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Coffee Break: Rib Control Top Tights

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best sweater tightsSweater tights are not for everyone or every office — but if your office is casual enough to get away with them, these ribbed ones from HUE look great. I first saw the colored version of the tights through my Shop It To Me email, which look fun for the weekend, but mostly alerted me to that heavily ribbed texture. Bloomingdale's has the black and gray ones on sale for $10.12 (were $13.50 — apparently there is a Semi-Annual Hue sale going on now through 3/30). And again I must sing the praises of control-top tights — even when I was a size 4 I wore them because my tights stayed up so much better, without any need to fuss over them, throughout the day. Note that Amazon has a number of colors also (but doesn't call them control top), and Bare Necessities has select colors on sale too. HUE Classic Rib Control Top Tights (L-all)

Sales of note for 12.5

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105 Comments

  1. Travel threadjack:
    My husband and I will be in NYC for 10 days next month and I’m looking for recommendations for fun things to do other than the typical tourist stuff, which I have done with my family as a kid. We wont really be on vacation because I’ll be working out of our NY office during the week, but we will hopefully have the weekends before & after free. I’m using Yelp for meal-planning, but I’m also open to suggestions for can’t-miss restaurants. We live in the SF bay area so we are pretty into food & have eaten in lots of amazing restaurants.

    1. Where will you be staying/working? There is so much great food here, it will help narrow down recommendations.

      Other than food, I would recommend you just explore the city – go to the parks, go see some shows, visit Brooklyn (which has probably changed a LOT since you were here as a kid), maybe go to some of the smaller museums (I love the Frick, people here also always recommend the tenament museum on the LES), maybe take a trip to the Cloisters, or just take some time to get lost and wander the streets. If you’re inclined to see any broadway/off broadway shows, you can get same-day evening or next-day matinee tickets through the TKTS booths. The Seaport one is still closed post-Sandy, so I recommend the one in Brooklyn Heights. They have great deals and it’s not crowded like the one in Times Square (my personal idea of h*ll). Brooklyn Heights is also just a really lovely, picturesque neighborhood to wander around in – you can make a fun day out of it and walk along the promenade, get some pizza at Grimaldi’s, walk back across the BK bridge, etc. FYI: TKTS has a free iphone app so you can see what’s available that day. It’s best to get there before, or at least by, lunch.

      1. Thanks! We’ll be staying/working in Midtown East but open to going anywhere for good food. Brooklyn Bridge/Grimaldi’s was already on my list. My dad grew in Brooklyn so I am pretty familiar with some parts but I’m sure its changed a lot in the last 15 years.

        1. In midtown east, there is a nice greek seafood restaurant with increfibly fresh fish called Arva on E 48. For sweets, the Buttercup Bakeshop on 2nd avenue, btwn. 52 and 51st is wonderful (it’s owned by the ousted former co-owner of Magnolia; same great stuff but minus the tourists and lines. I’d skip the cupcakes and go straight for the Banana Pudding). The Smith on 2nd avenue is also pretty good for a neighborhood dinner (there are downtown outposts, too). If you like steak and and don’t mind spending a bit of money, BLT Steak on E 57th is so, so good. Further west, Seasonal on W 58th is a really interesting new- Austrian.

          Other places to consider (random neighborhoods): Pylos, Supper, Motorino Pizza, Prima (great seafood and drinks menu); afternoon tea at Tea & Sympathy; Prune; Dirt Candy; Clinton Street Baking Co. (brunch, but either come off-hours or be prepared to wait), Shake Shack (go to the Madison Sq. location and eat in the park on a nice day); Eataly (I like the veggie restaurant the best or check out the upstairs beer garden); Ping’s (for dim sum in chinatown), late night Korean BBQ on W 32nd St., or if the weather is nice and you want a one of a kind experience – take the train out to Brighton Beach/Coney Island and eat outside on the boardwalk at Cafe Tatiana (order lots of russian appetizers and some cold vodka).

          1. Ugh, yes to the banana pudding at Buttercup. That is hands down my most favorite dessert in the entire world.

          2. If you’re so inclined, the Magnolia/Buttercup banana pudding recipe is easy to find online and embarrassingly easy to make.

