Verbal leashes repeating outfits and alt electric vehicles
We’ve got some hot topics like celebrity activism and when to share pregnancy news—and even hotter topics like verbal leashes, sleeping with socks on, and weird terminology for just wearing your damn clothes.
We’ve got some hot topics like celebrity activism and when to share pregnancy news—and even hotter topics like verbal leashes, sleeping with socks on, and weird terminology for just wearing your damn clothes.
the linkage:
New nym alert!!! Good Inside by Becky Kennedy brings us MGI: most generous interpretation.
Claire’s IG exchange with Nancy Meyers in this Instagram post confirms that there are, in fact, Vicente Foods bags in The Holiday (and that N.M. is the greatest).
The thing having a moment this week: Rivians and their mascot, Gary the Gear Guard.
Two things we’re happy about being “in” in 2024 include outfit-repeating and going to the movies. Shoutout to this @flwrchldtweets tweet and Dwight Garner’s Grub Street Diet.
Dog people: Is a verbal leash (not the yet-to-be-written spinoff to Best in Show) a thing? Please let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—and chat it up about anything at all in our Geneva!
Thingies with Samhita Mukhopadhyay and Embracing Junior Varsity
Let’s talk Thingies with Samhita Mukhopadhyay, a writer and editor who covers feminism, politics, culture, fashion, racial justice, and existential dating dilemmas—in short, so much we want to read. She’s the editorial director of The Meteor, the co-editor of the best-selling anthology Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance and Revolution in Trump’s America, and the author of Outdated: Why Dating is Ruining Your Love Life and (forthcoming!!) The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning. Yes, consider this the you-hear-it-here-first pre-order nudge.
Let’s talk Thingies with Samhita Mukhopadhyay, a writer and editor who covers feminism, politics, culture, fashion, racial justice, and existential dating dilemmas—in short, so much we want to read. She’s the editorial director of The Meteor, the co-editor of the best-selling anthology Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance and Revolution in Trump’s America, and the author of Outdated: Why Dating is Ruining Your Love Life and (forthcoming!!) The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning. Yes, consider this the you-hear-it-here-first pre-order nudge.
the linkage:
Samhita’s Thingies include Ranavat hair oil, wearing her partner’s class ring, Care Touch lens wipes, Jolly Rancher Chews, a poem by Hala Alyan, and Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyodyody.
The phrase “Oh, I’m JV” is brought to us by Sara Petersen’s Substack In Pursuit of Clean Countertops, and we have a bonus Thingie: the memoir installments of Kim France’s Substack!
What areas are you happily JV in? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—and chat it up about anything at all in our Geneva!
One AirPod, Two Boyfriends, Even More Notes App, and a Mayo Mystery
Let’s dive into some Hellmann’s drama, TSwift x Wordsworth, and lots more re: the secret life of girls (thank you to Wired for the Notes App *respect*!!!).
Let’s dive into some Hellmann’s drama, TSwift x Wordsworth, and lots more re: the secret life of girls (thank you to Wired for the Notes App *respect*!!!).
the linkage:
To know Prof. Stephanie Burt is to love Prof. Stephanie Burt—this NYT interview about her Harvard Taylor Swift class will get you there. A fave on the syllabus: Grace and the Fever by Zan Romanoff.
It’s pintxo season (we say!). Woldy Kusina shows us how it’s done, and Despaña is a great ingredient source. (Also: RIP the Prune Chicago Matchbox Bloody Mary.)
Indoor/Outdoor Boyfriends brought to you buy Ella Risbridger’s You Get In Love And Then newsletter. (Have you read her book Midnight Chicken?)
Did you know Hellmann’s mayonnaise is known as something else entirely in parts of the West? Share your thoughts on this revelation at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq, and chat it up about anything at all in our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Get your nails in good shape with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System with our link.
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Alison Roman’s Thingies and One Last Kid Gifting Idea
This week, we’re talkin’ Thingies with Alison Roman, the woman behind a SLEW of recipes we cook all the dang time. We know you know her, but JIC, she’s the author of NYT bestselling—and gifty!—cookbooks Sweet Enough, Nothing Fancy, and Dining In, she doles out the most delightful kitchen content in A Newsletter and on her Home Movies YouTube channel, and she delivers guidance of all kinds on her Solicited Advice podcast. In essence: She’s full of thoughts, and we want them all.
This week, we’re talkin’ Thingies with Alison Roman, the woman behind a SLEW of recipes we cook all the dang time. We know you know her, but JIC, she’s the author of NYT bestselling—and gifty!—cookbooks Sweet Enough, Nothing Fancy, and Dining In, she doles out the most delightful kitchen content in A Newsletter and on her Home Movies YouTube channel, and she delivers guidance of all kinds on her Solicited Advice podcast. In essence: She’s full of thoughts, and we want them all.
the linkage:
First things first, what we would bring to a pilot kid-gift swap (thx, Leslie!): Spirograph, Yellow Owl Workshop DIY Pin & Flair Kit, Bastien Contraire Stencil Kit, Majo Ideas Art Pack, and Pop Tubes.
