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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 186 Comments · by

Coffee Break – Chameleon Pencil Case

Coffee Break· Under $150

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Smythson Chameleon Pencil CaseI've been living in New York off and on for almost 15 years now (yeouch) which means that I have been to the atrocity that is the Barney's Warehouse sale more than a few times. I haven't been in quite a while, though — a friend clued me in long ago that you can get the exact same discounts by going to the store a week or two before the Warehouse sale, but you get to try things on in store conditions (and without, say, sharing a concrete-floored open dressing room with 30 other women vying for three mirrors after waiting in line for hours, or (even better!) dressing strategically so you can try things on in the aisles. It is brutal, people, and not for the faint of heart. BUT: This year the Warehouse sale is online. So you can shop the sales from the comfort of your own office. Take, for example, this lovely Chameleon Pencil Case by Smythson — I think it would be the perfect thing to add to a huge tote (such as the ever popular Longchamp) to organize pens, pencils, lip glosses, and more. It was $230, but at the Warehouse sale it's $139 — all sales final. Smythson Chameleon Pencil Case (L-0) For those of you who've shopped the Warehouse sale in the past — care to share any memories? For the NYCers among you: how often do you guys hit sample sales and the like now that flash sale sites like Gilt and Rue La La exist? Any favorites? (My personal favorite has always been Clothingline's revolving sample sale, but that's just me.)

Sales of note for 9.10.24

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Comments

  1. joy

    I don’t even try with NYC sample sales. I went to my first one not too long ago, and for some reason I was convinced that I could just cruise by during my lunch hour and walk out with bags full of Hanky Panky undies. Yeah right! I’d rather shop from the comfort of my own home. I do secretly wish that Gilt would have some sort of in-person event but I know I would go and be miserable.

    • jcb

      They do, it’s called Gilt City. I went to one this past year – it wasn’t so bad, actually ended up with a couple of nice things after sifting through everything else.

  2. De

    I have kind of a dumb question. For the ladies who have commutes that involve changing shoes…When/where do you change out of flats into heels? I have to go to our company’s HQ in NYC this week, and usually I try to just throw on my heels before going into the building, but I feel kind of awkward doing so. I don’t have my own space there, and will probably go straight to a meeting before finding an empty cubicle…

    And on a related matter…has anyone ever had foot pain involved when wearing flats, but not when wearing heels? Lately when I’m wearing sneakers, or flats, or snowboots, walking is quite painful in one of my feet, but walking around the office in my heels I’m fine. I made an appointment with a podiatrist, but it’s not for a few weeks, and it just seems odd.

    • CW

      If you feel uncomfortable changing shoes on the street/in the lobby (totally understandable), I would head up to whatever floor you need to be on and change your shoes in the bathroom.

      • SJ

        Seconded. It turns out I had plantar fasciitis and didn’t realize it until I very seriously injured myself running. My foot pain was where the arch met the heel bone and I noticed it for a few days after running in cleats and then it would go away so I didn’t worry about it but like I said, I ended up with a serious injury and applaud you for making a doctor’s appointment rather than ignoring it like I did.

        • De

          That doesn’t sound like what I”m experiencing, and I don’t think I deserve the applause–I actually am worried that the pain is related to an injury I had back in the fall, where I got stepped on by a girl wearing heels one night out. I was swollen and bruised for a few weeks, but it eventually went back to normal. Even if it’s not related, I think it hurts for a reason and I’d like to find out why! I hope your feet are happier now though!

          • jcb

            That same thing happened to me! Elderly lady full-on stepped on my foot with her high heel and put all of her weight down, and didn’t seem to realize it (thank goodness she was dancing with her husband, who whisked her away after not too long). Resulted in nerve damage, which I only figured out bc I was sent to physical therapy to deal with the ankle injuries from 2 falls shortly thereafter (am clutzy). Physical therapy didn’t really help the nerve damage. It’s been about 5-6 years, but it still comes back now and then with overuse.

    • Kitty

      For interviews, I would go early and scope out a park/bench/atrium/starbucks nearby where I could change the shoes but not be standing in the middle of company’s (or building in which company is located) lobby.

    • Ellen

      You can EXCUSE yourself and go to the LADIE’S ROOM. That is what I do b/c I am weareing my NIKE’s into work. The problem is at work we SHARE a bathroom, and Frank alway’s is living in there so I have to wait for him to get out, and VERY often, it is super FOOEY when he come’s out.

      I asked the manageing partner to make Frank use the hallway bathroom for men, b/c if he stink’s that one up, the rest of the OFFICE does NOT have to suffer, but the manageing partner refuses to confront Frank.

      It was particulearely bad today, b/c he ate alot of spicey food at a Super Bowl party he hosted. He even said his wife made a mean BEAN dip. I think we all knew that. FOOEY!

    • Anon

      I have recurring tendinitis in the ball of my foot from wearing ballet flats too much. As far as I can tell, all shoes are bad for my feet in some way, so I just rotate.

    • Lady Harriet

      Are you wearing flats without arch support? I remember one time wondering why my feet hurt so much, since I was wearing flats and they’re always supposed to be comfortable. It was only much, much later that I realized my feet hurt because my high arches were totally unsupported and there was no padding under my heel.

    • Non Twit

      When I am at my office I change shoes at my desk, if necessary. I’ve come to terms with some office-appropriate heels, though, so I usually stick to those for the average workday. At client sites I generally change shoes around the corner, even on say, 5th avenue.

    • Fishie

      Is your office dress code really so conservative that you could not walk into the building wearing commuter shoes and change at your desk or whatever desk you are using?

  3. Anon

    Any suggestions for making my office space more liveable? Not necessarily decor, but little hidden things that add comfort. I need some sort of pillow/lumbar support in my chair for sure. And some sort of foot rest. My back is killing me, and I think its these “fancy” ergonomic chairs that are anything but for me. I also have a big shawl that I use as a blanket because its freezing in here. You can’t really see it on my lap, so I don’t think its caused any consternation about professionalism (and really, its freezing in here). Anyone have any hidden gems in their office to recommend?

    • AIMS

      I brought in a nice mug for tea and nice dishes (one plate and one bowl) for when I bring lunch. I don’t like drinking out/eating out plastic/paper if I can help it and having something attractive makes me happy (bonus: it’s a good place for one of a kind plates/cups that clutter my kitchen cupboard). Likewise, I keep lots of nice teas to have on hand.

      Other ideas: a nice lamp to counteract the florescent lighting and a plant to boost the spirits and improve my oxygen flow.

    • Fiona

      I have a banker’s box under my desk that I use as a foot rest. I also store all my “office shoes” in it. To anyone who sees it, it just looks like I have some files stored in a box under my desk.

      • Kitty

        I don’t know why I didn’t do that. I ordered a stool off amazon to use as a footrest.

        Second the teas/lamp/shawl/space heater suggestions.

      • Lin

        That is so brilliant. I already have boxes under my desk, why didn’t I think of this!?

      • AnotherLadyLawyer

        Same, except for just as a footrest. I also have a shoe rack under my desk, since I have too many shoes and OCD…

    • ITDS

      If the fancy ergonomic chair is an Aeron, know that they come in different sizes. Feel under the “loop” around the back and see how many small bumps are at the top. 1 for small, 2 for medium, 3 for large. If the chair is the wrong size (you are 5’10” and they gave you a small chair) ask around about swapping with someone. The ergonomic features do work, but only if the chair is roughly the right size to begin with.

