Fanclub
Current finds, obsessions & recommendations
Watching
WINTER 2026
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
I watched this show religiously back in the day, and was fascinated by this behind-the-scenes documentary, which was just as unhinged as expected, plus a side of unapologetic Tyra Banks.
Shopping
This time of year, I'm busily planning my garden, and Daisy Hill grows the most beautiful, organic seedlings on their 1-acre microfarm in Acton, MA. I've pre-ordered and am anxiously awaiting pickup in April!
Reading
Broken Country
Set in the English countryside, this Reese's Book Club pick is a mystery-suspense-love story-and all around one of those books you miss when it's over.
Enjoying
Rug Hooking Tutorials
What's old is new again! This vintage, craft is gaining steady momentum in the modern era, and I'm thinking it's my next craft obsession.
Listening
Virgin Radio UK
My favorite podcast personality, Geoff Lloyd, has a new weekday DJ slot on Virgin Radio UK, which you can listen to online. His show is great, but there are so many other good ones too - including Alex James' from Blur, whose Britpop Classics show airs Sunday 6pm (UK time)
Eating
Levain Cookies Dupes
When you can't get the real thing, this dupe
recipe is about as good as it gets. Just
remember to chill the dough overnight
before baking.
Levain-style chocolate chip cookie recipe
Watching
FALL 2025
On Brand with Jimmy Fallon
This competition pitting advertising creatives against one another in weekly challenges, is fun and dumb. An easy watch!
Shopping
Craft Club Co
A site selling cute and easy DIY projects. Behold: the mossy yarn coaster I whipped up all within one 45-minute ferry ride, using their easy online latch hook and pom pom tutorials.
Reading
Stolen Focus
Insight into how and why people are losing their ability to focus, and (probably) what to do about it - I haven't had the attention span to finish it just yet.
Enjoying
Fall
Is there anything better?
This is a dried wildflower-and-weeds wreath I made. My first wreath ever!
Listening
Graphic Support Group
Thoughtful interviews with current graphic design practitioners, on the state and future of the field. I particularly enjoyed the interview with Nontsi Mutiti, the director of the Yale MFA graphic design program. I wish she were in charge when I was there!
Eating
Watching
SUMMER 2025
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)
Team Conrad, obviously.
Back to the Frontier (Max)
Three families give up their modern ways to live like 1880s homesteaders.
Freakier Friday (Theaters)
Exactly the lightweight but funny movie I wanted it to be.
Listening
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
There are so many good interviews on this podcast. I loved the one with Leanne Morgan (even though her show is so terrible). The Cole Escola episode had me laughing for an hour.
Reading
When the Going was Good
Graydon Carter's trip through the heyday of magazines and celebrity life in the New York of the 90s is my fantasy alternate universe.
All of the magazines, on Libby
Did you know you can download and 'subscribe' to practically any magazine you want, on Libby, a free app? And they'll alert you when a new issue comes out and put it on your virtual bookshelf? I am especially excited that they have the harder-to-find magazines I love (like Elle Decoration UK) for free, monthly!
Enjoying
Aalia's Coffee Shop
This coffee shop in Oak Bluffs has me charmed. The graphic design is just weird and casual and hand drawn and 80s and industrial-inspired, all in little old Martha's Vineyard. If you go, I would recommend the foul mudammas. Would not recommend the yuzu matcha latte (my fault for ordering it).
Shopping
Desperate for this
sold out flip clock
You can hang it on a wall or sit it on a desk. There's a green version, which they did as a collab with MoMA, but the type isn't nearly as good.
Kindred Souls
So inspired by my old friend
and her new art project
100 Cuts in 100 Days: 100 images or objects cut from paper, aluminum, or anything that scissors and an exacto knife can get through.
This post about rain at the end of
summer is everything I feel.
"I made my peace with Summer and try to make the most of it but I don't like harsh light and too much sunshine is too much for me, I feel my brain is fried and my creative batteries run really low. But as soon as it turns a bit cooler and clouds like these appear, I suddenly feel a lot better."
Watching
SPRING 2025
Pee Wee as Himself
The Pee-Wee documentary is worth watching for so many reasons -
he's clever and creative and ultimately misunderstood and deserves a better legacy.
Listening
Family Trips
with the Meyers Brothers
My go-to podcast these days is this one, done by Seth Meyers and his brother Josh. They bring on guests and interview them about their family vacations. It's so good. The best episode is the one with Zosia Mamet, which you should go listen to right now.
Reading
The Ministry of Time
Devoured this book - even though technically maybe it's sci-fi?? - about time travel bumping up against the modern day. Loved the writing. Didn't want it to end.
Enjoying
This article on raffling off a home rather than selling it
This woman in Ireland raffled off her house for the cost of $7 per ticket, and anyone in the world could enter. I mean. How genius is that??
