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I really love these flattering pants as a new silhouette to add to a rotation of black work pants. I like that they’re full length, have a high and slimming waistband, and are bootcut. It’s harder to tell on the black version, but they have a seam down the front.
Obviously, the icing on the cake is that they’re ponte. For me, skinny ponte work pants can veer a little too much into leggings territory, so I like that these have a bootcut/wider leg to keep them in the work zone while looking incredibly comfortable.
They’re $78 at Nordstrom and available in sizes XS–XL. Elysse Ponte Pants
These black ponte pants from NYDJ are a nice plus-size alternative and are $119.
Sales of note for 4.18.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Eloquii – 50% off select styles; 60% off swim; up to 40% off everything else
- J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Extra 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off spring-to-summer styles
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Spring Mid-Season Sale: Up to 50% off 100s of styles
- Nordstrom: Free 2-day shipping for a limited time (eligible items)
- Talbots – Spring Sale: 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns; 30% off new T by Talbots
- Zappos – 29,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – Up to 70% off baby items; 50% off toddler & kid deals & 40% off everything else
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off spring faves; 25% off new arrivals; up to 30% off spring
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Up to 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off kids’ spring-to-summer styles
- Old Navy – 30% off your purchase; up to 75% off clearance
- Target – Car Seat Trade-In Event (ends 4/27); BOGO 25% off select skincare products; up to 40% off indoor furniture; up to 20% off laptops & printers
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
Anonymous says
I’d like to order some Uniqlo innerwear for the first time. Particularly the bra tops and maybe a few Airism t-shirts for under sweaters. Can anyone comment on sizing? I’m pretty small-chested and would prefer that the cups actually fit. I see myself wearing the bra tops under sweatshirts and sweaters at home throughout the winter. Thank you!
AwayEmily says
I wear mostly Uniqlo innerwear. The bra tops run a bit small. I am also small-chested (A cup) and wear a small bra top most of the time. On the small, the cups fit perfectly but the elastic is a teensy bit tight. So, I do also have a couple of mediums on days I want to be extra comfortable (on the medium, the cups are a little too big but if I’m wearing it under a sweatshirt I don’t really notice). I love that on all their innerwear, the cups are sewn in so don’t get moved around in the wash.
Tea/Coffee says
Thank you! Non-sewn-in cups that move around are my BIGGEST pet peeve in tops and I have been looking for some new cami-tank type things to wear for WFH!
GCA says
I’m also small-chested (A cup) and an S in Uniqlo and other Asian brands (versus an XS in US brands like Loft or Gap). The cups on bra tops fit well, the elastic can sometimes feel tight but doesn’t bother me throughout the workday. My only complaint is that I have a long torso and the tops run short.
Anonanonanon says
I am an A- maybe AA- and usually a 00 on top. Very small. The elastic on the XS airism bra tops is almost too tight. It’s wearable, but by the end of a work day I’m ready to get out of it ASAP. The cups are a bit bigger than I am, but they do not gap. I have a flesh-colored one and wear it under white button ups or other tops that might be see through. I don’t necessarily wear them for comfort.
I have a few of their heattech long-sleeved shirts to wear under sweaters and highly recommend. I have the ultrawarm ones that are soft inside. They are perfect for under sweaters but can also be worn alone with a jacket thrown over or a button up flannel open over them. I just got an extra set of base layers for the whole family that I ordered in the mail, anticipating more outside time this winter.
Anonymous says
Wearing a bra top now and it’s super comfortable! They are clingy and for me are definitely innerwear, not a tank top I’d wear out. I have a small bust but large rib cage and the medium bra top fits me well. Medium bra is a little big in the cups, but small would be too small in the band (story of my life).
Anonymous says
My grandmother used to wear polyester pants with a seam down the front of the leg. I’ll pass on these.
Redux says
This is also the longest waisted (photoshopped) image ever. Could you imagine having a pelvis that elongated?
Anon says
Ugh, alas I do. It is a nightmare for buying clothes.
Redux says
long waist, sure, but long pelvis???
