I’m a remote copywriter traveling the world, so finding a reliable backpack is vital for me. I need a backpack that’s versatile and durable enough to carry my laptop and other tech gear, whether I’m walking through London in the pouring rain or plodding through the sand on a hot baking day in a beach town in Mexico. While I used to make do with a classic backpack without any extra features, this year, I met another digital nomad who introduced me to the marvel that is the Nomatic Backpack. The Nomatic bag is high-end, made of strong and robust material […]
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Betrayal is buying a new pan you thought was going to be non-stick, only to have the coating fall off and into your omelette within a few uses. It’s nearly impossible to get excited about cooking when the tools you use don’t work or start to break down within months or weeks of buying them. Right now more than ever, when we are all spending more time at home, it’s crucial to have cookware that makes cooking easy and fun. Having a broken pan or a rogue blender shouldn’t be a barrier to making delicious food, but it so often is, […]
I had never before fallen head over heels for a basic piece of clothing — until I was introduced to the Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt. I remember the first time I laid eyes on this tee. I was in my local Uniqlo, not planning on buying anything, when I spotted a rainbow of fabric across the store. I was immediately drawn to the display and was surprised to find out that it was their T-shirt section. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a wide-ranged color selection for T-shirts, let alone one that isn’t based solely on trendy colors […]
I took a deep breath, trying to disassociate before saying what I had been mustering up the courage to announce to my boss for weeks. “I want to buy a one-way ticket to Thailand that will depart this March. Is there any way I can work remotely?” It was 2018, and I was so unbelievably sick of Washington, D.C. I’d spent five years in D.C and every aspect of my life felt completely predictable, and I was desperate for a change. The job I had at the time was done mostly through a computer, and that’s when I had an epiphany: […]
At the risk of dating myself here, I have had a KitchenAid stand mixer for more than 16 years. My wife and I got it as an engagement party gift, as one does. Truth be told, for the first decade-plus of our marriage, the rather large, clunky mixer spent most of its time in a kitchen cabinet. It only saw the light of day to mix up the occasional cake batter or to mix together ingredients for muffins, bread, and other rarely-prepared eats. Then we started reading up on the thing — it turns out that calling this thing a mixer […]
Let’s be real: hand washing is absolutely non-negotiable in 2020, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to protect yourself against COVID-19. And since more frequent handwashing calls for more soap, this means you’re definitely going to be touching that soap dispenser pump all day long. This, of course, can allow you to go through soap quickly, and lead you to wonder how clean your soap dispenser pump actually is, especially if you are like me and forget to wipe it down often. Touchless […]
If it was up to me and my tastebuds, I’d eat just about anything on this green earth. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to wheat, caffeine makes my back hurt, most milk replacements bother my stomach, and Stevia makes me depressed. For all of those (weird) reasons, I’ve had a hard time with health drinks. Then, one fateful day while I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw an ad for something called Ka’Chava. Meal replacement shakes all promise the same things — tons of nutrients, delicious taste, easy to prepare, and capable of satiating your hunger — so what made this one different? […]
Furniture shopping, for me, is a sport. It takes constant comparison of design, price, and dimensions that can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s fun, well, at least it’s fun when you know where to start. While I can’t help you pick the perfect pieces out (sorry), what I can do is provide a resource I wish I had when I was shopping for my home decor. This is an all inclusive guide to the best brands to shop online for furniture organized by what I think after testing their products, they are best at. All of these brands do more […]
There’s something about wool that just immediately makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Maybe it’s the signal that colder weather is coming and I need to bundle up. Maybe it’s the idea of an adorable fluffy sheep. Whatever it is, wool makes me feel good. It’s at the heart of what Allbirds does with their shoes, creating styles that look and feel good made from merino wool. Now, there’s a new shoe in the mix: the Wool Piper. This lace up court sneaker is the one I’ll be wearing a heck of a lot this fall and winter. All of Allbirds […]
About six months ago, I was out to lunch with a friend of mine who could not stop talking about a new T-shirt brand I’d never heard of. “I’ve gotten my entire family to start wearing them,” she boasted, “they should hire me.” I think she could’ve gone on for hours, but I interrupted her. After all, a T-shirt is a T-shirt, right? At the end of the day, what does it really matter? It’s not like one is going to suddenly make me look like Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire, right? “Wrong,” she laughed. This is a T-shirt […]
Years ago, a Uniqlo opened at my local mall and it immediately became a store I frequented. The elevated basics, with unique silhouettes and interesting collaborations made Uniqlo feel like an affordable oasis for fashionable staples. One of these staples is the brand’s HEATTECH line. The East Coast is unpredictable during the winter months, which means always having different kinds of layering options on hand. Thankfully, Uniqlo has three different levels of HEATTECH that can help with even the most blustery of days. Made from a blend of polyester, acrylic, rayon, and spandex, HEATTECH is designed to fit seamlessly into your […]
