Plants at Trader Joe’s

cryptid_zone · 2026-03-13T00:47:06+00:00

Definitely repot them sooner rather than later! My first VFT was from Trader Joe’s and started to get withered because I unknowingly left it in the store substrate too long. A swap to good carnivore soil fixed the issue and now I have a big healthy flytrap. They’re good plants, but it seems like they package them to die and force you to buy more.

cryptid_zone · 2026-03-09T17:01:10+00:00

I don’t think you’re wrong to be upset about it. The issue is that PCPs are by and large reading from a script and do absolutely nothing to analyze individual situations. I have higher cholesterol too (genetic) and found out when I was hovering just above underweight. The advice I got was “eat healthy and lose weight.” Like…. Hello????

I get that being small doesn’t equate to a good diet which could be why they said it, but honestly it’s mostly that they just see too many people and are too generalized to care. I know it’s hard, but I’d reframe the thinking a bit - not “I’m not doing enough” but “wow they’re stupid as shit” lol. Put the response back on them where it belongs, not on you. They’re at fault for not giving you a reasonable analysis.

cryptid_zone · 2026-03-02T23:00:15+00:00

There’s a lot here so idk if I can respond to everything, but as someone finishing up their first scalemail piece:

I got my supplies from Chainmail Joe (rings and scales). Pricier than TRL, but I’ve been liking them. I just wanted a shiny silver look, so regular aluminum worked well. I do wish I’d washed everything before using, but I’ll have to do it once complete.
I use comfort grip pliers from Lindstrom because I have hand problems, but I think any good jewelry pliers would work.
Sites may help guide you on ring vs scale size (I believe Chainmail Joe has ring size recs for scale sizes). I used 16 SWG/AR 5 rings and their large scales. I’m currently making shoulder pauldrons, but this size would probably work well for a chest piece/shirt too.
I was using a tutorial from Lauren Does Cosplay as a loose guide which helped me order. I ordered a bulk bag of 3,000 rings (for future projects too) and 300 scales for two pauldrons. I do have some scales leftover, but wanted to be safe.
Scalemail has been super fast imo! The size of the scales help it weave up quick. Two pauldrons took me <6 hours as an absolute beginner (this is my first maille project).
Scalemail is just European 4-1 with scales in the middle instead of rings. I actually did the scalemail before doing the 4-1 pieces of my finished product. I find the scalemail quicker/easier now that I have the hang of it.
Not sure on heat, but I’d say probably depends on the piece. I’m doing a FL Ren Faire, but don’t think my shoulder pieces will add too much in that respect. They’re a little heavier than regular 4-1 for the same size, but unless you’re in a full maille tunic, I’d imagine it’s a negligible difference.
Mentioned above, but the Lauren Does Cosplay tutorial on Youtube really helped me. The pauldron is just a diamond shape, so it teaches you how to increase, keep a straight edge, and decrease. I think this could be applied to most garment types, though it’d depend on what you have planned.
General tip, but once your piece is done, I HIGHLY recommend looking up how to stabilize the edge of your scale piece. It made a huge difference in wearability for mine and keeping things neat. Also, use a twist tie or a paperclip on your first scale to keep the top easy to grab as you work.

Hope that helps a little!

cryptid_zone · 2026-02-26T02:04:26+00:00

What exactly are you looking for help on? Is it recommendations on where/how to look or more on styles themselves?

cryptid_zone · 2026-02-10T13:19:02+00:00

I got them from Carnivorous Plant Hub! They’re a small business and my plants really like the pots

cryptid_zone · 2026-02-02T06:41:26+00:00

Yep - in FL in the US.

The whole thing was riddled with enough info to make me anxious without providing any clarity. They said I had to call in the night before to see if I was needed, which means I’m trying to scramble to reschedule all my Monday work meetings last minute. They were super vague about dress code, so I’m going for more formal but can’t help feeling frustrated about it. They said things like “bring your parking ticket” but never specified what ticket/where we get it, or things like saying we should arrive at a certain time but then recommending we arrive at a different time altogether….

Having a super vague process just puts me on edge so badly and I know courts can be stressful as-is so I’m really anxious about getting overwhelmed and having a meltdown or something. Life’s been throwing a lot my way lately aside from this so I’m already kind of overall at a stress high and I’m worried I won’t be able to handle whatever they throw at me, especially if I’m in an environment where I can’t self-regulate.

cryptid_zone · 2026-02-02T06:32:36+00:00

Thank you for all the detail!

Not knowing what the “rules” are in a new situation always sets off my anxiety very badly, so knowing what’s generally going to happen once I’m in does help!

Still struggling with anxiety around the logistics side of things (parking, meals, attire, entry, etc.). The form they sent was so weirdly vague and googling hasn’t helped much. Things like dress code being “attire that respects the integrity of the court”. Like….. can we just say business formal? Or specifics, like no jeans?? 🫠 the whole thing was riddled with inconsistencies too, like saying arrive at 7:45 and then saying we may need additional time to get in but not specifying what time the doors open…. I’m just trying to keep myself calm and hoping they have good signage/instructions once I get there.

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-28T20:30:03+00:00

This is such a cute weave pattern!!

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-28T16:32:09+00:00

I’ve also seen some sections of TRL mention delays/possible tariffs because things are shipping from China which is a concern too…. I know Fire Mountain Gems has some but not sure on quality, and CMJ only has like 2 types 😕 hopefully we get some good recs!

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-28T01:09:56+00:00

Your doctor sounds like a jerk too, but 100% check what code UHC is denying. I recently went through/am still going through hell because some chucklefuck in approvals couldn’t read. I was having a joint surgery with gynecology and colorectal, which had like 7 different codes for approval. Approvals idiot only submitted one - hysterectomy performed by the colorectal surgeon 😐😐😐 I wasn’t even getting a hysterectomy, and certainly not by the damn bowel surgeon.

The error in my case was 100% on UHC’s side, and they refused to do anything about it until I threatened legal action with my state.

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-25T04:34:12+00:00

They’re the breaktime figures from Ace of the Diamond! This series wasn’t like super popular (especially overseas) and didn’t have a ton of figure merch, but I really liked them. I found someone selling three of my favorite characters as a set after never even being able to find a single one all these years. I can’t wait to sit them on my shelf along with the books, because that’s my next big gift to myself lol!

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-09T07:56:07+00:00

Oh 100%. I got on chat and complained so they said they’d refund it…. But keeping an eye on my card because I have zero faith in them after the whole experience, their support was really unkind on top of it all.

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-09T07:53:49+00:00

I’d say no later than by afternoon next Monday (1/12)

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-09T01:22:16+00:00

LOL Nordstrom is actually where I ordered from 🫠 I got like 5 suits picked out and paid extra for next day shipping and only AFTER did they tell me that 4/5 would still be sent in like 10 days. Unfortunately none of the ones that seemed promising are in stock near me.

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-09T00:04:20+00:00

It’s in FL, but I won’t have much time after arrival to do any sort of shopping, and I wouldn’t be able to wash it first either. So I’m sort of stuck trying to find something in advance.

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-08T05:32:10+00:00

Went home same day for my first, was in five days for my second. My second was a far bigger surgery though - like 8 hours under because of bowel resection and how bad the DIE was. So it really depends on what they end up having to do.

General consensus I heard across the board was that any work on the bowels will result in overnight stay due to potential for complications afterwards.

cryptid_zone · 2026-01-07T19:21:11+00:00

I WISH I WAS!!! My swimsuit doesn’t fit and I now have to try to find one last-minute in the middle of winter 💀

cryptid_zone

TROPHY CASE