What are /r/AskWomen's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

There's a book about that! It's called The Power: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0670919969/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k16zDbN0XBX5R

All women suddenly develop the ability to give debilitating electrical shocks and suddenly have the physical upper hand and the book goes into how it changes society.

My dad gave me a promise ring when I was elementary school and read me a book about a princess giving her kiss away. When I was older he gave me a book called “For Young Women Only”. The premise of the book was boys will be boys. It had one chapter about how men would never only be thinking of you when having sex due to porn and past experiences. It really fucked me up and essentially drove me to the mindset that if boys are going to have sex why should I miss out in all the fun lol.

Not only was it misogynistic, it was sexist by generalizing all men.

Link to the book

A wet brush. For years everyone told me to try a wet brush for my hair (super thick, wavy, and constantly tangly). I was in a pinch because I'd forgotten my hairbrush the first weeks back in the dorm. I saw a wet brush at CVS and decided to try it (it was $12 so I dont recommend buying one there lol). The first time I used it I HATED it. But then i started using it and realized it's amazing. I now have 3 of them and one small one that I keep in my purse. They're life changing. my hair has far less breakage and is much healthier. 10/10 recommend.

EDIT: This is a link to the wet brush I use. I swear by it: https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Paddle-Detangler-Purple/dp/B079P6BSMP/ref=asc_df_B079P6BSMP/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241976475086&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=475002552311906539&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021706&hvtargid=aud-466360936450%3Apla-568593599656&th=1

This for me too, although I also have one of those security bars, like this, that I use to secure my bedroom door - because I watch too much Investigation Discovery.

Bic Pens for Her. It was exactly thes same as a regular, but it had something call "fashion ink" or some glitter.

EDIT: my favorite vegetable earned me gold!?!?

Cucumbers are one of my FAVORITE snacks. I swear, I have a full menu of cucumber ideas. Some of my favorites include, but are not limited to:

• Sliced w/ Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning.
• Sliced, topped with a little bit of cream cheese and TJ's Everything Bagel seasoning (I am so obsessed with TJ's stuff, obviously)
• Cucumber salad (cucumber, red onion, tomato, avocado, lime juice, salt and pepper)
• sliced with toasted sesame seeds on top and a splash of vinegar (to emulate a cucumber salad you'd find at a Japanese restaurant)

I could go on and on! Thanks for letting me ramble on about cucumber :)

I very recently read a book called Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick and the author's discussion on hysteria is fascinating. She talks about it throughout the entire book because so many modern illnesses/disorders that mainly or only affect women (like Fibromyalgia or PMDD) are very similar to what doctors used to call Hysteria. She basically said that most of the "contested illnesses" we have today stem directly from Hysteria- and that women's pain in general is very often described as psychosomatic (all in her head) whereas men's pain is typically seen as physiomatic (real, bodily pain). Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in how women are treated in medicine.

I found tousers that are perfect for me (lots of pockets, robust, office-style), and I keep recommending them to friends, but so far, everyone has noped out of the 70€ price tag.

Link - the pockets hold my phone, keys, wallet and handkerchiefs without looking too bulky.

Japanese baby foot peeling masks https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Foot-Exfoliant-Lavender-Scented/dp/B00461F4PA

Sounds insane but it seriously exfoliates all the gross calluses better than any manual exfoliation. I do it once a year before sandals season.

My stepmom used to do shit like this. She made more money than my dad and made sure to flaunt how much more her kids were "loved" on Xmas morning than my sister and I. One Xmas my stepsister got diamond earrings and my other stepsister got a kitten. My sister and I got these plastic storage bins that looked like this.

Like I get it -- they're your kids and you shouldn't have to spend as much on your stepchildren -- but Jesus Christ at least pretend to make an effort.

Weighted blankets for 1) anxiety 2) falling asleep and staying asleep. Worth every penny! Get one that has a cover and that’s quilted so beads don’t sink to one area.

My brother and I have this one: Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover | 15 lbs | 60”x80” | for Individual Between 140-190 lbs | Full Size Bed | Premium Glass Beads | Cotton/Minky | Grey/Navy Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C1PBDLX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O3asCbJB115C7

Using double sided toupee tape has been a lifesaver for me with this. It holds better than the stuff marketed for women. One side stuck to my shirt, the other side stuck to my chest, and voila! I’ve now turned a cleavage-baring top into a work-appropriate shirt!

Not OP but my wife and I ran through this book before we got engaged. We had a good time and we like to think it helped us discuss some of the more difficult yet necessary subjects before jumping into a marriage.

