📝 Editor’s Note
My grandmother has the most memorable grandmother name of all-time, “Babe”. Babe lived up to her name with an infectious personality and she commanded a room.
Last week at Babe’s funeral we celebrated her 98 years of life.
She was also very generous giving of her time and her resources to support those less fortunate.
Both Babe and our family have had many special memories in the western North Carolina mountains. No doubt if she was still living, she would be devastated to learn about a place she loved so much, suffering immeasurably from the carnage of Hurricane Helene. Knowing her, we would have to restrain her from going up the mountain and trying to physically help.
I know many of you are giving financially and one additional avenue I’d encourage you to explore, is giving blood. The Red Cross app makes it very easy, and you can schedule same-day appointments. I will post several additional organizations in the comments and encourage others to post as well.
Without further ado….
Why Lucy?
Hat tip to Sam Kidd Shelton for the intro to Lucy. The two are friends from SF. Sam recommended Lucy for a profile sharing, “I thought Lucy was nuts (no pun intended) when she left her cushy corporate life to dive headfirst into the food world…Truthfully I didn’t realize what real, pure peanut butter tasted like until I had OTP.” Lucy was nice enough to send my family OTP and my 3-year-old (and I) are huge fans. Check it out, especially if peanut butter is a staple in your pantry.
Follow Lucy on Instagram
Self-Description
DC-native who recently moved back after a decade in SF. Blue devil, tech-employee turned food entrepreneur.
You can find me outside walking my dog or inside watching bad reality TV. Love cooking, playing tennis, hanging with my niece, and over-priced workout classes.
Lucy’s Recommendations
Written in her own words…
Product
#1 thing I get compliments on. Cute way to carry your phone hands-free, no pockets needed. I'm on a constant quest to get my #dailysteps and my Ossa makes sure they're counted. Comes in tons of colors/materials/lengths.
Digital Tool
Think Tripadvisor but if only chic tastemakers who you actually trusted wrote reviews? Used it while planning a trip to Iceland and can confirm all the restaurant, hotel and activity recs were spot on. Referral only: use my code 9962029.
Watch
Yes, thaaat Catfish on MTV, and they still make new episodes (not sure how catfish-ing is still a thing in the year 2024). My fiancé and I recently re-discovered this show and have been making our way through the archives. Each episode stands on its own, keeps you guessing, and there are hundreds of episodes to watch.
Food & Drink
I was the Chief of Staff at Blue Bottle Coffee before starting One Trick Pony. Their dedication to quality coffee is unmatched. I use this instant coffee EVERY morning to make at-home iced lattes without an espresso machine. Comes in a jar or single-serve packets for travel. And, now comes in NOLA if you want a sweet treat!
Gift
My brother and sister-in-law, who run restaurants and I co-founded OTP with, gave me an engraved Japanese knife a few years ago. Nothing makes you feel more legit in the kitchen than a super sharp knife! Would make a fab wedding/engagement/housewarming gift. Super easy to cut yourself when the knife is sharp though, so buyer beware...
Travel
They invite top-tier local chefs to cook in beautiful locations (think on a remote cliff in Big Sur). You sit at one, long communal table, shmoozing with other guests while enjoying Michelin-quality food. I'm lucky enough to be going to my second OITF this week at the National Arboretum in DC. Pricey, but worth the splurge. Feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Open
We participated in Canine Companions' puppy-raising program this year. You raise a puppy for 18 months before they start formal training to become a service dog for someone with disabilities. Whether you're looking for your next mitzvah or just want to love on a cute puppy, CC is always looking for more puppy raisers. If you want to learn more, Inside the Mind of a Dog on Netflix highlights some of the scientific and emotional insights about the canine brain and highlights this incredible organization. Please reach out if you're interested!
Plug
I founded One Trick Pony with my brother and sister-in-law in 2022. We make peanut butter with just the best Argentinian peanuts and Patagonian sea salt. No added oils or sugar.
You can find us in 500 stores nationwide or order online. Use code RAMBULL15 for 15% off your first order!
Want to reach out to Lucy? Please reach out via email - Lucy@onetrickponynuts.com
P.S. from Rambull — In classic millennial parent fashion, we spotted a portable “circle of neglect” at our local brewery. Pop this thing out, throw on the Happy Song on repeat, and you are ready to enjoy your beer.
Several other organizations to consider for Helene relief include:
- https://feedingaveryfamilies.org/
- https://www.operation-airdrop.com/
Bill Johnston, a past profilee, friend and resident of Asheville and Black Mountain shared that he has a fundraiser through Recover tee shirts with all proceeds going to the NC Disaster Relief Fund: https://recoverbrands.com/products/western-north-carolina-strong