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This shaping pull-on skinny jean is not only a #1 bestseller at Amazon, but I've heard a lot of people singing its praises, too. It has 8,000 (!) reviews, the vast majority of them positive (e.g., people say they're really comfortable), and one of my favorite things about Amazon is that they show customer-submitted photos, which is the case here. I bought these myself (in an unusual color, purple) and found that they run a little small, but YMMV. Besides the typical blue (pictured), they have a lot of different prints and colors, including Malbec and a sort of leopard-y gray and white pattern.
These are definitely something to try if you don't really dig the idea of wearing zippers and non-elastic waistbands in your downtime or on weekends. They go as low as $20 at Amazon. Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Totally Shaping Pull-on Skinny Jeans
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Sales of note for 9.19.24
- Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September, and cardmembers earn 3x the points (ends 9/22)
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew – 50% off select styles — and 9/19 only, 50% off the cashmere wrap
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 50% off sale with code
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Friends & Family 25% off
- Rag & Bone – Friends & Family 25% off sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Anniversary event, 25% off your entire purchase — Free shipping, no minimum, 9/19 only
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- Tuckernuck – Friends & Family Sale – get 20%-30% off orders (ends 9/19).
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Housecounsel
These jeans are seriously great, and I have Citizens and Paige, etc. The rest of the world thinks so to. I wanted to buy another pair in a different blue today and they disappeared from my shopping cart. It was actually the wine-colored ones that inspired my question about whether colored jeans are dated in this morning’s thread.
Anon
How do they fit in the calf? I have wide calves and I HATE when skinny jeans strangle them, but I find it hard to get consistent feedback from reviews on that score.
Anon
I also have big calves and they didn’t work for me.
pugsnbourbon
Oh! I am currently wearing a pair of jeans from Target’s Universal Thread line that are skinny but not calf-squeezing. They were $20 but they aren’t “shaping” like these are.
Anon
How do these fit on a petite hour glass with larger…backsides and thighs (not huge but more than average – think a little less than J.Lo, but wider lol)? Size up x2?
Flats Only
I have your figure and the Old Navy Rockstar version of these fit great. For petites get the short length. They only $40, but are often on sale.
Ellen
It is a difficult fit, as I too am curvy but with a very big tuchus (largely b/c I have to sit all day working). If I had to do it all over again, I would be more like my sister, who rides horses 3x a week, and w/all of the pounding, she does NOT even have a tuchus!
Anon
I’ve had similarly good results from the Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Pull-On Waist Smoother Straight-Leg Jean (and its various iterations) on Amazon. Stretchy, but thick, and shaping all at once. Great for curvy ladies and the petite sizes hit right in the “perfect for flats and low heels” height (I’m 5’3″)
Housecounsel
Thinks so TOO not to. I hate that there is no correct feature! Yes, the calves are pretty tight. The Universal Thread jeans are great, too!
Anon
Typos happen, it’s fine.
Anonymous
How many of you use Donor Advised Funds to get the benefit of a lump sum tax deduction? How much do you keep in principal vs. ask the DAF to donate to selected charities annually? If a fund grows on average 6% annually, that’s not that much to donate annually. Would love any thoughts or input on this. Thinking I will be able to itemize deductions this year, and I also have ongoing commitments to a few charities. Thanks!
LoudyTourky
We set one up in the year I took a big pay cut and moved to a different state with lower property taxes (so the last year we expected to itemize). We viewed it as front-loading our charitable contributions and setting aside the money. We are not that strategic about how much we disperse annually and have no intention to just distribute enough to maintain the principal. I am not sure if we will keep it going after the initial seed money is gone because our income/tax situation has changed, but it is a smart way for higher earners to get the benefit of the tax deduction by bunching future donations.
anon
We are not that strategic about it. We start with a goal for how much to donate annually (for us it’s 10% of earned income) and then figure out what to move to the DAF over the year and then make the grants usually in December. Sometimes we move more than we intend to grant that year if there is some advantage based on our financial planning. It is so so so convenient to do donations this way rather than through the individual orgs, especially if you do many of the same year after year — that is mostly why we starting doing it but obviously the tax advantages are nice, too.
Anonymous
Does anyone have any new skincare or makeup finds? I’m liking the Julep shadow sticks I got at Costco.
kk
I just bought the KKW contour sticks and they are surprisingly super great. The color is blendable and buildable, and the shimmery light shade can be used as eyeshadow in a pinch. b
anon
Ooh, I really want to try those shadow sticks. What color(s) do you have?