            Just sayin’

          3. @ Kanye East – this is true, BUT then I would not be limited to one serving and instead would have an entire mixing bowl. That would end badly. If you ever watched The State, I would be like Barry and Levon and their $240 worth of pudding. Must not google recipe.

          4. Finding the Magnolia Bakery vanilla cupcake recipe a few weeks ago was bad. On the other hand, my cupcake decorating skills are improving!

          5. AIMS: I thought I couldn’t love you any more. And then you made a Barry & Levon reference.

            COME HERE AND LET ME SMOOCH YOUR FACE!

    2. I’d eat at Ssam Bar, Gramercy Tavern, Spotted Pig, Pearl’s Oyster Bar, a Mario Batali restaurant (Lupa or Babbo especially), and 11 Madison Park.

      For theater, I’d go see Pippin, Sleep No More, and Hit The Wall (SNM and HTW are off-Broadway).

      For museums, I’d go see Tilda Swinton sleep in a glass box at Moma.

      1. Definitely Sleep No More! It’s so much fun and quite unique. For the best experience, wear shoes you can run it (for chasing after the actors) and accept that you will end up separated from the person you came with and you won’t see everything (I’ve been twice and I know there are scenes I missed both times). It’s an individual experience. A warning: there is nudity if that sort of thing freaks you out.

    4. Whoa! I just got back from Grandma Leyea’s! Not such a great nayborhood at note. Thank god dad had the Surburbun to take mom and me home. Ed took Rosa and the kids back upstate but wow! I have to tell Roberta that this part of the Bronx is not Riverdell! FOOEY!

      Dad loved the matza ball soup but I felt it sticking to my stomach which means it will surely land on my tuchus by tomorrow. FOOEY! But at least I am NOT goeing into work!!!! Yay!!!!

    5. Ma Peche will be close to your hotel. A few weeks ago I split the “fish for two” with my friend, got a few cocktails and dessert, and it was the best meal I’ve had in a while. Very very fun and interesting food, drinks, and desserts. The bouillabaisse at Aquavit is the greatest soup I have ever had. Very memorable pasta at Babbo. The three hour Circle Line boat tour (the full Manhattan loop) is my favorite touristy activity for visitors, and they all love it. For nights I’ve never had a bad time at Comedy Cellar or the UCB theater. Oddly enough, my recommendations in the boroughs are all at the tail ends–Brighton Beach, Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters, and Flushing for Chinese. (On that note, dim sum in Chinatown is great fun.) God I love New York!

  2. Wardrobe threadjack — I am visting Chicago with friends soon, and am looking for an evening outfit. We plan to go to upscale restaurants and bars, and I am basically looking for a fun, black dress suitable for going out and not screaming tourist. Price range is $100 to $200. Thanks in advance!

    1. I was going to recommend a BR dress that I have and love: the “boucle zip-back dress,” but although its showing on the website, its listed as out of stock when you click on the picture. May be worth calling your local store? Its a stunning dress and would be perfect for upscale restaurants and bars.

      I don’ t have any other suggestions, but I would look at BCBG at Lord and Taylor (they often have huge sales).

        1. Thanks for your response. I am typically a 0 or 2 in BR’s clothes, so this would not fit me, unfortunately.

          1. I have two comments in moderation, but Nordstroms has a lot of great black dresses right now.

          2. Hmmm…weird, I posted another eBay listing with the dress available in sizes 0, 2, 4 and it never posted.

            Anyway, I am a 0 in this dress. I am short and curvy, but small. The dress is really flattering and sort of timeless but still fun. I really like it quite a bit. I can see it working very well in nice restaurants in Chicago because it has that old glamour style to it.

  3. Back to the tights: sweet! Those could really add some “umph” to an otherwise bland business casual outfit.

  4. I wouldn’t call HUE’s ribbed tights sweater tights. They’re just textured tights – not in the sweater-like knit of sweater tights. I like HUE tights a lot, but have come to like Spanx or Assets tights better because they stay up really well and don’t get or get holes. Unfortunately, we are almost out of tights weather, but our temps dropped 30 degrees since yesterday. I didn’t remember to turn the heater on before I went to bed and had a cat socked up against me during the night. And she has fur!

    2. I have had good luck with DKNY as well, I’ve had a pair going on 3 years? Jealous of your weather despite the cold nights. We’ve had snowflurries today and I am suffering!

