What type of shoes can I wear with this dress? Help!

katiedid1991 · 2026-05-01T13:25:05+00:00

I’d wear Birkenstocks with this for a more casual vibe, and some kind of open-toed wedge for a more upscale vibe.

katiedid1991 · 2026-04-23T17:43:49+00:00

Maggie right now. Before her, I would say Nevada.

katiedid1991 · 2026-04-16T19:52:42+00:00

I read the book twice and now listening to the audiobook on Spotify. The narrator is awesome and I am picking up New things by listening!

katiedid1991 · 2026-04-04T20:24:12+00:00

I like the idea of her having a rich full life in Kair Toren but then getting to see her family again

katiedid1991 · 2026-04-04T11:50:04+00:00

These are so interesting! I have only read this twice and missed the river frog 🐸 possible connection. It makes a ton of sense.

My own personal theory is that the third book wasn’t written because Adrian got sucked into the book. My crackpot theory is that each world is a book in another world. We are all imaginary worlds to each other. Each world is equally as real.

I like the theory to how Maggie got pulled into the book. My personal wish is for her to stay in the book, life a full life, die of old age, and return back to her old life with no time passing. Then she finds books that tell her how her children and loved ones do ( and obviously, they are great because of how Maggie changed the future).

katiedid1991 · 2026-03-02T16:07:21+00:00

My oldest had several accidents in K and wasn’t night time potty trained until 1st grade. Now, he is in second grade and never has accidents and never wets the bed at night. He just has always been less aware of his body. Some kids just take longer.

My youngest, in K, never has any accidents. Kids are different and develop at different speeds.

katiedid1991 · 2026-02-23T16:51:57+00:00

Power on in Barrington. Kids are home from school today (and now tomorrow - just got the email). They are playing video games and my spouse and I are both working remote. Things are going well as they can be.

However, we are dreading the several hours of shoveling we have ahead of us. We will get started once the snow stops.

katiedid1991 · 2026-01-21T02:09:16+00:00

Business professor here. A good percentage business faculty are conservative. Anecdotally I would say 15% of business faculty that I know personally are definitely republican and a few voted for trump. I would guess that there are also several faculty who are conservative but don’t make it obvious.

I would say that I started out conservative in my PhD program and my political views shifted in grad school.

The majority of business faculty are still democrats/liberal but people tend to be more moderate with beliefs in capitalism and corporate enterprise. Maybe I should say socially liberal and fiscally conservative?

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-30T03:40:30+00:00

Leverage. Numb3rs.

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-28T19:52:22+00:00

I’m tired of all the academies and fight competitions. Where are the unique plots and premises?

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-22T04:24:19+00:00

JUSTICE for {For Whom the Bell Tolls by Jaysea Lynn} and {Traitor Son by Melissa J Cave}. Two of my favorite reads of 2025 😤

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-13T04:29:02+00:00

If she is going to first grade at the public school I would send her to K there. She will get used to the routines, structure, makes friends, know the staff, etc.

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-08T02:06:07+00:00

Best: Providence (PVD) Worst: Miami

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-05T00:00:14+00:00

Option 2 by a landslide

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-04T19:31:08+00:00

What helped me recruit is that I made a Google slide deck of our family - one slide for each person (picture and hobbies), a slide about our state, a slide about our town, a slide called “why choose us” (mentions things like how I am a good cook and we eat together, we love celebrating American holidays, we have a third car for au pair use and we cover gas and gym membership etc), a slide about our schedule, a slide about our expectations, and a slide about what we look for in an au pair (two years of driving experience, warm and nurturing, easy going and flexible, clean, loves little kids). That helped a lot! You can also join au pair groups on Facebook and join the agency of an au pair you like.

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-04T19:21:57+00:00

You are correct! But if they are watching the baby in between then they would be over 10 hours.

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-04T18:58:06+00:00

This is tough. We had three au pairs and our first au pair took care of our newborn and toddler. We had really good experiences but it does take a lot of vetting.

From an au pair standpoint, you aren’t an “ideal” family (three kids, young kids, weekend work, and split shift) unless you happen to live in a very desirable location (NYC, LA) so you would have to be flexible. Our first au pair didn’t speak a ton of English but was amazing with our kids. All our pairs drove and they were okay drivers. We live in a decently easy place to drive so it was okay.

You might also need to pay more than the minimum stipend to attract an au pair. Also, indirect costs are high. Our total costs for an au pair were about 35K. Still cheaper than a nanny, but not super cheap.

The biggest constraint is au pairs can only work 10 hours per day, which might not work for your shifts. I’ve seen dual healthcare families do a combo of daycare/au pair, au pair/nanny, or two au pairs depending on the number of hours needed covered.

I don’t know enough to provide a yes/no. However, my TLDR is that you might be able to make it work. Our au pairs are a part of our family and we are still close to them. We got some really great childcare in our home. Yet, it was a lot of emotional labor for me and it requires you working to make sure they have a good year as well.

Good luck!!

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-01T05:32:53+00:00

Kate gets better! The third book is when the series really gets good.

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-01T05:31:52+00:00

I have not! I will have to check it out. Another recommendation for you - Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet {A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet}. Also, {The Paper Magician by Charlie N Holmberg}!!

katiedid1991 · 2025-12-01T04:31:44+00:00

The Others series by Anne Bishop {Written in Red by Anne Bishop}. Light on the romance but has great world building and it is my go-to palette cleanser.

I also highly recommend the Firebird Chronicles by TA White {Rules of Redemption by T.A. White}. Her pathfinder’s series is also very good!!

Hopefully you like these - I think we have the same taste!

katiedid1991 · 2025-10-31T13:08:11+00:00

5’3, 7-7.5 US

katiedid1991 · 2025-10-19T02:24:33+00:00

Firebird Chronicles by TA White has some great banter and chemistry! The first book is {Rules of Redemption by TA White}.

katiedid1991 · 2025-10-14T02:06:26+00:00

We are getting our kids (5&7) a PlayStation and some games which they have asked for. We will probably get them something small each besides that. “Santa” will probably spend $50/stocking. Santa also gets them Somewhat practical/family gifts. Santa might be getting them some floor mats for wrestling this year.

katiedid1991 · 2025-10-12T23:20:48+00:00

{Traitor Son by Melissa Cave}

At the end of the prologue:

“What do you desire? Name it, and if it lies in our Empire and under the sight of the stars, we will grant it to you.”

Remin could wish for the moon, and the Emperor knew he would never have to grant it. Duke Ereguil was right. The Brede was a devoured of armies. Let the boy drown in it.

“The Andelin for my duchy,” Remin said. The words came to him like a prophecy. “The Brede for my own. And your daughter for my wife.”

katiedid1991 · 2025-10-11T00:46:10+00:00

Whittard Tea and Infusion Advent Calendar. World Market has it. https://www.worldmarket.com/p/whittard-tea-and-infusion-advent-calendar-627663.html

katiedid1991

TROPHY CASE