This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Happy Monday! I like the look of this gray wool dress from Elie Tahari. The asymmetric seams are interesting but still appropriate for work, as is the neckline, hemline, and shoulder coverage; I'm happy to see a zipper hidden for once. It's $368 at Bergdorf Goodman. Elie Tahari Angela Sleeveless Sheath Dress with Contrast Seams
Lower-priced options are here (size 10 only) and here, and two plus-size alternatives are here and here.
Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.
(L-6)
Sales of note for 9.19.24
- Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September, and cardmembers earn 3x the points (ends 9/22)
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew – 50% off select styles — and 9/19 only, 50% off the cashmere wrap
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 50% off sale with code
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Friends & Family 25% off
- Rag & Bone – Friends & Family 25% off sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Anniversary event, 25% off your entire purchase — Free shipping, no minimum, 9/19 only
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- Tuckernuck – Friends & Family Sale – get 20%-30% off orders (ends 9/19).
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Book Suggestions?
My boyfriend is not a reader, but says he would like to be. I read a lot, but none of my books sound interesting to him. He read the Harry Potter series years ago and really liked them. He doesn’t watch much TV, but loves Star Trek and recently watched, and liked, Battlestar Galactica. However, he doesn’t like the Star Trek books (although I don’t know why), and isn’t into comics. SciFi generally is more appealing to him.
Does anyone have any book suggestions for someone like this? Something he would find easy to read and engaging?
CHJ
Here are a few books I’ve read recently that he might like:
Ready Player One
Wool
The Martian
The Hunger Games
These are all fun, hard-to-put-down books with a sci-fi bend. In general, if he finds a book that he likes, he should check out Amazon and Good Reads for recommendations based on that book.
Marilla
My husband loved the Hunger Games books, too, and he’s typically not a fiction reader. He reads/researches a TON in terms of non-fiction, history, philosophy, etc, but prefers to unwind with TV or movies. In a similar vein, he also liked the first book in the Divergent series.
Carine
+1 to all these. My husband has very similar taste and has also made an effort to read more in the last year. These are all on his read or to-read lists!
A few more:
Old Man’s War by Scalzi was a big hit (and I really liked it, too), as were the rest of the books in that trilogy
The Forever War (I think OMW owes a lot to this one–if he likes the former he’ll probably like the latter, and vice versa)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Getting him a Kindle has made a big difference, too. He’s a gadget lover so it’s much more appealing to him to look at a screen than at paper.
Asideralis
+1 For anything by Scalzi.
layered bob
+1 to The Martian. Not as big a commitment as Game of Thrones, a little sci-fi, and raises lots of interesting questions.
L in DC
Wool
The Martian
Old Man’s War
The Forever War
Cb
Maybe some of the YA dystopian fantasy novels? What about audiobooks or short stories as an accessible way to start?
Also, does he wear / need glasses? I had a friend who hated to read and it took her years to realize it was because squinting at the page gave her headaches.
anon
Ender’s Game. The Star Wars Heir to the Empire trilogy.
+1 on the suggestion to get his eyes checked. It might be helpful for him to try the Kindle e-reader–not the Kindle Fire or another tablet, but a model designed especially for reading. Even if he doesn’t need glasses or his prescription is correct, he may find it easier to focus on an e-reader with the print slightly magnified.
HSAL
Second the Heir to the Empire trilogy. It’s fantastic. Back when it came out I wanted it to be the basis for new movies. I’m sad that it’s no longer canon with the move to Disney.
Gail the Goldfish
Third to Heir to the Empire.
AIMS
What about Game of Thrones?
MSJ
My husband who is much the same (minus the part that he refuses to read Harry Potter – but I’ll convert him once the kids are of the proper age) loves the Dune series. There are quite a few so it should last him a while. He also loved Ender’s Game as a teen, so I’d second that suggestion. He didn’t like the Star Trek books although enjoys the series.
century ride
girl with the dragon tattoo
anne-on
What about World War Z? The book was much, much more interesting than the movie and way more socio/political. I also really liked Station Eleven.
Anon
+1. The book was phenomenal. The movie…had zombies too, and that’s about where the similarities ended.
Senior Attorney
WWZ, the book, was fantastic. The only thing it really has in common with the movie is the title and the general Zombie War premise.
Greensleeves
It’s fantasy rather than scifi, but try the Dresden Files by Butcher. It’s magic in a modern urban setting, much grittier than Harry Potter. The first two are ok, then the series really improves. My husband isn’t a big reader either, but he loves these. I also second the suggestions above for the Hunger Games books and Enders Game. He might also try Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books.
Sally
Dies the Fire and Island in the Sea of Time. Both very enjoyable!
Anonypotamus
The Dune series is great.
Wildkitten
He might also prefer audiobooks. I know a lot of people who do most of their “reading” via audiobook.
Anon
Ender’s Game
Station Eleven
The Knife of Never Letting Go
Hunger Games
LilyS
Maybe try non fiction? Pretty much every Bill Bryson boom is fantastic. His writing is engaging and chatty but packed with facts.
5 months PP as well
I spend the most on waxing. I get a waxing package every year that includes Brazilian, underarms, and half legs and comes out to 1000. Eyebrow/upper lip waxing costs about 200/year. Makeup/skincare ~ 500/year
So including hair cuts/manis/pedis, I probably spend around 2k per year or 170/month.
Chicago Bean Accounter
I spend the most on waxing. I get a waxing package every year that includes Brazilian, underarms, and half legs and comes out to 1000. Eyebrow/upper lip waxing costs about 200/year. Makeup/skincare ~ 500/year
So including hair cuts/manis/pedis, I probably spend around 2k per year or 170/month.
AMB
It’s a little closer to fantasy but the Temeraire series (the Napoleonic wars re-imagined to include talking dragons) is great fun.
Annie
A lot of the ones that have been suggested I also recommend (Ender’s Game, Wool, etc). Ender’s Game and it’s sequels/parallel stories got my non-reading husband reading for a while.
I’d also add Ann McCafferey’s Pern series (Dragonflight, Dragonquest, The White Dragon).
Gail the Goldfish
I’d agree with Dune or Dresden Files. Also maybe some Neil Gaiman-probably start with American Gods.
Caffeine & Sugar
Harry Potter series
anon
The Magician trilogy
The Night Circus
Book Suggestions?
Thank you all so much!
Alanna of Trebond
Not sure if you are still reading, but I LOVE Harry Potter and I love fantasy and two of my faves are not here! The Sabriel series by Garth Nix and the Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones (and SO many other things by Diana Wynne Jones.
Gwendolyn Chant
This is way too late, but I had to say that DWJ is the best.
Monthly Makeup/Upkeep Costs?
On average, how much do you ladies think you spend on makeup/”upkeep” each month? Any recommendations? Recently I’ve been putting more effort into the way I look – like getting my eyebrows done every few weeks, buying quality makeup/finding colors that look good on me, etc. The good stuff is usually not cheap but I think it can be worth it.
anonymous
I spend about $90/year, but I only wear powder and concealer if necessary on a daily basis and only occasionally work in the other stuff.
anonymous
*on makeup. I do my eyebrows/nails etc at home with drugstore products, so those costs are pretty minimal.
August
Me too. I do my eyebrows at home. Doing nails for me is just trimming and buffing them. I use epilator/razor/wax for other body hair at home. I get my hair cut twice a year which costs a total of $90.
I don’t use makeup every day. The only thing I apply to my face twice everyday is Avalon organics vitamin facial serum which costs $18 and lasts for 3 months and burts bee’s lip balm.
anonymous
Is it worth buffing nails? Like is it noticeable or look much better? I trim mine, file them, and make sure my cuticles aren’t overgrown.
August
I have rough nails with kind of prominent ridges and I buff it lightly so that that the ridges don’t appear so prominent. It may not be necessary if you have smoother nail surface to begin with.
mascot
I use one of those 4-1 buffing files. It gives my nails a nice shine.
Anon
Take this from someone who studies chemical compounds the good stuff isn’t any better, it just has higher mark ups. There are excellent products at all price points. Especially considering the cosmetic conglomerates drug store and high end often have identical formulas, though different packages. That said I spend 50ish/month on upkeep
Wildkitten
Good to know! I’ve been switching from expensive makeup to drugstore makeup and not noticed a significant decrease in quality for anything except makeup.
wildkitten
Gah! Everything except lipstick.
Dulcinea
I know someone who worked in a lab where they tested cosmetic products and he told me the same thing.
E
Check out the website Paula’s Choice – they review makeup based on scientific principles of what helps and hurts skin. After switching products based on their recommendations my incredibly difficult skin has improved dramatically.
Anon
For makeup and hair products probably $25-30 per month average. For occasional pedicures and hair cuts probably an average of $25/month, but only because they are so rare. I pay $50 for hair and $70 for pedis. If I was able to expand my budget, I would do more frequent haircuts and pedis and I would also probably experiment with some more fun makeup.
Houda
Makeup:
Any lipstick that I like, I would buy.
Foundation $40 & concealer $20 and powder $35 every 6 Months. (My color doesn’t change much since I am dark skin and don’t tan).
Mascara $10 every couple months (or even more often, I just stock them unopened).
2 eyeshadow palettes per year, few single eyeshadows and liners.
Upkeep:
Eyebrow plucking every 4 weeks at specialized institute. I don’t touch them between sessions.
Facial once per year.
Haircut once per year (because I have to travel abroad to do so), if I could have the right salon I’d go every 3 months.
I do not do pedicures, manicures and the like. I am not very hairy so occasional upperlip waxing at home every 2-3 months.
Anon
I just have to tell you that I’ve watched a few of your You Tube videos and you have such great hair!!!
Houda
Thanks :)
Cat
Maybe $20/month on products – I wear the same light makeup to the office and on weekends, use the same light makeup “base” but perhaps with bolder eyes or lips. I use a combination of drugstore (mascara, BB cream) and Clinique products. That said, my skin doesn’t have any particular troubles (yet) so I don’t feel like it’s worth it to splurge on, say, YSL touché éclat when regular concealer does the trick.
Services – highlights & cut average to about $75/month (I go every 2-3 months); manicures $60/month; pedicures probably $45/month but only for 3 months of the year + one or two if we go somewhere warm for a winter vacation.
Pretty Primadonna
I spend the most on hair–$40 every week for a wash/deep condition/set. Every three months, I have a chemical process done, which runs $80. I tweeze my own eyebrows and do my own manicures/pedicures, unless I am going to a special event or on vacation or just feel like treating myself which is about every couple of months. I wear minimal makeup–bronzer or CC cream, blush, mascara, lipgloss, light eyeshadow if I’m being fancy–so do not spend much on it or purchase it frequently.
Anonymous
I spend a lot. $250 on hair every 8 weeks. (drug store products at home)
$35 to get waxed every 3 weeks.
$35 pedicure every 4 weeks in summer, 8 in winter
facial/chemical peel $60 every few months
I spend a lot on makeup and skin care products. I notice a total difference when I use higher end skin care (natura bisse), but it is pricey. Probably works out to $200 a month. I also use higher end make-up. So probably another $100/month in make-up.
Thinking of adding botox in soon.
DC Anon
Haircare: I have short hair so I get my hair cut every 4 weeks ($100 including tip). I use sulfate-free L’Oreal Pure shampoo/conditioner ($20) that performs the same as much more expensive haircare that I was using for a long time before I got sick of the prices. I dye my hair using Feria ($10).
I don’t pay monthly for anything other than haircut and hair dye.
Skincare: I use jojoba oil as cleanser, Paula’s Choice for day moisturizer and night retinol + moisturizer ($50 total every 6 months) and Amorepacific enzyme exfoliator once a week ($60 for enough to last 2 years). I use physical sunscreen from CVS ($15) and purchase it probably twice a year.
Makeup: I use Buxom foundation ($35), Laura Mercier powder ($40), Stila liquid eyeliner ($20), whatever free mascara samples I get from Sephora, and NARS blush/bronzer ($30). I occasionally wear eyeshadow ($15) with eyeshadow primer ($10). I also have a couple nice makeup brushes ($60 total) that minimize product waste when I’m applying foundation and powder, so I only have to buy makeup maybe once a year, with twice a year for eyeliner and mascara.
I do my own nails on occasion (base coat, polish, top coat) and I own 3 colors of polish so total cost of all polish I own is $45. I replace it every couple years.
I tweeze my own eyebrows and am about to do laser hair removal so that I’m no longer stuck shaving.
Lise
Hair – $85 haircut every 2 months, $3 bottle of Trader Joe’s shampoo every few months, $8 bottle of Giovanni leave-in conditioner twice a year. I know this will go up a ton once I have enough gray to cover, so I’m hoping my color holds up for at least five more years!
Skincare: $8-10 Cetaphil cleanser that lasts forever, $15-ish Cerave moisturizer with SPF every two-three months, $8-ish bottle of sunscreen two or three times a year. I use Retin A at night every other day, but it’s covered by insurance.
Makeup: $10-15 mascara every few months, $20-ish Bare Minerals foundation twice a year, $10-12 lipstick or lip balm every few months, $10-15 eye palette occasionally (maybe once a year?). I don’t really wear any makeup most days, though.
$30-40 pedicure once a month. I usually trim and file my fingernails myself but will get a manicure for special occasions every few months ($20-ish).
I used to get my eyebrows waxed but switched to tweezing my own a few years ago (Retin A means no waxing, and it’s silly but I’m a little scared of threading! And I’ve gotten good at it, so it’s fine.)
Anonymous
ALL of the above answers sound so low maintenance to me. I spend at least $400 every month on products not including hair appointments ($250 every 6 weeks), lashes ($90 every two weeks), botox ($250 every 8 weeks), manicures and pedicures ($80 every two weeks) and lots of other things.
Anon
Wow, I can’t believe how little people spend! I spend about $400-$500 per month. Mani-pedis are the bulk of my monthly expenses at $225. After that, my monthly costs are averaged out – a $100 serum will last for 3 months, a $95 haircut for 2 months, etc. I wear mainly drugstore makeup with a few high-end items mixed in. My skincare is all high-end because – for me and my skin and the results I see in the mirror when I compare products – the extra money is very much worth it.
If you’re looking for makeup info, Beauty Broadcast is one of my favorite bloggers. She used to be a news anchor, so her videos are always top-notch. She tests out thousands of products a year, drugstore and high-end, and always gives great reviews.
NB – Wear drugstore sunscreen. You want to slather that stuff on and not worry about cost!
CountC
Dating vent ahead . . .
The last two guys I dated have been all in, not been honest with me, and broken up with me in varying degrees of out of the blue.
Guy 1 was on Match the entire time we were dating despite initiating the exclusivity talk, seemingly being all in, telling me how much he liked me, setting up parent meeting, etc. Then he started to fade, tried to push off the talk, and, when I finally had to tell him if he was breaking up with me to get it over with already, broke up with me on text. He came back weeks later half a$$edly asking for a second chance (no) and has sent a couple idiotic texts since that I have ignored.
Guy 2 was also seemingly all in, telling me how fabulous and amazing I am, got off Tinder after our first date, making future plans and saying he wanted to come to my sister’s wedding in September, etc., telling me how refreshing it was to have someone who was okay with him being around his daughter’s mom, not controlling his schedule, blah blah blah. Guy 2 came up Friday night to meet my best friends, everything was great, came into town yesterday to meet me after a run, hung out with my friends, took me to dinner, made out with me for a bit after dinner, then told me he had been a bad boyfriend. He had emailed his ex last week, gone to lunch with her, and still has feelings for her. After him hemming and hawing, I had to ask, “Are you breaking up with me?” Answer, yes. This is after he had nothing nice to say about her, ever. Lovely.
I know it’s NOT me, because I am awesome and am at the best place mentally I’ve ever been, but man does it feel like it IS me right now. I will be fine, and I am fine, albeit disappointed and frustrated for the moment, but WTF dudes. GAH. Vent over.
N.C. anon
Ugh, that sucks that those guys were being wishy-washy. Good for you calling them out on their behavior instead of letting it drag out. Dating sucks until you find a good one, and unfortunately they don’t come with warning labels. Just remember it’s OK to take some time for yourself before jumping back in again.
Good luck!
emeralds
All of this. That sounds so frustrating, especially with their mixed messaging and text message breakup (what is this, ninth grade?). Major points for your willingness to call them out and not put up with the BS.
Ellen
Yay! Pricey Monday! I love Pricey Monday and this sheathe dress, tho the sleevless model may NOT be for me–not only would Frank have an excuse to peek in, but also our new office is VERY cold and I am haveing to wear sweater’s in the office b/c this air condition actualy WORKS! (YAY!)
Anyway, the OP is experenceing what all of us ladie’s have experenced. Men who worm their way into our heart’s (and our bodie’s), onley to bolt when they see other women — old or new one’s. Grandma Leyeh told me that men are programed to want to spread their seed among many women, so as to have a better chance to procreate–that is why Dad say’s I have alot of half brothers and sister’s behind the IRON CURTAIN that even he does not know about. That is why he warned me NOT to trust men who try anything to get you to take your pantie’s off. Once you do and they worm their way in, you will most likeley have them spreadeing their seed elsewhere–sometimes with your other freind’s. Fortnuately, that did NOT happen with Sheketovits–he was to drunk to be abel to get me pregeneant, let alone any of my freind’s.
In your case, OP, you sound bright, so just say FOOEY and move on. There are plenty of other fish in the ocean, and not the smelley rotten one’s that washed ashore at your feet. These to looser’s are best left to other’s who unfortunateley will be the recipent’s of their seed’s, before those guy’s get all tapped out.
I recomend you just go to the next guy. Eventualy, you will find a guy who adore’s you and has enough money to buy you what you want–mabye a nice house in the suburb’s. You will then NOT have to work again except mabye to bear him children, but that is what you were suposed to do anyway. I am still lookeing for my man, and I can tell you it is not easy. You do NOT want to have to lure a man in with your sexueality b/c that is some thing that you will loose when you get older. YOU must convince him you are bright and cheery and will be there for him all the time, even when he fails, tho Grandma Trudy would want me to lure him sexueally. If you stay at it, you will find a guy, so just hang in there. YAY!!!!!!!
Anonymous
I’ve started being suspicious of guys who want to go all in right away. You don’t know me yet! Why are you so eager to lock things down.
Anon
+1000. Often guys like this are hiding from something else or don’t really know what it takes to be in a relationship.
Hildegarde
This. It’s weird when guys want to be in a relationship, or act as though they’re in a relationship, after only one or two dates. Even if you really hit if off with that person, there’s no way you know them well enough to know whether there’s long-term potential after such a short time.
January
+1
(sigh)
kdlaf
This +infinity. This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned. Usually the more eager they are in the beginning the more likely they’ll do the fade away out of nowhere when they realize the fantasy version of you they created in their head doesn’t exist -___-
Anonymous
Yep yep yep.
Anita
Yup. Beware the man who showers you with attention and compliments and “future” talk right off the bat.
D. Meagle
We call that type of guy a “sun, moon and stars” guy in that right of the bat they are promising you the sun, the moon and the stars, but are generally gone by the start of the next moon cycle.
CountC
HA! Hey, Donna! <3 you.
Anonymous
Thanks everyone! I am definitely going to take some time off before jumping back into dating. I’ve always been a person who is comfortable talking about future stuff fairly quickly, so that’s never set off alarm bells for me in the past. It will be hard for me to trust anyone when I do decide to start dating again (I’ve got a monthly standing appt with my therapst, so this will be a new topic of discussion). I am planning to focus even more on my running training, riding, volunteering, reading all those books I want to read, planning my next solo vacation, taking interesting classes, etc.
I’m not super upset about the breakup because of losing this particular guy since we hadn’t dating long, just frustrated and upset with the process of it all you know? Sigh.
Anonymous
Personally, I carry on trusting that people mean what they say. I’ve changed how I act on that trust though. You tell me you want to vacation with me in 6 months? I trust that, in that moment, you do. And that’s it. It’s not a real life plan, it’s not something to rely on, it just means you’re having fun.
I think you can very easily escalate this into a major trust issue, or you can take the attitude that getting a bit carried away is sometimes fun, and when actually you don’t meet on the outskirts of town and he doesn’t talk to your dad and you don’t pick out a white dress, it doesn’t mean he was lying, it just didn’t work out.
Anonymous
And someday, that white horse will stick around.
CountC
Thank you for sharing. This is a good attitude to be sure. I had the same one, but in the immediate aftermath of yesterday’s break-up I found it hard to think about moving forward with the same attitude. It’s not the future planning that bugs me, I get that things change, it’s the contacting your ex/staying on Match/emailing your ex wife and not telling me right away that bugs me.
Anonymous
Oh, it’s a totally jerk move for sure. But you can’t let random jerky dudes take control of your dating emotional health long term.
And, for next time, there’s a reason not to date a guy who is still hanging out with his ex wife, and now you know! Learning FTW.
CountC
Trust me, it’s been many years of therapy in the making to be able to say that was that guy, this is a different guy. These are just my immediate post-break thoughts/vent.
And trust me, if I had known any of these guys were hanging out or talking to exes, I would never have entertained it! I didn’t know any of this was going on until the breakup discussion (or until I busted them). Ain’t nobody got time for that nonsense.
L in DC
I agree with this.
TO Lawyer
Man I was there 8-10 months ago. It’s so frustrating going on dates, feeling like you finally made a connection with someone and then having them pull the plug for some dumb reason.
After that happened to me a few times in a row, I took a break because I was feeling so discouraged. Decided to try again with a more open attitude and the first date I went on after that ended up sticking – he’s still around almost 7 months later. So you never know but definitely take a break after all that BS
samesies!
Me too! (although 6 months for us!) My BS included two breakups via text — is this middle school?? — and even though I wasn’t ready to marry those guys after dating each a month or so, it was still discouraging and confusing.
OP, Good on you for calling them out and ending it before you got strung along. Just remember, you don’t want to live happily ever after with every guy, just one. Keep doing what makes you happy and fulfilled and things will fall into place.
Brunette Elle Woods
Yep, I’ve been there! In my experience, the men who are all in immediately do not have a mature understanding of what that means. They are 100%, all in thinking the relationship will be all sunshine and rainbows so the minute there is any sign of trouble or disagreement they get scared and run. I think it would be prudent to beware of the men who are all in immediately.
NYNY
Love this dress!
A stranger made my day this morning. It’s oppressively humid today, but I have to report out on my major project to leadership today, so I’m in full suit and heels. I was walking to the subway, sweating and just hating the weather, when a young woman walked by, turned to me, and said, “I just have to say, you look like you’re going to kick ass today!” I grinned and thanked her, and we both kept going.
If you’re on here, anonymous complimentor, thanks again!
Marilla
That is the best possible compliment to start your day!
N.C. anon
aww, that’s awesome! +1 to you and the complimentor!
Blonde Lawyer
That’s awesome.
emeralds
That’s great! I think it’s also a fantastic reminder for the rest of us to engage in random acts of kindness.
NYNY
Totally agree! I told myself to do exactly what she did more often.
Carrie...
I love to do this to people on the street. It often makes for a really great moment. Everyone feels good.
It is so easy to do little things for people. So easy….
Double-Bingo
Any recommendations for a good place to do laser hair removal in Center City Philadelphia?
Also, are there hidden costs involved (for example, needing more sessions than offered in the package)? A lot of these places have a $600-$900 “list price” for 6 sessions, but you can get a Groupon for the same 6 sessions for $150. How on earth do they make money?
Anon
Often they make it on you buying other services. At least three friends and I have all done an initial trial set (bikini) and then gone back for more (perinal, underarm, arms, etc.).
Anonymous
As Anon mentioned, one way they get money is by adding other services. I bought an underarm package as a test and when it wasn’t terribly painful, decided to do bikini. For time reasons, I wanted to do the appointments together so it was worth it for me to just pay the extra non-groupon price to go to the same place I’d bought my UA package.
And there is the possibility you’ll need more than 6 sessions. I’m the ideal laser candidate (very dark hair in the areas I had removed, and paler than someone who’s been in bomb shelter for 50 years) and I still have some residual growth a few months after my 6 sessions. It’s very fine hair that’s usually covered so I’m not bothered enough by it to pay for another package, but if you were doing face or legs, I can see where you might want to pay for another 6. At least with subsequent sessions, it’s not as much of a hassle to go somewhere else. And always ask what specials they can give you–I get the impression their pricing is like cable services–whatever it needs to be to keep you as a customer.
PDXK
Ditto the above, and man, I’ve turned into a total evangelical nut for laser since starting up with one area, and adding on another for sessions 2 and on when it was not that painful. I’m 3 sessions in and pondering adding lower legs for the next 3. I cannot believe I waited this long given how easy and happy it makes me not to have any anxiety about bikini/underarm grooming.
Monday Blues
Let’s talk about happy things!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Flip side: what would your dream honeymoon be?
Anonymous
Dream honeymoon: Malta. Rent a villa, spend out days sightseeing, swimming at secluded beaches, drinking wine, and relaxing.
Cb
We went to the Lake Distract (Northern England) and stayed in a cottage. We were pretty exhausted by that point and the ability to laze around / get there in 3 hours definitely had an appeal.
Clementine
Hvar and Dubrovnik, Croatia! It was amazing and gorgeous and wonderful and I would go back in a heartbeat. If anyone is looking for a lovely place that combines culture, beaches, and romance- I’d highly recommend it.
Dream honeymoon: Figi/French Polynesia where we would stay on one of those huts that is over the water.
Cat
Went – Belize. It was an ideal mix of relaxing in the tropics + some activities (snorkeling, ruins, etc.)
Dream – hmmm. I’m trying not to let my current travel preferences (some sightseeing and also time to just enjoy the view) affect what I’d want for a honeymoon (need to completely relax after the fun-stress of a wedding). My dream trips right now are South Africa + safari, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, an Antarctic cruise, and New Zealand. But for a honeymoon, I’d love to relax in the Maldives, Seychelles, French P0lynesia… far flung island escapes.
(Former) Clueless Summer
We went to Thailand and it was amazing and gorgeous and responsibly priced – meaning we could do the whole 2.5 week trip at great resorts and only spend $10,000 between the two of us, including the flights (which were $3,000 together). If money were no object, I might have done an overwater bungalow in the Maldives or Fiji, but we really enjoy Thailand because there was also stuff to do beyond just nice beaches.
CKB
We were poor university students and out honeymoon was a wedding gift from my parents. We spent a few nights in Kananaskis Country, just outside Banff and it was great.
My dream honeymoon would probably be the beach in Greece.
Sally
I did Greek beaches – it was my dream honeymoon. :)
Anonymous
Dream would be Italy, which is still my favorite of any trip I’ve taken. Probably a few days each in Lake Como, Florence, smaller Tuscan town, and Cinque Terre.
I love the idea of Maldives/Seychelles/Tahiti, but my skin does not. And I hate seafood. But pasta and tiramisu for every meal, now we’re talking…
Bonnie
Bucuti in Aruba. Fantastic. It’s a small hotel that caters to honeymooning couples and includes perks like dinner on the beach.
ANP
This was our exact honeymoon and it was heavenly! Love Aruba and the Bucuti.
Meg Murry
Actual – A nearby island B&B, because we were young, broke and moving across the country post-wedding. It’s nice because we go back there nearly every year for a day trip or couple day trip somewhere around our anniversary and reminisce without spending a ton of money.
Ideal: I like the idea of Greek beaches or Hawaii. We’d need to find somewhere that would balance my husband’s “let’s go out and see things and be active all the time” desires with my “relax on a beach” ideal vacation.
Woods-comma-Elle
Ha, my SO and I were talking about this just yesterday! I had a couple of distant tropical islands in mind, but he went to them on his first honeymoon and repeating those would be weird! We also thought Central America – Belize was definitely on the list – as he would end up going insane if all there was to do was lie on the beach (I’d be totally fine with that).
Lise
Dream is a safari. I’m going to try really hard to make it happen! (Work/school timing might make it hard to take enough time off, but I’m determined.)
gingersnap
We were broke grad students when we got married, so we rented a cottage near Solomon’s Island, MD, just steps from the Chesapeake Bay.
I fell in love with Belize while doing research there as a masters’ student and would love to go back someday. Spain is also on the dream list.
Anonymous
We went to Greece – Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. It was heavenly and the perfect mix of cultural, on-the-go stuff and beaches and relaxation. And Santorini especially is very romantic. It was our first real vacation since I started in Big Law and previously we’d both been students so we even though it was a fairly modest vacation by many people’s standards it was a big splurge for us, especially our hotel in Santorini, which was around $350 a night (way more than either of us had spent on a hotel at that point) but had absolutely incredible views. It was pretty much our dream honeymoon, and I wouldn’t really change anything about it.
We went to Bora Bora on our first anniversary and that was incredible too and would be a perfect honeymoon spot. However, if you work in a demanding job like Big Law, your honeymoon is pretty much your only chance to take 2+ weeks off without getting grief, so as beautiful and romantic as Bora Bora is, I’d recommend something with more to see & do so you can maximize your two weeks off. Bora Bora is a lovely 1 week trip, especially from the West Coast. If you do want straight-up beaches, I’d do several different islands in French Polynesia, spending the most time on Bora Bora.
Recently Married
We spent almost two weeks in Bora Bora and it was AWESOME. I’m not really a beach person, but it was the perfect honeymoon destination and place to relax and unwind post-wedding.
If we hadn’t done Bora Bora, we probably would have done Greece or the Maldives.
anon
National parks in Utah, and it was AMAZING.
beeftenderloin
I’m getting married at the end of Sept. Our dream honeymoon is Paris but, due to a new job, we’ll actually be going to St. Louis for a long weekend. At least we’ll be able to revisit it on anniversaries!
anonymous
I’m getting married in 2-6 weeks from now. We don’t have any current plans (We’re probably going to city hall just to sign on the dotted line and aren’t really setting a date) My fiancé talks about wanting to do something special, like maybe find an officiant to marry us on the beach, or go to the mountains somewhere, or something like that. Part of me feels like I have no real preference, but the other part of me doesn’t want to want something in case I’m disappointed. I’m not really a romantic or sentimental person, so I definitely don’t think skipping it is something I’ll regret, but I also think it would be nice to do something just the two of us.
Neither of us can spend much money or take any time off. Any suggestions or general advice?
Anonymous
City hall can be special! Can you wear a new outfit, order a great boquet for yourself, and go out to a really special lunch after?
Clementine
1. Even if it’s ‘just’ going to City Hall and signing on the dotted line, it WILL be special. It will be special because you are making a binding legal commitment to someone you care very much about and publicly memorializing your commitment.
2. You can make it special without driving yourself bonkers. A friend officiates weddings and frequently performs them in a lovely park right near City Hall. It’s not a big deal, she does a lot at lunch time and then usually the couple goes out for a nice celebratory luncheon, just the two of them.
3. I vote that you wear something that makes you feel special and fabulous. It doesn’t need to be wedding-y (Please watch the 30 Rock episode where Liz Lemon gets married and gets to ‘dress like a princess’. Please.), but it should be something that makes you feel wonderful. Take a picture, even if it’s having a security guard snap a photo on your smartphone on the steps of City Hall.
4. Realistically, I’m a total internet stranger who already did the wedding thing and is just offering this advice up. Please ignore any or all of this or any opinons someone gives you. It’s your life, dudette, you do you.
Wildkitten
People getting married at the courthouse always look extremely happy. I wouldn’t pay extra for a beach or mountain location. Here’s what I would do: get a pretty new (white if you want) dress from Nordstrom. Feel beautiful. Get a blow out at Drybar ($45) and your nails done (if you want). Bring a friend or two to witness. Have a lunch or dinner after with a group of friends and lots of champagne.