Because pregnancy tests in drugstores are expensive af, I found you can get super cheap pregnancy test strips on Amazon, 50 strips for $12! I have PCOS, so I never have periods, so I just use one of those strips every few months just to make sure. So much peace of mind :)

ClinicalGuard® HCG Pregnancy Test Strips (Individually-Sealed, Pack of 50) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT3BUE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ekodBbRJ0BV3K

I recently bought myself a memory foam bed off amazon for like $199. It's super cheap for a bed, and costly for a gamble, but I lucked out and it's a great mattress! My back problems went away, and for the first month, I was sleeping so much that people thought I was depressed. I would laugh and tell them "no, I just love sleeping now!"

PM me if you want the brand or other info, I feel like I've made this sound enough like a plug lol.

Edit: I can't keep up with the pms lol. Search for Zinus memory foam mattress!

2nd Edit

You can try carrying an air horn with you. While it doesnt cause direct physical harm it can really discombobulate a person if used directly in the persons face. This should give you enough time to stun then run, plus it draws attention from anybody in the area which is something all attackers try to avoid. There are now Personal alarms you can purchase for self defense. I do not own one but from what I hear they are pretty effective. https://www.amazon.com/Vigilant-PPS-22BL130dB-Personal-Flashlight-Keyring/dp/B005E04MK0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526660286&sr=8-1&keywords=self+defense+noise+maker

When I was 17-18, I had a job at a university bookstore. There was a man who came in a lot, a professor. He liked to hang around and talk to me about books, and one day he invited me to dinner. He was at least 20 years older than me, but I was in a new city and didn't know many people, so I went.

At the restaurant, I became increasingly uneasy. I still can't put my finger exactly on why, he didn't sleaze on me, but I found myself wanting to get away from him. In the end, I picked a fight (about feminism) and stormed out of the restaurant—I even made sure I stopped and paid for everything I had eaten. I did not want to feel any obligation to him.

I avoided him after that.

He became quite famous in my country after a few books he'd written—he was a criminologist, often interviewed in the news and quoted in articles. But every time I saw his name my hackles rose—and I still could not to this day tell you exactly why. It was "just a feeling".

And he kept getting more famous... until the day, about 2 years ago, when the headlines announced he had been arrested and charged for the sexual abuse and grooming of a girl under 12.

I heard there were others, but they were historical charges and prosecutors didn't think they could get a conviction.

Absolute creep.

Moral of the story: trust your instincts. I read Gavin de Becker's book The Gift of Fear some time after that incident and it made complete sense to me. I advise everyone, especially young women, to read it. It explains what it is your instincts are doing when they warn you, and how to learn to follow them and keep safe.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Gift-Fear-Gavin-Becker/dp/0440226198

Well, I live alone in a nice area and was the victim of a violent break-in a few months ago (he didn't expect me to be home). Anyway, while it is still traumatic, I have gotten to the point where I am not terrified to be alone anymore.

• I lock my doors when I'm home and when I leave. I was broken into through my front door...I had forgotten to lock it when I took my dog out and that's how he got in.

• I got one of these door stop things and nothing gets past it. It's helped me sleep better.

• I got a couple of indoor security cameras and linked them to my phone. I look at the feeds if I'm away to check on my puppies. It also records and sends me a notification if motion is detected.

• I also got a doorbell camera. I figure if anyone tries anything again, at least there will be good video footage of it.

• Keep some pepper spray something by your bedside. Something to protect you.

• If you have the time and inclination to get a large dog, they work wonders.

• Get to know your neighbors. they're more likely to notice if anything is amiss and keep an eye out for you if you know each other.

Also, I haven't tried this, but I dated a cop a few years ago and one of the detectives in his dpt told me a good deterrent for women living alone is to place big, muddy men's work boots on the doorstep. If someone is hoping to break in and do something unsavory, they'll twice if they think a big burly guy is in there. Just a thought :)

Here's an article with pictures from marches and gatherings around the world - I was pleasantly surprised to see there was one in my city :)

I did the same with my apartment!

1. Delta Faucet Shower
2. Added August smart lock.
3. Added Smart thermostat (Sensi Emerson was cheap at the time)
4. Replaced the shitty toilet lid with a no slam model
5. Of course a bidet to go with it.

Also a roomba, especially if you have pets!

Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People https://www.amazon.com/dp/0770436684/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_epc-CbMFF13RP

I love it, some of the questions have led to important discussions and just reminds me that he’s a respectable dork.

we’re still here nonfiction account of a sociologist interviewing a town in former coal country about their thoughts on the ‘American dream’, America, and life in general.

I bought a small shopping cart like this and I can fit about a week or two. It helps as a broke college student with no car. It's small enough that it isn't a hassle on the bus

This is the one I have

I absolutely love it and I've never had issues with it the way some reviews are saying. I'm not sure if my internet is more solid or what but it's worked perfectly for 9 months and I use it 2-3 times a week.

>I like my space and the partners I’ve had have been quite clingy

I once felt exactly like you. Everyone I dated eventually wanted all of my time and space. I couldn't object without hurting them. They made me feel terrible for being myself.