    4. I agree – I have used Hue’s ribbed tights and there’s no way I’d call them sweater tights. Thanks for recommending Assets and Spanx – NYC weather is still stuck firmly in winter and I have worn my sweater tights so much this winter, they have gotten ratty and holey in just a couple of months

    5. Laughing at the cat comment. I get one of those furry lead weights every night no matter what the temperature.

  5. I also have an immediate TJ – I’m planning on wearing a red, one-shoulder dress to a friend’s wedding reception. It’s sorta flowy, and a lighter red. It’s not new, so I’ve decided to let myself buy new accessories. I have no idea how to style it – any suggestions?

    2. I like to wear red with strappy silver or gold shoes (depending on shade). Throw in some fun earrings, maybe turquise?

    3. A necklace would take away from that neckline so my vote is for gold dangly earrings and bangles.

    5. Thanks ladies. I’m stuck in moderation because I posted links in my reply so I’ll try again:

      I guess I’m now on the hunt for some strappy gold shoes. Will post links in a reply comment

  6. Feeling really beat up as a stepmom these days and struggling to work a full day and come home to cook a dinner and assist with homework for a kid who likes me, but is pushing every possible boundary and button to figure out whether her dad will pick me or her if it ever came to that. And I’m really tired of her telling both her dad and me that her mom is nicer, does stuff for her, is a “real” parent, etc. Mom is a giant enabler who makes sure her middle school-aged “baby” never has to lift a finger, whereas her dad (my husband) insists that she is old enough to pick up after herself and be responsible for her own things (which I agree with). My husband is being wonderful about everything and totally acknowledges that my stepdaughter is giving me a much harder time than either of her bio parents or her stepdad, but I could use some “it gets better” from anyone who has been there.

    1. How old was she when her parents split, how long ago was that, and how often is she at your house? My youngest step-sister was in middle school when our parents married and she did give my mom a very, very hard time, especially since her dad and my mom started dating really soon after the divorce. (In my step-dad’s and his ex-wife’s minds, their marriage had been over for years, but the kids had no idea and so were still reeling a little when their dad started dating again.) I think things got better when my mom backed way off of some smaller issues (e.g., keeping the bedroom neat) and when our parents started coming up with fun traditions for *their* family — i.e., not what my step-sisters and step-dad did together before the divorce, or what my mom and I did, but new things that our parents came up with that were fun and that cemented my mom’s status in their lives. (I was in my 20s when my mom re-married, so I wasn’t in the picture as much.) I think a lot of it was just the kids figuring out that their parents really were never getting back together and that this new step-mom was really going to be part of their lives forever, and that, yes, sometimes their dad would put her first. There’s nothing in it for the kids, when you think about it. Life was great for them before. Now it’s suckier. But over time, I think they adjust and realize this is their new normal, and that’s when they become more open to see what good things this new parent has to offer. Hang it there. It is not an enviable role. (Yes, I also had a step-mother. And, yes, I was not always great to her. But once I grew up, I saw what an amazing person she was and her love was all the more precious to me because she gave it freely, honestly, and, even when I wasn’t being great to her, kept loving me for my father’s sake. She’s gone now and I miss her terribly.)

      2. Thank you for this :) I can only hope my stepdaughter will see things this way in 20 or 25 years. Very sorry for your loss.

      3. I’m not a mom or stepmom, but just have a curious question: do you think one reason kids have trouble with the prospect of step-parents being in their lives forever is that their own parents’ marriages didn’t last? In other words, that couple broke up, so they expect this couple will too?

        I’m not saying this with any disrespect to step-parents–I’ve just been thinking a lot lately about how people’s experiences lead to totally understandable ways of thinking, and I wonder if this is another example (in the case of kids involved).

        1. It could be. I think for kids, it tends to be about the stepparent being a reminder of the divorce, and a road block to parents getting back together. Not to mention, as competition for the parent’s time and attention (which should be managed by the adults ideally). I don’t know that as I kid, I would have thought as far ahead or as philosophically as to go, mom and dad split up, so maybe these guys will too (and be sad, rather than excited about that prospect so that mom and dad can get back together again). Some kids may go that route. And they’re statistically likely to be right: something like 75% of second marriages with kids fail. I throw that out there as someone in such a relationship, hoping to be in the 25% that make it. But its tough.

