February 20, 2025

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers, Joe McKendry

It will not surprise you to learn that, while re-organizing her closet, our kitchen and dining writer chose to use pantry shelving. In her “Strategist Brain” column this week, Emma Wartzman explains: “It came in the exact dimensions I needed to slip against the back wall, where it now houses sweaters and sweatshirts and all manner of pants, and with the bottom shelf full of shoe and purse storage — huge.” Also on her mind: the $12 Target towels loved by our staff, what type of popcorn to serve at her upcoming Oscars party, and her undying love for her Staub Dutch oven “because beyond home upgrades, I am making myself feel good in this weather by cooking,” she says. 

Also on the site: Rachael Griffiths asked experts about what’s going on with face tape (and if it will destroy your face), and if you’re looking for a non-ugly Bluetooth speaker, Jordan McMahon says “no speaker I’ve tested looks nearly as good as the OB-4,” which has the ability plug into your old iPod and loop and remix tracks. 

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MICRO ODE

My Hulken puts every other granny cart on the sidewalk to shame. I’ve used my smaller one for years but recently upgraded to the largest size, which is a total game changer. I’ve used it to bring home 50 pounds of groceries from Costco and lug my laundry three blocks away. It glides effortlessly over sidewalk cracks, down the stairs, and through the snow. The big Hulken can carry well over the recommended 66 pounds and is taller, which makes it easier to pull. I’ve also spotted it being dragged behind professional makeup artists, publicists, and costume designers all over Manhattan. At this point, I think it’s more than fair to crown it the Status Schlepper. —Dominique Pariso, writer