Answer Angel: Looking for a light and magnifier

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Apr 1, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have recently taken up embroidery and it is a game changer. Sooo relaxing. In these troubled times, I need to chill any way I can and I have found this to be a soothing hobby.

My problem is that I need more light AND a magnifier. The ones I have tried — quite a few of them — don’t give enough light, don’t magnify enough or both. Do you have any suggestions?

--Claire W.

Dear Claire: I’m a lifelong stitcher (needlepoint, since I was 12 years old) and have tried just about every light and magnifier (and combos of same) over the years.

Here’s what I use. For home: The OttLite 2-in-one LED Floor & Table Light for home (michaels.com, $89.99). For travel, I use the OttLite 4-inches Hands-Free LED Magnifier that hangs around the neck (although the teeny light is subpar) (michaels, $19.99). Use it with the Black Diamond Astro 300 LED headlamp, dimmable battery powered (amazon.com, $19.95).

I have found that cord rechargeable lights and magnifiers do not hold a charge long enough for long car, train or plane rides. And the more expensive Black Diamond brand headlamps have more features than I need or want to pay for. Michaels has great sales and you often can find the lights for 30-40% off. Sign up for their coupons and happy stitching!

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Can you help me with my (tedious) search for some decent black (elastic waist preferred) pants that are wrinkle-free, packable, light-weight, good for sitting on a plane, can be dressed up or down for evening, sight-seeing and looking decent without much effort?

--Britney B.

Dear Britney: As a frugal shopper I thought I would never pay full price for anything but I have two pairs of black pants that I bought at Lululemon (shoplululemon.com) that I really love and have had for many years. They check all (or most) of the boxes you list in your email. Naturally, they are no longer available.

But…I’ve found some similar ones that are worth a look for casual wear, travel, exercise, sightseeing or just sitting still: Softstreme High-Rise Pant ($128); Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pant ($118); Adapted State High-Rise Jogger (elastic, zippered cuffs) ($128); Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger ($98). These two are a bit dressier -- Daydrift High-Rise Trouser (belt loops, not elastic waist) ($128); Ribbed Softstreme Flared Pant ($128 on sale for $69-$79) -- but almost all of these listed (except the elastic ankle ones) could work for both casual and even dressier occasions with a not-tucked-in shirt or blouse (to conceal the elastic waistband) and some thoughtful accessories (like rhinestone necklace and earrings for evening).

Remember that sale items are nonreturnable (I made that mistake once) and some of these items are not in store and need to be ordered, sent to your home or, preferably, to your closest store. One more thing: Check re-sale sites like poshmark.com and mercari.com for gently used or even new-with-tags at reduced prices.

Angelic Readers

Some worthwhile thoughts on women and their fingernails…

Marla D.H. shares an insight on why women willingly spend time and money on their nails: “I think some women enjoy having nice nails because it is the only part of themselves they can observe all day. You have to look in a mirror to admire or criticize your hair, makeup or clothes, but any time you can look down at a nice manicure and feel creative, coordinated and confident. It is one area that no matter how you may feel about the rest of your look that can make you feel pulled together.”

From Mary V: “My own nails are brittle, short and very time consuming to keep up in a traditional way SO I have found a great, easy, quick and affordable solution. At Ulta -- and I am sure many other places -- there are press-on nails with glue tape included and all you do is remove the tape and press the nail on. It literally takes under five minutes and you are good to go for two weeks at least. And because it is tape not glue, the nails are very easy to remove. I usually get Impress brand but there are other brands in different styles and colors. Hope this helps your readers who may not want to go the salon route but still want decent nails. An aside: Because my thumb nails are strong and I need my thumbs to pick up stuff I usually do not put the fake ones on them but get a matching polish.”