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Updated: Jun 22, 2023 186 Comments · by

Weekend Open Thread

Weekend Open Thread

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blue stripey sweater dress

Something on your mind? Chat about it here.

WOW — I just stumbled on Rent the Runway's shop on Amazon and have to say that the prices are GREAT. Everything is “pre-loved”/pre-worn, but signifffficantly lower priced than they would have been new in the store (90% or so?), and honestly I think the prices are even better than what you'd see on the average resale site.

For example, this fun stripey dress from Milly was certainly north of $350 when new… but is now just under $60 on Amazon. It's available in sizes XS-L, and eligible for Prime free shipping and returns.

I would say that there are a lot of great work clothes and party clothes — if you have something specific coming up, do take a look.

Sales of note for 9.30.24

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Anon318

    Cross posted from the moms page:

    TL;DR: Favorite large lunchbox or other solution to sending a ton of food with my kids to summer day camps?

    My kids get lunch at school during the school year and also bring a bento box with snacks. They eat a lot and during the summer they seem to eat a lot more – and so far they seem to grow 2-4 inches every summer! I need to pack lunch and snacks for summer day camps. They will also need to bring swimsuits and sunscreen, so a backpack is necessary. Do I just send two bento boxes? A lunchbox with cold pack for cold items and a separate bento for room-temperature snacks? I’m overthinking this. Help!

    • Anon

      Does it need to be self-contained within the backpack (in a lunch box?) or can you just have all of the food in containers in the lunchbox?

      I would just pack lunch however youre packing it (pyrex, bento box, plastic baggies), throw into a reusable tote and put that into the backpack to keep the food together.

    • FP

      I have a similar situation and I send a lunchbox with their lunch, and then have a separate snack cooler pack (PackIt Freezable Reusable Snack Box) to hold snacks. The buckle on the snack box can attach to the outside of their backpack and I put the lunchbox inside with the rest of their camp gear (swimsuits / towel / sunscreen etc).

    • Tea/Coffee

      I am a big fan of the larger / adult size lunchboxes from LLBean. Small outside pocket, handles – we have one and sometimes I use it for work, sometimes the kids use it for camp/outings, sometimes we use it as a small cooler for family outings. It will have some longevity ao you don’t feel bad for not using it all the time.

    • Anonymous

      Now I feel bad, I just send my kids with the same amount of food I send them from school, but I think their longest camps end at the regular school time.

      Bento boxes fit almost no food once you’re past the toddler stage and the boxes themselves take up too much room. Just switch to a regular lunchbox like Lands End and either reusable or ziploc bags.

    • MomIdea

      my only suggestion is to buy plastic water bottles, 6-8 ounces. freeze them. throw them in the lunch in the morning. it will be a little thawed by lunchtime but still cold by the end of the day when your kids’ friends are all drinking warm stale water. yum.

    • Anon

      I had to scroll up and look again because I assumed it was and didn’t read the text… maybe it looks better IRL?

    • Anon

      I think $20 Target dress is too generous. I was going to say it’s more of an outdated Kohls or Boscovs dress. But yes, it looks like it’s no more than $20

      • Anon

        omg yes. It looks like a Kohl’s turtleneck I had in middle school circa 1998ish.

    • Anon

      This dress is hideous, but I did find a work dress through the Amazon RTR that I ordered. Hopefully it looks nice in person!

    • Anon

      I love my $20 Target dresses. They put out a great one for Pride this year, but it sold out in my size before I could grab it.

    • Anon

      I love my $20 Target dresses. They put out a great one for Pride this year, but it sold out in my size before I could grab it.

      • Anon

        I think this does look a lot like cheap styles that are made by many low end brands. It’s mostly the color combination rather than the stripes per se. I personally hated the vertically striped colored thing the other day too, but the style is rather uncommon — I would not expect to see something similar at Kohls or Target.

        I do see how you made the connection though – and it’s possible the people hating this and those who liked the other thing are just different people.

      • Anon

        I hated the caftan too :)

        But, as Anon at 4:42 stated, the color combination here is definitely “cheaper” than the colors in the caftan. The bright colors + stripes reads very young to me too (as in like elementary school child young, not 20s young).

        I also think that the colors used in this one + the stripe pattern read very early to mid 2000s to me. Which, yes, styles from that era are back but this is not one of those styles that has revived and so it looks dated.

      • Anon

        The v neck fit and flare dress, while very versatile and flattering for most body types, is a also a cut that is popular among cheaper brands.

      • Anon

        Thanks- I am not invested and am not inclined to buy either but they seem similar to me and was wondering why the group hate for this one – though I see below a different thread of people who like it! Honestly, my first impression for this one was like, but I think it’s because my mom had a very similar dress when I was little.

