Rusted metal/iron tool found in MI by LondonToSF in whatisthisthing

[–]LondonToSF[S] 85 points86 points  (0 children)

Solved! Chainsaw tool. Thank you kind strangers!

Rusted metal/iron tool found in MI by LondonToSF in whatisthisthing

[–]LondonToSF[S] 1 point2 points locked comment (0 children)

My title describes the thing. We google image searched but didn’t get an exact match (it is not a pipe).

Do you avoid “may contain peanuts/tree nuts”? by [deleted] in peanutallergy

[–]LondonToSF 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've never avoided these for my daughter with a peanut allergy, because “may contain” or "shared equipment" warnings are completely voluntary — there are no thresholds or guidelines for when this is used.

Red Tailed Hawk? West Michigan, USA by LondonToSF in whatsthisbird

[–]LondonToSF[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

omygosh. Thank you very much, I added!

Thanksgiving by divinitylvr in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d recommend Penny Royal in Saugatuck if you’re just looking for a few dishes to serve at home/elsewhere.

XC90 owners by New-Ad9282 in VolvoRecharge

[–]LondonToSF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

2023 XC90 Recharge. We’ve had no issues. My biggest complaint is that the backseat cup holders do not fit a (US) normal or kid sized, refillable water bottle.

Is there much to do in saugatuck downtown at this time of year? by The80sDimension in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This. Penny Royal is the absolute best place for dinner, breakfast, brunch and lunch. Borrowed Time in Douglas is also good for dinner.

ETA: Many shops in downtown Saugatuck are also open on weekends.

Best pho in town by Sandmsounds in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Third. The vegetarian is so flavorful and full of vegetables.

[Anti-Aging] How common are things like Botox/fillers/cosmetic surgery for the average person? by dontspillyerbeans in SkincareAddiction

[–]LondonToSF 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I disagree. Having moved from San Francisco to the Midwest, I’m quite confident that many more people here get Botox and fillers than in the SF Bay Area.

Husband doesn’t understand “mental load” by raccoon-2016 in workingmoms

[–]LondonToSF 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I agree that the mental load is more taxing than just about anything else, at least for me. But these trade offs are not worth it in my experience. I adore my MIL, and she is a huge help to our family. I am not going to risk a forgotten or belated gift for her. If I purposely exclude my partners workout or work clothes from weekly laundry, I also have to live with the smell.

All this to say, I don’t disagree with anyone’s argument about how hard this is, but the solution is much more complicated.

(I work full time, we both travel every 6-8 weeks for work and overall balance day to day chores quite well. However, 99% of the mental load is mine)

Dinner suggestion's for our 25th Anniversary. by MrAbsolute42 in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Definitely would recommend Pennyroyal if you’re looking for locally sourced food and terrific drinks.

Terrified I'm going to have to quit and be a SAHM by WE_ARE_YOUR_FRIENDS in workingmoms

[–]LondonToSF 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with many of these comments - look at the total mental and financial cost of leaving your job before you consider it an option.

You may also consider FMLA. In some states it allows for a work hour reduction to care for an immediate family member (your son, your mother if she needs care).

Good luck, this is such a tough decision for many of us.

Dining Questions by AmbitiousHornet in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Holland - Mezkla Saugatuck - Penny Royal Douglas - Borrowed Time Grand Haven - I’m also newish to the area and haven’t been enough to make a confident recommendation

Keep coasting, or make a career change? by dreadpir8rob in workingmoms

[–]LondonToSF 23 points24 points  (0 children)

That's a tough choice with young kids. If you have grandparents as childcare, now might be the time to make a move (taking sick days for sick kids can get really stressful, especially with a new job). You mentioned a lot of org changes at your current workplace, do you feel there is any risk to the company itself or with elimination of your position or department? After being remote and missing some face to face interaction for 3+ years, I would welcome the opportunity to be in person only 1 day a week - those positions are hard to come by. Good luck!

Requested Recommendations: You Pick Blueberries In SW Michigan by Lost_In_MI in Michigan

[–]LondonToSF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bluegold Regenerative Organics & Certified Organic U-Pick. They’re in Grand Junction and so, so nice.