Another Anon says
Doesn’t your pelvis almost go to your waist? I’m tall and my body looks like that, too. :)
Redux says
Oh man, tall ladies, I am SORRY! I recant and repent, this was not meant be body shamey and I am very sorry.
anne-on says
Yup. I’m not even very tall but I have a ridiculously long pelvis and a super high natural waist. It is the main reason I have given up on work pants and high waisted jeans are my friends.
On the other hand, at least empire waists look great (which was handy when I was pregnant!) as do any 50s/60’s inspired designs with narrow and high waists.
Anoner says
My trusty black Herschel backpack that I use as a diaper bag has gotten a hole in it. Since it’s the only bag I use these days, I would like to get something really awesome to replace it. Looking at State backpacks and Fjallraven. Anyone have a backpack that they love? Muted colors and obviously doesn’t have to be a diaper bag but needs to fit a changing pad, wipes, water bottle, snacks etc. Thank you!
strollerstrike says
We use the Anello Backpack. I like that the top can be opened wide, it makes finding stuff a lot easier.
If you search for “anello diaper bag” there are also similar backpacks that are specific for diaper bag use, with bottle pockets etc. Cannot vouch for the non-anello brand quality though.
Cb says
My Fjallraven has been going strong for 3 years, despite being used and abused. I have a fun colour but they have lots of options for something more muted. In the diaper days, it fit the changing pad etc and now works really well for “normal” life. I can get the portable potty in there.
Clementine says
On year 4? 5? with a Fjallraven and also going strong. It’s smaller but that also helps keep it from being a black hole. We really like that you can open it fully up.
AwayEmily says
I use the Baggu canvas backpack and love it. But it doesn’t have lots of little compartments or anything.
Anonymous says
If you want another Herschel, I had a great experience with their customer service to exchange under their warranty policy.
JM says
Yes! My Herschel backpack zipper broke and I exchanged it for another bag under the warranty.
Anonanonanon says
I had a meh experience with my lo and sons leather bag, but have really, really loved my black backpack from there. The removable insert is perfect for organizing as a diaper back, I love that it is solid-colored with no logo and sleek, and I love that I can also use it to carry a laptop if I need to commute on public transport (back when that happened)
Anon. says
+1 Love my Lo and Sons Rowledge first as a work travel bag and now as a diaper bag because who knows when work travel will be back and I spent too much money to not use this awesome bag.
Anoner says
Thank you all. Going to check all these out!
anon says
Our school district is contemplating bringing K-2 students back in person for 2 days a week in person, with 3 days asynchronous learning starting in November. Masks and distancing will be enforced. Right now all students are fully virtual with 4 days a week of synchronous instruction and 1 day asynchronous learning.
Parents are now being asked to elect a “hybrid” option or staying fully DL, so I need to make a choice. For anyone who has a K-2 student who is at a school that is hybrid or in person, how is it going? Are masks and distancing stressful? Is the in person component an improvement over DL? What else should I be considering?
Anonymous says
I have a 2nd grader who’s been back full time since August masked and distanced. All said, it’s going great. She doesn’t notice the mask at all. Last night, she was sitting watching TV in it when she got home and I had to ask her if she wanted to take it off. Honestly, it seems like the kids do way better than the adults.
Redux says
Which masks do you use? My first grader complains about hers and I notice a heat rash. Thinking I need a new kind of mask for her.
Mary Moo Cow says
My K-er uses the WeCare disposable masks from a-zon. They are lighter than cloth masks, and she has to wear a mask outside, so that’s key.
Anon says
I have a 1st and 2nd grader who have been in some type of group care setting since June and are currently in hybrid. They have zero issues with masks or social distancing. We have never made it a “thing”, and so they have just adapted. The in person component is WAY better than DL. DL just isn’t enough education for them. So far, so good, but we do jump every time somebody sneezes. This winter will be stressful. My kids catch the flu every year (they are vaccinated, so it’s mild).
Anonymous says
I have a Pre-K kiddo in-person full time, and it is going very well. They wear masks when appropriate and, honestly, don’t really focus on distancing. I’m fine with that – I’d rather they have typical lesson plans and socializing and mask up as needed. Kiddo has a 16 person class. When we made the decision for our family, we went in with the thought that masks/distancing probably weren’t going to save the day on germ spread. I mean, they’re 4 and 5 years old. But we’re okay with that risk assessment for our family. We’ve been very pleased, and kiddo is in heaven. The other restrictions in place are more important to us. Classes aren’t interacting with each other, lunches in the room instead of in a big cafeteria, etc. So cohorting.
