Before we get to Thingies with Emily Sundberg, we have an order of business to attend to: ) Our semi-finalists for listener names are here! Thingiemabobs, Loony Twonies, Thingles, and, a late entry, Two Timers. We’ll need you to cast your vote on Instagram, clearly. If you don’t already know Emily Sundberg’s work, please subscribe to the “hottest business newsletter” Feed Me and read her iconic stories like “Welcome to the Shoppy Shop” and the “hot girl drink whole milk” piece for New York mag. “You may also like” newsletters: Casey Lewis’s After School, Lauren Sherman’s Puck Line Sheet, and Chris Black and James Ellis’s Public Announcement.Emily’s Thingies include FIT Center for Continuing Education classes, The New York Times and New York magazine archives, making hot sauce, pickles (some of note include Hot Girl Pickles and Grillo’s) neighborhood field trips, poker, and treating your shower like a room. Other loves: Fara Homidi’s lip compact and Soft Services Theraplush.Share your Thingies with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva. Treat yourself to the good chocolate with Charles Chocolates—15% off your first purchase with the code ATHING15.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re thinking big and talking miniatures, reading and listening to a book simultaneously, right-size restaurant empires, the comeback of color analysis, and a stellar Father’s Day gift for all the planners out there. A new-favorite mini restaurant empire: Mason Hereford’s New Orleans spots Turkey and the Wolf,  Molly’s Rise and Shine, and Hungry Eyes (see also: his wonderful cookbook, written with JJ Goode). Some other faves: Ann Kim’s in Minneapolis, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s in L.A., Nancy Silverton’s (also) in L.A., Marc Vetri’s in Philly, and the Hart’s/Cervo’s/The Fly trifecta in NYC.More on color analysis via Calin Van Paris’s story for Vogue. Related: Kibbe types, c/o The Concept Wardrobe and Vox. So much on miniatures! The Guardian article “‘A place where millennials can own a home’: why doll’s houses are having a big moment” by Nicole Cooley, Shrunk magazine, DWR’s Vitra miniatures collection and Champagne Chair Contest, Yuta Segawa’s vases, Tatsuya Tanaka, and the (40th anniversary!) Marc Jacobs show. We’re seeing bitsy charms on all sorts of things, including Susan Alexandra Tiny Joys Lucky Charms, Haricot Vert “Dear Diary” Charming Bag, Mother Denim Lucky Charms Beanie, and Hello Adrienne Bite Size Dangles. And let’s pleeease not forget Mini Brand magnets. Share your favorite small restaurant empires, color analysis thoughts, fave minis, and more via 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva. Get your chocolate fix with Charles Chocolates—15% off your first purchase with the code ATHING15.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Giddyup! This week we’re talking about an essential Thingie, being forthcoming with one’s universe, the squashissance, cowboy love stories (real and fictional), and, as usual, a whole lot more.Big Thingie Energy: a good vet, specifically cat ‘n bunny caretakers at Catnip & Carrots. Having a moment? Squash. Some recipes we love include Aacorn Squash with Coconut Custard from Kristen Kish for Food & Wine, Soy Glazed Kabocha Squash with Japanese Sesame Seasoning from Season with Spice, Delicata Squash Agrodolce from Athena Calderone for PureWow, and Roasted Honey Nut Squash and Chickpeas With Hot Honey from Melissa Clark for NYT. GRWM audiobooks we’re into include Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (< who you probably know from her poem “Good Bones” and/or her essay “My Marriage Was Never the Same After That.”). We love cowboy love! Get into Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch series, starting with Done and Dusted and the upcoming Swift and Saddled. Related: the rodeo, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, and Bella Hadid’s cowboyfriend. We love easy crafts! Including decorating these 99¢ frames, rolling beeswax candles, doing fruit and veggie prints (maybe at RecCreate Collective in BK?), and collage journaling like Martina Calvi. Also, we endorse Target’s Spritz line of party decorations (balloon arch + gold fringe, hello). We are deep in the Grossy Universe. Do you want any context on the people in our ‘verse? Ask away at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or even our Geneva. Do your nails so well you impress yourself with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System when you use our link.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Di-hards, Clairericas, ATOTs, Thingles, actual listener name TBA: It's time to dive even deeper into Rivians lore, share the case for sleeping in socks, and add a new one for hand warmers. Also, it’s feeling like the tong discussion on this podcast is just beginning…Listen to the How I Built This ep with the founder of Rivian; read the WSJ story “‘If You Sleep in Socks You’re a Psychopath.’ Health Tip Kicks Up Controversy.”Ocoopa hand-warmers—have we tried? Or Zippo’s?What should we call ATOT fans? Now’s your chance to let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—and bring the debate to our Geneva (either the app or the browser version!).Hire for that role with Indeed and get a $75 sponsored job credit when you use our link.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May we ask a question? Are you a Framebridge groupie yet? We’re partnering with the fantastic company on this glorious ep—and an event at their Park Slope store from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, with 15% off! Which is all to say: If you’re not already hooked, you’re about to be. Behold, CEO Susan Tynan’s Thingies, your family-photo anxieties, and how what we’re hanging on our walls offers a lens into ~the culture~.Susan’s Thingies include egg rolls in a bowl, Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA, Pomela Casa mugs, the Marrakesh frame from Framebridge, Caroline’s Cakes 7-Layer Cakes, and the Spoonful of Comfort Thinking of You Package. The Framebridge gallery wall sets = a stroke of genius.If you’re commissioning illustrations for future framing, we love the work of Julie Houts and Olivia de Recat.What are your framing conundrums? How have you taken ownership over your own bday happiness? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—and chat it up about anything at all in our Geneva!Come join us for the easiest, most stylish framing at Framebridge Park Slope this Sat., 2/3, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. and get 15% off (a very rare discount!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve got some hot topics like celebrity activism and when to share pregnancy news—and even hotter topics like verbal leashes, sleeping with socks on, and weird terminology for just wearing your damn clothes.New nym alert!!! Good Inside by Becky Kennedy brings us MGI: most generous interpretation. Claire’s IG exchange with Nancy Meyers in this Instagram post confirms that there are, in fact, Vicente Foods bags in The Holiday (and that N.M. is the greatest). The thing having a moment this week: Rivians and their mascot, Gary the Gear Guard.Two things we’re happy about being “in” in 2024 include outfit-repeating and going to the movies. Shoutout to this @flwrchldtweets tweet and Dwight Garner’s Grub Street Diet. Dog people: Is a verbal leash (not the yet-to-be-written spinoff to Best in Show) a thing? Please let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—and chat it up about anything at all in our Geneva!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s talk Thingies with Samhita Mukhopadhyay, a writer and editor who covers feminism, politics, culture, fashion, racial justice, and existential dating dilemmas—in short, so much we want to read. She’s the editorial director of The Meteor, the co-editor of the best-selling anthology Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance and Revolution in Trump’s America, and the author of Outdated: Why Dating is Ruining Your Love Life and (forthcoming!!) The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning. Yes, consider this the you-hear-it-here-first pre-order nudge.Samhita’s Thingies include Ranavat hair oil, wearing her partner’s class ring, Care Touch lens wipes, Jolly Rancher Chews, a poem by Hala Alyan, and Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyodyody. The phrase “Oh, I’m JV” is brought to us by Sara Petersen’s Substack In Pursuit of Clean Countertops, and we have a bonus Thingie: the memoir installments of Kim France’s Substack! What areas are you happily JV in? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—and chat it up about anything at all in our Geneva!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s dive into some Hellmann’s drama, TSwift x Wordsworth, and lots more re: the secret life of girls (thank you to Wired for the Notes App *respect*!!!).To know Prof. Stephanie Burt is to love Prof. Stephanie Burt—this NYT  interview about her Harvard Taylor Swift class will get you there. A fave on the syllabus: Grace and the Fever by Zan Romanoff.It’s pintxo season (we say!). Woldy Kusina shows us how it’s done, and Despaña is a great ingredient source. (Also: RIP the Prune Chicago Matchbox Bloody Mary.)Indoor/Outdoor Boyfriends brought to you buy Ella Risbridger’s You Get In Love And Then newsletter. (Have you read her book Midnight Chicken?) Did you know Hellmann’s mayonnaise is known as something else entirely in parts of the West? Share your thoughts on this revelation at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq, and chat it up about anything at all in  our Geneva!Get your nails in good shape with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System with our link.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re wise enough to know it’s about time to revisit this wisdom episode from the vault. We share our feelings about feeling our age and some excellent advice we caught about living with a little longing—and we very much would like to hear if this one hits differently the second time around.   Some readings that impacted how we’ve been navigating aging include Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, Casey Johnston’s Swole Woman program, Cheryl Wischover’s “What Changed When I Started Lifting Weights” in the Gloria newsletter, and Kayleen Schaefer’s “How 50 Pushups A Day Helped Me Cope In An Uncertain World” for Elle. If you have thoughts on longing or musings about aging share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And try out a Secret Menu membership for more recommendations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we present a very *us* episode from the archives: What does “After Dark” mean to you? How does one explain what consulting is? Are you signed up for Dua Lipa’s newsletter? What does it mean to actually *build* a bear? All this and more in your ears now!For some discomfitting Build-a-Bear products for adults, enter The Bear Cave. For other “but what does it MEAN?” After Dark content, check out National Parks After Dark and this edition of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers. Check out this YouTube video from Charlie Berens for on ope usage and Midwest vs. Everybody’s great ope merch. Also: on the rise of the Midwestern vibe.Takeaways re: "A ‘Landmark’ as Women Will Coach Against Each Other in Men’s Soccer," which also made us think about this episode of Throwing Fits.Join us in subscribing to Dua Lipa’s newsletter Service95 and listening to her podcast At Your Service. Share your thoughts on all of this at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. Turn to Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re so excited about this Guest Thingies ep with Ellen Van Dusen of Dusen Dusen—a greatest hit if there ever was one! But first, some nuggets of wisdom from famously creative famous dudes.We’re definitely taking inspiration from Rod Stewart’s model railway side project and Tom Hanks's advice to Austin Butler. Ellen’s Thingies include being comfortable inside and outside the home (please see: her delightful robes…and brand-new slippers!!), @Favetiktoks420 on Instagram, and cool silverware (especially David Tisdale’s Picnic Flatware, which makes us think of Ahimsa dinnerware for kids). She also loves tile right now—see: Heath Ceramics, her collab with Concrete Collaborative, Fireclay, and Oasis—and you have to, have to check out her backyard mosaic. Last but not least: Her love of bird-watching has us asking when she’s going to start selling the birdhouse she designed for Brooklyn Botanic Garden (in the meantime, the MoMA one we’re all into). Ooh, and as we told Ellen, Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a great book and a much better movie than it gets credit for being.Share your dream Thingies guests with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.Treat your hair to Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re talkin’ Thingies with Alison Roman, the woman behind a SLEW of recipes we cook all the dang time. We know you know her, but JIC, she’s the author of NYT bestselling—and gifty!—cookbooks Sweet Enough, Nothing Fancy, and Dining In, she doles out the most delightful kitchen content in A Newsletter and on her Home Movies YouTube channel, and she delivers guidance of all kinds on her Solicited Advice podcast. In essence: She’s full of thoughts, and we want them all.First things first, what we would bring to a pilot kid-gift swap (thx, Leslie!): Spirograph, Yellow Owl Workshop DIY Pin & Flair Kit, Bastien Contraire Stencil Kit, Majo Ideas Art Pack, and Pop Tubes.Alison’s tabletop Thingies include beeswax candles (try Greentree Home Candle—maybe in the sangria color?!), candle holders *in general* (e.g., this Sophie Lou Jacobson one), and interesting serving platters including Bordallo Pinheiro's. For the bod, she loves using Laneige’s lip mask as lip balm, and Davines’s Vegetarian Miracle Mask for her hair. On the food front, how about chopped fermented chilies—use them to make her Brothy Chickpeas with Calabrian Chili (and/or these chickpeas)—and, for dessert, Kolsvart gummies. Share your Thingies with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq, or drop them in our Geneva!Give yourself the gift of professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Trust us: It’s all about Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cuddly as a cactus and charming as an eel, he’s your new favorite snarky talk show host. JoinThe Grinch (and his faithful dog Max) each week as he rants against Christmas cheer androasts celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. Starring Saturday Night Live’s JamesAustin Johnson as the notorious curmudgeon and broadcasting straight from Who-Ville, willThe Grinch send these famous folks back down Mt. Crumpit, or will they soften his stanceagainst Christmas and grow his heart three sizes? Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers andlisten along to find out!Listen to ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show HERESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whoop! Whoop! This week we are discussing our marathon-cheering behaviors, chicken anxiety, iconic hot dogs, and weightlifting thanks—in part— to the Beckham doc. The term chicken anxiety was brought to us by Rosie Seabrook on TikTok. We can’t believe we haven’t talked about The Wieners Circle yet. Their Instagram is one of the only safe places on IG.This Vogue story about Victoria Beckham's weightlifting routine inspired us to ask you all how you are thinking about this, and you have answers: @evlofitness programs, CoPilot app, @kerimantie, Ladder app, Liftoff: Casey Johnston’s Couch to Barbell, Stronger by the Day, and Peloton strength classes. A big sell on weightlifting comes from Yasi Salek in the Perfectly Imperfect newsletter. Send us your weightlifting thoughts at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq, or share in our Geneva!Learn from the best with MasterClass and get two memberships for the price of one with our link.Join Book of the Month and get your first book for just $5 with the code SPOOKY.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time for a grab bag featuring a *measured* celebrity fan account, a cooking north star, our POV on holiday cards, and a grand Notes App follow-up. Gained some wisdom from @OlsenOracle, a perfect fan account (that is maybe even Olsen approved???).We’re having a Marcella Hazan moment, thanks to, as Food & Wine put it her “radical simplicity.” Some recipes we’ve been cooking: THE tomato, onion, and butter sauce, grilled fish romagna style, pesto, rice and smothered cabbage soup, and chimney sweep’s gelato. Speaking of cooking, we must discuss this Julia Child gas stove story by Rebecca Leber for Vox, which pairs well with “How the Fossil Fuel Industry Convinced Americans to Love Gas Stoves,” which she wrote for Mother Jones. Your Notes Apping!! See: this packing-list  revelation from@rileejsmith (um, the template). We also love this TikTok from @kiramackenz.What weird things are you up to in the Notes App? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!Turn to Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.Join Book of the Month and get your first book for just $5 with the code SPOOKY.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time for the (whopping) second half of our 2023 gift guide! We tackle dads, sisters, in-laws, friends, coworkers, and some ideas for presents to ask for yourself when that feels like a necessary thing. For the full link-rich rundown, you’re best off heading over to our site: athingortwohq.com/gift-guide-episodesIf there’s someone on your list that we didn’t get to this year, let us know who you’re shopping for in our Geneva! And share more gift ideas with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq.Tackle all that holiday shopping at MoMA Design Store and take 10% off your purchase when you use or mention promo code ATHINGORTWO online and in US MoMA Design Stores  through November 23, 2023.  Give your hair the gift of Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.YAY.Gifts for YOU!My in laws are great people who will buy exactly what ask for as long as it's 1) not personal care or appearance-related AT ALL, 2) not a ""luxury item"" or a splurge version of something (ie no fancy candles), and 3) under $100. I'm a dedicated audiobook listener and | don't need any more cookbooks or board games. They won't do a donation in lieu of gift. Gift giving is their love language but only if the gift is very practical or they got it on a significant discount. We're fortunate to be in a financial position where I'm generally able to buy practical as they're needed, but my in laws hear ""I don't need anything!"" as a snub. Help!"Uniqlo HeattechSomething YamazakiCookbooks (like The Lula Cafe one!)A traditional restock (plants, PJs, etc.)Directing them to a go-tostore like MoMA Design Store and Zingerman’sDinnerware/cookware to build on every yea—Le Creuset, vintage Fiestaware, Dansk, Heath, etc., etc.Charms for a charm bracelet/necklace like Jet Set Candy passport stamp charms (+ their NYPL card one is also very good)Dads & Fathers-in-LawMy Dad sounds more like a brand persona than a real person. He's very cosmopolitan/urbane, lives in the city center even though he's 60, takes public transit, legitimately does his weekly grocery shopping at boutique cheese/bread/specialty food stores, always dressed impeccably. OWNS a beautiful specialty meat slicer that he has in his kitchen and uses for fresh/thinly sliced prosciutto (before you go there I've done ham hocks more than once). Interests: art, food and entertaining, culture. Loves to read, usually big sweeping historical books. Always the hardest person to shop for on my list because his taste level is very out of my price range and I'm tapped out on the specialty food theme. Dad recently become a grandfather (2 grandsons and one more coming in Jan) and it was a little weird for him - he loves my sons but the image of an old guy in a rocking chair teaching kids how to whittle didn't jive with his understanding of himself. He's starting to settle in. Has a very unique grandpa name with many indecipherable layers of historical context and family history that the grandkids will probably never understand. Buys them beautifully made clothes that they would immediately ruin. Talks to them about their shared interests: boats, planes, and other well-designed machines.Hoste Bottled Cocktails Regalis Black Truffle Microwaveable PopcornNordic Ware Indoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker Custom OpinelBerea College Intersections Charcuterie BoardBig Nights PlannerSuzanne Sullivan Porcelain Playing Cards or Bone Inlay Domino SetBlackwater & Sons Return Address StampBillion Oyster Project donationRex Design Oyster PlateMy dad. 82 years old. Loves to read serious nonfiction but bus all the books he wants. Loves French and Italian wine but his taste is too expensive for me and he has all the gadgets. Generally expensive taste that's above my pay grade. He dresses pretty dapper and lives in NYC. Gets lots of compliments on his glasses and clothes. Grills meat for dinner nearly every night but stuck in his ways when it comes to cooking. Very much a creature of habit. Likes jazz and classic rock. Best gifts I've gotten for him are interesting casual clothes he wouldn't find himself, a dapper custom English umbrella, taking him to see live jazz…Campo GrandeThe Durand - bottle opener for old bottles/corksRalph Lauren custom stuff! Hello, cashmere sweater.Vintage tie clip or cuff links from TRRVinyl Me, Please subscriptionThe Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957–1965Preservation Hall Drum Ornament or TambourineBlue Note merchOkay, now that I've seen this I feel okay sending a description of my dad. He's a 67-year-old workaholic lawyer many have described as "quite the character, huh?" He takes himself very seriously, though he also can be quite mischievous and loves to stir the pot. His interests include fishing, geopolitics, and monologuing. I truly feel like I've explored all gifting avenues already with him: consumables for his major sweet tooth, outdoorsy gear that he already buys himself, political or economic books that won't lead to arguments (he's conservative, I'm liberal), and seemingly every dog toy or black Labrador art print under the sun. He doesn't drink and mostly sticks to heart-healthy food. While he has many entertaining childhood stories, it seems unlikely he will set aside time for something activity-based like StoryWorth, as he spends most of his at-home free time watching YouTube videos about things like beekeeping (yes, I've gotten him multiple artisanal honeys that had little impact). I'm at my wits' end with this conundrum of a father, please help!Unexpected: 30 Years of Patagonia Outdoor PhotographyCustom Smathers & Branson BeltsPort Bait Co. Bait/LuresreMarkableNorth Spore Mushroom-Growing KitsPack of AvecMerippa House ShoesFather-in-law is the definition of introverted, deeply obsessed with cars (has several classic ones), and model trains (legit has an entire room for trains that has like, an actual functional drawbridge for the trains). Also loves good food and good tequila!“Rod Stewart's ideal Christmas present? Brushes for his model railway”Dining by Rail: The History and Recipes of America's Golden Age of Railroad Cuisine by James D. PorterfieldCharles Ro Supply Co. gift certificateToyo Toolbox Chevrolet Corvette 1961 Lego SetMajor Minis Alessi The Tending BoxSisters & Sisters-in-LawPresent for woo-woo disorganized sister who holds a grudge & has two adorable kidsHouse of Intuition CandlesA Daily Cloud CalendarHightide DTLA Moon CalendarHa Ko Incense LeavesGolde Superfoods Mask KitEsker Bodycare Discovery SetJulia Elsas Wiggle Wall HooksOk this one is may be a doozy. New SIL: she describes herself as an author but will never discuss her writing, we've never seen anything, nothing published (she is 40, we had a running theory maybe her "writing" was OnlyFans? It's unclear.) She loves Disney (I have secured Hanna Anderson Disney Christmas PJs), Rudy Giuliani (!!!), and believes enough conspiracy theories that we had to change our will about w hich uncle would get our kids if we died. Zola was "too downmarket" for their wedding registry but she doesn't know which fork to use (to be clear, both of these things are fine, just incongruent, right?). So I need something that feels sophisticated but maybe...isn't.Ami Ami Mulled Wine KitGentlewoman Modern Manners Postcard SetAnya Hindmarch Bespoke Passport WalletMadewell Disney Mickey Mouse-Embroidered Cardigan Sweater in (Re)sponsible CashmereKitsch & Disney Satin Pillowcase - Desert CrownBird by Bird by Anne LamottBlack Women Writers at Work How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander CheeCultish by Amanda MontellFour Seasons Total Landscaping HatBoyfriend's sister: 29, children's librarian and loves children's books/ movies. Pretty much hates everything I've ever given her and doesn't really have any taste that isn't just stuff her 63 y/o mother likes... when I try to get her clothes that are more age-appropriate (read: no for a woman in her 60s), she never wears them. She's not materialistic BUT loves going to Home Goods just to get stuff? Also has a New Year's Day bday so I need two things. And this is a big bday (30!)! My boyfriend got her a big set of glass Tupperware which was a huge hit, but then got her a nutri bullet (the mom loves hers) and she hated that. HELP!!!Book of the Month subscriptionPersephone GiftsTortuga or Schoolhouse or Justina Blakeney bookendsBrooklyn Public Library Books Unbanned donationVintage READ Posters from American Library AssociationRalph & James - framed children's picture book art printsFilm Art Gallery - classic children’s movie posters Yellow Paper House Junque JournalOur Place Wonder OvenSIL Trying to be an influencer and posts sporadic videos on THIS APP about a home design of a suburban cookie-cutter house. Always mansplains the littlest things. Snobby but for no reason. But also probably a nice person to people she likes? Probably!Fiona’s Pasta Gift BoxMaria Ida DesignsMadre Linen NapkinsBig Night or The Six Bells depending on her vibe—anything from either feels safe!Canva subscriptionAllison Bornstein or Lakyn Carlton styling sessionLivable Luxe by Brigette RomanekArranging Things by Colin King  Beata Heuman: Every Room Should SingSister-in-law: she is a corporate lawyer and very much a Dallas girly (lives in Dallas but also embodies the Dallas vibes with beach blonde hair, very fancy car to drive 5 minutes to work, has a texting relationship with sales associates at various designer stores). If you read the NYTimes article from a few months ago explaining the Dallas food scene, she embodies the Dallas consumer exactly. She is a bit of a Broadway nerd. She is basically the opposite of me in almost every possible way, and I'm always afraid to shop for her. Last year I got her a gift set from The Crown Affair and I don't think she knew a thing about it. Would like to stay <$150 if possible. HELPMonogram Mary Vinyl Lulu ToteSomething Rosemary Home - their vintage glassware feels esp Dallas glamHill House Home Wicked collabPorto The PouchPat McGrath LiquiLUST™: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4 - Taylor’s red.Staud NFL Cowboys CollabBroadway Dallas tixBrothers & Brothers-in-Law My wonderful, extremely particular 41-year-old brother who has everything. Niles Crane from Frasier vibes. Loves to cook but has Le Creuset's entire line and possibly every gadget Williams Sonoma sells. Great dad to two adorable kids, 7 and 4. Doesn't like sports, obsessed with and works adjacent to politics. New England energy but lives in LA. Our parents get him a Loro Piana sweater every year which he loves but is extremely out of my budget (I'm 26). Want the gift to be a tangible thing but not a book (have done that a lot). A past successful gift was the New York Times birthday book (shows the front page of NYT every year on his bday since his birth year). His birthday is right before Christmas so kind of need two gifts (or one gift with multiple parts). THANK YOU!!Gestura UtensilsHakusan Soy Sauce ContainerPOJ Studio Kyoto Coffee Gift SetBodum Geo Salt & Pepper Grinder SetButter Meat Co.Force of Nature BisonRoscioli NYC imported Italian foodsBuck Mason - a Niles Crane flannelArtisaire Monogrammed Wax SealMy brother-in-law who is obsessed with the Michigan State Spartans, loves cozy pants but they cannot have elastic at the ankle, Pinot Noir fan, and loves to grill. Has three kids and is a wonderful, involved softball dad to his middle daughter. Prides himself on having all the right gear for outdoor games in Michigan but otherwise is a pretty utilitarian guy who works in the plumbing industry!Maison Noir OPPConserva Porrón on a PedestalNorse Projects Falun Projects SweatpantsForme Core TeeOoni Pizza OvenCustom Michigan State bobblehead (of him)Nami Studio Custom Coach JacketCo-workers/EmployeesI work at a nonprofit and I’m a manager for the first time. I want to get my 2 direct reports a thoughtful and relatively inexpensive (sub $50 each) gift. I’m putting a lot of pressure on this because it feels like I’m setting a standard or tradition with myself. Am I the nonfiction book gift-giving manager? The vague coffee shop gift card manager? The cookies in a holiday-themed commemorative tin manager? What happens when I add more people to my team?Standard Baggu set - one thing in different colorsGift cert to lunch spot near the office if you go into oneLoop Switch EarplugsNécessaire The Hand Cream or Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand BalmBookshop.org gift cardJetPens gift cardHightide Gadget rest standMisc. Teenage son's girlfriendRhode The Peptide Lip TintsPleasing The Hot Holiday SetOlive & June Manicure or Pedicure SystemFujifilm INSTAX MINI 12 Instant CameraA collector’s edition of a book you know she likes - The Folio Society has a good selectionWary Meyers Candles or Mar Mar MinisAnalog Company Tote with BobbinsThe hillbilly neighbors who let us borrow their cat whenever we want.Ware of the Dog Felted Mouse Cat ToyLiquid Death cat toyVetreska  or Lambwolf cat toysA best-in-class but not overtly FANCY food like Garrett Popcorn, O&H Danish Bakery kringle, and Pat La Frieda burgersIncredible bestie - your most thoughtful friend who remembers your favorite treats and comes to stay with you postpartum to take care of you and make you feel like a human again. Contains multitudes-loves tasting menus but also bodega snacks and street food. Travel, thrifting, crafting, entertaining.Haricot Vert Custom EarringsSnackcrate, Bokksu, or World of SnacksCochon Butcher CharcuterieJulia Turshen classesEdith Young Prints or her book Color Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color PalettesLizzie Fortunato Confetti Letter CharmsSandy Liang x Subu SlippersIko Iko PillowLa Réunion Studio Côte d'Ivoire Comb Janessa Leone Cashmere HeadbandSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part 1 of our gift guide is here! We have an abundance of recs for stocking stuffers, boyfriends, husbands, moms, sons, and kids! Share any gift ideas with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!Gift yourself professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Tackle all of your holiday shopping at MoMA Design Store and take 10% off your purchase when you use or mention promo code ATHINGORTWO online and in US MoMA Design Stores through November 23, 2023.YAY.Stocking Stuffers“We are only doing stockings for adults this year - all the fun stocking stuffers, please.”Opinel key chainsNoso patchesScout Regalia sticky hooksFavorite musician merch - Olivia Rodrigo Perfect All-American Bitch hatCustom family matchbooksNutscene Colorful Tiddler TwineRose Los Angeles x Gossamer CBD Rosin DelightsRedecker Hedgehog Table BrushSilk Daisy Chain KitNata Concept Store Farfalle CandleHinoki Drawer BagLisa Angel bottle stoppers / Annie Raysee wine stopperTheWhiteStreetMarket wick trimmerKahawa 1893 Single Serve Coffee PacksBrightland Olive Oil minisSqwigl StrawsCuraprox toothbrushesBoyfriends/HusbandsMy husband, 34. Senior web developer manager. Likes home projects, sci-fi books/tv, awesome dad to our 4 year old and 8 month old. He hates spending money and “doesn’t want gifts” but wants gifts. It’s historically been a damned if you do, damned if you don’t type situation. His favorite gifts from me ever have been a car washing kit, a woobles crochet kit, and a Dyson vacuum. Wtf do I get him now?!Sven-SawHoto Brushless Drill - .like the Dyson hairdryer of drills!Yuns Hardware gift certificateSinger Heavy Duty 4423 Open Studio: Do-It-Yourself Art Projects by Contemporary Artists by ​​Sharon Coplan Hurowitz and Amanda BenchleyHarvest Label Sling BagSlate FlosserCamper wool Wabi slippersSigned Ursula Le Guin or Octavia ButlerMy graphic designer husband who likes quality over quantity, is picky and lives in fear I might buy him clothes as a gift.An architecture or design book from a city you visited over the last year—make it an annual thing?A piece of art or a study from an artist he likes (for something more accessibly priced, depending)Marjolein Delhaas 2024/366 PlannerHigonokami KnifeRose Gold wrenchBalmuda toaster Bruno Munari Pencil Holder (with a set of Blackwing or Pineider pencils)Saint Olio body oilHusband - new dad, hates buying himself anything. He's bookish and British, and his interests include cycling, cooking, video games, F1 and the Tottenham Hot Spurs. Everything nice he wears is because I bought it for him. Want to get him something good this year because he's been so underslept and overworked, juggling baby and a new job.Lewis Hamilton AlmaveTottenham Hotspurs vintage gearBook repair (as recommended by Lauren in our Geneva last year)WhiteSpacePress on Etsy for vintage Penguin Classics, etc.Fog Linen Brass Cookbook stand or Puebco Cookbook StandPersol 714 - Original (foldable) sunglassesBlackstock & Weber LoafersAsked for gift ideas for a quar romance a few years ago. We bought a house together this year. He's wonderful. His favorite drink is espresso. He loves Guy Fieri. He plays an Irish sport called hurling. We go on bike rides together and love exploring new places. We both lost our grandmothers this year. Air Fieri crewneck sweatshirtPillowsPostersPapers Guy Fieri Fan Sequin Pillowcase -we all just need to know this existsIvo Angel Italian splatterware espresso cupsOaxacan espresso cupBaba Tree bike basketNocs Provisions BinocularsWren Off-Road GrowlerSafety PizzetaThe ExpertGrounded Gift CardKabin Bonfire BuilderA custom print of something meaningful to him of his grandmother’s from The HeirloomistSonsHelp! I'm desperate for gift ideas for my 22-year-old son. He's a new grad; job hunting, close to securing his first job, just moved home from Montreal. Uni girlfriend relocated from overseas to our hometown Toronto. He's very private. Hates receiving gifts (?!!?). Is gracious at the time he receives but they always find their way to the return pile. Loves a good bargain, and hates that we spend $ on him. Sooooo hard to buy for. Best gift ever was 3 month cheese subscription sent to school last year. Makes fun of the various prints I've bought him. Lots of friends, but very introverted; sporty; foodie; funny; middle child; does not share info, let alone gift ideas; nothing to see here folks, just move-on kinda guy. Help!!!!!!Gift cert for an Island Creek Oysters party with friends (plus a couple of shucking knives) or tinned fish. Hawkins New York cheese knife set - under $40, looks fancierRicki's Cheese Making KitsSowaca Ceramic Cooking PanThe Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-AltStart Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook: A Cookbook by Sohla El-WayllyRestaurant gift certs—something fancy he and the GF would never do on their own like Prime Seafood Palace or just a favorite spot of two of theirs that feels like a treatLuggage! Like the Wallybags Travel Garment Bag, Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag, and Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote. Moms/Mother in Laws Quintessential Midwest mom of 3 adult kids who loves baking, reading, watching PBS shows, musicals, traveling, and getting her steps in walking her two black labs. Has been referred to as the "mommiest mom" in the past. Puts up with a lot of BS from her curmudgeonly husband (my dad). I've given her many kitchen items and books over the years. Favorite brands are things like Emma Bridgewater, Hanna Anderson, and Talbots. I recently moved to NYC, so I'm hoping to get her something that will make her feel less "abandoned" and more cared for. Thank you for any suggestions!! Met Opera on DemandTEKLA bathrobeLake Pajamas50 States, 50 Pies by Stacey Mei Yan Fong Fresh Midwest: Modern Recipes from the Heartland by Maren Ellingboe KingHaden electric tea kettleGalley & Fen oven mittVintage PBS shirtsMom, in her mid-50s, a new grandma. Had a really hard year mental health-wise but making positive changes. Goes to therapy but new at it. Loves to be social, have dinners, see movies and Broadway shows. Loves 80s pop music and Jason Isbell. Enjoys trying new things but tends to move on to something else quickly.Molly Mahon block-printing kitsMartha Mae How to Paint a Cloud BundleNora McInerny's “Don’t honk I’m already crying” bumper magnet - if she has the sense of humor for it!Semikolon 5-Year Diary / Midori 5-year DiaryLoftie clock - because of sleep hygiene!Subscription to Mubi or Criterion CollectionSubscription to Saipua TV…paired with Saipua Garden Tea that’s made by Deborah NeedlemanMy Mom! She's 70. A former elementary art teacher...retired and living on a budget. We completely mis-gift each other every year. I try to give her nice (not overly luxurious, but nice) scarves, sweaters, earrings, etc and they always flop. My brother and his girlfriend gave her a plastic porch goose and it's her favorite thing ever. She doesn't read. She's crafty but her medium is always changing and usually something very specific like needle felting.Pink Picasso paint-by-numbers custom kits or non-custom ones by Paint AnywhereArt Life Practice KitMelanie Abrantes DIY Wood Carving KitsFriendly Loom Black and White Potholder Loom Kit Pattern and supplies to DIY her own porch goose outfits—there’s even a crochet one for making hair for them?!A duck candleholder to go with her porch gooseOk, how about my mom? I'll let you describe her though 😂.. something that's not a cookbook and also maybe not clothes because she buys those for herself anyway… In exchange, I'm sharing a brilliant gift idea (or at least I think so) for someone who likes to cook/bake a lot: mudaustralia.com. They have a line that you can not only bake on but then serve on because it's beautiful ceramic! Mom is a fancy Bay Area retired real estate lawyer w/ incredible taste, loves to cook and bake and is not intimidated by complicated recipes (has cooked basically everything from the Pok Pok cookbook), loves to entertain, has a fondness for cute animals and cute things in general. A good storyteller and letter writer, feels very strongly about thank you notes. A grandmother to two boys and a dog named Steve who dressed up as a martini for Halloween. Fashion sense errs towards high-end FUN— a think: Dries Van Noten, Commes des Garcons, etc. Is a very talented crafter with a whole room very chicly dedicated to it, has been very into needlepoint lately. Also a voracious reader.  Escali Primo Digital Scale Masienda gift kitLaetitia Rouget Butterfingers Butter DishMichelle Kim Chicken MittHelle Mardahl Espresso CupsTheMagic5 Swim Goggles gift cert Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing ArchitectLena Rewell ThrowI need holiday gift help for my boyfriend's mother. A few details about her: She's a professor in the Boston area and an immigrant from a Scandinavian country. She has great taste (homewares, design) and a Scandinavian sense of restrained style -- she's a woman of a certain age after all, not a Copenhagen TikTok girlie. And she has nice-things disease. You know, the stuff in her house is nice. For a general sense of her style, she's always worn Birkenstock Bostons, carries an Everlane backpack to campus, and has functional and pretty cookware (like a beautiful espresso machine). I've struck out on all the gifts I've given her, and I thought I was good at gifting! They include a handmade and hand-painted pottery vase, artisan granola, and Lauren Groff's Fates and Furies (She said she liked her NYer stories, but alas the book didn't work, per her son) She has a dog she's obsessed with, and a beach house, though it's pretty outfitted. Maybe I could try something there? Food and wine/bev gifts are out because of health issues.Message Slides + Socks, for an alt to her Birkenstock BostonsDeiji Flannel PajamasThe Sleep ShirtMalaika x Kneeland Co. Seashell TowelSaint Olio Aromatic Dog RefresherVerloop dog sweaterPogo Pet BowlVery Christian mother-in-law who writes historical fictionJudy Kim Gingerbread Cookie WreathFlowers of Provence by Jamie BeckPowder Puff PulloverBridie Hall Intaglio SoapsIn search of gift ideas for my 83-year-old fancyish, but not fussy mother-in-law. Born and raised in DC, still rocks a blond bob, loves hydrangeas, obsessed with bunnies. Raised 5 kids and is over cooking but loves anything with cranberries, nuts and raisins. Hobbies include bowling, Irish dancing, shopping at Aldi, and finding a bargain. Very tech-challenged.Coral & Tusk Bunny Hydrangea Tea TowelJuliet WineBlock Shop Italian Cashmere WrapItalian marquetry pieces from Litten Tree AntiquesMother Shrub in CranberryCapital City Mambo Sauce Gift SetMother-in-law, early 70s, notoriously difficult and anxious, prefers austere things, drinks a lot of black, understated-but-fancy tea, secretly addicted to watching Teen MomLea & Nicholas beautifully austere mugsHot Cool Tokyo Tea Storage Container or Kinto canisterUmezawa Hinoki Tissue BoxNaoto Fukasawa for Onao Co. Siwa Carryall BagBare Hands Dry Gloss Manicure KitAnnie Ernaux booksMother-in-law has a big heart and a big personality. Is from Colombia. Likes blue, good food, and excellent tequila. Plays tennis and has picked up pickleball.Masienda mezcal cups / Kneeland Co. Rarities mezcal cups / Viski Himalayan salt shot glassesVerve Culture Mezcal and Tequila Infusion and Tasting SetMi Cocina’s denim placemats/potholders/table runnersMark & Graham customizable pickleball bagsChefanie Tennis ball cocktail napkinsPicnic Time Parisian Picnic Basket Junedays coolerTanchen Wine BagLaines London tequila slippersKidsImpressing a 5-year-old on Christmas morning without a massive plastic Barbie houseHaus or Follies playhousesSMOL bounce housesWonder & Wise Theater SetupGathre trampolineLip Smacker Crayola 24-Piece Lip Balm VaultEames Giant House of Cards Deck (and create-your-own ones)Ban.Do four in a rowAll my friends just started having kids. Best gifts for babies under 1 yearNothing - donate in their name to the National Diaper Bank NetworkBath crayonsStapelsteinsCustom name tags from Label Weavers or Name BubblesA toddler whose parent wants "less stuff" in the houseConsumables!Tattly x Richard Scarry Twee sidewalk chalk name setsSoap Dough Co (℅ Kyra on IG)Supernatural sprinkles/baking setsThe Dough Project Make Your Own Playdough KitTwo nephews, 2nd grade and 4th grade. Live in the Midwest. They both like video games. My sister-in-law and brother are recently teaching them that "expensive college isn't worth it" (even though my brother went to two expensive colleges and is a successful lawyer). I adamantly disagree. They play soccer, and violin (I also play violin). They don't seem to like sweets or treats unless it's pure sugar. They visit us and my parents in the mountains in Colorado often so they appreciate the outdoors but try not to go into it very much unless my parents force them to go backpacking. I don't want to buy them anything they expect, or that my SiL might throw away or think is too expensive. This is also kind of a gift guide request for my SIL if you're catching on to what she's like, too…Anyway Mag Subscription Junior HappyMe Journal, for ages 6-12Bo and Mei Lunar New Year Celebration BoxesCustom Chuck TaylorsStylophone S1 Pocket Synthesizer and e-Blox Circuit Blox 120 Build Your Own Sound Machine and Radio Scary Stories to Tell in the DarkFlik Flak WatchesMMX Marshmallow CrossbowWho’s She? Board GameSee you next week for part 2! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

French-cuff your pants and open your Notes app because this week we’re diving into some cooking thoughts, new vocab, Nora Ephron lore, and more! Cookbooks! S/o to this tweet from Jen Rose Smith and Ali Slagle’s I Dream of Dinner, which has been Claire’s dinner salvation of late. As for the It veggies of the season, we present Grub Street’s “When Did Cabbage Get So Sexy?” and T mag's ”Radicchio Is in Season — And in Style.”New terms to use in a sentence: biz rizz, friend-in-law, and RFP, as applied to dating. Fall reading material: I’ll Have What She’s Having by Erin Carlson. See also: I Shock Myself by Beatrice Wood and No Crying in Baseball about the making of A League of Their Own.Now a question: Is “How ‘bout that?” a thing outside of the Travis Kelce cinematic universe? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.Learn from the best with MasterClass and get an additional 15% off an annual membership with our link.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re back to talk Thingies with Karah Preiss, the co-founder of Belletrist, an online reading community and production company she started with Emma Roberts. She’s an executive producer of Tell Me Lies and First Kill and so many things you will watch IN THE FUTURE, and she’s also just an absolute delight. First things first, we gotta discuss Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein. Karah’s Thingies include The Cockmark (somehow reading-related), May December (out November 17), Rosie O'Donnell (and the taxi announcements of yore and her Friend of Barbie doll), Jenna Lyons, and Tumblr (and, related, the Pop Culture Died in 2009 account and the Swipewipe app). Share *your* Thingies with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!Count on Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.Give your hair a boost with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.Start professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re pursuing some new interests this week including picking apart oral-care TikTok, attending monster truck rallies, and finding angry aunts that give incredible advice. OOOH, and don’t forget to hit us up with your gift-guide requests—the phone lines are open!Need noise-cancelers for your next monster truck rally (or Eras viewing)? We’re fans of Loop Earplugs. And! Zach Helfand on Monster Jam for The New Yorker.Highly recommend The Brooding column by Kathryn Jezer-Morton for The Cut, Especially the pieces "Raising Kids Is the ‘Best Job in the World.’ Why Is Caring for the Elderly the Worst?" + "My Mom Is Selfish. Do I Still Have to be a ‘Good Daughter’?" + "Are Helicopter Parents Actually Lazy?" Kathryn Jezer-Morton is also behind Joanna Goddard’s post-divorce Q&A and "What If You Just Didn’t Clean That Up?" Related-ish: Tamar Adler’s food scraps advice newsletter The Kitchen Shrink, Maddie Coleman’s newsletter Wait Have Your Read This?, and the site Girlhood.For oral-care recs, we were inspired by this Claudia Sulewski TikTok, Curaprox toothbrushes (this travel set!), and the Slate Flosser. Which True Citrus are you? Did The White Gown traumatize you as much as it traumatized us? Please let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.Look into an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.Join Book of the Month and get your first book for just $5 with the code SPOOKY.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve got a grab bag for you today featuring tampon testing, Boynton Blends, Chicken Salad Chicks, and capturing the elusive joy of shopping while at the gas station. We were blown away by this Mother Jones article “​​Wait, Tampons Weren’t Being Tested With Human Blood?”We’re back on our Sandra Boynton beat! See Audrey Gelman’s piece for The Strategist about  Boynton Blends coffee, Anne Diven's Gaga x Sandra TikTok, and an eBay trove of vintage wallpaper.Friends, we had to do a deep-dive on Chicken Salad Chick (thank you to this How I Built This ep for much of the intel!).  Jacob Gallagher's "The Hottest Shop in America Is Your Local Gas Station" for the WSJ is very quotable—and about the state of shopping, really. Have you eaten Chicken Salad Chick?! Tell us everything at  833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. BOTMYAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Finally, it’s time to talk about our current favorite Rs: rats, rain clogs, and romance! Our rain-clog conversation has reached new heights! As in: We have a Calzuro review for you. Holiday shopping season is starting early because the Staten Island Pizza Rat hats are back in stock. Now onto romance! For an IRL one, try Julia Allison and Noah Feldman. Fictional romances we love include You, Again by Kate Goldbeck (bonus read: this Vulture story about fanfics-turned-bestsellers by Elizabeth Held), The Art of Scandal by Regina Black, Tessa Bailey’s books including It Happened One Summer, Hook, Line, and Sinker, Fix Her Up, and Chase Me, and Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. Re: sports romances, see Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, Kennedy Ryan in general, and this GQ interview with Phillies player Bryce Harper. Also! Let’s talk about Danielle Steel’s desk—Samantha Leach did a good profile of the icon for Glamour—and Rachel Antonoff’s fall fashion campaign (completely unrelated but we love her email roundups to her vet).  Share the romances you’re into with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!Try professional counseling from BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Take care of your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.Learn from the best with MasterClass and get an additional 15% off an annual membership with our link.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Question for you all: Is tattoo season a thing? Follow up: Are tattoos cooler now than they used to be? Please think about your answers while listening to country artists we’re loving right now (and Post Malone while you’re at it).  On country music having a moment: Vulture and Rolling Stone.  Here are some artists (and their songs!) to dig into: Luke Combs (“When It Rains It Pours” and his cover of “Fast Car”), Zach Bryan ("I Remember Everything" featuring Kacey Musgraves, “Something in the Orange,” and his All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster live album), Kane Brown (“Nothing Compares to You” with Mickey Guyton), Midland (“Cheatin’ Songs” and “Burn Out”), Maren Morris (“The Bones,” “My Church,” and “Rich—and this Diary of a Song on her pop hit “The Middle” and everything The Highwomen), Kelsea Ballerini (“If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too),” “Hole in the Bottle,” and a special shoutout to her CMT Awards performance), Mickey Guyton (“All American” and “Black Like Me”—she was a judge on the Apple TV show My Kind of Country, too) Lainey Wilson (“Things a Man Oughta Know,” “Heart Like a Truck” and “Straight Up Sideways”), Hailey Whitters (“Everything She Ain’t” and “I’m In Love”), and Brooke Eden (“Sunroof”—video with her then-gf, now wife!).For further women-in-country reading, we re-recommend Her Country by Marissa R. Ross. An artist we hope doesn't disappoint us: Post Malone.Let us know what music you’re loving right now at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.Head back to school with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Listen to Bad on Paper—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re *nyming*! This week we’re covering the new era of nyms (acronyms): LIWMs (Laura Ingalls Wilder Museums), ABs (autograph books), LMs (labor musicals), SKSs (squeaky kids shoes), and CPAs (co-parenting apps). TTYL!Our new nyming era is inspired by one of our greatest TikTok minds, Jake Shane (see the toks here and here). We also reminisce on Erica’s chronicles of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Nancy Meyer’s Instagram post about her daughter’s autograph book, and we can’t get over the Ikiki kid’s shoe lore, specifically the stories of Gina the Giraffe, Rafiq the Rhino, and Brittany Eversweet. AND! Give us all the intel on OurFamilyWizard—we’ll start with celebs that use the app and the company’s new offices.If you’re looking to observe strike season, check out our favorite labor musicals The Pajama Game (1957) and Newsies (1992). Queue up “Carrying The Banner” and “Seize the Day”; cackle at the signs from a Newsies-themed WGA picket at Disney. We will hear any and all of your favorite nyms at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!Turn to Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money—and manage your money the easy way.Get  50% off your first DoorDash order up to a $20 value when you use the code ATHINGORTWO at checkout.YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new day calls for new Thingies with Priya Rao, executive editor of The Business of Beauty at BoF and creator of the Glossy narrative skin-lightening podcast Unfair. But first: a camelid costume contest.Priya’s beauty-centric Thingies include 111 Skin Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, Ilia Limitless Mascara , and Half Magic’s Glitter Pill. Her non-beauty Thingies? Cadets shorts for her kiddo (Claire also loves Billie Blooms), Lovevery Play Kits, The West Wing (and, ok, Felicity, Joy Ride, and Past Lives). Bonus reccomendations: the Sherri Papini story (coming soon in doc form), Scamanda, My Husband by Maud Ventura, and The Retrievals. Do you have new Thingies? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!Help out your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Head back to school with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.Rocket MoneyYAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The oddness of mood boards, some back-to-school content, and one heck of a food journey, featuring international ice cream, dream potato-chip collaborations, and dip delicacies worth dealing with baggage claim. Buckle in! Erica loves Word. notebooks, and Claire is all about the MochiThings checklist ones. Some foods discussed: Magnum Double Starchaser, Jon and Vinny’s house salad, the 40 Aprons creamy clam dip recipe, Tenayo bean dip, Brothers Products black bean chipotle hummus, NYT's vegan onion dip recipe, and Gwyneth’s black bean recipe.This AIGA Eye on Design story by Elizabeth Goodspeed had us reconsidering the mood board. Decoupage! Some of our favorite pieces are ones by Michelle Kim (see also: Kneeland Co.), John Derian, Joseph Heidecker, and Quintana Partners. See also: all the good stuff on Chairish. And, PSA: Mod Podge makes dishwasher-safe gloss and has incredible branding in general.Share how you do your to-do lists with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Try professional counseling from BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Embrace BTS season with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.Start hiring now with a $75 sponsored-job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming at you today, a 2022 favorite starring two topics we’re still struggling with: So you picked a travel destination…and then what? We’re sharing the (only somewhat insane!) steps we take and the resources we love for planning a vacation. Also: Let’s spend a moment discussing the late nineties/early aughts trends that are re-catching our eyes and the ones we think we won’t wear again. Some reflections on the Miu Miu skirt ℅ this NYT article “Brief Encounters With a Micro Miniskirt.” When thinking about trip-planning, this Harvard Busiess Review article on "The Hidden Traps in Decision Making" and this installment of Val Monroe’s newsletter came to mind.We love scoping out hotels on Welcome Beyond, Tablet Hotels, iescape, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (hot tip, their write-ups of what to do nearby will also point you toward good sites, shops, and restaurants). We also check out the press section on a hotel’s website, see if they’ve won any awards (which led Erica to amazingplaces.cz for Czech Republic recs), and use TripAdvisor and Instagram location tags to see some realistic photos of each hotel. For rentals, we search Airbnb and Vrbo reviews for terms like “noisy,” dig into host profiles for other properties, and remind ourselves that you can reach out to hosts with Qs.Our favorite guides come from Goop, Curbed (like "The 21 Best Things to Do in Milan If You Love Design") Eater, Sight Unseen, Remodelista, Afar, Here, Fathom, Stranger’s Guide, and New York mag’s “Steal My Vacation", and Cabana. The physical Wallpaper* City Guides are great, and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Shultz is a satisfying book to have + mark up.  