Happy New Year! Here are some things I've been into:
Barack Obama shared his annual favorite books, movies and music from 2019, did you see?
Myself? Here's what I've been reading: Nothing to See Here, an original and fun read about an unlikely trio; Mr. Fleishman is in Trouble, something my husband Sean and I enjoyed discussing together afterwards; The Archive of Alternate Endings, a delightful holiday gift from a friend best, read in one sitting; and The Mind of God, a brain doctor's soulful dive into the meaning of life.
Next up on my nightstand? The Volcano Lover (left). Because it's about time. Anyone want to join me?
My instagram DM's went crazy over this video I posted of Bob Fosse in The Little Prince – which was a full decade before Michael Jackson hit the scene. Jackson had asked the genius choreographer to come work with him, but he declined. It seems Jackson went on to "borrow" his moves (including the famous "moon walk") anyway. It's pretty surreal!
100 years ago, prohibition went into effect and bootlegging operations popped up almost immediately. This article was a fabulous look at a bygone time. Thanks for the tip @lisaeisner!
Jennie MacGregor modeling the “bootlegger’s life preserver.” (L), a pocket-size book of “Spring Poems” offered a sophisticated method of concealment, (R). Photos via NYTimes.
I finally got the chance to watch the movie The Farewell on a recent plane trip. It was fantastic! I was so thrilled to see Awkwafina win a Golden Globe for her performance!
Also worth seeing: Parasite. Woah is all I can say.
We ventured to Jose Ignacio, Uruguay this winter break and on the journey home made a pit stop in Buenos Aires where we got a chance to explore the incredible Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore. It's the "most beautiful bookstore in the world" according to National Geographic. I can't say I'd disagree:
Peter Schjeldahl has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1998, and is the magazine’s art critic. His latest essay, The Art of Dying, is worth settling in for. "I always said that when my time came I’d want to go fast. But where’s the fun in that?"
Another piece worth your time: this one on the art of listening from a C.I.A. agent. I vow to become a better listener in 2020.
I know everyone is a buzz with the news of Megan and Harry splitting from the Royal family (btw this is the best meme I've seen in a long time) but can we please take a moment to give a full appreciation for Kate's recent fedora moment (left)? I'm pretty sure Will and Kate can hold down Kensington Palace.
Is it weird to obsess over napkins? Because I can't get these outta my head.
I know more than one friend from my Tumbler days that would get so much satisfaction out of this pillow. Thanks Ali Wong for sending me on the hunt!
Alice Water's "Egg Spoon" has brought our house so much joy. Try cooking your eggs in it and your kids will think you're a skilled chef too!
I'm adding this "Invisible House" in Joshua Tree to my must-visit list. You guys, it's available to rent by the night! These photos below are from friend Tamra Davis, but check out the pro photos on its AirBnB page.
I went down so many fun rabbit holes while reading this article on The 25 Rooms that Influence the Way We Design. Do you agree with this list of history's "most enduring and significant spaces?"
Pregnant Ashley Graham is one of the most beautiful things in the world right now.
Finally, I found this chart by Man Repeller's Hayley Nahman quite helpful. Which trendy words get to stay with us in 2020 and which don't. The verdict is in:
