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Updated: Nov 30, 2020 331 Comments · by

Splurge Monday’s Workwear Report: Green Floral Print Silk Haslemere Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

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How pretty is the print on this dress from The Fold? I love the combination of forest green, pink, blue, and ivory, and the beautiful folds at the neckline.

This is not a dress that needs a lot of embellishment, so I’d keep the accessories simple with this one — probably some stud earrings and a cuff bracelet. For shoes, I love the chocolate brown boots pictured.

The dress is $356 (marked down from $445) and available in sizes 2–12. Green Floral Print Silk Haslemere Dress

A few more affordable options are from Eliza J ($138, 0–18), Eliza J in plus sizes ($39.97 on sale, 14W–22W), and Reformation ($138.60 on sale, 0–12).

Sales of note for 9.30.24

Sales of note for 9.30.24

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a 30-something lawyer living on the East Coast. She spent seven years as a Biglaw associate in NYC, three years as a partner at a medium-sized firm, and is now in-house counsel for a large company. She loves Diet Coke, '90s sitcoms, and dresses with pockets.

Comments

  1. Wood fairy

    I thought I’d throw away this year to just being a sloppy dresser. But I joined a hiking group b/c there is nothing left to do. One of the women who hikes is like bringing her A game and I am so inspired to do better even in this athleisure world.

    She: sort of Yulia Tymoshenko (excellent braided hair) + REI catalog + hiking Barbie (I mean that in the best possible way — Barbie has had 500 careers and some of them are astronaut, vet, etc.). Like outdoor clothes that are flattering (like we used to care about in office clothes; now things just had to be relatively clean and not too terribly ill-fitting). Happiness. At ease. I suspect that she is a veteran, not like us newbies. But I am totally inspired (worked on my weak braiding skills this weekend and they didn’t fall out during a rigorous dog walk). I feel like the horse at the starting gate that now wants to run and catch up with the leader of the pack vs just going through the motions.

    • anon

      Look at Title 9, Eddie Bauer, REI, Columbia, Royal Robin, North Face, and Athleta sound like good places to browse.
      A new hiking hobby sounds wonderful! i hope you love it! Pay attention to what you need (vs what she has). Ultimately it’s not all about how you look as much as having gear and clothing that works for the stuff you are doing. But I get that it’s easy to feel intimidated by the smartly dressed experienced person. I get that way all the time.

      • Anon

        Any of the Athleta “hybrid” hiking pants might be worth a try – it’s a dense, water repellent fabric that’s pretty durable and stretchy, they usually have a drawstring, and the ones I have are high waisted which I prefer. Depending on the style, they tend to have useful pockets, sometimes zipped. I have the hybrid Trekkie joggers and a couple of discontinued styles, but I’m happy with all of them.

    • Airplane.

      Wow. I have to say I am here for these very specific references. I can picture her perfectly. Good to have hiking inspo, I’m here for it. I felt this way about women weightlifting in the gym and worked my way up to it (only to lift at home through an app ha). There are so many things I’ve embraced now because as you so aptly put it, there is nothing left to do.

      • Ses

        right? also the defense of this person being like Barbie, and Barbie being a super career-gal. I have a great image of this person.

    • Anon

      Just don’t get decked out in the latest and greatest before you know what you’re doing or if you even like it much, especially since hiking is low tech. I’ve seen people drop $3,500 on cutting edge ski gear and use it once. They sure stood out…

      • Anonymous

        No doubt.

        But why do outdoor clothes have such a boxy fit? I am not shaped like a Minecraft character!

        • Anon

          Because they need to be functional. It can actually be kind of a “newbie” marker to be all dressed up in a slim-fitting fashion plate outfit while you do a 0.75 mile hike. If you want to get really into the sport, you need clothes that fit well and move well and they are usually (although not always) a looser fit. It’s been an issue in the outdoor industry for YEARS that women’s outdoor clothing is designed more for fashion than for function – it’s actually mega irritating.

          • Away Game

            YES! My daughter buys the boys pants at REI and throws on a belt because the “flattering cut” in the women’s pants means they are slimmer and she can’t move her legs to climb comfortably up steep slopes. And the pockets in the women’s pants rarely fit a phone, small flashlight, keys, small wallet. Attempts at the fashion cuts totally defeat the purpose of the tech fabric, zippers, etc. The boys pants are totally functional, and look just fine. Bonus – she can actually hike in them.

        • Anon

          I just hate that men can have decent looking outdoors or tactical clothing and women can’t. Posted below, but I’m a hiker who needs tactical clothes at work and I’m so jealous of men who can rock the tac pants and boots while presenting at a meeting where as I look like a drowned rat

          • Anonymous

            I am with you! I have large hips and I hate that I can’t get pants that accommodate that. If the fit in the seat, the waist is so large (b/c designed for a block-shaped woman) that they will literally fall off if I actually use the pockets.

            I have tried some sweatshirt dress + leggings combos, but I’m concerned re shredding the leggings should I get crosswise with nature and pants seem more durable (+ pockets, theoretically). It is exhausting and I don’t want to try things on all day at the mall / REI / whatever or play mail-order roulette. I just want pants. That fit.

          • Anon

            All I want is tac / hiking pants that fit that don’t make my butt look obscene! It’s one thing when I’m hiking on my personal time, but I’ve yet to find a pair that are something I’d feel comfortable wearing to work!

    • watched too much of the crown

      I don’t know exactly what this look/style is called, but I deeply want it to be my aesthetic. Like I could wrestle a bear if needed, but also look pretty, y’know?

      I think this also goes into the old vs new money convos we have here sometimes – I want to look like I just came from hiking on grandmama’s farmer which is where my family’s aristocracy has hunted for generations

      • anon

        +1 to this description! I spent a lot of time and money in my early to mid-30s aiming to achieve this aesthetic. Alas, I don’t know if I ever really nailed it.

      • Anon

        I think the only folks who can attain this are the ones who have the proper facial bone structure to look great in braids and the proper body type to look good in the clothing. This would never be me, no matter how much money I spent or how much I worked out. I have had to learn to let go of unrealistic expectations. ‘Cause I’m never going to be a designer or start my own company…

        • Anon

          Yeah I’m a short pair and while I love this look, I can’t pull it off. My friend who is 6ft and straight up and down ROCKS it

          • Anon

            Who cares? I wear braids in the outdoors because they’re extremely practical, not because they’re flattering.

          • Anon

            Obviously these people care. It’s okay to care about how you look. Consider getting off the fashion blogs if you don’t.

          • Anon

            I don’t care what I look like when I’m out in the field, but it’d be nice to have some hiking clothes I can wear in real life and vice versa. Wanting something practical and flattering isn’t a crime!

      • Anon

        But those folks also had porters carrying the heavy loads, guides to go ahead and determine the least muddy/treacherous route, etc. All they had to do was walk, and shoot the gun that was already loaded and handed to them. They weren’t going to wrestle a bear – they have people for that.
        If you’re going to be outdoors and actually doing the work, you need stuff that is functional. If it also happens to be flattering, great, but that shouldn’t be the first consideration.

    • Anon

      As both a hiker and someone who needs tactical gear for work, it can be a challenge to merge form and function (why te all tac pants both ugly as sin and impossible to find for pear shapes! But a”so why are there so few pockets on women’s tac / hiking pants!) Brands are cut differently, so if you can (or when you can), I recommend going to REI and trying a bunch of brands on. I want to love Patagonia, but a lot of their stuff is not cut well for me.

      Definitely join the co-op at REI if you haven’t already. They have great deals and great policies for co-op members (plus garage sales) but you also get your annual dividend. Mine is going to be wayyyy too high this year.

      As for brands that hold up well but aren’t too expensive (so less of a commitment) – I like the REI brand and Columbia. Most of my tac pants for work are from Columbia and they’re popular with the women in my office. I also like Sierra Trading Post (the TJ Maxx brand’s outdoors store)

      Finally – I frequently have to remind myself that going out and doing xyz outdoors activity doesn’t need to be a huge commitment. Thus weekend I both biked and walked on my city’s pretty extensive trail system. It certainly wasn’t a hike, but I was outside and active. I didn’t have time to drive the 90 mins to the mountains, but I still had a great morning outdoors! I often forget that and think that getting out is all or nothing so it was a great reminder.

      • Silly Valley

        Would anything from Duluth Trading work for you? Their Fire Hose pants are super-durable and curve-friendly.

        • Anonymous

          This is wild — my husband wears those. No hips to speak of. But he has a third-trimester gut that it accommodates well.

      • Anon

        Anon 11:11, you and I sound similar- I love Patagonia aesthetic but doesn’t really fit my shoulders/hips. You might want to try the Halle pant from Prana. They’re bootcut with functional front and back pockets, plus a zippered thigh pocket that I like to use for a car key. They have an internal drawstring which keeps them from sliding down if you have a high waist to hip ratio. They also have snaps so you can roll them up if it’s hot. The fabric is pretty tough- I’ve had two pairs for years and the only wear issue was a button popping off after a number of years, which I fixed. They’re not as cute as Patagonia, but a little more hip than Columbia (although I have my fair share of Columbia too).

        • Anon

          Seconding the Halle pants. They’re my usual go-to for field work days and I have two pairs that are still going strong after at least 5 years.

      • Anon

        Thanks! Will check out these recs. I need something with 6ish pockets, a zipper/button waist (need to clip a radio; elastic just gets pulled down) that is both sturdy but workplace appropriate

    • Anon B

      The website Section Hiker has a list of “Cottage Industry Backpacking Gear Companies” that include some nice and functional gear for women. I’d also include NW Alpine, Stio, Swix, icebreaker, Ridge Merino, and Flylow on the list…

    • Anon

      It helps to not be married to what constitutes “hiking clothes.” There are certain things that matter for functionality and things that just don’t as much. You need a good pack, Raincoat, shoes, socks, and bra. But I did a six hundred mile hike in mostly yoga pants from TI maxx and old running shorts. I ordered like twenty pairs of hiking pants and none of them fit properly. I have one super old pair from EMS that I brought and just gave up and used clothes I had that I knew fit me and were comfortable.