Are you embracing the Y2K revival (slash Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts looks)? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Make sure to double-knot your shoes because we’re running through a bunch of activewear brands, morning baths, kale phones, butter money, and COTC (corn on the cob, clearly).You can read more about Vuori’s lore in Courier (and try out their Pose fitted polo, Daydream drew, and All the Feels bra for yourself). Other workout wear of interest: Splits59 (specifically their Raquel flared leggings), Wilson (how ‘bout these Wynne pleated pants and the pleated court short?), Tracksmith ( their Article One running sunglasses collab!), District Vision, Satisfy, On, Tory Sport, and Sweaty Betty. Curious about cool sports stores? We’ve heard good things about Distance in Paris, we love FrontRunners in L.A., and we have to hand it to Pete Carlson Golf and Tennis in Palm Desert for going *deep*. The everything shower! Consider this reel from The Everygirl your primer. If you’re looking to limit your oblivion time, check out the OneSec app…or consider the cocaine/kale phone, via George Mack by way of Trung Phan. Also, the to-google notepad, ℅ Courtney Martin. Butter sculpture season, our Bama Rush? A great read: "The Secret Feminist History of Butter Cows” by Lyz Lenz.What activewear brands do you like, how do you morning bath if you do such a thing?! Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Paint your nails like a pro with Olive & June and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your first Mani System.Trust Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.Give your hair an assist with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Head back to school with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get in, bitch, we’re going…to talk all about cars, with a sprinkling of Thingies that are regrettably worth it. Some regrettably worth it submissions from IG (and our brains) include Skims (related from The Cut), sleep consultants for toddlers, law school, putting your phone in another room after 8 p.m., professional framing, going to Ikea, getting your shoes repaired at Leather Spa (see also: New York Sneaker Society), peeling chickpeas, and stretching. Do you love car washes as much as Kris Jenner, who compared the experience to Disneyland?Car accessories that peak our interest include the car trash can, car tweezers, elevated car air fresheners (featuring DS and Durga, Three Potato Four, L:A Bruket, and Hello Adrienne), and, last but *certainly* not least, CarLashes.Meghan Palmer’s That's so Interesting Newsletter gave us some great insights into car conversations.What are your favorite car listens—songs, audiobooks, all of it? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Get some support with professional counseling from BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Shop for groceries with Thrive Market and take 30% off your first order plus snag a free $60 gift when you use our link Thrivemarket.com/athingortwoBecome a green thumb with Fast Growing Trees—15% off your order when you use our link.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We share our (hot?) takes on stickers and The Notebook; we share yours on your younger selves and Pioneer Day.This week’s past-selves quotes come to you via Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didian and this profile of Ryan Gosling in GQ by Zach Baron.The Notebook—James Marsden also has thoughts, ℅ this W mag profile by Evan Ross Katz. Related-ish: Roger Ebert’s own love story ​​"Roger loves Chaz."Stickers! Sandylion on Etsy, @stickerarchive, Red Bubble's nineties collection, and the Xyron Create-A-Sticker, for starters. Let us know if you’re watching 1883 at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Level-up your garden with Fast Growing Trees—15% off your order when you use our link.Start hiring now with a $75 sponsored-job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.Produced by Dear MediaYAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re diving into *your* Instagram Thingies submissions, rain clogs (yes, again), parenting stuff, and—wait for it—cotton-candy burritos. We learned about cotton-candy burritos via Amy Sedaris’s wonderfully random IG account. Who’s opening that Creamberry franchise? Two most popular Thingies right now: Checking out cookbooks from the library and the Owala FreeSip water bottle. Speaking of beverages, y’all have many ideas, including ice-cold Lillet Blanc with frozen orange slices, a Hugo spritz (prosecco + elderflower + soda water), a homemade Arnold Palmer, and a matcha lemonade (a close personal friend of said Arnold Palmer). Re: golf, Malbon’s collab with Nike (see also: Laura Reilly’s Magasin newsletter). Re: rain clogs, Calzuros, for your consideration. And do we all know about the AIGA Eye on Design blog?In your good-news corner: Brentwood Country Mart’s celebration of Ninja Dave's retirement from UPS. Related: that Man Repeller style profile of their USPS guy, Aubrey Dowridge.CORN! SeaVees shoes, Fernando Laposse wood, Shucked, fresh corn mochi cake c/o Food Network (paired with all the corn soft-serve we’re seeing), and Corn Kid content (the original viral video here; its musical remix here).Finally, if you’re in NYC, do yourself a favor and see Alex Edelman’s one-man Just For Us on Broadway. (Related-ish: the romance novel A Shot in the Dark by Victoria Lee.)What Thingies are you loving right now!? Share with us at  833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Give your hair a boost with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.Take advantage of the Partner to Empower program for entrepreneurs of color from Brookfield Properties—apply by August 11.Watch your garden flourish with Fast Growing Trees—15% off your order when you use our link.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re talking all things PMS and the many, many joy-givers in our lives. Shout-out to this ep’s sponsor, Jubilance, the most advanced scientific PMS mood relief supplement. Yes, that’s a thing—one that you can try by heading on over to jubilance.com/AThingOrTwo or using the coupon code ATHINGORTWO at checkout.Kicking things off strong with the TikTok Taylor Swift Albums as Period Flows Pt. 2, which reminds us how major it was when Kotex used red liquid instead of blue and when Always got a ton of credit for showing…a red dot (more on the bluid from The Atlantic). PMS can get worse as you age—and is tied to mental health stuff. More on that from Health.com and Romper.Happy, happy vs. joy, joy?? Reading c/o a Psychology Today interview with Dr. Pamela King, Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee by, and Inciting Joy by Ross Gay. The hot bunny account: @officialaqibra.What brings YOU joy? Share with us at  833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Want more recommendations??? Try out a Secret Menu membership!This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Try Jubilance for $10 off by visiting jubilance.com/AThingOrTwo or use the coupon code ATHINGORTWO at checkout.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming through with some thoughts on the intersection of friendship and ambition, covered wagon core (not to be confused with cottagecore!), and ~summer movies~.Following up on our Wilder conversation, we’d like to discuss covered wagon core. See Kim K.’s CR Fashion Book spread “The Pioneer Woman,” Rudy Jude, Salter House, and making jam. Re: actual covered wagons, Conestoga does a luxe wagon and a bar wagon, both, and Pioneer Woman has a roundup of campgrounds with covered wagons.Rainesford Stauffer’s “We Should Be Ambitious About Our Friendships” for Elle sparked our convo about friendship ambition—she’s also the author of An Ordinary Age: Finding Your Way in a World That Expects Exceptional and the new All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive. We love this tweet about friendship discussion agendas. As for books, this topic calls to mind Courtney Martin’s The New Better Off, Kayleen Schaefer’s Text Me When You Get Home, Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman’s Big Friendship, and Hua Hsu’s Stay True. On our TBR list: Sheila Liming’s Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time. (In the meantime: “The Case for Hanging Out” by Dan Kois for Slate and The Ezra Klein Show episode "The ‘Quiet Catastrophe’ Brewing in Our Social Lives.") Bring on the summer movies! Obsessed with Past Lives, itching to see Theater Camp, Joy Ride, Problemista (see also: I Want to Be a Vase by Julio Torres), Red, White, & Royal Blue, Challengers, and, of course, Barbie (all the prophecies, including Margot Robbie in Vogue and Greta Gerwig in Gentlewoman, whet the appetite).Do you have easy, low-pressure ways to keep up with friends? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Turn to Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. Take advantage of the Partner to Empower program for entrepreneurs of color from Brookfield Properties—apply by August 11.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cottage cheese, pimento cheese, and us bringing our trademark cheese???Cottage cheese—"whey cool," per the WSJ; a forever classic, per us. Skip the TikTok recipes and try this savory Bon Appétit salad or this (also BA) horseradish dip. If you’re in NYC, get yourself to Dimes for the breakfast Papaya D’Lite. (Somehow related: charred Mexican zucchini recipe.)Calling all pimento cheeseheads: We rec Callie’s and Zingerman’s, wanna try this NYT Cooking frittata, and got a real history lesson from Serious Eats. It’s a life-hackathon, and the winners are the sticker produce thing, Option-Shift-Command-V and keeping stain remover in the bedroom (see also: Miss Mouth’s, savon de Marseille, and Soak).All hail long vacation lunches! If you happen to be in Paris, get yourself to Glou and Mokonuts.Some community Thingies submitted via our Instagram: Taylor Swift Lyric Sporcles, Famous Amos cookies (um, this, ℅ the History Channel!), and the Nili Lotan Brady tee (file under: regrettably worth it). What’s regrettably worth it in your life? Do you have a family apple? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Treat your hair to Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com. Get your groceries with Thrive Market and take 30% off your first order plus snag a free $60 gift when you use our link.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time to revisit some ghosts of podcasts past, from rain clogs to private creative practices to an incredibly detailed review of an electric flosser. Our discussion of fun sports experiences is ongoing thanks to the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team that’s a must-follow on Instagram and TikTok. More on their founding story via WBUR. A morning-pages follow-up: Wendy MacNaughton created a DrawTogether 30-day Drawing Habit Experiment Challenge as a visual companion/alt. A quick hospice aside: Check out her forthcoming book How to Say Goodbye and the new release The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments by Hadley Vlahos R.N.  A IG Thingies contributor recommended Plasticana mules as a summer rain shoe. And speaking of summer moisture, our listener Carly suggests battling mosquitos with Tougher than Tom Mosquito TNT. Report back?On a private writing—or any creative!—practice, this Hanif Abdurraqib’s tweet thread.Looking for a gift? May we suggest some of the items we are obsessing over, like Cat’s Cradle (see also: this TikTok), a Slate Flosser, Message sandals, and the Forme bra.  Can’t shut up about the podcast Wilder! It digs deep into Laura Ingalls Wilder (good and bad) and made us think of this classic 2007 Jezebel piece by Lizzie Skurnick.Let us know your flossing philosophy at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Give professional counseling a go with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.Perfect your at-home manicure with Olive & June and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your first Mani System.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another 2022 crowd-pleaser coming at you! We road-tested a whole slew of the Thingies recent guests recommended, and we have much to share! Join us for this and some extremely entertaining voicemails responding to our question “What’s the sorority version of ‘praise and polish?’”From our episode with Rumaan Alam, Claire was inspired to listen to the audiobook version of Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe, and Erica has been using Fitbod (but only doing the exercises she wants to). Thanks to Harling Ross Anton’s recs, Erica’s gotten indigestion aid from Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL). Claire took Kelly Wright’s suggestion and subscribed to Ronny’s Seltzer (which is a great supplement to her at-home Aarke seltzer maker). Erica’s been very into Jessica DeFino’s The Unpublishable newsletter, which Val Monroe raved about. A great installment to start with: Bella Hadid's Old Nose. Related content: The Glossy Podcast and the newsletter After School.Whose Thingies picks do you want to hear? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Nix PMS with Jubilance and get $10 off with the code ATHINGORTWO.YAY.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time to soothe your mind about summer (salad) dressing stress! Also, we talk the ideal American sporting event and overhosting, a term that speaks to us more than we’d like.    Some dressings for summer and really whenever: Via Carota’s, Toro Bravo's, and Kewpie’s BUT FROM JAPAN. Both Mark Bittman and Samin Nosrat do a strong miso-mustard, and our no-recipe recipes are a honey-mustard (just honey, French’s yellow, red-wine vinegar, and olive oil) and the never-fail combo of ketchup, mayo, Old Bay, lemon, and salt.    Re: minor-league (and G league) sports, more on the short-lived Pizza Rats c/o the New York Post.    If you’re magnesium-curious, look into the ones from Moon Juice, Calm, and ReMag.    What makes a summer dressing to you? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Grab a Secret Menu membership for all the recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Trust Shopify with all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link. Try SKIMS Fits Everybody and get free shipping on orders over $75. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can we spend a little time talking about creativity and exercise, including how our takes on both are feeling surprisingly similar these days? GREAT. Let’s get into.   For more on morning pages, we direct you to The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. And, a book that comes up a lot despite our mixed feelings about it: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.    A YouTube vid Erica followed to write a novel, as recommended by Mary HK Choi.   Some workout wardrobe staples include unitards—check out Girlfriend Collective and Héros—and the posture-correcting sports bra from Forme (more from Fast Company).   If you need a work-out pep talk, you can always count on Coach Bennett. (And while we’re here: Thanks for programming this ep, ​​Sarah.)   How do you keep going with exercise? Are you a morning-pages person? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Grab a Secret Menu membership for more, more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou. Thwart PMS with Jubilance and get $10 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Amp up your garden with Fast Growing Trees and take 15% off your entire order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve been graced with Thingies from Mattie Kahn, the author of wonderful new book Young and Restless, all about the teenage girls who have fueled America’s biggest-deal social movements. But first: bugs.    Some great bug-repelling options include Gardner FlyWeb Fly Light Classic, LIV by Thermacell, Neepa Huts, Lygfzf screens, Bluefeel Kruca Camping Fan, and incense c/o Fredericks & Mae, Rinnesha (put it in a kayari buta!), and Madison James.   Young and Restless—the perfect read for right now…or any time.   Mattie’s Thingies include Sunday-morning newsletter review time (ft. Lauren Sherman’s Line Sheet, Becky Malinsky’s 5 Things You Should Buy, Hunter Harris’s Hung Up, Eater’s Add To Cart, and Rachel Tashjian Wise's Opulent Tips), Frog Hollow Farm (um, a Battle of the Peaches Box!), Salt & Straw ice cream deliveries, the Forsyth skirt by Kallmayer, and Saie Glowy Super Gel.   Have Thingies you NEED to tell us about? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Grab a Secret Menu membership for more, more recommendations.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.   Tackle PMS with Jubilance and get $10 off with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Stock up on groceries with Thrive Market and get 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift when you use our link.   YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sound your alarms! Today we’re rounding up alarm clock suggestions from our listeners, dedicating a much-needed 15 minutes to talk about gummy candy, and incorporating some new lingo into our (ever-evolving?) vocabs.   Alarm clocks suggested by our listeners include Lexon Cubissimo (shoutout to Sarah in our Geneva!) and Flip+ Travel. Also, how genius is having a NIGHT PHONE!?! (<< TY, Kara.)   Next time you want a gummy treat, chew on BonBon. Come on with their their gift boxes, and grab a bag of Kolsvart while you’re there. Reading while you’re chomping: "Sweet and Squishy as Ever, the Gummy Universe Keeps Expanding" from NYT.   Our philosophy around clusters of convenience (and ending errands with a little treat) reminds us of this Gossamer interview with Molly Young.   What are your favorite clusters of convenience? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!. Grab a Secret Menu membership for more, more recommendations.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Give the best gifts with MoMA Design Store. Do your hair a favor with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Master the at-home manicure with Olive & June and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your first Mani System. Tell PMS to peace out with Jubilance and get $10 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For your consideration, we’re (re-)sharing some thoughts about buying things, including a letter of recommendation for shopping in person and takes on sourcing made-in-America products and acquiring things while traveling. One of our greatest-hit episodes of 2022!   If you’re interested in the idea of One Fit February (or the less alliterative One Fit April), score yourself some cool points and check out this installment of the Blackbird Spyplane’s newsletter by Jonah Weiner.   A rundown of some cool made-in-America brands here, and, if you’re looking for something specific, check out stillmadeinusa.com.   A couple standout MiA brands include the only whisk manufacturers in the U.S., Best Manufacturers based in Portland, Oregon, (more on them), and Libman mops and brooms based in Arcola, Illinois, since 1896 (the mayor Jesus Garza's story also!).     Do you have opinions about buying things? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. Grab a Secret Menu membership for more, more recommendations.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Try Shopify, the trustiest ecomm platform around, and get a free 14-day trial with our link. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the temps rise, we’re starting to think more and more about what to wear in *this weather* (and, while we’re at it, the celebs we love so much we’d like to give thim a daytime talk show).    Are you paying enough attention to Brandi Carlile? As in, are you watching her coach her daughter on how to use a drill? See also: The Highwomen and their songs "Crowded Table" and "Redesigning Women" specifically.    Onto summer dressing! (Shoutout to our last summer dressing ep, too.) And the never-ending search for summer dresses! In an effort to replicate the glory days of an old cotton Apiece Apart Josefina dress, Claire is trying out the Flore Flore Esme dress.    For denim shorts, Claire recommends Raey’s Rivet and Tahiti styles, andErica loves Agolde’s Parker take.    Summer shoes! On the sandal front, look to Message and Emme Parsons’s folded slides. For chipped-pedicure days, Repetto, Drogheria Crivellini, Martiniano (for The Row-ish look), and Rothy’s—they do a buzzed-about Mary Jane. Your open-toe mule fuel: Reike Nen (padded cut-out and woven and fringe!), Staud Simone and Janine, and Dries Van Noten (<< sale-alert-worthy).   On a T-shirt journey? We’ve been into Buck Mason, Flore Flore, Sunray, Sunspel, and The Great.    The button-up—under-appreciated summer savior! we like Alex Mill's Double-Button Shirt,  Estella’s Gemma, Chava Studio's custom (!!) designs (and their Madewell collab), and  Citizens of Humanity’s Kayla. For some styling tips, look to Leandra Medine, Amy Smilovic, and this YouTube tutorial.   Onto accessories that help you keep your cool! MoMA Design Store has exclusive colors of fans by Nishikawa Shoroku Shoten (at it  since 1585!!!), and peppermint oil (Claire likes the De Mamiel Altitude Oil) works wonders.   As for HOT RAIN, maybe a garden clog is the answer?? Gardenheir has Italian AND French styles, and we also like the SeaVees Bodega and Birkenstock Super-Birki. Best lightweight rain jacket: Patagonia Houdini. Or should we lean into pochos, like the ones from Rainkiss, Rains, Stutterheim, and Puebco?    UM, who wants to start that umbrella company? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Get some green with Fast Growing Trees and take 15% off your entire order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grabbing into a bag full of community-building opps, a fantastic celeb memoir, unhinged TikTok content, a hair-removal tool we’re into, tulip hacks, and….juice marketing?    Our adventure at Peoplehood—more on that here—has us adding Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam to our reading list and thinking long and hard (too long, too hard?) about Amanda Mull’s piece for The Atlantic on Bed Bath & Beyond’s closing.    File Tell Me Everything: A Memoir by Minka Kelly alongside Demi Moore’s Inside Out.    Check out the hashtag #Unhinged7thheaven on TikTok for a wild ride.    We endorse: Tweezerman’s Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover, this trick that makes tulips stand tall, and the copywriting going on over at Eager.   Thoughts on sharing contacts…or anything at all? Hit us up at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Get professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Slip into SKIMS Fits Everybody and get free shipping on orders over $75. Give Bad on Paper a listen—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Don’t zone out just yet! This week we’re talking about what we do during our “oblivion time” and fandoms of our past, present, and future. Some fandom-related content: “The Bethenny Clause,” the book Everything I Need I Get from You by Caitlin Tiffany, the article "‘It Made Me Believe That Love Wasn’t Real Anymore. And I Puked.’ Swifties on Cornelia Street take the Joe Alwyn breakup news as well as you’d expect" by Rachel Handler for Vulture, and the article "Psychologists Say That Belonging To A Fandom Is Amazing For Your Mental Health" by Brianna Wiest for Teen Vogue. Also: our past convo about this (and concert specifically).   Also relevant to our personal fandoms: The Baby-Sitters Club and the fact that the artist Hodges Soileau is selling the original paintings of the covers, Gudetama (and his NYT Dining section coverage), and the My Best Friend’s Wedding soundtrack.    We want to know: How are you filling your oblivion time? And do you have alarm clock recs?? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Support your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Drink water like never before thanks to air up. Get the best of both worlds, tasty flavors, and all the benefits of water today at https://airup.link/40V3Ltw  YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re reminiscing about niche educational retail chains of our youth, making a case for pecans, and learning the rules of a hot girl walk (<< there are rules).   Our research on Zany Brainy (which now has a nostalgic merch project) revived our affection for Sanrio, Klutz, Creativity for Kids, and Brain Quest.    Enter the The Nature Company v. Natural Wonders discourse via this YouTube video. Also, Buzzfeed's got a zesty take on a bunch o’ bygone mall stores.    Onto pecans, the nut’s nut. For pies, we rec the recipe in Stars Desserts by Emily Luchetti…and the one on the back of the Karo corn syrup bottle. Also for your consideration: Food52’s flourless pecan cake, Smitten Kitchen’s peach and pecan sandy crumble, NYT Cooking wok-fried asparagus and walnuts (subbing pecans), and Claire’s breakfast combo of pecans + Cocojune yogurt + berries.    The hot girl walk comes to us via TikTok user Mia, @exactlyliketheothergirls. And walk, don’t run, to the ample NYT walking coverage: "The Next Walk You Take Could Change Your Life," "A Little Motivation to Take a Walk," and "Whatever the Problem, It’s Probably Solved by Walking."    The NY State bottle bill, fascinating stuff that we learned about from Rothy’s. Related: The Guppyfriend washing bags to keep microplastics out of waterways.   Share your Zany Brainy memories with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Score the best gifts from MoMA Design Store. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Judy Blume forever!! A rallying cry and also the name of an incredible doc we need you to watch. And, let’s talk Thingies with Sue Chan, a tastemaker’s tastemaker—if you’ll allow it—who has all the event-hosting and condiment intel you need over at Care of Chan.   Plz watch the documentary Judy Blume Forever! And dig into Forever…, and Wifey with us?    For all your *entertaining needs*, check out Sue’s site Care of Chan, which launches Thurs., April 27, with guides, interviews, and essays from chefs, florists, and producers to help us all feel more confident and comfortable with any sort of event-hosting we’re taking on.   Sue’s Thingies include condiments from The Japanese Pantry (specifically togarashi—also love us some Cabi and The Mala Market!), dried fruits from Yun Hai, masa from Masienda (their La Chicharra bowls, too), produce from Cookbook Los Angeles and the Hollywood Farmers' Market, a donabe from Toiro Kitchen, and custom stationery from Pettinaroli in Milan (for more gifting: Flamingo Estate). Some of her favorite restaurants for booking a six-top in NYC are Odeon, Omen Azen, and Lucien.    Share your Thingies with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Turn to Shopify, the trustiest ecomm platform around, and get a free 14-day trial with our link. Drink water like never before thanks to air up. Get the best of both worlds,  tasty flavors, and all the benefits of water today at https://airup.link/3Mhd7M7. Use code ATHINGORTWO for 15% off your purchase. Listen to Bad on Paper—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s grab bag includes clearing a path for love, the country-music equivalent of The Great British Bake Off, beige rice, and, ya know, lots more.    Are you watching My Kind of Country? Start with Dhruv Visvanath’s cover of “Ring of Fire."   Shout out to Chalo cowboy boots and this Brie Larson cover story for Harper’s Bazaar for styling inspo.    Sam Youkilis’s Instagram brought the topic of cutting citrus back to the podcast. See also: Priya Krishna and Connie Wang’s essays about cut fruit as a culturally Asian love language.    An idea: Joe Holder’s one-week-a-month reboot.    Cosigning a Jill Singers Thingie, The Rice Factory New York.   Liana Satenstein’s piece in Vogue about Donna Karan gave us the Y2k fashion we want to embrace.    Share your thoughts about today’s ep with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Level-up your underwear with SKIMS Fits Everybody and get free shipping on orders over $75. Drink water like never before thanks to air up. Get the best of both worlds, tasty flavors, and all the benefits of water today at https://airup.link/3nNRCZ7. Make that garden grow with Fast Growing Trees and get 15% off your entire order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re a new listener curious about our ~lore~, you’re in luck! But before we discuss us, let’s talk about you and some of the Thingies you’ve been evangelizing about on Instagram.   Moisturizing agents recommended by listeners include Dior Creme Abricot, Olive & June Overnight Hand Treatment, Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick, Weleda Skin Food, Everyday Oil, Brazilian BumBum Cream, Ouai Body Creme, Tubby Todd, Summer Solace Tallow, Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment, and tinted ChapStick. (Wait, sorry, did we know about custom ChapStick??)    Also you all shared beauty products we’d never heard of before, like Kate McLeod Sex Stone, Nicole Caroline Facial Ice Sphere Kit, Londontown Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer, and The Ordinary Brow Serum.    Earrings you can sleep in! From Maison Muri and Hey June. Also: clear earring backs for napping!!   What else are you obsessing over? Keyboard-cleaning goo like this stuff from Kikkerland, stain removers like Savon de Marseille and Grandma’s Spot Remover, and salad dressings like the ones by Little Creek Dressing and the Gotham Greens Green Goddess.    People feel strongly about Oofos—are they the new Crocs?!   Our favorite Thingie of all? Bringing tea on a walk, leaving the mug in a random bush, and picking it back up later. Iconic.   Share your Thingies with us at  833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.     This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp. Get professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Give your hair an assist with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Tune into to Bad on Paper—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one. YAY.    Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re covering pressing and important moments in culture (the Scandoval), products of innovation (seam rippers), gifting strategies, a revelatory cookbook all about leftovers, and a topic we can not let sit any longer: cute postage stamps.     If you’re new to the Vanderpump Rules Cinematic Universe, we highly suggest Sexy Unique Podcast as a viewing companion.    Message Monsters stamps by Elise Gravel, a children’s book author, are available on foreverstamps.net.   Museum Gel will secure breakables from gentle earthquakes (toddlers running around the house included).    To have your leftovers world rocked, we recommend The Everlasting Meal Cookbook: Leftovers A-Z by Tamar Adler, which is a companion to Love An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace.   Do you have a gifting plan? Thoughts on the Scandoval? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Try out professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.   YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May we discuss manicures, messes, and the intersection between manicures and messes and the social pressure to present as *having it all together*? Let’s go.   On gel manicures: Uché Blackstock is going to keep getting them, and Claire is too—but now with Maniglovz to protect her hands from those UV lights (and with CND Shellac whenever she can).   For a one-coat at-home mani, Olive & June Cosmic, Pleasing Pearly Tops, and Dior Glow deliver a shimmery, sheer finish. A listener said Dazzle Dry is one of their Thingies, and multiple of y’all have called-out Londontown Kur Nail Concealer (<< the name!). For growth (and nail-biting-prevention), try Nailtiques. For setting yourself up for DIY success, arm yourself with  Olive & June dry drops and the brand’s clean up brush.    We have a lot of thoughts about mess, and so do some other people. Dig into For Scale’s “Exquisite Chaos” installment, "Girl Clutter" by Molly Soda, “What If You Just Didn’t Clean That Up?” by Kathryn Jezer-Morton for The Cut, and “This Trend Is a Mess” by Callie Holtermann for NYT. For a listen, check out "How to Keep House While Drowning" on Terrible, Thanks for Asking with guest KC Davis, the author of How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing.    Our convo also reminded us of the books All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior and In My Room: Teenagers in Their Bedrooms by Adrienne Salinger (a sampling of some of those pics here).    And a retaliation to the white-box era we’ve been living in can be found on @officialsadbeige.   For a clustercore explainer, we’ve got Better Homes & Gardens. For primo examples, we always think of friend-of-the-pod Rumaan Alam and David Land’s collection of George Washington paintings in their dining room, and dip into Catherine Newman’s home tour on A Cup of Jo.    Two messfluencers to know: Alix Earle and Julia Fox.    On the topic of digital messiness, how many tabs do you have open right now? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Try Shopify, the trustiest ecomm platform around, and get a free 14-day trial with our link. Level-up your sandwich with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Karla Welch, celeb stylist and co-founder of The Period Company, is here to talk Thingies, from life-changing books to an L.A. bagel worth a one-hour wait. Also, we dig into distraction…and deleting social-media accounts.    Re: the impact of social media on our societies, ourselves: Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier (and Zach Baron’s GQ profile of Jaron), Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (and David Marchese's NYT Mag interview with Cal, and (what’s new?) Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman.    Get your Karla Welch fix via her MasterClass on personal style and by shopping The Period Company, which now available at Walmart.   Karla’s Thingies include Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie Brown (which made us think about Saving Time by Jenny Odell), Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, her client Sarah Polley (see also: Sarah’s film Women Talking and her New Yorker profile), Rhode peptide lip treatment, the NYT Cooking app (follow this IG account for the full commenter experience), Erewhon’s strawberry glaze smoothie, and Courage Bagels in L.A.    Share your Thingies (and dream Thingies guests) with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Get that protein and fiber with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Go plant-crazy with Fast Growing Trees and get 15% off your entire order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Listen to Bad on Paper—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one. YAY. Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve been asking “Why aren’t more podcasts talking about Magic Mike’s Last Dance and Girl Scouts?” you’ve come to the right place. Shall we??   What do the critics have to say about Magic Mike? Here’s Shirley Li at The Atlantic, Emma Specter at Vogue, A.O. Scott at the NYT, Richard Brody at The New Yorker, Bob Mondello at NPR, and Kyle Smith at the Wall Street Journal.    Channing’s look right now! Specifically this Met Gala pic and this Variety cover! He and Zoë Kravitz share a stylist, Andrew Mukamal (who was featured on Kell on Earth—see also: this Interview interview with Kelly Cutrone).     If you’re into the business side of Magic Mike, check out WSJ’s story “For Magic Mike, Channing Tatum Looked for Strippers Moms Could Love.” As for Channing’s other creative projects: Sparkella, Born & Bred Vodka (more from BonApp), and the much-hyped romance novel he’s writing with Roxane Gay. (Unrelated but also totally related, Tessa Bailey’s reverse-harem romance Happenstance.)     Oh, Girl Scouts, preparing girls to meet the world with courage, confidence, and character since 1912! We love the logo redesign by Collins, and if you need a cookie source, buy them from Troop 6000, a first-of-its-kind program designed to serve families living in temporary housing in the New York City shelter system, or from trans girls around the country.    Another scouting org we love: Radical Monarchs, which creates opportunities for girls and  gender-expansive youth of color—this doc is great.   Share your Magic Mike reviews with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Try out professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Help your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Get more out of your bread with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Sleep well with Boll & Branch—get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use the promo code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our two new favorite terms and a bunch of thoughts on what to eat (such a conundrum, always, why?), coming at you on this week’s episode. Dig in!   Ok, food things: We’re big fans of the the Food52 Simply Genius cookbook (and Food52 Genius Desserts, too) by Kristen Miglore. To start, try the 5-minute tomato sauce from Heidi Swanson (which reminded Claire of this slightly more complicated sauce she had last summer) and Canal House’s chicken thighs.   Some other cooking wins: this polenta soup recipe from Christopher Kimball, oven-fried artichokes, Ali Slagle’s cheesy white bean tomato bake, and Toro Bravo's radicchio salad with manchego vinaigrette.     This Eater story by Jaya Saxena speaks to our love of tiny spoons and brought this amazing T-shirt to our attention.   Let us know your tiny spoon stance at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.  This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Level-up your bread with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get that MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re talking Thingies with Rachel Seville Tashjian Wise, fashion news director at Harper's Bazaar and creator of the coolest invite-only newsletter on the block, Opulent Tips. Also, we bring you more CRINGE.   To ride the cringe wave, check out this perfect Julie Houts post, Yasi Salek and the podcast Bandsplain (friends, the T-shirt), and the newsletter Club Leftist Tennis’s installment “Tennis is for Weirdos” by Kate Wagner. Also, NYT’s misread of cringe.   Rachel’s Thingies: hats (including ones from The Hat Shop, Amy Downs, and Gigi Burris), collections of strange objects (see also: Leanne Ford’s Feel Free mag), the weird Hitchcock movies like Vertigo (for more good blond wigs: Wong Kar Wai’s Chungking Express), designers who are creating wardrobes (including Toteme, Casey Casey, The Row, Sofie D'Hoore, Lauren Manoogian, 7115 by Szeki, Lafayette 148—read Rachel’s story for more on this!), and this profile of Judith Thurman along with her book, Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Storyteller.   Some other things discussed: the Isaac Mizrahi doc Unzipped, the brands Puppets and Puppets and Luar, the Lydia Tár Twitter account, Spur Jewelry’s usage of close friends, and Etéreo Vintage.    Have thingies you want to share? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Try our beloved ecomm platform, Shopify, and get a free 14-day trial with our link. Explore an MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. Get more out of your bread with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hello, this is she! Today we’re reaching into a grab bag filled with TVs, social omnivores, room dividers, and favorite internet follows.    For more on the social omnivore, check out this Bon Appétit article by Ali Francis.    Room dividers have come a long way—see: Lichen, The Inside, Sarah Ellison's for DWR, and Sight Unseen’s round up.   Delightful follow number one: Emily Sundberg and her newsletter Feed Me. She wrote "Whole Milk Mounts its Triumphant Comeback" and "Welcome to the Shoppy Shop" and recently surfaced this 2019 interview with Kevin Systrom by Stella Bugbee, too. (Related-ish newsletters: After School by Casey Lewis and Public Announcement c/o Chris Black and James Ellis.)   Number two: Delia Cai, whose debut novel Central Places is out now—*please* see also: her IG for the book, her Twitter account, and her interview on this pod. (Other v specific IG follows: @smallbizmemez and @dankartdirectormemes.)   Number three: the financial-literacy TikToker Seema Sheth aka Bobeema and her financial cleanse series. Speaking of $$ stuff, Carl Nassib’s compound interest lesson from Hard Knocks and Women and Money by Suze Orman.   Finally, this tweet (by Lily Marotta, co-host of the Celebrity Book Club podcast) transported us.    Where is the TV in your home? How you you answer the phone? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Look into getting an MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. YAY.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Break out the headphones because have recommendations for those looking for audio-based catharsis, starring revenge songs and an insightful podcast about grief. Also: We’re redefining our relationship with restaurants and asking men to start paying more attention to the parenting discourse.   Some ideas for your next revenge playlist: “BZRP” by Shakira, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift, “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Gaslighter” by The Chicks, “Love Yourself” by Justin Beiber, “Cherry” by Harry Styles, “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé, “You Oughta Know” by Alainis Morrisette, “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, “Kerosene” by Miranda Lambert, and “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett.    We also highly recommend you check out the discography of Beverly Glenn-Copeland.    More for your ears: Anderson Cooper’s podcast All There Is. Start with the "Anticipatory Grief" and "Molly Shannon’s Unspeakable Loss" episodes.    If you’re in NYC and looking to redefine your restaurant experience, try Gjelina for bfast, Wagamama for lunch, and Joe’s Shanghai—or your Michigan Stars—for dinner.    On the current state of social media: Kyle Chayka’s New Yorker piece “The Year in Apps I Gave Up On.”   We want/need your thoughts on vintage! Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give professional counseling a go with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.   Support your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Explore an MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have some follow-ups, ok?? Let’s revisit induction stoves, slipping rib syndrome, living with longing, being in touch with your younger self, and, of course, jibbitz—specifically ones featuring a grandpa’s face.    Oooh, has that induction cooktop convo heated up! Read this from the Public Interest Research Group on the Inflation Reduction Act (and $$$), this Bloomberg article “US Safety Agency to Consider Ban on Gas Stoves Amid Health Fears,” an installment of Michael Thomas’s Distilled newsletter “I Measured the Pollution From My Gas Stove. It Was Bad,” Alison Roman’s Twitter AMA, and Remodelista’s guide to compact induction cooktops/ranges.    To learn more about zankha, Lina Mounzer's Twitter thread (and the related Reddit post).    Speaking of dishware, Heller Vignelli’s is back at MaMA Design Store! Read more about it here.   Kate’s Butter, a Thingies award winner, changed its packaging :( :( :( More on the flattening of design from a Business of Fashion op-ed by John Whelan "The Revolution Will Not Be Serifised: Why Every Luxury Brand’s Logo Looks the Same."    This Death, Sex & Money Podcast episode with The Daniels!! And Daniel Kwan's related IG post!!    Finally, how could we not to turn a corner on jibbitz after watching this TikTok of Liam Ryan presenting his grandchildren with Crocs and *jibbitz with his face on them*. Which reminded us of this WSJ story “When Grandma Is a TikTok Star and the Grandkids Are the Managers.”    Are there any topics from previous episodes you want us to revisit? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For a whole lot more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment. Let’s do it. Get that good sleep with Boll & Branch—get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use the promo code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re giving you the styling and Thingies scoop with our special guest Lakyn Carlton! Bonus scoop: the pros and cons of scooped-out foods.   Introducing the scooped-out pizza, ℅ Minnesota’s Hazelwood Food & Drink. And leave it to the New York Post to provide scooped-out bagel commentary in 2010 and 2016.   Get more Lakyn via her fantastic newsletter True Style and her virtual and in-person styling sessions.   Lakyn’s Thingies include Muddy Paw Coffee in L.A. for a dog-friendly coffee experience (and proximity to one of her go-to vintage shops, The Curatorial Department), her Bown of London robe (additional robe content: ones from Block Shop and Ulysses and the romance novel Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn), and a custom doormat from TheDoormatory on Etsy.   Share your take on pizza with salad and/or personal style at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Try out a Secret Menu membership for more recommendations.   Do ecomm right with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buckle in, listeners, because we’re diving head-first down the rabbit hole of *cringe*. What does cringe look like these days? How do we embrace it—the good kind? How do cut everyone (ourselves included) some cringe slack?   If you’re not getting our newsletter!   Today’s prompt: Nell Diamond’s repost of a tweet from @isabelunraveled. (For more on Nell, founder of Hill House Home, dip into these profiles from New York Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar.)   The Justin Long post. Discuss!   For some cringe backstory: Kaitlyn Tiffany’s story “How Did We Get So ‘Cringe’?” for The Atlantic.   We had to revisit Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic—because avoiding cringe and chasing perfectionism are related…no? See also: Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel, David Brandon Geeting’s installment of the Perfectly Imperfect newsletter, and the edition of Kaelen Haworth’s Kael Mail newsletter about ins but no outs.    Check out Her Country by Marissa R. Moss. Among the themes: how Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, and Mickey Guyton gave up on wanting people to like them to find success.     On finding affection for your younger self: this Anne Helen Petersen newsletter, Jonah Hill’s doc Stutz, the podcast Mortified, Justin Cooley on his role in Kimberly Akimbo, and Mo Willems in the NYT.   A definition of post-cringe; an example of post-cringe: Kaitlin Phillips.   How are you embracing cringe? Who’s your cringe-spiration? We need your thoughts at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For a whole lot more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment—now’s the time! Help out your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are rejuvenated-ish from our holiday breaks and are ready to fill you in on winter-wedding dress codes, the pegboard discourse, sexy high school, and, ope!, more Midwest updates.   Our discussion about wedding dress codes brings us back to Kayleen Schaefer’s story for The Cut “The Bride and Groom Formally Request That You Dress Up.” And for actual winter beach dressing, see this 2017 Vogue cover and Harrison Ford’s shorts with sweaters.    We loved this 2019 NYT story about how brand names become generic.      Re: pegboards, Julia Child’s is obv the ultimate, but for mini ones, look to Quark and Little Anana.    If you’re also disillusioned by movie trailers, read this Vox story by Alissa Wilkinson. (Also, we endorse She Said the movie…but She Said the book more.)   Next time you're in the Midwest, get kringle from O&H Danish Bakery or a *kringle single* from Racine Danish Kringles.   What foods are you sneaking into the movies? Let us know 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Take care of your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s conversation knows no bounds! We’ve got key limes, medical answers via TikTok, makeup-buying IRL, a photo-minded Instagram follow, induction stoves, and a solution to the silicone storage bags issue (because there is one).   Have you made Alison Roman’s take on key lime pie? It involves yogurt/sour cream, a win if you ask us. Related-ish: Leaked Recipes: The Cookbook: A Collection of Over 50 Recipes Found in the World's Biggest Email Leaks and the Stories Behind Them, Neiman Marcus’s “leaked” cookie recipe, and Bill Smith's Atlantic Beach Pie.   Um, medical updates, coming through! Thanks to @roseytimestwo for bringing slipping rib syndrome to our attention. Also: Our pitch for Capsule for your prescription needs still stands (and check out Alto Pharmacy if Capsule doesn’t serve your city).    Shopping in-person brought the impressive Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops into Erica’s life (paired with a brush from Vapour).   If you’re over storage bags soaking up the scent of your dish soap, try HoldOn for compostable kitchen (and garbage!) bags.   For an incredible lens into imagery’s impact on society, Emily Keegin and her IG is blowing Claire away.    To learn more about induction stoves, dig into this Fast Company article and Melissa Clark’s NYT story and follow what Copper (thanks for sharing, Sofia!) and Impulse are up to.    Have thoughts on any and all of this to share? Reach out to us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join ur Geneva! For a whole lot more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Try professional counseling with BetterHelp—now’s the time!—and take 10% off your first month with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holidays can be *hard*, and if you need some guidance on figuring out how to show up for the people in your life, Nora McInerny knows what she’s talking about. Fire up this rerun from 2021, and crack open her latest book, Bad Vibes Only, which makes for an excellent way to kick of a strong year of reading.   In case of emergency gifts for grown-ups: consumables (candles, condiments, beauty products!). For babies: Lewis swaddles and Sophies. For kids: Twee chalk, Sunprint Kits, and Omy coloring posters.   Dig into everything Nora McInerny puts out into the world, including the tremendous podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking and her books It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too), No Happy Endings, and Hot Young Widows Club (and created a Facebook grief support group of the same name).   The NYT piece on the sex educator Justine Ang Fonte and the platinum rule.   The Ring Theory, which we really buy into and talk about a lot!    A Kids Book about Empathy...that’s potentially useful for adults, too.   Friends, this TikTok series from Carly Aquilino on Y2K fashion.   Hit us with your guest noms—or anything else—at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. Or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment. New year, healthy you? Care for your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of our most popular (winning??) episodes of 2021, coming at you!   The usefulness of the term bitch eating crackers (BEC) (for context: Someecards).   Celebrity memoirs as audiobooks: Inside Out by Demi Moore, Acid for the Children by Flea, and Yearbook by Seth Rogen (see also: this profile by Jonah Weiner for NYT Magazine). Next up: My Life So Far by Jane Fonda, Faithfull by Marianne Faithful,  The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish. Oh, and: the podcast Celebrity Book Club with Steven & Lily. Also: Please read Open by Andre Agassi and J.R. Moehringer!   Important breaking news: There is now Spelling Bee merch.      Let’s hear Claire’s QVC pitch for the Pattern mist spray bottle!! Somewhat related: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater...as a hair product?   Erica’s 11 a.m. tea go-to: Soul Chai. Another (slightly sweetened rec): Dona.   A workspace-changing Philips Hue light strip. You may also like: Gorilla mounting tape, Storage Theory Power Perch, and the Pretty Handy Girl video for changing your doorknobs.   Jewelry renovation with Spur = talk about amazing. Have thoughts?? We want ‘em: 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready for an extra-magical grab bag episode—partly because we’re recording in person! Its stars: a question we loved so much, our conflicted boots, gossiping about toddlers, an impassioned pitch for Farmer's Fridge, setting calendar alerts for topics of conversation, and the most revelatory jeans that have ever crossed our fitting-room doors.   Movie we’re itching to see: Women Talking (thanks for the pitch, Fran.) based on this Miriam Toews book.   The winter boots we have mixed feelings about…but wear the crap out of: Claire’s No.6 clog ones (covered by The New Yorker *and* The New York Times) and Erica’s Doc Marten zip chelsea style.   Should you find yourself in an airport: Eat Farmer's Fridge! Try the baja bowl, green goddess salad, or pineapple coconut chia pudding.   Dr. Harvey Karp’s Happiest Toddler on the Block, source of toddler gossip advice.   Anne Helen Petersen on calendar culture.   For some WOW-inducing jeans, check out Ganni’s Figni style (and perhaps watch the vid of how they work?). For more on statement flies, see Tibi’s double-waisted Sam jean and this Vogue story. Another good denim source: Totême.   Have thoughts about jeans/winter boots/airport food? Let us know 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.     Zip over to Noihsaf Bazaar to buy, sell, and even make new friends. Get that good ecomm experience with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. Count on LifeMD to get the telehealthcare you need, when you need it. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s talk Thingies with Monica Khemsurov & Jill Singer! They’re the masterminds behind Sight Unseen, our go-to design resource since 2009, and the authors of the new book How to Live with Objects that has helpful tips aplenty (along with ample inspiration). Plus: a hate-gift idea and a belated love letter to Normal People.    How about a donation to Moms for Moms, pitched to us as an A+ hate-gift by a listener?   Monica and Jill’s book How to Live with Objects is out now! Wow, is it great—and what an ideal present for the “person who has everything” type.   Their Thingies, coming through: oversize decor, miniature fountains (Monica’s is from Lily Clark.), only buying the best version of a consumable something (Jill loves the Marie Veronique Barrier Lipid Complex, rice from The Rice Factory New York, and Glaser Organic Farms Almond Butter.), microwaves (David Chang Cooking at Home and Anyday cookware fans unite!), and saved search terms when exploring vintage objects.    Are there entertainment-y things you’re SHOCKED we haven’t talked about on this show? Leave us a voicemail at 833-632-5463, email us at podcast@athingortwohq.com, DM us at @athingortwohq —or join our Geneva and share!    This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Care for your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Check out Noihsaf Bazaar to buy, sell, and even make new friends. Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ope! We’re back with a grab bag of questions: What does “After Dark” mean to you? How does one explain what consulting is? Are you signed up for Dua Lipa’s newsletter? What does it mean to actually *build* a bear? All this and more in your ears now!   For some discomfitting Build-a-Bear products for adults, enter The Bear Cave. For other “but what does it MEAN?” After Dark content, check out National Parks After Dark and this edition of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers.    Check out this YouTube video from Charlie Berens for on ope usage and Midwest vs. Everybody’s great ope merch. Also: on the rise of the Midwestern vibe.   Takeaways re: "A ‘Landmark’ as Women Will Coach Against Each Other in Men’s Soccer," which also made us think about this episode of Throwing Fits.   