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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I love the color of this cheery yellow sweater. When I think of Reformation, the brand’s flowery dresses are what usually come to mind, but this lightweight sweater looks lovely and totally work-appropriate. I would wear it over a white collared shirt with navy pants or with a gray suit. If you made a New Year’s resolution to make more eco-conscious purchases, this sweater is made of recycled cashmere, so you’re in luck.
The sweater is $148 and available in sizes XS–XL. It also comes in six other solid colors and a pretty stripe. Cashmere Blend Sweater
This sweater from J.Crew comes in regular and plus sizes in “Naples yellow” and is on sale for $47.
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Sales of note for 9.10.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Save up to 40% on new markdowns
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- White House Black Market – 30% off new arrivals
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BigLaw with kids exercising
BigLaw (and similar) ladies with kids — any life hacks for getting in exercise? I can get in moderate exercise (aerobics step at home, walking, some hiking; things where I can take my kids along or don’t need childcare). But I can’t seem to get to the point of excel using vigorously enough to get legit sweaty. We are moving office buildings to where I will be close to a Y but I have long hair and feel that that makes working up a sweat a bit of a time-suck for getting presentable again. At night I am either tired or have to log back in to work. I guess a mediocre workout is much better than no activity but I’d like to aim higher.
notime
What’s your morning look like? Can you get up early and workout at home (or go in to work early, but head to the Y first)? Waking up early is tough, but it’s the only way I know I can reliably get in a workout.
Strapped for Time
+1. I wake up at 5:30 or 6, and do a video at home 2-3x a week. I subscribe to Studio LB and their cardio videos have kept me in great shape. Some are less than 20 minutes. I am also an advocate of walking as much as possible.
Anon
Try strength training during the work day and do cardio on the weekend. While I may get a bit sweaty doing weights, it’s easy enough to run a brush through my hair and fix a few makeup smudges without making it a whole thing.
NYCer
This. I do a 45 min barre type class at lunch (aim for 2 days per week, doesn’t always happen) and run on the weekends. I walk as much as I can during the week, but I have mostly accepted that I will not do sweaty workouts during the week.
Occasionally if I missed a weekend workout, I will run on the treadmill for 20 minutes as soon as our nanny arrives, and then just get to work slightly later that day.
Anon
When I was in that life (prekid), the only way I could guaranty a workout was first thing in the morning and then get to work slightly later (knowing I would have more time to make up at the end of the day). I know YMCAs often offer daycare services, so if it’s feasible to bring the kids to the Y and then take them to daycare, that could be an option (if the Y’s daycare times work for that) – who knows. Other than that, another option would be to try to find a more intense at home exercise routine, which may involve some investments (e.g. buying a rowing machine, pelaton) or some trial and error (which at home body weight activities really make you sweat).
Anonymous
Thanks — my kids are in school, so too old for Y childwatch. And maybe a year out from being old enough to leave alone (dreaming of this day!). I am missing the days I could put them in a double Bob and get a good workout just pushing that thing at a brisk walking pace.
Here’s to a sweaty 2020!
Cat Mom
At that age could you get them to come with you and work out with you?
Anonymous
Personal trainer at the Y. You’ll likely have to pay for a 1 hr session but if you actually only use 45 mins and grab a quick shower and use dry shampoo, the whole thing probably only takes an hour. Or a half hour spin class at lunchtime.
Or personal trainer that comes to your house either early morning or on the weekend. Let your kids watch Daniel Tiger for an hour on Saturday and get in a workout.
You could also look into 15 min HIIT workout videos. Do one just before whenever you would normally shower and wash your hair.
Piper Dreamer
My husband and I alternate going for a run in the morning while the other one stays home and watches kiddo. When it is my turn, I sometimes go to our home gym in the basement and lift weights with the baby gate closed so even if he gets out, everything is babyproofed.
On the weekend, we alternate going for a run during nap time/quiet play time. When I train for a marathon, I get up early to get the run in and then just nap with the kiddo.
I can never make lunch time workout work since there is no set lunch hour per se in our firm. I often come back with unanswered calls and a bunch of emails – it just stresses me out!
Anonymous
5am. That’s the only thing that works for me. Yes, it’s less than ideal, but once you get used to it, it’s fabulous.
Minnie
Same. No last-minute conflicts, no surprise phone calls as you’re trying to get ready. 5:00am is the only thing that works for me and I love it.
Anonymous
We hit the pool on weekends and I swim laps then.
Anon
I exercise both weekend days, and at least once during the week. I can almost always find one morning to be a bit late to work. I shower after my exercise but don’t wash my hair. I don’t like dry shampoo, but I’ll put it in a bun or ponytail if it seems like it’s not going to be presentable by the time I get to work.
How attached are you to having long hair? I do find that it’s all much easier when my hair is above my shoulders.
Anonymous
I do video workouts at home a few days a week, and jog with one or two kids in the stroller a couple days a week.
Kit
I know it sounds silly, but I used to keep a 10lb and 15lb dumbbell under my desk. When I would get stuck on a conference call or client call, I’d do my triceps, biceps, shoulders, etc. I found it way easier to do that and still listen than multitask and check emails and listen. But, I also had a door and no one could see me when I closed it so it might not be an option. I also found some non-heated 45 min classes at lunch that I would do. I have the same thing with my hair.
Anonymous
We are moving into all-glass offices. I take it that my days of doing this are numbered, no?
anon
You can do planks or pushups behind the desk. They don’t take long. I do these periodically throughout the day just to get my heart rate up
Anon
I work out at lunch and and shower after but don’t get my hair wet (just put it up). If I’m being completely honest, I actually don’t even wash my face and I continue on my day with pre-workout make up. I don’t sweat a ton I guess (so realize that might not work for everyone), and I find I just don’t care much if I don’t look 100% for half a day a couple of times a week (cause I feel so great otherwise from the workout!).
Anonymous
We used to joke that the “executive shower” is just throwing on more deodorant and changing into fresh underwear (and I do not mean to reignite the debate on that — I am just prone to wedgies; you do you).
Anonymous
Not in BigLaw but have butt in seat job and long commute. The only thing I can handle is working out at home first thing in the morning. I do Fitness Blender videos in the living room or go for a 35 minute run before my husband leaves and before son is awake.
anon
God this thread makes me not want to have kids. I can’t imagine giving up my hour-long morning runs bookended with my evening yoga and weightlifting. And I work long hours.
Anon
Yeah, kids may not be for you if you don’t see your way clear to compromising on those things. And that’s okay. Having kids isn’t for everyone.
Anonymous
I have 3 kids and do evening yoga, lunchtime strength training on Fridays, pilates on Saturday morning, run on the treadmill one -two evenings a week when kids are in bed. I’ve always been an evening exerciser not a morning exerciser even pre-kids. DH is an outside runner and runs 4 times a week year round. One Sunday morning run, Thursday evening, Tuesday lunchtime and one variable depending on what we have going on. Not a lot of people run for an hour every morning 7 days a week regardless of whether they have kids or not. Long hours, kids and exercise are not necessarily impossible, it’s just a lot more coordination of schedules and fewer non-exercise related hobbies. When we skip something on the weekends, usually it’s for another activity like snowshoeing or downhill skiing with the kids.
anon
That is a lot of exercise. Good for you, but recognize that most people (kids or not) aren’t doing two workouts a day.
Anon
I’m a middle aged biglaw partner and was a single parent (one child) since my child was age 8. For me, working out at night at home, often late, was the solution. I know the experts don’t recommend it but I got on the treadmill after my child went to bed and ran/jogged or worked out to exercise videos for 30-45 minutes a few times a week. It meant I went to bed a little later but I’m not a morning person and came to love the night workouts.
Pineapple Princess
Peloton
jnon
this. Peloton changed my workout life.
AnonATL
Let’s say you end up with some extra cash at the end of the year. For roughly the same cost (a couple grand) you could:
1. Completely pay off a 1% interest rate student loan still lingering
2. Max out the IRA for the year.
3. Pay some of the fees to refinance the house. This cost would otherwise take roughly 2 years to make up in terms of savings in monthly mortgage payments.