I’m really liking the new customized Clinique moisturizer I just bought. I’ve been a devotee of the moisture gel for years, but the new kind with the special cartridge that’s customized for different skin issues has been really good.
Also, I will sing praises for the Loreal ProGlow foundation. I am liking it more than the much pricier stuff I usually wear. The ‘glow’ formula also is making my winter complexion look more lively and fresh than usual.
Anon
Fenty Beauty highlight and bronzer duo. I was skeptical at first, as I don’t really like any of the brand’s other products, but it is so great, just pigmented enough to really see a difference, but goes on lightly enough to not be obvious. The dark color is great on deep skin tones as well as it’s not too warm, not too cool, and not too dark.
Anon
“Ice” moisturizer from Sunday Riley is my new favorite thing. It’s like the ultimate luxurious night cream, and my usually chapped winter skin is looking really nice because of it. I only put it on at night, it’s too emollient on me to wear as a fat cream.
Anon
Haha *day cream not fat cream, but thanks Siri.
Anonymous
IDK if this counts as “new” but I recently discovered cream blush. I’m using Glossier Cloud Paint but plan to branch out (fenty match stix?). Blush always made my otherwise problemless skin look textured I couldn’t figure out how to blend no matter what I did. Cream blush is so much easier for me and looks like a natural attractive flush.
Shopaholic
I really love the ones by Milk Makeup. I have one in Werk (?) and it’s honestly the perfect colour.
Anonymous
Scrolled down to reply with this! Hot tip: it’s one of the options for the free Sephora birthday gift for 2020 :)
Anon
If you ever want to try powder blush again, do two things – 1) get a matte shade, no sparkle or shine; and 2) use a big loose brush to apply it.
If it’s making your texture look bad it’s either because it has some level of shine or it’s applied too thickly.
Alena
I just bought a great Sephora+Moschino Laptop Pallette in Sephora with 50% discount for 30%. Great palette, and good price.
Also, they have this Canadian brand The Ordinary, that sells only active skincare materials with no fluffy stuff for peanuts. Like they sell 1oz of really good quality hyaluronic acid for $13.60
S in Chicago
Lancôme hydra anti-stress moisturizing cream. It’s texture is so different than anything I’ve tried—like a mix between a gel and a cream and it plumps my skin and leaves it super soft. I even use it around my eyes (most eye creams irritate). It has completely changed the texture of my skin. Can’t say enough great things Love love love!
techgirl
Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Instant Eye Palette. This is my one and done palette right now, and has a good selection of mattes which I often find missing her other palettes.
Less expensive mounted light fixtures
Any good places to check for light fixtures? I seem to have 4-figure tastes (WS Home) but a hundred-dollar budget. My local Lowe’s didn’t seem bad and I could save up for some of the 200ish RH ones. Any other good places to click around to? Build.com is overwhelming — looks great but too many choices to meaningfully sift through.
I am thinking that light fixtures esp if ceiling-mounted should last forever b/c you might dust them but never knock into them. I did have an annoying bathroom fixture once that rotated and clocked me with a glass globe when I went to change a bulb once. So beware rotations I guess (hence wanting to move to ceiling mounted — flush or maybe pendants / small chandeliers).
Pompom
Wayfair and Overstock have broad selections, and I found that on Wayfair, at least, the ability to filter was excellent. Just redid almost the whole house (everything minus bathrooms) lighting, and bought them all from WF.
Anon
Wayfair and Overstock have broad selections, and I found that on Wayfair, at least, the ability to filter was excellent. Just redid almost the whole house (everything minus bathrooms) lighting, and bought them all from WF.
Anon
Honestly? Ikea. It’s a light fixture, it doesn’t need to hold up to wear and tear, it just has to work and look pretty. They have great options.
Anonymous
I really like rejuvenation – we just put up the berkshire linear chandeleir in our dining room and it’s a good fit for our “transitional” style
Never too many shoes...
Try Costco!
Anonymous
This is a timely and appreciated rec. I am shifting size and shape and really need to replace my current jeans. I haven’t been wearing skinnies all this time, and I know we are likely moving away from them, but I feel like they fit with my new tops best and the price point on these makes them perfect for the transition. Tomorrow I will have a try-on and a chance to take some things to Goodwill hopefully
Anonymous
Sorry. Posted in the wrong place!
anon
I’ve liked west elm. I also like rejuvenation.