Anonymous says
Omg no question get them back in school. It’s not perfect but masks are not a problem. The schedule is disruptive but so is distance learning a “virtual K-2” is a joke. It’s terrible for kids and they aren’t learning.
AwayEmily says
I was skeptical that my kids (2 and 4) would tolerate masks for long periods, but they are totally fine with it. They have also adapted really well to distancing — honestly, they are better than most adults I know (we do outdoor visits with my mom and my 4yo is always telling her “you’re too close!”).
Anonymous says
My daycare requires masks for kids ages 2+ and the kids all do really well with it, way better than the adults I see at the grocery store with the masks below their nose, so I wouldn’t worry about that at all. They semi-enforce distancing. Kids aren’t supposed to hug and they have markers on the floor for them to sit and stand at a distance when they’re lining up or having group time, but I’ve definitely gotten photos of my kid standing right next to another kid playing with a toy. I would think it’s a bit easier to enforce distancing in a school environment when kids are mostly seated at a desk though. Even with all the changes, my preschooler was ecstatic to go back and tells us every day how much fun school is. I think kids adapt to these kind of changes much faster than adults and for us at least the social and emotional benefits of in-person school vastly outweigh the weirdness or confusion about the new protocols. (Although she did say in the car to school today “Why does Daddy never take me to school anymore?” which kind of broke my heart.)
Anonymous says
So, my kids are not in a hybrid district, but my mom teaches in one (4th grade). From a logistical and academic standpoint, it’s ridiculous. She said that because of all the hygiene theater, they get maybe 2 hours of actual instruction/class-time per day. They take breaks outdoors a couple times a day for snack or just to take their masks off for a bit, have hand-washing breaks, and of course the normal things like specials, lunch and recess. The kids leave at the end of the day saying “wow! it feels like we haven’t even learned anything yet, and the day is already over!” and most of the actual learning still takes place at home. But the kids are thrilled to be back in school, and my mom, who was very nervous about being back in school, is comfortable with the safety measures and says the kids are doing a good job following the rules.
I would absolutely choose hybrid over full distance learning if you can make the logistics of kids being home/away on various days work for you. My preschooler and Kindergartener are both full time in person, and loooooving it. The kids are not bothered by masks at all, and are just happy to be in school and adjusted to new routines and norms. We have had zero cases at either school.
Anon says
So is it hygiene theater or safety measures? We can’t expect school to be normal during a pandemic.
Anonymous says
I never said I expected school to be normal, but a lot of this is hygiene theater imho. 2x daily mass handwashing sessions, insisting that any surface that might be touched by a different person have a puddle sanitizing solution sit on it for 15 minutes before being used again, Wednesday shutdowns for “deep cleaning” in between hybrid groups are all overkill. There’s a less disruptive way to accomplish the goal (hand sanitizer is on every table anyway, and clorox wipes are a good, quick, if less-perfect solution for high-touch surfaces), but the school district is doing it performatively.
My understanding is that science agrees that airflow and mask-wearing are much more important than sanitizing, and neither of those requires any reduction in instruction time. Windows open, air filtration on, masks on, keep people distanced and cohorted to the max extent practical, and carry on.
Anonymous says
+1 to your second paragraph. My kids’ daycare is making us wash the bedding daily and sanitizes all the toys between uses and gives kids individual water tables because they don’t want them sharing the same tub of water and it’s like…just stop. This is hygiene theater. They should be wearing masks, they should be trying not to get all up in other people’s personal space. That’s it. The emphasis on surfaces is so misguided.
So Anon says
My kids (2nd and 4th) have been doing a hybrid model since the start of school, and have been wearing masks and doing social distancing during summer camps this summer. The kids adapt really quickly to the masks. My 2nd grader forgets that she is wearing it when I pick her up from school, and I remind her that she can take it off. Even my 4th grader with ASD has adapted to wearing a mask all day, though it took several different tries to find one that was comfortable for him.
