Splurge or Save Thursday: Serif Leather Tote
This post may contain affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Need a new tote for work? Here’s one that looks twice as expensive as it really is.
This roomy bag looks like it could easily fit a small laptop/tablet, water bottle, and even your lunch. Made from supple, grained leather, this large black tote has a wide shoulder strap and includes a coordinating zip pouch. Since it’s secured with just a clip closure, I’d add another zip pouch or two to keep your things secure.
COS’ Serif Tote is $290.
Sales of note for 5/8/25
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Nordstrom – Up to 50% off select styles + 15% off fragrance (exclusions apply; ends 5/11) + give $150 in gift cards, earn a $25 promo card (ends 5/13)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your full-price purchase + extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% everything + extra 25% off
- Eloquii – $25+ select styles + extra 45% off all sale
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off must-have styles + extra 50% off select sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + extra 50% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 25% off all tops, pants, jeans, and shorts + 25% off all markdowns
I am taking my 5 year old and 7 year old to NYC this summer. 5 year old will be 5.5 by the summer but I’m worried about his ability to walk far. He’s a little guy and a suburban kid. We walk to school but that’s about it. Should I get him a stroller, bring his scooter and keep my hand on it to help pull him along or what would you recommend?
I’m curious about your experience with Montessori preschool. We have a three-year-old and are seriously considering switching him from a play-based preschool to Montessori. He is an October baby so won’t start kindergarten until he is nearly 6. His current daycare is a bit chaotic, and while he is learning social skills to advocate for his needs, it feels like a lot. The Montessori school we toured felt so much calmer. He is also very smart (I know, I’m biased) and we think he would benefit from the intellectual exploration that Montessori offers. Also relevant, we prefer the hours and location of the Montessori school. I’m having trouble forcing a transition on him when it doesn’t seem like an emergency, but on the other hand daycares in our area are so hard to get into and this feels like a rare opening that could potentially be a better long-term fit. Have I drunk the kool aid? If you’ve been through this, I welcome your thoughts.
For those of you with no local family or friends who could swoop in and help out with young kids (2 under 5) when you or your partner is sick, how sick would one of you have to be for the other one to cancel planned work travel? To be clear – kids aren’t sick, just the non-traveling adult.
Any great resources for weekly meal planning? We’ve been using meal kits for years for the ease. But with the costs, feeding 4 people rather than 2 and the fact that we’re getting our groceries delivered any way- I feel like I could do this for cheaper.
At what age did your kids have some semblance of emotional regulation? My daughter turned 3 in October and has daily meltdowns. It’s not uncommon for them to last 20-30 minutes. Triggers are unpredictable. This morning it was because I cut her broken toenail and she wanted to pick it off herself. There is no talking to her or reasoning with her- she literally goes out of her mind and screams and sobs incoherently, and often throws things. She is totally impervious to anything. There appears no way to end them, but eventually she runs out of steam. Nothing we do or say has any effect. After when she’s calm she’s never able to tell us why she was upset. It’s been a year and a half now of daily meltdowns with no end in sight and I’m wondering at what point the intensity and duration become abnormal.
She’s very verbal and speaks in 8-10 word sentences so it’s not for lack of verbal ability.
Schools are closed for Storm Eowyn tomorrow. I’ve got to prep 2 weeks of lectures, finish an article (1000 more words), and write a presentation, so I’ve mapped out a “Stormy Day Challenge” of things he can do. School made mention of remote learning, but it’s only 3 hours, and half the classes end up watching something on Friday.
Seeking tips for making family friends/building community. I always assumed I’d just befriend my kids friends’ parents naturally once they had a group of friends but for a variety of reasons, that doesn’t seem to be happening so I think I need to make more of an effort. What has worked for folks to build a community of family friends/parent friends?