In my mid 30's I finally read a book called Quiet that changed my life. It explained to me what it meant to be an introvert. I wasn't a bad person, and neither were my partners. I had just been dating extroverts, and we were fundamentally incompatible.

Once I understood myself and my needs in a relationship, I was finally open to meeting the right person. Now I'm happily married to another introvert, and it's great! We didn't even move in together for the first year of our marriage. :)

I have had fittings, I have tried different styles, they all suck. I don't like having something strapped around my ribs, it feels constricting. I don't like the rash that occurs under said strap when I sweat. I hate the straps in my shoulders. I hate the price. Why does stuff that no one sees need to be so expensive? Like plain cotton underwear? Grr.

And I don't care if people see my nipples.

Don't get me wrong, I wear them when I am out and about, but it is the first thing that comes off when the time is appropriate. These are the most comfortable ones I found, considering the only reason I wear them is someone at some point decided women need to tame the tatas while out in public. (Mine aren't large enough that they need to be strapped down) They don't last a super long time, but at least I didn't pay $75+ for them. The straps, both around the ribs and over the shoulders aren't nearly as horrible either.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DDFUAO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yes!

I keep a Perinatal squirt bottle in my bathroom so I can rinse my vagina on super swampy days down there. It helps tremendously when I don’t have time to shower in between events. Towel off and a fresh pair of undies good to go!

Plus you can rinse after sex or when you’ve got a partially messy period.

I use the crap out of these.

Sure!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TYSQXIC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I haven't tried it while wet or used any of the attachments- I just trim over the toilet after a shower.

What about Smooth Away? Their commercials had ladies with arm hair, pit hair, and leg hair IIRC. They aired around 2008. Not technically shaving, but still hair removal.

Smooth Away Hair Removal [18 replacment pads] As Seen on TV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VY7F6JS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tNNfCb8H9BEJX

I've bought a lot of things from Amazon over the last ~10 years. But right now the hands down best thing ever is the vibrating cock ring that arrived yesterday. It was a spur of the moment purchase that we weren't sure would be any good and my husband ended up having the best afternoon of his life.

You should defenitely try it for $6.99. And get extra batteries.

Edit: I couldn't pull the exact listing cause it was sold out, but I found another listing for the model we got- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FZSF3K

The listing I found was $6.99 and shipped from China so, it's worth clicking around and seeing how many times the same item pops up.

Don't put your keys between your knuckles! It'll damage the webbing between your fingers and make you open your fist.

> if you must use your keys to fight, try “closing a fist around it with the sharp edge coming out the bottom or pinky side.”

> ...

> if someone is close enough to poke with your keys, you’re probably better off pulling their hair, scratching with your fingernails, and going for their eyes.

More advice for using keys in self-defense. I think the consensus seems to be that rather than holding keys the right way you should probably get a kubotan - a little handle to put on your keychain - or a real self-defense thing like pepper spray. But even an empty first is better than putting keys between your knuckles - please don't do it!

Lil Rinser Splashguard in Blue and Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B1FHIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dw2Yzb29X0C93

This has saved my sanity!

My 7yr old daughter HATED her hair washed. It was so bad she ended up with cradle cap a yr ago. Her hair was thick and heavy and impossible to wash really quick and be done. She acted like she was DYING when a tiny speck of water got on her face or ears....

I will never be more grateful for an Amazon purchase as I am for this one!!! She just sits there holding it and I wash and rinse as long as I need to! I can't stress enough how much I love this silly little thing!

When I smile, my one eye "smizes" more than the other and then in every photo I look like I'm trying to wink but totally inept.

Also, so many double chin photos, until I saw this video that a portrait photographer put together. I still forget half the time and end up with all the chins.

Link to picture: http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/10-scary-celebrity-close-ups

I actually think it's a really interesting picture of her. She looks like her eyes are two different colors, but that may because of the lighting. It's a weird exposure as well, so her skin looks stark white as if she's wearing white makup. She doesn't look bad, just very different.

The other pictures are just horrible lens distortions from the extreme closeup. What a lot of people don't realise is that different camera lenses can have very dramatic effects on a picture.

Someone messed with my desk humidifier last night after I left work and it ended up leaking all over my desk so now I have to re-print a bunch of stuff*

*stuff I should have laminated yesterday so I guess this is my own fault?

Former child model and actress here. (Shoot me.)

Practice. Practice in front of the camera. Practice with selfies. Find the angle you like most in the mirror and learn how to tilt your head to recreate it. Always note where the light source is, angle your face toward it and lengthen your neck. Try a bunch of different smiles/mouth shapes and see which feels the most natural. I've found I'm a close-mouthed smiler, a la the Olsen twins, myself. Also it helps if I think of something pleasant so my eyes don't look dead. Tyra taught me the importance of smizing.

