Coffee Break: Kate Spade Umbrella

73 Comments

1. Yay! This is so CUTE! And if I buy one, I can get reimburse’d b/c I have to go to court and do NOT want everything to get WET, even in my LIT BAG! I can use this, plus carry my COFFEE, and let Mason carry everything else. YAY!!!!

   Myrna is goeing to check out Butch at his investement bank. I think he could be OK, tho I still have to run him by Dad b/f I decide to go out with him. Dad says he can smell a looser at 50 feet, so I have to bring him around the house since I will NOT bring him to my apartement until after we are dateing. Myrna say’s his company is a littel small, but she know’s someone who came from there who can GIVE her the info on him. Dad can get guy’s in goverment to do a background check on him also b/c I do NOT want someone who has skelitons in their closet for me to have to find out about AFTER we start dateing. Dad never came up with Alan’s alchohol probelem b/c there was NO family history – – he was the first drunk in the Sheketovits family! Woo Woo — and to think I could have been MARRIED to THAT! FOOEY FOOEY FOOEY!!!!! No drunk’s for me, thank you very much, even if Alan’s mom was a sweethart to me. FOOEY! Alan was so selfish, I can NOT beleive I put up with him for so long! But I am OVER him now, thank God! I think I saw him over the weekend in the park, tho it could have been someone else that just looked like him. His shirt tail was comeing thru his Pant’s zipper! Butch spotted it but I was MORTIFIED b/c I thought it was ALAN! OMG, that is all I need for Butch to see the last guy I dated lookeing like that! FOOEY!

2. I have 2 credit cards, one ~10 yrs old (no rewards) and one ~7 years old with about the same limit. The 7 yr old one is Bank of America and was my primary card due to points and being connected to my checking account to pay easily. However, after having them reissue my card roughly every 9 months due to security issues (on their end) and consequently constantly messing up my auto-pay bills, I’m tired of BoA. How much is it going to hurt my credit to ditch this card and get a new one? I never understand how this credit junk works.

   1. I would just get a new card and NOT cancel the old one. Just stop using it. I have had good luck with discover – autopay works very smoothly, etc. – but you can also get cards based on airline points or coupons with specific stores, etc.

      1. +1

         This is what I did.

         I stopped using my B of A credit card about 1 year ago when I became truly fed up. But it is my longest used credit card (since college), so I just keep it and never use it.

         What has pissed me off is at the same time I moved my money out of a traditional Bank to a Fidelity myCash account (essentially, a checking account for me) and I have a Fidelity AmEx that gives my 2% back on everything. I just learned last week Fidelity is also moving their bank affiliation to Bank of America. Arrrrgh!!! I just want to get away….

   2. I agree on not cancelling the old one. Just stop using it. And just FYI — The grass isn’t always greener if you switch. I’ve had the same types of issues with my Chase card; I think I’m on my 5th new card number in 2 years now for reasons totally out of my control and it’s getting really tiresome. At the same time, I’ve had a BOA card (that I now use significantly less often) for over 10 years, and the only time it’s ever been reissued is when my purse got stolen. I don’t know if it’s the type of card I have that has been causing all these issues, but I’d ask around on what cards/banks people are happy with before switching so you don’t just jump back into the same thing.

   3. Could you put all your auto pay things on one card and use the other for one-time charges? Then random merchamts being hacked won’t affect your auto-payments.

      Getting a new card will affect your credit but not too much or for too long. Unless you are buying a house in the next 6 months, I wouldn’t worry about it. Credit Karma has a great tool to see how your credit will change in various hypotheticals.

      I have been using Paypal more and more for online purchases. It still charges my credit card but is more secure than randomly charging at all the websites.

      1. The only real reason I had the stuff on auto-pay was to get the points, so I’ll have to look for a new points card to transfer it to.

         Definitely not buying a house any time soon, maybe trying to rent a new apartment at most. So that’s good to know.

         1. you can call b of a and ask them to upgrade your card to their rewards card. it won’t cancel your credit history and you will get some cash back. i did it a few weeks ago.

   4. FWIW, I love my Amex Blue Cash. I also have a Nordstrom card and a hotel points Visa. I know Amex isn’t accepted everywhere and you need a Visa/MC backup card if you have it. But in my opinion, nothing is better than getting straight cash back vs. store credit that expires and might end up paying for something I shouldn’t be purchasing anyway.

