Solving Those Sleep, Energy, & Sex-Drive Mysteries with Base Founder Lola Priego
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??
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??
The linkage:
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?
Thingies! And Famous Birthdays!
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Baby Hummingbirds and Lauren Chan on Fashion Right Now and Size-Inclusivity
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Demystifying CBD with Caliper Co-Founder Jeremy Goldstein
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.
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.
The linkage:
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?
Flea and Wedding Registries (Slash Stuff We Want in Our Kitchens Forever)
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?
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?
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Public Affluence and Atoosa Rubenstein Talking Grown-Up Stuff
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.
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.
The linkage:
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?!
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
A Snack Attack and Claire’s New Beauty Go-Tos
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Opening the Windows and Making Time for Creativity
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...
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 linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Eating Less Meat and Drinking Less Booze
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
Checking in With Amanda Hesser and Miffy, Hello Kitty’s Frenemy
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Things We Want to Leave Behind and How to Start a Running Routine
Less running around to meetings, more running routines! If this ep had a mantra, that would be it.
Less running around to meetings, more running routines! If this ep had a mantra, that would be it.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Fighting Perfectionism and Remembering People’s Names
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).
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).
The linkage:
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!
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Deep-Diving Into Post-Pandemic Dressing and a Kombucha Who’s Who
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
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!).
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Talking Black Buck with Mateo Askaripour & a Gift for the Best Boss You Ever Had
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
After Dark, Useful Tools, Embarrassing Recipes, and Great Breakfastations
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!
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!
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
YAY.
Our Pre Post-Pandemic Social Anxiety and Erica’s New Beauty Go-Tos
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.
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.
The linkage:
“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?
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try COOLA’s sunscreen and organic skincare—so good. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
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.
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Weird Coffee Habits & Writing Juicy, Inclusive Romance Novels with Talia Hibbert
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.
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 linkage:
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…
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try all the Lesser Evil snacks—you won’t be disappointed. 25% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Perk up your face with Clarins Total Eye Lift—10% off with 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.
More Thingies Award Winners! And Peak Sprinkles Culture.
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.
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.
The linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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Those Uncerty Thirties (with Kayleen Schaefer!) and Fitness Influencer Vibes
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).
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 linkage:
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?
the sponsors (and promos!):
Dab on that Clarins Total Eye Lift for a boost in 60 seconds—10% off with purchase of Total Eye Lift by using 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.
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Still Not Having Kids and Our Latest Romance-Novel Crush
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.
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.
The linkage:
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!
the sponsors (and promos!):
Pat on Clarins Total Eye Lift for a boost in 60 seconds—10% off with purchase of Total Eye Lift by using 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.
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