This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Something on your mind? Chat about it here.
Happy Friday, all! Last month I went on a mission to find shorts I really like. I have a couple pairs of this Caslon style, as well as a similar one that's no longer available, and they're fine, but they stretch A LOT after only one wearing and then are really big around the waist and won't stay where I want them — and I specifically wanted a style without a button/zipper.
I saw that a reader recommended shorts from Columbia, and I found their Sandy River Short on sale for only $20, so I snagged a pair. I really like them! The 5″ inseam version of my size was sold out at the time, so I bought the next size down, and although the fit is a bit small (and pulling them up over my hips is kind of a challenge, TBH), my normal size (which I tried later) had that bulky, puffy look that I was trying to avoid. These shorts have side pockets and a small back zip pocket, and the fabric is UPF 30 and blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Since I liked those so much, next I tried Columbia's Anytime Casual Short (pictured above; I have the 7″ inseam), and I like it even more. It has less of a sporty look but is still casual, and I like the wide band at the top, which is flattering and comfortable. The shorts are UPF 50 and block UVA and UVB rays, and they have side pockets. Note: I found the rise a bit short, which is a problem I haven't had with other shorts and pants.
Not only are these shorts great for casual wear, but I think they'd also be good for hiking, etc. One note about underwear: If you care about VPL, you probably won't be able to wear just any style with these shorts. I wear these and these with them. (The latter are so comfortable!)
The Sandy River Short (XS–3X) is $19.99 and up at Amazon and comes in several colors; the pictured Anytime Casual Short (XS–XXL) is $29.90 and up and available in four colors. Sizes 1X–3X in the first style are also listed separately at Amazon for $27 and up, while plus sizes in the second are on sale for $29.90 at Columbia.
Psst: Last year we rounded up the best shorts for summer.
This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!
Sales of note for 9.30.24
- Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September
- 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
- 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 – Fall Cyber Monday sale, 40% off sitewide and $5 shipping
- 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.
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
Sales of note for 9.30.24
- Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September
- 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
- 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 – Fall Cyber Monday sale, 40% off sitewide and $5 shipping
- 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.
- 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…
Anon
Has anyone tried using peshtemal bath towels instead of terrycloth towels? If so, were you happy with them? I’m thinking about replacing the terrycloth towels in my bathroom with something that won’t develop a mildew smell so quickly, and peshtemal seems like a potential option.
Anon
Read the thousands of amazon reviews
No Face
I don’t trust amazon reviews personally. I like product recommendations from this community much better.
Anone
Fakespot is tremendously helpful for parsing Amazon reviews. I use it all the time.
anon
Thank you for making this community a better place with your thoughtful, kind, and constructive comment, Anon 2:14.
Anon
Right? Like what was the point of that?
Anon
Yes, and yes. They are so soft and absorbent, and they dry so much faster. I don’t really miss terrycloth, which now feels heavy and rough in comparison.
Anon
I should say that I did keep my terrycloth towels around since they do hold more water for things like cleaning up spills or flooding.
But the peshtemal is plenty absorbent enough for stepping out of the shower or even wrapping up my hair.
Anon
Cacala brand is good. They come in different thicknesses. I like the thicker ones better and they still dry quickly. I find them more absorbent that my foofy Restoration Hardware towels.
Anon
No brand recommendations, but I’ve bought all my Turkish towels from amazon and I LOVE them. They’re super absorbant for swimming/the shower, dry quickly, and are very packable. I’ll never go back to terrycloth.
Anon
+1
We’ve also kept old fashioned towels for guests who prefer them but Turkish towels for our whole household. They never have that mudty smell that I’m really sensitive to and feel great
Passerby2
Consider locally available, rapid drying bamboo towels (available in many department stors and major home goods retailers).
When you launder your towels, add white vinegar tothe wash cycle kill mold spores.
Horse Crazy
I need hair help. I have long, thick, wavy/curly hair – somewhere between 2a and 2b curls, probably closer to 2b. It’s almost always frizzy, unless I’m somewhere like Arizona. I’m just not happy with how it’s been looking lately – the curls aren’t defined, and it’s just so frizzy (I live in coastal northern California, so it’s not dry here, but not too humid either). My routine is: Wash hair 2x a week, using either Matrix Biolage Hydrating Shampoo or Neutrogena T-Gel (because oh yeah, I have flake problems too). Then, I use Matrix Biolage Hydrating Conditioner and finger-comb it through my hair, and rinse. After shower, I put in Matrix Biolage leave-in cream and brush through with a plastic bristle brush. Then I use OGX Locking Curls Mousse, finger-combing it through my hair and scrunch the curls with my hands. I finish with Maxtrix hairspray (non-aerosol). On days I don’t wash my hair, I’ve just been spraying a little more hairspray on it and smoothing it down with my hands to reduce frizz, but it’s not really been working, and I’m not happy with it. What suggestions would you make to improve my hair? I want it shinier, smoother, less frizzy, and more defined curls. Blowdrying and curling is nice, but I don’t always have time for that during the week.. Sorry for the novel, and TIA!
No Face
Drop the brush! Use a wide-toothed comb to get your leave-in through your hair. For non-wash days, how would it look if you spray with plain water to dampen, and add a smaller amount of the products?
Anon
Definitely drop the brush!! I would also experiment regarding the comb both ways– try that sometime, but also try applying your leave-in conditioner with prayer hands or scrunching with your head upside down (you can use YouTube to see the application methods).
I have a mixture of 2c/3a/3b curls with a lot of frizz, and here is my routine. I have fine hair. Wash 2x per week with either Cantu Co-wash and then conditioner or just with Tresame botanicals conditioner. I really gloop the conditioner on and clip my hair up while finishing my shower. Rinse out conditioner right before I get out, and flip my head upside down to scrunch the curls while it’s still very very wet. Scrunch some moisture out with a t-shirt towel. Then I use Cantu curl cream (prayer hands and then scrunch) and then Kinky-Curly Curl Custard (scrunch) and plop my hair in a different t-shirt towel for about an hour or two. Then let it down and air dry or sometimes I’ll dry it about 2/3 at that point with a diffuser on very gentle heat. After my hair is completely dry, I scrunch it with a tiny amount of Ecoslay Moonshine (an oil, really any hair oil will do) to break the cast and make my hair look soft.
I also sleep with my hair covered by a buff and on a silk pillowcase in case any hair accidentally escapes. On mornings that I don’t wash, I can usually get by with with a refresh of just a small amount of hair oil to smooth down the frizzy bits. The buff has been integral to making the curls last longer and cutting down on frizz.
I also never ever use a “normal” ponytail holder in my hair because it will break and cause more frizz. Instead, I use the pineapple method (basically a loose bun on the very top of the head) secured with a Scrunchie or a loose clip if I just need it off my neck and not really secured.
I know this all sounds intense, but my curls have never looked better. It only takes signifiant time on wash days.
No Face
Yes, how you sleep is another important detail! I sleep with a satin scarf on my head and my pillowcase is satin as well. My morning routine is usually one step: (1) take the scarf off. I get three days out of sleek bun look with my scarf.
Horse Crazy
I’ll definitely drop the brush, but if I wet it, I for sure need an anti-frizz product right after. Just wetting it will only increase frizz. Thank you!
Abby
Curly Girl Method!!! I have 2b hair, and since i started CGM July 2020, my hair has transformed. There is a reddit you can read that gives you a simple outline if you search curly hair. But the main idea is no silicones or sulphates in your products, do not brush your hair! (I finger comb in the shower when it has conditioner in it and that’s it). My after hair washing routine is: leave in conditioner, curl activator, and gel. The gel gives it a “cast” which helps my curls form and also decreases the frizz. Sleep with your hair tied up in a “pineapple” to maintain the curls and minimize frizz – then I refresh with water in the morning.
Seriously, CGM changed my life. Please give it a try!
Anon
Honestly, your best bet is to go to a curly hair specialist and get their recommendation. Every head of hair is incredibly different based on length, texture, porosity, coarseness, and hair history.
One thing I can definitely tell you is that spraying hair spray on in between days is incredibly drying is not doing you any favors. Curls need moisture not stiffness.
Anon Wavy
Brushing curly or wavy hair = frizz! Have you tried curly girl method?
I recently started using LUS products and love them.
Monday
Frizz is caused by dryness. Add a moisture hair mask, and never blow dry or heat style. I agree with No Face’s suggestions.
It also sounds like your existing moisture products may not be working for you. FWIW, I’m white with fine hair that isn’t even super curly, but I’ve had the best luck with products marketed to Black women. Check out the “multicultural hair” section at Target if you haven’t already.
Anon
I would highly recommend the Miss Jessie’s product. I have a kid with 3B hair and love the Multicultural Curls styling cream. You apply it to wet hair and it really gives some amazing shine and definition. It may be more moisture than you need, but I think a lotion/styling cream would be worth a try.
Anonymous
Wait what? Step one of curly hair is never brush. I, a stick straight haired woman, know this.
IL
I agree that your hair sounds like it might be dry, and the mousse + days of hairspray could be the culprit. I have similar hair and I use hair oil (Bumble & Bumble, Moroccan Oil, any of them really) to treat the dryness and dry wax to tame any hairs that won’t otherwise cooperate. I also sometime rinse my hair even though I’m not really washing it that day.
Anon
The products you’re using are chock full of drying alcohols. They’re sucking the moisture out of your hair and frizzing it up.
Use Curlsbot to vet ingredients. You don’t need to go full CGM if you don’t want to, but for your symptoms you need truly hydrating products, not products that lie about it with a fancy name.
Anon
I also have curly hair, and I love the Denman brush for working products through when wet. Also, I love gel. I find it reduces the frizz much better than mousse products. I also use The Ordinary’s plant derived hemi-squalene or cold pressed argan oil on wet hair after curl cream. Also . . . Have you tried plopping?
Anon
Never ever use a brush. Ever. You should be “plopping” your hair dry. For me, mousse isn’t heavy enough to tame things, and this is my holy grail product. https://www.amazon.com/Marc-Anthony-Strictly-Perfect-Humidity/dp/B003BMM336
Anonymous
Are you familiar with the difference between scrunching, praying hands, and finger-combing? Your curls might last a bit better if instead of finger-combing the products in you switch to scrunching or praying hands.