      • cbackson

        Yeah, agreed. My hot-weather hiking outfit is generally running shorts, a tank, a bandana around my neck, and a lightweight longsleeved shirt, typically knotted at the waist, plus trail running shoes and a lightweight backpack. I only put on actual hiking boots if the terrain will be super gnarly, and I rarely take a raincoat for hot weather because it’s SO hot here that getting rained on is generally welcome. In cooler weather, I’ll wear leggings instead of shorts and a vest, fleece or jacket over a long-sleeved tee, and tuck a raincoat in my backpack. I haven’t worn hiking pants in decades (although I do have women’s army surplus pants that I wear when I’m doing volunteer trail construction work, bc I need more protection then).

  2. This dress

    This dress is very pretty. And also somewhat modest (I am not from a cultural background requiring that, but love it when I can layer an insulating cami under things and also wear tights b/c I am just so, so cold all the time). I think you could wear it to church (would seem that the green makes it festive enough for xmas services, but who goes any more) or to the office (whaaaat?! ).

    It used to be that I could only find church attire for 50+ women for what would have passed closest to workwear / interview wear in the very small city I used to go to to try to shop for work stuff when I was finishing up school and home on breaks. To me, that and pretty clothes were wide of the mark. These days, if it fits and is not wildly inappropriate (sequins? sheer?), I’d at least consider it for most occasions.

    I watched an old Bond movie over the long weekend. Everyone was in suits (even the villains) and the women were in clothes that very clearly telegraphed “office attire.” I really loved it. I know those days are gone, but everyone looked really good back then.

    • Anonymous

      This dress is only office-appropriate if you are Money Penny or a character in 9 to 5. It screams “old-fashioned secretary.”

      • Anonymous

        +1 I need to command a room. I already have enough problems with men thinking I’m the help, I don’t need to dress like it too.

        • LaurenB

          I think it’s a pretty dress, but it looks to me more baby-shower / ladies’ luncheon. Ah, the days when we had those occasions!

        • Anonymous

          I don’t think that this is what the help dresses like.

          It is also way fancier than anything I’d wear to a shower. Most of the people I know are strictly wash-n-wear now.

          • Anonymous

            A housekeeper wouldn’t wear this dress, but an admin would. The boss, or any professional woman with a graduate or professional degree or a professional license, wears tailored, structured clothing, not soft, flowy floral prints.

          • Anonymous

            Really?

            I feel like my workplaced leaned in hard to casual dressing, and crossed the final hurdle to all-denim, all the time about 5 years ago. I have not seen people wearing workwear in the better part of a decade unless (1) meeting some finance clients (mutual fund people wear class business attire still it seams, or at least for meetings) and (2) some conferences where all of your prospects and hated rivals are there, so you really need to look sharp.

            Otherwise, and especially this year, it is heavy on the sweater fleeces, All Birds, Rothys, and prairie dresses. It used to be hard for pregnant people to find workwear; now, everyone just seems to be in soft stretchy sacks and loose dresses.

          • Of Counsel

            ReL “The boss, or any professional woman with a graduate or professional degree or a professional license, wears tailored, structured clothing, not soft, flowy floral prints.”

            As a 15+ year attorney, that is actually not my experience at all. None of the women partners in my office would wear this to court but many of them would wear it to the office or even to deposition with a jacket. The strict “tailored” look is much more common among recent grads who are insecure or need to establish their bona fides. But perhaps this is regional.

            And as someone whose body is sliding into late middle age I am also finding that less structured clothes suit my current frame much better.

      • Lyssa

        I always feel like we need a category description for clothing items that are perfectly *appropriate* for work, but don’t convey the overall impression that I want to convey when I dress for work. This dress is a good example of that.

        (Also, why do basically all dresses now have such high, close-fitting necklines? I find those really uncomfortable. Surely there’s a place for a neckline that doesn’t risk inappropriate cleavage but also doesn’t feel like you’re being strangled by a person with extremely weak arms.)

        • Anon

          I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. It has always bothered me that the “commanding a room” look involves fitted clothes. I agree and do wear them but I’ll never understand why the “sexier” choice became the professional choice. For example, ankle length skirts aren’t usually considered business attire, but a fitted pencil skirt is. A-line skirts don’t project authority as much as an a-line skirt. Baggier pants are seen as frumpy while a defined silhouette is professional. I’m not particularly modest but our business attire just seems so male-gaze inspired to me.

          • Lilau

            I see what you’re saying.

            But, on the other hand, men’s clothing rarely looks polished unless it’s well tailored. Whatever the professional male equivalent of frumpy is, it definitely involves a baggy suit and ill fitting dress shirt plus tasseled loafers. A well tailored suit and proper shoes looks like a million bucks, but I imagine it’s much more restrictive, less comfortable, and less friendly to men without model proportions than the above-described get up. To your point, the baggy suit and loafers are still considered professional even if they don’t convey authority or look good.

          • Anonymous

            I think you are confusing tailored with body-con. It’s about the weight of the fabric and the structure. Men’s suits have structure to them even when they are not the silly too-small ones currently in fashion among young men. A-line skirts and wide-leg pants can be tailored and professional. On the other hand, skin-tight pencil skirts and that slinky dress from Black Halo are not professional.

          • Anon

            This: “A-line skirts don’t project authority as much as an a-line skirt” was supposed to say pencil skirt at the end but I’m sure you figured that out. Corrected it reads “A-line skirts don’t project authority as much as a pencil skirt.”

          • Lyssa

            This seems to conflate “structured and streamlined” with “tight and sexy.” I disagree that those are the same thing. Like the neckline issue I mentioned above, there’s a lot of space between date night wear and items that are just too high/loose/covered up/etc. I don’t think a pencil skirt is specifically “sexy” unless it’s about 2 sizes too tight. But men look bad in baggy, unstructured clothing as well!

          • hi hi hi

            When I was a summer associate more than a decade ago, a male partner loudly commented to all of us that one of my summer associate classmates was dressed so professionally and he loved her look that day. It was a tight white button-down shift and pencil skirt. None of us said anything back but the look we summer associates all gave each other in that moment afterward…

    • kk

      This is a church (or bridal/baby shower, or other social event) dress to me, not an office dress.

      Everyone looked good in James Bond movies but they were actors (not representative of normal bodies), terribly uncomfortable (corsets, itchy fabrics, etc), and people didn’t dress like that all the time in real life (consider the ‘house dresses’ in The Queen’s Gambit). Also, given the racism/bigotry/misogyny of the time, no need to make our outfits great again around here.

      • Airplane.

        Ha, love that last bit. So true. I honestly get so itchy whenever a head-to-toe vintage look is proferred as aspiration for 2020 – those were not great times for everyone, ok? Esp women. It’s fine when it’s a mix or a few details from past decades but when you look like you are cosplaying the 1950’s I get the willies.

      • Anon

        Corsets are actually awesome though. I think they have gotten a bad reputation because of extreme fashion trends, but most people weren’t breaking ribs to get a wasp waist.

        • Anon

          Corsets look great, unless you want to eat, drink, move or be at all comfortable.

        • Anon

          What type of corsets do you like? Do they have a purpose beyond presenting a hourglass figure under clothes (i.e. do they provide back support)?

          • Anon

            History major here: It is a misconception to think of corsets generally as establishing an hourglass figure (although they were used for that purpose by some women during some time periods). it was about silhouette (and bust support) rather than tiny waists. Indeed, it was not really until the development of metal eyelets in the mid-19th century that tight lacing was really a thing. Originally corsets were actually LESS confining than the stays they replaced (although may sources use the terms interchangeably and there is considerable confusion about bodies vs. stays vs. corsets partly because of the lack of uniform usage at the time.) Just to give one example, Regency women wore corsets! And it was certainly not to make their waists smaller. It is how they established that distinctive “shelf” look for their busts.

            Our ideas about corsets are informed by the mid to late 19th century whalebone garnet we see in media and by the writing of Victorian men. However, that was not the experience of most women who wore them even at that time much less the preceding 300 years. Corsets date back to at least the Renaissance and created the cone shaped torso we associate with the Elizabethan era. They were worn more or less continuously for hundreds of years with brief interruptions and ended only with the invention of elastic.

            Also note that during some periods (particularly the Regency) men wore corsets as well although that was primarily limited to the upper classes. And pretty much all women wore stays/corsets – including working women since not wearing one was essentially to label oneself as a “loose” woman.

    • Anonymous

      The English brands seem to sport more prints than the US brands. I have a Jaeger print dress that hits a similar note and have worn it to brunch, church and a day time music event. I tried tossing a jacket over it for work, but it was still too fluffy for my workplace.

  3. Sunshine

    I’ve decided this is the year to buy Christmas pajamas. My problem with buying pj sets is the pants are always too short. I’m 5’9″, 150 lbs, and more leg than torso (including muscular legs). I live in the south where it can be 75 or 35 degrees in December, so I’d prefer something mid-weight. Any recs?

    • Anonymous

      Honestly, I’d go with men’s holiday PJ pants. I’m 5-4 and the legs seem adequate for me and I’m not used to seeing taller sizes (I have a taller kid, so I do look for her; she’d recommend sleeping in socks so your ankles aren’t freezing if it is your turn to take out the dog).

    • Anonymous

      I’m 5-10”, 155lbd and I love the tall pjs at old navy. They don’t have every style in tall sizes but I find the pj pants to be tall sizes without being crazy long.

