Let’s face it. We work hard and we work a lot. The United States is not known for lengthy summer vacations or holiday breaks. For those of us who are desk-bound, it is time to be smart. Sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day or more takes a toll on our […]

The question inevitably arises when shopping for upholstered furniture: leather or fabric? If you choose leather, great, but that’s only the first step. There are many choices to consider, and we’re not talking about color. Leather quality, finishes and treatments vary greatly. Also, the leather you choose will affect the way you experience your furniture […]

Nordic Light: Lighter, everyday eating from a Scandinavian kitchen, is a book to linger over. It’s two inspiring books in one: a photo essay and cookbook. The author, Simon Bajada, is an Australian native now based in Stockholm, and he brings fresh eyes to the subject.  His recipes feature ingredients favored by Scandinavian cooks.  Happily, many of those ingredients are readily available […]

Wedding season is almost here! I always look forward to being a part of wedding celebrations and watching the smiling couple enjoy their big day. Choosing a memorable wedding gift and wrapping it with style is part of the fun. While I often try to select an item from the couple’s wedding registry, sometimes a step […]

As we stock up on antihistamines, sunscreen and bug spray, gearing up for Summer, we’re also dreaming about our favorite ways to relax in the out-of-doors. So what makes an ideal outdoor oasis? It all starts with a chair. Generally, where you’ll be sitting drives your choice of materials and construction. Around the campfire, for […]

From the moment I experienced products by Graf Lanz, I was intrigued and infatuated — first with the texture of the soft Merino wool, then by the simple perfection of the designs. Where did these stunning pieces come from? Who made them? And can I buy them all? I decided to dig deeper. Holger Graf […]

A fresh year is finally here. And we are thinking about products we expect to take off in 2017. The products we selected were released previously, but they have yet to receive the attention we feel they truly deserve. There is plenty of modern style, exceptional comfort and functional technology to go around in 2017! […]

  Stick Vega is all about the “boom.” The gunpowder artist from Madison, WI, draws inspiration, and a mildly perverse thrill, from the intentionally uncertain act of putting fire to fuse. Each time Vega “blows something up,” he says with a spark in his eye, it is an act of art and faith. Using layering and […]

Every new parent agonizes over the many decisions and purchases that need to be made before first baby is born: Home birth or hospital? . . . Which car seat is safest? . . . Breast vs bottle? . . . Do I really need the stroller with monster truck tires? I mean, last I […]

New Year’s Day makes me crave change. I tend to spend this relaxing holiday at home. This year I looked around my house, and I started to feel a need for a design reset. Maybe it’s the large amount of time I spend inside during the winter, or the fact that I’ve been binge watching “Fixer Upper” on […]