I also suspect the T-Gel is way too drying — maybe look at a scalp moisturizing oil like Kiehls and switch to a gentler shampoo (I really like the Kinky-Curly Come Clean shampoo at Target.)
I’d also save the plastic bristle brush for when your hair is sopping wet, right after you turn off shower.
Finally – mousse may not be best either. I’m 2c and gel/curl definer is my jam. You can get a 2oz sample of Pillow Soft Curls at Target for $2, maybe try that.
Anon
I use T-Sal but otherwise practice strict nut-free CGM (no shea, no coconut, etc.) T-Sal is the only product that clears away my scalp buildup.
My trick is pre-oiling the ends before stepping into the shower. Take a bit of CGM-friendly oil and coat the bottom of your hair (I start at just past the shoulders and apply down to the ends, which are just past my bra strap). This protects the driest part of the strand from stripping, while still letting you get the scalp nice and clean.
Flats Only
Radical suggestion – get a haircut. Every time my 3a curls stop behaving, a good trim gets rid of the dryest ends and the whole thing goes back to being shiny, bouncy and much less frizzy.
KS IT Chick
Another vote for ditching the brush. I also got rid of the products that had alcohol (drying) or that ended in “cone” (hard to remove so ended up also drying). I have become an evangelist for JessiCurl, and I get a DevaCut. I used to think I have wavy hair but with the right cut and sufficient conditioner, it’s genuinely curly.
I scrunch in both in-shower conditioner and leave-in conditioner until I get a squishing sound. I wash twice a week and use a spray bottle of water with a couple drops of a nice smelling oil to revive the curls on other days. I also air dry.
Go for it
Never use a brush! Or shampoo! Curly hair is inherently dry. I use curl smith curl quenching conditioning wash and then condition with nexus humectress caviar protein conditioner. I pick through my hair with a wavy pick (start at the bottom) and then clip it to the top of my head while I finish the shower
after shower towel dry with curly hair towel or an old T-shirt and then use color wow Dreamcoat spray. It’s good for 2-3 days. Also sleep on silk pillowcase~ That alone made a world of difference In frizz.
I agree with the others that regular trims are a necessity, for me it is no more than 12 weeks
AnonATL
First, any suggestions for some simple cross training shoes under $100, even better if under $75? I don’t want to put a bunch of wear and tear on my running sneakers while doing burpees etc in the garage.
Second, is there some secret for sizing those pull on Levis that have been raved about on here? Bought my normal size and couldn’t get them an inch past my knees. Went up a size and now I can’t get them over my bum. There is no stretch! How can they be comfortable. Do I really have to go 3 sizes up?
Ribena
I usually wear Skechers for cross training – the really light ones with memory foam soles. Failing that, whatever slightly cushy sneakers I can get at TK(TJ) Maxx or even from a supermarket
Anon
I buy all of my running shoes from last years models, I’d assume it’d work for cross trainers too!
My favorite running shoe brands are Saucony and Mizuno, but start with whatever brands you love.
Following with interest, as I need a pair for rec sports/lifting/biking too.
Anonymous
I like NB Minimus for gym workouts that do not involve running.
Anonymous
As for the Levi’s, I wear my regular size in the pull-on style but had even better luck with the versions that have a button and zipper. I actually find them to run just a bit large. I am bummed that I no longer like the skinny silhouette on me and want to get all new jeans after wearing these Levis exclusively for the last 18 months or so.
Anon
I love the Nike Tanjun for cross training. They’re like $55. Can’t beat the price and they’re cute, too.
Senior Attorney
Those are great, thanks!
Anonymous
The Nike Metcon is in the Nordstrom sale and sizes keep popping back into stock.
Seeking New Doc
Any recommendations for a PCP/GYN in Arlington, VA? Single female, mid-20s, just moved. I’m looking for a professional who won’t generalize or diminish my concerns/health issues (which seems to be every other doctor I’ve ever been to – male or female).
TIA!
Anon
I went to Lisa Lesane when I lived in DC and loved her. She was in Woodley Park, just across from the metro station when I saw her. The red line isn’t very convenient to Arlington but she was great at listening to my concerns.
Cornellian
Not exactly responsive, but consider checking out a NP as a PCP. NPs/midwives if you’re looking for gynecology are basically my favorite providers. In my experience, they approach patients more holistically, spend way more time, and genuinely listen.
Anonymous
This has not been my experience at all—I have found plenty of doctors who listen and treat “holistically”—MDs and DOs attend four years of med school to learn about the entire body. Physician OB GYNs also complete four years of residency and often a fellowship after that. The training differences are significant and I prefer to see board-certified physicians for my health care.
Anon
It’s not about training; it’s about time. I’ve had better luck with midlevels who take the time to look things up than with MDs who don’t.
Now I don’t appreciate it when I have a specialist referral and end up seeing a NP instead of an actual specialist. They seem to do a lot more rigid, flowchart medicine than midlevels in primary care. But I’m partly just grumpy that I have to pay the full $100 specialist copay without ever consulting the specialist (and partly grumpy that the medical history they take isn’t ever accurate to what I said).
Anonymous
I have consistently found that NPs and PAs take more time to listen and do a better job of addressing routine issues and common illnesses. They are also more concerned about quality of life issues. I was once constantly sick for months and my PCP just shrugged and attributed it to bad luck. It was her PA who finally took action to get to the bottom of it and fix it.