      • anon

        As a fellow 5’9″ person, I second this recommendation. I bought two pairs of Christmas flannels in the tall sizes and they fit super well.

        • Anonymous

          FWIW I am somewhere between 5’9” and 5’10”. I found the old navy flannel ok pants to be crazy long! I ordered regulars and longs but kept the regulars.

          I did order a set of thermal PJs and kept the longs in those.

    • Diana Barry

      I just got some Lands End PJs in tall and they are long enough! Not super heavy either, even though they are flannel. The waist is a bit small (I got the small tall, I am usually a size 6-8) so I would get your regular size rather than sizing down.

    • Anon

      I just got a jogger PJ set from target in a fun Christmas plaid and I loooove it

    • aBr

      Target men’s pjs. Started stealing the hubs then just got my own. Otherwise, Little Blue House by Hatley also has good length to their women’s pjs.

    • Anon

      I’m 5’2″ and all torso with no legs, so we sound like polar opposites. All the PJs I can find need at least 3 inches hemmed, and the rise is so short it feels like I’m being ripped in half slowly. Target and Land’s End were the worst, so presumably would work for you.

    • Anon

      I’ve had good luck with Gap and Victoria’s Secret talls. I’ve also recently bought tall PJ pants at Target.
      Kohl’s has some talls but their talls tend to run short. Same with Aerie – they have talls but they are super short.

  4. Partner exodus

    Can anyone speak to leaving a law firm as a junior partner to be a principal at a big four accounting firm? lifestyle? pension? buy-in? interest of work?
    I’m in the beginning exploration with two Big4 firms. It seems a bit too good to be true.

    • anonchicago

      I’m at a Big 4, but not a partner so I know very little re compensation because it’s typically closely held until one makes partner. Even people in the pipeline and close to partner at my firm mention that they don’t know what they’ll make after making Partner.

      I recommend asking this on Fishbowl in the Partner One bowl and being specific about the firm. For example, my firm has drastically reduced the pension for new partners and the buy in is funded by payroll deduction rather than a cash outlay. Every firm is different though. I am pretty sure new partner comp is much lower than BigLaw partner comp, however.

      I can tell you lifestyle will be tough anywhere especially as a new partner. That said, I see some who make it work and still have fulfilling family lives. Interest of work really depends on what you find interesting and motivating. I like what I do, but I would hate being a tax or IT consulting partner.

  5. Cook

    Seeking recommendations for your Le Creuset or Staub casserole dish. DH broke our old department store brand casserole dish over the weekend. Looking for 9×13 at least and deep for lasagna etc. thanks!!

    • The Lone Ranger

      If I needed a new 9×13 casserole dish I would get the Emile Henry one.
      Readily available, Crate and Barrel, Sur La Table, WS, and frequently at Home Goods and TJ Maxx.

    • Cleaning a casserole dish?

      Related, does any one have a good suggestion on how to clean these? I often cook a whole chicken in the dish and I have such a hard time getting the dish clean after that!

      • LawDawg

        I usually do a light coating of cooking spray before filling the casserole dish. That is enough to let the baked on stuff slide out pretty easily.

      • anon

        Here are the recommendations from Le Creuset–https://www.lecreuset.com/blogpost?cid=how-to-clean-your-dutch-oven. Bar Keeper’s friend is an abrasive and will damage the enamel on your pot over time. It’s fine occasionally if you make a mistake and some food gets burned on, but if relied on regularly, it will shorten the lifespan of your pot.

        You may be cooking the chicken on too high of a heat, or without enough liquid. I recommend placing the whole chicken on top of vegetables or a grain like rice or couscous, or cutting the chicken into parts and braising in some liquid like stock or wine.

        If it’s clean but stained, mix 1 part enzyme laundry detergent (oxyclean) with 3 parts water, boil for 10 minutes, discard the solution, rinse and wipe clean. Repeat if necessary. Don’t scrub.

        • anon

          Le Creuset actually recommends Bar Keepers Friend in the same paragraph as their own cleaner that is essentially bar keepers friend. See, Le Creuset website, How to Clean Your Dutch Oven at Sponges and Cleaners to Use, https://www.lecreuset.com/blogpost?cid=how-to-clean-your-dutch-oven (As for cleaners, our Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner will help keep your Dutch oven looking great, and is ideal for removing metal marks caused by metal tools. Bar Keeper’s Friend, or a paste of baking soda and water, also comes in handy for cleaning tough stains, oil residue and marks on your Dutch oven as well.”)

          They don’t strongly recommend it because they want you to buy their name brand cleaner.

      • Senior Attorney

        I have had great luck with baking soda. I bought a giant tub and keep it under the sink just for that.

    • Anonymous

      Honestly? I would just get a Pyrex one. They’re not expensive, don’t typically break, and I like to be able to see if something looks cooked all the way through.

      • Anonymous

        Erm… I just shattered a Pyrex baking dish over the weekend. Was totally shocked. Apparently they can shatter if dropped when cold!

    • Anon

      My lasagna pans (I have two because I tend to serve spinach lasagna when people come over) are le creuset brand, but the pottery stuff, not the enameled cast iron. They look good as new and they’re 10+ years old.

  6. Horse Crazy

    1. I’m starting my new job today – wish me luck!

    2. My mother-in-law asked us for a bedspread/comforter for Christmas. She says she doesn’t want one that’s down, nor one that’s down-alternative. How do I go about finding this type of bedspread – what should I search for?

  7. Piper Dreamer

    Where do you buy “loud” earrings? Given we are WFH for the foreseeable future (so heels/office clothes are out) and I am pregnant (so perfume is out), I want to reward myself with a pair of nice but “loud” earrings for the holidays. I usually pick up those when I travel or browse boutique clothing stores on the weekends for fun, so don’t really have a go-to brand. What do you recommend? My budget is below $1k and bonus point if it is “loud” and can be worn both in office and for fun date nights! Thanks!!

    • nuqotw

      Do you have any local jewelers? I would call them and see if they have anything/will keep an eye out for something. I find local jewelers are good at having unique fun stuff.

    • Anonymous

      Do you have any local jewelers? I would call them and see if they have anything/will keep an eye out for something. I find local jewelers are good at having unique fun stuff.

      • Anon

        +1 I don’t spend more than $30 on earrings but I love my big, funky ones from Anthro (on sale)

    • AnonATL

      I have seen Melanie Casey recommended here before, and I think her work is very pretty. She has some nice and interesting studs and dangly earrings as well.
      Once baby arrives dangly earrings may be a recipe for disaster. My 4 month old pulls my hair so much, I’ve stopped wearing necklaces and earrings for the foreseeable future. Congrats and enjoy your new shiny jewelry!

      • AnonATL

        I think someone on here also recommended Market Square jewelers to me. They have some beautiful large vintage earrings in various gemstones.

    • pugsnbourbon

      I LOVE earrings, the louder the better. Here are my suggestions:
      – acrylic earrings are popular. You could get the same effect with a more luxe finish if you looked for ones made of horn or ebony.
      – Warren Steven Scott makes distinctive earrings based on First Nations designs. I’m buying myself a pair this Christmas.
      – Ink & Alloy is new to me but has cool earrings (studs, hoops and dangles)
      – Etsy shops I like include Blue Hour Designs, Otis Jaxon, and Virginia Wynne.
      These are all well below your price point so you could get a dozen pairs for less than $1k. Have fun!

      • pugsnbourbon

        Oh and I forgot museum stores! Museums (not necessarily the big ones but the regional ones) are hurting this season so it’s a purchase you can feel extra-good about.

        • lydia

          The Metal Museum (in Memphis but they have an online store) has the BEST jewelry.

          • lydia

            it is quite expensive though… honestly, I usually get loud earrings from Etsy.

          • pugsnbourbon

            Oh WOW, they have some beautiful pieces! Pricey for sure, but truly unique and cool.

    • Sloan Sabbith

      Marco Bicego’s Jaipur collection has some really pretty, colorful earrings that could definitely be worn at work or dressed up for a date night.

    • Anon

      I too am concentrating on statement earrings for Zoom meetings and I like these designers which have a very modern look

      Faris (farisFaris dot com)
      Mahnal (mahnal dot com)
      Metalepsis (metalepsisprojects dot com)
      Another Feather (anotherfeather dot bigcartel dot com)

  8. Workout Schedule

    Peloton’ers (or non-Peloton’ers, I’m just using the Peloton content as the basis of this plan)… I’m trying to develop some kind of regular weekly workout structure using all Peloton content. Specifically, I want to bring strength training more deliberately in to my workout regimen, which is right now just ride/ride/ride/ooh, 10 min arms? sure why not / ride, etc, so not very intentional.

    I’m thinking of a weekly plan that’s something like: Monday, 45 min ride / Tuesday, 20 min strength, 20 min core – / Wednesday – 30 min ride, 15 min strength / Thursday… and so on… and then fill in with specific classes each Sunday night for the coming week.

    Does anyone do this or have a suggestion of how to plan this so that I’m getting enough strength that it’s meaningful but not cutting myself short on cardio? I have 60 mins tops per day, but more realistically closer to 45. My primary goal is to become stronger and increase all around fitness. Open to all suggestions!

    • kk

      Check out the ‘hardCORE on the floor’ facebook group- they put out a monthly schedule of core and strength classes.
      The Power Zone Pack is also great- they have 6 and 8 week challenges of 3, 4, or 5 rides a week. Everyone measures their output (FTP) at the beginning and end of the challenges and you can see the improvement quantitatively. Depending on your goals, you could join one o the other of these groups and build a training plan.

      I have also liked Emma and Matty’s crush your core programs- but I prefer the accountability and shared experiences of the hardCORE and PZP groups.