Alison’s tabletop Thingies include beeswax candles (try Greentree Home Candle—maybe in the sangria color?!), candle holders *in general* (e.g., this Sophie Lou Jacobson one), and interesting serving platters including Bordallo Pinheiro's. For the bod, she loves using Laneige’s lip mask as lip balm, and Davines’s Vegetarian Miracle Mask for her hair. On the food front, how about chopped fermented chilies—use them to make her Brothy Chickpeas with Calabrian Chili (and/or these chickpeas)—and, for dessert, Kolsvart gummies.
Share your Thingies with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq, or drop them in our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Give yourself the gift of professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.
Trust us: It’s all about Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
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Whoopers, Chicken Anxiety, and Weightlifting
Whoop! Whoop! This week we are discussing our marathon-cheering behaviors, chicken anxiety, iconic hot dogs, and weightlifting thanks—in part— to the Beckham doc.
Whoop! Whoop! This week we are discussing our marathon-cheering behaviors, chicken anxiety, iconic hot dogs, and weightlifting thanks—in part— to the Beckham doc.
the linkage:
The term chicken anxiety was brought to us by Rosie Seabrook on TikTok.
We can’t believe we haven’t talked about The Wieners Circle yet. Their Instagram is one of the only safe places on IG.
This Vogue story about Victoria Beckham's weightlifting routine inspired us to ask you all how you are thinking about this, and you have answers: @evlofitness programs, CoPilot app, @kerimantie, Ladder app, Liftoff: Casey Johnston’s Couch to Barbell, Stronger by the Day, and Peloton strength classes. A big sell on weightlifting comes from Yasi Salek in the Perfectly Imperfect newsletter.
Send us your weightlifting thoughts at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq, or share in our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Learn from the best with MasterClass and get two memberships for the price of one with our link.
Join Book of the Month and get your first book for just $5 with the code SPOOKY.
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Olsen Oracle, Holiday Cards, and Inspiringly Nutty Ways to Use the Notes App
It's time for a grab bag featuring a *measured* celebrity fan account, a cooking north star, our POV on holiday cards, and a grand Notes App follow-up.
It's time for a grab bag featuring a *measured* celebrity fan account, a cooking north star, our POV on holiday cards, and a grand Notes App follow-up.
the linkage:
Gained some wisdom from @OlsenOracle, a perfect fan account (that is maybe even Olsen approved???).
We’re having a Marcella Hazan moment, thanks to, as Food & Wine put it her “radical simplicity.” Some recipes we’ve been cooking: THE tomato, onion, and butter sauce, grilled fish romagna style, pesto, rice and smothered cabbage soup, and chimney sweep’s gelato.
Speaking of cooking, we must discuss this Julia Child gas stove story by Rebecca Leber for Vox, which pairs well with “How the Fossil Fuel Industry Convinced Americans to Love Gas Stoves,” which she wrote for Mother Jones.
Your Notes Apping!! See: this packing-list revelation from@rileejsmith (um, the template). We also love this TikTok from @kiramackenz.
What weird things are you up to in the Notes App? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Turn to Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.
Join Book of the Month and get your first book for just $5 with the code SPOOKY.
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Gift Guide Part 2: Dads, Employees, Brothers, and Snobby-For-No-Reason Sisters-In-Law
It’s time for the (whopping) second half of our 2023 gift guide! We tackle dads, sisters, in-laws, friends, coworkers, and some ideas for presents to ask for yourself when that feels like a necessary thing.
It’s time for the (whopping) second half of our 2023 gift guide! We tackle dads, sisters, in-laws, friends, coworkers, and some ideas for presents to ask for yourself when that feels like a necessary thing.
the linkage:
For the full link-rich rundown, you’re best off heading over to our site: athingortwohq.com/gift-guide-episodes
If there’s someone on your list that we didn’t get to this year, let us know who you’re shopping for in our Geneva! And share more gift ideas with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and @athingortwohq.
Gifts for YOU!
My in laws are great people who will buy exactly what ask for as long as it's 1) not personal care or appearance-related AT ALL, 2) not a ""luxury item"" or a splurge version of something (ie no fancy candles), and 3) under $100. I'm a dedicated audiobook listener and | don't need any more cookbooks or board games. They won't do a donation in lieu of gift. Gift giving is their love language but only if the gift is very practical or they got it on a significant discount. We're fortunate to be in a financial position where I'm generally able to buy practical as they're needed, but my in laws hear ""I don't need anything!"" as a snub. Help!"
Cookbooks (like The Lula Cafe one!)
A traditional restock (plants, PJs, etc.)
Directing them to a go-tostore like MoMA Design Store and Zingerman’s
Dinnerware/cookware to build on every yea—Le Creuset, vintage Fiestaware, Dansk, Heath, etc., etc.
Charms for a charm bracelet/necklace like Jet Set Candy passport stamp charms (+ their NYPL card one is also very good)
Dads & Fathers-in-Law
My Dad sounds more like a brand persona than a real person. He's very cosmopolitan/urbane, lives in the city center even though he's 60, takes public transit, legitimately does his weekly grocery shopping at boutique cheese/bread/specialty food stores, always dressed impeccably. OWNS a beautiful specialty meat slicer that he has in his kitchen and uses for fresh/thinly sliced prosciutto (before you go there I've done ham hocks more than once). Interests: art, food and entertaining, culture. Loves to read, usually big sweeping historical books. Always the hardest person to shop for on my list because his taste level is very out of my price range and I'm tapped out on the specialty food theme. Dad recently become a grandfather (2 grandsons and one more coming in Jan) and it was a little weird for him - he loves my sons but the image of an old guy in a rocking chair teaching kids how to whittle didn't jive with his understanding of himself. He's starting to settle in. Has a very unique grandpa name with many indecipherable layers of historical context and family history that the grandkids will probably never understand. Buys them beautifully made clothes that they would immediately ruin. Talks to them about their shared interests: boats, planes, and other well-designed machines.
