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My sister has three kids, and for each of their first birthdays, I’ve gotten them personalized My First Anywhere Chairs from Pottery Barn. Sure, they could theoretically share (yeah, right), but they each love having their very own grown-up-looking chair.
These miniature chairs are popular for a reason — they come in a rainbow of colors and patterns to suit anyone’s taste (I like the solid colored ones with white piping) and are light and portable (perfect for dragging around the house).
The slipcover is removable and washable in case your little ones like using their chairs for dining or art. You can even buy the slipcover separately from the chair (just in case).
The chair is $99 (personalization is $12), and it’s available in a rainbow of colors and patterns. For older kids, it also comes in regular (fits most preschoolers) or oversized (fits most elementary-aged kids).
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
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- 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
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- 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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Clementine says
Anybody else have one of these chairs and have a profound love/hate relationship with them?
They’re adorable, perfect for pictures, and a great gift… but also – my children are FOREVER flipping each other out of them. There’s always a weird disagreement about who moved whose chair. Is it just me?
Anonymous says
We didn’t get one of these chairs because I was concerned about tipping and because they just take up so much room.
Anonymous says
Yes – I actual more lean towards hate. My kids use them as gymnastic equipment, not chairs. The chairs are in time out more than they are used.
Not to mention we got multiple of them as gifts. Which it is lovely to get a gift, but maybe check with the parents before buying what is essentially furniture? Although one of the sets was from a grandparent who really wanted one of the kids to have a slightly different name than what we gave her. So yes, my parent gave me a chair with an intentional misspelling of my kid’s name. Not cool. The chair went to a kid with that name, and grandkid was young enough that she didn’t notice. So yeah, these chairs bring up a lot of negative feelings for me.
Anon says
OMG on the name. I just can’t. Ours (with a correctly spelled name) was a grandparent gift but mostly lives (unoccupied) in the nursery – my child prefers lounging in the actual adult recliners or in her big girl room in her bed.
Cb says
OMG! My in-laws have finally started calling my son by the nickname we chose. They decided the nickname was “not a name we use in this country” and decided to use another one. It was only when my son was old enough to correct them, asking “who is Theo?” did they stop.
Boston Legal Eagle says
My dad tends to call my younger one by his full name instead of the nickname that we and everyone else use (which I prefer to the full name for a little kid!) It’s mildly annoying to me every time.
Anon says
Hah, we call my daughter by her full name and do not use nicknames, so it is the opposite battle when everyone tries to use all the common nicknames.
Anon says
My (paternal) grandfather called me by a name close-but-not-quite to mine my entire life. Think “Missy” instead of “Misty”. It made my mom so.mad. which is probably why he kept it up. No items with that name ever showed up though, since grandma knew my real name.
Clementine says
This is a thing that is more common that I would have guessed.
Friends intentionally named their first kid with a name with many nickname options. They picked a less common nickname and Grandma and Grandpa don’t like it so refuse to call kiddo that and instead call kiddo another nickname version of the name that 2 year old kiddo absolutely doesn’t recognize. It’s caused a whole layer of drama.
Kid #2 is on the way and they intentionally picked a name with basically no nickname options. Because of this.
Pogo says
My own father calls me by variations on my name that I do not use. I’ve stopped correcting him.
Anon says
“They decided the nickname was “not a name we use in this country” and decided to use another one. It was only when my son was old enough to correct them, asking “who is Theo?” did they stop.”
If it’s the nickname I’m thinking of, Rudyard Kipling disagrees.
AwayEmily says
We gave my son my last name (my daughter has my husband’s). My in-laws were Not Happy about this, and although we are all ostensibly past it, all the packages and mail they send still come addressed with the incorrect last name. I’m not going to bring it up — they are on the whole lovely in-laws — but it bugs me every time.
Boston Legal Eagle says
We also get packages from one set of in-laws with “Mr. and Mrs. [husband first name] [husband last name].” I get that that was the old way of writing things but I am my own person and not just Mrs. [husband]!
Realist says
I have a story even worse. Couple met at medical school. Alumni association mails them both as Dr. [his name] and Mrs. [her name his last name, but she didn’t take his last name]. Their development office got an earful from her. Worse, because she is significantly more successful in her career and if anyone is going to be writing a check to donate to the med school, it was going to be her. I don’t think they got a check.
Anonymous says
My law school addresses all of its solicitations to Ms. Me Esq. and Mr. Husband. This is technically improper because I didn’t take the bar (law is my second degree, I don’t practice and never will, and for Reasons we decided not to invest the $$$ in a professional license I would never use).
I still refuse to donate.
So Anon says
My alma matter’s office of alumni affairs sent a request for a donation to: Mr. and Mrs. First Name of Ex and Shared Last Name. To be clear, the ex did not attend this university. I gave the alumni affairs office an ear full. Their defense? It is proper etiquette. I responded that I did not legally cease to exist upon marriage, and their etiquette office needed to step past the 1970s if they wanted a donation from this alumna.