      • anon

        Just as a warning, I find these types of Facebook groups to engage in and encourage problematic… work out regimens, eating habits, and body dysmorphia. The main PZP page isn’t so bad, but I’ve always found the PZ team Facebook page (the one you are assigned to) to be way more actual supportive than these (and similar) groups.

    • Anonymous

      Following with interest! I am very good at following directions, but terrible at coming up with a plan of my own.

    • BB

      Also check out Matt Wilper’s blog or his Instagram. He posts really good weekly training schedules on there.

    • Anon

      Andy has a 4 week strength program I started (and need to get back to) and really liked. Since I’ve got time right now, I’ll do a ride or a run in the morning and a strength at night

    • Airplane.

      If your primary goal is to increase strength and you have those time limitations you are going to have to cut back on cardio, cardio does little to nothing for increasing strength, here’s a schedule I made up as a fellow Peloton (app) user:

      Day 1: Upper Body Strength class 30 min (optional: add 10 min stretch or 15 minute yoga )
      Day 2: Lower Body Strength class 30 min (optional: add 10 min stretch or 15 minute yoga )
      Day 3: Rest (optional: add 20-30 min ride)
      Day 4: Full Body Strength or a Full Body HIIT class 20 or 30 min (optional: add a 10 min core strength class)
      Day 5: Rest
      Day 6: Full Body Strength or a Full Body HIIT class 30 or 45 minutes
      Day 7: Rest (optional: 20-30 minute ride/cardio or 5 minute core strength class)

      If you really want to increase strength you’ll want progressive overload for weights and protein to be your highest percentage macro. Hope this helps!

    • Anon

      I do some variation of this:
      Day 1: 20m ride/20m upper body (not toning)/10m core
      Day 2: 45m ride/10m stretch +/- arms toning
      Day 3: 30m ride/20-30m lower body/10m core
      Day 4: 45m-60m bike bootcamp
      Day 5: 30-40m yoga/10+m core
      Day 6: 20m ride/20m upper body
      Day 7: 45m ride/10m core +/- arms toning or 15-20m lower body

    • curlsallday

      Also- I know its not specifically what you are looking for, but the bootcamp classes provide you with a nice alternative.

      • OP

        Yes, I’ve also loved the bike bootcamp classes. I did a 45 min one with Cody yesterday and my legs are killing me – good stuff!

  9. Fightcamp

    Does anyone here have a Fightcamp freestanding heavy bag? I really, really want one, and my husband thinks I need one to deal with the stress of being cooped up with him and our teenager 24/7 (ha!), but I am hesitant to give up any of the precious floor space in our combination home office/home gym. Is this thing as awesome as it looks? How close to a wall can it go? Is the weight of the base too much for second-floor joists?

  10. CovidAndSki

    We are brainstorming winter plans and one suggestion is to go skiing in Tahoe. At a high level, this seems relatively safe to me: outdoors, socially distanced. On the other hand, I haven’t been skiing in 10+ years and I don’t know what I’m missing. I assume points of contact might be ski rentals/bathrooms on the drive over. What else am I missing? How do I assess if this is safe?

    • Anonymous

      We have decided to avoid skiing this winter not so much because of the chance of exposure at the resort, but because of hospital overcrowding and the risk of injury. Hospitals in many places are already struggling to keep up, and things are going to be much worse in Jan/Feb. I don’t want to break my ankle and then have to sit in an ER waiting room for 24 hours with a bunch of COVID patients.

      • Anonymous

        Echoing this! I twisted my ankle badly a week ago and as I lay on the ground in that first wave of pain, my immediate concern was, “I really hope I don’t have to go to the ER.”

        Thankfully ace bandages and ice have resolved it!

    • Anonymous

      The weekend WSJ had a big article on back-country skiing that may be of help.

    • Cat

      if you really want to avoid people outdoors and have a lower risk of injury, look into lower-impact winter sports like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing!

    • Anon

      We’re doing something similar – going all in on skiing. We ran the costs, and given how much we’re going to go, it made more sense to buy skis and associated gear, and it avoids another point of contact. I’d look at your specific resort, but at least at the one closest to us that we’ll be frequenting most often, much of the dining is outside and easily distanced, so we feel comfortable with it. However, we’re more experienced skiers and plan to take it pretty easy, so the injury risk is likely lower. Our area is also still fairing well (we’re near Vermont, so will be skiing at those resorts, which are an easy drive away).

    • Anon

      If you are beginner skiers, I would not do this. You will be renting skis and less able to get out of the way quickly to facilitate social distancing and you will need more breaks, which is more time indoors. You’re also more likely to get injured and to be kn crowded beginner slopes with everyone and their mother who is learning to ski this year. I suggest trying cross country skiing instead. Skiing is wonderful and you should totally get back into it – next year.

      Source: expert-level skier skier who owns all her own gear and loves it more than anything and isn’t sure the risk is manageable this year.

      • OP

        The idea would be to go with our four year old daughter and take half-day private classes with her. (Also a first time skiier). Do you even go down the bunny slopes at that age? We would be doing an AirBnB, so not staying at the resort. On the other hand, there is definitely the ski rental element and I guess driving out there, which would require rest stops on the way (SF bay area)

        • Anon

          I am also in the Bay Area and I don’t know that this would be the first year that I would take a kid skiing. I just don’t feel that you’ll be able to maintain social distancing safely in Tahoe. It’s crowded on beginner slopes most years, but especially this year and if your kid is a first-timer, the instructor will be way closer than 6 feet most of the time. Your kid will want lots of hot chocolate breaks because skiing is hard. Ski rentals for children are INCREDIBLY time-consuming and they typically take place in crowded, stuffy basements. If you can rent kids gear at home from an outdoor store before you drive up, maybe that would remove that risk, but otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend.

        • Anonymous

          We have 5 year old twins – they have been skiing twice and we are definitely not taking them this year. Little kids need lots of breaks and the rental shop will take a half hour minimum as it is hard to get a small kid to tell you if their boots fit properly.

        • Anon

          I think the key is also finding a resort aggressively limiting lift tickets. All of the Vail resorts are, and reservations are required for instance. I’d try to pre-rent gear in SF, or if you’re going to really go for it and ski quite a bit, game out the cost and just buy some of it (rentals can get EXPENSIVE).

    • Thanks, it has pockets!

      I’d imagine if you live nearish a ski area and can take day trips on weekends (or you own a vacation home near one like my ex’s family did), AND own your equipment, it should be fairly low-risk. Staying in a hotel heightens the risk, so if you don’t live near a mountain and would need to stay somewhere, what about renting a cabin near a place for a week or long weekend?

      I guess my only other concern would be eating, because indoor dining isn’t a good idea right now. Do some ski areas have outdoor dining? Legit question, I haven’t hit the slopes in over 10 years either.

      One other thing to note: surely a lot of people are having this exact same idea, so you just may want to plan for/prepare for crowds.

      • OP

        We would rent an Airbnb so we didn’t have to stay at resorts. The resorts are offering outdoor dining, although the plan is really to limit it to when necessary (would be cooking at the Airbnb or doing take-out). But would probably need to do bathroom breaks on the slopes and/or not sure how crowded the slopes will be. If you’re a total four year old beginner, do you even go on the lift?

        • Anonymous

          My daughter was riding the chairlift by the end of her first day of lessons at age 4. And the kids are likely to get right on a T-bar or “magic carpet” lift in the teaching area right away.

    • Anon

      I’m planning on skiing in NH, where I live. I bought a season pass to a smaller mountain that’s out of the way of tourist spots but still less than an hour from my house. The mountain is requiring reservations to ski, except for season pass holders so they will be controlling the number of people there. They are going to have outdoor food trucks and trailers with restrooms. At first I didn’t understand how the trailers were safer for the skiers than the lodge restroom but then I realized it is for the safety of their staff. Maintaining the trailers will likely be contracted out. The lodges will basically be closed. You are supposed to use your car as the lodge this year. So put your gear and boots on in the car/parking lot. Leave your bags and stuff in the car. Put what you absolutely need (medicine, money for the food truck) on your person. Go from your car to the lift line (if you own your gear). I would not rent gear on the mountain this year. The lines are long in the best of times. I’d rent from a local ski shop if you rent at all.

      While I am an expert skier, I plan on skiing more cautiously this year to avoid injury as others noted. Of course, you don’t 100% control your injury risk. My worst injury was when an out of control skier hit me. Wear a helmet! I don’t think this is a good year to try downhill skiing as a beginner but I think it is fine for experienced skiers.

      I also have cross country skies and am getting snow shoes to mix it up.

    • Anonymous

      We are avoiding skiing as well due to risk of injury and the necessary contacts of lodges, lift lines, etc. We are going to try snowshoeing.

    • Anonymous

      You and everyone else! Being on the slopes is distant. Lift lines probably won’t be, lodges won’t be (ya gotta pee, even if you eat outside you’re still going inside to buy food most places), rentals won’t be, lessons won’t be.

    • Anonymous

      Each resort has a detailed description of their Covid-compliant plans. Most rely on limiting attendance and moving activities outside, like dining on heated terraces. Look at the resort web page to see if you feel comfortable with the plan. I would also look at the L A Times by-county Covid tracking information to get a sense of the healthcare system in the area. Mammoth, for example, is in Mono County with limited hospital capacity and they have been transferring patients to a Reno hospital that is already overwhelmed. We are planning to stay home this Winter unless and until the case count in these area warrants a reevaluation. With a small child I would instead suggest closer sno-parks where the family can snowshoe and play in the snow.

    • OP

      Thank you all! It seems that the unanimous vote seems to be no, which is disappointing,but a helpful data point as we work through how to think about this!

      Two other friends are also planning on skiing with their respective four year olds which is where we got the idea. It’s what makes this all so hard: these moments of “am I missing something if other people are doing it, or am I taking the prudent option?”