Logistical suggestion: When my kids come home from school, their masks go straight to the wash, and I clip a new mask onto the side of their back-pack with a binder clip. This alleviates any “where is my mask!!” as we are trying to leave for school, and my trying to remember whether the one they found on the floor is dirty or clean.
tk says
We moved my first grader from his public school to a private Catholic school this year because the Catholic school offered in-person learning with safety precautions. Other than my white liberal guilt for contributing to the worsening educational disparities, it’s gone pretty good. The masks are no big deal, and my kid is SO much happier and well behaved than he was during 6-months of being at home. He did pick up a cold last week … so the precautions obviously aren’t completely preventing all germ spreading … but in person seems like a much better option for the younger kids if the schools can do it with precautions in place. Certainly better than the complete sh*t show of distance learning last spring, which for us involved 6 hours of nagging, whining, and yelling interspersed with short bursts of snacks and learning.
NYCer says
We have a 1st grader in full time in person school with masks. It has only been about 3 weeks, but it is going great. Masks and distancing are not stressful at all. She is SO happy to be around other kids again, and there is no question that learning at this age is better accomplished in person. OP, if I were you, I would absolutely do the hybrid plan.
Pogo says
Echoing all these. We have our pre-K kiddo in person at school + daycare, so he wears his mask for almost 9 hours a day. No complaints. Part of it is that they know rules at school are different – they listen to the teachers way better than us always right? So while I am amazed by the pictures of my kid calmly sitting at a distanced desk, coloring with his mask on, I also remember that he will line up and quietly follow the class down the hall which is also kind of miraculous – teachers + peer pressure work wonders.
Anne says
Echoing everyone. Our four year old is just really comfortable in her mask at this point. She chooses to wear it in the car on the way to school though clearly she doesn’t have to. I think it’s actually become somewhat comforting to her — sort of like the sensation of wearing a scarf would be to us. She does not have the distopian/hospital associations we do with masks and I think that helps a lot.
Anonymous says
My first grader is in person twice a week in MA. They wear masks and distance. She’s right here so I asked her. “Um mom of course I like being back. Are you crazy? Wearing a mask is fine.” (Plus an eye roll).
Anon says
i posted last week about one of my 2 year old twins who drinks 100 ounces of water per day. i ended up reaching out to the doc who had us come in for a blood test and fortunately she tested negative for diabetes. the doc does want us to try to reduce her water intake bc she thinks it might be a habit, but if we aren’t able to, then they will run more tests. i myself always carry around a water bottle, so now i have to stop doing that too. we currently have contigo water bottles, and i am wondering if sucking the water from them is comforting to her. we also have munchkin 360 cups, though they leak sometimes. does anyone have any cup/bottle suggestions that are a bit harder to drink from that don’t leak? having her sit down to drink at the table every time she wants water is kind of impractical
Anonymous says
I mean the point is limiting water right? What’s wrong with sitting down at the table? “Big girls drink from cups, cups stay at the table.”
OP says
well when we are out and about there are no tables, DH and I most certainly do not only drink water from cups or when sitting at a table. usually they are VERY grumpy after their nap, so they watch an episode of Daniel Tiger while eating their snack and drinking water and I’d prefer my couch not to end up soaking wet.
Anonymous says
So they eat the snack at the table and drink water then. We limit messes by limiting food and drink to the kitchen. My couch would never survive otherwise.
You can allow water bottles when on the go. But don’t keep them at the carseat. Keep them out of sight in the front and pass back if requested.
anon says
Our house also limits kids’ food/drink to the kitchen. Do DH and I follow that rule? No, but we’re the adults, and kids do not have free reign of taking foods and drinks wherever they want.
Anon says
We either use the munchkin 360 cups (ours only leak (splatter) when dropped on a hard surface) or, if you’re looking to practice open cup skills in a lower risk way, kiddo gets a metal stemless wine glass with a lid (who knew they were so multipurpose!). For table drinking, I also have 5 oz stainless steel cups that get a lot of use.
Spirograph says
I’m glad the diabetes test was negative!