      • Anon

        I’m OP and I don’t think it’s hideous but I do think it reads very cheap and I can’t believe it originally cost $350.

      • anon

        I don’t think it is hideous at all but it does read inexpensive (not cheap) and young to me. I wore a dress like this constantly in my late teens/early 20s and I got compliments all the time on it, but I wouldn’t wear one now, 20 years later.

    • Anon

      Hahaha, I love it and immediately clicked buy (first time I’ve ever done so on this site). To be fair, $20 Target dress is very much my wardrobe and there’s no way I would have paid $350 for this dress.

    • PJ

      That’s unfair! I have $20 Target dresses that have lasted 10 years and a lot more style

  4. weddings?

    Ok – another wedding question.

    I was invited to a friend’s (old roommate) wedding in LA. I had to do a double take on the invitation, as it looks like I am only invited to the reception, but not the ceremony. ??? I have never seen this before. Can’t quite figure out why that would be. She is Jewish, but not religious. I mean, we lived together for years and she wasn’t observant but we talked about relevant cultural issues a few times etc.. Obviously there’s a reason and honestly it’s none of my business. The only other thing I can think of is that her parents have some high profile friends and maybe they want to keep the ceremony small for them to attend and then escape. Is that an LA thing?!?! Although that sounds crazy for me as I type that out….

    I do have friends who had a small/intimate family wedding, or eloped, and then had a big celebratory dinner/”reception” at a later date. But I’ve never seen this sort of guest sorting when one event followed the other.

    • Anon

      I am attending a wedding (east coast) in August that is the reception only. The ceremony will be immediately before the reception, but is about 20 people (immediate family, wedding party, maybe 1-2 other people) and will be followed by a 200ish person reception.

    • anonshmanon

      I’ve seen it both ways. Small afternoon ceremony with only immediate family, probably partially due to availability of the civil servant and the room of a limited size, followed by a big evening reception.
      Big morning church wedding with cake and champagne afterwards, which everyone was invited to, and smaller evening reception that was just a sit down dinner for 30 or so guests.

      • Anon

        Official etiquette says the former is acceptable, but not the latter. You can broaden the guest list for the reception, but everyone who is at the ceremony has to be invited to the reception.

        • Senior Attorney

          I think the latter is acceptable too, as long as you greet the guests and give them a small refreshment afterwards. That’s how it was done back in the day when the whole congregation was invited to a church wedding, with friends-and-family reception later.

        • Anon

          Not sure how many people care what “official etiquette” says any more. If I had someone in my life who got hung up on the Emily Post rules of etiquette and faulted me for not following them, I’d take that as a welcome signal I didn’t need to be friends with them going forward.

          • Anon

            Fair, but it does seem a lot tackier to me in that direction. Inviting someone to a wedding ceremony but not a reception is basically saying “give us a gift, but we’re not going to give you a meal or party.” Inviting someone to the reception but not the ceremony means you want to celebrate with them (and pay for them) but you might be eloping, getting married in a courthouse or a small religious venue. That’s a lot more understandable, at least to me. Receptions generally cost a lot more per head, so it feels much less tacky to me to invite someone to the reception only.

    • Anon

      This isn’t entirely uncommon, I eloped and had a reception later. Perhaps she’s doing something like that?

      • Anon

        I think that’s quite different than having ceremony + reception same day/location and inviting some guests to reception only.

      • Anon

        I don’t think so either. Jewish people don’t get married at temple. Usually it’s a quick ceremony held at the same venue as the reception. The only private element is signing the ketubah but that’s a ten minute operation.

        • Anon

          I’ve been to several Jewish weddings at temples. Although I think in all cases the guest list for ceremony and reception was the same.

    • Anon

      I would assume that they are doing a courthouse wedding in the morning, and can’t invite everyone due to space limitations.

    • Anon

      Around this time last year I was invited to the ceremony but not the reception (ie I was very D lost and they didn’t want to pay for my head at the reception.) I noped right out of that one.

      If the reverse had been true I think I would have attended. Go with your gut here, though.

    • Anonymous

      I have seen this, as well. Honestly, I don’t love weddings but if I have to go, being excused from the ceremony, especially a religious ceremony, would be my strong preference. You got invited to the party and you can do something more fun in LA beforehand!

      • Anon

        +1 million. I would always rather attend the reception only vs. having to attend the ceremony and the reception. Being invited just to the reception wouldn’t bother me in the least. Especially if it’s one of those situations where the ceremony end and the reception start are hours apart from each other. Just let me wake up late and go shopping and go to the party later, thanks so much.

