Workwear favorite M.M. LaFleur is having a huge sale right now, and here’s one of my picks.
The Arbus sweater is a longtime customer favorite — this boxy, 100% cashmere turtleneck has a slightly cropped silhouette and side slits. I find the longer length in the back particularly flattering.
For the office, add polished trousers and statement earrings. For home, swap in sweats or your favorite jeans.
The Arbus sweater is on sale for $175 in malachite, chianti, or deep flax (final sale) and is $345 in black, papaya, or deep moss. It’s available in XS–XXL.
Looking for other washable workwear? See all of our recent recommendations for washable clothes for work, or check out our roundup of the best brands for washable workwear.
This post contains affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Sales of Note…
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Nordstrom – 2,100+ new markdowns!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off all sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything; extra 30% off orders $100+
- Eloquii – $39 select styles; 50% off select styles
- J.Crew – 25-50% off wear-now styles; extra 50% off select sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything; 50% off women’s dresses; extra 60% off clearance
- Loft – 60% off sale styles
- Lands’ End – Up to 40% off your order
- Talbots – Semi-Annual Red Door Sale: Extra 50% off markdowns
- Zappos – 26,000+ sale items (for women)! Check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kid shoe brands on sale.
Kid/Family Sales
- J.Crew – 25-40% off kids’ styles; extra 50% off select sale
- Lands’ End – Up to 40% off your order
- Hanna Andersson – 30% off all kids’ & baby clothing; PJs on sale from $25; up to 75% off clearance
- Carter’s – Rule the School Sale: Up to 50% off; up to 40% off baby essentials
- Old Navy – 50% off back-to-school styles; 30% off your order, even clearance
- Target – Backpacks from $7.99; toddler & kids’ uniforms on sale from $5
- Pottery Barn Baby – Summer sale: up to 50% off
- Nordstrom – Limited time sales on brands like Maxi-Cosi and Bugaboo.
- Strolleria – Free infant seat car adapter with any Thule stroller; 30% off all Peg-Perego gear in our exclusive Incanto Collection
Cb says
Kindergarten parents – are your kids flagging as we crawl towards Christmas break? All the big feelings and the whining about wraparound care/school – “I wish school didn’t exist… I already know most things anyways!” He’s counting down to Christmas, I’m counting down til the end of school when we can decamp to the sun and be fed by grandma and papa.
Anon says
Mine (twins) are in prek and are home sick today and are sooo sad to be missing school. They keep insisting they can wear a mask and go
GCA says
Never mind my kids, *I* am flagging as we crawl towards break – there is simultaneously far too much to do before vacation, and vacation cannot get here soon enough…
Anonymous says
It’s been decades since I was in K, and I’m still flagging as we crawl towards Christmas break.
Anonymous says
Same. I am, however, extremely excited that for the first time ever, I work for a company that actually CLOSES (not just de facto closes because everyone’s on vacation) corp offices in between Christmas and New Years.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Last year, my then K-er had worse behavior in December, closer to winter break. I think it was just an exhausting few months for him, and he reached the end of his rope. Things got better in January. Just try to hang on for the next few weeks!
Cb says
Thanks! T is a peach normally, so the whiny behaviour is really unusual and my coping skills aren’t great. I think it’s so much excitement in the run-up to the holidays, plus they aren’t getting PE b/c they are so busy practicing the nativity, and I think it’s too much holding it together.
AIMS says
One of my kids is sick and the other wishes he was sick because he wants to just stay home and watch tv and “being sick is fun.” Glad it’s not just my brood.
anon says
We are in pre-k at public school but getting a huge amount of whining about what “other kids” do. Specifically my kid and several others in the class go to aftercare (at the school, which is basically art, playing and some organized games and which my kid has LOVED) – and other kids get picked up by mom or a nanny at 2 pm. My husband and I work, me 90% of the time in the office vs. WFH I don’t know what these other parents are doing (we can’t afford a nanny) but I feel irrationally annoyed when my daughter keeps bringing this up (why do I have to go to afterschool? Billy doesn’t). I feel like I am projecting about guilt for working.
When we engaged with her, my daughter explains she has less time to play afterschool because it is dark, and those other kids get picked up earlier and get to play more. Trying to spin the narrative that she was LUCKY to get to go to afterschool did NOT work and backfired.
CCLA says
FWIW I feel like often whatever they’re NOT doing, seems better to them, grass is greener etc. My kid is in aftercare and we are about to transition to a nanny. Thought she’d be thrilled b/c she has previously expressed she doesn’t want to go to aftercare, but now she’s telling me she’ll be sad to leave aftercare. I may have died a little inside at that – I mean, the nanny decision was not driven by any inadequacy of aftercare, we just need more help all around and are certainly not revisiting our plan b/c of this, but dealing with “kid is sad at losing aftercare” is not something I thought would be on the menu. Sigh.
anon says
The grass is totally greener. One of my SAHM friends about loses it every time one of her kids complains that “other kids” get to go to after care everyday, more summer camps, etc. Meanwhile, I feel vaguely guilty every year that my kids don’t get a relaxed, carefree summer at home.
Anon says
My K is doing awesome at school (I think it’s been more than 2 weeks since we’ve gotten a call from admin staff about disciplinary issues!), but she’s definitely using up all her cope during the school day and is a complete disaster for the 2 hours before bedtime every night.
Anonymous says
I have a first grader who complains about *not* being in aftercare (I can stop working at 3ish and the waitlist is a mile long). Kids are just cranky.