Join us in subscribing to Dua Lipa’s newsletter Service95 and listening to her podcast At Your Service.    Share your thoughts on all of this at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations.    Get into professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Visit Noihsaf Bazaar to buy, sell, and even make new friends. Feel great in Honeylove and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Dig into your business’s numbers with Netsuite. YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For this glorious ep, we partnered with Noihsaf Bazaar, the Duluth, Minnesota–based resale site curated by real people with excellent taste. Wow, how excited we are to talk secondhand shopping and Thingies with the very in-the-know founder Kate Lindello…and we’ll also take this (any?) opportunity to go nuts for corn nuts.    Kate’s Thingies include Monastery Attar Concentrate (perhaps start with—or gift—the discovery kit), Tibi Style Class, the Dik-Dik from Matek (which makes us think of dickey situations from Nanamica and Mijeong Park), Better Things, Peter Witrak’s mobiles, the wool cloud from Scarf Shop, and, of course, Minnesota in general (and Grandma’s Marathon specifically).    Hit us up at at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq to let us know your dream Thingies guests, and for even more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership and join our Geneva.  Join a super-cool community of buyers and sellers at Noihsaf Bazaar. So much awesomeness to be had! We dare you to find a more informative (and enticing) brands page anywhere, and don’t sleep on the kids and home finds, ok?   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re wrapping up (heh) this year’s gift guides with ideas for siblings, kids, aunts and uncles, colleagues, and the randos in your life you wanna treat extra nice. Have holiday-shopping thoughts of your own you *need* to share? Join our shiny new Geneva and spread that intel!    For all our ideas, check out the archive of gift guides past—and keep those VMs and DMs coming at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq!   A quick thanks to our sponsors: Explore our favorite MoMA Design Store finds—a one-stop shop! Give your hair TLC with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Sisters!   For my sister and me because we both had/are having babies this year, and we are culturally christian literally only for the christmas cheer. Baby's first christmas holiday ornaments that aren't absolutely dreadful. So much cheesy stuff, doesn't have to be baby themed but looking for a cool way to commemorate. Custom porcelain charms from OKS FoxBlossomCo custom bent-wire ornament  Lizzie Fortunato Alphabet Soup charms  Celina Mancurti monogrammed Christmas stockings or one-of-a-kind ones from Pyschic Outlaw   Step-sister; 18 and just got engaged. Likes to hunt. We are quite different. Ranger Station perfumes Yeti something! Various of the tumblers are customizable. Camber sweatshirt Vuori Beis weekender Flannery Beef   My sister who is a palliative care nurse with a broadway and true crime obsession Antipast compression socks Bonnie and Neil wave bath mat TodayTix gift card Broadway Dance Center classes Salty Seattle Crocchi croissant-shaped gnocchi Tickets to True Crime: The Musical at The Players Theatre in NYC Brothers!   25-year-old brother, aspirational and practicing writer/actor/director, v into self-improvement (Tim Ferriss vibes), not into receiving gifts, would rather just buy what he wants when he wants, the curveball is he did say I could make him some art or buy him some art as apartment decor. Artwise signed posters and lithographs Art from Kneeland Co. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art posters and prints Get Your Shit Together by David Shrigley Martin Scorsese MasterClass   Early 20s brothers who still live at home. A24 99 Movie Crosswords Rap Capital by Joe Coscarelli Solid Wiggles, which now ships on Gold Belly Athletic Greens Dohm white noise machine Anyday microwave cookware   Sons! 25 year old son who buys the nicer things because they last, but who is also a minimalist. Something from Labour & Wait or Puebco Ettitude sheets.  Toyo toolbox Bottega Veneta moneyclip   Kids and Teens!   5-year-old who bounces off the walls and loves telling stories and recapping movies. Hugimal weighted stuffed animal Haba doorway puppet theater or Wonder & Wise by Asweets playhouse Cosmic Kids Yoga subscription  P.S.- We Made This: Super Fun Crafts That Grow Smarter + Happier Kids! by Erica Domesek Little Passports Kidamento camera Lego MiniFigs    4-year-old who loves twirly dresses but mom's aesthetic is minimalist Brooklyn hipster. Unwind Studio needlepoint kit for kids Kazoo magazine subscription OLODesigns costumes All Small Co dress section (see: kiwi puff tutu dress and Lisa Says Gah x All Small Co puff sleeve dress)  La Réunion custom azure patchwork dress  Primary cozy plaid dress or tutu dress Follies playhouses: Casa Azul set, The Bauhaus set, and Canvas set   13year old girl who claims she discovered preppy fashion and also loves hair product Vintage Ralph Lauren shirts—use search terms Y2K, cropped Used copy of The Official Preppy Handbook Monogrammable mini backpack from Paravel Rose and Co candle makers  Pattern mist spray bottle + microfiber hair towel Shop Milk Teeth barrettes Chunks hair accessories Some TikTok-adjacent cooking things: DIY fortune cookie kit, The Dough Club mochi pancake and waffle mix, Takashi Murakami flower pancake pan Lumber Club Marfa stool   Aunts and Uncles!   A generous aunt whose language is giving other people gifts, but hard to buy for herself. She's a real estate agent, into some woo-y self-help stuff, and buys anything she needs right away. Have tried gift certificates for experiential things, but she's a busy lady and these often don't get redeemed. An easy-to-redeem gift card for food that’s good for entertaining that comes to her. In NYC: Stocked by 3 Owls gift card. In LA: Lady & Larder. Nationwide: Beauty & the Board. Cultish by Amanda Montell  A flower subscription from Flowerbx or BloomsyBox Moon Lists workbook / guided journal Amiacalva tote or monogrammed Clare V Tropezienne.  Fancy, pretty makeup like Dries Van Noten lipstick or perfume discovery set or Hermès lipstick or blush brush.    Colleagues!   Beloved senior colleague retiring: works in a museum, fun dog, rocks a funky necklace.  Lux Eros personalized pet bowl Kikkerland wooden ball launcher Ameico candle stacks Roxanne Assoulin necklace Susan Alexandra dog collar or leash Saint Olio aromatic dog refresher   Coworkers/direct reports - ideally one idea for all. We are remote so a digital gift is ideal.  A Thing or Two Secret Menu subscription Substack subscription: To give a gift subscription, go to the homepage of the publication you’d like to give, then add “/gift” to the end of the URL. Libro.fm subscription Gjusta Goods herbed salt and Burlap & Barrel Zanzibar black peppercorns and Graza olive oil Allie’s banana bread  Good-looking games like Wingspan, Azul, Lacorsa Grand Prix, and Casa Lopez Playing Cards.    My boss - owns a company that runs farmer markets. I’ve been with the company since may. He is currently starting a farm (he has been a farmer before). I am honestly not sure if he is a Christmas guy. He doesn't seem jazzed about it, idk. I know he cares enormously about sustainability, our food system, etc. but is also a business man. I have literally zero ideas for him. The additional piece is that we should get him a gift as a group (we are a pretty small team) but should I also get him a sep gift? No, right? Agh. I assume he's in his mid to late 40s. White. He has small kids that I haven't met. Chocolate! ℅ Fossa, andSons Chocolatiers, and JST Chocolate  Alec’s Ice Cream Séka Hills olive oil An Illustrated Catalog of American Fruits and Nuts Flamingo Estate 9-pound bag of manure  Donation to Black Farmer Fund paired with We Are Each Other's Harvest: Celebrating African American Farmers, Land, and Legacy by Natalie Baszile Donation to Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at University of Arkansas   Friends!   Best friend (36 female) loves wine and who my 5 yo thinks has chosen being an aunt as her career.  Josephinen glasses Special bottle from Walker Wines or Winebid Cote wine club (also has a gift box option) 99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines by André Hueston Mack An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography by Jamie Beck   Female friend. Preppy/classic style. Likes fancy crafts (i.e., embroidery). Vegan. ~$40 The LL Bean tote with an in joke, catchphrase, embroidered Loop Canvas needlepionts StirCrazyCrafterUK embroidery journal kit Blockshop original block-printing kit Vintage napkins with her initial or monogram on Etsy/eBay Typology tinted lip oil Donation to animal sanctuary, like Farm Sactuary: “adopt” a goat named Jennifer or a donkey named Albert! Brutus Bakeshop goodies   One of my best friends who has two boys under 4, is writing a thesis on how policing was formed out of military-imperialist activities, and is a great chef and baker (vegetarian and gluten-free). She did all our friends' wedding hair and makeup (me included) and took us to the Usher residency in Vegas for her 36th birthday. Lastly, and most importantly, her family is very wealthy (and generous - they have taken me on MANY incredible once-in-a-lifetime trips). Lastly, she is a BIG SHOPPER but still hunts for a deal. If you're wondering, I have already given her a custom Katie Kimmel pet vase. Vintage Usher tee Tani Greenspan custom matchbook print  The Last Course by Claudia Flemming (and Melissa Clark) + her new book Delectable (with Catherine Young) Chava studio shirt or a gift cert  Alepel custom shoes or cardholder  Memor phone case or vase. They also sell jibbitz…er, shoe charms. Arcana Books gift certificate Hermès passport holder   Recovering cool girl that doesn't want any more vinyl, just something useless + gorge.  Somthings2021 vase or candlestick Escentric Molecules gift set Casa Veronica wall hook or candle holder Isabel Halley wine cups Siafu Home beaded water carafe Molly J. CBD gummies advent calendar Kiosk48th advent calendar   Everyone Else! Brother's girlfriend who loves to read, has 2 cats, hates clutter, and many food allergies. Coway air purifier Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes  Craighill perch bookmark Cat ruff collar Meyou Paris cat scratching post or bed A donation to a local cat rescue organization   Gymnastics moms who plan trips, organize fundraisers and figure out carpool. A bottle of something fun and a little surprising: Pipeno red ( with Papaya Reusables paper towels?),Forthave Spirits Red Aperitivo, non-alcoholic De Soi or Non or Proxies Stationery / office-supply grab bags with finds from Yoseka Stationery, St. Louis Art Supply, or your local art store Cheerie Lane kitchen gift set   Millennial who loves gardening and just started a high powered public job in the city. Leath at-home growing system Soltech Solutions hanging grow light or bulb Sneeboer garden tools Garden clogs from Gardenheir Natureking flower press Donation to GrowNYC Ichendorf Milano waterlife ball Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s that time of year: the unveiling of the best gift guide in the podcast multiverse (we like to think). Part 1 stars your most charming—and trickiest—partners, parents, and grandparents. Next week, tune in for part 2, and, in the meantime, dig into the ol’ present-paralysis back catalogue. For the full episode recap—with ALL THE LINKS!—head to the A Thing or Two site. Get the ecomm support you need with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. Shop our favorite MoMA Design Store finds—so many holiday crowd-pleasers! Feel your best in Honeylove and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Book that doctor’s appointment already by downloading the free Zocdoc app. Husbands and Boyfriends! 42-year-old male. Recently started dating. Lawyer. Dad. World traveler. Cyclist. Just bought a new house. Moved back to the area (Philly) from upstate new york. photographer. reader. avid home cook. knows a Parisian knot. loves a good meal out. linen shirt wearer. loafers/boat shoes with shorts kind of guy. Enjoys wine and cocktails. catholic raised. city dweller. nerdy and thoughtful. Linoto linen boxers Artemis loafers Stranger’s Guide Fellow Travelers Club Arabica coffee plant Photodom photography-themed Croc Jibbitz (Or really anything from Photodom—they have a cute gift guide on their site.) Ghiaia cashmere  La Salumina Amatriciana kit Rapha cycling backpack Tiptop cocktails Depths of Wikipedia tickets—NYC live show on 12/14 or Pittsburgh show on 12/16—or mug Donation to TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image’s teen photo program in Philly   Husband who thinks he's outdoorsy but hasn't been camping in decades. Bluefeel Kruca camping fan Gramicci gadget shorts or pants  Battenwear bouldering pants 1733 duffle An actual camping weekend for next summer for him—a lot of places book a year or 9 months in advance. Recs: Hither Hills State Park and Assateague Island. Getaway House gift certificate Wildsam National Parks or Road Trip guides Donation to a local preservation organization, like, say, Save the Boundary Waters in MN  REI outdoor skills classes   Husband who owns a ceramics company and has an eye for design. Courier mag subscription Dusen Dusen for MoMA Subu slippers Quark pegboard for his office or studio Carson Converse small-format quilts Glass-blowing or leather-working class Sight Unseen book How to Live With Objects Donation to People’s Pottery Project Wives and Girlfriends!   Chronically ill wife with long-covid 2.5 years, doesn't like surprises, and in bed most days. loves sports, her friends, sitting in the park, and a great deal. Nocs Provisions binoculars—they did a cool collab with the Native artist Amelia Winger-Bearskin that includes a strap Cliq portable chairs  Vintage Masters golf gear, like this eighties ringer tee or this nineties hat) WNBA custom jersey Offhours home coat   Grandparents! My 90-year-old grandma who refuses hearing aides because we don't visit enough and lives off of chipotle and chips. Liberty London 2-in-1 game set - ludo and backgammon Quilted Snakes & Ladders set Frontera Grill carnitas taco kit Fancy chip clips + chips & salsa of the month club subscription   My mostly home-bound grandma. Loves her tomato plants, vitamins, and Bob Barker. Flamingo Estate roma heirloom tomato candle Nonna’s Grocer tomato famiglia candle set Bordallo Pinheiro tomate apertifs plate—or lamp! If you have kids who she can share it with: Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi 1986 Price Is Right board game Come on Down sweatshirt Chronically Chic pill organizer for her vitamins   Moms, Stepmoms, and Mothers-In-Law!   My mom is my white whale: needs nothing, no guilt in buying herself things she wants. Hates Christmas but derives joy from getting to complain about it. Good cook with a global palette (has all the gadgets she approves of and a long list of gadgets she does not endorse), news junkie, reads a lot. 61, both of my parents are retired, lives in the Pacific Northwest. Has taste but no style, hates clutter. Buys her clothes at Costco. Drinks nice wine that she also buys at Costco. Thinks art is stupid (I am an artist). She's very funny but she really leans into her brand of "antisocial curmudgeon." Successful gifts in the past were an NYtimes subscription and a fancy amaryllis bulb that she can text me about and shame it for blooming the wrong time of year. I try to veer towards consumables. She can also appreciate a handmade ceramic (functional, not decorative). Masienda tortilla starter kit (with Dona Rosa tortilla press) and the companion Masa cookbook  Diaspora Co. chai kit Talbott and Arding cheese club subscription Yun Hai dried fruit—there’s a gift set Omsom IYKYK shaker set NYT Spelling Bee hat Hadley & Bennett apron Roz Chast books, like What I Hate from A to Z, or Roz Chast wall art Rachael Pots functional ceramics  Ikebana bowl & bulb from Utility Objects (could pair with fancy Japanese floral scissors)   My mom: She always asks for electronics and then ends up not being able to figure them out - or just doesn't use them. Want to get her something meaningful she will use. 1Password membership Lomi composter M0de electric toothbrush Aarke water purifier Stepmother-in-law who is a spiritual counselor in Colorado. Obviously vegan. Vegan JapanEasy by Tim Anderson, with Moromi soy sauces Rebel Cheese club membership  Yellow Leaf hammock Esalen Institute merch or gift cert  Nora McInerny books  Esker gift sets   Mother In Law - has more clothes than Nordstrom. Lives alone but her party line is always ringing. Bitossi set of 6 wineglasses Gohar World bottle apron Casa Velasquez bolero apron Gossamer Happy Hour hemp pre-rolls Conserva Culture tinned fish gift set Snacks for Dinner: Small Bites, Full Plates, Can't Lose by Lukas Volger  McNally Jackson seminar  Custom sweater mending from Repair Shop  “Come Over” hat from Big Night  Dress for Success donation   This one is for my five-foot-tall Italian American mother in law who has the thickest New York accent I've ever heard and could be described as "a tiny tank" in both stature and personality. she lives on Long Island and has access to everything; also tends to buy herself whatever she wants. so she's extremely hard to gift for. Whatever we give should probably be a physical gift vs. an experience. she is very judgmental and critical and not warm and fuzzy - but she has also had the difficult task of being a single parent to two kids, one of whom, my SIL, is living at home with significant physical and intellectual disabilities and who my MIL devotes all her time to - my SIL is so well taken care of. Looking for a gift that somehow recognizes/responds to all of this. Unspun gift kit Ipsa, depending on part of Long Island House cleaning from We Can Do It! – Si Se Puede Women's Cooperative (only operates in the five boroughs)  Missoni Home blanket Roscioli Italian wine club Marcella’s favorites gift set from Gustiamo   Mom and her husband just bought a boat. So something nautical or for small space living. Year of Knots by Windy Chien Malaika hand-printed beach towels Personalized life saver buoy (U.S. Coast Guard-approved!)  Salty Home tide clock Framed nautical flags Haptic Lab sailing ship kite  Petit Kouraj x SVNR tote fishnet seashell tote Issimo inflatable mini terrycloth pillow  Ingredients for a session dark ‘n stormy Donation to The Ocean Cleanup    Mother-in-law who is the solo living grandparent to our 4-year-old and Buddhist priest who wants nothing but time with us. However, she is always a generous and thoughtful gift-giver so I can't just give her time. She is a tea lover but you can imagine how much tea I've already given her. She has a dog, loves the color periwinkle, and spends a lot of time on Zoom with her Sangha. She's forever 'writing a book' and loves getting on board with a system (for writing, for organizing, whatever). Help! Joyoung soy milk machine Daruma doll holding a dog Dog ball launcher MQuan Bell Rice xax candles for meditation Mountain Valley Seed Company seed starter kit medicinal & herbal tea Books to read with the grandkid: Jon J. Muth’s The Three Questions and Zen Shorts and Thich Nat Hanh’s Where is the Buddha? and A Handful of Quiet Lena Corwin peace towel + matching kid-size one for the grandkid Scrivener subscription   Dads, Step-Dads, and Fathers-in-Law! My dad, who is a retired chef (he still has knives from 40 years ago that he painstakingly cares for and finds most home kitchens to be very pretentious), can build/fix anything, loves to read non-fiction, and was suspended from Twitter frequently for tweeting insults at Donald Trump The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow Peeko oysters Sitka Salmon Share Cabi original trio Vintage RAADVAD bread slicer Manufacture de Digoin vinegar jar to make his own vinegar Milk Street Turkish közmatik Donation to his local food bank   Mid 60's Frenchman who lives in Alsace with his wife and they travel a lot in their RV. they are also coming to the states next spring on a cross-country RV trip so I really think it should revolve around that. but more about him- he doesn't drink or smoke (some Frenchman he is) when we would drive to Florida once a year he would always be so excited to get to put on Latin American music on the radio. last year we got him a record player and records that I am 100% sure he doesn't use. he loves scrabble and card games, and he builds these badass card holders out of wood that he then does wood-burning personalized deco on. he has everything he wants and he wears lee jeans. Neepa Hut food tent Camping chair from Cliq, Woods, or Blue Ridge Chair Works Penco box tote Papier travel journal National Parks pass Personalized leatherbound America: National Parks Atlas (from PBS shop)   Dad who enjoys perfecting logistics and explaining credit card point strategy. Scott’s Cheap Flights premium membership Timeshifter app Solgaard carry-on closet suitcase (there’s a MoMA collab!) “Clipper Club” 1950 Pan Am membership lounge rocks glass Bug-out bag from Judy Portable phone charger iPad keyboard + Valerie Constance monogrammed keyboard case    Former CIA and green beret but loves appletinis and bubble baths. Straightaway Cocktails  Bathing Culture body wash Sophie Lou Jacobsen martini glasses Esker bath board Avec x Atelier Saucier bundle of cocktail napkins + drink mixers + garnishes + recipes   I need help finding a gift for my picky and hard-working lawyer Dad. He loves outdoor adventures, Neil Young, doing puzzles with my Mom, and reading. My parents recently became part-time New Yorkers and keep buying art museum memberships. He loves to do research before purchasing anything and tends to buy whatever he wants. My Mom is a chronic shopper, so he usually has multiples of whatever he confesses to liking - Ugg slippers, Jack Black face wash, William Henry knives. He is a big guy and doesn’t fit into standard S-L sizes. He also doesn’t drink alcohol or coffee. In the past, he has disliked gifts that involve more labor (i.e. a smoker, a drone). I am not opposed to making a donation in his name, but my family’s love language is gifts and I would need to accompany a donation with something for him to unwrap. Per Claire’s request for dental records, he lost his front teeth as a kid playing Pee Wee football. He broke his fake set in a fight the day of his junior prom and attended the dance sans front teeth. He is so fun and deserves a great gift. Last year, I got him a Storyworth membership and he loved it (thanks for the recommendation!) I am hoping for a repeat success. Also, he is a January birthday, so I could use multiple ideas. Please help! Birding Bob walk in Central Park, plus a donation or membership to Wild Bird Fund Tickets to a Happy Medium art class  Day at the spa at Governor’s Island Joyce Gold tour Fancy pajamas from P. Le Moult Todd Snyder x New Era nubby Yankees cap (see also:Dodgers, Cubs, and Red Sox hats) MoMA Design Store has great puzzle selection. Also: this Neil Young jigsaw puzzle and Different Puzzles, which are fun and *challenging*   Wisconsin Father in Law who likes sports. End of list. Lambeau Field stadium tours Depending on his teams, gear from a previous stadium—signs and even seats that go up for sale ChamberlainMade keyboard sticker Wisconsin hoodie ornament MLB Validation Pass-Port Wisconsin tri logo tee/sweatshirt Donation to Special Olympics Wisconsin YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve got the French-culture report AND a bunch of glorious Thingies from Jamie Beck, whose book An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography is out tomorrow, just in time for holiday wish-listing. Related: We take a min. to talk about hate-gifting, sparked by some of the requests we’ve gotten in recent years.    You really have to see Jamie’s book An American in Provence to believe it (and to live vicariously through it, obviously).   Jamie’s Thingies include Dries Van Noten refillable lipstick in Antwerp Vermeil, good lighting (via a soft ring light, natural sunlight, or a fridge) and a chic phone case, cooking over a fire with an Alice Waters–approved egg spoon, Westman Atelier’s Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Rosé and Chantecaille’s Liquid Lumière, and Savon de Marseille for stain-removal (related: Jenny Walton on IG). For some very French gift-giving, she loves anything from Buly 1803.    For all your gifting quandries, hit us up at at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And try out a Secret Menu membership for more recommendations!  Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Halloween from two people who nailed the theme! Today we’re celebrating the joy of dressing up for *any* occasion and sharing some more thoughts on travel when it just feels like everyone is going to the same places.    The inspiration behind our conversation about travel: Rebecca Jenning’s article “The Instagram capital of the world is a terrible place to be” for Vox.    If you want some outfit inspo for your next concert, Harry Styles or otherwise, check out this New Yorker Photo Booth feature or Paola Mathe’s GRWM.    For more on the impact fandom has on popular culture, check out Everything I Need I Get From You by Kaitlyn Tiffany.   Come at us with your hot takes! Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And try out a Secret Menu membership for many more recommendations.   Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re chatting with Recho Omondi, a fashion designer and the host of the incredible podcast The Cutting Room Floor, and you’re going to want to hear her Thingies (and everything else she’s interested in, honestly). Also: a tattoo that got our wheels turning.   If you’re looking for a follow-up to our convo about living with longing, check out this this New Yorker article about choose your own adventure books by Leslie Jamison. See also: Lois Lowry on the 70 Over 70 podcast.   Hit play on Recho’s podcast The Cutting Room Floor; do all your chores! A recent cool guest: Mina White. A few dream guests: Mel Ottenberg and Piergiorgio Del Moro.   And if you’re YouTube-curious, Colin and Samir is a Recho-recommended channel.    Recho’s Thingies include Kinn fine jewelry, Camber hoodies (more ℅ a recent GQ story) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (specifically the Massachusetts ep), Parachute linen bedding (our other recs: Linoto, and Merci), and her Jenni Kayne Home bed.     Do you have dream Thingies guests? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And try out a Secret Menu membership for more recommendations.   Treat your curls to LUS and take 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get the ecomm support you need with Shopify. Snag a free 14-day trial with our link. Feel your best in Honeylove and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing our first rockstar guest, Margo Price! She shares her Thingies and talks about writing her memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It, which is a story of perseverance, tell you what.    The fanny-pack discourse: We have an update on the Bandolier, a discussion of pockets ft. Véronique Hyland’s book Dress Code, and a pitch for goofier kids’ clothes inspired by this crewneck with a built-in fanny pack from All Small Co.    What inspired Margo’s Maybe We’ll Make It? Patti Smith’s incredible Just Kids.    Margo’s Thingies include T3 hair dryers and curling irons, Greater Goods CBD/CBN Evening Tincture, Thieves Oil, Acid for the Children by Flea, and two Nashville faves: A Shop of Things and The Continental.    If you’re new to Margo’s music and want a place to start, hit play on "Pay Gap"...and get ready for a new album in January.   Do you have a dream Thingies guest? Thoughts about fanny packs you need to share? We’re ready for them at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. Destigmatize hair thinning by sharing your story at shedthesilence.com.  YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're coming to you fresh from our high-school reunions, and there are lots of reflections ahead. On old friendships, yes…and also on dips, chips, and the controversial baby carrot.   Some condiments we’re excited about include Cabi sweet yuzu vinegar, umami dashi soy sauce, and zesty sansho peppercorn miso. We’re also loving Chicas tortilla chips, Burlap & Barrel black lime and Reem’s spice blends, Gjusta Goods marinated olive oil and herbed salt, Ella’s Flats, Zingerman’s pimento cheese, Gotham Greens pesto, McClure’s little pickles, and Breadblok almond thins. For more tremendous munching, head to Portugalia Marketplace in Fall River, Massachusetts (or, you know, online).   An iconic book of our teen years: Swell: A Girl's Guide to the Good Life by Ilene Rosenzweig and Cynthia Rowley.    Do you have thoughts on reunions (or hot snack tips)? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Give professional counseling a chance with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Help your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Book that doctor’s appointment—today! Download the free Zocdoc app. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have an amazing Guest Thingies episode today with Jessi Hempel, prolific tech writer and host of the podcast Hello Monday whose new memoir The Family Outing you have to check out. Also: details about our blossoming relationship with TikTok.    A TikTok follow for your pop-culture PR needs: @mollybmcpherson.    The Family Outing! A memoir! If this description doesn’t suck you in: “By the time Jessi reached adulthood, everyone in her family had come out: Jessi as gay, her sister as bisexual, her father as gay, her brother as transgender, and her mother as a survivor of a traumatic experience with an alleged serial killer.”   A book that gets at the challenges of memory: David Carr’s The Night of the Gun.   An A Thing or Two rec that Jessi cosigns: this inflatable travel pillow for flying with a kid…but probably for lots of other purposes, too.    Jessi’s Thingies: Potette (as she’s on a potty-training journey that rivals Claire’s), Cliq portable camping chairs for sitting…everywhere, Anne Helen Peterson’s Culture Study newsletter, and adding your pronouns to your email signature.    Our conversation about returning to the office—RTO, y’all!—made us think of Delia Cai’s great piece in Vanity Fair.   Share your dream Thingies guests with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Get your curly hair looking its best with LUS and take 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. Look into Allstate Identity Protection (your employer may offer it, even). Use our link for a 30-day free trial. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Updates AND new topics? Wow, this episode really has it all. We issue a correction about Jibbitz, share some third-birthday gift recommendations, and present some alts for words like “affordable” and “expensive,” which are loaded (<< money pun).   PSAs! Secret Menu subscribers now have access to searchable archives: You can now dig into the back issues of our Monday newsletter and each ‘n every installment of What Are the Cute. Also, we received so many amazing responses to our second-kid conversation that we saved a bunch to an Instagram highlight.   Our sources re: the backstory of Jibbitz: NBC News, Business News Daily, and The Times.    Molly Young’s article “The Cookie Jar Grows Up” in The New York Times that’s about so much more than a locked box for your phone. Also, we still think about Shonda Rimes's Year of Yes…and have starting thinking more about Brandy & Whitney’s Cinderella.   Our recs for a gift for a three year old include a Yoto Player, a karaoke mic, a Loog guitar or this Kid’s Concept one, a DJ Mixer, Magnatiles, a custom coloring poster with the kid’s name, costumes like this firefighter one or a customized superhero cape, If there’s room and it’s in the budget: Haus. And something we should all know: USPS now makes Buzz Lightyear stamps.    If you have recommendations for kid-friendly space movies—beyond Muppets from Space— or substitutes for “affordable,” “expensive,” and the like, let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Get your ecomm business going with Shopify. Try a free 14-day trial with our link. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re so excited about this week’s Guest Thingies with Ellen Van Dusen of Dusen Dusen—great recommendations await! But first, some nuggets of wisdom from famously creative famous dudes.   We’re definitely taking inspiration from Rod Stewart’s model railway side project and Tom Hanks's advice to Austin Butler.    Ellen’s Thingies include being comfortable inside and outside the home (please see: her delightful robes…and brand-new slippers!!), @Favetiktoks420 on Instagram, and cool silverware (especially David Tisdale’s Picnic Flatware, which makes us think of Ahimsa dinnerware for kids). She also loves tile right now—see: Heath Ceramics, her collab with Concrete Collaborative, Fireclay, and Oasis—and you have to, have to check out her backyard mosaic. Last but not least: Her love of bird-watching has us asking when she’s going to start selling the birdhouse she designed for Brooklyn Botanic Garden (in the meantime, the MoMA one we’re all into). Ooh, and as we told Ellen, Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a great book and a much better movie than it gets credit for being.   Share your dream Thingies guests with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Give professional counseling a shot with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Help your curly hair look its best with LUS and get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s go in-depth on romance novels! But first, we’re chatting with Madeline Nusser from Allstate Identity Protection, which oh-so-graciously sponsored this episode, to dig into something equally sexy: doing what you can to thwart identity theft.    Go to AIP.com/AThingOrTwo today to see if Allstate Identity Protection is available through your employer. If not sign up there to get a 30-day free trial.. Check out The Washington Post article on the rise of romance in the U.S. and this Twitter thread from Helen Rosner on the weirdness of publishing categories.    Some books that are not romance novels but kind of are:  Normal People by Sally Rooney Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (but her book Instructions for Dancing counts!) Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro   Books we endorse for romance newbs: The Idea of You by Robinne Lee The Roommate by Rosie Danan How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder Something Wilder by Christina Lauren Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Book Lovers by Emily Henry The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert (see also: our podcast ep with Tallia) Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola (who’s a great Twitter follow) Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Every Summer After by Carley Fortune   More romance authors with many books to dive into:  Jasmine Guillory  Abby Jimenez Tessa Bailey   Have a romance novel you want, neeeeeed to recommend? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Support your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Look into Allstate Identity Protection (and see if your employer offers it, too). Use our link for a 30-day free trial. Try Bombas and take 20% off your first purchase when you use our link. Book that doctor’s appointment: Download the free Zocdoc app. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

​​You know what we have a lot to say about in this best-of-2011 ep? A lot of things, from high praise for neighborhood restaurants and actually useful apps to sharing weddings FAQs and advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office. If you want to sell others on the Michigan Star restaurant, maybe send them this quickie podcast pitch we did on The Best Advice Show.    Behold, the Covid wedding template of our dreams: Our beloved friends & family, It's only 30 days until our wedding! We're so glad that you are coming and celebrating this special day with us.  A few announcements regarding the wedding:  Serious stuff You must be fully vaccinated to attend the event. Please send your proof of vaccination to EMAIL ADDRESS. For children and adults with underlying medical conditions preventing them from getting vaccinated, we ask that you obtain a negative PCR Covid-19 test result within 48 hours prior to the event. Your health is of utmost importance to us, and we have therefore decided to cancel ANY CHANGES TO EVENT SCHEDULE. Fun stuff X, Y, Z!   Apps worth your limited phone storage space: Weather Strip, Libby, and PictureThis (related-ish: Merlin Bird ID).    We’re here for your feedback!  Share it with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us! We’re revisiting how we approach creativity and talk about people who refuse to be hemmed in by expectations and the algorithm.    For some insight about opening up to what interests you at a time and trusting that it will serve you, check out Steve Martin’s memoir, Born Standing Up, and read Pamela Adlon’s essay for Harper’s Bazaar.   After watching the newest Julia on HBO Max, we’re doing a Judith Jones deep-dive—next up: reading her memoir The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food. Another book that’s making us think about creative possibility: Margiela: The Hermès Years.    People who spread their (creative) wings: Stacey Abrams and her romance career as Selena Montgomery, Serena Willaims and her nail technician story, Venus Williams founding her design firm V Starr Interiors the same year she was ranked No. 1, David Lynch and his woodworking, and Bella Hadid, who has a new glassblowing hobby.     Rachel Tashjian’s Opulent Tips newsletter—sign up via DM!—introduced us to the idea of STROLL DONT SCROLL, and her recent Harper’s Bazaar pieces on Christopher John Rogers and Schiaparelli are great reads that show ya how her brain works.    Tune into Details Matter, from Jenni Kayne Home, a podcast we’re producing that has also been giving us a whole lot of inspiration, including the IG algorithm bit we mention ℅ Amanda Gunawan.   Do you have any top-tier grandma sayings? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. Take your business to the next level with Shopify. Try a free 14-day trial with our link.   Right now, our listeners can get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more!  But ONLY when you go to LUSBrands.com and enter promo code ATHINGORTWO   Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Guest Thingies Day! We’re so excited to chat with Kavi Ahuja Moltz, the CEO of the exceptional scent co. D.S. & DURGA and the sort of person who knows cool stuff, always.   But first: potty-training and a related story from Romper about camping with kids.    Our favorite D.S. & DURGA perfumes include Italian Citrus, Coriander, and Rose Atlantic…and don’t sleep on the candles and genius auto fragrances, either. Ooh, also: This one-minute quiz is surprisingly delightful.   Kavi’s Thingies include traveling with playing cards, Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Cream Blush in Daiquiri Dip, looong walks, and potato chips (Charles Chips in the tin especially—and shout-out to this Eater story about why we don’t have masala chips at our grocers). She also loves fun socks! Her faves are from Simone Rocha and Tabio (see also: Darner and Hysteria), and her standard go-tos are Adidas black with white stripes.     Do you have tips for how to make walking meetings work? Please share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Get professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Check out Allstate Identity Protection (and see if your employer offers it, too). Use our link for a 30-day free trial. Sip on De Soi and get 15% off when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Vacation with BÉIS and snag 15% off your first purchase with our link. Book that doctor’s appointment: Download the free Zocdoc app. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time to chat about all the stuff we’re obsessed with lately, most of which has been included in our Monday newsletter—do you get that thing??   Keep an eye on Fat Ham, a play we think will definitely have a second life, ideally on Broadway.    We both got a lot out of Burn Rate by Bonobos founder Andy Dunn, which tells the story of founding, running, and ultimately selling his company all while grappling with severe bipolar disorder. For another excellent memoir about bipolar disorder, read Kay Redfield Jamison’s An Unquiet Mind.    Huge endorsement of the walnut larb at Good Night in Woodstock New York. The closest recipe comp we have surfaced is the one from walnuts.org.    For a perfect after-dinner candle, it’s all about Big Night’s Dinner Party one. See also: Epicurious’s story about dinner-party-appropriate scents, No.10 Aboukir by Maison Louis Marie, and Park Life by Boy Smells.   Want to make sorbet at home? Everyday Food from Martha has a vid withThomas Joseph that involves floating an egg to achieve the ideal sugar content and texture.   Cam’s forest camp introduced us to the amazing Muddy Buddy, we’re getting more our of our walks listening to Marcos Trinidad's Human/Nature podcast, and we’re on top of hyper-local news thanks to Patch.com.   Grow your business with Shopify. Try a free 14-day trial with our link. Drink something different with De Soi and get 15% off when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Slip on some Bombas and take 20% off your first purchase when you use our link. Right now, our listeners can get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more! Go to LUSBrands.com promo code ATHINGORTWO YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buckle in, folks! This week, we’re talking about our garden-curator journeys, second-kid thoughts, and the slacker–to–chaos goblin line cook pipeline.    Looking for Fast-Growing Trees? Thank goodness there’s a company that sells exactly those.  Love the Bloomerang lilac shrub, and you clearly need to know about the smoothie kit. If you wanna grow the ~cool~ flowers, check out Plantgem. A few faves they sell: ProCut plum sunflower, crocus saffron bulbs, and Irene Parrot tulip bulbs. Peony fans should investigate Styer’s, David Austin is as good at roses as at customer service, and for regional wildflower seed mixes, look to Wildseed Farms.    How’s you decide whether or not to have a second kid? Please share any and all thoughts you have on this topic with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.  An article related to this conversation: Emily Gould’s NYT piece "More Kids? After the Last Two Years? No Thanks.”   For thoughts about the present-day incarnation of the slacker, check out this tremendous tweet by @yeehaw_meg. (Of course, we’re thinking about it in the context of The Bear.)    Any plants you’re obsessed with? Have theories about slackers? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Download Best Fiends—for free—on the App Store or Google Play. Get that thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Jazz up your wardrobe with Nuuly. Get $10 off your first month when you sign up with the code ATHINGORTWO10. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a jam-packed episode: We’ve got destination sandwiches. We’ve got photographer Noah Kalina’s Thingies. We’ve got baby-wipes expertise from grown-ups. Ready? Great.     If you’re in NYC, please scurry to & Sons Buttery for their salami cotto sandwich (please also eat at the restaurant—a ham bar!) and Court Street Grocers for their vegitalian. Special shoutout to The Bobbie from Capriotti’s in Wilmington, Delaware, too. For further destination-sandwich reading, check out Helen Rosner's New Yorker story about the plane sandwich and the Turkey and the Wolf cookbook by Mason Hereford with JJ Goode.    Check out Noah Kalina’s Instagram, his curiosity-filled newsletter, his podcasts JPEG 2000 and Do you hear that?, his incredible portraits of chickens, and, wow, so much more.   Noah’s Thingies include the Samsung Frame that turns into art (art!) when it’s off, Cometeer coffee, the Toto Washlet, Water Wipes for when you’re away from your Toto Washlet, (bonus rec from Claire for toddlers: Coterie Wipes), Ego power tools, and Crocs (<< Erica has feelings.).  Share your Thingies (and destination sandwiches…that might also qualify as Thingies) with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s about time for an addendums episode! AKA an ep where we dump our additional thoughts (and your feedback) on topics we’ve discussed—because there’s always more to say about styling, aging, and, apparently, catalogs.    Looking for a method to define your personal style? Check out Allison Bornstein’s Three-Word  Method on TikTok: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, and part 6 for your clicking pleasure. (Call us with your wooords!!) More about her philosophy in this Harper’s Bazaar profile.   Re: styling, a follow-up on Amy Smilovic, including the outfit that stopped Claire in her tracks and her shirt-tying innovation. When it comes to button-downs, Claire loves her custom oversize Chava one—it’s great with elastic-waist pants (as is this Roucha tank top.)    In response to our discussion of marbling, we learned about some family-owned places to get monogrammed marbled gifts in Florence: Alberto Cozzi and Riccardo Luci.    Speaking of Italy, we both recently visited and fell hard for Milan—it lives up to the promise of Jenny Walton’s Instagram and Sight Unseen’s Design Week coverage. Keep an eye out for a future Secret Menu installment starring our favorite Milan spots.    Also on the docket: push-up tips, Being Mortal by Atul Gawande for grieving and coping with aging parents, and The Flamingo Estate catalog for zaniness…and as a resource for anyone in L.A. who might want to receive  a bag of manure as a gift.   Share your thoughts with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Dip into professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Refresh your closet with Nuuly. Get $10 off your first month when you sign up with the code ATHINGORTWO10. Support a business of any size with Shopify. Dig in with a free 14-day trial with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who better to talk Thingies with than Lauren Sherman, the chief correspondent at The Business of Fashion and the host of their wonderful—and quick!—new podcast The Debrief?! NOBODY. She fills us in on the third-wave coffee movement (We have a lot of questions.), a great investment T-shirt, and the trick that keeps her kid well-rested while traveling. Speaking of travel: There is a difference between a trip and a vacation, and we’d like to manage some expectations.   Listen to The Debrief—it has as feeling more fashion-industry-informed than we have in years.   Lauren has a LOT of insight on third-wave coffee and natural-process coffee beans. Some of her favorite places to get them: Andytown in San Franciso, Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland, Oregon, Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine, 49th Parallel in Vancouver, Cafe integral in NYC, Dune Coffee Roasters in Santa Barbara, and Kumquat Coffee & Tea in Los Angeles. She’s also passionate about Three Trees almondmilk and making coffee with an AeroPress.   If you’re looking for a stand-out T-shirt, Lauren loves Dries van Noten’s. If you find yourself in Europe, scoop ‘em up there for better prices—or keep an eye on Yoox and The Outnet for deals. Other especially good brands for tees: James Perse and the men’s dept. of Comme des Garçons.    When hitting the road with a baby, Lauren highly recommends bringing a SnoozeShade for Pack 'n Plays.   How do you order stuff that doesn’t ship to the U.S.? Lauren uses Reship.com for that, and KoreaBuddy is a good option for items from Korea specifically.    We 1000% need some new catchphrases. Share your thoughts with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Support your immune system with Athletic Greens and get a one-year supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase when you use our link. Turn to Thinx and get $10 off your first order when you visit rethinkyourcycyle.com and use the code ATHINGORTWO. Treat kids to Little Passports and get 20% off when you use our link.   Get comfy with Bombas and take 20% off your first purchase when you use our link. Travel better with BÉIS and snag 15% off your first purchase with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today in mishmashes: We’re sharing some of the tricks and treats we’ve discovered recently, featuring Claire’s flower-wrapping upgrade, Erica’s brunch cookout recipes, and what to wear when it's hot, hot, hot.    Erica’s rooftop brunch agenda included ordering donuts (from Doughnut Plant if you’re in NYC), finding a reliable friend to be in charge of grilling sausages (or, um, sausage strips!), and  whipping up two frittatas: the mustard-asparagus one from Cookie + Kate and the mushroom-ricotta one Julia Turshen’s Now & Again cookbook.    And for dinner, Erica’s favorite canned cherry tomatoes from Mutti are great for many things, including her go-to summer tomato sauce c/o Alison Roman.   Claire’s revisiting this Mo Willems interview often, and on the diaper-bag front, she recommends Longchamp's Le Pliage (or any flat bag like it!).    As we slip back into shorts, we like these knit guys from Kordal, a pleated linen pair from Alex Mill, grown-up cut-offs from Agolde, and these rolled jorts from Raey.    Some options on our quest for a great summer dress include ones from Mille, Mirth, Sunspel, Organic by John Patrick, Kule, Falke, Loup Charmant, and Anaak.    And on the topic of summer jeans, we like these from Agolde, and these from Roucha Pala. But also, these Jenni Kayne trousers!   Finally, if you’re looking for a dopamine hit, we highly recommend you search #sheldonshrimp to see the wonderful world of Sheldon Shrimp the Jellycat stuffed animal and his friends Herman Hermit, Crispin Crab (and, course, Bashful Bunny).    Have anything related to this grab bag you’d like to share with us? Please do at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership!   Treat yourself to professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Download Best Fiends—for free—on the App Store or Google Play. Support thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode—a 2021 crowd-pleaser!!—is all about the pressures we feel on our lives and our time (and, to a lesser extent, our necks and our tailbones). Don’t sleep on this one, is what we’re saying.   Live that ComfiLife! Side-sleep with a Hullo pillow!   The “Things We Want to Leave Behind and How to Start a Running Routine” ep we reference.   The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin—there’s also a quiz for that.    A handful of reads related to parenting (and, sigh, house work): All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu, and More Work For Mother by Ruth Schwartz Cowan.   An enthusiastic endorsement of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.   Dirt’s “The season of tabs” newsletter by Alex Aciman. WE RELATE.   "The Myth of the Productive Commute" installment of Anne Helen Petersen’s Culture Study newsletter.   Talking about protecting your time with Mimi O Chun and “what happens if you don’t?” with Caroline Moss.   For last-min. presents, might we suggest Secret Menu gift subscriptions?    Please share your obligation feeeeeelings! 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq!   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re wise enough to know it’s about time for a ~wisdom~ ep. We share our feelings about feeling our age and some excellent advice we caught about living with a little longing.     Some readings that impacted how we’ve been navigating aging include Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, Casey Johnston’s Swole Woman program, Cheryl Wischover’s “What Changed When I Started Lifting Weights” in the Gloria newsletter, and Kayleen Schaefer’s “How 50 Pushups A Day Helped Me Cope In An Uncertain World” for Elle.    If you have thoughts on longing or musings about aging share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And try out a Secret Menu membership for more recommendations.   Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Slip on Thinx and get $10 off your first order when you visit rethinkyourcycyle.com and use the code ATHINGORTWO. Evolve your piercing and earring experience with Studs and take 20% off your first order when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re answering a listener question that we’ve been asking ourselves our whole lives: How TF does one get dressed (and, you know, feel good about what they’re wearing)? Also: We grapple with the big challenges we’re having with small talk.   For those looking for a tailor in NYC, Mend Tailoring and Alteration Specialists do house calls, and Silhouettes & Profiles on the UWS is great. In L.A., it’s all about Elias in Santa Monica.   Check out Amy Smilovic, Katie Sturino, and Jenna Lyons-era J.Crew for styling tips. Another stellar rec from our editor Maddie: Allison Bornstein’s TikTok.    If you have any small-talk tips (and advice for what to wear with Issey Miyake Pleats Please pants) we want them at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Support a business with Shopify. Dig in with a free 14-day trial with our link. Amp up your immune system with Athletic Greens and get a one-year supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase when you use our link. Get better sleep with Beam Dream and get up to 35% with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try Thinx and get $10 off your first order when you visit rethinkyourcycyle.com and use the code ATHINGORTWO. Upgrade your piercing and earring experience with Studs and take 20% off your first order when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So you picked a travel destination…and then what? We’re sharing the (only somewhat insane!) steps we take and the resources we love for planning a vacation. Also: Let’s spend a moment discussing the late nineties/early aughts trends that are re-catching our eyes and the ones we think we won’t wear again.    Some reflections on the Miu Miu skirt ℅ this NYT article “Brief Encounters With a Micro Miniskirt.”    When thinking about trip-planning, this Harvard Busiess Review article on "The Hidden Traps in Decision Making" and this installment of Val Monroe’s newsletter came to mind.   We love scoping out hotels on Welcome Beyond, Tablet Hotels, iescape, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (hot tip, their write-ups of what to do nearby will also point you toward good sites, shops, and restaurants). We also check out the press section on a hotel’s website, see if they’ve won any awards (which led Erica to amazingplaces.cz for Czech Republic recs), and use TripAdvisor and Instagram location tags to see some realistic photos of each hotel. For rentals, we search Airbnb and Vrbo reviews for terms like “noisy,” dig into host profiles for other properties, and remind ourselves that you can reach out to hosts with Qs.   Our favorite guides come from Goop, Curbed (like "The 21 Best Things to Do in Milan If You Love Design") Eater, Sight Unseen, Remodelista, Afar, Here, Fathom, Stranger’s Guide, and New York mag’s “Steal My Vacation", and Cabana. The physical Wallpaper* City Guides are great, and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Shultz is a satisfying book to have + mark up.     Share your planning tips and the trends you’re retreading (or rejecting) with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. For many more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Seek out BetterHelp for professional counseling and take 10% off your first month with our link. Download Best Fiends—for free—on the App Store or Google Play. Entertain and educate kids with Little Passports and get 20% off when you use our link. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest Thingies from Emma Straub—what a treat! If you haven’t read her many charming novels, start with her latest, This Time Tomorrow, and if you haven’t patronized her beloved Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic, we know you’re aching to remedy that. First up: business/money advice we’ve gotten that’s as quippy as it is useful.    