Just a bunch of Christmas shit I’m into right now

Hi! Even though Christmas is only a few days away and a lot of your planning/shopping/decorating is likely done, I thought I’d share some of the festive recipes/playlists/DIY projects I’m into right now!

Decorations

I bought the wooden Advent spiral above from OakTree Vibrations on Etsy and it’s been such a nice addition to our home! (It looks like the shop is currently closed FYI.) Figuring out the right size candles was a Whole Thing, but I’m currently using these white candles with a little ball of clay stuck under each one to hold them in place.

I’m also very, very, very happy with my bay leaf wreath, which I’ve wanted for years.

This is my go-to method for lighting a tree; it works perfectly every time.

Here’s a Twitter thread of all my favorite Christmas aesthetics.

If you want some additional inspiration/dreaminess, look no further than this Swedish blog.

And if you want to go in an entirely different direction (read: kitsch), I cannot recommend these gold and silver “curtains” ($15.99 for a set of four from Amazon) enough! I bought them as part of the decor for my girlfriend’s birthday last week and she loved them — they totally transformed our space and made it look like a cozy/cool bar. Pair it with a mini LED party light (which we had lying around from a company swag bag, but you can get one for $16.99 on Amazon) on the red/green setting and you’ll be in business.

Finally, a tiny tip from me to you: If you have a smart plug, put your Christmas tree on it! It’s really nice to be able to turn it off from bed at night, especially if you live alone — it’s like having someone tuck you in.

Things to make

Some fun things from my IG saved items: googly eyes on gifts, a gift wrap gift bow, peppermint sparkle, a Caprese candy cane board, and baked gruyère with garlic and herb (recipe here).

Also: how to transform a Christmas garland, how to make a very cute Christmas tree train, and how to make a gift bow out of newsprint. I’m also planning to make tissue paper stars and eggnog snickerdoodles this week.

Holiday entertainment

TV: I’ve been absolutely obsessed with NYT Cooking’s Christmas cookie videos; they are all so soothing and nice! I also love 2019’s cookie medley; Susan Spungen feels like a real life version of Meryl Streep’s character in It’s Complicated. We’ve also been watching old holiday themed Barefoot Contessa episodes, which is delightful.

Movies: Jingle Jangle is great! Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, however, is unwatchable. And I’m due for a Carol rewatch. On Wednesday, we’re going to inflate the air mattress in front of the couch (basically turning the living room into one large soft square) and cover everything in Christmas/winter blankets, and then we’re going to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and a couple other classics.

Books: David Sedaris’s “SantaLand Diaries” is a classic. And I’m really enjoying re-reading Elin Hildebrand’s Winter Street novels.

Holiday vibes

Here are some of my favorite Christmas playlists and albums:

• Santa Claus is a Black man by Aminatou Sow

• Noel by Caity Weaver

• Jazz & Blues Christmas

• French Christmas

• Songs For Christmas — Sufjan Stevens

• Simply Christmas — Leslie Odom Jr.

• A Charlie Brown Christmas

I definitely need to make a new mega Christmas playlist at some point soon because the one I spent several years curating has been lost in the abyss of iTunes on old computers.

I’m also still drinking a lot of hot chocolate, and VanLeeuwen’s peppermint stick ice cream is currently on my grocery list.

Not all yule logs are created equal! After trying a bunch, I’ve found that I like this fireplace best. I also love this soothing snowy scene.

Finally, here are some old pieces of mine/that I edited that you might enjoy right now:

• Why Miniature Christmas Villages Are Such A Big Thing

• 37 Holiday Self-Care Tips For Anyone Who Is Kind Of Not OK RN

• 4 Ways To Easily Remove Stubborn Price Stickers From Gifts

• How to Make a Holiday Family Photo Book

• How to Spend Christmas Alone

• How to Make Socially Distanced Holidays Actually Feel Special

• How to Make Your Pandemic Holiday Feel Like a HOLIDAY

• How to Be Gracious About a Truly Horrible Gift

• Great Gifts and How to Give Them

• AITAWICTG (Am I the Asshole When It Comes To Gifts)?

And there’s still time to send gifts/gift cards to trans young people in need via @transanta! ✨

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Just Good Shit: 12.13.20

Image: Kiyana Salkeld / Just Good Shit

Hello! Here’s what I’ve been up to this week.

On the blog

• How are we shipping everyone’s holiday gifts this year?

• Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

• Good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30

• Just a bunch of good gift ideas we forgot to include the first time around

Reading

Dianne Feinstein’s Missteps Raise a Painful Age Question Among Senate Democrats, New Yorker.

Crime Wave Hits Bodegas, Threatening a Lifeline in the Pandemic, NYT.

FKA twigs Sues Shia LaBeouf, Citing ‘Relentless’ Abusive Relationship, NYT.
Just devastating.

‘All of This Is Kind of Killing Me Right Now’, Grub Street.

Hanukkah Is a Hardcore Badass Holiday That’s Perfect for the Pandemic Age, MEL.

A nice alternative to doomscrolling. (Full instructions here.)

The Last Article On Workout Motivation You Will Hopefully Ever Have to Read, Amen, VICE.

“I think everyone could use a lighthearted/happy story right now so here goes.” Kelly Victoria on Twitter.
This is so good, I read it twice and definitely cried.

Holiday ideas

How to Light Your Christmas Tree the Easy Way, Amidst the Chaos.
This is my go-to method for lighting a tree.

How to Do Gifts in 2020, Shondaland.
I like the Santa 2.0 idea, and the idea of doing some kind of scavenger hunt.

How to Transform Your Christmas Garland, A Beautiful Mess.

Top a Present With a Newsprint Bow, NYT.

Our Christmas Tree Train, A Beautiful Mess.

Have a good night! ❄️

Sign up to get these links each week in a newsletter.

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Just a bunch of good gift ideas we forgot to include the first time around

My girlfriend and I spent a lot of time curating all of our 2020 gift guides…and, in several instances, remembered or came across something brilliant within 12 hours of publishing. So to close out the gift guide season, here are a few stragglers we wish we’d included on previous guides.

Good gifts for anyone…

See the original gift guide here.

Kikkerland solar-powered rainbow maker

We got one of these earlier this year and like it so much; you simply stick it on a window and it throws rainbows all over your room, which is way more delightful than you might expect.

Get the single crystal rainbow maker for $41.25 from Urban Outfitters or from Uncommon Goods for $33, and get the double crystal rainbow maker from Kikkerland for $55. (If you’re not sure whether a window-mounted setup will work for your person, Urban Outfitters also sells a tabletop version of the rainbow maker for $44.95).

For the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life…

See the original gift guide here.

We are out of office risograph art

Art in general is really expensive, which is part of why I like risographs (a high-speed, low-cost alternative to screen printing). We Are Out of Office capitalizes on risograph printing’s “spot colors” to create really bright, charming, and (primarily) food-inspired art, all of which is available from Etsy.

We bought their sardines ($12.67) and pomodori can ($12.67) prints to hang in our kitchen, but the Japanese candy ($12.67), De La Rosa Marazapan ($12.67), or “thank you, have a nice day” shopping bag ($50.67) prints would make great gifts as well.

If you want to get multiple prints for multiple people, you should take advantage of their combined shipping offers (starting at $25.34 for two or more prints and starting at $88.67 for seven or more prints).

“if u gay, perfect” candle

This candle, which has the most lovely, mild fragrance, is from Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, a beloved restaurant that would really benefit from folks buying merch right now. Get it for $24.69. (And if the person you’re shopping for isn’t queer, then they might like the Love or Luck candles instead).

For cozy types who are always just vibin’…

See the original gift guide here.

Equal Parts Stock Pot

This 8-quart pot is one of the items on my wish list this year; I’m going to fill it to the brim with dried beans and bay leaves and talk about how she and the Our Place pan are girlfriends. Available in five colors; get it from Equal Parts for $110.

Piecework Puzzles

These puzzles feel like they were created for me personally in a lab; I feel both seen and attacked. All of the puzzles are beautiful, but I’m particularly drawn to the breakfast-themed Rise & Shine ($36), 80s working woman Power Lunch ($36), and vintage recipes-esque Punch Line ($36).

For the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life…

See the original gift guide here.

Lorien Stern bucket hat

Listen, I Googled “Gen Z bucket hat” and I still don’t totally understand why they’ve taken a shine to buckets. (Something about ‘90s trends and TikTok? Y’all mind if I just slip away into obsolescence really quick?) Regardless, I’m always into practical gifts (it protects your teen’s face from the sun!), especially one as cute as this particular bucket hat. Get it from Lorien Stern for $32. If the teen in your life gives off more of a business casual vibe, then they might like some of the solid colored, corduroy options from Urban Outfitters ($15 or $19).

Color-changing LED light strips

According to several sources, teens love these (they are very big on TikTok). You can find the lights several places, including Amazon ($29.99), Walmart ($29.98), and Urban Outfitters ($29.95).

Tie-dye basketball

I was told sports “build character” growing up. I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but what I do know is that the NBA has been showing up for racial justice in a meaningful way for a while now. These are good values to instill in a kid, and perhaps a cute, tie-dye ball will help them pick up the only team-sport I personally recognize. Get it from Urban Outfitters for $29.

For people who want to cronch on something delicious…

See the original gift guide here.

Odd-sized measuring cups

I got these as a gift seceral years ago and still absolutely love them — having a 2 tsp, 1 and ½ tbsp, and 2 tbsp spoon is life-changing, and I love the measuring cups as well. Get them from Williams-Sonoma: the odd-sized measuring spoons for $20, the odd-sized cups for $40, or the set of two for $50. 

Food52 stackable wine glasses

I recently discovered these via Kelsey Keith’s newsletter, and was blown away by how practical, stylish, and affordable they are. They come in increments of either 8, 9.5, or 11.75 ounces (and each set is the same price, regardless of size). Get a set of six from Food52 for $36.

Bikini Bananas rocks glasses

We recommended Shannon Mustipher’s cocktail book, Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails, in two of our gift guides and it’s turned out to be one of our best-selling recommendations. So, in addition to the book — which you can purchase from Bookshop for $27.55 or Amazon for $22.25 — get your loved one some cute glasses from Chicago-based tiki bar Lost Lake as well. Buy them from Lost Lake for $20 per glass. And if you want to lean into holiday kitsch, Lost Lake also offers extremely cute “Jingle Bell Square” rocks and Collins glasses as well ($20 per glass). ✨

Annnnd here they all are one more time:

• Good holiday gift ideas for pretty much anyone

• Good gift ideas for the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life

• Good gift ideas for cozy types who are always just vibin’

• Good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life

• Good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious

• Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

• Good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30

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Good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30

One of my favorite things about holiday shopping is finding all the fun little items that will help round out someone’s present, or that will work nicely in combination with something else to make a fun and personal gift. Here are bunch of little items that I think would make good stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts, last-minute gifts, and/or white elephant gifts that people actually want to take home.

Nintendo Switch button covers

These button covers are a fun and inexpensive way to customize a Switch. Get a set of four for $8.99 on Etsy.

Edible prism powders

This gorgeous edible glitter comes in a variety of pretty colors; get them for $14 each from Fancy Sprinkles.

Rice Blessing Candles

I love, love, love this packaging, and the candles themselves are so elegant. Get the pack of 20 candles for $20 from East Fork.

16-color motion-activated toilet night light

What can I say? I just love good lighting! This is one of those gifts that walks the line between gag gift and kind of amazing. Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

A good puzzle book

Some options: Perilous Problems for Puzzle Lovers ($15.95 from Target or Amazon); Can You Solve My Problems?: Ingenious, Perplexing, and Totally Satisfying Math and Logic Puzzles ($14.67 from Bookshop); or Sleuth & Solve: 20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries ($16.19 on Amazon).

Mini ceramic cooking pan

I love a tiny pan, and these look like little jewels! Buy them for $30 each from MoMa Design Store (available in five colors).

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

I mentioned these in the gift guide for teens, but they really are great for people of all ages! The holiday varieties in particular would be great in a stocking. Buy them from Puttyworld for ~$15 each or from Amazon for $8–$15 each.

Lake Champlain hot chocolate mix

My all-time fave! Also, in the week since I wrote that post, several people have told me they bought this mix and are loving it. Get it from Lake Champlain Chocolates ($13 for 16 ounces) or from Amazon ($12.99 for 16 ounces).

Calm strips

These “textured sensory adhesives” go on your laptop (or anywhere, really) and are a little treat for fidgety hands. Available in four different designs; buy a pack of five for $12.99 (with free shipping!) from Calm Strips.

IQ link game

Just a compact little puzzle game for ages 8+. Buy it from Smart Toys and Games for $9.99 or Amazon for $7.99.

Nice playing cards

I love the National Parks set ($14 from Parks Project) and the rainbow ombré set ($12.95 from Woonwinkel).

A chic disposable camera

Get one from Urban Outfitters for $18.

Supergay vodka

Cute packaging, catchy name…so good. Get it from Supergay Spirits for $27.

And a hand washing timer

For anyone who is sick of singing “Happy Birthday” a million times each day. Get it from Urban Outfitters for $12. ✨

More 2020 gift guides:

• Good holiday gift ideas for pretty much anyone

• Good gift ideas for the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life

• Good gift ideas for cozy types who are always just vibin’

• Good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life

• Good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious

• Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

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Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

We’re back with another gift guide! I actually debated doing this one, because I think grooming/beauty is a category that is really only right for partners, siblings, parents, children, other family members, or very close friends, and/or as stocking stuffers for those folks. Grooming gifts are simply too personal/intimate to give to a lot of other people, and could feel like a letdown (or, worse, an insult) if you don’t know the receiver and their tastes/interests well. On the other hand, if you know your audience well, they can make great gifts — it’s so nice to be able to upgrade someone’s everyday items, solve one of their most pressing problems, or splurge on something luxurious and special that they’d never buy for themselves. 