      • Rani

        Chair dips with a rolling chair would probably have a humiliation rating of 4 or 5.

        • OP

          All I could picture was doing the leg kick deals and kicking the paper thin wall and scaring my coworker on the other side. I can’t imagine doing any of that in a cube.

      • Herbie

        I keep practically a full condiment bar in my office because I eat lunch at my desk most days. Small sea salt grinder? Check. Soy sauce packets? Check. Extra chopsticks? Check. Contemplating getting a pepper grinder. Mama needs her spices.

    • M-C

      I’ve seen recommendations here for a brilliant thing – look up “mini personal heater” on amazon, and get one. Too small to trip circuits, a discreet look that won’t be detected as a heater by snoops. Improves your life in a cold office tremendously :-).

    • anony

      I am starting at my new job next week. I plan on buying myself an Espresso machine given the long hours I’ll have to spend there. My new bosses sound especially welcoming. I was wondering about suggestions for “the first day on the job attire”.

  4. BB

    Does anyone remember the website where you can punch in your measurements and see a chart showing you what size will fit you best in several popular brands, along with a line showing where you vary from that size?

    I’ve used it before but the google is failing me right now.

  5. Looking to Move

    Repost from “The Hunt” –

    Hello ladies! I don’t usually post on here, but I’ve recently made a big life decision and am now in the planning stages…and I need some advice. I’m planning to leave my current law firm job and move to Des Moines, Iowa. I’m hoping to find something new so I can take the February 2014 bar exam (or the July 2014 exam)…so I’ve got time to find the perfect place (if it exists). Does anyone have any suggestions for legal head hunters in the area? Also, any other advice regarding quitting your current law firm job/timing when looking for a new one/etc. would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

    • Plan B

      I’m not familiar with that market, but I’d be surprised if there were many legal recruiters there. Google came up with one called The Lion Group.

      Do you know anyone there in the legal profession, or are there any contacts you could make through your college or law school alumni groups? I would think that personal connections would be helpful.

      Good luck!

    • LH

      I don’t know anything about the legal market but I grew up near Des Moines and have many friends still in the area. I’m biased but I think it is a great little city and Iowa is a wonderful place to raise a family, if you’re looking to do that someday. I am very jealous you’re making the move – I hope to follow suit pretty soon.

    • anon

      Network, network, network! I’ve been thinking about a move from NYC biglaw to a decent sized city in the midwest, and while there is one recruiter there (and a few other national recruiters who work that market from other places), the best bites I’ve had were through people from my law school, college, or current firm alums. I was surprised at how many people from those places ended up where I want to be, and while I didn’t know most of them before I started looking, they were generally friendly and happy to help once I got in touch. It’s not easy (I’m an introvert and not very good at traditional networking), but to me this was a little different and so much easier than an in-person event where you’re trying to meet brand new people. If there are any national/big regional firms there, you can also look for alums in their other offices–they will probably be happy to help you as well.

    • Looking to Move

      Thanks everyone for the advice. I’ve contacted my school’s career services office…so I guess I’ll start there! I have tons of law school friends/classmates in the area (plus I have a father-in-law who has practiced in the state for like 30 years…), so I’m sure something will turn up! Thanks again!

      PS: If you have any other advice re: when to tell the current firm that I’m leaving, whether it is smarter to leave after 3.5 years as an associate or 4…anything like that, I’m open to any and all advice! Thanks again!

  6. Flirting Fail

    Anon for this.

    Spent a really fun night watching superbowl on my crushes’ couch, looked cute, was friendly, we were both laughing and having a great time and then? A hug and a good night.

    I feel like I missed this stage in college, but I wanted a slightly drunken hook-up! How do I give off a less stuffy, more casual-garden-party friendly vibe?

    [obvi this dude might just not have been into me, but it’s part of a broader pattern]

    • momentsofabsurdity

      Have you tried being pretty touchy feely?

      I’ve heard I give off a “conservative” vibe which makes dudes unsure about how I feel/whether I’m into it (notwithstanding current boy break). I’ve found doing things like hand on the back/sidling up next to/looking over regularly (which I don’t do normally/wouldn’t do “instinctually”) to cut down on the number of times I hear “well I really couldn’t tell if you liked me as a friend or more.”

      • Cb

        Seconded. Also, some guys really need things spelled out for them. Maybe just be direct and ask for what you want?

      • January

        +1. In my experience, resting your head on his shoulder is pretty effective. You can put your hand on his knee if you really want to get the point across.

      • LadyEnginerd

        This is my typical approach, as I find it much easier to blurt out that I like someone with a little liquid courage. Note that I say “typical” and not “recommended.” I’ve found it can backfire (especially if you head into the territory of “lots” of liquid courage).

    • TBK

      OMG are you me? This was totally my problem when I was single. I agree with everyone who said to be more touchy-feely. I’m not naturally like that (I hug and all that, but I don’t touch people when I’m talking to them for example). I finally tried it one night when I was at a party talking to a guy I liked. I literally told myself “touch his arm NOW while you’re talking.” I did it. Now we’re married. (I realize you’re not necessarily looking to marry the guy, but my husband says that he took that as a sign I was into him.) The arm touch is a great place to start because it’s not too forward but breaks the physical barrier.

    • om

      obvs this would only work in some situations, but i have asked something along the lines of “so are you going to kiss me or what?” with positive results a few times.

      • Merabella

        This. I think this approach can backfire, and I would use it sparingly, but I think it works most of the time.

  7. Cb

    Sorry, I know we are all in very different income brackets but even if I won euromillions, I couldn’t justify $139 on a pencil case.

    • Anonymous

      I’m with you on that. The last time I used pencils was in grade school.

      I’m sure if I were an artist, sketching, I’d use pencils. But really, a pencil case? And at $139?? And no, it’s not worth it just to carry pens, either.

      • AIMS

        I use pencil case and similar small cases to organize all the random crap I carry in my bag so it’s not just accumulating dust/impossible to find when I actually need it.

        For instance, I have a similar (though admittedly less pricey) case in which I keep everything from a handkerchief to some individual wet naps, to a couple of advil/benadryl, a packet of emergen-c, and some bandaids. I also have a larger envelope case where I throw in all those random 20% off Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, etc. so they’re handy but not cluttering my bag. It’s really great for organization as well as for changing purses: I can basically move the essential contents of my bag by moving 4 easy items from any bag at any time.

        • Coalea

          I’m all for organizing as AIMS has described, but like Cb, I can’t even begin to wrap my head around paying that much for a pencil case (whether used for actual pencils or other items). I have no doubt that I could find something just as cute for <$20.

    • Anonymous

      My first thought, as well. I am 100% in favor of putting a pen/pencil case in my purse, and indeed I have one — that cost ~$4 at the now-defunct Borders– to protect my $139.00 handbag from any accidental leakage and to make finding a pen easier when I need one. I can’t imagine having so much money that this price would make sense for an item to serve this purpose.

      • Anon

        My mom would tell you that this is an item designed for “people with more money than sense”.

      • AIMS

        I am not sure whyI have such a strong need to defend this pencil case, but …. Although I would not spend $140 on a pencil case now or maybe ever, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to do so if you can otherwise afford it.