Cornellian
There are certainly types of care I would seek out an MD for. NPs aren’t surgeons, of course, and if I needed neurology or cancer care they wouldn’t be an appropriate. But NPs have at least six and often closer to eight or nine years of training, and for primary and (not high-risk) obstetric care they seem to have empirically at least as good of outcomes as MDs. CNMs are also board certified (although I think some states allow CMs to practice independently as well?)
I think a lot of it isn’t really the NP’s or MD’s “fault”. Insurance billing works differently, and NPs work as RNs first, so are used to being bedside. I’m not sure I’ve ever spent less than 30 minutes with an NP, and I’m not sure I’ve EVER spent 30 minutes with an MD. I’m not as convinced about other mid-level providers, though, and definitely not in a specialist setting.
To the OP, if you’re interested, you can almost certainly find a practice with NPs and MDs and meet them and go from there.
Anon
What type of health concerns? I look for someone that mentions the things I could possibly be dealing with in their bio. So while I don’t have endometriosis, I have cysts that need to be removed and occasionally need exploratory surgery to find cysts in places you can’t otherwise see. I’ve found doctors that mention endometriosis surgery are great for my condition because they are so similar.
If there is a large practice group near you, they likely have a patient coordinator you can call, tell them what type of doc you are looking for and they will match you with someone accepting new patients. I had luck with this as I wanted a PCP familiar with my chronic conditions. While I see specialists for those, they have to have a working knowledge of them to treat me for other things. For example, certain painkillers and antibiotics are a no go for people with my condition. I need a PCP that knows that or doesn’t roll her eyes when I say I can’t take what she wants to prescribe.
Seeking New Doc
Thanks, all!
For specific concerns, I don’t even know since I’ve never had anything diagnosed. Typical conversation in the past during check-ups:
“Do you have any specific concerns?”
“Yes, my cycle ranges from 32-38 days now, and I’ve been experiencing extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, and some hair loss. I also have some nerve pain in xyz areas.”
“Well that still falls in the realm of a ‘normal cycle’, so just keep tracking. Your levels are all in the realm of normal as well, so take a supplement if you want.”
(Meanwhile I check my levels in my online chart and they are definitely on the very low end of “normal”)
Rinse, repeat across at least 10 different providers. I’m just sick and tired of being sick and tired. And now that I think about it, the poster who recommended NPs might be on to something – I’ve definitely felt more “heard” by them! And also naturopaths. Maybe I should go back to those.
Carrots
I don’t have specific health concerns (I’ve been very baseline health thankfully) so I don’t have any feedback there, but I really like the doctor I see at Physicians and Midwives (search Physicians and Midwives Arlington VA and they pop right up). They have a couple of different office locations, so you can probably find one that works best for you.
Duchess
I go to Physicians and Midwives, too, now that I live in Alexandria, and am VERY happy with them. I used to live in Arlington, though, and went to General Internal Medicine Group there and they were also great.
Katherine Vigneras
I also like Physicians and Midwives.
Anonymous
I love the docs at Northern Virginia Physicians to Women, especially Susanne Prather. I find her to be the right mix of down to business and a sincere listener who has always responded to my questions and concerns. I say this with the caveat that I’m in my mid-30s with fairly run of the mill OB/GYN issues. They are an OB/GYN practice only though, so you’d need an additional primary care doc.
Anon
Any recumbent for similar in NY NY metro area?
Anon
*Recommendations
OP litigator
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who replied to my comment yesterday about being a pandemic-burned-out litigator. I am really sorry that anyone else is feeling this way, but reading your comments helped give me the courage to move forward with my plans to take a step back. I have been reading this site since I got out of law school (2008) and over the years, have really valued the input that people have given me (once or twice) and other people. Long way to say thanks and I hope we can all eventually find our way to some peace and happiness.
No Face
I missed these comments, but just went back and read them. I am so burned out too. Not having the fun parts of the job has made it such a slog.
Anon
Minor injury will have me laid up on the couch all weekend. I’m not one to sit still (injured myself hiking) but I can’t walk right now (have been to a doctor, will be totally fine but can’t walk now). My roommate is out of town this weekend so it’s just me!
I’m not thrilled with my job, and am considering making some other changes in my life in the next year or so, so this weekend feels like the perfect time to reflect on that. How do I start? I’m not really an introspective person, but I think some soul searching would do me good.
In addition to soul searching, Olympic reruns, and take out – any ideas on what I can do from my couch this weekend? Even things like doing laundry or cooking are out for me right now.
Ribena
Read Leap Year by Helen Russell! I really enjoyed it as a structure for my soul searching.
Anon
I find doing a craft project, simple embroidery kit, or puzzle – something with my hands – is really helpful at clearing my mind and thinking deeply, so you could park that with your soul searching.
Senior Attorney
And podcasts while crafting or puzzling. I love You’re Wrong About.
Vicky Austin
I’m in a similar spot and am going to spend time this weekend reading How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera. I can’t remember where I heard about it, but it seems like a good book for what you’re pondering right now!
anon
As an also not very introspective person, I found Peter Drucker’s “managing oneself” article on HBR helpful for practical guidance in what kind of work environment best aligns to my strengths/values/etc. when I was considering a job change. It crystallized where there was misalignment (I was also def not thrilled at work at that time) so I could adjust moving forward (in a much better job now). I know this is subscription, but you may be able to get a free trial or find it through your library if you don’t have one.
