Coffee Break: Rothy’s Sandals

90 Comments

1. I have to give a reference (fill out feedback form) for a former employee’s new job. What would you say for weaknesses? Obviously she has them but she’s great and I don’t want to do anything to mess up her chances.

   1. If they’re younger, go with “still plenty to learn about the field” and fluff about how they stay abreast of updates.

   2. I wouldn’t do this. Saying negative things about a former employee is a huge no no for me. It’s prohibited by many companies. Leave that section blank. Check your policies.

      1. +1!!

   3. I did one of these for a peer and the weaknesses entry was optional. I would leave it blank.

   4. I didn’t think this was allowed…? And if it is technically allowed (or at least not prohibited), I wouldn’t dare fill this form out. You have nothing to gain and everything to lose if this is used in some fashion against this person that was unanticipated or unintentional on your part.

   5. Leave it blank.

   6. If I was going to fill it out at all, I’d say something like – “Her desk could be neater, she sometimes leaves things out overnight when she is in the middle of a project.”

      1. Desk could be neater is not a comment you’d make of a guy worker, no? And it sounds very kindergarten-ish. Like “work on penmanship”

      2. In my professional world if your desk is neat it means you’re not working.

         1. Really?? What kind of work do you do? I am a lawyer and my desk is always neat, even when I am working hard. I will have out whatever matter I am currently working on and I always organize my files and put them away at the end of the day. Much of my work is done electronically as well, so it is mostly on the computer anyway.

            1. lol i’m a lawyer and my desk looks like a tornado hit.

      3. I don’t think that is a valid criticism, it seems weird to care about.

         1. +1

      4. I’d be wary of commenting on leaving this out. At my law firm, we’ve had clients who prohibit this because of cleaning staff, etc. There truly is no “good” weakness to discuss.

      5. Gently, this is a weird comment and I would not put this. I think you mean it as a general innocent comment so you can check the box that you wrote something negative, but not too bad (since OP made no indication that the person in question actually does this)? But actually the underlying implication could be that she leaves sensitive information carelessly out, which is actually a big deal in a lot of industries.

   7. I would not fill out the form.

2. I feel like I am the only human who has not mastered walking in sandals or flip flops. Other people can wear them going up and down stairs. I’ve seen kids jump roping in Rainbows. I can sit in sandals. I can stand in sandals. If you remember The Birdcage, I am like the guy who wears shoes for the first time and wind up doing a face-plant when I wear anything not strapped firmly to my foot (e.g., I can wear Crocs, but only in sport mode).

   1. I mostly wear sandals with ankle straps, which helps me feel much more coordinated.

   2. I feel like that about ballet flats! Wide forefoot/narrow ankles.

3. I ordered these half size up from my street size (bc of Rothy’s completely inconsistent sizing I wear from half size to two full sizes up from my normal street size in various colors/styles) but they were too big. If you’re considering these I highly recommend ordering your normal size.

4. Uplifting media rec for tonight/this weekend – Bethany Hamilton’s surf movie, Unstoppable, is now on Netflix. I highly recommend it if you want to watch something inspirational and positive that touches on risk-taking, confidence, identity in motherhood, and gender roles. You don’t need to be a surfer to appreciate how amazing her surfing is, but if you are a surfer, check it out to see her surfing Pipeline pregnant and Jaws six months postpartum – holy cow. It would be appropriate for most older kids as well.

5. These are cute! Obligatory Rothy’s promo code: https://share.rothys.com/x/8ZSepC for anybody who wants to check them out.

   1. Lol, between the praise for this and the distaste for the waterproof sneakers earlier this week, it’s crystal clear that I don’t know how to fashion… But that’s ok :-)

      1. I am the commenter who called the sneakers fugly and I dislike these, too. This is by far the cutest colorway and I still don’t like it. I like the twisted-knot version even less, but mostly because it looks like a post-brunch pool slipper for a frose-drinking basic B to me, which is very much not my style.

         1. +1 these look like they should be $10 at Old Navy.

         2. Yep. I love my Rothy’s points, and I was SO excited for the bags to come out, but I was disappointed by both the bags and the sandals.

6. Damn those are cute! Unfortunately I can’t do completely flat shoes, thank you plantar fasciitis.

   1. I don’t have PF, but I still can’t do flat sandals like this. Are they comfortable for people who have flat/low arches? Maybe they don’t work for me because I have med to high arches?