Artemis says
These university stories are funny/enraging, I have one too. My husband and I both went to the same undergrad, graduated the same year. We also went to the same law school, graduated the same year. Mail from our undergrad is always addressed “Mr. HisFirst OurLast and Mrs. Artemis OurLast” on separate lines. Mail from our law school is always addressed “Mr. and Mrs. HisFirst OurLast”. Guess who gets a small donation every year and who doesn’t? I’ve never bothered to call the law school on it. Maybe I should, it would be fun.
Anonymous says
Wow, that’s ridiculous. My daughter has a very popular name that has two common spellings and my parents are convinced we gave her the “wrong” one. Fortunately they don’t deliberately misspell her name, but my mom once informed me, with zero doubt in her voice, then when my daughter is an adult she will change her name to the other spelling. Um, ok? She can do whatever she wants, but my mom’s absolute certainty about the future is bizarre.
Anon says
so actually love the chairs, better gift for a newborn than a first birthday, got lots of use out of them during the crawling stage…but i actually wanted the largest size (which was on my registry), and my friends were planning on buying it for us, but instead my parents’ friends went off registry to purchase them in different size and colors than i wanted. yes, this is a total first world problem. at almost 3 my twins still like to sit in them to read, but i think they’d get even more use if they were larger
Anonymous says
So, we have a chair like this from crate and barrel kids that my parents got as a gift for my son (after they asked for gift options from me, which they are very considerate about because it is, as several have pointed out, a bigger footprint than you might initially imagine. The chair has a navy blue background with a pattern on it. I have a profound dislike of monograms and personalized clothes/accessories/toys/drink cups/etc. So, we have a chair with no name on it. When it arrived, my husband was like “wait, isn’t it supposed to have his name?” I sent him a look that could kill in response. No. The chair lives in our house and he’s an only child. Why the h e double hockey sticks does he need his name on it? Rant over.
Anon says
We got a similar chair from C&B for our one year old. He absolutely loves it. This is probably a “know your kid” thing, because this is the easiest baby in the history of the world who loved all of his infant chairs and loves to lounge.
Nan says
Our dog has claimed ours.
Anon says
Talk to me about timing of Covid vaccine in pregnancy. I am 100% going to get it, but I am planning to wait until 2nd tri bc of the risk of a fever reaction. This is based on balancing risk factors – my husband and I are lucky enough to both be able to WFH so my biggest risk is the daycare my older kids go to (which has done a great job with Covid protocols). If I had a higher risk, I would consider getting it in the first tri. Curious to hear how others are approaching this choice.
Anonymous says
Not currently pregnant, but I had a 102-degree fever for 48 hours after I was vaccinated, then spiked a lower fever every night for a week. In your shoes, I’d make the same choice you are making. If I had concerns about day care exposure, I’d temporarily pull the other kids from day care rather than risking vaccination during the first trimester.
Anonymous says
I’m not pregnant, but I’d make the same choice you’re making. Pretty much every woman I know has had a fever after the second dose, so I don’t think it’s wrong to be concerned about that and with you being low risk it makes sense to me to delay it a little bit. It seems like you’re balancing the risks in a sensible manner.
Anonymous says
Currently pregnant (third tri) and I agree with your approach. I spoke to a lot of doctors before getting it and ultimately decided that I should. Had I been earlier in my pregnancy, I absolutely would’ve waited until after first tri bc of the potential fever. I’ve only had the first dose so far (Pfizer) and just had a sore arm, but I’ve heard more people have symptoms after the second one. Talk to your doctor as well bc you need to leave at least two weeks between different vaccines, so you may need to move your TDAP shot (mine is delayed bc my doctor told me to prioritize the covid vaccine).
Anon says
I’m 30 weeks and just got my second shot yesterday. Agree with the approach to wait until 2nd trimester. I remember reading somewhere that they generally recommend that pregnant women receive all vaccines in the second trimester because it balance risks of fever with enough time for the antibodies to travel to the baby. Obviously I would check into that because I’m too tired and pregnant to remember where I read it! My OB also said to take tylenol if needed for a fever but don’t take it prophylactically because it blunts the immune response of the vaccine. Which I also remember our ped telling us about our daughter’s vaccines. Good luck and congrats!
Anonymous says
Yes, I’ve heard the same thing from multiple doctors that taking Tylenol afterwards is fine if you’re in pain or feverish and want relief, but you should never take it prophylactically before vaccines.
Anon says
Just wanted to provide an update that I did run a fever and took tylenol but felt very comfortable with that given my docs advice. I was happy that I took today off work though! Just a heads up.
Anon says
Not currently pregnant, but have a 5 month old daughter and plan to stop breastfeeding at 1 year to become pregnant (via another IVF transfer), so this is top of mind for me.
My OB said get it now, or get it in 2nd trimester. My pediatrician is actually in her 2nd trimester herself, and she deliberately waited until she was past the 1st trimester to get her vaccine b/c of the fever risk.