        First, something well made and leather can basically last decades, whereas the more sensibly-priced cases I usually buy tend to look worn within a year or two. Second, personally, as I get older I notice that I spend a lot less on random things that I actually need because I have accumulated enough basics like office dresses and black pumps, so that buying an expensive item that previously seemed frivolous makes more sense because I am not spending money on buying suits and black work pants. Third, we all have random stuff we really like. My SO’s father is the most practical person in the world and I think the most extravagant item in his closet probably came from LL Bean, but he loves pens and every year for his birthday he’ll get himself a “fancy” pen at an actual pen store. Meanwhile, I can’t bring myself to use any pen that wasn’t free at work or at the bank, but there you go. So, in sum, although I’m not buying it, I totally get this case :)

        • Bonnie

          I agree with you AIMS. There are a lot of things on this site that I would not buy because of the cost, e.g. this morning’s jacket, but that does not mean that they’re not quality items. Sure you can buy a $4 pencil case somewhere else but it will not be the same quality as this one.

    • anon

      It was a “thing” at my high school to have a Kate Spade pencil case. I didn’t understand it then either.

    • M

      Agreed..why would I ever buy a pencil case that costs nearly as much as my Longchamp. I don’t really understand the point to this post.

      I buy Clinique and use the makeup bags they give out during Bonus time. They’re all shapes and sizes.

    • KansasAnalyst

      Thank you for saying something! It is NUTS to spend that much money on a pencil case… Crazy

  8. hoola hoopa

    Who cares more about Valentine’s Day? You or your SO?

    I honestly couldn’t care less, but every year I’m stuck caring because it matters to my husband. It’s actually kind of fun to come up with little things throughout the day to show him he’s special, but it took several years before he finally realized/accepted/believed me that I didn’t want or need anything.

    • Anon

      Neither of us care. No special meal, flowers, presents, etc. I’m perfectly happy with it (and so is he) :)

      • TO Lawyer

        haha us too. And if one of us care more about milestones and occasions, it’s always me.

    • SCS

      Neither one of us care. So we don’t do anything except always stay home on Feb. 14. I know other people really think it’s fun, but we don’t.

    • Cb

      I don’t care but I kind of think the guy I’m seeing might? However, I’m running an event for my students which gives me an out.

    • cfm

      Neither. He sometimes gets me flowers though and we usually just split a bottle of champagne

    • Diana Barry

      I care, but only a little – not enough to care that he doesn’t get me anything.

      The first year we were dating (we had been together for almost a year) I went to a law student focus group, sponsored by Westlaw. They gave me $100 for the focus group, and he picked me up from the focus group (with flowers!) and we went out to dinner with the money.

      I don’t think he’s gotten me flowers since we had kids, though.

    • CKB

      I care slightly more than dh, but we don’t normally do much anyway. I sometimes buy some lingerie for some fun. Except this year my boys have a 2 day break from school so they are going to my parents for a couple of days, and for Christmas we got gift certificates to a nice restaurant (also from my parents), so we have reservations & are going for a nice meal. However, this is our mo when the boys are visiting grandparents (usually only once or twice a year), so the fact that it’s V-Day doesn’t really have much to do with it, but I’m sure we’ll still enjoy the meal!

    • rufus

      We both care. Well, I am sure if I said lets call it off, he would. We cook a special dinner and also exchange gifts and cards. It seems I am in the minority, but I really like Valentine’s Day.

      • CW

        Neither me nor DH really care all that much, but we typically make a special dinner too. And, now that I’m working crazy hours, it’s actually one of those rare nights that you are unlikely to be too inundated with emails because all the (male) partners spend it with their wives. I actually surprised myself (and DH) a few years ago when DH didn’t get me flowers for Valentine’s Day and I was annoyed. But we never exchange gifts.

        Now that I’m typing all of this out it sounds like we do care.

    • NOLA

      I don’t think either of us cares much. I think he cares more that he might not be able to do as much as he thinks he ought to, whatever that means. But mostly we exchange cards. I got him Reese’s hearts. That’s about it. I’ve been buying roses for myself when they look good at the grocery store (mine has a full-scale floral dept). And I hate going out to a restaurant on a night like that. We make a big deal about other things.

      • new york associate

        NOLA – did you and your SO get back together? (I thought I read that you had called it off…) Either way, I’m glad you’re happy! I like getting roses for myself too.

        • NOLA

          Yeah, this came up in a thread last week. We are trying to make it work. It’s still hard because he has had so much family drama that we haven’t seen each other much. But the good news is that he made the decision to stay in state for two more months so at least he’s not hundreds of miles away. My work schedule has been so crazy that I can’t ever get away during a work day. He drove in on Saturday to surprise me, even for a couple of hours, because he couldn’t stand that we had been apart for so long. He acknowledged that it was really hard but he doesn’t want to let go.

    • JJ

      We use it as an excuse to cook a good meal at home and open a nice bottle of wine. Honestly, we’re more excited about splurging on good food than anything else. The past few years my husband has surprised me with flowers (never roses – an arrangement of tulips or something like that), but I would never expect it and wouldn’t be upset if he forgot.

    • anon

      Happily married 2 years and together for 7 – we don’t care either. Feh to the Hallmark holiday which makes single people feel like crap, dating people freaked out (how much to observe the holiday given we’ve been dating X weeks and I feel ___ strongly about person), and coupled people stressed and spending tons of money as the media works to make everyone feel inadequate. The jewelry industry pushes finding the “right gift” or else Your Relationship Is Doomed and More Importantly, Your Woman Will Be Pissed. Women are supposed to buy sexy lingerie and perform in the bedroom. And the floral industry jacks up the prices on flowers that will cost a third or half as much on Feb 15. Meanwhile, the restaurant industry invents more expensive prix fixe menus which are actually made by the B-team in the kitchen – the limited menu helps the B-team keep up the line. Restaurants are full of people who don’t typically eat out at fancy restaurants who don’t know what they’re doing and/or are stressed because of the high stakes/cost of Valentine’s Day. Bonus negative points for public proposals in restaurants on VDay. The whole holiday centers on forcing everyone to shoehorn themselves into a very limited set of gender roles. And then there’s the whole idea that (typically) husbands can take their wives for granted all year round as long as they buy them diamond jewelry on Valentine’s Day, like that makes up for everything else. Ugh.

      However, if a couple actually like these things, and are doing them because they truly like them, then that’s great.

      • JJ

        This reminds me of this: http : / / theoatmeal. com / blog / valentines_day

        (remove spaces and mildly NSFW)

      • slysan

        I am not a fan of Valentine’s day in the way you describe (and when I’ve had an SO, while I appreciate gestures, I would hate if someone spent $$ on the holiday), but even when single (which has been the majority of V’days in my life and will be this year), I still really love the holiday! I love giving out cheesy cards/candies to my friends and just celebrating everyone that I love. It’s a huge friend-love holiday for me.

        • TBK

          Yes! I’ve realized I like the friend part of Valentine’s Day way more than the SO part! I wish it could just be a day when you make fun cards out of paper doilies and surprise your friends with roses and chocolate. I don’t think Mr. TBK and I have ever really celebrated.

    • anonypotamus

      We care about the same which is “eh.” The last few years we have gotten together with a group of friends (some in couples, some single) and done a potluck fancy dinner party/cheesy murder mystery. It probably depends on the group of friends you can cull together, but it always results in belly laughs and a great time. This year, we are taking advantage of the fact that it is so close to the long weekend to head out to the coast for a mini vacay.