4. Hold onto the cash because I’m having a baby this year.
Which one would you choose?
I feel pretty good about our emergency fund and cash currently stashed away, so I’m leaning away from option 4 currently, but it’s always nice to pad the backup money for inevitable unforeseen first baby costs. 1 and 2 are about equal in my eyes in terms of benefit. 3 wouldn’t be fully covered by this extra money, and I’m not expecting interest rates to rebound anytime soon, so I think we have time for that.
Anon
I think 2 is a lot better than 1 – the market is returning much more than 1%. I’d probably do 2, although I don’t really understand the details of 3. If the interest rate on that is over 3%, it might make sense to put the money there.
I wouldn’t do 4 – I think people here tend to overstate how much you need to save for a baby. If you’re a professional who has a solid emergency fund and you can cover childcare out of your current salary (without accessing savings) you don’t really need additional baby-specific savings.
Anonymous
On 4, don’t forget though that an emergency fund will need to be expanded to cover the cost of at least some childcare – it’s not just about job loss but also potential disability that prevents one or the other parent from caring for a child. (And yes, you should have good disability insurance.)
poiu
I’d say #2 has a much larger benefit than #1. Your long-term expected return on #2 is far above 1% so it has a much greater value.
Gail the Goldfish
2. Market return is better than the 1% interest on the loan, and your future self will thank you.
Anonymous
One.
Anonymous
I’ll tell you to do 2, but if it were me I would actually probably go on a short vacation before my kid came.
Senior Attorney
Haha this is me, too.
anon
I would do #2. Are you eligible for a Roth IRA? If so, you can withdraw your contribution (but not growth) without a tax penalty. There’s no reason to pad an already substantial emergency fund at the expense of contributing to a Roth.
Sarabeth
Definitely not one. Probably two, maybe three depending on the details of the mortgage.
I do think that it’s nice to have some extra cash around when you have a baby. Babies aren’t directly expensive, but it sure is nice to be able to get takeout more often, get in a housekeeper, and otherwise buy yourself time and sanity. But it sounds like you have enough money for that kind of stuff already.
Angela
#2. Three doesn’t really make sense to me… if the “mortgage interest savings over the time you plan to own” vs. the “cost to refinance” equation doesn’t make financial sense now, getting a windfall to pay more of the cost upfront doesn’t change that math.
ElisaR
i vote #2!
Anon
Rothy’s Question: I got a pair of the points for commuting and really like them so far. They’re really comfortable in terms of contouring to my feet, and I think they’ll be tough enough to hold up to my commute, plus I like that they are washable. However, the insoles leave a little something to be desired … feels a little like I’m walking on the ground with a thin layer of protection. Has anyone found a really comfortable replacement insole that really works with the Rothy’s point? Thanks!
Anonymous
I’ve never found a complete replacement that would fit, but maybe I’d have better luck sizing up so there’s more room to accommodate a better insole. I’ve had some luck using those little sticky Dr. Scholls arch support pads for a bit more support.
Obligatory promo code for anyone else interested in trying Rothy’s: https://share.rothys.com/x/XFHfky
waffles
Not a direct answer to your question but I have the allbirds ballet flats (look really similar to Rothy’s rounded toe) and the insoles are super thick and comfortable. They’re also wool lined, so they keep my feet dry and comfortable.
Anonymous
Not the OP, but I just took a look — I wish I liked. I wish they had done a defined heel and the fabric looked less like a fancier version of those no-slip socks they give you in the hospital.
waffles
They don’t look too different from Rothy’s to me, which is why I suggested them to the OP.
Anon
OP here – I agree with Anonymous above, I like the look of the Rothys better.
Anon
Rothys are not made for walking, I’m not sure why you’d choose them as a commuting shoes.
Anon
OP here: to clarify, by commute, I mean walk 10 feet to my car, drive to the garage at work, then take the elevator up to the office. They’ll be perfect for that, so I don’t tear my heels up while driving (I change into those at work), and I love the way they look. :)
Anon
Ahh, okay that makes a lot more sense.
Anon
How many sets of bed sheets does everyone have? I am a 1 bed house, and someone recently expressed surprise that I would want 2 sets of regular and 1 set of flannel sheets (highly variable 4 season climate). They seemed to think 1 set of sheets was enough, because it can go straight from being washed back to the bed. Am I so crazy to want this much linen?
Anon
I have two sets for each bed. I don’t think three sets is a lot.
Anon
We have two sets of sheets and will be getting a set of flannel sheets soon. IMHO, it’s a good number – you can make the bed right after putting the sheets in the wash, have some variety, and know that if a sheet set rips or has other problems, you have another set.
Anon
Three sets is so far from crazy. I don’t know what your friend/family member is talking about and I would just ignore.
Angela
Of course not. Obviously it’s annoying to have to complete the entire wash/dry cycle to remake the bed and go to sleep. We have 2 sets of sheets per bed, and live in a warm climate. If we lived in a cold climate and added one more set of flannels, that’s perfectly reasonable. Honestly, why not have two flannel so you can wash one and use the other?
emeralds
I can see why someone could make one set work, but I skew minimalist we definitely have two sets regular + one set flannel for the master bed (queen), plus an extra two sets for the guest bed (full).
780
I have two sets for my bed, and one set for the guest bed. For my bed, I always want a spare because I often wash my sheets at night. There is nothing worse than having to wait to go to bed until after your sheets have finished drying. For the guest bed, that isn’t normally an issue since I wash the sheets and make the bed before a guest arrives.
I don’t see the harm in having two sets. Since I’m rotating between the two sheets, each will last longer than if I was just using one set but it’s not like I’m going out to buy new sheets before necessary.
Anon
I think at least two sets per bed is normal. We have two beds and only have three sets, but they’re both king beds so the sheets are interchangeable.
Cb
We have 3 sets for our room. The cleaner swaps them over and our dryer takes approximately 4 years to dry so we couldn’t manage with just one. I like having a few back-ups, I had a set rip recently and was glad not to have to buy some straight away.
Anonymous
No obviously not. Also you can’t go through life with this much self doubt.
Anon
This.
Angela
Amen. Especially since she apparently already owns the sheets — it would be one thing if it was a question like “should I get more sheets?” But what are you going to do, donate the sheets you have and use just because someone thinks it’s too many?
CountC
I have one set, but I can’t imagine caring that much how many sets other people have. Have as many as you want! I don’t think it’s crazy to have a personal preference and I don’t think that two regular and one winter sets is crazy.
Sarah
I skew minimalist and have one set for our bed. We live in a house with minimal storage and we don’t have cold winters. I also like not having to fold sheets because they go back on the bed after they’re washed. If one tears, we clearly will have to replace it that day, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take to reduce how much I have to store. When I tell people we have one set of sheets, they think we are nuts.
I absolutely do not care how many sets of sheets my friends have. If they like a lot of sheets, great! If they don’t, also great. This is absolutely personal preference.
OP
Okay, I’m glad I’m not totally out to lunch on this one. This sort of turned into a “and this is what is wrong with those damn millennial, wasting all their money and bed sheets” conversation and I wasn’t sure how solid my ground was.
AFT
Ha – what a weird hill to die on :)
I functionally mostly use two because I have a cleaning lady who typically washes and then replaces the sheets in one cleaning session. If I did not have that setup, I think 3 makes sense for the potential of 1 in the wash, 1on the bed, and 1 spare (e.g., if someone gets sick or something spills on the sheets).
nutella
Ha! My baby boomer mom has SO MANY sheet sets per bed it’s nuts (and towels, etc.) If anything, I think the trope goes that millennials are doing away with non-essentials and it’s boomers that have multiple sets of things and lots of *things* generally. Regardless, these are sweeping generalizations and should be ignored. Just do what makes sense for you.
anon
For real. Helping my boomer ILs downsize has been a freaking nightmare. Just so, so much stuff. When you have to rent a storage shed to store all your crap (that rarely gets touched), you’ve gone too far IMHO.
Mineallmine
I legitimately read the as “boomer 1Ls” and was wondering just how many older first years your firm had.
rosie
LOL how is that a millennial thing? I feel like if anything, the “millennial” way would be to only use multiple flat sheets or a sleeping bag or something. Like the paper towels instead of napkins thing. (Full disclosure: I’m a millennial with multiple sets of sheets that uses cloth napkins.)