Take your photos in natural light and avoid shooting from below up (it's rarely too flattering on anyone). Shoot in diffused natural light (partially cloudy afternoons are great). And find interesting ways of framing the shot so it's not just your face in the middle of the frame.

And then Facetune, of which I am not ashamed.

And then practice some more.

I do like the ewok idea.

Also a fun way to pass time is to pick an dog costume on amazon and then click through all the customer review pics of their pups in the costumes. Like look at all these pupper ghostbusters!

Here is a quick recap of the trend for those who don't know.

As for my thoughts: I have been following the discussion on Twitter since yesterday. I think it has been great for bringing attention to the culture of fear/sexism which impacts all women (hence the name).

I also think that it has been especially interesting as a case study for the larger trends in feminism/gender relations today - the fact that some men and women see #YesAllWomen in the same ways they see the idea of "Feminist" - either that it is all about gender equality or it is about female domination or it is about female victimization, etc. So i have found it a really great way to see large trends of how people perceive feminism today. The emergence of #NotAllMen as an alternative speaks to the discomfort that many have with statements about gender-wide issues. While obviously not all men actively participate in gender violence, the need for individuals to remind everyone that they are the exception is a diminishment of the experiences of the women who are sharing their perspectives, and ultimately shifts attention toward these individuals instead.

TLDR; it is basically a big example of the major back-and-forth happening in feminism/gender discussions today, and a great platform for women to share their experiences.

> Make sure to watch what you browse online. Your employer may keep tabs of your search history..

Not search history, but network logs. For search history, use a private tab or set the browser to clear all history when you shut down.

You should do personal stuff on your smartphone, not using the office wifi. Use your own data plan and you are safe. Do you have to use office wifi because reception is bad? Then you can use VPN like Freedome. Except when the VPN ports are banned...

Breasts. How annoying bras are, how expensive bras are. How impossible it can be to find clothing that fits correctly. The silly little problems that are annoying as shit when you have big boobs in particular. How just going for a run isn't something all women can do to exercise.

They have cooling ones! Here’s a link to one o Amazon - Syrinx Cooling Weighted Blankets 15lbs, 60''x80'', Dark Grey for Adult, 100% Breathable Cotton with Glass Beads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJP9W64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_R2BDDbZGPPXNG

This water boiler that are in most Asian households is even better! My most used daily appliance - https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-America-Corporation-CV-DCC40XT-Stainless/dp/B00R4HKIV8/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1531176417&sr=1-1&keywords=zojirushi+water+boiler

And shine you did! Thanks for all the info.

Here's my dilemma.

I discovered an amazing product ... Sally Hershberger Plump Up Thickening Mist. It's packaging says it's got collagen for instant body. Yay!

No sooner had I bought some for myself and my sister (with similarly thin, limp hair and getting worse as we're now both in our 60s), but I could no longer find it on store shelves. I'm in Canada and originally bought it at Shoppers Drug Mart so I drove about a 15 mile radius of all the SDMart stores trying to find any left on their shelves (found 3). I even wrote to their company in NYC but I got no reply.

My question(s). Do you know about this product? Have you ever used it? Is the company trustworthy? Is there another product that's similar that I should try?

Thanks for any info you can share. Much appreciated. I'm on my last spritz bottle.

This! My dermatologist recommended using blister bandaids bc hydrocolloid aids acne/blemishes fast. u/godzillapanda posted a link to the Band-Aid brand which is exactly what I was hooked on until I came across this one on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Rael-Hydrocolloid-Pimple-Healing-Patch/dp/B07G1VKCND/

I've tried all the popular ones (Cosrx, Mighty Patch, Nexcare, Peach & Lily...) and this one beats them all out the water. They're practically invisible it's insane. I can go to work with them on... Just gotta check the mirror every once in a while to switch it out once the whites start showing through ��

This is the worst! Deodorant can help if you're not doing a ton of walking. The most effective barrier for me is Spanx, but they make that weird swishing sound. I recently discovered these thigh bands. They work ok, but they shift a lot, so I'm constantly readjusting. They're better than nothing.

I read this book when I was about ten and was too young to really appreciate it, but I remember finishing and thinking that the story and characters were all terrible. It wasn't until I watched a movie of it as a teen that I appreciated that his contrast to other literary leading men who develop into reformed romantics, is what makes him interesting, in my view at least.

Edit: The movie adaptation was the 1978 BBC drama. It was pretty true to the book from what I recall and about four hours long. I must have watched it about 10 years ago because I got the VCR tapes out from the library. I can't find it online, but if anyone enjoyed the book, I recommend this drama. The DVD is on Amazon for just a few pounds.

The really basic ones just attach to your incoming water supply (the one that goes to the toilet tank), but there are some fancier ones that hook up to hot and cold water, and use electricity for seat warming, butt dryers, and air deodorizers (no, really).