Sick day says
Kid is home sick yet again. Before 9am he had emptied the entire bottle of glue onto the table, pulled out all the playdough and took the caps off all the markers. Oh and DH is out of town for work. Send help.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Best wishes sent. Having a sick toddler at home while you’re trying to work is the worst. I hope he at least naps still so there is a bit of a break (to do work)!
Anon says
With you on the struggle bus! My 10mo old has RSV again, and Grandma has to delay her visit. We may break out some Christmas presents early to get through this week!
Pogo says
Ugh, I’m sorry. We had stomach bug Friday (which luckily meant he was too sick to cause trouble) and then a cold this week, luckily the fever broke overnight so we didn’t have to keep him home. Now I’m the one feeling like garbage who should probably stay home but too much on the calendar to finish up before EOY!
Anon says
Yep we just went thru pink eye which meant all the normal kid energy. iPad and some craft projects I had squirreled away. Maybe no glue tho.
Anonymous says
I just cannot with people today. Weeks ago I requested, scheduled, and had a meeting with Senior Person about matter X. I e-mailed yesterday to follow up and Senior Person responded that we should meet with Other Person in January. This morning Senior Person has gone back to my original e-mail requesting the original meeting, which already happened, and responded saying “sure, let’s meet Monday!” Diplomatic attempts to clarify have only deepened Senior Person’s confusion. There is no way this ends without my looking dumb, even though I am not the one who is confused.
Eight days left until break.
GCA says
Oh dear. Pick up the phone and call Senior Person’s EA? Or: disregard the entire thread about the original meeting and just set up the January meeting with Senior and Other Persons and a clear agenda? Untangling these Gordian knots is why good EAs are worth their weight in gold.
Meanwhile, over here: office Xmas party scheduled for tomorrow. Because we do not actually have an office, it is at my boss’s house. Today: boss tested positive for Covid following her last bout of work travel…
Pogo says
Uh yeah if someone is a Senior Person in my org I do not even both to try and schedule them directly. They don’t even know where they’re eating lunch until their admin tells them. I either walk by their admin’s desk or ping them on Teams and give a call to explain the situation.
Nonprofit sector says
What is this admin of which you speak?
Anon says
Same from higher ed.
anon says
Right?
Cb says
I got an email yesterday asking for times that I AM NOT available for an hour long meeting between 15 January and 15 February? I replied “my Outlook calendar is up to date, go ahead and drop something in…” which I think is an offense in academia, but c’mon people?
anon says
LOL, that is a weird request. When you’re NOT available?
Anon says
This is how some people schedule things at my workplace. It’s a passive aggressive way of saying work should be your top priority, because you’re supposed to be available other than the handful of times you identify as being unavailable.
Anonymous says
This. I’d never be allowed to be unavailable for a 1 hr meeting for a whole month.
Anonymous says
That makes zero sense. I am unavailable at least 75% of the time because I am in another meeting or traveling for work.
Anonymous says
Because clearly this meeting is the most important thing in Cb’s life!
Boston Legal Eagle says
It’s shocking how many people don’t know about the scheduling assistant in Outlook.
Pogo says
in the year of our Lord 2022?!?!? HOWWWW
Cb says
Academia! I’m a rarity using my outlook calendar. A colleague asked 50 people to reply if they could make one of two dates for a meeting. And I resisted trying to “fix” things by suggesting they could just do a poll in outlook.
I told a colleague to drop something in my diary and she was like “that feels weirdly aggressive, are we close enough for that?” but she’ll call me on Teams unannounced which actually IS aggressive.
Pogo says
SO weird. My calendar is regularly booked and double-booked for half the day. I can’t imagine someone trying to meet with me without checking my calendar.
Anon says
I’m in higher ed and everyone uses Outlook. I’m staff not faculty though. I’ve actually been chastised for emailing someone and asking when they’d like to meet. To me for a one on one meeting that is easier and more courteous than just dropping something on their calendar because it lets them have a say in the time. Doesn’t everyone have times that aren’t blocked on their calendar but they really don’t want to meet? Cough, 9 am, cough… But anyway, just a data point that we are very much a “check Outlook and put a meeting on the calendar whenever there’s availability” team.
Anon says
Agree, but it’s also shocking how many people don’t keep their calendars updated and then complain when you schedule meetings for a time they can’t attend. Sorry, was I supposed to magically divine that “available” meant “out of office for two weeks?”
Pogo says
I came down really hard to my team on that. Mark out of office and have a message when you’re gone is my expectation. Pet peeve of mine.
Anonymous says
No one in my office does this (but we are not meeting heavy). Just dropping a meeting to someone’s calendar without speaking to them or emailing would be highly rude (unless it’s an all staff meeting or something called by the bosses).
Pogo says
This is so interesting to hear the differences in industries/sectors – and even someone mentioning 9am as a time they wouldn’t really want to meet (presumably because it’s early) – I have people put 7am calls on my calendar without asking! If you don’t want someone to schedule, you have to block the time.
The only time I think it’s a bit rude/odd is if you’ve never even spoke to the person. Not that it’s never been done, sometimes it still happens, but with an intro like “My name is x and I work for y, she told me to talk to you about project z”. Usually Y will ping me first to let me know that it’s coming, but sometimes not.
I do work in a very meeting heavy, traditional multinational/F500 company though. I’m regularly interacting with people around the world who I have never met before and may never meet again except for this particular issue they’re helping me with. It would be excessive if every single one of them emailed me first to ask if we could meet.