So if you’re looking for something both pampering and (somewhat) practical to gift, here are some recs!

L’occitane deodorant

These L’Occitane deodorants are technically for men, but that’s…a bit silly, right? Everyone sweats and everyone would like to smell good instead of bad, and these deodorants will help folks do just that. Both of the fragrances are fairly delicate and neutral, and ultimately work really nicely with your natural scent; they make you smell like you, but better.

The cypress has a woody, slightly spicy vibe that’s great this time of year, and the citrus is great for warmer months when you want something light (though my gf uses them both interchangeably depending on her mood, and I stick with the citrus year-round). A nice added bonus is that they go on clear, meaning they won’t leave white stains on clothes. 

One stick will run you about $19 (and last you a while) — get Eau des Cedrat (citrus) from L'Occitane or from Amazon, and get Eau De Baux (cypress) from L'Occitane or from Amazon.

Shiseido eyelash curler

My girlfriend doesn’t wear makeup; she simply curls her very thick eyelashes and looks totally transformed. (It’s honestly wild.) She also always has an eyelash curler with her for touch-ups — tucked in her coat pocket, in her backpack, etc. As such, she has pretty strong feelings about the best eyelash curler, and she swears by this Shiseido one.

To me, the gold is a great way to take this eyelash curler to the next level if you’re giving it as a gift; you can get it from Macy’s or Nordstrom for $22. Otherwise, you can get the standard metal one from Sephora or most major department stores for $22.

Radha organic rosehip oil

I’ve used/loved/recommended this rosehip oil for years, and I think it makes for a great gift. It looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is, does a lot of jobs (I love it as a moisturizer and cuticle oil, but other reviewers swear it helps with acne), and the bottle lasts for a while because you only need a few drops at a time. Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

Starface pimple patches

A cute alternative to the (highly, almost scarily, effective) Cosrx pimple patches! These hydrocolloid patches are great at flattening out whiteheads, will help keep you from picking at any spots, and are so cute that you won’t necessarily mind having one on your face. Get them from Starface for $14.99.

Allegra M. France ice globes

My gf learned about these through an article Rio Viera-Newton wrote for The Strategist, and said it’s “probably the best purchase (second only to hydrocolloid pimple patches) I’ve made based on one of Rio’s recommendations.” Pimple patches are great, but they can’t help you when the blemish is under you skin. In those situations, you need ice to flatten the spot out. Rio outlines all the benefits of these globes in her article, but the short version is that they’re much more effective than an ice cube because they stay colder for longer, won’t melt, and won’t burn your skin. Buy them from Amazon for $42.

An Aesop gift hand wash and body balm bundle

When I was growing up, the go-to gift for someone you don’t know particularly well was literally any gift set from Bath and Body Works. And while that still might be a great choice for the person you’re shopping for, you can level things up by choosing a gift set from Aesop instead. Aesop (pronounced EE-sop for some reason) is a great gift because it’s one of those brands that often feels too expensive to justify buying for yourself, making it a thrilling, luxurious present to receive. This particular bundle is especially great because it includes their Rind Concentrate Body Balm, which has a really lovely grapefruit scent. Get it from Aesop for $63.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer 

This is a super rich moisturizer that feels very light on your skin and really does make your skin look dewier and brighter. Much like Aesop, it makes for a great gift because it’s a pricier than your average moisturizer/hard to justify purchasing for yourself. (It also lasts a while.) Buy it from Sephora or Amazon for $68. (Sephora also sells a mini for $22.)

Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel

I’ve been singing the praises of this peel for years; the first time I used it, I had my head down as I was rinsing it off, and when I finished and raised my head up, I actually said "holy shit" out loud to the mirror. I was glowing. It smells and feels great, and using it is just an extremely pampering experience. (Bonus: pair it with some sheet masks or the rosehip oil to use afterward.) Get it from Amazon for $11.

Dior Glow nail polish

I first started using this polish several years ago, when I decided to stop getting shellac manicures and grow out healthy nails. It’s got a subtle pink sheen that is basically clear, but still makes your nails look brighter and healthier (and doesn’t really show chips). I often get compliments on my nails when I’m wearing it, and I recommend it for anyone who wants nice, manicured nails but can’t or doesn’t want to wear color. Get it from Sephora for $28 or from Nordstrom for $28.