Anonymous
is anyone a Tesla owner who can offer a review on their car? I am in the market for a new car and have secretly wanted a Tesla for years. I want the Model Y due to the hatchback space. I am replacing a 2005 Prius that I have driven into the ground. Between that, being 4 years into a great new job with a much higher income, and my 35th birthday and being single I would really like to treat myself to the Model Y and do things that make me happy. I can afford it but I have always purchased used, old cars so there’s a bit of a mind block there. I definitely want to go electric on this next car. I know this is a very privileged decision but I’d appreciate any reviews from Tesla owners!
anonshmanon
My car is not due to replace anytime soon, but I am hoping to rent a Tesla for my next vacation and just try it out for a few days.
Anon
We have a Model S and love it.
Anonymous
Model S, really like it.
Caveat: depending where you live charging may be a problem especially with long-distance travel. Have another car (diesel) which gets used for long-distance trips.
Also consider getting the full outfit – solar panels/battery etc (again location-dependent) – makes the car free to ruin 6 months a year.
Anonymous
No first-hand experience, but my husband just picked up his Model 3 yesterday, and my 71-year-old father has had his Model 3 for four years. They each owned Hondas before, and both believe that the Tesla is life-changing and makes driving an altogether different experience. Definitely test drive one if there is a location near you. We test drove a Model 3 and Y on the same visit to compare the two. The regenerative braking and tech screen may take some getting used to, and some people are not fans. As a passenger, I can tell you that it feels like riding in a spaceship or a futuristic Disneyland ride, in a good way. In terms of cost, you will end up saving $$$ long-term. You won’t need to pay for gas (my dad has not paid attention to gas prices for years, and we currently spend $300/mo on our CRV), oil changes, or engine/transmission maintenance or issues. The salesguy said that Tesla has yet to replace a single battery due to age. The car is future-proof, as all of their cars get all the software updates no matter what year you purchased it.
Highly recommend you treat yourself, you deserve it!!
Anonymous
I don’t have a Tesla, but a family I know does and they love it so much that they gave it its own Instagram account.
HW
That’s a level of love for a car that I didn’t know existed!
Anon
I have a 3 and an S and they’re great cars. Charging has never been a problem, even on trips to rural areas, though I do live in the Bay Area. Not having to go buy gas, go for oil changes, or spend much time at the shop (do new gas cars require this? I only drove old gas cars before this) has been awesome. I can’t remember the last time either car needed any kind of service —maybe two or three years ago?
If you live somewhere where it gets hot or cold, it’s great to be able to cool/heat the car from the app before getting in.
Essential+in+Texas
I purchased a Model Y last September (delivered in November). I drove a Lexus RX for the previous 15 years. I am THRILLED with my Tesla. No complaints. The initial output of installing a charger at home is about $800, but after that, I haven’t spent a penny. We have done 3 cross country (1,000 mile+) trips since I purchased the car. No issue charging on the road at the Superchargers. No issues at all. The only issue is that people stop you to talk about it…so prepared to always be late:) I am sending this reply from our 4th road trip (thank you remote working). I have been pleasantly surprised by the destination chargers at hotels, etc. GO FOR IT! You can order it for $100 and decide later when it comes in if you want it.
AZCPA
Not a Tesla owner, but looked VERY seriously at them and have several friends with one, including the Y. I had wanted one for nearly a decade, and was so excited to get one, but reality didn’t match up to my imagination. There were a number of things I didn’t like, including the infotainment and seating position (so not fixable or ignorable things). It also got very warm due to the way the roof is done, so consider that depending on your climate. Ended up with the Volvo XC40 recharge, which has been amazing. They just released the C40 which is a hatchback very similar to the Model Y. Service has been a joy, and that’s not something I ever thought I’d say. So maybe look at a couple of options that meet the luxury electric hatchback…and then go forth and buy!
Anon
Also not an owner. Our friends have one and it is definitely not their primary car. We live in the Chicago area, and although the summer is supposed to be when it’s “free to run” they rarely drive it because it gets so hot inside the car. And in the dead of winter, it gets so cold that it saps the battery quicker and they can’t trust the remaining miles. And while there are tons of charging stations around Chicagoland, it gets more sparse when you venture out for a road trip. They don’t mind any of this – they bought it knowing all of it – but worth a consideration. At least in my area, a Tesla feels like a motorcycle – a fun toy that you’ll use in spring and fall but it can’t be your only mode of transportation.
AnonInfinity
Has anyone here tried Nuuly? I’m starting a new job soon and haven’t shopped for clothes in, oh, 3-4 years. It looks very intriguing to me because I love Anthro, but I’m wondering if it’s worth the price?
Anon
Nuuly was the favorite rental box of the early-mid-twenties folks in my office. I work at a Tech Company in SF. It’s pretty boho for work, IME. This may be your style, and may be fine for your work, but if you’re a bit more senior, I think it’s pretty casual/not very structured. It would work for me for casual wear, but not for office wear, if, of course, my officer were open, which it’s not.