NYCer says
Same. This would be very weird in my office (or at least in my department).
Anon says
I’m the person you’re mentioning. I have my calendar blocked before 9 am, but even that met with some resistance from higher ups. There’s no way I can regularly block the 9-10 hour without getting into trouble. But I’m a night owl with a night owl kid and an often doing daycare drop off in that window, so I hate having meetings then. My work is not meeting heavy (I have maybe 2-4 meetings per week) and I am not the overachiever many here are.
Anonymous says
We’re hosting my MIL, FIL, and BIL for the holidays this year, for the first time. There will be 5 adults and 2 preschoolers in total, staying at our house for 4 nights. Talk me through hosting family with a 3- and 5-year old. Will I be able to cook at all or should we plan on take out? Should I cook a bunch ahead of time and just reheat (lasagnas, etc)?
Cb says
I tend to do a mix – one night fancy, one night easy (baked macaroni cheese or risotto), one night takeout. But I’d expect with that many adults + your young kids, they might volunteer to cook. My mom always cooks when she’s here, my dad does dishes. My MIL would cook but no one would eat it, so she entertains the kid while we cook.
Anonymous says
I’d reach out to BIL (or MIL if appropriate) and ask what the kids like these days. That’ll help you decide. If they’ll eat anything, go ahead and just do what is easiest for you. I’d ask what snacks you can have in the house for them, too. IME, my kiddo cares much more about snacking than meals. Kid yogurts, fruit, crackers, cheese sticks, bars, etc. You might also consider swinging by the store and grabbing some inexpensive things to do – crayons, washable markers, note books, stickers, little toy figurines or cars. I assume BIL will bring some stuff, but kids like other people’s (and new) things so much. They’ll be good morale boosters if needed.
Anon says
Do you have kids too? Cooking is not that hard with kids around, especially with a 5:2 adult:kid ratio. Expect one adult to be with the kids most of the time, but other adults will be free to do chores or socialize. If the kids are BIL’s they’re primarily his responsibility but it would be a kindness for you and other adults to take turns watching them and give him a break.
Anon says
Oh I just realized I read this wrong and the kids are yours and the guests are all adults. This is the best scenario! More hands to help with the kids. It shouldn’t be challenging.
OP says
Yes, sorry for the confusion, both kids are mine.
Lizard says
I’m kind of confused – why would having 3 more adults in the house mean you can’t cook the way you normally do, just more food? It’s not like they’re going to be in the kitchen underfoot…
Lizard says
I see no reason you wouldn’t be able to cook, though I’d stay flexible in terms of everyone sitting down for dinner at the same time – you might just need to plan to make the food available and people will grab what they can when they can. Also ask your BIL what the kids like and if he wants to make separate food for them.
Also you might want to get some basic kid-friendly toys (at Goodwill or on FB marketplace) and markers/paper/coloring books, just to have on hand. As parents, we know to travel with toys on hand, but it’s still always a little bit of a bummer to show up to a home that has NOTHING for the kids to do.
AIMS says
I actually find it easier to cook in this situation (assuming that the other adults can all help entertain/watch the kids). But I would make a big lasagna ahead of time that you can just quickly serve with a salad, a pot of soup that can be reheated as needed for lunch, and have lots sandwich and breakfast options for people to make for themselves. I think one night of take out/dinner out (depending on your kids) is definitely a good call.
DLC says
We do a combination if cooking and take out- usually my parents will want to treat us one night for dinner.
Other than that, I make sure we have lots of sandwich fixings, fruit, chips, cookies for lunch as well as whatever breakfast people can help themselves to, with maybe just one breakfast being pancakes or something that makes it an event we all can sit down to.
Depending on your in laws/ family relations, I like cooking because it gives me an excuse to hole myself in the kitchen and have time away from everyone. I’m not a big “cook ahead” person, so I for dinner I usually do chili or soup or roast/sheet pan dinners.
I also kind of make a general plan for activities since I find it’s easier to plan meals once I know when and where we are going to eat. My family also is the kind that needs structure and advance planning for visits to go well, so this might depend on your family dynamic.
Also- I also my lean heavily on my Husband to tell me what his family wants to eat.
Anon says
I’d be cooking in the kitchen in peace while the in laws wrangle my children.
SC says
I would do a mix. I would probably have a lasagna ready to heat up the night that everyone arrives, plan takeout 1-2 nights, and cook 1-2 nights. I’d also ask your husband if there’s anything that’s important to their family to have at the holidays, then put him in charge of that. (Or if your in-laws are driving, they can bring something.)
The hardest thing for me when we have company is what to do with everyone for lunch. We usually buy deli meat and sandwich spreads, maybe a rotisserie chicken from the grocery, plus have a soup in the freezer that people can heat up. A house full of people can eat a lot for lunch!
Anonymous says
I need to get a job. I have emailed all my former colleagues and let them know I’m looking, I’m applying at lots of indeed postings, my project today is revamping my resume. Any other tips or suggestions? I was doing contract work in IT. Then I took 22 months off with my twins: I’m not sure if that’s turning employers off or if my resume just isn’t where it needs to be.
Boston Legal Eagle says
A lot of companies have implemented hiring freezes lately. So I don’t think it’s anything in particular about your resume. There is definitely a need for IT people, but we’re running into the problem of not allowing full time hires at the moment. There was some advice here earlier to apply for contractor positions to get in the door – you’ll have some experience that way, and hopefully the hiring freezes will subside eventually next year.
