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I’ve written before about how much I’ve been drooling over the Aureus + Argent collaboration with Banana Republic — but now a lot of the pieces are on major (but final) sale.
This pretty silver necklace is on trend with very large links, but even though it’s pretty chunky it still seems elegant somehow.
The gold version is still full price at $160, but the silver option is marked down to $94 — which comes down to $66 in your cart. Nice!
(These earrings are in my cart at the moment… also love these pretty dangly blue earrings and this statement ring, but they feel more weekend than work-appropriate.)
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Workwear sales of note for 3.26.24
Our favorites are in bold!
- Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase; extra 50% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything plus extra 20% off purchase
- Eloquii – 50% off all workwear
- J.Crew – Annual Spring Event: 40% off sitewide; extra 40% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 15% off accessories; extra 50% off clearance
- Nordstrom – Spring Sale: Up to 50% off
- Talbots – 25% off your purchase, includes all markdowns
- Theory – Friends & Family Sale: 25% off
- White House Black Market – Up to 50% off sale styles; 25% off full-price tops; 25% off jackets, pants & more
Duckles
Just an update and commiseration on the suit post last week— I had a week’s notice of an interview and spent two hours scouring the internet for suits and still just barely will get one in time. 1) there is not a single suit in my size for pickup in my midsize city. 2) the two places (jcrew and BHWM) that had suits available online and could ship it on time at all required $25 expedited shipping fees. This can’t continue right/ suits have to be dead if they’re this hard to find?
Anon
But they’re not hard to find, just hard to get on short notice.
anon
Eh, post pandemic they are hard to find in person. Pre-pandemic, I could reliable go to the mall and pick up multiple, boring suits. Post-pandemic with Boss deciding it wants to be trendy, Theory deciding that we want to wear sweatpants with blazers, etc., and statement blazers + pants becoming the trend, finding a proper interview suit is dicey even if you concede I will pay full price and are standard sized.
Duckles
I don’t consider a week to obtain an off-the-rack article of clothing short notice!
No Face
I really miss breezing into the mall and having multiple options for suits in my size.
Anon
I used to work on Connecticut Avenue and could easily find something at the Ann Taylor or Talbots or even the Casual Corner (sniff! RIP Casual Corner) at Metro Center.
Anne-on
Ugh, I understand. This scenario (and the inability to buy suiting in stores any longer even if you’re a straight size) is why I keep 2 full suits – a grey pants suit and a black skirt suit. Sadly they are used more for funerals than for work events at this point.
Anon
FYI for anyone in this situation: Dillard’s has suits in store that would be appropriate for an interview (black, navy, grey; skirts, pants, or dress; jacket.) I saw them over the weekend in my small city.
Anon
+1 for Dillards. They’re not trendy, but they have suits. My local Macy’s does, too.
Seventh Sister
I wish my Macy’s did! I cannot be the only woman in Southern California who needs one!
No Face
Do they sell separates or just those matching sets? I usually get different sizes for different pieces.
HFB
I haven’t been to dillards in person but I have shopped online there. They have a wide range of Calvin Klein suit separates.
Anon
Separates, at least in the Antonio Melani line. I hate buying an entire suit in one size.
Duckles
TY! Good to have backup options.
HFB
I’m in a somewhat similar situation; luckily I have a suit that will work but I would like to be able to buy a new one in person for a professional opportunity that came up last minute. While searching I came across this brand called sumisura that says they custom make a suit out of wool and ship it to you in about 2-3 weeks. Price makes it seem too good to be true ( and/or they have terrible labor practices) – about $300-$400 iirc. Anyone have experience with this brand?
Anon
Suits are dead now that people have realized they can wear a muted textured (or subtly patterned) dark blazer with black or gray pants and a plain shirt underneath, and it looks conservative and completely appropriate for 99.5% of jobs. Dunno why you couldn’t have done that? I am not in law or high finance and it has been probably at least seven years since I’ve seen a woman in an honest-to-God, matching suit, for any type of occasion – including job interviews, funerals, court appearances, etc.
The advice that continues to be perpetuated here about “you MUST wear a suit to an interview” is not echoed anywhere else I’ve seen online and it certainly isn’t being followed IRL, from what I’ve seen. If someone came to an interview at my company in a full suit a la some of the posts here, everyone would think they were A. wildly overdressed and B. completely not in-tune with the vibe of our company.
Duckles
Bc it is a biglaw interview and I assume that’s still the norm
Anon
For a lot of lawyers suits are still expected for interviews and court
HFB
l, for one, just really like the look and feel of a traditional formal suit. Also, like this s I t e says on Wednesdays, it’s an easy day at to have a pulled together looking outfit. But I also work in a pretty formal, old school legal environment. We aren’t required to wear suits every day but enough people do that you don’t look odd if you do. And it is DEFINITELY expected if you have a court or other public facing appearance.
HFB
Easy WAY to…
Trish
I prefer a classic full suit for court. Yes, I will throw on a pair of black slacks and a blazer for a depo or a status hearing but I feel more powerful in a suit for a trial or big hearing. I pay full price for the suits at Ann Taylor in colors that I like because if I wait for a sale, my size will be gone.
