The healthy eater charges through the kitchen, dropping detritus. A fine spray of protein powder, half-drowned cubes of tofu, the scorched remains of lentils. Also egg yolks, forbidden on her healthy lips.

The sandwich in need of housing can't consult Zillow. Nor will the multiple listing service do. She's got to pound the pavement of the actual market, in the bakery aisle.

Cold weather calls for sweater, fire, and cozy tradition, like staying in bed all day, or at least until someone needs a meal or begs to be walked.

Lie back, demands the hair professional.  This is a clarifying shampoo, she explains. It helps your hair focus on a time when it was pure, before you stripped, and parched and broke it. It’s called Bain d’Existence.

Cast iron is tough stuff. It's heavy, hearty and happy to take the heat.

Our house has long been toasty on the bottom and cold on top -- for reasons we've never probed.

Kringle, the almond-scented Swedish pastry, evokes cold mornings, warm fires and special occasions. Like the SAT.

Eggnog is cream, eggs and sugar, in a cup. Much like creme brulee, which is cream, eggs and sugar, in a dish.

Swimming is a skill I mastered early.

Truffles, the wild sort, are mysterious creatures. They live underground. They look like small, dusty potatoes. And they're tight with certain trees.