No one should have to deal with a shitty shower head, plain and simple. No matter if you live in a rented apartment, you panic-bought a new home during the pandemic, or you’ve been putting off that renovation for years, shower heads can truly make or break a bathroom. I was used to settling for whatever was attached to the wall until I found out just how easy it is to change out a shower head. Now, I have my perfect luxurious shower experience in my own home and it’s about time for you to have it too. I’ve always adored […]
I never knew what I was missing when it came to laptop stands until I found a brand that truly revolutionized my workflow. I came across MOFT, a brand that specializes in origami-like laptop stands that practically disappear when not in use. Now, there’s no looking back. I’m hooked on these space-age stands that keep me ergonomically-sound while I work after being given the chance to test them out from the brand. The MOFT Laptop Stand is a practically-invisible stand that attaches to the back of your laptop using a removable glue that can be reattached easily. The stand unfolds with […]
I can’t put my finger on why, but after a while a lot of the cords on my electronics start to fray. Whether it’s a phone charger, or any charger really, an HDMI cable, or anything else, it inevitably happens. After maybe a year of use, the little rubber lining rips and exposed wires are all over the place. I try to power through it (no pun intended) most of the time, but that’s probably not a good idea or very safe. The only solution I was aware of was just giving in and buying a new cord — or so […]
These days, there’s a mask for everything: exercising, going out, people with sensitive ears. If you have a scenario, there’s a mask for it. But one thing I’ve been struggling with is finding masks that are made to help out with the uptick in outdoor dining. Well, Redee came up with an ingenious one that allows you to drink through a straw while still staying covered. It’s a little hard to explain just how this mask works in writing, but here goes nothing. Underneath the “mask” itself, that is the pleated part that covers your nose and mouth, is a U-shaped […]
There’s a lot of fancy cooking items out there these days. Sous vides, Instant Pots, pizza ovens are all well and good, but what about the items we use most in the kitchen? I can say, without fail, that whenever I’m cooking up something, I’m using a pot or a pan. It should go without saying that you should have a set of pots, and maybe one pan, that you love. I recently found mine. I should’ve known Food52’s Five Two Line would be the key to my pots and pans search. Everything else they make is spectacular, and so why […]
The advantage of a machine-washable face mask is being able to properly clean it without much hassle. The problem is that face masks are small, and much like delicate pieces like bras and underwear, can get destroyed by other garments in the wash. Instead of risking destroying a very important accessory, it’s time to use something you may already have: mesh laundry bags. A mesh laundry bag is perfect for keeping your delicates from getting tangled around your laundry as it tumbles and tussles in the machine. Now, you can repurpose them to wash your mask in a washing machine. Not […]
During this time, my grocery shopping trips have gotten larger. Whenever I go, I’m really going for the entire week, maybe two, and so that means stocking up on plenty of fresh produce. What this has made me realize though, is that I use a ton of those plastic produce bags. You know, those green bags on rolls that are somehow impossible to get open? Yeah, those. Because I’ve been trying to be more mindful of my impact these days, and because I’m always looking for elegant solutions that don’t involve a bunch of plastic bags floating around my fridge, I […]
I’ve always been a pocket diary girl. Just as I prefer reading physical magazines and books to swiping through digital issues, I like to write things down rather than rely on the virtual calendars that are so en vogue with my generation. Up until recently, I used basic Moleskine diaries, but this year I upgraded myself to Smythson’s crocodile embossed leather Mara Panama diary and it’s the best purchase I’ve made all year. I may not be able to afford a crocodile skin Birkin bag, but this glamorous little diary makes me feel a little more sophisticated every day. The Panama […]
As someone who loves shopping for furniture, there’s one category that has always proven to be the most difficult: rugs. While rugs are made to bring an entire room and space together, they tend to be the biggest strain on relationships when I’m shopping for one. That’s because shopping for rugs is just so damn hard. Not only do you have to factor in size and utilize all of your visualization skills, you also have to sift through hundreds, thousands of styles, determining which is perfect for your existing decor. This leads me to send friends and family hundreds of different […]
There is nothing worse than unwanted visitors in your home. I take extreme precautions to ensure no pests get in. Hanging fly bags outdoors is a good start, and my last line of defense in case something does make it inside is this trusty electric swatter. But essential to my entire defense scheme are the screens on my doors and windows. Without them, there’d be no way to go outside or open the window without bugs hurdling in at a terrifying pace. Unfortunately, screens are prone to breaking, and for a while I thought the only way to fix them was […]
The kitchen is the most difficult part of any home to organize, in my opinion. That’s because unlike clothes or furniture, deciding what appliances, pantry staples, and tools you need to keep, and which to get rid of, can be tricky. Thankfully, there’s a new book from a brand and shop that makes some of our favorite kitchen items, that will both help you be a better home cook, and create a kitchen you only thought possible in your wildest dreams. Food 52’s Your Do-Anything Kitchen isn’t a recipe book. It isn’t filled with 98 recipes you’ll never cook and two […]