      • Lutheran wool socks

        for me it would be the other way around. if I had to choose I would rather attend the ceremony and not the party.

    • anon

      This is not a Jewish thing. I’ve seen this a few times. Usually when the church is small, or the couple wants a more intimate ceremony. Then they throw a big party afterward.

    • Anonymous

      This happens with Mormon temple weddings because non-Mormons are not permitted in the temple. Although they often want at least their families to stand outside and wait during the ceremony.

      • daylight

        Yes and it’s one of the worst most tone deaf Mormon traditions (the nonmember family waiting outside the temple). Do not recommend.

        However I am a big fan of a private ceremony with just very close family and friends, then a big reception with everyone.

        • Anonymous

          I disagree that this is “tone deaf.” It is purposeful and meant to accomplish a specific goal of the LDS church (and other churches) – exclusion of nonmembers from the community

          • Lutheran wool socks

            Which other churches denies non members access at weddings/ funerals?

            I have been to weddings in many different denominations and never had problems. Went a wedding in temple for my Jewish friends also

    • Anonymous

      Maybe they will have a gap between the ceremony and the reception and they’re trying to spare you the wait time? I had the ‘catholic gap’ for our Saturday night wedding and while we invited everyone to the ceremony many opted out and I was extremely touched when my friends made the journey to the (out of the way) church vs. just coming to the fun reception (which was more centrally located).

      • Anon

        Most of my friends are atheists and didn’t get married in religious venues so I had no idea this ‘gap’ was a thing until my husband’s cousin married a Catholic woman in a morning church ceremony in the boondocks and then an evening wedding in the downtown area of a major city. It was extremely annoying having to schlep back and forth and hang around for hours in formal clothing (way more annoying to me than a morning wedding ceremony & brunch reception in the same place would have been, but everyone has different preferences).

    • Anonymous

      My ex and I were invited to a wedding similar to that 10 years ago – about 25 people were invited to the actual ceremony due to venue limitations (not a church), and then those 25 plus another 50 guests were invited to reception later the same day. Bride, groom, and most of the guests were Asian American. it’s not a particularly Asian cultural tradition to separate out the marriage ceremony and reception either, so I think it has more to do with venue limitations.

    • Mrs. Jones

      A non-religious/wasp-y friend here in the southeast did that several years ago, a small ceremony with family only, then a reception later in the day. I certainly didn’t mind just going to party.

    • No Conspiracies, Please

      As a Jew in LA, I will be clear: (1) this is not a Jewish thing, and (2) this is not an LA/CA thing. I don’t know what it is, but it is not either of those things. Non-Jews are warmly welcomed in synagogues and at Jewish ceremonies. More progressive congregations (Reform, Reconstructionist) also include them in ceremonies.

  5. Anon

    Has anyone used Proov Confirm tests to confirm ovulation? I have PCOS, and just started trying to conceive… I leave for an international trip next week, and it is during my two week wait. I just bought a box of Proov tests to see if I even ovulated, because if I didn’t (very possible bc of PCOS) then I wouldn’t have to worry about having wine etc while we’re in Italy. But it says that a baseline test is needed, which I obviously didn’t do!

    Any tips/advice welcome.

    • anon

      Have wine anyway? Even if you are pregnant, it is so so early that it won’t really matter yet.

    • Anon

      Why not just use the regular ol’ OPK strips? Are these any different than those? Just remember, to be positive the test line has to be basically as dark as the control line.

      • Anon

        Yes – I tested positive on the OPK strips a few days ago. This would be to confirm that I actually ovulated, since my positive test was on cycle day 31 (because of my PCOS, my cycle ranges from 28 to 46 days)

    • Anon

      You really don’t need to abstain from drinking in the two week wait, especially if you’re going on vacation to the land of great vino. The baby doesn’t share your blood until after you’d normally miss your period, so there’s no risk. Straight from the mouth of my OB, who I think is at the more cautious end of the spectrum with alcohol and did advise me to abstain once I was actually pregnant. You will drive yourself absolutely crazy acting like you’re pregnant two weeks out of every month, particularly if TTC takes a while.

    • PCOS

      My doctor does a cycle day 18 progesterone test to confirm ovulation, which doesn’t need a baseline. If your cycle is irregular (mine is) she says to just try and come in around 4 days after you think you ovulated, it doesn’t need to be an exact science. See if your doctor can put in a lab order for you.

      • OP

        This is contrary to what my doctor has told me – that progesterone doesn’t peak until around 7 days after ovulation…so I’ll already be gone! But I think the advice above is probably right. Statistically it’s extremely unlikely that I’m pregnant given my PCOS and first month trying, so I will likely just drink in moderation.

