46 articles

GOTV

vote pin madewell

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. Hell, it’s been a crazy year. And while we may not be able to bring the madness to a dead stop, we can most certainly put the brakes on… HARD… if we get out and vote.

So of course I hope you are all double checking your registrations and making sure you and your posse have a specific plan for voting. You can also join the Demo Crew and reach out to potential voters to help us out with all of the above.

And then you can keep voting at the forefront of everyone’s minds by rocking some of this gear. Because now is the time.

iamavoterT2 copy

Studies say that people respond more to being part of a group (voters!) than to a command (vote!) So invite them all to be a part of your glorious family of citizens with this T shirt. They have hats, masks and sweatshirts, too… I am a voter T, $25

vote socks by kule

Maybe you’re playing tennis or basketball. Or maybe you hate sports but your feet are cold. Whatever the reason, these are your socks. So you can keep voting top of mind. Women’s VOTE socks by Kule, $28

vote bobby pin

VOTE rhinestone bobby pin. Need I say more? Vote hair pin, $29.

vote sweatshirt

If you say it over and over again, maybe the message will get through… Vote sweatshirt, $85.

vote safety pin

A safety pin to remind you of what you are supposed to be doing at some point between now and Nov 3. Vote pin, $39.95

je vote tote

Get your message across while also learning a new language that you can use when you go to the land of red wine and pain au chocolat. Clare V canvas tote, $25.

vote mask

Because it is a pandemic, after all, and we all want to stay safe. Vote masks, $11.20.

(Oh and by the way, the enamel pin up at the top of the post is by Madewell and runs $4, so you can get a few and give them to friends!)

It’s Mother’s Day again!

Every time someone asks me what I would like for Mother’s Day (and believe me, I never tire of answering this particular question) the first word that comes to my mind is: sleep. If only some enterprising entrepreneur could put a good night’s sleep in a bottle and sell it– I would have a lifetime subscription. And I’m sure I am not alone.

That said, sleep is not currently for sale, and Mother’s Day is around the corner, so I’ve come up with a list of things that might at least help the mamas in your lives feel more rested, cared for and loved.

goldies candle club
Goldie’s Candle Club.
Because what mom doesn’t want an all natural, mystically formulated scented candle arriving at her doorstep each month to help her find harmony with the seasons? Each candle also arrives with a beautifully written discussion about the particular qualities of each scent and how it relates to the time of ear it arrives.

urban moonshine energy tonic

Photo courtesy of The Alchemist’s Kitchen


Organic Energy Tonic by Urban Moonshine
Because the one thing all mothers can use is more energy. And if we can get it through a combination of roots, berries, herbs and flowers from Vermont, all the better!

CBD bath salt

photo courtesy of The Alchemist’s Kitchen

CBD bath salts by Vertly.
Because nothing says relax like soaking in a big old tub of CBD infused oils. I would like a lifetime supply, please.

Lauren's All Purpose Salve

Photo Courtesy of laurensallpurpose.com

Lauren’s All Purpose Salve.
Because what mom wouldn’t appreciate a creamy salve full of sumptuous natural ingredients that is as good in your hair as it is on your elbows, palms and feet?

Porter ceramic coffee mug

Photo courtesy of Goop

Ceramic to-go mug by Porter. Because sometimes you are just tired and are going to have to go straight the the cafe for a cappuccino. And wouldn’t it be nice if you had a reusable mug with you that is as kind to the eyes as it is to the earth?

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Help them to help themselves

It has been a rough year. I don’t think I know a single person who isn’t exhausted, mentally, physically, spiritually, economically– you name it. So I hereby dedicate this first installment of my annual holiday gift guide to gifts that will help your loved ones take care of themselves. Because if we don’t take care of ourselves, and we lose the strength to persevere, all will be lost. For reals.