AnonInfinity
You raise a great point. My new job is certainly not casual or entry level (senior counsel at a F500 company). I think I was sucked in by the aesthetic on the site because it’s exactly my style for casual wear. Marketing!
MK
I JUST signed up and get my first items next week. Mid-level associate in a mid-size firm in an east coast city here. My office is normally business casual, and I’m one of 5-10 people here on a typical day, so I figure now is a good time to try some more interesting fashion. My first box is a split – three dresses appropriate for my office but way more stylish than normal for me, and some tops and dresses for weekend wear/date night. Let’s all post updates after we try it :)
AnonInfinity
Excellent! I’m very interested to hear bac.
Anonymous
Started looking into refinancing my mortgage today and hoo boy things move so quickly. Talked to 2 guys (Wells Fargo and Mutual of Omaha), going with M of O through the Costco program I think. Can anyone share any tips on doing my due diligence here? Felt a bit crazy giving my social security # to a new person I’d never met over the phone.
Anonymous
I finished refinancing through Costco earlier this year, and almost originated my mortgage with them before. Costco tends to contract with smaller no-name banks, but can sell off your mortgage to a larger company rather quickly. I made one payment on my new mortgage to the Costco bank before they sold my mortgage to US Bank the next month. (I consider that a good thing, as US Bank is more reputable and had a better app and payment options than the Costco bank). Just make sure they use a secure portal to upload your documents. In my experience, the loan officers at the Costco banks tend to be much more responsive and informative than the the big banks, like Chase.
anonymous
We refinanced with Chase and they gave us a few options with a 30-year, 15-year, etc. Make sure you are clear on what your new monthly rate will be and if you’ll need to bring any money to closing.
Anon
Some lenders will modify a mortgage instead of refinancing for clients with no financial trouble who just want to take advantage of lower market rates. It’s a much cheaper, quicker, and easier process. I highly recommend looking into if your lender offers it.
germs
SIL and her family are coming to stay with us tomorrow. Our adult niece and her family live down the street, and a primary purpose of the visit is for SIL to meet niece’s new-ish baby. The problem: Niece’s preschooler just came down with a fever. Niece has no plans to have him tested for COVID. Community transmission is bad right now, around where we were after Thanksgiving.
All adults and my teenager are vaxxed. Yes, the vaccines are good, but they aren’t foolproof and it still doesn’t seem like a good idea to deliberately expose oneself to a possible COVID case. My bigger concern is that he has some other virus, such as RSV or a cold. I have asthma and every cold turns into bronchitis. I haven’t been sick a day since last February and don’t ever want to go back to living with constant illness. My nuclear family also has plans and obligations coming up that would be derailed by any illness.
SIL wants to go meet the baby, who has undoubtedly been exposed to whatever her big brother has, immediately upon arrival. This means that either we will all go and be directly exposed to the germs, or my nuclear family will stay home and SIL’s family will go over and bring back the germs. I don’t know what to do without being a total jerk.
My ideal solution would just be to have SIL and her family stay with my niece. My family could either stay away completely or visit outside and distanced. This is a non-starter since niece understandably doesn’t want to host overnight guests. Other options, none of which will be acceptable to the other involved parties, are:
1. Insist on only outdoor visits. SIL will still want to hold the baby, niece will shove the baby into my arms, and preschooler will climb all over everyone and shove his hands in their mouths. We will all catch whatever the preschooler has.
2. Try to convince SIL to wait until the end of the visit to see niece’s family, hoping that niece’s family will have recovered by that time. SIL will not agree to this and I am not optimistic that the kids will be recovered by then anyway.
3. Try to convince niece to have preschooler tested. If he has COVID, they will have to quarantine him. Again, not likely to happen, and it’s entirely possible that he has something other than COVID.
WWYD? Other ideas? I can’t tell anyone else what to do here, but on the other hand SIL and her family are staying in my house and their actions have a direct impact on my family. So frustrated.
anonymous
Is SIL your husband’s sister? If so, he should be having this conversation with her. SIL should stay in a hotel.
anon
+1, I was about to post exactly this. DH should be having the convo if it’s his sister, and given your valid health concerns, it seems appropriate to ask her and her family to stay in a hotel/airbnb if they are insistent about visiting niece, sick preschooler, and new baby.
Anonymous
Yes, she is my husband’s sister. He doesn’t really like it either but is just throwing up his hands and saying there is nothing we can do about it. He’s previously put his foot down with the family about other COVID risk preference mismatches, but in this case he doesn’t doesn’t think the risk is great enough to rock the boat. He doesn’t take non-COVID illnesses seriously either, and thinks we should just accept these illnesses as a necessary cost of seeing family. Of course he is not the one who will be sick for the next three weeks to nine months.
Anon
In case you need to hear this, given your health, it’s not acceptable for your husband to throw up his hands and say “oh well, I guess we just have to risk you being sick for months so we can see family,” especially since there in an alternative: SIL stays somewhere that is not your house, and you and family only visit with them outside and masked.
Given your health, and everyone else’s attitude toward the basics of infection control, I think this is the only option.
Anonymous
Then you leave! Go stay in a hotel
Anonymous
SIL you can stay here but NOT if you want to go back and forth to niece’s house as they have a sick kid. Since I know your visit IS to visit niece’s house, I’d prefer you get a hotel. Thanks.