Lawyer
Full suit still the norm in law and why would you chance an interview to find out otherwise? Idk if you noticed but lotta lawyers and juniors asking about law culture advice
Anon
I’ll back you up. I’m a lawyer in finance and I haven’t worn a matchy matchy suit in years. I’ve been out of biglaw for a long time so maybe firms are still expecting it but they weren’t even when I left. Perhaps it’s regional, I’m on the west coast and my eastern counterparts are generally a lot more formal.
Anon
I know there are Speed Queen fans here. Talk to me about which top load model you have and why you like it.
I see 3 models I’d be interested in:
– the one with the electronic panel (which I’m leery of because electronics)
– the ultra quiet one
– the classic clean
Thanks for your input!
Anon
Not the OP, but I am there now (needing a new washer). And apparently Speed Queen makes dryers also. Does anyone have a set and care to also chime in on any plusses and negatives on the dryers?
Mar
I have both. The dryer… dries. It isn’t as fast as my old gas-powered dryer, but it gets the job done. I avoided the washer with the electric panel just because I really wanted my washer and dryer to be something I never have to think about, and that is exactly what they are. I’ve had the two for 7 years, I’ve had one issue that the technician fixed in 5 minutes, and I still have 3 years on the warrantees.
Anon
Just bought the speed queen electric panel. (have the dryer with electric panel.) Some reviews indicated that the non-electric panel one the store carried only had 2 load levels – full and extra full. It’s noisy when shutting off the water, but that could just be the fact that we are really really close to the water plant and have super high water pressure. Washes well, rinses and wrings out well so overall we save about 10 min on the wash and same on the dry for each load. Electric panel dryer has been going strong for a while. Including drying comforters, lots of dog beds, and saddle pads.
Anon
I am a huge proponent of Speed Queen. I’ve got a purely mechanical washer and for years now it has never given a moment’s trouble. The dryer is … fine. It’s a bit harsh on delicates.
If I were doing it over I would get a Speed Queen washer like I have – no electronics- and a foofy dryer with lots of fancy settings. But then I wash and dry (or used to) things that a lot of people would dry clean. I tend to wash and hang delicate items m to dry now, which I’m not in love with because then the items usually need ironing or steaming for finish.
Cat
We have a very basic set – mechanical controls only. I’m very happy with both of them, especially the top-load washer, but the dryer’s delicate setting is what I think more newfangled machines would treat as normal or permanent press. For things that I want to do like a 75% dry and then hang (so they don’t get overdried or shrink), I set a timer and interrupt the cycle halfway through.
Anonymous
Are Mason Pearson hairbrushes worth the hype? I have a $120 gift card to Anthropologie and that’s the only thing that looks intriguing to me. The gift card helps a lot, but doesn’t cover the total cost, hence why I’m asking the question.
Anon
I can’t imagine a hairbrush being worth that cost. There are tons of very high quality brushes for under $20.
Anon
+1
The best hairbrush I’ve ever had is one recommended on this site that cost like $5 on Amazon. I have spent 10x that, I’m embarrassed to say.
Mpls
I don’t consider any boar bristle worth the hype for my hair (thick, wavy), so no for me, but could depend on hair type.
Anon
I’m sure they are great but not $120+ great.
Anon
No, it’s not. Do any of their sheet sets call to you?
Anonymous
I love my MP brush and absolutely think it’s worth the money. It’s 12 years old and still perfect.
Anon
+1 – I’d say completely worth the hype.
Anonymous
I use boar bristle brushes, but in a more affordable range.
Have fine, wavy hair (2a/b), get static easily, few tangles. I can’t go more than two days between washes.
I like my combination brushes best, with both boar and nylon. The boar only makes my hair staticy and clingy, anti-volume. The combination ones are fab for styling.
Cat
I love Anthro for loungewear, in case that helps! They always seem to have cute printed shorts or soft sets.
Anon
Depends on what kind of hair you have, I think.
Anonymous
There are different types of brush for different types of hair/needs. Definitely put the effort into selecting the appropriate brush.
Regarding price, they have always been expensive. This is nothing new.
Anonymous
Yes I’ve had mine for 34 years and it still looks brand new (other than my name engraved on the back…thanks mother!). Kent are also good and might be more affordable.
anon for this
After 3 years of WFH, my clothes are…. tired. I’d like a few tops to wear to kid soccer games and weekend brunches with friends to freshen my look. I’m a curvy 14-16 and am having a hard time finding something that doesn’t look like a sack. Any specific directions or recommendations?
Anon
Wow I somehow didn’t process that it had been THREE YEARS of WFH but you’re right.