The original Scarlett
+1 on west elm, they often have coupons and the quality of their light fixtures is great
Anon
Ikea, if any of the designs happen to speak to you. Wayfair if you want to lose hours of your life going through 10,000000 choices (although filtering is good, but sometimes you don’t know what you want to filter for). Habitat for Humanity Restore for really unique high end stuff that is being discarded in a reno (at least that is what they have locally). I also found a fixture at Lowes that was a bit more utilitarian and perfect for the space.
Anonymous
West Elm and Crate and Barrel fixtures are surprisingly affordable. Depending on your tastes, you might find some good stuff on Etsy too – we have a handmade MCM-type glass and brass fixture from there. We found a lot of stuff on Amazon too.
ABr
Late to the party, but you might want to check out Ferguson if you have one near by. It’s more geared towards trade but they have a good number of affordable light fixtures because people building houses don’t like to pay four figures for light fixtures. Another option is to track down who the actual manufacturer is of the light fixtures you like and see what the price is on Build.com.
780
Home Depot. Not much selection in my local store, but the online selection is great.
Nesprin
I love my light fixture from cb2. I spent a lot of time on ylighting wishing I had champagne budget.
Cat
For the poster on the morning thread seeking mid-life wardrobe inspo — The Directrice; DC biglaw; just turned 50 IIRC. Her taste involves a sense of humor and a big helping of the avant-garde, but even outfits I wouldn’t wear myself will inspire me to try new color combinations or layers that I can use to shop my own closet for a fresh look. And she’s fun to read!
Anonymous
Agreed that she is a good read. I am a few months younger but somehow much less of a grownup (e.g., currently wearing Sketchers booties in my BigLaw office). Maybe I’ve never moved out of my poverty mentality of my 20s (where I had negative net worth and it bothered me greatly)? Like I will still shop at BR, but will wait for a sale.
OTOH, I got an awesome jacket featured on the Directrice site and them promptly gained enough weight to not quite fit in it nicely anymore. It is lovely though and very avant garde.
Anon
I love the Directrice but for a 50 something who doesn’t even know if she’s wearing current styles, I think the Directrice is a bit much, like jumping right into the deep end.
Anon
Also, for anyone looking for a look you can just buy, I don’t think her blog is much of a resource. A lot of it is from the Real Real and the depths of her considerable closet, so not currently available.
Anonymous
True. But it is just good to have something in your head besides mall stores and knowing that St. John exists. She is so good for knowing about Other Things.
Strawberry
Might be too late, but on the younger, but I think fairly timeless (good for that 25-65 range), I also like the Style Scribe. Out of Dallas. Some of it is too young for me, but a lot is just updated classic.
Anonymous
How about Lady of Style? She’s German, so the same brand mix isn’t available here, but she does a great job of looking current.
Anonymous
The Directrice looks like an eccentric bag lady.
anon8
What’s your favorite nail shape? I follow my local nail salon on Instagram and I see a lot of pointy oval styles, but I prefer oval or squoval shapes.
Right now my nails are pretty short after going through a long period of breakage and peeling. Does anyone have recommendations for products that actually strengthen nails? I take a multi-vitamin and biotin regularly, but that doesn’t seem to help. I suspect the last time I had a gel manicure it affected my nail strength, so I haven’ t had a manicure in a while.
Never too many shoes...
I had a rounded square shape for years but a few months ago (at the urge of my younger coworkers) switched to a narrowed oval (not quite a point). They do look more modern and the narrow shape does elongate my somewhat stubby fingers.
Anon
Yes, I like a narrowed oval for this reason. I think it looks feminine and elegant.
NY CPA
My favorite shape is rounded.
I’ve used Nailtiques Formula 2 for when my nails peel and it helped.
anon8
Thank you! I’ll check that out.
Anon
IMO classic short or mid length oval is the most popular shape for regular people (don’t go by Instagram the women always have ludicrously long nails to show off a huge design pattern than won’t fit on shorter nails. Squoval is decidedly out of style except on natural nail with clear polish.
Almond and stiletto shapes are still somewhat popular but very impractical. I tried once and poked myself in the eye and ruined stocking.
CountC
Square rounded. I hate the look of the pointy ovals. The square rounded shape looks the best on my finger shape, IMO.