        2. I definitely think in my case, this is some of her issue. Both of her parents have had serious relationships after she was born that didn’t last (her mom’s resulted in another kid who also splits time between her parents) and now both of her parents are married. While I am sure there are simpler things in play about me being around that annoy her, I do think this plays in.

    2. No help on the step mom issue, but it sounds like some of your stress comes from balance-related issues. Can you do some cooking on Saturday/Sunday and freeze/refrigerate, if not whole meals then rice or one or two main entrees so you aren’t cooking from scratch after work? Do you have a crockpot? Can your husband handle homework, so you can have a quiet moment to yourself when you get home?

      1. +1. I will (often) take advantage of the “I’m not the parent” role, and bug off for a bath or to read a book in the evenings. We are debating having a child together, and one of my (minor) hold ups is losing the ability to at the end of the day, say “your kid, your problem”. I know its not super mature of me, but I tried the route of supermom discussed below (if I try hard enough and do everything mom would do plus so much more to perfection, then I won’t be the odd man out), and guess what? I’m still the odd man out. She’s still going to say “I want my mommy” despite me spending my whole day catering to her needs, which her mom hasn’t done for years. Its so much better for all of us if I do what I want with her because I want to, and not because I feel like I have to, and if I’m wiped out, I’ll just excuse myself. DH understands this role (and I think agrees its better that when I’d work myself into the ground to make the perfect day, and the perfect meal, and the perfect game, and then be disappointed when I’m still not as good as “mommy.” I swear, kids have some sort of genetic loyalty to their parents. My stepdaughter hasn’t lived with her mom for more than a few weeks at a time since she was 18 months old. But yet, she still will flip to “I want my mommy.” Which is good, I guess, and I would never let her think thats bad, or that I begrudge her time or love for her mommy. But once I stopped trying to be mommy, it became much less offensive.

        1. Hm, I don’t know if kids have genetic loyalty to parents, or if they take their cues from their environment, society, etc, and learn really early, really quickly, how to play the adults around them.

          1. That very well could be. She didn’t really start with the “I want my mommy” thing until she started going to daycare full time, and picked up a whole bunch of really annoying habits, including that one. I think she heard the little girl say that every time she got in trouble, because thats where it started at our house. She will slip occasionally, and call me mommy (and immediately catch herself), so I think her poor little brain is just trying to comprehend what she is realizing is a “normal” family structure according to societal norms she is seeing at daycare.

            But I do think there is some inherent, maybe not genetic, loyalty to parents. If not, why would be caught up on “mommy” when she’s almost a stranger to her. She talks to her a few times a week on the phone, and sees her about 2-3 times a year. I guess she hears us encourage her to “talk to mommy” and associates that with something special or different than other people she interacts with. I try to keep my reactions to her comments or stories about what she did at mommy’s neutral (i.e., like they would be for any other story or statement), so as not to encourage that as a route to “play” either of us. I have no idea what her mom tells her about me, so there’s that…

      2. I didn’t realize OP was “Anonforthis” when I posted as “Anon for This”. Just to clarify we aren’t the same person :) Sorry OP. Good luck to you, your stepdaughter is lucky to have you.

    3. I’m a step mom, and I think few people really get how hard it can be. Dealing with day-to-day rules and behavior expectations is difficult when you’re constantly struggling not to overstep any boundaries that are exclusive to a “parent” while also trying to figure out how to be both respected and liked. I often felt like an easy target and completely out of control of anything happening around me during the bad times, because I couldn’t put the same demands out that my spouse would as the parent. And it often does feel like you are jockeying for attention–and sometimes you probably are.

      That said, my step son and I have a really good relationship these days. I held back quite a bit (I would have his dad be the one to lay down and enforce all rules, even when it felt ridiculous playing “telephone” on what needed to be done. I also supported things like vacations with just him and his dad (leading to several years with little or no vacations with my spouse). But in the end, I think it sort of made me less of a competitive threat and a safe place for him to come to with things during the rebellious teen years. Now he is in college, and he shares a lot with me–just as much, if not more than his parents. I really value our friendship. We just got back from a trip with the three of us, and we all had a blast together.