Anonymous
I have had luck with shirts at Rails and Banana Republic and I didn’t look this year but have lots of sweaters from Aqua at Bloomingdales from past seasons
Anne-on
After entirely too much buying/returning I finally gave in and went in-person shopping. I was please by how size-inclusive Anthropologie/Free People were. I wound up buying 2 pairs of jeans and a handful of tops. I also switched up my shoes – I am not a ‘fashion sneaker’ person, but I swapped my Rothy’s points for driving mocs and some of the Nisolo smoking slippers and feel a lot more current. In the winter I switch to boots – I like the Sorel Lenox or Cate lace up ones.
Anon
I feel like sacks (and cropped sacks) are here because they are cheap to make and boxy things are having a moment. But yes, hard to find something that I don’t need to estimate what a tailor would charge to make it sort of a better sack tailored for me.
Monday
I’m curvy as well, and increasingly I just tuck in my top for every outfit. Ta-da, there is my waist. I have a good belt collection and also belt basically all the time.
For avoiding a sack look even with a tuck, I try to skip crewnecks and short sleeves. Sleeves that end mid-bicep are right in line with my large chest, and I feel like they add to that volume. Sleeveless, 3/4, bracelet sleeves or long sleeves; v-necks, mock turtlenecks, or boatnecks.
Anon
This is going to sound very mumsy, but I have recently liked the athleisure tops from Talbots and Lands End. Mainly, I like the fabric, the colors, and that it works on a curvy person.
Anon
they don’t have the exact one I bought anymore, but my most recent much loved top is the hot pink stripe fabric from this top. Actually, I like this top too, and would be good for a soccer game
https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-long-sleeve-serious-sweats-button-hoodie/id_358077?attributes=43307,44139,44256,44967,49927
Anon
(the link is non-specific to color, I now realize. To be clear, I’m taking about the hot pink option)
Anonymous
Is there any gracious way to attend a girls’ trip but avoid staying in an AirBnB stuffed with too many people where everyone shares rooms/beds/bathrooms? Or do I just have to suck it up for a few nights? I never liked piling on top of other people even when I was in my 20s, but I’m particularly grumpy about it now that I’m like 40. The last time I was invited to something like this, I got my own hotel room nearby (I had a legit excuse because of work), but it was harder to coordinate because there wasn’t really a set schedule. I felt badly for making the organizer’s life harder. A group is starting to plan a trip to Charlottesville, VA and they’re talking about getting an Airbnb for 10+ people. I want to go see all these lovely ladies! But also I like my own space and not having to clean up after other people. Thoughts advice prayers?
Anon
“I’ve got some confidential work stuff I’ve got to bring along and tend so, so I’ll be staying at Y and working a bit but pls text me for meals b/c I will drop stuff and come over for that.”
“I’ve started snoring more with my sinus issues and I’ll spare you all that and stay at X hotel or just pay more for my own room so y’all don’t hate me later.”
Anon
I feel like staying at the Airbnb would allow you to stay up late talking, drinking, feeling together with everyone. It’s a couple of nights and a lot of memories.
Anon
+1. I think it would be kind of a weird dynamic if you’re there but staying somewhere else from everyone else. There would be probably recent inside jokes you wouldn’t get, etc.
Anon
This. The whole point is bonding with your friends. I’d make it clear that you’re willing to pay more for a better Airbnb with more room and channel the extra you’d have spent on that into group housing. Fwiw, there are lots of lovely giant rentals and I think you can get what you want and stay with your friends. Even if it’s a tiny dump, I’d also opt for a couple of nights of less than perfect for a lifetime of memories.
anon
Agree with this. I am 40 and really like my space and quiet, but the whole point of a girls’ trip is to be together and make memories. You will not get the same experience bunking alone.
Anon
I think you can still do this and just take an Uber back to your hotel when you’re done for the night.
Anon
+1
I think you all should stop trying to talk OP into being comfortable with a situation just because you’d be comfortable. Everyone is allowed their boundaries.
Anon
The last time I got talked into a “girls’ trip” where we were supposed to bunk together and everyone was going to stay up late and “make memories,” three of the “girls” got so obnoxiously drunk that the neighbors called the police, which caused a near-physical fight between several of the attendees, and then one of the drunk people threw up red wine-and-whatever all over the kitchen floor, which we had to laboriously clean up so as not to incur additional charges. I faked a family emergency and went home the next day.
Regardless of how much some people can’t let go of their youth, our 20s are over and the “let’s stay up all night and do each other’s hair and share secrets and make memories” phase of our lives is in the past. That was fun (to an extent) in college; now I am 45 and at 10 p.m. I just want to go to sleep, thanks. I have seen a lot of people damage relationships and substantially embarrass themselves in a way that was hard to forget on these big “girls’ weekend” trips. Two of my friends still aren’t speaking to another one based on some BS that happened on a trip I declined to participate in. I’m busy and I have a life that I enjoy and it’s not worth the headache. So now, I just decline the invitations. P.S., not having to share a bathroom with five other people in various stages of a hangover isn’t any kind of a hardship.