Measuring cups kind of suck. First of all, why is something whose sole function is to hold liquid (which is slippery) made of breakable glass? Secondly, I’m convinced measuring cups smell fear. I’ve spent way too much time cleaning up after whatever I’m pouring inevitably dribbles down the side and ends up all over my countertop or stove. That’s why, after recently shattering a second Pyrex measuring cup into a million pieces, I went in a new direction and found my new best friends: the OXO Good Grips Squeeze & Pour Silicone Measuring Cups. Looking at these measuring cups, you can […]
My search for the perfect mask has been done in phases. The first was realizing that I, in fact, needed a mask, and whatever was in arms reach would do. Then came exploration: the discovery of nose wires, masks that tie around your head, filter pockets, washable fabric. Finally, and last but not least, came treating my mask like a fashion item and wondering before going out if it matches my outfit. I didn’t know I had such rigid criteria and high expectations for a face mask, but here we are, in 2020, where anything is possible. And I’m glad to […]
For most of my life, flip-flops have been my go-to, super casual sandal for the warmer weather. But while they’re easy to throw on to run an errand and great for the beach, they’re not actually comfortable. This year, I was determined to find something better, and I lucked out immediately with this pair of Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides, which are easily the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. These slides are sporty, versatile, and a huge step up from thong-style flip-flops. They’re really soft, and they have an incredibly plush Cloudfoam Plus footbed that makes it feel like you’re wearing […]
One of our COVID-19 quarantine projects has been to re-do my fiance’s office space. It’s still a work in progress, but the crux of the makeover was to swap out his hand-me-down, bachelor pad couch for an updated number. In the search, I came across Allform, a U.S.-based furniture company that specializes in modern, modular designs. I was sold on the look of the couches, but as a highly picky furniture shopper I wasn’t going to rest on looks alone — especially when shopping online. With further research, not only did I find their 100-day trial and limited “forever warranty” that […]
When I first got my quip toothbrush, I was immediately smitten. The low profile, sleek aesthetic that the brand adheres to fits my bathroom (and lifestyle) perfectly. It’s easy to use, to store, to travel with, and it’s an affordable electric toothbrush anyone can use. Now, the brand has upped the ante with their newest smart toothbrush. The Smart Electric Toothbrush from quip has all the features that the original quip has, like timed sonic vibrations (to let you know you’re brushing 30 seconds in each quadrant for two minutes total), an easily replaceable battery, and a holder that sticks to […]
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I have basically been living in leggings for the last two-and-a-half years. Between being pregnant, being a new mom, and then being thrown into a global pandemic that meant I could never leave my house, I haven’t had the energy to wear jeans in a long time. I’ve tried out more than my fair share of legging brands, and a few months ago, I finally found the perfect pair: Aerie OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Leggings. These super soft leggings are extremely comfortable and very easy to wear. They’re lightweight, making them wearable even […]
About a year ago, I made the switch from buying my morning coffee at Starbucks every day to making it myself at home, and, like many regular coffee drinkers, I’m very particular about it. Despite having an entire cabinet dedicated to mugs I have collected throughout the year, I refuse to drink my coffee out of anything but these Bodum Pavina Glasses. I was first influenced to buy these from a blogger I follow on Instagram, and the only reason I purchased them is because I loved how they look—the two layer design makes it look like your liquid of choice […]
Before all of this began, I used to be a very active person. My day included frequent walks to the office bathroom and coffee machine, as well as treks up and down subway stairs and swimming through crowded avenues. Now, my days look different. I get up, walk five feet to the fridge, and go to work another five steps away. As a result, I’ve been feeling less and less active, and like I haven’t been getting up and moving enough. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to motivate myself to do this, especially in a one bedroom apartment, and […]
We’re edging into a strange territory. It’s still hot, but at night and in the early morning, it has been chilly enough for an extra layer. At this point, I have excellent work from home loungewear for the hotter months: shorts and tees and henleys. But as the temperature has shifted, I’ve noticed my comfortable cool weather wear has been lacking. Recently, I came across Rhone’s Bolinas Beach Poncho, which is perfect for the both in-between seasons and an air conditioned home, as well. Rhone’s Bolinas Beach Poncho is meant for more than the beach, but it is designed perfectly for […]
I love my water bottle. It’s something I always have by my side, whether I’m working, exercising, or just hanging out. Staying hydrated is important. But if you use a water bottle too, like a Hydroflask or a Swell, you’ll know what I mean when I say that after a while, they can get a little gross. The first sign is the water starts to give off a little smell, then the taste changes. Soon enough, you peek inside, and see that the once pristine stainless steel has turned brown, and you need to clean the bottle ASAP. Cleaning a water […]
