I’ve been performing a lot of kitchen experiments recently. It’s partially because I’m enjoying the access to a variety of ingredients that comes with moving back to the States, but mostly because I love the whole process of mixing and testing and eating. It’s like alchemy – part art, part science, and part wishful thinking.…
Read MoreHow to feed a niche
I have a not-so-secret love for products with only one, very specific use. It takes a fantastic amount of chutzpah to get someone to spend money on something like a piece of plastic to fold shirts just a little bit more neatly. The gold standard of tunnel vision innovation is, without question, Williams-Sonoma. They have…
Read MoreNot buying it
I normally pay about as much attention to insurance commercials as I do ads for AARP travel discounts. And considering I’m not really their desired demographic, they probably pay about the same amount of attention to me. However, a recent campaign from AXA caught my eye, and unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. The basic…
Read MoreSnow day projects
If you live in the northeast US, you’re likely bracing yourself for the impending wall of snow and ice that’s crawling up the coast in dramatic slow motion. In addition to playing snow coverage bingo while you watch local weather teams try to contain their excitement, I put together a few fun DIY projects you…
Read MoreThat’s my jam
When I hear the word “chia” I have a very instant reaction. I’m sure you have the exact same reaction as well. It turns out in addition to making a great gift when spread onto a terra cotta animal, chia seeds are totally edible and apparently quite good for your health. They’re chock full of fiber,…
Read MoreDesign the Force
I’m not much for motivational posters. Probably because every time I see a cheesy quote about rolling with the punches I can’t help but picture that terrified kitten on a branch. But when that motivation is coming from the mouth of Yoda, well, you’ve got my attention. Couple that with stellar typography and I’m your…
Read MoreMaking mustard with a Ninja
This brilliant idea began where many brilliant ideas begin – the liquor store. Unlike some of those other ideas, this one was actually brilliant. We were on a family beer shopping trip (that’s totally a thing), and I was helping my mom browse the rather expansive selection in the cooler. Going over the types of beer…
Read MoreLost and found
I’m not just a hoarder of books – I’m a hoarder of words. A very well organized hoarder, but a hoarder nonetheless. I have files and boxes full of papers, all with a certain meaning to me. There are reading packets from college courses I found particularly interesting, quotes written on post-its, notes passed back…
Read MoreThe perfect pitch
It’s a well-known fact among my friends that I love infomercials. It’s fascinating to me, in our current state of connectivity, that they still follow the same cheesy structure, right down to the ability to order via phone. I particularly enjoy the overly dramatic dramatizations of things that could go horribly wrong in your life…
Read MoreThere’s no taste like home
I’ve been a little lax in posting since returning to America, but I have a very good excuse – I’ve been busy eating. Although I treated myself at the deli to some corned beef and the biggest matzo ball in town, I’ve tried to cook dinner at home most nights. It’s good for me to have…
Read More
Positively Natalie 