Anon
There’s a time for “boundaries” and there’s a time to realize that they can get in the way of living a fulfilling life that includes other people and is well, fun. Sure you can be the spoilsport in the name of boundaries if you want but try having a little more open mindedness from time to time. You may just actually have fun. Like the woman last week who ended up having a great time on her casino weekend. Not every invitation is a horrid thing to shield yourself from.
anon
Last year I went to a bachelorette party with three women per room and five women per bathroom. When I think back on that trip I have more memories of waiting to shower in a damp, dirty bathroom than of eating breakfast together. If this is a random group trip then either forward acceptable AirBnB listings to the organizer or stay at a hotel.
Anon
Yea this is the whole reason you go. I could imagine someone getting their own hotel and then wanting to stay up late drinking with everyone. However. If OP is sure she will want her own space every night, then I think everyone is old enough to respect her preferences.
anon
“Y’all, I’m old and need my space. I’ll be staying at [insert hotel]. Looking forward to seeing everyone.” Also, with the backlog of trips from pandemic still going on, the problem might resolve itself for either a cost or availability situation as houses for 10+ are pricey and typically booked up.
Anonymous
Before everyone spends time booking an AirBnB, why not just say “so excited to see everyone! I’m much more comfortable in a hotel so please don’t include in the the AirBnB headcount, but I’ll plan to stay nearby!” And then if you are hanging at the AirBnB affirmatively offer to contribute ahead of time to the organizer for incidentals.
Anonymous
We haven’t done this in several years, but my friend group (somewhere between 8-12 women) used to rent two houses in the same neighborhood for a beach weekend and one house would be the loud house and one would be the quiet house. Having two houses gave us a lot of flexibility and was only a little annoying to coordinate. I bet you could make that work in Charlottesville if you found a couple of rentals within walking distance to the main drag.
Anon
I am the same damn way, plus I snore and have unpredictable tummy issues that always seem to arise when I’m traveling. I’ve said no to group trips for this reason if there’s no way I can get out of sharing a room/bathroom. Your compromise about the hotel room sounds good.
I’ve also had to say no to friends who want to tag along on my business trips to somewhere cool and share my room. I’m in my fifties, we need to grow out of this at some point!
Anon
PS the last such suggested trip had everyone sharing beds! No way.
Anon
I still share beds for homecoming, but this is with friends from going on 30 years. Would not work with other friends but where you gonna find twin beds that aren’t bunks?
Anonymous
You don’t *have* to put two people in a full or queen, you know. Grown-ups can find solutions that allow each person her own bed.
Anon
A hotel with individual rooms, that’s where.
Senior Attorney
I agree with this. The last time I was faced with this situation I just bowed out altogether. Je ne regrette rien. Failing that, just insist on getting a nearby hotel (but do contribute a good amount to the Airbnb if you’re planning on doing everything but sleep there).
No Face
Propose alternatives! A suite and then individual rooms in the same hotel? A lodge with individual rooms and cool common areas? Find one of those massive rentals with tons of bedrooms?
Before my CPAP machine, I used to snore incredibly loud. On group trips I was upfront that I needed my own room if anyone was going to have fun.
Anon
This! I totally get wanting your own space, but I think it could be worth it to find a middle ground because I do think you’ll miss out staying off on your own!
Anon
As the person who snores above, this would be ideal for me. But you have to be firm, because when someone who’s in a room with 3-4-5 people in it finds out you have your own room, they’re going to insist you let them stay with you instead. Just say no!!
Anon
If the issue is that you don’t want to share a house at all, then get the hotel and let folks know but surely some will see it as frosty/you don’t really want to be there. If the issue is sharing rooms and bathrooms, if you’re willing to pay extra and put in the legwork to find a place that is big enough to allow that, that’s a good option (but be very clear up front so you don’t arrive and have drama about bedrooms).
Anonymous
I am with you. In college I once brought a sleeping bag and slept on the floor of a walk-in closet because I just could not deal with sleeping in the same room as six other girls.
Anonymous
Honestly? “I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone! I won’t be staying at the AirBnB, though, so let me know where it is so I can book my room nearby!” you can add any reasons you want to add or just simply say you prefer to have your own space. Or, use the work excuse again.
Anonymous
offer to pay more but insist on a room by yourself – say you’re a bad sleeper who snores
Trixie
I hate sharing a room when on a group trip–I just need my space. I can share a bathroom, however…Anyway, I think you can just speak up, explain you need your own room because of work/snoring/need for alone time, and go for a larger AirBnB. That you are willing to pay for your own room as well. I’ve done this with friends, and usually someone else says “well, I’d like my own room, too.” Use your words, these people love you, it will work out!
Anonymous
What veggie sides are you making? We rotate the same roasted veggies and we’re getting bored – brussel sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, green beans. We are not open to broccoli or arugula. DH has taken over the cooking lately because he’s not working at the moment and I’m tired of reminding him that when I say we should eat more veggies I don’t mean potatoes. He’s happy to make whatever but it’s on me to come up with something, which I think is fair. Suggestions for easy veggie sides that my meat and potatoes DH will make and tolerate?
Anon
Keep up with the roasting and change up seasonings. Cavender’s Greek seasoning is good, as is pretty much any Penzey’s blend.