One of the only good things to come out of quarantine has been the uptick in home cooking I’ve been doing. From first-try recipes for dinner to tried and true salads for lunch, I’ve been using my kitchen at least 2x more than during the Before Time. That means keeping my fridge stocked with groceries and my pantry full of staples. A grocery list is a must. But rather than sifting through random notes on my phone or memos on my coffee table, I decided instead to invest in a whiteboard that sticks directly to my fridge. This whiteboard has acted […]
I sleep hot. It’s a fact I have grown to accept, although it took me a while. I have tried plenty of things to alleviate my extreme temperature — like cooling sheets, comforters, pillows, AC units, even pajamas. While these all made marginal improvements, I realized that part of the problem was my memory foam mattress. It was time for a change. Unlike a foam mattress that traps heat and ultimately leads to sweaty mornings, Tuft & Needle’s Hybrid Mattress offers support and breathability at the same time.. The Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress is the perfect blend of innovation and […]
Even though we’ve honed in on which face masks are best, that doesn’t mean they’re all perfect. In fact, far from it. Recently, I came across a new issue, one that’s extremely frustrating and difficult to handle: my glasses fogging up. Honestly, I thought I’d have to just stop wearing glasses with my mask altogether. And then I came across this anti-fog spray. This Antifog Spray looks like it was made specifically for snorkeling or swimming goggles, but it works the same way with your glasses. It’s easy to use— just spritz some onto your glasses, and that’s it. This formula […]
The experience of working from home has been dealt to me in stages. First came excitement — you mean we actually get to do this? Soon after, was boredom, longing for my old chair and my coworkers (and free cereal). Finally, as we approach potentially working from home until 2021, I have come to accept the facts: I need to make big adjustments to my home in order to cope. The balance, I’ve discovered, lies in turning my home into a workable office, but not so much that it looks like my office. I thought a nice wooden desk, unique to […]
As a frequent product and apparel reviewer, I test out a fair amount of gear in any given year. During the steaming catastrophe that is the year 2020, much of that gear has been non-medical face masks. I’ve now tried out close to a dozen different reusable cloth face masks, and in my non-medical opinion, most of them suck. From ear loops so snug they seem designed for a marmoset, to cloth that bunches up and slips off the nose, to masks with gaps so large at their sides a murder hornet could pass through, not to mention virus-laden aerosol droplets […]
Bodysuits can be the best thing to happen to you while getting dressed. With one piece of clothing, you have a sleek top that can be paired with myriad options. For me, they’ve been so hit or miss that I had almost given up on them, until Yummie let me try out their Ruby Cotton Shaping Thong Back Bodysuit. With other bodysuits, I find myself constantly adjusting and tucking extra fabric into whatever bottom I’m wearing to make sure things fit right and stay where they’re supposed to be. It’s not a graceful move by any means.. Instead of having to […]
A couple of years ago, I was introduced to White Claw (I think it was actually Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer, but that’s neither here nor there at this point) by my boyfriend’s sister. She was looking for a lighter alternative to drinking while on vacation. The idea of a spiked seltzer kind of skeeved me out. Coming from hazy memories of drinking Four Loko (before they got rid of the caffeine) in college and going through a phase of Icing my friends with Smirnoff, I didn’t think I wanted to stray too far from traditional alcohol. But what White Claw […]
My gym is still closed, which is a good thing. But it has meant I have been working out more at home, trying to make little upgrades to my at-home gym set up to get the most out of my workouts and my space. While there was a period of time I was using wine bottles as dumbbells (don’t judge, dumbbells were sold out everywhere), I feel safe in saying that I have all of the basic stuff I need. However, I was missing one thing: a set of killer resistance bands. Think of these bands like a non-committal TRX system. […]
I have been cooking a lot more than usual, but I have become increasingly more comfortable ordering take out. For me, take out isn’t the same as going to a restaurant — you miss the atmosphere — but it’s as close as I’m willing to get right now. With that said, it’s hard to feel like the food, mine or the restaurants, really tastes the same. I have fatigue, that’s for sure. Thankfully, I recently discovered a truffle-infused hot sauce called TRUFF that lets me kick things up a notch. Bam! It’s made with ripe chili peppers, black truffle oil, and agave […]
I toss and turn in bed. My girlfriend refers to me as “a cover hog.” Part of the problem is that I’m stealing the covers, sure. But perhaps a bigger problem is that as a result of the tossing and turning, my comforter gets all bunched up in the middle, or falls to a certain corner, instead of remaining the even, flat, perfect layer of soft covering it should be.My life suddenly got a lot warmer, and easier, once I discovered comforter clips. Apparently these have existed for a while, but I’d never heard of them. These comforter clips look like […]
I’m not an unorganized person or a messy person. And yet, until recently, I’ve felt like things were fairly out of order, and like my life lacked essential organization. From the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond, there are tons of things I have trouble finding or remembering where they are. Thankfully, I finally made the investment in something I knew I needed, but never thought to purchase to solve this issue: a label maker. The Brother P-Touch Label Maker is like a personal trainer: it’s motivated me to go above and beyond my wildest organization dreams. It’s extremely easy to […]
