First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Sweet Tooth

Assembling his fantasy meal from the best eateries in New York City, Frank Bruni, who was the chief restaurant critic at the Times, included Nutter Butters from Bouchon Bakery for dessert. I’ve made this recipe before (and I plan to again this weekend). These cookies are amazing, and worth the effort.

Speaking of amazing – Lizz Winstead selected 2 winners for our recent contest to receive copies of her new book, Lizz Free Or Die. See entries:

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Hair Don’t

More than 10 years ago, the trusted woman who cuts my hair urged me to try a new style. I was up for a change, so I boldly took her suggestion. My hair looked great when I left the salon, but in order to maintain this chic new cut, I had to use a blow dryer (which first meant buying one). I’m not skilled with tools, and it took me 20 minutes and a neck cramp each morning to walk out the door in style. These days, I have no idea where my blower dryer is.

Illustration by Elzbieta Gaudasinska

Is There a Window for Single Women?

Let’s discuss –

Memorial Day

Flag ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Jemal Countess

Grace On a Holiday Weekend

This is a glorious quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was born on this day in 1803:

“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”

Ballerina by Banksy

What’s Your Favorite Household Tool?

What tool(s) couldn’t you be without? Hammer, screwdriver, power drill? I’m compiling a list.

Image from Things Neatly Organized

Jumping Off Point

Careening through life alone is hard. That’s why we need partners. Some people find partnership with a mate. Others uncover it elsewhere, and learn to rely on a multitude of sources for sustenance and support. I’m now on a first-name basis with the woman who runs the Chinese take-out place in my neighborhood. And that makes me leap for joy.

Contest entries are in the hands of Lizz Winstead. Winner announced shortly.

Divers by Peter Hapak

Is the Mirror Your Friend?

Image by Marc Johns

What Spurs Your Creativity?

I get some of my best ideas walking the dog, which makes sense after listening to Jonah Lehrer talk about the creative process in his new book, Imagine: How Creativity Works. Concentrating hard on a problem doesn’t always yield the best results. Sometimes you need to break away. How do you get your juices flowing?

Bottle from Vinegar and Brown

Here’s One More Reason To Hug a Pet

Dr. Paul Zak, also known as Dr. Love, is the Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics at Claremont Graduate University. Zak has written a book called The Moral Molecule in which he advises people to hug eight times a day, because it releases the hormone oxytocin, evoking compassion and greater well being. I was glad to hear that hugging a pet counts, too.

Image via Magnificent Ruin