        Thanks all!

        • Anon

          FWIW, I’m a very light drinker (like I normally have a glass of wine once or twice a year) but I had a girls night and got pretty plastered about 10 days after we conceived. I was under the impression that there was no way I could be pregnant because it was the first month trying…..welp. I was. The baby is now a healthy and pretty smart elementary schooler. It’ll be ok either way.

    • Anonymous

      I always heard “drink til it’s pink”

      (ie until you get a positive pregnancy test)

    • TO No-Longer-Junior

      Drink until it’s pink is the advice I’ve taken to heart. I’m 2+ years into TTC and you will 100% drive yourself crazy during the TWW if you’re strict about acting like you’re pregnant every month.

    • Anon

      100% drink til it’s pink. And I was very very cautious about alcohol in pregnancy (even avoided sauces made with alcohol).

    • Anon

      You don’t really need a baseline, as long as the strip is objectively positive/high enough on the app. The baseline is mostly in case your progesterone rise is weak, then you have a comparison to determine that it rose. I’ve never taken a baseline test. (I use NFP/FAM for family planning and will occasionally use a Proov when my ClearBlue monitor misses peak to confirm I can stop abstaining.)

      You can also go to your OB office and ask for a “family planning” progesterone blood draw.

      But I agree, I always drink during the TWW (lightly, not to excess) so I would enjoy yourself!

      • Anon

        Also, I take my Proov on the 5th day following peak/positive OPK and that’s always been late enough for a positive, though I know some women need to wait an extra day or two

  6. Anonymous

    I am generally not a fan of the preppy mom look but this dress is cute. I think the thoughtful placement of the stripes makes it a bit more fashionable. Obviously, it is Milly, not Lands’ End, so it makes sense it is a bit elevated. If I had a suburban family of four with a pool membership, I would probably buy this.

    • Senior Attorney

      I just bought it for my upcoming trip to the Greek islands. I think it will be nice for drinking ouzo in outdoor cafes.

      • Anon

        It’s cool if you don’t like the dress, it’s not very cool to shade other people for liking the dress. It’s okay for people to like something you don’t like.

        • Anonymous

          It’s fine if some people like it and some people don’t but it is not preppy.

  7. Anonymous

    I just found the store Hale Bob today and want everything. Are there any other similar stores or brands that are at a lower price point?

  8. Anon

    If I am using a backpack as my carry-on luggage, any thoughts on the best under seat carryon? A tote?

  9. Anonymous

    I’m just finishing my period now and my breasts have been very very tender and achy for a week now. I had very few PMS symptoms until my mid-40s, and tender breasts were a new one… just curious how common it is with others, how long it lasts, and if there’s anything that helps.

    • Anon

      I’ve had this since my 20s, although it’s usually worst a couple days before my period starts and goes away once I’m actually bleeding. I think it’s more common if you have dense/fibrous breasts, which I definitely do.

      • Anonymous

        +1 This is a very common PMS symptom for me, worse some months than others. Usually painful leading up to my period and the first day or two, and then eases.

      • Anon

        +1, this is how I know my period is coming. Usually starts 1-3 days beforehand and goes away mid-period.

    • Anon

      I had this in perimenopause. My OB said sometimes our bodies go back to being teenagers during peri.

    • Anonymous

      I have achy, swollen breasts every time I have a period with ovulation. 7-10 days before my period, and a couple of days in, with most painful the week before. Cannot run without physically holding them in place. This has been consistent for decades. Like poster above, dense/fibrous.

    • BaltAnon

      I’m late posting, but wanted to share anyways – this started for me about two years after my last kid, and shocked and concerned me enough I went for a mamogram and MRI. I was fine, and the doctor told me, basically, our bodies change over time.

  10. Anon

    What sandals are we wearing to the office this summer? Pre-pandemic I had a whole wardrobe of open toe heels but my feet have decided they will only accept flats these days. No stores nearby have my size in stock in anything but Chacos or Keens, which are not dressy enough for my office. I’m not fashionable enough to pull off New Balance or lug sole loafers with rufflepuff dresses, and my feet want to breathe in the summer anyhow.

    I would love leather, prefer black, tan, or cognac, and need something comfortable enough to wear all day. No wedges or platforms, and I think I need an ankle strap or heel cup of some kind. Thanks!

  11. Anon8

    Sofa recommendations? Ours just broke and we’re looking for one that will last style-wise and durability-wise. Any specific recommendations or stores to look at? Looking at room and board, crate and barrel and article so far. No kids, one non-shedding dog.