My dad. 82 years old. Loves to read serious nonfiction but bus all the books he wants. Loves French and Italian wine but his taste is too expensive for me and he has all the gadgets. Generally expensive taste that's above my pay grade. He dresses pretty dapper and lives in NYC. Gets lots of compliments on his glasses and clothes. Grills meat for dinner nearly every night but stuck in his ways when it comes to cooking. Very much a creature of habit. Likes jazz and classic rock. Best gifts I've gotten for him are interesting casual clothes he wouldn't find himself, a dapper custom English umbrella, taking him to see live jazz…
The Durand - bottle opener for old bottles/corks
Ralph Lauren custom stuff! Hello, cashmere sweater.
Vintage tie clip or cuff links from TRR
Vinyl Me, Please subscription
The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957–1965
Okay, now that I've seen this I feel okay sending a description of my dad. He's a 67-year-old workaholic lawyer many have described as "quite the character, huh?" He takes himself very seriously, though he also can be quite mischievous and loves to stir the pot. His interests include fishing, geopolitics, and monologuing. I truly feel like I've explored all gifting avenues already with him: consumables for his major sweet tooth, outdoorsy gear that he already buys himself, political or economic books that won't lead to arguments (he's conservative, I'm liberal), and seemingly every dog toy or black Labrador art print under the sun. He doesn't drink and mostly sticks to heart-healthy food. While he has many entertaining childhood stories, it seems unlikely he will set aside time for something activity-based like StoryWorth, as he spends most of his at-home free time watching YouTube videos about things like beekeeping (yes, I've gotten him multiple artisanal honeys that had little impact). I'm at my wits' end with this conundrum of a father, please help!
Father-in-law is the definition of introverted, deeply obsessed with cars (has several classic ones), and model trains (legit has an entire room for trains that has like, an actual functional drawbridge for the trains). Also loves good food and good tequila!
Sisters & Sisters-in-Law
Present for woo-woo disorganized sister who holds a grudge & has two adorable kids
Ok this one is may be a doozy. New SIL: she describes herself as an author but will never discuss her writing, we've never seen anything, nothing published (she is 40, we had a running theory maybe her "writing" was OnlyFans? It's unclear.) She loves Disney (I have secured Hanna Anderson Disney Christmas PJs), Rudy Giuliani (!!!), and believes enough conspiracy theories that we had to change our will about w hich uncle would get our kids if we died. Zola was "too downmarket" for their wedding registry but she doesn't know which fork to use (to be clear, both of these things are fine, just incongruent, right?). So I need something that feels sophisticated but maybe...isn't.
Madewell Disney Mickey Mouse-Embroidered Cardigan Sweater in (Re)sponsible Cashmere
How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee
Boyfriend's sister: 29, children's librarian and loves children's books/ movies. Pretty much hates everything I've ever given her and doesn't really have any taste that isn't just stuff her 63 y/o mother likes... when I try to get her clothes that are more age-appropriate (read: no for a woman in her 60s), she never wears them. She's not materialistic BUT loves going to Home Goods just to get stuff? Also has a New Year's Day bday so I need two things. And this is a big bday (30!)! My boyfriend got her a big set of glass Tupperware which was a huge hit, but then got her a nutri bullet (the mom loves hers) and she hated that. HELP!!!
Tortuga or Schoolhouse or Justina Blakeney bookends
Ralph & James - framed children's picture book art prints
Film Art Gallery - classic children’s movie posters
SIL Trying to be an influencer and posts sporadic videos on THIS APP about a home design of a suburban cookie-cutter house. Always mansplains the littlest things. Snobby but for no reason. But also probably a nice person to people she likes? Probably!
Big Night or The Six Bells depending on her vibe—anything from either feels safe!
Allison Bornstein or Lakyn Carlton styling session
Sister-in-law: she is a corporate lawyer and very much a Dallas girly (lives in Dallas but also embodies the Dallas vibes with beach blonde hair, very fancy car to drive 5 minutes to work, has a texting relationship with sales associates at various designer stores). If you read the NYTimes article from a few months ago explaining the Dallas food scene, she embodies the Dallas consumer exactly. She is a bit of a Broadway nerd. She is basically the opposite of me in almost every possible way, and I'm always afraid to shop for her. Last year I got her a gift set from The Crown Affair and I don't think she knew a thing about it. Would like to stay <$150 if possible. HELP
Something Rosemary Home - their vintage glassware feels esp Dallas glam
Pat McGrath LiquiLUST™: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4 - Taylor’s red.
Brothers & Brothers-in-Law
My wonderful, extremely particular 41-year-old brother who has everything. Niles Crane from Frasier vibes. Loves to cook but has Le Creuset's entire line and possibly every gadget Williams Sonoma sells. Great dad to two adorable kids, 7 and 4. Doesn't like sports, obsessed with and works adjacent to politics. New England energy but lives in LA. Our parents get him a Loro Piana sweater every year which he loves but is extremely out of my budget (I'm 26). Want the gift to be a tangible thing but not a book (have done that a lot). A past successful gift was the New York Times birthday book (shows the front page of NYT every year on his bday since his birth year). His birthday is right before Christmas so kind of need two gifts (or one gift with multiple parts). THANK YOU!!
