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UB Like it's 1776!
Posted September 13, 2007(191 replies)
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Explore with a young boy as he visits a topiary garden revealing the events of his great-grandfathers life. Grandpa grew up on a farm, saw war, and married his love. He’s older now and starting to forget things but remains an artist.
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[-]I have $800 to spend on a purse. I want something that I can wear for the next 5 years so not too trendy. I want good quality leather above anything else. Any recs?
15 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreReally? You don't think there is any styles that are classic? Although I'm not dying to spend that much on a bag I am willing to go up to $800 for something that is classic and great quality. I've been to TJ Maxx I not happy with quality or selection.
[ Reply | More ]Honestly, you don't need to spend anything like that kind of money. And if you buy some sort of "designer" bag that is identifiable, it will be dated quickly by the sheer fact that it is identifiable. You need to keep going to TJs and Marshalls. The good stuff gets snapped up as soon as they put it out, IMO.
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Take a look at the Longchamp leather bags - they run between $500 and $1200, are well made, simple, classic styles.
[ Reply | More ]Tano, Lodis, Sabina are all nice brands and less than $800. I love MZ Wallace but they're not leather. Also, I love the classic coach bags (eg, not the trendy ones or the ones with the logos everywhere).
[ Reply | More ]Take $200 out of that $800 and give it to the government. $600 will pay you a nice purse, too.
[ Reply | More ]Wait until fall when the airfares come down. Take a trip to Paris or Milan and buy a bag while there.
[ Reply | More ]np: I go to Paris 4 times a year for work. I have never seen a bag that's worth the money they charge there. I have seen the exact same bags in Galeries Lafayette or Printemps that they sell at Marshalls for 5 times the price. The EXACT same bags. The US is the land of the deal.
[ Reply | More ]Interesting, I was just there (during the sale season at least) and what struck me was that the brands and styles I saw that I liked were not available in the US - believe me I did a full on google assault but came up dry. I could see yes for Longchamp etc but not for something like Lamarche.
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[-]I am IRATE. My ob/gyn is booking annual appointments for JANUARY. For real???!! What about my heath? G-d forbid something is wrong and I might need to have it dealt with sooner rather than later. Any recommendations for someone who is just gyn (I'm done having kids), preferably who takes United HealthCare Oxford?
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6 months and I don't even have a calendar for then. And I'm concerned that it's been about a year and now I have to wait closer to two years by the time I see someone. I booked the appointment for the end of January with no clue what my schedule will be then, and am shopping for someone who I can see sooner. Hence, the question for recommendations.
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that's ridiculous and I agree. How good is a dr that you need to book 4-6 months ahead of time. All you need is a pap. Find a new dr on your plan and if you don't like him/her try another one. I don't think it's a specialty that you need the best dr out there. It's a simple procedure unless you have specific issues.
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Physician mom here... Better plan is to get yourself put on the office's "Cancellation waiting list"-- they will call you if a cancellation occurs. Which happens all the time. Then followup with a phone call every so often in the morning to remind them. I always get earlier appointments when i do this-- despite it being a big pain.
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My Evil, Terrible Socialized Medicine ob/gyn here in France books annuals 2 months in advance. Go figure.
[ Reply | More ]Oh please. If you had a problem you wouldn't have to wait until January - that's just for the annual. It's your fault that you waited a year to make the appt.
[ Reply | More ]hello, I was expecting to wait a few months. In the past I have booked an appt a month or two in advance. This is not my fault. It's ABSURD. The reason you go is to make sure you do not have a problem you are unaware of. I go once a year, if I get behind, it's a year and maybe 3 months. I'm looking elsewhere and so far only one person has replied with a suggestion. Geez.
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My guess is that if you are making an appointment because you think there is a problem then you'll get in. If it's just a 6mo or yearly then who cares - you just plan ahead.
[ Reply | More ]you are not the only patient. The reason they don't have anything sooner is that everyone else got with the program and booked their appts early. If you don't play by their rules you don't get first pick of appts. Also, no one knows what their schedule will be 6 months out. You make the appt and plan around IT.
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[-]Anyone have experience with Fedkids daycare downtown? It would be a trek for us as we live uptown but the prices are hard to beat. Thanks in advance!
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[-]for those with children in school full days and have babysitters picking them up in the afternoons, what hours/pay/vacation do you offer? we are scaling back this year now that our last one will be in school full time and have been paying a full time babysitter up til now so wanted to understand the going rate/hours/vacation for part time work at this point - thanks!!
