Looking for book recs. Specifically, I really love books that create vivid scenes of home life - memoirs of cooks and eating, light reads that have really detailed descriptions of interpersonal dynamics and evocative scene-setting. Can be set anywhere in the world, but I like the focus to be domestic and familial. Ones I’ve loved recently are David Nichols’ “You Are Here” and Annie Proulx’s “The Shipping News.” Anything you’d recommend? Also open to TV and film recs (think along the lines of “Catastrophe” and “Perfect Days”).

Anyone have a great Kashmiri chai recipe?

What are your very favorite thrifting accomplishments? Could be from Craigslist/Marketplace or brick-and-mortar shops. Especially interested in knowing if you specifically sought something out for a while and eventually scored!!

Anyone have dish soaps and/or dishwasher detergents they especially recommend? I’ve been trying to find ones that are truly ecofriendly, budget-conscious, and also work really well. Currently using Mrs. Meyer’s rosemary for the former, which I love but have heard is not as eco-friendly as it claims (?), and only recently moved into a place with a dishwasher so still experimenting as to the latter.