      Hang in there. There will be good days and bad days. Whether she likes it or not, you will be in her life. Just continue to be patient and give her time and space to accept it.

    4. I’m a stepmom to a 3 year old girl who we have full time. She just got back from her mom’s for several weeks, where she was allowed to do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, schlepped from place to place with no routine or warning (apparently staying over at mom’s new boyfriend’s house, which is appalling to me), etc. and came home a total monster. Screaming fits, arguing, hitting, etc. She was such a sweet and respectful little girl when she left. I am dreading when she is older, because this is how its going to be. “Mommy lets me do what I want, and you guys have rules, so you suck and I want to live with her.” Luckily, her dad (my DH) is totally on the same page with me, and knows that boundaries and teaching self-sufficiency are very important, so its less about rebelling against me, and more about rebelling against rules generally. She also already is bouncing between me and her dad with answers to questions (“Can I have a cookie” No. “Daddy, can I have a cookie”). She hasn’t quite figured out that it doesn’t work when we’re all in the same room and he just heard me say no. I suspect it won’t be long before she gets sneakier about it. He has never once given her an answer different from me, and I try to tell her to go ask him if its something I’m not sure what his answer would be.

      I try to remember that kids’ job in life at this age (and even in middle school) is to learn how the world works and push boundaries and see what is permitted as acceptable behavior. Its hard when its two households that have very different models of what is acceptable, but I think she would be pushing boundaries like this anyway, even if I were her parent. I try to model good behavior for her, and help her learn and grow. After about a week, she’ll get back in her routine and stop with the fits once she learns they don’t work. Kids fight against boundaries, but I think it really upsets them on a subconscious level to not know what the boundaries are. Its so much easier for them to have a “no tv until homework is done rule,” than to always have to negotiate everything every time. They thinks its fun on the surface, but its actually pretty stressful to not know the rules of the game. Picture every day at work is like the first weeks at a new job, where you don’t know who the players are, what the work is, what the expectations are. You guys are doing her a favor by setting those boundaries, even if she doesn’t appreciate it now.

      1. “She would be pushing boundaries anyway” Not a stepparent (or child), but I totally agree with this statement. The situation may be exacerbated by the divorce, but this is something kids do – they see what they can get away with, and it’s the job of the adults in her life to push back with appropriate boundaries. Her version happens to play on the mommy/not the mommy divide, which is a button she knows she can jump on. If it wasn’t that it would be “But you let Brother do it” or “Nanny/daycare let’s me” or playing you and her dad against each other.

        Hang in there, it’ll work itself out.

    5. Oof, I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. I agree that it sounds like you might be a little stressed/ overwhelmed in general, and having to deal with this on top of it is really hard. I for one sometimes feel like I have to be “super mom” to compensate for not being “real” mom, and that is so much pressure. I think we step-parents also have a certain amount of guilt or insecurity about being interlopers that we sometimes fail to recognize that the kids are testing boundaries and being hard on their “real” folks, too— it’s not always personal. For you, it sounds like your husband is able to see when it is disproportionately affecting you, and that’s so supportive. Don’t be afraid to get his thoughts on one or both you approaching the kid about this. You have to be sensitive to the really hard situation the kid is in, but at a certain point, you have to clearly delineate, with your husband’s help, what kind of words and behaviors are not acceptable in your family.

      Anyway, not sure where I’m going with all this. I just wanted to commiserate with you and give you a little stepmom support. It does get easier as time goes by; the bonds and relationships grow over time.

    6. I was horrible to my stepmom for a few years after my parents divorce. She didn’t deserve any of it, but at the time I couldn’t see that. Over time I realized what an incredible person she is and we are extremely close now. I’ve commented here before that I’m so lucky to have her since I no longer have a relationship with my “real” mother, who was the one I sided with for years after the divorce.

      It can take time to get over the divorce, learn who this new person in your life is, and grow enough to see your parents for who they truly are. I know it doesn’t work out this way for everyone, but if you keep loving her and want to build a relationship with her while being aware of when she may or may not want to do that, then I think eventually she will come around. Hang in there.

    7. Thank you all very much for your comments. In my stepdaughter’s case, her parents were never married and actually split up before she was ever born, so there is no recent divorce, but I am sure as she heads into adolescence that is probably bringing up its own set of issues (why didn’t they marry each other, but then both marry other people). I just wish I knew why I get a hard time, but her stepdad doesn’t. Perhaps I do need to let go of some of the cooking, etc. or work with things that can be made ahead of time.

