37 Comments
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Elizabeth Brooks's avatar

I really enjoyed this. I loved the detail that has gone into his choices and also his pragmatism such as being realistic about what he will and won’t wear and that the way he shops is not feasible for most people - makes for a well rounded, thought provoking read.

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Kelly's avatar

I just finished the book "The Everlasting Meal" by Tamar Adler (also a chef) and so much of her philosophy reminds me of Max. Eat fewer, better things but make the absolute most of them and you won't feel like you are giving up much at all. Loved this read.

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Shira Gill's avatar

Will have to check out the book - so glad you enjoyed the interview! x

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Kelly Gancas's avatar

An everlasting meal is so poetic!! I actually used to use her quotes a lot in my design job, or for inspiration when I was stuck writing. So resonant. It’s a perfect book. I like her other writing but I love an everlasting meal and reread at least yearly

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Jeanne's avatar

I found Max's interview really interesting and applicable in a variety of ways. I love that his lifestyle offers freedom in simplicity. It reminds me of designers like Vera Wang who have a uniform because they are exposed to so much color/concepts during their day that it's a detail they just don't want to think about. I

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Shira Gill's avatar

Yes, having traveled with him a lot I can say wearing the same thing every day is a major time and energy saver!

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Megan Hogg's avatar

I really enjoyed this! I've been toying with the idea of a daily uniform of sorts. This made me laugh: "The only downside that comes to mind is that on a weekly basis I’m mistaken for an employee of literally any given establishment due to my all-black uniform." =P

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Shira Gill's avatar

Yes! Love a uniform :)

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Abby Davisson's avatar

This also makes me want to raise my butter game! Hard agree with Max about the amazingness of popcorn. Also: he must know about popcorn salt so I'm very curious why he chooses to use salt run through a Vitamix instead!

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Shira Gill's avatar

Great butter for all! And his popcorn practices are a mystery to me!

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Mrs. Ainee C. Beland's avatar

I am currently reading your book: Life Styled and I am enjoying the book as done with the other two (gotten from our town Uxbridge Free Public Library; I will leave a review on Bookbub and Goodreads. I am very depressed. I was to receive my own published book and it was delivered but I never received it; so another took it or it is lost. Life happens only to ainee.

I forgot to say that it was a nice interview and good that he's a minimalist as well.

Take care.

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Cortland's avatar

Came for the 90% black wardrobe vibes (hello, it’s me), but stayed for the popcorn wisdom (hello, Whirley Pop, you're in my future).

Yes to more of this – it’s fascinating and so fun to see how someone else is doing it!

So appreciative of your content, Shira!

Thank you!

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Shira Gill's avatar

Haha loved this comment!

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Michele Hoffman's avatar

I loved this even more than I expected too (and I always have high expectations haha no pressure Shira!). It has me reflecting on how so many other cultures spend much more of their income, percentage-wise, on food than we are accustomed to in the US - I feel like personally I'm always looking for better deals at the store - but when you cut out a lot of other unnecessary spending you can (and should! if it's one of your values and you are comfortable enough) afford better quality ingredients, ethically sourced etc.

Would love Max's - or anyone else's - recommendation on a more budget-friendly ($100 range?) paring knife to replace a bunch of bigger ones we hardly use!

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Shira Gill's avatar

I'm certainly not a chef but have been quite pleased with our paring knife from Material Kitchen - currently on sale for $42! https://go.shopmy.us/p-14683248

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Ana's avatar

Try Wustof Knives, we have 3, we have had then for about 20 years, they are amazing!!!! And get a good knife sharpner as well, because over times all knives get dull.

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Tess's avatar

Mistaken for an employee hahaha💕

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Shira Gill's avatar

So funny!

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Jenni Muir's avatar

love love LOVE this. Not just for popcorn advice. I often think about going full-on uniform. It's the 'removing all unnecessary decision making' aspect that tempts me.

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Shira Gill's avatar

So tempting - I've been thinking of testing it with a trial - packing up most of my clothes and seeing how it feels to wear the same uniform every day!

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Ana's avatar

My daughter wears a school uniform and it makes getting dressed in the mornings so easy, I wore a school uniform for most of my schooling and loved it. I also had a "uniform" for when I worked in the film industry as a camera assitant, I needed to be comfortable and practical, only decision was when to wear shorts or pants, just look at the weather forcast and dress appropriately for the weather.

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Susan Gill's avatar

Go Maxie, the best!

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Shira Gill's avatar

Yay!

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Karen Pohl's avatar

What a fun and helpful interview, Shira and Max. Thank you.

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Shira Gill's avatar

So glad you enjoyed! x

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Brooke Shannon's avatar

So fun to hear from your brother! Thanks, Max!

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Shira Gill's avatar

Glad you enjoyed! x

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Laura Fenton's avatar

Fourteen years is such a big gap: Love that you guys are close and so similarly-minded nonetheless! ❤️

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Victoria Aronoff's avatar

This was so interesting! I love how he talks about food and what he buys. I wish I could wear the same thing everyday, but I feel different every day and I love color and patterns!

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Kelly Gancas's avatar

Can you share more about your sibling trips? How you plan them, how they started, how you handle decision making? I’d love to do something like that with my brothers.

We love Belazu’s smoked harissa!

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