Emma’s Thingies: skincare, tea, allergy meds, and big underpants—starring facials from Rescue Spa, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 toner, and Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches. Her tea-drinking routine includes Helen Levi mugs and Twinings English Breakfast hot or iced (and she might have to give Claire’s tea rec Nunshen a shot, too). Emma also shares her love for Flonase and ARQ’s hugely cute underpants.   When you’ve got the author of This Time Tomorrow and the co-owner of Books Are Magic on the Zoom, you have to talk reads. Emma’s recent favorite is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, especially for fans of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon and The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer.   Do you have negotiation thoughts? Guest Thingies ideas? Share ‘em with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Get thicker and healthier hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Find comfort with Cozy Earth’s temperature-regulating sheets and take 35% off when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Sleep better with Beam Dream and get up to 35% with the code ATHINGORTWO.Grow a business of any size with Shopify. Dig in with a free 14-day trial with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Revisiting a crowd fave from last year! Happy Memorial Day! Has perfectionism jumped the shark? And how do we remember names when we start meeting new people again?! Clearly, we have a lot of questions (and some answers).  If you like this, you’ll probably really like Secret Menu. A couple books that made us ponder perfectionism: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi, and Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu. Related convos: our ambition ep, this episode of Jam Session, and the Wit & Delight posts here and here. Come and get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463!    YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s that sneaky second gifting season of the year (dads, grads, retirements, anniversaries…you get it!), and we’re here to answer your calls for help. Ooh, speaking of calls: Want to leave us a voicemail at 833-632-5463 and share any thoughts/feelings that demand our podcasting attention?   If it’s time to gift someone a watch: Max Bill for Junghans and Baume & Mercier Classima are classics and about $1k. Uniform Wares has minimalist vibes and top out around $500. Check out Fewer Finer for some vintage options! We also recommend looking into a sporty/casual vintage watch from Casio or Seiko—Foundwell and eBay are great places to explore (this one, this one!). Also: Swatch does custom. If you’re looking for a watch for a little, Flik Flak’s still got it (see: their recent Hodinkee collaboration), and Parchie and Mini Kyomo are cute for kids, too. For true watch experts, turn to Hodinkee and Dimepiece.   For men turning 40 whose watch taste is too $$$: We love the idea of a signet ring, and Kathryn Bentley does great ones. We also recommend a record player (and personally endorse Plus Audio and Technics by Panasonic Direct Drive Player System via eBay). To add to the record collection, maybe gift a subscription to Vinyl Me Please or round-up albums that came out during their birth year. Related gift: fancy speakers like the ones by Oda. Nice luggage is also a good call—we love Want Les Essentiels, Porter-Yoshida, and classics like Rimowa, Tumi, and Calpak. For hobby gifts, how about a surfboard, a film camera from Photodom, ceramics classes (s/o to Artshack near us!), or pickleball gear from Recess or Nettie (on the topic of pickleball, this New York mag profile of Connor Pardoe). Last but not least, NORMALIZE GIVING MEN FLOWERS!    For retirement gifts: Ask close coworkers to participate in something personal—maybe use Tribute or Padlet or go old-school and collect pictures and letters to make a scrapbook. We also love Storyworth! Or how’s about helping them get oriented with a new hobby: For the dad in our VM, maybe a Backroads Bike Tour or a Bianchi bike (find them and other snazzy bikes used on Bike Exchange). There’s also personal training: For a virtual option, check out Future (a good review).    When someone’s having a baby but not their first one: Set the parent up with a massage (maybe an at-home one through Zeel) or food delivery from Ipsa, Three Owls, or The Culinistas. Treat them to a robe, slippers, a weighted blanket from Bearaby, or a bed tray (Chairish and 1stdibs for cool vintage ones and West Elm, and Offi for new ones) Or: Get something to keep the sibling busy! Non-messy craft projects like needlepoint/sewing kits (love Unwind Studio and LittleExplorersPlay) or a subscription to The Picture Book Club. For the new baby, what about a not-hand-me-down, home-from-the-hospital look from Makie or Lewis? Or something keepsake that second (and third and fourth) kids tend to get less of like a handknit blankie or a puzzle name stool from Damhorst Toys.   What to maybe, possibly ask for when you move into a new home: A return-address stamp from Paper Source or custom house numbers from House Number Lab or Casson. Outdoor stuff can be pricier than expected, so ask for plants from Fast Growing Trees, Plant Gem, and David Austin Roses, a local-nursery gift card, or gardening tools from The Floral Society or Terrain. What about a Solo Stove or a Barebones Living Portable 30" Fire Pit? Or a grill! We like the Weber Spirit II E-210 LP and the Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill. Get into composting with an indoor bin from Bamboozle. Entertaining stuff is a good call—think an Insalata Serving Bowl or platters from Conran Shop, Bitossi Home, Christian Lacroix, Farmhouse Pottery, vintage spongeware from The Six Bells, and vintage Limoges on Etsy. Ooh, and framing, c/o your local frame shop or Framebridge! Finally, stools: Artek, TipToe, Bed Bath & Beyond, Metal Lab, and ChezRai ones specifically. For other relevant recs, check out our Secret Menu wedding-registry guide. Share your gift ideas or quandries with us at ​​833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. For many more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re dipping our toes back into going places, and there’s been a real learning curve, tell you what. We’re talking toddlers ‘n travel and unpacking our packing lessons. Now to just remember to put this stuff in a carry-on next time…   Our forever packing list: Birkenstock EVAs (the Madrid style especially) and ‘tween pants like the Outdoor Voices jogger, a multi-functional kanga/wrap/scarf, a chambray shirt, a Baggu tote, a flat clutch (Clare V. and Madewell make some good ones), an umbrella, the Jade Yoga Voyager mat, an OXO on-the-go lint brush, a paper fan, a Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody for the winter, a Patagonia Houdini in the summer, and bedside-comforts bag (featuring Zicam, Advil, Pepto Bismol, allergy meds, and Band-Aids).   For the journey, we love a Muji plane pillow, a separate cords pouch, packing cubes (rec Baggu, Muji, and Paravel!), a fold-up bag (great ones from Muji in-store and Paravel), and Comrad compression socks, possibly tucked into a Thingies-winning Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 carry-on.   Seven minutes of great content: the “Rachel Jacobson Tries to Act Like She's on Vacation All the Time” ep of The Best Advice Show.   Share your travel-planning tactics and queries at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Try BetterHelp for professional counseling and take 10% off your first month with our link. Download Best Fiends—for free!—on the App Store or Google Play. Book that doctor’s appointment right now: Download the free Zocdoc app. Swap your paper towels with Papaya Reusables and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO20. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How excited are we to talk Thingies with Collier Meyerson? So. Her most recent project Love Thy Neighbor is a podcast about a 1991 event known as the Crown Heights riot and what it says about about racism, antisemitism, and police violence here and now. Collier comes bearing books, outdoor couches, and alt uses for photo-printing sites. But first: a bit of breast-feeding intel.   Some further reading from our breastfeeding/weaning discussion: Joanna Goddard’s piece about her first episode of depression and how it happened right after abruptly quit breastfeeding (and be sure to read the comments!) and Meaghan O’Connell’s "Life on Planet Weaning" in The Cut (also Meaghan’s book And Now We Have Everything: On Motherhood Before I Was Ready, and, yes, her Twitter feed). Different but related: “It Feels Like Every Mom I Know Is Medicated” from Romper—plus Best C-Section Ever and Romper in general!—and, uh, Moody Bitches.    Listen to Love Thy Neighbor, Collier’s five-episode podcast about the riots that took place over four days in 1991 in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. So good, so personal.   Collier’s Thingies include Dr. Scholl’s Molefoam Padding Strips for pesky bra wires, the Eliot Patio Loveseat from Target, and Bad Sex: Truth, Pleasure, and an Unfinished Revolution by Nona Willis Aronowitz (out in August). If you’re inspired by Collier’s femme sandal pursuit, here’s her Kyma pair (They arrived; she loves them.). She also recommends a Tosaryu hinoki incense and holder duo from Jinen for a housewarming gift and Artifact Uprising baby board books for gifts in general—not just for babies.   Do you have weaning/new-parent experience to share? Hit us up at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Explore our spring gifting faves from MoMA Design Store and use or mention the code ATHINGORTWO online or in U.S. stores for 10% off your purchase now through May 29. Get both sunscreen and skincare with Murad's Correct and Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45. Save 20% and get free shipping with your $60 purchase when you use the code ATHINGORTWO.   Snuggle up in Cozy Earth’s temperature-regulating sheets and take 35% off when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Grow thicker and healthier hair with Nutrafol. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready for a grab bag? ALWAYS, right? We surprise ourselves by endorsing record players, we bemoan how few catalogs are getting it right, and we share some coming-of-age retail thoughts. Oh, and we break down the term “business hygiene,” which doesn’t involve deodorant at all.    Two record-player recs: Technics by Panasonic Direct Drive Player System (Craigslist is a good place to shop for this!) and The+Record Player for an all-in-one option.    But how ‘bout the records themselves?! Check out a Vinyl Me, Please subscription—and maybe make vintage ones a vacation souvenir? Also, hello, Sesame Street Fever.   The catalogs we love right now are from Zingerman’s, David Austin, and Tracksmith. If you’re still nostalgic for dELiA*s (<< We’re sorry, but it has to be written like this!!!), click on over to deliascatalogs.tumblr.com, and follow the model Janelle Fishman on IG.    What do our record collections neeeeeed? Tell us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Get both your sunscreen and skincare from Murad's Correct and Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45. Save 20% and get free shipping with your $60 purchase when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Replace so many paper towels with Papaya Reusables and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO20. Thinx is offering $10 off your first order when you visit rethinkyourcycyle.com  and use code ATHINGORTWO at checkout. Produced by Dear Media YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve road-tested a whole slew of the Thingies recent guests recommended, and we have much to share! Join us for this and some extremely entertaining voicemails responding to our question “What’s the sorority version of ‘praise and polish?’” From our episode with Rumaan Alam, Claire was inspired to listen to the audiobook version of Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe, and Erica has been using Fitbod (but only doing the exercises she wants to).  Thanks to Harling Ross Anton’s recs, Erica’s gotten indigestion aid from Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL).  Claire took Kelly Wright’s suggestion and subscribed to Ronny’s Seltzer (which is a great supplement to her at-home Aarke seltzer maker).  Erica’s been very into Jessica DeFino’s The Unpublishable newsletter, which Val Monroe raved about. A great installment to start with: Bella Hadid's Old Nose. Related content: The Glossy Podcast and the newsletter After School. Whose Thingies picks do you want to hear? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Shop our spring gifting faves from MoMA Design Store and use or mention the code ATHINGORTWO online or in U.S. stores for 10% off your purchase now through May 29 Arm your immune system with Athletic Greens and get a one-year supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase when you use our link. Upgrade your piercing and earring experience with Studs and take 20% off your first order when you use our link. Support a business of any size with Shopify. Dig in with a free 14-day trial with our link. papaya reusables (CB)  Cut back on paper towels with Papaya Reusables and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO20. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s party (discussion) time! We get into games, snacks, drinks, desserts, and—but of course—tricks. Also, you know we love the airline culture and lifestyle beat: We have to dig into the NYT profile of Janis Burl, the brains and puns behind the incredible TSA Instagram account.    Our fave party games include quizzes about the guest of honor, custom crossword puzzles,  Mölkky, and whatever this filling-up-a-cup-with-water game is called.   We have a lot of thoughts about the snacks to which we are accustomed, which include The Good Crisp Chips, Torres Chips, YuBuns, Yossy Arefi’s Vegan Onion Dip, Smitten Kitchen Corn Salad, Corn Salad with Feta and Walnuts from Real Simple, Fromage Fort from Julia Turshen’s Small Victories cookbook, Cacio E Pepe Kale Salad from Lemon, Love & Olive Oil cookbook. Also: Don’t sleep on cute cocktail toothpicks and vintage oyster/relish forks—and Sophia Roe’s advice on how to do a crudite situation.   For dessert, we love an ice cream cake, Blueberry Cornflake Crisp from Bill Clark’s fantastic A Piece of Cake newsletter, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp from Barefoot Contessa, Ipsa frozen cookies, Levain frozen cookies, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, and Jeni’s Street Treats.   When it comes to drinks, how about a big batch Palomas, Bloody Marys with McClure’s or Stonewall Kitchen mix, non-alcoholic Ghia or De Soi, and/or Lunar hard seltzer?   Share your favorite party tricks with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. For more recs, sign up for our Secret Menu.   Get what you need for a business of any size with Shopify. Dig in with a free 14-day trial with our link. Give professional counseling a shot with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Download Best Fiends—it’s free!—on the App Store or Google Play. Book that doctor’s appointment today: Download the free Zocdoc app. Take your vitamins in whole-food form with GEM and take 30% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.  YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time for another Thingies ep with a dream guest: We’re graced by Laura Stylez, co-host of the best radio show in all the land, Ebro in the Morning. We talk music, hangover cures, and baby toys—you know how we like a good mix.   Laura’s Thingies: Mombella Mimi Mushroom teether, which both little ones and their parents love, and the ultimate, travel-friendly hangover cure: coconut oil, turmeric, and activated charcoal, all in pill form. On the music front, Rihanna's Anti, Beyonce’s Lemonade and Beyoncé, Kelis's everything, and Lil’ Kim's Hard Core. Laura also recommends God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop by Kathy Iandoli (who also wrote Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah, and Lil’ Kim: The Queen Bee, which is out 2024) and My Voice: A Memoir by Angie Martinez.    Your notes on the TV shows  you're consuming without actually watching them, please!! Get us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Grow thicker and healthier hair with Nutrafol. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Ditch paper towels with Papaya Reusables and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO20. Get your sunscreen and skincare at once with Murad's Correct and Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45. Save 20% and get free shipping with your $60 purchase when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Have a stellar piercing and earring experience with Studs and take 20% off your first order when you use our link. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Per a listener request—which: We welcome them!—we’re talking about weddings. Specifically, our weddings, from our favorite and least favorite parts of the planning process to how it all went down day-of. Plus: a stand-out dining experience (two, if we’re rounding up).   Check out Dept of Culture Brooklyn for excellent Nigerian food and the opportunity to talk to strangers! Also, when in Joshua Tree: La Copine.   If you’re considering an NYC City Hall wedding, Fox Fodder Farm has the flowers.    If you have wedding questions ‘n thoughts to share, let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. For more recs, sign up for Secret Menu.   Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Get your sunscreen and skincare at once: Shop Murad to save 20% and get free shipping with your $60 purchase when you use the code ATHINGORTWO. Replace your paper towels with Papaya Reusables and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO20. Dramatically improve your piercing and earring experience with Studs and take 20% off your first order when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For your consideration, we’re sharing some thoughts about buying things, including a letter of recommendation for shopping in person and takes on sourcing made-in-America products, participating in One Fit February, and acquiring things while traveling. If you have tactics or conundrums, we want to hear them: 833-632-5463!   If you’re interested in the idea of One Fit February (or the less alliterative One Fit April), score yourself some cool points and check out this installment of the Blackbird Spyplane’s newsletter by Jonah Weiner.   A rundown of some cool made-in-America brands here, and, if you’re looking for something specific, check out stillmadeinusa.com.   A couple standout MiA brands include the only whisk manufacturers in the U.S., Best Manufacturers based in Portland, Oregon, (more on them), and Libman mops and brooms based in Arcola, Illinois, since 1896 (the mayor Jesus Garza's story also!).     Do you have opinions about buying things? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   Grab a Secret Menu membership for more, more recommendations.   Eat your vitamins with GEM and take 30% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.  Cozy up to Ettitude sheets: Get 20% off your order plus free shipping when you use our link. Swap your paper towels with Papaya Reusables—20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO20. Have the best piercing and earring experience with Studs and take 20% off your first order when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. This ~bonus Thursday ep~ is brought to you by the heroes at Nyssa, a company providing products that support women through the most transformative times of life, from puberty to post-menopause. (Hit their site and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 15% off everything, including absolutely ideal postpartum gifts for a friend who had no idea she might need this stuff!) We’re diving into a discussion of “unmentionables” and, duh, Thingies with two of Nyssa’s charming and game-changing cofounders Mia Clarke and Eden Laurin. Oh, and just a quick note: Miscarriage and pregnancy loss come up at the end, in case those are topics  you want to skip today.    The one that started it all: Nyssa FourthWear Postpartum Recovery Underwear.   Mia and Eden’s Thingies: Betty’s Co., which kicks off women’s healthcare at a young age, Nyssa VieWear Period Comfort Underwear and Nyssa VieVision Between Legs Mirror, Dame (see also: “Sexual Wellness Brand Dame Settles Lawsuit With MTA, Debuts First Subway Campaign” from Adweek), the book Designing Motherhood by Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick that features the story of Margaret Crane (who invented the first pregancy test!), the menopause-care hub Elektra Health, "My Miscarriage, in Photos" by Becca Leitman with photographs by Casey Kelbaugh for The Cut.   How great is this free, downloadable teen period guide-slash-checklist?!   Share your Thingies at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. If you’re looking for more recommendations and more fun, a Secret Menu membership is for you.   Head on over to Nyssacare.com and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 15% off.  YAY.   Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why haven’t we been talking about JLo more here? Well, we’re about to remedy that—and fill ya in on more, more, more design trends that are speaking to us right now.   The women artist biographies/books Claire will be picking up include Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five PaAnne Truittinters and the Movement by Mary Gabriel, Daybook: The Journal of an Artist by Anne Truitt, and Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa by Marilyn Chase.   If you’re also looking to do a JLo deep-dive, we recommend reading How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder, Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman, the story of the full-page ad Ben took out back when, Vulture’s Peoria, Illinois, analysis re: Marry Me, and this GQ article about THE dress. Also, listen to Just Like Us: The Tabloids that Changed America hosted by Clare Malone and watch the music video that Ben made to “On My Way To You” for Jen for Valentine’s Day.   In the home-design realm, some inspiration comes from two incredible New Orleans hotels, Hotel St. Vincent and Hotel Peter and Paul.    Fellow lovers of yellow furniture should bask in Billy Cotton space for Grace Morton, Sophie Ashby’s giant yellow velvet couch, and this kid’s room.    If you’re thinking of doing some furniture-painting on your own (inspiration: Matilda Goad’s London home!), see Erin Boyle of Reading My Tea Leaves make-over a dresser on IG and read her guides for refreshing trim and kitchen cabinets.    Wood paneling—SO COOL. See: Sound View Hotel, ​​Les Arcs ski resort, Jane Hallworth for Tinder co-founder Sean Rad and his Wife Lizzie Grover Rad, and Wall for Apricots.    On the Swedish tile stove front, we love painter Mary Nelson Sinclair’s dining room, Victor Hugo’s fireplace, Lindholm Kakelugnar, and this explainer from Messy Nessy Chic.   Your favorite niche JLo stories need an audience! Share ‘em at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   So many more recs coming at you with a Secret Menu membership!   Get professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Download Best Fiends—it’s free!—on the App Store or Google Play. Grow hair that’s thicker and healthier with Nutrafol. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Help those muscles chill: Try Theragun for 30 days. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ooh, what a joy it is to talk Thingies with Véronique Hyland, the fashion features director at Elle who coined the term millennial pink and has a brilliant new book, Dress Code: Unlocking Fashion from the New Look to Millennial Pink, that checks so many boxes for us. But first, can we discuss cooking motivation…or lack thereof?   A smattering of dinner-making inspo if you need some too: 1) Brothy soup recipes—vegetarian lemon rice soup, beans and greens soup with harissa, and Helen Rosner’s Roberto specifically 2) The Magic of Tinned Fish: Elevate Your Cooking with Canned Anchovies, Sardines, Mackerel, Crab, and Other Amazing Seafood by Chris McDade 3) @glucosegoddess.   Véronique’s Thingies, coming through! Joe Iconis & Family, beach noir films + TV shows (including but not limited to Inherent Vice, Night Moves, Cutter’s Way, Veronica Mars, Terriers, and Moonlighting), and entertainment podcasts like I Saw What You Did, Junk Filter, and Nostalgia Trap. Key Twitter follows: @the_80s_man and this one account that recaps Paul Schrader’s Facebook posts. Her music recs: atmospheric YouTube videos (see: Music in an Empty Mall) and Mother Earth’s Plantasia. And when it comes to fashion, she needs you to know about Dauphinette by Olivia Cheng—amazing coats and other incredibleness also. You can find Véronique at @niquepeeks,  veroniquehyland.com, and, of course, in the pages of Dress Code: Unlocking Fashion from the New Look to Millennial Pink   Book events—something we love and have missed! See Véronique in conversation with Robin Givhan in D.C. on March 19 and chatting it up with Marisa Meltzer in NYC on March 25.   Share your Thingies at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   Get all the recs, all the weeks with a Secret Menu membership!   Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment today. Feel oh-so-fresh with Native and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time for an update on how we’re doing with our (non-work-related) creative practices, and—hey, while we’re at it—we’ll go ahead and share some thoughts on what it's like to live in a shoe household vs. a shoeless one.    Claire’s creative resources: Wendy MacNaughton’s DrawTogether podcast, The Artist's Way (plus this New Yorker interview with the author Julia Cameron), and Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.   Erica’s creative resources: Jami Attenberg’s #1000wordsofsummer and Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell.   Share your creativity thoughts and feelings (and shoes-in-the-house musings) at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   Get more recs in your inbox with a Secret Menu membership!   Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month with our link. Understand your reproductive health with Modern Fertility—$20 off your test with our link. Support your business of any size with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. Get your birth control online with The Pill Club, which will make a $10 donation to Bedsider.org when you use our link. YAY! Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing an ode to the beauty products and concepts we’ve been very into. Plus! The odd joy of creating entertainment syllabi to curb streaming (and reading) indecision.   If you’re also looking to take a Kirsten Dunst deep-dive, you’re gonna want to read this New Yorker piece.   The beauty products we’re all about: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, Freck Cheekslime in Fielding, Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal, Trish McEvoy Long-Wear Lipliner in Barely Nude, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude, Jenni Kayne Oak Essentials Cleansing Balm, Clinique’s Take the Day off Cleansing Balm, and Shani Darden Retinol Reform.    And if you’re looking to learn more about dry skin vs. dehydrated skin, dig into this Byrdie article.    Let’s not forget to acknowledge accidental plopping after a Sunday-night shower.   Share the beauty stuff you think we really have to try at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   If you’re in the mood for many more recs, there’s a Secret Menu membership for that.   Get your vitamins from whole foods with GEM and take 30% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.  YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we muse on cross-body phone holders—time will tell if the trend wins us over—and talk Thingies with Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World Behind, That Kind of Mother, and Rich and Pretty…books that are Thingies in their own right.     His Thingies: The Fitbod app, audiobooks of dad books via Libro.fm, uniform dressing, Cate Le Bon, and some real page-turners including Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson, Luster by Raven Leilani, Last Resort by Andrew Lipstein, and Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor.    Share your Thingies guest noms! 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   A dose of our recs coming to your inbox weekly with a Secret Menu membership.   Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Give professional counseling a shot with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link. Slip into Honeylove, bras and underwear you can feel great about. 20% off your second item and 10% off your whole order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Download Best Fiends—for free—on the App Store or Google Play. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Recording live from a frictionless day, we’re talking all about the home trends that we’ve been loving right now, from Murano glass to canned-tomato decor.   If you’re also having a Murano glass moment, check out this NYT article and this YouTube video showing the process and then dig into some of our favorites in the Murano and Murano-inspired world: Sogni Di Cristallo, Ichendorf Milano, LagunaB, Susan Alexandra, Edie Parker Flower, Face Vessel by Degen, Casa Celva, and Serena Confalonieri.    For fans of marble everything, No One Alike goes hard at the decor, Concrete Cat makes epic lazy susans, Voutsa x Lambert McGuire Design has incredible wallpaper, and if you’re ever in Italy, Il Papiro in Florence makes incredible marbled paper goods as does Conti Borbone in Milan.   For floral motifs and more Italian vibes, check out Lisa Corti, Miho, and Issimo.    For turning your space into a GD garden, we love Bill Rebholz’s canned tomato print, Erin Jang’s asian pear print, and the oh-so-classic Enzo Mari apple print. Nonna’s Grocer carries some hyper-real citrus candles, and Handmade Soap Emporium has outrageous grape soaps. And we can’t talk about produce decor without mentioning Bordallo Pinheiro's cabbage dishes (also: the pepper storage box and the cabbage lamp).   For some magical hand-painted walls and furniture, check out the hotel Mesón Hidalgo in San Miguel de Allende, this Jake Arnold dining room, Beata Heuman kid’s room and this bar in another Beata Heuman project, and these bedside tables from Studio Ashby.   For some lots more design inspo, check out Annamarie Tendler’s profile in Harper’s Bazaar, Jayna Maleri’s home tour in Domino, Maire Coulson’s house in Architectural Digest, Brett Heyman’s home tour in Domino, Margherita Missoni home tour in Architectural Digest, and Beata Heuman’s mom’s house.    Let us know what home stuff you’re into (or any glass-blowing class experience you have!) at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. More recs coming your way with a Secret Menu membership!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s talk about signing your name (hello, strange custom) and dig into Val Monroe’s Thingies! This genius woman—the former beauty director of O, The Oprah Magazine—writes the extremely thoughtful and epically named newsletter How Not to F*ck Up Your Face, and we’re fairly obsessed.   Sign up for Val’s newsletter at valeriemonroe.substack.com immediately. This is the moving installment on Facetiming with her granddaughter.   Val had a bunch of reading (and audiobook-listening) recommendations: the Wolf Hall trilogy by Hilary Mantel, How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Tom Stoppard: A Life by Hermione Lee, Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris (see also: Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris and Rewrites: A Memoir by Neil Simon), The News Sorority by Sheila Weller, The Overstory by Richard Powers, The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal, and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.   For a companion newsletter to Val’s, subscribe to Jessica DeFino’s The Unpublishable.    Beauty-ish things Val raves about: her aminolevulinic acid treatment experience, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, the French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, Laura Geller Baked Foundation, and Tocca Florence Laundry Delicate.   Share your favorite Thingies at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. Please!   If you’re in the mood for many more recs, there’s a Secret Menu membership for that.   Download the Zocdoc app for free and book that doctor’s appointment already. Get your birth control online with The Pill Club, which will make a $10 donation to Bedsider.org when you use our link. Feel fresh all day with Native and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. This week, we’re getting wrapped up in a conversation about robes, the practice of towel time, and our favorite shopping memories featuring dated (but iconic!) tie skirts and timeless wrap dresses.    Some of the robes we love, for your lounging pleasure and leisure: Parachute’s Classic Turkish Cotton Robe, Skin’s Sierra Robe and Basic Double Layer Wrap Robe, Eberjey’s Rosalia Robe and Alpine Chic Super Sherpa Robe, and all the fun ones Block Shop and Print Fresh make. And how ‘bout this wings + horns Ace take?   Share your robe and towel-time rituals! 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   For many, many more of our favorites, get yourself a Secret Menu membership.   Discover N°1 DE CHANEL.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready to take a trip down (your nose’s) memory lane because we’re talking about the scents of our youth. Oh, and: We’re making a plan to prevent contingency-planning from becoming a full-blown hobby.   Scent-sational reading: this 1988 New York Times article, written during the dawn of the age of the perfume ad, the book The End of Fashion by Teri Agins on how perfume and stockings became luxury-brand cash cows, and this BBC article about the heyday of celebrity fragrances.    Scentmatchers.com—go for the URL, stay for the extensive dropdown menu.    Check out our near-obsession Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman for a welcome perspective on time-management.    Did you have a signature scent? Is there some discontinued fragrance you’re sniffing around for? We need to know—@athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463!    Sign up for Secret Menu for more, more, more where this came from.   Give professional counseling a try with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link. Support your business (big or small) with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. Better understand your reproductive health with Modern Fertility—$20 off your test with our link. Try Honeylove for bras and underwear you can feel great about. 20% off your second item and 10% off your whole order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. We’re in need of things to enjoy—no, relish: Bring on the comfort content! Please! If you have recs, share ‘em with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   Read more about CUNY’s anonymous cash donor in the New York Times.   Check out Lewis Miller’s Flower Flash book, his Instagram, all of it.   To watch All That Jazz (not on a Delta flight), it’s all about the Criterion Collection.   Listen to  Once Upon a Time…at Bennington College podcast for all the hot 1980s undergrad goss about literary icons. (Check out the oral history that inspired the podcast, too.)   Everything Mindy Kailing touches is gold, and we’re especially sweating The Sex Lives of College Girls (what a name). As for things we’re excited for in the future? Season 2 of Starstruck, Season 2 of White Lotus, and a Marcel the Shell with Shoes On movie!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we talk Thingies with the writer, creative consultant, and theorist behind the 3 p.m. outfit expiration, Harling Ross Anton. She also breaks down her rubric for what makes a good recommendation. All this to say: Everything is nice in here.   Harling’s Thingies! Fleece-lined black tights (all of them, really), Merit's The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick (Harling uses the shade bisque.), Chinya’s milk frother, Mighty Sesame Co.’s Tahini in a Squeeze Bottle, a made-just-for-her button-down shirt from Chava, DGL licorice extract for heartburn, D-Mannose for UTIs, and fantasy novels like A Court of Thorns and Roses.   Plz, plz follow Harling for so many more recs! She’s extremely good at them.   Share your favorite thingies at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   For more of our favorites, get yourself a Secret Menu membership.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the first episode we’re recording in 2022, and we have THOUGHTS! TO! SHARE! We discuss the It’s Not That Deep archetype, the wackiest (slash most ingenious)  “work smarter and not harder” moments, and acknowledgement sections—unskippable, if you ask us.   Related to the It’s Not That Deep mentality: Tune into our perfectionism ep (and maybe pick up Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, too.).   Two essays on the acknowledgment section: "With a Little Help From Their Friends (and Agents and Librarians and Fact-Checkers ...)" by Jennifer Senior and "Against Acknowledgments" by Sam Sacks.   One of our favorite acknowledgement sections of late was from Black Buck—and don’t worry, we asked the author Mateo Askaripour about it when we interviewed him.   Have thoughts (or a story about an extreme case of working smarter and not harder)? We want to hear them at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq!If you like this, you’ll love Secret Menu. We think!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you need a Week Two 2022 pick-me-up, how about an all-consuming romance novel and some Thingies from our guest Kelly Wright, founder of the internet’s coolest hardware store, Yuns?    For romance novels featuring autistic leads, pick up The Kiss Quotient, The Bride Test, and The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang (<< someone profile this woman!)! For a straight romance by a queer couple, read The View Was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta. For one that features our beloved University of Chicago, check out People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (and also her books Beach Read and Book Lovers, which is out in May). And for something Harry Styles fanfic–adjacent, grab If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich.    If you want to *listen* to your next romance, check out Bone, Marry, Bury this February from Rachael King and Becca Freeman of RomComPods.   Time for Kelly’s Thingies! Edith’s Iced Cafe, Ronny’s Seltzer, Bonk Planners, "The Untold Story of Sushi in America" via The New York Times, Viennetta, and Oda Speakers.     As for Kelly’s DIY advice, her favorite tool at the moment is a pair of slip joint pliers, and she also thinks a hammer, a Phillips-head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and a tape measure should be in your toolbox regardless of experience (all available at helloyuns.com, duh).   Are there Thingies you're dying to share? Hit us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.    For more of our favorites, get yourself a Secret Menu subscription. YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is all about the pressures we feel on our lives and our time (and, to a lesser extent, our necks and our tailbones). Don’t sleep on this one, is what we’re saying.   Live that ComfiLife! Side-sleep with a Hullo pillow!   The “Things We Want to Leave Behind and How to Start a Running Routine” ep we reference.   The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin—there’s also a quiz for that.    A handful of reads related to parenting (and, sigh, house work): All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu, and More Work For Mother by Ruth Schwartz Cowan.   An enthusiastic endorsement of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.   Dirt’s “The season of tabs” newsletter by Alex Aciman. WE RELATE.   "The Myth of the Productive Commute" installment of Anne Helen Petersen’s Culture Study newsletter.   Talking about protecting your time with Mimi O Chun and “what happens if you don’t?” with Caroline Moss.   For last-min. presents, might we suggest Secret Menu gift subscriptions?    Please share your obligation feeeeeelings! 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq! Try professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link.Sleep cozy in Printfresh—and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.YAY. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re steaming (and pan-frying!) a lot of frozen dumplings, and we’re recommending a lot of Thingies. Come along with us, huh?   But first: latke cookies.    A dumplings-as-an-aesthetic episode of this very podcast.   Frozen dumplings we’re into: Fly by Jing and Nom Wah.   Stunning rainbow dumplings we’re into: Sandita’s rainbow dumplings.   Three things that make a big difference when cooking up dumplings at home: a bamboo steamer, Chinkiang black vinegar, and these Wing on Wo soup spoons. Another helpful resource: Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes.   Ok, Thingies!! Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Volume Mascara (Claire) and Lily Lolo Natural Vegan Mascara (Erica), Saint Olio cleaner (plus hand sanitizer), Wolford tights (start with Velvet De Luxe 50 or 66), Zicam lozenges, Maldon salt (see: this Bon App article), Kewpie Deep-Roasted Sesame Dressing, Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 carry-on (plus a charming video), Kinto kids’ dishes, and Trader Joe’s Roasted & Salted Marcona Almonds with Rosemary.   Secret Menu gift subscriptions are ready and waiting.    Hit us with your feedback, your Thingies noms! 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq!   Download the (free!) Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Take a break with Dipsea’s hot ‘n heavy audio stories—you get a free 30-day trial when you use our link. Get your romance-movie fix with Redeeming Love, out in January. Treat the skin on your body right with Esker and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caroline Moss, host of the podcast Gee Thanks, Just Bought It!, brings joy to everything she does, and we’re jazzed to ride her wave of holiday-giving enthusiasm straight through December and into 2022. Another thing we’re taking into next year is our new mantra: What happens if you don’t?   Julie Houts did the wonderful new illustration of us ya see in our podcast art! You’ve gotta check out her Instagram! Ooh, and shop her prints!   Related content: Erica waiting for Claire in fitting rooms.   If you don’t listen to Caroline’s podcast Gee Thanks, Just Bought It! yet, you’re in for a treat. Our Black Friday ep with her could be a good starting point. Don’t sleep on her gift guides either—or the book she co-wrote Hey Ladies!: The Story of 8 Best Friends, 1 Year, and Way, Way Too Many Emails.   Caroline’s go-to Hallmark holiday movie: The Christmas List.   A few holiday giving initiatives Caroline supports and you can too (like, this year—not at all too late!): Operation Santa (there’s a doc, Dear Santa, about it, even) and Transanta.   Vulture on the Christmas ep of Ted Lasso.   Re: Venmo and taxes, this Forbes piece.   “What Mutual Aid Can Do During a Pandemic” by Jia Tolentino for The New Yorker.   Tell us all of your thoughts! At 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq!   Secret Menu six-month or one-year gift subscriptions are very much a thing. Get thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try Printfresh’s perfect-for-gifting sleepwear—and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Give professional counseling a shot with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link. Scoop up Ana Luisa jewelry during their biggest sale of the year—60% off on the second item you purchase with our link.  YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What an episode we have in store! We’re going deep on some of our favorite recent discoveries from our Monday newsletter—which: If you aren’t signed up for that thing, now's your chance to fix that.   The usefulness of the term bitch eating crackers (BEC) (for context: Someecards).   Celebrity memoirs as audiobooks: Inside Out by Demi Moore, Acid for the Children by Flea, and Yearbook by Seth Rogen (see also: this profile by Jonah Weiner for NYT Magazine). Next up: My Life So Far by Jane Fonda, Faithfull by Marianne Faithful,  The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish. Oh, and: the podcast Celebrity Book Club with Steven & Lily. Also: Please read Open by Andre Agassi and J.R. Moehringer!   Important breaking news: There is now Spelling Bee merch.      Let’s hear Claire’s QVC pitch for the Pattern mist spray bottle!! Somewhat related: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater...as a hair product?   Erica’s 11 a.m. tea go-to: Soul Chai. Another (slightly sweetened rec): Dona.   A workspace-changing Philips Hue light strip. You may also like: Gorilla mounting tape, Storage Theory Power Perch, and the Pretty Handy Girl video for changing your doorknobs.   Jewelry renovation with Spur = talk about amazing.   You know we love to hear from you! Get us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   Didya know we do six-month or one-year Secret Menu subscriptions? Ideal for gifting, tell you what.   Find your body skin type with Esker and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Control your coffee and tea temp with Ember. It’s 10% off for first-time purchasers with our link. Snuggle up with Printfresh’s perfect-for-gifting sleepwear—and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Score Ana Luisa jewelry during their biggest sale of the year—60% off on the second item you purchase with our link.  YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know what we love? When someone makes a thing we’re really desparate to use. Which means we can’t wait for the launch of Postcard, a tool to help us share our travel recommendations in an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing way. We’ll let David Cho tell ya all about it...and share his Thingies. That’s right: a guest Thingies ep. Tell us how you feel about that?? Two relevant celebrity memoirs: Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling and Yearbook by Seth Rogen.   Oh, the joy of a website called findcelebrityjobs.com.   Be Postcard guinea pigs! Make some lists! Send them to us!   David’s Thingies! Orion Turtle Chips Choco Churros Flavor (and Sweet Corn if you’re us), Rose Delights, therapy!!!, Golden Fertile Eggs, Sun Ha Jang in L.A., and “A Home Movies Thanksgiving Special with Alison Roman” (also her spring chicken with crispy leeks recipe).   Do you have Thingies noms? Hit us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq.   For so many more of our favorites, get yourself a Secret Menu subscription.   Scoop up Ana Luisa jewelry during their biggest sale of the year.  Keep that coffee and tea at the perfect temp with Ember. It’s 10% off for first-time purchasers with our link. Grab tickets for Redeeming Love and get your romance-movie fix. Snag Printfresh’s perfect-for-gifting sleepwear—and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gift Guide Round 3: Siblings, Teens, Co-Workers, Friends, and Grandparents!   Our third gift guide ep already?! We know. There’s so much ahead—and behind if you missed part 1 and part 2—but if you’re still on the present hunt, subscribe to Secret Menu for many more holiday-shopping thoughts ‘n feelings.   Kids and Teens!   Almost 14 year old girl Brooklyn kid Art! Ideal Bookshelf 974: Feminists by Jane Mount, The Ten Largest, No. 2, Childhood, Group IV by Hilma af Klint, Krista Marie Young painting, and Amber Vittoria prints The start of a charm bracelet, maybe with this Catbird Holy Cannoli charm Studs e-gift card Lizzie Fortunato Little Candy DIY Kit (for a younger kid: Super Smalls or Susan Alexandra) Olive & June mani system Dye Kween Sleep mask or socks Kule T-shirt This Is What I Know About Art by Kimberly Drew Macmillan Visual Dictionary D C-T! by Joana Avillez and Molly Young Donation to Girl Up Monogrammed tech accessories from Leatherology   Angsty teenage nephews who already have everything Art! Eye Test Chart by George Mayerle, Every Outdoor Basketball Court in Manhattan by Jenny Odell (paired with How to Do Nothing?), or something from Top Posters & Prints Via the Public Announcement newsletter: Procure an iPod, load the iPod with music you love, give the iPod to the kid. Snacks: Bokksu, Patagonia Provisions, Lani Halliday pop-tarts, Blondery Blondies, or Oreo ID Audm subscription Courier magazine subscription Black Futures by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham Youth to Power: Your Voice and How to Use it by Jamie Margolin Donation to Canines for Disabled Kids   10 year old niece who is obsessed with Japan (Japan trip isn't in the budget) Pen pal through Pen Friend Clubs of Japan (PFC) Sanrio! Gudetama bank, Hello Kitty happy lunch box set, and all the stickers, pens, notebooks Punilabo scissors Paperi Design Shop Hiragana chart  Bokksu Japanese snack subscription Tatsuya Tanaka Miniature Life calendar Maruchan Ramen Noodle planter from Happy Plants Mochidoki Kawaii Pen Shop gift card Kizuna gift box   Nephews/Godsons who already have so much stuff. They are 6 months (read: only interested in food but not really able to eat it) and 4.  The 4 year old loves trucks, singing, Toy Story, and learning about everything. but he has all of the things! While I think donations are cool, I'm not really interested in that for a four year old who won't understand that i didn't forget to give him a gift.  National Diaper Bank Network donation Kitpas bath crayons Raddish Foodstirs DIY cookie kit Haus playhouse Parchie watch Pedersen + Lennard balance bike Twee planet chalk  Storytime Chess Areaware Blockitecture set WayToPlay car track   Brothers and Brothers-in-Law!   My 35 yo brother who exclusively wears shirts from regattas, has horrible taste in women A feature in the Hot Singles newsletters Hama Hama oysters The Rope Co. nautical rope doormat Games: Wolfum checkers/chess set or Molkky Grailed vintage regatta gear Vaer Field Watch Blackbird Spyplane paid subscription Sirene Journal  Ocean Conservancy donation   Brother who's living #vanlife Fancy tinned fish: Big Night if you’re in NYC, Conserva Culture, and Fishwife Opinel No. 8 beechwood handle knife Westerlind for clothes Alice Waters egg spoon or one from Eggspoon.com Human Race rice powder cleanser or routine pack Libro.fm subscription for audiobooks Feeding America donation   Sisters and Sisters-in-Law!   Sister - has main character energy. Runs an apple cider vin business. Into funky style. Leanne Ford x Crate & Barrel measuring cups Krista Marie Young oven mitts Jacques Benoît vinegar pot Custom perfume from Nova Vintage blown-glass apples on Etsy James Shaw candleholders Isabel Halley wine cups or dessert plates Novel Mart boquerones baseball cap Edas earrings Carleen quilted vest Custom hand-painted sign from Cevallos Brothers or Olive Panter Oui the People rose gold razor The Missoni Family Cookbook Black Farmer Fund donation   My sister: hyper-intellectual, single, gay, social justice dr., autoimmune issues so stuck home. Dusen Dusen PJs Royal Jelly PJs Mizar and Alcor robe Clare Salvo Cards Against Malarkey Hollie Velten Big Sur cushion Horti plant subscription People’s Pottery Project ceramics RIP Medical Debt donation Mary Roach books: Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, and Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War   Sister in law who is mostly great and has very good taste but veryyy self absorbed, always has long term relationships but then doesn't commit because she doesn't believe in compromise, likes good food wine coffee, and also clothes (everlane/& other stories), likes to be luxe but in a slightly (not completely) subdued way. Ceramic coffee set-up, like Anna Lebrija french press or Zizi Ceramics dripper set Gjusta Goods coffee gift box Big Macs & Burgundy by Vanessa Price and Adam Laukuf Eater Wine Club subscription Aqua de Vida balm bars Susanne Kaufman bath oil or bath oil trio The Gentlewoman Modern Manners  Jamie Beck Pinot Noir series poster Ripped Bodice Read, Romance, Repeat subscription box Esther Perel Where Should We Begin - A Game of Stories Inclusive Therapists donation   My fiance's family does a gift exchange with the extended family with the idea that you can get a bigger/better gift for the one person instead of having to buy something smaller for everyone. I got assigned his cool cousin who lives in NYC.  She's in her late 30's, got married 2 years ago, no kids, and she's a really successful lawyer.  We only see her so often and she's usually on her computer keeping up with work when we do see her, so I don't have a great idea of her interests...besides they have a tiny dog that they love.  I always love an experience gift for people, def something there with NYC?  One other possibility is my fiance got her older sister in the gift exchange, so there's a possibility that we could do something that the both of them could enjoy together?  Her sister lives in a Philly suburb and has a family with 2 kids so different point of life. Little Beast dog sweater Katie Kimmel custom vase Laylo Pets x Altuzarra dog bed Susan Alexandra dog leash and collar Card holder: OAD wallet or Bottega Veneta credit card holder Flower Flash by Lewis Miller Museum or botanical garden membership Tickets to Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (deadline is 11/29!)   Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and Other Adults You Know!   Next door neighbor, 94 year old Italian woman who loves the Pope and New England sports Go up for Glory by Bill Russell  Novel Mart Italiano collection—a bolognese sweatshirt, a ravioli hat! Chefanie farfalle barrettes Grossy Pelosi pasta water mug (with homemade Italian Holiday cookies!) Issimo soup box or Eataly gift box From Roy panettone Felt Pope Christmas ornament   Older curmudgeonly uncle with lots of stories and jokes. Cooks but scorns fancy equipment.  Miami Fruit Pickle Guys Degen YUCK sweater America’s Test Kitchen membership  Made In cookware Small Victories by Julia Turshen Save Room for Pie by Roy Blount Jr. Local food bank donation   My smart feminist ex-social worker grandma who likes G&Ts and is a hoarder Six Barrel Soda Co. tonic bundle or Sunwink tonic variety pack subscription Chefanie cocktail napkins Made by DWC gift set Woman Made: Great Women Designers by Jane Hall Plan C or National Network of Abortion Funds donation   Friends!   29 y/o BFF who just got dumped and fired, she loves Rebecca Solnit, POOG, and yoga Private yoga class with one of her fave instructors Sky Ting TV gift card One of Rebecca Solnit’s atlases Collective Wisdom by Grace Bonney Start Where You Are or When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön Esker gift set Something creativity-focused: Gondola Pastels, POJ Studio waza kits, The F Series paint sticks, Studio Sundays art supplies, Art Life practice kits, and Unwind Studio needlepoint kits Dipsea gift certificate   Best friend! loves old furniture and travel and old churches and beauty, less than $100 The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore & Care for Furniture by Christophe Pourny Stained glass or glass-blowing workshop: Pressed Flowers Stained Glass at Urban Glass in NYC on 12/9 Miniature stained glass churches—so many good ones on Etsy, like this Trendy-ish beauty service, like brow laminating Sania’s Brow Bar pencil, tweezers, and scissors  Partners for Sacred Places donation   Co-Workers and Bosses!   My boss who is a die hard AKA sorority sister (same as Kamala Harris), v much part of the Bey-hive, and wears all of the hats (boss, mentor, counselor, mom, wife). EXAU olive oil Justice of the Pies pie Cult Pens advent calendar Vintage AKA tee—here, here, and here Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea Un|bound five-year journal Black Girls Code donation   People I work with - design studio so they all already have access to nice things. Our team is small enough that the vibe is to give everyone something? Under $40 Bonilla a la vista patatas fritas Custom Marmite or Sour Patch Kids Cute food! Opopop, Omsom, Soul Chai, Cornbread26 madeleines, The Chai Box gift set, Gjusta marinated olive oil, and Batchworthy Que water bottles Moglea playing cards Vintage interior design book that you pick out for each Ali Forney Center donation   For last year’s gift guides, head here and here.   