By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Oct 21, 2010 at 4:17 PM

This week, we'd like to tell you about a pair of super-cool boots, an economical desk chair, a favorite old movie and more. Enjoy this week's OnMilwaukee.com Recommends.

Nigella Kitchen by Nigella Lawson (Hyperion Books, $35) -- Thanks to TV and bookshops, British kitchen diva Nigella Lawson has long since been a household name in the States. As she prepares to visit Shullys in Thiensville for a Next Chapter Bookshop-sponsored event on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m., it's a good time to check out her latest doorstop-sized cookbook. Subtitled, "Recipes from the Heart of Home," this nearly-500-page hardcover is packed to the gills with recipes that help solve daily woes like what to feed a gaggle of ravenous teens, how to turn leftovers into dazzling new creations and more. There are also recipes for quick meals and last-minute desserts. Best of all, there are a couple hundred pages of recipes for that most soothing of hot cooking trends: comfort foods. The book is heavily illustrated and the recipes are easy to follow. Check it out so you'll have done your homework for your November lunch with Lawson in Southeast Wisconsin. -- Bobby Tanzilo

Starting a list with "make a list" -- If you, like me, create a lot of lists to keep your life somewhat organized, then consider writing or typing "make a list" as your first task. This way, you get to cross something off right away! Yes, I say this a bit tongue-and-cheek, and yet, I always do it because it really does feel oddly satisfying to cross something off immediately. -- Molly Snyder

Bed|Stü Rider boot -- Generally speaking, I wouldn't call myself a boot guy. Sure, I have big ugly winter boots, but the only pair I've ever bought that could be considered vaguely fashionable are the Doc Martens I picked up about 15 years ago -- and those are showing their age. So, a small Brooklyn shoe company called Bed|Stü sent me a pair of Riders, part of their Cobbler series, I wasn't initially sure what I'd think. That is, until I tried them on. A week later, I've worn them every day.
 
The Rider is a plain-toe boot, handcrafted from distressed, organic leather. Each one looks different and worn-in from day one. I expected I'd have to break in the boot (remembering my painful experience with the Docs), but the Rider was comfortable from the get go, probably due to the cork layer between the insole and outsole that molds to the foot. The leather is slow-tanned with vegetable dyes, and my pair fits like an old, comfortable baseball glove.  It's not an especially formal boot, so it's good to wear with jeans. But it's nice enough, too, that it fits in perfectly at work, especially as Milwaukee's temperatures start dropping.

Bed|Stü's three lines are available online, but locally, you can only find them at Shoo (241 N. Broadway) and Foot Gear inside Ma Jolie (2581 N. Downer Ave.). The Rider lists at $200, which isn't inexpensive -- but hardly outrageous for a high-end, handmade boot that should last for years and will turn heads while you wear it. -- Andy Tarnoff

Tommy Boy -- "Tommy Boy" is one of those movies I can watch over and over.  It’s far from award winning, but it’s simple, funny and starts at Marquette University with Thomas R. "Tommy Boy" Callahan III (Chris Farley) graduating and preparing to return home to Ohio.   The movie is dated (1995), and it’s definitely one of those movies that critics hate and audiences love, but the next time it’s on, watch it.  It’s good for several big laughs! -- Jeff Sherman

Target Bungee Desk Chair -- Yes, this is my second Target recommendation in the last few weeks and no, I'm not "on the take" from the folks over at the Big Red Dot. Still, here we are. I've needed a new chair at my desk for awhile. I saw these chairs right around back-to-school season and thought they were a little too "dormy" for my tastes. But, when they went on 50 percent clearance, and my rear end in need of some new support, I took a chance and couldn't be happier. Comfortable, lightweight and with just enough give, this is an excellent chair for the home or home office. Assembly was relatively easy (I put it together in under 30 minutes and with only limited vulgarities) and for just under $25 ... it was the perfect price. Get 'em while you can. -- Andrew Wagner