I never knew toaster bags existed until I saw them in a video last week and they are so convenient. I spent so much money ordering food from DoorDash and other fast food places during the semester because I only had 1 hour in between classes. We have toasters on campus so I could’ve just prepared something at home and cooked it in 3 minutes on campus using the toaster bag and saved hundreds of dollars. It’s not just for grilled cheese either, pretty much anything that will fit in the bag will work and the best part is they’re reusable. I would say $7 well spent. It’s quick, mess free and perfect to take on the go.

Mercator projection is just awful.

I am looking at you, google maps.

Edit - here is an interactive map using Mercator. See how different Greenland and Russia look when you place them more towards the equator? Mercator distorts the area of countries a LOT the further it is from the equator. There are better projections out there (national Geographic uses this one) but Mercator is used widely despite the criticism.

Have you tried the...Bic for Her?

​

While you're there, I suggest reading the reviews. Quite helpful.

I've followed Dave Ramsey's teachings for over 10 years, so I started there. Which I know he can be pretty controversial on Reddit, but I think the general idea of his teachings are very sound and a great starting off point. Also currently reading the book The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life. It is a great book and breaks everything down into stuff a "normal" person can understand. He also touches on real estate, although I disagree slightly with him on that but that's my personal opinion as I do invest in property. Investing isn't really as difficult as people try to make it seem. I think it can be overwhelming because there are all these different types of stocks and different avenues you can take to invest, but it is all actually relatively simple once you learn the terminology. I think that's what always intimidated me was the words I didn't know and was too afraid to ask what they meant.

Invest in a shewee!

If you've ever found yourself in the situation of having to squat to pee camping/public bathroom/hiking or in my kind of job where a toilet isn't anywhere close you need one of these! Let's us pee anywhere someone with a dick can!

I mean, let us take for example my old community, pure mathematics. Unless you're close to Perelman in personality, fashion-sense, and grooming, you're going to have a rough time at the top schools. Tho it isn't said aloud, femininity is scorned fierce in the mathematics world. Heck I could link to this research book on femininity, mathematics and science which will give more than amble historical evidence. (I think it's a great read for fellow STEM feminists btw). Mathematics has always been considered "uber masculine" and those in it, albeit not some militant "alpha," are "alpha" nerds. Plus, math along with physics are often looked up to by the entire STEM world as "the way to be;" along with that comes the subtle things, like shunning femininity and also female and non-male bodies in general. Like STEM itself, these are global phenomena and just because a country is "equal" doesn't mean it can make equal the global communities over the top of it that weave in and out of it connecting to the rest of the world.

I got this from Jenna on 30 Rock which normally is not a ringing endorsement, but I use soft pink lightbulbs in my bedroom and any cozy/soft area. In the show she says they make her more beautiful, so i asked an electrician and he confirmed- they do give everything a nice glow. It isn’t noticeably pink, but it gives everything a very very soft rosy glow. It is the difference between candle light and harsh direct lighting, it makes everything seem soft and fuzzy and warm and comfortable. I use the GE 60w bulbs .

We have the Roborock S5 vacuum off of Amazon.

It's quite pricey and not everyone can justify for an expensive vacuum cleaner, but this model is quite smart and is considerably cheaper than the mainstream brand (the equivalent costs about $800 or more if I'm not mistaken).

I used to have the cheaper robot vacuum and it wasn't very "smart". It'd bump into everything, get stuck and had a hard a hard time navigating back "home" (charging dock) to recharge.

I had my doubts on this new one we just got because of our past experience but we liked the fact that the floor was so clean every day and pretty smart. We have tile floors. You know that feeling when you're walking around barefoot and you just stepped on something dry or the bottom of your feet just feels dusty or crumbly? Yeah, no more of that! (We used to vacuum only on weekends)

Before I talk endlessly about the joys of owning a robot vacuum, I'll stop here :P Let me know if you have any questions though. We've owned this for more than a month now and it's been running every day for about 45 minutes, cleaning our whole one floor house. We also have a cat and it picks up cat hair just fine.

This beautiful/horrific incense burner. Its now a very ridiculous centerpiece at the bong station in my living room.

This is the one we have

The price has gone down since we ordered

This is the one I should have bought

On Reddit at least, there's maybe twice as many men, according to these obviously unscientific sources:

http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/reddit.com http://imgur.com/gallery/cPzlB

It's not totally unreasonable to assume somebody is going to be a few of these: male, 20-something years old, white, unmarried, from the United States, went to or currently in college. That's definitely not the majority of the population of the internet as a whole - and that's just including English speakers.

You don't notice when people are making those other assumptions as often because it's easy and common to drop a gendered pronoun.