What are your last-minute gifting go-tos? We wanna know at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq!   Download the Zocdoc app—it’s free!—and book that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Explore all of our favorite gift picks at MoMA Design Store—so much amazing stuff, and it’s 10% of now through November 24 with the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store. Try professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link. Gift the coffee- and tea-drinkers in your life Ember. It’s 10% off for first-time purchasers with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you just CAN’T with the gifting stress, drama, and intrigue this year and are looking to do some one-stop shopping, well, welcome to our second gift guide of the season, in partnership with the glorious, aesthetically driven team over at MoMA Design Store. Use the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store for 10% off your purchase now through November 24 (fine print below)—and know that every purchase supports the museum's collection and education programs. Talk about a GWP!   Heyo: Dig into all of our MoMA Design Store gifting picks.   Healthcare practitioners who I see regularly but don't know on a personal level 2022 Stendig Poster Calendar or 2022 Jumping Point Calendar  Yoshitomo Nara Bandages Italian Ball Candle MoMA Monet and Ed Ruscha artist masks   My new colleagues who I want to love me. Something cheap, cute, and maybe useful. Extendable Phone Stand Denis Guidone Milano Times Hourglasses Twist Cable Protector - Set of 3 MoMA Touchscreen Mist Cleaner   I have to buy gifts for approximately eight thousand kids.  Is there anything that I could buy that all of them would like?  They are various ages between 0-10 years old. The Great New York Subway Map  Coloring books! Coloring Book Henri Matisse, Keith Haring Coloring Book, Keith Haring: My First Coloring Book, To the Moon: The Longest Fold-Out Coloring Book in the World Making with MoMA Smush Crayon Art out of the Box  Small Night Light - Miffy, Boris, Lion or Miffy and Friends Silicone Rechargeable Lights  The Hoptimist   Dating for 3 mo by the time xmas is here. Wants to ride tandem bike. Dairy & nut free. Gemini Express Espresso Set Happy Socks for MoMA Set (3) Vince Kurr Tabletop Shuffleboard Game Julian F. Bond Corknet Ping Pong Set   My husband who loves fancy Japanese mugs, Swedish menswear, and guitar pedals Design books: Structured Lineages: Learning from Japanese Structural Design, From Postwar to Postmodern: Art in Japan, 1945–1989, Primary Documents, and JUDD HAY Coffee Pot Man Ray: Chess Pieces Japanese Maekake Workshop Cotton Apron     90 year old Grandma who lives in Scottsdale. She loves golf, crafting, playing cards, shopping, and hot weather. She has a condo full of tons of stuff - she collects trinkets and has multiple collections of China, glassware, etc. so I avoid giving her something that's just an item that will sit on a shelf. She is sometimes lonely and really likes activities but is easily intimidated by things that seem too hard. I gave her a 500 piece puzzle last year and at first she thought she could never do it but she ended up finishing it and got it framed. She's the absolute cutest but also very set in her ways. I like to give her something that can be consumed or created so I don't add to clutter but she is very thrifty as a depression era woman and will savor things forever. Sometimes things like lotions or candles never end up getting used. She also loves jewlery and clothing. She walks to church every day in a sensible heel. Glass Coffee Ornament Set  Wildlife Garden Birdhouse and Feeder  DIY Rainbow Needlepoint Kit Andrew Wyeth Jigsaw Puzzle   65+ crowd that have everything! Bring in the MOMA recs! Bodum Breadbox with Cutting Board HAY George Sowden Toaster Michele De Lucchi Plissé Electric Kettle Larq UV Purifying Pitcher Self-Watering Wet Pots  Avocado Vase and Acorn Vase Bala Fitness Weight Bangles - Set of 2   My brother and his stylist boyfriend who has intimidatingly good taste Fenestra Bookends and House Bookends Cloudnola Flipping Out Text Clock Renee Vedrig Textime Clock Pond Mirror Ester & Erik Cone Candles   FIL loves smoking meats, nice wine, and mansplaining the weather. Meater+ Thermometer Microwave Grill Multi-ccino Mug  Weather, Weather by Maira Kalman and Daniel Handler Baggu Recycled Nylon Wine Totes - Set of 3 George Nelson™ Fireplace Tool Set   Dad who loves gadgets and has a home theatre with a projector Solo Stove Fire Pit with Stand TEAC TN-400BTSEWA Bluetooth Turntable Toyo ST-350 Tool Box Keith Haring Edition Polaroid Now Camera Scrabble Luxe Edition Game  Automania MoMA Annual Membership   MIL likes soft things, needs for nothing Dusen Dusen Striped Bathrobe Margo Selby Halley Scarf Subu Indoor/Outdoor Slippers Big Love Ice Cream Spoon Set Bicolore Tissue Box   My mother who likes luxe things but doesn't like it when we overspend. Estelle Colored Glass Cake Stand Hinoki Wood Bath Mat Raawii Strøm Collection Burgon & Ball Steel Watering Can    My veteran sister who only wears zip off pants & carves wood in her free time.  Verloop Balaclava Ski Mask MoMA Champion Sports Bra Sophie Monet Pine Wood Huggie Earrings Tivoli Model One Bluetooth Radio Welly Adventure First Aid Kit LED Lantern Speaker   13-year old girl who's very creative and into music  KAWS THE THINGS THAT COMFORT Jigsaw Puzzle  Kids’ MoMA Champion Hoodie Double Rainbow Maker 1 Page at a Time: A Daily Creative Companion 3D Origami Construction Kit Lexon Mino+ Wireless Charging Speaker Artiphon Orba Musical Instrument  Stylophone S1 Pocket Synthesizer   The code ATHINGORTWO gets you 10% off your purchase online or in store now through November 24, 2021. The fine print: Cannot be combined with membership discount or other offers. Not valid on the purchase of memberships, past purchases, and select products. Redeemable at store.moma.org and at US MoMA Design Store locations.    Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gift Guide Round 1: Moms, Dads, and Significant (or Formerly Significant) Others   It’s gift-guide season around these parts, and here we are with the first of three—three!—installments to help you along with the hardest-to-shop-for people in your life (hopefully). If you need more ideas, subscribing to Secret Menu might be just the answer.   Moms and Mothers-in-Law!   Single mom by choice to an amazing little girl. Since it's just the two of us and she's a toddler, I need to help her buy her a gift for me. I realize that buying a gift for one's self shouldn't be difficult but I'm saving to buy us a condo and this will be my one quality and/or impractical spend for the foreseeable future. So I want to make it count and I'd love your help. I am willing to spend up to $400.00. I appreciate smart function in design and I have lost zero baby weight, so anything that involves sizing has the potential to make me cry, which feels like it would defeat the purpose. I work about 75 hours a week and am currently doing so remotely. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks! Fused bracelet like a Fewer Finer Eternal Bracelet or an Ochre Objects Permanence one Birthstone earrings—maybe one of your birthstone and one of hers. White/Space Francesca studs are sold as solos. Earrings/necklace you could build on each year: Scosha charms, Lizzie Fortunato mood necklace with an alphabet charm, and Fewer Finer vintage charms Kinn Studio locket A break! A one-night staycation or spa day   76 yo mom, super practical, can't throw stuff away, just lost her husband of 60+ years. Tidy Tova Virtual Tidiness Organizing accessories: Hay, Open Spaces, and Yamazaki Home POJ Studio Kintsugi Kit Mending kit: Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit and Purl Soho Cotton Mending Thread Yuns Hardware gift certificate Dims Watering Can + Via Citrus tree Monthly flower delivery—you can make any bouquet a subscription with Farmgirl Flowers Miriam Toews novel: Fight Night or Women Talking Donation to her local library   My new step mom who has very good taste and loves thrifting Summersill & Bishop alphabet napkins Vintage calendar from 2011, 2005, 1994, 1983, 1977, 1966, 1955, 1949, 1938, or 1927 Greystone Needlepoint book cover Back issues of a favorite magazine—Gourmet? Berea College Student Craft Machete Apple Watch band Misette colorblock collection Beata Heuman: Every Room Should Sing The House that Pinterest Built by Diane Keaton Vintage piece from French Larkspur or One Day in France Do thrifting for her—splatterware, jadeite, or Fiestaware?   Frumpy MIL that you can't stand Ember mug (now a travel one, too) Eileen Fisher brushed recycled cotton cashmere scarf Hillery Sproatt blanket Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout Psychic Outlaw quilted stocking Farmhouse Pottery gift set Mutual aid org   My southern mom who thinks NYC made me snobby  Magnolia Bakery banana pudding Oliver Pluff Southern Style Iced Tea Cookbooks by Southern female chef: Black, White, and the Grey by Mashama Bailey and John O. Morisano and Mosquito Supper Club by Melissa M. Martin Chara’s BBQ sauce These Precious Days by Ann Patchett Alabama Chanin sewing kit   Dads and Fathers-in-Law!   My dad! A very intelligent man. Passionate about baseball but has season tickets. Very covid cautious. Has read all books. Doesn't drink. Isn't handy (no tools). Plays scrabble and has all the boards, no other games. Very fashion apathetic and I always get him clothes. Likes to bike but has a very nice bike and all accessories. Has snow shovel service. Really only cares about his grandkids but spends tons of time with them. Still works (lawyer) and tends to buy anything he needs which is very little! Always a conumdrum. Equal Justice Initiative donation Argo attachment for front of bike to haul grandkids (group gift potential) Non-alcoholic bevs: Ghia, Non, Acid League Wine Proxies, Hella Cocktail Bitters & Soda variety pack, Avec NYT Crossword/Spelling Bee subscription StoryWorth Black Champions in Cycling by Marlon Moncrieffe   My dad! Buys himself everything he needs, likes rock and roll bios and mushrooming. and wine! Smallhold mushroom grow kit Mushrooms in the Middle: A Smallhold Cookbook How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Michael Pollan  A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage and My Life by Ayelet Waldman (paired with this Yelp review??) Acid for the Children by Flea and donation to Silverlake Conservatory of Music Rose Los Angeles x Gossamer CBD Rosin Delights Cure Crate Maison Noir mix case Coda Collection subscription Eden Reforestation Projects donation Last Prisoner Project donation   FIL: widower, engineer, spotless home, not into design, kinda into fitness & cooking Blue Hill charcuterie picks Tapas the José Andrés Way Allday knife Spices: Burlap & Barrel and Diaspora Co. Omsom Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health by Gregory Gourdet & JJ Goode The Essential New York Times Cookbook: The Recipes of Record (Anniversary) Top Drawer reversible slippers Future gift certificate Andree Jardin duster and/or Saint Olio cleaning spray and room spray Engineers without Borders donation   Romantic Partners (and Former Ones)!   A NFT-obsessed new dad who wants to be a lumberjack but actually buys Aimee Leon Dore King Kennedy Rugs bag or bomber Corridor plaid shirt Drake’s check work shirt Fear of God thermal pant + henley Clark’s Wallabees Blackstock & Weber loafers Garagiste gift certificate Blockchain for Babies (to read to the kid!) Best Made axe Melanie Abrantes DIY plate set Woodworking classes: Makeville Studio in Brooklyn or LA Woodshop in L.A.   I need help with my 49-year-old, male, partner. He's a commercial architect, but is super judgey about architect stuff. He constantly scrolls Zillow and vintage car sites. He drinks bourbon, but doesn't want whisky stones and we have an excellent set of glasses. He likes luxury, but won't wear a logo ever. He loves art - folk, sculpture, modern (sometimes the weirder the better) and he created about half the pieces in our house. We live in Atlanta, watch garbage TV and eat/cook good food. Help! Cameo from garbage TV cast member announcing an experiential gift Glaze Studio matchboxes Meet Your Matches commission Pedersen + Lennard bird feeder George Jensen bottle opener or cocktail shaker The materials for a Self Assembly project Do It Yourself by Thomas Barnthaler Vinty vintage/classic car rental Banner Butter    Old soul male significant other who manages to find all the wilderness in nyc (birding in prospect park, surfing in the rockaways) in his 20s. Matuse wetsuit—or gloves or booties Merch (or sauna time or a haircut) from Almeda Club, a cute Rockaways surf shop Overnight stay in the Rockaways at The Rockaway Hotel or the vintage 1963 Shasta camper on Hipcamp Trip to Mohonk Mountain House (also does daypasses) Bose Soundlink indoor/outdoor speaker Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City by Leslie Day Donation to Laru Beya Collective Girlfriend who is super Catholic but also super woo and into crystals, energy, etc. Cool cross necklace from Pamela Love, Chan Luu, or Erica Weiner (coral, turquoise, etc.!) Spur—if there’s a crystal that means something to her, get it made into jewelry! PIA jewelry  Vintage books on herbalism Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood Golde Complete wellness and beauty kit Crockd Pottery Kit Donation to DignityUSA My ex husband who doesn't deserve a gift but we share a daughter together  Something for them to do together—tickets to a basketball game or a museum, a video game, etc.   A friend who I had a thing with (years ago) and has a jealous girlfriend Nothing! This person does not need a gift from you! If you want to win her over, something consumable for them: Westbourne snacks, Zingerman’s noodle kugel, Pizzeria Bianco pizzas, Loria Stern something, or Blackberry Farm biscuits three ways    For last year’s gift guides, head here and here.   Keep those VMs and DMs coming at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq!   Shop all of our favorite gift picks at MoMA Design Store—so much stunning stuff, and it’s 10% of now through November 24 with the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store. Escape with Dipsea’s hot ‘n heavy audio stories—you get a free 30-day trial when you use our link. Get cookin’ with Made In’s professional-grade cookware. 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Dabble in CBD with Cure Crate and take 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a treat it is to talk to one of our favorite artists, Mimi O Chun, who just mounted her first gallery show! Deeply impressive, we know. Speaking of impressive, there’s one department store that’s doing it for us lately, and we (predictably) have a lot to say about that.   Friends, a contest. Submit your best stab at a description for this podcast via voicemail to 833-632-5463, email to podcast@athingortwohq.com, or IG DM to @athingortwohq. There’s Professional Enthusiast merch in store for the winner…   The lore of the set of tires being returned to Nordstrom: It's true.   If you’re in the Phoenix area—or will be between now and January—go see Mimi O Chun’s show It’s all cake at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.    Watch this video for a taste of Mimi’s work and, dear god, please follow her on IG.   “Museum of Oat Dreams (for One)”—wowowow.    Stuffed Hipster Emblems!   Mimi’s sister Miro is an amazing ceramicist, too: Check out Miro Made This for her work.   Find a professional counselor with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link. Get moving with Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable, ethically made activewear. $25 off your first purchase of $100 or more when you use our link. Grow thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we bring you love and affection for a renowned butter sculptor, complicated feelings about baking, and some pretty sweet recipes for Q4 2021.   The retirement of the Minnesota State Fair butter sculptor, per The StarTribune! Related: the Christopher Guest-ish movie Butter.   Andy Murray and the case of the stolen tennis shoes and wedding ring that were returned.    Dorie Greenspan’s compelling argument for baking in a recent Garden & Gun interview.   Three baking cookbooks Erica loves: The Cake Bible, Cannelle Et Vanille: Nourishing, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Meal and Mood, and The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book: Uncommon Recipes.   Some baking recipes we have up our sleeves: Claudia Roden’s Orange and Almond Cake, Julia Turshen’s Afternoon Cake, Smitten Kitchen Strawberry Summer Cake, Yotam Ottolenghi’s Flourless Coconut Cake, Julia Child’s Genoa Almond Cake / Pain de Gênes (page 78 here), Emily Luchetti’s Ginger Cookies (and Emily Luchetti’s Stareos), Ovenly's Salted Peanut Butter Cookies, Dorie Greenspan's 3-Ingredient Almond Crackle Cookies, skillet cookies (with Brutus Bakeshop Miso Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough—or perhaps the Real Simple’s Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake With Coffee Ice Cream take), NYT’s Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake.   Have you made Butter Mochi? Tell us more.   Holiday recipes specifically: NYT's Bourbon Pecan Pie, Lidia Bastianich's Ricotta Cookies, Butter(nut) Balls, Heavenly Hash, Molly Yeh’s Stollen Bars, Gourmet’s Spoon Cookies, Lidia Bastianich’s Pignoli Cookies (or Grossy Pelosi’s).   Whatcha got cookin’ over there? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.   For another slice of this A Thing or Two content (every week, even), sign up for Secret Menu (and our Monday newsletter if you don’t get that already!).   Find some chill with Calm and take 40% off a premium subscription with our link. Treat your migraines with Cove. Your first month of medication is 50% off with our link. Heat things up with Made In’s professional-grade cookware. 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two content powerhouses we just can’t seem to get enough of these days: The Sesame Street crew on social media (looking at you, Count Von Count) and A.J. Daulerio in his newsletter The Small Bow and podcast Really Good Shares, both of which address recovery in really thoughtful, nuanced ways that speak to us as people who aren’t in recovery.   An Adweek story from 2010 about Sesame Street’s social-media presence when the strategy was run by Dan Lewis, the guy behind the Now I Know newsletter.   A few Sesame Street things you need to see: Count Von Count on Twitter, Big Bird x Oscar from 2018, Oscar the Grouch on #MetGala.   We’re such massive fans of A.J. Daulerio’s work—subscribe to The Small Bow! Listen to Really Good Shares!   “My Years in the Florida Shuffle of Drug Addiction” by Colton Wooten for The New Yorker.    The Really Good Shares ep with former Jezebel and Hairpin editor Emma Carmichael about a truly terrible year.   Our crossover moment: A.J.’s newsletter about Sesame Street.   Another pitch for When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön. And The Pocket Pema Chödrön, too.   If you want more of A.J.’s backstory, there’s an Esquire profile for that.   Download the Zocdoc app (for free!) and schedule a doctor’s appointment already. Take a break with Dipsea’s hot ‘n heavy audio stories—you get a free 30-day trial when you use our link. Access professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link! Move around in Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable, ethically made activewear. $25 off your first purchase of $100 or more when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wowowowow, are we grateful to our pals over at Projector, the free web-based software for collaborative design, for partnering with us on this ep to bring you—and us!—the scoop on colors, fonts, trends, and even some loose rules, ℅ a couple of our favorite designers to work with and one we aspire to work with someday. Obviously you’ll need to deep-dive into everything Colin Smight, Rachel Herzig, and Andrew Kuo after listening…   Colin Smight of Cul de Sac Studio! Relevant clickage: Collage Culture, the font foundry ABC Dinamo, Rose Los Angeles, and By Humankind.   Rachel Herzig! Relevant clickage: It’s Nice That and Jieyi Lee.   Andrew Kuo! Relevant clickage: his basketball podcast Cookies Hoops and @earlboykins2.   Get ready to fall as hard for Projector as we have. It’s basically like Google Drive for design projects, and we use it daily. You don’t need any design experience to use it, and free—to sign up, to use, all of it.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The perfection of the packaging of Clinique’s 3-Step System. The joy of convincing a dad at a drugstore that lipgloss is just a balm. The best possible name for a cow toilet, the MooLoo. Oh, what an ep we have in store for you.   Care of the Associated Press: “No bull: Scientists potty train cows to use ‘MooLoo.’” Related-ish: Oh Crap! Potty Training and the Potette.   A few beauty products from our youth that we’re interested in revisiting: Aveda Shampure (and, also Shampowder dry shampoo?!), The Body Shop’s Mango Body Butter (or perhaps Olive Body Butter), Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (which Erica still wears—and Claire wears as Superbalm), and Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue (Claire’s long-time sig scent).   Get professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link! Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Download the Zocdoc app (for free!) and schedule a doctor’s appointment already. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know what we have a lot to say about today? A lot of things, from high praise for neighborhood restaurants and actually useful apps to sharing weddings FAQs and advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office.    Behold, the Covid wedding template of our dreams: Our beloved friends & family, It's only 30 days until our wedding! We're so glad that you are coming and celebrating this special day with us.  A few announcements regarding the wedding:  Serious stuff You must be fully vaccinated to attend the event. Please send your proof of vaccination to EMAIL ADDRESS. For children and adults with underlying medical conditions preventing them from getting vaccinated, we ask that you obtain a negative PCR Covid-19 test result within 48 hours prior to the event. Your health is of utmost importance to us, and we have therefore decided to cancel ANY CHANGES TO EVENT SCHEDULE. Fun stuff X, Y, Z!   Apps worth your limited phone storage space: Weather Strip, Libby, and PictureThis (related-ish: Merlin Bird ID).    Whip up dinner with Made In’s professional-grade cookware. 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Listen to How To Do the Pot for practical advice about weed for women by women. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More all-time fave products, coming your way in today’s Thingies episode! If you want to catch up on past installments, dive right in. To kick us off, though: a word about word games.   Ladies and gentlemen, the NYT Spelling Bee.   Leon Neyfakh’s somehow-relevant Grub Street Diet.   Inkubator, crosswords by cis women, trans women, and woman-aligned constructors, and When We Cross Words to make your own crosswords.   Thingies!!! Zout, Laundress Mesh Washing Bags (related: a laundry drying rack), Kate’s Butter, Stonewall Kitchen Bloody Mary Mixer (try also: McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix), Breadblok GF bread (for glutinous bread in NYC: She Wolf Bakery Classic Batard), and Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner in Nude.   Destress with Calm and take 40% off a premium subscription with our link. Slip into Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable, ethically made activewear. $25 off your first purchase of $100 or more when you use our link. Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month with our link. Tackle migraines with Cove and take 50% off your first month of medication and get free two-day shipping with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why is it that talking about cereal and periods brings on waves of nostalgia? If you feel the same, well, please do share: 833-632-5463 or @athingortwohq.   The birth of cereal restaurants in the early aughts! See: Cereality. See now: Kith Treats.   Newish cereals worth knowing about: Magic Spoon and OffLimits.   The Nyssa VieVision Between Legs Mirror would have really changed things for us as teenagers.   A timely Ziwe tweet.   A menstrual cup to check out: Noble Cup.   Period underwear, especially useful for those last couple days: Thinx (plus Speax for bladder leak) and Karla Welch’s brand Period.   A fascinating read from Elle “Do You Really Need Your Period?” by Lauren Sampedro.    The Clue app and an interesting story from 2018 (also from Elle!) about its rise and the research potential of its data.   We’ve been getting such good voicemails! And yet we’re hungry for more! Get us at 833-632-5463.   Re: the awesome voicemail at the end of this episode about produce and condiment fridge swapping, a TikTok.   You know what you might be really into? Secret Menu.   Listen to How To Do the Pot for solid advice about weed for women by women. Find it wherever you get your podcasts! Access professional counseling with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month with our link. Use the free online graphic-design platform Projector to spiff up all kinds of stuff. Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gillian Laub’s photography makes us cry. And laugh! What we’re saying is, it’s magical, and just wait until you hear about her latest project Family Matters, a book and an exhibit exploring family (hers, specifically) in a politically divided America. Something we need to address first, though: racing hot dogs (vegan ones, specifically).   Courtesy of Eater: “PETA wants the big hot dog costumes at baseball games to be vegan, but surprise! They already are.”   Let’s please examine The Famous Racing Sausages at Milwaukee Brewers games and the racing pierogies at Pittsburgh Pirates games.   We’ll take any opportunity to give a little love to Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo.   Pick up Gillian Laub’s outrageously compelling book Family Matters! See her show at the International Center of Photography in NYC from September 24, 2021, to January 10, 2022!   For more of Gillian’s work, check out her site and IG.   More on Pop-Up Magazine, where Gillian workshopped this project.   Another relevant book that Gillian loves (um, same): Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob. Listen also: our interview with Mira about said book.   Gillian’s photos of Cindy Adams for New York mag...and her behind-the-scenes content.   Lovin’ your voicemails, friends! Keep ‘em coming at 833-632-5463.    If you’re a fan of this show and haven’t subscribed to Secret Menu...   Give Nutrafol a try for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Tune into Dipsea’s sexy audio stories—a free 30-day trial is yours when you use our link. Download the Zocdoc app (for free!) and schedule a doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Use Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test to get a handle on your fertility. It’s $20 off when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pals, it’s a friendship grab bag! We’re chatting with Katie Seaver, a deep-thinker looking for a deep friendship who placed a classified ad in our newsletter seeking one, and then we’re diving into friendship age gaps and group chat dynamics (a whole thing!).   Yes, you want to know Katie Seaver, who ran a classified ad in our newsletter that linked to a Google doc titled “Wanted: A deep + meaningful friendship in Northeast Los Angeles.” She’s also a life coach with a newsletter that touches on, yup, friendship.   Shasta Nelson’s book Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness.   A shout-out to Bumble BFF.   The story of the rude TikTok and the woman who deserved (and found) new friends.   An interview with Lakshmi Rengarajan, host of the podcast Paired by the People, about asking intentional questions on romantic or friend dates.   A timeline of Kourtney Kardashian and Addison Rae’s friendship.   “I Want What They Have, Friendship Edition: Tilda Swinton and Timothée Chalamet.”   "Why Befriending People of Different Ages is Vital in an Ageist Society" from the Sunday Riley blog.   From 2001: “GroupMe and the rise of group everything.”   Ahhh, group emails. Please see the book Hey Ladies!: The Story of 8 Best Friends, 1 Year, and Way, Way Too Many Emails.   Chris Black’s 2018 GQ piece “The Group Chat Saved My Life.”   “Sending Smiley Emojis? They Now Mean Different Things to Different People” from The Wall Street Journal.   Got friendship thoughts? Other thoughts? Share them at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.    Want more? That’s where Secret Menu comes in.   Make stunning digital stuff with the free online graphic-design platform Projector. Tune into How To Do the Pot for practical advice about weed for women by women. Do your nails—and well—with Olive & June's Mani System and take 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get dreamy, chill waves with Conair’s Double Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That’s right: today’s ep is a real grab bag, and we imagine you have thoughts? Share them! At @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463! If this is exactly the kind of content you’re in the market for, Secret Menu will be up your alley, too.   The full Nalata Nalata ecomm experience! The Our Story page, the Welcome to Our New Website statement, and every single one of the product descriptions.   Our favorite L.A. store in the Nalata Nalata vein: Tortoise General Store.   Shout-out to St. Louis Tag Co., world’s greatest maker of hang tags.   Two anti-fridgers: Sophia Roe and Molly McAleer. To make produce storage more complicated: The Kitchn’s Guide to Storing Fruits and Vegetables.   One hair product: Hairstory New Wash.    Two long-hair heroes: Crystal Gayle and Totally Hair Barbie.    A great NYC barber: Neighborhood Barbers.   Give BetterHelp a go for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link. Use Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test to get a handle on your fertility. It’s $20 off when you use our link. Clear your head with Calm and take 40% off a premium subscription with our link. Tackle migraines with Cove. Your first month of medication is 50% off with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In which we reveal that our ideal meal might involve grilled oysters, McDonald’s fries, and a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Hey, they’re all tastes of summer, ok?   A case for oysters from Well+Good: “The More Oysters You Eat, the Better the Oceans Get”    An oyster-heavy cookbook: Mosquito Supper Club: Cajun Recipes from a Disappearing Bayou.   Erica has low-key shucking gloves from Little Creek Oysters in Greenport on the North Fork of Long Island (a lovely place to learn to shuck if you’re in the neck of the woods).   Grilled oysters! A revelation! Hama Hama has a great guide and sells “grillers.” Eat ‘em with this NYT hot-sauce butter recipe.   We do need you to know about the copywriting happening over at Long John Silver’s.   The original Arby’s sign! And Rolando Pujol’s whole Instagram account, really.   “Letter of Recommendation: Why the Filet-O-Fish Is My Gold Standard for Fast Food”   Eater on the rise and fall of the Arch Deluxe.   The late Roger Ebert on his love of Steak 'n Shake (and David Letterman’s too).   Learn about your body with Base and take 20% off of your first month of membership with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try the free online graphic-design platform Projector (that we use most days). Listen to How To Do the Pot for practical advice about weed for women by women. Get unfussy hair with Conair’s Double Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you show up for your people when they’ve grieving, dealing with loss, and/or just generally going through a really shitty time? What a genuine joy it was to talk about this with Nora McInerny, whose podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking you obviously know (right?). And first: some JIC gifts.   In case of emergency gifts for grown-ups: consumables (candles, condiments, beauty products!). For babies: Lewis swaddles and Sophies. For kids: Twee chalk, Sunprint Kits, and Omy coloring posters.   Dig into everything Nora McInerny puts out into the world, including the tremendous podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking and her books It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too), No Happy Endings, and Hot Young Widows Club (and created a Facebook grief support group of the same name).   The NYT piece on the sex educator Justine Ang Fonte and the platinum rule.   The Ring Theory, which we really buy into and talk about a lot!    A Kids Book about Empathy...that’s potentially useful for adults, too.   Friends, this TikTok series from Carly Aquilino on Y2K fashion.   We really want to hear your friend-supporting thoughts. Share them at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.    So much more where this came from at Secret Menu.   Download the *free* Zocdoc app and schedule a doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get professional counseling with BetterHelp take 10% off your first month with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing the chair and half! And reintroducing the greatest city in the world, New York! We’ve brought our enthusiasm, friends, and we’re hoping you’ll join us.   Claire’s dream chair and a half is from Maker & Son. Erica’s dream stool coat rack is by Guillen Ferran for Casa Constante (two others worth knowin’ about from Umbra and Room & Board, too).    SinkPositive!!!   Ann Friedman’s newsletter about NYC energy.   NYC’s Thai restaurant renaissance! Nuaa Table, Fish Cheeks, Thai Diner, to name just a few.   The New York Post on “‘6 P.M. Is the New 8 P.M.’: Why Early-Bird Dining Is Here to Stay.”   The genius New York mag nightlife newsletter are u coming? by Brock Colyar.    More on the TikTok phenom Tinx.   Get excited to cook again with Made In’s professional-grade cookware—15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Tune into How To Do the Pot for practical advice about weed for women by women. Wherever you get your podcasts! Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov. Look to American Giant’s Premium Slub Tees for T-shirts that last ‘n last and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we wrap up vacation? How do we shop for clothes on the internet? Well!    The Atlantic also says you should come home from vacation a day early in this piece about 8 rules for a happy vacation.    Hit us with your online shopping hacks at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. And get more of ours from Secret Menu.   Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov. Learn about your body with Base and take 20% off of your first month of membership with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get good at doing your nails with Olive & June's tremendous Mani System and take 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try BetterHelp for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever had questions about our (19 years of!) friendship, wade on into this episode, which was sparked by the heartwarmingly genius Summer of Friendship series from Call Your Girlfriend. And if you’ve ever wondered about our thoughts on making The Idea of You book into a movie...well, that too!   More on The Idea of You’s rabid following ℅ Michelle Ruiz for Vogue.   People, watch Friends with Kids! Somehow related: It was Patrick Dempsey who was (at one point) married to the makeup artist, Jillian Fink.   Do you want access to TIOY Facebook group? Have at it.   The author Robinne Lee cites her original inspiration for Solene as Leticia Herrera, the founder of Casa Tua hotels.   Jenna Wortham’s New York Times Magazine piece about the movie Zola and recasting pressure via Twitter.   Tune into the Summer of Friendship eps of Call Your Girlfriend! Our chat about our relationship is part of that joyful series.   Send all of your thoughts and feelings to @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. We’ll send you more of ours if you sign up for Secret Menu.   Try Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test to get a handle on your fertility. It’s $20 off when you use our link. Heat things up with Made In’s professional-grade cookware—15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Turn to BetterHelp for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link. Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many questions do we have for Lola Priego, the founder of the innovative at-home lab-testing company Base? So many that we partnered with the company to bring you all this ep and to get a better understanding of how the medical sector is evolving, the common findings the Base team is seeing in tests, and what factors that might be contributing to bleh energy, sex drive, and sleep—you know, those weirdly hard-to-solve health gripes. Also, re: ZZZs: Let’s kick things off with a talk about pajama habits, shall we??   A Base membership starts at $59.95 per month, and right now, you can get 20% off of your first month of membership with the code ATHINGORTWO.   This Base quiz could prove very useful, whether you opt to join or not.   Call us! Add 833-632-5463 to your contacts, even?   Get more intel about your body with Base and take 20% off of your first month of membership with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One thing we’re newly obsessed with: the wide, weird world of FamousBirthdays.com. Nine finds we’re oldly obsessed with and very ready to discuss: Welcome to the latest installment of Thingies, our unstoppable, un-top-able category faves.   Do you know FamousBirthdays.com? Do you know Courier magazine?! Well, there’s a great story about the former in the latter.   Today’s Thingies!!! New Skin Liquid Bandage, Chef’s Choice Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener, Temp Tee Whipped Cream Cheese, D.S. & Durga Auto Fragrances (sold as a set too—and, related, ones from P. F. Candle Co.), Norma Kamali Super Low Back Mio, Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone Coverups, Nailtiques Formula 2, Jade Yoga Harmony Mat, and (bonus?) Bug Bite Thing (plus, somehow related, Oh Crap! Potty Training).      Previous Thingies eps one and two should you want to catch up.   KIT at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463, and sign up for Secret Menu if you want more, more, more.   Try Olive & June's tremendous Mani System and take 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Download the Zocdoc app (for free) and schedule a doctor’s appointment—it’s time. Give Nutrafol a shot for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Pack American Giant’s Classic Full Zip Hoodie for any of your summer travel—15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you ready to be charmed? Great, because today we’re discussing baby hummingbirds and hanging with Lauren Chan, who’s a size-inclusive fashion advocate, a model, and the founder-slash-CEO of Henning, which makes luxury, oh-so-cool womenswear in sizes 12 to 24. Soon, she’ll be a TikTok star, too—we have no doubt.   Related to Erica’s How to Do Nothing-esque baby hummingbird *experience*: this glorious Jamie Beck ridiculousness, the Minnesota State Fair’s CHS Miracle of Birth Center, this Travel + Leisure story “The World's Best Places to See Baby Animals,” David Schwimmer on Marcel the monkey, and a taste of hummingbird TikTok.   Shop Lauren Chan’s line Henning! Follow her on Instagram!   Other fashion companies that Lauren admires: Wray, Tamara Malas, Eileen Fisher, and Mara Hoffman.   What’s Lauren wearing? So glad you asked. For jeans and jorts, Citizens of Humanity (in size 33) and Agolde (in size 33 or 34). Speaking of shorts: Henning bike shorts, Aerie sweat shorts, and WSLY nylon shorts from Bandier. Up top: nostalgic T-shirts from Poshmark and flowy button-downs from Poshmark and her love, The RealReal.    Her home go-tos (see also: this Domino feature styled by Elaina Sullivan): Chairish, Saatchi Art, and Craigslist.   Get to the bottom of persistent health issues with Base—save 20% off of your first month of membership with the code ATHINGORTWO. Take 20% off Olive & June's game-changing Mani System with the code ATHINGORTWO. Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov. Try out Made In’s professional-grade cookware for 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To anyone who’s asked “Um, can y’all dig deeper into CBD?” and/or “Does that stuff actually work?” we bring you an episode full of (extremely interesting!) nitty-grittiness on cannabinoids. We’ve partnered with the impressive team over at Caliper for this conversation with our old pal Jeremy Goldstein to talk science, credibility, regulation, and, yes, hype. If this has you itching to try Caliper, use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your first order.   More on drug-sniffing K-9 retirees.   Deeper-dives into how Caliper approaches regulation and clinical trials.    If you’re interested in the microdose THC company Jeremy and his co-founder Justin Singer started first, check out the line of Ripple products.   20% off your first Caliper order with the code ATHINGORTWO!    You know we love a voicemail, right? And you know you can get us at 833-632-5463, right?   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What would we register for if we were getting married sometime soon? What would we buy if we just really wanted a tablecloth or new drinking glasses? Oh, we have thoughts. And, speaking of wish lists, how exactly do we get our hands on Flea’s Bees honey from the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist?   For more on Flea (because who doesn’t want more on Flea?): Dave Grohl’s doc What Drives Us, this GQ article about his relationship with the streetwear designer Melody Ehsani, his memoir Acid for the Children, a video of him playing guitar with Koko, a really moving essay for TIME about his opioid addiction, the org he started Silverlake Conservatory of Music, and, finally, Flea’s Bees. Also, of course, his Instagram and Twitter.   Picks for wedding registries—and just, like, living our best dining lives—coming right up! For the master, master list, sign up for Secret Menu and dive on in.   Flatware: Almoco Flatware, Mono Ring Cutlery, Sabre Bistrot Flatware, and Georg Jensen New York.   Dishes: Heath Ceramics, Dansk, Jono Pandolfi, and Pomelo Casa.   Cloth napkins, tablecloths, and placemats: Society of Wanderers, Lewis, Thompson Street Studio, and Ames for Goodee.   Wine glasses: Fferrone and Estelle Colored Glass.   Drinking glasses: Borosil Simple Glass Tumblers, Bormioli Rocco Stackable Bodega Glasses, and Duralex Picardie Glasses in clear or color or with the carafe.   Cutting and serving boards: Farmhouse Pottery Dipped Clay Plate, Fort Standard Walnut Plank, and Le Regal French Oak Serving Boards.   You know we want to hear from you. Get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.    For our baby registry ep, head here.    Secret Menu members can get access to the wedding-registry deep-dive over here.   Try BetterHelp for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link. Listen to Dipsea’s sexy audio stories—a free 30-day trial is yours when you use our link. Get a quote for term life insurance from Haven Life. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Longtime hero and first-time guest Atoosa Rubenstein is our plus-one today, and, whoa, is she delivering SO MUCH wisdom—you know, exactly the sort of stuff she was known for as the editor of CosmoGIRL! And Seventeen, but now built for adults. (Related: You’ve gotta sign up for her newsletter Atoosa Unedited.) Before we get into it, though, we need to talk about a term that’s as useful as it is aspirational: public affluence.   Public affluence further reading: “Every Child on Their Own Trampoline” by Jeremy Williams and the 1958 book The Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith.   More on the Buy Nothing Project. See also: this post and this one from Reading My Tea Leaves.    Sign up for Atoosa Unedited, Atoosa Rubenstein’s newsletter—you want in on this!—and read the breakup installment we reference. Oh, follow the Atoosa Unedited Instagram, too.   Tiny, baby Erica interviewing Atoosa in 2004 for Roadtrip Nation.   Some Atoosa go-tos: It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn, Goop, Armchair Expert, SmartLess, Tara Brach, and Page Six.   Direct your feedback to @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.    Um, are you signed up for Secret Menu?!   Download the (free!) Zocdoc app and schedule the doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Get a handle on your fertility with Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test. It’s $20 off when you use our link. Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s testing central ‘round these parts. First, we dig into snacks (and fall hard for a fancy GF pop-tart comp), and then Claire shares the beauty products that have won her over recently. Obviously both sunless tanner and deep conditioner make a showing.   What are we munching? Well! Wild Fruits Jam Tarts, 12tides Puffed Kelp Chips, and Pipcorn Jalapeño Cheddar Crunchies, since you asked.   Claire’s latest hair favorites: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask Deep Conditioner, Hairstory New Wash, Christophe Robin Brightening Shampoo, and Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Massager.   Her new go-to skin stuff: Muri Lelu Mauvaise Herbe Indica Oil, Sunday Riley Good Genes, Consonant Hydrextreme Sheet Mask, St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, Tata Harper Creme Riche Moisturizer, and Diana Ralys Melt Away Oil Cleanser.   And two make-up things that made the cut: Artis Brush (Oval 6) and KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner.   Send your thoughts on any ‘n all of this to @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. For a whole lot more where this came from, check out Secret Menu.   Get away with Dipsea’s sexy audio stories—a free 30-day trial is yours when you use our link. Scope out the online life insurance agency Haven Life and get a quote. Achieve supreme comfiness with American Giant’s Classic Full Zip Hoodie and take 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feel that cross-breeze? Hard for us to tell if it’s fresh air or creative energy, to be honest. But much more on both ahead...   The opening the windows tweet that really spoke to us both.   The fan Claire recently, aspirationally acquired: this Zonix one in white.   You know Secret Menu? Because you should.   For some context around our creativity check-in, dive into our perfectionism ep (and maybe Big Magic?).   This NYT piece on future block!   Mary H.K. Choi inspired Erica’s writing approach, and Gina Hamadey and her new book I Want to Thank You helped shape Claire’s sketching routine.   Keep the feedback coming! @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.   Better understand your fertility with Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test—it’s $20 off when you use our link. Get a quote from Haven Life, the online life insurance agency that’s all about ease. Look to BetterHelp for professional counseling and snag 10% off your first month when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve been thinking more about your meat and/or alcohol consumption—or would like to—pull up a chair and dig in. And, as always, feel free to drop us voicemail at 833-632-5463. Hungry for your thoughts.   Our less-meat news items: Epicurious on not publishing any (new) recipes with beef, Eleven Madison Park’s return with a vegan menu, and Taco Bell’s Cravetarian Taco.    One interesting beef source: Butter Meat Co.   Us-approved meat alts, should you want ‘em: Impossible (burgers with Omsom marinades, Helen Rosner’s Roberto soup, hard-shell tacos with Spicewalla seasonings), Trader Joe’s soy chorizo (for tacos, eggs, pastas with chickpeas!), and Lightlife Smart Deli Bologna for sandwiches.   The MSG essay by Shaad D'Souza (from Bon Appétit, not Eater—oops). Related: @know_msg, Red Boat salt, and Momofuku tamari.   The book name-checked by Chrissy Teigen about women + sobriety: Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker, founder of the recovery program Tempest.   A great installment of the Quartz Obsessions newsletter about sober-curiosity.   Your feedback: more than welcome. Get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.   Secret’s out on how great our Secret Menu membership is.   Give Nutrafol a go for thicker, healthier hair. 20% off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just a podcast ep featuring two old pals: Miffy, chic cartoon rabbit, and Amanda Hesser, icon, inspiration, and co-founder of Food52, the site you’ve (we’ve) visited just a few thousand times.   First, some Miffy merch: this light that Erica and Cam own, these napkins, this corduroy stuffed animal, and this Converse collab.    A 2008 Daily Telegraph profile of Dick Bruna, the creator of Miffy.   The rumored Taylor Swift and Katy Perry collaboration.   Our Amanda Hesser fandom runs deep! We love all things Food52, of course, but we’ve been A.H. diehards since we read Cooking for Mr. Latte in the early aughts.   A few Amanda kitchen recs: Bien Cuit sourdough starter, Ortwo pepper grinder, and JK Adams two-tiered lazy susan.   The go-to recipe when Amanda’s kids are cooking: Zuni's Pasta with Preserved Tuna.   For deep-diving on Amanda and her co-founder Merrill Stubbs, check out our book Work Wife, and for more on Amanda’s backstory and business approach, check out this recent ep of How I Built This.   We love to hear from you, always. You can get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.   For more insidery-ness from us, check out Secret Menu.   Download the (free!) Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment—now’s the time. Escape with Dipsea’s hot ‘n heavy audio stories—you get a free 30-day trial when you use our link. Try out professional counseling with BetterHelp and snag 10% off your first month when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Less running around to meetings, more running routines! If this ep had a mantra, that would be it.   Other running and running-adjacent content: the C25K app, our podcast ep with Coach Bennett, Edith Zimmerman’s Drawing Links newsletter, and Nikki Ogunnaike and Aminatou Sow on IG.   Some “things we’re over” further reading: A BBC article on air travel + the environment, a tweet about overscheduled days, and a NYT article about disability and virtual accommodations.    We want/need your thoughts at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463! And, if you want more of our thoughts—on running and plenty more—come get ‘em at Secret Menu.   Try Right Wellness and CBN, the latest transformative hemp ingredient. Get 20% off with the code RIGHTFORYOU. Take Modern Fertility’s fertility test for $20 off when you use our link. Cozy up to American Giant’s Classic Full Zip Hoodie—15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has perfectionism jumped the shark? And how do we remember names when we start meeting new people again?! Clearly, we have a lot of questions (and some answers).   If you like this, you’ll probably really like Secret Menu.   A couple books that made us ponder perfectionism: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi, and Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu.   Related convos: our ambition ep, this episode of Jam Session, and the Wit & Delight posts here and here.   Come and get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463!    Download the (free!) Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Check out Right Wellness and CBN, the latest transformative hemp ingredient. Get 20% off with the code RIGHTFORYOU. Turn to Ana Luisa for sustainable and cool jewelry for Mother’s Day. Get 15% off with the code ATHINGORTWOMD. Tune into The Genius Recipe Tapes from Food52 wherever you get your podcasts. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we can all go out in the world again, will we be getting dressed up? And what will “dressed up” even mean?! Oh, do we have questions—and some answers—about re-entry fashion...and also about kombucha titan GT Dave.   A hot topic, apparently: GT Dave of GT’s Kombucha.   A few shoe lines that have us ready to set aside our Birkenstocks for a minute: Alepel, Kkerelé, and Emme Parsons.   If you’re ready to dabble in hard pants after some time away, Claire loves these AYR jeans.   The centerpiece of Erica’s spring/summer mood board: this Marni tulip-print matching set.   Let’s gush for a sec about the statement-y jewelry from Lizzie Fortunato’s fall collection.   Are we doing bold eye makeup? Like this Violette liquid shadow and Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner?   How are YOU gonna be dressing? Tell at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.    For a whole lot more from us, sign up for Secret Menu.   Check out Right Wellness and CBN, the latest transformative hemp ingredient. Get 20% off with the code RIGHTFORYOU. Shop sustainable and cool Ana Luisa jewelry for 15% off with the code ATHINGORTWOMD. Try Nutrafol to grow thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Tune into the Women Who Travel podcast from Condé Nast Traveler (oh, how we aspire to be women who travel again!). YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve got Mateo Askaripour, author of the extremely buzzy novel Black Buck, with us today—and, hey, we also showed up with our best going-away gift ideas for a stellar boss who perhaps deserves a travel mug thingy emblazoned with his catchphrase.   Gifting Q: Boss going-away gift. Best boss I ever had. Mentor. Mid-fifties. Male. Already gave booze. Our thoughts: Leatherology modern round coaster set, custom Yeti bottle, knives from Opinel or Laguiole, Souda business card holder, or flowers (always).   You gotta read Mateo Askaripour’s debut novel Black Buck! Tell you what!   Sales books that got Mateo started: Jeffrey Gitomer’s The Little Red Book of Selling and Sales Bible.    Books Mateo would say are in conversation with his own: The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee, The Sellout by Paul Beatty, and Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thompson-Spires.   We want your thoughts over at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. If you want more from us, sign up for Secret Menu.   Slather on COOLA’s sunscreen and organic skincare, both. They’re 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try Right Wellness for the latest transformative hemp ingredient, CBN, and take 20% off with the code RIGHTFORYOU. Munch on Lesser Evil’s incredible snacks and get 25% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Take Modern Fertility’s fertility test for $20 off when you use our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know what’s a grab bag? An episode on nineties screensavers, long breakfasts, box cutters, and recipes we’re embarrassed to share. Join us!   Just a short film of 281 After Dark modules and a very timely tweet.   The tools we wear by: box cutters, measuring tapes (see also: this ep of Gee Thanks, Just Bought It), kitchen scales (the Joseph Joseph TriScale one specifically), dough scrapers, kitchen spiders, and fish spatulas.   Claire’s (embarrassing) buffalo chicken chowder, her favorite coconut yogurt Cocojune, and the bfast tacos she wants to try.   We welcome—cherish!—your feedback. Send it on over to @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. Or leave us a review! OOH, and sign up for Secret Menu.   Gobble up Lesser Evil’s A++ snacks. 25% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Shop Ana Luisa for sustainable and v. cool jewelry, and get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Check out Right Wellness for the latest transformative hemp ingredient, CBN, and take 20% off with the code RIGHTFORYOU. Try COOLA for sunscreen and organic skincare, both. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not to get ahead of ourselves, but, well, we’re totally getting ahead of ourselves: Is anyone else a little clenchy about having social lives again...sometime soon? Another topic of discussion: the beauty products Erica has on rotation—top threes instead of HGs!—from sunscreens to deep conditioners.   “Late-Stage Pandemic Is Messing With Your Brain”—or ours, at least.   The energy we’re seeking: John Jannuzzi’s dance compilation videos.   Sunscreens: Coola Sun Silk Drops, EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum (related: a must-see trophy room), and Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint.   Body moisturizers: Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil (related: this ep of The Glossy Beauty Podcast), Weleda Skin Food Body Butter, and classic ol’ coconut oil.   Deep conditioners: IGK Offline 3-Minute Hydration Hair Mask (a Harling Ross rec) and Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil (while doing the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask).   Nail things: the Bare Hands kit and Olive & June polishes (EC, CV, and SC) along with the Poppy.   We’re here for your thoughts on socializing, personal-caring, and anything else at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.   Are you signed up for Secret Menu?   Discover a new restaurant on Caviar and get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO2021. Wake up your face with Clarins Total Eye Lift. It’s 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that we won’t shut up about romance novels? Well, this week we’re chatting it up with Talia Hibbert, one of our favorite writers of the genre, about telling diverse stories, shaping conversations about consent, and writing good sex. But first: Does Erica have too many coffee devices? You be the judge.   The coffeemakers in Erica’s rotation: Bodum French press, Nespresso Pixie (with Woken pods—but Nespresso ones are recyclable in NYC now. See also from the NYT on recycling legislation!), Gemini Espresso Maker (or a single-serving alt from GSI), and Copper Cow Coffee pour-overs.    DM, email, or call us!! At @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.   We’re all about Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters trilogy: Get a Life, Chloe Brown (her first traditionally published book), Take a Hint, Dani Brown, and Act Your Age, Eve Brown. Here for more, more, more of her writing.     To dive into the conversation around the lack of representation in the romance-novel world: this NYT article, this initiative and reporting from The Ripped Bodice, and a big blow-up re: Romance Writers of America (who were accused of racism) last year.   Other romance recs from Talia: Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series, Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers, the upcoming Kennedy Ryan release Reel, the work of KJ Charles, A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley and its next installment, and The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri.     One movie romance rec: the latest Emma adaptation—pretty and funny, both!    More recs coming your way over at Secret Menu…   Try all the Lesser Evil snacks—you won’t be disappointed. 25% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Perk up your face! Get 10% off with purchase of Clarins Total Eye Lift—using the code ATHINGORTWO. Find clothes you’ll love to wear with Stitch Fix and use our link for 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What bras, tahini, and shaving cream do we swear by? WELL! You’ve come to the right place. Before we get into our Thingies winners: a discussion of the absolute insanity of sprinkles in 2021.    We want to hear from you! You can get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.   Some sprinkles context: a 2016 NYT funfetti article and the 2019 The Power of Sprinkles: A Cake Book by the Founder of Flour Shop.   Some sprinkles resources: Sweets Indeed Sprinklefetti (lightning bolts!), Supernatural (Field Day!), Fancy Sprinkles (Hey Jude—lolz!), Williams Sonoma Sprinkles, 1985, and Cakes by Kristi (Chips n' Guac Sprinkle Mix AND Poker Face) and Etsy just in general.    Round two Thingies winners!!! Negative Underwear non-wire bras (specifically in sieve mesh) and Chantelle underwire demi bras (read also: this rave from The Cut), Soom tahini (more on this podcast ep), Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody, RiseWell toothpaste, Gossamer CBD Dusk and Dawn (tune into this pod ep), Cremo shave cream, the prescription delivery service Capsule, Holy Schmitt’s horseradish (try the cocktail sauce and/or horseradish mustard, too), and the Thermapen Mk4.    For the inaugural Thingies recipients, head this way.   If you’re a super-fan of this podcast, Secret Menu is just for you.   Scoop up COOLA’s sunscreen and organic skincare. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get a quick boost with Clarins Total Eye Lift—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Shop Imperfect Foods and get 20% off your first order and free shipping with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try Function of Beauty for custom, just-for-you haircare and body care. Use our link for 20% off your order. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Something we’re quite sure of: what makes a good in-app workout instructor. Something we’re quite unsure about: what our thirties are meant to look like in this day ‘n age. Kayleen Schaefer has many, many thoughts on the latter. Tune in and then dig into her new book But You’re Still So Young (yes, incredible title).   The on-demand fitness instructors who leap over the ridiculously high bar we’ve set: Melissa Wood of Melissa Wood Health, Coach Chris Bennett of the Nike Run Club app (a previous podcast guest!), Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene (see also: this NYT Mag profile and this Reductress post about Benji the dog), and Robin Arzon and Matty Maggiacomo of the Peloton app.   Read Kayleen Schaefer’s wonderful But You’re Still So Young! And if you haven’t already gobbled up Text Me When You Get Home, maybe it’s your next book-club pick?   A few of Kayleen’s “You May Also Like” recs: The New Better Off by Courtney E. Martin, Anne Helen Petersen’s Buzzfeed piece on burnout and her book Can’t Even, and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (also endorsed by Bad on Paper).   Joining Secret Menu is a sure-fire way to make sure you get all our biggest and best finds.   KIT at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463, ok?   Dab on that Clarins Total Eye Lift for a boost in 60 seconds—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get custom, just-for-you shampoo, conditioner, and so much more with Function of Beauty. Use our link for 20% off your order. Download the Caviar app! You’ll get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO2021. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breaking news: Erica is still not having kids—but she does have some fresh thoughts on the subject, especially as many of her pals tackle parenthood. And! If you’d like a shot before your chaser, let us tell you all about The Roommate, porny and praise-worthy.    Ooh, do we have so much more to share. If you want in on that, perhaps you’re interested in joining Secret Menu. If you need some STEAM, get yourself a copy of The Roommate by Rosie Dannan (and it’s spinoff The Intimacy Experiment, out in April).   Relevant having-kids eps of this very podcast: Our original “On Choosing—and Not Choosing—Motherhood” convo and Claire’s take on new mom life and motherhood, one year in.   The piece Erica wrote for Refinery29 about deciding not to have kids and the one Grace Atwood wrote for her site The Stripe.   The installment of Anne Helen Petersen’s Culture Study newsletter that we reference (so good in general, this newsletter).   Our DMs, inboxes, and voicemail boxes are open: @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463!   Pat on Clarins Total Eye Lift for a boost in 60 seconds—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Flex your creativity muscles with Skillshare and sign up for a free trial of their Premium Membership. Try Stitch Fix to find clothes you’ll love to wear. Use our link for 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re not already a devotee of Julia Turshen and her cookbooks—her latest, Simply Julia, is out next week!—well, consider this your initiation into the fan club. We’re talking with her about “healthy” and “comfort”—loaded food words, for certain!—and because we’re geniuses who knew this topic would make us hungry, we’re starting things off with a snack taste test.   Ready for our chip chat? We’re chomping on Annie Chun’s Seaweed Crisps Go-Chu-Jang (perhaps with this miso dip), Beanfields Vegan Cracklins Chile Limón (not to be confused with Snacklins), and Lesser Evil Power Curls Fiery Hot (see also: its Paleo Puff cousin).   Julia Turshen’s cookbooks—collect ‘em all: Simply Julia (her new hit), Small Victories, Now & Again, and Feed the Resistance. She’s also co-written gems like In Bibi’s Kitchen, with Hawa Hassan, and The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, with Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez.   Dive into her Equity at the Table database project and her Keep Calm and Cook On podcast, too.   A few of Julia’s favorite people in food: Mavis-Jay Sanders and Sicily Sierra Johnson, who run Food + People, Pati Jinich, who hosts the PBS cooking show Pati’s Mexican Table, and Yewande Komolafe, whose recipes Julia trusts always.   Keep in touch! You can get us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Try COOLA for sunscreen and, now, organic skincare. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Design something stand-out with Projector. It’s free to sign up and use! Download Best Fiends for free today from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Look into Upstart to tackle your credit and see if you can lower your monthly payments. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a pleasure it is to bring you all Dr. Ben Michaelis, who we think of as ⅓ management coach, ⅓ therapist, and ⅓ couples counselor (at least in our case). We’ve been seeing this guy—together!—for five-ish years, and he’s helped us to navigate much in our lives, professional and personal. Speaking of navigating, we’re kicking-off the episode by answering an age-old question: “What sort of thank-you gift do I get my snake-sitter?!”    Oooh, boy, did we get a good gifting request: “Thank you for your friend who fed your pet snake weekly for 6 weeks. They like Phish.” Here’s where we landed: Fishman Donut Round Jigsaw Puzzle, Island Bamboo spoon sets and salt cellars, Na Nin incense cones, Boy Smells Kush candle, Debbie Carlos Curl Pipe (from Tetra), Edie Parker Flower stash case, Areaware Snake Block, Lorien Stern snake wall-hanging ceramic or plush snake sculpture (or bucket hat or hoodie), Ferm Living Mr. Snake cushion or fruiticana snake, Chen Chen and Kai Williams serpent lighter keychain, and Willa Heart snake prints and placemats.   Here’s that snake opening a door video you were hoping for.   Check out more on Dr. Ben Michaelis and his work and dig into his book Your Next Big Thing: Ten Small Steps to Get Moving and Get Happy.   Try COOLA, your go-to for sunscreen and organic skincare. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Cut down on food waste with Imperfect Foods and get 20% off your first order and free shipping with the code ATHINGORTWO. Customize your shampoo, conditioner, and so much more with Function of Beauty. Use our link for 20% off your order. Download the Caviar app and get $10 off your food order of $20 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What an educational ep: Erica teaches Claire about Craigslist scams, and Claire schools Erica on the wild, wild world of baby registries. (Can you want a leopard-print carrier and not an infant??)   You want more? We got more! It’s called Secret Menu, friends, and signing up will get access to Claire’s baby-registry, er, motherload.   That cashier’s check Craigslist scam!! Vox has an excellent explainer “Why Cashier’s Checks Are Part of So Many Online Scams," and there’s a WalletHub guide to various cashier’s check scams and where to report them.   Consider donating to organizations like the National Diaper Bank Network or National Birth Equity Collaborative if you have the resources to be very persnickety about your baby registry.   Baby chairs and other places to put little people: BabyBjörn Bouncer (and its design-y comp: Betón Baby Bouncer), Charlie Crane Levo Rocker, Askr & Embla Sleep Pod (a prettier Dock-a-Tot), and Boppy with a custom cover (related: My Brest Friend).   Sleeping solutions: The Snoo (you can rent them!), Moses baskets (like one from Kind Label in a Jolly Jumper stand), cribs like the Ikea Sniglar or the Babyletto Hudson or ones from Nestig or the (very fancy) Kalon Caravan, and pack ‘n plays from Guava Lotus or Graco or BabyBjörn.   Baby carriers: Colugo Carrier, Sakura Bloom Ring Sling (an alt to a Solly Baby Wrap), BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini, and the very fashion-y Artipoppe.   Secret Menu members can get access to the full baby-reg rundown over here.   Ok, tell us what you think about everything at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Make something design-y with Projector. It’s free to sign up and use! Try COOLA and its wonderful new Organic Skincare line—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Consider Upstart to tackle your credit and see if you can lower your monthly payments. Look to Stitch Fix to find clothes you’ll love to wear. Use our link for 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix. Up your snacking with Pipcorn. Use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off some of our faves. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The two of us think and talk a lot about ~the state of media~, and we figured it was about time we discussed it with a genuine expert. Enter stage left: the thoughtful and incredibly incisive Delia Cai, who writes the newsletter we always open Deez Links (and is a growth and trends editor at BuzzFeed by day—so clearly she’s on top of all the things.) We also figured it was ‘bout time to discuss Claire’s experience with Whole30, at least as it relates to their insurrection content.   You can find the Whole30 insurrection statement right over here (the Jan. 7 post).   The BuzzFeed article titled “The Small-Town America I Love Is The One I See At Football Games” that first led Erica to Delia (shout-out Dunlap High School—go eagles!).   You gotta, gotta sign for Delia’s newsletter Deez Links if you care about media (or good TikToks) at all. An adjacent, relevant newsletter: Today in Tabs.   For more on Substack, dive into Clio Chang’s “The Substackerati” piece for CJR (and its discussion of Patrice Peck’s Coronavirus News for Black Folks newletter) as well as Anna Wiener’s “Is Substack the Media Future We Want?” for The New Yorker.   Writers Delia always reads: Taylor Lorenz, Doreen St. Félix, and Hua Hsu.   Two Deez Links installments we discuss: Delia's piece about a profile of Nick Quah and Hot Pod and a very LOLZy one about fantasy media men beefs.   You know about Secret Menu, yah? And how to get your feedback to us? That’s 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Give COOLA and its excellent new Organic Skincare line a go and take 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Play Best Fiends today—you can download it for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Get creative with Skillshare and sign up for a free trial of their Premium Membership. Design something cool with Projector. It’s totally free to sign up. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To answer the question of many a comedy-club promoter in Times Square: Yes, we do love to laugh. And one sure-fire way to get us howling is reading anything written by R. Eric Thomas—or chatting with the man himself, turns out. But up first: some toddler funny business.   A few toddler-relevant pieces of content: Bunheads by Misty Copeland, PBS’s Remarkable Rabbits, and No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.   Please consume all the R. Eric Thomas you can! His memoir Here for It and the book he co-authored with Helena Andrews-Dyer about Maxine Waters, Reclaiming Her Time! His wonderful newsletter! All the past installments of his Elle.com column “Eric Reads the News!” (And stay tuned for much more, obviously.)   Some of Eric’s memorist icons: David Rakoff (Fraud specifically), David Sedaris (see also: this Hugh Hamrick profile), Samantha Irby, and John Paul Brammer and his forthcoming book Hola Papi.   What pop culture Eric’s consumed recently: Umbrella Academy, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw, Broadcast News, When Harry Met Sally (related: The Rewatchables podcast), Bridgerton, Veep, What We Do in the Shadows, The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans, and Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Claire and Erica would like to talk about Gremlins and Erin Brockovich also.   It’s no secret that you’d really like Secret Menu. And it’s no secret that we love your feedback: 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Give the so-good Sweaty Betty Power Legging go and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try COOLA’s excellent new Organic Skincare line and get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Gobble up Sakara’s healthy ‘n delicious meals and feel great. 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Customize your hair, skin, and body products with Function of Beauty. Use our link for 20% off your order. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are nothing if not (professional) enthusiasts, and we figured it was ‘bout time that we shared some products we think are best in category—from brow pencils to baby bouncers, dental floss to pasta. Join us for the Thingies! In the future, we hope our awards programming includes a red-carpet pre-show.   Give us that feedback—we know you have it. 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    So many more recs available over at Secret Menu!    Welks!!!!! What Urban Dictionary and Mindy Kaling have to contribute.   The divisive Danny Meyer tweet about Häagen-Dazs vanilla. (Sir did write the book Setting the Table that we like a lot.)   The Grub Street bucatini shortage article by Rachel Handler—the sort of coverage HDVB deserves.   The inaugural Thingies winners!!! Hellman’s, Heinz, HDVB (duh, duh, duh). The Stutterheim raincoat. Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss. BabyBjörn bouncer. Marvy Uchida Le Pen. Uniqlo HeatTech (the regular and ultra-warm leggings, the turtlenecks). Sania’s Brow Bar pencil (and service!). Garofalo gluten-free pasta (casarecce specifically). Feetures running socks. Artifact Uprising (see: the baby board book, the layflat photo album, the baby book). Soapwalla deodorant (original or sensitive skin).    Try both of Hilma’s Immune Support products with 20% off an Immune Sampler pack. Just use the code ATHINGORTWO Download the Caviar app and get 20% off your order with the code ATHINGORTWO2021. Fight food waste with Imperfect Foods and get 20% off your first order and free shipping with the code ATHINGORTWO. Treat that skin barrier right with COOLA’s new Organic Skincare line—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s talk about depression—how we feel when it comes on and how we deal. Let’s talk resources, from books to therapy platforms to IG follows, for anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, and postpartum disorders. Let’s just talk about mental health more in general, right?   Secret Menu! It’s fun. See for yourself by subscribing over here.   The things that have warmed our hearts a smidge during all of our time at home: a remote-control light dimmer and a calamansi tree (see also: calamansi seltzer from Sanzo + cocktails from Zuzu).   Podcasts featuring two people talking that feel kinda like having company: Jam Session, Who? Weekly, Home Cooking, Bad on Paper, Still Processing, and Taking Hugh for Granted.   Not-new fiction that’s provided Erica with a genuine escape recently: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (1948), Mrs. Bridge by Evan Connell (1955), Kindred by Octavia Butler (1979), and Heartburn by Nora Ephron (1983).   Mental-health resources! Some books: The Mindful Way Through Depression by Jon Kabat-Zinn; Comfortable with Uncertainty, When Things Fall Apart, and The Pocket Pema Chodron by Pema Chodron; and An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison.   Articles: "The Hardest Two Months of My Life" from A Cup of Jo, "How to Help Someone With Depression" from New York mag, and "How Not to Say the Wrong Thing" from LA Times.    Podcasts: Hey, Cool Life! with Mary H.K. Choi, Unlocking Us with Brené Brown, The Hilarious World of Depression, and Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations episode with Jon Kabat-Zinn.   Instagram follows: Jessica Clemons, MD, Emily McDowell, Crystal Anderson, Sad Girls Club, Brown Girl Therapy, The Loveland Foundation, and The Nap Ministry.     Meditation: the Insight Timer app, which is a marketplace of sorts, and UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center Guided Meditations.   For therapy, check out Talkspace and BetterHelp for digital/telemedicine options and Alma and Real, which are about streamlining the process of finding a therapist you connect with.   If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.   Try out the five-star-rated Sweaty Betty Power Legging and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Tackle your credit and see if you can lower your monthly payments with Upstart. Download Best Fiends free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s kick off 2021 with a true grab bag of an episode! Because who else will tell you allllll the things they’re making/eating with rice, why they’re fascinated by hospital go bag content, and how exactly they’ve been making money over the last year, all in one go??   New year, new thoughts to share? Hit us up at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Rice—it’s nice! Right now, we’re feeling sushi rice for everything, Chrissy Tiegen’s coconut rice, Vigo saffron yellow rice, and Samin Nosrat’s Persian-ish rice.   And 2020’s awards for most fascinating and entertaining hospital go bag reveals go to…@nelliediamond and @hannahbronfman!! Also: Here’s the vid that inspired Claire’s, which even has a sequel.    This Eberjey PJ jumpsuit (which we both love in just, like, regular life) is actually a worthy hospital go bag inclusion.    The affiliate networks we use (you know, if you run a business that’s thinking about these things!): ShopStyle Collective, RewardStyle, ShareASale, and Bookshop.org.   A few other newsletter / micro media businesses we take inspiration from: The Ann Friedman Weekly, Why Is This Interesting?, and Courtney E. Martin.    Feel just great with Sakara’s healthy ‘n delicious meals. 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Explore your creativity at www.Skillshare.com/ATHINGORTWO to get a free trial of their Premium Membership.   AND, go to www.FunctionofBeauty.com/ATHINGORTWO to take your hair quiz and save 20% on your first order! YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve been following the career of Alisha Ramos since she was in college—so, um before she technically had a career. If you haven’t spotted her two businesses Girls’ Night In, a newsletter ‘n community for women who love to stay in, and Whiled, a line of cheery, artsy puzzles, everywhere you turn recently, then your pandemic experience has been very different from ours. But before we get into it all with her: Let us discuss how dumplings (the sweatpants of food?) became such a vibe.   DUMPLINGS. In handbag form from Simon Miller, Elleme, and Emily Levine. In cartoon form thanks to Wonton in a Million. As sculpture in porcelain by Stephanie H. Shih and felt by Dumpling Mart. As a light, an ornament, and, hey, a potsticker pipe.   Alisha Ramos is up to so very much—she’s the founder of Girls’ Night In and Whiled, and she’s a very committed Swiftie and gardener on IG.   Speaking of Swifties: a conspiracy rabbithole for you—feel free to search Swiftgron on Tumblr.   The still-very-relevant Stay Home, Take Care resource the GNI team put together at the beginning of quarantine.    For some TikTok ~curation~, follow Aminatou Sow and Zara Rahim...on Instagram.   “Our Shared Unsharing” by Stella Bugbee for The Cut.    A few of Alisha’s head-clearing recs: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Floret, Monty Don, and The Gardens of Bunny Mellon. Plus one gardening-related one from Erica: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.   All of our inboxes are open! Contact us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    For more of everything, get that Secret Menu—subscribe (or even give a gift).   Visit www.Hilma.co/ATHINGORWO to get the starter set with both a free gift, a beautiful tote bag designed by an amazing female artist, AND 20% off.   Slip into our new favorite workout gear, the Sweaty Betty Power Legging, for 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve dedicated a helluva lot of our 2020 brain space to 1) the election and 2) romance novels. Who sits at the intersection of those two realms? American hero Stacey Abrams, who has written eight—eight!—of the latter under the name Selena Montgomery. We’re talking about one of them, Reckless, today. Another thing we’re getting into: books that aren’t technically for kids but that kids can take a lot from. A real page-turner of an ep!   Three adult books that influenced us growing up: Our Bodies, Ourselves,  Life’s 100 Photographs That Changed the World, and The Cake Bible.   Books we endorse having around the house for kids to have access to: Black Futures, Every Person in New York, The Macmillan Visual Dictionary, The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World, Map: Exploring the World, The Man Behind the Maps, In the Company of Women, D C-T!, and Do It Yourself.    Do you need some Stacey Abrams / Selena Montgomery romance in your life? SURE YA DO. Read Reckless, its sequel Deception, and this very good recent Glamour article by Jenny Singer that explores her novel-writing and its reception over time.   Secret Menu—subscribe, gift a 6- or 12-month gift sub to Secret Menu, etc.?!    Share 2021 episode topics you’d love to hear at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Give Hilma a go to treat those everyday aches and pains (headaches included!!). For 20% off the starter set and a free gift, use the code ATHINGORTWO.   Also, listen to the latest season of Even the Rich, Free Britney, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app.   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If, like us, you’ve been following Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham’s work for years ‘n years, you’re going to really relish digging into Black Futures, the sweeping anthology they created together. This week, we’re chatting with the duo about celebrating Blackness, developing a friendship over the course of a creative collaboration, and, um, mispronouncing words. Oh, and before they join us, we’re discussing why really big versions of things make good gifts.    You thought we were done with gift ideas? Heck no. 1) a 6- or 12-month gift sub to Secret Menu. 2) DONATIONS! 3) lots of something you know someone already loves. For us, we’re talking jumbo takes on Luxardo cherries, Maldon salt, Fruit Roll-Ups, Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, Ghirardelli brownie mix, Tate’s cookies, sriracha, that Kacey Musgraves x Boy Smells candle, and Red Boat fish sauce and salt.   Grab your copy of Black Futures (which, by the way: great gift). To keep up on Jenna and Kimberly’s book tour—and to feel very in-the-know in general—follow both of them on IG: @jennydeluxe and @museummammy respectively.   Black Futures inspirations: The Black Book edited by Toni Morrison, Black Women Writers at Work by Claudia Tate, Losing Ground directed by Kathleen Collins (and just the scope and scale of Kathleen Collins's work broadly), the F series at The Studio Museum in Harlem, and adrienne maree brown (and her book introductions specifically).   Of the SO MANY moments, undertakings, and talents Black Futures delves into, a few this episode touches on: Martine Rose, Black Mama’s Bail Out, and the birth of Black Lives Matter in the Facebook posts of Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors.   And visit www.hilma.co/ATHINGORTWO to get the Hilma starter set, with a free gift and 20% off!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Gift Guide Podcast, the Sequel: Presents Requested. (Can you tell we’re a little slap-happy after recording these eps?) If you haven’t tuned in for part one, here’s the deal: We’ve got lots of ideas from small businesses, many owned by women and BIPOC, (and none from Amazon)—and we have thoughts on organizations to donate to in someone’s honor, too. Are you ready for all the thoughts? Great, let’s get into it. Oh, and if you just can’t get enough, our 2019 installments are here and here.   BROTHERS!   21 year old brother who has a new passion/major every week. Techie, creative, loves pasta. Grossy Pelosi merch: This Too Shall Pasta or Live Laugh Lasagna Designy pasta book: The Silver Spoon or The Geometry of Pasta Memoirs of people who found/made their own way: Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi, Just Kids by Patti Smith, and The Autobiography of Gucci Mane   Subscription to Courier magazine   Little brother, loves foreign affairs, about to graduate from college, very classic taste Subscription to Stranger’s Guide, The Atlantic, Monocle, or ProPublica A watch! Todd Snyder x Timex collab or Hodinkee for Swatches. Norse Projects x Hestra gloves J. Press Shaggy Dog cuffed hat   21 y.o. Lil bro who is way cooler than me. Into the outdoors, vintage jackets, anime. Hanafuda Flower Cards by Nintendo Atsuko long-sleeve Parks Project long-sleeve or hoodie Pallares pocket knife Anywhere Brewer by Alvaro Rodriguez   My 30 y.o. lefty anti-capitalist brother who secretly really likes buying things. Something Patagonia WornWear ReCrafted or Todd Snyder x L.L. Bean Patreon subscription for Chapo Trap House Leftie merch: Call Your Girlfriend The Scam is Structural Hat or Bernie Sanders Rage Against the Machine T-shirt Kura Kin sake club from Brooklyn Kura Donation to his local mutual aid organization     KIDS!   The 2-year-old that has everything—9 sets of Aunts/Uncles! A giant, mascot-style costume for an adult to wear—Elmo? Bear?  Kid audio player things: Yoto Player and Tonies Toy storage: Fabelab bear storage bag and Oh Noo toy wheelbarrow The Dough Project Donation to National Diaper Bank Project   Kids! Not little but not teens. Bonus for stuff that isn’t tech-based. PLEASE Cooking thing: Kid in the Kitchen by Melissa Clark or Bella Cucina pastry tart set  Box set of books: Roald Dahl or Puffin in Bloom  Something outdoorsy: Tubbs snowshoes, Hamboard shortboard, or cool roller skates by Chicago Skates, Impala, or Moxi Da Bomb Fizzers Tie-dye kit: Horizon Group unicorn tie dye bundle or Tulip tie-dye party Washi tape sets Twee sidewalk chalk Liewood domino set Mary Matson Double Happiness poster (edition of 50, signed and numbered)     TEENS!   Late teen more responsible than me at 30 and already has the lined Birkenstocks. Olive & June manicure/pedicure system (or just the mani system) Watercolor sets: Beam Paints, LDBA Palette, Case for Making, or anything from Blick Original art from Caroline Kaufman Safomasi quilted bean bag Lorien Stern sloth rug or seal bath mat Lotta Blobs mirror Breda watch Alex Mill tie-dye cotton socks   17-year-old awkward tomboy who has NO opinions on anything she likes Book that might get her thinking about what she likes/where she’s going: In the Company of Women, Roadtrip Nation’s Roadmap book, Start Where You Are journal, or Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling Custom Converse or Vans If she has an iPad: Apple Pencil     BOSSES AND EMPLOYEES! Design-minded bosses (one male and one female)  Puzzles: Four Point Puzzles, Whiled, and Piecework  Mug that suits each of their aesthetics: Yowie and Mociun Design-y chocolate: Compartes bars or Vesta bonbons Design-y calendars: 2021 Stendig or Design Letters Astier de Villate notebook The Granite ceramic matchboxes   Male boss you have a crush on. Should seem to cost about $50 (but ok if it costs more) Signed book by his fave author: AbeBooks has a very good search tool, and 1stDibs is good for more coffee-table stuff. Body wash or soap that is just on the cusp of inappropriate—Musgo Real soap on a rope? Set of two glasses (subtle hint to have a drink together?!): Mia Craft beer glasses, Estelle Colored Glass, or vintage French champagne coupes, maybe with a bottle of something to drink, too. 65-year-old male boss who’s super successful, obsessed with Tesla and health and wellness Food innovation: Seemore Meats & Veggies sausages or Oishii strawberries Gossamer CBD in Dusk and/or Dawn Oracle olive oil Donation to Partnership for a Healthier America, Back on my Feet, or Fresh Air Fund  If this person is your dad not your boss: Oura ring or Theragun   18 co-workers. I’m their boss. Omsom sauces Pineapple Collaborative olive oil or pantry set Zazzle or Etsy mugs with superlatives     GRAB BAG!!!   37 weeks pregnant and just want to pick one thing to buy 25 of and call it a day. But what?! Five-year journal: One Line a Day, Hobonichi 5-year Techno, or Unbound Planner Plant: Holiday cactus from The Sill or herb collection from Bloomscape Il Buco Alimentari Sale Fiore or WAJD salt Planting a tree via Nature Conservancy Donations to No Kid Hungry or Heifer International    My dog walker who dresses like a Tim Burton character and is 22. $50 - $100  $$ Kule striped mask Something FUN, useful, and a little grown-up for home: Fredericks and Mae cutting board and Areaware table tiles   My mail carrier Gift card to a coffee shop on your route Thermos: super classic Stanley one or Zojiruchi ones in more colors  Lands’ End ear muffs Zippo 12-hour hand-warmer   I need special little things for neighbors/mail people/building managers! Seasonings: Momofuku seasoned salts, Burlap & Barrel spice set, or Westbourne spice trio with recipes Fancy hand sanitizer: Jao and MCMC Gift cert for a neighborhood spot that does lunch   Last gift idea, promise: a sub to Secret Menu.   Give Nutrafol a go for thicker, healthier hair—the code ATHINGORTWO gets you 20% off. Live that bidet life with Hello Tushy. 10% off and free shipping! YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You have gift questions, and we have gift answers! Welcome to part one of our second-annual gift guide, where you’ll find so much cool stuff from small businesses (many run by women and BIPOC!), no Amazon links (but you do you), and thoughts on orgs to donate to, too. Part two is coming next week, and last year’s still-relevant installments are here and here. Now, hope you’re prepared for an outrageously long episode recap...   PARENTS! My mom has requested “a new hobby” for Christmas which has sent me spinning. Any ideas? She’s very artsy and already gardens and writes fiction. Knitting hasn’t worked for her due to her arthritis, and she’s a lifelong hater of kitchen activities, most of the cute gifty hobby kits I’ve seen fall into those categories. Stumped!  Joone Creative air-dry ceramics tiles kit Rose Pearlman punch needle hoop kit The Crafter’s Box arm-knitting workshop Melanie Abrantes Japanese bowl-carving kit   Fic & non-fic books that will nudge my parents to the left without them realizing it. What Unites Us by Dan Rather Evicted by Matthew Desmond Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Good Talk by Mira Jacob   I need gift ideas for my almost 60-year-old, tech-y, suburban dad. Hasn’t finished reading the books he got for Father’s Day but he loves history. Does a lot of biking on his indoor trainer. He has an Apple Watch but we aren’t allowed to get him AirPods because my mom thinks he’ll accidentally put them through the laundry. He likes food/eating/cooking but had a heart attack 3 years ago so we’re not allowed to do fun things (unless they’re low sodium/cholesterol). Usually I try to find an activity (movie, bike, ride to brewery, etc.) but covid makes that hard. So many restrictions!! Claire puts her airpods through the laundry all the time and they still work! (Mostly.) But for an alt: Rapha x Bang & Olufsen earphones (made for indoor training—bigger than Airpods). Subscription to the Peloton app to use with his bike (you don’t need the Peloton bike!) Smart/wake-up clock: Philips SmartSleep, Loftie Beer-plus-history book: Pilsner: How the Beer of Kings Changed the World MasterClass: Doris Kearns Goodwin teaches "U.S. Presidential History and Leadership"   Mom and her husband who just bought a new cottage and are DIY fixing it up. The kitchen and garden are especially yucky!  Online landscaping-design apps like Yardzen or Tilly Design Gardening stuff: Floral Society, Floret, and Father Rabbit Tools: MoMA Design Store Rainbow Multi-tool set, FIXR tool, and Bosch Blaze laser measurer Birdhouse: Andreu Carulla's Bird and Breakfast, Amish cottage Coffee-table books: The Gardens of Bunny Mellon and More than Just a House by Alex Eagle Donation to Habitat for Humanity My Jewish parents who are IMPOSSIBLE to shop for and trying to stop eating sugar.  Popcorn seasoning set: The Spice House or Oaktown Spice Shop Engraved Masala Dabba from Diaspora Co. Cookbook: Sweet Laurel or Ottolenghi Flavor Miznon Israeli falafel or lamb kebab kits Chefanie Oy Vey cocktail napkins Russ & Daughters tote, tee, hat...in R&D wrapping paper! My crunchy fire-fighting dog lady MIL. Bon Temps tea Simpli quinoa Soapwalla tasting menu gift set Sashiko mending kit Ace & Jig x Project Thrive scrap coaster set Recreation Center dog bowl Donation to BARC Shelter in Brooklyn or her local animal shelter (many have wish lists where you can send dog food, etc!)   Stepmom: hates being cold. She’s always cold. But is entertaining outside now in CA. Hot water bottle: Amara sheepskin and Chickpea knit Something for cooking warm entertaining food/drink outside: Boska mini raclette cheese melter and grill, Royal Rose hot toddy mixers, or FLÎKR Fire personal concrete fireplace Flamingo Estate candles—scents like Roma heirloom tomato   SISTERS-IN-LAW!   My sister-in-law is a chic New Yorker and I live in Missoula, Montana. I am a needs-based gifter and she is very much a wants-based gifter. I love to cook, she dabbles in cooking (she’s dairy free) and I think she finds me kind of quaint for my homey ways. She is (and strongly identifies) as an Aries. She is a platinum-rewards-level business traveler and boss babe entrepreneur in the music industry. We get along great, but we literally could not be more different and I am ALWAYS stuck on gifts for her. This year I already gave her a gorgeous coffee table book of NYC night photography that I feel pretty good about, but I need a lifetime stockpile of ideas. Budget is $50- $100 Hermès lipstick A pretty colored glass thing with utility: a couple Estelle wine glasses, Maison Balzac glasses, carafe, or pitcher, and Laurence Brabant A La Pointe Candle Holder Anything from Casa Shop—some is new, some is vintage, and it’s all very good. Beklina cashmere petite scarves Esker Beauty plantable candle   My very chic sister-in-law who lives in a shoebox in Paris and will need to clear TSA Alex Prager playing cards Glass oil/vinegar decanter: Gary Bodker or Stover Glass Me Issey Miyake Trunk Pleats Bag Gilded marble body brush (there’s a mini too!), Kate McLeod body stone Antipast gloves Fancy fashion socks: Darner, Comme Si, and Hansel from Basel   Sister in law who loves to cook. $50 and under Iris Hantverk dough scraper Visual measuring cups Bamboo steamer + chopsticks + Wing on Wo spoons and chopstick rests (or Pearl River Market) Trivets: Hawkins cork and Il Buco salvaged antique tile Home Cooking podcast sweatshirt Short Stack editions Colorful pasta from Pastificio del Colle Fog Linen oven mitt Donation to Soul Fire Farm or The Okra Project     HUSBANDS, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER UNDEFINED MEN!   A dude who I’ve been seeing since early October. We’re exclusive but not serious….helllp Slippers: Vince suede and shearling, Yoko Wool Cool lighter (and possibly candle—Norden??): Tetra slide lighter or Tsubota Pearl tortoise lighter Nice bottle o’ booze—the one a shelf or two above what he buys himself A game for two that you can learn to play together: dominos from Printworks, Wolfum, or Fredricks & Mae; 2-in-1 chess/checkers Set from Ridley’s or MoMA  D.S. & Durga auto fragrance set   Fiance! Together 8 years, postponed wedding. Xmas AND his bday SAME WEEK! A piece of art—maybe decide to pick it out together for Xmas (and then you only have to shop for his bday): Picture Room or Absolut Art You could even reach out to an artist you like on IG and ask about commissions! Custom neon sign with something you two say or your initials : Yellowpop or Brite Lite Something sentimental framed via The Heirloomist   A 35-year-old man who loves sports, his dog, his Jeep, the Cubs and classic music.  Yeti cooler Vintage Cubs something—glasses, mug, etc. Vintage Jeep sign from eBay Dog bed: Dusen Dusen or Found My Animal Studio Proba x Slash Objects pet mat NES Classic Edition   A 37-year-old suburban dad who misses dance parties and loves the Book Review Pop-Up Magazine membership Books Are Magic subscription MasterClass on dance music with EDM DJ Armin van Buren Turntable and mixer     FRIENDS!   My long-distance bestie and I turned 30 this year and we’d originally planned on going on a trip together and getting welded gold bracelets as some grown-up version of friendship bracelets. However, THESE TIMES(™). So now she’s moving from Toronto (same country) to New Zealand (different hemisphere! Different continent!). We thought we’d do some sort of big co-gift! Pertinent details for your brainstorming pleasure: She’s a Capricorn (reluctantly) and I’m an extremely Pisces Pisces (love 2 cry). Budget is up to $200ish. Needs to be mildly packable considering she has to get it to NZ somehow along with the rest of her earthly possessions. Needs to ship to Canada. LOVE YOU! Fancy pair of stud earrings—you each take one. Or singles of White/Space birthstone studs. Catbird smallest love letter charm or tiniest key charm that you can get engraved Some sort of art/print: Tappan and Uprise Art    Group text friends A little food thing: Rice & Miso Everyday soup ball things (if in Brooklyn!); Copper Cow Coffee Vietnamese-style pour-over, Kusmi Tea set with 12 diff flavors, or Sakara popcorn trio  A mask or mask chain that’s a little more *special*: Lizzie Fortunato, Diarrablu, Injuri, Baggu  Porcelain fortune cookies that you can slip a fortune/wish for them for 2021 into An ornament related to an inside joke Three Potato Four key tags, specifically the "thank you for being a friend" one Rattan pop socket Sage bundle Verloop pom ribbed slippers      GRAB BAG!!!   My great-grandma who lives across the country and has never met my baby, because COVID Calendar with pics of your baby: Artifact Uprising brass easel and Parabo Press classic desk cal Locket with pic of your baby: Catbird (can be engraved!)   People whose hobbies are “going for walks in the neighborhood.”  Fanny pack: Tory Sport color-block, Baggu, or Beklina ribbed leather Hiking/all-weather boots: Bernardo Winnie  Puffer scarf: Echo, Eileen Fisher, or Patagonia NanoPuff Scarf Audio subscriptions: Libro.fm or Audm   Someone who hates things/prefers experiences, but with Covid it’s hard to experience! Online cooking class: Sonoko Sakai, Goldbelly Live! Cook-Alongs, League of Kitchens, Momofuku, and Ole & Obrigado. Things to enjoy the experience of winter: Yaktrax, Crescent Moon eva foam snowshoes, or cross-country ski lessons  Dipsea subscription Bokksu Japanese snack subscription Merch from favorite restaurant/hotel/place they’ve traveled to Games: Ridley’s Card Games, Actually Curious, Lacorsa Grand Prix Board Game, Maharam Memory Game, or Helvetiq Matchmaster or SixStix     You know what else makes a great gift—a digital stocking stuffer, if you will? A sub to Secret Menu.   Do you have other ideas and just thoughts in general to share? Hit us up at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    On 12/21, we’re going to be talking about the romance novel Reckless by Selena Montgomery (aka Stacey Abrams). Join us for a read-along!    Look no further than Sakara for some hearty, healthy deliciousness. 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Explore b.serene’s handmade crystal jewelry, and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here we are, asking the important questions, including “What’s it like to start a record label and run it for 20 years?” and “Who in their right mind decided to eat an artichoke for the first time?” Sam Valenti IV, behind the very compelling Ghostly International, has all the answers to our first query, and we don’t think we’ll ever really get to the heart (heh) of our second.   Best use of an Instant Pot: cookin’ artichokes.    Oddly enthusiastic endorsement: vintage Majorcan and Portuguese artichoke plates.   A couple good ways to put a can/jar of artichokes to good use: sardine pasta and back-pocket canned salad.    Dig into Sam Valenti’s Ghostly International—both the musical artists (including the label’s very first, Matthew Dear) and the products. Also, follow Ghostly’s playlists—their “At Work” one in particular.   A few Brooklyn record stores worthy of Sam’s fandom: Rough Trade, Academy Records, and Captured Tracks Shop.    When Sam’s looking to discover new music, he can always count on Buy Music Club, Blackbandcamp.info, and Numero Group to deliver.   AND! A handful of other things we talked about: Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes, That Thing You Do!, The Last Dance, and the podcast How Long Gone.   If you haven’t signed up for Secret Menu...well!   We love to hear your thoughts! Send ‘em all to us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.    Get all of your holiday shopping done with our MoMA Design Store gift picks. Try a Hello Tushy bidet for 15% off and free shipping. Up your emotional intelligence with the Curious Tribe newsletter. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is this the beginning of one very strange holiday season to cap off one very strange year? It’s starting to feel like it, and we have some ~initial thoughts~ on how to wrap your head around gifts and a whole bunch o’ thoughts from Vanessa Price—who co-wrote the wonderful book Big Macs and Burgundy—on pairing wine with the things your actually eat, including the last of the leftover Halloween candy and whatever Thanksgiving dinner looks like in 2020.   For lots more holiday shopping thoughts ‘n ideas, sign up for Secret Menu.   Gift guide eps are coming up!! If there are people you want us to shop for, tell us everything about them at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq   Buy Big Macs and Burgundy, the book Vanessa Price co-wrote with our pal Adam Laukhuf. P.S., it also makes a great gift.   Vanessa’s column for New York mag that led to the book—including that first Sour Patch Kids installment and the very trying s’mores one.   Try Sakara for some truly delicious, plant-rich, ready-to-eat meals—plus 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Grow thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol, and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off. Tune into the hilarious and heartfelt new fiction podcast RomComPods. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can only comfort yourself with so many baked goods, it seems, but we’ve found a workaround: We’re putting them in our ears instead of our mouths. What a joy it was to sit down with Lani Halliday, who is making the best inclusive pastries around and unveiled her first physical outpost of Brutus Bakeshop during the pandemic. Yes: She’s very bold, and we’re very obsessed.   If you’re in NYC, grab Lani Halliday’s baked goods at Brutus Bakeshop in Crown Heights (and get some amazing New Mexican food from Eric See’s Ursula while you’re there!). If you’re anywhere else, buy her (vegan, GF, soy-free) miso chocolate chip cookies on the internet and keep your eyes peeled for her pop tarts and more, more, more.   More on the Independent Restaurant Coalition—um, 11 million people in the U.S. are independent restaurant employees!   Friends, KIT. You can get us at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq any ol’ time.   Find migraine relief online—and get 50% off your first month of medication—thanks to Cove. Shop our MoMA Design Store gift picks and take 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO through November 23 (exclusions apply). Try out the plumping, hydrating magic of City Lips. 30% off your order of two or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yeah, so, it’s gonna be a real week, and if you’re interested in escaping the tweets, push alerts, and polling data for a few, we have some celeb gossip, book recs, and sweaters to cozy up to.   You can support us by 1) leaving a jazzy ol’ review 2) subscribing to Secret Menu. Wheeeeee.   We’re offering free ads to Black-owned businesses. Get in touch at podcast@athingortwohq.com.    The very best celeb gossip sources, if you ask us: E! News IG stories, Jam Session, Deux Moi, Gossip Time, The Shade Room, Who? Weekly, Bossip, and Just Jared Jr.    The couple Claire’s shipping: Harry Styles and Tracee Ellis Ross. This pic + this clip. Believe what you want. And just read The Idea of You already if you haven’t.   And, now for beliebing: Erica is intrigued with Justin and Hailey Bieber’s domestic life. This post and this post and a Facebook Watch thing called Baking with the Biebers. Somehow related: Levain Bakery cookies.   Two books that are distracting and immersive (but not light!): The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi and Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam (hear Rumaan on a 2018 ep of our pod, too!).   Gang, it’s sweater weather. Brands we love: Demylee, Jenni Kayne, Alex Mill, Acme Studios, Babaà, Ply-Knits, Leret Leret, Ryan Roche, Sézane, Mijeong Park, and Atelier Delphine.        Have something to share? Call us: 833-632-5463. Love those VMs.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love hot industry intel and gossip! Of all industries, really! And when it comes to the land of hyaluronic acid, celeb makeup lines, and derm backlash, no one gives it better than Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins of the Breaking Beauty Podcast. But before we go deeeeeep down that rabbithole, we need to answer one pressing question: What looks will Cam be working for fall 2020?!   What’s Cam wearing this fall?! Some combination of babyGap (beware of baby vanity sizing!!!), Petit Bateau, Búho, Emile et Ida, Bobo Choses, Oeuf, Poudre Organic, Lewis, Tinycottons, and Patagonia (this vest!). For these brands and lots more, Claire’s all about scraping the sale sections on Smallable, Scandiborn, and Melijoe. And when it comes to shoes: Native, AF1s, Air Jordans, and Timberlands, scuffed-up ideally.   To get so much more of Jill and Carlene, subscribe to the Breaking Beauty Podcast.   Scientists giving their clean-beauty takes: Dr. Michelle Wong (@labmuffinbeautyscience), Stephen Ko (@kindofstephen), and Jen Novakovich (@theecowell).   Some makeup/beauty things having a pandemic moment: LoveSeen fake lashes, Foreo microcurrent bear, root cover-up powders from Color Wow and Clairol, and Christophe Robin temporary hair color.   Splashy new launches: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Makeup by Mario, One/Size by Patrick Starrr, and Forvr Mood by Jackie Aina.   Skincare ingredients in masks! But of course! Check out The HydraFacial Company's FaceLife copper-infused masks and YoRo Naturals' zinc masks and Masque Bar’s hydrogel masks specifically to wear under PPE.   WOC-owned brands to watch (and founders to follow!): Uoma Beauty, founded by Sharon Chuter, who started #PullUpForChange; Cheekbone Beauty, from the Canadian Indigenous  founder Jenn Harper; Ami Colé, which is pre-launch and founded by the Glossier and L'Oréal alum Diarrha N'Diaye. Oh, and the derm Dr. Alexis Stephens, too.    For more on colorism and skin-lightening, check out Priya Rao’s Unfair podcast for Glossy.   Affordable and efficacious skincare: Maelove, Good (Skin) Days, Inn Beauty Project, Everyday Humans, and Versed.   Waterless beauty—COOL. OWA Haircare and aN-Hydra Skincare are making big moves, and we’re big fans of the Odacité Green Ceremony Cleanser.   Companies doing good stuff around refillable packaging and recycling: Terracycle, Tata Harper and their new Waterlock Moisturizer, Kjaer Weis, Clé de Peau Beauté, Charlotte Tilbury, and Native.   The 2020 ingredient: Niacinamide.   Skinfluencers worth following: Caroline Hirons, Skincare by Hyram, DermAngelo, and, but of course, Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper).   Call us! 833-632-5463! DM us! @athingortwohq! KIT, basically.   Get online migraine relief—and 50% off your first month of medication—with Cove. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know, it feels like we haven’t asked each other “So, how are you doing? Really?” in a bit, and we’re taking this podcast as an opportunity to do that. We get into pandemic socializing, news-consumption, and soup-making. Recommended pairing for this ep: a walk.   A couple NYC-specific food things helping us get by: Pierless Fish for seafood and For All Things Good for masa for Claire’s taco nights.   Chris’s new desk, and Thomas’s recent read Hate Inc. that’s informing Erica’s media consumption.   The gray-on-gray-on-gray Birkenstock shearling clogs Claire scored, and the Hobonichi planner that’s keeping Erica’s 2021 mood up.   It’s (coconut-milk) soup weather, ok? Erica’s making coconut curry noodle soup from The Woks of Life, coconut corn soup from Smitten Kitchen, and curried lentil, tomato, coconut soup by Yotam Ottolenghi.   For running in the cold, Claire recommends a Patagonia down hoody and neck gaiter, a Uniqlo down vest, and Yaktrax for snow/ice. Also, The Strategist has a good guide by temp, and Runner’s World will give you gearing-up recs based on the conditions.   For more of this sort of thing, do you know about Secret Menu?   And! You can always, always get us at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq.   Get that good skin with Rory’s nightly defense treatment for only $5. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our doctor visits are your doctor visits! Or something! Kidding aside-ish, we figured sharing our recent mammogram and colonoscopy experiences might make them at least a smidge less anxiety-inducing for you, and we’re very here for that. Join us on our healthcare journeys, won’t you?    We love voicemails (833-632-5463)! We love DMs (@athingortwohq)! We love reviews! About milk pouches, gallon challenges, or anything at all!   Some guidance on when to start getting mammograms: 40 per the Mayo Clinic, 45 per the American Cancer Society, and 50 per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. So: a real talk-to-your-doctor type of situation!   Some guidance on when to start getting colorectal screenings: 45 per the American Cancer Society. (But ya know: Ask your dr.)   Fancy Brodo bone broth for colonoscopy prep or just, like, life!     Colonics: still having a moment (we guess?).   Breast self-exams! The "Touch Your Tits" vid from Mae Ryan and Mona Chalabi is a great how-to   If you like what you heard here and want more, Secret Menu is for you.   Check out Erin Williams Art for prints that start at $35. Try out the shea-butter-based products from Overlooked Beauty.   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HEY, we’re back from hiatus! And like everyone else, we’re stressing (spiraling?) about the election constantly. This week, we’re talking to Adair Ford Boroughs about what it’s like to actually be on the ticket—she’s the very impressive and overqualified Democratic candidate running for Congress in South Carolina’s Second District—and our big plans for election day (spoiler: bein’ poll workers).   