You could also do a vinegar (rather than mayo) based coleslaw or brussels/cauli-slaw. That’ll last a little while in the fridge, so you could get multiple meals out of it.
Anon
spinach, kale, zucchini, and i suppose technically a fruit, but i love roasted tomatoes, grilled peppers and onions, what about salad or does it have to be cooked veggies?
Cb
I think I’d mix up your green beans. I like them with garlic and Dukkah seasoning.
Anon
Easy ones are just a bag of frozen peas or corn, that you steam in the bag for a few minutes. Sometimes you have to search around for the brand that tastes ok. I usually grab the petite peas or a corn labeled sweet, but honestly even the generic store brand at my Jewel taste pretty good. Trader Joe’s has good ones, but you have to steam/cook briefly on the stove I think rather than just throw the bag in the microwave.
Lots of sweet potatoes or purple potatoes. Honestly I make mashed the most, but roasted are great.
Butternut squash. Mashed with lots of butter/salt/pepper or roasted.
Always have fresh ripe tomatoes/cherry tomatoes on the counter. Such an easy side to add.
Anon
I love roasted parsnips.
Anon
I’m really loving wilted greens lately, and surprisingly, my favorite have been baby kale leaves. I just buy the big box at the grocery store and throw them into whatever I’m making.
But speaking of potatoes, have you had colcannon? It’s delicious. A little cabbage in your mashed potatoes.
And then on the topic of cabbage, my husband has been verrry into red cabbage this winter. It’s a braise. I make it in the instant pot with onions, apples, apple cider vinegar, and allspice. This makes a very good meal with some browned sausages and optional mashed potatoes. Spaetzle if you’re feeling ambitious.
pugsnbourbon
Bell peppers! We could keep a small farm in business. I do them roasted, stir-fried, or sauteed with eggs in the morning.
Anonymous
Winter squashes
Cabbage all the ways (honestly you can find so many cabbage recipes on Instagram and TikTok now)
Green beans almandine
Braised carrots
Roasted cauliflower with anchovy butter
Anonymous
Microwaved cabbage with butter
Sauteed cabbage with bacon
Baked beets with feta cheese
Hearty fridge salads – make a bunch and keep for several days. The budgetbytes’ cauliflower and olive is great.
Cowboy caviar
Slaws, either mayo or vinaigrette based – I like beet, carrot and raisins with an orange dressing
Maybe some dishes that have an integral veggie part? Moussaka with eggplant, tomato and potatoes. Mushroom and bacon risotto. Spinach and mushroom quiche. Leek, potato and chicken pie.
For leftover boiled or steamed veg – bubble and squeack.
Anonymous
a warm brussel sprouts-winter salad with radicchio! kale salad with roasted sweet potatoes, pepitas, and a tangy lemon-yogurt dressing!
A
Indian veg recipes.
Anonymous
– roasted bell peppers and onions
-chinese broccoli (gai lan) sauteed and served with a bit of thick soy sauce. i believe kenji alt lopez has a video of it somewhere. many greens can be cooked and eaten this way.
– roasted or sauteed mushrooms
– cooked daikon, tho this requires time or a pressure cooker to get it nice and soft instead of the rock texture if you try to eat it raw. (or you could quick pickle daikon too!)
– chinese style smashed cucumber salad, could also quick pickle cucumbers with white vinegar and salt if soy sauce and rice vinegar is not something your husband will eat
– sauteed cabbage with garlic and a dash of salt
– start looking into indian, chinese, and korean homecooking, much of it usually vegetarian or easily adapted to be a veg side
Anon
A note from schools . . . I got in too late to the school thread this morning, so posting here FWIW. I live in a large US city with a large school system for a county of ~1M people. My kids were on full-zoom non-school in spring 2020, then a year of “one week on, two weeks off” or “MT/THF” where no one went to school on W for fall 2020-spring 2021. They have been “back” since August 2021, but sometimes in name only. There aren’t enough subs, so when a teacher is out (assuming there is a teacher, often they are “looking” for teachers still in core subjects like high school math), the kids to go the auditorium where the listen to recorded lessons on a subject on their computers with earbuds in, so there’s no interactive learning or ability to ask questions. This is probably a weekly thing when there is any teacher illness and a daily thing where a class doesn’t have a teacher. So it’s not zoom school, but it’s not great. IDK what kids do if they don’t have an adult at home to help explain things. I feel bad for all kids now. The babies are probably find. The older kids all seem to be various degrees of “not OK.”
Anon
I think the move to screens was happening pre-pandemic but the pandemic and teacher shortages have accelerated it. My kids have had full-time in person since August 2020, but they use screens A LOT. They get their own school-issued computers on the first day of kindergarten and even the little kids spend a large chunk of the day on the computer.
Anon
There’s a reason (unfortunately) that applications to both teach and send kids to the fancy private school where my sister teaches have been way, way up since the pandemic.
