Pedicure Etiquette

I decided to treat myself to a pedicure on Saturday. Even though I need to watch my pennies since Joe and I are paying for the wedding, I figured I could get a pedicure since I don't buy gas weekly. I have filled up twice since moving to LA (major perk of walking to work!). Furthermore, I needed to go to the South Bay yesterday to pick up my alterations and there is a great little nail place in Manhattan Beach, so getting a pedicure fit very nicely into my plans. I quickly browsed through a Glamour to learn the latest nail polish shades and headed to the salon. I spotted one of the colors I saw in the magazine, so I asked if they had any of that shade for sale (I can make my pedi last longer with touch-ups if I own the polish. Plus, I don't have any spring shades of polish). I settled into my massaging chair and dunked my feet into the water. The nail technician showed me a price list and tried in her best broken English to explain to me the various options. Slightly confused that the $25 pedicure I got last time I was at the salon was not on the list, I hesitantly selected one of the advanced options (she successfully up sold me!). I did the math in my head and realized that with the deluxe pedi, tip and new nail polish my little treat was going to cost me $50 (Oh No!). I snuggled back in my seat, opened my book and tried to enjoy the expensive experience. The deluxe pedi  was awesome. It involved some wax like stuff in plastic bags and warm towels (definitely worth the extra money). I was so into my book that I didn't even realize my pedi was over. I glanced down at my toes and my heart sank. The color was such a disappointment. Way too light. I handed the technician my card and waited patiently in the seat secretly hoping I didn't have to buy the polish I once lusted for. I got my receipt to sign and I was not charged for the polish (relief), but there was no line for me to add a tip. I asked the technician and she told me they don't add in tip (who doesn't add a place for a tip). I signed the receipt and looked in my wallet for cash and only had $1. I gave her the dollar and sulked in the seat embarrassed that I did not tip her properly for the job she did. I wanted to run from the salon, but knew I needed to sit under the florescent lights to let my pedi dry. Despite being extremely embarrassed about the tip situation, I sat way longer than necessary. I was only a few pages away from finishing I Was Told There'd Be Cake and the satisfaction that would  come from finishing book #9 of the year outweighed my embarrassment. I finished the book, but I guess I need to find another place to get a pedi. I am probably blacklisted from this place for not tipping and not buying the polish. If you know of any good places in downtown LA please let me know.