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[-]Have a close relative that asks a lot of favors. I'm stretched very thin and only say yes here and there, but when I do, I give an inch, she asks for a mile. I end up feeling guilty, anxious and miserable. I want to help, but I can't, and I want to be polite, but I'm getting fed up. What do I do?
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Save yourself a lot of grief and just say no. When you offer to help, what you offer isn't appreciated; she always wants more. Take a break and say no until you're less fed up, and maybe in the future you can help out here or there.
[ Reply | More ]so in this instance, when there is additional requests from the favor I just did, do I ignore her or write back and say, hey sorry, my week got super hectic, I can't help out after all. (seriously, I need to be held by the hand through this...)
[ Reply | More ]not "I can't help out after all" because then you said you would help and aren't. Better to nip it at the onset - when asked, say sorry I can't, but here's a suggestion (whatever that is - refer them to a plumber, car service, another relative, whatever the favor is).
[ Reply | More ]I was with her and she was asking for additional things and I was stammering and saying how maybe I could try while I was at work, but it's so busy and she just kept up with how it won't take too long. Absolutely shameless and not even sensing my hint even though I just said how I'm so overwhelmed. This is where I falter--I should have just said, I really can't do anymore, but it's hard to say to someone's face.
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I would say either, "I can still do x (original favor), but unfortunately, I won't be able to do y (new request)" or "unfortunately I won't be able to help after all." No reasons given, no effusive apologies, no suggestions for what she should do. She is taking advantage of you and you need to firmly set a limit for your own sanity.
[ Reply | More ]^^my parents are very much like your relative. It's very hard to say no. It's uncomfortable and you feel like you're being selfish and unfair. But once you get good at setting limits, you are much happier and your relationship with your relative will improve, because you are no longer as resentful. GL!
[ Reply | More ]you get me. I want to do the right thing, but in the end, it really takes a toll on me.
[ Reply | More ]I think it is worse because the relative is always throwing random requests at you. If you have time in your schedule, maybe you can visit once or twice a month at a predetermined time to take care of all the little things that need fixing/errands etc. (if that is the issue). That way you are not constantly being bombarded and she still get the help she needs (I am assuming she is elderly/somewhat helpless and actually does need - if ablebodied, forget it).
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i'm completely clueless when it comes to makeup; i've never had a makeup consultation. what's best foundation? cream, powder? how should i apply eye shadow? i never use it because i'm afraid i'll look ridiculous. what colors should i use? i'm hispanic and tan complexion. Think Alicia Keys. TIA!
[ Reply | More ]Foundation: Makeup Forever HD. For people who are not familiar w/ makeup, the easiest way to apply shadow is to get a cream shadow (Bobbi Brown and Benefit make some great ones) and apply then to the eyelid with your ring finger. I would recommend a warm copper/bronze for you w/ a slightly darker eyeliner and black mascara. Use a setting powder over the shadows and whole face like Makeup Forever HD powder. It will keep your makeup from sliding in this heat. GL. :)
[ Reply | More ]I got a sample of the Makeup Forever HD foundation. It was HORRIBLE!!! Make sure you buy it from a place that accepts returns with no questions. One size does not fit all.
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It's grossly overpriced, cakey, magnifies every flaw and oxidizes badly. Save your money. It's worse than $9 drugstore foundation.
[ Reply | More ]np - I posted below saying that I found it amazing. I have fair, pretty dry skin so caking would definitely be an issue, but I find that a very little bit of this goes a very long way and does not cake at all.
[ Reply | More ]np: Not spam from MUFE, but I've found it to be great. Even if I used a color that was slighter lighter than what I needed, it would change once it warmed on my skin. It's also quite sheer, not at all cakey. I would be wary of using a sample and would make a judgment by going into the store and having it applied. I love their stuff. Also, relative to other foundations in it's realm, it's not overpriced. It's $40, most high end foundations are in the $50-$60.
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NP. ITA with this. A friend who's on camera a lot recommended it and I found it to be sheer and light and dewy (I have dry skin and do not like to look matte). I have used the HD line with the primer and the clear powder for a couple of occasions. I normally LOATHE face makeup, especially foundation, and do not wear it more than a couple of times a year, but the MUFE line does make your skin look nice for pictures.