Marvis toothpaste

I started using this Italian toothpaste around the time I got Invisalign, which had me brushing my teeth multiple times a day. The toothpaste genuinely made the annoying experience better, while adding a bit of fanciness to my bathroom counter (and my life). The jasmin mint flavor takes a couple go-rounds to get used to, but I promise it’s great. If the person you’re shopping for isn’t the adventurous type, they might prefer the mint, which I also swear by.

Get jasmin mint for $10.50 from either Amazon or Sephora, and get classic strong mint for $10.50 from either Amazon or Sephora. You can also get a set of minis in seven different Marvis flavors from Amazon for $36.

Hay toothbrush

Ugh, I love these toothbrushes! They are one of those design-y items that still feels accessible, and also isn’t wildly expensive. Get them for $6 each from MoMa Design store or from Hay (currently on sale for $3.60).

Static Nails press-ons

Honestly, I love a good press-on; it’s a great way to go if you’re short on time before a big event, and an especially good manicure option during this pandemic. My coworker Amy Rose recommended this brand over the summer and I immediately bought a couple packs for the days that I’ve listened to Megan Thee Stallion one too many times. The Static Nails come in tons of colors, are easy to use, last for a few uses, and will make you feel wildly glamorous. $14 per pack — browse more colors and shapes at Static Nails.

Shhhowercap

This is another item I love and use every single day; it’s an effective shower cap that also looks chic. It comes in multiple colors/prints, and you can get one for $42 from Shhhowercap, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, or Dermstore.

Trixie Mattel sparkles

Trixie is one of my favorite drag queens (her YouTube channel is very worth your time) and the body glitters from her makeup line are gorgeous. Available in several colors; get them from Trixie Cosmetics for $10 each. ✨

Get more gift ideas:

• Good holiday gift ideas for pretty much anyone

• Good gift ideas for the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life

• Good gift ideas for cozy types who are always just vibin’

• Good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life

• Good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious

• Good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30

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How are we shipping everyone’s holiday gifts this year?

One of the things I’ve been thinking about in the past month or so, and haven’t really seen discussed much anywhere, is how people are planning to give gifts to long-distance relatives who they won’t be seeing in person this year. As someone who has done holidays this way several times now, I have some thoughts! 

Ultimately, I don’t think there’s a perfect or universal solution; I think there are simply options.

Option 1: Having anything you buy online sent to you, so you can wrap it, repack it, and send it the gift recipient yourself. 

Pros: Nice if you’re giving someone multiple gifts from different retailers or creating some kind of gift basket situation; necessary if you’re shopping locally or doing DIY gifts. 

Cons: Might require you to pay shipping costs twice; is a lot more work; will likely require a trip to the post office unless you have a postal scale; is not exactly environmentally friendly; is not really possible for last-minute gifts. 

My personal verdict: Deeply not ideal, but might be necessary in some cases — and in those instances, avoiding the post office at peak times is going to be key.

Option 2: Shopping online and sending directly to the recipient (either wrapped or unwrapped).

Pros: You’ll only have to pay for shipping once, and a single direct route is going to be the most environmentally friendly.

Cons: There’s no way to see an item before the recipient does (to ensure it’s what you ordered, that nothing is broken, etc); is not an option for DIY/homemade gifts; is not the easiest if you’re ordering a bunch of small gifts for multiple people from the same retailer; it’s maybe not as fun for the recipient to open; not all retailers offer gift receipts/a ”don’t include the invoice” option (which is bonkers to me, especially right now — looking at you, ShopPay).

Verdict: I think this is a very good way to go! Shipping boxes are a form of wrapping, and you can totally put unopened gifts in their shipping under (or near) a tree. (I have done it! It’s fine! Nice, even!) I think this year, we need to let go of some things, and “perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree” are one of those things. (Related: we simply can’t be crowding into post offices in a desperate attempt to avoid having stray packing slips show up in a gift box — it’s going to happen and everyone just needs to simply politely ignore them and/or stop pretending gifts don’t cost an exact amount of money.) 

I actually sent a couple of gifts this way this week, and simply texted my friend to let her know that when she gets packages from X brand and Y brand, those are from me. Easy! 

Sending gifts directly from the retailer to someone who is local to the recipient, and having that person open the package, wrap the gift(s) on your behalf, deliver to the recipient. 

Pros: Means someone will be able to have eyes on the gift before the recipient does; solves the “I couldn’t do a gift receipt so now you know exactly what I spent” problem. 

Cons: Only really works if there’s someone else you can send it to who is willing/able to do this work for you.