Even though many of us aren’t getting the chance to be seen by anyone outside of your household due to lockdown measures, we still want to look good. It’s only human. Getting my nails done with Japanese gel at one of the few New York salons that specialize in the technique was part of my monthly beauty ritual. But now, as nail salons are still shut down in many states, and those that are open probably aren’t with the risk, I mostly accepted my hands would look like that of a 16-year-old boy for the foreseeable future. But a few months […]
The more and more I wear a face mask, the more it becomes a part of how I think. Not only am I searching for one that’s comfortable, and one that’s well made, I’m also on the hunt for something that’s stylish. The face mask needs to work well, but also needs to go with whatever I’m wearing. Thankfully, one of our favorite brands makes a face mask that is more than just functional, it’s stylish, too. Everlane’s 100% Human Face Mask is one of my favorites. 10% of all profits go to the ACLU, and as of this writing, Everlane […]
One of my least favorite chores is doing the laundry. Not only is it a hassle, and often something that takes hours, but I also don’t really know what chemicals are going on inside the machine. Recently, I discovered a brand that doesn’t do the laundry for me (one can only dream) but that makes me feel good — or at least better — about what I’m using while doing it. Blueland, which creates a range of beautiful cleaning supplies that are also good for the environment, just launched their Laundry Set, which comes complete with a tin-coated steel container to […]
In my opinion, the most overlooked genre of footwear is the sandal. Not only are sandals perfect for summer, I think you can and should get away wearing them anytime it’s not raining. Sandals are comfortable, there is room for your feet to breathe, and better yet, the design of them is pretty outstanding. While you might love your Birks, there’s another sandal I love for outdoor adventures or just everyday use that is well worth the investment: the Chaco While the Chaco is a more outdoorsy shoe than other sandals, it has unrivaled versatility, comfort, and is the most durable […]
These days, there is nothing better than going to the grocery store (or even the farmers market!) and coming home with a bunch of fresh produce to put in the fridge. A crisper drawer filled with lettuce, fruits, and veggies is a sight to behold. Recently, as I’ve been cooking more, my crisper drawer has been chock full of deliciousness. However, there is one problem. As the week goes on and things start to wilt, I’ve noticed that my leafy greens and veggies start to drop little bits of themselves into the drawer. At first, it was no big deal, but […]
The day that I got what was probably the second facial of my life, my esthetician quickly shut down my entire skincare routine after I told her that I was (naively) still using salicylic acid face washes like an acne-ridden teenager. Apparently, I was supposed to have graduated to chemical peels and retinol by now. Eventually, my regular dermatology visits would include bi-monthly chemical peels and laser treatments that had my skin glowing. And then came the coronavirus. Like many, I haven’t been able to go to a dermatology office in months, dealing a major blow to my revamped skincare routine. […]
Recently, I’ve been relying more and more on basics to fulfill my needs. Shirts I can throw on with ease and not even have to think about, and shorts that are comfortable and go with anything. One of my favorite ways to accomplish this look is with a white t-shirt. But not all white t-shirts are the same. Uniqlo makes my favorite white t-shirts by far. The white tee is surprisingly difficult to nail. It needs to be somewhat inexpensive because it’s white and they are just easy to ruin and likewise, easily replaceable. But that shouldn’t require a sacrifice in […]
As is the case with millions of other households at present, in recent months my house has been getting more use than ever. Given the ongoing coronavirus and semi-self-imposed quarantine, we’ve been cooking and eating all three meals a day at home, our son finished his kindergarten school year from his bedroom, our daughter’s toddler classes have been cancelled and replaced with in-home activities, and we’ve all generally just been home all the time. The result? A bit of stir-craziness, a lot more inventive dinners, a few moments of peak stress, a few others of hilarity, and a pretty goddamn messy […]
Streaming is everywhere: from Netflix to Disney Plus, HBO, Hulu, Peacock, and plenty more, it seems like you can stream just about anything. To me though, this is all slightly confusing. Streaming capabilities are built into Smart TVs but if you don’t have a Smart TV, well, then what? You need a streaming stick of some sort to watch movies and TV. And while the picture might be excellent, your speakers might lag behind, and so soon enough, you might need to upgrade those, too. What I’m getting at is this—it feels like there are a million things I constantly need […]
We all know that one of the best parts of travel is experiencing local cuisine. Even right here in the U.S., there are certain foods from certain places that are just… well, better. Think about it: you can’t visit the south without experiencing traditional BBQ. You can’t tour NYC without noshing on a bagel. And you definitely can’t stop by Chicago without guzzling a deep-dish pizza. I mean, have you ever dreamt about clam chowder from North Dakota? Or a cheesesteak from Arizona? Somehow, I highly doubt it. So naturally, it was disappointing when summer vacation plans were cancelled. Obviously, we […]
This is the summer of shorts. Because I don’t have to go into the office at the moment, and because it also happens to be very hot, shorts are my go to. I have been wearing plenty of running shorts (I find them to be the comfiest), but after wearing them for months now, I kind of feel like I should broaden my horizons. Thankfully, the brand responsible for making my favorite T-shirts out there just launched a new pair of shorts. The first thing any pair of shorts should be is comfortable. If they’re not, it kind of defeats the […]
