1. The art of knowing a face.

From Botticelli to Kahlo to Botero I've always been fascinated at the way artists interpret and represent the human condition. I recently discovered the work of Shaskia Cuaspa, a self-taught artist from Bogotá now based in Arizona, creating portraits that make you feel like you're looking at someone you've known your whole life.

Her work captures both the intensity and vulnerability of human emotion, but I'm particularly interested in the details she chooses to emphasize: the colored noses, the way hands are positioned, the bold tones that pull you closer. Her signature portraits were initially inspired by vintage photographs of her mother and grandmother, and there's something about that generational thread that makes each painting feel personal and intimate.

2. Neighborhood watch (and nap).

I have 2 cats, Leo & Penelope. And as bonafide cat lady I am obsessed with bodega cats, those neighborhood ambassadors who lounge on newspaper stacks and checkout counters across New York City. Between 30 and 40% of bodegas in NYC have cats, serving as both working animals and little salesmen that bring customers in and build rapport.

What I love the most is how these creatures embody a different approach to business, one that prioritizes character over efficiency, community over optimization.They represent local culture and the authenticity that surfaces when we stop optimizing for efficiency and start optimizing for connection. Comedian Michelladonna has turned this into TikTok gold with her "Shop Cats Show"

3. When did the minivan become aspirational?

I spent a good part of last week on a road trip to Charleston, SC in a minivan (a Honda Odyssey to be exact), and I had entirely forgotten how comfortable and delightful it is to travel in one. Memories of childhood road trips across the Pacific in an old VW camper came rushing back to the point that I briefly considered swapping my SUV for a minivan.

Apparently, I'm not the only one with dreams of sliding doors and extra space. Minivans are making a comeback! Honda's Odyssey commands one-third of minivan segment retail sales, and the minivan is enjoying a luxury renaissance in Asia. One of the biggest car launches at Auto Shanghai 2025 was the Mercedes-Benz's Vision V: a minivan concept with lounge chairs and massive screens that turn the interior into a private cinema. This suburban vehicle is being reimagined as the ultimate luxury experience, prioritizing comfort over performance, and building on the nostalgia of simpler times. And speaking of nostalgia, here is a video of a vintage VW Westfalia restoration, to fuel your roadtrip dreams.