Goldie's mood mist no 9

photo courtesy of Goldie’s


Nothing says “Everything’s gonna be all right” like a cloud of beautifully balanced essential oil scented mist that is grounding and energizing, detoxifying and hydrating all in one. Goldie’s Mood Mist No 9 ($26) is going to improve the tone of your skin or the room you’re in, and everybody who gets near you will feel better. Which is actually a holiday gift for your entire community.

Red Flower 10000 Facial

photo courtesy Red Flower


If I had all the money in the world, I might just dump all of my other skin care products and exclusively use this 10,000 Self Care Beauty Practice set from Red Flower. You can get it all for $498 (it’s on sale!) and I promise you it is worth every penny. These creams and oils and soaps are unparalleled. But if I had to “settle” for their Hinoki mint mineral bath soak ($52) I would do so happily. And still feel like a queen. Or a king, for that matter.

Southampton Soap Co foot scrub

Photo courtesy of Southampton Soap Co


Sometimes there is no bathtub available. In these instances, however, a large pot will do nicely. Rubbing down feet with some Southampton soap cucumber mint healing foot scrub (from $25) and then soaking them in a pot full of warm water is like an instant vacation without having to deal with the long lines at airport security.

reflexology chart

While we’re on the topic of feet, reflexology is the science of massaging along specific energy meridians of the foot to help heal all sorts of physical ailments. Give a gift certificate for a 60 minute session at Perry St Reflexology ($125)… because we have all been marching since January 21 and our feet (and bodies) have had just about enough.

palo santo insence

Palo Santo incense ($20), or Holy Wood, wards off evil spirits and creates positive energy. And Lord knows we could all use some more positive energy these days.

Photo courtesy of Puerh

Photo courtesy of Puerh Brooklyn


A good cup of tea can make just about anything better. The turmeric/ginger blend (from $8) at Puehr Brooklyn Teashop might just be my all time favorite herbal tea. The anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric mixed with the anti-oxident superpower of ginger make it powerful medicine. And a lovely teapot ($33) in which to brew these concoctions only sweetens the deal.

mndfl studio

Photo by Julia Robbs for Homepolish.com.

Meditation is probably the one thing that is most consistently recommended by doctors, therapists, yoga teachers and hippies alike for helping to relieve the stresses of this crazy world we find ourselves in. I have never, EVER, heard anyone say it is anything but beneficial. But it can be hard to start a consistent practice, which is where MNDFL Meditation Studios comes in. They provide the space and the teachers, so all you have to do is show up. Easy peasy. Think of a gift certificate from MNDFL like a gym membership for your mind.

Lets take Father’s Day off the grid, shall we?

tree tent
You should seriously consider getting him one of these tree tents because they might be the coolest things I’ve ever seen, and I bet you he’s never even heard of something like this. Imagine the hours of fun…

bodum portable grill
My first choice for cooking would have been this one-use wooden grill, but since I’ve already written about it, how about considering this portable charcoal grill by Bodum? Because every dad should be able to carry a BBQ in his proverbial back packet, right?

portable solar light
I bought a couple of these solar rechargeable lights last year before we took a trip to an off-the-grid cabin in Maine and they are AWESOME.

rainbow cards
Leave it to Fredericks & Mae to take the humble playing card to the next level. Fredericks & Mae Playing Cards.

keysmart keychain
How about giving him the gift of organized keys? Keysmart Key holder.

jill platner alphabet keychain
Speaking of keys, I gave one of these to my own father (with his initials, natch) a few years ago and he still uses it… a victory I savor. Jill Platner silver keychain.

lunch bag
It’s a lunch box for the cool dad who seems like he doesn’t really care about such trivial things as lunch boxes but in reality would rather not eat than be caught dead with some random plastic bag from the drugstore. RainbowBeeDesign Lunch Bag.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Yep, it’s that time of year again. This year I’m feeling the need for a little more peace and nature in my life, so here’s why I’m thinking any of these items would make a nice Mother’s Day gift… For me anyway…