Katala says
It wasn’t available to me until mid-late second tri, but I would likely do the same. It’s suggested that early second tri is the “best” time as baby will get the most time to receive antibodies but the highest fever risk period has passed. It sounds like you’re being careful so keeping that up for a couple of months seems worth avoiding a fever in the first tri. That said, most side effects from the vaccine seem to last 12-24 hours, and generally the fevers respond to Tylenol, so if you were to go for it in the first tri I’m not sure it’s such a huge a risk on the potential fever.
Cb says
My 3.5 year son is superhero obsessed due to nursery and I don’t think proper superheroes are age appropriate. I bought a few in this series Kitty’s Superhero Adventures – Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue, Kitty and the Tiger Treasure, Kitty and the Treetop Chase. And they are super cute and nice. Short chapter books, female hero, really nice illustrations.
Anonymous says
Bless
Anonymous says
To be clear I mean this in the GBBO “aww bless Rahul and his too good for this world energy “ not the sarcastic southern USA bless your heart sense. This is utterly charming.
Cb says
Haha! I did re-read and I sounded a bit pearl clutching with “age appropriate”, but he’s really sensitive to TV and movies which is too scary so we try and keep things really mellow.
Redux says
Bless Rahul indeed!
Patty Mayonnaise says
Thanks for this rec! My son is similarly interested in superheroes from friends at school, but is really sensitive to violence, “bad guys”, etc. So I’ll def check this out!
Anonymous says
Traditional superheroes aren’t age appropriate for 3 year olds? Oops…
Pogo says
Eh, I kinda see this. I was a little put off when kiddo started talking about bad guys and shooting people. He doesn’t know what it means, but that’s more reason that I want to keep him away from it for a little longer. I appreciate a wholesome superhero rec!
Anonymous says
When my daughter was 3 or 4 she really enjoyed watching the old Adam West Batman show.
Anonymous says
There are some cute, gentle ones you might want to check out. Good Morning, Superman/Bedtime for Batman/Be a Star, Wonder Woman. They have a cool graphic novel look and show the superheroes doing their daily stuff (nothing scary, beautiful images) alongside kids in their daily routine. So Wonder Woman defuses a battle between bad guys while the girl in the story while the girl helps her schoolmates resolve an argument over a toy. They are really cute!
Cb says
Oh thanks, he’d like those! I’ll put them on his birthday list.
Anonymous says
I didn’t let my kids watch superhero movies like the marvel movies at that age but there are some books aimed at that age group like 5 minute stories about spiderman. They were fine with my preschooler who was scared of even pj masks on occasion. PJ Masks is also good – there are books in addition to the show.
Anonymous says
I won’t even let my grown-up self watch the Marvel movies. The special effects and violence are exhausting.
Anon says
If you allow screentime, he might like StarBeam on Netflix (little girl who’s also a secret superhero). My 3 year old is obsessed and it’s not scary or violent.
anonymommy says
Ya’ll, I’m so frustrated with the current state of COVID. I have friends who basically have stayed isolated all year, and then on the other end of the extreme have family (cough, my in-laws) who have totally disregarded COVID. (Like, had a wedding in July that basically pretended there was no pandemic. It was unreal.) The in-laws are all now confirming, no surprise, that they won’t be getting vaccinated. They are several large events planned this summer with this family — (outdoor) graduation parties and a wedding — all of which we really want to attend. I’m so irritated that they won’t get vaccinated and feel like there’s no way for me to ever get over my resentment towards them. I was optimistic that I could let my guard down a bit this summer, but without vaccinations, it seems like neverending stress — but not unnecessarily so. End rant.
anon says
I hear you. There is a branch of our family that I would be fine never interacting with again because their pandemic behavior has been so atrocious. They were never my favorite people, but now I know they’re just selfish a-holes. Can’t see myself spending holidays with them anytime soon.
octagon says
I hear you. My sibling has not been vaccinated yet and posted pictures of herself and friends unmasked at a bar! I just cannot. I’ve asked her again and again to at least wear a mask and stay outside. It’s just not that important to her which really hurts because I have an immune deficiency that makes me extra cautious.
Anonymous says
That’s frustrating. But even if your family got vaccinated, that wouldn’t really change the risk of a wedding, right? Either you’re ok with being around unvaccinated people because you’re vaccinated yourself, or you’re not ok with it. Surely there will be some unvaccinated people at the wedding regardless of what your in-laws do, right?
NYCer says
+1. I hate to say it, but there are going to be unvaccinated people everywhere you go.
Personally, I would feel fine going to an outdoor graduation party after I am vaccinated, even if not everyone there has been vaccinated (assuming overall numbers continue trending down in the summer, if there is another huge spike, I would reevaluate).
Anon says
at this precise moment in time (again might change), if i was vaccinated, i would not be comfortable attending a large outdoor unmasked gathering with my kids that inherently involves people getting very close together (like hugging, kissing, etc.). for me there is too much uncertainty around the variants, etc. i also have trouble believing that with a crowd like that a fully outdoor gathering will actually stay outdoors. like, oh when person goes inside to get something from the kitchen, and everyone follows to continue a conversation, or it starts raining.
