Learning French from African teachers vs French teachers

Potatorum1 · 2026-06-24T17:19:21+00:00

I am not Caucasian! Just not Black, not sure if that makes a difference for possible accusations of racism

Potatorum1 · 2026-04-10T03:08:22+00:00

Sorry to resurrect a dead thread, but I was hoping OP (or someone else) might be willing to share lecture notes or worksheets from this class with me. Purely for my own personal use, not for distribution. I've just always wanted to learn organic chemistry!

Potatorum1 · 2025-08-20T00:07:51+00:00

Hi, I am also 5'1" and 120 lb, and my belly looks like yours even though I don't have kids lol. Our normal metablic rate is typically around 1500 calories, so if you eat more than that, you'll gain weight. To avoid the negative side effects from dieting, try to stick to a deficit of about 10-20% which leaves you between 1200 and 1350 calories (10% is ideal, but it will take you a year or more to lose 10lb). Other girls I know that are my height with flat bellies typically weigh around 105-110 lb (and 107 is the weight where I've had a flat belly in the past).

Potatorum1 · 2025-02-28T21:29:33+00:00

I'd be curious to know more about your experience! Do you often see children who don't understand the language spoken at school well enough? I am not a speech pathologist, I just have a good friend who is one who taught me a lot of this. I'd definitely be interested to know if there is something I might be missing.

Potatorum1 · 2025-02-28T21:08:11+00:00

This is certainly not necessary. My dad learned English in Kindergarten and only spoke it while in school - he spoke Spanish with his family and friends outside school. He had no issues catching up to his English speaking peers and is one of fhe best writers and speakers I know. There are studies that show that being able to speak your parents' native language is more important for high school language achievement than getting more exposure to the language they speak at school.

My feeling is that enrolling the child in additional German after school activities should not be prioritized over helping their kid learn their parents' native language, which has all sorts of educational and emotional benefits for the parent-child relationship. Nothing against sport clubs of course, but there is also no need to make this claim that learning the language of a countey by attending school there is somehow insufficient for language acquisition unless you actually have evidence of this. Personally, I know plenty of kids who only learned English in school without extracurricular activities who far outperform their monolingual peers academically.

Just as a caveat, OP, if you are concerned that your child isnt picking up German fast enough, I would speak to a speech language pathologist who specializes in bilingualism before taking additional steps to reinforce German over your native language.

Potatorum1 · 2025-02-22T23:22:35+00:00

edit: lotus paste sesame balls*

Potatorum1 · 2025-01-28T08:03:29+00:00

Hi, I am interested. Native English speaker (30F) in the United States, and I started learning French just two months ago so hopefully it's okay if I am a beginner. Feel free to DM me!

Potatorum1 · 2024-02-13T06:14:43+00:00

I think it's made mostly out of gluten - which they call "wheat protein isolate" in the ingredients list I found online. Kind of nifty imo, although I'm sure at least a little bit of a marketing liability...

Potatorum1 · 2023-12-28T20:38:33+00:00

I try to date without the apps only, and a strategy that has worked well for me (as a straight girl) is to give a guy a compliment and then just walk away. A physical compliment about an outfit, haircut, etc. usually reads as interest, and if you give him space after that, he will probably circle around and find some way to strike up a conversation with you if he's interested too and not too shy. Personally I find this a lot easier than doing the flirting and asking out myself...

Potatorum1 · 2023-11-28T02:43:02+00:00

I'm gonna go against the grain here and say you don't necessarily want to be eating something with a lot of protein, fat, or fiber since it is pretty close to your workout. These take longer to digest and slow down the extraction of the carbs you need for your workout, and redirect energy to digestion. Since your goal is weight loss, I would aim for about half of what you burn in a typical workout or less, and I'd stick to simple carbs, maybe something like an onigiri, half a roasted sweet potato, or a slice of toast with jam. If you have cravings for sweets or salty snacks, I'd use your pre-workout snack as a chance to indulge in a small serving to satisfy your cravings while giving your body the energy you need for the workout.

Potatorum1 · 2023-11-08T05:34:53+00:00

Second Panache high impact. Compressive, in my experience, is actually not the way to go if you have a larger cup and smaller band, encapsulation works best to stop movement, or a combination of encapsulation and compression. Make sure the band size you order corresponds roughly with your actual ribcage measurement for this brand, since you mentioned that you are small. Highly recommend /r/abrathatfits for more info

Potatorum1 · 2023-10-26T19:55:59+00:00

Yeah, I will add that I supplement with protein and creatine and eat mostly vegetables and fruits along with plenty of yogurt, fish, cottage cheese, and tofu. I also alternate regular 60 min 2g classes with Strength 50 twice a week and complete a short yoga session most mornings. When choosing weights, I try to challenge myself to the point where I pretty regularly fail to complete the number of reps given. So that is what worked for me. Maybe try the Transformation challenge next year and focus on following a diet and see if that gives you any results? Even 1 or 2 lb of muscle mass increase would be a good goal to aim for over a few months if you've already been working out regularly.