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op: Well, more power to you! I cannot leave the house without at least concealer on and I actually don't think I know any woman who wears/owns ZERO makeup. If you feel that confident without it, then you are doing pretty well :)
[ Reply | More ]np - I wear zero makeup. Same with my mom, who is in her 80's and has beautiful skin.
[ Reply | More ]op: I see your argument. In the past poor skin could be attributed (and often still can) to makeup, but if HIGH quality makeup is used and proper skincare is used, makeup does not effect the quality of the skin. My grandmother who is 75+ has worn makeup daily since she was in her early 20's. I mean a full face too (she's one of my biggest fans!) and her skin is INCREDIBLE! She has a very good skincare routine and always has. Makeup, if the right quality and correct type for your skin, can be worn daily and not effect the skin quality so long as it is balanced with good skincare.
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OR: I own a tube of lipstick and I do use it sometimes, maybe once or twice a month. I know that I'm not naturally flawless, I just don't like the way make-up pressures women to "improve" their looks.
[ Reply | More ]op: again, I see your argument, BUT some women genuinely feel more comfortable with a little help. It's not about pressuring us to 'improve' our look all the time, but sometimes helps us deal with insecurities. IE: roseca, dark circles, etc. A small amount of makeup can sometimes correct things that make us feel more vulnerable and NOT vulnerable b/c others say so or point it out.
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Good for you but personally I think a very little bit makes one look more put together. At 42 I have very few wrinkles and very good skin. I can go without makeup and do so on weekends, for example. But when I go to work during the week I find that I look a lot more polished with some lip gloss, concealer and mascara. But up to you. Just don't be judgemental about it.
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thank you, i have the same coloring as julianne moore, pale skin, reddish hair, blue eyes - what's a great lipstick?
[ Reply | More ]can you recommend a good moisturizer with spf as well as a good foundation with spf?
[ Reply | More ]what is the best high end mascara? i've tried drug store brands and don't love them.
[ Reply | More ]Do people wear blush/bronzer anymore? I wonder if my face is drab without it. (I just do concealer/powder and eyes.)
[ Reply | More ]op: People do wear it, but if it's done correctly, you cannot tell! The key is to get a bronzer with no shimmer and you use it as a shading tool. Put it under your cheekbones, sides of nose, etc. Go for a cream blush or a stain. I really like the Hourglass cheek stains or take your fave lipstick and place a bit on your cheekbones and BLEND.
[ Reply | More ]Do you like this? http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P267202
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I'm 36 and, thanks to teenage years in the sun, I'm now noticing a lot more freckles on my face and chest. Is there anything I can use to minimize the appearance without it looking to cakey? Also, is there anything that you know of - peels, laser - that will reduce them altogether?
[ Reply | More ]op: Retin-A will help fade the appearance and there are a few other products you can try. I generally do not recommend much from clinique, but I do like their spot fading cream. Also, you may want to try a product like temptu airpods. I do airbrush makeup (different system) OFTEN and it covers spots without being cakey or noticeable. If you want something more in the form of regular makeup, try the Channel foundation or MAC STudio Fix. The coverage is amazing, but if you have skin that is prone to breakouts or sensitive, stay clear of the MAC.
[ Reply | More ]so helpful, thank you! Will go out today and get the clinique spot cream and the channel or mac foundation. I don't ususally break out so I should be ok there! Can I actually do airbrush makeup myself? I have a 5 minute make up routine? I never thought that was a practical everyday solution.. is it?
[ Reply | More ]Absolutely! Go to Sephora and look into the Temptu foundation pods. They will match you skin to the right shade and the pods are easier to use then applying regular foundation. You just point it at your face and spray. Amazing stuff. I use an airbrush system by Temptu (not the one avail at Sephora though) and the makeup is phenomenal. GL!
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Lipstick for daytime rec? I have light brown hair, hazel eyes that slant more towards grey and pale skin with pink undertones. I want something light and easy to make me look more awake/put together. Thanks!
[ Reply | More ]Just wanted to tell you that I bought the Make Up Forever HD foundation as you recommended in your latest post and it is great. Thanks!
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She seems it! And you are too for responding to everyone :)ok, so I'll bite: what are the best shadow colors for blue eyes? I've been stuck on brown/gold for years now . .
[ Reply | More ]If you are looking for something a bit fun, go for a deep purple. I wear a deep plum eyeliner daily and it really makes my blue eyes pop. Look for a purple that has a brown base, not a blue base. GL!