My brother-in-law who is obsessed with the Michigan State Spartans, loves cozy pants but they cannot have elastic at the ankle, Pinot Noir fan, and loves to grill. Has three kids and is a wonderful, involved softball dad to his middle daughter. Prides himself on having all the right gear for outdoor games in Michigan but otherwise is a pretty utilitarian guy who works in the plumbing industry!
Co-workers/Employees
I work at a nonprofit and I’m a manager for the first time. I want to get my 2 direct reports a thoughtful and relatively inexpensive (sub $50 each) gift. I’m putting a lot of pressure on this because it feels like I’m setting a standard or tradition with myself. Am I the nonfiction book gift-giving manager? The vague coffee shop gift card manager? The cookies in a holiday-themed commemorative tin manager? What happens when I add more people to my team?
Standard Baggu set - one thing in different colors
Gift cert to lunch spot near the office if you go into one
Nécessaire The Hand Cream or Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm
Misc
Teenage son's girlfriend
A collector’s edition of a book you know she likes - The Folio Society has a good selection
The hillbilly neighbors who let us borrow their cat whenever we want.
A best-in-class but not overtly FANCY food like Garrett Popcorn, O&H Danish Bakery kringle, and Pat La Frieda burgers
Incredible bestie - your most thoughtful friend who remembers your favorite treats and comes to stay with you postpartum to take care of you and make you feel like a human again. Contains multitudes-loves tasting menus but also bodega snacks and street food. Travel, thrifting, crafting, entertaining.
the sponsors (and promos!)
Tackle all that holiday shopping at MoMA Design Store and take 10% off your purchase when you use or mention promo code ATHINGORTWO online and in US MoMA Design Stores through November 23, 2023.
Give your hair the gift of Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
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Gift Guide Part 1: Boyfriends, Husbands, Kids, and Pickleball Parents
Part 1 of our gift guide is here! We have an abundance of recs for stocking stuffers, boyfriends, husbands, moms, sons, and kids!
Part 1 of our gift guide is here! We have an abundance of recs for stocking stuffers, boyfriends, husbands, moms, sons, and kids!
the linkage:
Stocking Stuffers
“We are only doing stockings for adults this year - all the fun stocking stuffers, please.”
Favorite musician merch - Olivia Rodrigo Perfect All-American Bitch hat
Boyfriends/Husbands
My husband, 34. Senior web developer manager. Likes home projects, sci-fi books/tv, awesome dad to our 4 year old and 8 month old. He hates spending money and “doesn’t want gifts” but wants gifts. It’s historically been a damned if you do, damned if you don’t type situation. His favorite gifts from me ever have been a car washing kit, a woobles crochet kit, and a Dyson vacuum. Wtf do I get him now?!
Hoto Brushless Drill - .like the Dyson hairdryer of drills!
Open Studio: Do-It-Yourself Art Projects by Contemporary Artists by Sharon Coplan Hurowitz and Amanda Benchley
Signed Ursula Le Guin or Octavia Butler
My graphic designer husband who likes quality over quantity, is picky and lives in fear I might buy him clothes as a gift.
An architecture or design book from a city you visited over the last year—make it an annual thing?
A piece of art or a study from an artist he likes (for something more accessibly priced, depending)
Bruno Munari Pencil Holder (with a set of Blackwing or Pineider pencils)
Husband - new dad, hates buying himself anything. He's bookish and British, and his interests include cycling, cooking, video games, F1 and the Tottenham Hot Spurs. Everything nice he wears is because I bought it for him. Want to get him something good this year because he's been so underslept and overworked, juggling baby and a new job.
Book repair (as recommended by Lauren in our Geneva last year)
Asked for gift ideas for a quar romance a few years ago. We bought a house together this year. He's wonderful. His favorite drink is espresso. He loves Guy Fieri. He plays an Irish sport called hurling. We go on bike rides together and love exploring new places. We both lost our grandmothers this year.
PillowsPostersPapers Guy Fieri Fan Sequin Pillowcase -we all just need to know this exists
A custom print of something meaningful to him of his grandmother’s from The Heirloomist
Sons
Help! I'm desperate for gift ideas for my 22-year-old son. He's a new grad; job hunting, close to securing his first job, just moved home from Montreal. Uni girlfriend relocated from overseas to our hometown Toronto. He's very private. Hates receiving gifts (?!!?). Is gracious at the time he receives but they always find their way to the return pile. Loves a good bargain, and hates that we spend $ on him. Sooooo hard to buy for. Best gift ever was 3 month cheese subscription sent to school last year. Makes fun of the various prints I've bought him. Lots of friends, but very introverted; sporty; foodie; funny; middle child; does not share info, let alone gift ideas; nothing to see here folks, just move-on kinda guy. Help!!!!!!
Gift cert for an Island Creek Oysters party with friends (plus a couple of shucking knives) or tinned fish.
Hawkins New York cheese knife set - under $40, looks fancier
The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt
Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook: A Cookbook by Sohla El-Waylly
Restaurant gift certs—something fancy he and the GF would never do on their own like Prime Seafood Palace or just a favorite spot of two of theirs that feels like a treat
Luggage! Like the Wallybags Travel Garment Bag, Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag, and Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote.