    • kk

      I wouldnt go skiing. Bloomberg has a great article about this – I’ll link below.

      • kk

        I agree with everything said above. In addition, I dont love that by skiing you’re getting to go do something fun outside, but that you’re also requesting people (a lot of people) to work to make that happen for you- lift and snow operations, dining, cleaning, hospitality, etc etc- you’re expecting that they’ll put themselves at risk so that you can do a vacation activity.

        • anon

          I get your point, but on the other hand, if nobody skis, nobody who does lift and snow operations or dining or hospitality at a ski resort has a job. Since it doesn’t look like another wave of COVID relief is coming any time soon, those people need to be able to earn a wage.

          • Anon

            This is the quintessential problem in US. The Bloomberg article was about ski resorts in other countries getting relief.

            I’m the NH poster above. While I very much appreciate my local mountain’s plan to keep us safe, I don’t understand how it will be profitable for them to be open this season at such reduced capacity (though I anticipate more people sprung for season passes like myself) and with the lodge essentially closed.

            Maybe they will end up selling more food though because we will all be smelling it cooking outside while waiting in the socially distanced/reduced capacity lift line.

          • Anon

            I’ll also add that I did read somewhere that even if they aren’t profitable at reduced capacity this year, it is marketing for next year. Essentially, once skiers miss a full year, they are less likely to pick it back up, particularly at season pass levels the next year. If they can get their customers a couple of safe days on the slopes, they are much more likely to return the following year.

  11. Anon

    late last week on social media Kamala Harris shared some of her family Thanksgiving recipes. i was talking about it with some friends and one said that doing that seemed more like something a first lady would do and that a male VP would never share recipes, while another thought it was great and that a VP can still share recipes and be taken seriously as a politician. would love to get the hive’s thoughts?

    • Anonymous

      As a Black woman VP-elect, Harris has to walk such a very narrow tightrope. She needs to appear strong, but not too tough and definitely not angry, and relatable but not overly feminine. See, for example, the way she handled Pence during the debate. The recipe release was probably carefully calibrated by her PR team. It makes me angry that she has to do this.

    • Cat

      I thought, sigh, yet another powerful woman feeling pressure to be wife-mom-relatable-likable.

    • Anon

      I guess I didn’t mind it? I’d like to see Joe Biden share some too. There was a good article about Tony Blinken being the first Secretary of State to have toddlers while in office and I loved it. I don’t think erasing women’s experiences at home (recipes! hobbies! kids!) is helpful, I just want to see similar coverage of men.

      • AFT

        Tony Blinken on Sesame Street (from 2016) was so wholesome. I loved it. Nice to have good humans going into these offices.
        Kamala cooks proudly and it’s been part of her branding (e.g., Mindy Kaling cooking promo when she was in the primary; her back and forth with the VA senator about tuna melts in the spring). I truly think she enjoys it, but also I think it is a somewhat deliberate attempt to make her human and acceptable. I hate she has to do it and walk such a careful line, but I’m not going to criticize her for playing the game well.

      • anan

        Yes this! Gender equality isn’t about giving women the opportunity to step into a man’s world by acting like a man”, but also letting men be seen in more domestic arenas too. And ultimately knowing that it doesn’t matter who bakes the cookies or signs the legislation.

    • anon

      It seems that cooking is one of Harris’ main hobbies, so I think it seems genuine and appropriate for her to share content related to her interest. I consider it like Obama’s sharing his book and music recommendations.

      • Anonymous

        Agreed. She’s a smart woman, so she likely knows the cultural baggage that comes with food preparation in the U.S., and nothing a super senior politician does is free of the knowledge how it will play, but I also get the impression she really enjoys cooking. For instance, the video from Jonathan Capehart about how to brine a Turkey. It was directly for popular media consumption, but she reminds me of my friends passing on their tips about a new recipe.

    • American Girl

      I think that once you’ve been elected to Vice President of the United States, people have decided that they take you seriously as a politician, and you can share all the recipes you want.

      • Anonymous

        I disagree. She now has to position herself to be the first woman president.

    • Anonymous

      I think it would be awesome if we could just collectively stop nitpicking every minor thing she does. Of course a person can both share a recipe on social media (for which she very clearly has staff) and be a serious politician.

      • Anonymous

        She has a spouse. Is it not the spouse’s job to share recipes (no matter the gravitas of the spouse)?

          • Anonymous

            Because she has the Big Job and her husband is stepping back from his career to be the Second Gentleman and official host.

        • Anon

          In my family it would be only because my husband does our cooking and I really don’t have any recipes.

          Although, on second thought, I do have a few things I make on special occasions.

        • Ellen

          Yes, I wonder what good recipes her spouse (who is a man) can actually cook? After all, Dad says he will have much time to sit around in DC waiting for her to come home at night and should be able to do more as the second gentelman then just dust the furniture while Kamala is out and about, involved in making Foreign Policy. I should have taken more courses in this topic at GW, as mabye then I could have become something more exciting then I am now here in NYC as an attorney at law. FOOEY!

    • anon

      I think Kamala gets to decide what a female VP wants to do. If she wants to share a recipe on a holiday, go for it? I am assuming here that she wasn’t instructed to do this by her team in an effort to make her seem nice or approachable. IMO she doesn’t need to go that far, she needs to get to work on getting the country back on it’s feet and through this pandemic. We may see various things from her we don’t associate with a VP because, well, there hasn’t been a female VP before. She may try various things until she finds her style. I don’t want to waste time picking it apart really, as long as she’s doing her job when she needs to do her job.
      General thoughts: People share recipes virtually and in person. Women share recipes. Men do too I think, but probably not as much. I feel like it’s sexist if it’s something that women (or men?) are made to feel required to do. It’s more normal life stuff if it’s something women or men want to do because they enjoy making food. I don’t know Kamala’s motivations here.
      Also, Twitter makes the lines between personal and professional blurry at times. Trump made those lines even blurrier. I am curious to see if Twitter goes back to being more background noise when the new administration takes over.

      • anon

        Kamala is a great cook! I love to cook and I read recipes all the time….my husband an my son also love to cook…we talk about recipes and we are serious about good food. Recipes and cooking are not fluffy or shallow topics…good for her and she can share whatever she wants!

    • A.

      I have Barack Obama’s chili recipe so other (male) politicians have definitely shared similar!

      • Senior Attorney

        Oh, that looks like a nice recipe. Cumin is an essential ingredient in any good chili. And I like that he serves it over rice.

  12. Hildy J.

    This is a beautiful dress. A bit random, but back in May I bought a giant bottle of 20-volume creme developer, thinking I’d be coloring my hair at home. It turns out at-home demi-gloss hair color looks awful on me, so if anyone NYC-based wants the bottle, it’s all yours. Just send a way to contact you.

  13. Anon

    We did Thanksgiving with just myself, husband, kids and mom (she’s been providing childcare, so already in our bubble) and it was SO SO nice. I don’t think we’re ever going to go back to the big Thanksgiving. We cooked what we wanted, didn’t make what we didn’t, and wore PJs the whole time.

    • anne-on

      This. It was just our immediate family on Thanksgiving and while I still spent a LOT of time in the kitchen it was cooking ‘fun’ things that I wanted to be making with my son, not the stuff I ‘had’ to make because uncle/aunt/cousin so and so loves it and I wanted to be a good host. We all wore cozy clothing, and while the dishwasher was still working overtime I didn’t use every single pot and pan multiple times, have to hand-wash all my platters/serving dishes, serve appetizers/breakfast the morning after to guests, and deep clean the house before and after the holiday.
      I still love thanksgiving, but I think we realized that we’re ok stepping back from hosting for a bit.

    • Anonymous

      We were just a group of 3 and ate on melamine plates instead of the fine china, made our favorite sides instead of the sides we “had” to, and I actually didn’t feel stressed out and overwhelmed. Very nice. But I did miss having people over.

    • Anon

      I did miss the big Thanksgiving gathering (I usually host for about 20-25), but loved the simple, low-effort dinner that I shared with my husband and daughter. My husband said it was the best Thanksgiving ever, and he is usually the one issuing dinner invitations liberally to all the strays he encounters (a good thing, but I am never 100 on headcount because he doesn’t keep track). It was different, but I appreciated this alternative, too. And I took a 4-day weekend without doing any work, yay!

    • Anon

      AMEN. It was just my husband and me this year. We made pancakes, bacon, coffee and OJ for breakfast which was so fun to do together, and then reheated all of the food we bought from the butcher for Thanksgiving dinner which was absolutely delicious. It was so easy and low stress and enjoyable, I think it’s a new tradition for us!

    • Anonymous

      Since we didn’t spend basically two days traveling to one of our families, I got so much more stuff done. My Christmas decorations are up and half the Christmas cards are addressed and it’s not even December. This is a record in my house.

    • Thanks, it has pockets!

      Honestly? Same, kinda. I will be excited to get back to our regular routine next year, fingers crossed, but man, cooking whatever we wanted, eating when we wanted, and drinking as much as we wanted without worrying about having to drive, was kind of amazing.

      We’ve never hosted Thanksgiving or Christmas, we’re always driving out to visit family around those holidays, but making the feast myself really gave me a greater appreciation for those who do generally take it upon themselves to cook a big meal for others. It’s not only a lot of work, but you have to really strategize on timing to ensure everything is hot and ready when you sit down to eat.

    • anon

      I missed hosting my family, but I also enjoyed having the day for my family of 4. I still cooked, but it was SO MUCH EASIER than playing refrigerator and oven Jenga for a party of 20. I also didn’t have to clean the house before and after and drag out tons of extra tables and chairs.

    • Senior Attorney

      Agree! We just had my son and his roommate (outside, distanced). We got the turkey dinner from a local restaurant and I made the important things: mac n cheese and homemade dinner rolls. Oh, and we ate on our Looney Toons plates!