Verdict: This is a great option if it’s available to you! I sent my brother’s gift this way — addressed to my mom — and I’m feeling pretty good about it. But obviously it won’t always be possible — in which case, I think Option 2 is the way to go.

Whatever you decide to do, try not to be too precious about it! When things feel super out of control, it can be really easy to put all your anxiety and fear onto something like, say, wrapping paper. But remember: in this wildly shitty year, whoever is receiving your gift will just be touched that you’re thinking about them. 📦

Related, possibly of interest: Food52’s tips for safely mailing treats so they arrive fresh and crumble-free and this funny tweet.

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Just Good Shit: 12.06.20

Image: Kiyana Salkeld / Just Good Shit

Hi again! Here’s what I had going on this week.

On the blog

• This is the only store-bought hot chocolate mix I recognize

ICYMI: All the 2020 gift guides so far. (And more to come!)

And a timely post from the archives: Everything I'm doing to be the moistest woman in Brooklyn this winter.

Writing

• How to Deal With the ‘Ally’ in Your Friend Group Who's Actually a Huge Jerk

• How to Be Gracious About a Truly Horrible Gift

And Sally and I released a new ep of the podcast (my fave so far): “Great Gifts and How to Give Them.”

Reading

I’m re-reading the Elin Hildebrand Winter Street novels, which has been a treat! I also finally started The Vanishing Half.

Also:

It Wasn’t the First Time the NYPD Killed Someone in Crisis. For Kawaski Trawick, It Only Took 112 Seconds., ProPublica.

America Needs a COVID-19 Reckoning, The Atlantic.

Sorry to Burst Your Quarantine Bubble, The Atlantic.

What Happens When Queerness is Part of the Equation?, Salty.
Loved this.

It's Time to Learn to Say 'No' to Your Overbearing Family, VICE.

Dear Fuck-Up: How Do I Move On When the World Is Stuck?, Jezebel.

U.S. newsrooms are very white. So are the critics and the journalists that cover them, Gabe Schneider / The Objective.

Inside the TV networks’ battle for Christmas movie supremacy, LA Times.

How to Safely Mail Treats So They Arrive Fresh & Crumble-Free, Food52.

"I will confront you by Wednesday of this week" and other holiday stories, Ask a Manager.

Watching

We rented Ammonite, which was fairly slow but I liked it overall? Kate Winslet is just so watchable. We also watched Jingle Jangle on Netflix, which is like Hamilton x The Wiz x Christmas — just a really fun and cute Christmas movie that also happens to have incredible costumes.

Have a good night! 🎄

Sign up to get these links each week in a newsletter.

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This is the only store-bought hot chocolate mix I recognize

After trying a bunch of store-bought hot chocolate mixes last year and being extremely disappointed by all of them, my gf and I finally came across one that we ended up loving: Lake Champlain traditional hot chocolate mix.

I meant to write about it at the time, but never got around to it — and then remembered yesterday, when I came across the pics on my phone. It’s just, like, a perfect classic hot chocolate that you make with hot milk.

We discovered it at Whole Foods, but ordered more directly from the Lake Champlain website (where it’s $13 for 16 ounces). It’s also available from Amazon ($14.22 for 16 ounces).

And if you want to make something from scratch, my friend Jess’s hot chocolate recipe has been my go-to for years! I’ve actually got plans to make it (minus the booze, because I can currently only handle a thimble full of liquor) this weekend. ☃️

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Just Good Shit: 11.29.20

I don’t know if anyone else noticed this, but it seemed to me like everyone’s Thanksgiving dinner this year was… a lot better looking than in past years? Normally I go on Insta reluctantly after the holiday (I’m sorry!! It’s just all very beige and mushy!!!!), but this year, I truly loved seeing everyone’s cute little meals! It kinda felt like once Millennials were in charge of their own fate — and weren’t necessarily having to cook a ton of food and/or a bunch of the same old recipes to please their extended families — things got a lot more exciting (and aesthetically pleasing). It was nice to see! I hope it was all as delicious and lovely as it looked.

Here’s what I had going on this week…

On the blog

• Good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life

• Good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious

Reading

A Mother, Her Son — and Their 1,500-Mile Search for Home, New York Times.

A Lack of Transparency Is Undermining Pandemic Policy, Wired.

I handled holiday orders at a grocery store. Trust me: The holidays are miserable., Vox.

Christmas Dies Hard, The Atlantic.

The New Kristen Stewart Lesbian Rom-Com Is Kind Of A Bummer, BuzzFeed News.
(And if you don’t mind spoilers, read this one too.)

Danish Hygge Is So Last Year. Say Hello to Swedish Mys., NYT.

