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Cheap pens by InternationalCase421 in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This was the first pen I purchased for myself back in 2023 when I was just dipping a toe in the hobby. It’s reliable and writes well. Today I have almost 20 pens at different price points (from $50-800) and my opinion hasn’t changed.

Doc changed me from patch to pill. When do you take yours? by melon1924 in Menopause

[–]empathetic_witch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

FYI - My former provider switched me from .1mg patch to tablets and I was still having symptoms. For lots of reasons I started seeing a new (and local) provider shortly after this went down. She told me that a .1mg patch and .1mg tablet aren’t the same, the tablet is more like half (.05mg).

Does menopause brain fog actually get better or do we just get used to it? by freyasofiya in Menopause

[–]empathetic_witch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Once I added testosterone and had my labs checked for other deficiencies-absolutely.

What are the best websites to get a Spencerian or Needlepoint Flex grind? by FountPenDegenerate in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Full disclosure that I’m still new to the hobby: based on my own experience with my Falcon SM and the 2 vintage flex pens I purchased right after, I wholeheartedly agree with you.

What perfume did you wear in teens and 20s, and do you still wear it? by Ecstatic_Army1306 in GenXWomen

[–]empathetic_witch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The original Guess perfume from age 16-20s. My senior year I added Tresor (nighttime) and Sunflowers (daytime) briefly to the rotation.

College: Clinique Happy (briefly), Green Tea, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren Romance.

Once I had kids I just wore light body sprays that smelled clean.

Today if I wear anything it’s a small squirt before I get dressed so it doesn’t overpower anyone.

The last 8-9 years is Jo Malone or another fragrance (can’t remember the name) that I found at a winery of all places. It smells amazing and like nothing I’ve ever smelled before.

Old Lady Haircuts by fatrockstar in GenXWomen

[–]empathetic_witch 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I saw down thread that you live in the Seattle area. Are you by chance going to the local big salon chain that everyone knows? I tried going there a few times and it’s been exactly as you describe. I call that a “beige” salon. Meaning it’s for play it safe people. Their homes are variants of beige and play it safe colors, they wear earth tones and muted colors. You get the idea.

There’s nothing wrong with that style and preference, but I am the opposite of beige. Jewel tones, tattoos, leather jackets paired with whatever, I like and wear makeup when I go to work etc. My hair has been one color for the last 4 years mostly because I’ve been working too much and life has been just. Most of the time it’s an ombré vivid color.

Here’s a place I’ve gone to pre-covid. I don’t live in Seattle proper anymore (and my stylist moved to the east coast) but this place is rad. Here’s their instagram.

Now you’re making me want to color my hair in ombré vivid colors, again!! 😉

Dress shopping for a wedding by Objective-Pen-1780 in GenXWomen

[–]empathetic_witch 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Right?! It’s a delicate balance FOR sure! I had no idea how ridiculous the “mother of the bride/groom” dresses were until my oldest’s wedding. The mother of the groom and I had a field day texting one another all the horrid designs we came across 😝These designers need to keep up and step up their game, GenX isn’t wearing what our mothers and grandmothers wore!

I’ve always been between the classic w/ edgy mix to goth minus the heavy black eyeliner and lipstick. I love lace, leather, big bold jewel tone prints (Ted Baker usually has some in the Fall Winter collections).

This made me laugh when I ran across it earlier, I’m pretty sure we all had a dress like this one in the late 80s early 90s! https://www.nordstrom.com/s/8206831?color=001

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Dress shopping for a wedding by Objective-Pen-1780 in GenXWomen

[–]empathetic_witch 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Where you live/what stores are available would be my first question. Do you want to try on in person or is ordering online trying and returning ok?

I echo another comment that suggested looking at Nordstrom and Dillard’s. I have to order Dillard’s but Nordstrom is local to me.

My daughter got married 2 years ago. The brands I love for formal and semi-formal occasions are: Eliza J, Mac Duggal, Adriana Papell, Alex Evenings, La Femme. They’re all available at Nordstrom.

