The Women Behind Omsom, Our New Kitchen Go-To, and Rethinking Instagram
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?
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.
Pledging to Shop Better
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!
Listen here. 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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
All Our Uncanny Valley Thoughts...And When You Need to Go to the Doctor
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.
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!
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
How We’re Working Together Now and John Jannuzzi (Master of Creative Pursuits!)
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.
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.
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!).
the sponsors (and promos!):
You know we love our voicemails. 833-632-5463!
Stock your fridge with Daily Harvest—$25 off your first box with the code ATHINGORTWO.
YAY.
Precious Condiments and Non-Zoom Ways to Be a Pal
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.
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:
Condiments 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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Cook up Sun Basket goodness. $35 off your order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
YAY.
Seeking Comfort in Mugs, Mugs, Mugs, and Surprisingly Good Home Manicures
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.
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:
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.
the sponsors
YAY.
The IGs We’re Following, the Tees We’re Wearing, and the Hashtags We’re Starting
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!
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Get cookin’ with Sun Basket—$35 off your order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
YAY.
How We IG (And, You Know, Think About Social Media in General)
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.
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.
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.
Square-Toe Shoes, the Joy of Eating Two Meals a Day, and an Alex Update (!!!)
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.
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.
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?
promos:
If you have questions, thoughts, or musings can always get us at podcast@claireanderica.com.
Marisa Meltzer’s Excellent Book This Is Big and, Somehow, Billy Idol
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!
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.
Trying to Make Webonair Happen and Another Round with Mickey Drexler
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.
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 it 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.
The Newsletters We Always Open...and Perhaps Too Many Thoughts on Ironing
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?
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Jason Polan’s Legacy as an Artist and an Incredibly Kind Human
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.
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.
the sponsors
YAY.
Nikki Ogunnaike’s Introduction to Menswear—and a Smart Little Decision-Making Trick
As you may have guessed, we recorded this ep when our days and our lives felt very different. We hope it’s a good distraction—we could use a lot of those right now!
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.
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.
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.
the sponsors
YAY.
Three Literary Gems and a Love-It-Or-Hate-It Condiment
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.
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:
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.
the sponsors
YAY.
Shopping Strikes and What We Spied (and Mostly Liked) at the Trade Shows
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).
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:
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.
Kim France and a Weirdly Moving Meditation Technique
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?
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 Life, 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.
the sponsors
YAY.
How We’re Eating Our Eggs, Organizing Our Homes, and Wearing Wide-Legs Pants in This Weather
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.
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.)
the sponsors (and promos!):
Give Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum a go. It’s 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO20.
YAY.
Our Most Enthusiastic Tokyo and Kyoto Recs—and How to Shop The RealReal
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.
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try the very buzzy Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum—and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO20.
YAY.
Phil Chang’s Wild—and Hugely Informative—IG and Vacuums that Don’t Suck
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...
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:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.