Wildkitten
But if going to the beach or the mountains would make it more magical for you or your fiance, then do that. I’d also take a weekend honeymoon, because I love celebrating.
ELS
This is exactly what DH and I did when we got married, except that we invited my parents in (they live halfway across the country) and his parents along with our local friends. I also got a fun bouquet just for the heck of it, because i wanted to feel pretty. My dress was white, and very 50s-vibe.
There were maybe 10 people in attendance. It was low-key and super fun. I don’t regret anything.
(Do make sure someone who comes along has a decent camera to get a photo of the two of you, though, even if you’re not terribly dressed up. It’s nice to have one kicking around)
cc
The place where I got engaged does beautiful small weddings. Its a Bed and Breakfast in Orange VA and they organize the officiant, give you a bouquet and bout for the groom and champagne and cake and they take photos. Something like that sounds perfect to me, but you just need to figure out what feels best for you! Think first about guests- do you want it to be just the 2 of you, or would you like to do immediate family too? what do imagine doing after being declared husband and wife? Going back to a nice hotel room for champage?Going for a beautiful hike? getting a great meal? Answering these questions will help solidify what you like in your mind I think
anonymous
Thanks for your input. I think my first choice would be to get married in an underwater scuba ceremony, but I live in DC and can’t travel too far. If anyone knows of a place I can do this within a few hours’ drive of the district, but I’m pretty sure that option is out.
cc
Oh I have a comment stuck in moderation from before I even knew you were in DC. Check out Holladay House in Orange VA if you like bed and breakfast places- the owners are just the best and they have really sweet elopment packages.
Alice
I had a friend who got married at a winery in Virginia, but because she was having a friend do the actual ceremony, they were officially married the morning of the wedding by a hired officiant at the rental the wedding party was staying at near Shenandoah. You could do a weekend “honeymoon” at a rental in the mountains or the beach near DC, and hire an officiant to marry you wherever you choose, probably. Doubt the officiant fee would be huge…
Meg Murry
What if you had a city hall ceremony on a Friday and then spent the weekend scuba diving at one of these s!tes? http://www.blueplanetdc.com/travel/local-travel/
Alternately, what if you went and had your own little “just the two of us” ceremony at one of these places (say your vows underwater or whatever suits the two of you), then came back and had the legal/civil city hall ceremony on Monday?
The fun things about doing a local weekend mini-honeymoon is that you can go back for day or weekend trips easily. We did a local-ish honeymoon instead of a lavish far-away one, and now we can go back to that place for day, weekend or whole week trips , which is really nice.
Clementine
I have no knowledge, but Google brings up these people who look to be about 3 hours from the District:
http://www.underwateradventures.com/index.html
Call them! That would be super fun!
(Also, for those of you wondering, yes. I am working on a super tedious project at work today and am looking for any distraction possible.)
Pippit
This seems totally doable. A quick google shows a lot of local scuba shops- they’ll be able to help you. A scuba diving friend could get ordained on the internet and do the ceremony for you! I’m not sure where the good places are (if any) around out, but there is apparently a local quarry where people go diving:
“Millbrook Quarry at Haymarket, VA. The quarry is open from April to November and is about an hour an twenty minutes from Annapolis.”
Or, you could do it in a pool- many dive centers will either have one or have access to one for teaching the classes.
However you decide to do it, it will be special. Best wishes!
L
I say this as someone who had the large wedding experience; getting married is pretty cool. I was pretty torn at first about doing something/just the two of us and I’ll say that either way I think it’s nice to be able to do *something* that day. If it were me, I’d drive somewhere (Charlottesville for mountains, Northern Neck for beach) and make a weekend out of it. Even if you end up going to city hall and then going out to a nice lunch, in your favorite outfit. Marriage is worth taking some time out of your normal routine and celebrating.
ORD
How about hiring a photographer and getting some really cool urban day-of-wedding photos? Black & white? I’ve seen wedding photos happening in the middle of the street in Chicago – there are even better backdrops in DC. You could get your hair done & get some great pictures, without even having to invite anybody.
NbyNW
We eloped when we were young and poor and went home afterward. No photos, no cake no flowers. Very anticlimactic! L above has some good advice – take time to celebrate in your own way. Photos for sure, cake and champagne highly recommended.
Scarlett
Oh I eloped at City Hall & it was wonderful. We made it special by dressing up (for me, that included getting a new dress and my hair and makeup done too) & going out for a splurge dinner after (we chose the last appointment of the day so we could do dinner instead of lunch – it felt “bigger” to us somehow to do that). We honeymoon locally at a B&B about 2 hours outside of town over a long weekend. We also hired a photographer so we have some really great photos to remember the day. It was simple and perfect and I have absolutely no regrets. Highly recommend going that route.
Anonymous
My friend is going to city hall. They splurged on a beautiful wedding dress and a talented photographer, so they will get a lot of the wedding memories without having to buy dinner for 100+ people. It seems like a great idea to me.
anonymous OP
Thanks for the suggestions! How far in advance do I need to book a photographer, and about how much do they run?
Bee
I think my comment got eaten – maybe because I included links – but Pop!WedCo has been discussed a couple of times on A Practical Wedding. It’s a photographer and officiant who do pop up weddings in the DC area. Their pictures online are absolutely stunning.
You could probably do something similar on your own. I’ve heard of people hiring photography students for super cheap; you may want to contact local art schools.
Scarlett
I found it was easier to book a photographer for a City Hall wedding during the week & that the good local photographers offer better rates because the coverage is less. In SF (where I am) it ranged from $1200-2000,depending on the package you picked. Booking just varied on the person’s schedule (most are small, independent businesses) so if there’s someone you like, I’d book as soon as you know the date.
Anonymous
Usually I would say aim for booking 6 months in advance, though could be less if you’re not getting married on a Saturday in summer and could be WAY less if you’re doing M-Thurs, since very few people get married on those days.
I would imagine a city hall wedding is way less $$ because it’s an hour or two of photography. Most wedding photographers reserve the whole day and spend 10+ hours photographing (getting ready, ceremony, formal portraits, reception, etc.) & then have to edit all those images. I would guess a city hall wedding is more like a family portrait session, which in my area runs $200-$500.