A happy ending, Ask a Manager.

Cooking

Aside from our Thanksgiving meal, we also made Dishoom’s wonderful chai. It has the added benefit of making your home smell like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon…light some unscented taper candles and you’ve got an incredibly cozy winter vibe!

Watching

I watched The Holiday for the first time and hooooo boy — it did not live up to the hype at all. I wanted to like it but I honestly hated it! I also watched A Muppet Christmas Carol for the first time, and thought that was pretty cute and fun. And we watched Happiest Season which was…fine! (I agree with everything Shannon wrote in that BF post above.)

In non-Christmas programming news, we also watched Taylor Swift’s Folklore special on Disney+. And we’ve been watching How To with John Wilson on HBO Max and are loving it so much. It’s so wholesome and funny and interesting; I cannot recommend it enough!

Have a good night! 🌟

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Good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious

Food- and drink-related gifts? Groundbreaking. But they are classic for a reason! And every year, the food world finds a way to make them feel new/fresh/interesting. So if you’re thinking that a cookbook, kitchen item, or something edible would make a good gift for somebody in your life, you might enjoy this list that my girlfriend and I curated together.

Escali kitchen scale

If I can buy an appliance in a hot color, then that’s exactly what I’m going to do!!! We own this scale in the soft pink, but the pumpkin orange and tarragon green variations are extremely cute as well. In addition to being cute, it seems as if this thing’s nearly indestructible. (My girlfriend has dropped ours a couple of times, and the reviews echo this sentiment.) Get it from Escali for $39.95 or from Amazon for $23.94.

Great Big Stuff’s pasta-shaped kitchen wares

This is the perfect gift for the design-minded, kitsch-loving somebody in your life who’s also something of a Sauce Man. We own and love the penne-shaped garlic peeler and bowtie pasta potholders (read more about them here), but Great Big Stuff also offers an extremely charming mezzelune silicone gripper ($19) as well as a ravioli spoon rest ($19). Get the garlic peeler ($19) and pot holders ($19) from Great Big Stuff.

Farmhouse Pottery’s double oven mitt

I love safety; other people love using their own shirt as a potholder. Why not marry the two things? Get it from Food52 for $48.

Bodum French press and/or iced coffee maker

I’ve recommended this Bodum French press on multiple occasions now; my girlfriend and I just love it that much! If you want to punch it up a little, add a bag of coffee beans from a local to you (or to them) shop/producer. We love Partner’s Coffee Bedford blend for the french press and the Jumpstart blend for cold brew (the cute packaging is a nice bonus). Get the French press from Bodum ($19.99). Get the iced coffee maker from Bodum for $16.99 (usually $23.99). P.S. This is a good one for white elephant gift exchanges if you want to bring something that people actually like!

Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails

Shannon Mustipher is a Black, queer woman and her book is the first cocktail book by a Black bartender in a century. In addition to being historic, the book is beautiful. (See also: the “Lake at Night” cocktail.) This is a really fun book to thumb through, and a great gift for anyone who wants to make their winter quarantine a little more summery and fun, even if it’s not the most seasonally appropriate. Get it from Bookshop for $27.55, Amazon for $22.25, or your favorite local bookstore.

Luxardo maraschino cherries

I’ve loved/recommended these fancy cherries for years; they are a leveled-up version of the ice cream-stand maraschino cherries most of us are familiar with. They’re a deep red (almost black) color and come packed in a thick, sticky syrup. They’re a great little treat for banana split and cocktail enthusiasts alike (in fact, if you’re already planning on buying your loved one Shannon Mustipher’s cocktail book, these cherries would pair extremely well with it).

You can buy them from Amazon in a big, beefy, 6.6 pound can (that will last you at least a year!) for $86.99. Or you can get the more diminutive 400g jar for $19.28 from Amazon or $19.95 from Williams-Sonoma. (Williams-Sonoma also sells a set of two 400g jars for $38.90.)

Ferm Living ripple glasses

After reading Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails, we decided it was time to get a set of beautiful glasses. We went with the tall/highball glasses, which are unfortunately out of stock at the moment. Their shorter counterparts are equally as beautiful and stylish, however, and you can get a set of four from Ferm Living for $55 (or the Smoked Grey version from Amazon for $55).

Beautiful and practical pantry staples

Food gifts are always a good option for practical people who are hard to shop for, and choosing items that are delicious and beautifully packaged is a good way to level things up. Here are a few of our favorite pantry staples that you could use as the basis of a fancy DIY food basket:

• Fancy beans. If you aren’t familiar with Rancho Gordo beans, this New Yorker article is a good place to start. Buy the beans directly from Rancho Gordo for $6–$7 for a one-pound bag or from myPanier for $7–$8 for a one-pound bag.