Gah, we’ve missed you! Have you missed us? KIT with voicemails (833-632-5463) and IG direct messages (@athingortwohq), huh? And join Secret Menu even.   We’re volunteering to be poll workers. Do you wanna do it, too?! Check out some stats about the typical poll-worker demo (spoiler: high Covid risk!) via NPR and a very useful IG story from Helen Rosner about her experience doing this in past years.    Snuffleupagus getting nosy in the voting booth during a 1957 episode of Sesame Street. (And, bless, he is still on the show!)   Dig into all of the many ways you can support Adair Ford Boroughs and her run for Congress. Donate! Phone or text bank! Share her campaign videos! Whether or not you’re in South Carolina!    Another big South Carolina race to watch and support: Jaime Harrison for Senate.   Give the Caviar app a go and get $10 off your food order of $20 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try Inner Workout for some genuine self-care—the code ATHINGORTWO gets you 15% off. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The two of us are calling our reps, donating money, consuming so much news, researching our primary candidates...and also rethinking where we spend our money and the businesses that warrant our support. We have SO MANY THOUGHTS. Also: We’re giving a free ad spot a week to a Black-owned business. If you’re interested, drop us a line at podcast@claireanderica.com!   The linkage:   The Who? Weekly episode intro that really spoke to us.   Check out the 15 Percent Pledge, which the Brother Vellies designer Aurora James started to urge major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. But it applies to consumers, too!   Some places to find more Black-owned businesses to support: Instagram highlights (1, 2, and 3) from Erica, a spreadsheet compiled by Lingua Franca, restaurant spreadsheets via Helen Rosner’s IG, Julee Wilson’s list of 125 beauty brands, Black-Owned Brooklyn, Shoppe Black, banks (and many other businesses!) from Amira Rasool’s IG.   The Harvard Business School 2014 working paper "The State of Small Business Lending" that we cite a bunch.   For some abysmal venture-funding stats, read the Techcrunch article "US VC Investment in Female Founders Hits All-Time High" and this Forbes piece that breaks down dollars for Black and Latinx women.   This Onion headline (and whole story) about private equity!!!   We’re all about shifting online book purchases to Bookshop.org.   Get in touch! On Instagram at @athingortwohq or via phone at 833-632-5463.   Head to BiblioLifestyle for A+ book recs, and subscribe today to get their summer reading guide. Check out the stunning pottery from Lolly Lolly Ceramics, and get on the email list to be first to hear about restocks. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talk about thrilling: We have a bonafide icon on today’s ep. We’re talking to Mickey Drexler—who spearheaded Gap and J.Crew in their heydays and is now helping make magic happen at Alex Mill—about how he works and just plain does his days. But first: sweet potatoes, which aren’t boring, ok?   The linkage:   Three recipes for exciting sweet potatoes! Ones loaded with lentils, citrus, and feta, ones topped with tahini butter, and ones baked into a (paleo) bread. And one non-recipe: almond butter and seasoned rice vinegar mixed into a sauce and topped with furikake.   Mickey Drexler’s latest retail undertaking (led by his son, Alex Drexler!) is Alex Mill. We love it. Erica wears these and this all the time, Claire can often be spotted in this and this, and just about everybody sweats these.   When it comes to meditating, Mickey is into Hamsa and Transcendental Meditation.   A home-goods business Mickey likes: Snowe.   Wow, do we get psyched about voicemails: 833-632-5463!   Yay!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reading newsletters and doing ironing—two indoor-kid activities no doubt! Ok, seriously, though, take care of yourselves, find some good distractions, and maybe try to get some fresh air? The linkage:   Claire bought a full-size ironing board by Brabantia and highly endorses it, and Erica has this hook thingy to hang her ironing board on that she thinks is just great.   The most ironing-enthusiastic person in our world—Claire’s mom—swears by the Miele Rotary Iron (a.k.a. a mangle) for sheets/linens and the LauraStar ironing system (um, as featured in Parasite?!).   To avoid ironing jeans: dryer balls, like these from Heart Felt and these from Food52.   Ok, newsletters! Here are allllll of the ones we love: The Ann Friedman Weekly, Girls’ Night In, Shelter, This Week in Scams, Garden Variety, Here for It w/ R. Eric Thomas (same name as his new book), Why is this interesting?, Cassandra Daily, Well To Do, Deez Links, Quartz Daily Obsession, The New Consumer, Sehat, The Examined Life (from the author of The New Better Off), The Noah Kalina Newsletter (sidenote: Noah’s self-portrait project), Oversharing, Five Things I Ate, and Read Like the Wind.   Voicemails! Love ‘em! Leave ‘em! 833-632-5463. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Geez, does Marisa Meltzer know how to get the wheels turning. We talk to her about her shiny new book This Is Big, which digs deep into dieting, wellness, feminism, body positivity, and the intersection of those topics—and also about friendship and snacks. Much to discuss, you see. But first! A truly odd (if entertaining) NYC campaign we didn’t want you to miss.   The linkage:   If you somehow want more on the Billy Never Idles campaign, well, here you go.   Read Marisa’s book, This Is Big: How the Founder of Weight Watchers Changed the World (and Me)! Do it!   Jean Nidetch’s NYT obit from 2015—and the whole Overlooked No More obit project.   A wonderful article Marisa wrote a while back for Elle about diets + feminism.   We enthusiastically endorse Katie Sturino’s Boob Sweat podcast. Marisa shouts-out this interview with CeCe Olisa in particular.   Let’s talk about SNACKS real quick: Graham crackers (with cream cheese, covered in chocolate, or as part of an #indoorsmore situation), The Daily Crave smoked gouda lentil chips, and Tapatio Doritos.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two things we love: 1) women’s bodies 2) problem-solving. So imagine our delight when we discovered that MoMA Design Store put together a whole freaking beautiful, educational, and useful pop-up around Design Innovations for Women. In partnership with the MoMA Design Store team, we sat down with Chay Costello and Alex Glaser, the buyers responsible for spearheading this initiative who, yes, also happen to be work wives. We talk menstruation, motherhood, menopause—and you bet your vulvas we asked what it’s like to discuss these topics at the office.    The linkage:   You can shop MoMA Design Store’s groundbreaking Design Innovations for Women pop-up online and at their Soho store in NYC until September 27. So, so, sooo good.   A couple of previous podcast eps relevant to this conversation: Pledging to Shop Better and What to Expect When Claire’s Expecting.   Michelle Obama’s recent pod ep on menopause—definitely worth a listen.   A few of Claire’s personal faves in the Design Innovations for Women mix: the Elvie Kegel Smart Trainer and the Haakaa Generation 2 Breast Pump.    For more on Chay Costello, Alex Glaser, and the MoMA Design Store merchandising team, hit up 99U.   Some things and people Chay and Alex looked to as they pulled together this pop-up: Sssh! Periods podcast, Dame’s reusable tampon applicator (available in the UK!), Darcey Steinke’s   Flash Count Diary: Menopause and the Vindication of Natural Life, Michelle Fisher’s Designing Motherhood project at MFA Boston, designer of the first bike saddle for women Georgena Terry, designers of the first sports bra (the Jogbra!) Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith, Womanly magazine, The Unmentionables podcast from Nyssa, and the pelvic-floor physical therapist Sara Reardon a.k.a. @the.vagina.whisperer.   Just a handful of the almost 50 products part of this design movement v. worth checking out: Aisle Period Undies Boxer Brief, TOP The Organic Project Cotton Tampons with Plant-Based Applicator, DivaCup, Elvie Double Breast Pump, The Period Game, Penny Pack First Period Kit, and MoMA Champion Sports Bra.   Leave us reviews, voicemails (833-632-5463), IG direct messages (@athingortwohq)!   We’re going to be on hiatus for the next few weeks! We’ll be re-airing some recent greatest hits, but if you miss us deep in your bones, might we direct you to Secret Menu?   Try out the Caviar app—you get $10 off your food order of $20 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yes, we like white walls and pale wood, but our eyes need some *excitement* these days, and we have a whole bunch of ways to give ‘em what they require (without going full Gigi Hadid maximalist). Also worth adding to your “Hues You Can Use” moodboard: just about everything in Kacey Musgraves’s merch shop.    The linkage:   More where this came from c/o Secret Menu! (Click-y name, right?!)   All hail Merch Queen Kacey Musgraves! This longsleeve tee, this velvet poster, her Boy Smells collab Slow Burn candle (and companion Burn in a Hurry lighter), the Lonely Weekend Self-Care Kit, High Time rolling papers, an ugly Christmas sweater, and faux snow (but of course?).   Breaking August news: Kacey’s Christmas album really is so good (and can we talk about this Dolly Parton holiday album announcement?!).   Some of the places we’re getting our colorful interior inspiration: Tina Seidenfaden Busck’s The Residence, Matilda Goad, Justina Blakeney, Ellen van Dusen’s Brooklyn home, Beata Heuman, Laurel Broughton’s Echo Park house, Luis Barragán, and Tony Duquette.   Claire has a green couch! That she loves! It’s the Clad Home Dawson Sleeper in Klein Emerald.   Erica has one (1) wall of wallpaper! She’s obsessed! It’s Josef Frank’s Paradiset.   Tabletop stuff! Wolfum trays, bright taper candles, Opinel steak knives.   Colorful glassware! Lateral Objects, R+D.Lab, Estelle Colored Glass, Keane.   Furniture! The Inside, Inside Weather, Hay, Eric Trine / Amigo Modern, Interior Define.   Ceramics! Studio Hecha, Raina Lee, Concrete Cat, Russel Wright, Fiestaware, Year & Day, Massimo Vignelli for Heller, Raawii.   Lights! La Veste, Eo Ipso, Casa Cosima, Commune.   Textiles! Hillery Sproatt, Dusen Dusen, Aelfie, Tantuvi, Cold Picnic, Society of Wanderers, Marimekko, Bolé Road Textiles.   Paint! Clare, Backdrop, Farrow & Ball.   Related: the Farrow & Ball New Yorker story.   If you want more on colorful home stuff, check our ep with our trade-show recap.   We’re here for your thoughts: DMs to @athingortwohq, voicemails at 833-632-5463, or reviews of this podcast are always welcome.    Check out the powerful MoMA Design Store Design Innovations for Women pop-up. Listen to Michelle Obama’s wonderful new podcast on Spotify. Try out Rory’s nightly defense skincare treatment for only $5. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you are expressing gratitude these days, are you appropriately prayer-hand-emoji for video streaming (and, frankly, the streaming wars that are keeping us so deep in good content)? We’re taking this week’s ep as an opportunity to really lay our thanks on thick—for The Fight, I May Destroy You, Shrill, and Love on the Spectrum specifically. Light spoilers in some spots (and possibly too much excitement in others).   The linkage:   First things first: boiled potatoes!! With seafood, in a niçoise salad, and as leftovers...which gets you halfway to fried or roasted potatoes like Julia Turshen’s Kinda Sorta Patatas Bravas or these crispy roasted potatoes with burrata.   Also, congrats to white potatoes on joining the Whole30 club. Sorry the announcement of this news didn’t feature a more flattering photo of you all.   Ok, second things second: our watch list. The Fight available for rent on various platforms, I May Destroy You on HBO Max, Shrill (Season 2 specifically) on Hulu, and Love on the Spectrum on Netflix.    Some further reading around Love on the Spectrum: a Time review by Sarah Kurchak, an article from The Cut that runs through the criticisms, and a piece from the Los Angeles Times that gets into the filming behind-the-scenes.   What else should we be watching? Tell us at @athingortwohq or 833-632-5463.    If you haven’t signed up for our Secret Menu yet, well, join us!   Give Michelle Obama’s new Spotify podcast a listen. Download the Caviar app and get $10 off your food order of $20 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO. Tune into the Everything Is Fine podcast with Tally Abecassis and Kim France. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big day, team! We’re catching up with our very favorite photographer, Jamie Beck, who moved to Provence, France, longer ago than we like to acknowledge and who has been creating all kinds of greatness recently—much of which you can even purchase for the first time. Friends, let’s dive in.   The linkage:   Ok, you have to follow Jamie Beck on Instagram for the full behind-the-scenes.   Jamie’s incredible #IsolationCreation project, which she invited her community to contribute to (and, whoa, did people!).   Lucky us! Jamie started selling her work, in the form art posters featuring her isolation creations—and there’s a signed, limited-edition finale poster coming, too (along with phone cases, camera straps, fine art, stationery, journals, a couple books…).   You know about our Secret Menu? Joining will get you a ~bonus~ members-only newsletter once a week.   Our DMs and voicemails are open! Get us at @athingortwohq or 833-632-5463.     Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is ambition anyway? And ambition toward what? Join us as we contemplate—and, frankly, give side-eye to—one of the driving forces of our lives.   The linkage:   WOW, Maris Kreisman’s “Where Did My Ambition Go?” essay. (It’s probably worth following Maris on Twitter too, while you’re at it.)   Tavi Gevinson on shutting down Rookie, and Grace Bonney on shutting down Design*Sponge.    The profiles of The Chicks and Viola Davis that resonated.   We want more from you! Get in touch at @athingortwohq or 833-632-5463. If you want more from us, join Secret Menu, which will get you a members-only newsletter once a week.   Give Noble Cup, Ethiopia’s first menstrual cup, a shot. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

However many months in, we’ve found our fitnessing-at-home rhythms (which, no, do not involve dance cardio). Also! We’ve landed on a way to keep our very clean hands moisturized: shea butter, specifically the stuff from Eu’Genia Shea, and we clearly needed to talk to the company’s founder Naa-Sakle Akuete for the inside scoop.   The linkage:   Have thoughts? We want your DMs and VMs! Get us at @athingortwohq or 833-632-5463.   Online fitness stuff we’re now in long-term relationships with: the Peloton app, Melissa Wood Health (which you can try out on her IGTV), Revolution Motherhood, Exercise Snacks, Sky Ting Live & TV, and Kate Posch’s streaming yoga classes.   Home equipment worth the investment (in money and space!): Bala Bangles, Manduka cork yoga blocks, the Exercise Snacks Snack Pack, and a Jade Yoga Harmony mat.      We’re so very into Naa-Sakle Akuete’s company Eu’Genia Shea and its stocked-at-Target spinoff, Mother’s Shea.   More info on the Target Takeoff Accelerator program Naa-Sakle went through.    Other beauty brands Naa-Sakle wholeheartedly endorses: Sahajan, One Love Organics, True Moringa, Kreyòl Essence, and Thrive Causemetics.     If you want more from us, let us direct you to Secret Menu, which, for four bucks a month, gets you a members-only newsletter every dang week.   Dig into details on Succession Strength. For 20% any of their business-planning products, use the code ATHINGOR20. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As two married gals getting older by the day, this ep feels like a real throwback. We’re talking babysitting and dating—the latter with Lindsey Metselaar, the savvy host of the We Met at Acme podcast who knows much more about the topic than we do at this point. Something we’re obviously NOT talking about: inviting the person you’re dating to the house you’re babysitting at without permission.   The linkage:   Do you know about our Secret Menu? It’s our new thingy where, for $4 a month, you get access to a weekly members-only newsletters.   You’ve heard about The Baby-Sitters Club Netflix reboot? Course you have.   Further BSC reading: Michelle Ruiz for Vogue.com, Gal Beckerman for NYT, Katie Baker for The Ringer, and The Hollywood Reporter interview with the showrunner Rachel Shukert. Further listening: The Baby-Sitters Club Club podcast!    Tune into Lindsey’s podcast We Met at Acme to get your regular dating updates and intel.   Add The Newsette to your morning routine. Snag the latest issue of the health-and-arts mag Womanly. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh, it’s just us, with a little to say about a whole lot of things! There’s some playlisting, some cookbooking, some sunblocking, some angsting—you’ll see when you dive in.   The linkage:   We have a new thing! It’s called Secret Menu, and, for $4 a month, you get access to a very special members-only newsletter. Yes, intriguing.   Powdered SPF! We’re all about it, especially for babies, scalps, and pandemic scenarios when you definitely don’t want to be touching your face in public. Brush On Block is our new (translucent) go-to.   The source of our playlist-for-the-ages tip: the wonderful Cat Dash. Related: Spotify’s Time Capsule feature.   The quick version of what Claire refers to as the gospel theory of activism.   A recent installment of Courtney Martin’s newsletter and one of Mona Chalabi’s excellent graphics compare the duration of the current BLM protests to the Montgomery bus boycott.   This Mother Jones article "The Gas Industry Is Paying Instagram Influencers to Gush Over Gas Stoves" 1) is about so much more than that headline conveys and 2) got us RILED. Sigh, related: Pregnancy risks related to air pollution disproportionately impact Black mothers.   Our most recent book purchases by Black authors (for ourselves and for gifts!): Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry, The Dooky Chase Cookbook by Leah Chase, The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty, Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert, and Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender.   The single-blade Oui razor—so chic, so worth it! Read this Glossy interview with the founder Karen Young for more context (paid subscription required).   Check out the Encyclopedia Womannica podcast! Every weekday, there’s a new, five-minute episode introducing game-changing women throughout history.   Wash your clothes with Celsious and snag 15% off their eco-friendly laundry supplies with the code 15% ACLEANERTHINGORTWO. YAY.    Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Um, aspirational friendship alert!! We’re bringing you THE Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, hosts of the podcast Call Your Girlfriend, brilliant minds behind Shine Theory, and authors of the book Big Friendship that all of your pals are going to be talking about on the group text. They’ve gotten practice writing—and talking—about the hard things in their relationship and working through conflict and, in doing so, are downright inspirational. But what’s new?   The linkage:   Big Friendship! Have you ordered your copy yet?!?!   If you aren’t consuming all that Amina and Ann create, get on that—starting with Call Your Girlfriend and Shine Theory.   To share any and all thoughts with us, DM us on IG at @athingortwohq or leave us a VM at 833-632-5463.   Subscribe to the Folding Chair newsletter for a weekly rundown of underreported stories impacting Black lives.  YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Slip on your comfiest shoes (ideally the ones that don’t go outdoors?) and get ready to curl up with a good book—or, rather, our enthusiastic endorsements of 26 novels by Black authors. YA and romance included, duh.   The linkage:   If you want more from us on Instagram, head to @athingortwohq. If you want to give us a ring, dial up 833-632-5463.   Some (Birkenstock-y) house-shoe picks: Arizona Essentials EVA, Boston Essentials EVA, and Boston Suede with Shearling.     NOVELS BY BLACK AUTHORS! That we love! Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid; Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue; The Idea of You by Robinne Lee; The Wedding Date, The Proposal, The Wedding Party, and more (!!) by Jasmine Guillory; The Nickel Boys (and next up: Sag Harbor) by Colson Whitehead; My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite; American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson; What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons; An American Marriage and Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones; The Mothers (and next up: The Vanishing Half) by Brit Bennett; Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson; Homegoing (up next: Transcendent Kingdom) by Yaa Gyasi; We Love You, Charlie Freeman by Kaitlyn Greenidge; Americanah and The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.   YA NOVELS! With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo; The Hate U Give and On the Come Up by Angie Thomas; The Sun is Also a Star and Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.   Listen to Tayari Jones on our podcast or on Death, Sex & Money (where she talks about getting a call from Oprah!).   Get your DIY fix with Sewsquad. For free shipping on your first order, sign up for the newsletter. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s up over here? We’re still giving too much headspace to Instagram...but our perspectives are shifting. And we’re also eating some of our very best meals of quar, thanks to Vanessa and Kim Pham, the sisters behind Omsom and its outrageously good Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino sauces. Dig in?   The linkage:   Andrea Whittle wrote about whether the protests will change IG for W mag.   Whoa, did this @_nanders post get the wheels turning about the WHY of sharing content that’s getting shared a lot.    We always love Mary H.K. Choi, and this ep of her Hey, Cool Life! pod about optics and allyship really landed.   Another shout-out for 15 Percent Pledge!   We are obsessed with Kim and Vanessa Pham’s Omsom sauces, made in collaboration with the NYC restaurants Fish Cheeks, Jeepney, and Madame Vo.   For more ideas on how to put Omsom sauces to excellent use, their Instagram is a treasure trove.   Cookbooks endorsed by Vanessa and Kim (for reading as much as cooking): I Am a Filipino by Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad and Dishoom: The First Ever Cookbook from the Much-Loved Indian Restaurant by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, and Naved Nasir.   Get us on Instagram at @athingortwohq or by phone at 833-632-5463.   Treat your hair to Nutrafol—20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Learn more about The Renée and register for a maternal-health jam session. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The two of us are calling our reps, donating money, consuming so much news, researching our primary candidates...and also rethinking where we spend our money and the businesses that warrant our support. We have SO MANY THOUGHTS. Also: We’re giving a free ad spot a week to a Black-owned business. If you’re interested, drop us a line at podcast@claireanderica.com!   The linkage:   The Who? Weekly episode intro that really spoke to us.   Check out the 15 Percent Pledge, which the Brother Vellies designer Aurora James started to urge major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. But it applies to consumers, too!   Some places to find more Black-owned businesses to support: Instagram highlights (1, 2, and 3) from Erica, a spreadsheet compiled by Lingua Franca, restaurant spreadsheets via Helen Rosner’s IG, Julee Wilson’s list of 125 beauty brands, Black-Owned Brooklyn, Shoppe Black, banks (and many other businesses!) from Amira Rasool’s IG.   The Harvard Business School 2014 working paper "The State of Small Business Lending" that we cite a bunch.   For some abysmal venture-funding stats, read the Techcrunch article "US VC Investment in Female Founders Hits All-Time High" and this Forbes piece that breaks down dollars for Black and Latinx women.   This Onion headline (and whole story) about private equity!!!   We’re all about shifting online book purchases to Bookshop.org.   Get in touch! On Instagram at @athingortwohq or via phone at 833-632-5463.   Head to BiblioLifestyle for A+ book recs, and subscribe today to get their summer reading guide. Check out the stunning pottery from Lolly Lolly Ceramics, and get on the email list to be first to hear about restocks. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you all read Uncanny Valley? Because this episode is a long way of saying, “Wow, you really should.” We are bubbling over with thoughts about Silicon Valley, gender and tech, and Anna Wiener’s all-around exceptional writing. Oh, and we also have something to say about going to the doctor during these times, as people who’ve had to go on multiple occasions.   The linkage:   You got a dreamy VM you want to leave? 833-632-5463—come on.   Two companies doing a good job thinking about medical solutions during this time: Capsule Pharmacy and Thirty Madison, with its online urgent care.   A case for taking babes to the doctor: this NYT story about vaccine rates dropping among kids.   Breaking news alert: Erica is now the proud owner of the jumbo tin of Luxardo cherries (and is stocked-up on her favorite GF pasta, too). Put your Luxardos in a Tom Collins!   Read o’ the week: Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener. If you want a taste, it was excerpted in The New Yorker (and also started as an n+1 essay).   Here’s the “Measles for the One Percent” article from New York mag that Claire references.    Glossary of the references in the book if you wanna check your answers.   Such good writing about premiocre by Amanda Mull and Venkatesh Rao!   Whip up some Sun Basket. Get $35 off your order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Treat your hair to Nutrafol—20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know who wrote the book on socks (and started one of the best Tumblrs and bakes internet-famous cookies)? John Jannuzzi, and he’s here to share his creative side-hustle tips (but not any of the burnt malted milk and Kit-Kat cookies—he’s keeping those for himself). Before we dive in, though, can we discuss long-distance collaboration between two people who live four blocks apart? Yes, we’re talking about us.   Visit www.DailyHarvest.com and use code ATHINGORTWO for $25 off your first Box! Also, visit www.nyssacare.com and use code ATHINGORTWO for 15% off your order!   The linkage:   We’ve picked up some good work habits from the book Making Ideas Happen.   Breaking snack news: The Daily Crave smoked gouda lentil chips might be a wise bulk purchase (as they have been for Claire), and the makers of Pretzel Perfection are donating party mix to school districts and food banks.   How to Wear Socks! It’s John Jannuzzi’s new book. Feels very appropriate for dads ‘n grads, no?   Classic white Bombas! John’s favorite socks.   Bring on the crazy glasses, fun socks, and nutty shoes: Per The Strategist, Strawberry Crocs are having moment.   John’s other creative undertakings: 1) his v. popular early-days Tumblr Textbook 2) his dance compilations 3) Jannuzzi’s Cookies, batches of which go on sale every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET (set a reminder!).   Oh, also: John is very active on both Twitter and Instagram.   Two people John looks to for creativity guidance: Amanda Mull (who is a staff writer at The Atlantic) and Mary H.K. Choi (the author of Permanent Record and Emergency Contact and host of the minipod Hey, Cool Life!).   You know we love our voicemails. 833-632-5463!   For anything else you might be looking for related to all of this, head over to claireanderica.com.   Stock your fridge with Daily Harvest—$25 off your first box with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re getting saucy—even more so than usual?—and dipping into the spreads, schmears, and drizzles we’re treating as essential supplements to our souls as well as our fridge-clearing batches of fried rice. Also! We’re coming at you with a bunch o’ thoughts on how to practice ~friendship~ right now, whether you prefer a postcard or a week-long game.   The linkage:   Condiment for us (and for you): Chinkiang vinegar, seasoned rice vinegar, mirin, Fly by Jing sichuan chili crisp, Marmite, hoisin, Seedible sesame butter, Thai Kitchen curry paste, Iasa hot pepper in olive oil, Tutto Calabria Rose Marina, Mike’s or Red Clay hot honey, Holy Schmitt’s horseradish and horseradish mustard, and (drumroll) Luxardo cherries, which are available in this large-format option.    A couple recipe mentions: sauteed greens with onions and soy sauce and tofu and green beans with chile crisp.    Breaking news alert: grapefruit updates!! We learned about a grapefruit-eating tactic from a YouTube vid (by way of the wonderful Deez Links newsletter), and we both ate up Connie Wang’s article for R29 “Love in the Shape of Cut Fruit.”   Friend activities: texting (or Netflix Party chatting) over a movie, a game of Mafia (magazine covers via Canva quite optional), PowerPoint parties, sending postcards (extra credit if it’s by letter of the alphabet!) or using TouchNote to do so, the Marco Polo app, stoop drop-offs, New Yorker crosswords in partner mode, being a Mystery Reader for a kid, or, for the bold, singing theme songs—or any songs, really—via voice memo.   Voicemails! You wanna leave one? Great: 833-632-5463.   Take our survey, get coupon codes, etc., etc. at claireanderica.com.   Cook up Sun Basket goodness. $35 off your order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it say about us that we’re taking a great deal of pleasure in having a mug of something warm as a near-constant companion? You be the judge! Also for your consideration: a nail-painting tool, a line of chic retro dinnerware, a milk-frother, and an oddly satisfying timer to help get at least a couple to-dos checked off.   The linkage:   Oh, hey: Take our survey!   We’ve been getting such good VMs, including the one at the end of this ep. If you want to join the fun: 833-632-5463.   Souvenir mugs we have or aspire to have: Russ & Daughters (they’ve discontinued the original), Hart’s, Cafe Du Monde, and Veselka. Also, vintage art museum mugs! And why not just make some on Zazzle and Shutterfly for friends when the mood strikes? A good way to memorialize photos, good or embarrassing.   Makers of the pretty ceramic mugs we want to have and to hold: Molly Anne Bishop, BTW Ceramics, Hasami Porcelain (There are two separate lines: one from Takuhiro Shinomoto, the founder of Tortoise General Store, and the other from Kyohei Baba), Chloe May Brown, Risa Nishimori, Knotwork, and Helen Levi.    Bitty espresso cups! Splatterware enamel ones from GSI Outdoors and non-splatter enamel ones from Falcon specifically.   Buy into the buzz of the Olive & June Poppy for home nail-painting. This whole Starter Set excellent—love the EC polish, and the topcoat is as good as promised.   Some more background on Heller Dinnerware by Massimo Vignelli. DWR sells the white version, and there’s tons of vintage on Etsy.   For more on the Pomodoro Technique, here you go. Give Marinaratimer.com a try, or snag a cute tomato timer.   Oh, you thought we were done with mug-related content? NOPE. We have a very good milk frother rec for you.   And visit www.Nutrafol.com with Promo Code: ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your order!    Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week in “it’s the small things” content, we’re sharing the Instagram accounts bringing us joy, the T-shirts we have possibly (definitely) too many thoughts about, and the campaign we’re launching to book our dream pod guest. Let’s make #qaiqaispromise happen, people!   The linkage:   Join the #qaiqaispromise movement. We’re counting on you (and, of course, Qai Qai).   If you aren’t following these IGs, you’re in for a bunch of treats: @grossypelosi, @thetinychefshow, @laurentamaki, @lilystockman, @thelesliejordan, @dritadavanzoladyboss, and @theonion.   T-shirts! Sunspel, Skin, Re/done, AMO, Calder Blake, The Great, and Petit Bateau all make ones we wear ‘n swear by. Claire is also very interested in trying this Bandier tank, fwiw.   Get cookin’ with Sun Basket—$35 off your order with the code ATHINGORTWO.   And make the world a better place with Causebox— 30% off your order plus Free Shipping!   YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently, we have a lot of pent-up thoughts about Instagram in need of an outlet, namely this episode of this podcast. Dive in for how we think about consuming and posting (in this time and in less insane ones), the features we want from the app, and, importantly, our differing takes on liking and commenting on celebs’ accounts.   Visit DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code: ATHINGORTWO for $25 off your first box!   The linkage:   If you haven’t caught our IGTV stuffs, vids are over at @clairemazur and @ericacerulo. Only some of them are about the romance novel The Idea of You! (HAVE YOU READ IT?)   Speaking of Instagram, you gotta give our Phil Chang ep a listen. Oh, and our Taylor Lorenz ep, too.   The Julia Turshen cookbook Claire mentions, Feed the Resistance.   Two accounts that hit the IG tropes hard and are still very strong follows: Erin Foster and Nell Diamond.   Nab $25 off your first Daily Harvest box with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Things we’re rejecting (some days): three square meals. Things we’re embracing: square-toe shoes...and also special treats in pretty much any form. Including a long-distance update from our one-time pod producer Alex, the Roz to our Frasier.   Visit www.causebox.com/athingortwo with code: ATHINGORTWO for 30% off your order!   The linkage:   833-632-5463 for voicemails—we love ‘em.   Are you listening to Who? Weekly? And their extra-special Patreon content? Get on that.   Our dinnertime playlists right now: Sam Cooke Radio + Legendary Women of Country.   Celery! Erica’s in. Claire’s not. Maybe try this salad with dates and parm, this one with apples and gorgonzola, or the braised recipe from Salad for President and decide for yourself?   The ol’ kale-stem shock and awe.   PSA: We now have an Amazon Storefront and a Bookshop.org page if you’re looking to dig up some of our recs.   Relevant to square-toe shoes: The Witches the book and also the movie, the slingbacks that Aeyde is serving up, and a lot of what Intentionally Blank has on offer.    Alex enthusiastically endorses Summer House. Maybe watch while drinking an espresso martini?   If you have questions, thoughts, or musings can always get us at podcast@claireanderica.com.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Geez, does Marisa Meltzer know how to get the wheels turning. We talk to her about her shiny new book This Is Big, which digs deep into dieting, wellness, feminism, body positivity, and the intersection of those topics—and also about friendship and snacks. Much to discuss, you see. But first! A truly odd (if entertaining) NYC campaign we didn’t want you to miss.   The linkage:   If you somehow want more on the Billy Never Idles campaign, well, here you go.   Read Marisa’s book, This Is Big: How the Founder of Weight Watchers Changed the World (and Me)! Do it!   Jean Nidetch’s NYT obit from 2015—and the whole Overlooked No More obit project.   A wonderful article Marisa wrote a while back for Elle about diets + feminism.   We enthusiastically endorse Katie Sturino’s Boob Sweat podcast. Marisa shouts-out this interview with CeCe Olisa in particular.   Let’s talk about SNACKS real quick: Graham crackers (with cream cheese, covered in chocolate, or as part of an #indoorsmore situation), The Daily Crave smoked gouda lentil chips, and Tapatio Doritos.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here we are again, talking about stuff no one else is talking about (and we hope that’s a good thing?). Today, we’re digging into a surprisingly handy word and plenty o’ business insights from the bonafide retail legend Mickey Drexler, who’s lived through plenty of ups and downs.   The linkage:   Introducing a weirdly useful term: webonair.   Have you listened to the podcast Bad on Paper? ‘Cause ya should.   If you didn’t catch our first chat with Mickey Drexler, you can do that right over here.   Alex Mill is Mickey’s latest undertaking with his son...and we have been talking about too much on this podcast, we’re aware.   Here’s the Agnès B. cardigan Erica was wearing that you couldn’t see through your headphones. It got a nice send-up from The Cut recently, too.   Reminder that you can sign up for our newsletter, get coupon codes, etc., etc. on claireanderica.com.    Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reading newsletters and doing ironing—two indoor-kid activities no doubt! Ok, seriously, though, take care of yourselves, find some good distractions, and maybe try to get some fresh air?   The linkage:   Claire bought a full-size ironing board by Brabantia and highly endorses it, and Erica has this hook thingy to hang her ironing board on that she thinks is just great.   The most ironing-enthusiastic person in our world—Claire’s mom—swears by the Miele Rotary Iron (a.k.a. a mangle) for sheets/linens and the LauraStar ironing system (um, as featured in Parasite?!).   To avoid ironing jeans: dryer balls, like these from Heart Felt and these from Food52.   Ok, newsletters! Here are allllll of the ones we love: The Ann Friedman Weekly, Girls’ Night In, Shelter, This Week in Scams, Garden Variety, Here for It w/ R. Eric Thomas (same name as his new book), Why is this interesting?, Cassandra Daily, Well To Do, Deez Links, Quartz Daily Obsession, The New Consumer, Sehat, The Examined Life (from the author of The New Better Off), The Noah Kalina Newsletter (sidenote: Noah’s self-portrait project), Oversharing, Five Things I Ate, and Read Like the Wind.   Voicemails! Love ‘em! Leave ‘em! 833-632-5463.   Dig into all of Sephora’s clean makeup. Grab Iconic Protein for 25% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try out Daily Harvest and get $25 your first box with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s so much to think about right now, it seems, but we’re going to take this opportunity to focus on one truly magical person: Jason Polan, an artist we’ve been in awe of for at least a decade who passed away at 37 in January. In a word: heartbreaking—but also a push to embrace living as much as he did. As we reflect on his life, his work, and his approach to both, we wanted to resurface an interview we did with him back in 2017, and if it makes you feel compelled to draw something (anything!), we bet he would have really liked that.   The linkage:   This feels like a great time for voicemails, huh? Give us a ring at 833-632-5463. Just a smattering of Jason Polan’s wonderful work: Every Person in New York (us included), Taco Bell Drawing Club, a Marvel Comics cover, and so many major brand collabs (Nike, Warby Parker, Uniqlo, Levi’s, Soludos, Baggu!). A good use of an hour: reading Jason’s IG captions. Come on with the ridiculously charming ad he ran in The New Yorker for the post office.  @this_girl_is_a_squirrel, an Instagram rec for 2017, now, and always. New York mag’s tribute to Jason, by the art critic Jerry Saltz. For show notes, advertiser coupon codes, and all that jazz, head to claireanderica.com.   DrinkIconic.com with code athingortwo for 25% off your first order! Get the best in clean makeup at Sephora, online and in stores now!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 When Nikki Ogunnaike got a new job as GQ’s deputy fashion director, we were immediately all, “What’s it like?!” So we took this opportunity to ask her about making the move from women’s fashion to men’s...and where she gets the bags she couldn’t afford when she was starting out. Oh, and while we’re at it, we’re sharing a three-minute exercise another friend used to make a tough decision, too.   The linkage:   Voicemails: We love ‘em. You can get us at 833-632-5463.   Our pal Eliza Bent, who recently made a big move and whose decision-making tactic we co-opted.   Follow Nikki Ogunnaike and her #bathroombigfit looks...and maybe subscribe to GQ, which is what we’re doing? See: this Keanu Reeves profile, this Larry David cover story, and this story about how a wide range of dudes are eating in 2020.    Two menswear brands Nikki is v. into: Alex Mill and Brandon Maxwell.   To source the bags she couldn’t get as an assistant, Nikki turns to The RealReal, Fashionphile, and Threads Styling.   Nikki bought multiple colors of a pair of Maison Kitsuné pants, and Erica did the same with these Ganni jeans.   Feel free to reach out to Qai Qai—via Twitter or Instagram—and tell her you want to hear her on our pod.   For all of our advertiser coupon codes and episode notes, get your butt to claireanderica.com.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not to brag or anything, but our reading has range. Please accept the authors we discuss in this episode—buzzed-about novelist Kevin Wilson, person you’ve definitely heard of Jessica Simpson, and children’s book phenom Sandra Boynton—as proof. But first: We schmear it on thick with the Marmite.   The linkage:   You like coupon codes? Course you do.   C’mon with Marmite’s very knowing mugs and personalized (!!!) jars.   How about putting Marmite on toast with Greek yogurt like Erica? Or on avocado toast like Table on Ten? Maybe you also want to blend it with butter or use it in this chicken dish.   Speaking of salty condiments: We’re very into Momofuku Hozon and Bonji, both available at Peach Mart in Hudson Yards.   Books! Claire’s latest favorite: Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. If you’re into this, you may also like Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link or Rich and Pretty by Rumaan Alam.   Erica’s latest favorite: Open Book by Jessica Simpson. If we don’t sell you on grabbing a copy, maybe this NYT profile will.   Cam’s latest favorite (or at least Claire’s favorite to read to Cam): anything by Sandra Boynton, starting with Hippos Go Berserk! and But Not the Hippopotamus. This Atlantic profile of the author is RICH as is her IG.   Oh, hey: Leave us a message! Or a voice memo if you’d rather think of it that way. 833-632-5463!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we train ourselves to be better fashion consumers? Claire, who is as surprised as you are that she’s three months into a shopping ban, has some learnings. And! We’re delivering plenty of intel from our visit to the home and lifestyle trade shows (AKA, the time we went to the Javits Center for fun).    The linkage:   A couple of things we love: 1) coupon codes, which you can now find here and 2) voicemails—so leave us one at 833-632-5463 any ol’ time.    We’re all about Man Repeller’s rundown of Qs to pop before you shop.   Read up on Livia Firth, the co-founder and creative director of Eco-Age, and her 30 Wears Challenge.   Reporting from the tradeshows: COLOR! See: Poketo, Hay, Chilewich, Vitra, and Herman Miller.   Glassware (and colorful glassware specifically)! See: R+D Lab, Lateral Objects, Kinto, Sugahara, and Hawkins New York.   Design-y first aid! See: Airinium Urban Air Mask 2.0, Bioswiss bandages, and, elsewhere, emergency preparedness kits from Judy and Preppi.    Oat milk / vegan chocolate! See: not-yet-launched Schnog + Noss and Raaka.   Good-looking sustainable food and drink containers! See: Hay’s Sowden water bottle, Stojo cups, Porter by W&P make-and-take containers, and S’well Eats containers. Related: the sleek Aarke seltzer maker and, ugh, crystal water bottles.   Wellness patches! See: The Good Patch.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s possible you’ve been consuming content by Kim France for thirty-ish years, and we’re here to talk about all of it (including her new podcast—which, have you listened?!). Also, not to be the people who talk about our meditation experiences, but we kind of can’t shut up about this one time, ok?   The linkage:   Hit up the Sky Ting yoga classes taught by Marisa Meltzer (in NYC) that we loved.   Check out Kim France’s podcast, which she co-hosts with Tally Abecassis, called Everything Is Fine and her fashion ‘n shopping blog Girls of a Certain Age. Both are ideal for women over 40 and the over-40-curious.   How Sassy Changed My Live, which the very same Marisa Meltzer co-authored with Kara Jesella, is itself iconic at this point.   Kim goes deep on her creative partnership with Andrea Linett while running Lucky in our book Work Wife.   For a preview of the book Kim is writing, read her Medium essays about the beautiful house that didn’t make for a beautiful life and depression at the Condé Nast holiday lunch. Oh, and read her essays on vanity and dressing your age for The Cut while you’re at it.   Speaking of editors in chief, Dan Peres (of Details) just released As Needed for Pain, and this NYT story about that whole late-nineties/early-aughts magazine era is pretty juicy.   Kim shops The RealReal (join the club!), Warm, and Maria Cornejo.   Shout out to the magazine Gossamer, which is for people who also smoke weed.   Two friends we lost much too soon: David Rakoff and Jason Polan.   Bring on that menopause content. See: Darcy Steinke’s book Flash Count Diary, Party Girl, this Broad City scene, and this Fleabag one.    You wanna talk about beauty stuff? Excellent! Kim is very into Drunk Elephant, SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Masks, Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer, and Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. For a red lip, she’s all about Kosas in Royal, Lipstick Queen, and those Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencils.    Kim’s watching Cheer, Fleabag, Killing Eve, The Crown, Victoria and reading Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun, Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret, and (as always) Go Fug Yourself.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s total mid-February vibes around here, as evidenced by the fact that we’re entertaining ourselves with new egg preparations and spending our weekend nights getting our jewelry in order. And when we do leave the house? Well, we’re pulling on the tallest, warmest socks we can come by.   The linkage: It’s all about tall socks for wide-leg pants in the winter, especially ones from Richer Poorer and Raey. Alert, alert: Weleda Skin Food now comes in body-butter form. We’re living in a peak organization era. Shout out to The Container Store (for Elfa, of course, and also linen drawer dividers), Yamazaki (see: this TP stand, this side table trash can, this towel rack, this leaning coat rack, and whole slew of jewelry organizers), Muji (see: more jewelry organizers), Marie Kondo’s shop, Hay (very into these plastic crates), Kept (this excellent laundry hamper), Open Spaces (especially nice-looking shelf risers), and Food52 (we won’t shut up about them, we know). Dims furniture is real cute. Claire has their bar cart, and we both want their vanity. The latest in (our) egg prep: cooked in cream, Julia Turshen’s fried eggs with yogurt method, and a French omelet via this Bon App video (start at 17:07). Are trendy egg brands a thing? Happy Egg Co. and Vital Farms make us think so. (Sidenote: Kate’s Homemade Butter—try it.) Give Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum a go. It’s 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO20. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking a vacation to Japan is overwhelming. Sharing travel picks is overwhelming. Shopping online consignment is overwhelming. But you know what? We went ahead and tackled it all here, and we’re pretty proud of ourselves, thanks.   The linkage: For Claire, true RealReal browsing is all about the app. But there is, of course, also a (slightly less addictive) website. Another online consignment shop to check out: Luxury Garage Sale. Why not set sale alerts for your go-to brands on ShopStyle, too?  Our six Tokyo picks! A Yomiuri Giants baseball game, the Yanaka neighborhood for wandering around, Gyoza Ro for dumplings, Mikawa Zezankyo for an outrageous tempura dinner (that you can book on OpenTable), Hakusan Porcelain for truly stunning ceramics, and Kappabashi Shopping District for the restaurant-supply shops (including Kamata knife shop) that will have you thinking about buying another suitcase. What we loved in Kyoto! Kyoto International Manga Museum for an anime deep-dive (which turned Claire onto the Nana series), Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku, the Kitano Tenmangu shrine monthly flea market (on the 25th of the month), the 550-year-old soba restaurant Owariya (aside: Try Cocoron in NYC, too), and Shoraian Tofu Restaurant for lunch in the bamboo forest. A cheat rec (in a good way): the *art island* Naoshima and the Benesse House Museum, where you can also stay. Try the very buzzy Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum—and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO20. YAY.    Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve got some real dirt today—or, rather, we have ways to clean it up (including a stick vac that’s maybe falling out of favor?) and a guest who’s dishing it on his Stories, which we consider must-see IG. Tune in and then hit up @heyphilchang to see what we mean...   The linkage:   You can find our show notes over at claireanderica.com now. Look at us.   Our robot vacuum endorsements: Neato XV-21 Pet & Allergy Automatic Vacuum Cleaner and iRobot Roomba 960. A somewhat controversial hand vac rec: Black & Decker Pivot Vac. Everybody’s favorite, the Dyson Stick Vac—Claire has the V10, and Erica has the V8—but, wait, should Consumer Reports have us reconsidering? Cam is a Miele fan and will someday be the proud owner of this toy one. Should his brand loyalty change, he could also get a Dyson. Follow Phil Chang’s WILD Instagram. It’s all about his Stories. Further reading from the L.A. Times on Tommy Le, an unarmed Vietnamese-American 20 year old who was shot and killed by a Seattle police officer. To get all that news, Phil uses the RSS reader Feedly and follows ProPublica, FAIR, Southern Poverty Law Center, Nieman Lab, The Intercept, and The Guardian. Also, podcasts! Phil heartily endorses Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan, America Dissected with Abdul El-Sayed, Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes, The Guardian’s Audio Long Reads, and Stay Tuned with Preet. Do a deep-dive into Sharon Choi, Parasite director Bong Joon-ho’s translator, starting with this Guardian article. And for more on female translators in general, check out this episode of Call Your Girlfriend. A book that will have you wanting to book the next flight to Seoul: The Birth of Korean Cool. Get a whole $50 off some cool Noemie fine jewelry with the code ATHINGORTWO. Try BetterHelp online counseling—use ATHINGORTWO for 10% off your first month. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congrats to Cam on his first bday and to Claire on her one-year motherhood anniversary! We’ll get into all of the learnings—and bathtime struggles. But first: a rabbit whose diet is raw, vegan, now grain-free. How very 2020 of her.   The linkage: Ash’s wonderful vet, Catnip & Carrots. Meaghan O’Connell on breastfeeding and hormones for The Cut. For pelvic floor and postpartum incontinence stuff, look into Michele McGurk of Danu Physical Therapy in Brooklyn and Rachel Welch of Revolution Motherhood in Manhattan, in Brooklyn, and on the internet. Underwear for the fourth trimester! From Nyssa. To understand baby developmental leaps, give The Wonder Weeks app a download. Products! You knew they were coming. It’s all about the Snoo (which you can rent), the BabyBjorn Bouncer, the Colugo compact stroller, and the Charlie Crane levo baby bouncer. Erin Boyle of Reading My Tea Leaves shares intel on the Buy Nothing Project here.   www.Biossance.com w/ Code ATHINGORTWO20 for 20% off your full-sized purchase   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A couple of months ago, we went deep on what it felt like to shut down our company Of a Kind (dig into that episode here), and now, with more distance, we have plenty of fresh new takeaways to share. Spoiler alert: We have no idea what our professional futures hold, and we’re cool with that.   The linkage: For further listening on brushing scams, try this Planet Money ep and/or this Reply All one. Here's Wendy Macnaughton’s IG post that made us feel seen. Check out Zola and get 50% off wedding save the dates! YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are black tights getting you down? Are you looking to investigate your alcohol consumption? Are you searching for some new places to shop? This is not an infomercial—it’s just an intro to all that awaits you in this week’s grab bag of an ep.   The linkage:   Our fave stores, for fashion and accessories: Idun, Kick Pleat, Noodle Stories, Love Adorned, Esqueleto, Lizzie Fortunato (don’t sleep on the Fortune Finds home goods either!), Lisa Says Gah, Garmentory, Concrete + Water, and Ban.do. Shops we love, for home and gifty stuff: Food52, Collyer’s Mansion, Primary Essentials, Coming Soon, Homecoming, Hawkins New York, and Leif. Tall (definitely investment) boots: Stuart Weitzman’s Lowland and Loeffler Randall's Gia ones. Sheer tights! Wolford Individual 10s are just great. Some drinking stuff: Omission GF beer and madeira, beloved by George Washington.   Some non-drinking stuff: Curious Elixirs, Kin Euphorics, Recess, Proteau, Zero Proof dinner series, The Goods article on how 2019 changed the way we drink, Tempest, and a NYT opinion column on A.A. and women (that came out after we recorded and is too relevant not to include!). Betterhelp.com/ATHINGORTWO for 10% off your first month! HelloNoemie.com/ATHINGORTWO for $50 off your first purchase! Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talk about thrilling: We have a bonafide icon on today’s ep. We’re talking to Mickey Drexler—who spearheaded Gap and J.Crew in their heydays and is now helping make magic happen at Alex Mill—about how he works and just plain does his days. But first: sweet potatoes, which aren’t boring, ok?   The linkage: Three recipes for exciting sweet potatoes! Ones loaded with lentils, citrus, and feta, ones topped with tahini butter, and ones baked into a (paleo) bread. And one non-recipe: almond butter and seasoned rice vinegar mixed into a sauce and topped with furikake Mickey Drexler’s latest retail undertaking (led by his son, Alex Drexler!) is Alex Mill. We love it. Erica wears these and this all the time, Claire can often be spotted in this and this, and just about everybody sweats these. When it comes to meditating, Mickey is into Hamsa and Transcendental Meditation. A home-goods business Mickey likes: Snowe. Wow, do we get psyched about voicemails: 833-632-5463!   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Something we learned in recording this episode: We have a lot of HG beauty products—and you’re ‘bout to hear about all of them. Oh, and about Christmas trees...which, is that still a seasonally appropriate topic?   The linkage:   Glass-blown ornament resources, five days after Christmas: Old World Christmas (hoodies in particular!), Worthwhile in Charleston (in-store only), ABC Carpet & Home, and Best Made Company.   The newsletter Garden Variety sparked Claire’s dry-orange tree-decor initiative.   Skincare we can go on and on about: Lancôme Eau Fraîche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water, Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser, Biologique Recherche P50, Moon Juice Beauty Shroom Exfoliating Acid Potion, Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum, Noto Botanics Resurface Scrub, Binu Binu Seshin Korean Scrub Mitt, Josie Maran Argan Moisturizing Bronzing Oil, Weleda Skin Food, Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, and regular ol’ coconut oil.     