For a more traditional wedding, its hard to find someone under $1000 unless you get someone just starting out. When I was looking a few years ago, most wedding photographers wanted $2000-$4000 for a full day of shooting and delivering several hundred high-resolution digital images with copyright release. A lot of those packages included a short engagement session. This does not include prints or albums, which are extra. But there’s a huge range and I know people who have spent upwards of $10,000 just on photography without any prints or anything. I was also surprised to see that many people whose photos looked more amateur-ish were more expensive that people whose photos looked very professional, so definitely check out a lot of people and do your research. Don’t assume just because someone’s photos are stunning that you can’t afford them. Many people are talented when they’re just starting out but have prices that reflect the newness of their business.
Sarabeth
I got married on a Monday and literally booked the photographer the Friday before. If you are not doing a traditional Friday/Saturday/Sunday wedding, you should have plenty of last minute options. Paid $1500 (which included 4 hours of pictures). Could have been much less, but the rest of the wedding was so cheap, we decided to splurge on a really great photographer.
Bee
Pop!WedCo does pop up weddings in DC. Here’s their website: http://popwed.co/ and here are AMAZING pictures that were featured in A Practical Wedding:
http://apracticalwedding.com/2015/06/pop-up-blind-whino-wedding/ http://apracticalwedding.com/2015/05/crystal-wynwood-mural-wedding/
You could probably plan something similar on your own and use their website for inspiration. Congratulations!
Anonymous
Has anyone tried Madison Reed haircolor? I’m searching for a good product to cover grays (<10%) that doesn't have PPD or any of its allergenic friends. I have used Clairol's Beautiful Collection (the new Loving Care) before but it doesn't cover grays well.
Anon S
Need advice on how to request to go part time. I am a mid level associate in a big city at a big law firm. I’m scheduled to go back to work in October after my maternity leave. I would like to ask for a reduced hours schedule. Ideally, I want 60%. My husband is also a mid level associate at a different law firm. There’s no way that we can make it work with our daughter if we both work full time. A few questions: (1) when do I approach the head of my group with this request? (2) How do I go about asking for it? I was thinking of suggesting that I try a 60% schedule for a period of 6 months and then we can check in at that time to see if it is working. Any advice or personal experiences would be great. There have been women in my group who’ve worked reduced schedules, but they’ve done 80%. I need less than that based on our personal situation. The firm’s HR manual says that “the Firm expects to be able to grant the request of such a lawyer or professional who is in good standing and requests to work a balanced schedule of at least 60% (with compensation reduced commensurately) for up to six months within the first year following the birth or adoption of a child.” However, I realize that what’s written in policies aren’t always put into action, so I doubt the head of our group (who is a male, but who has 4 children so he is a family man) is aware that the 60% for 6 months is a policy.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Anonymous
Don’t do it. You’ll wind up with a pay cut, crap work, and no advancement and you’ll still be working full time. The NYTimes had a fantastic article recently on how women ask for set part time, and it hurts their careers, and some men just take it. They leave when they need to leave and get the job done. Unless you are in a field where you can actually work 3 days a week, you’re going to have pressure from all sides.
I’d only do this with the full understanding that you’re basically giving yourself 2 years to slowly find another job. If you’re cool with that great but if not it will be rough.
Why do you need less than 80%? Is that going to change?
Anon S
Oh I know I will get a pay cut. If I work 60%, I’ll get 60% of my salary.
I need less than 80% b/c I know that whatever % I work, I’ll be working more than that, so 80% will essentially be 100% with 80% pay, so that’s not a solution to my situation
Cat
FWIW, if your goal on the 60% is to have a consistently shorter workday or more predictable hours to be the primary on-call parent during the week, it isn’t going to work. If you’re on a case or deal that’s hot, you’ll be stuck at the office or working from home anyway. The 60% gives you freedom to turn down work, and perhaps more balance over the course of a year or two, but not control over your day to day life.
Anon S
Agree, I’ve thought of that and I’m aware that a 60% schedule doesn’t mean I’ll have a 9-5. Could very well mean billing 200 hours one month and 60 hours the next month.
WestCoast Lawyer
A lot of big firms (at least on the West Coast) are pretty used to granting reduced schedules to women who come back from maternity leave. Anonymous is right that it will very likely stunt your growth potential at the firm, so if you want to make partner someday I wouldn’t necessarily do it. But if you need some breathing room when you get back to figure out what your next steps are it can be a great thing provided that you are willing to really put boundaries in place and turn down work if you feel you are working too much. Keep in mind that it’s generally assumed that 60% is 60% of the schedule that others at your level are working, not 60% of a 40-hour workweek. But for me going to a reduced schedule was a great way to lighten my workload and give me time to start considering in-house opportunities that were ultimately a better fit. Also, since in-house salaries are often less than BigLaw, it can be a good chance to practice living on less.
Anon S
Yeah, I just think I’ll need less hours overall. I’d want to take on, say one deal at a time, as opposed to three.
Anonymous
I disagree with the first response. Yes, if your life goal is making partner, this is likely to hurt your career and your end goals. But it sounds from the post like your goal is to stay part-time employed while spending significant time with your little one. Since they have a written policy saying you can do this, it makes sense to ask. Point to the policy in case they are not aware of it. Pitch it as a short term thing, don’t indicate that you would like to stay 60% long term (even if that’s the case). If they make clear the 60% only lasts six months, think about switching firms during that time – my firm allows parents to work as little as 60% forever (at least on paper). Find out if you will be proportionally paid more if you work more than 60%. From what I’ve heard, many women who are 80% or less end up working close to 100% so make sure you won’t be sacrificing a huge chunk of pay. Keep in mind that even if you are working close to 100% (and being paid accordingly) it may not be the worst situation. Being officially flex means that you may have crazy periods that allow you to hit your minimum hours, and when you have slow periods you don’t have to seek out work and can go home and spend time with your family. We all slack a bit during slow periods, but if you are officially part time I think you have a lot more flexibility to actually leave the office and be home because you don’t have the same hours goal.
Could you and your husband both do 80%? That might provide you the same flexibility as 100% and 60% or maybe even more (because like I said, I get the sense that it’s easier to leave the office for family obligations when you are officially part time, even if you are hitting the full time hours goals for the year).
Anon S
Your comment is so helpful, thank you very much. My life goal isn’t to make partner. I’m not discounting it, but it’s definitely not a goal right now. As you say, I want to work part time and be able to spend more time with my daughter than if I was working full time. If I work 60%, I know that I’ll be paid 60% of my salary, which we (my husband and I) are ok with. My husband is definitely on partnership track so I wouldn’t want him to work any less than 100%. But that is not a bad idea, thank you for the suggestion!