    • LH

      Neither of us really cares. I think it is nice to exchange some small token and go out for a nice meal on a different day (I avoid restaurants like the plague on the actual day of Feb. 14th).

    • roses

      My SO cares way more than I do. I’d be fine with a nice homecooked meal, but he insists on going out to dinner for it. I can’t stand the crowds, but at least 1) he pays and 2) it’s an excuse to get dressed up, which I do enjoy.

    • M-C

      Well, of course OP it’s very good if you’ve learned to play along and give thoughtful presents for Vday. But consider also that giving is a pleasure, and that by insisting that your SO not get you anything at all you’re falling flat on an important part of participation. Maybe you can have some rules about presents “under $20” or “less than a lb of chocolate” or “nothing that plugs in”, whatever. But learning to accept presents graciously is an important part of pleasing an SO who’s into it.

    • Calibrachoa

      Me, me, totally me. Namely cause I have yet to have a boyfriend on Valentine’s day depsie being close to 30. This time it’s different and I WANT IT ALL. grrr.

      Himself? Hates it and has flat out said hewill do nothing for me. Bleh.

    • Merabella

      My husband. I’m not a romantic at all. He is. So I do things I know would make him happy, and he buys me jewelry. But I’d be fine with grabbing a redbox movie. Though it is nice to have someone who cares a lot about these things to remind you to enjoy the little things.

  9. Retin-A

    I posted this this morning, but hoping to get more recommendations–does anyone have a recommendation for a good dermatologist in Chicago? (And thank you to those of you who responded this morning, I just need a recommendation in the city and my silly typo neglected to say that).

    • chicago doc

      I see Dr. Bethanee Schlosser at Northwestern downtown, and it has worked out well for my needs. Her specialty is women’s skin issues. However, she leans more to the medical issues side then the aesthetics. I’ve been seeing her for lifelong hormonal acne (I’m 43). She has been great for that, and now I am completely clear. I only wish I had seen her 25 years ago…

      For your acne, I suspect she will recommend topicals – retinA and probably either a topical or an oral antibiotic. She is not someone who gives a lot of input on products/make-up outside of the usual “dermatologist” recommended, extra-mild products and heavy sunscreens. She is quite young, doesn’t look like she wears/needs any make-up herself.

      Hope that helps.

    • anon

      Dr. Jill Weinstein at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group (right near North and Clybourn). I’ve been seeing her for years and she resolved my cystic acne when no one else could. I also use her for cosmetic stuff and annual skin checks.

  10. S in Chicago

    The description of the warehouse sale has me totally cracking up. What’s the craziest shopping conditions you all have been under, and was it worth it?

    I went to Nordstrom’s Last Call store in Phoenix once .It was absolute bedlam. Shoes and bags and clothes everywhere. I found myself snagging things and sneaking off to corners to better inspect like some sort of caveman and his prey. (I totally snuck out from an afternoon of activities with the in-laws to do it, too, which made it all the more adrenaline inducing). I would have been thoroughly embarassed to have anyone know my love a good deal was worth all of that. I did come away with some perfect black Tory Burch flats for $50 (I’m a size 11, so that probably helps a lot with the variety on hand). I’m also still mourning not getting a stunning black Marc Jacobs bag that was so lovely but (gulp) near $450. I found it later retailing for around $1,200.

    • Mpls

      Mall of America the weekend before Christmas. All seven levels of free parking on both sides of the building are full and I’m in the (mostly) full overflow lot across the street by Ikea. It makes you leery about even walking in the building, because you know everyone and their mother is there.

    • JJ

      In high school I tagged along with my mom to The Container Store the morning after Christmas for the sale on wrapping paper. Never have I experienced such bedlam. I was almost assaulted by little old ladies gunning for marked-down theme wrapping paper.

      Relatedly, Valentines Day at Whole Foods or Central Market (a Texas-type Whole Foods but with a much larger selection) is miserable. Especially because it’s mostly men just wandering around with no idea what they’re looking at.

    • Meg Murry

      Kraftmaid kitchen cabinet warehouse in Western Ohio. From what I understand its no longer anything as awesome as it used to be, but a few years back it was CRAZY. You had to get there before dawn (5 am? I don’t remember) and the police were there directing traffic and handing out numbers. They only handed out a certain number of tickets, like 200 or 300. Then at a specific time (like 2 hours later) they would draw a number, and let people in starting with that number. Once you got in the warehouse you ran around and “tagged” what you wanted with tape and your name, then found an employee to write up your ticket. You had to load up anything you bought yourself – an employee would take it to the loading dock, but you were on your own from there. It made for a totally crazy, exhausting day, but they also sold $300-$700 cabinets for under $100, if you were lucky to find what you wanted. We made 6 or 7 trips, I think, plus my husband made a few with various people, and we outfitted 2 kitchens, an apartment kitchenette, 3 bathrooms plus got a bunch of cabinets to stack in our dining room and office, and less nice ones to use in a garage and basement workshop. They also used to sell entire kitchens for cheap – I’m guessing it was from when someone ordered for a full kitchen, then went bankrupt and never took the order. It would something crazy like 25 cabinets retailing for $15,000 for $3,000 – but you had to take them all, and take them that day. We always said if we were ever going to build a house, we would go buy one of those complete kitchens, then design the kitchen around them.

    • TBK

      Um, Mr. TBK one day decided we had to be at Cabella’s when it opened. It opens at like 7:00am and was an hour from our house. I figured it was for some event or sale or something. Nope. He just wanted to be there when it opened. At 7:00am. On a Saturday. He didn’t even buy anything. Whatever, I just looked at the fish in the big river tank.

    • AnonAz

      That Last Call is always like that. I can’t make myself go in there anymore…

  11. LaurenA

    So I’m a 1L and looking for my summer internship. I found a GREAT opportunity that I am super excited about. I submitted my resume, etc thorough career services and am just waiting to hear something from the organization. (It isn’t OCI so they will not be on campus interviewing) How long should I wait until I email the contact at the organization directly about my application?

    • JK

      If there is an end date for applying, wait until then, give it a few days, and then follow up. If not, wait about a week and follow up to make sure they received your materials and to stress that you’d love to talk with them more about the position. Err on the side of being more persistent– usually people will not be annoyed by you, they are simply busy.

      • LaurenA

        The application deadline is March 1, which seems so far away! I have many interviews in the mean time and will hopefully get one or two offers, so waiting until March just doesn’t seem doable. Would it be wrong to contact them a week after submitting if I haven’t heard anything?

        • mintberrycrunch

          I am only a 2L so feel free to take my advice with a grain of salt…. but I would wait, go on the other interviews, and then if you receive another offer, call this place and say “I’ve received another offer and I have until X date to decide. I am really interested in working for your organization, so I wanted to see whether there was an opportunity to come in earlier for an interview.” Or something to that effect.

          Obviously this approach would require having some time to decide whether to take one of the other jobs if it is offered to you (which isn’t the case with certain positions, like interning for a judge).

          Just my two cents! Good luck!

        • rosie

          I think it would be excessive to contact them a week after submitting when the deadline is not until March 1 (which is not that far away). That’s great that you have more interviews. If you do in fact get another offer, then you can contact this other place to tell them that you are really interested but need to make a decision.

    • Non Twit

      In this market do not wait. Contact them now, professionally and with discretion.