  7. All I can say about tights right now is HRMPF! I am so unhappy that it is tights-wearing temperature in late March. It is totally messing up my Easter fashion plans (I was going to wear a lime-green Lilly Pulitzer dress and coral patent heels, but that’s not happening if it’s 50 degrees).

    1. Oh no. And your dress sounds adorable.

      We might have snow! On Easter! The Easter Bunny isn’t Santa, he doesn’t want to be hopping about in all that snow. (Easter is my favourite holiday and I’m doubly bitter about the weather and the fact that I’m working).

    2. I envy you girls that get to wear cute Easter clothes. I think my kids are wearing their winter coats, hats and gloves in every. single. picture I have of them hunting for Easter eggs.

      I had a friend who went back over the last several decades and compiled the recorded temperatures on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Thanksgiving averaged awarmer temperature than Easter.

      1. Living in this climate where it’s usually warm for Easter was a big transition for me! I always tell people about my high school days, where we were wearing parkas over our Easter dresses. We had a sunrise service on the top of a high-rise apartment building that was so cold you were certain you’d be blown to Canada.

      2. Yeah, we never even bother hiding eggs outside because there’s usually snow on the ground. I was an adult before I knew that some places did egg hunts outside!

        1. And if there wasn’t snow, it was brown because nothing had started to bloom yet, so what was the point of putting brightly colored eggs outside.

          Also – what happens if you don’t find them all?

        2. We always did our egg hunts inside. Didn’t realize that was because of the weather for years :)

  8. Any recommendations for working remotely (basically in a home-like setting, but not my permanent home) for an extended period of time (5 weeks). I’m a lawyer in a transactional, mid-law practice, and most of my client interactions are over the phone and email, so I don’t think clients will notice any difference, but I would love some tips for staying efficient and productive. Basically I want to prove to my bosses that this is a good idea and that I can do it again without anyone noticing the impact.

    So, for those of you who work from home – any tips? What are your routines? How do you keep distractions at bay? (There won’t be any kids or other people around during the day.)

    1. I spent a period of time working remotely and didn’t find it challenging. I had a bedroom that I turned into an office. It had my desk, with a proper (i.e., supportive) office chair, phone, lamp, printer, bookcase, and armchair in it. I went and sat at my desk at 9:00am and stayed in my “office” until lunchtime. I spent an hour in my kitchen/back deck/etc. preparing lunch, talking to my husband (who often came home for lunch), playing with my dog, even watching a little TV. Then I went back into my office until 6:00pm (or whenever I was done). If I had to wait on someone else to finish up part of a project (my team was based in another state), I’d go out and start preparing dinner, or whatever, but then duck back into my office to wrap up whatever the work was. I spent a week every month or so back with my team and oftentimes even people in my own office didn’t know whether I was with them, or in another state since the process was so seamless.

    2. I worked from home for a while, and there were definitely some benefits and challenges. I would tell you to manage your schedule as much as you would in an office (dedicated start and end time, etc.) and try to dress in a somewhat presentable way (I would usually wear old, loose slacks – something structured enough that I could wear it to work in an office, but still comfortable), and have a dedicated work space.

      Also, healthy snacks are a must. I found myself eating smaller meals because I would get up and graze pretty much every time that I felt restless, and hey, my kitchen was just around the corner. But I felt bad stopping work to, say, cut up some veggies, so I’d wind up eating chips or something like that. So make sure that you have lots of easily accessable but healthy snacks on hand.

  9. My mom is stuck in Raleigh on an extended project and I’d love to have some treats delivered. She’s doing Weight Watchers so no cakes or cookies but maybe some fruit? Healthy snacks? A GC for healthy takeaway?

    I asked a few months ago for things to see / do and compiled a list. She’s been working her way through them (she’s there a lot and her evenings are wide open) and I really appreciate all the contributions.