      I use my Nordie’s points, but it’s only giving you 2% back on your purchases ($1000 = $20 of Nordstrom cash), a bit more if you are using it at a Nordstrom. My Amex gives something like 4% on groceries, 2% on gas, 1% on everything else. I actually have the upgraded fee-paying one that gives me 6% on groceries. My groceries budget is ~$800 a month, so this is totally worth it to me.

      1. I’ll have to look at Amex, I don’t shop/fly/hotel anywhere often enough to bother with a specific chain card. I guess as a follow up, how many cards does everyone hold? I only have the 2, and an old VS card. I’m now realizing I have no idea where the “too much credit” line is. Fwiw, I pay them off in full every month.

         1. I have two – my Delta amex that I use for everything, and a Visa backup in the (increasingly rare) event that i’m somewhere that doesn’t take amex.

         2. I have 5 credit cards — 2 i opened in the last month, 2 that I’m phasing out, 4 store cards but stopped using 3 of them because of their complicated billing pages. As far as I can tell it hasn’t affected my credit rating. I pay all of them off each month. Am debating closing my store cards entirely to prevent exposure to hacking, etc.

         3. I have 4 + 2 store cards. 3 have no annual fee and low interest, one is a rewards card. And I have 2 store cards with really low credit limits that I use for discounts.

         4. You also can’t beat Amex’s customer service and protections. I have just the 3 cards above, cut down from 4. Cancelling the cards won’t really affect your credit score past 6 months or so, so just don’t do it if you’re planning to buy a house or something soon. If you pay them off every month, I also wouldn’t sweat the credit line max. I have some ridiculous amount of credit probably because I’ve never had any debt.

         5. I really like Discover; straight cash back, very simple, their website is easy to use, service is good, and I’ve never had an issue with them. I have always paid it off in full every month.

            My debit card is a Visa so I can use that on the rare occasion that I am somewhere that doesn’t take Discover, although I prefer to use credit when I can.

         6. I have 5 credit cards:
            -an Amazon visa that I use as my primary card (I love the Amazon points)
            -my oldest card from college that I only use for Netflix and one other recurring bill; I found the card too annoying to use on a regular basis but wanted to keep it open since it’s the oldest item in my credit history by several years, so I have my checking account set up to pay my credit card the exact unchanging amount of my two bills the day after they get charged to the credit card.
            -2 BoA cards, I listed my SO as an authorized user on one of the cards and we use that as a joint credit account, the other was not originally a BoA card but was transferred to BoA recently and I use that for large orders from online stores like ASOS, Zappos, ModCloth, etc. where I will likely return at least part of the shipment. I time my orders so I’m likely to receive the order, return items I don’t want and get the refund credited before the next payment due date of the credit card, and then I only pay for what I kept.
            -a Discover card that I opened several years ago when I had some credit card debt in order to take advantage of 1 year of no interest on balance transfers. I paid off the Discover card within the year (and all my other credit card debt) and then I didn’t use it much until I bought my house last year. The card was offering no interest for a year for all purchases made in the next month, so I used it to buy some new appliances and other things for the house all at once, and then took a few months to pay everything off at 0% interest. I haven’t used the card since.

            Plus I have store cards for VS, Target and a few other places. The VS and Target are the only ones I use regularly, and I only use them a few times a year.

            1. Oh, and I pay off all my cards every month. Most of the cards were initially opened to take advantage of no interest balance transfers back when I had credit card debt, but after paying off all the debt I kept the cards opened and in the past few years I found uses for all of them.

3. I have some family (two aunts) coming in for a wedding next week,and they will be staying in my guest room. I want to put together a small ‘treat’ basket for their room. I’m buying wine that I know they like already, some fruit, and probably some chocolate. I will include water bottles in the room as well. Any other suggestions on what you would love to find in a basket while staying at your family member’s home?

   1. Toothpaste!

   2. That basket sounds great. I’d also appreciate a surge protector and/or extension cord from an outlet to the nightstand/bedside table and various chargers for electronics (iPhones/iPads, micro-USB for Kindles, etc). Or, if you have it, one of those USB wall chargers so they can charge their electronics.

