WhyDid.com

The List Volume LI

By Kirsten|August 19th, 2011|The List|

You know, life is full of up’s and down’s. �It just so happens I like to list the down’s on a weekly basis… right here on “the list.” �I guess I figure that perhaps some of the perpetrators will be reading this very list and say, “Hey! I do that! I guess I should stop.” �Call me an idealist.

Russian Dolls. �Now I’ve seen (and liked) some really bad reality TV… but this…
Spiders. �You guys are disgusting�and you leave a mess behind?
Smart people who pretend to be stupid.
Stupid people who pretend to be smart.
The fact that my six year old niece may very well have nicer lingerie than me soon.
Mondays.
Bad sushi. �Really, is there anything worse?
Fashion shows (ahem, Project Runway) using irrelevant reality stars as guest judges.
Non-reciprocal relationships.
People who don’t quite understand blinkers. �You use them BEFORE you turn. �Not during. Not after.

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid Wisdom: Stop What You’re Doing

By Kirsten|August 18th, 2011|Why Did You Date Him?, WhyDid Wisdom|

You know that saying, “those who can’t do teach”? Yeah, well, often times that’s me. I tend to have a very level head when it comes to my friends’ and loved ones’ problems… yet, when it comes to my own… well, let’s not go there. But the point is, I love to help out where I can. Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective or different point of view in order to sort things out. That’s where I come in. This week, we have a little bit of a glitch in the domestic bliss:

Dear WhyDid,

My boyfriend has really started to take me for granted. I do so much for him and initially I did it because I wanted to, but now it feels like he just expects it. We live together and I do the dishes, the laundry, make dinner. I’m your regular 50’s housewife– except I work too! I don’t need him to thank me on a daily basis (although that would be nice), but showing a little bit of appreciation from time to time wouldn’t hurt. How do I let him know that this house doesn’t clean itself without coming off as a lunatic?

love,

Desperate Housewife

Well, here’s my advice and it’s quite simple. Don’t. Do. Anything. Literally. Stop doing everything that you’ve been doing to make his life better, simpler, more cushy. He’ll notice. And he’ll notice fast. It’s a funny thing with guys. They can’t seem to muster up a “thank you” when all’s running smoothly, but the moment something’s awry they have plenty to say. When he does speak up, do not turn this into World War III. Use it as an opening to let him know that you feel a little bit underappreciated.

He’s not a bum because he started getting comfortable with your domestic expertise. Relationships change with time. People get used to things and can forget what life was like pre-you (aka awful). While we’re on the subject, let’s flip things around. When’s the last time you dolled yourself up and greeted him at the door? Do you sleep in sweatpants and a ratty t-shirt? Women are also guilty of getting comfortable. Don’t worry, your relationship isn’t headed for the rocks. This is just a gentle reminder that you need to let each other know how much you appreciate one another and that you may need to crank the heat back up.

Sometimes it’s what you don’t say.

Need a little WhyDid Wisdom? Send your questions here.

xx,

WhyDid

Image via Apples and Onions

Beauty Buzz: A Bump in the Road

By Kirsten|August 18th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

The only thing less sexy than an Amazonian bush during bikini season is the horrifically embarrassing bumps known as ingrown hairs that can be left behind after grooming below the belt. �(Sorry, Dad. TMI?)

When I go in for my Brazilian beauty treatment, I often shrug off the “add-on’s” they push on you at the end. �How many different swipes and pads and lotions and potions does one need for her nether regions? �Well, a couple of waxes ago, I was swayed and I decided to test out PFB Vanish… mostly because I was sort of obsessed with my esthetician and would have believed anything she told me and also because it was a very simple bottle. �It looked fairly straightforward– and I like straightforward.

Basically, it’s a roll-on that you apply after showers (more or less frequently depending on how sensitive your skin is) that will prevent irritation and ingrown hairs. One reason it’s awesome? �You never have to touch the “solution” with your hands. �This particular application is very no fuss no muss. �I also noticed a serious difference by using it every other day. �I had far fewer ingrown hairs and this may be totally unrelated, but I actually think my hair has taken longer to grow back.

There are really only a few things you can do to prevent ingrown hairs in the first place, so listen up:

Exfoliate!! Be sure to do a little scrub-a-roo in this region when bathing.
Use a product with salicylic or glycolic acid (that’s where PFB comes in).
Do NOT pick at those pesky bumps. �This area is sensitive and picking can cause infection and even scarring.

Looks like smooth sailing to me!

xx.

WhyDid

Image via SkinRxClinic

Gift Guide: It’s the Thought That Counts

By Kirsten|August 17th, 2011|Gift Guide|

Just because it isn’t the holiday season, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions happening. �Perhaps you’ve blown your budget on summer travel (or summer sandals), but whatever the case may be– you need to come up with a gift that isn’t going to break the bank. �Rather than plunk down another scented candle or treasure from the closest Duane Reade, why not come up with something clever?

One of THE most thoughtful gifts I ever received was from a dear friend of mine for my 20-somethingth birthday. �This was the type of gift that only a best friend could have come up with. �When I initially opened the gift, I must admit, I was a bit confused. �An urn? �Is she pointing out that I’m getting old? �Au contraire, mon frere! �This shiny vessel had secrets to spill.

Inside my gal pal listed on 52 little pieces of folded paper all the reasons she loved and enjoyed our friendship. �I opened one each week until my next 20-somethingth birthday. �It is quite literally the gift that keeps on giving (without those pesky cold sores)!

Remember about a month ago when I was headed for a destination unknown? �Well, not only was I slightly stumped when packing, but I was also having a tough time coming up with a gift that would express my feelings without costing a billion dollars. �Why is it that guys only want things that we can’t afford? �Since I couldn’t throw down on that Lamborghini Aventador, let alone a Canon EF 70-200 I had to get creative. �How many pairs of underwear does one man really need? �So, I channeled my inner child and wrote a little story to sum up my feelings.

Using a Moleskine and a little bit of help from Crayola, I crafted a thirty page love story (of the kindergarten type). �While it’s no Ferrari, the recipient was equally (if not more) pleased with the work I put into this gift.

These are just two examples of how you getting a little bit crazy and thinking outside of the box (no pun intended) can result in a gift that means much more than money can buy.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Party Pants

By Kirsten|August 16th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This is one of my all time favorite outfits and these sequin shorts may seem silly, but I’ve found them to be awfully versatile. �This particular pair of party pants has made its way from the Standard in New York to the Chateau Marmont in LA and had a blast all along the way.

Since moving up north, all my “fun” clothes have been doing nothing but collecting dust. �Needless to say, my sequin shorts haven’t seen the light of day. Sorry, kids, unless you love to wear North Face, Patagonia and J. Crew when you’re feeling jazzy, Northern California is not for you. But just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean you need to be.