  12. Portlandian

    Exercise-related TJ: Does anyone have advice for how to tame a tomato-red face after working out at lunch? I try to run during my lunch break a couple of times a week (literally the only time during the week that I can fit it in) and my face naturally gets very very red (like brick red) when I run. It usually calms down a bit during the post-run cold shower, but it’s still quite red by the time I’m trying to re-apply make-up and head back to work.

    Any tricks of the trade out there? I’d love to look a little more normal before heading back to the office, lest my coworkers think I’m having a heart attack.

    • Anon in DC

      An electrolyte replacement drink–I use Nuun–helps a lot with recovery time. I still get the pink glow after the workout and always will, but it goes away faster. Good luck.

    • Greensleeves

      Also curious about this. I have the same problem. I don’t even try to reapply makeup until I’ve been back in my office for 30 minutes or so, as I’m usually bright red and still “glowing” until then.

    • Miss A

      I read somewhere that holding ice/cold washcloth to the back of your neck helps with rapid cooldown to help subside the red. (haven’t tried it yet as I have yet to get back into gym at lunch).

    • chocochat

      Just back from the gym… I think a walk outside in cold air really helps me with this problem.

    • ABC

      Don’t workout at lunch…. ;) I kid, but honestly, that is the only thing that works for me.

      Can you do something that is more low impact on the days you workout at lunch? There is no possible way that I could go on a run at lunch, but I could go to a barre class or lift some weights.

    • SoCalAtty

      I turn bright red! The only thing that helps me is a really cold washcloth to the face. When I ride my horse or spin before work, it’s pretty funny. The car a/c on full blast all the way back to the office helps too.

      I stopped turning AS red the fitter I got. But that takes time and I was still turning pretty red.

    • Anonymous

      Have never tried this for running-induced redface, but in the past when my face has been red due to crying and I want it to go away, I find that a conbination of cold water and then a few rounds of scrunching up my facial and neck muscles to deliberately make my face turn red works. Its kind of hard to describe, but basically I just tense up all of the muscles in my face, neck, and now that I am trying it as a type, my arms and shoulders too. This makes my face red initially, but then the blood drains out and it goes back to normal.

  13. anon

    Reposting from the end of the camisole post:

    I have oily skin so wrinkles are not a huge concern for me, but I’m looking for suggestions for products to maintain skin elasticity. My mom and grandmother have pretty droopy skin on their faces, jowls in particular. I’m in my early 40′s now so I figure it’s time to start using something preventative. But I’m a minimalist in terms of skin products, especially as I get totally overwhelmed by all the options. Any ideas?

    • Anonymous

      Don’t really think there is much to be done for this. Surgery…. I’m afraid. I know as it runs in my family as well. My mother went the natural route, and her sister did lots of nipping and tucking as the years went on.

  15. anonforthis

    So, I guess I’m not sure what I’m looking here aside from some commiseration. I just feel so discontented right now and I’m not sure what to do about it. I’ll be 27 in a few months; I finished law school in June and have a good, prestigious job; I do have a ton of debt (mostly student debt, but about $10k in cc debt as well) but I don’t think my issues are stemming from that. I have a good amount of friends where I live and others scattered across the country who I’ve traveled to see and who travel to see me occasionally. I think, objectively speaking, I’m pretty attractive, in good shape, etc. But for some reason I just feel so unhappy with everything. I went through a sort of break-up about a month ago, I say “sort of” because we had never had the talk about where it was going, and when I finally got up the courage to ask about it, he said he wasn’t ready for a relationship because he’d just gotten out of a long-term one and wasn’t ready to open up again yet. I know I can’t blame myself for that but I think I was really in love with him (even though we only dated for a few months) and instead of progressing on getting over him, I think I’m actually regressing. I did start seeing a therapist 2 weeks ago and have my second session tomorrow, so maybe that will help to have someone to vent to.

    I guess the main source of my unhappiness is being alone and not being okay with being single. I was single for like 2 years before I met this guy, and was with someone for 5 years before that. I just feel ready to be in a relationship but I feel so discouraged and helpless, like it’s never going to happen. And I hate feeling like I need a relationship to be happy. I feel so restless and just… dissatisfied with life. I’m trying to pour my energy into things like going out with friends, training for a race, traveling… but no matter what I do, I can’t shake this feeling that I’m getting older, wasting time, and that I’ll never be as happy as I could be if I had a fulfilling relationship. At the same time, I’m an all-or-nothing type of person; I can’t bring myself to go on a second date with someone unless I think he could be the one. My friends have suggested just letting loose a little bit, dating multiple people, not taking it so seriously; but I don’t think I’m wired that way. I know what I want!

    Has anyone felt this way; and if so, how did you get out of the rut?

    • Batgirl

      Man, you sound just like me when I graduated. To me it sounds like the transition from school to work has been difficult (even when change is good, it can take a toll) and the break-up (a few months of dating sounds like a legit break-up to me).

      Don’t beat yourself for wanting to date someone seriously. But also realize that you are young, that the odds greatly favor you meeting someone in the next few years, and that only you can make the decision to be happy. I was largely single for years (and may be again at some point, but things are going well in my current relationship) and the only thing I really regret is how fatalistic I was about it all. I felt like being single meant there was something wrong with me and that I was destined to be a leper among my rapidly-pairing-off friends. I still feel that way from time to time (but instead of it being about not being in a relationship, it’s about not being married), but I really do wish i hadn’t wasted all those years thinking it was my fault, that what I wanted was wrong or antiquated, and generally being unhappy.

      Good things will come your way! Therapy is also great and helped me a ton in dealing with these issues!

    • Anne Shirley

      I took their advice and started saying yes to 3 dates unless the guy was objectively terrible. And reminded myself that my closest friends were not bff-at-first-sight, so why should a man be.

      • KC

        Ditto this. My boyfriend and I having a running joke about the first time (according to him) we met. Needless to say, I have no recollection of talking to him. Good thing he was persistent! :)

    • little advice

      I can’t help noticing that you said “good, prestigious” job, rather than “job that I love” . . . perhaps therein lies an answer?

      • Anon

        agree. Sounds like you are operating from a place where you have expectations on yourself for how things in life should be. Take your time.

      • anonforthis

        Yeah I mean, I can’t say I “love” my job. But I appreciate the experience and the fact that the hours allow me to focus on my personal life; it’s only a 2-year thing so at some point in the next year I’ll have to start looking for something else and make a big decision about my career trajectory.

        But what you said does get me thinking that maybe if I actually saw my job as something I looked forward to doing every day, my life would be more fulfilling. As it is, I see work as a means of supporting my life, but I don’t actually think a ton about it when I’m not doing it, and I don’t know how much excitement I get from it. Of course, sometimes I avoid thinking about this because law school was such a huge investment that I can’t really afford to have second thoughts. Though I recognize there are so many different jobs within law. I guess up to this point my life has just been about moving on to the next goal, accomplishing what I thought I was supposed to accomplish, etc. Now that I’m “in the real world” I just don’t know what to do with myself or how to derive meaning from things.

        • also anon

          This (esp. regarding the job) could be me – I commiserate completely and am working on trying to figure out how to make my work and place in this world meaningful, while still being able to support myself/pay off debts/etc. I wish I could offer more constructive advice – but know that you are not alone in feeling this way!

        • Anon for this

          I feel the same… about the goal/career/next step and now I’m 30 and I don’t know what I want to doooo (other than my pipe dream, which is well, at least 10-20 years from happening).