Tulsa, OK
Bend, OR
Chattanooga, TN
Bellingham, WA
Santa Fe, NM
Bloomington, IN
Alpine, TX
Missoula, MT
Duluth, MN
Sioux Falls, SD
Cedar Rapids, IA
San Angelo, TX

Highly recommend reading this wonderful & optimistic book: Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America by James and Deborah Fallows.

EDIT: Completely forgot about Omaha, NE. Great town.

Get yourself one of these babies: https://www.amazon.com/MelodySusie-Makeup-Brush-Cleaner-Brushes/dp/B01HEVDLZI/ref=sr_1_15_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1545943149&sr=1-15&keywords=makeup+brush+cleaner

then get some cheap makeup brush cleaner at the drug store. or just a mild soap. put detergent on the brush, get it wet, then use the makeup cleaner rubber scrubby thingie on the brush until water runs clear.

The real pain is drying brushes.

Actually, there's a lot of problems with the whole "dick by race" statistics, mostly because a lot of it is self-reported and thus pretty much unreliable data.

I use this monistat chafing cream that really, really helps me! It’s available at Walmart next to the other monistat stuff. I think Lush carries something similar as well.

One thing that really seems to help me is making sure I am present in my life and not thinking about other things, especially if I am anxious. A great technique I've learned, if I am having a tough moment, is to picture one of these in my head:

https://www.amazon.com/Westminister-2353-Westminster-Boilers-purple/dp/B00N05RVQS/ref=sr_1_18?keywords=hand+boiler&qid=1566588440&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-18

In my head my crappy thoughts are represented by a red liquid. When the red liquid rises, I consciously push the red back down with blue. By the time I'm done, I'm feeling better because I told myself it would always work for me. You can choose whatever colors you want to use in yours--colors that resonate with you.

Edit: clarification

If you go to your local Asian grocery store and buy these green body scrub mitts, they're hella cheap and work way better than bath gloves in my opinion. amazon link here

Skinfood Peach Sake Finishing Powder as my dry shampoo! ($7.99 + Free Shipping on Amazon) I love using it because

a) it's fine and doesn't make my hair feel too gritty and it actually absorbs the oil really well

b) It smells like peaches

c) It lasts a really long time, much longer than an aersol can

d) IT SMELLS LIKE PEACHES

I recommend using a kabuki or makeup brush to apply it.

This! I listen to podcasts and audiobooks all day, and now I can listen in the shower, too.

Amazon says I purchased this one in December of 2015. I think I have charged it three times. Maybe four. I am not kidding, this thing lasts forever.

NO NOT BETWEEN YOUR FINGERS love please! Carry them like a dagger. This is supposed to be much more effective and increase your chances of getting away

Edit: wanted to make sure you knew about this as well https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Security-Emergency-Flashlight-Alarms-safey/dp/B07WFYXT5P you just pull the pin out to make a reallyyy loud awful noise. Stuns so you can run.

I was in a DBT therapy program where we made self-soothe kits one week! You put something in there for each of your five senses, things that either relax you or just give you something neutral to focus on. You can make kits for home, work, your purse, etc.. I just have a little one that lives in my purse, and some of the pieces work for multiple senses:

• Sight: A piece of paper with a link to /r/rarepuppers ;) I need to print out a couple pictures of my cats, too.
• Sound: A list of my favorite albums to listen to, or better yet, sing along to, which helps get my breath under control. (You could also use a small bell, tuning fork, something scratchy-sounding, ...)
• Taste: Fancy dark chocolate with ginger crystals, because the ginger is soothing, and sometimes when I'm stressed it's just because I let myself get hungry.
• Touch:
  • A rose quartz stone that a close friend gave me, so I can rub it or toss it around. For sight, I can also turn it around under a light and focus on all the different little facets.
  • A massage ring. When I have a really stressful presentation or conversation, I actually put this on beforehand so I can fidget with it half-subtly.
• Smell: A small vial of a favorite perfume. (Scented lotion is another popular choice.)

so overpriced for what you get, and i've heard the CEO got busted for being a creep. i bought white label period panties from ebay, same as these for super cheap and they work every bit as well. just as long as you're using them for backup protection, and not just to bleed into.

I bought Amazon Dash Buttons for cat litter (5 cats here), toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent. Best. Thing. Ever. Whenever a box of cat litter gets low, I just press a button. Only a couple of rolls of toilet paper left? Press a button!

Those and a great magnifying lens for coloring have made my life easier.

A good second option if a new mattress is a little costly is a mattress topper. I got a two inch memory foam topper that is textured and it made so much difference. My mattress feels nicer to sleep on and my back doesn't hurt the moment I lie down like it used to.

This is the one I got: https://smile.amazon.com/LUCID-Lavender-Memory-Mattress-Topper/dp/B01H2N2G3Q/

Put them in a “delicates” mesh wash bag and throw them in the washer on the cold cycle, then hang to dry.