Anne-on says
This – hearing about lots of hiring freezes (if not outright layoffs). I’d also start by making sure you’re posting on LinkedIn/following companies and others in your field. That always seems to up my visibility to recruiters.
Pogo says
Yep. Luckily IT is a very contractor-heavy market – every company I’ve worked at has outsourced IT! I would look at contract firms in your area and see if any of them will take you on. If you are in Boston we would hire you!! Our last guy was a total flake and the contract firm finally let him go (or at least moved him to another client).
Anon says
Yeah I’ve been looking seriously for almost a year now (before hiring freezes and layoffs hit hard) and it was pretty brutal. There was not much for me to apply to and every application vanished into the ether with no response. I’ve had no problem getting jobs in the past so I think this days more about the market than my resume.
Aunt Jamesina says
This plus December is a really slow time of year for hiring anywhere I’ve worked.
Anonymous says
It’s a terrible time to land an IT job. Our budgets are frozen. Two people I know got promoted but the backfill hire was cut so now they are doing two jobs.
This isn’t about your break. Keep trying!
anon says
I’m the OP from yesterday who posted about my one year old biting another baby at daycare. Thank you for your responses- I logged back in too late to respond. Daycare did not make it a big deal at all. They said it’s normal behavior for that age- teething and mouthing. They asked that we send in a chew toy to keep there and they’ll redirect her to that when she’s mouthy. We will also walk away briefly when she bites us at home so she learns that biting means a stop to playtime (she doesn’t bite aggressively, otherwise I think the approach would be different). So basically we are training a puppy.
I feel terrible that another child was on the receiving end of my child’s teeth, but apparently the parents weren’t phased.
Anonymous says
I think most of us would rather have our kid get bit than have the kid that’s the biter! It’s not like they are chomping out chunks of flesh. I’ve found other parents uniformly sympathetic and understanding. Friends are good, snacks are good, and sometimes it takes a while to learn that friends aren’t snacks.
Better bit says
100%! also, keep in mind that the other parents probably have no idea which child bit theirs—none of the daycares we’ve used ever tell you that.
Anonymous says
We had a poorly socialized cat when our son was in daycare. When they told me he got bitten by another kid I was like, well, he’s probably used to it.
Anon says
I needed this laugh today!
Anon says
You’ve gotten great advice. I also had a very nice dinner out with my in laws with my 2 month old where the baby slept on his belly across my lap, covered by a napkin. It was a super classy look:)
An.On. says
It really freaked us out when it first started happening, but the daycare was so chill about it, we just let them take care of it, since it was mostly happening there and not at home. Now that the nugget is older, there’s still some play bites (and close calls) when they’re trying to chomp on a drawstring or something, but like I said yesterday – it should pass soon enough! Ironically sent the kid in wearing a “Be Careful, I Bite!” dinosaur t-shirt today.
Emma says
Did you take your babies to nice restaurants? We are staying in a cabin located on a resort with my parents over the holidays with our 3 month old. The cabin has a nice kitchen and we can get room service, but my parents made a reservation at the resort’s high end restaurant for one night. I’m not sure if that’s appropriate- it’s a lottery whether baby will sleep nicely in her stroller bassinet or go full witching hour on us. We’ve done brunch with her but not dinner, and she’s generally in a better mood in the mornings. Just wondering what other people’s experience is – I would love to do a nice dinner but thinking other patrons might hate us? Babysitter is not an option at this point – I’m not comfortable leaving her with a stranger.
Lizard says
My recommendation is to flag in the reservation that you’ll have a baby with you and ask to be seated at the edge of the dining room and near the door. If the baby starts to fuss, walk her out of the dining room right away to calm her down. If you have to get up more than once every, say, 15 minutes to do this, I would abort mission and just say dinner won’t work out and head back to the room. Obviously bring a bottle, pacifier, toys, whatever you will need to keep her calm, clean, and comfortable. Having a baby in a restaurant is perfectly fine, and we did it all the time – the key is to take steps not to disturb the other patrons. The presence of a baby isn’t per se a problem.
Anonymous says
Yes I do, but one parent would always take baby out if they were crying.
Pogo says
I have and my suggestion is to stroll around for a solid 15-20 min before dinner to get baby to sleep OR wear baby. I had to do this at a wedding once at a rehearsal dinner – put them in the Moby or Ergo with the headphones on baby.
Anonymous says
Yes but we don’t just sit at the table and let the baby fuss. If baby isn’t snoozing or sitting quietly watching then one of us will usually pick her up and take her for a walk around – in arms or carrier/sling not via hauling the stroller around.
And I don’t mean wander around the tables – like head to the lobby or main entrance or this time of year, looking at the ornaments on a tree is a great distraction.
Usually DH and I will both look at the menu in advance and decide what to order and a backup so we can order for each other if one of us is up walking around the baby. Also we generally do just a main and dessert – or app and main – pretty hard to get through more than 2 courses.
Anon says
My two cents: We are probably more adventurous than some about taking our kids to nice meals. That being said: 1) I would make the dinner as early as possible. Like 5 pm or something. I figure other diners should reasonably assume that there will be families at earlier times. Then, sorry, but if it’s full witching hour (i.e. they start crying) and it’s a dinner at a really nice restaurant you remove the baby from the restaurant immediately and walk them around. Hopefully you can bring them back at some point, but be prepared to possibly not. If this possibility makes it not worth it to you to go, then do not.
