Rattan

item0.rendition.slideshowVertical.allegra-hicks-naples-italy-penthouse-01item4.rendition.slideshowVertical.allegra-hicks-naples-italy-penthouse-05hicks_NaplesLondon based designer Allegra Hicks and her husband recently took up residence in a historic building in Naples, Italy. I'm gushing over her terrace (above), as shown by Architectural Digest this month. I'm a huge fan of rattan seating, it reminds me of my Grandfather's breakfast table in his New York kitchen. He would shuffle into the kitchen in the wee hours of the morning in his bathrobe and slippers beckoned by his habitual breakfast, one that was routinely prepared the night prior. He was also surrounded by terra cotta planters like the above, full of geraniums he would nurture. Above: Allegra Hicks' terrace chairs are Verner Panton and rug from her own collection. Read more, here.

Leftovers

image1-2Thank you to everyone for such a beautiful birthday weekend. If there is one thing I've learned in recent years, it is how important it is to carefully select the people you let into your life. I am especially grateful for all the friendships I've made in the past 3.5 years in San Francisco. Looking forward to enjoying these flowers leftover from the garden party Saturday. xx

Data-Driven

Screen Shot 2015-03-17 at 4.12.15 PMIn our business, like many, we spend a great deal of time thinking about data-driven decisions, a sharp focus on optimization, utilization and growth. These thoughts on optimization of course, carry over to our personal lives. How do we optimize our weekends? Our workouts? Our sleep? Our sex drives? We are constantly thinking about how we can most effectively improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. This article in the NY Times left me provoked (and pained).

So Long Florence...

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Florence Arthaud, the French female sailor who was celebrated as one of the mighty and few to have won the Route du Rhum, (a grueling solo trans-Atlantic race), died in a helicopter accident on Monday. (No woman has won this race since her victory in 1990). Aside from her triumphs on the water, Florence was a striking vision - always tan and naturally beautiful with a palpable spirit - she was loved by many across the globe. The accident took place in Argentina, while carrying a group of people to a remote location to film a reality show "Dropped" a French show akin to "Survivor." Read more, here.