Anon
In my city, the big private schools are $$$ and also got started right after the city lost its big desegregation case, about 50 years ago. So, on both counts, I was really hesitant to sign up. I’m kicking myself now because those kids are actually learning from teachers and have been all along. Absent selling a kidney to an admissions admin who needs one, we are just toughing it out in a system that is probably past its tipping point with even parents inclined to chose public exhausted.
Anonymous
I’m surprised people want to teach there. Public schools generally pay teachers better, at least in my area. Granted I live in NYC and we have a very strong teacher’s union. (My husband is a teacher).
Anon
Private schools pay a lot more in general.
Anon
This is not true in many places. The private schools pay less and lack a pension, but the classes are smaller and the students are (generally) easier.
Anon
And at my kids’ private school, teachers’ children attend free, with free aftercare and summer camp. The value of that (with the tuition tax-free) bumps up the salaries dramatically for teachers with children.
anon
Where are you that private schools pay a lot more, anon at 4:41? I’m in the Bay Area and public schools typically pay more and have better benefits. There are definitely advantages to working at private schools, but compensation isn’t one of them.
Anonymous
I’m a teacher and this is not at all true in my experience (NY Metro area). I would take a 30-50% pay cut if I switched to private school (not to mention loss of pension)
Anonymous
That is not at all the case in many states fyi.
Anon
This must be regional. In New England, public school teacher salaries are much higher than private school, to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars difference.
Anon
Generally, no. Public schools pay way better than private schools.
But, private school teachers have small class sizes, funding for supplies, nicer facilities, and generally involved parents.
My sister’s school costs 40k a year. Her classes are usually 14-16 kids. Her building is 10 years old and nicer than most colleges. If she wants funding for something, she usually gets it (field trips, classroom supplies, changing textbooks to change the curriculum). Parents are often helicopterish, but if she reaches out to a parent about behavior problems or work not getting turned in they work with her to fix it (if they’re paying that much they don’t want their kids screwing around!).
Anon
Maybe it depends where you live? I’m in the Midwest and the teachers at the prestigious secular private schools here all make considerably more than they would in the (very good) public schools. But they also all have master’s degrees and many have PhDs, so it’s not really an apples to apples comparison with public school teachers who mostly only have bachelor’s. I wonder if parochial schools pay less and maybe that’s bringing down the average for private school salaries.
Anonymous
Absolutely not. Private schools notoriously pay less than unionized public schools and don’t have the same level of benefits/pension.
Anonymous
Private schools pay way less. They also don’t have the same retirement benefits. I’m not sure how things square with days off.
Anonymous
That’s not true. National stats show public make around 30% more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/12/13/public-school-teacher-pay-private/
Anon
Plus, at private schools, the teachers’ kids cut to the front of the line (as do any younger siblings). They get free or vastly reduced tuition, which is of such value to families that I know a woman with a PhD in a hard science teaching at a local “country day” type school (she has kids; no kids and she’d be working back in industry). Summers off; vacations off; and free tuition from TK-12 is a way to keep mom working and make sure the kids actually get an education. A working mom relying on public school — I can assure you that it’s a white knuckle hot mess right now.
Anon
Honestly, this isn’t a new problem. 20 years ago, I spent two entire semesters in high school in classes without teachers (one suddenly died, another had cancer) We literally did nothing for the entire semester because it was impossible to hire a mid year replacement or long term sub with subject matter expertise. Learning from a computer would actually be a huge improvement in this kind of situation! This was also a large urban school district, but my education was otherwise excellent and many students got into top colleges, so it’s not like things were bad overall, just very resource constrained.
No Face
That is atrocious. As a society, we are reaping the consequences of undervaluing teachers for such a long time. So many of them quit the field altogether.
pugsnbourbon
+1
Anon
Anda it a lot of people here who voted for those policies.
Seventh Sister
Wow, that’s awful. For whatever reason, our city school district manages to get live human substitute teachers, though that gets padded out with administrators and full-time teachers that have to give up their prep classes.
Anonymous
Yes. My kids school has been advertising for a math teacher for over a year without any applications. They had the janitor in the classroom the year before last, supervising the children while the not-quite-retired-yet previous math teacher tried to teach remotely from the state she has moved to for retirement. Us parents weren’t even told this was happening…it casually came up in conversation at the parent teacher conference!
Anon
I posted last week about being incredibly sad that one single problem employee in my otherwise lovely workplace had driven me to the point of polishing my resume.
Up until now, when discussing the problems with my boss, I have been honest that there are personality disconnects with this person that I find annoying but focused my actual complaints on the documented, quantifiable work issues I have had with this employee. Each time, my boss specifically addressed those work issues with them. Things would improve slightly for a brief time, then this person would find another, more underhanded way to needle at me.
After posting here I spoke to my boss once again. I shared my sadness about the situation and detailed several specific ways I felt this person has been trying to undermine me and in bad faith manipulate the narrative others have of our interactions. I explained that while each of these issues separately are minor, the overall behavior of this person feels like it is part of a larger pattern of planned vindictiveness.