Anon
I know a lot more millennials that use cloth napkins then boomers that do. But all the millennials I know that use cloth napkins do it for environmental reasons, not fashion or decorum
Never too many shoes...
I love sheets. I have about six sets for my bed (several each to go with the winter duvet and the summer quilt) and four sets for my son’s bed.
AnonPara
I love sheets too. I also have about six sets for my bed. And a winter duvet and summer quilt!
Cat
We have 2 sets for our bed (same type of sheets). One of them mostly just lives in the linen closet because I’ll wash them during the day on the weekend and just put them straight back on the bed. But we rotate in the 2nd set occasionally like if one of us is sick (nothing better than fresh sheets after a feverish night), unexpected messes, etc.
Anon
Yes exactly — I’m very minimalist but I like having a spare set in case of illness, cat vomit, or other unusual events. Normally I just wash the sheets and put them right back on the bed so I don’t have to fold, so I could get by with 1 set.
Mrs. Jones
No, you’re not crazy. We have 4 sets for our bed, 3 sets for son’s bed, and 2 sets for guest beds. Rotating sheets means I go longer without having to buy new sheets, although it probably doesn’t make that much of a difference.
rosie
We have 2 of our newer, preferred sets & then kept the 2 sets of our older sheets to use on guest bed (both queen) or as backups. I read somewhere that 3 is ideal to allow 1 on bed, 1 in wash, 1 folded in closet to use as-needed. If we end up in a space with more storage, I think that’s what I will do for each bed.
anne-on
I think 2 pairs of lighter and 1 pair of heavier is normal. We have decent enough storage (and 4 bedrooms) and have 2 pairs for my son’s room, 3 lightweight and 2 flannel for our king bed, and 2 lightweight and 1 flannel for the other two guest beds. I stock up on flannels for the house when they’re on sale at LLBean, and they do need to be retired after 7+ years (tears, thinning, etc.).
Plus if you have a kid, gross accidents always seem to happen, we had at least 4 sets of crib linens for blowouts/puke/etc. which always seemed to happen in the middle of the night…multiple times a night…yay.
Anon
I basically have one set per season, so when we wash our sheets, the bed is unmade until they’re washed and dried. We have different sheets for colt vs hot weather. But I don’t think anyone really cares how many sheets you have.
Anonymous
I guess your friend never gets sick or has her feminine protection leak overnight?
anon
Bed sheet minimalist here, but now that everyone is talking about their flannel sheets, that sounds like something that would make bedtime much nicer in the winter. Do folks have a favorite brand? It would just be for the fitted sheet since we use a comforter sans sheet on top.
Vicky Austin
We actually just got some for Christmas from Orvis. They are a DREAM.
Horse Crazy
Eddie Bauer 100% Cotton Flannel sheets! They’re incredible.
Anonymous
I was taught 3 was the right number, one on the bed, one in the laundry and one in reserve because life happens. I find that works for us, DINKs with zero free time during the week.
Anon
We have three sets for each bed. Having just one set would terrify me, as we’ve had the following happen during our lives as bed owners:
– Someone throwing up in the bed (my husband, when he had the stomach flu; also kids)
– Someone getting a bad fever and sweating through the sheets (me, husband, kids)
– Someone accidentally peeing the bed (me, it happened in my sleep inexplicably – has never happened again – kids have also done it)
– Dogs throwing up and/or peeing on the bed
– Someone sitting in something (food, etc.), not realizing it, and then getting into bed and messing up the sheets
– This has not happened to us, but a friend’s child picked up lice at school and they had to wash everything every day for a week. Not having extra sheets would have been a problem.
If you only have one set of sheets, I don’t know what you do at 2 a.m. when something unforeseen happens? Do you just get back in bed with blankets only?
Plus, even if you don’t have an emergency, it’s nice not to have to wash the sheets immediately after they’re taken off the bed so they can be put back on. We have way too much laundry for me to guarantee that the washer will be open when the sheets come off the bed. Sometimes I don’t wash the sheets for a week.
Sarabeth
In an emergency, we’d probably steal the sheets off our guest room bed (or probably, just go sleep in the guest room). It’s honestly never come up, though. I have multiple sets for my kids for precisely that reason. But the decade that I’ve been living with my husband, though, there’s never been a time when I felt like I really needed to change our own sheets in the middle of the night.
Anon
Lol it’s so odd to me that someone would care this much about your sheets…but also that you care that they care about your sheets. Can’t imagine thinking twice about this.
anon
I have only one set of sheets for my bed, which seems to work fine for me. They get washed on Saturday morning and go back on the bed later that day. That said, having 3 sets of sheets for a master bed does not sound unreasonable, depending on your laundry habits, seasonality, etc.
Sarabeth
Same, one set. But I cannot fathom caring about other folks’ sheets! And presumably each set lasts longer if you have more of them, so OP is not even spending more money in the long term if she uses each set until they wear out.
Jeffiner
When that person does laundry and goes to pull their sheets out of the dryer just before bedtime, only to realize the heating element has blown out and they have a pile of wet sheets that have been tumbling around for an hour, they will realize why you need at least 2 sets.
Anon
This made me LOL. But yes.
waffles
We used to have three sets but we didn’t really need the third. I have two sets now and it’s enough, but I don’t always wash my sheets immediately, so the second set is definitely necessary.
Is it Friday yet?
Only one set sort of assumes immediate and constant access to a washer/dryer. I share with the other three units in my building, so no guarantees they’re not in use when I want to use them, and I can’t leave things in them overnight or when I go out, etc. I have five total sheet sets – four regular weight, and one flannel. I usually wash sheets two sets at a time, because laundry is a pain when it’s not in-unit. Also, I really don’t care what people think about my personal linen usage…
Anon
2 sets of sheets, but 4! sets of duvet cover
Anon
I also have one set but don’t think 3 is crazy!
ElisaR
i kind of love this thread. so much passion! even the people not expressing passion are commenting so there’s a bit of hidden passion there!
i used to do 1 set of sheets. Then one day I ripped the fitted sheet as I was putting it back on and didn’t have time to buy a new set immediately and wished i had a clean set in the closet. sad.
Horse Crazy
I have 2 sets of summer sheets and 2 sets of winter sheets for my bed, and I live in the Bay Area. I know relative to other places, it’s not a cold climate, but this morning it was 33 degrees outside and 57 degrees inside…I couldn’t live without my flannel sheets!!
Worry About Yourself
I have three sets of sheets, so that I can (in theory) change the sheets every week and then have a full load of sheets every three weeks or so. I mean, do I change my sheets every week like clockwork? Nope. Should I? Yes, and I want to, but sometimes the weekend just gets away from me, so realistically I wash my sheets once a month or so. I would hate to only have one set that I need to strip off, wash, and put back on that same day, and that’s just one more load of laundry I have to do regularly, which is rough when we live in a building with shared laundry facilities.
Honestly, I’ve thought of getting a 4th set, but I don’t have a lot of room for linen storage in our current place.
Anon
I have two but to be honest I usually just wash the same set and put them right back on the bed.
Winter
I have..many..sets of sheets. Enough to fill a small dresser that functions as my “linen closest.”
Could a person get by with one set? Sure, probably. But I also have more than one pair of pants. More than one coffee cup. More than one towel. It’s nice.
3-in-1 parka from yesterday morning; and a f/u question
Thanks for all of the comments yesterday. I found a waterproof 3-in-1 parka from Lands End on sale yesterday that I think will be good enough for winter camping. I’m not sure how many times I will need this, so I didn’t want to spend a Patagonia amount of $ and then I can donate it if it goes largely unused in the coming years. I also got a fleece neck gaiter for me and kiddo and some serious winter gloves.
This is for a Boy Scout camping trip (which is different from Cub Scout camping in ways I have yet to appreciate b/c it will be my first trip where the scouts are off by themselves and adults are there to loosely supervise). I think it is just one overnight (it could be two though; the trip will count if we just do one overnight but if they need more adult leader-types, I may need to pack for two nights/3 days). We will need 2 small tents, but husband says we have tent inventory (OMG as a concept) sufficient for this.