Also Reading
Heartbreak is the National Anthem
Unpacking Taylor Swift's impact on the world of music and culture is a legitimately fascinating topic. Written with scholarly care by a journalist granted access to her inner orbit.
Next Career Move
Tyromancy
"Tyromancy is the art of using cheese to tell fortunes or predict future events, by interpreting the patterns, shapes, and holes within the cheese. Its methods range from reading the "eyes" or holes in Swiss-type cheese to observing mold patterns in blue cheese, and have been documented since the 2nd century AD." When graphic design is finally defeated by the robot overlords, I will be setting up a booth in the corner, reading shards of Parmesan.
Watching
WINTER 2025
Pearl Lowe's Cottage
This 20-minute tour of Pearl Lowe's stone house in the countryside of England is bliss, and she is possibly the coolest person on earth.
Inside Fashion Designer Pearl Lowe's Eclectic Somerset Cottage
Listening
Telepathy Tapes Podcast
The mind-boggling premise of this podcast series is that non-verbal children with autism may have the the ability to read others' thoughts. Freaky but fascinating!
Eating
Fondue for New Years
Rub garlic on inside of fondue pot. Add 2 c. dry white wine over very low flame. Combine 1/2 lb Emmenthaler and 1/2 lb gruyere with 2 T cornstarch. When air bubbles rise to the surface of the wine, add a small portion of the cheese-mixture and stir constantly with a wooden spoon, until melted. Continue to add cheese very gradually. When smooth, add salt, pepper and nutmeg and Kirsch.
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Re-watching
Only Murders in the Building
I'm not sure why it didn't take the first time, but this series is so smart and funny. I am watching them from the beginning on Hulu, and will be sad when I'm caught up.
Reading
Love by Mike Peters
When your favorite band from middle school (The Alarm) is still your favorite band 40 years later, you definitely want to read the massive, jam-packed part 1 (of 3) autobiography, which comes complete with a commemorative case, a soundtrack and an autograph.
Enjoying
Planning my Garden
Yes, it's still winter and yes there's 6" of snow forecasted this week, but Spring is on its way, and it's time to order seedlings! Daisy Hill is a local, organic micro-farm with beautiful, healthy plants.
Watching
DECEMBER 2024
AP Bio
I'm not sure how I missed this show the first time around, but now I have 4 (four!) seasons to binge this winter on Netflix. It's funny and snarky. Check it out!
Listening
Glamorous Trash
As noted, I love a celebrity memoir and this podcast, hosted by the hilarious Chelsea Devantez, is entirely devoted to reviewing them, with her comedian friends.
Eating
Bell & Goose
Camembert Cub
This oozy camembert from New Hampshire's Bell and Goose is the most creamy and delicious camembert I've had, maybe ever. Thanks to my local cheese CSA for introducing me to it!
Shopping
Local Holiday Fairs
'Tis the season to shop at all the local crafts fairs. I have a few favorite vendors every year, and Humble Oak is one - minimalist leather bags and jewelry made around the corner. I'd like one of everything, please.
Reading
From Here to the
Great Unknown
I love a celebrity autobiography and this one jointly written by Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter is juicy and quick. The Michael Jackson intell alone!
Enjoying
Rug Tufting
Friends and I recently went for a night out in Allston/Brighton, learning to make our own tufted rugs. Tutuland makes it easy - they guide you through the whole process so the whole experience is stress-free.
Watching
NOVEMBER 2024
...America with anger/panic/ disappointment.
Listening
Wiser Than Me podcast
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss' podcast with older woman is almost always good from start to finish.
Eating
Comfort food
All of the Deliciously Ella vegan recipes are good, but this crispy roasted cabbage is A+.
Shopping
Reading
The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing by Adam Moss
I'm savoring this book of interviews which demystifies the process of well-known artists, writers, and creators.
Enjoying
& Juliet
This joyful, girl-power musical gave the whole family something to rejoice in, and a reason to hum 90s Backstreet Boys songs.
Watching
OCTOBER 2024
The Perfect Couple
Nobody Wants This
The Great British Bakeoff
Light and breezy! I've found all of these are good shows to take your mind off of the stress of the upcoming election and the general mayhem in the world right now.
Listening
Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch
I love a ghost story, but also hate ghost stories. This weekly podcast on all things supernatural meets me in the middle with some juicy stories, tempered by humor and common sense. I really enjoyed Julianne Hough and Zarna Garg's recent episodes.
Eating
Fishwife Smoked Salmon
with Sichuan Chili Crisp
The box design is gorgeous, and the smoked fish inside is even better.
Shopping
Milk Makeup
Vegan Milk Cleanser
Love the 80s vibe the yellow neon packaging gives my morning shower. Wake me up before you go go!