      So funny — we have a small family and in the past I’d scrambled to fill my big table and felt like a failure if I had less than 8 or 10 at dinner. Never again! I loved our small thanksgiving!

    • Anon

      I liked this year for a really weird reason: I hate, hate, hate eating “one huge meal” and two non-meals. Usually, we spend so much time cooking the Thanksgiving meal that breakfast is a yogurt and dinner is scraps from the main meal. I can’t eat 2.8 meals worth of food at one sitting, so I actually eat LESS on Thanksgiving than I normally eat.

      Since we cut way back this year, it was easy enough to do eggs with hollandaise and veggies for breakfast and an actual (but late) dinner. So nice.

    • Anon

      We would have been able to do Thanksgiving in our bubble, but my parents said no due to a very difficult, pushy, obnoxious relative who would have made trouble and probably shown up anyway. So it was just me and hubby, and wow was the lack of stress amazing! I’m already mourning having to go back to tolerating said relative at future holidays (the whys are complicated).

      • Senior Attorney

        I told my husband that this is the first year in memory that I didn’t have anybody I dislike at my Thanksgiving table!

    • Anon

      5+ years ago my oldest was in club sports and there was always a thanksgiving weekend tournament so we stopped traveling to family. That broke the habit and we’ve never gone back, despite the fact that club sports are firmly in the rear view mirror now. I love just having our family of four, plus some years we include various friends who don’t have other plans (not this year, sadly.)

      It’s so nice to have a meal for 4 or 5 and no dramatic arguments about politics, that one thing from childhood my sister is still holding a grudge about, the obnoxious boyfriend/fiancé no one likes, who has to sit at the kids table, etc.

      I highly recommend using this year as a reason never to go back to all of that!

  14. In-House in Houston

    Did anyone watch the finale of The Undoing? What did you think? I liked it and thought the finale was pretty intense. I’m glad though that we got a definitive answer to the whodunnit and that they didn’t leave us wondering like so many other shows have done.

    • anon a mouse

      I really liked it – I thought they did a good job of wrapping things up and getting in Nicole Kidman’s head. Overall I thought the suspense was quite well done. And with a few different scene choices, I would have easily been convinced that she had done it. But I’m grateful for no ambiguity.

    • Ellen

      I did. I loved it! I almost thought Henry had killed the sexy woman his dad was having s-x with, since he had the hammer in his violin case, but OMG, what an ending! I thought Hugh Grant looked very old and worn; perhaps they made him up that way. I could never have s-x with him now! And Nicole Kidman looked great as usual, and she is over 50! Dad says she may have had work done on her face, tho her body is still very svelte! Tom Cruz was kind of dumb to break up with her; Dad thinks he was to short for her, but she would be to tall for most guys other then basketball players. It was a little implausable to me that he would in one evening, attend a fund raiser, leave the fundraiser to meet that woman, have s-x with her; kill her; come home to Nicole; have s-x with Nicole, then leave the next morning for Lake George? And why didn’t the police go out to their place in the Hamtons and search it earlier? They could have found the hammer there. And when did Nicole tip off the prosecutor with all of the critical details? That was NEVER shown on the show! I also don’t know why the Doctor was so psycho while driving upstate! I recognized all of the places in Manhattan, but where was the bridge he was about to jump off?

    • NYCer

      Spoiler below in case people haven’t watched.

      I liked the show overall, but did not care for the finale. I agree with being happy there was a definitive answer (and I actually did think it was Hugh all along), but the very end just seemed….over dramatic and unnecessary? I can’t articulate exactly why I didn’t like the finale, but I just felt kind of meh when it finished.

    • Anonie

      YES! I loved the ending and felt so satisfied by who the murderer turned out to be. My fiance disagreed and was hoping for more shock value; based on my loose skimming of online discussions, it seems like lots of viewers were disappointed. I thought it was absolutely perfect. It made me think of the instruction from my college creative writing teachers that good plots end in ways that feel “inevitable.” For me, the ending felt very inevitable. I think modern TV culture is a little too desperate for “shock value” and crazy plot twists.

  15. Anonymous

    Gift ideas for mom? She has 4 grandkids, so is already getting a photo ornament and calendar. She usually loves “experience” presents, but I don’t think those make sense with COVID right now, plus we will not be seeing her very much. Not trying to spend more than $50. So far the only other thing I’ve gotten is nice hand cream. Appreciate any ideas!

  16. Anon

    What are your favorite fish recipes? I’d like to include more fish in my diet and would especially appreciate recipes for baked fish because it’s so easy. No major requirements besides low mercury, etc., although recipes that can be made from frozen filets would be welcome. TIA!

    • Anon

      Salmon needs little dressing up for me; it’s just so good no matter what.

      I don’t use a lot of recipes (maybe I should), but if baked fish ever doesn’t come out quite the way I hoped it would, I dump it in soup. Miso soup, Japanese curry soup with lemon, or if the issue is that it’s too fishy, a “hot and sour” soup like Thom Kha or something Chinese with enough sesame oil and vinegar to cut the fishiness.

    • Airplane.

      Honestly, I’ve been doing a LOT of toaster oven fish and I’ve stopped messing with true recipes and just do it by taste – thaw your fish (salmon, walleye, perch, orange roughy, cod, tilapia anything). Put it on foil or silicone mat, salt and pepper. Then in a little bowl make a sauce – easiest one for salmon – mustard, mayo or greek yogurt, lemon juice. Whisk, spread, bake at 375 for 10-15 depending on thickness of your fillet.
      Sauces I’ll change it up but it’s basically a creamy thing (greek yogurt, TJ’s greek goddess salad dressing, sesame dressing) plus a acidic thing (lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, capers and the juice they come in) plus another flavor (coconut aminos, soy sauce, soyaki, ginger and szechuan jarred sauce)

      • Emma

        Yeah, I do a lot of baked white fish with lemon zest, herbs, salt and olive oil, or salmon with maple, mustard and dill.
        A fun and easy variation is homemade breaded fish filets – beat up and egg or two, dip filets in egg wash, then dip in breadcrumbs (homemade or store brought, seasoned to taste). Toss on an oven proof plate and bake about 15-20 minutes at 350, until golden brown. It won’t be as crispy as fried fish, but still tasty and much healthier.

    • Thanks, it has pockets!

      I love tilapia because it’s cheap, easy to bake, and super versatile that many types of seasoning work on it. I like to use the seafood seasoning blends from Denny Mike’s, Red Lobster, and Todd’s Dirt, but stuff like Jamaican jerk seasoning, lemon pepper, za’atar, and herbes de provence blends work nicely as well.

      For lunch, I like to bake half a tilapia fillet and put it in a whole grain wrap with romaine lettuce, no condiments needed!

      It’s also nice to cook the tilapia in a sauce of garlic, shallots, white wine, diced tomatoes, and tarragon, and serve it over brown rice.

      As for salmon, I don’t have that as often, but a sesame ginger sauce works really well with that.

    • No Problem

      It’s not really a recipe, but I make fish in a frying pan at least once a week. I buy the frozen tilapia filets (individually wrapped) from the grocery store and set one in a bowl of lukewarm water to unfreeze. Pat dry with paper towels, add salt, pepper, and red pepper. Sautee with butter on each side. Then remove from the pan. Add some more butter and lemon juice to the pan. Let the butter melt, swirl it all around a few times, then pour over the fish. Can include capers if you have them and you’re feeling fancy. Served with a baked potato and some steamed broccoli. If I get the timing right, dinner is on the table in about 20 minutes.

      You could also bread the fish (dredge in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs and let sit for a bit before cooking) if you wanted something a little crispy.

    • Anon

      I love fish in parchment paper (en papillote) because it’s easy clean up and I don’t get fish aroma all over everything in my kitchen.

      I use foil about half the time.

      Butter a piece of foil or cut a square piece of parchment paper. Lay the fish filet in the middle, add salt and pepper. Now put some stuff on top, fold the foil/paper to make a closed packet around the fish and bake. Maybe 375 for 20-25 min.

      Stuff to put on top. Citrus zest. Scallions. Herb sprigs. Tomato slices. Very thinly sliced zucchini. Corn kernels. Olives. Slices of bell pepper. Always finish with olive oil or a pat of butter.

      Once your packets are done, open them on your plate over some rice or a slice of good bread to absorb some of the delicious juices.

    • Anonymous

      On a tray in the oven from from frozen 30 min. on 180 C.

      I prefer fresh, though, e.g. salmon or cod fillets. For fresh I bake vegetables on the bottom of the tray, dressed with olive oil, salt and spices. Potatoes or other things that need a long time can either be parboiled, or just stay in alone until 15 minutes until done. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, peppers, kale etc will be fine with 15 minutes. Put the fish on top of the vegetables (or at the side, if you prefer), season, add slices of lemon or lime on top of the fish. If the fish has skin, I put it skin side up, brush with oil and salt (and put the lemon on bottom) for crispy skin.

      Put back in for 15 minutes, or whenever fish is ready. I’m non-fussy and do 200 C for fresh fish, but 180 is probably fine (better?) for fresh as well.

  17. Anything with chocolate

    Reposting from the weekend (thanks CHL)… Recs for a sturdy platform bed? Anyone ever order from Modern Dugs?

  18. anon

    Has anyone bought any insulated pants that they really love? Not snow pants, but something warmer than a legging or jeans for long walks and winter park trips with my kiddo. I live in the Midwest, where the temperatures aren’t unbearable most of the time, but the wind is a problem to overcome. I’ve tried my fleece-lined running tights — without the extra heat from working out, they are not warm enough. I’m tired of my legs and butt being freezing cold, even though the rest of me is warm and comfortable. Maybe I need to be layering my pants, but it’s so uncomfortable on a sensory level.