I don’t know that you need different water bottles, just change the habit of having them constantly in arm’s reach. After snack, put the water bottle back in the kitchen while the kids go off to play. If they get thirsty, they can come back to the kitchen and get a drink, but the water bottle needs to stay at the table.
NYCer says
+1. I would offer water at various times during the day (including from a water bottle while out and about), but just don’t provide constant access. I think that is actually a fairly normal approach, and especially if you are trying to limit water.
TheElms says
So what if you fill up a water bottle with water but it only gets filled up once per day. All other water has to be from a cup, sitting at the table. So cup with water with breakfast, morning snack, lunch and dinner.
It seems like afternoon snack happens on the couch so no cup that time.
Anonymous says
Serve water only in open cups. That’s what would happen at a daycare.
Anonymous says
“having her sit down to drink at the table every time she wants water is kind of impractical”
Confused by this. It’s pretty standard to have a kid sit down at a table to eat and drink. It’s not common to have a water bottle constantly available all day long unless there is some kind of heat stroke risk.
anon says
I fill up a camelbak water bottle for my kids and its somewhere around the house all day, so this varies (at least on weekends when they’re home with me). We’re in Texas and definitely have one when out and about too – don’t give them to them in the car unless they ask. We use camelbak or contigo thermoses.
Anonymous says
My daycare always offers kids water when they’re outside on the playground.
anon says
Glad the T1D test was negative!
I posted in the earlier thread but for my twins, the sucking motion of the water bottle would 100% contribute to them drinking even when they’re not thirsty. We currently mostly use the Nalgene Grip n’ Gulp bottles, but I know some people hate them. If you take out the valve it’s easier for the kids to get water out and won’t lead to a huge spill even if it’s knocked over on the couch.
Here’s what works for our family, in case any of this is helpful: Water is offered in a cup at the table at meals or snack (so 5 times a day). We don’t bring water on neighborhood walks this time of year, but they get a cup of it when we get back in the house, which they usually drink while standing in the kitchen. When we go on hikes on the weekend, water bottles go in a parents’ backpack. When a kid is thirsty they can have some, but they have to stand still while drinking and then it goes back away. For us, this strikes a good balance of not having them constantly sucking down water but also having sufficient access to stay hydrated.
Clementine says
Sounds like the water bottle and sucking on it is her version of a pacifier. I’ve seen this before – sucking is a comfort.
I agree with idea to change it to something like an open cup and not having it constantly available. It sounds like a water bottle after nap makes your life saner so I would probably bust out the water bottle then. I don’t think you need to completely eliminate her beloved water bottle from her life, but just have it be less of a constant.
FWIW, my kids are obsessed with their water bottles but we do a ‘you need to sit down if you’re at home to have a drink.’ If we’re out, they’re usually happily distracted.
AwayEmily says
I’m surprised at the leaking 360 cups — we have had them for years and never had a problem with leaking. My kids even keep them in their beds for nighttime drinks. Maybe check to make sure the clear plastic ring seal is snapped into place? And make sure the top is twisted on tight? It does seem like these would help with your problem if you could get them to work right.
Anon says
Ours have started leaking after about 2 years and we replace them. But I’ve decided I’m done with plastic and lids and my kids drink out of open glasses at the table now (with a water bottle for their rooms and on the go)
rosie says
I also find that when I refill a 360, it leaks unless I lift the rubber part just a little to release pressure when I’m screwing the top back on (I’m guessing, not sure what the actual problem is). Otherwise liquid will seep out where you drink from.
Anon says
thanks for all of the tips! I will think about a strategy that works for us. Part of the problem is myself drink constantly from a water bottle, which i will have to stop doing
Anonymous says
No you don’t! She’s two.
anon says
Yeah, I agree with Anon at 11:30 here. It is sometimes reasonable to have different standards for adults vs kids.
Anon says
There can be different rules for adults and kids!
Anonymous says
This. Kids don’t get to drink coffee, or the special grown-up grape juice. They can’t drive a car or cross the street without holding an adult’s hand. Adults get to do all these things, and they can use water bottles too because they are old enough to use them properly.