    2. You’re in luck…I lived in Raleigh for a long time. Here are some ideas for what you can send or arrange:

      Dinner / Gift card for Sitti – authentic Lebanese. Healthy, reasonably-sized portions, and cool vibe.
      http://www.sitti-raleigh.com/

      Coffee at the Morning Times
      http://www.morningtimes-raleigh.com/

      NCAA Tournament watching at Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. Just because you love sports doesn’t mean you have to eat everything deep-fried.
      http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/Menu/entrees.html

      Manicure and a bloody mary at Primp Salon Bar
      http://www.primpsalonbar.com/services/

      Call the lady who runs CIMOS (a well-curated gift shop) and see what she suggests – perhaps a book, or stationery, or something local
      http://www.cimosraleigh.com/Products.html

      Tickets to a show at Charlie Goodnight’s Comedy Club
      http://www.goodnightscomedy.com/

  10. About 2 weeks ago, I accepted a new job that will start about 2 weeks from now. A few days after that, I emailed the person I interviewed with and asked a few questions, but I haven’t had any contact with her since. I feel like I should touch base, just to, I don’t know, make sure that they didn’t forget I exist or something. But I don’t really have any questions or any real reason to contact them (we already agreed on start date and that sort of thing). Am I worrying about this for no reason? (OK, I have the completely irrational fear that I dreamed the whole thing, and that I’ll show up on the start date and they’ll have no idea who I am.) If I contact them, what should I say?

    1. I think you are worrying and don’t need to touch base right now. Do you have the start time figured out? If not, that could be a way to get in touch a couple days before… but there is no real reason for you to touch base right now if most of the details have been figured out.

      I totally understand why you would want to – it’s a huge deal for you. But for them, it’s basically just business as usual.

      If you do decide to contact them, I would wait till a couple days before your agreed upon start date and say something like:

      Hi X, looking foward to seeing you again and meeting the rest of the team on X date. Just wanted to clarify what time I should be there? Thanks Lyssa

      (on my first day, they asked me to show up at around 9:30ish, which is why I’m emphasizing start time as a detail to check on)

      1. +1 on asking when to arrive. Your new coworkers might want to settle in and sort through the e-mail before they are ready to take care of you. I totally know the feeling though. I went over and signed the contract the day after I was told I got the job, two weeks before my starting date, and I could tell that the boss thought I was kind of silly. But I really needed that piece of paper to prove that it was for real.

        Congratulations on the new job!

    2. I’d wait til about 4-5 days before you start and say something like. Dear so and so, I just wanted to touch base to see if there is any paperwork I need to complete before date. I look forward to starting/joining the team.”

      the worry is totally normal- I get it to. You dont feel like you “have it” until you are in the office I think.

    3. Before I started my current job but after I gave notice at my old job, I had recurring nightmares that I would show up on the day I was supposed to start here and they would say “Who are you??” So I get it.

      I agree to wait until just a few days before and just ask a benign question about when to start, whether you need to bring any additional paperwork beyond your license and social security card, etc.

  11. I don’t see how these are sweater tights. They just look like ribbed tights to me. I was disappointed when I clicked because I love sweater tights. I have a pair from Ann Taylor that used to be really great but now need replacing.

      1. I have Hue sweater tights in flat knit and cable and have been happy with them for 2 seasons of consistent wear. One got a hole in the toe, but unlike with regular tights it could be repaired with regular sewing. I don’t have problems with keeping them up although they are not control top.

  12. TJ: Thinking of going booze-shopping this weekend to stock up so that we can have company over/try our hand at mixed drinks. Any recommendations on what to buy to create the ‘basic’ alcohol stock?

    2. Hmm I don’t make many mixed drinks but I like Patron silver tequila (shots) and Smirnoff vodka (either as a shot or with cranberry juice). Mojitos are fun but are a bit more work and require a muddler. Also you can create combinations using any type of alcohol from this basic recipe:
      2 ounces base spirit
      ¾ ounce of citrus juice
      ½ ounce of simple syrup
      1 oz liqueur
      This magic formula works for almost any combo of your favorite spirits and liqueurs. And don’t overlook herbs: sometimes a drink is perfectly accessorized with a simple mint leaf, a sprig of rosemary, or a peel of citrus. Rule of thumb/nose: If the ingredients smell good together, they’ll usually taste good together.