Anonymous
I’m Anon at 1:26. If they won’t pay you more if you exceed your hours goal, definitely think about switching firms. At my firm you can go officially 60%, but if you work 80% you get 80% pay, you work 100% you get 100% pay. I think a lot of firms are similar as far as paying for work beyond the flex arrangement. I wouldn’t settle for an arrangement where you are paid 60% but have to work 80-100% without seriously investigating other options.
Anon S
Oh wow that is really good to know, I’m pretty sure if you work more than your scheduled percentage they might make it up to you in a bonus but I’ve heard that you don’t get more in your base pay. But don’t you think it would be challenging if not impossible to lateral when I’m asking for such a reduced schedule?
Anonymous
Yes, it will be challenging, but it is something to explore if you find yourself working a significantly greater amount than you’re getting paid for.
Nancy P
Why do you need 60% as opposed to 80%? What do you see this looking like? If you think you’ll only be working 3 days a week, that seems nearly impossible. Big law is a Monday – Friday gig. I’m 80% and work Monday – Thursday, leaving at 5:30 almost every day, and logging on at night for another few hours 1-2 nights a week. That barely works for me, and I almost always have to work at least an hour on Friday just to stay on top of things.
Anon S
Nancy, since you say that your 80% is barely working for you, that’s one of the reasons why I want less than that. I envision 80% being basically 100%, which is why I want less than that. I definitely don’t think that 60% will mean some breezy 5 hours a day, 3 days a week type thing. I want less pressure to stay super busy and have as much free time as possible being a mom, while still having my foot in the working door. Even if 60% means billing 200 hours one month, but 60 hours the next month, I’ll relish that extra time I get with my baby in the 60 hour month!
anon
I emailed the head of my group one month before my leave was scheduled to end, saying that I wanted to come in to discuss schedules (this was partly to make sure he would be in the office), and then I went in and asked to go part-time. My rationale was that this would give them enough time to figure out what to staff me on when I got back (not that I think a lot of planning went into that). My suggestion is to know your policy inside and out, and be firm in your request. FWIW, my group didn’t have any problem with my request, but I have never actually made my target – I’ve always been over, and this year, due to staffing issues, I’m actually billing FT hours. But I don’t regret it, because at least I have the option of dialing back if things ever slow down. Also, I would note that it never seemed practical to not come into work one day a week. I work 9:30-5:30 M-F and log in at nights and on the weekend as needed (I’m 85%). Also, one key is to figure out what childcare will be like if you do have to work 200 hours a month!
CKB
Headed to Montreal for a long weekend in Friday to celebrate my 40th birthday and to attend Just For Laughs. Staying in Old Montreal (I believe) just a couple of blocks from the Notre Dame cathedral. No car. Going with my bro & sol. Any advice/suggestions for restaurants or things to do that are easy to walk to or accessible via public transit? We are all pretty active. I can’t believe how little I’ve researched for this trip! It’s very unlike me.
AIMS
Montreal is easy to get around by train.
In Old Montreal, there’s a really cute Polish restaurant Stash café. Other cute restaurants within walking distance, too, but nothing I can really remember by name.
One of the best meals we had – not just in Montreal, but in general – was at Joe Beef. It’s an easy enough metro trip away. You should try to make reservations, but we just showed up around 9:30/10 and got lucky.
Other things to eat: have some freshly baked bagels at either Fairmount or St Viateur, or both. If you like pastrami type things, have a smoked meat sandwich. Definitely share at least one plate of poutine (we had a nice time at La Banquise – and it’s near a nice park).
waffles
I go to Montreal often for work, but I don’t know much about the attractions.
Restaurants that I have enjoyed are: Le Local (a funky lounge, my husband LOVES the duck here), Grinder, and Da Emma (built into an old jail). Joe Beef is also supposed to be excellent, but I haven’t been.
Enjoy the city!
SH
2nd Da Emma. Really, really, really excellent Italian food.
Montreal
Le Bremner (more casual/moderately priced) & Le Club Chasse et Peche (more of a splurge) in Old Montreal are fantastic for dinner. I highly recommend either place.
Jules
There was a thread on Montreal in the last few weeks. One consistent rec, good if you’re all active types, is to climb Mont Royal, for spectacular views of the city.
Wordy
The Montreal subway system is super easy. We were there this winter and had a great time. Random suggestions: Les Pyrenees for catalan/basque food near where you are staying, Mont Royal park, archeology/history museum near the waterfront, Kouign Ammon croissants, Cartet for brunch, Olive et Gourmando, the sailors’ church
(not sure of exact name), Chateau Remezay, Jean Talon market, Kazu.
Workout Routines
Does anyone have any free resources where you can look up workout routines, specifically weight lifting? I’m in a bit of a rut and would like to mix it up some.
Anon
If you can get past the ridiculously skimpy outfits, Zuzka Light actually has decent workout routines (a mix of bodyweight and weights).
Canadian lawyers?
Any of our Canadian lawyer friends out there today? A friend is dealing with a real estate issue on the border and asked me to look at some documents. The documents require that a lawyer witness them. Aside from the fact that the cover letter specifically says that an attorney needs to witness the documents, and the fact that the form itself has a place for “name of lawyer” and “solicitor’s signature,” it looks like the kind of thing a notary would usually do. I’m happy to sign if it literally just needs a lawyer’s signature, but I’m not a real estate attorney and haven’t had access to the complete file (not that I’d be qualified to review it) so just curious if anyone here can tell me how things work up north. Thanks!
Blonde Lawyer
I’m not a Canadian lawyer but I have signed something similar. A friend of a friend was moving to England and had a form she needed signed “witnessed by an attorney.” I guess in England they have things witnessed by attorneys rather than notaries. She called and verified they wanted a US attorney to witnesses the signing. So I did.
Anonymous
You generally need a notary for land transfer documents.
In Canada, all lawyers are notaries from what I understand (except Quebec maybe? They run their own show), so a lawyer signing inherently means a notary.
Wildkitten
Does anyone have suggestions of a good divorce lawyer in Virginia? I have a friend who might be headed that way and needs legal advice of how to prepare. TYIA!
APP123
What part of VA? In Richmond, Rob Partin at McCandlish Holton.
Wildkitten
NOVA.
Caffeine & Sugar
I feel like the dress in this post is perfect for those Monday mornings when you don’t want to spend the energy figuring out what top to put with what bottom. As an added bonus it also announces to your co-workers that you look as f*** up as you feel after a long, rough weekend working in the office. Ha.