Cat
I think “your nail shape but better” looks best on most people. Some people’s nails naturally grow out with a straighter edge than others.
anon8
Yes, I think that’s what I’m drawn to as well. And I feel like I would somehow injure myself with pointy nails because I can be rather clumsy. :-)
Anon
Yep, this is me. That said, I have incredibly short, peel-y, bend-y nails (just like my grandmother) so I can’t ever really do anything more than just a tiny bit off the end of my finger anyways :)
In 2014, I remember a receptionist at a snooty salon talking to me about coffin nails and being aghast that I had never heard of them and that I was boring to wear my nails short with a pale color. I’ve disliked that shape since that day.
Anon
Nailtiques Formula 2 or Formula 2 Plus. It’s a miracle product.
anon8
Thank you! Definitely going to check this out.
Anon
It should echo the shape of the bottom of the nail, so a wider, non-pointy oval for most people.
I actually hate the current too-long pointy shape. In a professional environment I would absolutely think less of someone wearing a nail look that impeded their ability to type, open things, etc.
Anonymous
Huh. I’ve never thought much about nail shape, but maybe that’s because I have nails that widen from the base to the tip. What can one do with that nail shape? I don’t see it on any diagrams in a quick google search.
techgirl
Squoval for me, length just peeking over my fingers if you look at my palms (although I do have long nail beds). I don’t really pay attention to trends; my middle, ring and little finger naturally grow squared shape and my index and thumb nails are more rounded so I/my manicurist find it easiest to meet the two in the middle!
I have gel fortnightly and find regular application of nail oil and hand cream sufficient.
Annie Q
Duri Rejuvacote is a miracle product. My nails would peel and tear and I could not grow them out. With Rejuvacote, they are hard as iron and never break or tear, and I have to clip and file them once every couple of week to keep them from getting too long. It’s about 10 or 12 dollars on Amazon.
Annie Q
Duri Rejuvacote is a miracle product. My nails would peel and tear and I could not grow them out. With Rejuvacote, they are hard as iron and never break or tear, and I have to clip and file them once every couple of week to keep them from getting too long. It’s about 10 or 12 dollars on Amazon.
Anon
My mom’s birthday is Tuesday, and I ordered her a few cookbooks she wanted, but it looks like they might not come until Wednesday or Thursday. Any suggestions for a small placeholder gift I could get her so she can open something on her actual birthday?
Cat
When this happens to me, I print out a picture of what’s coming and wrap that!
Anonymous
Not unless you are local. No mail on Monday so I’d say things are iffy for arriving on Tu at this point. Floral delivery?
Anonymous
What about new fun spatulas or new wooden spoons?
cat socks
Maybe some type of kitchen tool or ingredient like fancy olive oil?
MLK Bday too!
*Waves at Anon’s Mom* Hello birthday twin!
senior associate dilemma
Question to the lawyers at firms- how do you know when to stay and when to go when you’re working at a firm, about to make partner, and concerned about getting clients?
I am at a small firm, well-liked. We work on few, but very large, litigation files which really only very senior people can bring in. I have been basically promised partnership by the end of 2020 (I am confident in this promise). We have one main rainmaker partner. Our other equity partner left recently, apparently on good terms and voluntarily. One factor that likely contributed to him leaving was he was struggling to bring in business of his own- I think he thought he could bring over more clients from his previous, bigger firm, but the clients didn’t really come (not because they don’t like him, I think it was a big/small firm struggle for them. some big clients worry about hiring small firm).
I’m worried about my long term (i.e., 5 + years) future. I have had interest in bigger firms that have the more typical structure- more partners, but they bring you into the fold over time so when the seniors want to retire, they can hand down the business to you. I’m worried that won’t happen at small firm- worried senior guy will retire (plans to in just under 10 years) and not care what happens to junior partners. When I ask questions about this, I get vague answers. I haven’t pushed the issue though. Small firm job gives me lots of flexibility, and lots of experience- I am very well-respected in my small industry as a result. If I went to bigger firm, I think I would have to work more, and also do more firm things- events, socializing. I am used to having my life where I can see my husband every night. People at current firm are all friendly but they enjoy their lives outside of work too.
I worry if I don’t leave now it will only get harder once I am a “partner”. Maybe I could negotiate something at new firm such that it fits with how I currently operate, even if its slightly lower pay. Am I worrying too much about the future? I don’t want to jump ship and end up working 1 million hours and regretting it. Starting over and “proving” myself also sounds exhausting. But what if current situation doesn’t work out, I’ll be kicking myself.