Moms/Mother in Laws
Quintessential Midwest mom of 3 adult kids who loves baking, reading, watching PBS shows, musicals, traveling, and getting her steps in walking her two black labs. Has been referred to as the "mommiest mom" in the past. Puts up with a lot of BS from her curmudgeonly husband (my dad). I've given her many kitchen items and books over the years. Favorite brands are things like Emma Bridgewater, Hanna Anderson, and Talbots. I recently moved to NYC, so I'm hoping to get her something that will make her feel less "abandoned" and more cared for. Thank you for any suggestions!!
Mom, in her mid-50s, a new grandma. Had a really hard year mental health-wise but making positive changes. Goes to therapy but new at it. Loves to be social, have dinners, see movies and Broadway shows. Loves 80s pop music and Jason Isbell. Enjoys trying new things but tends to move on to something else quickly.
Nora McInerny's “Don’t honk I’m already crying” bumper magnet - if she has the sense of humor for it!
Loftie clock - because of sleep hygiene!
Subscription to Mubi or Criterion Collection
Subscription to Saipua TV…paired with Saipua Garden Tea that’s made by Deborah Needleman
My Mom! She's 70. A former elementary art teacher...retired and living on a budget. We completely mis-gift each other every year. I try to give her nice (not overly luxurious, but nice) scarves, sweaters, earrings, etc and they always flop. My brother and his girlfriend gave her a plastic porch goose and it's her favorite thing ever. She doesn't read. She's crafty but her medium is always changing and usually something very specific like needle felting.
Pink Picasso paint-by-numbers custom kits or non-custom ones by Paint Anywhere
Pattern and supplies to DIY her own porch goose outfits—there’s even a crochet one for making hair for them?!
A duck candleholder to go with her porch goose
Ok, how about my mom? I'll let you describe her though 😂.. something that's not a cookbook and also maybe not clothes because she buys those for herself anyway… In exchange, I'm sharing a brilliant gift idea (or at least I think so) for someone who likes to cook/bake a lot: mudaustralia.com. They have a line that you can not only bake on but then serve on because it's beautiful ceramic! Mom is a fancy Bay Area retired real estate lawyer w/ incredible taste, loves to cook and bake and is not intimidated by complicated recipes (has cooked basically everything from the Pok Pok cookbook), loves to entertain, has a fondness for cute animals and cute things in general. A good storyteller and letter writer, feels very strongly about thank you notes. A grandmother to two boys and a dog named Steve who dressed up as a martini for Halloween. Fashion sense errs towards high-end FUN— a think: Dries Van Noten, Commes des Garcons, etc. Is a very talented crafter with a whole room very chicly dedicated to it, has been very into needlepoint lately. Also a voracious reader.
I need holiday gift help for my boyfriend's mother. A few details about her: She's a professor in the Boston area and an immigrant from a Scandinavian country. She has great taste (homewares, design) and a Scandinavian sense of restrained style -- she's a woman of a certain age after all, not a Copenhagen TikTok girlie. And she has nice-things disease. You know, the stuff in her house is nice. For a general sense of her style, she's always worn Birkenstock Bostons, carries an Everlane backpack to campus, and has functional and pretty cookware (like a beautiful espresso machine). I've struck out on all the gifts I've given her, and I thought I was good at gifting! They include a handmade and hand-painted pottery vase, artisan granola, and Lauren Groff's Fates and Furies (She said she liked her NYer stories, but alas the book didn't work, per her son) She has a dog she's obsessed with, and a beach house, though it's pretty outfitted. Maybe I could try something there? Food and wine/bev gifts are out because of health issues.
Very Christian mother-in-law who writes historical fiction
In search of gift ideas for my 83-year-old fancyish, but not fussy mother-in-law. Born and raised in DC, still rocks a blond bob, loves hydrangeas, obsessed with bunnies. Raised 5 kids and is over cooking but loves anything with cranberries, nuts and raisins. Hobbies include bowling, Irish dancing, shopping at Aldi, and finding a bargain. Very tech-challenged.
Mother-in-law, early 70s, notoriously difficult and anxious, prefers austere things, drinks a lot of black, understated-but-fancy tea, secretly addicted to watching Teen Mom
Mother-in-law has a big heart and a big personality. Is from Colombia. Likes blue, good food, and excellent tequila. Plays tennis and has picked up pickleball.
Kids
Impressing a 5-year-old on Christmas morning without a massive plastic Barbie house
All my friends just started having kids. Best gifts for babies under 1 year
Nothing - donate in their name to the National Diaper Bank Network
Bath crayons
Custom name tags from Label Weavers or Name Bubbles
A toddler whose parent wants "less stuff" in the house
Consumables!
Soap Dough Co (℅ Kyra on IG)
Two nephews, 2nd grade and 4th grade. Live in the Midwest. They both like video games. My sister-in-law and brother are recently teaching them that "expensive college isn't worth it" (even though my brother went to two expensive colleges and is a successful lawyer). I adamantly disagree. They play soccer, and violin (I also play violin). They don't seem to like sweets or treats unless it's pure sugar. They visit us and my parents in the mountains in Colorado often so they appreciate the outdoors but try not to go into it very much unless my parents force them to go backpacking. I don't want to buy them anything they expect, or that my SiL might throw away or think is too expensive. This is also kind of a gift guide request for my SIL if you're catching on to what she's like, too…
Junior HappyMe Journal, for ages 6-12
Stylophone S1 Pocket Synthesizer and e-Blox Circuit Blox 120 Build Your Own Sound Machine and Radio
See you next week for part 2!