   2. Yeah, these look uncomfortable- the soles look like something I would have bought from Forever 21 in high school. I can do sandals, I can do flipflops, but I can’t do shoes like this where the sole is only slightly better than walking on cardboard. I need a little bit of padding or support, especially for sandals.

   3. My feet hurt just looking at them.

7. We moved out of our house to do a kitchen/bath reno and may finally get to move back in next month :)

   Kitchen cabinets are new and just empty drawers. Tell me about what is very helpful in terms of drawer dividers, etc. I have heard good things re Ikea offerings on things like this (cabinets are not Ikea though, if that matters). I think Ikea is still shipping (or I can try to find similar items).

   I will also have a pantry, which I didn’t have before b/c of mice in our one closet, and after living in 800 sq feet and rubbermaid tubs, it will be a shock (but finally a good shock).

   1. We have this for our knives and I love it: https://www.containerstore.com/s/drawer-organizers/bamboo-knife-dock/1d?productId=10028651

      1. I have a similar one from crate and barrel (https://www.crateandbarrel.com/wusthof-in-drawer-7-slot-knife-block/s264621?localedetail=US&a=1552&campaignid=657519289&adgroupid=34201459355&targetid=pla-831254228791&pla_sku=264621&pcat=HSW&ag=adult&scid=scplp264621&sc_intid=264621&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7qn1BRDqARIsAKMbHDYmtSwa9HExfH378J5cY8Vo6B0Kci7gA4L45ieEVyB6J6rsWZQjSa0aAr5LEALw_wcB) and love it as well. Our kitchen has a disproportionate amount of cupboards to counter space, so I like keeping knives in a drawer instead of a block on the counter.

   2. I love the pegboard drawer organizers that were left in our kitchen when we moved in – helps me keep my Tupperware organized and customizable for different sizes/shapes.

      1. Where do you get those things? I have seen them before, but only once.

         1. Ours was left behind by the previous owner but I think they have some on Amazon

   3. I like mason jars and hinged lid jars for any grains, rice, beans, nuts etc. No way mice are getting them, and your pantry shelves will look nice. The most useful size mason jar for me tends to be the quart size, and go for the wide mouth and plastic lids (you buy those separately). I also have some half gallon, pint, and half pint because I can. Sometimes these are good sizes for bigger or smaller items – for instance, I go through lots of rice so tend to store that in the half gallon.

      They’re about a dollar each – you really can’t go wrong.

      https://www.target.com/p/ball-32oz-12pk-glass-wide-mouth-mason-jar-with-lid-and-band/-/A-49139680

      1. This is the kind of thing I use for white flour, regular sugar etc, things I buy in larger quantities.

         Bormioli Rocco Clear Fido 135.25 Oz Glass Storage Jar: Airtight Lid With Leak Proof Gasket, Wide Mouth Kitchen Food Container for Preserving Jam, Spices, Coffee, Sugar & Herbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMYHU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QKYQEbPSZTKHM

         1. I use these too. They come in several useful sizes. I use blue painters’ tape and a Sharpie to label them, but you can obviously do something more permanent/pretty.

      2. Fun fact…I once had rats (I think? never actually saw them) chew RIGHT THROUGH those white plastic mason jar lids.

         1. Oh gross! Thankfully that has never happened to me but I guess you can just keep using the two part metal lids! (I use the plastic because I like to keep the metal lids pristine for canning)

         2. OMG I hate rats so much.

   4. I have not liked the bamboo drawer organizers because they take up too much vertical space (the thickness of the bamboo) and leave too little space for the utensils I want to store. What ends up happening is the utensils catch on the top of the drawer which I find seriously annoying. Instead, I have something like this and find it much more helpful. https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/oxo-tot-reg-divider-drawer-organizer-in-white-set-of-2/5255533?skuId=66523086&enginename=google&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_kitchenaccessories_online&product_id=66523086&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=&creative=224484706041&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&rkg_id=0&utm_campaignid=71700000037121800&utm_adgroupid=58700004139988470&targetid=92700035730147995&gclid=Cj0KCQjwka_1BRCPARIsAMlUmEoAKrApO3SzfkWFu3PdGw6TdwMXR0v_d3lMC0meAwvrN_vm5n1ZqowaAsF8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

8. Brief humblebrag moment.. Scroll past if you are feeling grumpy.
   I bought my mom a Hobo handbag on Nordstrom’s crazy sales that have been happening, and I can’t wait to give it to her for Mother’s Day. It got delivered today, and it’s as gorgeous as I hoped.
   She used to carry these bags when I was younger when she spent money on herself, and I am so happy to be able to treat her to one. She’s a great mom and grandmother, and she deserves it.
   All this craziness has made me realize how much I rely on my parents for sound advice and friendship. Now to start brainstorming an equally awesome gift for my dad for Father’s day!