[ Reply | More ]np I have always thought that plum was for green eyes! So I will ask - I have very bright green eyes - blue/greenish with some grey in them. Dark brown hair, fair skin. What would make my eyes pop? THANKS!
[ Reply | More ]Plum would work well for you too! The purple counters the green and pulls the green out more, but the purple is a compliment to the blue and emphasizes the blue a bit. Purple for blue eyes is not as intense as purple for green eyes, but when someone is tired of copper/bronze (the real compliment to blue eyes), I offer a purple instead.
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I have seen your previous posts and bought a few items on your recommendation (MF HD and Lights Camera Lashes - both great, thank you!). My questions is, how many layers do you need to put on your face? You've mentioned primer, SPF, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, powder... I don't understand how these all work together. Are there good combination products, for face and eyes? I have not-great skin and need help :)
[ Reply | More ]The layers are based upon your type of skin. Some women REALLY need a primer and some don't. Some really need the extra moisturizer and some don't! Try to remember that not all the products go all over the face. Ie: concealer is only on spots, etc. Daily, I only used a moisturizer w spf and foundation, but I know my skin and I know what products I need. I do not need concealer and my skin is so dry that I do not use powder b/c I do not need it, but when I apply my makeup for night, I use the full enchilada!
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op: IE: if you have large pores, get oily easy, have some skin pigmentation problems or have some wrinkles you'd like to 'smooth out', etc. They make many primers for many different purposes. I would suggest going to a place like sephora and ask for the actual makeup artist on the floor. See what he/she recommends. I can recommend the head MUA at the Sephora on 3rd and 67th (I believe that's the cross streets), she is very good! I could be wrong, but I believe her name is Amy.
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need a lite foundation - don't like the feel of foundation on my face, would llike something very, very lite.
[ Reply | More ]I am really experienced with makeup and could give you a run for your money on makeup advice, but is there an elusive concealer that I have never heard of that actually works well under eyes? No usual suspects, please. I have probably tried them already.
[ Reply | More ]This is kind of a specific question, but I bought these two eye shadows from Nars by recommendation as I want to do a brown/bronze smokey eye for the day. They seem a little too subtle and light, feel like I am missing a 3rd or 4th color to bring in more definition. The the two colors that I bought are NARS Blondie & Cyprus, what else would work with these?
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Best way to add some color to my lips during the day (for work and weekends)? Strawberry blondish, freckled/ruddy (redish) complexion. Lipstick recommendations or a gloss brand and color you like for this complexion?
[ Reply | More ]Is Laura Mercier tinted foundation worth the hype (from this board)? Good foundation for a freckled blond who likes the minimalist makeup look but wants a more even skin tone?
[ Reply | More ]I have very light blue/grey eyes, fair skin, dirty blonde hair. 29 years old. Wear LM tinted in shade called "nude". I really want to use more exciting eye shadow colors, maybe even a fun colored eyeliner. Any suggestions?
[ Reply | More ]op: HOW FUN?! I can recommend some really great liners that are COLORED, but if you are looking for a toned down/color, that is different.
[ Reply | More ]I want FUN! I already use Revlon and YSL 4 shadow sets for everyday use. Usually line with brown or grey, then a sheer color over lids. I want to find some colored liners to brighten my eyes that are really light blue, almost grey. Have Norwegian background and very fair skin with pink undertones.
[ Reply | More ]op: Try these! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P35082&categoryId=S10505&shouldPaginate=true. I just used 7L and 11L for a photo shoot yesterday! Also love 10L, 12L and 15L. They last ALLL day!
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ok so i don't wear any makeup except for a lipstick on the rare occasion. I know nothing about makeup. Is there super simple way i can get my face to look smooth and cover my tired eyes in less than 10 mins. i don't want anything complicated coz i'll look like a clown. I like to say im golden brown :)
[ Reply | More ]op: You will need a primer, a foundation that works great for your face,concealer if you need it, cream shadow, setting powder, and mascara. Wash, moisturize, let it dry, primer all over, foundation where needed (under eyes, around eyes, nose etc) or whole face if desired, conceal spots if needed (under eyes, pimples, dark spots, etc), using ring finger apply cream shadow to lid, apply setting powder (translucent), apply mascara. Done should take about 5 mins.
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op: Terrible. Mineral makeup is only good for teens (if even then) it wears terribly and eventually hurts your skin. I have experience w/ that line specifically and would not recommend it to anyone.
