Coffee Break: Ultralite Professional Hair Dryer

93 Comments

1. Real question – why isn’t “doesn’t need a strapless bra” a search criteria when shopping for dresses???? Anyone want to do some shopping for me? Looking for a fun party dress for a new year’s eve wedding… I’m busty (like really busty) and don’t want to compromise on not wearing a regular supportive bra.

   1. Annoyed, you are suposed to stay on point on the noon-day thread — here talking about hair blow dryer’s, but I WILL answer your question. You can go to Lord and Taylor and they will be abel to show you a variety of dresses made for peeople like you and me — with ampel Boobie’s. You should always wear either a supportive bra or have a dress that fit’s you like a rubber band that can keep your boobie’s right where you need them to be. I perfer my dresses tight so I do NOT have a probelem, but if you wear a blouse, you MUST wear a suportive bra, or guy’s like Frank will have a feild day stareing at your boobie’s. FOOEY on Frank.

      As for the thread, I ALWAYS get 20% off at Bed Bath and Beyond b/c Margie saves me the coupoon’s (which do NOT actually expire –even tho they say they do, I get 20% off no matter how old they are. BB&B has the best stuff and they are in NYC on 1st Avenue and 61st Street or so. I walk there on weekends to get my fitbit steps in and dad is happy with my tuchus these days. Let’s see if I can keep it up when the weather get’s cold. FOOOEY!

   2. Strapless bras are the work of the devil.

   3. So I’ll give the caveat that I am NOT busty, but can’t you just skip the strapless and spaghetti strap categories?

      1. Yes and that can sometimes help, but it doesn’t avoid halter/open back/weird cutouts.

   4. Nothing says NYE like sequins:
      http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-sequin-faux-wrap-sheath-dress/4092613

      1. Or this

         http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-sequin-mesh-sheath-dress/4222233

      2. LOVE THIS! I wish it were gold. Much better for my coloring, but I will try it anyway.

         1. Ralph Lauren has a beautiful gold dress, spotted at Macy’s and his own site. It’s knee length.

   5. Just wore this for a wedding and wore a skin-colored regular bra with it — doesn’t show through at all. I bought it at Lord & Taylor, but it’s probably available in several department stores. http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=67907706&parentPage=family

      1. That’s beautiful! Do you think it would be appropriate for a company Christmas party? I’m worried I’d freeze (Denver) but it’s so beautiful.

         1. I would think so. It’s also SO COMFORTABLE. It’s all stretch lace. There isn’t even a zipper because it’s so stretchy it just slides over your head. I wore Spanx shorts under it to smooth things out, but honestly the ruching and the lace texture make it pretty forgiving.

2. (Reposting from morning thread since it was at the end – but a thank you to In House Counsel for the response!):

   Does anyone have advice or success stories on asking to work remotely?

   Background: I’m in-house at a large company and I work in City A in Country X. My primary responsibilities involve supporting a business unit located in a different country (Country Y). For personal reasons (my husband’s temporary relocation), I’d like to be able to work remotely from City B in Country X. Two possible hiccups: (1) no member of our department currently works remotely or has done so in the past, and (2) no guarantee that we would relocate back to City A after temporary position ends, although I’d like to minimize bringing this up as much as possible.

   My internal clients love me and I have a good relationship with my boss, manager, etc. But this would be entirely new ground.

   Thoughts? I really, REALLY like my job and want to keep it, and think I could actually do it quite well from home in a different city due to the fact that my clients aren’t physically located in my current office anyway.

   Any stories from the trenches?

   Oh and to add:

   – my company does NOT have an office in City B so I’d be asking to work remotely and from home (as opposed to a transfer to a different office)

   – I’ve been at this company and in this role for about 7 years

   1. Quick thoughts. Depending on country and industry you should do some research to see if it would trigger tax nexus or other licencing requirements for yourself or the firm. Otherwise, it does seem like you have built up a bank of goodwill and if they want you around for the long term hopefully they can accommodate you.
      Like any long distance relationship, communication and regular check ins are key

      1. No tax or licensing issues – i’m barred in my current state, can waive into my future state, and can continue in my current role with no adverse impact.

