Guest Thingies with Kelly Wright of Yuns and Romance Reads Ya Need
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?
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?
the linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Grow your business with Shopify today.
Bring a friend, or even your significant other, to see ‘Redeeming Love’!
The easy and affordable way to test your fertility hormones at home? It’s through Modern Fertility. Save $20 off of your test today!
We want you to start living a happier life today. Visit BetterHelp and you’ll get 10% off your first month.
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Obligation, People-Pleasing, and Pillows (Yes, Pillows)
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.
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.
the linkage:
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!
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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Thingies and Dumplings: a Delicious Combination
We’re steaming (and pan-frying!) a lot of frozen dumplings, and we’re recommending a lot of Thingies. Come along with us, huh?
We’re steaming (and pan-frying!) a lot of frozen dumplings, and we’re recommending a lot of Thingies. Come along with us, huh?
the linkage:
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
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Holidays and Giving with Caroline Moss (and the New Illustrated Us!)
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?
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?
the linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
BECs, Celebrities Reading Memoirs, and Other Things We Love Talking About
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.
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 linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Rolling Calls and a Round of Guest Thingies with David Cho
You know what we love? When someone makes a thing we’re really desperate 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??
You know what we love? When someone makes a thing we’re really desperate 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??
the linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
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.
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.
the linkage:
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
Lizzie Fortunato Little Candy DIY Kit (for a younger kid: Super Smalls or Susan Alexandra)
This Is What I Know About Art by Kimberly Drew
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
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
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.
Brothers and Brothers-in-Law!
My 35 yo brother who exclusively wears shirts from regattas, has horrible taste in women
Games: Wolfum checkers/chess set or Molkky
Brother who's living #vanlife
Fancy tinned fish: Big Night if you’re in NYC, Conserva Culture, and Fishwife
Westerlind for clothes
Alice Waters egg spoon or one from Eggspoon.com
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.
Custom perfume from Nova
Isabel Halley wine cups or dessert plates
Custom hand-painted sign from Cevallos Brothers or Olive Panter
My sister: hyper-intellectual, single, gay, social justice dr., autoimmune issues so stuck home.
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
Big Macs & Burgundy by Vanessa Price and Adam Laukuf
Susanne Kaufman bath oil or bath oil trio
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.
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!
Grossy Pelosi pasta water mug (with homemade Italian Holiday cookies!)
Older curmudgeonly uncle with lots of stories and jokes. Cooks but scorns fancy equipment.
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
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
Collective Wisdom by Grace Bonney
Start Where You Are or When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön
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
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
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).
Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu
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
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
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!
the sponsors (and promos!)
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.
Gift Guide Round 2: Extra Design-y Edition, with MoMA Design Store!
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!
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!
the linkage:
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
My new colleagues who I want to love me. Something cheap, cute, and maybe useful.
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.
Dating for 3 mo by the time xmas is here. Wants to ride tandem bike. Dairy & nut free.
My husband who loves fancy Japanese mugs, Swedish menswear, and guitar pedals
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.
65+ crowd that have everything! Bring in the MOMA recs!
My brother and his stylist boyfriend who has intimidatingly good taste
FIL loves smoking meats, nice wine, and mansplaining the weather.
Dad who loves gadgets and has a home theatre with a projector
MIL likes soft things, needs for nothing
My mother who likes luxe things but doesn't like it when we overspend.
My veteran sister who only wears zip off pants & carves wood in her free time.
13-year old girl who's very creative and into music
the sponsors (and promos!)
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.
YAY.
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.
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.
the linkage:
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
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.
Organizing accessories: Hay, Open Spaces, and Yamazaki Home
Mending kit: Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit and Purl Soho Cotton Mending Thread
Yuns Hardware gift certificate
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
Vintage calendar from 2011, 2005, 1994, 1983, 1977, 1966, 1955, 1949, 1938, or 1927
Back issues of a favorite magazine—Gourmet?
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)
Mutual aid org
My southern mom who thinks NYC made me snobby
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
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
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
Black Champions in Cycling by Marlon Moncrieffe
My dad! Buys himself everything he needs, likes rock and roll bios and mushrooming. and wine!
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
FIL: widower, engineer, spotless home, not into design, kinda into fitness & cooking
Spices: Burlap & Barrel and Diaspora Co.
Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health by Gregory Gourdet & JJ Goode
The Essential New York Times Cookbook: The Recipes of Record (Anniversary)
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
Blockchain for Babies (to read to the kid!)
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
The materials for a Self Assembly project
Do It Yourself by Thomas Barnthaler
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)
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!
Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood
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!
the sponsors (and promos!)
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.
Mimi O Chun’s Delightful Art and Revisiting the Department Store
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.
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.
the linkage:
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.
Mimi’s sister Miro is an amazing ceramicist, too: Check out Miro Made This for her work.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
A Butter Sculptor Retires and Kicking Off Oven-Season Baking
Today, we bring you love and affection for a renowned butter sculptor, complicated feelings about baking, and some pretty sweet recipes for Q4 2021.
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 linkage:
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!).
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Sesame Street’s Social Media and Talking Recovery with A.J. Daulerio
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.
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.
the linkage:
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 Yorke
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Getting All of Our Graphic-Design Questions Answered (Thanks, Projector!)
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…
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…
the linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
YAY.
Cow Potty-Training and the Beauty Products of Our Youth
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.
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.
the linkage:
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).
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Michigan Star Restaurants, Patient Advocacy, Covid Weddings, and A+ Apps
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.
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.
the linkage:
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).
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Thingies! And Getting Our Crossword/Spelling Bee Fix.
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.
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.
the linkage:
Ladies and gentlemen, the NYT Spelling Bee.
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Pare down your packing with the hard-working pieces from Delyx. Take 15% off your first order with the code ATOTP15, too!
YAY.
Cereal, Periods, and Some Strong Middle-School Energy
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.
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 linkage:
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 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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
How Photographer Gillian Laub Worked through Family Political Tension (Also: Vegan Hot-Dog Racing)
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).
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).
the linkage:
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!
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...
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
A Friendship Classified Ad, Intergenerational Friendships, and Group Chats (with All the Friends)
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!).
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!).
the linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.
Hair Length, Produce Refrigeration, and the Internet’s Best Product Descriptions
That’s right 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.
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 linkage:
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.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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.