    • petitesq

      Agree with all of the posters above, and I will also add that I was in a very similar boat, and was/am neurotic enough that it was rather difficult for me to NOT worry about it or be intense about it. What worked: (1) getting an active hobby. I started running – training for a half marathon – and having that goal outside of work, the stress release, and the healthy effects of the running was insanely helpful. (2) I got on eHarmony. I didn’t have trouble meeting people, necessarily, but I wasn’t meeting the right people, and I wasn’t meeting them all that often. eHarmony let me meet a lot of men I wouldn’t have otherwise, and to feel sought after by multiple men (which took the pressure off every single date or guy having to go perfectly), even if was only because they were messaging me consistently (not necessarily dates). It’s also how I met my now fiance. So, chin up, buttercup. You’re a catch. You just need ways to lower the intensity surrounding the situation and re-focus some of that energy.

    • notowhat

      I wonder if you’re feeling adrift for reasons unrelated to boys. I felt unfocused as a recent grad too – finishing school had been a big, measurable goal and when I finished it there was no similar goal to replace it. Just a different perspective on your current malaise…

      • Monday

        I think this is definitely worth considering. Especially if you took little or no time off along the way, you were in school for a very long time, and the goal you were going for was always very clear. Suddenly that is no longer true. This happened to me as well after I finished my PhD. I told my mom I was feeling a bit aimless in my new job, and she pointed out exactly what notowhat said above.

        • Lady Harriet

          I’m going through the same thing! I graduated a year and a half ago, and I am feeling very adrift. I’m doing better than I was a year ago, but it’s still very hard. I definitely did not handle the post-college transition well.

  16. Confused

    I have the opposite yet similar problem of the FailedFlirt…

    There is someone who is a good (male) friend who goes out of his way to be a good friend. But we’re both in long term relationships. However, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m in the wrong one. He is somewhat touchy feely in ways that make me wonder if he’s trying to send signals or just more touchy feely than other guy friends.

    Has anybody ever gone through this? Tips on figuring this out?

    • LilyB

      I don’t really have any advice from personal experience, but my first thought here was: do you really want to consider entering into a relationship with someone who may be acting on (or thinking about acting on) his feelings for you while still in a committed relationship with someone else? I don’t think I’d ever be able to trust that person.

      • Anon for this

        While I mostly agree with you, my DH and I had feelings for each other for several years before getting together, and were in committed, long-term relationships during most of our friendship. After my relationship ended (for unrelated reasons) but while his was still ongoing, we discussed our feelings for one another. He ended his relationship shortly thereafter so that we could be together. In the beginning I was the teeniest bit worried about him cheating on me, but he has shown himself to be a very loyal, trustworthy person. He just wasn’t with the right person for him. And I think that even if we had never gotten together, he still wouldn’t have ended up with his ex-girlfriend in the long run. All that to say, he’s not necessarily untrustworthy for potentially having feelings for someone else while in a relationship.

        But, to the OP, I think you should sort out whether or not your current relationship is working for you first, before going down this path with your friend. And in terms of reading the signs on your friend, if you and he are having drinks with a larger group of friends, how does he act with other women? Does he flirt with you? Does there seem to be chemistry between you two? But again, I really think you should sort out your current relationship before you start building your friend up to be The One.

    • cfm

      I think if you are being touchy feely with a guy while in a long term relationship and wondering whether it is the right relationship, it is time to get out of the relationship, regardless of whether this other guy does have feelings for you or not.

    • anon for this

      Man oh man, did I ever go through this. Flirty/touchy turned into full-on hooking up, which then turned into this nightmare of whether he would end his relationship (I was 95% done with mine by the time this happened, so I was more than happy to end it to be with him). Many months of torture later, we did get together, and I discovered that he texts/flirts with lots and lots of female friends, all the time. It’s not that I didn’t think I was special among those friends — I definitely was and he was very into me — but I just could not trust him. Not at all. We ended up breaking up after six weeks because of the trust issues, after going through all of that to be together. Ugh. I hate to say it, but the old wisdom really rings true: if his current girlfriend can’t trust him, you won’t be able to trust him when the time comes.

      For advice: I’d create some distance and stop spending as much time with this person, and focus on what is going on in your current relationship. Are you happy? Is this the life you want for yourself? Are there serious problems/deal-breakers that are causing you to want out? Focus on that, and do what is best for you. It’s not as fun or happy as flirting and falling for someone, but this is one of those times when life is just hard and there’s no easy answer.

    • OP

      Thanks everyone for your advice so far.

      For clarification, by “touchy feely,” I meant things that could just be friendly, but things I don’t see him do with other female friends/classmates.

      Ultimately, it’s not a trust issue, but rather a question as to whether we’re both not acting because we are both in LTR, and I agree about having to figure things out in my current relationship first.

      • Monday

        For the sake of argument, what if you think about what IS happening as being the result of both of your being in relationships, as opposed to what is not happening? Sometimes people flirt and even entertain “feelings” in non-starter situations precisely because it’s understood that one or both people is committed and therefore nothing can actually happen. The same dynamic might not be taking place between you if anything was at stake (at least in the immediate sense). I hope this doesn’t sound mean; I’ve just seen this happen many times.

  17. meme

    Has anyone here purchased an electric knife sharpener? It seems like our knives are always terribly dull and my husband is always complaining about it. Occasionally we take them to a knife shop to sharpen but we’re not good at maintenance in between and we rarely get around to taking them in even when they get really dull. We’ve had some of the manual sharpeners before and I’ve not been too impressed, but I have to admit to not really keeping up with it and I seem to forget the instructions in between and then give up.

    I’m thinking about buying one of the Chef’s Choice electric sharpeners on Amazon – they have high reviews, but vary a lot in price and I’m trying to figure out which one I’d prefer. Anyone have experience with this sort of thing? I know a whetstone is the best tool for knife sharpening, but realistically I know I am not going to devote that kind of time to sharpening my knives (see large pile of children’s pants waiting interminably in a box for knee patches). I think I would use something I can just run a knife through quickly when I notice it’s dull.

    • mascot

      We have one. Probably Chef’s Choice. I think it does a pretty good job sharpening knives, but I have nothing to compare it to. We need to pull it down and re-sharpen our knives. It’s somewhat loud and screechy, but can sharpen a knife in a few minutes.

    • Tuesday

      I love love love love my electric knife sharpener. Mine is now about 5 years old, so I don’t know if they still make the exact model, but it’s a Presto Eversharp and it cost something like $25 or $30.

      I just searched Amazon, and the first one they showed, the 8800 looks like mine.

      Did I say that I love it? It just might be my favorite kitchen appliance (right up there with the stick blender).

    • om

      one thing to consider: the angle at which your knife should be sharpened.

      generally, electric sharpeners are angled for german or other western-made knives. japanese knives should be sharpened at a different angle, so if you really care about them, you should make sure the sharpener can accomodate that (usually not possible).

      that said, i love my electric sharpener; i use it for all my knives, incl the japanese one, and it seems fine. but i’m not super careful with my knives anyways.

  18. Anon

    Ladies how did you begin studying for the LSAT? I took the exam 5 years ago and decided not to apply so I have all of the Testmasters course material from the class I took as well as the Powerscore Logic Game and Reasoning books as well as about 8 practice exams. I have so much material I don’t know where to start.

    SInce I am not starting my studying from scrach and am already familiar with the test would it be better to get private tutoring instead of taking another class? I work fulltime so study time is a consideration too.

