Solange’s extrordinary album, A Seat at the Table, has been described as an expression of the right to feel it all…Her song Borderline (Ode to Self Care) begs the complex question: What does self care look like to you? Here’s her answer, and ours.
Read MoreCheap + Stylish: Painted Natural Fiber Rug (Ikea)
The best idea we found among the design blogs came from designer Fay Toogood’s installation using Ikea products during Milan Design Week. Dig what she did to an inexpensive agave rug.
Read MoreThe Heartening Museum of Failures
(Video link here.) Dr. Samuel West, Director of the Museum of Failures in Helsingborg, Sweden collects innovation fails made by big companies. Through them, he hopes to share an essential lesson.
Read MoreAlison Harris’ Skyscapes: “Being Attentive to What is At Hand”
Photographer Alison Harris spent six years photographing the sky from her window in Italy. The result is a series of photographs that gradually evolved into an exhibition in Milan. It also became a simple, contemplative practice that we can all easily do…
Read MoreSurprise, Astonishment, Wonder: The Intimate Oliver Sacks via Insomniac City
Insights into the very original Sacks, or perhaps we should say Sacks’ very original insights and thinking, culled from Bill Hayes’ perfect memoir Insomniav City, make delightful weekend reading. Here’s a sampling…
Read MorePersonal Kanban to Focus Your Unruly Creative Brain
Personal Kanban, is a tool to visualize, organize and complete work in a way that maximizes, rather than depletes, energy and focus. It is simple and incredibly effective; its core principles address just how my unruly monkey brain functions.
Read MoreAnthophilous? Explode a Big Bouquet into MANY Joys
Whenever I receive a flower arrangement, I use this trick to expand its effect throughout my space. Its a great way to deal with not-great bouquets as well, whether from a florist or deli.
Read MoreAlisa Barry’s Encouragement Cards + Care Packages
A couple of weeks ago, a big cardboard box arrived in the mail with an unusual sticker on it: BE BRAVE. What we found inside blew us away.
Read MoreA Quick Metaphysical Inventory When Lost (Insomniac City)
We are halfway through Insomniac City, Bill Hayes revelatory memoir of his love affairs with the late, astonishing Oliver Sacks AND New York City, which comes across as a deeply complex and generous being. We are struck by Hayes’ lovely practice for when he needs to take stock and center himself.
Read MoreLet Miss Eaves, Walt Whitman and the Venus of Willendorf Help Liberate Your Summer Bod
Who doesn’t find a part of their self-image or their mindset locked in a prison of some sort? Let Brooklyn Rapper Miss Eaves, Walt Whitman and the Venus of Willendorf break you out in time for summer.
Read MoreHome is Your Canvas, Finger Paint It
Watch this slideshow by photographer Margaret Courtney-Clarke and imagine yourself painting your walls, floors, houses, textiles with your fingers…
Read More3 Rules for Writing and Life (Denis Johnson)
From The New Yorker ‘s brief, compelling tribute to novelist Denis Johnson, who passed away last week at the age of sixty-seven: his three rules for writing that ANYONE can use.
Read MoreA Cheap Chic Black Bag to Rival Ikea’s and Balenciaga’s Tote
After the designers at fashion house Balanciaga knocked off Ikea’s iconic big blue 99-cent tote (in leather for $2,145), frequent contributor Susan Dworski jumped into the fray with a chic, cheap black bag that we hacked to perfection.
Read MoreFinding Your Fuel
Having just turned a BIG birthday, I’ve been thinking hard about what fuels me, and what I pursue that is not powered by good strong fuel. Fuel to me equals meaning, as well as pleasure. Taking stock is useful; it’s simple process, really, that you can do throughout your day.
Read MoreAs Life Gets Longer It Gets Shorter. Celebrate!
Every person who ever lived feels Time. These days, the general rule when turning a big number birthday is to freak out. But there are other routes to take…
Read MoreHow to Make the Most of The Delicious End of Asparagus Season
Asparagus season, usually a fleeting few weeks in Spring, is peaking now. I recommend REVELING in them while you can. New asparagus has an extraordinary pea-like flavor that you can unlock by simply steaming them until crisp-tender. Add butter, or a fried egg and Parmigiano.
Read MoreA Secret Celebration for Memorial Day Weekend
For some, Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor people who perished fighting in America’s wars; for others it simply means “the beginning of summer”. Then there’s this rather secret way to celebrate…
Read MoreA Chef’s Artful Reimagining of Military Rations Reveals an Essential Principle of Good Food
When chef Chuck George applied Michelin Star approaches to dreary military rations from around the world, he reminded me of a essential principle of good cooking.
Read MoreDept of Unintended Purposes: Soapstone Tile as Flame Tamer
In a moment of random small-stakes invention that occurs often around here, the soapstone sample that I ordered when considering the material for countertops proved the perfect flame tamer/heat diffuser.
Read MoreHow to Fight a Mall-Like Internet!
When long-time blogger Tina Bray described the looming probability of a mall-like internet, it hit home HARD. There’s a simple, inexpensive way to stem the tide….
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