My boss listened and at last I believe they truly heard the extent of the problem. We have next steps determined and implemented, a firm resolution date set, and I have a sincere apology from my boss, a declaration that they value my input, and a promise that they will make the changes necessary to revert our workplace to an amiable place for everyone here again.
Anon
Thank goodness. Your story was bordering psychotic, and if it had been happening to me, it would have nearly pushed me to the edge too.
Good for you for meeting with your boss again and being so good in your presentation.
Let us know how it evolves.
No Face
I’m glad the meeting well.
That said, still keep applying to other jobs.
Anon
Yeah, even if you’re 100% in the right it wouldn’t be uncommon for this to backfire you if the other person has more clout. I wouldn’t stop applying.
anon
Yup. I hope your boss comes through, but inertia is a real concern in situations like these. Best case scenario is that the person gets managed out (or fired), but that could take awhile.
Senior Attorney
+1 on both counts!
Anon
I worked for someone who went out of his way to be awful to me. Think, he would walk by while looking weirdly straight she was because I obviously didn’t merit his attention. He dumped work on my desk when I had vacation planned. He once screamed at me for putting size 9 instead of size 8 fonts in a footer, once (corporate role, not a court brief or any situation in which it mattered). At Halloween, he hung a child’s doll from cow webs from his ceiling. There were bigger things, too, but man that small stuff made my daily life so miserable.
He’s a garbage human and I wish I had just looked at his behaviour that way.
anon
I’m so glad to hear this! Thank you for the update – it made my afternoon :-)
Anon
Any recommendations for places to buy a king platform bed together with a mattress, and get them delivered? Looking for sturdiness in the platform part.
Anon
Pottery Barn
Anon
How important is “together with”? What’s the timeframe?
I bought a tatamirooms platform bed (this is as sturdy as it gets!) and an avocado mattress and had both delivered.
But I honestly still kind of like the zinus foam mattresses I used as a stop gap solution. I guess a quagga rustic platform bed + zinus would be a cheaper approach.
Anon
I’m trying to imagine reading this in 1995 and making any sense out of it!
Anonymous
omg thanks so much for the tatami rooms platform bed rec!! I had been looking at Thuma and hemming and hawing because of the price and it looks like this is the same thing but better and way better priced. thank you!
Anonymous
Is it over the top to make an appointment at the car dealership because my tire pressure light came on and I’d like someone to check all of them and refill as needed? IDK which tire it is, and I assume it’s just from normal driving because I haven’t dealt with the tires in probably two years. I swear I am someone who handles things myself, I have the tire pressure gauge. But I’m just not wanting to deal to scrounge up quarters and be pulling the air hose all over my car in the current cold, wet weather.
Yet I also know that mechanics take advantage when they get female clients who they think don’t get it. FWIW I go to a dealership so it’d be whatever the set price is for something like this, not whatever they want to charge.
Anon
It’s not over the top but I’d go to an independent mechanic rather than a dealer. Dealers overcharge for everything. FYI that tire pressure lights commonly go on in cold weather even if nothing is wrong. After having it checked several times and being told nothing was wrong, I just ignore it at this point.
Anonymous
No. They’re a service provider you’re paying.
Jules
If you have a regular shop that you use, or you regularly go to the dealerhsip, I don’t think you need a full-blown appontment – maybe just call as you’re leaving the house and ask if you can stop by and have someone check your tires. I used to do this when I had a car with weird wheels that left me with low tire pressure all the time in the winter, taking it to my much lovedlocal shop before it got taken over by AAA. Sometimes I would just stop in without calling, even. This kind of thing takes only a few minutes.
Senior Attorney
Agree with this. I feel like if you make an appointment they’ll find a way to charge you for something.
PolyD
Also, you can buy a little portable air pump that hooks into… the thing that used to be a cigarette lighter, is it a charger now? I have one and use it in my garage to add air to a low tire.
I got mine from Amazon and it didn’t cost much at all.
Gail the Goldfish
I also have one of these and highly recommend it. Also, if you have a Discount Tire location near you, I bet this is the type of thing they would do, possibly even for free, without the dealership hassle. They’ve patched a hole in a tire for me before for free. Tires Plus might also do this.
Curious
Yes! Discount tire is great.
Anonymous
So much this. It is the handiest thing to keep in your trunk. Mine has the number read on it (I assume most do), so I never have to worry about using one of those gauge things that puff to a different point and are so hard to read. Truly couldn’t be any easier.
Anonymous
Same thought – I don’t see a dealership turning anyone away who comes in being like – hey I was in the area and my tire light just came on. And it’s the type of thing they likely do for free or a few bucks. To make an appointment, you’ll deal with the whole – oh we don’t have openings until next week etc. and then they’ll book it as a tire alignment or something that may not be needed that’ll cost you.
Anonymous
You can do whatever you want. It is your car and your money.
Personally, unless I could feel that the car is unbalanced, I’d probably wait until I was ready for some additional service, especially as I know that light is very sensitive in my car and I don’t drive in a manner that requires peak handling, but you don’t have to wait.