         1. It’s not just about being barred though. My request to work remotely was denied because my former firm did not have any operations in my new state and having an employee working full-time there would mean the firm was doing business there and trigger all sorts of tax issues for the firm and the partners. This may be more partnership-specific, but it can be a serious obstacle. Friends have encountered this problem too and it really has nothing to do with where the individual attorney is admitted.

            1. Interesting point – i had not considered that.

               I do know that my company does employ numerous individuals in non-legal capacities (mostly in sales) who reside in states that we dont have an office in and who work from home. I dont know if that means i’d be able to do the same but i guess it’s something i need to look into.

            2. I did exactly what you have outlined about 4 years ago. There were no employees or offices in my new state so I worked from home. The only tax issue was a change in my income tax. There was no tax impact to the company.

            3. On the approach with my company, I didn’t have to do much of a sales job. They didn’t want me to leave and knew I was responsible enough to make it work. You’ll likely have the same reaction.

3. Any recommendations for wedding dress stores in the Chicago suburbs?

   1. Reddington Bridal in Park Ridge is where I got mine in 2013. They start around $1,000 but I got mine for $800 cash (of course). If you’re more avant-garde, Dame Couture in Evanston sells re-designed vintage gowns – worth a look if you like creative gowns that aren’t “the usual”. Best of luck!

   2. Wedding Belles in Barrington – they sell only sample and consignment, but I and several friends have had great luck here.

      1. That’s where I got my dress — love them. It’s a great location and really helpful sales people

   3. Here comes the bride in Addison is where I got mine. It was designer, but only “off the rack.” So, what you try on is what you buy and a severe price discount.

   4. Thanks, all!

4. I have a problem- a friend, who I love dearly, wants to go to the gym together. I love the gym, but I love it as “me” time, and I know she’ll take it personally when I keep avoiding us going together. .

   To make matters more complicated, in the past I have gone to the gym regularly with other friends, but for the last year or so, I’ve really hit my groove, and I’m happy, but I suspect she’ll say “well, you were happy to go with X friend, why not with me?”, when that’s not the issue at all, it’s really just that I like going on my own.

   I’m sure we’ll run into each other at some point, and I’m happy to chat, but I also know that I’ll just want to put my headphones on and workout on my own, and I can’t figure out how to do that without being rude.

   1. The natural response to ‘you went with X’ seems clear: ‘I know, and I’ve been enjoying it so much more now that I’m going on my own most days. I’ve discovered that I really just prefer to have solo time at the gym.’

   2. can you throw her a bone and go with her once? And then avoid it thereafter?

      1. I tried that when she first joined my gym -we went together a couple of times, but now she mentions it constantly, so that hasn’t really worked out.

   3. Just say what you’ve posted: “I love the gym and it’s my ‘me’ time. I used to go with people and I find I do so much better on my own! I’ve really hit my groove lately and I don’t want to mess it up. So sorry but when I’m there I just want to put my headphones on and work out on my own!”

      Then if you run into her, chat for a minute then say “So awesome to see you! Gotta get back to the groove!”

      Alternatively, maybe you could go to the gym at the same time but make an agreement to work out separately.

   4. Why can’t you just tell her what you told us? That you love it as your time and you’ve recently hit your groove?

      As long as you make an effort to spend time together outside of the gym, I don’t see why the gym thing would create issues unless she wants help or something.

   5. “I really like to focus on my workouts and enjoy some me time. Since I’ve started working out alone, I realize I like it better his way. Let’s make plans for doing else at another time.” Repeat. The gym isn’t social time for lot of people. I get pretty irritated when I am trying to get my early morning workout done and have to work around people who just want to chitchat and block equipment.

      1. “Since I’ve started working out alone, I realize I like get a better workout this way.”