    • CM

      If you already have the course materials, why not just go through them again? And plan to take about 1 practice exam a week to track your progress.

      If that doesn’t sound appealing, I would do this: Take a practice exam. See how you feel and what you need to work on. Don’t freak out if you run out of time, you’ll get faster with practice. Then decide what to focus on that week, and read the sections from Testmasters, or whatever other supplementary materials you have, that will teach you strategies for the thing you’re focusing on and give you some practice questions for that specific thing. For example, if you’re struggling with logic, look over the Testmaster’s logic stuff for a week. If you take a practice exam at the end of that week and you’re still struggling, work your way through the Powerscore book.

    • LilyB

      I didn’t take a class and pretty much just used the powerscore logic games bible. I got a good score but in hindsight, not taking the class was the worst decision ever because if I’d gotten a couple more points I could have had some serious scholarship money. So don’t let money be a factor in your decision to take or not take a class- in the long haul, the $1000 could translate into $100k in scholarships. What sections do you struggle the most with? Logic games are very teachable (another reason I regret not taking a class/getting a tutor) so if that’s your worst section, definitely get some coaching.

      • Anonymous

        This. 100%. So many people told me to take a review course, but at the time, it seemed like so much money, I was doing relatively well on practice exams, and I’ve always been a very self-motivated studier. I did do relatively well on the LSAT, got into all the law schools I applied to, and did end up going to law school on a full scholarship. But I think that if I had done 3-5 points better, I would have been offered scholarships at higher ranked schools.

        In my case, I think I also didn’t really understand how important LSAT scores are in this respect. I had a very high undergraduate GPA and other attributes that I thought would make me a very attractive candidate for law school admission and for scholarship money. What I didn’t realize was that some (many?) of the higher ranked law schools (including the one I was most interested in) will basically “buy” high LSAT scores by giving people scholarships, since average LSAT score is important in determining their US News ranking.

        So unless you are already getting near perfect scores on the practice exams, take a course.

      • layered bob

        I agree with the long-term benefits of hiring LSAT help. Full disclosure: I was a Kaplan teacher although I’ve also tutored students with Manhattan and Powerscore.

        I do think that for very high scoring students tutoring is way more beneficial than a class – so if you’re thinking of spending money, my recommendation is to allocate it there. A class will be good accountability if your goal score is in the mid 150s to low 160s. A tutor is better – and a much better use of your time (think 90 minute sessions v. 3.5 hrs. in class) – if your goal score is mid-160s and above.

        Also – I’ve had so many students who think, “Well, I’ve spent the money and got the tutor, so now my score will go up.” So IF you decide to get a tutor, make sure you’re still doing the work :-) My LSAT score is not magically transferable to my students.

    • Miss A

      I didn’t use a program (didn’t have time/money to do it) but I did the following:

      1. Powerscore Logic Games/ and Logic Reasoning
      2. all of the sample exams available (I recall large books of 10?)

      I didn’t like my first score… so I amped it up to:
      3. Kaplan 180
      4. practice sets from unused Testmasters (my bff had a spare set due to shipping error).
      5. more tests which you can buy off amazon/my friend gave me via a USB stick.

      What really helped:

      Instead of doing the 4 “scored” portions, i needed multiple weekends (about a month) of building up to 5 portions so that I didn’t burn out by the 5th portion (which I totally recall doing in the first exam). I sat myself down for mock exams on Sat & Sun in the most exam like conditions possible for the month leading up to my LSAT and got the necessary score.

      Good luck!

    • layered bob

      get thee to top-law-schools.com. The forums have a ton of advice on how to study. But it boils down to – buy the Kaplan and Powerscore materials and study your brains out. I would also recommend a private tutor for at least a few hours. If you do a 15-hour tutoring package with Kaplan you get all the materials AND access to every LSAT ever given, which is GREAT for practice. Logic Games Bible is great for LG. Don’t take more than one or two practice tests a week, especially at first – you will burn out.

    • Westraye

      I personally think the single greatest thing you can do is practice sections off old exams under timed conditions. Again, and again and again. You can take your time when correcting the test. Do at least one full exam a week to ensure you can do a full test under timed, stressed conditions. Go through every single answer and understand why it’s that way (there will be a few you will never understand). Practice, practice, practice.

      Fwiw I used to teach LSAT courses for a private provider and tutor students who were taking it – there is so much variance in the “private materials” from the real thing that I really think they should be used as a supplement only.

      • Westraye

        Edited to add: in response to your original question, get a tutor if your score isn’t increasing after you’ve done a few practice exams. Once you get back in the LSAT mindset, you should see your score go up from whatever abysmal score you get from the first timed practice test or section under timed conditions. Books wise, buy the books of 10 they provide (or used to – haven’t taught the course in years now so take all this with a grain of dated salt) and the book the LSAT puts out where they explain in detail all the answers to one of the tests.

    • Susie

      Wow you all are super serious about the LSAT! I have to admit I just went in and winged it. I ended up at a top 100 (not top 20) school which is respected in the geographic region I wanted to practice. So I would say to the OP, depends on what your plans/expectations are – are you set on a top school/big law future?

    • anon

      I would recommend using the materials you have. Also maybe check out Steve Schwartz’s LSAT Blog (just google it). He has lots of study plans for when you are 6 months, 1 month, out, etc.. Note that you can really rock the logical reasoning and the games if you understand formal logic (and it sounds like you have Testmasters, which really focuses on that). So I would spend a while on formal logic, do a reading section every now and then, and then do games, games games (starting with linear and building up to Advanced/Grouping) as Powerscore teaches them. Note that if you have Testmasters’ books, they contain every released LSAT question up to when you took the class (in lessons and HW), so you have plenty of practice material. You will see that you are, for instance good at “Weaken” or “Type 3” questions (depending on which set of books you use), so then study those less and move on to something harder, like Parallel Reasoning. And I can’t recommend Steve Schwartz’s blog enough–he really helps you get into a “positive/I CAN DO IT!” mindset instead of “Urgh, I hate this stupid test mindset.”

      And ditto on the “take timed sections, move up to taking timed tests” advice…you will be so much calmer during the test if you have a bunch of tests under your belt.

      Love, your friend who put off the LSAT for TEN YEARS!!!!

      ps – if you send me an email at BabyHenryShower AT g mail DOT com, I will send you some more stuff I have for materials! Thanks.

    • Anon

      I kept track of every question that I got wrong and wrote down why I got it wrong. This helped me identify my weaknesses within individual sections and to figure out why I was making mistakes (like, was it because I didn’t understand the question, or was I just sloppy when I read the question). This strategy probably works best once you are at a score that you are reasonably happy with, but would like to do better. I also set aside a set amount of time every morning and worked until that time was done. It helped me to keep my studying contained.

    • Anon

      Thanks all for your advice! The last time I took the LSAT I was scoring around 163 but I would like to score higher this time around. Based on this it sounds like it might be worth investing in a private tutor. I took the Testmasters course and I felt like it moved too slowly for me.

      Unfortunately I don’t live near a major city so would working with a virtual tutor be a good option? I live about 2 hours from a college town where I am sure there are a lot more options for tutors but that seems a little too far to drive…

      • layered bob

        You can definitely work with a tutor via skype. I would say fewer hours though – you’re not going to get as much out of the time, so where I might say 15-20 hours would be a good number with a tutor in person, I’d say 5-10 would be better online. Much of the benefit will be helping you tweak your study schedule and holding you accountable to it, as well as an outsider perspective on things you’re missing or need to be improving on. And top-law-schools.com forums are great for study ideas and inspiration.