Follow-up question: if I am wearing fleece leggings, do I need an underlayer? In the SEUS, I think no. Can I just use Uniqlo HeatTech items (the heavy or medium weight ones) up top? Or do I need to spend for the capilene layers? I have fleece ear bands and a fleece hat (need to find).
Anon
If you do not camp regularly, I would absolutely not spend a ton of money on capilene and fleece leggings and HeatTeach items. Just wear things you already have and make do. You can waste a lot of money REAL fast if you get decked out in the latest and greatest for a one-off camping trip. I didn’t read your responses yesterday, but I think you’ll be fine with just ordinary items.
Anonymous
Agreed. At a certain point, polyester is polyester.
Anonymous
OP: thanks for all of this! I work in a freezing office, so have several sets of HeatTech shirts in all weights already to wear under sweaters (I even wear their camis and tanks in the summer under blouses).
Anon
Heattech from Uniqlo is definitely worth getting even for a one off trip. It gives such a warm base layer for pretty cheap. I’d borrow as much as possible because it’s miserable being cold for several days in a row.
Anonymous
You’re good. Bring a couple pairs of leggings and some layers. Make sure you’ve got a good hat and call it a day.
Also, and I mean this very sincerely, it is lovely how committed you are to this camping thing for your kid even though you clearly aren’t a natural camper!
Anonymous
If your husband has “tent inventory” and you hate camping, why don’t you just have him go instead?
Anon
I am also in the SEUS– Target also has “baselayer” items that are totally fine for what you’re going for if you’d prefer to get those instead of spending a bunch of money on underlayers if you don’t think you will use again.
Camping Q -- periods
If you are camping and get your period, do you just bag stuff until you can dispose of it? I am thinking that is a bit of a biohazard, so perhaps it is not treated as ordinary trash? For me, I’d just try to manipulate my birth control pills to avoid, but my daughter and the kids in her scout troop are getting their periods for the first time this year and they are erratic (20 days — feels like a rip off!, then 45 days, etc.). I know they will need to be prepared with supplies just in case, but the rest is a mystery. They go on a week-long camping trip in the summer (at a camp, not totally in the woods yet; by that time they will be good at it).
Anonymous
They just put it in the trash, if there is a trash can. If they’re backwoods hiking bag it and hike it out. If this is a camp with a shower bathroom block they just put things in the trash just like anywhere else.
Velma
Just bring a ziplock and keep the waste sealed up. Store the trash ziplock in a small stuff sack (https://www.rei.com/c/stuff-sacks) or cosmetic bag, along with a few clean pads/tampons in a second ziplock for walking back and forth to the latrine. If it is a real bathroom with trash disposal, then you may not need to do all of this, but it’s certainly what you do for sites where you’re packing in and out.
Anon
Or have them use a cup! So.much.better. Saalt is a good one for beginners – it’s softer.
anon
Put it in a baggie if there isn’t a trashcan. If you’re concerned about the smell of blood over time, you can dump ground coffee in the back as well. Like all things with smells (including toiletries, snacks, etc.) the baggie should not be stored in your tent.
Anon
Heattech items at Uniqlo are 10 to 30 dollars per item. Go ahead and splurge on that small amount to be warm. I also wear the heattech leggings and turtlenecks under sweaters and work dresses all winter (and I live on gulf coast so winters are warm). It allows me to go without a coat most days.
Anon
Maybe it’s just me, but my fleece leggings aren’t actually that warm. Cozy, yes, but not outside in the woods when it’s damp warm. I think you’d be better off with a pair of hiking pants ($35 at a Columbia or Eddie Bauer outlet) with silky long underwear underneath. There are a million brands – I think Cuddl Duds was maybe one of the first? Like I said yesterday, 32 Degrees at Costco is good if you have a membership.
Anon
My cousin is newly pregnant and I told her I’d ask here for your favorite books and iPhone apps for pregnancy, including for her partner (he’s less neurotic than she and I are about these things and isn’t a reader, so anything like videos or classes would be welcome too). Any resources that are size-inclusive and not scaremongering about weight and body size would be extra great. TIA!
Leatty
Expecting better was my favorite book.
Anon
I really like Expecting Better. It’s not a perfect book, and I’ve seen some studies that contradict some of what Oster’s studies say (e.g., she cites studies on gentle/moderate exercise and effects on labour, but other studies on more intense exercise show that it speeds labour and delivery), but it’s very good in terms of putting the actual risks in perspective. I really liked that I could read it, give my husband a summary, and we could decide together what risks we are okay taking and what we thought was worth worrying about.
Anonymous
Honestly, the one book I think everyone should read is Baby Bargains. It was so practical.
Anon Lawyer
Is it different than their website? They have a lot of info online so I wasn’t sure the book would add more.
DLC
I liked getting the book because I could flag the stuff I liked with a post it and it was much easier to flip through than a website.
Cb
I really recommend an in person class if you can swing it. I’m a big researcher but my husband really engaged with the class and got into it.
Jeffiner
The Period Tracker app on my phone has a “pregnant” option, and it actually has pretty good information about what stage baby is at, what the common symptoms mom might be having, and some tips for dad.
I always check the AlphaMom Pregnancy calendar online when I’m pregnant.
For mom, the Kegel Trainer app. So important.
Anon
These videos (it’s a series) are great: https://youtu.be/j7YucfJuziU
You really only need one pregnancy book. I recommend the Mayo Clinic book. Avoid books targeted at men because they all seem to cater to that bumbling oaf dad persona and encourage mansplaining. The info is the same for both parties so they can save themselves the offense. Maybe add on a breastfeeding book if applicable. I have The Nursing Mother’s companion but I think it had some wackadoo stuff about labor in the beginning. The AAP book, Caring for your Baby and Young Child, is good for when baby arrives. The Pediatrician ‘s Guide to Feeding your Baby has sound advice for feeding.
I think I used the Ovia app, but they are all about the same. If she wants an online group, Reddit has the most least worst users aside from this group (/r/babybumps and /r/Month2020bumpers)
anonn
It somewhat depends on what her goals/fears are. I’m someone who wanted to know everything and be as proactive in having a healthy pregnancy/labor/postpartum/baby as I could control… so I (and my hubs) really liked the Dr Sear’s Healthy Pregnancy book and Healthy Baby book, the Birth Boot Camp class (in person and online options) and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth (2nd part only). I also liked the Birth Hour podcasts.
I got the Mayo Clinic book, it tells you what is happening and what to expect, my insurance sent it to me for free (twice) so she may already have it.
JTM
Not an app, but the Plus Size Mommy and Evidence-Based Birth websites are both really great giving information that doesn’t say “OMG you’re gonna have diabetes and a c-section!” like so many other sites do.
Anonmom
The birth partner, expecting better, Mayo Clinic books, baby bargains, the baby center app, articles and free online birth class, Secrets of a Baby whisperer, Ferbers book and Happiest Baby on the Block. We also liked the ibirth dvd but we may be weird – we also skipped classes bc definitely didn’t have time with out jobs.
Anon
Now that interest rates on high-yield savings accounts are tanking again (not that I, as a 2011 grad, have ever benefited from good rates), where are you all keeping your down payment money and emergency funds? It’s so annoying to me that rates are below the inflation rate now and that I’ve NEVER seen a rate above 2.5% (for a brief shining moment), but I don’t feel comfortable putting emergency/down payment money into the market with my other investments.
Anon
Eagerly awaiting responses. I currently have a large chunk of my emergency fund in a 9 month CD at 1.75% and the rest in a money market fund at Vanguard. I don’t love either of these options but I haven’t figured out anything better.
Anon
I also have mine in a money market fund. Not great, but not the worst I could be doing. I like the accessibility of it, and I like seeing all my money in one place (other investments are in the same brokerage account) so I don’t have to mentally add up numbers.
Anon
Emergency funds (and to a lesser extent down payment funds) by nature need to be readily accessible. I’d never keep my emergency funds that I can’t access within one day, so 2/3 of mine stay in a savings account and 1/3 in a CD that I can pull from within a day. Keeping EXCESS emergency fund in the market is fine, but I in no way feel comfortable keeping less than 6 mths expenses (key word expenses, not income – and we live frugally) in a savings account.