Any thoughts? TIA!
Diana Barry
So there is only one ‘real’ partner who brings in business? This means the firm will sink or swim based on what he brings in. And often with a ‘big name’ like that clients will go elsewhere when he retires.
When they say they will make you partner, do they mean partner in name only? So you’ll still get salary etc. but have the title of “partner”? Or will your compensation package also change? Hard to know how the new title will affect things otherwise. :)
senior associate dilemma
Your first paragraph explains what I am concerned about. But, maybe there would be a transition where they are my clients after 10 years- 10 years is so far out. Am I giving up the opportunity to be able to do that? All firms in my area start everyone out as non-equity partners so I guess you could say it would be in title only, with a significant raise. I could ask the junior partner more details about how her comp works.
Anonymous
I would wait until you make partner to move. I feel like it would be easier to make an argument as to why you should lateral as a partner to another firm. Otherwise, you may have to take an extra lap or two as an associate, they may wonder why you didn’t make partner, etc.
Anonymous
+1. Make partner first. If the lead partner retires that gives you a logical reason to look at other firms.
Ellen
This is interesting, and alot sounds familiar. In my firm, the manageing partner’s father started the firm when WC was new, and he had a number of law school freinds who knew people in the insurance busness, so they kind of got a lock on the defense busness b/c lawyers back then did NOT do litiegation in house. Now, it is still the case, as in house counsel are for the most part paper pushers for what we do for them. Over the years, we have come to rely on the manageing partner, who also has freinds to refer busness. Even the judge encourages his freinds who work in the insurance companies to route busness to us. We are not allowed to pay cash for those referrals, so we just take him out alot and give him expensive gifts for his home and his family. The manageing partner estimates that we still have good market share in the metro area, and I am now bringing in new busness with a new company that was spun off from a larger busness, b/c I was abel to convince their GC that I could do more for them at less cost then our copentition. He sent over 32 files last month! So if you have confidence in your firm, it does NOT matter if youre small. Bigger does not mean better after all!
Alena
I’m not a lawyer. I’m an HR. If you do a lateral move now as a Senior Associate, you’ll get into a very big competitive crowd of Sênior Associates in your new firm and your chances of making a partner might be not that great.
However, there will be much less opportunities to join as a partner from outside, especially if you don’t have clients of yours, as companies try to fill partner’s positions internally first.
My recommendation would be to start learning from your major partner how to bring in new clients, get gritty and make a partner with your current firm.
I doubt you can really make a partner anywhere without this skill, so if I were you I would rather start learning in a friendly environment where you’re obviously respected.
780
Honestly, I don’t know any firms where senior partners really transition clients to more junior partners before retiring. I think most companies now a days change law firms when a partner retires or when a new GC is hired. So, regardless of where you are, you need to learn how to bring in clients. I think that’s going to be easier to do at your current job than at a new firm where you have to worry about establishing your internal reputation.
Anonymous
Your concerns are all really valid. If you want to move in the short term, look in house, not at a big firm. I co-sign what others have said above – if you join as a senior associate then you’re competing with lots of other more established people for partnership. You’ll likely lose a few years seniority in partnership consideration. I wouldn’t expect to move firms and make partner within 2-3 years.
Also – big firms expect you to bring in business too. You just have the added complications of very high billable rates and conflicts. Basically, if you’re not bringing in business now then I wouldn’t expect it to get better in a big firm. I think/hope it’s a bit easier to get business when you’re a partner vs associate because of the title. Unless you really want to move right away, I’d stay where you are, ramp up your business development efforts, make partner, and then see where you are in a couple of years.
Annie Q
I wouldn’t count on this: “they bring you into the fold over time so when the seniors want to retire, they can hand down the business to you.” Some senior partners will think this way, but others will go their own way without any succession planning. Some business will get handed down, but the competition to inherit business will be extremely high and a lot of people at the same level as you will already be ahead of you in line for that opportunity. I’m not saying it can’t happen, just that it’s not any easier or more likely than any other way to get business.
Anon
Does anyone have experience with repeat stress fractures? I had a stress fracture (vertical crack) in my shin/tibia a few years ago and I had to wear a boot for 6 weeks. One of my work friends told me his brother is a soccer player and is plagued by a stress fracture that never heals.