Pogo says
I’m so sorry. I have not been thrilled with either my parents or in-laws approach to some pandemic stuff, but they did all get the vaccine ASAP. I’m not sure what I would do if they refused.
Anon says
This. If it were me, I think I would take the same approach I did with our infant – no kid visits unless vaccinated (flu, TDAP, now COVID). If there is a medical reason they can’t get vaccinated, that’s different, but I have no patience for not wanting to if it is available to you. Will my kid interact with unvaccinated people in public, yes, but hopefully masked and they won’t be staying at my house!
Anonymous says
Can you help me come up with a capsule wardrobe (and I use that term very loosely having never done one)/uniform for spring/summer? I am WFH until who knows, but my law firm is super casual anyway (literally, baseball caps ok if no court appearances). I am nursing a 6-mo-old who is on the verge of crawling and live in the upper midwest. Last summer I was pregnant so I lived in swishy yoga skirts and loose/maternity t-shirts. I’m a lumpy size 16 and I’m concerned that translating my pregnant outfits will just make me look huge/frumpy. But maybe that is my season of life? I’m fine with keeping it very casual, but would prefer to not look like I’m in PJs at daycare drop off/Target runs/park meet ups with older cousins. I’m intrigued by linen pants but they seem a little pj-ish to me, and I would want a more shaped shirt that just a t on top, I think? Shoes will be Dr. Scholls vans knock-offs and couple pairs of Birks.
Anonymous says
Athleta skort is a life saver
OP says
SUCH a good idea, thank you! I’m going to order two sizes and two lengths to see what fits.
CHL says
I also aspire to wear linen pants but they always just look immediately wrinkly. I like cotton cropped wide leg pants and then a crisp cotton pullover shirt or a wide strap sleeveless shirt. I have some of from j.crew and everlane. I have pants in navy, army green and a print and then a couple options for shirts. I throw in a couple Boden sundresses if I feel wild:)
Pogo says
I agree that a good high-waisted palazzo pant could work! Maybe with a nursing tank, if it’s high enough neck for video calls? I usually wear an open cardigan w/ my nursing tanks and if I really need to be on video and it’s one of the ones that’s not office-appropriate, I just wrap the cardigan such that you can’t tell I’m wearing a low-cut tank (side note, I wish more nursing tanks were cut higher). Since I’m always pumping I like the tank because it covers my belly. I hate the feeling of my post-partum chub flapping in the breeze when I wear a regular shirt over a bra.
Pogo says
https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=551154022&vid=1&tid=onpl000017&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9GCBhDvARIsAFunhslhq3HX-Y1N0o3c47ahT8PMhMOt5sT0P0n9vCP4c73mINYVhieeEXsaAgWQEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&ak_t=C276C4BEC1FE0AE26908294EF44CC2F017C3FCE57647000019BA5460E5A3442F#pdp-page-content
Anonymous says
ON has linen too – https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=675993032&cid=1124176&pcid=1124176&vid=1&cpos=5&cexp=2223&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D1124176&cvar=16846&ctype=Listing&cpid=res21031907126632380823899#pdp-page-content
AnonATL says
I have these and love them. Since they are a blend they don’t wrinkle as much. These were my postpartum pants last summer.
They do run a bit small and have no stretch through the thigh and bum.
Pogo says
I like the look of those ON ones but they are rayon. Here are the athleta linen version – they look lovely! https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=447244002&vid=1&tid=atpl000007&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9GCBhDvARIsAFunhsnaQ45xzUBBPLYRpjrQjFlajjk4Y4D1lflZClyfDhmAHHDqLvagOhsaAomrEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#pdp-page-content
Anonymous says
I tried these and sent them back. The waistband was incredibly stiff and itchy. They were also huge–I went down a size and they were still a little big.
Anon says
As a lumpy size 18-20 now (thanks COVID), last summer as a lumpy 16 I spent it in higher-waisted maxi skirts with cropped boxy t-shirts, maxi t-shirt dresses from daily ritual, a high-waisted gap cotton-linen jogger pant in fun colors that was not the most flattering from the back but felt good from the front (the angle I see in the mirror so hey that works) with a tucked in fitted tee, and maternity shorts (to avoid muffin top even though DD is 3) with fitted tees. This summer I will be easing back into the office starting in May once my second shot kicks in, so I expect it will be a lot of wrap dresses and ponte pants. I will probably pick up a few dresses from eloquii or boden to tide me over until I am back to real life, but I’m still hoping I get pregnant before then so will wait to order until I am going in more than one day a week.
DLC says
I find that a nice jacket/ jardigan/ topper elevates many a schlumpy outfit for me. My casual uniform is a Gapfit tie back tank or tee (convenient for nursing) layered over a supportive nursing tank, with leggings or joggers (I liked the linen/ cotton ones from Gap – I find the wrinkles look “lived in” rather than sloppy). So it’s super comfy at home but then I put on a fitted yet comfy jacket sweater when I go out and I feel like I made an effort. For summer I have some lighter cardigans that I’ll throw into the mix.