   1. That’s great! I hope it’s a huge hit!

   2. Aw that’s so sweet. I’m sure she will love it.

   3. Oooh, I should check that out- my mom loves purses but won’t ever buy them for herself. Although my aunt did just gift her a Valentino hand me down that my mom said was “the best thing she’s ever gotten” (thanks Mom), so maybe not a purse.

9. Does anyone have the loafer or sneaker Rothys? Are they more supportive than the flats? I really wanted the flats to work out, but they basically had no sole and when I added an insole, the shoe became just tight enough to hurt me so I gave up on them!

   1. I have both. The loafers are very similar to the flat and point. The sneakers don’t really have more support (they’re totally flat insoles) but do have more cushioning because of the rubber outer soles. More of a buffer between you and the ground. So I much prefer them for walking long distances.

   2. I have the loafer and find them to be slightly more cushioned than the flat, but not by much.

   3. If you need more space, the Allbirds give you a little more stretch and room. I have the Allbirds tree loungers and also the classic wool runners, and I love the loungers. So comfy and easy to slip on. My wool runners are still holding on 3 years later, but I walked down a steep hill in them and stretched out the wool a bit..
      I can’t speak to their new flats, because I’m more of a sneaker gal.

      1. Toss the allbirds in the dryer on low for a few minutes, I’ve found that it shrinks them just enough to get back to normal.

   4. I got the Skechers Rothys knockoffs a few years ago and got rid of them because the sole was so thin. Disappointing, because I loved them. Although I walked in wet grass my first day wearing them and forever after the bottom white was more white-green. Whoops.

10. What’s everyone making for dinner? I think I’m throwing in the towel and heating up the deep dish Giordano’s pizza my sister sent me for my birthday.

    1. Blue Apron is saving the day for us in these trying times. Tonight it’s going to be a vegetarian grain bowl.

    2. Crockpot chicken and dumplings. It’s very rainy/windy where I am and that calls for comfort food!

    3. It’s remarkably cold here, so we are doing eggplant with arribiata sauce, pasta, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil.

    4. Taco Tuesday on a Thursday, because who knows what day it is anyway.

    5. I have this batter chilling in the fridge: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/12/thai-shrimp-cake-sweet-chili-dipping-sauce-recipe.html

       Going to eat that with either some leftover pad thai or singapore noodles! Going through and making all the asian recipes I crave

    6. I am making fried oysters on salad, personally. I am a bit of an overachiever in the kitchen usually, but I just did a rundown of the largest items in my fridge and will be meal-planning around them because I need room for my next grocery run. That may mean my next meals center around a giant, old bottle of kahlua, a cantaloupe, and a head of cabbage. Anyone else functioning this way?

       1. That sounds like an episode of Chopped.

       2. HA, that’s amazing. We ended up with 5 lbs. of carrots and a freaking year’s worth of minced garlic so um, that’s where we’re at based on availability last time we went to the grocery store. And I had cookies for breakfast. BUT I have ground turkey thawing on the counter to make… something for dinner tonight, so I’ll get some protein in. It’s the best of times and the worst of times in our house. Sometimes I get on a cooking kick and make really healthy meals like chicken tikka masala, white chicken chili, spaghetti and meatballs (homemade, with zucchini!), chicken and veggie stir fry, etc.

    7. BTW I made this amazing masa ball soup recipe from Top Chef over the weekend and it was divine. I couldn’t find kaffir lime leaves so I substituted the zest of one lime and one lemon. Was able to find everything else at the supermarket.

       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ-iLhfs5hc

    8. Half a can vanilla frosting mixed with PB2 powder for protein and vodka.

       1. #winning

          We’re making frozen pizza over here.

       2. You win!! God that all sounds amazing.

    9. Throwing in the towel with frozen Trader Joe’s Chinese food. And looking forward to it!

    10. Breakfast for dinner tonight.

    11. I made a really good veggie salad for lunch and had it with homemade sourdough. The veggie salad was inspired by Midnight Chicken (cookbook/memoir) and the idea is to use up whatever veggies you have in the drawer that need to be used, toss it in a good vinaigrette. I diced a carrot, a rib of celery, half a bunch of radishes, red bell pepper, a bunch of asparagus (blanched in salted water), a scraggly bunch of scallions, and a lone zucchini. I made a garlicky Dijon vinaigrette with lemon juice. It was a pretty good salad! And made me feel less bad about all the bread I’ve been eating :)

        Tonight it’s roasted chicken wings in a sticky balsamic glaze – a Molly Stevens recipe – and probably some rice and snow peas.

