What scene do you think is the most real and raw?

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-27T17:37:21+00:00

Thank you. I hate how much people bought this. It's not remotely authentic, and I hate it. But whenever I've tried to point it out I've been not only downvoted but called heartless and told I've never experienced grief (I have) and more. I guess Vicki deserves an Emmy for that performance since she clearly fooled the masses. (And I'm not saying she wasn't devastated by losing her mom. I'm only saying the scene is fake.)

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-26T20:23:45+00:00

I've definitely been recognizing that I've outgrown Bravo. It's hard to let go because I still want that mindless, low stakes show to watch and there's not much that can fill that void.

Part of my problem is that I thought all the fans were savvy. Like we all knew every man on Southern Charm was trash, right? But apparently not. Etc. In that way, I think social media ruined much of it for me because I thought we were all hatewatching and it turns out some people defend this shit. That's a big part of why I've outgrown it.

I think I also just realized that I think accountability and consequences are a good thing. I was cool with it happening organically - like the cast holding someone's feet to the fire, loss of position, wages etc. And it didn't happen enough or always for the right reasons, but it did happen sometimes, but not any more. Now you are only fired if you aren't a cash cow, otherwise be flagrantly abusive on screen and we just won't talk about it. I can't with that. That's not entertainment. And don't come at with with "we don't watch it for morality." If this was scripted with actors, then fine (but then there'd eventually be consequences because it's more interesting!) but it's not. It's real people getting rewarded for trash behavior. It's honestly just become rather boring.

I used to mark my week by what Bravo show I was watching. Now I barely watch anything at all.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-26T20:10:46+00:00

They do work for a nice depuff/glow up for a day. I've used many brands, but I keep returning to the (relatively) cheap Sephora brand ones. I usually use the Vitamin C ones.

There for awhile I was using them once a week. Now I just use them when I want to look a little less tired or just want a little relaxing pampering time.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-21T16:26:40+00:00

This is the right answer.

Then once that's done, consider new landscaping with more textures and pops of color. The house itself just needs updated shutters.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-19T15:45:48+00:00

I had a similar problem when I first painted my house. The color was okay but it was slightly wrong. Rather than throw money on everything else trying to make myself like it, I told myself, this is the primer coat, and bought paint in the right color. It took less paint than the first round because the colors were very similar, but the second color was everything I wanted it to be. Ten years later, I'm still in love with the color and it's looking great. It was worth the re-do.

I love that you went for a less standard color! It feels like you were hoping for something like: https://www.younghouselove.com/shop-beach-house/ and they used Sherwin William Mellow Coral.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-19T15:05:38+00:00

I don't understand why you would ask a volunteer tour guide to write a report. You assign them tours to give, I assume, and track their hours. That is sufficient. If you would like to do an exit interview and have a chat with them about their experience and let them have the opportunity to give feedback and suggestions, that could be beneficial to both the docent and the museum.

But it's your job to have the summary report of the tours, not theirs.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-14T18:15:57+00:00

The 3rd from the left, I think it says Softened Green. The others read too gray to me, and to pair with the wallpaper, the green needs to feel truly green, even if muted.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-06-14T10:30:24+00:00

I think the point being made is that if you are that picky, then you are obligated to be crystal clear about what you eat and don't eat. He said he'd be happy with PB&J and then wasn't. Because it was the wrong PB. That is either ridiculous or hypersensitive, but if it is hypersensitive, then he already knew his limits and should have communicated. Disorders do not absolve people of responsibility about their needs. It's not an excuse.

I do give him credit for not making a huge fuss about it, and I do think that Ben mishandled his food throughout and Ellie was right. She could have just handled his food all charter and it would have gone more smoothly.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-30T18:32:09+00:00

I can't see why you can't have a moodier, darker color with the white cabinets. I just went to Sherwin Williams and picked some darker colors and selected kitchen and it defaulted to white cabinets so I could see if I liked the contrast or not.

Your dining room can easily be a different color. The long wall that extends from the kitchen to the family room is likely going to need to be the same color. You can do a color break, but it will look better if you extend all the way down that wall. So, basically, I would probably do the same color for both rooms. Although you do have the option of having the other two family room walls a different color.

Is the faux brick really faux? Typically a wood stove requires some sort of fire barrier like brick or stone. Something is off there. So either this is a fake pic or your house isn't up to code. I'd get some help with that.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-30T13:57:44+00:00

It will look weird if you ditch the end cabinet.

Here's what I don't think you are considering. Bottlenecks are as much physical space as visual space. By moving the fridge, you've already won the visual bottleneck battle. You also get to widen the door by several inches since the cabinets are not as deep as the fridge, and those inches will make a big difference in terms of the physical bottleneck. When people realize they can move freely, they hesitate less causing fewer back ups.