Anonanonanon says
My capsule wardrobe is:
-White v neck t shirt that is kind of loose/you can do a french tuck with
-White fitted tee
-White button-up shirt
-Black blazer
-Jeans
-Black ankle pants
-Black comfortable pants (mine are athleta)
-Black skirt (or skort, I did a pull on skirt)
-Black and white striped top
-Camel cashmere sweater
-Camel trench rain coat
-Denim jacket
-Grey wool coat
-Black flats, white tennis shoes, black booties
Last spring I added a white dress that could be dressed up or down and a black t-shirt dress. Black t-shirt dress was more versatile than I imagined but took forever to find one because I’m pear-shaped so it was a yikes process
Anon says
What do you do when you suspect your kid’s teacher doesn’t like them? I’m not a helicopter mom, I promise! I’m just observing some language and tone in emails and conferences that seem a little too negative. Have not breathed a word of my suspicions to anyone, and I continually reinforce what the teacher has asked of me at home. But my kid (6 yo boy) told me the teacher called him “annoying”, and I think I need to step in. A kid is not equipped for that type of criticism. FWIW – we have never had issues with any any other teachers in daycare or school.
Anonymous says
Yikes! I believe you that you’re not a helicopter mom and I would be livid if a teacher called my kid annoying. I guess talk to the teacher and if you’re not satisfied with her response talk to the principal?
Anonymous says
I would ask your son for context before confronting the teacher. If you choose to go to the teacher, I’d go in with the attitude that you are trying to understand what happened. Don’t go in making accusations or demands–start with questions.
Anonymous says
This. If she said ‘you need to stop poking Susie/taking bob’s paper because it’s very annoying.’ I’m not sure that’s necessarily problematic. Like I think a kid can be told their actions are annoying to another kid. The kid should not be called annoying. Definitely ask for more context and talk to the teacher regardless. If she intended to call the action annoying but he felt that he was called annoying then she needs to clarify that.
4th anniversary gift says
Anyone want to do some shopping for a 4th anniversary gift for dh & me? I like to stick to the traditional themes which are fruit and flowers (?) or the modern version is appliances.
We have a nearly 8 month old. Our house in the burbs could use some new appliances, but they work fine. Maybe a nespresso?
We already have a roomba, and I don’t bake enough to need a stand mixer.
NYCer says
Do you have space for an air fryer? We love ours.
NYCer says
Ps- I realize that is not the most exciting anniversary gift! My husband and I don’t really exchange physical gifts for most anniversaries, so YMMV if you guys are used to more personal/romantic gifts!
Anonymous says
I would not buy an appliance for no good reason. Why not get a really cool fruit basket (e.g. tropical fruit or something you would not normally have) or fruit of the month club thing and then food/drinks for a special date night in? Caveat that my husband and I generally do next to nothing for our anniversary, and he’s not super into gifts. Also our cats ruin all flower arrangements.
Anon says
DH got me a strawberry cake (it has fruit in it and was decorated with flowers!) and I got him some harry and david oranges that mailed a few months later and sour patch kids (kind of fruity). This past year was wood, so I got him a wooden man crate and he got me a new drill since I was cursing our old one blue the last time I used it (related to wood, if not precisely on point).
TheElms says
What about some plants/flowers for the garden? Or a blooming shrub or tree?
Redux says
Wine is definitely a fruit if you need an excuse to buy a really fancy bottle.
Anon says
I made my husband a fruit pie, and then three more throughout the year. He loves pie but I don’t make them all that often usually
Maybe a wine fridge if you want to do appliance?
Clementine says
Air pods. Apple, get it?
TheElms says
Can we talk about waffles please? I didn’t grow up eating waffles and recently discovered frozen toaster waffles. Yum! I like them and so does toddler. Toddler also likes pancakes as do I. During the pandemic I’ve become a short order cook for pancakes most weekends and I was thinking about making waffles because they might be faster/easier with a waffle iron or maybe just for a change. So are waffles made in a waffle iron better than frozen waffles (I assume yes) and are they easier than pancakes? (No idea). What are important characteristics in a waffle iron (if any?) And yes I know this is slightly ridiculous, but it is what it is.
Anon says
Yes, so much better. Not easier than pancakes. And the most important characteristic in a waffle iron is removable (preferably dishwasher safe) washable plates. I have the cuisinart griddler with waffle plates (you have to buy them separately) as my multi-purpose waffle maker and promptly got rid off all my previous waffle makers that were impossible to clean. I think my mother bought a cuisinart “breakfast center” or something like it that also has removeable plates after seeing mine.
These are the best waffles ever (I have the southern living cookbook this recipe came from): http://goodlookinwhatchagotcookin.blogspot.com/2010/06/sls-out-of-this-world-waffles.html
Note that while kodiakcakes make pretty tolerable pancakes, IMHO they make terrible, terrible waffles.