    12. Freezer waffles :) I found a trick of baking them on the oven rack so they get equally crisp. And CARBS so yummmm

    13. Chipotle hahaha

    14. Soba noodles with peanut sauce and whatever we can find in the vegetable drawer that isn’t past it’s prime. We hit the two week since shopping bar tomorrow and it’s getting a bit ugly.

    15. Chili cheese frito pie. Wasn’t excited for it but now that I’m eating it I’m loving it.

11. Thanks for the comments from morning thread about returning to the office.

    My plan is to go to the office very, very early and leave early, then work a few hours at home. I usually have a 4am nursing session with my youngest, so instead of going back to sleep I will just head to the office then. I have no meetings, no need to collaborate, our files are %100 accessible outside the office, and my office line rings my cell simultaneously so leaving early shouldn’t be a problem.

    1. This is insane.

       1. It is. But yet, I remember having a similar schedule when my child was young. I would be up early for an early feeding. The child would be sleeping again and I realized could not fall asleep. After a few weeks, I realized I might as well restructure my schedule. We arranged our schedules so my husband would take the baby to daycare and I would go in early. My office was silent from 5-7:30 and it was amazing for my productivity. I have missed those silent hours the past several weeks.

       2. I did this before we went to WFH and it was fine. Many countries are doing return to work by asking employees to come in at staggered times. In my firm, partners show up anywhere between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. anyhow to start their days, and we don’t have set hours for associates either, so this would not stand out as unusual.

12. Does anyone have a great product for root touchups? Thanks!

    1. Clairol root touch-up. Every 3 weeks.

    2. My salon just sent around something saying that they’ll mix your color and deliver it to your door with directions on how to use. I am fine as I had gotten my hair highlighted just before the shut-down, and a combo of a) any growth / roots I have are pretty subtle and b) I don’t GAF, but that might be something you may want to ask your own home salons about if that is of interest.

13. Is a big (5-6 qt) Creuset worth it? I have a Bloomingdale’s gift card I can’t decide what to use but thinking about a Creuset. We have a 3.5qt one and it gets pretttttty full sometimes.

    1. I have a 7 qt round Le Creuset and use it all the time, so I’d say yes! We are a family of 5, and I use it to make stew, chili, boil potatoes or a large quantity of pasta, etc.

    2. I have a 5.5 qt round Dutch oven that’s going on about 10 years of weekly use. Highly recommend.

    3. Oh hell yes! I use mine every day.

       Make no knead bread!!

    4. Yes!!

    5. I have the 6.75 and 9 quart ovals and they get plenty of use for large beef stews, pasta sauces, chilis etc.

    6. The size, yes. The brand, no.

14. As a recent college graduate just entering the workforce I have to say these are a definite splurge I’m not willing to pay for.

15. For the people who wondered about Sweden in the morning post. I can read Swedish ok, and found the official guidelines fairly easily. The guidelines are new, and made by specialists in medical ethics, as far as I could see. Made a comment on the morning post with some of the content, but will repeat here. Sorry about the slightly off language in the translation of some of the terms into English, but as far as I could tell this was the gist of it:

    “That’s not a correct description of the Swedish plans. I can read Swedish, so I had a look.

    The Swedish National Guidelines about the ethical Principles for intensive care during extraordinary circumstances says very clearly that you cannot prioritize between patients based on the chronological age of the patients. (socialstyrelsen.se) The value of human life is the most important principle.

    In a situation where it is necessary to make choices on who to give intensive care and who to give alternative care – it is however allowed to make priorities based on biological age or the possible benefit to the patient based on the the patient’s general health condition and chance of survival.

    The principles also clearly state that it is not allowed to make priorities based on social situation or position, any disabilities or whether the condition is a result of the patient’s own life choices.

    The plan is very clear on that even in normal cases, intensive care is only given to very ill patients who are at risk of getting worse, and already with a low chance of survival.

    There have been articles about guidelines for how to decide biological age and survival possibilities (again, if priorities are necessary). Number of vital organs failing is one of the indicators. High chronological age with low chance of surviving intensive care is another one.

    But yeah, these seems to be ethical guidelines and contingency plans. There has been debate about the principles, and how they can be made operational if needs be.”

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