Anon
I disagree — the chances of you needing your FULL emergency fund in a day are slim. I think keeping 1-2 months expenses readily accessible is a good idea, but the rest can be further away with better rates.
busybee
We still have our down payment money in Vanguard, since we won’t look to buy again for 5-7 years. Our emergency fund is in a “high yield” savings account that changes monthly, but has lately been around 1.5%. Our checking account earns 1% interest which makes me feel slightly better. I agree though- it’s really annoying that the e fund is essentially losing money.
Amy
Also wondering. I moved my savings from Capital One to Ally a year ago when the savings rate at Ally was well over 2%. Over the last few months Ally has dropped consistently so it’s now less than Capital One. I think Ally is now at 1.6% but won’t be surprised if it keeps dropping.
Carrie
Honestly? A low fee bond index fund at Fidelity for most of it, and a few thousand in the Money Market fund and a small bit in cash to work with.
I keep all of my $$ at Fidelity, and find in convenient. My “bank” checking/savings account is there, my 2% off everything credit card is Fidelity, my IRA is there, and my brokerage account is there. My home page shows me my balances in everything so I log on frequently to check/re-assess. I pay all my bills there – so easy to move $. And I quickly can eyeball my balances in cash/money market/bonds index/stocks index/a few free stocks (eg. Costco is doing amazing…) and re-balance when needed.
Anon
How do you access ATMs with a fidelity banking account? Do you have to pay fees or search everywhere for one of theirs?
Carrie
I was worried abut that initially…. how do I get cash, without a traditional bank? You can basically use any bank ATM, anywhere, for free. Even if the ATM says it will charge you a fee, Fidelity reimburses you the fee. I quickly realized that these days I rarely use much cash. The only time this was an issue was when I was moving and needed larger amounts of cash to pay the movers etc.. So for that, I planned ahead and went to the ATM multiple days to gather the cash I needed. Come to think of it…. I probably could have just walked form one bank ATM to another and gathered it all in one day!
Em
Our emergency fund is in a high-yield savings account through Marcus by Goldman Sachs. Rate is 1.7% right now. I’ve been really happy with the ease of moving money so I’ll be keeping it there even though the rate isn’t great.
Anon
Following! When I opened my Ally account last March, it was at 2.2% but in less than a year dropped to 1.6%!
anon
I’m not too worried since those interest rates are pretty much the inflation rate. For letting the money sit around safe and sound, stability against inflation is what we can expect. Growth means risk taking.
Anon
This.
Anonymous
Check your local credit union! I found their version of a CD may have higher rates than the national online savings accounts.
anon
The ski conversation yesterday was fascinating to me, as someone who has never skied but would like to try. Someday. I envy those of you who live in an area where snow sports are a consistent option. I’m smack-dab in the middle of the Midwest. Winters are cold and windy, but the snowfall is highly variable. Some winters, we’ll go weeks between snowstorms, yet last year was one of the snowiest winters on record. I would LOVE to have an outdoor winter hobby to help with SAD, but it’s so unpredictable. I’m trying to get outdoors for trail runs when I can, but man, I think winter would be a lot more enjoyable if apres ski was a thing around here! I can hygge my brains out, at least.
CountC
This made me chuckle. I am a winter trail runner too, but also was thinking about trying out skiing this winter (I have been a couple of times and enjoyed it). However, I am in the mid-Atlantic and the skiing here is more icy on large hills than anything. Maybe I will take a long learn how to ski weekend in February . . . hmmm
Anon
If you’re interested in XC skiing, that’s more accessible in the mid-Atlantic. And, as someone who grew up downhill skiing, I actually prefer XC now.
pugsnbourbon
A friend of mine in MN just posted about XC skiing through a park and it looked really fun. If we had enough snowfall I could swing it here in IN (it’s flat enough).
CountC
I would LOVE to XC ski vs downhill. Any suggestions for where to start?
Anonymous
If you have an LLbean store around you, they often have adventure programs like this, they fit you for the gear and meet at a park etc.
Anon
I’d try to find a class if possible – the learning curve is much easier than for downhill, but a class still helps. I learned through a local XC ski club when I lived in MN. If you are near DC, White Grass Touring Center in Canaan Valley, WV has a great trail network and does rentals and classes.
If you can’t find a class and don’t want to travel, though, just watch some Youtube demo videos, rent some skiis, and head out. It’s awkward until you get the motion down, but it’s not like alpine skiing, you’re not going to actually hurt yourself as long as you stick to flat trails.
anon
OP here, and turns out, there is a place near me that has XC ski rentals. I don’t actually know what I’m doing but will plan to check it out.
lsw
Our region is getting less and less snow each year (thanks, climate change – looking at 60 degrees this weekend) and it’s such a bummer. Our ski resorts still open, but it’s largely human-made snow which is no fun. I really wish we could do cross country skiing in our city parks like we used to.
anon
in mid atlantic next to top PA ski resorts with 64 degrees forecasted for Saturday….this and last winter were very mild…..we will get the snow eventually but the season is VERY short
lsw
Yup, same region for me. Nothing worse than the cloudy skies and rain we get all winter now.
Is it Friday yet?
The forecast is calling for 45 and an inch of rain in Vermont on Saturday, which is devastating for mid January. Long term, we’re going to lose a lot of resorts in the NE, because global warming is going to render them unsustainable. It’s really, really sad.
anon
OP here, and yeah, we had 2 inches of rain last week. It’s not a one-off and is really alarming for January weather. Glad to not have 2 feet of snow, but undoubtedly climate change is becoming very real.
Anon
*That’s* what’s sad to you about global warming? That people in New England might have a shorter ski season? That’s…pretty myopic and self-centered.
Cat
…Friday didn’t say that was the only aspect of global warming that she found concerning but thanks for jumping all over someone!
Is it Friday yet?
I mean, I’m also concerned about mass extinction, rising ocean levels rendering current population centers unlivable, the global food supply, the fact that Australia is freaking on fire… but none of that seemed germane to a thread about skiing. Jeez.
pugsnbourbon
I’m sure the local economy draws a lot from skiing tourism, too. The impact goes beyond just the folks on the slopes.
Anon
People care about skiing and it’s an opportunity to engage them in advocacy. We all need to do our part to get younger generations in particular involved as advocates and stewards of outdoor activities and environmental preservation. Go be rude somewhere else.
Anon
You can travel to ski and maybe you should. It really is the best.
Anonymous
Snowshoeing! Bring hot chocolate and stop and enjoy the view.
And I moved by treadmill right in front of my rear window so I’m looking outside at the light even when running inside.
Get a GoPro and film yourself running some of your fav routes and then you can watch it while you run on the treadmill in the winter after dark or before sunrise.
Anonymous
Not everyone can say they have skiied Ohio though. And skiing on a sheet of man-made ice in 54 degree temps takes skill!
Anon
Depending on where you live in the Midwest, many places have small ski hills. It’s nothing like what you find out West or in New England, but it is still fun, especially if you are not a big skier who is used to runs that last 2 hours instead of 30 minutes.
Anon
LOL re: runs lasting “30 minutes” on a small hill. Small hill to me means you are done in a minute or two at reasonable speed.
All that to say, there’s a lot of ways to ski and having giant mountains is only one of them.
Is it Friday yet?
Also where do mountains exist that take a big skier 2 hours to get down? The Himalayas?
Anon
When I’ve been in Park City, it often takes me 2 hours to snowboard down. I guess that is technically multiple runs, but what I care about is how long it takes me from when I’m at the very top.
I’ve never skied, so maybe that is faster than snowboarding (and, I should admit, I’m not a fast snowboarder)
kk
What? Park city mountains (PCMR, Deer Valley, the Canyons) take AT MOST 30 minutes top to bottom. Even if it’s technically multiple runs. Are you stopping to talk for 15 minutes at each intersection?
anne-on
I’m the one who doesn’t ski (but my family does). I’d seriously look into some snow shoes or good sturdy winter boots! I love taking hikes around our nature trails in the winter mornings with my son. We take our cameras and take pictures of the different views, and in the late winter/spring try to make a game out of spotting the signs of spring (skunk cabbage shoots! tadpoles coming up! ice us only on the middle of the pond not all the way to the edges!).