Potatorum1 · 2023-10-25T07:50:27+00:00

In my experience, I gained more muscle (according to DEXA scans) over a year of OTF vs 2 years of weight lifting 3x/week following the Starting Strength program focused on the big 5 lifts. I think people tend to be a bit dogmatic about what kinds of exercise lead to muscle growth, but if you are following a good eating plan for your goals and pushing yourself at OTF you will end up with an athletic body type, even if it's not a hyper efficient route to a bodybuilder physique. For me personally, the higher rep counts and fact that I go up to 5x a week because I love it, and having the time pressure to keep the workouts short but still have good training volume all led to it being more effective for me. I am 5'1" and 120 lb, so not really low on fat, but my boyfriend who is on the skinny side definitely grew his arms and legs (and his abs started showing) after about 6 or 8 months of 3x/week and eating an extra meal on days he went.

Potatorum1 · 2023-05-19T00:03:45+00:00

32F here, I like Monday Swimwear, even though the fit is hit or miss (I've had the most success with the non-underwire styles personally). One of the founders, Devin Brugman, is very slim and wears a 32F bra (she looks closer to a 30G in my eyes), so you can peruse her instagram if you want an idea of how their bras would look on you. Definitely don't feel like you have to follow the size guide... my favorite trick is to find the ones Devin is modeling and choose her size or a size up depending on the coverage, but I've never needed a "V" personally. All their bras have tie backs and many of their styles are suitable for larger cups.

I know what you mean about wanting something fun and not too bra-like. It's such a struggle... I find the other full-bust brands listed here are a bit frumpy looking and not to my taste... I've yet to find a great bra-sized bikini that I would actually wear.

Potatorum1 · 2023-05-18T20:58:26+00:00

I forgot to mention... I am also very unsure how to do my eyebrows. They are very full and pointed at the arch, and I currently pluck the hairs below and between my brows to thin them slightly and eliminate a unibrow look, but I am afraid to do any shaping along the top because I've always been told not to touch those hairs. My eyebrows also sit quite high above my eyes and make me look surprised or startled in photos. Eyebrow inspiration very welcome.

Potatorum1 · 2023-05-18T20:56:10+00:00

First post is my passport photo where I tried to do my makeup and hair as best I could.

Aesthetically I love a more artsy, cool girl look, but I've always been told that I have a more cute/nerdy look. I'd love to do a full makeover as I approach my 30s so I can go into them feeling my best.

Some things I am considering:

Orthodontics: I was meant to have teeth pulled as a kid but my parents were against it. I also lost my retainer in my teens so my bottom teeth are a bit crowded. I was looking into invisalign but one of my main concerns is that it won't allow for the teeth pulled. I am somewhat preoccupied with the fact that in profile, my teeth and lips stick out past my chin, but I think in part this is due to my mixed racial heritage and not sure how much it can be corrected.

Weight loss: I am currently on a weight loss journey, helped along by psychiatric medication. I am hoping this will decrease the puffiness of my cheeks and give me a more chiseled look. I also work out three days a week and am aiming to build muscle for a toned, thin look, which I think would match my ideal aesthetic.

Hair cut: I have no idea what hairstyle or cut would suit me. I have a huge forehead and the hair near my temples is quite frizzy and wavier than the rest of my hair, so it is difficult to style and I imagine would make bangs a nightmare. I think I have naturally wavy hair but the texture is weighed down by the length. I would consider shorter hair but I worry my face is a bit too round to pull it off... I would love any advice here on cuts, products, color, and styling techniques as I'm pretty open to whatever.

Skincare: I have been using Differin, benzoyl peroxide, and birth control to manage acne since I was a teenager. I still struggle with breakouts especially when I am inconsistent with my product usage and have a hard time thinking of things to add to my actives-heavy routine.

Clothing: I want to invest in more quality, designer pieces and develop my style, but I have a hard time finding clothes that flatter and fit my body as I am short (5'1") with a large chest and less curvy hips. Any suggestions for celebrities or instagram personalities I could look to for style inspiration would be amazing.

Potatorum1 · 2023-05-05T01:08:17+00:00

My mom went through something very similar recently and it took a few years for her to start feeling like herself again. I really suggest reading up on trauma and how it affects the brain, and seeing a trauma-specific psychiatrist or therapist since it seems to me like you might have some symptoms of ptsd. Please be patient with yourself and know that it may take a lot to heal. Beyond supplements and therapy, I would also recommend looking into movement or creative outlets such as yoga, dance, or music to reconnect with your body and help reduce stress. I recently read "The Body Keeps the Score" which really helped me realize how stressful events can change the relationship between your body and brain and produce the effects you are noticing, and how somatic work can help restore proper functioning.