  19. LH

    Anyone have any LA recommendations for sights to see/places to eat? My father (in his mid-60s) and I are going there for a long weekend father-daughter trip. We have been together once before and checked off a lot of the Hollywood things (Grauman’s Chinese Theatre/Kodak Theatre/Hollywood Blvd & walk of fame/studio tour) since he really likes movies/TV. We are staying in Hollywood again and definitely open to doing (different) Hollywood touristy things but we will have a car and would like to get out & see the rest of LA as well. We are also going to try to see a taping of a couple of our favorite sitcoms. My dad’s not in great shape so anything athletic, e.g. hiking, is out, unfortunately.

    • new york associate

      The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is really fun if you haven’t already done that. You’re in a cart, so very minimal walking, and you see a ton of stuff. One thing to know about sitcom tapings – even if you have a ticket, you might not get in the door. It pays to arrive early and stand in line to make sure you have a place. Have fun!

    • SoCalAtty

      You’re not far from Burbank, so maybe a taping of Leno or Conan? The WB studio has fun tours too. The Magic Castle is also a great option, if you call them they can usually book you a reservation. Walking around Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is always a fun thing to do before / after grabbing lunch there.

      For fun places to eat, Pink Taco on Sunset, Canter’s Deli, and Papa Cristo’s (Greek – the restaurant that hosts the huge Greek Festival that Tom Hanks endorses) are some of my favorite landmark type places. Hamburger Hamlet originated in Hollywood, but the food isn’t that great. It’s a fun place too. If you want to stuff yourself silly, there is a Fogo de Chao and a Lawry’s in Beverly Hills.

    • Senior Attorney

      Venice Beach for sure! If your dad is mobile at all, it’s super fun to walk along the beach and see the crazy people doing crazy things, and you can have lunch or brunch at a restaurant on the beach. Pasadena is nice for a variety of things — the Norton Simon art museum, Gamble House if you like architecture, Old Town for shopping and dining, the Huntington Library and Gardens if you like that sort of thing.

      And I know you say you’ve done a studio tour, but one of the best things I ever did with an out of town visitor was the VIP Tour at Universal Studios. It was $289 per person but totally worth every penny! http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/tickets/vip-experience/

      Oh, and both Getty museums are great, too — the Villa in Malibu and the main one off the 405 freeway.

    • LH

      Thanks for all the suggestions! My dad can walk, certainly at least a few miles a day at a leisurely pace. I was just clarifying that hiking is out because a couple friends had recommend Runyan Canyon to me. We did Venice Beach (loved it) & the Paramount Pictures studio tour on our previous visit. I will definitely look into WB & Universal studio tours, I think we would both enjoy doing a different one. I will check out all the other suggestions too. Rodeo Drive & the Getty Museum are definitely on our list & we are also going to try to get tickets to one of the late night talk show tapings too. Thanks :)

      • NewAnon

        You might consider checking out the website for starline sightseeing tours. They have different routes throughout LA and you can hop on and off their double decker bus and explore at your leisure.

  20. SoCalAtty

    Are there any ‘r e t t e s in or near Boise, ID? I’m going to be there Thursday and Friday and I would love to hear some recommendations for good food / drinks / whatever. We’re there for a very unexpected funeral, but it’s going to be crazytown and I’m going to need to get away for a minute at least.

    • Idaho Spud Girl

      I’m in Idaho, not Boise, but I go there often for work. Great breakfast: Goldy’s. Great other meals: The Fork (their butter cake for dessert is divine), Bardenay (get the trout, seriously good), Epi’s Basque Restaurant. I’ve heard that Barbacoa has the best happy hour, but we really like Bardenay’s for drinks too.

      • Jules

        Where in Idaho? I’m going to Idaho Falls for work for a few days in May, any recommendations?

        • Idaho Spud Girl

          I’m in Idaho Falls. I recommend The Snakebite (their salmon sandwiches especially), Blue Hashi for sushi, Babes Bakery (soups, salads, amazing quiche), and Jaliscos for great Mexican. Drinks: the Snow Eagle Brewery or the Celt for beer, Vino Rosso or Mar Cellars for wine. The only real “fine dining” place in town is The Cellar, but their chef is fabulous. I’m an attorney on this side of the state, but my firm is headquartered in Boise. What brings you to Idaho Falls?

          • Jules

            Hope you’re still checking this thread. Thanks for the info, I’ll keep it in mind when I’m there. I’m also an attorney, and I’lll be there for two-day meeting (so staying three nights) with a client involved with the Idaho Nat’l Laboratory and related operations. Will be with a number of colleagues, who are wonderful peopole but with whom I don’t necessarily have a lot in common. Among other things, I’m a vegetarian, and the others most definitely are not, so your list will give me some places to suggest to the group that aren’t just steakhouses. (My secretary had found for me somewhere that is certainly not veg but advertises as veg and vegan-friendly, the Cellar rings a bell. Nice to have a rec from a local!)

            Thanks so much

          • Idaho Spud Girl

            All the restaurants I listed have good vegetarian options as well, particularly The Snakebite, Babes Bakery, and The Cellar. If you have a break in your meetings or have an evening free, I’d love to meet up with you. Shoot me an email if you’re interested. moh@moffatt.com

          • Jules

            I e-mailed you a little while ago. Would be great to meet up if we can work it out. Thanks!

    • MJ

      I passed through Boise last summer on the way to Sun Valley. Sunset mag had a few “Day in Boise” recommendations, and we had a great time. I am sure you can pull up the articles if you do a quick search. They did not lead us astray…we had a fantastic time. There was a specific place that had a million different kinds of potato fries and dipping sauces that was amazing It’s right near the airport (like within a mile) and was super-yummy! BOISE FRY COMPANY. AH-MAZING. Thanks.

      I also had great c-tails at Red Feather bar or something like that (that’s how amazing they were in Boise’s main downtown drag, right near the Capitol.)

  21. LadyEnginerd

    Catch-22, the dating edition: If a guy has the emotional maturity to honestly discuss with you, up front and using his grown-up words, that (due to very valid reasons) he’s not looking for anything serious and wants to make sure you’re on the same page and going in with your eyes open and with realistic expectations about being casual … he’d be mature enough to date!

    Curses. The funky orange blazer lives to fight another day on the search for a man who is both emotionally mature and not moving out of the country in a few months.

    • KC

      So frustrating. I’m rooting for you and the funky orange blazer. Such fabulousness deserves someone special!

      • LadyEnginerd

        Seriously. At least the orange blazer can always hang out with my sparkly teal pumps if it gets lonely…

  23. AMB

    Speaking of big sales – Canadian ‘ettes, if your local Zellers hasn’t closed yet you must check it out! Mine is liquidating a huge number of designer shoes from the Bay along with their own stuff. I saw Cole Haan, Brian Atwood, Ivanka Trump, Nine West… One pair of LK Bennets even – I nearly wept when I had to admit they were too small.

  24. Waiting

    So I’ve been waiting for my husband to file for divorce like he threatened to if certain demands weren’t met. (Please don’t judge… Like most relationships, this is more complex than an outsider could imagine.) Over the weekend I realized that if I want this done I’m going to need to do it myself, just like everything else in our marriage.

    Vent over.

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