Basically, in a situation like that I want to be aware that other people are likely paying hunderds of dollars for a special occasion meal, and a crying baby will ruin that for many. And as mentioned I have kids so I am sympathetic, but I am also sympathetic to the other side.
FWIW even several years on we ALWAYS have more success at lunches out with our kids than dinners. Would your parents be willing to do this restaurant for lunch instead?
Emma says
All good advice, thanks! I definitely want to be sensitive to other diners too. We’ve done lunch/brunch and she was pretty chill, evenings are trickier for sure. We can see if lunch is an option.
NYCer says
Depending on how long this trip is, could your parents go to the nice restaurant one night and you and your husband go the next night? YMMV but I would have enjoyed that more than bringing my baby to a fancy restaurant. [This obviously only works if you are okay leaving your baby with your parents.]
Boston Legal Eagle says
+1 This is what I would do. It will be more enjoyable for everyone involved if you each get the nice experience of a restaurant, without worrying about the baby.
Emma says
That’s also an option! I’ve made it clear that they can go on Saturday night but DH and I would be staying in and getting room service- it’s the first night there, and Saturdays are busy. I think they wanted us to have a nice meal together but we’ll have those at the cabin too.
Anne-on says
Is this a ski type of resort? If so I think you’re fine – I’ve seen plenty of small children at dinners at 4/5 star resorts. I’d level set expectations with your parents though – order ASAP and limit the courses. We still talk about when my parents thought it was totally reasonable to have a leisurely 4 course dinner with our toddler and we had to tersely inform them it was main courses and 1 drink only unless they were willing to be the ones taking laps around the restaurant with a wriggly/bored 15 month old. Also be prepared to bail if your kid loses it – nobody minds a happy babbling baby, people aren’t going to be pleased listening to a child wailing for 15 minutes while they’re trying to have a pleasant dinner.
Emma says
Yeah I think I might need to prepare my parents a bit as they seemed genuinely surprised that I was concerned about this. Either I was an angel baby or they have forgotten how things were with a newborn! and my dad likes his fancy meals with wine etc.
Pogo says
honestly, if we are talking true newborn, like 12 weeks or less, put that little nugget in a soft wrap and they will conk out. It’s the 4mos+ when they get more alert, curious, sleep less, etc that they are tough to have out at dinner.
Anon says
Define “nice”? The French Laundry or Eleven Madison Park no. The “nice” restaurants in our small city with $35 entrees yes.
Emma says
I mean it’s a higher end resort and this is their gourmet restaurant as opposed to their more casual pub offering, but it’s not Michelin star or anything.
Anon says
I think it’s fine. The resort setting (assuming it’s kid friendly) makes this more common and acceptable than just a nice restaurant in a big city.
Anon says
Agreed. People get that you are travelling and need to eat out.
Emma says
Thanks everyone, this has got me thinking that maybe we’ll try it! I’ve been to this place before, and there is a lounge area with couches near the restrooms that I can retreat too if baby cries or is hungry. The only problem is that the entrance to the restaurant is through a small bar area, so I may need to race through the bar with a screaming baby. I’m breastfeeding but might bring a bottle to make things easier, and will let the restaurant know. And I obviously wouldn’t just let the baby scream- I fully anticipate needing to leave the room a few times and abort the dinner as needed. Cabin is walking distance so I could just leave. Hopefully the four of us can trade off baby duty enough that whatever I’ve ordered can be consumed in peace.
Anon says
Oh gosh, I wouldn’t give two thoughts to walking through the bar with a screaming baby. People can deal with a minute of loud transit time.
Enjoy, I hope it all works out!
Anon says
With that context, I literally can’t imagine a more perfect scenario for trying a restaurant meal with a baby. Four related adults, a lounge area for minor tantrums, and no driving required for the short walk back to the cabin if things go south? There is no better time or place. Go forth and prosper!
Anonymous says
When my baby was 3 mos we did lots of nice restaurants and it was (mostly) great. A few times we had to take turns walking around the block with him while he calmed down, but mostly he slept through it. the noise of the restaurant had a calming effect I think! We went on the early side to make sure it wasn’t super crowded.
Emma says
That’s good to know, thanks! She usually likes the stroller and isn’t too sensitive to noise but sometimes she gets super cranky if awoken so I’m not sure what to expect.
SC says
When mine was 3 months old, restaurants were easy. I’d feed him before we went in, and he’d conk out the whole meal. I think it was something about the noise having a calming effect. And he just slept a lot in general.
Anonymous says
I am a decidedly not crafty person, yet volunteered to run a “winter craft” at my first grader’s class’ winter party. I have about 20 minutes, and $50 to spend on supplies for a group of about 20 kids. Any ideas? Nothing holiday-specific. Thanks!