      • Anokha

        we bought a sofa from eq3 in 2013 and it is going strong and looks great. worth every penny.

    • Mrs. Jones

      Last year we got the Bedfordshire rolled-arm sofa from Wayfair in lizzy graphite fabric. They have other fabric choices. So far it’s holding up to our family with one kid and two dogs.

    • Anom

      Room and board has fantastic warranties. They replaced my sofa bed when the hinges tore the mattress pad.

    • Runcible Spoon

      I know this is a late posting, but I would like to share that the Crate and Barrel Axis sectional is a classic, if your space is large enough. The upholstery tends to be bullet-proof, and the style has been around forever.

    • Anon

      Can it be repaired? If it’s just a snapped off leg, for example. It would likely cost a lot less than $2k to repair…

    • Anon

      I went with Sabai last year and am perfectly happy with it. No surprises, it just is what it looked like it would be. It sees a lot of use. They have some kind of repair/replaceable parts program, but it doesn’t really have wear yet. Limited color/fabric options though.

  12. Anon

    How often do you do things for fun, and what are some of those things?

    I had read today’s MoneyDiary (from Refinery 29) and among the backlash there were comments that the diary was boring and I didn’t get the impression that the OP did much just for fun (she’s a long 20s, highly paid tech worker in NYC, no kids, lives with her boyfriend, and doesn’t work very long hours. So, she on paper has plenty of time and money for fun).

    I’m late 20s, single, make OK money but I’m definitely on a budget, and here are some things I like to do for fun:
    – I really love meeting up with friends for a drink, a walk, or a meal. I especially love trying a new bar or restaurant. I probably do this 3-4 times a week.
    – I take a craft class and / or knit on my own or with friends about once a week. I could knit more, but tend to not for unknown reasons.
    – I take a really hard, but fun workout class twice a week. Even though the class is so, so hard it’s something I love.
    – I also play in a soccer league once a week. I’m pretty sure the happiest hour of my week is the hour I play soccer. I love it.
    – On weekends I love, love, love a long outdoor workout: long bike ride on the river path, trail run, hiking, playing tennis or pickle ball with some friends. If I’m outdoors and exercising, I’m thrilled. This only gets better when I follow my workout with brunch or drinks! I try to do this once a weekend, but it unfortunately is less frequent than that.
    – I love thrift shopping and browsing. I have recently gotten into fashion, and it’s so fun to see what’s out there. I also love hunting for a deal. I do this maybe once a month, or less.
    – I have a very small patio garden, and I enjoy gardening. I do this a few times a week, but the garden is so small it’s only 10 minutes at a time.

    • Anon

      My favorite thing in the world to do for fun is sit on my couch and read. Really. There are other things I like to do, and I have fun doing them, but this is the thing that is the most fun for me. And I have both time and money to do other stuff. I’d visit my favorite aunt sometimes and we’d sit in comfy chairs in front of her fireplace and drink tea or wine and each read our books. Ahhh…..

      • OP

        Aw that visit with your aunt sounds lovely! There is nothing better than sitting in front of the fire

    • Anon

      I’m an old. For fun I love to take long walks, but actually prefer to be by myself when walking. I knit, and go to 2 different knitting groups each month, so I knit with friends, but I also knit when watching TV at night. I like to read murder mysteries and listen to true crime podcasts. I like to discuss the books I’ve read, but book clubs annoy me, fortunately I have a few friends who enjoy the same types of books so I get to talk about them. I used to love shopping, but Covid kind of killed that for me, I feel like shopping is extremely tediuous and time consuming and not fun at all now. I like to cook and dh and I cook together a few times a week, usually trying out something new. I like discussing money/finance/investment issues and have a group of people I talk about those things with at times.

    • Anonymous

      If I wrote a blog you might not think I did anything for fun either.
      Some of my examples:
      -I read non-fiction books on topics that interest me. These include different historical periods, anthropology, and the dark side of the fashion industry among others.
      -I buy reprints of 200 year old cookbooks and try the recipes
      -I visit historic sites several times a year.
      -I explore fashion and my style and enjoy disvovering new pieces in thrift stores (I buy 90% of everything second hand, including clothes)

      • Cora

        These sound so cool! See this is the point of being an adult with your own time and money – to do exactly what you want, regardless of what other people.

        • OP

          Yes!

          It’s so nice that as adults we can invest our time and money into our passions and interests! And it’s fun hearing everyone different interests

    • Anon

      Mountain bike several days a week, mostly with my husband (I taught him how), ski in the winter. I never feel like I’m having more fun or more alive than when I’m doing something risky in the outdoors. Risk and adventure are key values for me.