   6. Does this friend want to latch on to your good gym habits because she needs the motivation to go? This sounds like me and my husband (he is you, I am your friend). I know he hates it when I go to the gym with him, but I tag along or else I won’t go at all, and I would like him to teach me things. His solution is that we go together, and he puts in his headphones and we kind of split up and do our own things while we’re there. If your friend just wants motivation to go, that could be a good enough solution for you guys (e.g. drive/walk together, leave together, workout separately.) If she wants tips/instruction/partner exercises, try recommending a few personal trainer sessions.

      1. That’s what I was thinking too- maybe she just wants someone to be accountable to? Why don’t you talk to her and ask if she needs the accountability of a partner, or an actual partner-partner. If it’s the former, you can plan to meet her at a time but go off your own ways. If it’s the latter, then tell her what you’ve told us about it being your “me” time. Once she sees you doing your own thing regularly, she’ll get that its not about her.

   7. I would just be upfront with her that you’ve discovered you like going to the gym alone because it allows you to better get in a groove. And then suggest you do something else together. I wouldn’t be hurt if a friend told me they preferred going to the gym alone (unless they were obviously lying and I saw them at the gym with someone else) but I would be hurt if someone agreed to go with me a couple times but then was “ghosting” or seemed to be avoiding me, which it sounds like you may be doing.

5. Hoping to get some advice on travel to Morocco. My husband and I are flying into Marrekesh in April, staying for three nights, then heading to Fez. Between Marrekesh and Fez we hope to take one of the three day tours that travel through Berber villages, through the Todra Gorge, and to the Erg Chebbi dunes to spend a night in the desert via camel, then on to Fez. This seems to be a pretty popular trip, with many tour companies offering the route, and I don’t know how to pick a tour company. Are there any government certifications/registrations I should look for that indicate a more trustworthy tour company? Any forums other than Trip Adviser or Fodor’s that I could look at for reviews? Thanks!

   1. No Morocco-specific advice but TripAdvisor is always my go-to for evaluating tour companies (and hotels, restaurants, etc.) I’m jealous, it sounds like a really fun trip!

   2. I found Lonely Planet (the book, with the website as a supplement) really useful when trying to figure out a similar thing in Peru. I suspect it would be similar for Morocco.

   3. We had a really great time in Morocco a few years ago. We used a tour company to drive us from Marrakech to Fez– it was called Authentic Morocco and the driver that we had was Khalid. He was *wonderful*. The company was very professional and the woman that runs it is very competent.

      The other thing that I thought was remarkable about Morocco is that I got the best hotel bang for my buck of my life. We stayed at Palais Faraj in Fes which was gorgeous, but the real standout was a place called Riad Malika in Marrakech. Just stunning. My tripadvisor name is Neimanmarxist and I have reviews up of all three of these things with photos, if you want to check it out.

      1. Thanks everyone for the advice! And thanks for the personal recommendation, that is exactly what I was hoping for!

6. Outfit help please! I’m going to a black tie event and I’m wearing a dress with a low back. I need the following things:

   Some kind of bra without a back. I think it exists, but what does it look like? How does it stay up?

   Some kind of wrap or something similar to keep my shoulders warm. The dress is a red wine color so probably black would work best. I’d like to not spend very much on this part of the outfit. Where should I look? Zara? H&M? Nordstrom? Anyone seen something that would work for this?

   Thanks in advance!

   1. http://www.barenecessities.com/Backless-Bras-Bras_catalog_nxs,31,style,3.htm?amsk=riejwn8874

      1. Thanks! I should also mention I need something I can find in a store as the event is this weekend. I’m in SF so most stores should be available.

         1. Most department stores will have them in the lingerie department.

         2. A long line bra may work as well depending on how deep the cut out is. I got one for my wedding at the Nordstrom’s in downtown SF, I’d imagine most other big places would have options too. I don’t recall – does SF have the ‘pashmina’ guys on every street like NY does? That would be my suggestion for a cheap wrap, they’re nice enough from afar, and warm enough, plus you can’t beat $5-$10.

