CW 18: Weekly Picks

a few things I'm loving, plus a few life updates

First off, a few life updates: If you've been following along, you may know that for the past two years, I've worked as a recipe developer and content creator at the Brooklyn-based food media company, Food52. It's been such an amazing experience, but I made the tough decision to officially resign from my full-time position last week. While it's bittersweet to leave, I’m beyond excited for this next chapter and everything that’s to come. I've learned so much during my time there–how to become a better baker, recipe developer, and content creator, and how to feel really comfortable on camera. Most importantly, Food52 helped me find my voice in food media, something I’ll always be grateful for.

In the meantime, I’ve been figuring out the logistics of going freelance and taking some time to relax and plan content. I had brunch with friends, drank wine in Fort Greene Park with Lucas, and went on lots of walks. Here are a few of my favorites from the past week:

Jewelry: James Johnson Jewelry

Since I tend to show my hands a lot in my videos, I’m trying to be better about wearing nicer jewelry, instead of the gold-plated rings that tarnish after two weeks of cooking and hand-washing. I recently got a few pieces from James Johnson Jewelry, a small business in Vermont run by a woman-founder and a friend of mine. While I’ve been loving the necklace I got too, the rings have become my go-to. I love the hammered look paired with a simple band. She also makes adorable necklace charms, beaded jewelry, and much more.

Clothing: Djerf Avenue White Breezy Shirt

With summer approaching, I’ve been feeling a little panicked about my wardrobe–because, honestly, I feel like I have none. My goal this summer is to add pieces that are light, flowy, minimalistic, and versatile. I was reminded how great Swedish influencer Matilda Djerf’s brand, Djerf Avenue, is for those kinds of pieces. I recently got her short white button-down, and it’s a perfect fit. I sized up to a large for an oversized look, and I’ve already worn it twice this week. The material isn’t flimsy or see-through, and the fit is boxy without feeling too stiff.

Kitchen: AO Glass Harvest Bowl (aka the Whipped Cream Bowl)

If you’ve seen my posts on Instagram or TikTok, you might have noticed me talking about designing a whipped cream bowl with my parents, who run AO Glass in Burlington, Vermont. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’ve already used it for so much more than just whipped cream. They named it their Harvest Bowl and it’s now available online!

Food: Zaynab Issa’s Cookbook, Third Culture Cooking

A few weeks ago, I got a sneak peek of Zaynab Issa’s new cookbook–Third Culture Cooking–when she came to film with me in the Food52 test kitchen, and now that I have my own copy, I can’t get enough of it. First of all, Zaynab is one of the nicest people I’ve met–so intellectual, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. When it comes to her book, her personal style truly shines through. The recipes are not only delicious and approachable, but the photography and food styling (by Pearl Jones) perfectly reflect her elegance, sophistication, and calming energy.