I started a fitness routine this fall that I think is fairly low impact but I feel like my stress fracture is back. I have all the same symptoms as before – it doesn’t hurt so much when I walk as it does when I stop walking, and it hurts particularly at night when I lay down to sleep.
I saw my doctor (new doctor, different from when I had it before) and she was fairly dismissive – recommended ice and rest.
Any advice appreciated. I don’t really want to wear the boot again, but I would like to know if these things really do heal on their own. I’d also just appreciate commiseration from anyone who’s been there.
Anon
See a different doctor.
Anonymous
+ 1, try a sports doctor.
Vicky Austin
Hm. I did have a stress fracture in high school and can’t say I’m much plagued by it now, but perhaps young bones heal differently? (I don’t have much medical knowledge.) I’m sorry to hear that your doctor wasn’t understanding. Had you tried ice/rest already when you went to see her? Are you doing any running – could it be shinsplints?
I don’t think they do heal on their own though, unfortunately.
Anon
When I played sports in hs, I had a similar issue. I think the key is not doing anything that aggravates the area, as this does make healing a bit difficult. Maybe visit another doctor who might be willing to offer more solutions for you.
Anon
I didn’t have repeat stress fractures but I had stress fractures in both shins that were not healing. I ended up having to get a bone stimulator (partly covered by insurance), to get them to heal. But, this was after 3 months of wearing a boot and they could still see it on the MRI. I found that the treadmill is absolute murder on my shins, and I can’t do as much running on it as I can outside. If you have better running form / posture this may not be an issue for you, but I’ve been to PT to fix this and still find it to be true. I saw a sports med doctor when I had the stress fractures, but any ortho should be able to do the eval. Of note, they needed a bone scan and MRI for these, x-rays weren’t enough.
I’d get a) new athletic shoes; b) a PT eval if you already haven’t. Sometimes the muscles around my shins act up and it feels similar to stress fractures, but it’s from poor gait or form. Switching running shoes also helps. If the pain clears up after a week I know it’s not stress fractures again. It might also be worth it to get your vitamin D levels checked, but mine were fine and I still managed to stress fracture both shins.
It’s possible that repeat stress fractures in athletic men are not a big deal, but in my experience repeat/non-healing stress fractures in women are taken much more seriously. It can point to larger bone density/osteoporosis issues that doctors want to catch early. If after a week of ice it still hurts for flexion/pressure you probably don’t need to go into your MDs office asking for an immediate dexa bone scan, but might be worth asking for referral to PT / ortho.
Anon
sorry calcium! Not vitamin D! Mine was a combo pill, I misspoke. But similar to below poster when I first got the stress fractures my md put me on a toonnn of calcium supplements. As long as you do the 2x a day it can be absorbed, and it can’t hurt.
Anon
Calcium supplements can hurt.
EM84
I suffered from them a lot when I was an active long-distance runner. I tried all, but two things really helped (besides rest and walk): changing shoes regularly (every 4-6m) and taking higher and regular doses of calcium. At the point of highest desperation, I found an article/study done in 70s, which involved people with shin splints taking high doses of calcium. As it could do no damage, I decided to give it a chance and to my surprise, it worked. Since then, I had zero issues, even while training for marathons. I no longer remember the name/authors of the study/book, but I am sure you could do a quick search. I took 500mg calcium 2x daily (if I remember correctly, body can absorb max 500mg at once, so it was key to take it twice daily). I also started doing yoga, which helped to release the tension in muscles and tendons. No hard data, just my personal experience.
Anon
I had repeat stress fractures and finally got orthotics. I went from not being able to complete a full season of running to being able to do relatively high mileage.
Anonymous
I’m going to a gentleman caller’s house for the first time tonight. I’m going to park at his place and then we’ll walk to bars for a couple drinks. I plan to spend the night. Should I bring a bottle of wine? I feel strange going to someone’s house empty handed, but I don’t want to give the impression that we should just stay in (I want to go out).
Anon
I wouldn’t bring anything.
Worry About Yourself
Nope! Going to someone’s house on a date doesn’t really necessitate a hosting gift of any sort. There are plenty of scenarios where it’s okay, and totally normal, to go to someone’s home empty-handed, and this is one of them.
Senior Attorney
Just your bare-necessities toiletries, discreetly stashed in the trunk of your car! ;)
Anonymous
You’re giving him your vag! That’s enough!