    3. It really depends on what you like, but in general, this is what I keep on hand at all times:

      -Rye (Ri is my current favorite; I also like Bulleit)
      -Sweet Vermouth (Cocchi)
      -Angostura bitters
      -Good gin (Terroir is my current favorite)
      -an Islay scotch (Lagavulin is my favorite), although if you’re not into scotch, you could omit this since it’s pricey
      -acceptable tequila (I don’t like tequila)
      -a sippable bourbon
      -Six-packs of small tonic waters and soda waters
      -Limes and lemons
      -Maraschino cherries

      Admittedly, three types of whisk(e)y is probably overkill, but I’m a fan of the brown liquors.

      1. Ha! We have identical tastes. Love bourbon and whiskeys, don’t like tequila, and enjoy the occasional gin drink. Oh, and Pimms is my weakness in the summer :)

      2. Ooooh, I haven’t tried Terroir yet. Sapphire East is supposed to be really good as well. If anyone here has tried it, I’d love to know what you think. I like Sapphire and Hendricks. If gin is a little much straight for you or your guests, it is so good with elderflower liquor and a bit of apple juice. I’ve seen recipes with lime juice, but I thought they were too sour.

    4. I keep a decent tequila, rum, vodka, and gin on hand, as well as tonic or soda water and agave syrup (for margaritas; I use it instead of triple sec). Before parties, I buy limes and lemons, cranberry juice, mint, and make simple syrup on the theory you can make a decent combo of things from those ingredients. Although, to be honest, people usually just end up drinking beer or wine. My most important alcohol rule: don’t buy cheap tequila. Some liquors you can drink the cheap stuff and it tastes passable. Cheap tequila is vile. I usually just ask the clerk for suggestions for a good tequila that’s cheaper than patron but above, say, sauza, and (assuming the clerk knows what they’re doing) this usually results in a brand I’ve never heard of that tastes pretty good.

    5. I don’t entertain as much as I used to, but I still keep:

      Boodles gin
      Old New Orleans rum (local)
      Absolut Citron
      Bacardi white rum
      some good Scotch that a friend left
      Brandy
      Nocello
      Limoncello

      When I have craft nights, we usually make frozen drinks with fresh fruit (blueberries or blackberries) and limeade with Citron or rum. Brandy is for milk punch. My friends like Nocello (walnut liqueur) or Limoncello (lemon liqueur) after dinner. Dark or spiced rum makes a nice drink with just ginger ale or tonic and lime. I usually have tonic, club soda, limes. If I’m having people over, I’ll get just Cranberry or just Blueberry juice.

      1. What a fun idea. I’ve always wanted one of those cute wet bars, but I rarely drink and don’t throw parties too often, so it wouldn’t really get used. I love the idea of it though!

  13. Does anyone have recommendations for a good juicer? Mine is hard to use, hard to clean, and doesn’t seem to produce all that much juice from LOTS of produce. I am also looking for ideas about something productive to do with all the pulp that gets left behind. Right now I compost but it’s so much food that I feel like is going to waste!

    1. Maybe a Vitamix blender? It will chop up all the peels, stems, pulp, etc into smoothies, then you get all the good stuff too.

        2. Is that what the $1,200 one was?! I didn’t realize that, haha. Yes, you definitely don’t need the commercial grade one. The regular ones are still pricey, but I’ve heard they’re awesome. I still muddle through with my regular blender, and try to ignore any chunks…

    2. I have a juicer from Macy’s that I really like, and it has a strong engine, but it still doesn’t extract that much juice from vegetables – it may just be the case that there isn’t that much liquid in vegetables. As for using the pulp, I have seen recipes for beef stew using the pulp from juiced beets. Agree that it feels bad wasting so much food!

    3. For citrus, I have a Black and Decker that I bought from Target or Amazon and love. It was probably around $20. I’ve thought of (but never tried) freezing pulp into ice cubes for future citrus drinks or to have on hand to add to cooking.

    5. Admittedly, I have never owned a juicer (except for one to juice citrus and such), but I will put in a plug for my Vitamix (***NOT the $1200 one!) I use it several times a week for smoothies, which I like over juice since they are more filling and use up more of the produce. I guess you could keep the extra pulp to add to smoothies so you could do both juice and smoothies?

    6. Hurom slow juicer. It’s not actually slow although clean up isn’t instant either.

      I made carrot pulp muffins the other day, and have seen some other interesting uses for pulp recently.

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