    • anon

      I have these in the grey from Uniqlo and they sound like they would work for your purpose:

      https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women-heattech-warm-lined-pants-420360.html

      I wear them curling (lots of squatting/bending) and like them for that purpose. I don’t love love them, as I am muscular/curvy and find uniqlo ALWAYS fits me poorly through my hips (too tight relative to waist/length/etc.). But, for the price they have lasted well and are practical.

    • Anon

      I wear the fleece lined running tights with Patagonia Happy Hike or Duluth Trading Co NoGa pants over them.

    • pugsnbourbon

      I live in the midwest and bought these off Amazon last year: Camii Mia Women’s Winter Warm Outdoor Slim Windproof Waterproof Ski Snow Fleece Hiking Pants. They aren’t totally windproof but they are definitely water-resistant. They run small in the waist, so size up an inch or two.

    • BB

      I’ve never found pants that are good at this, so I go with the layers. I am a HUGE fan of Uniqlo’s HeatTech leggings. The level 2 ones should cover you for a normal winter under jeans or other pants. I wore the level 3 ones under really thin rain pants one Canadian winter when it was -40F windchill and was fine hiking!

    • Silly Valley

      Fleece lined or flannel lined jeans or pants: Athleta, Duluth Trading, Eddie Bauer, LL Bean, Lands End.

    • Anonymous

      I like Mountain Hardwear fleece lined pants for this. They usually have a couple of styles that don’t have a bunch of gear details and work for around town.

    • Anon

      I have Under Armour cold gear pants that are going on 10 years now. Not tights/leggings, but actual pants.

  19. Anon

    Follow up to the biking shoes discussion last week, I was the biker/Peloton rider with wide feet. After reading way too much about bike shoes over the weekend, I found out that Shimano and Bontrager “wides” actually use the same shoe last, so they are in fact no wider. They add in extra fabric in the upper, so it’s more comfortable for high volume feet- apparently most people are in fact high volume without extra width, which causes regular size shoes to be tight but their foot doesn’t actually go over the edge. I am a true wide, so this wouldn’t work for me. I found that Lake actually does have wide 3 different wide lasts and their measurements included width in millimetres. I was able to find a pair that fit me (small men’s in the widest last). Without the width measurements online, I would have ordered the women’s wide, which would not have fit me. One ride in and I’m liking them so far, although I had to go with a boring color.

    • Anon

      As an aside, what brands of regular shoes do you like? I’m also a true wide and so many brands of shoes only add fabric in the upper rather than making the sole wider. It’s so frustrating.

      • Anon

        It’s so hard to find something that fits- I usually buy up a half a size in leather or other material that stretches. I haven’t found many office shoes that work. I used to wear a lot of Payless brands in wide. Clarks are not wide enough at the front, but too wide at the back. For hiking or running, Keen, Altra, or Brooks, for sneakers or flip flops, Olukai or New Balance.

  20. anon

    My 23 year old sister needs some help with personal finance. Specifically she needs to set up a retirement savings account and invest. I think she doesn’t really monitor her spending closely, but it’s not out of control as far as I can tell. She knows she needs to do these things and her parents have been harping on it, but she’s not the most proactive person and I suspect the issue is that she just doesn’t know what to do step by step and it probably feels somewhat inaccessible.
    Are there personal finance type gifts I can give her for christmas that would be interesting and accessible for her?

    • Anonymous

      Is she eligible for retirement accounts at work? At a minimum, encourage her to enroll and designate enough to get any employer match.
      I also think YNAB is a good tool for really understanding where you are spending your money and provides a level of detail that can set some good habits. Maybe a subscription to that? There’s a bit of a learning curve, but just the exercise of inputting/reviewing imported transactions is eye-opening.

    • Cat

      oh please don’t do this as a Christmas gift. I would view this as akin to getting someone an unprompted Weight Watchers gift. This is at most a casual conversation topic.

    • Anonymous

      Has she asked for your help in this? This can be touchy, especially if the family is already harping on it. Kind of reminds me of the time my older brother tried to have “the talk” with me because I was squicked out by my parents talking about it. So, so uncomfortable.

      If she’s asked for your help, a gift of your time would be more better than a book she’s probably not going to read. Help her set up a vanguard. Maybe your “gift” can be setting up an account with a little bit of money in it? I’d still offer to sit down with her to set up her autodeposits and help with a budget. You could also consider a ynab gift membership.

      • Anon

        This is brilliant and compassionate. A small start on her 401k plus setting it up for her would be far better than further harping.

      • Anonymous

        Ha I just re-read my comment – I promise I didn’t intend to write “more better”!

    • Silly Valley

      If she hasn’t asked for your help, I wouldn’t do anything. She’s 23; she has plenty of time to realize that time passes. But if she’s mentioned it, a good starter book is The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to be Complicated, by Helaine Owen and Harold Pollack.

    • Anonymous

      I think she just needs to read a book on personal finance, but I would not give this as a Christmas gift! I read “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” at that age and found it helpful – it has a step-by-step breakdown of how to get things in order. I’ve also heard good things about “Your Money or Your Life.”

    • blueberry

      Casually mention the blog b*tches get riches to her, send her some links and say it helped you. Or at least that’s what’s worked for me in terms of getting my adult younger sister to do anything.

    • Anonymous

      I would say to her what I told my sister when she got her first really job at 24- “make sure you are taking advantage of any employer retirement accounts, you should at minimum be saving up to get the match. I have my retirement stuff with Fidelity. Give them a call and they can set you up. You don’t need to do much other than pick an indies fund. I like this one. For what it’s worth, I’m so glad I started saving at 22 because it made things way easier down the line.”

      Beyond that, I’d butt out. I’m now 37, married, and DH and I have nearly $1M in retirement savings now. My sister is now 33 and has only just started saving, and only a small bit. We have ballpark the same income.

      You can’t force this stuff.

    • Anonymous

      I liked “The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke” by Suze Orman when I was just out of college and trying to figure things out for myself.

    • Anonymous

      Please don’t do this. My in-laws always try and give us financial advice and it’s so out of touch because they don’t know how much we earn, our priorities, or our employer funded retirement plans.

    • anon

      Do not turn personal finance stuff into a Christmas gift! It will not come across well from an older sibling.

    • Anon

      Has asked you for help? If the answer is anything but yes, do not do this – not for christmas, not ever.

    • Ribena

      Just get her The Defining Decade by Meg Jay, which covers finance in among all the other stuff. And not as her Christmas present, but as a ‘hey, I thought you might find this useful, a 26-year-old friend of mine said they swore by it’ sort of way.

    • Anon

      Don’t give her this type of gift. You’re just joining the chorus of harping on her. This is not a gift. This is you trying to impose your vision of what she should be doing on her.

      Give her something she will like and enjoy. Stop right now with any thoughts of financial planning “gifts” to her.

    • Thanks, it has pockets!

      I think it’s wise to set up a retirement account at 23, but she’s still young enough that she won’t be screwed if she waits a few more years to get the ball rolling, this is not something you need to be pushing on her this holiday season, especially if mom and dad are already on her about it.

      She is, however, old enough to be understandably annoyed if every adult in her life is butting into her business and acting like an extra parent, as though she’s too young and stupid to figure anything out herself or make any adult decisions. Be her ally, not an authority figure.

    • body pillows

      I’m actually surprised how many negative comments are on here. I would have loved it if my older brother took me aside when I was 23 and gave me some basic advice. I didn’t have a clue. He’s a multi-millionaire now from basic, easy to follow, financial habits.

      OP – What helped me the most was when my parents actually gave me a small gift of $ and said it was specifically to open a ROTH IRA. My Dad then sat down with me and helped me set up a Fidelity IRA, explained what funds he was investing in and why, and explained how IRAs worked. I was a graduate student at the time and lived on 8K a year so I didn’t know what an IRA was and certainly didn’t have a 401k. But that was the perfect time to explain that to, if your sister has those options.

      I would have loved it if I had a big sister to help me with this.

      • anon

        +1 I contributed to 401k to get the employer match, but was clueless otherwise. It was my brother who keyed me in on Roth IRA. He explained what it was, told me which institution he has his account with (Vanguard) and which funds he recommended. That was that. I set the account up myself and started funding it with my own money, but it was so helpful to even know the option existed.

  21. Anon

    Could use the Hive’s input on something. We had a great Thanksgiving with just myself, my son and my husband. Very chill, we did minimal cooking as we picked up most food from local restaurants. My son asked, during the meal, if we thought next year we would go back to having a big family Thanksgiving with my extended family, which we have not had since 2017.

    What he doesn’t know (because we intentionally shielded him from it) is that last year, my mom and my uncle (her older brother) had a major blowout that had honestly been percolating for probably 30 years. They no longer speak. It was one of those family fights where rather than let the two people in conflict work it out for themselves, everyone decided to pick a side, so now we have several family members no longer speaking to other family members. I have mostly decided to stay out of it but have stayed in contact with my mom, and I had limited contact with my uncle anyway. I don’t think the big family holiday celebrations are coming back, ever, unless something drastically changes. Our family has basically fractured, and no one seems interested in putting the work in to repair the break. And most of these people are in their 60s and 70s so I am sorry to say, there is a non-zero chance they will die before they work it out (which I have pointed out to several of them). It made me sad to think that he had those great memories that are unlikely to ever be repeated. I really don’t want to expose my son to more of our family dysfunction than I have to; at the same time, I would hate for him to keep wondering why we aren’t seeing certain people any more or going to family celebrations and not have an explanation.

      • Anon

        +1 Your son doesnt care about the details or his grandma’s brother. Grandma + a few more people who could be friends (or his friends even) will satisfy him.