Anonymous
Seriously? It’s like 5 min to add air. You can’t always “feel” low tire pressure and you’re a risk to everyone on the road and yourself if you’re steering gets off,
Anon
I don’t know how to add air and am afraid I’d put too much in. Also, half the air pumps at the gas stations are broken. I go get my oil changed and ask them to check my tires then.
pugsnbourbon
I’m late but while putting air in your tires seems intimidating, it’s pretty straightforward. Most newer gas stations and truck stops have air pumps that give you a digital pressure reading so you can’t overfill. Most tires PSI ranges from 31 to 35; the air pumps are usually set to 32. You can also pull into a Discount Tire, Tire Barn or even a Jiffy Lube and ask for a tire pressure check/fill.
Driving on low tires not only adds risk as noted above, it can also damage your wheels/rims/alignment depending on how long it goes for.
BB
I spend a TON of money on outsourcing services, and this seems over the top to me. I mean, it takes like…5 minutes? It will take more time going to the dealership, filling out forms, dropping it off, picking it up. I will say that I get a bit “Gift of Fear” concerned about doing this myself in most gas stations, but usually I fix that by driving out to the nicest suburb and picking a nice looking station.
Anonymous
This is over the top if you don’t think there is a leak. Look inside the driver’s side door panel to see the recommended PSI for each tire. Use a tire pressure gauge to figure out which tire(s) it is. Once you find the culprit, fill it up. Ideally, you get a mobile tire inflator that you can just plug into the car to operate and that you can use to solve this problem going forward. You might have to manually reset the tire pressure monitor in vehicle settings, depending upon your car model.
That being said, whomever sold you the tires may do this for you for free. Showing up unannounced and unscheduled to a dealer may be unwelcome and they may not have time to handle this. If they do help, they may do it as a courtesy or fleece you.
If you think there is a leak, you can’t fix this yourself and the tire needs patched.
Anon
Go to a tire shop for a tire and air pressure check. You should be able to just stop by.
Anon
This is by far the easiest way.
Curious
+1.
I’m Not That Old
This is what service stations were for. Before companies decided that they can tell us that we all have to do everything ourselves “for our own convenience.” Want to check a bag? You can print the tag and put it on your bag yourself, for your own convenience. Want new cabinets? You can buy them online (and install them yourself or separately source someone to do it and supervise them), for your own convenience. In this case, want gas in your car? You can do it yourself and the station can employ a single person, who is not a mechanic, to run the cash register and sell snacks for minimum wage but no longer offer any other services, for your convenience.
Anon
Ha! Sephora is now referring customers to an App for color matching assistance. I am so with you on this one. It is sad, too, because it is the poor and disabled folks out there swiping and bagging their own groceries.
anon
In case anyone is still reading, Costco tire center has the best air pressure stations. No need for quarters, and easy to use.
Anon
Not in my view. One of the best things about being married is making my husband do this task for me and I absolutely outsourced it before we met. It’s dirty and a hassle filling the tires yourself. Make your life easy!
Anonymous
Looking for a good place to stay in PEI for a solo traveler. I’d like to go for a peaceful countryside vibe not staying in Charlottetown, and Dalvay By The Sea is outside my budget.
Anonymous
We went to PEI ten years ago and stayed at Shaw’s Hotel and Cottages and loved it. It very much is the peaceful farm vibe and is a short walk to the beach.
Notinstafamous
Might be too pricey if you’re not into DBTS, but check out the Inn of Bay Fortune. The chef there does an amazing tasting dinner (reserve very far in advance) and it’s totally worth it.
The Rodd has a couple of locations on the Island, most of them are attached to a golf course. They’re pretty good – more like a chain hotel vibe (there’s one in Morell and one in Cardigan at least) If you want a glamping vibe, there’s a place called ShantyStay that essentially has little camping cabins in Souris.
If you’re looking for peaceful countryside, I’d check out Kings County and avoid Cavendish. It’s a nice mixture of breweries, little farms, independent shops. Between Summerside & Charlottetown is lots of tourists. The O’Leary-Tignish area is rural and there’s a lot less to do.
It’s not what you asked, but highly recommend the Sydney Boutique Inn if you do decide to stay in Charlottetown. It’s a converted convent and it’s great.
peianon
Islander here! You didn’t say which area you preferred or when you were coming. If you are coming in the summer, everything in the central region will be pretty busy. You might want to consider Mill River Resort. It’s on the western end of the Island and has a quieter vibe. Great food. There is also a new place in Greenwich called Mysa. It’s a nordic spa but has rooms and a restaurant. Haven’t been there yet but Greenwich is the best part of the Island in my opinion. The trails at Greenwich national park are not to be missed.
Anonymous
Thank you!!
anon
Yup. I hope your boss comes through, but inertia is a real concern in situations like these. Best case scenario is that the person gets managed out (or fired), but that could take awhile.
anon
Arg, I’m having a ton of issues with duplicate comments. Sorry, all.
Galena Duba-Weaver
can you please provide a link to the pictured necklace?
Kat G
Sorry about that; now the link is now in the text too (the picture was always linked). Thank you for reading!