So I forked over my credit card for the third time to purchase what I was certain would solve all my hair drama. The clerk assured me that she had ordered the large barrel. I was home free!
Except I wasn't... yet again. As I studied my receipt in the car, three little words caught my eye: "for short hair."
A quick call to Bed Bath and Beyond's friendly 1-800 number confirmed what I feared was true. NO. Way! Ruth helped me cancel the order, and told me to return to store for a refund.
Back at the store for the 2nd time in 5 hours, I explained to a different clerk what I was looking for. She walked to the display, scanned the barcode, read that there were FIVE in stock, and a small army of Bed Bath Beyonders mobilized to find my dream hair tool in the back.
Apparently, fourth time is the charm.
Anyone wanna buy a gently used 3/4" barrel Instyler with a mostly working forehead guard? I'll cut you a deal! And your hair will look AMAZING!

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