Reading
The Inheritence Games
Although this is technically a YA (Young Adult) book, the story about a high school student who mysteriously inherits $46 Billion dollars from a stranger she has never met had me rapt.
Enjoying
Bleaching Denim
It took some experiementing but I'm loving how this denim came out. Next step: breaking out my sewing machine ot make it into a window seat cushion.
Watching
SEPTEMBER 2024
Fruit Merge
Do not, under any circumstances, let your children download Offline Games onto your phone, because you will play Fruit Merge forever and never put it down (but it's fun and you should play).
Eating
CSA finds
Hyper-local friends: you will love the eggs from Graniteville Farm. I am part of their 26-week egg CSA and just picked up a dozen pullet eggs, in addition to the stunning, multicolored eggs they normally sell. I also just started my Fall CSA Share at Clark Farm in Carlisle, and their produce - and farm - is the most gorgeous. Highly recommend!
Reading
If Walls Could Talk
by Lucy Worsley
Did you know bathing was considered dangerous in Medieval Times, because of unclean water?And sleeping was a communal activity, perhaps on the floor of a great hall, but never in a quiet bedroom? This book (recommended by the A++ Corinne Vizacchero) is full of quirky details about the history of the rooms in the home, and their evolution through time.
Listening
Tim's Listening Party
1990s-era baggy Britpop star Tim Burgess of the Charlatans has transformed himself into an epic chronicler of his musical contemporaries. On this podcast, he goes through one complete album with each of his guests, while they tell behind-the-scenes stories about it. Episodes I've particularly enjoyed: The Libertines, Lloyd Cole, The Police, Def Leppard
Shopping
Nahcotta
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I wandered into most beautifully curated shop selling spatterware bowls, cookbbooks that look like coffee table books, leather tote bags, and letterpress-printed notebooks. I want one of everything (also available for shopping online!)
Enjoying
Autumn in New England
Although I think he stole my idea, I still support the Cider Donunteur's mission to sample every apple cider donut in New England. His map is a useful tool (and my all-time favorite is from Carver Hill Orchard in Stow, MA)
Watching
SUMMER 2024
Ghosts
I'm serious. This is your chance to catch up on the last 3 seasons of Ghosts before the new season starts in the Fall. The only consistently-funny show on network television!
Listening
They Like to Watch
This podcast about what to watch on television comes from my all-time favorite host, Geoff Lloyd, who also hosts the always-entertaining Adrift podcast, and the dearly departed Firecrotch and Normcore about HBO's Sucession. They Like to Watch is a little bit of an acquired taste, but their suggestions are always solid.
Adrift Podcast
Eating
Zucchini Gratin
I could have this for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and luckily the zucchini are actually growing this year for once (that's my garden, above). The key to zucchini gratin is baking it until the squash is super-soft and jammy, and the breadcrumbs are crunchy. My ideal version is somewhere between these two:
Shopping
Essie Good as Gold nailpolish
The best neutral metallic all year round, but especially for summer, on your toes.
Reading
True Biz by Sara Novic
I finally got to reading this book about a girl with a faulty cochlear implant who becomes integrated into a deaf school and community. Despite an off-the-wall side story involving punk anarchist squatters (yes, really) there were so many tidbits and insights into deaf culture, it is worth the distraction.
Enjoying
The air conditioning
Wake me when it's autumn.
This HEAVY image is from my Weather Report series of typographic experiments where I illustrated a word describing the weather each day. This was made with mascara, running.
Watching
JUNE 2024
The Parisian Agency (l'Agence)
This Netflix reality show follows a tight-knit French family selling the most incredible luxury properties. Truly astouding, eye-watering places.
Listening
Time Sensitive Podcast
I just listened to an episode with Ramdame Touhami, whose expansive thinking about life and work is fascinating. This podcast has had some other great episodes - I particularly enjoyed the episodes with Viet Thanh Nguyen, Min Jin Lee, Baratunde Thurston, Tina Roth Eisenberg, and Peter Saville.
Eating
Tuna n'duja at Moëca
Still dreaming about this spicy, smoky tuna paté, made with Calabrian chili, served with sourdough toast at Moëca in Cambridge, MA
Shopping
Pro.Found Market
If you're in or near the Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts), this outdoor market (June 8-9, Sept 21-22) is a fun afternoon. It's full of vintage and handmade items. It's heavy on boho charm and instagrammable moments, and there are always finds to be had. (The photo above is me and my mom shopping there in like, 2019)
Reading
None of This is True
by Lisa Jewell
A fast-paced, suspenseful story about a chance meeting between a misfit Londoner and her birthday twin, a podcaster who is living the life she aspires to. Total beach read.
Enjoying
london.2.capetown
I'm really enjoying following along the Instagram adventure of 3 friends traveling by car from London to Capetown, South Africa. They post frequent reels with updates on their accommodations (everything from camping to luxury stays), scenery, food and border crossings.