Comments on: Weekend Open Thread

By: lawdiva

lawdiva — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:37:10 +0000

Thanks everyone for the advice! I’m going to try AG jeans and see if those look better on me.

By: RKS

RKS — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:10:41 +0000

If you’ve got several months on your hands, instead of just looking for a vacation destination, I would suggest looking into options to spend a longer period of time in a region of the world that sounds appealing to you. As newly-minted lawyers, you would be valuable assistance to non-profits and NGOs abroad. You could pick a region, find an organization to work with, find a local apartment and do something worth-while while also getting to travel. Plus, it could turn into something interesting to put on your resume for that gap period.

I lived in one of the Baltic republics many years ago. Taught English at a local high school a few times a week, took some classes at the university and generally, travelled A LOT. It was fantastic. I got to know the region and its people like a local, not a tourist.

By: RKS

RKS — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:19 +0000

Your husband should check with his security office — I highly doubt his clearance would be yanked only for travelling to a sensitive country. He would need to report the travel to his security officer and have a detailed interview afterwards, including names/job descriptions of locals he met. But beyond that, a plain tourist trip to Russia or China isn’t going to tank a clearance.

Signed, wife of someone doing some very sensitive classified work

By: jcb

jcb — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:02:34 +0000

I’ve had good luck with AG jeans, and a few of the Citizens of Humanity styles. The AGs are my favorites, though – just be sure to try the ones that aren’t too thin/stretchy – I find that the thicker denim has better structure and looks more flattering.

Also – while you can’t really spot-reduce, like everyone said above, I swear that pilates has changed my body a bit. The strength and flexibility focus has made my legs look nicer (I have always carried my weight there) and my posture way better (which helps everything look nicer).

By: jcb

jcb — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:54:23 +0000

I did the South Pacific too for my bar trip, and loved every part of it. Started out in New Zealand – there are tons of backpackers and hostels there, lots of tours and whatnot. Really beautiful and idyllic, full of friendly, fun people. Then went to Tonga with some friends for sea kayaking – this part was through a more pricey adventure travel agency, but I am sure there are less expensive guides/tours there – and it was really amazing. Not touristy in the least. Each morning we would kayak to and set up camp on a new completely private island (some had residents, most did not – on one, the village invited us to a feast – pretty much the coolest thing I have ever experienced). Then we did Australia, which also has a lot of hostels/backpackers/tours. We were tired of the hostel life by then and managed to find decent accomodations for around $30 night (split among 3 or 4). Diving in the Great Barrier Reef was life-changing. Driving down the coast and stopping off at the beaches was really fun, too. Sydney is still a favorite city (and the hostel there is actually pretty nice – but it books up so make a res).

Anyway, it was a wonderful trp and in a place that is difficult to travel to with limited vacation time. And I agree with LA above – I am a complete freak about having no debt, but I used my credit card throughout the trip and had zero regrets. It is a once-in-a-lifetime trip! So what if it takes a few months to pay off the credit card.

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:52:36 +0000

i feel ridiculous saying this, but in my defense, this is the only thing I’ve ever bought from an infomercial – proactive! the facial cleanser, toner, and repairing lotion cost about $45 and last 2 months for me. it’s made my pores look smaller, those yucky black-heads are gone, and i rarely get a zit.

ps: i don’t use the toner often because it dries out my skin too much.

pss: it bleaches some of my towels (all the pretty blue ones! but not the yellow ones! duh), pillow-cases, t-shirts (no sweaters, etc though so far).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:54:08 +0000

Brookstone sells an amazing lint shaver for $20. I’ve had it for like 5 years now.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:50:35 +0000

I have the same experience, except watch out for blends of silk with something else. I’ve ruined two such sweaters, so I think those need to be dry cleaned. Pure silk might be ok to handwash, I don’t know.

By: LA

LA — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:46:32 +0000

I did a “bar trip” too (about 20 years ago) and my thought was to go as far and as long as I could since I knew it would be a while until I was able to take that much time away again (and in fact, it hasn’t happened yet). I had a fabulous trip to Australia, stayed with some friends and flew on a Quantas air pass (kind of like the Eurail pass). I’m VERY financially responsible/frugal, but it was the one time I did borrow money (a few thousand $) to pay for part of the trip and paid it off within 6 months of beginning my job. Never regretted it a second. Live-aboard dive boat for a weekend on the Great Barrier Reef, World Expo in Brisbane, Darwin, Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, Sydney, and so much more made it a trip of a lifetime. The world’s a big place and wherever you go, you’ll grow in appreciation, tolerance and awe for it. My trip was mostly solo, so going with your boyfriend is an added bonus. I think you never really know a person until you travel together, preferably on a long trip. Bon voyage!

By: L

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:40:54 +0000

You can’t spot reduce. Diet is key to losing fat – you can exercise all you want but if you are not in a caloric deficit you will not lose any weight or fat.

I agree with Karen that more details up top will give you a proportional look. Also try layering up top to draw interest up. You could also tivo what not to wear – they often have people with pear shapes and give good advice re: how to tailor your look to your shape.