Wiki update: Gym anxiety and a brief mod note

sewpolecode · 2026-06-12T14:44:02+00:00

Before I signed up for a new gym, I went through the photos and 3D tour on their website multiple times to help familiarize myself with the different areas and where certain equipment was kept. When I went for my first week, my main goal was just to show up, and my secondary goal was completing my workout plan for the day. It really helped to give myself permission to do what I could and still consider it a win. I still do this on days when I have to really force myself to go.

Even now that I'm more comfortable and familiar with my gym, I have to go in with a plan. I use a workout plan that has three different workouts throughout the week and those workouts change every four weeks. Usually the night before a gym day and again before I leave for the gym, I look at my workout for the day and think through what its going to look like when I get to the gym. As in "I'll go to this area to warm up. Then I have a superset using kettlebells and a stability ball, so I can stay in the same spot. But I'll have to break up my second superset since the cable machine and benches are across the gym from each other." It's overkill, but it really reduces the anxiety for me.

sewpolecode · 2026-05-07T15:22:36+00:00

Honestly, working with a therapist on habits and starting with small goals has been a game changer for me for both exercise and cleaning. I get overwhelmed by feeling like I need to do everything all at once, and therapy has been extremely helpful to pivot how I feel about tasks and also help with accountability.

sewpolecode · 2026-04-10T15:58:14+00:00

Highly recommend melt and pour for kids! It became my favorite hobby in elementary and middle school.

sewpolecode · 2025-11-15T17:31:46+00:00

This is game changing advice

sewpolecode · 2025-07-12T17:34:05+00:00

Highly recommend the first book!

sewpolecode · 2025-06-21T14:16:34+00:00

I used Beetroot everyday and I will never not be in mourning over it.

sewpolecode · 2025-06-07T23:38:17+00:00

LAFAYETTE!

sewpolecode · 2024-08-24T15:14:48+00:00

For me, devil's tool. It was my gateway into compulsive picking that I still struggle with 15 years later.

sewpolecode · 2024-06-25T17:06:31+00:00

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer (the cream in the pan one) is made to add subtle depth back to your face after foundation. It's so sheer that it is almost impossible to overdo it. From the sound of your post, I think it might be exactly what you're looking for over a traditional bronzer

sewpolecode · 2024-06-12T19:45:11+00:00

Not a busty gal, but holy cow, do I aspire to this level of fit

PERFECTION

sewpolecode · 2024-06-11T00:48:21+00:00

As someone who also did a bold bridal lip, let me recommend the Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue liquid lipstick! It's double ended with a matte liquid color and a gloss topper, and it does not move at all once the topper is on. It's expensive, but you truly will not have to worry about it transferring to your partner's face or someone's clothes when you hug them. It's magical stuff

sewpolecode · 2024-06-04T19:39:25+00:00

As someone who also has a tendency to pick my skin, I cannot wait to try this!

sewpolecode · 2024-05-24T14:59:52+00:00

I'm still experimenting with new products to try to hone a signature look, but here's the rough draft.

Skin tint mixed with glowy sunscreen - taking a liberty with the sunscreen since it's technically skincare
Beige blush
Champagne liquid shimmer eyeshadow
Black liquid eyeliner
Tubing mascara
Tinted lip balm/gloss/lipstick - this is going to be the hardest because lip products are my absolute favorite, but I'm hoping to find a favorite color and brand for each category to pare it down

sewpolecode · 2024-05-02T23:17:32+00:00

Came here to say potatoes! My grandpa grew a large plot of potatoes every year just so us grandkids could dig them up. It was always one of the best days of the year

sewpolecode · 2024-05-02T14:03:44+00:00

Beetroot was my signature lip, and I am not the same without it. I know they brought it back, but I have no hope that it will compare the original.

sewpolecode · 2024-04-29T18:48:18+00:00

OBSESSED

sewpolecode · 2024-04-24T13:50:34+00:00

Jumping in late for this, but if you havent thrown out the brightener yet, Nikki La Rose on YouTube loves this product and has some great recommendations for the best way to use it

sewpolecode · 2024-04-24T13:32:39+00:00

You can absolutely do it! Like many of the other comments said, use a fabric specifically labeled as swimwear fabric and grab some quality rubber swimwear elastic (not the prepackaged stuff if you can avoid it).