Lizard says
Amaz0n has a lot of good options, just search for “20 kids holiday craft kit.” A few I saw that I’d consider in your shoes:
https://smile.amazon.com/Christmas-Ornaments-Stickers-Hanging-Decorations/dp/B09FXSSMK4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=184E7OQZU25I8&keywords=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit&qid=1670425555&sprefix=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-6
https://smile.amazon.com/Reindeer-Christmas-Ornament-4Es-Novelty/dp/B09KXJRZVQ/ref=sr_1_9?crid=184E7OQZU25I8&keywords=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit&qid=1670425555&sprefix=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-9
https://smile.amazon.com/Art-Craft-Gift-Kids-Preschool/dp/B09H5MF3NL/ref=sxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295%3Aamzn1.sym.4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295&crid=184E7OQZU25I8&cv_ct_cx=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit&keywords=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit&pd_rd_i=B09H5MF3NL&pd_rd_r=126d8c56-44b2-48a7-9213-3b0a2573e3e6&pd_rd_w=wcIVu&pd_rd_wg=g1Mfq&pf_rd_p=4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295&pf_rd_r=06FZ17RBJW8KSWEVC2HW&qid=1670425555&sprefix=20+kids+holiday+craft+kit%2Caps%2C120&sr=1-2-a73d1c8c-2fd2-4f19-aa41-2df022bcb241-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFXOVBVOVhRMlZPME0mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzOTcxMjQyTFUyR1AxS0IySFNSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2NzM3MjBORFJNNkZPVTc5QUEmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWMmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Anon says
for the record, making christmas tree ornaments is not a “winter craft” assuming there are any kids who don’t celebrate christmas at the school
Cb says
Twig or tongue depressor stars. Or pompom snow people.
AIMS says
I would do something snowman related. You can google for options. a}Lots of easy ones here: https://www.orientaltrading.com/color-your-own-mini-snowman-canvas-tote-bags-12-pc–a2-13749924.fltr?sku=13749924&BP=PS544&ms=search&source=google&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-18602732052-_-141994461589-_-13749924&cm_mmca1=OTC%2BPLAs&cm_mmca2=GooglePLAs&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1puw4-jn-wIVV-DICh2H2AdGEAQYFyABEgLFH_D_BwE
Anonymous says
Another snowman option that I’ve done: https://www.craftsbycourtney.com/how-to-crafts/toilet-paper-roll-snowmen/
TheElms says
Could you do popsicle stick snowmen? You need popsicle sticks, some jewels/ buttons to glue on the stick, a round white circle for the head, a black hat, a pipe cleaner for a scarf and then markers to draw the face and nose.
But there are lots of variations on snowmen crafts so I would google that and pick one that looks appealing to you.
Tea/Coffee says
Ask if it can be a game instead of craft (ymmv)
Winter themed bingo
Or
Minute to win it type games. Chopsticks +different small candies = race to sort the x from the y or put all the blue candies in the cup or whatever.
Or
Get some little scratch art snowflakes or snowmen. Kids go nuts for those and bonus, very little cleanupt
Anon says
Snow globes, maybe? https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-glitter-snow-globes-from-mason-jars
Anonymous says
Paper snowflakes. Please none of those craft kits where they glue together foam shapes or pompoms or popsicle sticks and then bring home the junk and want me to keep it forever.
SC says
+1. I still remember cutting out snowflakes in Kindergarten and thinking how cool it was! Maybe let them paint or sprinkle glitter on afterwards?
Anonymous says
Nooooo to glitter.
Isabella says
Paper snowflakes for sure! They are also great because it’s easy for kids to increase the quantity or quality according to their mood. 1 kid might make 5 or 10 snowflakes with a few triangles cut from each; another kid might spend the whole time on one elaborate awesome snowflake, and the price is basically the same!
Anonymous says
Go to Michaels and buy wooden frames. Buy seasonal stickers. Let them decorate.
Travel in Japan with kids? says
We’re considering travelling to Japan (Tokyo as a starting point) with our 7yr old kid next March. Does anyone have recommendations regarding itineraries, sights that are suitable for family travel, pacing, etc? Looking at around 10 days total, flying out of Chicago O’Hare.
Our kid is fine with walking a few miles with breaks, as we go hiking often and have explored European cities on foot, walking up to 7 miles a day in total, and are comfortable using public transport.
We’ve been before, pre-kid (Tokyo, took the train to Kyoto, did a ryokan stay, my husband has been to Hiroshima and Himeji area), so not too concerned about generally getting around.
Anon says
No advice but please report back and share your itinerary if you go! We’re thinking of doing Japan when our kid is around the same age. We’re also in the Chicago area.
Anon says
+1 we’d like to take our kids there too! (But they are significantly younger).
My only recommendation is to fly into Haneda if possible. When I traveled to Japan for business trips I only flew into Haneda to avoid the schlep to/from Narita. Looks like United and ANA have direct flights from ORD to HND.
Anon says
By “next March” do you mean three months from now or 2024? I’m not super familiar with Japan but generally it’s quite late to be planing international travel for March 2023. I know Japan re-opened fairly recently and there was a huge rush to book when it did, so it might be even more difficult to book on short notice right now.
anon says
As a counter point, we’re planning to go to Europe in late March/early April 2023 and only just booked lodging and hotels last week, but had no issues with availability of either.
DLC says
We went to Japan with our four year, old pre-pandemic. We visited Kyoto and Tokyo. In Kyoto the biggest hits were going to Nara to see the Temple and the Deer, and Arashiyama for the bamboo grove and the monkeys. Then we took the bullet train to Tokyo, which was fun. We were only two days in Tokyo and our favorite things were going to eat conveyor belt sushi and going to the Sony showroom and looking at all the new technology.