Anonymous says
I’m with you OP. Of course there are some things adults can do that kids can’t, like drive cars and drink alcohol, but when it comes to activities with both do, like drinking water, I don’t like to apply different standards. I don’t eat three cupcakes with dinner and tell my kid she can only have one, and I wouldn’t drink from a water bottle in front of her if I was telling my kid she couldn’t.
Anonymous says
This. But I would switch to drinking my water from a contigo travel coffee mugb so I could drink in front of her without her knowing. I need a lot of water or I get GI issues.
Walnut says
Can you offer her a sip of water from your water bottle if she asks? That way both of you can have the water you need, but cut back on the suspected comfort sucking for her.
In general, I’d just start making her water bottle scarce, but it’s still a tool in your box when needed or convenient for you. Putting it in the dishwasher for frequent washings helps give you a reason it’s not available and offer an open cup (or a drink from your bottle) for a quick sip.
AnotherAnon says
I’m happy to hear she doesn’t have diabetes! I have been thinking about you and her. So we have contigo (paw patrol) metal cups with a straw from Walmart. I put them in the dishwasher and that seems to affect the seal slightly (it has been a full year since I bought them), but they did not leak when we first bought them.
sg says
Glad she is clear of T1D too. You already have lots of ideas here, but maybe consider a water schedule? Water at meal/snack times + 1 or 2 other times a day?
For cups, our 360 cups leak when dropped too, maybe a good way to reframe this is cups need to live on the table now – to make this change easier you could let her pick out some cups at a store or online and give them a visual indicator on the table – like a coaster or placemat.
For out and about, maybe do regular sipping water bottles that you hang on to?
Anon says
How worried should I be that my almost 3 year old has basically no interest in reading? When we go on long car drives she likes to look at books and “read” them to us, but when we’re at home she would rather be running around, doing legos, playing pretend, playing with dolls and stuffed animals, basically anything except looking at books. She’s always had a hard time sitting still – when she was a baby and young toddler I would follow her around the house reading aloud to her, but now she tells me to stop because she wants to talk about whatever she’s doing, building, etc. We used to try to do one book as part of the bedtime but she would always pick the same one and she had it memorized so she would just recite it while we were trying to read. Lately she’s been asking to skip the book and just go straight to bed, and we haven’t been fighting her. It’s probably been at least a month since I read to her now. In normal times I would try to take her to the library to pick out some new books together, but that’s not an option now.
Clementine says
Kids are different. One thing my kids think is great is if I read them books while they’re in the bathtub.
AwayEmily says
I would not be worried. My kids (4 and 2) go through phases where one or both of them is not into it, and then phases where they want to be read to for hours. It sounds like she has lots of awesome interests to occupy her time and I bet she will come back around to books if you keep trying different ones.
Anonymous says
Not even a little tiny bit
Spirograph says
+1
Anon says
Mine is the same way. Her preschool teacher is not worried about it. One suggestion she had (which my kid also dislikes) is that you can find videos online of authors or other folks reading books. It may (or may not) be more engaging for your kid. The only one DD deigns to watch occasionally is her preschool teacher reading on video, and I think it’s more because she misses her teacher than any affinity for the books.
Quail says
Storyline online is great!
Anon says
If your library does curbside pickup, you can still get new books for her to look at. We just pick up a stack every few weeks and leave them out on the coffee table for my kids to flip through.
Anon says
We’ve done some curbside pickup but she shows no more interest in those books than in the many books we already own. My thinking with the library was that involving her in the process of choosing the books might pique her interest.
I appreciate the reassurance, everyone.
anon says
I am such a grouch today. We had a terrible morning at our house that ended up in both parents yelling, and both kids having meltdowns from needing to be told the same things multiple times. It’s exhausting, I’m over it, I’m over trying to figure out a good routine that allows me to get some work done while kids are getting ready for in-person school. I’m over my DH, whose loves to lecture when anything goes wrong and IT’S NOT HELPING. And my in-laws are coming over tonight, yay! Is it too early to drink?