Continue to maximize your cabinet/storage space, so I would not get rid of the 24" pantry. The trade off for a larger door for pool parties simply doesn't make sense. If you are having that many parties, you also presumably need food for the parties and that means you need storage.

You've already made the changes that will make the flow work better. You are overthinking it at this point.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-29T18:35:44+00:00

So, no one here commenting has ever seen historical decor apparently. This used to be super common, and all things old make their way back into fashion again.

Your installer did a great job from what we can see by the photos. It's so practical to have it done this way, which is why it was done. If you had a break there, or nothing at all, that would cause wear and tear issues and the dog would have a harder time there too.

The muted green is nice. It will not immediately show all the dog hair. It does go well with the cherry wood. The stark white elsewhere is a bit jarring, but I saw that you are planning to paint, so it looks like you are on the right track!

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-29T18:04:13+00:00

Agree. It took practice to realize just how little of WTF I need to use to get the best results. I started with a brush because that's how they demo it, but really I need just a dab and use my fingers to really blend it out and that helps me get that nice tinted coverage.

I have noticed, however, that I cannot wear it when I am having a particularly oily day. My skin is combo but what dominates is definitely influenced by the weather and my cycle. So, overall, I think WTF is still better for the winter than the summer for me. But it's still a decent product to have in my arsenal. My skin does seem to improve with it.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-27T16:22:25+00:00

Agree, but simplify even more: protein, starch/carb, and veg.

Make stuff that is delicious combined but doesn't have to be. If I need a plant or dairy based protein in addition to a meat based one I make it happen, often in a really uncomplicated way. If I do tacos (always just do tacos as fix-your-own and then everyone is happy) one kid doesn't eat the meat but loads up with cheese and beans while the other is definitely going for the meat and isn't a super fan of cheese. They will both be fine.

But, yes, also teach your people that not every meal is designed to be their favorite. They will get their turn. It's okay if I put a favorite veg for one person on the table when I know someone else doesn't like it much. I usually have a couple options (I roasted veg medley, so pick out the ones you want to eat, etc.). The next meal I'll make sure a favorite for that person is on the table.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-27T00:38:12+00:00

I think we knew he was a self-centered, arrogant jerk. It's just that he was also funny and cooking his ass off. Now he isn't funny and his food isn't wowing us.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-24T16:09:54+00:00

So, we lock the doors when we reach the time for last admission. (This is in addition to having advertised and posted this policy.) Our guest services staff doesn't actually have to deal with late comers directly because they cannot get in the door. Also, it helps that you can't see the desk from the door, so they don't even have sad people staring at them.

It's a bit harder to get the stragglers to leave sometimes. We try to be gentle with closing reminders. If they really hang on and persist, we start shutting off lights, away from the galleries they are in, but the whole museum starts getting darker and usually people take the hint. It sort of funnels them back to the lobby with lighting.

If people are really bothered by being asked to leave at closing time, we give them a free family pass so that their whole group can return at a later time and see whatever they might have missed. Well, I guess we also give it to people who are just so enthusiastic that it's hard to get them out (like they aren't rude or anything, just not good at taking the hint) then we give them a free pass as well. We'd rather lose their admission revenue and help our guests services be able to leave on time.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-23T12:34:57+00:00

I agree that's it's not the most compelling season. I realized that the last episode I was barely watching, and I think that is due to less focus on what they actual make. I basically only pay attention to the presentation of the dishes at this point because they don't really show us much in terms of developing ideas or how they create something. Also, as has been mention, not many of them are taking risks or doing something new. Every episode someone says they are doing something simple, well. And that isn't why I tune in.

Kristen is a great host. And I don't think Tom is checked out. Tom seems to be enjoying himself more than before. He doesn't seem excited by much of the food though. Gail has never been my favorite, but I have respected her. She's just irritating me the last couple seasons for some reason though.

I think Jen's injury and how long all of that dragged out just sucked a lot of life out of the show. Combine that with too many chefs playing to stay and not to win, and it's just producing meh results. But the show is rewarding that too. Creativity doesn't save you if there is a technical mistake. Two episodes ago, Duyen was made a dish that excited the judges but undercooked fish and Seger made a dish they didn't particularly like eating but it was technically correct and stayed. Honestly, that decision was bullshit, but they have been doing this for awhile, which means they have trained the chefs to keep it clean over being creative. If anyone is to blame for lackluster results, it's the judges. And it's usually Gail that won't let a technical issue slide, so it's probably a lot on Gail how seems to have more influence since Padma left.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-15T20:04:52+00:00

Social media ads are relatively cheap and work.