• Harissa Chili Paste. We’ve gone through a bunch of this this year. Get a tube from Amazon for $7.99.

• Canned tomatoes. Bonus: the empty cans look great with fresh flowers in them. Get a 28-ounce can of Cento tomatoes from Target for $4.29 or a 28-ounce can of Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes from Amazon for $3.99.
  

Set of two Brightland olive oils

These have been all over Instagram this year, and with good reason: they really are delicious. While a single bottle of Awake is currently sold out, you can get a set with Awake and Alive from Brightland for $74. As a bonus, add an inexpensive but very useful pour spout to your gift; get one from Amazon for $4.10.

Casamara Club amaro soda

This is the year my gf and I learned that we’re mainly social drinkers — and without much socializing to do, we’re not drinking much and our tolerance has all but tanked. But these self-proclaimed “leisure sodas” scratch the itch when we’re feeling in the mood for a fancy drink. The packaging is incredibly cute, and they taste like leveled-up, not-too-sweet seltzers.

We both love the Capo flavor, but they’re all delicious so just go with whatever speaks to you. These are also great to keep in mind for the day when we can have parties again and you want to offer an EANAB (equally attractive non-alcoholic beverage) to your sober guests. Get a 12-pack from Casamara Club for $36.

Material cutting boards

My gf and I personally own and love these cutting boards. Not only are they pretty, but the recycled plastic they are made from has the added benefit of helping obscure/mask visible cut marks. They come in six beautiful colors, but Deep, Sand, and Coral are especially lovely. They’re currently on sale at Material for $35, but you can also opt to donate your discount to Drive Change which “is training young adults who were formerly incarcerated and equipping them for the workplace.” You can also save a little money by buying three cutting boards — it’s $70 for a trio — which you could either gift as a set or divide up among a few giftees.

Areaware house-shaped bottle stopper

Remember when I said our tolerances have tanked? Well, these extremely cute stoppers have helped us extend the life of our wine for…a long time. They would make a great stocking stuffer or you could pair them with the recipient’s favorite bottle of wine. Get red, yellow, or blue from Design Public for $8 each, or get yellow or blue from East Dane for $8.

Baking at the 20th Century Cafe: Iconic European Desserts from Linzer Torte to Honey Cake

The 20th Century Cafe is a very cute bakery and restaurant in San Francisco that’s probably most famous for their Russian honey cake with salted honey buttercream served on top of incredibly cute vintage plates. If you want a better sense of what the recipes are like, check out Samin Nosrat’s article on Russian honey cake and the recipe she adapted in conjunction with 20th Century Cafe owner, Michelle Polzine.

Get the cookbook from Bookshop for $32.30, Amazon for $22.88, or your favorite local bookstore.

Dishoom: The First Ever Cookbook from the Much-Loved Indian Restaurant

The title really spells it out for you!!! Dishoom is a wildly popular, UK-based group of Indian restaurants modeled after the Iranian cafes that used to be readily found in Bombay. (There were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s!) So, they’re blending the best of two excellent cuisines together to create something really special. If you’d like to take a peek at some of their recipes before you commit to buying the cookbook, The Guardian published four of their recipes and Delicious published another six, including Dishoom’s masla chai. We’ve made the chai multiple times now and can personally vouch for how easy the recipe is to follow and how delicious the final product is.

Get the cookbook from Bookshop for $32.30, Amazon for $23.89, Target for $30.49, or your favorite local bookstore.

Local bar/restaurant merch

Restaurant and bar merch is a great way to support local businesses and show an interest in the restaurants your friends love and miss the most. (Also, how great is that Cubbyhole T-shirt?!) Merch Aid is a great resource for NYC folks, and Merch 4 Relief is great for folks outside of (but also including!) NYC. Both groups team up with local artists and designers to create exclusive items for small businesses/restaurants that have had to significantly alter their business model due to the pandemic. (BTW, Merch 4 Relief is offering 50% off everything Black Friday through November 30th.)

If you need other ideas, Helen Rosner compiled a list of cool merch from restaurants/bars all over the U.S., which you can find in her Instagram stories highlights (part 1, part 2, and part 3). Or you can just do a gift card that your person can use in the future or for takeout! Think of it as an investment in two things you love: the person you’re shopping for, and the local establishments that nourish so many people. 🍅

More 2020 gift guides:

• Good holiday gift ideas for pretty much anyone

• Good gift ideas for the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life

• Good gift ideas for cozy types who are always just vibin’

• Good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life

• Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

• Good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30

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