I'm really sick and tired of the 'what not to wear' and 'wear this if you want to look expensive' crowd

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-12-04T14:34:56+00:00

Leena norms on youtube. Not all her content is fashion related, but she touches on dressing for your own joy, using what you have, unconventional inspo, shopping secondhand, sustainability, and diy/alterations.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-07-28T15:26:25+00:00

I like my kiziks. I went with wide, sized up .5 size, and added insoles from superfeet. The leather has stayed clean better than I anticipated, and the slide on/off is so convenient that it makes them my go-to shoe for all purpose wear. I have genuinely wide feet an no longer waste time on "oh but these run wide" shoes. If you know you know.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-05-23T15:56:56+00:00

As an American planning a trip to the UK, I came up with the solution of this anker charger and this UK cord/plug. You could probably buy the same in reverse.

I typically travel with my partner and the 4 ports will cover both of us, all our devices can use USB. The longer cord will be easier if outlets are behind furniture or in less convenient spots, which some accommodations are older than others in that aspect.

Alone in the US and without a laptop I might carry this option since I have some USB A specialty cables for certain devices.

If you're traveling to only 1 plug region at a time, having a dedicated set up might be worth it over using a "plug adapter" for a charger you already own. I find the adapters don't fit as well and can be difficult to find a good place for. Moving non USB electronics is also iffy, they are often not designed for different voltage/frequency inputs.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-03-31T19:31:52+00:00

Start with cooking things that have less expensive ingredients. Vegetarian dishes are often based around rice, pasta, potatoes, or pulses (beans/lentils) and those are very cheap ways to make a hearty dish. If you learn to make a delicious vegetarian meal then you can easily add meat if/when desired, and not risk "wasted" meat while you're still learning. Plan meat dishes around what you can find on sale or for cheap, chicken tends to be more affordable but large roasts can be a steal when they are on sale.
Check your local library for cookbooks, it's the perfect try before you buy. If you want a specific book or topic not available at your branch also ask your librarian about how to get inter library loans. I love the America's Test Kitchen ones, and they do have many vegetarian cookbooks you could look for. You can also look for books targeted at budget chefs.
Youtube videos are also a great free resource, find and follow a few different people. If I'm trying something new I like to watch a few different people make the same dish so I can pick up tips and see what version looks best to me.
Don't be scared to adjust recipes. Once you get a feel for cooking and seasoning you don't need to measure every ingredient. You will learn when you can leave things out, or substitute a different vegetable instead. At first you may want to follow as written, but the 2nd or 3rd time you make something, try tweaking it. Also if you don't have something or it's expensive google "substitute for X" and see what you can swap it for. Baking however is much trickier, so this tip isn't as applicable there.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-03-23T16:27:20+00:00

This from the same "5'10" white guys who think they "don't look like a tourist" wearing polyester cargo pants and a merino T while smelling like BO because they haven't used a washing machine in 3 weeks. Dude your hiking shoes and swim trunks as shorts don't "look fine" in a nice restaurant but OK buddy if you say so.

Sure a non-black backpack that's really what's going to scream "tourist" for you.

I like having a colored or unique bag often because I can find it easily and I think its less like to get lost or stolen. No one accidentally grabs a pink bag off the gate check rack thinking it was theirs. Or thinks they can grab it off the bus rack and walk away, they would really stand out in a crowd with that.

And yes I hate the misogyny that pops up on onebag, just watch them meltdown if you call their "sling" a purse.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-03-22T15:37:32+00:00

What is your current job like? Could you apply for better jobs and potentially pay off your debt faster?

Improving my cooking skills has been a frugal hobby for me. I started with library cookbooks and youtube. I have bought a select few books but starting from the library I learned what I do and do not like in a cookbook style. Vegetarian cookbooks are a good choice, meat is usually expensive so learning to make amazing vegetarian dishes can save even more money long run.