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op: it is so fine it literally seeps into your pores and crevices of your face. I have seen many many women who use mineral makeup and think it looks great when they first put it on, but 5 hours later, their wrinkles and imperfections are amplified even more. Not only do makeup artists hate this stuff, but many derms will tell you how terrible it is as well (including my own).
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I have dark eyes and hair, with pale skin. Eyes are slightly deeper set. How can I make my eyes stand out more with liner and eye shadow? I am late 30s and feel like anything on lower lid looks a little severe, but using nothing makes me look plain and kind of tired. Any suggestions??
[ Reply | More ]Thanks for doing this, MUA Mom. I've learned lots from your many suggestions! One q- best primer and hardcore concealer? I have dark undereye circles and bags.
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Any tips for under eye crevices? Not sure if that's the proper term, but I don't have under eye circles; just crevices that shoot down at about a 45 degree angle from the corner of my eye. I've tried using a concealer stick and pressing it in the crevice, but this just seems to make it shinier and even more noticeable.
[ Reply | More ]op: you want to conceal them. Keep them from getting shiny and never ever apply anything with shimmer to them. the "bounce the light" theory will not work here b/c they are not bags or dark circles, rather indents under your eyes. Try Benefit's Boi-ing concealer (it has a yellow base that you need for under eyes) and then set w/ a setting translucent powder like Makeup Forever HD powder.
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What's a good "daily skin care routine"? (you mentioned above your grandma has one.) I have dry skin except around the nose. I am very fair. I am 35. Also, apart from Botox, is there anything i can do about frown lines? Thank you!
[ Reply | More ]op: For dry skin, you want to make sure you exfoliate often. I love the DDF MIcroDerm kit w/ the crystals. Amazing. Also, get a good cleanser, a deep moisturizer for night and a light one w/ spf for day. Get any specialized treatments you need (ie: something for frown lines). Wash twice a day, follow w/ moisturizer, exfoliate twice a week and ALWAYS wash your makeup off. FOr the frown lines, I like DDF Wrinkle Relax or Advanced Firming Cream.
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What color makeup forever foundation would you recommend if I use Laura Mercier nude tinted moisturizer? I have olive undertones and am pretty fair.
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I feel like my makeup is always coming off, even if I use primer. Should I put translucent setting powder UNDER the bronzer and blush or over? Can you recommend a good setting powder that comes in a compact? I need something to carry around with me. THanks.
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op: Well, I wore very little makeup in 8th grade. Occasionally a concealer for a pimple or two and mascara. Generally, not a fan.
[ Reply | More ]They all seem to be obsessed with it as the starting grade, though. I think they look like slutty raccoons. Wondering how to handle with dd.
[ Reply | More ]op: I am 1000% confident I will deal with this w/ my dd at a young age b/c of what I do. All I can offer is: take her out, make it a special mom/daughter trip. Tell her she can get 'x,y,z' things. Whatever you decide is appropriate. Maybe a mascara, concealer and lip gloss. You will be there to make sure her concealer is right, mascara is not over the top and lip gloss is not too much. Place a stipulation that if you see her wearing anything else besides these, you will take them. OR whatever you find to appropriate. GL!
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Do you like Josie Maran? I know I'm going to sound like spam but I just love all of the products I have tried from her line. She has a tinted moisturizer that is great for someone like me with dry skin who wants a very natural look for day (and I LOVE her blushes!). What are your thoughts? My skin is really sensitive but the argan oil makes it happy.
[ Reply | More ]I have acne scars and skin that is dry in some places, oily in others and breaks out from any foundation or sunscreen. What should I do? I usually wear no makeup except a little MAC concealer on pimples and feel self-conscious all the time.
[ Reply | More ]Well if you are looking for a foundation I would recommend trying the Makeup Forever HD. I am like you and break out from and foundation or sunscreen and I wear it daily. No break outs. It may work for you, it may not. Also, sunscreen is important. Try La Roche Posay from Duane Reade liquid sunscreen 'dry' formula. ONLY ONLY one that I can wear daily that does not break me out. Give it a shot. Also, you should be exfoliating often, do you? I can recommend some great systems that will resurface your skin and will make it smooth again. FInally, find a new concealer. For someone w/ troubled skin, you should steer clear of MAC skin products. I love Makeup Forever concealers and Benefit's Boi-ing concealer.
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[-]Getting my first driver's license! Does anyone know if the lines are better at the Herald Square location or the Harlem location? I was thinking I should go right when it opens but are there usually particular days when place like the DMV is less crowded? TIA!