Boston Legal Eagle says
Commiseration. I had a rough morning too. The kids are home this week due to illness (mild cold, no fever but daycare policies require symptom free for 72 hours for a cough so here we are) and I got annoyed at my older one for being loud and whining, and just being a kid I guess. I just hate that we have to be in this position of trying to work but also being responsible for watching kids, without much end in sight. And watching the bullying on the debate last night didn’t help. This is the exact behavior we don’t want our kids to have and yet…
anon says
OP here. I had the same thought. My kids were absolutely being annoying, but I was an a**, too. Exactly what I don’t want them to model.
I know I don’t have it as hard as people managing distance learning, but I feel such pressure to be productive and *on* while the kids are at school because they clearly need more supervision when they’re home. And cue the guilt …
anonamama says
I’m sorry for your grouchy day. I had a grouchy week last week and what I wish I’d did: tell DH I needed alone time and make a run for it (Marshalls, TJ maxx, Sanity Walk, anything). Sometimes saying you need to press the reset button is the hardest part. Can you make a brief escape to the backyard with your glass of wine? Thinking of you!
Fall Family Pictures says
Hi – You all always have great family picture suggestions… so throwing this out there for some suggestions! We are having pictures done at the end of October. The constraining factor is going to be my husband – he doesn’t like clothes shopping so his options are limited to what is in his closet right now. Right now, he is planning on wearing a Jos. A Banks blue quarter zip with khakis. The rest of us are: me (41, tired. please no maxi dresses), 8 year old girl, 3 year old boy and 1 year old girl (contemplating putting baby in a buffalo plaid romper that her brother wore for pictures… but on the fence about that one.). I’m ok buying clothes for the kids if they’re things that the kids will get good wear out of this season. Thoughts?
anon says
I had to laugh at your description of why you don’t want a maxi dress. 40, and me neither.
What color of blue is your DH’s pullover? Kind of a medium blue, or more of a navy? If medium blue, what about coordinating with navy/burgundy/neutrals (gray or cream) for you and the kids? For the boy, I’d go with a plaid shirt that includes a bunch of colors that you can coordinate with. For you, a neutral sweater, booties, and jeans. For the girls, I’d find solid dresses in neutrals or coordinating colors with the boy’s plaid shirt. To add extra color, maybe a cardigan for the 8-year-old?
Good solid dresses for girls: Primary, or any of the tutu dresses from Old Navy/Carter’s/Oshkosh. Those can be worn for everyday, in addition to photos.
anon says
Oh! We did family pics last weekend, and I found my 6-year-old a cute cream-colored sweater dress at Target. It was dressy enough for photos, but it’s not too precious for wearing it to school. The website has navy and burgundy options, too.
Anonymous says
I think I just bought the same one for ours!
Anonymous says
Link? Target’s search function is terrible.
anon says
It’s this one. I was wrong about burgundy. It comes in cream, navy and gray. We have the cream and it’s super cute. I paired it with wine-colored leggings.
https://www.target.com/p/girls-long-sleeve-cozy-tulle-dress-cat-jack/-/A-81484959?preselect=79761672
anon says
And here’s one that may work for your 1-year-old: https://www.target.com/p/toddler-girls-sparkle-cozy-long-sleeve-dress-cat-jack-burgundy/-/A-79763185?preselect=79645528#lnk=sametab
Anonymous says
I think the key to a cohesive look is coordinating the two girls. Big sister could wear the Target sweater dress with the tulle skirt in gray, and baby sister could wear the dress linked above in gray (listed separately at Target). Then put brother and mom in varying shades of blue. Brother would look super cute in a quarter-zip sweater and khakis to coordinate with dad. Assuming dad’s sweater is medium blue, brother’s sweater could be light blue and mom could wear navy, or brother could wear navy and mom light blue.
OP says
oh I love the idea of burgundy leggings!
Thanks! Yes, Target might be the trick for nice but not precious.
ifiknew says
Link to the wine colored leggings please?? LOVE this thread
anon says
For your boy:
Reds/burgundies/blues: https://www.carters.com/carters-toddler-boy-tops/V_2J249010.html
Chambray — coordinates with a lot: https://www.carters.com/oshkosh-toddler-boy-tops/V_2I635510.html
Navy plaid: https://www.carters.com/oshkosh-toddler-boy-tops/V_2I983917.html
Another blue/red option: https://www.carters.com/carters-toddler-boy-tops/V_2J222210.html
SF says
What is the postpartum workout that’s always recommended here? Mama strong? mama fit? The internet is a rabbit hole…
Pogo says
They’re all pretty similar I think but I did Restore Your Core and it did help!