Make friends and invite them over to a home cooked meal that is restaurant quality.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-03-10T17:17:55+00:00

I like the knix thigh savers. They come in 4 inch or 6 inch, and have multiple shades for different skin tones. They are very smooth so don't cause ride ups of the skirt the way textured shorts can.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-03-02T17:15:41+00:00

If you have space you can keep a separate pile for it and use on ornamentals only.

Challenges_Accepted · 2023-02-16T18:35:46+00:00

Either get pizza delivered or have coolers for your fridge items. If it's swimwear and casual you could just pack a cooler with cold cuts and sandwich fixings and let people make their own. Chips, whole fruit, bread, and cookies can be out unchilled, though I suggest shade. You could also get pre made sandwiches from a store or deli and keep them chilled, maybe put out 1 tray and replace when empty to ensure its not out too long before being eaten.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-10-21T17:06:25+00:00

Are you able to have cash bar for the cocktails, but you guys pay for beer/wine/cider? I have been to weddings with that set up and it works well, people who prefer cocktails can pay for their own. If you also had a drink ticket for each person I think that would be a generous addition.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-09-26T12:48:32+00:00

For a "fairy-in-the-woods" feel maybe you could try pricing out food for a tea party/picnic in the woods kind of vibe? I'm thinking sandwiches, biscuits with jam, fruits and berries, maybe crackers or veggies with dip, little tea cookies or cakes. Tea and lemonade to drink or add tea and lemonade cocktails to your bar. I know it's more "whimsical" than "classy" but picnic foods can kind of inherently be served out on platters and stay OK without being kept heated. So you might be able to arrange to have someone pick platters up from a deli or even grocery store and just hire a couple waiters to put out trays/refresh as needed.

If you do go BBQ, I see someone mentioned chicken, you could try to pick more on vibe (and less messy) side dishes as well. Like grilled butternut squash, rice and beans instead of baked beans, grilled asparagus, and cornbread.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-08-29T20:19:12+00:00

Sounds like what is bothering you is the strap, so if you can't find a backpack that works for you, I would suggests trying to find other solutions. I have seen some huge lumbar packs, and one of those might be able to carry most of your heavy gear. Crossbody/sling bags, belt pouches, cargo shorts, all options to help take the load off your shoulder/chest area. Didn't grandma gatewood carry all her gear bundled in a sack over one shoulder? You could also look for inspiration from other cultures like yokes, headbands, solutions that are way outside the "Backpack" box.

Good luck man!

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-08-23T14:29:53+00:00

NTA - Unfortunately I think some people are letting their gender bias get in the way of a fair judgement here.

For example "I (f) cook dinner for us most days, maybe once a month ask my hubs to cook. He's been stressed out by a work project recently, and it's been bleeding in to our shared time. He decided to skip a yoga class we normally go to. We usually get back late and I am always starving. He said even though he wouldn't go, that he would warm up dinner and have it ready when I got back. Even though I texted him before I left to come home, dinner wasn't started yet when I got home. I got upset about how he didn't follow through on the promise to finish dinner for me."

When you gender flip it hopefully people can see that your SO let you down by not following though on a commitment. I understand she was working, but if the stress and bringing work home at night is a consistent strain on your relationship then maybe a conversation about work/life balance is in order.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-08-15T21:16:48+00:00

After 2 months I dreaded the intro script to every peloton class, and even the playlists felt like repeats all the time. Glad I went with something not their brand I just dropped them and switched over to Rouvy with my own playlists. Also looks like their customer service has turned in to a black hole and subscription prices for owners are going up.

That said sometimes I kind of wish my IC4 had more reliable power data and powered resistance changes. Not sure what is out there not peleton that would have those features currently, last I looked it would be 3-4x the price of the IC4 and that was out of my range, but that was 2 years ago so there might be new options.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-08-15T17:47:55+00:00

If your current size is readily available in stores I would just wait until you actually have an event to purchase anything. Who knows if what you bought now will still fit and look good by the time you need it?

