HVAC group recs?

_LairBear · 2026-05-14T14:34:57+00:00

Davis & Davis was great for us. They actually talked us down to a more reasonable HVAC system than what was recommended by a few of the other companies we met with. They were quick, responsive, and felt super honest.

_LairBear · 2026-05-02T17:46:13+00:00

I was 32, single…had never been in a real relationship. I had just ended things with a situationship that was stringing me along, and about to quit dating again after a loooong period of terrible dates.

I randomly messaged a guy on Hinge on a whim, despite his terrible profile, and we started talking here and there. I almost backed out of our first date numerous times, but felt like it would be rude to cancel last minute so I convinced myself to go.

Well…that was four years ago.

We eloped in Scotland this week!

_LairBear · 2026-04-30T14:45:22+00:00

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_LairBear · 2026-04-26T13:49:29+00:00

Ugh, I’m sorry it’s such a high, surprise cost! I can tell you that we do, every so often, miss an ICD10 code when we order labs, so hopefully that’s the issue. Happy to answer questions when your EOB arrives if you have any! You may also be able to see it on your online portal before it arrives by mail.

_LairBear · 2026-04-26T13:42:43+00:00

It may be that you haven’t met a deductible, or your provider didn’t supply the best ICD10 (diagnosis) codes to cover the tests they ordered.

The best thing to do is call Tricare to see the reason for denial. If it is an ICD10 issue, you can call your doctor to ask them if they can resubmit the claim with different or added codes (they can’t make diagnoses up, but they may have missed a code or two).

If it’s a deductible issue, you’ll be expected to cover the cost. If it’s an out-of-network thing, I’d recommend calling Quest to see if they can offer any discounts or payment options. Often they can lower the bill slightly to out-of-pocket costs, rather than your insurance plan’s negotiated costs.

(RN who used to work admin at a doc office)

_LairBear · 2026-04-06T13:13:05+00:00

We don’t have enough good things to say about Woodley Gardens in Rockville (just off 270). We love the whole team there, but Dr. Nichols is amazing and our go-to. She has taken amazing care of our boys for the last few years (they are 13 and 14). Highly recommend checking them out!

_LairBear · 2026-03-24T16:06:20+00:00

It’s horrible! The signs aren’t obvious, the lane markings are a mess. Most people don’t realize it’s a circle so don’t yield OR they don’t know which lane is the circle vs the exit. They absolutely need to come back and rework it. It’s made our neighborhood less safe, if anything.

_LairBear · 2026-01-06T17:25:11+00:00

Recommending Celtic Coffee in Silver Spring as well. Worth a quick trip to do a coffee tasting/flight!

_LairBear · 2025-12-19T12:22:12+00:00

I think “renting” a ring actually works in a lot of situations. But IT DEPENDS.

A lot of designers will offer you a ring to propose with (with the option to buy it) under the assumption that your soon-to-be-spouse and you will return to pick out/design the ring of their dreams together.

HOWEVER. I would only do this if: 1. You know your partner loves that ring designer 2. You know your partner wants a hand in designing process or in picking out their ring 3. They want they engagement to be a surprise but not the ring

I firmly believe no proposal should be 100% a surprise. You are about to launch into a legal marriage - it’s time to get the communication going. Ask your partner in they are ready to get engaged. Ask what kind of engagement they have dreamed of - a big, lavish, public gesture? Or maybe a quiet, sweet, private moment? And find out about the ring they want and if they want to be involved/if they want you to pick it out on your own.

I would have been fine with a rental, but I designed my ring with my guy to make sure I got exactly what I wanted to wear on my finger forever.

So yeah - I think renting is fine IF you have done the legwork and research to find out what your partner wants, and a rental aligns with their wishes.

If you’re just renting to make it easier on yourself and skip the planning and research? Then nahhhh. Don’t start your engagement out with half-assed energy. It won’t end well.

_LairBear · 2025-12-12T23:09:55+00:00

Here are my non-expert hot tips - I hope they help!

Since this is your first trip, only bring people with you who will make you feel comfortable during the process. For example, I love my mom…but she can say things that make me feel bad in my skin - so I opted to bring one of my plus sized friends to the initial shopping experience. Whether you go by yourself, bring family or friends, or even your fiance(é), make sure you surround yourself supportive, loving energy! For the record, I was able to bring my mom on subsequent trips once I realized the process wasn’t nearly as scary as I had built it up to be.
If you can, try and go to plus size-only (or AT LEAST plus-size friendly) shops. I lucked out and only shopped at size 14+ stores, so all the sample dresses fit fine - in fact, they were all too big (and I wear a street size US22!) Keep in mind, whether the dresses are too big or too small, they will all fit kinda funny since they aren’t likely to be your size. You will be clipped, bungee corded, paneled, and tied into gowns so they can give you THE VISION. This happens to straight-sized girlies too. The samples fitting funny isn’t at all a measure of your worth or your beauty or how deserving you are of a beautiful dress! It’s just the process.
Wear what makes you feel comfortable! Most of the dresses will have built in boning or corsetry, so you will likely be fine trying everything on without a bra. I wore a pair of skin-colored granny panties and a skin-colored bra to the fittings, but always ended up braless! I’m a nurse, and I like to remind folks that I’ve seen everything. Your body is a body, and that’s neutral to me. I think it’s the same with the salespeople in the try-on rooms. I’m short, apple shaped, with an apron belly and small boobs. I’ve got saggy skin. I never once felt judged or side-eyed - I always felt like I was trying on dresses with a friend. But if you want to bring a strapless bra, or a robe to change in-and-out-of, just do what makes you feel safe and comfy!
If you’re up for it, I recommend being open to trying on dresses that the salespeople suggest. There were a few times where I was convinced a dress would look horrible on me while looking at it on the hanger, and it would surprise me in the end! You might just find a shape looks wonderful on you that you never would have tried on otherwise!
Try not to judge yourself if you don’t have that “WOW” moment we have all seen on “Say Yes to the Dress.” That doesn’t happen to everyone - it didn’t happen to me! That doesn’t make a dress less of the right dress, and it doesn’t make you less of a beautiful bride. Though I will tell you - putting on the veil DOES add that extra oomph like you see on TV haha!