That and I am really trying to make it a point to sit in front of my happy lamp more this year!
Anon
A few thoughts:
Maybe you live in a place with literally no ski hills – in that case, maybe consider taking up ice hockey or skating? There are tons of natural and manmade outdoor rinks in most cold places.
Maybe you live in a place with very small ski hills – in that case, go and learn! They make snow and it’s good enough. It’s easy to be snobby about “real” snow, but honestly, who cares. It’s an excuse to be outside and challenge yourself with a new hobby. I live in a large city in a flat area and I got a night pass to the rinky dink ski hill that is 30 mins from my house – I can pop over after work, get 90 minutes on the hill in, and make it home for a later dinner. I’d rather do that once or twice a week than 1) something inside or 2) a bigger ski trip each year.
Maybe you live in a place where cross country skiing is a realistic possibility. That requires more natural snow though. Maybe get the equipment and learn so that when it is a bunker crop, you can head out when the mood strikes!
rosie
I would definitely try skiing if it’s an option in your area. Little hills can be super fun especially when you’re learning. If you have places with enough snow to snowshoe (either the ski hills/valleys as I understand they are in the midwest that blow snow will allow it, or places w/natural snow), I really enjoy that, more than skiing now actually. I like the slower pace and being able to look at nature more.
If outdoor snow isn’t really an option, I think finding an indoor winter activity would be fun. Anywhere to go curling by you? Surprisingly a lot of fun.
Anon
Snowshoeing is a lot of fun, has basically no learning curve, can be done anywhere there’s snow, and the only cost is snowshoes and winter clothes. You can rent snowshoes from REI for $20-30 and Costco has some decent ones for $70 right now.
Anonymous
+ 1, I love this, it’s like hiking.
Anonymous
Sooooo close to getting a new job and the suspense is killing me and my motivation to do my current job is zero. I just wanna do exit memos!
Pre-Surgery Scaries
Scheduled to have laparoscopic surgery next Wednesday (to remove dermoid cyst and possibly ovary along with it) and feeling nervous about the whole thing. Having trouble concentrating at work and waking up at night thinking about it.
Any pre-surgery tips? I’ve been eating well, take long walks, trying to get sleep, staying hydrated, staying away from sick people (as much as possible), spending time with my spouse and on the phone with my family/friends.
Cat Mom
Make sure you have everything you will need for the first few days easily accessible. I laid out a bunch of comfy clothes on my spare bed so I wouldn’t have to be bending to get stuff out of drawers. Remember to include underwear and socks and comfy bras too. Your doc may want you to wear things that are as sterile as possible the first few days. They had me wash some clothes the week before surgery so that what I put on after my shower the night before surgery and the morning of surgery was freshly cleaned. I also had to launder my sheets the night before surgery. Have something to keep your brain slightly engaged while recovering. I was in too much pain the first few days to do any remote work but I was turning to mush just watching TV. My husband got me a big activity book from the pharmacy that you sometimes see elderly people doing. I enjoyed doing the word seeks and sudokus.
Do a similar evaluation of your kitchen. Have stuff on a fridge shelf so you don’t have to bend or stretch. All lifting was painful for me at first so I had my skillet and toaster and the like already out so I didn’t have to pick them up.
It helped me to carry around a small pillow that I clutched when in pain or if I sneezed or coughed. It also made a nice barrier when my dogs wanted to snuggle on the couch they weren’t touching my incisions. If you have a mutli story house you are probably only going to want to take the stairs once per day. Have a backpack or tote bag you can put everything you need to take with you when you change floors. Don’t forget to bring your meds with you when you change floors. Heating pads helped too with the gas from the surgery!
Good luck!
editrix
My laparoscopic experience (appendectomy) was positive. I walked out of the recovery room within a few hours of surgery. While I felt a bit tired for a few days, I had no pain and felt no side effects, other than bloating and an underarm gas bubble, which diminished and went away after a few weeks. Pain meds were not prescribed. It was quite a different experience from C-section recovery.
Anonymous
I was in a similar boat last year, I’m thinking good thoughts! Recovery was easier than I expected and I found the pre-surgical waiting worse.
Practical stuff:
Eat some prunes or prune juice, anesthesia can stop you up.
Buy a plug in hot pad – I like Wirecutter’s rec. it really helped with post-surgery pain.
Find a show you’re excited about to have something to look forward to during recovery, even if it requires a new subscription. Also buy a new book to read (nothing too depressing) and some coloring books. I found pain and drugs made it hard to focus, so I changed activities regularly.
Get any post-surgery Rxs in advance if possible.
Finally, stay off the google. If needed, designate a friend or relative to research medicinal stuff if you need to know someone is doing it, but late night pubmed and reddit threads on your diagnosis will only make you worse.
❤️
Pre-Surgery Scaries
You are all so kind. Thank you.
anecdata - meds
I started Wellbutrin a few months ago, and I’m currently taking the lowest dose of the XL. It’s been working awesome for me. However, just in the last few weeks, I’ve noticed some really “down” periods and extreme difficulty getting started at work, which was one of my initial symptoms. Some of my other troubling symptoms have not come back, however (low gardening drive, strong rage/irritation). I am totally med naive so I have no idea if this means try something else? Try a higher dose? I have an appointment with the psychiatrist next week, but I wanted to get a feel for other people’s experiences.
Ellen
My ex was taking these same meds for his condition, and it seemed to work pretty well for him, including the reduced desire for gardening, which was fine with me. I think each person’s reaction is different, and in his case, eventually he switched to something else, and his gardening desires increased, which I was kind of ambivelent about b/c of his sloppyness in bed, I never really even missed the gardening in the first place. Talk to your internist about other subsitutes, b/c I can see that others here are not that familiar with your issue the way I am. Good luck!
NOLA
Speaking of sheets, mine are getting worn and I always have trouble finding the right color (a light blue that is toward the purple not green). At one point, a whole bunch of people here recommended particular sheets, either LL Bean or Land’s End and I actually chatted with their customer service to determine if the blue was the right shade and now, of course, I have no recollection of which sheets they were. Help me out??
rosie
I really like the LL Bean sheets although have not tried LE sheets. I do think that the mid-blue is a little more purpley than green, but I have no idea if it’s what you’re looking for.
NOLA
I think it’s LL Bean in the Lake color. I had done an online chat to be sure that it was more toward the cornflower/periwinkle and they assured me that it was, then I didn’t order them. I have no idea why!
Anon
Are you sure it’s not the Target Threshold sheets? Those are very popular on the internet. And for good reason! They wear like iron and they’re comfy and importantly for me, very cool.
NOLA
I would love them, but they don’t come in a color that would go with my bedroom.
Ouch! That hurts!
I love our new Sheex bedsheets. With age and sore wrists, their stretchy nature has me back to an easy process for putting on the fitted sheet. They seem to help with cooling too. Feel so bloody soft. Lots of colors. Usually a coupon. Adore them so much I got a second set. The light blue is striking and the grey is a true steel grey with no brown in it.
Anon
By chat do you mean their online instant message system, or a phone call? Cuz if the latter, surely it would be in your call history.
Anon
Can anyone speak to those political texts that go out from candidates and whether it’s worth responding? Like, “Hi, this is Nathaniel with Bernie! Bernie blah blah. Are you with Bernie?” I’ve politely responded to a few when they’re for state elections in states I no longer live in, in the hopes that they’ll cross me off their list. I know I can just not respond, but I’m not sure if the campaign benefits by actually hearing back from someone saying, yes, I plan to vote for your candidate, or no, I’m going with Other Candidate. (I’m a super engaged citizen, and if responding helps, I’m all for it.)