    • Anon

      Depending on the age, you could just say, “we’ll see what everyone’s plans are” or “Uncle John and his family are celebrating on their own this year” and leave it at that. If older, “Aunt Susan and Uncle John had a fight and don’t get along anymore. It’s really sad, so big family gatherings probably won’t be happening anymore. We can create our new traditions with [XYZ].”

    • No Problem

      How old is your son? Unless he’s really young, I think he’s probably old enough to be told something. You don’t have to get into the details of what the argument was about if you don’t want to, but if he’s old enough to remember a big Thanksgiving in 2017 he is probably old enough to understand that sometimes people have fights with each other that aren’t easy to resolve. And there’s a good lesson in there for him about talking with people about problems so that they don’t simmer for 30 years…and also that sometimes there are problems that are bad enough that you shouldn’t try to resolve them.

      Source: my grandmother apparently had ongoing feuds with several of her siblings for many years. I never knew what they were about, but I also knew my grandmother was a very strong-willed woman who had opinions about things and people. So in the grand scheme of things it wasn’t surprising she didn’t get along with everybody. As far as I know, the feuds were not resolved before the parties’ deaths. There’s just a wing of the family that I don’t know at all because of it, but that’s life.

    • Silly Valley

      Assuming he’s not like, 2, I’d tell your son an age-appropriate explanation. There’s no reason for him not to know that his grandmother and her brother had a serious disagreement and don’t spend time with each other anymore. (I say this as someone who grew up in one of those families where you didn’t talk about these things, and you had to infer it from ‘the vibe’ and as an anxious kid it only made me more anxious.)

    • Anon

      yea i dont know how old your son is, but there were a lot of things that went on behind this scenes with my mom and her siblings, which maybe weren’t appropriate to tell me if i’d been 5 years old, but i was a teenager at the time that some stuff happened and was kind of confused as to why they stopped coming for holidays. i mean i knew my dad was never their biggest fan, but they did some pretty shady stuff (e.g. my aunt convinced my senile grandmother to sign a second mortgage to her home [she didn’t really know exactly what she was signing], so my aunt’s family could renovate her kitchen and then tried to hide it from my mom and other sibling and it only came to fruition when my mom took over my grandmother’s finances after they realized her beloved aide had been stealing thousands and thousands of dollars from him), and i wish i’d at least been told something, bc my mom had been super super close with her siblings and it never totally made sense to me

    • Anon

      This has happened a bit in my family. We just do a group of people who are still on speaking terms + other relatives (the issue is on my moms side , so we’ll do relatives from her side we like + my dad’s side + close/long term family friends without local family). It’s honestly more fun, because everyone now likes each other (people have only stopped speaking after my grandma died; but before that they still didn’t get along – just kept up appearances for grandma)

      All that to say – you can still do the big celebration, you just might have to do it with different people.

      I agree with the advice above – if he’s still pretty young just say your uncle and those who took his side are doing something else this year. If he’s older, acknowledge that there was a falling out.

    • Anonymous

      Sorry you’re going through this. Something similar happened in my family. I promise you that your son has picked up on some of the tension, assuming he’s older than like 4. You’re not doing him any favors by pretending everything is fine when it’s obviously not. It’s almost like lying? (Gentle) honesty is best.

    • Anon

      My family is exactly like this, and interestingly so is my husband’s. We both grew up in your son’s position relative to the family drama. Depending on his age, I would consider just being honest about the situation with him. At some point I became independently aware of the drama, but with no real understanding of it. I’m in my 30’s now and my relationships with extended family is becoming less and less dependent on my parents. Navigating those dynamics is very tricky for me because I never know what topics to avoid.

      • LaurenB

        I think that your personal belief whether the estrangement is justified (someone did something really horrible / unforgivable to someone else, and shows no sign of remorse) versus not justified (mom and her brother are arguing over who sat where on a previous Thanksgiving dinner) will play a large part in how you explain things to your son.

  22. Anon

    Has anyone found that the Lysol laundry sanitizer damages fabrics/weakens elastic/fades fabrics?

    • Anon

      I haven’t noticed that but I typically only use it on my kid’s clothes when disaster strikes so not super frequently. I have also used it on an area rug and upholstery to no ill effect.

  23. Stocking Stuffer Ideas

    What sorts of things are you sticking in stockings this year? One complication is I am greatly limiting my shopping outings, so prefer to buy online (grocery/target pickup etc). In years past I have stopped by the liquor store for minis and lottery tickets, but will not be doing that this year, for example. Aside from chocolate I’m having a hard time coming up with ideas.

    • Veronica Mars

      Books and magazines are often overlooked for stockings but can look great sticking out of the top (and magazines can be folded and stuffed–I’m thinking like the pretty coffee table book type; Magnolia home, etc). $5 giftcards to places like McDonalds or Starbucks. Comfy socks and hats. Rolled up soft t shirts. Baking mixes like pancakes or crepes and nice syrups.

    • Anonymous

      Target’s Wondershop brand offers a lot of nicely packaged snacks and treats for pickup.

    • Anonymous

      Fun mask chains off Etsy that can also be used as sunglasses holders (pearls, tortoiseshell, fun color woven fabric chains, etc.)
      Christmas ornaments (I leaned into the COVID weirdness and got my mom a glass Santa with a mask, but there’s lots of funny 2020 ones like toilet paper, dumpster fires that say 2020 on them, hand sanitizer bottles)
      Slipper socks (personally getting them from Soma but there’s some cute animal ones at Target as well)
      Spa-type stuff (gel eye mask you can put in the fridge, nail polish, face masks)
      Small kitchen things (I’m asking for cookie scoops and a cake leveler since I like baking)
      Nice tea
      Candles
      Chocolate, always!

    • Anonymous

      Everyone gets a pair of smart wool socks. My husband will also get a fancy candle sampler and s’mores sticks for our fire pit. I may add fancy baking mixes (cookies, brownies) from king Arthur to the kids’ stockings.

    • anne-on

      Socks (perennial fave in our house), favorite candies, books/magazine, and a small toy or two (fidget spinner, modeling putty, mini lol doll/pokemon card/action figure/etc.). In our house, stockings are to keep the kids busy while the adults get a pot of coffee on. Gift opening commences only after adults have coffee in hand.
      Adult stockings also contain socks and candy, as well as a small gift or two – I usually get kitchen doodads, my husband is getting sports stuff (sweatbands, tennis doodads, etc.).

    • Thanks, it has pockets!

      Is there really no way for you to order those mini booze bottles? I’d look into it, there might be a way.

      Aside from that, I think a roll of toilet paper poking out the top might be hilarious. Other ideas are hand sanitizer, poo~pourri, gift cards, socks, maybe makeup if the recipient wears it, maybe spice blends for people who like to cook.

      • Anonymous

        Our state liquor stores are doing curbside pickup, including mini bottles.

  24. Anonymous

    I got a combination air fryer/pressure cooker for black Friday and I’m excited. Would love some recipe recommendations if you have any you love. Thanks!

    • Anonymous

      so i dont have one (on my wishlist) but my SIL made us the most amazing potato wedges in her air fryer (they call them jojos here in the PNW apparently)

  25. Winter workout wear

    Following what is a bit of a theme this morning, does anyone have a recommendation for warm workout tights? I expect to be working out outside or in a gym with an open garage door all winter. There is enough time when I am not active, plus a walk there and back, that I think I need something warmer than my regular tights. It is Crossfit-like functional fitness and lifting, so I need to be able to move. What do you like? Bonus for lower cost.

    • Anon

      Following, since I’ll be running and biking outside year round this year for the first time.

    • anon

      I have a pair of warm workout leggings from the D!ck’s Sporting Goods house brand (DSG) that are pretty good and around 40 bucks. My dream is the Athleta Rainier tights, but ouch on the price tag.

      • Anokha

        It depends on how cold it gets near you, but I liked both the Athleta Rainier tights and the Altitude tights. I’m planning on ordering another pair today since they’re doing 20% off for Cyber Monday, and they rarely go on sale.

        • Anonymous

          Not OP, but are the Rainier ones as warm as the Altitude? Are they made from a similar fabric?

    • Anon

      I would just wear a pair of sweatpants over your regular leggings and take them off when you warm up. Otherwise you’ll be sweltering once you get going.

      • OP

        Are the fleece tights that warm? On days when I am only lifting I am not usually dripping with sweat and with freezing temps I feel like I am likely to get cold.

  26. Anon

    I took a sweater for dry cleaning and he was unable to remove a stain. It’s on the cuff, and I suspect it’s from my bad habit of resting my chin on my hand. I don’t wear makeup, but I do use multiple actives, so I’m constantly moisturizing and my face tends to be sticky. (Point being, chemical-wise it’s probably a mixture of complicated stuff.)

    Is it worth trying another business? Do dry cleaners differ that much?

    • Anon

      I’d try removing it yourself with a wet process. Look up Jolie Kerr tips on the particular type of stain but I’d probably start with a paste of Dawn soap and water, a light scrub/rub in, then a good soak.

    • Anonymous

      You should be able to wash this yourself. Soak the sweater in tepid water and washing soda for a few hours then hand wash. Roll in a towel until mostly dry and then lay flat to dry all the way.

  27. Sloan Sabbith

    Does someone have a Peloton referral code? Ordering one tonight. Thanks!

  28. Anon

    Anyone who has not yet checked out Sarah Cooper’s Twitter bits as Jenna Ellis’s law advisor should do so now. I’m cackling over here.

  29. Anon

    Has anyone tried Seed prebiotic/probiotic? I’m getting targeted ads and am very curious.

    • anne-on

      Yes, I’ve used it based on Caroline Hiron’s recommendation and really like it. I would definitely say it fights some of the monthly bloat and keeps things moving more regularly. I did seem to get fewer colds when I traveled while taking it before but that may just be confirmation bias.

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