Dune, by Frank Herbert. It's just a really good book. It's got everything: politics, religion, romance, good v evil, adventure, magic, science, poetry, beautiful description, excellent dialogue. It's one of my all-time favorites. I read it again last year for the first time in about 20 years, and it was still amazing. Re-reading the rest of the series this year.

I actually prefer the "hose" style of bidet. A lot more control over where the water goes and generally more pleasant to use IMO (though I grew up using them in Asia, so I'm partial to it).

If you're afraid of the plumbing and setup and commitment of a bidet try a portable one like this

https://smile.amazon.com/Portable-Handheld-Personal-Hygiene-Travel/dp/B0719458YW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1531183932&sr=8-12&keywords=portable+bidet

Only $10 and a complete game changer. I started using it when I was living in a sublet and never stopped, though I keep telling myself to just install a regular bidet this works perfectly and I really havent felt the need to get a proper one.

I use subtitles when I have bad migraine days so I can have the tv really low.

I have a tablet arm for watching YouTube, playing my Switch, or reading on my tablet in bed or in my chair when my arthritis is too much to hold something.

I keep this behind my apartment door and my bedroom door (just in case 😅) Master Lock 265D Door Security Bar, Pack of 1, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YUX8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z9BKKP8HKD9QDNDS619P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It's not that managing your husband's social calendar is weird. It's the idea that women have roles that they taken on that aren't even viewed as roles. It's like they're running the administration for their husbands social lives even though they have their own lives to run. It's why isolation in elderly men is a huge thing that happens when their wives die because their wives have been the ones to manage their social lives for their whole lives up until they died. (Note this is not to say that elderly women don't end up socially isolated when their husbands die, it's just that it's a trend I've noticed more with elderly men than women). It's a metafilter thread that features stories from women that explains it better.

Korean Bath Towel Washcloth Named Italy Towel 20pcs/Pack Body Scrub Genuine Exfoliating Bath Mitten Remove Dead Skin Yellow and Green (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BJRVBKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KSE8C2G3BKAENR1DVRDP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My Dad Wrote a Porno!

Yes, I know how it sounds... but it is absolutely hilarious. It is three friends: Jamie, James, and Alice who commentate as Jamie reads aloud an "erotic novel" written by his dad. There's no feasible way to describe it where it doesn't sound disgustingly odd. Their British accents make smut sound posh (in my opinion) and they are incredibly witty. The writing is awful and is one giant r/badwomensanatomy post, so it is funny, not sexy. Obviously it contains foul language and adult topics, so it may not appeal to all. That being said, everyone I have forced to listen to it is now addicted: male and female, aged 25-58! There's a [subreddit](r/mydadwroteaporno), too, but it's not super active.

The book is called Belinda Blinked, and can be found on Amazon. You can read some reviews there, mostly by people listening to the podcast.

1) wear sunscreen. every day. on your face.

2) moisturize your skin. your face, and the rest of your body.

3) figure out how to take care of your nails (especially if you have gross toenails). you don't need to get a mani/pedi or anything like that, but use a file to round off the sharp edges after you trim them and maybe try using a nail buffer once in a while.

4) use conditioner in your hair.

There's a documentary on this very thing. A woman walks around a city and documents all the men who harass her and her response to them.

So yes, evidence exists, but no, I don't think we should have to provide evidence of it happening. Our experiences should be valid enough, even if they're just spoken.

Tess of the d'Urbevilles. In fact, the whole class hated it so much, we never actually finished the book and switched to something else.

I really like Calm. It has a lot of free content for you to check it out, their "7 days of calm" cover the basics, and their free stories feature some of the best readings I have ever come across (my favourite ones are by Stephen Fry). The app got me so hooked up I actually paid the annual fee for the full access - best money I ever spent.

I just wanted to post this here for those who may be depressed about dropping out of college or not going to college. Dropping out of HS may be harder to accomplish this though. Look into IT. There is a lot of great free training for IT. You can do some basic level stuff by using your at home computer (if you have one) and downloading a VM to test some things.

https://www.cybrary.it/

Some of the best free training the internet has to offer. I'd recommend A+ if you're really new to technology. Net+ and Sec+ are great for network engineer and security engineering. Both are entry level certs/training. Training courses on Linux, Windows, and Admin are also great. Don't have to take the certs, just get some training with them.

There are a lot of small companies who will accept jobs applied to IT if you have the skill set and have some labs/computers you've messed around with in your free time to show you have real world experience with it.