      • OP

        I am so jealous, that sounds so fun! I agree – risk + outdoors + physically challenging = feeling alive.

        Do you live somewhere with easy access to mountains?

    • Senior Attorney

      I love to read and I do that every night before I go to sleep
      I love cooking and baking and lately have been into sourdough, which is like having a new pet in the house!
      Like Anon at 3:58 p.m., I like to take long walks by myself and I listen to audiobooks or podcasts while I do that
      I meet friends for a meal or drinks at least once a week, either alone or with my husband
      Hubby and I love to go to concerts and plays and have a whole slew of season tickets to various venues
      I am involved in a lot of volunteer activities
      Travel — we like to do a medium or big trip every quarter
      We like to entertain and try to host at least dinner party every month

    • Anon

      Daily, read here, work puzzles on my phone, sometimes while half watching watch what happens live on bravo.

      Weekly out for a meal with husband. Or a cooked at home special meal. Also to a bar for some music. Working in my garden during the day.

      Monthly out for a meal with long time friends – two different groups. I would prefer more often but we all have conflicting schedules. Sometimes people come over for dinner here.

      This isn’t counting vacations or travel.

      I’m sure I am boring but I’m happy.

    • Anon

      Pottery class, visiting friends’ horses (I can’t ride anymore) and reading books.

      I used to love thrift shopping but am now very sensitive to fabric softener and dryer sheets so can’t go into places where there’s clothes it’s been used on.

      I used to love live music but again, the perfume and fabric softener put an end to that (even with a mask on).

    • Anonymous

      I am a pretty serious amateur mezzo soprano. I sing in two choirs, take voice lessons weekly, and practice daily. It adds up to about 12 hours weekly for practice, lessons, and rehearsals, plus several hours for performances 2 – 3 times a month. When I am not singing I spend time playing ear training games, listening to recordings, going to concerts and the opera, and searching for repertoire.

    • Trish

      My favorite thing is when my son, his girlfriend, and my brother visit with us. My son and brother are so witty that we are always laughing even if we are just having dinner and hanging out. I enjoy the beach and kayaking. I also enjoy decorating and shopping at thrift stores but only when I am not stressed with work which has been the case for the past two years. My cases don’t allow for the part of my brain that likes to think artisically. I used to have a yoga class that I enjoyed but that studio closed due to COVID and I haven’t found a new one.

  13. Smokey

    Looking for suggestions for an easy dessert to take to a Memorial Day barbecue. Guests include both adults and young kids. Thanks in advance.

    • Anon

      Trader Joe’s blondies (from a box mix). They’re so easy and have always been a hit when I make them.

      Roll-out sugar cookies could be fun and festive; you could use a star cookie cutter and decorate with the red and blue sugar sprinkles. I have always used the Pillsbury tube of dough and the cookies have always been a hit.

      Since it’s the beginning of summer, a fruit pie would be great. I use frozen crusts and pie filling is very, very easy to make. I like triple berry pie (which would also be themed with red and blue berries) and peach blueberry pie (though might be too early for peaches).

    • Anon

      If it might be hot out, I’d lean toward stable food that won’t melt and can be eaten with fingers while running around. Assorted cookies or brownies; brownies are always good for summer BBQs in my view. For non-chocolate options, look up recipes for “snack cake,” which are usually cake without frosting served in a pan like a brownie. This one from Bon Appetit is “throw ingredients into a bowl then pour into prepared pan.” https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/strawberry-snacking-cake

      • Anon

        I’m anon at 408…ok after mixing you put the jam and berries on top of the cake. But it’s easy, despite what looks like a long list of stuff.

      • Anon

        Kind of along this line, I brought dirt and worms (aka, layers of crushed up Oreos and chocolate pudding, topped with gummy worms and Oreo crumbs) to a gathering with a lot of kids and it was gone in a flash – and I saw adults going back for seconds! Anything with pudding and graham crackers/cookies left to chill overnight in the fridge you can’t go wrong with IMO.

        • Anon

          Continuing my thoughts… Layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, strawberries and blueberries? Just make the day before and chill in the fridge overnight. Two of the large boxes of pudding will cover one layer in a 9×13 pan.

    • Jules

      On the subject of a triple-berry pie, my go-to is Marie Callendar’s Razzleberry Pie. It is frozen and unbaked, so it’s very fresh when you bake it, and like all of that brand’s frut pies it is so, so good. (My favorite is Cherry Crumble.) The last time I took this to a friend-group dinner party, everyone liked by from-scratch mango cardamom cake but the LOVED the Marie Callendar pie. :/

    • Anon

      Pound cake (the frozen kind is totally fine) topped with sliced strawberries. Keep the strawberries in another container until you’re ready to serve the cake. Can of whipped cream on the side.