Anonymous
Ignore and block
Anon
If you respond they’ll record your answer. If you’re 100% for a candidate I’d just tell them. They’ll stop trying to reach out to you with persuasion info, but they’ll still likely reach out for GOTV (and alas, also possible fundraising). At this point they’re canvassing likely voters and trying to get good data so they know who to turn out (you don’t want to turn out people to vote you know are going to vote for your opponent). There’s no perfect answer for this (your chosen candidate will likely still reach out to you for one thing or another no matter what). But if you know who you like, you should tell you candidate that to help them out and let then gather more good data, and if you’re 100% not for one candidate, they’ll likely leave you alone once you tell them.
Anon
If you are already going to vote for a candidate (any candidate, just meaning that your mind is made up) and are going to vote for sure, the only benefit to responding is that they will take you off the list if you are voting for a different candidate. If you are planning to vote for their candidate, they are going to keep reaching out for GOTV anyways.
I don’t respond, unless it is to ask to be taken off the list.
Anonymous
I was under the impression that auto-texts aren’t actually real people though? aren’t they just bots?
If you don’t want campaigns to have access to your texts, just respond STOP, or UNSUBSCRIBE, or something similar
Anon
Lots of campaigns have real people texting. They do the equivalent of door-to-door canvassing.
Anon
Yeah, I’ve found this to be more true than not. It is definitely a real person responding as I’ve had real conversations with them
Horse Crazy
Many of them are real people. I’ve been one of them.
Anon
I only respond to ask them to take me off the texting list.
Anonymous
Can anyone point me to good reading or blogs about how to sell on Poshmark? Has anyone bought a dress mannequin that they would recommend?
Beans
I follow Thrift and Tell on Instagram and she has a short guide to selling on Poshmark. She also has a website.
shananana
I bought one from Amazon a few years ago that I use for poshmark. I very specifically wanted one that was more like a size 10-12 so my clothes wouldn’t look like they were hanging on it (I am a 12-14). There is a brand called Bonnlo that I’m 99% sure is what I bought that is sold on the river site.
I’ve just kind of figured it out as I went and at this point have sold about 150 items and made about 1500 (after fees) off it over the last 6 years using it sporadically. I tend to try to post in bursts,pile up a bunch of stuff then make an afternoon of posting it all. The nicer the photos of all angles you can get the better and measurements and fabric content in the descriptions save you a lot of questions and back and forth. Honestly a lot of what I sell is in the 10-20 dollar range and I think that’s how I’ve been able to move stuff. I usually drop prices to likers once a week after its been posted two or so weeks and drop it to everyone every two weeks or so and do that until what ever I was selling drops below like 8 dollars, then delete the posting and drop it in a box to thredup. This is my way of this being an easy side thing, and not a major undertaking. I also stop into the post office and pick up a pile of the free shipping materials so its on hand and easy to get things out the door. Having everything listed and the shipping stuff in one place makes it much easier!
Anonymous
Yes, the blog Looks Good From The Back has a few posts on this that are really helpful.
Chicago In House Lawyer
Hi! I love selling on Poshmark and have made over 10K in the last year and a half at it. I learned everything I needed to know from the you tube videos that Bexa Boss Lady has put out there. Also a women named Jenna has great videos – google Empty Hangar on you tube. Bexa Boss Lady has a list of all the things you need to get started. I bought the mannequin that was on her list from Amazon.
Anon
My wardrobe is really missing a good wool coat that looks appropriate when worn with more business formal attire. I have a long puffer for when its really cold, but I may be taking a job at a much more formal employer and feel like having a good coat would make a big difference in my overall look. Black is a must for me. Any specific suggestions? I’d like something classic but that isn’t too “old lady” because I’m young. Ideally under $300. I’m in Connecticut so warmth is important, but don’t spend a ton of time walking outside, so not super concerned about it.
Anonymous
J Crew Lady Day coat? I’d buy secondhand off Poshmark or eBay if you’re on a budget.
OP
I should have added that I’m plus size and need like a size 18 and unfortunately this coat only goes to 16. Otherwise it looks to be perfect!
anne-on
Is there any way you can go to a Bloomingdales/Nordstrom in person? I found it so much easier to asses quality/warmth in person. I personally really love both the Mackage and Soia & Kyo brands for being both properly warm and nicely stylish. They go on sale at Bloomingdales sporadically, and both will have ‘first purchase’ discounts of roughly 15% if that helps.
OP
I should have mentioned this in my post, but I’m plus size (18 ish) and hate shopping in those stores for this reason. I’ll check out Soia & Kyo as I think they got to XXL in many styles. Thank you!!
Carrie
Now is a great time to buy a winter coat. I recommend wool blends. Check out the sales at Nordstrom. And this is a popular one in your price range often mentioned on this site, from Aritizia.
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/cocoon-wool-coat/48560.html?dwvar_48560_color=5564
I wear my black, wool blend, Ralph Lauren wrap coat throughout the winter in chicago. When it is very cold, I add my cashmere scarf and a long cashmere sweater underneath. I prefer a longer, belted wool coat, which is more flattering for my shape/height and warmer for my legs. My exact coat is no longer available.
Anon
I feel like long black puffers are work appropriate these days. Down is the new wool.
Anon
Yes. It’s much more practical. Some black puffers are more polished than others and maybe that’s what the OP needs.
When I wear my wool coat occasionally, I feel so cold, not surprisingly.
OP
I agree to an extent and don’t mind wearing my puffer when it’s super cold out. But we are having lots of days in the high 30s-low 40s where the puffer would work, but just looks kinda of sloppy when it’s not that cold.
anon
Agree that most wool coats aren’t that warm. Especially if it’s windy. Maybe they would be if I could dress like I’m going skiing, but I’m not. I might wear my wool coat when it’s in the upper 30s if I’m also wearing a suit jacket, but definitely not in temps colder than that. When this coat finally wears out, I doubt I’ll replace it, honestly.
shananana
My two favorite wool coats are from Talbots and Land’s End. The LE one is markedly warmer, but the other is in my favorite color so if its above 20 that’s the one I gravitate towards. I think they were both just under 300 without discounts, and there are always discounts. LE has a warmth meter on their site for coats as well. I am in my late 30s and get compliments on both, so I think despite the brands I avoided them being non stylish (I hate saying old lady as I’m pretty sure I am the old lady to our interns lol).
OP
I’ll check them out, thank you!
Anon
Talbots has really pretty wool coats, and they’re having a huge sale right now. I’m also in my late 30s and get compliments on mine all the time.
I love this one: https://www.talbots.com/clothing/jackets-and-outerwear/wool/brushed-wool-coat/P194031008.html?cgid=apparel-jackets-and-outerwear-wool&dwvar_P194031008_color=GLACIER%20BLUE&dwvar_P194031008_sizeType=MS#168440ce9193eb17549b4717c0=&start=1&sz=36
ElisaR
i love my burberry one and there are some good sales now….
OP
I gained weight and think I’ve sized out. I’m sad about this or else I def would check this out!
Anonymous
Boden has some lovely coats and goes up to 20/22
RR
I bought a wool wrap coat from MM Lafleur that I love. The Sofia coat.
Cracked heels
Any tips for healing cracked heels that DON’T involve putting on moisturizer and sleeping with cotton socks? I sleep hot as it is, so there’s no way I can wear socks all night without burning up. Thanks!
NOLA
I tend to sleep hot as well (well, I sleep a lot better in a cold room). My answer is to not sleep under the covers and keep my feet out. I sleep under a separate throw so I never have my feet under the covers.
No Problem
You can still slather them in moisturizer without the socks. Or do the moisturizer 1-2 hours before bed and wear socks until you go to bed.
I would use a pumice stone or foot scrub (or even just sugar, it’s cheaper) to remove as much of the dead skin as possible before moisturizing (best to do after a shower when the skin is damp), and repeat several days in a row. You won’t get off all the dead skin in one go. I’m sure there’s some version of an extra moisturizing cream meant for your feet that is available at drug stores.
Carrie
Exfoliate for 20 seconds with on of those heel scrapers every time you are in the shower. It is easy and fast, and if you have rough heels you just need to get in the habit of dong it. And then as soon as you get out of the shower, rub intensive foot cream on your heel or straight Aquafor.
Anon2
Put the moisturizer on before you put your socks on in the morning? Put moisturizer on anyway without socks?