Horses Atelier overalls

Because Horses Atelier has managed to make a pair of overalls that are elegant without being at all precious. Yes please. Horses Atelier overalls, $310

cork ipad case
Because covering the iPad with something as organic as cork just makes it all feel better, right? Cork iPad case, $30.

coffee pot
Because a deep purple clay coffee pot just makes the coffee taste better. $98.95.

wood wallet
Because a wood wallet is… well… a wood wallet. Walnut Wood Wallet, $65.

room diffuser
Because evidently the path to health and happiness runs through our noses and the best way to get a scent into the air is one of these diffusers and this one in particular is as good looking as it is effective. Stone Diffuser, $119.

City Skin potion #2
Because they say nothing preserves and promotes youth and energy in the skin like roses, and this new blend of Monk Oil packs a triple punch of three different rose scents in one. Monk Oil, $52.

jill platner necklace
Because this is one of my all time favorite necklaces that I almost never take off and so your mom will probably love it too. Jill Platner necklace, $255.

Seize the day

gaby hoffman

The actress Gaby Hoffman rocks Jill Platner like it’s nobody’s business…

Jill Platner makes some of the most beautiful jewelry on the planet. And I’m not just saying that because she is my friend. Every piece is made by hand in her SoHo studio and her store feels like a secret sanctuary in the midst of one of the craziest shopping districts in New York City.

I’ve been photographing her work for years now, and wearing it for even longer. They are the kind of pieces that you can’t take your hands off of, once you’ve put them on. And when you see someone else on the street (or in the airport or on the beach…) you nod to each other like you are both members of some kind of exclusive society that only a precious few know about.

But right now, for the first time that I can remember, she is having a huge sale both online and in her store. So don’t ever say I don’t love you guys. Go check out her site and then get your hands on some of the magic while it’s discounted. You won’t be sorry. You have till Valentine’s Day.

jill platner

A beautiful low hanging pendant by Jill Platner

Only 5 days till Christmas…

christmas cookies

My mother and daughter got together over the weekend and made some holiday cookies… This was one of my favorites.

It’s been a hell of a fall.

And now, suddenly, it’s practically the 25th and, if you are anything like me, there are still all sorts of folks that you need to buy things for. Here are a few ideas that may just save you.

screwdriver key
Who doesn’t need a keychain screwdriver? (You have to order this today to get free expedited shipping, but at $9 what’s stopping you?)

stylus
Pretending that your iPad is a piece of paper is evidently all the rage these days. I’ll bet there are at least a few people on your list who would love to get their hands on one of these stylus pencils by Digital Gold.

red flower wellness kit
It’s cold and dark these days… for all sorts of reasons. A reviving wellness ritual set from Red Flower is just the thing to set anyone back on the path to sanity. Plus they are on sale right now for $50, so maybe you should get one for yourself while you’re at it!

alessi teapot
Everybody drinks tea once in a while, if not obsessively. So a teapot never fails. Especially when it looks like this Alessi “Cha” Kettle/Teapot.

globe puzzle
This is technically a toy for kids, but I can think of plenty of grownups who would be into the challenge of putting together this 3D Earth Puzzle.

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is almost upon us… and if you haven’t gotten it together yet, here are a few gift ideas. And if they arrive on Monday or Tuesday? Hey– better late than never, right?

father's gift box

Here is a box full of goodies that anyone would love… artisinal chocolate, coffee, handcrafted mug, sage bundle and other treats carefully curated by Chef Deena and offered by the ladies at Stone Fox Bride. Order by the 17th. Father’s Day Gift Box, $95.

leather earbud caddy

The gift of organization is always appreciated, especially when old school style meets new school tech. Leather iPhone earbud keeper, $28.

juniper soap

Who wouldn’t want their daily shower to be filled with the scent of evergreen, snowmelt and Mt Hood’s Timberline Trail? Juniper Ridge Trail Body Wash Soap, $32.