6 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreI was there to renew a license--went on a Monday--line was already around the block--went later in week (Thurs) and it was shorter. Rainy days are good too and have your papers all in order as soon as you get there (first thing in am or else you'll be waiting all day). Check on line b/c certain things can't be done at express center. I was also told the lower Manhattan branch (wall St) is less crowded for some reason, but I'm near 34th so I went there.
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I got there around 8, waited until the place opened at 8:30--spent 10 minutes on a screening line then about another 15-20 minutes on a diff. line. But I was renewing a preexisting license (out of state) so diff. lines for diff. needs. Do you have a permit already? There's a test for that too, just make sure you bring your soc. security card!
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[-]Any ideas on a place to hold a b-day party for less than $1,000? Ideally just looking for a room that could hold around 12-15 kids.
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Book a hotel suite at the 4 seasons. Once the party is done, then you can have a the room all to yourself and dirty the sheets. For me instead of having sex, I would eat left over birthday cake, eat in bed and take a fucking shower without my husband or kids bothering me
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When your DCs birthday is in January (so the party has to be inside) and you live in 850 sq ft, you can't have the party at your home. If you have to use someone else's space, it costs.
[ Reply | More ]I would never have a kid party in my apt. - but I'd also never spend $1000 on a kid party. There has got to be 50 different fun things to do w/ a small group of kids for less than $200.
[ Reply | More ]When you are talking about 4 and 5 y/o's, it's not just the DCs - very few parents will go for a drop-off party at that age, so it's not just 5 DCs, it's 5 DCs, siblings (sometimes) and at least one parent. Suddenly you have 15-20 people.
[ Reply | More ]It's fine if you want to spend your money that way - I can bet very few of the people dropping 2k on a 4YO party have college fully funded though -and that's just sad. I love my kids - but I also know they won't have any memory of their 3rd birthday party and they don't need 2k for 2 hours running around some over-priced gym.
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DO it in a park. You can get a permit for about 20 bucks for Hudson River, Central Park, etc.
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[-]Need to hire someone to put together crib and changing table in NYC - any suggestions? My husband is not too handy!
9 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreYou both need to figure out how to do this. You'll have to put together a lot of other crap for your DC and trust me, there is no one to hire at 3 AM on Christmas Eve when you're staring down half a dollhouse. Consider it Parent Ed. Assuming you're PG and uninterested in assembling, you can sit there with the manual, the bags of screws, and the moral support while DH does it.
[ Reply | More ]no you don't seriously, do you have jobs? surely you can follow simple instructions!
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[-]Magic Al, Sammie & Tudie, Miss Pinkie, Dave's Cast of Characters or someone else? 3 yo dd. TIA
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[-]Give me your business ideas. I'd like to steal the best one. Thanks.
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[-]Trying to secure Taylor Swift tix at MSG in Nov for dd and a friend. She's 11, it's her second concert, so I don't feel she's old enough to just go with a friend - at least one parent need to be there. How do people who don't have inside connections of hundreds of dollars to spend per ticket do this? I'm trying to get 3-4 tix but have realized I'm looking at at least $400 for first tier off the floor.
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[-]32 weeks pregnant now and looking for a nice weekend spot for my husband and I to go to as a last minute thing on Labor Day weekend. We're in NYC so something within driving distance from here is a must (I'll be 36 weeks preg by then). We'd like somewhere with a pool and nice accommodations. Thoughts?
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Not to scare you, but I recently gave birth at 34 weeks completely unexpectedly - normal pregnancy, and it was a very fast labor! DH and I were supposed to go to his college reunion in NJ the following day, and thank goodness it didn't happen there. I wouldn't leave the city at 36 weeks.
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[-]Avenues deposit due today. Can't decide what to do. Honestly, the only thing keeping from saying "Yes" and being really really psyched about it is the viceral anonymous commentary on Urban Baby - the school really DOES appear to offer the very best of the private schools and will certainly have the best facility (if in fact it is built as designed). For a downtown Mom, my options are limited - Friends does not get good reviews from my Mommy-friends, lots of internal conflict and horrible athletic program and Grace accepts one non-billionaire/legacy a year - can't pin hopes on that. I really think Avenues could be the pre-eminant TT school in a couple of years, I really do.