    • NYCer

      Rice krispie treats. Brown butter rice krispie treats if you really want to go all out. ;)

      • Tea/Coffee

        Sub part of the rice krispies for crushed graham crackers. Hold back a handful of mini marshmallows and some mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on the top. Voila, smores rice krispie treats. These disappear every time we make them!

    • Anon

      If I were looking for something easy I’d go to my local organic market and get one of the homemade style pies.

    • Runcible Spoon

      Bring a carton/box of mini brownie bites that you can pick up at the supermarket or gourmet market. It’s a no-guilt way for adults to indulge love of brownies! And the kids will eat them, too.

  14. Anonymous

    I’m going for my first pedicure in a few years this weekend – I rarely get them done, hate changing out the color. Should I get a pale color, classic red or pink, or something else? What’s trendy? Is there anything that lasts long but that I can remove at home with regular remover?

    • Anon

      I like pale colors because when they start to chip and wear off, they’re less obnoxious to look at.

    • Anonymous

      I just got OPI “strawberry margarita” last week and it’s bold and summery. Not sure it’s “in” but I’ve had several compliments (which is weird, because how often do you notice someone’s feet).

      • Anonymous

        I like an orange red/coral for the warm months. I would suggest picking up a good quality polish (I have luck with OPI) in a color you like and take your own. That way you can touch it up yourself.

    • Anon

      I’ve been wearing a metallic gold for the last 2 weeks and really enjoying it. I have fingers and toes the same.

    • Anon

      Not sure about trends, but I always like bright pinks for summer. Feels summery and happy to me.

    • AIMS

      I vote bright pink or a true classic red (Essie Russian Roulette is my go to).

    • Runcible Spoon

      Dusty pink hits the sweet spot between too red (which shows badly when it chips) and too light (which makes your quite clean toes seem somewhat dirty by contrast). I like OPI Not So Bora-Boring Pink, if you can find it (it may be a discontinued color).

    • Anon

      I usually bring my own color or use one that I have at home. That way I can do little touch ups as needed.

  15. Anon

    Not sure if anyone will see this this late on a Friday, but talk to me about resumes. Are we still doing action verb bullets? “Supervised 5. Prepared files for internal audit.” etc? I’m helping an immigrant friend of mine with his resume, and an HR person rewrote his resume in complete sentences: “As Job Title, I supervised 5 people and prepared files for an internal audit.” Is this how we’re doing resumes now? I haven’t looked for a job (or helped screen candidates) in ages, so I’m out of touch. I want to help my friend however I can.

    • AIMS

      I think bullet points have the benefit of being concise and are better at fitting more info on one page. If your friend has a sparse resume, maybe this is a way to fill the space better?

      • AIMS

        Hit post too soon.

        If spacing isn’t a concern I would probably stick to bullet points. But maybe make the bullet points slightly more complete sentences than your example.

        • Cat

          I agree with AIMS, the example bullets are very terse, but I still see bullet-point lists under each position.

    • roxie

      that “full sentence” advice sounds wrong.
      Action-oriented verbs are good but even better are those that focus on impact:
      – manage a team of 5, creating a culture of excellence, accountability, and trust through direct feedback and communication
      – Supported internal audit by ensuring documents were correct and whatever

      • Idea

        this. focus on achievements and connection to how it benefited company – made money, saves money, reduced risk.
        – supervised team of 5, creating culture of excellence that reduced department costs 10%

  16. Anon

    Something from RTR had better be way cheaper than other resale sites. The wear and tear on something that is rented by different people is going to be way more than somebody who owned the item themselves. I’d be really hesitant to buy anything used from RTR personally, no matter how cheap.

    • Anonymous

      I was hesitant but also in a panic for a last-minute wedding and what I wanted was available for sale but not rent in my size. The dress I bought was actually in very good condition. It had no noticeable flaws and did not look worn out after a quick steam to freshen it, even though it was a bright yellow and a somewhat delicate material.

  17. Anon

    This Diane Feinstein situation is hiving me really creepy weekend at Bernie’s vibes but with a live person. It isn’t classic elder abuse but I’m not sure she’s aware of what people are making her do.

    • sfchic

      I don’t know if anyone can say with confidence what her mental state is at this time. Even her neurologist wont know, as it may change from day to day. She appears to have not agreed to retire. I’m not sure you can say that “people are making her do” things, when in fact she may be the person refusing to step down.