Anonymous says
Yes, homemade waffles are much better than frozen waffles. They are even better as frozen waffles than waffles that come frozen. Waffles are perhaps somewhat easier to cook than pancakes, but that advantage is more than wiped out by the hassle of cleaning the waffle iron.
The Food Network Best Buttermilk Waffles recipe is my favorite. It also works with white whole wheat flour, but for some reason with whole wheat the risk of sticking is greater.
I do NOT recommend trying to make waffles from the Kodiak Cakes mix. That nearly wrecked my waffle maker.
Anonymous says
The problem with most waffle irons is you can only make 1 waffle at a time, unlike pancakes. If you are feeding a family, it gets a bit time consuming. (I’m not sure it really takes much longer than pancakes since I think you need fewer waffles for a serving than pancakes, but it felt longer). This is why I ended up getting rid of our waffle iron. They do make larger ones that make 4 waffles at a time, and I would look for one of those if you want to try it.
Anon says
Homemade waffles are definitely better. I find them a little more time intensive than pancakes, though, because you can make many pancakes on a griddle and only a couple waffles in an iron at a time
DLC says
I agree – they are better, but not faster. And I always found waffle irons a pain to clean. If it’s mostly a time issue with pancakes – we got a baking steel griddle – the kind that fits over two burners – during the pandemic and it has made pancake breakfast much faster – I can 6-8 pancakes at a time so a whole bowl of batter takes about 15-20 minutes to make. (the griddle is also is great for making all that short order/ diner food that we miss… burgers, grilled cheese, etc.). For my money – I’d rather eat Eggos and make pancakes than give up the counter space for a waffle iron. My husband might not agree, though.
TheElms says
Maybe I need a griddle instead! I’m making pancakes three at a time in a frying pan so typically have to make many rounds to feed everyone (toddler will eat a lot of pancakes as will DH!) and finish a bowl of batter.
Anonymous says
Definitely get a griddle. Even a single-burner griddle will let you make four pancakes at a time instead of three, and they’ll be easier to flip. A dual-burner griddle is even better.
A waffle iron doesn’t have to take up counter space. We have a tiny kitchen with limited cabinet space and still have room to put our waffle iron away. Ours stands up on end for storage, as I assume they all do.
Anon says
Get the griddler, with removable waffle plates (they come separate!).
Anonymous says
They’re def not easier than pancakes. Take forever because made one at a time.
Anonymous says
This. But I love waffles and so do my kids, so we make them a couple times a month. We have a fancy Waring Pro waffle iron, and I love it. I use cooking spray every few waffles and the iron itself doesn’t usually doesn’t get anything stuck to it, I just have to clean the base of any drips.
We have a 5 burner stove with a griddle that sits over the middle plate. Pancakes are MUCH faster and I like them, too, but waffles are more exciting.
So Anon says
Waffles are a staple in my house. Fresh are better than frozen, and the fresh can then be frozen. I make a whole box of fresh waffles on the weekend and freeze whatever is left over for the week ahead. My son (10) will make his own waffle during the week by popping it in the toaster, adding a few chocolate chips to the top and zapping it in the microwave for 40 seconds on 50% power. (If he makes it on his own, he can add the chocolate chips. If he waits for me to make his breakfast, no chocolate chips. Small incentive, big win for all.)
Anonymous says
As others pointed out, making waffles for the whole family is time consuming. But I find my kids only eat 1/2 or 1 waffle. And you can kind multi-task while it’s in the waffle iron. We love homemade waffles! And most recipes make a lot so you can just freeze them and reheat in toaster like Eggos. They’re so much better (but no judgement, we still buy Eggos too!). I love recipes with real buttermilk, somehow buttermilk does a good job of crispy outside/soft inside.
For a pancake upgrade we love Pioneer Woman’s green yogurt pancakes. I cook these at least once a week using full fat yogurt.
Anon says
Stuck in mod, but removable plates is the most important characteristic! Life changing for our waffle consumpution.
TheElms says
I’m really enjoying all the thoughts on waffles, thank you :) It is a bit sad that waffles probably aren’t easier than pancakes but maybe I’ll do it anyway since we are eating breakfast at home on the weekends for a while longer yet (still too chilly for outdoor morning dining and I’m not entirely decided on that as the right choice for us).
Anon says
We make waffles every weekend with our $30 waffle maker (think it was a wirecutter rec) and I love it so much more than pancakes. We barely clean it though tbh lol. It is nonstick and I just wipe it down with a wet paper towel and call it a day. I find it much easier to make and clean than pancakes and much more consistent in quality. We make the Bob’s 7 grain mix or the Arthur’s whole wheat waffles if we are feeling fancy and love both a lot. I was very hesitant to purchase another appliance as our kitchen is tiny but it has more than proved its worth!
anon says
Toaster waffles taste like cardboard. Real waffles are breakfast items sent from heaven. Pancakes and waffles are equally easy. IDK, my 17-year-old Oster waffle iron is going strong. There’s nothing particularly special about it.
Anonymous says
+1
Get the bigger square waffle maker vs. small round so you are standing there for less time.