      1. Thanks! I’ll include chargers and toothpaste; both good ideas! I keep a surge protector, extension cord, blow dryer, curling iron, flat iron, and iron and ironing board in the room already, with towels, etc.

   3. Non-fruit snacks – crackers, pretzels, trail mix – in a pretty jar.

   4. My favorite thing in a guest room is some magazines or paperbacks to read.
      An extra throw or blanket might also be nice.

   5. Magazines that they would enjoy?

   6. Tissues, scissors and duct tape ;)

   7. Wow you all are much better hostesses than me!

      1. For real. Clean sheets, clean towels, clean room = done.

      2. Oh, I’m just recommending things that I like. When you stay at my house, you are guaranteed clean sheets, clean towels, a clean room, and a TV in that room. Other than that…

      3. haha, I’m in NYC. A soft place to sleep, pillow, blanket, and clean towel is what you get.

         1. Yes, you don’t necessarily even get your own room!

   8. This whole thread is reminding me of the last time I visited one of my very dear (male) friends from college. He had put together a huge basket for me and our other couple of (girl) friends visiting that included everything under the sun–high-end soaps, sewing kits, hairspray, etc.–including a variety of feminine products. We giggled so hard picturing him wandering aimlessly around the drug store trying to “guess” what might be needed for our trip.

      I hate that he is a far better “hostess” than I’ll ever be. :)

   9. When my parents came to stay, I wrote them up a quick guide of suggested places/restaurants to visit, directions to the metro/bus stop, and directions to the TV/internet. Then I bought a few locally-made treats (Nutella marshmallows and basil thai hot sauce), and grabbed some guide books from the library. They really appreciated the water by the bed as well.

   10. And if they are wi-fi users, include a little note with the password(s) they’ll need to get online, as well as instructions for any other electronics that may not be super intuitive.

       1. Gah. Which is what Baconpancakes already suggested…

          1. They still made me type the password into their phones for wifi.

       2. Apartment Therapy had this cute idea a while back, where you create a QR code for your wifi password and print and frame it.

          http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/share-your-wifi-password-with-guests-192845

   11. I always need a glass of water to take medication. So maybe a nice water glass and a coaster? I always end up figuring that out on my own. I know you said a bottle of water, but a glass is nice!

       1. Speaking of which, I would add some basics like tylennol, pepto, tums, band-aids… If you are in a city with higher altitute (like the Rockies), add alka-seltzer for altitude sickness.

   12. Love having things ready for guests, less “treats” but like them to feel comfortable and pampered – here is post and pics of what we do http://travelmoreroads.com/be-ready-for-guests/

   13. Small dish for jewelry. I always take off my rings and earrings at night and they just seem safer in a little bowl than on a night stand.

   14. All great suggestions so I have nothing to add, except that I dream of one day having a guest room!

   15. I also make sure to have a little toiletries basket for them in the bathroom.

4. To credit cards: I have a Nordstrom Visa that I love. You get the same great customer service that you would get at a Nordstrom store. I use it for everything, pay it off in full every month, and earn Nordstrom gift certificates. I usually earn a $20 note every month. I don’t care about earning miles,so this is perfect for me. Last fall I used my notes for a Burberry cashmere scarf and a wool coat. Before that, a Lafayette 148 jacket.

5. Is Hinge a Nordstrom house brand? Anyone have any comments on the quality?

   1. I have actually gotten quite a few hinge (it is a house brand) things through my Nordstrom personal shopper in the past year and loved all of it. I have two blazers, a leather jacket, and several blouses from the hinge line. None of my stuff is older than 6 months at this point, but has held up perfectly so far.

      1. Same here. One of my favorite blouses is a three-year-old silk floral print number from Hinge that is still going strong. I machine wash and air dry it and it still looks like new.

      2. Thank you both for enabling!

         1. It’s what we’re here for! ;)

6. This umbrella is adorable. I would definitely use something like this for blah days.

   1. I just found a similar umbrella for under $10: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tri-coastal-design-zebra-umbrella-juniors-online-only/3644300?origin=keywordsearch

   2. I love a fun umbrella. It really does improve a rainy day.

   3. I love this one too, but then I clicked on the “Her Majesty” one and think it would go with a bit more stuff since its a little more basic. I’ve been looking for one of these for a while that doesnt look to little girley — i love that it protects from the wind and wet better than a regular umbrella.

