In Brooklyn, a stoop is not just a noun, but also a verb. To “stoop” something is colloquially understood to mean the act of setting something out on a stoop, or sidewalk, with the…
At the time of writing my fingernails are yellowed from the turmeric I used to dye cotton ribbons for my very-nearly-five-year-old’s birthday party. If it sounds like the stuff of an over-achieving do-gooder on…
For anyone looking to give the mothers in their lives a little something special on Mother’s Day, this year as every year, here are a few ideas for the adventurous, thrill-seeking, tech-savvy, gadget-loving, handy,…
I get more questions than I can ever field in a reasonable amount of time about kids and gifts and what to do about them. After nearly five years at this now, I’m getting…
Neighbors and cakes just go together, don’t they? Need a cup of sugar? Borrow one from your neighbor. Short one egg? Knock next door. Beware the big bad wolf, et cetera, but a little…
Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t read tea leaves. Not real ones anyway. Indeed, I’d prefer the leaves to stay mostly out of my tea. But I recently had folks over for dinner and,…
My general approach to electronic appliances is to do without them. Our coffee’s made in a French press. Milk is warmed on the stovetop. I’d go without a microwave if our apartment didn’t come…
Last week, James finished a box of chocolate-covered salted caramels I’d slipped into his Christmas stocking. I fished the small cardboard box from the recycling basket we keep by the front door and, after…
Simple Stuff: A new series devoted to talking about the stuff that might prove useful or helpful or otherwise necessary while making a home in a small apartment or anywhere. Its aim is to provide…