My friend Marjory started The Shortbread, a new online project about food. It features interviews with a diverse collection of people about their personal relationships with food. I love it and I am really looking forward to following along. I was honored to be included in the project, you can read an interview with me here. xo

Public Service Announcement: David Bowie Is is the name of an extraordinary touring exhibition that originated at the Victoria and Albert Museum and is currently making its only United States stop in Chicago. It’s an incredibly moving and inspiring show that I hope you all get to see (seriously, come to Chicago!). I am famous for how quickly I move through museums. I spent almost two hours in this exhibition and would have probably spent more time if I didn’t have plans to see it again. The show includes music, costumes, hand-written lyrics, artifacts (including the crystal ball from Labyrinth!), and videos, all tied together through an audio experience that seamlessly guides you through the exhibit. I generally feel ambivalent about museums. While I am optimistic about their educational possibilities and their role as collectors/protectors of culture, they often feel dead and I feel bored. It was nice to be in a museum space that felt alive. Crowds of people swaying to the sounds of Space Oddity. I left wanting to make things. I also left thinking about how much awesomeness one person can bring into the world.

I started following Caity Weaver on Twitter because of the essay she wrote about her experiences aboard a Paula Deen cruise (yes, that is a thing). I liked that essay a lot. But what I have grown to like even more, are her responses to Martha Stewart on Twitter. She’s amazing (and so is Martha). read more+++

I just reread The Heart is a Lonely Hunter which will always have my vote for the greatest American novel. It is heartbreaking and true. And best read in summer, the heat helps.

We spent the last weeks of 2013 in California visiting friends, family, and the ocean. It was a great way to end the year. I hope 2014 is off to a great start for all of you. I’ll be back shortly with food. xo

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The end of the year is nigh, and I am going to take a little break. I intended to post one last recipe, but then Beyoncé up and released an album (14 songs! 17 videos!) on Friday and I have been watching and listening to it like it’s my job (I wish it were my job!). I feel like I’m in high school again obsessing over an album and having a hard time talking about anything else. I apologize to anyone who crossed my path this week because I definitely made you talk about Beyoncé with me. I mean, she samples a talk on feminism by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on the album! So, Bey has distracted me from any cooking I might have planned on doing. Blame her! And then download the album and usher in the new year with Yoncé. Who needs food?

On a serious (and random?) cooking-related note, I also highly recommend these potatoes which are absolutely fantastic (and can be made in advance!). I plan on making them for every holiday dinner forever.

I’ll be back in January with more food and miscellanea. But I wanted to check in one last time before the new year and say that I hope 2014 is the best year yet, for all of you. Thanks for making this such a great place to hang out. See you soon! xo

Here we go, friends, the annual gift guide. My apologies that this is coming so late, with Hanukkah almost over. Hopefully you saved your gelt and can go shopping for yourself. As always, these are all things I own and love.

Plum Jam • Ayako & Family

Honestly one of the best jams I have ever eaten. Such a pure and beautiful plum flavor, and perfect packaging.

Triangle Cutting Board • Fort Standard

I like everything that Fort Standard makes and was eager to get my mitts on this cutting board. It is as beautiful hanging on the wall as it is on your table.

Boob Pillow • Gravel & Gold

Who doesn’t like boobs?

Sculpted Geode • Asrai Garden

These amazing geodes with pyramids carved into the top are one of my new favorite things. Chicago’s Asrai Garden is where I buy most of my rocks, and many of my holiday gifts.

Photobook • Artifact Uprising

I’ve always wanted to take a photo of myself holding something up against a blank wall. People seem to love it so much, and so this custom photo book provided me with a great opportunity. Artifact Uprising is a wonderful company in Colorado that makes beautifully designed and produced photo books and calendars. We gotta start printing our photos, people! This is a great way to start. And for the record, taking photos this way is just okay. read more+++

We haven’t done this in a while!

This beautiful fragrance called Pale Grey Mountain, Small Black Lake (so good!) from my friends at D.S. & Durga has become a new favorite of mine. The scent reminds me of my childhood basement, and also of the ride Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland (smoke and water?), as well as walks I have taken in England. They, of course, are more poetic about it. This is also one of the most perfect package designs I have ever seen. That box!

These beautiful bronze nails were a birthday gift from Bryan. He knows how much I like triangles. I’m using mine to hang a necklace on my wall, but I keep coming up with reasons to buy more.

I’ll buy every book Nigel Slater publishes. I am at the point where I can’t wait for the US version, so I order the newest from the UK. Eat has everything we love about Slater packed into a small and flawlessly designed package. read more+++

I am DJing at The Hideout next Monday. As one does.

I’ll be playing some of my favorite music at Chicago’s legendary Hideout, to support the campaign for marriage equality in Illinois. I’m proud to be a part of this fun night that includes guest DJ’s, a team of awesome hosts and some of our local politicians—in addition to a cakewalk (Floriole! Rare Bird! Rustic Tart!), a silent auction, and lots more fun. We’re all gathering to generate awareness, raise money, and recruit volunteers for the campaign to give gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. It will be a great night that supports a cause that is very close to my heart. Bryan and I were married two years ago (in Massachusetts), and we would like to see our commitment recognized in our home state. We would also like for other couples to have the option to marry the person they love in Illinois…and for freedom to ring loud and proud across the country.

I hope some of you will come out and support the cause. It would be fun to meet you there. Also, I have never DJ’d anywhere other than my living room, so I could really use the support!

Monday, September 16th from 7-10pm. More information (and tickets) HERE.

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