      But I had no idea until last week that she had she had a viral infection of her brain (encephalitis) in addition to the more superficial/peripheral shingles infection. I mean, shingles as an elderly person is no joke, because of the pain complications in most cases. But it didn’t make sense to me why she was out of pocket for months for just this. Unfortunately, she is one of the rare few that had the infection spread to brain. Totally different entity, and much more serious – who knows what her long term prognosis is cognitively now.

      Whether her return this week was her choice, or due to pressure from Democrats now realizing that the Republicans could still figure out a way to block her replacement on the Judiciary committee even if she stepped down and Newsome chose a replacement – we don’t know. Neither is good.

      • Monday

        I’m not following it super closely and don’t live in CA. However, my impression has been that Feinstein herself is insisting on staying, insofar as she can communicate clearly. I remember (before the illness) reading that her office had announced that she was retiring, and when asked about it by a reporter she said “they should have told me.” The implication was not that they’d put out the statement without her permission; it was that she didn’t remember agreeing to step down and had changed her mind. If this is true, I really feel for her staff.

  18. Anonymous

    I was hesitant but also in a panic for a last-minute wedding and what I wanted was available for sale but not rent in my size. The dress I bought was actually in very good condition. It had no noticeable flaws and did not look worn out after a quick steam to freshen it, even though it was a bright yellow and a somewhat delicate material.

  19. Anon

    Low stakes question: favorite hair accessory for half up style that is polished enough for business casual? I have thick hair.

    • Anonymous

      Claw clip or plain elastic in the same color as your hair. Bonus points for braiding or twisting part of the hair.

    • AIMS

      Claw clip or plain elastic in the same color as your hair. Bonus points for braiding or twisting part of the hair.

  20. Packing cubes

    Favorite packing cubes? Buying a set for a young person you is traveling for the first time.

      • Anon

        hmmm…. can’t find them on the website. Only more bags/luggage type stuff. I’ll keep looking….

    • Anon

      It’s been a long time since I was young but I was really happy with ebags when I traveled alone for the first time!

  21. Anon

    I feel unappreciated. I have no one to talk to in real life about this and need to get it off of my chest. I feel like my husband doesn’t do nice things for me anymore. I have adapted over time to mostly telling him explicitly what I want. And for the most part that works, but it becomes a chore for him and half the time I end up having to nag. I don’t want to have to tell him how to appreciate me. When I try to bring it up he gets defensive and I feel like an idiot for feeling hurt at the absence of romantic gestures. After a 100% unacknowledged Mothers Day, something in me snapped today. I don’t think I realized I was feeling this before. I know that I’m a super hero, I work full time remote while being the primary care taker of our 1 year old, while keeping this household running and attending to everyone’s needs. I don’t even know what I expect from him. I just know I haven’t felt “taken care of” in a really long time.

    • Anon

      I think “being the primary care taker of our 1 year old, while keeping this household running and attending to everyone’s needs” is the key phrase here. My husband is bad at gift-giving and I have to tell him explicitly what I want for holidays like Mother’s Day, but it’s never bothered me because he does more than his share of parenting and household management. I think you need to talk to your husband about sharing more in parenting and household duties. If he’s not persuaded by you, I’d make him go to couples’ counseling. Your child is still very young and this problem will get worse, not better, as time goes on. And definitely don’t think about having a second child until you feel better about the balance with your existing family.

      • Anonymous

        Agreed – a great mother’s day isn’t going to solve this. When I’m feeling unappreciated, it is often because I am neglecting my own needs. I can’t tell if you are saying you have no child care at all, but if that is the case, it really is not sustainable, nor is it fair to your child or your employer (in addition to being miserable for you). What you need is to stop being a super hero and start being human. Let some balls drop. Get a sitter or nanny or daycare. Start doing more things for yourself and less for other people. Do something that is just for yourself every single day.

        • Anon

          I read the “primary caretaker” as compared the husband who is not doing much. If she’s trying to work a fulltime job without a nanny or daycare, that’s a different level of unsustainable.

    • Anon

      It’s one of the basics for a reason – have you guys done your Love Languages? Super important, I think.

    • Idea

      having a new baby in the house is a great reason to go to couples therapy

      it might not help but it helps to try

  22. Books

    Read Pineapple Street yesterday morning. Hilarious and light. Favorite character is the mom, Tilda. Can’t decide if my favorite line about her is that she “hadn’t eaten bread since the 1970s” or “read [her son]’s Yale alumni magazine with a highlighter, looking for the offspring of social acquaintances.”

    If the writing were richer, it could be a contender for a modern day Edith Wharton.

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