You can probably make 30-35k without a degree if you have the skill set and ability to do it. If you go for an IT degree and keep your GPA up above a 3.0, you can easily make 50-60k right out of the door. IT degree (at least when I went) didn't require a lot of math either. I think it only went up to calc 1. If you go into cyber security and focus on cyber security electives, that is a very high demand job. But it is also demanding on what skills they want you to have. On the other hand it is constantly evolving/bleeding edge, challenging, and pays very well right now. Plus cyber crime is becoming more forefront and you feel like a badass when you tell people you work to prevent cybercrime

I'm definitely not saying this because I feel like there is a huge lack of good sys admins in a lot of areas (I am and it sucks).

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

I have this problem too but deodorant doesn’t work for me. Look up bandalettes or Monostat makes an anti-chafing cream that feels like baby powder. Those are my go to solutions. Both work beautifully for my thick thighs.

Bandelettes Elastic Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands - Prevent Thigh Chafing - Beige Onyx, Size C https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M744VQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-1bECbFZ2H7XH

Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel | Chafe Prevention & Relief | 1.5 Ounce | Pack of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HH56HV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i3bECbA717P6Q

when I was a kid, I pooled all my money and bought an early (pre-iPod) mp3 player*. This one if anyone cares to see how things were in the dark days of 2002-03

one day I was having a fight with my sister and she MICROWAVED MY MP3 PLAYER WHY

#neverforget

*this is so on brand for me like wow

Amazon -- got the Panache wireless sports bra. Not cheap, but I watch for sales.

Emotional labor. Society expects women to do most of the maintenance for social relationships: remembering birthdays, buying gifts, arranging outings, being an unending fountain of empathy, etc.

If you haven't taken a look at it, I suggested reading this MetaFilter thread (nicely organized into a 70-page PDF file here). Even as a woman, I found it eye-opening.

Consumer Reports did a big piece on this a few years back, and they conclusively demonstrated that the newer Pyrex stuff has been changed in a way to making it more prone to shattering from heat shock. So definitely hold on to the old school pieces of Pyrex when you come across them.

EDIT: Here's a LINK to their synopsis of the report. And another LINK to the longer version, with video.

Oooh we’ve been on a puzzle kick lately and my husband and I are really enjoying it. May I recommend a roll up puzzle mat? It makes it easy to tuck the puzzle away mid-build so you can travel with them, use your table, etc.

I have a fair few 40s/50s style dresses as that's my jam. My current favorite, and the one I get the most compliments on, is this one from Amazon. I love the neckline, I love the pattern, I love the shape and it's very comfortable.

Does "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo count? My live has been dramatically improved by only keeping around the things I enjoy keeping around. My house is getting to be clutter-free and is so much easier to clean or remember where things are. Plus, it greatly curbed my shopping addiction. My anxiety is greatly reduced with a tidy home.

There are definitely attractive ginger blokes out there. If I fancied a bloke, his hair colour wouldn't put me off, but I do generally tend to go for dark haired guys anyway.

I like cats too! Here is one!

^^Beep ^^I'm ^^a ^^bot. ^^reply ^^if ^^there's ^^a ^^bug ^^^v0.6 ^^Source ^^downvote ^^to ^^remove ^^in ^^24 ^^hours

I read something like 220 books this year, and I'd wager that Gideon the Ninth is my favorite. Great book, about lesbian necromancers in space, with amazing characters, great story, and creepy as hell depictions of necromancy =D

Disclaimer: I haven't actually read this book, but it seems relevant to your situation: Conquering Your Quarterlife Crisis: Advice from Twentysomethings Who Have Been There and Survived

Fiction: The World According to Garp by John Irving. Follows the life of TS Garp who's raised by a progressive, single mother. I love Irving's writing style and how he develops his characters. I finished this book and instantly watched the movie which I loved too.

Nonfiction: On Writing by Stephen King. I've never read anything written by him (I did pick up a book later this year) but I enjoyed this book a ton. He talks about his life and what being a writer/writing means to him. Super interesting. Even if his books aren't your style, I feel we can all agree that he's a respected author and know what he's talking about when it comes to writing.

I am in the middle of reading a book called, "make your bed". He says how making your bed every morning is the best way to start your day. You started your day by completing a task before even leaving the house.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, a concentration camp survivor writing about how fellow prisoners found hope and meaning in their suffering. It's one of the most inspiring things I've ever read. If someone can find a reason to live while being subject to daily torture and the threat of death, and after having their whole family killed, then it makes you realize you can survive whatever problems you have.

Nope absolutely used in the singular too. And you've almost certainly done it without realising. For example: "Whose purse is this? Whoever left it better come back and grab it soon. They'll be sad if it gets stolen." "I've not met my next door neighbour but they're so noisy! I can hear them stomping about all evening." "Who's that over there on the boat? They're waving at us!" No one would think you're talking about a group of people. We generally use it when we don't know the gender of someone, but it's totally singular and totally grammatically correct.

It's even been championed by dictionaries now who also talk about its pre 21st century use: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/usage/he-or-she-versus-they https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/singular-nonbinary-they