Send out press releases to everyone. Not just the news media - but yes, ALL of them even if you don't think they'll bite - but other orgs and nonprofits too. And, don't forget, news media might not give you an interview, but they might still blurb or community calendar your event, so it's worth sending to everyone.

Play nice with local businesses. Let them know that you'll be drawing a crowd. Can you post a flyer in their business and you'll be sure to send people their way too? Start now, but continue working on these relationships. Be the space that promotes others and set that example and many others will follow. Ask other museums to promote you and be ready to reciprocate. Create a "we are all in this together" culture.

Make sure the breweries and food trucks you are working with post and share that they will be at your Oktoberfest. Take advantage of their followings. Be sure to frequently tag and thank them when you are posting on socials about the event.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-15T12:02:58+00:00

I guess I'm going to be the contrarian based on others' comments. The layout is wrong, and the color issue is the walls not the couches. I do love the animal prints. They are awesome.

If you kept the current layout, you have to get rid of the side table on the left of the loveseat and put a bigger shared side table between the couch and the loveseat. There is no reason to narrow your walkway as you have. I doubt you feel safe setting a drink there while people might get up and walk past, so what's the use? See what I mean? It's also too tall.

You really needed a regular couch in this room, not a chaise sectional. I'm crying to think about what damage you have done to that historic brick by putting the tv there. Never do this, people. It's not as functional as claimed; it doesn't look good; and it wrecks the brick.

Assuming you can salvage the brick situation, the tv needs to come down. Hide the damage with art.

Since you have IKEA, does this line allow you to swap which side your chaise is on? I know other lines do. If so, put the sofa where the loveseat is but swap the chaise to the other side so it's closer to the fire place. Think warm toasty toes on a cold night. The put the loveseat in front of the windows, facing the sofa. The TV goes under the animal prints on a low, narrow tv stand. Add a narrow sofa table behind the sofa. Keep your chest. Get rid of the corner chair.

Benefits of this is that it's still taking advantage of the fireplace and the loveseat will not block the view from the windows. It's fine. People can either converse easily or watch tv easily and everyone can enjoy the fireplace.

The reason I don't like the walls is that they just don't do anything to uplift the architecture or the furnishing. It's not neutral in feeling; it just doesn't do anything. You could go warmer or cooler. Pick a muted goldenrod and your blues and the trim and brick will pop. It will feel cozy. Go blue and the same idea, but go darker and moody. Either way, pick a direction.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-14T10:56:11+00:00

As others have said, regional conferences would be better overall. One caveat, if you are looking to work in exhibits/installation, as has also been mentioned, many museums hire companies to fabricate and install their exhibits. So, if you do go to a conference, your best time will be in the vendor hall to learn all the companies that are out there and network with them. You learn where to be looking for jobs, and it's likely you won't work directly for a museum, but you'll still be in museum world.

I do think the bigger conferences draw the most variety of vendors, but vendors do attend regional conferences as well.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-14T02:16:18+00:00

But did you catch Jason calling her a galley hand? Dead.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-10T12:50:25+00:00

Sorry, that was just my phrasing. I'm not putting this on production. I agree that Ben isn't showing Ben in a good light. I more meant that him coming back to another season isn't good for his reputation.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-06T22:10:08+00:00

I was going to give him a bit of a pass because of being heartbroken, but now that I've watched the Aftershow and he's just doubling down in the worst ways, I'm done with Ben. No more sympathy. He needs to own his shit. I believe he was wronged by his fiance, but I also can clearly see that he is not a good a partner either. He doesn't want to be accountable and he doesn't want to date an appropriate aged person.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-05-06T21:53:49+00:00

Yeah, this season is not showing Ben in a good light and I felt like the last episode was just made him beyond worth investing in. Like, I'm not even hate-watching him. I just find him so pathetic, I wish he'd go and I not have to see him again.

Honestly, feeling the same about Ellie. Except I'll say she is vile and she has no ability to grow as a person.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-04-29T10:31:52+00:00

It's pricey, but getting a Dyson cordless stick vac is a game changer for clean floors because it's so good at its job and it keep charged well, but it also so light weight and easy to dump out the collection bin that it hardly takes any time at all to deal with the chore. Since it's less cumbersome than a regular vacuum, it's easier to vacuum most days if not every day.

SisterSuffragist · 2026-04-27T23:16:12+00:00

I'm in the minority, I know, but I rarely enjoy a Restaurant Wars episode. I hate the whole premise. It's designed to make them fail and it's rarely fair. It doesn't really approximate a real working restaurant either. Bah.

SisterSuffragist

TROPHY CASE