We use the Krusteeze pancake mix instructions for waffles and it works pretty well. (not the same as my mom’s recipe that requires 3 bowls….. and therefore we make like 1x per year – when she visits… ha!)
Slower than pancakes but the results are worth it. 1 “recipe” from the mix makes enough to freeze enough waffles for our family of 3 to have another bfast. Also – if you are “doing breakfast” making waffles for the family doesn’t really take much longer than the other stuff – cooking bacon, getting the coffee done, slicing fruit etc.
The easter bunny is bringing us a new waffle maker this year. (was dropped). But we have been very happy with our cusinart one. I was annoyed when my MIL bought it as an xmas gift for me when we were still living in a condo with the world’s tiniest kitchen – but I got my money’s worth esp because hubby is the designated waffle maker in our house.
GCA says
I love homemade (or rather diner-made) waffles! I am sad that we have neither space for a waffle iron (small apartment life, single-function kitchen items that take up space are out) nor time to make breakfast for the family, waffle by waffle.
Anonymous says
I think waffles are harder than pancakes. Cleaning the waffle iron is annoying. A pancake pan just goes in the dishwasher. Homemade waffles are delicious though. I love to make pumpkin ones in the fall.
I’m Basically Leslie Knope says
We’ve been alternating pancakes and waffles every weekend with our kindergartener since COVID started a year ago. We have an electric griddle for pancakes and a Krupps square wafflemaker with removable plates that makes deep-grooved thick fluffy waffles— 4 at a time! Totally worth the upgrade from the round single ones.
Batter-wise, we’ve kept a sourdough starter alive for the sole purpose of weekly pancakes/waffles. The King Arthur Flour recipe is amazing—light fluffy pancakes or waffles from the same batter. Seriously the best waffles I’ve ever had and always order waffles at brunch restaurants in the Before Times.
The next best thing is overnight yeast waffles—again King Arthur Flour or Barefoot Contessa. You do the measuring/prep the night before and only have to mix in the morning. TOTAL upgrade from the boxed stuff.
Also, any extra waffles or pancakes freeze beautifully for reheating in the toaster. We always do a 1.5 batch of the sourdough batter for easy bfast or snacks during the week.
Anonymous says
A big THANK YOU to the ladies on this board who helped with ideas for a small gift/token to welcome a colleague back to work from her first maternity leave (when we are all still working from home). I got her a coffee mug that says “you are awesome. Keep that sh*t up”. She emailed me to thank me and said it was one of the sweetest things someone has ever done for her. She has had a no-sleep baby, and works for one of the super tough partners in our office, so has been freaking out a bit about coming back. So, the idea was perfect and I think is helping that first time mom on her first day back.
Anonymous says
Awww, thanks for the update! You are a great colleague and member of the sisterhood of moms.
Pogo says
aw, im so glad it made her happy!
Anonanonanon says
Awww I love this! I’m so glad it did the trick and I’m so glad you were able to brighten a new mom’s day, that’s very sweet!
Doodles says
What’s a good age to start organized activities with your kid? Our rec center offers tennis, t-ball and soccer for 3 to 5/6 year olds. My kid is turning 3 next month. Is it worth signing up for an activity this summer? I’m considering it as something planned that would get him out of the house for a couple hours a week (while one parent stays home with baby) versus him learning the sport since he’s obviously too young. But will it really be more of a hassle for me/DH when he’s only barely 3? We did swim lessons when he was around 1 but that’s it. He’s in full time daycare. Thanks!
AwayEmily says
I think it doesn’t matter for him one way or the other. If you think it would be fun for YOU (either as a way to get out of the house while someone else takes care of the kid, or to meet other parents, or whatever) then go for it! From my perspective, I dislike any organized activities on weekends because it limits our flexibility and I like to be able to drop everything and go on a day trip or spend the day at Grandma’s.
Boston Legal Eagle says
The flexibility is key. I find the biggest challenge with anything organized for my small kids is getting there on time. And when the lesson is only 30 min. (at least it was for us for swim), you really need to get there at a certain time. Maybe my kids drag more than usual but it is a pain to get them ready to leave at a specific time, so we try not to schedule much beyond “outdoor time at some point this morning.”
Anonymous says
I don’t think organized activities are necessary before K, except for kids who aren’t in day care or preschool and need to learn to function in a group setting. As you’ve already figured out, they don’t actually learn many skills at that age, and can easily catch up if they start in K. The two types of classes where they might actually learn something of substance are a really high-quality music class that teaches solfege (very hard to find), and swim lessons. But preschool extracurriculars are mostly just an extra that is fun for some families and burdensome for others.
Anon says
+1. I know with my oldest I felt like I needed to rush and jump into things as soon as possible, but I’m glad I ended up waiting and keeping our life low-key and unscheduled for as long as possible. At the most, I’d do a one day/a week activity for a three-year-old. This spring my 5.5 will be doing little league, and my 3.5 will be attending little league games
anon says
IMO, organized sports are a joke for 3-year-olds. Somebody must be making money off it because it is highly unlikely the kids will come away with real skills when they’re this young. Do it if it’s fun for you, but I would honestly skip it until he’s at least 4, maybe even 5. I make exceptions for swim lessons because it’s a safety thing.