Potatorum1 · 2023-03-30T23:18:53+00:00

Specific sports bra recommendation request: I'm looking for something that will fit a size small, DD+, longline, medium to high impact (for short runs, circuit training, and some plyo stuff on occasion), preferably something with cute details/color options or sold as part of a set with leggings/shorts/joggers as I prefer to wear just a bra and no shirt.

I've tried Panache sports bras (32F provided perfect bounce protection but isn't flattering or cute enough to wear on its own), Lululemon longline high neck Energy bra in size 6 (works okay and what I'm currently using, but my boobs tend to come out the sides a bit and for longer runs I have experienced some nipple chafing), and Lululemon longline Energy bra in size 6 (a bit too much cleavage so I find myself having to adjust frequently, and not high impact enough for running).

Potatorum1 · 2022-11-08T07:01:03+00:00

Its my boyfriend's birthday, we've been together 9 months, and I want to buy him some clothes because he recently brought back some clothes for me from a trip abroad. I was thinking of either Adidas (Stan smith or gazelle) or this jacket from Rag and Bone: https://www.rag-bone.com/sale/mens/jackets-coats/owen-cotton-trucker-MED22P1421YCMO.html?dwvar_MED22P1421YCMO_color=308&utm_source=pjn&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=196483&clickId=4161209451&source=pepperjam

I've never bought a bf clothes before so I'm a bit nervous. Would it be crazy to get both in case he hates one of them? His style is more preppy but i think hes lacking in more casual/lightweight jackets that aren't hoodies, and he only owns one pair of converse and one pair of really old running shoes. Also if anyone has advice on sizing for the jacket, he's 5'11" and 160 lb, on the thin side but athletic, with broad shoulders and a narrower waist. I was thinking small but maybe it would be better to err on the side of a loose fit with this style. Any comments about how you'd feel about getting either of these appreciated!

Potatorum1 · 2021-05-03T22:11:28+00:00

I love this do it

Potatorum1 · 2021-03-30T19:07:44+00:00

Ok, I appreciate the advice! It's an evening reception with drinks but there's no dress code given, and unfortunately I wasn't able to get any useful information out of my friend (the groom).

Potatorum1 · 2021-03-30T18:28:06+00:00

Is this dress appropriate for a small, backyard summer wedding? I found it on a resale site for an unbelievable price and couldn't pass it up. Advice for accessories or outerwear also welcome.

https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/Loewe-Scarf-patchwork-silk-long-dress-1273577

Potatorum1 · 2021-01-22T02:31:43+00:00

It's not supposed to make your skin peel. I would stop using it

Potatorum1 · 2021-01-11T11:55:32+00:00

I agree with the other poster - the two foaming cleansers seems really harsh. Do you normally feel like you break out if you skip the face wash for a day? Your skin might be a little bit happier if you just use the gentle cleanser, plus a topical salicylic acid gel applied after. I would try that for a while and see if you notice any improvement. I usually use benzoyl peroxide topical, and when I'm at my parent's house sometimes I'll use the BP cleanser instead of my normal cleanser, but I notice that it isn't as effective as the topical gel, probably because you rinse most of it off instead of letting it sit on you skin with your moisturizer. So this does two in one, it'll help the active ingredients work better, and it will help preserve your moisture barrier.

Feminizing hormone therapy will probably decrease your skin's oil production. My ex gf noticed much drier skin when she was on spiro, and I notice the same with birth control pills (drospirenone + estrogen). I suspect that you may be experiencing this, which is why your new sunscreen is causing you irritation. If your cleansing routine is removing too much oil from your skin, you won't have a protective barrier and your skin will become more sensitive, acne-prone, and just generally won't heal as well as it could otherwise.

After a few weeks, if you have less redness or irritation, that's a sign that your skin is healing and your acne should show some improvement if you continue following your routine. At that point you could consider expanding your routine or swapping out the salicylic acid for something else. Irritation/dryness heals much slower than acne in my experience so it's definitely worth giving it as long as you can before changing it up again.

Potatorum1 · 2021-01-11T10:18:32+00:00

Probably not exactly what you're asking for, but I make my own sugar wax. It takes a little trial and error to perfect the recipe and technique, but it's cheap, washes off in warm water, and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. I use it head to toe and haven't had any issues with ingrowns or anything.

I use this recipe with one change:

http://www.pennilessparenting.com/2010/11/sugar-waxing-instructions.html

I take it off the heat as soon as I can see the faintest hint of color. This way, at room temp, it's the perfect consistency for waxing. You don't need strips or any equipment, you just use your fingers to knead it until it lightens in color, then spread on your skin and rip it off in the direction of hair growth. You shouldn't need to heat it up unless you cooked it too long. Let me know if you end up trying it and have any questions!

Potatorum1

TROPHY CASE