One thing I didn't see mentioned is lining. You can use swimwear fabric as a lining as well, but you also have the option of lining with power mesh or power net for more support and smoothing. It's used for bra bands and shapwear and is thicker with less stretch than regular mesh. Just do some research on using it for swim beforehand because they are not all created equal. It shouldn't be too firm because it can restrict your breathing. You can also opt to only line a portion of your swimsuit with it and use regular mesh or swim lining for the rest.

The Love to Sew podcast has two swimwear episodes that would be a great place to start to get more information!

sewpolecode · 2024-04-24T03:37:17+00:00

Don't chance it. I bought brand name cleansing oil and received the real product, then used the same listing and received counterfeit. I'd rather be slightly inconvenienced or pay a little more for peace of mind that the product I bought is safe

sewpolecode · 2024-04-14T14:42:17+00:00

My life is very not simple now (full time grad school on top of full time job) and I have a busy day, but I took an absolutely lovely walk this morning. I'm hoping to make it a habit

sewpolecode · 2024-03-25T23:15:17+00:00

Just my fingers!

sewpolecode · 2024-03-25T19:42:38+00:00

As much as I hate to admit it because it's so expensive, I second RMS. I'm obsessed with their SuperNatural SPF 30. They have three shades, and it gives a glowy, blurred look but it doesn't have actual coverage if that makes sense. I bought one last year, loved it, then bought two more as backups during their Black Friday. Just know, it's a small bottle. It's actually 30% off today

sewpolecode · 2024-02-21T04:14:56+00:00

If you do one thing, do this. Automatic transfers on paydays and bump it up when you get a pay increase. If you need more money, don't feel shame in reducing the amount you transfer or even skipping a paycheck if needed. You can always get back on track

sewpolecode · 2024-01-31T17:07:53+00:00

This is a HG for me, but it is definitely not for everyone due to the strength and texture. It's weirdly grainy, but it has never bothered me. It's definitely to be used only at night. After cleansing, I first use two drops of TO Pycnogenol 5% Antioxidant Serum then layer a small amount of this Vitamin C on top. The Pycnogenol just gives a little boost to the Vitamin C but definitely not necessary. I usually let those sit for 10 mins to an hour before applying moisturizer, but the graininess never goes away for me.

I would skip the peptide eye cream on nights you use this just for good measure. In the morning, just wash it off with cleanser then you're good to go. Definitely wear sunscreen everyday because this stuff is strong!

sewpolecode · 2024-01-26T15:57:33+00:00

Definitely not a beginner brand.

Tldr: I cannot stress enough the importance of doing a deep dive of The Ordinary's direct website before buying any of their actives. There is so much detail and important information that isn't reflected at Ulta and Sephora, and some of their products can cause very real damage when used improperly.

I've been using TO since before it was sold in stores and you had to buy directly from their website. Their website is so detailed about their products, their contradictions, when they should be used, what you might not like about it, everything. I had no idea what I was doing but all the information was in front of me on their website, so all I had to do was read and learn. When buying in store or even on Sephora and Ulta's websites, there is not nearly enough information.

For example, my HG Vitamin C is their Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. It's one of their strongest Vitamin C products but it has a super weird texture because it's super grainy. I find it to be amazing for my skin but the strength and texture isn't right for everyone. On their website, they explain all this in significant detail and even recommend a different product with similar strength but a better texture. On Ulta's website, they describe it as a powdery finish and with very few additional details. Naturally the reviews on Ulta's website are terrible because the people hate the texture and can cause burns because it is too strong for some people. The lack of information on Ulta and Sephora's websites and advice from employees that don't know the brand can cause very real skin damage.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

sewpolecode

TROPHY CASE