Makeup we’re way into: Kosas Tinted Face Oil, UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen, RMS “Un” Cover-up, Rituel de Fille The Ethereal Veil Conceal and Cover, Rituel de Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment in Desire, Noto Botanics Multi-Benne Stain Pot in Ono Ono, Lily Lolo Natural Vegan Mascara, Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara, Sania’s Brow Bar Angled Mechanical Brow Pencil, Glossier Boy Brow, Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner Pencil, Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner in Nude, Olio E Osso Balm in Poppy, Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Flame, Kosas Weightless Lip Color in Rosewater, Kosasport Lipfuel in Pulse, Lansinoh Lanolin Minis, and Sunnies Face Fluffmatte in Baked / Terracotta Peach.     Hair products we’re all about: Conair InfinitiPro Curling Wand, Virtue Smooth Shampoo, Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, and Rahua Leave-In Treatment.    Scents that make good sense: Maison Marie Louis No.4 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette, D.S. & Durga Coriander Perfume, Te+Te Hinoki Hand Wash, Norden Ojai Ceramic Candle, Dimes Candle, and Saint Olio Neroli Automatic Cleaner.      Dig into Sakara, and take $60 off, even! Head to Zola and nab 50% off wedding save the dates! Try out Acuity Scheduling—and get 45 days free! YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re starved for a dose of our trademark randomness, WELCOME. There’s so much to reflect on today, including Marissa Cooper, paleo puffs, Amazon avoidance, and something *vaguely mysterious* called buccal massage.   The linkage:   The O.C. has us thinking a lot about Seth Cohen and Judaism (see also: Tommy Pickles and Judaism)...and low-rise jeans.    A whole lotta healthy-ish cheese curls/balls are having a moment, including Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs "No Cheese" Cheesiness, Lesser Evil Egg White Curls in Huevos Rancheros, and Pipcorn Cheese Balls (in Broccoli Cheddar, too). Oh, and please do read this wonderful New York mag story about Grace Church School that has a LOLZ-y Pirate’s Booty shout-out.   Other food things on our minds: Magic Spoon and Skyline Chili (which have probably never appeared side-by-side before).   For some Amazon long reads, check out The New Yorker piece by Charles Duhigg (author of The Power of Habit) and the NYT piece by Jodi Kantor (co-author of She Said).   To download Kindle books for free, it’s all about the Libby app.   Jaw/buccal massage—we suspect it’s going to trend. Noy Skincare in NYC does it, as does Take Care in NYC and LA.   Get Acuity Scheduling for free for 45 days! Try the InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling Hair Dryer! Visit Lamps Plus for up to 50% off their holiday sale (through December 24th) YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the second half of our very enthusiastic, mildly frantic gift guide! If you’re still trying to track down something for that cool teen ya know, your nana, or anyone who demands practicality, we’ve got you. And hit up last week’s ep if you need more ideas, too. While we’re here, two reminders: 1) Donations are great gifts. 2) Don’t buy junk!!    The linkage:   For teens: Japanese watercolor markers, luggage (check out North Face rolling duffles, Baggu weekenders, and Herschel carry-ons), Olive & June nail polish or manicure kit, gift cert for Nike by You or Miadidas, Katie Kimmel hats/tees/bags, or Ban.do swag   For an eight-month-old baby: Donation to National Diaper Bank Network or RAICES Texas, an ornament (start a tradition!), Lovevery play kit or subscription, or Artifact Uprising board book   For nieces, ages seven and one: Dumye dolls and doll-making kit, Entireworld sweatsuits, Fanny at Chez Panisse cookbook, book-club subscription (Books Are Magic does YA, middle grade, and picture books, and The Picture Book Club customizes the picks), personalized Radio Flyer wagon/scooter/bike, or Crate & Barrel playhouse   For a 94-year-old grandmother: Storycorps recording or flower subscription—we are into Bouqs, Farmgirl Flowers, and Flowers for Dreams   For couples (how ‘bout under $50?): W&P Games or Wolfum backgammon or domino sets (though the latter are a little more $), a restaurant gift cert, or a hotel gift cert (think: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Airbnb, etc.)   For in-laws: FOOOOOOD. Goldbelly and Mouth are good resources, and we also feel strongly about Alioto-Lazio Fish Company crabs, Zingerman’s clubs for bacon or coffee cake or olive oil, Sqirl jams, Russ & Daughters smoked fish, Joe’s Stone Crab crab claws, and Jeni’s ice cream.   For best girlfriends (under $50!): Massage brush, fancy brush/comb, The Floral Society Edible Seed Kit, Hortense black friendship bracelet with pearl beads, Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick, Hawkins candlesticks, or Boy Smells candle set   For people who value utility over luxury: Shhhowercap, Food52 cutting board (or anything from their Five Two line, really), Thermapen, a booklamp (Wirecutter has a pick), Google Home Mini, mini steamer, Dyson stick vac, Joseph Joseph kitchen scale, Muji travel neck pillow, Uniqlo HeatTech, or Benriner mandoline   For stockings: Noto Botanics lip and cheek stains, Baggu reusable bags, Hibi matches, Le Pen set, Clary balm, MT washi tape, cool postage stamps (these, these, these!), Stasher bags, Stojo cup, Acuballs, Moglea and Society6 phone cases, Helen Levi salt and pepper shakers, or Wit & Delight portable phone chargers   For a nanny or caregiver: Slippers (maybe Ugg or Ariana Bohling?), Zeel or Soothe in-home massage, or AMC gift card   For a Peorian pharmacist named Bob: Gift cert to Bushwacker (fave local store!) or to The Aviary/The Office in Chicago or tickets to see The Book of Mormon at the Peoria Civic Center in January   Try Cove if you get migraines—and get a month of meds for free. Grab the InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling Hair Dryer. Give Acuity Scheduling a go with 45 days totally free. YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s this? A holiday gift guide?! You bet. We solicited your Qs for hard-to-shop-for loved ones on Instagram, and we have so very many thoughts. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for here, tune in next Monday for the second half, huh?   The linkage:   For pretty/cool playing cards: Look to Fredericks and Mae, Joe Doucet for Areaware, Parks Project, Frank Lloyd Wright, or Woman Cards (there’s a women-in-tech deck, too)       For coworkers (like, $10-$15!): Alpaca keychain, Areaware Little Puzzle Thing, R.P.S pencil case, or Wary Meyers soap      For bosses (like, under $25!): A plant from a nursery or The Sill or a Fort Standard for Areaware totem candle   For employees ($50-ish): Tortuga bookends, Poketo glass straws, or a gift certificate—think a manicure (Tenoverten in NYC, LA, Austin), a massage (The Now in LA), a facial (Heyday in Philly, NYC, LA), or food/drink (Sweetgreen, Blue Bottle, etc.!)   For (but of course) work wives: An experience for you two to do OOO, like a concert, a flower-arranging class, or a workout adventure   For dads, brothers, and men in your life with no hobbies: Snake River Farms wagyu beef, Oceanbox seafood, a leather belt that you get monogrammed by your local cobbler, Glerups slippers, Kingston Wine Co. subscription, Patagonia Houdini or Action Works donation, or a digital subscription—specifically crosswords (NYT or The Inkubator), The Athletic, or Audm.   For the families of significant others when you’re not sure if you need to get them something: holiday bread! We like panettone from From Roy, babka from Breads Bakery, and stollen from Big Sur Bakery.   For a new significant other: A ~fun date~. Sporting event tix! Pottery class! What have you!   For the sig other who loves natty wine, cooking, and the REI sale (under $50, plz): Snowpeak camping dishes/utensils, Pok Pok Som drinking vinegars, Mama O’s kimchi kit, or Victoria tortilla press     For the professor husband jealous of his fashionable Brooklyn friends but wears mostly sweats: Well, then, nice sweats, like ones from Saturdays (reverse fleece in particular), Norse Projects, Entireworld, and Todd Snyder x Champion. Or Taylor Stitch or Alex Mill clothes.   For Alice Waters–adjacent moms: Alice Waters Masterclass, Hudson Valley Seed Co. seeds, Permanent Collection something, The Floral Society market tote, or a citrus tree      For fancy stepmoms: Hill House Home monogrammed washcloths (or anything from this brand, really), Caroline Z. Hurley cloth napkins, or Brown Parcel Press calendar    For cooler, younger sisters-in-law: Hysteria by Happy Socks socks, Lunya silk scrunchie, Piecework puzzle, Thompson Street Studio coasters, Machete anything, Hay jug      For suburban sisters-in-law not into too-cool Brooklyn-y stuff: The Floral Society flower frog, Leah Goren pet portrait, Illustrated Bookshelf art (or mug!), Book of the Month club (or books sourced with NPR’s Book Concierge), Parachute or Eberjey robe, Creekside Farms herb wreath   Get 50% off your first Feals order! Try 45 days of Acuity Scheduling for free! Give the InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling Hair Dryer a go! YAY.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So, you may have heard: Of a Kind is no more. What’s it been like for us to step away from the business we built and ran for nine years? How are we doing over here? What are we still processing? Oh, so very many thoughts and feeeeeeelings ahead…   The linkage:   Go to the gyno! In NYC, Erica’s a fan of Pure OBGYN, and Claire loves Vanessa Pena. Also, Claire’s doula, if you’re looking.   Jenny Odell’s book How to Do Nothing feels so right for our transition.   Erica is planning on using this time to deep-dive into some cookbooks—Cannelle et Vanille, Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes, and Nothing Fancy in particular.   If you want more on Of a Kind’s run, Callia Hargrove wrote a piece for Fashionista that definitely made us cry.   Better Help for 10% off your first month Acuity Scheduling for 45 days FREE Cove for your first month FREE   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Super compelling topics on this week’s episode include paper towels and pasta straws—and if you’re thirsty to know more about what exactly that means, read on. The linkage… For some sustainable sipping, scoop up a Stojo cup and HAY! straws. Check into Willow House in Terlingua the next time you mess with Texas, and don’t miss out on Big Bend in general. Soak up some nineties nostalgia with a viewing of Party Girl. Sign up for the Oversharing newsletter for up-to-date info (and LOLs) on the sharing economy—and read more about responsible entrepreneurship from Ann Yang, who recently wrote about leaving her company Misfit Foods. Make personalized board books your kids can’t destroy with the help of Artifact Uprising. Feals - 50% OFF First Order + FREE SHIPPING Sakara - For $60 OFF your First Order   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We rounded up your mailbag questions all about being a boss, having a boss, and just, like, WORKING and asked Julia Hunter, the CEO of the ultra-cool fashion and home line Jenni Kayne for her take. Oh, does she deliver the insights and realness. The linkage… The Laundress dry-cleaning detox kit and mesh bags. Organic by John Patrick slip dresses—no dry-cleaning required! Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes—or give us a call at (833) OF A KIND and leave us a voicemail! Click Here for 15% off at FOUR SIGMATIC with code: AFEWTHINGS Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You had questions, and this week Claire and Erica have the answers to some of them—keep an ear open for answers to even more in coming weeks. If you’re wondering what to read next, how to show thanks, or how to prepare for your due date, tune in and hear them drop some knowledge. Plus, hear the stories of how these work wives met their husbands, because apparently, you really wanted to know! Click Here for $60 off your first order with Sakara! Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Claire and Erica are deep-diving into all the things they just can’t get enough of—but that don’t exactly qualify as new. From iPhone bedtimes (totally not what you think) to traveling the world for yogurt, they’re covering all the bases. Seriously, this episode is so rich you might just have to add it to your gratitude Journal—but more on that later.   P.S. You heard of our bookWork Wife? Well, then, grab your copy today.   P.P.S. Zip into fall with one of these A+ Lacausa jumpsuits. They’re 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Alexandra Sacks is there this week to give us the scoop on matrescence—basically, the idea that the transition into parenthood is similar to a second adolescence—and, wow, are we thrilled to have her. Listen in to hear her advice for how both moms and the friends and family around them can navigate it. Plus, some bonus HDVB content! P.S. This one is for all the professional enthusiasts out there: Take 10% off the entire Professional Enthusiast by Of a Kind collection with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. Looking for something to fill up that PE boat bag you’re snagging? How about a copy of Claire and Erica’s book, Work Wife?   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re busting pilates myths with Heather Andersen, the star instructor-turned-entrepreneur behind New York Pilates, an airy-and-excellent NYC chainlet you’ve definitely heard us talk about before. Listen in for the scoop on pelvic floors, the history of fitness in the U.S., and the future of wellness. P.S. Follow Claire and Erica’s lead and gift this chic Limarium Celestine apron to one of your friends (or, heck, yourself) for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. If you haven’t ready Work Wife already, there’s no time like the present.   Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaand we’re back! In this first post-hiatus episode, we’re talking tech with Taylor Lorenz, an incoming reporter for The New York Times whose byline has been synonymous with “ooh, this is going to be good!” for us for years. Listen in to hear how Tumblr (throwback, huh?) literally changed her career path and how she always gets the digital-world goss before the rest of us do. P.S. Follow Claire and Erica’s lead and let this chic Zoka Ceramics Pierced Cylindrical Vase scratch your itch for a new piercing—now 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S: If you simply cannot wait for another ep of this podcast next week, pick up a copy of Work Wife to hold you over!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the archive! Originally aired 1.18.19 What an ep! This week, Claire and Erica had the pleasure of chatting it up with Aminatou Sow, Ann Friedman, and Gina Delvac, the three long-distance work wives behind the gold standard in bestie podcasting, Call Your Girlfriend. They share their meet-cutes (Gossip Girl and poolside nail-painting were involved) as well as what makes their partnership work like it does. Hint: consistency, accountability, and having each other’s back. P.S. Claire and Erica’s book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, is coming March 5! Pre-order your signed copy stat, huh?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the archive! Originally aired 10.12.18 This week, we got to break it down with Angela Garbes, a total badass and the author of Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy, the only parenting book Claire insisted her husband read immediately. But having or expecting a kid is hardly a prerequisite: Angela’s work and POV are totally fascinating for anyone who was born on this planet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the archive! Originally aired 10.16.17 It’s officially cozy-reading season, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Celeste Ng, the author of one spectacular recent release Little Fires Everywhere, join us to talk about the hard, weird, wonderful work of writing stories for a living.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the archive! Originally aired 8.20.15 In 2015, just fifteen episodes into A Few Things, one of our all time favorite guests, Cup of Jo's Joanna Goddard, stopped by for a timeless chat about starting the blog that since become a community for women across the world. Tune in for our hang sesh. P.S. If you haven’t picked up a copy of Work Wife yet, what are you doing?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re thrilled to sit down with Rachel DeLoache Williams, whose new book, My Friend Anna—the BTS story of how the fake heiress Anna Delvey scammed her out of $62,000—you probably preordered the second you heard about it. Rachel has so much to say about the trials (quite literally!) and tribulations of being one-time friends with Anna, how this experience has affected her take on trust, and how she’s doing her best to make lemonade outta the whole thing. P.S. If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect support system for your reads, these Tortuga bookends are 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. If you haven’t picked up a copy of Work Wife yet, what are you doing?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of A Few Things, Claire and Erica are having another food moment. As Claire puts it, 70 to 80% of these podcasts are 90% about food, and this week’s show features yummy things like Jon & Vinny’s (which Erica was craving before Hailey and Justin ordered it for date night, ok?). Tune in to hear how to amp up both your laptop security and your caramelized onion game (maybe not in that order). P.S. Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses is out, and it’s awesome. P.P.S. Our no-nonsense summer sale is currently in action, and all the scores in it are up to 70% off!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve been alive on this earth for the past few years, chances are you’ve heard of a little movie called Pitch Perfect. Well, you can thank today’s guest, Mickey Rapkin, for that—he wrote the original book the blockbuster series was based on. He also just wrote his first children’s book, It’s Not a Bed, It’s a Time Machine, to help nervous kids chill out (and to take his shot at making the hashtag #bossofbedtime happen). P.S. For grocery runs, gym trips, and everything between, look no further than these Net Baggus, 10% with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. Did you know that Claire and Erica also wrote a book? It’s called Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, and it rocks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on A Few Things, Claire and Erica go deep on their favorite stuff that’s not exactly newsy but still worth plenty of attention. Listen in while they share their favorite random but wonderful faves, from the best dips to, well, the appeal of box cutters. Also, Thomas’ English Muffins, sponsor us. Pretty please! P.S. Have you snagged yourself a copy of Claire and Erica’s new book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses? Get it while it’s hot! P.P.S. Your phone wants a new summer look! Snag the new Moglea iPhone cases on our site: They’re 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Settle in for an extra-delicious week of a A Few Things, why don’t you? We’re picking the brains of Jill Donenfeld and Tiana Tenet, the food-plus-business badasses behind The Culinistas, a New York-based in-home cooking service that connects busy people with private chefs who can stock their fridges, prepare meals for new parents, and even help host a party. Plus, they’re work wives who knew it was right from basically the instant they met. A lot to chew on! P.S. These Xenia Taler Bamboo Dinner Plates and Side Plates also make throwing a shindig a breeze—they’re cute, practically weightless, and 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. Jill and Tiana cooked for the launch of Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses—and if you haven’t read it yet, you really should.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two very important (and very different) topics coming at you hard this week: pelvic-floor strength and the power of putting women in charge of venture capital. Anu Duggal and Sutian Dong are the brilliant minds behind Female Founders Fund, an early-stage investment firm created to identify women-led companies that old-school (cough, male) venture capitalists often overlook. Clearly, you need to know more, right? P.S. This Binu Binu Seshin Korean Scrub Mitt will get you polished and smooth without leaving weird grit in the bottom of your shower. It’s also 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. Do you know about Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses? Because you should!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re back with a banner best of 10 things week, featuring the cream of Claire and Erica’s recent 10 Things newsletter picks. If you love Diane Keaton, planking, and cool new ways to mend your jeans, this is truly the episode for you. P.S. And if you love great books, then Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses is the buy for you! P.P.S. Are they culottes? Are they shorts? These dreamy Devlyn Van Loon Culotte Shorts have all the answers, and they’re 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever spent time in lifestyle-blog land, chances are you’ve stumbled across LaTonya Yvette—and that first encounter probably involved a gasp at how great her OOTD game is. But in addition to being a stellar stylist, she tackles weighty topics around parenting, illness, and identity. Listen in as she talks about the process of bringing her POV to her brand-new book, Woman of Color, that is, of course, as beautiful as it is compelling. P.S. You know who else wrote a great book recently? Claire and Erica! It’s called Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, and it’s available now. P.P.S. Make our crinkly-soft Permanent Collection by Of a Kind Short-Sleeve Shirtdress your own—it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your sex ed was more than a little lacking, you’re not alone—but Erica Chidi Cohen and Quinn Lundberg are firm believers in a better-late-than-never mantra when it comes to learning more about their sexual and reproductive health. The pair runs Loom, a Los Angeles center that offers everything from doula services to period coaching, and just hearing them talk about that on this ep will make you feel like you know your body a little better. P.S. For even more empowering female duos, pick up a copy of Claire and Erica’s new book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, out now! P.P.S. Scope out our Permanent Collection by Of a Kind Short-Sleeve Oxford Shirt, which is 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS just in time for summer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’ve got a West Coast wellness dispatch from Elizabeth Kott and Stephanie Simbari, the hilarious work wives behind the podcast That’s So Retrograde (a.k.a. “the Ab Fab of new age”). It’s a crash course in the woo-woo—and in many cases, wonderful—new trends that’ll hit the rest of the country in, oh, about nine months. P.S. You know what other craze is sweeping the nation? Work wives! That’s the focus of Claire and Erica’s new book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, out now! P.P.S. Spice up your scent life with Maison Louis Marie candles in No. 2 Le Long Fond and No. 4 Bois de Balincourt—both 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s ep features our very first live taping, coming to you from sunny L.A.! Our guests kicked off their relationship on the job when Drybar co-founder Alli Webb hired Brittany Driscoll to work as the brand’s head of marketing. Fast forward to now, and the pair have co-created a whole new biz called Squeeze, a just-opened massage shop that aims to do for massages what Drybar did for blowouts. Listen in as they break down the evolution of their personal-professional bond. P.S. Alli and Brittany are all about that work-wife life—and so are the other amazing female partners featured in Claire and Erica’s new book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, which you can buy now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If ya haven’t already heard, Claire had a baby in December (welcome to the A Few Things family, Cam!). Today, she and Erica recap what having a baby and pop-up shop during the busiest month of the year looked like—and all the interesting, wonderful, and weird stuff that’s happened since. P.S. This brilliant Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel is an easy way to cover grays, if you’re into that—plus it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Confronting Your Parents After Motherhood Julia was born in South Korea, but was adopted and raised by a white family. Now that she has her own child—the first biological relative she’s ever known—she’s rethinking her relationship with her own family, and on a search to find her birth mother.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lennon Flowers and Carla Fernandez are here to discuss their work-wife partnership and their incredible non-profit The Dinner Party, which facilitates a series of potlucks around the country to support people in their twenties and thirties who have experienced a major loss. They’re also full of great advice for how to avoid clamming up when someone close to you is going through something hard. Really, we’re here for anything and everything they have to share. P.S. These colorful Wolfum trays are the cutest way to get organized—and they’re also now 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. ᐧSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Claire and Erica are back in the studio with a real great grab bag of an episode today, answering listener questions re: treadmill TV and supplying the red lentil content nobody asked for—but that we swear you’ll be grateful for! P.S. Cut down on your phone time with these colorful Wexler & Sons card and board games—all 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even if you’re not up on your celebrity gossip, you’ve probably seen a post from @commentsbybelebs, the now famous in its own right Instagram account that highlights all the hilarious chatter between, say, J-Lo and Ellen in the comments section. Today, Claire and Erica sit down with Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer, the pop-culture queens behind this brilliance, who dish on judging the merits of online clapbacks, DMing celebrities, and how building a brand brought them closer as friends. P.S. Claire and Erica’s book Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses is here, and it’s a total must read. Get your hands on a copy ASAP!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Maiko Kyogoku decided to open Bessou, a ridiculously satisfying Japanese comfort-food restaurant in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood, her former Boulud Sud co-worker Emily Yuen asked if she might need an executive chef. The rest is (delicious) work-wife history, and we’re getting into all of it—from their mutual excitement over ingredients to their extreme-fitness bonding sessions—on this week’s ep. P.S. You can now get Claire and Erica’s book Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses in your hands. Trust us, it’s a real page-turner!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You may not know them by name, but Sue Conley and Peggy Smith are the dairy mavens who founded Cowgirl Creamery, the famous Bay Area maker of such delicious cheeses as Mt Tam and Red Hawk. On this ep, Claire and Erica had the pleasure of hearing the full story, which involves a Steinbeckian post-college road trip, a stint at Chez Panisse, and—you guessed it—a thriving work-wife relationship. P.S. Hey, have you grabbed a copy of Claire and Erica’s book Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses? And, if not, what are you waiting for?!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you listening to the Cool Moms podcast? Because you should be. It’s hosted by Elise Peterson, an artist and illustrator, and Lizzy Okpo, co-founder of the fashion line William Okpo, and they both joined Claire and Erica on this ep to break down how they tackle motherhood, maintain their identities, and resolve conflicts between the two of ‘em (keeping their astrological signs in mind, of course). P.S. Want a signed copy of Claire and Erica’s book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses? Pre-order it today, and your wish is granted!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the pod, Claire and Erica chat with two extraordinary sisters, Leah and Bea Koch, founders of The Ripped Bodice, the only romance-novel bookstore in all of the United States. But they’re up to even more than that—from landing a deal with Sony, to writing a novel, to promoting racial diversity in romance publishing—and manage to make it all happen without ruining family Thanksgiving. P.S. Speaking of books, pre-order Claire and Erica’s, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, today for your very own signed copy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What an ep! This week, Claire and Erica had the pleasure of chatting it up with Aminatou Sow, Ann Friedman, and Gina Delvac, the three long-distance work wives behind the gold standard in bestie podcasting, Call Your Girlfriend. They share their meet-cutes (Gossip Girl and poolside nail-painting were involved) as well as what makes their partnership work like it does. Hint: consistency, accountability, and having each other’s back. P.S. Claire and Erica’s book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, is coming March 5! Pre-order your signed copy stat, huh?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey, there, we missed ya! To celebrate our return from hiatus, we’re bringing you a meet-cute, a pseudo-breakup, and the full story of a thriving bi-coastal relationship on the podcast today. Who are we chatting with? That would be Andrea Oliveri and Nicole Vecchiarelli, co-founders of Special Projects, all-around work-wife powerhouses with tons of advice on making their professional relationship hum and juggling the tough stuff in between. P.S. Pre-order a signed copy of Claire and Erica’s book, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses, for so many great interviews and much intel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on A Few Things, we’ve got Mary H.K. Choi, a.k.a. @choitotheworld, a.k.a. the brilliantly badass writer whose debut novel, Emergency Contact, is charming existing YA fans and converting new ones, both.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First things first: Claire and Erica have quick updates on the competitive alpaca scene and the conclusion of The Great HDVB Shortage of 2018. Then—even more excitingly, if you can believe it—Olivia Milch joins us to talk about her first feature film Dude, which she wrote AND directed and that’s out on Netflix now. NBD.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re re-running some of our favorite episodes from the archive! Originally aired 10.24.18. This week, Claire and Erica talk all things running with Coach Bennett, motivational guide and total athletic powerhouse (his résumé includes a four-minute mile!). On the docket: how meditation practice plays into his running philosophy, who should run a marathon, and hot tips for newbies that might just motivate you to lace up your shoes and go for a jog. P.S. The perfect slouchy beanie can be hard to find, but don’t worry, this cashmere stunner has you covered juuust in time. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re re-running some of our favorite episodes from the archive! Originally aired 8.20.18. Today, a topic that’s been much-requested by our listeners: parenthood! Claire and Erica share their own personal decisions, some recommended reading, and a little bit of news. (We missed you, too.) P.S. We’ve been generously swiping on the hydrating, brightening Olio e Osso balms ever since we got our hands on them, and you can do the same for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica sit down with longtime pal Julie Alvin, SVP of content strategy at Refinery29 and self-certified expert on how to make a long-distance relationship (or in her case, marriage) thrive. She makes it feel quite aspirational. P.S. Our huge holiday sale is here, and, wow, are the deals hot. Up to 60% off some of our very favorite things!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we’ve got a fellow work wife on—her name’s Amy Zitelman, and along with her sisters Shelby and Jackie, she runs Soom Foods, source of the creamiest, dreamiest tahini we’ve ever tasted. She’s sharing hard-earned wisdom on starting a business and genius ways to use the little sesame-seed paste that could. Oh, and we’ve got the last Alex update of 2018, and he’s bringing big news! P.S. Make like Claire’s unborn son and get your hands on these Candylab toy cars (big kids love them, too). Score yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today in soft news, there’s a lot going down in the realm of stuffed animals, and Claire and Erica have the whole scoop. But an even more delightful subject is their interview with the food blogger and recent cookbook author Tieghan Gerard. The mastermind behind Half Baked Harvest, she’s spilling on how to entertain for a big ol’ group and what it’s like to have her mom as her business partner. P.S. Once this sophisticated and cozy Norden candle burns out, you’ll have a beautiful new piece of pottery. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s on Claire and Erica’s minds right now? Favorite recipes and food-freezing qualms, the Instagram accounts they can’t stop thinking about, and so many more juicy highlights from their weekly 10 Things newsletter. Get into it all below. P.S. These gorge vases by Heather Stewart Harvey practically arrange flowers for you. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica get totally inspired by Gina Hamadey, the mind behind the brilliant project Thank You Year. What is this undertaking exactly? It involves Gina, a freelance writer and editor (who previously worked at places like Oprah Magazine and Food & Wine), sending a thank you note for every day of the year. She’s got a lot to say about how the project has changed her life...and how it might do the same for yours. P.S. Ready to stick your neck out for faux fur? Start with this ridiculously soft Apparis scarf. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve loved us some Grace Bonney for a long while (see: this A Few Things ep featuring her and her lovely and talented wife Julia Turshen). So Claire and Erica were especially thrilled to get to talk to the Design*Sponge founder about her new magazine Good Company, the ever-changing world of blogging, and how to deal with critics sliding into your DMs. P.S. This Tamaki Niime scarf might be the softest thing to touch your neck. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS. P.P.S. Be the gem that you are and leave us a review on iTunes? We’ll love you either way, but we’d really appreciate it!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica talk with fall in love with Katie Sturino, founder of style blog The 12ish Style, dog momager to these famous pups, and the mind behind Megababe, the internet’s most empowering female hygiene brand. Clearly, there’s plenty to discuss. P.S. You’ve got to try this silky, smooth, and delightfully sheer tinted face oil that Claire calls “foundation for dummies.” Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica talk all things running with Coach Bennett, motivational guide and total athletic powerhouse (his résumé includes a four-minute mile!). On the docket: how meditation practice plays into his running philosophy, who should run a marathon, and hot tips for newbies that might just motivate you to lace up your shoes and go for a jog. P.S. The perfect slouchy beanie can be hard to find, but don’t worry, this cashmere stunner has you covered juuust in time. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this very dairy-heavy episode, Claire and Erica are talking ice cream cakes, miniature coffee creamers (officially known as milkettes!), and more things that you’ve probably heard of—but maybe don’t appreciate as much as you should. P.S. Keetra Dean Dixon’s Glassy Retooling Crayons are standalone works of art and totally functional drawing tools. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we got to break it down with Angela Garbes, a total badass and the author of Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy, the only parenting book Claire insisted her husband read immediately. But having or expecting a kid is hardly a prerequisite: Angela’s work and POV are totally fascinating for anyone who was born on this planet. P.S. Who’s got the best socks on the internet? Of a Kind, duh. Get yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Glory Edim stops by to talk about founding and building the Well-Read Black Girl community—and what it was like editing some of the best writers in the whole dang world for her new anthology of the same name. P.S. It’s fall! Which means it’s time for the Miro Tee—but they’re going fast. Slip into one for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS while you can.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s baaack—and we’re not just talking about crisp weather. This week, Claire and Erica are bringing you another round of highlights from their weekly 10 Things newsletter. Read on for all sorts of easy and delicious ways to upgrade your life. P.S. These fancy Strawberry Link Earrings will look great on you all year ‘round, and you can pocket a pair for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bring on the fellow female entrepreneurs! This week, Claire and Erica are chatting with Jaclyn Johnson, creator of the wildly empowering Create & Cultivate conference. Oh yeah, and she’s a newly published author, too! Hit play to hear all about it and the other women she thinks are paving the way. P.S. It’s a moisturizer, it’s a foundation, it’s...Kosas Tinted Face Oil. And it’s everything. See for yourself for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire’s talking about the highs and lows of getting workouts in while expecting, and then we dive into all sorts of other great finds that aren’t fresh enough to make into 10 Things but that are still very much worth knowing about. P.S. This black checked dress is a year-round winner (hey, looks great with tights!), and you can snag yours for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica’s last dispatch from L.A. is a real snack mix—with a couple of bonus Best of 10 Things nods thrown in for good measure. P.S. Word Notebooks will forever be an Of a Kind favorite, and you can snag a three-pack for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, fruit is front and center—first, Claire and Erica break down why and how they’re eating all the watermelon, and then it’s onto grapes with wine guru Helen Johannesen, the cutting-edge beverage director for the restaurants in the Jon & Vinny’s empire, the founder of Helen’s Wines, and a person we now desperately want to be friends with.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So, last week was a big one, and this week we’re doing a deeper dive into motherhood and pregnancy, talking all about Claire’s experience growing a human so far. Listen on for reading lists, shopping tips, and a least one toy that this fetus won’t be playing with for years but is probably already coveting. P.S. The best baby gift around are Estella’s squishy rattles, which we’ve got in hot sauce, hot dog, and avocado shapes, because you’ve gotta start ‘em young on all the best things in life. Snag ‘em for 10% off with the discount code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re baaack. And we’re jumping right in with a topic that’s been much-requested by our listeners: parenthood! Claire and Erica share their own personal decisions, some recommended reading, and a little bit of news. (We missed you, too.) P.S. We’ve been generously swiping on the hydrating, brightening Olio e Osso balms ever since we got our hands on them, and you can do the same for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're highlighting some of our favorite past episodes! Original air date 1.8.18. If you properly appreciate the mood-boosting power of a fun phone case, you’ve probably come across Ban.do. The pop-culture-heavy accessories line is the brainchild of Jen Gotch, and she’s just as delightful, honest, and badass as the moniker mugs she sells.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're highlighting some of our favorite past episodes! Originally aired 2.18.18. In this episode, Claire and Erica are responding to some particularly noteworthy messages they’ve gotten recently, and chat about all the amazing books they can’t wait to curl up with.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're revisiting some of our favorite episodes! In this one, originally aired 10.2.17, Joe Holder, aka @ochosystem, talks about why getting your head right is more important than getting your body tight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After Claire and Erica talk TSA, yogurt parfaits, and the intersection of the two, they have a chat with Glynnis MacNicol, whose new memoir No One Tells You This is about turning forty as a single women with no kids—and just how satisfying that can be. Sidenote: Let the eyes have it with Lily Lolo's all-natural mascara that stays put and makes your lashes look good as hell. It’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode, Claire and Erica have a topic hot off the garlic presses: whether or not those little kitchen devices actually work. And speaking of work, Claire Wasserman, the powerhouse founder of Ladies Get Paid, stops by to talk closing the pay gap, negotiating promotions, and what happens when women share their money stories. P.S. If you’re looking for some light in your life, Claire and Erica recommend the Hawkins candlesticks—which are 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Claire and Erica are pondering a cashless economy—and what that that means for the bankless. They’re also talking about how big-money athletes are staying stronger, longer, with Jeff Bercovici, the San Francisco bureau chief of Inc. magazine and the author of Play On: The New Science of Elite Performance at Any Age—and what that means for the rest of us. P.S. There’s more than one way to go pro. Snagging the Floral Society’s Ceramic Flower Frog Vase will make anyone feel like a florist, and both sizes are 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few weeks ago, Claire and Erica came clean about the dirty truth that they’re not so into washing produce—and you people had some opinions (and tips!) about that. You also delivered some brilliant ideas for using up a can of chipotle peppers and thoughts on the best GF breads, and we are here for all of it. P.S. Of a Kind’s big summer sale is happening now through July 9, with 30% (and more!) off all kinds of amazingness—including this thoroughly wonderful woven tote by Someware. Get it before it’s gone!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Claire and Erica are diving right in this week with the topic of showering at night. Is it worth the effort, really? That’s just the first of many groundbreaking topics covered this week, including crosswords and even more alternative mylks. P.S. Speaking of showers, it’s all about Shhhowercap showercaps, which look cute, will last forever, and are currently 10% of with the code AFEWTHINGS!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re kicking off this week with an overdue (and not overly long) Alex update! Then! We’ve got the brilliantly insightful author and editor Rumaan Alam on the record about his second novel That Kind of Mother, which explores family, race, motherhood, and (to a lesser extent) Princess Diana. P.S. Who knew everything looks better with a touch of tortoiseshell? The designer behind Machete, that’s who—and you can snag all of her earrings for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of A Few Things, Claire and Erica sit down with Alex Capano, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC (tl;dr she knows her medicine!). You can just think of her as your friendly neighborhood expert on reproductive sexual medicine and cannabinoids. P.S. Speaking of health, if you didn’t put sunscreen on today, we’re not mad, just disappointed. Unsun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS, so no more excuses, k?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on A Few Things, Claire and Erica chat with writer Molly Young and illustrator Joana Avillez about their new NYC-themed book of illustrated word puzzles, D C-T!  It’s exactly as charming as they are. P.S. Code cherry red: The Megan Huntz Charlie Dress is your answer to anything that requires a pop of color, and it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica go deep with Anthonia Akitunde, the founder of Mater Mea, a website that shares stories of black motherhood. Take a listen and keep her in your sights—there’s a lot more where this convo came from. P.S. Add mancala to your list of things to do when phones are off the table. We’re playing Wolfum’s set, and it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You don’t have to pour a glass of wine to listen to this episode, but it would be appropriate: Claire and Erica are chatting with Jordan Salcito, Momofuku wine whiz, co-founder of Bellus Wines, and creator of Ramona, a very refreshing, canned take on a wine spritz. Get ready to drink up all her knowledge. P.S. Know what else is fresh? Being a better-smelling version of you. Escentric Molecule’s Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette gets you there, and it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hungry for another Best of 10 Things? Prime recs comin’ right up! Claire’s living her best #taconight life, Erica’s got new bingeable TV, and—well, we don’t want to give too much away before you dive in. P.S. While you’re at it, get our most popular dress of the season while it’s hot and 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready for the very fascinating rundown of how Claire gets revved up in the A.M.? You’ve come to the right place. In this ep, she makes a strong case for drinking coffee while lying down, taking a bunch o’ morning mirror selfies, and giving yourself plenty of time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First things first: Claire and Erica have quick updates on the competitive alpaca scene and the conclusion of The Great HDVB Shortage of 2018. Then—even more excitingly, if you can believe it—Olivia Milch joins us to talk about her first feature film Dude, which she wrote AND directed and that’s out on Netflix now. NBD. PSA: Co-ord w/ Permanent Collection by Of a Kind’s tank and midi. Snag ‘em for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we wait for the spring part of spring cleaning to kick in, Claire and Erica sat down to chat all things interior with fellow work wives and design gurus Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb, who are responsible for making Claire’s new place really feel like home. PSA: The way-chic Suede Circle Tote by Hopp is 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS! High fives all around.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Erica shows us how she gets up and at ‘em, and we wonder why this Alpaca Championship in her hometown of Peoria, Illinois, didn’t get as much coverage as March Madness. P.S. Definitely take a page from the alpacas and put your best face forward with Consonant’s DHE Clay Mask. Double win: It’s now 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Claire and Erica talk with Dan Frommer, creator of the Points Party newsletter, about which credit cards truly give you a bang for your buck. P.S. Don’t give up on dry shampoo just yet: La Tierra Sagrada’s smells great, absorbs fast, and is 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ok, it’s time for the great soap and body wash debate of 2018, and we brought in two beauty pros, Britt Aboutaleb and Claire Carusillo, to work us into a lather. P.S. Vote with your dollars! If you want! Daughter of the Land Hair and Body Shampoo Bar, Rohr Remedy Honey Myrtle Body Wash, Modern Wash Soaps, and Wary Meyers Striped Glycerin and Confetti Soaps are all 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our weekly 10 Things newsletter (sign up for it here!) is dedicated to Claire and Erica’s latest finds—but every now and then, they want to talk about things that are less discoveries than obsessions. Like Palm Springs! Ever heard of it? How ‘bout Armie Hammer?? P.S. Upgrade your hostess gift game with these beautiful Areaware Totem Candles, why don’t you? They’re 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re looking at the world through a green lens with Verena von Pfetten, co-creator of Gossamer, a lifestyle-slash-media brand for people who also smoke weed. P.S. Because you’ll definitely want some after listening to this episode, our best-selling CBD Rub (which comes in lavender and lemongrass) is 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the best things about doing this show is the very enthusiastic feedback we get from out listeners—and this week, Claire and Erica are responding to some particularly noteworthy messages they’ve gotten recently. We’re also chatting about all the amazing books coming out in 2018 that we can’t wait to curl up with. Let’s do this. P.S. The Outdoor Kit is filled with stuff that can make even the indoor kids among us want to hang outside. Get it for 10% with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just because you haven’t seen the sun in weeks doesn’t mean you don’t still need SPF, and Unsun founder Katonya Breaux is here to chat all about how she made an effective one that doesn’t leave skin of any hue looking chalky. (She’s also Frank Ocean’s mom, which isn’t super-relevant except as proof that badassery runs in the family.) P.S. We think the Dimes Cedar and Neroli Candle smells like Italy in the summertime, and it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re going deep on the history of shine theory with friend of the pod Kayleen Schaefer, author of the fan-freaking-tastic book Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Female Friendship. P.S. If you’re feeling warm and fuzzy about your BFF after listening to this ep, split these Merewif White Topaz BFF Necklaces with her—we’ll even give you 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire and Erica ponder an age-old issue: When the heck is the right time to re-apply lipstick? From there, they move onto...more recent finds they can’t stop talking about. Speaking of, now’s the time to sign up for our 10 Things newsletter, which brings the party to your inbox every Monday. P.S. If you’re looking for a life-changing shampoo, Virtue Labs makes it. Oh, it’s also 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s ep is a real high-low mix that includes both an ode to Russian dressing and a very enlightening conversation with Sky Ting Yoga’s co-founder Krissy Jones. P.S. We’re taking our love of Maison Louis Marie No. 4 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil and rolling with it—you can get your own woodsy, obsession-worthy bottle for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Less than 60 days ‘til spring, kids! In the meantime, Claire and Erica are cozying up to the simpler things in life. And by simpler things, we mean stuff you maybe, probably already know about (but that is still so great that it’s worth talking about!).  P.S. One way we’re keepin’ toasty over here is with Richer Poorer’s over-the-knee socks in black or tan, now 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you properly appreciate the mood-boosting power of a fun phone case, you’ve probably come across Ban.do. The pop-culture-heavy accessories line is the brainchild of Jen Gotch, and she’s just as delightful, honest, and badass as the moniker mugs she sells—just the kinda vibes you need for the first A Few Things of 2018. P.S. If winter is sucking all the dewy glow outta of your epidermis, we’ve got the fix—it’s the plumping HydrExtreme Serum by Consonant Skincare, and it’s 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey-ho on this in-between week! We hope you’re listening to this with full hearts and stomachs, ideally surrounded by some of your favorite people. Something else we’re spending this late-December moment doing is thinking about end-of-year giving—a lot more on that in this episode. P.S. You know about our post-holiday sale, right? Get 30% off across the site with the code YEAROUT ‘til January 3rd!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We take kitchen business (snacking very much included) seriously around here. Which is why we’re so stoked to have founder of Maya Kaimal Fine Indian Foods in our midst gettin’ saucy. P.S. Still struggling with a last-minute gift for, say, your mother-in-law? You can’t go wrong with our Rose Set, which you can snag for 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do Chili’s fajitas and fitness go together? They do today! Claire and Erica share a major moment at a certain Southwestern chain restaurant before Erica breaks down how she manages to actually make it to workout sessions on time. Speaking of heavy lifting: the Professional Enthusiast Round 4 Weekender Bag is 10% off with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Claire’s stanning for stools, and Erica’s all about knife-and-fork salads. But that’s not all! Listen for their latest faves from our legendary 10 Things newsletter (you get that, right?!). Also, get 10% off the Tinted Mineral Sunscreen with the code AFEWTHINGS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re not sure if ya heard, but 50% of the hosts of this podcast rocked the NYC Marathon in November. So, how’d Claire Mazur tackle it? And why?! All her tips ahead—just keep pace.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re talking non-endorsed energy bars and enthusiastically endorsed face masks. And then! We’re ecstatic to have on Joy Cho, O.G. blogger and creator of the very aesthetically pleasing world of Oh Joy!. It might be just what you need to get you through what promises to be a crazy week...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Um, have you seen our Professional Enthusiast Round 5 Cashmere Sweater?! We’re obsessed with it—and the woman we partnered with to bring it to life, Rachelle Hruska MacPherson of Lingua Franca. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our latest A Few Things episode is one for the books, thanks to some pre-Halloween planning (Ash the bunny is going as a bat, thanks for asking) and an extremely badass guest, Lisa Lucas, who runs the show at the National Book Foundation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re taking a page out of queen Cardi B’s book and makin’ moves—or, at least, recapping all the stuff we learned the hard way from our 2017 home and offices relocations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Special and amazing guest Joe Holder, aka @ochosystem, on how why getting your head right is more important than getting your body tight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Claire and Erica are back with special guest Fran Tirado!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Originally aired 9.12.2016. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Originally aired on 8.16.15. We chat baby gifts and running an insanely popular lifestyle website with Cup of Jo founder Joanna Goddard. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Claire and Erica do your homework for you and share their favorite pieces of advice from bad bitches-turned-authors like Shonda Rhimes and Sheryl Sandberg. Then our girl Molly McAleer talks us through the short-ish history of writing on the internet. Claire and Erica do your homework for you and share their favorite pieces of advice from bad bitches-turned-authors like Shonda Rhimes and Sheryl Sandberg. Then our girl Molly McAleer talks us through the short-ish history of writing on the internet. “Writing half hour television is like writing eight mini-sketches that all go together in a way.” [27:00] “There’s literally nothing more embarrassing than growing up!” [31:30] –Molly McAleer on A Few Things   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.