For weeks during the beginning of quarantine, I craved dishes from my favorite south Asian takeout spots. I wanted the sour, spicy comfort of a bowl of Tom Yum soup. The pungent smell of hoisin and fish sauce was absent from my apartment. Most of the places I frequented were closed for the foreseeable future, so I had to find alternatives. My grocery store has a pretty great selection of Asian ingredients, but I didn’t want to buy these specialty ingredients because 1) I don’t know how to cook with most of it and 2) I don’t need a full size […]
Before any of this *waves hands around* happened, my mom was preparing for something big. I think she might’ve thought the next big earthquake was looming, but whatever she thought was going to happen, all she ended up buying in preparation for it was a can opener and a single can of Spaghetti O’s. Consequently, the Spaghetti O’s had a pop-off lid, making the can opener superfluous. I think the lesson here is that for some, getting prepared for an emergency can be as stressful as the emergency itself. For me, carrying around emergency gear has always made me feel a […]
What I’ve noticed lately about wearing face masks is that I find myself critiquing every part of it. At first, I just dealt with a mask that only kind of fit my face. I had to tie the elastics and pleat it myself, but it worked, until I had to wear it for longer than taking the dog on a walk around the block. That’s where things got…painful. I knew I needed to find a mask that worked on all levels: comfort, style, and safety. For all-day wear, I knew I could count on my BAGGU mask, because of how comfortable […]
It’s been four months since I’ve stepped foot in an office. That means four months of sweatpants, leggings, and (of course) jumpsuits. Why jumpsuits? Because in the morning, there’s nothing better than putting on one piece of clothing and being in an outfit. These days, my jumpsuits are more for all-day comfort than style, which is why I’ve been wearing this one from Uniqlo non-stop. It’s taken me some time, but I’ve amassed a healthy collection of jumpsuits. Most of them are office-appropriate but my Uniqlo one is my at-home-only option. It’s made from a breathable linen blend, has billowing, wide […]
It’s safe to say that my wine intake has increased during quarantine. I’m writing it off as an “educational experience,” as a quarantine skill I’ve picked up just like sourdough baking and bird watching. I’m no sommelier, but I finally feel like I could go out to dinner (whenever that’s a thing again), look at a wine list, and not feel like I’m reading a riddle. Thankfully, I discovered this wine service early on in quarantine that allows me to learn about different wines, and try plenty more. You won’t find Winc wines in the wild. Instead, the direct-to-consumer brand both […]
Patagonia’s Baggies are known as the original fun hogs—do everything shorts that are perfectly suitable for most anything one can dream up. Take them climbing, swimming, biking, running, or even alligator wrestling (maybe not in Florida, though), and chances are they’ll be a durable, dry, and comfortable companion throughout. But with their relaxed fit, nylon sheen, and noticeable logo, they don’t quite do everything well. Head out for dinner with the wife in a pair of Baggies and you’ll be noticeably underdressed (if you even make it to the door). If that doesn’t bother you, then by all means, stick to […]
These days, my produce drawer has been almost constantly stocked. Because I’m cooking more and trying out some new recipes, I need plenty of fresh ingredients on hand. I feel like I’ve been eating a lot healthier, which is great. But the problem that has come up is that before I can use all of my fruits and vegetables, they go bad. The leaves start to wilt and sometimes they even get all mushy and slimy. I didn’t think there was a way around this. And then I tried Bluapple. The Bluapple is easy to use. The pack comes with two […]
As quarantine drags on, I still find myself cooking all of my meals and spending plenty of time in the kitchen. Cooking has become something I consistently enjoy and look forward to, but I am trying to limit the amount of things I have in the kitchen while simultaneously improving my food storage regime. There is nothing more annoying, after all, than using a pot, pan, or tupperware, and spending fifteen minutes rummaging through every cabinet for the matching lid. With these, I’ve been able to limit the amount of clutter in my kitchen, and upgrade every aspect of my cooking […]
I remember when I first was told we’d be working from home. I was excited — no more commuting, pajamas all the time, breaks by the fridge, my fridge. It was all exciting at first, and yet, as time has gone on, little things have begun to annoy me. If I’m being honest, the one thing I miss most about the office is some peace and quiet. That can be hard to come by these days, especially if you have kids, or even just a partner who is almost constantly on the phone for their job. Thankfully, noise cancelling headphones exist. Sennheiser […]
I like to think I’m a pretty gentle person. People have said things about me like “He wouldn’t hurt a fly.” And that’s where they’re wrong. The other night, a fly flew into my wine glass, drowned itself, and if I wasn’t before, I’m now on a dedicated mission to rid all of the flies from my home, permanently. And so I’ve been doing some research on the best things to keep in your home to get rid of flies, so we can all live in our homes and drink our wine in peace. There are a lot of different routes […]
As the pandemic rolls along, and time becomes even more and more of a distant memory, I’ve taken to three things: stress relief, mindfulness, and dealing with all of the bugs in my house. Calming down and breathing easy is important, and something that helps me take a step back is CBD. While CBD gummies are great for sleeping, and tinctures are excellent for travel, I’ve wanted something I can etch into my routine, or use to ease aches, pains, and even bug bites. I recently tested out the new hemp infused Cooling Gel from Charlotte’s Web, and it’s become my […]