Ashley says
Currently doing Nancy Anderson 12-week ab rehab. I like it!
Katala says
Mamastrong is great. They’re redoing it a bit, so who knows, but the woman is very down to earth and has specific sessions for different issues (tight hips, sciatica, etc etc)
RDC says
Another vote for MommaStrong – I’ve been doing it 2 years and have seen huge improvement in everyday function / fewer aches and pains.
Anonymous says
Where are people getting fleece-lined leggings these days? It’s getting into the the 30s here this week, so I need to get some soon. In the past I’ve bought Old Navy but I don’t see them there (maybe just too early in the season?). Primary leggings don’t fit my kid right.
anon says
Cat & Jack at Target. Color selection isn’t great, but they have them in our local stores.
anon says
I would recommend Carter’s boys fleece leggings for a good price point. They are 100% fleece which I didn’t know was important until I went down a cold-weather clothes rabbit hole. (The girls “fleece” leggings are a mix of fleece and cotton.) We also purchased some of the Columbia glacial leggings for my daughter – also 100% fleece. Reima also has some fleece pants for kids/toddlers. We’re also trying out some wool and cashmere leggings this winter, from Ella’s wool and Zara. No idea how it will go though!
GCA says
Children’s Place (look at fleece pants in both ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ sections for range of colors). I don’t like their aggressively-gendered slogan tee selection, but love the pants for my string bean children.
Anon says
Can someone give me a reality check on maintaining reasonable expectations right now since I’m hot and exhausted and grumpy?
Our AC broke on Friday evening. We rent a house from our (usually great) landlord and I let her know on Saturday morning what happened. She said someone would be over Tuesday morning to fix it. The repairman called yesterday to reschedule for this morning. No one’s shown up yet. It’s been over 85 all week and is supposed to be over 90 degrees today. I have a 5 month old. Per our video monitor, his room is currently 84 degrees at 10 AM.
I really try to be a good tenant but I’m THIS CLOSE to calling our landlord and raging a bit. Can someone talk me off the ledge here or validate me in going a little Mama Bear right now?
Spirograph says
I’m not sure it’s constructive to rage at the landlord, but you should absolutely let her know that the repairman rescheduled and you really need this fixed asap. It’s in her interest to know whether the people she uses for mx and repairs are reliable.
Anon says
She is aware they rescheduled since she’s the one who set it up (and who they called to reschedule yesterday).
Anon says
If you can swing it, I’d buy a window unit for your son’s room if you’re concerned. Or even a window fan if it cools off at night (we make it all summer that way). Raging at your landlord may be cathartic but probably won’t actually solve the problem
Anon says
Thanks. We tried to track down a window AC unit but since our area is experiencing a heat wave, they’re sold out in the four different places we called. We managed to find two extra fans and have them both blowing in his room but I don’t know if it’s actually doing anything at this point?
SC says
I’m a landlord, and although I wouldn’t “rage” at her, I honestly would go a little Mama Bear. Tell your landlord that the AC guys have not shown up yet, the temperature in your baby’s room is 84 degrees, and you’d like her to follow up with the AC company and let them know that it needs to be fixed ASAP/today.
Sometimes, the human element and fact that there’s a baby involved actually does motivate people. When it’s hot, everyone’s AC breaks at the same time, and AC companies want to squeeze in as much business as possible. If they know there’s a baby and/or that a customer is getting upset, they may be less likely to bump you. (Not that you’re the customer, but the landlord should be upset if you get no-showed or bumped again today.)
Anon says
Thanks. I did text her just now and politely pulled the “baby’s room is 85 degrees already” card, so fingers crossed we can get this fixed today (or at least get someone to show up).
Anonymous says
+1 Our heat broke in Midwest winter when my daughter was an infant and when they found out we had a baby at home they bumped us to the top of the list for repairs. Don’t go postal on your landlord but I definitely wouldn’t be afraid to pull the baby card with either the landlord or the HVAC company.