7. Does anyone have any recommendations for great tours in San Sebastian? We’ll be fine exploring downtown by ourselves, but would appreciate recs for anything off the beaten path: sights, restaurants, bars, or hikes.

   1. Four of the best restaurants in the world are in San Sebastian — Arzak, Mugaritz, Martin Berasategui and Extebarri. None are in the old town or the modern town, so all are out of the way. We went to Arzak and Mugaritz — it was quite easy to make reservations by email — though I did do this months in advance (I’m a planner). Both were amazing and I still regret we did not make time for the other two.

      I loved S. Sebastian all around — would go back in a heartbeat. The other things we did that were really lovely were the easily-found touristy things: walking La Concha each day out to the other end with the Chillida sculptures; climbing Monte Urgull; walking over to the Kursaal and the beach in Gros one day and watching the surfers; and the aquarium. And of course, pinxtos in the Old Town! And a very cool old iron market building still in operation with a modern supermarket underground. Can you tell I like food?

8. Does anyone have a recommendation for great hairspray? Not a drugstore brand but something a bit better. I’d like something that holds great for curls but doesn’t feel or look crunchy.

   1. TIGI has a shine-hold one I liked. I currently use the Argan Oil one from Sally’s Beauty Supply and am happy with it. I have thin, fine hair that is just past my shoulders.

   2. Big Sexy Hair http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007C92OEC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

   3. It is a drugstore brand, but I really like Elnett (sp?) spray. It’s in a gold can.

      1. +1. Elnett is the best – it’s often in drugstores, but it is THE best.

   4. Sebastian Shaper is my HG of hairsprays. It’s available in two strengths. Some drugstores do carry it, but Ulta is a sure bet.

9. I want to start lifting weights but I am the most beginner a person could be – I’ve only set foot inside a gym a few times, I don’t exercise regularly now, and every exercise routine I’ve tried and failed at (usually after about 2 weeks) has been cardio based. I realized that I always feel great after doing things like helping a friend move, or doing yard work, and that lifting weights might be a workout that I would enjoy a lot more and actually stick with. Does anyone have any very very basic resources? Not only a simpler beginners routine but also things that explain the technique of each exercise, a glossary of what exercise words mean (I have no idea what a deadlift or a squat is), even seemingly obvious stuff like what kind of clothing I should be wearing, what kind of gym I should join, and what the equipment looks like. My usual type A approach of researching the hell out of everything is overwhelming me, I don’t even understand most of what I am reading on the internet. I feel clueless! TIA!

   1. I’d check out Starting Strength, Strong Lifts and Sumptuous. Also, I’d really suggest working with a trainer.

      I personally do CrossFit and love it. If you find a good gym, it’s a great way to learn the major power and Olympic lifts, but there are more bad gyms out there than good.

      Can you say where you are located?

      1. I would prefer not to say where I live, its a mid sized and as far as I know there are plenty of gym options. Do you have any suggestions for finding a good trainer to start with? I’m pretty chubby and not really looking to do this in order to be “skinny” (probably not going to happen), I’m nervous about working with someone who will body shame me or talk a lot about losing weight. Do you have ideas on how to locate someone who will be encouraging and positive and just focus on technique?

         1. I started CrossFit at 265# (5’7″, not that it totally matters) – I was morbidly obese. I frequently say that the coach who encouraged me to come in and not “try to get fit” on my own saved my life. Nowadays, I’m still somewhat chunky, but I am BOUNDS healthier. Some of that was weight loss, a lot of it was muscle development, and conditioning, which comes and goes depending on what I’m focusing on at the time. So, really, I feel you.

            Trainers are really, really hit or miss, though. It’s like finding a therapist – you may have to try several before you click, and it’s hard because it’s usually high-pressure and you don’t know what you’re looking for! Do you have any guy friends who are in to lifting? They might be able to help you screen people – if somebody suggests you need to do “high reps at low weight” with 3# dumbbells, run for the hills! And, unfortunately, there is no jerk test for being being jerks about your body type. Word of mouth is just your best bet on so many levels. Another option is to try and go through a local physical or nutritional therapist and ask if they have any recommendations.