Anon
You’re not giving him your vag! You’re both enjoying gardening together. Women don’t give anything up. That being said, makeup remover, toothbrush, and an extra pair of underwear.
Anon
Laughing so hard! +1
Anon
I am very tired of people abusing the “high importance” flag in Outlook for routine emails. That is all.
Anonymous
That reminds me we are due for a really juicy “everyone replying all to ask everyone to stop replying all” cluster.
Anon
Haha. I love a good plea to stop replying all by replying all
Anon
To: Anon
From: other Anon
Cc: everyone in the company
Importance: high
Thanks
Azera
I’m reading this so late and I don’t know if you’ll ever see this reply but thank you for making my day! I really needed that laugh :)
Gift inspiration needed
Fun question for this dreary January Friday: what gifts were a “hit” over that holidays? Either you gave or received.
I have a few gift-giving occasions coming up (anniversary, husband’s birthday, mother’s birthday) and can use some inspiration.
Senior Attorney
I gave my son a gift pack of brightly patterned Bombas socks and he loved them. Quote: “they live up to the hype.”
Also my husband loves the fun printed shirts from https://www.cotondoux.com/en/
rgto
I put together a last-minute gift for a white-elephant gift exp[‘l.hgrw
Anon
I put together a gift for a white elephant gift exchange that turned out to be a big hit, despite the fact that I put it together at Walgreens on the way to the party. I took a gift bag (that came with tissue paper) and put in two face sheet masks, a hand cream from Burt’s Bees, a pair of cotton gloves, a foot cream and a pair of fuzzy socks, and a Burt’s Bees lip balm. The person who got it in the gift exchange keeps raving about how great a gift it was and how much she loves all the products.
Anon
An organic grow your own mushrooms kit
Anonome
The Die Hard coloring book. My hubby loves it.
Rainbow Hair
Low hanging fruit because she’s 4, but I got Kiddo this “Elsa Diamond Doll” she’d been dreaming about and visiting every time we went to Target, and she literally jumped for joy and screamed when she opened the box. It’s a hard doll, but she still sleeps with it — she loves that thing. One of my favorite gift-giving experiences ever.
Anon
My toddler is absolutely obsessed with her new play kitchen but that probably doesn’t help you with your gift giving ;)
S in Chicago
Divvy socks with my dog’s photo. Gave them to DH and then ordered some for myself (they will do photos of people, too) The socks themselves were also nice quality.
Trish
Every year, my family gets Christmas tees or PJs on Christmas Eve. My husband LOVED his “Epstein didn’t kill himself” holiday shirt.
techgirl
A cold brew coffee pot and artisan coffee beans. Membership to English Heritage.
I love to receive art/photography, and my SIL gave me a framed photo she took on a recent trip.
NOLA
My friend and I went to a gallery and bought each other paintings. It was so much fun! I am terrible about getting gifts, but my best friend bought me adorable kitty pajamas with jogger type pants and a shirt that says “Feline Sleepy.” I’ve worn them a lot! I buy a lot of Blue Q products for my friends, both the socks and the oven mitts. I also bought a decal set for my friend with a stand mixer that says “Potion Master.” The biggest hit were these cool pearl necklaces that are a caged pearl in oxidized silver on a wire. I have one and a couple friends had admired it so I bought it for them.
Carrie
I got my 13 year old niece a record player – totally cute Victrola brand in a small “suitcase” in fun colors. She loves it because it is cute, colorful and kind of trendy these days and she is a musician. I can’t believe it works, sounds decent and it is also bluetooth enabled. An odd combo of old and new. Then we went together to a second hand record store and bought some music. And it was only $40. Hope it lasts more than a month…
Anon
Where does everyone go to find cute wallets? I’ve used http://www.pocketswalletstore.com in the past but am curious if theres other places I should check out. I’m always looking for cute stuff and a good deal. Any suggestions?
Anonymous
My latest I saw on Tumi and then ordered the same on eBay for a fraction.
Mineallmine
Thrift shops. I get most of my bags and accessories from thrift shops because you can fin really unique things at such a low cost.
Senior Attorney
PSA: Sometimes “doing the thing” really is worse than worrying about not doing the thing.
Signed,
OMG this stack of stuff on my desk is the WORST
Frozen toes
Please share recommendations for thin but warm socks to wear with dress shoes. Dark solid colors preferred.