Share any gift ideas with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Gift yourself professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.
Tackle all of your holiday shopping at MoMA Design Store and take 10% off your purchase when you use or mention promo code ATHINGORTWO online and in US MoMA Design Stores through November 23, 2023.
YAY.
French Cuffing, Biz Rizz, and I’ll Have What She’s Having
French-cuff your pants and open your Notes app because this week we’re diving into some cooking thoughts, new vocab, Nora Ephron lore, and more!
French-cuff your pants and open your Notes app because this week we’re diving into some cooking thoughts, new vocab, Nora Ephron lore, and more!
the linkage:
Cookbooks! S/o to this tweet from Jen Rose Smith and Ali Slagle’s I Dream of Dinner, which has been Claire’s dinner salvation of late. As for the It veggies of the season, we present Grub Street’s “When Did Cabbage Get So Sexy?” and T mag's ”Radicchio Is in Season — And in Style.”
New terms to use in a sentence: biz rizz, friend-in-law, and RFP, as applied to dating.
Fall reading material: I’ll Have What She’s Having by Erin Carlson. See also: I Shock Myself by Beatrice Wood and No Crying in Baseball about the making of A League of Their Own.
Now a question: Is “How ‘bout that?” a thing outside of the Travis Kelce cinematic universe? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!
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Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Doppelgänger and Thingies c/o Karah Preiss, Our Pop-Culture North Star
We’re back to talk Thingies with Karah Preiss, the co-founder of Belletrist, an online reading community and production company she started with Emma Roberts. She’s an executive producer of Tell Me Lies and First Kill and so many things you will watch IN THE FUTURE, and she’s also just an absolute delight.
We’re back to talk Thingies with Karah Preiss, the co-founder of Belletrist, an online reading community and production company she started with Emma Roberts. She’s an executive producer of Tell Me Lies and First Kill and so many things you will watch IN THE FUTURE, and she’s also just an absolute delight.
the linkage:
First things first, we gotta discuss Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein.
Karah’s Thingies include The Cockmark (somehow reading-related), May December (out November 17), Rosie O'Donnell (and the taxi announcements of yore and her Friend of Barbie doll), Jenna Lyons, and Tumblr (and, related, the Pop Culture Died in 2009 account and the Swipewipe app).
Share *your* Thingies with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Scary Stories, True Citrus, and the Dangers of Flossing
We’re pursuing some new interests this week including picking apart oral-care TikTok, attending monster truck rallies, and finding angry aunts that give incredible advice. OOOH, and don’t forget to hit us up with your gift-guide requests—the phone lines are open!
We’re pursuing some new interests this week including picking apart oral-care TikTok, attending monster truck rallies, and finding angry aunts that give incredible advice. OOOH, and don’t forget to hit us up with your gift-guide requests—the phone lines are open!
the linkage:
Need noise-cancelers for your next monster truck rally (or Eras viewing)? We’re fans of Loop Earplugs. And! Zach Helfand on Monster Jam for The New Yorker.
Highly recommend The Brooding column by Kathryn Jezer-Morton for The Cut, Especially the pieces "Raising Kids Is the ‘Best Job in the World.’ Why Is Caring for the Elderly the Worst?" + "My Mom Is Selfish. Do I Still Have to be a ‘Good Daughter’?" + "Are Helicopter Parents Actually Lazy?" Kathryn Jezer-Morton is also behind Joanna Goddard’s post-divorce Q&A and "What If You Just Didn’t Clean That Up?" Related-ish: Tamar Adler’s food scraps advice newsletter The Kitchen Shrink, Maddie Coleman’s newsletter Wait Have Your Read This?, and the site Girlhood.
For oral-care recs, we were inspired by this Claudia Sulewski TikTok, Curaprox toothbrushes (this travel set!), and the Slate Flosser.
Which True Citrus are you? Did The White Gown traumatize you as much as it traumatized us? Please let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!
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Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.
Look into an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.
Join Book of the Month and get your first book for just $5 with the code SPOOKY.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Chicken Salad, Gas-Station Shopping, and Sandra Boynton After Dark
We’ve got a grab bag for you today featuring tampon testing, Boynton Blends, Chicken Salad Chicks, and capturing the elusive joy of shopping while at the gas station.
We’ve got a grab bag for you today featuring tampon testing, Boynton Blends, Chicken Salad Chicks, and capturing the elusive joy of shopping while at the gas station.
the linkage:
We were blown away by this Mother Jones article “Wait, Tampons Weren’t Being Tested With Human Blood?”
We’re back on our Sandra Boynton beat! See Audrey Gelman’s piece for The Strategist about Boynton Blends coffee, Anne Diven's Gaga x Sandra TikTok, and an eBay trove of vintage wallpaper.
Friends, we had to do a deep-dive on Chicken Salad Chick (thank you to this How I Built This ep for much of the intel!).
Jacob Gallagher's "The Hottest Shop in America Is Your Local Gas Station" for the WSJ is very quotable—and about the state of shopping, really.