7. Hoping for hive help! DH asked my advice on this so please don’t think I’m playing paper dolls with him. Late May, 5 pm church ceremony, hotel ballroom reception, in the south. I am wearing lace knee length c_cktail dress. The family is usually extremely casual but the venue and time says C-tail to semi-formal to me. What should I advise he wear? TYIA!

   1. A suit.

      1. I agree. Hard to go wrong with a suit for this one.

      2. For bonus points, get him a coordinating but not matchy-matchy tie and pocket square to go with your dress color. Get him fancy socks to make him feel dapper!

      3. Agreed. He can just take the tie and jacket off if it is more casual.

8. This umbrella almost makes me wish I lived somewhere that it rains.

9. H and I are looking to try a 3-4 day yoga retreat in California, preferably on the Central Coast. Any recommendations?

   1. What is the purpose – intensive yoga practice or meditation or relaxation, etc? Budget? Are you experienced yogis? Is vegetarianism a plus, negative, or neutral?

      1. We are casual yogis. Vegetarianism is neutral. Purpose is to develop yoga practice and try something new. Maybe learn some new tricks for mediation and relaxation in normal life.

         1. *meditation*

            1. I haven’t been personally but have heard good things about http://sagradawellness.com/

10. ‘rettes, I need some virtual empathy and positive vibes for the next few days. 2 weeks ago I found a lump. I’m young (37) and have no family history. Doc said it felt like nothing cancerous but sent me for ultrasound to get it checked out anyway. Had ultrasound today…should be at least 2 days till I hear. Couldn’t help tearing up in the exam room, the tech was nice…she’s not allowed to tell me anything but she did say that I should try to stay positive and that she didn’t see anything that should worry me. I can’t help thinking the worst. I have 2 young kids, a husband, a life I love. I KNOW the chances of it being cancer are minimal, and even if it is, the chances of it being deadly are minimal…But still. I am freaking myself out. I can’t talk to anyone about it in real life (DH is the only one who knows; my mother would stress herself out, and it feels like a betrayal to talk to anyone else about it if my mother doesn’t know). It’s going to be ok right?

    1. You should stay positive. Techs don’t usually offer any reassurance unless they are pretty sure you shouldn’t worry. Hang in there!

    2. This is very scary, and your feelings are natural. My mother had the same exact story. Was about your age, no family history, found a lump. In the end, it was just a cyst, as many will be. And that is likely for you too. But it was very scary for her.

       It’s going to be a cyst.

       But you should also let yourself talk to anyone who you think will be a rock for you and help you get through the next few days. There are definitely things in that you are allowed to keep from Mom for your own sanity – and hers. This is definitely one of them.

       You are going to be fine.

       1. Thank you Blonde Lawyer and Carrie. I really appreciate the reassurance.

    3. Seconding that the tech generally won’t say a word unless what she sees looks normal to her. I had to have an echocardiogram recently, and was very worried – the tech said, “I’m not supposed to tell you anything, but I wouldn’t be worrying about getting a bad call from your doctor based on what I’ve seen.” And she was right. There are LOTS of non-scary things that cause lumps!

       1. thank you!

    4. Big hugs to you. Everything will be fine. Stay positive.

    5. I found a lump a few years ago, and while it was terrifying waiting to find out, it turned out to be a benign fibroadenoma, which is fairly common. I had the option of having it removed or just monitoring it, and I opted for the removal because I knew I would drive myself crazy constantly wondering if it had really changed size/shape/density or if I was just imagining it. So I would advise taking a deep breath, talking to someone you trust about your fears if having that support will help you, and then resolve to assume it is nothing to worry about unless told otherwise by the doctor.

    6. Think positive thoughts and be heartened by the tech’s comments. I absolutely agree with everyone else that the tech wouldn’t have said anything unless she was fairly certain. I found a lump when I was 21 and we do have a family history so I was definitely freaking- but it was just a cyst. If anything, at least this experience will remind you to be aware and proactive with your health. You’ve got this!

       1. thank you, Anonymous, Min Donner, and Lyra Silvertongue.

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