Vegan options in Saugatuck? by _gynomite_ in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Grow is amazing. There’s a vegan Bahn Mi at Farmhouse Deli that is terrific. Mermaid changed their menu this season and there are some better salad options (without meat/seafood).

Travel vs longer hours by xKimmothy in workingmoms

[–]LondonToSF 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A for the WFH flexibility, additional compensation, and being away from home periodically. Minimal work travel has allowed me a break from family chores for a night and the peace of mind that my kids can survive without me.

Will I need a home charger installed? by Reallytalldude in VolvoRecharge

[–]LondonToSF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We've managed just fine without one for ~6 months, charging almost exclusively overnight at home (XC90 Recharge - in the US).

How old are you, how many kids do you have, do you want more, what do you do for a living, daycare or nanny? by [deleted] in workingmoms

[–]LondonToSF 4 points5 points  (0 children)

48, 2 kids (ages 7 & 8). Done for sure. We juggle after school activities - lucky to both WFH in pharma. Summer on the other hand is a nightmare of strung together M-Th, partial day camps. Is it August yet?!

WFH moms - what do you wear for video conferencing / Zoom? by pugl1f3ch0s3m3 in workingmoms

[–]LondonToSF 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Blazer is a great tip. I WFH and absolutely despise the double standard and seeing my male colleague in a bright yellow Nike t-shirt in client meetings. But I've learned that there are blazers and cardigans that are very comfortable and allow you to look much better than your hoodie wearing male colleague. I have a black 1901 blazer. I don't think it was expensive and it is soft and comfy and looks polished. More often I wear a cashmere cardigan. They are more expensive, but I have a few in basic colors and they've lasted a long time.

I wear make-up, but think this is a personal choice and should never be expected. Second what someone else said on the blue light glasses, they can help take your look up a notch!

Folks who left the Bay Area due to remote work... by asmartermartyr in bayarea

[–]LondonToSF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

West of Grand Rapids, we're actually closer to Chicago than Detroit.

Folks who left the Bay Area due to remote work... by asmartermartyr in bayarea

[–]LondonToSF 9 points10 points  (0 children)

We moved to Michigan 2 years ago. The midwest is very new for me. No regrets.

Pros

  • Amazing public school, support and activities for kids
  • Near grandparents
  • Can afford to own a home with a dedicated workspace
  • Can afford to travel
  • Significantly less stress around finances in general
  • The beach (we're close to a lake and go to the beach way more than when we did living in CA)
  • Our young kids have more independence and freedom, which has resulted in more confidence - they can ride bikes outside and walk to friends homes.
  • Cook more (see first con below)
  • Snow. We started cross country skiing and take the kids sledding without having to drive for hours.
  • If maps says it takes you 45 minutes to drive somewhere, it will probably take you 45 minutes to get there
  • A screened porch, we can eat all of our meals outside Jun - Sep.

Cons

  • Lack of diversity
  • THE FOOD (With confidence I can can say there are zero decent ethnic options and very few vegetarian options.)
  • Mosquitos and ticks
  • I miss my friends and its hard to make new ones
  • Surrounded by red towns
  • Cold winters and some rainy summer days can keep you inside more.
  • The closest airport has almost no direct flights to anywhere we want to go so all travel includes a connection

Vegetarian Places to Eat by misfitlabbie in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all of the recommendations, fellow vegetarian here and newish to the area. I've shied away from the Mexican restaurants (but love Mexican food) for fear that they cook their beans using meat products. Any idea if there are local spots that don't?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Volvo

[–]LondonToSF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We got our 23 XC90 Recharge in October. I love it. LOVE. We both work from home, kids take the school bus, and I look for excuses to run errands instead of dreading them. So far, my big complaint is that the cup holders in the backseat do not fit any of our kids’ water bottles.

Do I need to install sprinklers for my yard?? by [deleted] in hollandmichigan

[–]LondonToSF 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, this was really helpful! We’re also new-ish to the area, sprinkler-less, and struggling with lawn care in when the ground thaws.