"Dostoyevsky once let drop the enigmatic phrase: “Beauty will save the world.” What does this mean? For a long time it used to seem to me that this was a mere phrase. Just how could such a thing be possible? When had it ever happened in the bloodthirsty course of... Continue reading

"There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of the music in it." - Streams In the Desert Continue reading

2013 New York Gift Show: Rows Upon Rows of Inspiration Continue reading

Parker Fitzgerald is one photographer who truly captures the essence of Americana. Continue reading

Americana is more than the rugged cowboy or bull rider (though they sure can be fun to spend time with! I remember once being held in mid-air by my ankles, buff bull riders = trouble).. Continue reading

If you enjoyed the Dutch Renaissance Common Folk Collection and would like to dig a little deeper here are some resources/ideas. Continue reading

Have you ever wondered if you were staring at a forgery when you were admiring a painting in a museum? Continue reading

Today my research at the New York Public Library was seeking to confirm my hypothesis that some modern interior design trends of dark walls, still life photography/painting and art collections were associated with the Dutch Renaissance. Continue reading

“What Katie Ate” was my first glimpse of the Dutch Renaissance style being revisited in a modern way. I found the way which Katie Quinn Davies would photograph simple food against dark rustic backgrounds quite enthralling. Continue reading

I first noticed what I would call a Dutch Renaissance resurgence, when I discovered what is now one of favorite food blogs. I remember showing the blog to my Mom and discussing with her how inspiring and unique it seemed to be, yet there was something I recognized that I couldn't quite put my finger on. She suggested I look up the Dutch Renaissance and so began the search for the pieces which now make up this collection. Continue reading

My hope in curating these “collections” is to provide a glimpse of inspiration, a platform for dialogue, and resources for activating your dreams. You are the curator of your own: collections, inspirations and dreams. May you be inspired to become a master of your craft and invest it into the common good. Continue reading

It is hard to believe that just a couple of days ago I was quite literally a nomad because of Hurricane Sandy. I am so incredibly thankful to be home after spending five nights in four different locations last week. Where I live the only effects I can see of Sandy are the blocks long lines of cars waiting for gas but I know that even now there are people still without electricity, hot water, etc. Continue reading

The little shop "DARR" whispers to the passerby.. more often than not stopping the curious dead in their tracks.. countless mysteries are sure to be found within... Continue reading

I must be a mermaid. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living. - Anais Nin photo source: photo by Brad Miersma, design by studiowonder.org Continue reading

"Live it all through, every inch of it - out of it something valuable will come." - Henry James Recently, I visited Hillsong NYC at Gramercy Theater. The sermon was a challenge for the audience to step out of their comfort zones... I kept thinking to myself "He sure is... Continue reading

Imagine places where there would be almost some kind of special light/ glow alerting you to pause and open your eyes a little wider. What if every city had a guide highlighting it's most magical corners and incredible inhabitants who perhaps are tucked into random areas, often overlooked? Continue reading

Wow. Can you believe it's finally (almost) here?! I move to New York on Monday. Continue reading

Atelier de l'Armée has released a perfectly rustic Fall 2012 Lookbook. Their handcrafted and one of a kind bags transport you to an era of simplicity and canvas tents. Is it just me of does the lookbook make you think of Hemingway? Even though the collection focuses on men, I... Continue reading

You may have seen subtle references to "The Great Discontent" but I have to admit I haven't really wanted to share the site with you all. I know, I am so darn selfish?! I have been hoarding inspiration and well.. there is just no excuse. I can't quite recall how... Continue reading

He loved being a bookseller... He loved making marriages between his books and the right recipient. - Farewell, Irving Oaklander, Bookseller Continue reading

"Mentors provide bespoke guidance. They take a personal interest in you. It's customized, rare and expensive. Heroes live their lives in public, broadcasting their model to anyone who cares to look. The internet has created a long tail of heroes. There are tens of thousands of musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, social... Continue reading

Skip the beginning and go to :30 :) Landon Austin -- Where We Used to Run Let's break away from what we know Just say the word, just say go No better time then now to make our move Lets find a place to leave our shoes Among the stars,... Continue reading

"At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun." - Unknown After planning the beach house weekend for months, we finally arrived late Friday evening just in time to fall... Continue reading