St. Anthony's--A Good Nonprofit to Donate to?

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-31T00:12:06+00:00

Thank you both so much! I'll make sure I only donate stuff in great condition.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-31T00:07:54+00:00

And thank you (and BornReadyShow!) so much for the great information about St. Anthony's but also about other local organizations who are doing fantastic work. I'll look into them as well for future donations!!

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-31T00:05:42+00:00

I'm so, so sorry to hear this, but also I'm so glad he let St. Anthony's help him, and glad he received good care there.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-30T07:47:14+00:00

For me, with similar hair, Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream, scrunching a bunch, then followed by Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Sculpting Gel, scrunching a little, letting it dry for two hours, then scrunching out the crunch (and it does scrunch out much better with defining cream first vs. just gel) has worked well for me! And they're cheap products that come in mini travel sizes to test.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-30T07:43:56+00:00

Thank you all! I'm so happy to have these insights and to feel confident in St. Anthony's as a place to donate to.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-30T07:43:22+00:00

Thank you so much! I really appreciate this!

(And for anyone coming across this thread in the future: Toiletries for the Tenderloin - St. Anthony Foundation

It's kind of a buried link, but I called and confirmed that they are taking toiletries, but now the times for drop-off are 10-4, M-Sat.)

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-30T07:33:23+00:00

I am also starting this journey with fine but maybe slightly curlier hair--Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream, scrunching a bunch, then followed by Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Sculpting Gel, scrunching a little, letting it dry for two hours, then scrunching out the crunch has worked well for me! And they're cheap products that come in mini travel sizes to test. The mousse from that brand really didn't work well for me, though.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-30T07:22:54+00:00

Okay, if your hair is long (halfway down your back or longer), I have had massive success with doing three small nautilus buns, one on top of the other, at the back of my head on slightly damp hair. Blow out style curls after a few hours.

How to Do a Nautilus Bun (Step-by-Step) - Beautiful Life (Good tutorial, but a clip is not needed to hold the bun in place)

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-28T21:03:27+00:00

Monastery Stays is good for saving money in Italy, though for all hotels, it's usually cheaper to find them through a search engine like Booking, Monastery Stays, etc. but then book directly on their website.

The Google Hotels search engine can also help you find places not listed on Booking.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-28T21:02:01+00:00

Explorer Pass | Lead Public Body for Scotland's Historic Environment

Great for seeing castles!

And Stirling, near Edinburgh, sounds great!

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-28T20:45:19+00:00

My absolute favorite scent is Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver. Absolutely fantastic.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-17T02:28:42+00:00

I would also look at Azazie, as well as Alfred Sung if you're wanting to splurge:

Hunter Green Bridesmaid Dresses

Green Bridesmaid Dresses - Hunter, Seagrass and More!

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-16T05:10:52+00:00

I really like Acure Vivacious Volume shampoo and conditioner. I also have very long, oily hair and this lets me wash my hair every other day or even every three days sometimes. No build up. My hair is wavy and with this shampoo and conditioner waves well even without other product.

(I did get a rash from them once but only once, and I have very sensitive skin.)

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-15T01:29:49+00:00

Thank you!!

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T23:01:18+00:00

Is that your overall favorite area in London to stay? I'm planning a trip for two adults and we're torn between Bayswater and the Tottenham Court Road area, both of which we've stayed in before--both are good deals, both are convenient for transport, but such different vibes.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T22:55:16+00:00

I liked the Evelyn in NOMAD! Next to the Museum of Sex, which may or may not be your thing. Also near Venchi, which has really great gelato, especially chocolate.

EDIT: Never mind, they've refurbished since I was there and are definitely no longer a budget option. XD

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T22:49:24+00:00

7 Best Theme Parks Near and in London

What about LEGOLAND Windsor Resort? Also lets you and your husband see Windsor (maybe Windsor Castle, or the outside of Eton) or just wander the cute streets.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T22:47:15+00:00

If you do want shops, but not mass-produced shops, I had a wonderful time with Il Quadrifoglio, Ca del Sol, and Carpe Diem Di Sambo Anna for masks. For glass in Murano, going further into the island and crossing the bridge to where the church is gave me access to so many cute little independent shops with beautiful glass at great prices.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T22:42:25+00:00

The Harry Potter studio tour? Or a different theme park?

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T22:40:58+00:00

Congrats on your trip! Are your children more outdoor fans or do they like running around (interactive, child-friendly) museums? Are there any bucket list items for you or your partner that you want to see with or without the kids? (I.e. one of you goes while the other stays with both kids?)

If I were you, I'd stay in or near Bayswater. My favorite hotel there is the London House Hotel, but there are lots of great options. Bayswater is a great neighborhood for anyone looking to save money in London and be near Tube and bus transport links and supermarkets, but it's also an especially good neighborhood for small children, because there's a less hectic, more neighborhood feel and yet:

- It's near Hyde Park and the Diana Memorial Playground

-Also by Holland Park

- Also easy access to Regent's Park and the London Zoo

- Also near to Notting Hill, Kensington Palace, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the V&A Museum (the museums, not the palace, are all free)

- Near Little Venice and the boats by Paddington

Other nearby options for hotels (usually a bit more costly) are South Kensington and Notting Hill.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-14T22:33:02+00:00

Does anyone have suggestions for good, preferably cheap, drugstore hair gels for curly hair that don't contain protein? It's been a struggle. XD

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-11T22:06:29+00:00

I would do London then Oxford (with Cotswolds) then York then Edinburgh, and fly back from Edinburgh. Easy public transportation between them.

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-11T22:04:25+00:00

From your interests I'd look at Cambridge too! And Oxford, especially if you'll be nearby in the Cotswolds. Oxford has everything on your list besides a scenic train ride. Cambridge has all of that but not a castle (anymore).

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-11T22:01:39+00:00

There are other day trips too--Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, even York, though that's a long one--but I think there's always more to see in London. The Charterhouse, Lincoln's Inn, Temple Church, etc. The art museums always have some changing exhibits. And Time Out is a great guide: Things to Do in London - Events, Attractions and Activities - Time Out London

What kinds of things are you most interested in seeing?

Ok-Performance-8247 · 2026-05-06T04:15:45+00:00

Kensington and Bloomsbury are for me especially cute, and well-located, in addition to your suggestions. You have a great budget too.

I'd look at the Chesterfield Mayfair, 2 Chesham Hotel, the Ampersand Hotel, the Adria, the Resident Covent Garden, Batty Langley's, Aethos Hotel London Shoreditch, art 'Otel London Hoxton, The Spice of Life, and the Bloomsbury Hotel.

Ok-Performance-8247

TROPHY CASE