25 replies [ Reply | Watch | Morewell, the things you mentioned are a gamble and you think it is a good one so you probably want to send in the deposit. i think the thing that deters most people is the prospect of being a newer class continuing through high school and graduating from a school with NO reputation for college admissions boards to evaluate it against, as far as grades. it will be assumed guilty of artificial grade inflation and all of those A's your dc learn will be disregarded. a C will look like an F. there are no other Avenues students that have succeeded in their program at the college, etc.
[ Reply | More ]I agree that Friends is a mess and some (but not all) of new parents are not happy at all with the school. In five years, Avenues will either be the pre-eminant private school in the City with the toughest admission standards of any TT or be out of business. In my opinion, it is a terrific risk to take.
[ Reply | More ]not 5, at least 15. and that's best case scenario. it depends how exiting classes do.
[ Reply | More ]not true...they'll never be TT but they may be in business as they've got some serious funding. IMO they will always and only be a school for those that can't get into one of the better 15 or 20 NY privates. If I had to guess, they'll be around for awhile as a form of educational insurance for those who can pay their tariff and can't get in anywhere else.
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Go with your gut, don't listen to strangers here. I sent in my check - DC will be going to pre-school. As long as it's safe, close, clean, great teachers, small classes, promotes curiosity & learning & opportunities for PE, music and arts, then what have you got to lose? At least in the early years.
[ Reply | More ]If it were me, I'd be a pioneer and try it. I think it'll be great at the beginning and may suffer later on. You can't argue with new facilities and from what they're promising at least it seems outstanding.
[ Reply | More ]The point of overadmitting is that many will not put diwn a deposit having decided against it and others, even after the deposit, will choose another school. You aren't obligated to go if your dc do get into grace or another school.
[ Reply | More ]The wierd thing is, Avenues hasn't yet overadmitted. I know ten families that applied and only 2 got it. Of course, this was for Kindergarden, so it is an entry year, but 2 out of 10 is crazy competitive for a new school with no legacy/sibling issues. And Avenues has somehow cornered the market on "celebrity kids" which means that the social-climbing New Yorkers will follow (and pay) to be part of the crowd.
[ Reply | More ]OP: Right, I guess what I am saying is, DC has no realistic hope of getting into Grace (which is supposedly uber-competitive, so not sure I would even want to) and Friends is so dysfunctional and (IMO) on the way out of the elite (if it has not already jumped the shark) that I think Avenues might be the best bet (understanding that there are risks with any/all of them). We are not super-super-rich, but my super-super-successful friends are totally smitten with Avenues and acknowledge that Grace is super small and look at Friends as a way-way-way-down the list back-up.
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I'd give it a go. This is for K? You can always apply and get out, at least by middle school, or switch to one of the excellent downtown public elementary schools and then go private. Why not try it? I wouldn't even want Grace, but if you are so into Grace, give it a shot as well and lose your deposit if need be.
[ Reply | More ]if that is what you think, just do it--why are you asking on here? Avenues has interested investors and PR people who have been trying very hard to stir up interest any way they can, including online message boards geared to NYC parents (and press advertising, and focused parent presentations etc). The posts on this board are annoying to people because they are often clearly written by representatives of the school, typically contain misleading information (particularly about admissions), are dishonest in that they pretend to be from parents, and always leave out relevant information, such as that the school is for profit, may not open, and has not hired faculty yet. Also, this is not a good forum for this type of targeted PR campaign. ...
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[-]Just got a spot in PS 151's first grade CTT and dont know a sole as not zoned. Anyone else entering that class? Would love to have a contact before sept 8th!
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[-]Has anyone used Dr. Jefferey Stock or Dr. Kenneth Glassberg as a pediatric urologist? My son will need surgery for his hypospadia in a few months and I am trying to decide between these two doctors. Any feedback at all would be great - thanks.
3 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreI'm sorry about your son. My db has severe hydronephrosis so I've been referred to a few pediatric urologists--the names a heard over and over were Dr. Terry Hensle, Dr. Dix Poppas and Dr. Ellen Shapiro. We went with Dr. Poppas. Quick google search shows that Dr. Glassberg took over Dr. Hensle's post at NY Presbyterian--I imagine you'd be in very good hands there.
[ Reply | More ]We researched this a number of years ago when ds needed surgery for hypospadias and used Dix Poppas who did a great job. We also had Glassberg on our list -- we heard he was extremely good, but had an odd manner (although all surgeons have their quirks). Good luck -- I remember posting on here back then and also responding to another mom whose dc was having the surgery a year later. The kids recover very quickly but it's hard on the parents.
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