Anon says
How much illness is normal in older kids? This is my almost 5 year old’s fourth winter in daycare. First winter was non-stop illness as you’d expect (although it all came to an abrupt halt in March 2020), second and third winters were basically illness-free except a couple mild colds but it now appears that was mostly due to mask mandates and other Covid protocols. Things are back to normal now, and I’d say so far we’ve had as much sickness as the first winter? RSV, two ear infections and strep since early October. I guess I should be grateful that she hasn’t had the biggest baddies like flu, Covid and HFM, and we haven’t missed that much work since antibiotics kick in fast. But we’re spending a fortune at the doctor and she’s been on antibiotics almost continuously for six weeks. I thought at this age and after 4 years of daycare we would be getting past the constant sickness. 😟
Anonymous says
According to our pediatrician the expectation is constant illness for the first two years of day care or school. You had year one, then a two-year break because of masks etc., and now you’re getting year two.
govtattymom says
We are experiencing a very similar situation with our 6 year old (who is in first grade). She was 3 when covid hit and was home for a year and a half. Then she attended a private school for kindergarten. The school took Covid precautions very seriously: all of the kids wore masks and the class sizes were very small. This year we moved her to public school and she has been sick A LOT! I assume that we are paying the price for 2.5 years illness free. I hope things turn around for you soon!
Pogo says
+1 same story here. Zero illnesses during pandemic and full masking, masks are off and now the illnesses are back with a vengeance….
Anonymous says
Sometimes you just get a bad year – there is luck involved. Pre-pandemic, my son was in daycare since he was 12 weeks old and had plenty of illness. Even so, the year he was 4 he got strep 3 times in about 6 weeks. Then he did not miss a single day of school in kindergarten the next year. I often felt fall and spring was worse than the dead of winter too, for some reason. Just don’t move across the country as that resets the germ clock!
Boston Legal Eagle says
I think it’s normal, and may also be kid-dependent in terms of illness recurrence. Both of my kids have been in daycare since 5-6 months. My older kid has not been sick beyond a few sniffles in the last 2+ years. And stopped getting the monthly colds during his last few years in daycare. My younger one seems to get sick every month in the winter, despite this being his (upcoming) 4th winter at daycare. Multiple cases of RSV, other viruses and lots of croup.
anon says
Yeah, I think we are all starting over with sicknesses, unfortunately. My poor 3yr old is taking the brunt of it, our Kinder seems to get sick for a day or two and bounce back quickly.
anon in brooklyn says
It seems that the years of covid protocols caused the kids to lose a lot of immunity that they built up in daycare. My daughter is in 1st grade and she and all her friends have all been sick multiple times this fall. The teachers have 3-4 kids absent every day. I think we’re basically just having first year of daycare style sickness over again, and next year will be better.
Tea/Coffee says
Pandemic rebound. I have one ES and one MS aged kid. The ESer is just getting over a couple days of bad fever and I am bracing for a rebound. Both of their classes have been FULL of otherwise healthy kids out sick repeatedly – and everyone’s passing sibling germs around, too.
A Friend mentioned that yesterday was the first day in 3 weeks they did not have any kids home sick.
Anon says
This year’s just bad. Just do a quick google or check out the recent piece in the Cut for perspective. I’ve been to urgent care six times in the last eight weeks with my kids (impossible to get into the pediatrician because, wait for it, everyone’s sick).
Anonymous says
It’s easier to get in to our pediatrician’s office than urgent care. Our pediatric urgent care is perpetually turning people away because they are over capacity.
Anon says
Urgent cares are super busy in our city too. We had to go to one on Saturday because we had no choice. I was super worried because online it said the wait time was 5-6 hours, but my kid was screaming hysterically non-stop and the triage nurse decided she needed to be seen almost immediately. One of the few instances in which having a very dramatic child has made my life easier!
SC says
This year is really bad for everyone because of the two years where everyone wore masks and didn’t swap germs. The children’s hospitals in our area were almost full at one point because of RSV. A pediatrician friend of mine said that her group is leaving one doctor free every day to handle sick visits and is doubling the number of patients on that doctor’s schedule. She also said she’s never seen teenagers as sick as they are this year. She even had some patients test positive for Flu A and Flu B at the same time. Fortunately, she said that the epidemiologists say it’ll even back out next year.
Anon2 says
I’ll share another perspective – I have a 5 & 7 (and 1), both in school, and we’ve barely been sick. Since September, we’ve had one bad cold, a couple random days off for a low grade fever or vomit episode, and a very minor bout of HFM (which I didn’t realize until the contagious period was basically over). And I as the mom haven’t caught any of them!
We were big maskers the last two years, kids wore KN94s at school, we didn’t do much outside socializing, etc, but our immune systems seem better than ever. Still have never gotten Covid, either.
I know the data say this is a monster illness season, but I feel like I’m living in an alternate reality. Baby is home with me, so that helps.
Anon says
i have 4.5 year old twins. we were at the pediatrician November 18, 22, 23, December 6 and taking the other twin later this afternoon. (we were also at the pediatrician earlier in November and plenty in October)
Boston Legal Eagle says
‘Tis the time of year for my in-laws to bug us every day for a list of what the kids want for Christmas, then we spend our precious free time putting together a list of toys for kids who have a lot already, and then in-laws end up buying some things outside of the list anyway. Sigh. I get annoyed every year.
Anon says
My MIL never asks. She just buys and then gets upset when people don’t immediately gush over her gift or use it incessantly. And god forbid you need to exchange something. She buys my husband pajamas every Christmas – size Large. He is 6-1, 230. Has not worn size Large since high school. And every year, she gets defensive about him wanting to exchange them and tries to talk him into why they must be the right size. They only visit us about 1x per year (our preference) and she never asks what size our toddler is wearing and then gets frustrated when she guesses wrong.