To me, wearing a mask is like wearing a helmet while riding a bike. It’s something you should always do (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise), but you can undeniably feel a little dorky doing it, especially if your helmet isn’t doing you any favors. A stylish face mask isn’t something I thought I’d come across, even though I’ve been searching for a mask for pretty much every occasion. Whether that’s running, hanging out, or taking trips to the grocery store, pretty much anything I do these days requires a specified mask. And while I have some favorites, I wouldn’t signify […]
I’m such a sucker for convenience. I like to have things in my life that make simple tasks even easier. But finding something to make working when not at home or in an office easier wasn’t something I thought I really needed, until I got the chance to test out the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. The brand sent me one to try out and now I know I’ll never have to lug my laptop home or on vacation again. Now, I can hear you saying “But what about iPads?” Well yes, they’re great. But what I really needed was a smaller, […]
Whether you’re watching thrillers like Money Heist and Ozark or comedies like Set It Up, there’s no better snack than popcorn. During quarantine, Netflix was my favorite escape and I found myself plowing through bags of microwave popcorn before deciding to try popping kernels myself for a more economical (and environmentally friendly) way to indulge my habit. It’s easy enough to pop kernels on the stove top, but I always seemed to end up with too many burnt pieces, or a sad army of unpopped kernels, even when I diligently listened to the popping percussion and periodically shook the pan. Then […]
One of the most common issues I’ve seen with wearing masks is the pain the elastics can cause on your ears. After wearing a mask for a whole day at the beach, I get it. When I was younger, I couldn’t wear headbands (it was the 90s, people) because I would get bad headaches and now some masks are giving me that same feeling. Sore ears suck! But it doesn’t have to be the case. I found a mask that fits securely without using elastic. It’s pain-free and comfortable to wear, no matter how long. What’s unique about the Baggu mask […]
There is nothing I love more in this world than my cast iron skillet. It’s by far my favorite pan in the kitchen. People talk a lot about the differences between non-stick and cast iron, and while non-stick pans are great for things like eggs, that’s all they’re really good for (in my opinion). The cold hard truth is that cast iron pans get hotter, they are really easy to maintain, they are easy to clean, and they will last pretty much your entire life if you take care of them properly (which sounds intimidating, but isn’t hard at all). The […]
Thanks to my mom, I’ve been blessed with skin that can be pretty finicky. I guess you can call it a gift and a curse (Thanks, Mom!). Growing up, I was obsessed with skincare and makeup products, but wasn’t allowed to experiment because of my cultural upbringing. Fast forward to my high school years, I developed a serious case of acne, which led me on a wild goose chase because I was unsure of what products to use on my lightly melanated skin. Due to my lack of skincare knowledge, I became a sucker for using the same products as my best […]
Allbirds makes some of our favorite shoes, whether they’re for running, lounging, or just walking around. The brand really focuses on sustainability and comfort, using products like merino and eucalyptus that provide a comfortable feel. Recently, Allbirds launched an underwear line, and we had the opportunity to test them out. Let me tell you: they’re some of the softest underwear I’ve ever worn. The entire line of underwear spans men and women – including boxer briefs for men, and bralettes, briefs, shorties, and thongs for women. All of the products are made with Trino, which is Allbirds’ blend of merino and […]
Because of quarantine, I’ve probably been working out more. Don’t worry: I’m probably (stress) eating more, too, and maybe that’s why I’ve tried to stay so active. One of my favorite things to do these days is to go running. But, these days, it’s a little more complicated than usual. One of my pet peeves when I’m running is when I run by someone who doesn’t pull a mask over their face. I get it, I do, running with a mask seems like it’d be annoying. Running in general to most is already annoying. But this mask makes being safe while […]
During quarantine, I have been taking on tons of projects around the house. It feels inevitable: I finally have so much time to just notice everything that isn’t exactly the way I want it to be. From painting fresh coats on paint on walls, to starting a compost outside, these past few months have been a great time to get around to all of the projects I’ve been meaning to do since forever. One of the biggest projects, though, has been cleaning the floors. From mopping to vacuuming, I’ve tackled a lot of them, and they look pretty good. But getting […]
I have been cleaning a lot more in quarantine. From vacuuming, mopping, and just cleaning everything, I’ve been really trying to keep a clean space, especially as I’m still spending plenty of time in it. But the one thing that has increased exponentially through this all has been dishes. I’m eating every meal at home, cooking usually, and so I’ve been doing more dishes than ever. I have a dish rack I love, but dish soap has been strangely a struggle. Thankfully, one of my favorite cleaning brands just released something new. Blueland is known for environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. They’re […]
Figuring out how to manage my curls has been a lifelong journey. I have vivid memories from childhood of my dad patiently detangling my hair in front of the television. The first summer my parents sent me to overnight camp, I came home with a knot so big and matted, they had to cut parts of it out. Thankfully, I’ve learned some moisturizing and styling tricks along the way. But the one problem I’ve never found a solution for is drying. I’m way too lazy to be one of those people who regularly blow dries their hair. But I’m also not […]