Anon
It’s your house. You can say no. You must say no. This is all your prerogative.
Just tell her you’re too concerned about COVID transmission and this weekend will need to be rescheduled.
Cool
You wear a mask, all the time. You only visit outside if you prefer.
Anonymous
You mean to say I should wear a mask 24/7 inside my own house? Yeah, no.
Anonymous
Then I think you don’t get to complain if you won’t make them take other measures or stay elsewhere.
Anon
Masking prevents the sick person from spreading it, not the other way around. How does this fix OP’s problem?
divorce
Masks absolutely protect the wearer.
If she is really concerned, she can wear an N95 or K95.
Anonymous
If the preschooler has RSV, you won’t catch it. Have DH talk to his sister.
Anonymous
Adults can catch RSV. I have had it. It is brutal.
Anon
reschedule visit to a time with no fever. SIL stays in a hotel. outdoor only visits with masks for all – including preschooler. i will say that i had my 3 year old tested for covid earlier this week (negative), but my kiddo is still super sick. there are a lot of nasty bugs going around now that people are more out and about.
Anonymous
SIL, you can’t go visit a sick child and come back here. You are welcome to reschedule, stay outside and distant, or get a hotel.
OP
Update: Not COVID, suspected RSV. Husband remembers that RSV landed our own child in the ER and incapacitated me for weeks and has decided to put his foot down with his sister. Apparently he also enjoys having a wife who is not sick all the time and is loath to return to the pre-COVID state of affairs. Fingers crossed.
Anon
Great! I am glad that your husband stepped up – whew! Hope that it sticks. I was going to offer the idea of a hotel but telling them you will pay for it and book it for them. Not ideal for you to pay but it might help sell the idea to your husband. But glad he came around!
Anon wants a bike
Thank you to all who encouraged me to keep looking for a bike after being badly mansplained to at my local bike shop. I finally found a bike my size in city two hours away, and love it! I found out after I got the bike that LOTS of other women in town had similar bad experiences at the local place, but no one said anything because it’s a small town. The all female bike shop in Toronto sounds amazing, and I’d love to visit someday!
Anon
Ugh, I hope someone figures out a way to post a review of the place and not have it blow back on them. This is exactly what online reviews should do – warn people away from crappy businesses. It would be terrible if a woman who’s interested in cycling gets turned away from the sport because of a few idiots who shouldn’t be running a bike shop in the first place.
Senior Attorney
I’ve found there is a LOT of this in cycling culture. Honestly from what I’ve seen it’s mostly gross bro’s and the good guys are the exception.
Anonymous
You should check out the mountain bike footage from the Olympics. The women competing in cross-country are absolute badasses and the races are incredibly exciting. So different from the gross cycle bro culture!
Senior Attorney
I should!! Thanks!
Anonymous
My toxic/abusive/sexist male former coworker was a competitive road cyclist. This explains so much. Not that the cycling caused him to be a despicable person, but that as a despicable person he was attracted to a sport where the culture would accommodate and encourage him.
Anonymous
I feel like I am enough of a long-time hippie that I care a lot about the bill of rights. And yet, I just cannot bring myself to care much about mask mandates (it seems to be a policy with a rational basis, which is fine, especially in a pandemic).
I drive my car with a driver’s license, on the right side of the road. My car is inspected, registered, etc. I don’t see this stuff as a slippery slope. And yet, all of these recent consitututional scholars somehow know something I do not??? [Esp. re masks in schools; many kids aren’t vaccinated and no kids <12 are; kids in school can't have Advil, which I am stabby about, but I am really, truly, not losing sleep over masks.] I wear a mask at work still, even though I have the shots, last week by choice, and this week b/c it is back to being a work rule.
Anonymous
What constitutional scholars are these? That interpretation runs counter to everything I learned in health law class.
Anonymous
Facebook legal experts, Instagram scholars, Twitter pundits.
The usuals. Odd bedfellows politically, united on “freedom” and “I am not a guinea pig” and “‘my body is a temple” and “how do you know it won’t cause future infertility?”
Ugh
Anon
Huh??
Anon
I don’t understand what the “bill of rights” argument is here. There’s no fundamental right to not wear a mask. I don’t see how being anti-mask could ever be made a protected class (not immutable, etc.). What’s the constitutional argument these “scholars” are making?
Anon
Every mask mandate I’ve seen is perfectly fine under the U.S. Constitution. I think you’re running into random people calling themselves scholars on the internet rather than actual experts.
Anonymous
Ages ago, the Supreme Court said Louisiana could restrict travel to prevent the spread of yellow fever. Of course a State can impose mask mandates, given the extensive scientific evidence that masks work.
Lily
Paging that commenter who wanted BeautyPie recommendations:
– Any of their body scrubs are amazing
– the eye serum with roller
– you already know about the candles
– Try the fragrance sampler!
Anon
Thank you. That was me! I did order the fragrance sampler. I am putting the body scrubs and eye serum on my list for next time. Thank you so much.
Anon
I’m on the last day of a week of vacation where my family enjoyed themselves and I worked every day but today. There’s nothing that can be done about it, the damage is done, but I’m trying to give myself something to look forward to when we get home.