   2. Idea 1: hire a personal trainer for at least 4 sessions
      Idea : Johnson and Johnson have a great 7 minute workout app that has clear instructions with videos on how to do the exercises.

      Good luck!

   3. Try The New Rules of Lifting for Women. Good descriptions of how to do each lift, complete with pictures. Also a full workout schedule that should keep you busy for 6+ months if you do it 2-3 times per week.

      1. I’m doing this program now. If you are new to the gym, I’d have a trainer walk you through the workouts (they are repetitive so you can have training sessions only when new moves are introduced) There is a new version of the book coming out later this month that the FB group is all abuzz about. The FB group is pretty helpful and friendly too.

      2. +1 this book is amazing.

      3. I also used this book as my intro to weightlifting. It was fantastic, and I’d also recommend one or two sessions to figure out the big movements, but there are a ton of videos on youtube for most of the movements.

         I moved on to Strong Curves after, and it’s really improved my shape

      4. I also recommend it – and recommend getting the paper version over the e-book version (I have both). It’s a lot easier to flip in between description of moves in the paper book (keyed with actual page numbers).

   4. Check out the Nerd Fitness s*te. There is a great community of beginners and they do a great job of thoroughly explaining things and often include videos showing technique. It is very geared towards lifting weights although there is other stuff on there including cardio and nutrition. If you’re someone who likes to research the heck out of something, you’ll fit right in!

10. I’m apparently at the ripe old age of 32 where everyone is selling MLM crap. I refuse to buy anything from an MLM company even if it’s a good product due to the deceptive nature of the business structure. It’s all over my Facebook and twice yesterday, TWICE in one day, two different people texted me asking “how are your babies doing? Oh they’re so cute and you guys look soooo happy. Do you want to buy some (one was Arbonne and one was Young Living essential oils)?”. I used my universal “sorry, it’s not in my budget right now”. That doesn’t stop them, they try and tell me why I NEEEEEED the stuff. I just feel so hurt and insulted by these people. Some I’ve know for 20 years, some I’ve known for 6 months…they’re all doing it. I instantly lose respect for the people I’ve known for a long time that start selling through MLMs. Here I thought you had a genuine interest in how me and my family are doing because I have a genuine interest in how you and your family are doing. I’m losing my patience with this MLM crap and can almost no longer be nice when I’m asked to buy this garbage. I’m about to start sending people articles about how MLM companies are pyramid schemes and 99.9% of people will lose their “investment” in the “business”. I want to tell them to get a real job. Even a job making close to minimum wage will net you more than a MLM scheme. But I won’t….I’ll continue writing or saying “sorry, it’s not in our budget” while seething. Rant over.

    1. I hate the MLM stuff as well and usually respond with “no thanks” or “I’m not interested.” People usually don’t ask me more than once. IME that tends to stop the discussion better than an excuse about fianances.

       1. I stick with “I’m not interested” and do my best to block that stuff on Facebook. I hate it too and it is everywhere! And 99% of them are aggressive or pushy or can’t talk about anything else. The 1% is my friend who sells Mary Kay, has never tried to pitch me anything (to the point that I can’t even remember how I found out that she sells it), and will just order something for me if I ask. I wish they’d all behave like her!

    2. I’m 30 and this is starting to happen all over my facebook newsfeed too. It really ticks me off, especially because they’re so smug and act like they are so much better than stay at home moms who don’t do MLM. No, you’re not better just because you may be making a microscopic amount of money; you are harassing all your friends and family and guilting people into supporting your family, in no way is that better than a SAHM mom who coupons and budgets to make sure her family can survive on just the one income. I hide from my newsfeed everyone who does this and I haven’t been personally approached much. If a casual acquaintance messaged me “Your dog is so cute, want to buy my product?” I would simply ignore the message. Only if it were really a good friend would I respond and then I would simply say “I’m not interested in buying any X product. Please find other people to sell to.” I agree with Bonnie though not to use an excuse about your budget, you will simply get harassed about joining their pyramid scheme so that “your products will pay for themselves and you can earn money for your family in your pajamas.” (Barf!) Better to be direct and/or lie and say you don’t use that kind of product at all.