Have you eaten Chicken Salad Chick?! Tell us everything at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or in our Geneva!
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Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Rats, Rain Clogs, and Romance
Finally, it’s time to talk about our current favorite Rs: rats, rain clogs, and romance!
Finally, it’s time to talk about our current favorite Rs: rats, rain clogs, and romance!
the linkage:
Our rain-clog conversation has reached new heights! As in: We have a Calzuro review for you.
Holiday shopping season is starting early because the Staten Island Pizza Rat hats are back in stock.
Now onto romance! For an IRL one, try Julia Allison and Noah Feldman. Fictional romances we love include You, Again by Kate Goldbeck (bonus read: this Vulture story about fanfics-turned-bestsellers by Elizabeth Held), The Art of Scandal by Regina Black, Tessa Bailey’s books including It Happened One Summer, Hook, Line, and Sinker, Fix Her Up, and Chase Me, and Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. Re: sports romances, see Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, Kennedy Ryan in general, and this GQ interview with Phillies player Bryce Harper. Also! Let’s talk about Danielle Steel’s desk—Samantha Leach did a good profile of the icon for Glamour—and Rachel Antonoff’s fall fashion campaign (completely unrelated but we love her email roundups to her vet).
Share the romances you’re into with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Tattoo Season and Music, Music, Music
Question for you all: Is tattoo season a thing? Follow up: Are tattoos cooler now than they used to be? Please think about your answers while listening to country artists we’re loving right now (and Post Malone while you’re at it).
Question for you all: Is tattoo season a thing? Follow up: Are tattoos cooler now than they used to be? Please think about your answers while listening to country artists we’re loving right now (and Post Malone while you’re at it).
the linkage:
On country music having a moment: Vulture and Rolling Stone.
Here are some artists (and their songs!) to dig into: Luke Combs (“When It Rains It Pours” and his cover of “Fast Car”), Zach Bryan ("I Remember Everything" featuring Kacey Musgraves, “Something in the Orange,” and his All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster live album), Kane Brown (“Nothing Compares to You” with Mickey Guyton), Midland (“Cheatin’ Songs” and “Burn Out”), Maren Morris (“The Bones,” “My Church,” and “Rich—and this Diary of a Song on her pop hit “The Middle” and everything The Highwomen), Kelsea Ballerini (“If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too),” “Hole in the Bottle,” and a special shoutout to her CMT Awards performance), Mickey Guyton (“All American” and “Black Like Me”—she was a judge on the Apple TV show My Kind of Country, too) Lainey Wilson (“Things a Man Oughta Know,” “Heart Like a Truck” and “Straight Up Sideways”), Hailey Whitters (“Everything She Ain’t” and “I’m In Love”), and Brooke Eden (“Sunroof”—video with her then-gf, now wife!).
For further women-in-country reading, we re-recommend Her Country by Marissa R. Ross.
An artist we hope doesn't disappoint us: Post Malone.
Let us know what music you’re loving right now at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.com.
Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.
Head back to school with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.
Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.
Listen to Bad on Paper—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Nyming, Labor Musicals, and Autograph Books
A new day calls for new Thingies with Priya Rao, executive editor of The Business of Beauty at BoF and creator of the Glossy narrative skin-lightening podcast Unfair. But first: a camelid costume contest.
We’re *nyming*! This week we’re covering the new era of nyms (acronyms): LIWMs (Laura Ingalls Wilder Museums), ABs (autograph books), LMs (labor musicals), SKSs (squeaky kids shoes), and CPAs (co-parenting apps). TTYL!
the linkage:
Our new nyming era is inspired by one of our greatest TikTok minds, Jake Shane (see the toks here and here). We also reminisce on Erica’s chronicles of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Nancy Meyer’s Instagram post about her daughter’s autograph book, and we can’t get over the Ikiki kid’s shoe lore, specifically the stories of Gina the Giraffe, Rafiq the Rhino, and Brittany Eversweet. AND! Give us all the intel on OurFamilyWizard—we’ll start with celebs that use the app and the company’s new offices.
If you’re looking to observe strike season, check out our favorite labor musicals The Pajama Game (1957) and Newsies (1992). Queue up “Carrying The Banner” and “Seize the Day”; cackle at the signs from a Newsies-themed WGA picket at Disney.
We will hear any and all of your favorite nyms at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Alpaca Fashion Shows and Beauty Insider Priya Rao's Thingies
A new day calls for new Thingies with Priya Rao, executive editor of The Business of Beauty at BoF and creator of the Glossy narrative skin-lightening podcast Unfair. But first: a camelid costume contest.
A new day calls for new Thingies with Priya Rao, executive editor of The Business of Beauty at BoF and creator of the Glossy narrative skin-lightening podcast Unfair. But first: a camelid costume contest.
the linkage:
Priya’s beauty-centric Thingies include 111 Skin Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, Ilia Limitless Mascara , and Half Magic’s Glitter Pill. Her non-beauty Thingies? Cadets shorts for her kiddo (Claire also loves Billie Blooms), Lovevery Play Kits, The West Wing (and, ok, Felicity, Joy Ride, and Past Lives). Bonus reccomendations: the Sherri Papini story (coming soon in doc form), Scamanda, My Husband by Maud Ventura, and The Retrievals.
Do you have new Thingies? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Help out your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.
Head back to school with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.
Cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money—and manage your money the easy way.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Same Grade, Mood Boards, and Why We Don’t Get the Good Ice-Cream Bars in America
The oddness of mood boards, some back-to-school content, and one heck of a food journey, featuring international ice cream, dream potato-chip collaborations, and dip delicacies worth dealing with baggage claim. Buckle in!
The oddness of mood boards, some back-to-school content, and one heck of a food journey, featuring international ice cream, dream potato-chip collaborations, and dip delicacies worth dealing with baggage claim. Buckle in!
the linkage:
The oddness of mood boards, some back-to-school content, and one heck of a food journey, featuring international ice cream, dream potato-chip collaborations, and dip delicacies worth dealing with baggage claim. Buckle in!
Erica loves Word. notebooks, and Claire is all about the MochiThings checklist ones.
Some foods discussed: Magnum Double Starchaser, Jon and Vinny’s house salad, the 40 Aprons creamy clam dip recipe, Tenayo bean dip, Brothers Products black bean chipotle hummus, NYT's vegan onion dip recipe, and Gwyneth’s black bean recipe.
This AIGA Eye on Design story by Elizabeth Goodspeed had us reconsidering the mood board.
Decoupage! Some of our favorite pieces are ones by Michelle Kim (see also: Kneeland Co.), John Derian, Joseph Heidecker, and Quintana Partners. See also: all the good stuff on Chairish. And, PSA: Mod Podge makes dishwasher-safe gloss and has incredible branding in general.
Share how you do your to-do lists with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!
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Try professional counseling from BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.
Discover so many more natural diamond truths at naturaldiamonds.com/thankyou.
Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.
Embrace BTS season with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Morning Baths, Workout Wear, Butter Money, and Kale Phones
Make sure to double-knot your shoes because we’re running through a bunch of activewear brands, morning baths, kale phones, butter money, and COTC (corn on the cob, clearly).
Make sure to double-knot your shoes because we’re running through a bunch of activewear brands, morning baths, kale phones, butter money, and COTC (corn on the cob, clearly).
the linkage:
You can read more about Vuori’s lore in Courier (and try out their Pose fitted polo, Daydream drew, and All the Feels bra for yourself). Other workout wear of interest: Splits59 (specifically their Raquel flared leggings), Wilson (how ‘bout these Wynne pleated pants and the pleated court short?), Tracksmith ( their Article One running sunglasses collab!), District Vision, Satisfy, On, Tory Sport, and Sweaty Betty. Curious about cool sports stores? We’ve heard good things about Distance in Paris, we love FrontRunners in L.A., and we have to hand it to Pete Carlson Golf and Tennis in Palm Desert for going *deep*.
The everything shower! Consider this reel from The Everygirl your primer.
If you’re looking to limit your oblivion time, check out the OneSec app…or consider the cocaine/kale phone, via George Mack by way of Trung Phan. Also, the to-google notepad, ℅ Courtney Martin.
Butter sculpture season, our Bama Rush? A great read: "The Secret Feminist History of Butter Cows” by Lyz Lenz.
What activewear brands do you like, how do you morning bath if you do such a thing?! Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!
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Paint your nails like a pro with Olive & June and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your first Mani System.
Trust Shopify for all your ecomm needs and get a free 14-day trial with our link.
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Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.
Head back to school with an MBA from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.
YAY.
This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Regrettably Worth It and Driving
Get it, bitch, we’re going…to talk all about cars, with a sprinkling of Thingies that are regrettably worth it.
Get it, bitch, we’re going…to talk all about cars, with a sprinkling of Thingies that are regrettably worth it.
the linkage:
Some regrettably worth it submissions from IG (and our brains) include Skims (related from The Cut), sleep consultants for toddlers, law school, putting your phone in another room after 8 p.m., professional framing, going to Ikea, getting your shoes repaired at Leather Spa (see also: New York Sneaker Society), peeling chickpeas, and stretching.
Do you love car washes as much as Kris Jenner, who compared the experience to Disneyland?
Car accessories that peak our interest include the car trash can, car tweezers, elevated car air fresheners (featuring DS and Durga, Three Potato Four, L:A Bruket, and Hello Adrienne), and, last but *certainly* not least, CarLashes.
Meghan Palmer’s That's so Interesting Newsletter gave us some great insights into car conversations.
What are your favorite car listens—songs, audiobooks, all of it? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!
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Become a green thumb with Fast Growing Trees—15% off your order when you use our link.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
The Notebook, Stickers, and Your Pioneer Intel
We share our (hot?) takes on stickers and The Notebook; we share yours on your younger selves and Pioneer Day.
We share our (hot?) takes on stickers and The Notebook; we share yours on your younger selves and Pioneer Day.
the linkage:
This week’s past-selves quotes come to you via Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didian and this profile of Ryan Gosling in GQ by Zach Baron.
The Notebook—James Marsden also has thoughts, ℅ this W mag profile by Evan Ross Katz. Related-ish: Roger Ebert’s own love story "Roger loves Chaz."
Stickers! Sandylion on Etsy, @stickerarchive, Red Bubble's nineties collection, and the Xyron Create-A-Sticker, for starters.
Let us know if you’re watching 1883 at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!
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Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.
Find wellness on your next stay at Westin.
Level-up your garden with Fast Growing Trees—15% off your order when you use our link.
Start hiring now with a $75 sponsored-job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.
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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.