So what I’m thinking is that I will take off a day here and there and try to just have it to myself. What would you do with yourself on a random day that would bring you a vacation feeling while still living at home (so no hotel, no rental house.)
I’m in the Bay Area if that matters.
Anon
I took a couple random days off earlier this year and I:
Day 1
– went to an outdoor yoga class in the morning
– went to an exhibit at an art museum
– got an mid-afternoon coffee on my way home
– did a watercolor class online at home
Day 2
– outdoor yoga class
– walk through botanical garden
– coffee & pastry breakfast while reading a book
– 2 hour massage
Jules
I happened to have half a day with no commitments while on a work trip about six weeks ago. I had a very nice, sitdown lunch – the first meal in days not eaten in my car, at my client’s location or in a hotel room – and then went to a museum. After that, I walked around the very lovely park that surrounds the museum. It was just a few hours but it was a really good break.
Jules
I happened to have half a day with no commitments while on a work trip about six weeks ago. I had a very nice, sitdown lunch – the first meal in days not eaten in my car, at my client’s location or in a hotel room – and then went to a museum. After that, I walked around the very lovely park that surrounds the museum. It was just a few hours but it was a really good break.
Anonymous
Absolutely no chores or errands. Spend the entire day outside (get an early start) – I’d go for a huge dayhike, a solo trip to Santa Cruz (or with a girlfriend), drive up to Tahoe (on a weekday, the traffic should be doable) and do a wakeboarding lesson on Donner Lake, go to Marin and do a surfing lesson, or go to a museum. The keys are all-day, out of the house, active, and reject any “it’s not worth the drive” mentality that you might be experiencing.
Anon
Yes to this. Have a fantastic lunch in San Francisco and walk along the Boardwalk. Set up a date to hike Mission Peak. Take a boat cruise out to somewhere. Go to a lake and have a picnic lunch there.
Anon
Get a day pass at Sonoma Mission In or Kenwood Hotel, alternatively go to Dr. Wilkinson’s for a massage in Calistoga and get access to their pool for the day.
Senior Attorney
I need more shorts like I need the proverbial hole in the head, but I love the Sandy River shorts and I love all the colors!
Anon
I tried to buy these, but they never got delivered and Columbia refused to refund me. I’d never had such bad customer service!
AnonATL
I find Columbia runs about a size small in bottoms, but I sure love their shorts. A lot of them are sleek enough to pull off as non-athleisure shorts, and they are moisture wicking for hot climates. Their email list has great sales and rewards too!
S Mar
I’m in the UK with two children. I’m vaccinated and also have a condition that qualifies me as vulnerable by UK guidelines. As a result of me being vulnerable, my specialist doctor has written a letter stating that all of my household should be vaccinated. (Children in the UK are not currently eligible unless they or a household member are vulnerable).
I’ve tried: taking them to the mass vaccination centre a few times, calling my/their GP to get them on the authorised list or an appointment scheduled, and taking them to other smaller vaccination centres. I’ve also called 111 for advice and 119 for help scheduling an appointment.
What am I missing? There must be a way to get this done. It shouldn’t be this hard. They meet eligibility criteria, but now I can’t get their vaccinations.
Sheath suits?
It seems this forum and Kate have come around to sheath “suits”—a sheath dress worn with matching blazer. I want to get one in black, but can’t find any good round-ups or reviews of them. “The Hunt” has good options for bother pieces, but entirely unrelated from each other. I’ve been looking at reviews for the two pieces separately, but would really like to see both together. Have you seen any place that does that, please and thank you.
No bother
*both pieces!
Anonymous
Hugo Boss, Theory.
Anon
From a few days ago, the post. On what you’ve done to your house thats been a game changer, to the poster who was pulling up their lawn for xeriscaping https://www.houzz.com/magazine/yard-of-the-week-outdoor-rooms-in-a-beautiful-low-water-garden-stsetivw-vs~149849057?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u16642&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery3_5&newsletterId=16642
Senior Attorney
Really beautiful! Yay for Pasadena!
Anonymous
No making fun of me necessary, I realize this is a ridiculous question: has anyone gone on vacation with their cats? I need to GTFO out of my apartment and can’t take a proper vacation (I still need to work during the day), but I hate being away from my kitties. Is a week in a vacation rental with my kitties a terrible idea?
Anon
I’ve had cats for decades (also fostering) and this 100% depends on their personalities.
When something changes in their lives (new furniture, new family member) are they eager and curious, or timid and uncertain? Most cats hate change and need routine, but some enjoy the stimulation of new things.
Anon
I know people who have done this. I agree it depends on the cats’ personalities. In your position, I would probably be looking for a cat-friendly AirBNB tiny house/cabin forest retreat that is not a long drive away.
ALT
I’ve traveled to my parents’ house with my two cats and it was not super relaxing/was kind of stressful. My cats are pretty easygoing and love the car, but being in the car for 6 hours was too much for them. Also they took a few days to calm down when we reached our destination and adjust to the new smells/people/etc…I wouldn’t recommend taking them to a hotel/rental where they will have a million new stimuli unless you’re going for an extended trip that’s at least a week or two.
By the end of our three week trip, i had one cat who had fully relaxed and made himself at home and one cat who was pretty jumpy but was starting to relax a bit.