Anonymous says
I did a few things in the 3-4 age range and I regret the time and money wasted. Summer before K at the earliest Is when I would start. Full time daycare is enough at age 3. Get in the habit of visiting a different playground or park each week or every second week if you want to give one parent alone time with baby.
Anonymous says
I think depends on the kid and what you want out of it. My parents never had me in any formal activities until I asked to do a sport when I was 8, and I figured I’d take a similar approach but I’ve surprised myself by wanting to put my kid in activities earlier. We did outdoor soccer for my then 2 year old last summer because daycare was closed and I wanted her to have socialization with other kids. It didn’t really work for the socialization aspect (the kids mostly just clung to their parents or ran around the field screaming and ignoring each other) but my kid enjoyed the soccer and asked on her own to do it again this spring so we signed her up again. She didn’t really learn any soccer before and I doubt she will this year at 3, but whatever, being active is good and she is an “indoor cat” (love that term btw) so anything that gets her outside and running around is great. I also signed her up for an indoor but masked and socially distanced theater class this spring. She loves pretend games and has a big personality so I think it will be something she really enjoys. The theater class is on weekend mornings and soccer is weekday evenings. Personally, I don’t think I could handle more than one weekend activity and one weeknight evening at once, but I know other people have different limits. Later in the summer once these classes have ended, we plan to do outdoor swim lessons and possibly more soccer if she wants that. I would like to expose her to basketball, dance and art classes at some point before K so she’s tried lots of different things and can decide what she wants to pursue more seriously, but these things either have older age limits or were not pandemic-friendly. Most activities for kids this age are only 4-6 weeks so you can try it out without a big commitment.
Anon Leslie Knope Waffle Lover says
I LOVE Waffles.
They do take longer to cook than pancakes, because you’re making one at a time. BUT they’re more forgiving with timing and many waffle makers have an indicator light, so you can be more distracted while making them with fewer consequences.
The MOST IMPORTANT feature is removable waffle plates. I have a Hamilton Beach and adore it. The plates go in the dishwasher. If I didn’t have removeable dishwasher safe plates I would NEVER make waffles. It’s not a small gadget, but brings me much joy.
For advanced waffle-making (because please, get the Hamilton Beach!) I like Smitten Kitchen’s Essential Raised Waffles, and on the other end of the spectrum, Jiffy Cornbread mix with 2 eggs and a little extra milk cooked into waffles. Also the Book ‘will it waffle’ is super fun.
Anonanonanon says
I know this was in response to the question above but I got a kick out of imagining you came here to give us your unprompted waffle opinions because you love waffles that much. Also that book recommendation has intrigued me
AwayEmily says
I had the exact same thought! Honestly more people should give their unprompted thoughts about things they love.
anon says
Swimming lessons – I’m debating when to send my 6-year-old back to the local swim school for weekly lessons. She was taking lessons pre-pandemic and was progressing nicely. She was able to swim about 10 yards independently. Unfortunately, those ended last March, and we didn’t get to do much pool swimming last summer, so I expect her skills might be rusty. The local swim school is doing a lot of hygiene theater, IMO, but I’m not really concerned about the changing room situation and crowd control as much as what’s happening in the water. I think the instructors are masked, but I need to check. We’ve been extremely cautious throughout the pandemic, but man … I would really love for her to get some more experience before summer. DH and I have both received our first vaccinations, for whatever it’s worth.
Anon says
For me, it would depend on summer plans. If you expect to spend measurable time around water I would do the lessons – drowning is probably more of a danger than COVID to your kid.
anon says
We do. We love being in the water. Last summer was really rough, not feeling like we could go to the pool. We had a few lake trips in there, but those are more of a production than just jumping in the car to go swimming.
Anon says
Where i live instructors are in face shields, not masks and the bigger issue is the parents and then kids congregating mask less. Maybe wait til the instructors have a chance to get vaccinated or it’s warm enough to do outside
Anon says
We’ve been doing swim since August in CA (re: COVID conservative) and our instructors are not masked. I would not make the assumption that they are, unless they are standing outside the pool instructing from there. (I’m comfortable with it because a) my understanding is COVID doesn’t survive in chlorinated water and while of course yes they are talking to each other above water, they are also frequently ducking their heads under the water, and b) if even CA says this is okay when we closed literally almost everything else, I’m not going to question it. I especially wouldn’t if we the adults were vaccinated. But YMMV).
Anonymous says
My state has a mask mandate but exercise is broadly exempt so it was something we held off on until we were vaccinated. We’ll be doing outdoor swim and soccer this summer. I don’t expect my 3 yo to actually learn to swim but I want her to get comfortable in water. Right now she’s terrified of it.
Anonymous says
I wouldn’t assume masking in the water. Our kiddo is back in lessons, and they are limited to 15 minute private lessons. Because 15 minutes is the magic number for exposure, you know.