The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Park Avenue

Though it surely doesn't feel like the holidays with temperatures in the 60s, the throngs of tourists filling seemingly every street from Union Square to Lincoln Center remind me that December in New York City has finally arrived. 

It seems like, for many, the end of the year snuck up on us, and this year flew by as few have before. Granted, it was a year full of many changes, memorable events, challenges and new beginnings, but I have a sneaking suspicion that each subsequent year is going to fly by more quickly than the year before. And I'll always wonder where the time has gone.

I believe that 2016 is going to be a year of great growth, expression, productivity and new endeavors. I think that's part of what makes this season so exciting. Not just the hustle and bustle of people preparing to celebrate with those they love, but also a time to look forward to the turning of the calendar page and to new opportunities... and hope.

It truly is a wonderful time of year.

Good Design Matters

Bialetti Moka Express 6800 (Italy)

This beauty here is the Moka Express by Bialetti, an iconic design in coffee since 1933. In fact, the design is so significant that it has a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The aluminum build, angled sides, simplicity in design (it basically is composed of only three main parts), and pure functionality made this stove top pot an immediate favorite in the household. Not only to use, but also to look at each day. 

While there are many items we encounter every day, certain items - whether subconsciously or not - become joys to use because of the thought and care that goes into developing them. The Moka Express. The iPhone. A mechanical wristwatch. form+function.

Good design matters.

Los Angeles

Recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday and my daughter's first birthday. When I think of LA, I think of family, food and freeways. It's always a wonderful and precious time with loved ones, but one of the best parts of any trip is that feeling you get when you first open the door and cross the threshold of your home once again.