teakwood water bottle

Sure it’s just another stainless steel water bottle… But it looks so cool! S’well stainless steel teak wood bottle, $50

pizza pven

If your dad has a back yard, doesn’t he need a pizza over to go in it? Uuni 2S Wood Fired Pizza Oven, $299.

piozza stone

And if there isn’t a back yard for the oven, upgrade his kitchen-made pies with a pizza stone. Sparq Home Pizza Stone, $65.

hobo eat kit

And once he has made the pizza, he’ll need something to eat it with, right? Hobo eat kit, $28.95 http://shop.coolmaterial.com/products/hobo-knife

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Just in case you forgot…

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and I’m sure pretty much all of you have figured out what you are getting the mothers in your lives. (Plus you’ve probably already had the beautifully gift wrapped packages sent off ages ago!)

But if not, here are a few ideas of things that a mother like me might like… should you still be in need of suggestions.

red flower body cream

When in doubt, anything from my all-time favorite natural beauty line Red Flower is the perfect thing. All natural plus supreme luxury equals home run every time. Right now I’m feeling plum blossom silk cream, but you won’t go wrong with anything from their selection.

Jill Platner bands

Oh happy day… Jill Platner is having one of her rare sales! Run don’t walk… mother or no mother.

the metal lunch box

Our kids have their lunch boxes. Now it’s our mothers’ turn…

soi the bag light

Buy this little light so that never again will your beloved mother have to dump all the junk out of her bag to find the coat check stub…

white magic energy spray

What mother wouldn’t appreciate a little white magic energy spray?

bamboo calculator

I bet your mom remembers a time when everybody’s calculator wasn’t also their phone. And I also bet she wouldn’t mind going back to that time if her new calculator was made out of bamboo.

leff amsterdam steel tube bluetooth  speaker

Upgrade her sonic and visual situation at the same time with this bluetooth tube steel speaker.

And last but not least, Greenhouse Holistic Spa is offering a 2 for 1 deal on massages through the end of the week, so you can get one for your mom and pocket the free session for yourself!

Gift giving at it’s best…

Monday, Monday– or a few links to some lovely magazine subscriptions you might want to consider giving this seaon…

short stack

Two recent issues of Short Stack on of my new favorite food related magazines.

Gather Journal is technically a food magazine, but each issue is built on a theme (the current one is called “Origin” and explores a few areas of natural history that are particularly relevant to where the food we eat comes from.) There are recipes, of course, and beautiful photography. Plus they have great playlists on their website. Two issues a year, for $35.

While Faerie Magazine is written for adults, it might just be the perfect thing for your pre teenaged daughter who not-so-secretly wants to be reborn as Arwen from Lord of the Rings. There are crafts, “otherworldly beauty tips”, gowns made entirely of roses and basically all things enchanted. Published quarterly, at $28 a year.

Esopus is not just a magazine, it is a foundation dedicated to the unmediated distribution of the art and writing of the people it publishes. Every spring you get the most beautiful, uniquely put together, entirely free of advertising (and advertorial) journal of creative work you have probably ever encountered. And if you give a premium subscription, it includes a limited edition artwork every fall. Published annually, starting at $30.

If you or your loved ones don’t already subscribe to The New Yorker, you need to subscribe THIS MINUTE. Thoughtful, intelligent, beautifully written articles about all of the issues and people of the day. You are automatically smarter after you read this magazine. Published just about every week. Subscriptions start at $12 for 12 weeks.

Short Stack looks like a zine, but it is actually a series of small format cookbooks bound by hand and filled with recipes built around a single ingredient and written by various luminaries in the culinary world. The first time I saw one I snatched it up, and as soon as I read it I knew I had to have them all. Six volumes a year for $75.

And last, but not least, is Apartemento, which is an interiors magazine about real spaces that real (and creative with great taste) people live in. Unmanicured and at times really messy, but always captivating and full of inspiration, it is the perfect antidote to your standard, uber-polished shelter magazine. Published twice a year for only €27.