       1. Ugh, joining the chorus. I unfollow everyone on my fb that posts MLM products – the essential oils seems to be the latest fad, on the heels of jewelry (Stella & Dot) and some stupid candles. Fortunately I’ve only been directly approached once, and wasn’t a close friend so had no qualms simply saying no thanks!

    3. You guys are right, I need to not make it about my budget because it isn’t. I should clarify, most of the time the sales pitches don’t come out right away, it’s usually something like this:

       “friend” – OMG how are you? Where are you living now? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I can’t believ eyou have twins now!
       me – Thanks for the message! I’m doing great! Enjoying living in blah blah. Twins are a whole different ball game but they’re amazing and I couldn’t imagine life without them now. How are you doing? Your son is so cute!
       “friend” – Oh I’m doing great. I can’t believe my son will be 5 in November! Where does the time go? Enjoy time with your little one, it goes so fast! I just started this amazing new business selling Arbonne! Their products are so amazing! I’m going to send you a link to my online store!

       My response in my head….you don’t give a Sh!t about me or my family. You’re just trying to pedal your crap. I’m trying to be sad for people (that they’re in that tight of a $ situation) rather than just straight up angry. Pretty much they wouldn’t have reached out to say hi if they weren’t selling their garbage. It’s just sad.

       1. It is totally sad and definitely shows their true colors. I would probably just not respond to that last message. (especially since the way you phrased it at least there isn’t a question to respond to). If “friend” added something like “Would you like to meet up sometime?” I’d either make an excuse or say “I’d love to have lunch and catch up but I want to be upfront with you that I’m not going to buy any Arbonne and have my own career and life that keeps me busy so I have no interest in joining you in sales. If you still want to catch up and chat about our kids, I’d love to.” or something like that. Kind of blunt/rude but gets the point across.
          I have to say I never thought much of “monetized” lifestyle/mommy bloggers, but MLMs make them look like really hard-working, genuine people.

       2. It’s not just people who are hard up for money. A friend I hadn’t heard from in ages sent me a long email about her family, asking after my family, etc., then mentioned she just made partner in her firm and was wondering if my company was looking for affordable counsel. And here I was thinking “oh how nice to hear from J!” Grrrr.

          1. I’m a partner in a law firm and I’ve never done this. but I do wonder if this reaction is one reason women have a harder time getting business. I think we are less comfortable transitioning friendships into business relationships than men are. I wonder if a man getting that message from an old college buddy etc would be as offended, or if he’d just think “oh good, J is doing well – I’ll keep him in mind for my next deal”. no judgment on you because I would have reacted the same way. but it may be part of the issue.

             1. My hunch is that there’s no issue when friends also develop business relationships. I’d gladly refer and ask for business to my atty friends in different fields and other professions. I think the annoyance comes in where people fake friendships/interest in your life for business. I get irked when dudes try to pretend they care about my life but then just want info/ referrals. I’d so much rather someone who isn’t a close friend, or who used to be a friend, just reach out and say “yo, Anon, you’ve always been really involved in the Space Law Bar Association. I am looking for X, any chance you can help??” Don’t patronize me by pretending you care; ask for what you want.

    4. Just came across this blog and it summarizes my feelings exactly! Ha ha. Hopefully I don’t go into some anti-MLM rage and decide to share it on FB.

       http://www.scarymommy.com/how-to-lose-facebook-friends/

       1. MLM pushers are the worst. They are smug and some (the essential oil ladies) are not just uninformed but dangerous. They have no business publicly giving medical advice and claiming that some oil will prevent or cure infection or disease. I generally let most things go but have started voicing opinions on some of these posts and emails (oh really? you decided not to get your kids a flu shot because you’ll just fight off the flu with essential oils? Great idea.)