EM84
Smartwool, they have single-color thin merino-blend socks. They keep my feet warm in freezing office.
Anonymous
I like Cole Haan trouser socks.
Anonymous
Darn Tough if you can find them in the right colour. Woolrich. Smartwool has already been mentioned.
Anonome
I got two pairs of Heat Holders in my Christmas stocking and I’m in luuuuuurve. Dark solid colors, fleece lined, multiple thicknesses available, and you can pick them up at Kohls or Macys. Bigger selection on their website, in my case, but YMMV based on your area.
Trish
Do any of you carry two wallets? I often need to take my bar card and D/L out of my wallet and then end up stuffing them in my back pocket or some other pocket in my purse or laptop bag. When going through security, it just holds up the line to put them away properly. I am thinking about getting a small card case to attach to my keys and then carry everything else (credit cards, insurance, store points cards, blah blah, money and receipts) in another wallet in purse. Any suggestions for always misplacing my D/L?
Anonymous
You may not see this, but my phone case has a slot for 3 cards – my work ID, my drivers license and a credit card. Everything else is in my wallet. I often don’t even bring my wallet anymore because of the phone case.
Anon
I bought a phone case that has a compartment in the back where I keep my insurance card, a copy of my car registration, my driver’s license, and a credit card. 80% of the time, these days, I go places just with my phone. It’s really freeing, after years of schlepping around a big bag mostly full of stuff I never used. For times when I need to take along a few other things (extra contacts; meds; makeup) I have a wristlet that fits that stuff plus my phone, and it’s also where I keep my medical insurance card, etc. I throw the wristlet in my tote bag for work, where I keep things like phone chargers, first-aid kit, business card case, etc. It’s really nice to travel light when I can.
techgirl
I downsized my wallet when I worked out I only needed to carry a debit card, a credit card, my DL, a small handful of cash and a place to store a days worth of receipts. Most store cards either have their own apps or can be put into Apple Wallet/Storcard.
I now use a Kate Spade Bitsy Laurel which I found in an outlet about 2 years ago and it’s perfect, although potentially discontinued!
anon
I downsized purse and wallet and I only carry a Vera Bradley wristlet that is an IPhone case with a pocket for cash and 6 slots for credit cards. I can fit a lip balm and pen inside and that is all I need. Also has an outside zipper pocket where I stash receipts. My laptop and any other work related items go in my Radley Spring Tote.
Aschu
Along with the 2 wallets, how about 2 bags? I go between a medium size purse and a tote for computer, lunch, etc and then just a large tote. I drive to work and only take my computer home 2-3 times a week. When I walked to work, I only used a tote. When I use just the tote, it’s a jumbled mess. What do you ladies do? I work in media, so not a conservative environment…business casual. Also, I have a Chanel bag that is like a small tote (does not fit computer) when I use that as a purse, is it odd to use a canvas tote bag? I realize this is the very definition of first world problem, but it’s annoying switching around bags/totes all the time. Thoughts?
Chris
I had the same issue and I bought a Lacoste card holder with a small zipper to hold some coins/small notes. It holds 6 cards – 3 on each side with the zipped pouch in the middle. Super useful. It has almost replaced my wallet. I carry my personal credit card, work credit card, work id, bus/train pass and my condo access card (thicker than a normal card) and some small notes and it is perfectly compact to go into my pocket or any handbag or clutch I carry or just to hold in my hand with my phone. I used to have a phone case with card slots but those wore down and looked shitty pretty quickly and I found the wristlet a pain to take my phone out of if I just need to have a quick peek.
EM84
Friend of mine is relocating to Lausanne, Switzerland and I am looking for tips for a goodbye gift. She is a foodie, loves fashion, will be commuting every day by train for work. Thanks!
anon
A trendy or updated classic tote for her to carry her book, kindle, or whatever activity she may decide to embark upon while on the train? I was recently on a train in the states from my city to the airport and noted an obviously more regular train commuter had a bag of activities for her commute: knitting and headphones for her listening pleasure in this case. All neatly stowed in a tote.
A stack of cards for her to open every day filled with your notes of encouragement as she transitions into her new life in a new location.
Her favorite consumables to enjoy while she’s packing and making all the last minute arrangements of this move. You can compliment that by taking her out for tea, drinks or dinner and letting her vent or bubble about all the activities related to moving.
EM84
Thanks, all very thoughtful tips!