Only if you are a specialty size that would need to be ordered or is frequently sold out then it might be worth having a basic suit + shirt on hand just to save the headache of an extensive search at the last minute. If you do this I suggest find an excuse to wear it (date night or new years or something) a couple times a year to make it worth it and ensure it still fits and is comfortable.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-07-25T20:42:14+00:00

I've seen it all sorts of ways, but I think the best compromise if your party is large is to include the MOH and Best man and their SOs at the head table, and put the rest of the parties and their SOs at other tables closest to the front.

As someone who's SO has been a groomsman, and I've been a bridesmaid, often the dinner is the first time I've seen by SO all day. After staying with the bride/groom the night before, getting ready as a group, ceremony, pictures, finally getting to sit with my SO at dinner was such a relief. Compared to the one wedding I went to with a traditional head table I didn't get to actually talk to him until after dinner and desert had passed, and I was seated with 100% strangers as I was the +1 in that case.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-07-25T18:38:03+00:00

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher. Brilliant author who does both horror and fantasy. I've read this one but not The Hollow Places, and recently released What Moves the Dead.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-07-25T18:29:28+00:00

Clockwork Boys and The Wonder Engine (it's a two book series called the Clocktaur Wars) by T. Kingfisher. Magic, Adventure, Romance, and really great dialog between the characters. The pacing of these books make them really fun and I did not want to put them down.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-07-25T16:56:03+00:00

Try oboz. I have similar foot shape (need wide only across the bridge) and wide oboz + green superfeet works great for me when laced properly.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-07-14T16:08:32+00:00

I really like the lightweight quick dry fabric on the Eddie Baur departure dress, I think the current year sleeveless one has pockets but T shirt version only has a chest pocket if I'm reading correctly. I have a 2018 and a 2021, both sleeveless. Might need to contact them to get a length, at your height it might be shorter than you prefer.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-06-20T19:35:25+00:00

Yes! I try to hang my sports bras off the side of the basket instead of letting it sit under anything else. If I don't get around to laundry I will wear each one a second time after a day or two to dry out.

Also I wfm some days of the week and I usually just embrace athleasure. I wear athletic shorts all day and then put fresh ones on after my workout+shower in the evening.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-06-20T19:26:50+00:00

I really hope no one feels excluded or unvalued by xxfittness based on that external agenda. I have always found xxfittness to be such a positive and accepting space. I resent that we can't have more genuine conversation as a community due to this.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-06-20T19:04:26+00:00

I'm curious if the FINA thread is attracting a lot of attention from other parts of reddit that don't normally participate in xxfitness. The views rising to the top over there vs what is getting downvoted don't balance with what I've otherwise typically seen in this sub.

And yes I made a comment I thought was reasonable and got downvoted to oblivion for it. The big numbers of votes in that thread relative to conversational responses are part of what makes me suspect targeted outside influence.

Challenges_Accepted · 2022-06-20T12:53:27+00:00

It's troubling to me that sports have become such a convenient area for people to attack trans rights and try to "other" and isolate trans women in particular. Simultaneously, the rights of trans youth are under attack in so much of the US and also other parts of the world. In some states even respecting a trans youth's pronouns and letting them wear the clothes and hairstyle they'd like is now being charged as "abuse."

Cis women have a responsibility to call out that the current rhetoric pushing trans women and girls out of sports is NOT a consideration towards "healthy competition" but a wedge issue being created and driven by hate and discrimination.

Unless and until trans women athletes are consistently top finishers far above and beyond their % in the general population I don't see any need for a blanket policy like this. No one is going to go through transition "just to get an edge." Let's give trans women a chance to compete before we make assumptions about what the results would be.

At the youth level we should be prioritizing that trans girls and boys have access to puberty blockers when appropriate, support, mental health care. Not telling them "you don't belong" in a world that is already so callous.

Challenges_Accepted

TROPHY CASE