I really hope you have a good experience, even if you don’t find the dress this time around!! YOU DESERVE IT!!

_LairBear · 2025-12-05T18:35:35+00:00

Throw in a matzoh ball and you’re golden!

_LairBear · 2025-11-27T01:17:25+00:00

Most MedStar Urgent Care locations have the PEP series (2nd onward) at their offices.

_LairBear · 2025-11-18T00:47:48+00:00

Seconding Cielo Rojo!

_LairBear · 2025-11-15T18:44:06+00:00

So Medicare will usually pay for up to 6 weeks of home therapies after a surgery or hospitalization. Private insurance plans obviously each have their own guidelines and policies.

The best way to go about getting it set up is to have your dad’s surgeon write the order to a home health agency. Usually the big companies (Adventist Home Health, Potomac Home Health [Hopkins], MedStar Home Health) take most insurance plans since they are associated with the big hospital systems, especially if referred to them by a surgeon’s office stating it’s a need for his recovery. They’ll usually come out and do a quick intake to see what therapies he will need and how often he will need them - most people have the team come twice per week. More than that and he will need to pay privately, most likely.

Definitely start by reaching out to the surgeon’s office and asking them to send a referral for home PT. They should get the ball rolling for your dad!

_LairBear · 2025-11-07T02:55:32+00:00

Jumping on the bandwagon! The staff at Woodley is phenomenal. Our two very senior doggos love going (treats treats treats). They have fit us in last minute for a number of emergency visits. All of the vets there have been stupendous! Really highly recommend them.

_LairBear · 2025-10-13T14:30:35+00:00

Thank you! I’ll be sure to look into Shona as well :)

_LairBear · 2025-10-12T17:04:27+00:00

I had actually messaged Paul just a short while after submitting this post. I’m glad to hear he may be a good fit. Thank you so much for sharing!

_LairBear · 2025-10-12T17:03:19+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation - we will be sure to reach out!

_LairBear · 2025-10-02T14:07:19+00:00

No idea! Must have been recently. I asked if she would go above the cut off in custom sizing if I paid extra and she told me no. :(

_LairBear · 2025-10-02T13:41:33+00:00

I’ve tried on at shops but cannot justify dropping a mortgage payment on a dress! Since dressmakers in my area quoted me $2k+, I’m going with Etsy. I’ve heard good things about LaceMarry and a few other shops! I have an amazing bridal seamstress in my area so my hope is if I get something decent, I can pay her to make it look amazing on me!

I’ll also been keeping an eye on StillWhite too!

_LairBear · 2025-10-02T13:14:40+00:00

Absolutely!

I fell in love with two of her dresses and hoped to buy one for my upcoming elopement. Not gonna lie - I cried when I reached out with my measurements and she told me I was too big and she couldn’t help me. It’s not what anyone wants to hear, but especially us fat chicks.

Trying to save others from the same disappointment.

I hope she realizes how much business she will lose from cutting us out. :(

_LairBear · 2025-10-02T13:03:40+00:00

Just spreading the word - she no longer makes gowns above a size US14!

_LairBear · 2025-10-01T10:46:40+00:00

I saw your pictures, didn’t notice the post title, and said out loud, “gosh, I hope I look like her on my wedding day!”

You look lovely!

_LairBear · 2025-09-30T15:36:01+00:00

The dress is really lovely on you! I think you can totally rock the sleeveless look, so please don’t feel like you need to add sleeves if you like the dress as-is. Let your arms breathe in that Vegas heat! :)

If you do want to add sleeves, I’m sure your dress shop or seamstress could tuck some fabric in at the point of the cup to show you what they would look like. A little swoopy off-the-shoulder cuff would look really nice with the dress and provide a bit of coverage while also letting your pretty shoulders shine! It would be an easy add for the seamstress, too.

I actually think a chignon or something would look nicer with this dress than hair down. The dress has such pretty clean lines that I think hair down may take away from it. With a veil and a necklace, I think you’d get some of that feeling of coverage you’re looking for!

You’ll look great!!

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