I grew up in a home where my mom literally reminds us all on Christmas morning that she has gift receipts and her feelings won’t be hurt if we return stuff (and she means it), so it’s still a shock to my system.
Anonymous says
My mom is like your MIL. It’s because she buys stuff over the summer/on sale. You get what you get in terms of sizes, there are no exchanges.
90% of what she gifts us gets donated.
I’ve tried to fix it; it just is what it is after all this time.
anon says
My DH’s aunts pull this crap. At some point, I decided I was done. I give them very vague directions and no longer put much thought into the list at all. I would love to end the gift grab, because my kids certainly don’t need more stuff, but MIL has told us that we’ll start WW3 if we “take that joy away from the great aunts.”
Pogo says
PREACH SISTER!
Anon says
add to that, your MIL needs to be done buying your kid gifts right now bc she must focus on planning SIL’s (who has been engaged for less than a week) wedding. MIL does not work. Not sure why purchasing things online and making some wedding related phone calls/emails are mutually exclusive?
AwayEmily says
actual lol. This is perfect.
Aunt Jamesina says
Sounds like a job for your spouse!
Anon says
My 6 yo has requested that Santa surprise her this year. Any suggestions for something fantastic? I don’t expect her to believe for much longer and would love to have some fun with it.
anon says
Barbie Dream House
Anon says
+1 my 6 year old who isn’t even into Barbies or dolls in general wants this so bad. (Santa is getting it for her).
Anon says
Thanks!! She has never pretended with figurines, so I hesitate. Her preference is to be one of the characters herself. Past figurine sets and doll houses have gone entirely unused. She loved a giant doctor’s set she got last year and it got a ton of use. She’s been really into dress up for years, but may be growing out of it.
She recently saved her allowance for months and months to get an AG doll. She loves her doll but is uninterested in a second. She’s getting a bunch of doll accessories and clothes from her sister, so that doesn’t work for a Santa present.
Anon says
well what does she like? what other gifts will she be receiving? do you like the idea of doing a bigger gift from Santa or from you? anything she is particularly into? a certain activity, food, etc.? I love brainstorming gift ideas, so if you include some additional info, I’ll check back later and let you know what I think of
Anon says
Our big family gift this year is a trip for the week between X-mas and New Years so she’s only getting little stuff other than the Santa present.
Our house is full of craft stuff already. She’s in a weird transition between little kid and big kid toys. She’s always loved to pretend, but is aging out of dress up. She loves fantasy (dragons and unicorns), playing doctor or family or veterinarian or school with her sister, and wearing dresses with all the accessories.
Anon says
where is this trip to? does she have any favorite foods? what kind of dresses/accessories does she like?
Anon says
Trip is to Egypt to see the pyramids.
She loves all food and often eats like a 40 yo.
Dresses and accessories should be colorful and sparkly, though she has a closet full already.
Anonymous says
How about cute personalized luggage from PB Kids for the trip? Her own iPad with headphones?
Anon says
Yeah I’d get something related to the trip!
(And Egypt, how cool! Between you and the Japan poster everyone is giving me wanderlust today! And here I was thinking we’re adventurous for taking our kids to Europe…)
TheElms says
Fantastic is fairly kid specific, but some things that have been hits with my friends first/second graders have been: an instant camera and a lot of film, a glitter slime making kit, a hoverboard, a karaoke machine, an American Girl Doll, an iPad, an enormous tub of craft supplies (it was a big storage tote that my friend filled with everything imaginable for crafts – most of it sparkly).
NYCer says
A new bike?
Anon says
She’s a weird in between size right now so I think we’ll do a bike for her birthday in the spring when she’s a touch taller and the weather is better.
NYCer says
Makes sense! Maybe something for your trip then? Her own iPad and headphones if she doesn’t already have them?
Anonymous says
I always save the dumb stuff I won’t buy as the Santa gift.
Would she like a magic mixie? A pet? (Thinking fish or hamster, that of course you are on board with, not dog!). Light up roller skates/blades? A skateboard? Hoverboard? Air hockey table? Gymnastics mats? Nintendo switch? Outdoor play thing (climbing dome, zip line, slackline, etc?).
Emily Sealy says
A pet? Hear me out: my 6 old only asked for guinea pigs for Christmas, and Santa delivered a cage, food, fun bedding, and a certificate for guinea pigs (because it is too cold to carry them on his sled but really because we were going out of town for a few days afterward.) If he had brought actual piggies, she would have lost her mind. I typically roll my eyes at a puppy with a bow under the tree, but I was surprisingly on board with a pocket pet. I should also say we had done our research in advance; I had guinea pigs growing up so I knew some of what to expect, and we knew they would be a fine fit with our family once we returned from vacation. Obviously know your audience.
Other than that, as others have said, something giant and doll related (if not the dream house, the Disney princess castle, the AG plane set, cafe set, or remote control car, or a doll with a bundle of clothes and accessories), or an easel and lots of art supplies, a ridiculously large stuffed animal, a fully stocked classic doll house, her very own suitcase with a personalized luggage tag.
Anon says
i also think part of it is in the presentation – include some poem printed on special paper, etc. with the gift
anon says
Favorite board games for a 10 year old boy? This is for a giving tree so I don’t know anything about him.
Anan says
I like Simon because kid can play it by themselves.
King of Tokyo, Ticket to Ride, Code Names, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza are also favorites at our house.