    5. I don’t respond at all. Ever.

    6. Any other statisticians or data analysts see “MLM” and think “multi-level modeling”?

       1. haha yep

11. Suggestions for shoes to wear with this dress for a November wedding in southern Alabama? I have 2 pairs of high heeled sandals that might work (one silver pair , one pewter), but do I need closed-toed shoes for this time of year/dress even though it will be warm?

    1. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-boatneck-lace-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3306604?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=Gunmetal&resultback=3607

       (in the gunmetal color)

       1. No suggestions, but I love this dress.

    2. I think you’d be fine in any shoes you like. They don’t need to be closed-toe for an Alabama wedding in November.

       That said, how about navy blue with that dress?

    3. No, I don’t think you would need closed toe shoes even though it’s late in the year. My experience is that in the south people wear open toe shoes/sandals all year round (so long as it is warm enough).

    4. I agree that you do not need closed toe shoes. My rule of thumb is that open shoes are appropriate for evening wear so long as there is no snow on the ground!

       1. Disagree — I think evening sandals are always okay. I’ve worn mine in knee-high snow on NYE in Chicago!

    5. I think the sandals are fine as long as they are dressy.

    6. I’m also in the south and would wear a dressy sandal or a peep toe pump in a dull metallic, either bronze, pewter or a dull silver. Nordstrom has several that would do for me, for example the Pelle Moda Alera pump in pewter. I find that a dull metallic will do nicely for future use and aren’t a just-go-this-outfit kind of shoe. I used to have a mid heel dull bronze pump that worked for dressy occasions and which I sometimes used to jazz up business formal charcoal colored suits.

12. Anyone have good vacation recommendations in or around New Orleans? We’ve been to NOLA several times (family) and are hoping to find something within a three hour radius of NOLA for a fun family vacation. We’ll be with kids. Any suggestions? Are the Gulf Coast beaches fun? We’ll be there the first week of April, so not sure whether a beach would work. Thanks!

    1. Some of them are. I haven’t been, but I have heard Gulf Shores, AL can be nice. If you’re willing to go 4 hours, my parents love the Seaside/Grayton Beach State Park area. On the other hand, my brother used to live in Biloxi and has sworn to never again set foot in the state of Mississippi (I actually thought Ocean Springs, right next to Biloxi, was a cute little town). Basically I think you need to get east of Mobile for the best beaches, which may be a little more than 3 hours. First week of April may still be a little chilly for the beach, but it depends on your cold tolerance. I don’t hit the beach unless it’s above 80, so I may not be the best judge.

    2. The Gulf Coast beaches within 3 hours of Nola are OK but not the best. For anything more than a couple of nights, I’d go to Destin or San Destin, which is more like a 4-5 hour drive. I think the first week of April is a little unpredictable in terms of weather – it’ll be pretty but may still not be beach-warm. That also depends on where you’re visiting from though :)

       If you’re thinking about just a couple of nights outside of New Orleans, you could go to Lafayette/Cajun Country/Avery Island. You could also drive to Natchez MS, which is 3 hours north of Nola, but I don’t know how interesting it would be for kids.

       The lack of good weekend-getaway spots within a short drive of Nola is my biggest gripe about living here.

13. Dear ‘rettes. I’m going anon here. I’ve been a regular reader of the blog for several years and really appreciate this community. Recently, I ended a relationship. I’m in my late twenties. My gentleman was truly wonderful, but did not want kids and was significantly older than me. Other than these facts, I think it could have been my ideal. I could use a pep talk. I want some time to myself to regroup and reorient my life, what I want, and who I am looking for, but I also find myself highly conscious of the timeline. I feel like I should have figured out what I wanted in my early twenties, and have somehow missed the curve. Now, I am going to need to make some serious choices in the next year about where I live and work (my job is internationally-focused and could involve long periods abroad) and when and how I start dating again. Ladies who’ve been in a similar place, any advice for me?

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