Anon
Use a lotion with Urea*. Slather it on and put on socks. Treat yourself to a Netflix binge. Take the socks off at bed time as it will be mostly absorbed by then.
* this is the most important aspect
Anon
Also, get one of these
Microplane XL Pro 2-in-1 Foot File/Buffer System for DIY Pedicures – Callus Remover – Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0143N489I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KQmfEbEJ7K10X
Use it on dry, unmoisturized skin before you get in the shower. Be careful. It is so effective I have accidentally removed too much skin before.
JHC
I have the same problem. My solution was to do babyfoot (feet?) and after the peeling period, I started wearing these toeless sock things. My feet stay cool and I can wiggle my toes and it helps.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016X8DBVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
recommendation
Use Natralia or Epoch foot cream. you don’t need to out socks on afterwards. I’ve used the former — putting it on clean dry heels in the morning — and I saw results in just a few days. I haven’t used Epoch but I recall it was recommended on this site in the past.
CostAccountant
BelleSha Spa Moisturizing Gel Socks. You can wear them for a few hours before bed. They work great.
Leggings Recs
I know I am a decade late, but I am just now thinking I have a reason to wear leggings on occasion. I would wear them under athleisure type tunics and dresses. I need a bit of sucking in at the belly, but just to flatten, not Spanx tight. I want them to be thick like pants, not like exercise tights (of which I have many), and be full length on my long-legged but 5’5″ body. Any you highly recommend?
Anon
Spanx has a legging that I love and fit your description exactly!! They suck you in but are not as tight as normal spanx shapewear.
Anonymous
Lululemon align pants, love them! I have 10+ pairs for working out and casual wear. They are high waisted, super comfy (feels like you aren’t wearing pants) but may not be slimming.
Anon
Lysse Ponte Leggings from Nordstrom.
The Spanx ones I had ended up splitting on the seam at the crotch after like 3 wears. The Lysse ones are cheaper and each pair I’ve had has lasted about 2 years with a lot of wear.
anonymous
Check out Lands End. They have some thick ponte knit leggings. I also have a pair of ponte knit leggings from Old Navy,
lsw
Stuck in m o d so trying again:
I started Wellbutrin a few months ago, and I’m currently taking the lowest dose of the XL. It’s been working awesome for me. However, just in the last few weeks, I’ve noticed some really “down” periods and extreme difficulty getting started at work, which was one of my initial symptoms. Some of my other troubling symptoms have not come back, however (low gardening drive, strong rage/irritation). I am totally med naive so I have no idea if this means try something else? Try a higher dose? I have an appointment with the psychiatrist next week, but I wanted to get a feel for other people’s experiences.
No Problem
Ask for a higher dose. The initial oomph often wears off after a few months. Totally normal.
lsw
Thanks!
Anon
If it’s working for a lot of other symptoms and you’re having milder ones come back you probably just need a different dosage.
Anon
Same thing happened to me, and also corresponded with it starting to be very dark, and my doctor upped the dose.
Wellbutrin has been such a game changer for me. I’m so glad I finally asked about antidepressants.
anon
I experienced the same thing when I started WB. I went up to 300 after about 3 months on 150 and felt better, but the side effects were stronger. (Decreased appetite, dehydration, some anxiety, headache.) To me, worth it.
Anon
I just cleaned out my cupboard and I have so many sample packets of skincare items. They are mostly brands I don’t use currently. I travel a lot and the idea of taking packets along instead of little bottles is appealing, but I have sensitive skin and I’d hate to be on the road with something that makes me red, itchy, or broken out.
What do you do with all these little packets?
Anon
I donate them to Dress for Success, the Ronald McDonald House, or a domestic violence shelter.
anon
At my work, some people put their castoffs on a little table in the ladies room. Come to think of it, it happened at my last workplace, too. There’s usually someone there who is curious to try something new. Maybe this could also work at the gym?
Worry About Yourself
I’m actually thinking of doing this at my apartment, and getting my friends to do the same. Put them out in a little basket with a note saying “take what you want, leave what you don’t!” in the bathroom or a common area.But I haven’t gotten the materials yet, and honestly, I’ve tossed most of the really old stuff that was sitting around for months.
Anon
Donate them to a shelter.
Anon
Possibly a stupid question, but I’m trying to concur my chronic insomnia in 2020: for those of you who actually follow the recommendations about no blue light within 1 hour (or more) of bedtime, what do you do before bed? Doing chores, working out or even talking to my husband energize me and wake me up. I feel like the only things that wind me down are reading (I use a Kindle, getting paper books regularly isn’t practical) and watching TV, and those both involve screens. I feel like to follow this rule, you need a hobby like knitting or something like that that I don’t have.
Anon
Using an e-ink kindle should be fine. If you want to be extra scrupulous, make sure you’re not using the backlight.
Anon
I take a bubble bath by candlelight, read paper books (I bulk lots of paperbacks on ebay for $1 or so apiece – you can also check Goodwill, etc – I donate them when I’m done with them), read paper magazines, do the dishes, stretch.
Cat
are you sure your Kindle is off limits? I thought one of their main benefits is that they don’t emit blue light.
emeralds
Yeah, mine has a night-time setting that cuts off blue light at 8pm. Otherwise, paper books.
anon
I read ebooks on my phone with my library app, I’ve set my phone so that it reduces blue light at bedtime (YMMV of course). That usually makes me tired after 20mins. Often I find it easier to fall asleep with some chatter, so I start a podcast on a timer, and usually I am zonked out after 5 mins. I then listen to the same episode in the morning, to find out what the content was, ha!
When you tried working out, does that include stuff like yoga, stretching and so on? I think there are youtube videos titled nighttime yoga routine or similar, which don’t get your heart rate up too much.
Anonymous
Oh for the love of Pete what is this absurdity? Do you want to never sleep? On what planet is having books on paper too overwhelming to handle.
CountC
As a chronic insomniac, I read paper books. I borrow from the library or I buy $3 used books on abebooks.com and then donate to a free little library or somewhere else.
Anon
Yeah, I’m having a hard time imagining a scenario where paper books is not practical.
Carneige
I give you people the priceless gift of libraries and you don’t even care.
mascot
Lol. This reminds me that I need to re-stock my list of books on reserve.
CountC
Snort.
Anon
Snort.
Anon
Where do you think I get my e-books? Snark all you want, but I live 40 miles from the nearest physical library branch, I have young kids and do a lot of solo parenting, so no going to library all the time is not very practical (I didn’t say it was impossible).
Made me Laugh!
The one in DC is now an Apple store ;)
Anon
Get paper books until you’ve established a better sleep routine. Move over to the Kindle after that.
Anonymous
I’m a Nook person, and it has a “nighttime” setting to reduce bluelight. I’m guessing Kindle probably has something similar..
Flats Only
In my experience, the Kindle Paperwhite (bought in March 2019) DOES emit blue light. I used to be kept up for hours until I got a pair of yellowish blue block glasses. Even with the brightness turned down, the blue light it still there and may make it hard to sleep.
Anon
Phones and computers both have ways to combat this if you absolutely must be using a screen. Try f.lux for your computer and I’m sure your phone has a built in night mode.
anon
OK, veering off from the discussion about reading, here are a few other ideas for calming activities:
– a yoga or meditation app (many have routines specific to sleep)
– drawing in an adult coloring book
– listening to quiet, soothing music while sipping hot tea or hot cocoa
– journaling, especially if underlying anxiety is contributing to your insomnia
– a hot shower or bath definitely puts me in a sleepy state of mind
Get a coat that will stand up to cold winds
I had a similar experience when I moved to Connecticut for a job with a more formal employer. Winter can get seriously cold and I think that in my area people focus on winter attire that is weather suitable. So if that meant a long puffer and real snow boots, so be it. Wool coats are not very warm and don’t do a great job of standing up to some of the biting winds we experience. My solution was a lands end commuter coat- it’s not a puffer but is a serious cold weather coat. I also purchased a more “business like” shawl collar hooded cashmere coat in black. I only wear it when I travel or am headed to a site other than the office.
Winter
What are people doing these days for toenail polish? Historically I’ve been a red polish person, but that’s starting to feel outdated and loud on my middle aged feet. Is something nude more current?