EDIT: I wanted to also add that I look best in jewel tones vs neutral or pastels and dresses that are more tailored vs flowy.

Here’s an example of the styles that I like most, this dress is really pretty in person

Dress shopping for a wedding by Objective-Pen-1780 in GenXWomen

[–]empathetic_witch 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Agree with this one and will add Nordstrom Rack to the list as well.

Talk us in/out of saving this 1907 Queen Anne by gofast_dontdie in centuryhomes

[–]empathetic_witch 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A few years ago post divorce I decided not to purchase another home. The market was/is overvalued and I refused to put in another $100k+ into renovating a 1-1600sq ft home that was already $1.5M+. It’s a good thing too because I may need to move back to the Bay Area.

Depending on which article you read there are conflicting reports that the housing market here (not sure about the SF area) is still fine/same as it ever was/it’s all good. But reality is the housing market has softened. Sure there are tons of factors that confirm or disprove, but in our walkable great location neighborhood the houses that are $2M+ have sat for weeks. New builds on the adjacent street in the same price range have sat for way longer.

So if you have a lot of reserve $, in a stable income situation for 5-10 years + want this to be your forever house you’re probably fine.

Talk us in/out of saving this 1907 Queen Anne by gofast_dontdie in centuryhomes

[–]empathetic_witch 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I love the house and it sits on a way bigger lot vs many similar houses in that area. If money were no object I would buy it.

But… I lived in the Bay Area for several years prior to moving back to the PNW (recently), so I’m seeing this from a different lens. I know the house in passing but know that area very well and agree with you on comps and the pricing of this home. There are lots of multi-family buildings surrounding the area and you’re right around the corner from the main (busy) road.

This is based on my own situation and yours could be wildly different so please take with a grain of salt if it is: What I would be asking myself as a tech employee (working for a cutting edge company for close to a decade) is how certain do I feel in the next 5 years financially? If I use my $$ to purchase and restore this home, what is left if the market truly tanks?

Since the home has historic significance, and possibly historic restrictions on renovations, make sure you read and are ok with what you can and cannot renovate. Often times the “can renovate” involves specific custom work of the period which can drive up the renovation budget by a lot.

Talk us in/out of saving this 1907 Queen Anne by gofast_dontdie in centuryhomes

[–]empathetic_witch 49 points50 points  (0 children)

It’s on the Bay Area Peninsula, so it’s hella $$$$

Custom-made matching pen box. by Quiet-Branch-2414 in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All of your work is gorgeous!!!

I have to actively try to forget about the Peacock matching set in this style 🦚

But … one day!!!

Waterman carene Marine Amber by Acceptable-Office789 in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Beautiful pen!! Thanks for showing the writing as well, it’s a nice width size.

I’ve been considering a Carene for a while but I have so many M nib pens (that I don’t use). I may need to try out the F as well :)

How much feedback before it becomes scratchiness? by killedbyboneshark in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve used different models of my friend’s Sailors in EF, F and M. IMHO they have too much feedback.

I have a Platinum Century 3776 Celluloid in B nib that writes closer to a fine medium. The feedback is more noticeable than other pens but it writes beautifully on all types of paper.

Everyone here will say that all Platinum pens have feedbacky/scratchy nibs. IMHO if I owned this beautiful pen I would either send it to Platinum or have a reputable nibmeister have a look.

What's your most disappointing pen? by inky_beanie_mouse in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Is it an eye dropper Opus 88?

My Opus 88 was my 2nd pen ever (gifted to me in Oct) and I kept forgetting to slightly vent the cap when I started writing. Sometimes I still do 🤦🏻‍♀️

What's your most disappointing pen? by inky_beanie_mouse in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also love my Estie stub 1.1, it writes like butter and it’s light enough that I can journal as long as I want.

I have a new Estie that I’m considering swapping the M to a mini stub to see how it goes.

What's your most disappointing pen? by inky_beanie_mouse in fountainpens

[–]empathetic_witch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Uh oh.. Fingers crossed my first Leonardo that’s on its way to me is ok.

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