DO
Do buy the random gourmet food items at T.J. Maxx! Did you know that the fancy and interesting food items there (think condiments, etc.) are not overstock, but freshly packaged items for T.J. Maxx? Hat tip to Rabbi Phyllis Sommer who shared this Bon Appetit post on Facebook. “What’s the Deal with the Food at T.J. Maxx.”
“Contrary to the assumption that T. J. Maxx sells overstock or discards from fancy foods stores, like Williams-Sonoma or Macy’s, T. J. Maxx often acquires items that are specially produced just for them. Andy Oliver, the president of jam and condiment company Braswells, says, “They want top quality. I don’t think people realize it’s not blowout stuff. You’re manufacturing for them.” Every manufacturer I spoke to said that T. J. Maxx orders a high quantity from their sources so they can buy at the lowest price. T. J. Maxx, sadly, guards their sourcing like a trade secret and declined to comment for this story.”
Interested in some home improvements or even bigger house projects? I realize I’m very late to the game, but I’m newly obsessed with houzz.com.
These journals crack me up! I think I need to grab one.
LISTEN
This Israeli couple’s YouTube channel is so cool and full of fabulous duets. And I just learned they go to same synagogue as my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. You’ll love their cover of Matisyahu’s One Day!
READ
How one man’s “out of office” reply become national news: LOVED this line: “When you write, everything is literature. Your grocery list. The note to your wife. The email to your mom. Your out-of-office reply. If it’s going to be read by someone, you owe it to them to make it worth their time.”
Allison Winn Scotch’s article in Publisher’s Weekly about the different forms of publishing she has tried is a useful read for anyone who still thinks traditional publishing is the only way to go.
I’ve read some good books this summer, most notably the novel A Man Called Ove and the memoir It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying is Cool Too). Click here for my full 2016 reading list.
And if you haven’t seen this touching/heartbreaking story about my nephew, Joshua, who has terminal brain cancer, and the organization Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue, who found him the perfect dog to adopt, then now is the time to read that.
Have a great week everyone!
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11 Responses
I’m so intrigued by the TJMaxx food bit of this post! I’ve always wondered!! 🙂
Nina, thanks for the to-read suggestions. Loved the out-of-office reply. Allison’s article was very interesting. As for your nephew, I’m just at a loss for words. I didn’t realize it was terminal. I’m so very sorry.
Love those journals – I think I saw them at Target as my daughter was searching for the perfect planner (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree).
I shared my kitchen remodel on Houzz a few years ago. Most of the comments were nice, but one person said “I like the original kitchen better.” I suppose there are trolls even on Houzz!
Great links and recommendations. The article about Joshua and Wags 2 Wishes brought tears. Having just adopted a rescue dog with my daughter (with no special circumstances), I truly understand the immediate bond formed that transcends explanation. Joshua is a remarkable boy. His story is heartbreaking, but I’m so very glad he and Bean found one another.
Julia Munroe Martin recently posted..Writing as a Lifeline
I totally have cookies from T.J. Maxx right now! Going to read that one!
Love the “out of office” article, especially when I realized it was a local (to me) reporter! I always want to be funny when I am setting my out of office, but then I worry that funny to me might not be funny to a random person who may email me!
I read Joshua’s story with Wags 2 Wishes a couple of days ago and was incredibly moved. I’m so glad he and Bean have each other during this difficult time. My continued thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Caryn recently posted..When Did We Become the Moms in the Movie?
I’m so happy that Joshua has found a furry companion to be with him during this difficult time. I know how comforting Reggie is for me.
Never knew that little tidbit about TJ Maxx gourmet food items. Thanks for the heads-up.
Love your Do Listen Read lists – always. Haven’t read either book you mentioned but they are both on my list! Especially the “Ove” one; I keep hearing about it. So sorry about your nephew. Sounds so very hard – going to read the dog story now!
(For some reason I am not getting your newsletters…will keep checking spam)
Nina. I had no idea about your nephew- how did I miss that? I am so, so sorry.
Thank you so much, Allison. It’s been a hard time for the family, but it’s not something I mention much here.