The dog days of summer are almost upon us. In fact, I’m sweating as I write this. It’s hot out there and I’ve been looking for a way to cool off. I don’t have a pool, but at the moment, I do have a backyard. And this summer, I’ve made an investment in both my lawn, and in staying cool. Everyone should have a sprinkler this summer. If you have kids, even better. If you don’t, trust me, you’ll still want one. With public pools and beaches off limits for the most part, this is a great solution for cooling off […]
Like many, in January I dutifully sat down and scribbled a small but thoughtful list of 2020 New Year’s goals into my bullet journal. One of those goals was to get more creative in the kitchen by stepping outside of my comfort zone and experimenting with new cuisines and unfamiliar ingredients. The qualitative resolution was to try at least three new recipes every month, and I figured one of the best ways to kickstart that initiative was to enroll in a meal delivery program. Now, over the years I’ve sampled a handful of such services. Some were OK, some were not […]
Summer is here and it’s looking like this one is going to be a little different than most. Camps are probably closed, I’m still working from home, and after spending what has felt like eons indoors, I’m trying to spend as much time outside in the backyard as possible. While I don’t have a pool, that’s ok. This summer staple is something anyone with a backyard can set up, and should be setting up this summer, whether you have kids, or honestly just for yourself. Here’s the throwback you need this summer: a Slip N Slide. This one is 31 feet […]
I am the hottest of hot sleepers. If you’re like me, you know being hot under the covers is literally the worst feeling imaginable. It’s irritating, to be honest. Even in the winter, when it’s cold everywhere, it has felt like there is a sauna running under my bed. I’ve tried everything, from cranking up the AC to buying a temperature regulating mattress, but no matter what, I always end up overheating and sweaty. But the only thing I’ve personally found that has worked has been these sheets. While Scouted Editor Jillian Lucas loves the old Purple sheets for how lightweight, […]
Right now is a great time for experimentation. Trying a new hobby, redecorating, getting into skin care. Your options are endless. One of the best new things I’ve tried is a scalp scrub that does double duty. A lot of scalp scrubs, and scrubs in general, rely on physical exfoliation to get rid of dead skin. Most of the time, that works great but sometimes you just want something a bit more. The Drunk Elephant Happi Scalp Scrub combines a little grit with a little science. It utilizes Cellulose Acetate, a plant-based biodegradable scrub, for a physical exfoliation while relying on […]
Lately, I’ve been sitting in my chair a lot, and hunching over even more. It’s not fun, especially when I need to get up, which is a lot. Getting up can be laborious, and at times, painful. I’ve tried stretching, and a seat cushion, but the real problem I realized was that my chair was not meant for working. And since we’ve all been making drastic changes to our work from home environments, and wondering how long this will go on for, I think it’s worth it to make some big investments, not just in our comfort, but in the longevity […]
Quarantine has definitely upped my carb intake. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: there is no such thing as too much pasta. Pasta is a life force for me right now. It’s the easiest thing to make, yet it’s almost impossible to truly master. It’s great for meal prepping and there’s nothing like sitting down for Sunday supper and eating up a plate of spaghetti and meatballs a la Lady and the Tramp. While there are thousands of ways to prepare pasta, you should really only be using this pot. It might sound silly at first, but what […]
During this time, two things have completely changed for me: I’ve been cooking more, and one of my favorite activities, going to the grocery store, has been tainted. Instead of a fun, almost relaxing experience, it’s now a stressful one I try to avoid at all costs. But since I’m cooking pretty much all of my meals, I still want high quality ingredients, maybe even better ingredients than normal, on hand so I can cook up a delicious meal on a whim. This New Jersey butcher shop has the solution, no matter where you are in the country. Instead of anxiously […]
One of my fondest memories is when my good friend discovered the Chemex pour over. I remember going to his house and watching him go through the whole routine — weighing beans, boiling water to the exact right temperature, and pouring it in concentric circles over the grounds. It seemed a little obnoxious, but moments later, I ate (or drank) my words. It was by far the most delicious cup of coffee I’d ever had in my life, and remains up there to this day. I’ve tried recreating the cup on my own, but ultimately, it’s a lot of work and a […]
At around 8:00pm, there’s a good chance that you’ll find me or my boyfriend snacking on a pickle. I grew up eating them straight from the jar, on sticks, and off of plates of friends who held wrong opinions on pickles. There’s something so satisfying about the snap of a pickle; the salty/brininess satiates any craving I have that may have otherwise been cured with the less-than-healthy potato chips that fill my pantry. Pickles are constantly in my fridge, but heading out to the store to replenish my pickle supply is a whole thing right now. Instead, I’ve dug out my […]
During this time, I have been on a hunt for the perfect quarantine clothing. Up to this point, I feel like I’ve done pretty well so far, but a big area that has eluded me has been shoes. I’ve even gone so far as to wonder if shoes are really necessary with all the time we’ve been spending at home. It turns out that yes, you still need shoes (or at least I do), for things like taking out the trash, walking the dog (and myself), or trips to the grocery store. But, what I couldn’t figure out was a shoe […]