Mother Nature threw a wrench in travel plans for those of us who live up and down the Eastern seaboard this past weekend, stranding people in airports, halting public transportation, and leaving anywhere from 12-24 inches of snow in its wake.

I, for one, lucked out and caught the very last Southwest flight out of BWI Sunday morning, otherwise, I too would have spent the remainder of my vacation eating trail mix from Hudson News and fitfully sleeping on top of my carry-on bag.

Unfortunately, these folks weren’t as lucky.

Love Light by Robert Lewis, $850

A few days ago I wrote about The New Yorker iPad commercial featuring Jason Schwartzman. And while the piece is brilliant, what really caught my attention was this little bedside light in the first scene. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. So I contacted someone at The Directors Bureau (founded by Roman Coppola, who shot the commercial) inquiring about the set design, but they must be super busy filming award-winning productions because I still haven’t received a response.

Then, as I was booking a room at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs for an upcoming vacation, there, above the bed was the very same light! Fate, I thought! So, yes, off went another inquiry — which also remains unanswered, must be too busy running that hotel of theirs.

Finally, today, after a bit of sleuthing, I answered my own question. The lights are designed by Los Angeles-based artist Robert Lewis and were commissioned by Commune and designed specifically for the Ace Hotel, Palm Springs. They’re called Love Lights and they have two bulbs — one red, one white — which are intended to change the mood at the flip of a switch. They are a bit out of my price range at the moment, but at least I’ll get to test them out for a few nights while we’re in Palm Springs — for about 1/8 of the cost. Another mystery solved, another case closed.

And we wonder why Americans are so fat. Based on the food and beverage comparisons alone, Paris vs New York should be called Petite vs Obscene. When it comes to the caffeine fix, the French opt for a delicate espresso to be enjoyed standing at the bar. In America, coffee orders can be cringe-inducing, like “Lemme have an extra-large with 10 sugars and extra cream.” Let’s be honest. At this point, you aren’t even drinking coffee. You might as well have ordered a coffee milkshake and should consider placing a bulk order for diabetes testing kits.

Ah, yes, the cultural carbohydrate contingent. Personally, I’m a baguette lover. Love the taste. Love the crusty exterior. Love it paired with butter. Love it paired with jam. And love how romantic it looks sticking out of my tote bag as I pedal through the park. Bagels are not nearly as aerodynamic or idyllic. Moving on . . .

Hmm, this one’s kind of a toughie. I think it’s safe to say that directors are known for having eccentric (questionable) behavior. In this case, Godard (father of Nouvelle Vague) may or may not be an anti-semite, and Woody may or may not have pedophilial tendencies. But, let’s let the facts speak for themselves, shall we? Godard ranked No. 3 on the BFI’s list of The Top 10 Directors, whereas Allen didn’t even make the list.

Winner: Paris!

I have finally realized that no matter the circumstance, within a few months of living anywhere, I am soon itching with cabin fever and anxiously mapping out each and every step of my fantasy travels across the world.  Upon my latest mental adventure, the Michelberger Hotel in Berlin, Germany popped up on my radar and has since given  me a whole new perspective on the importance of somehow obtaining the German version of Rosetta Stone and purchasing a plane ticket abroad by tomorrow.

The main concept for the Michelberger was to create a comfortable and stylistically eclectic space while remaining in the category of “budget hotel”.  Set in an old factory building, each one of the rooms carries an individually designed loft-style atmosphere with high ceilings and expansive windows.  My favorite part: the mix-matching of modern objects with hand-built wooden furniture and flea-market findings.

You can download yours here –> on Always Mod.

Anna constructs animal sculptures out of archival paper, ink, watercolor, thread, and copper pipe, and the results are incredible. She’s made barn owls, horses, and even cows, but I’m a fan of her series of birds native to Australia, like the Black Fronted Dotterell and the Superb Fairy Wren — great name.

Black Fronted Dotterel
2010
16cm x 20cm x 9cm
Ink, water colour, archival cotton paper, cotton thread, brass rod, timber block

Superb Fairy Wren
2010
13cmx 12cm x 5cm
ink, water colour, archival cotton paper, cotton thread, brass rod, timber block

White Breasted Robin
13cm x 13cm x 6cm
Ink, watercolour, archival cotton paper, cotton thread, brass rod, timber block

Ever since My Fair Lady, I’ve been semi-obsessed with British slang. So, last weekend when I ended up at the Brooklyn Flea, these immediately caught my eye in the A.S.I.S booth.

Most people tend to pack on the extra pounds in the winter.  I, on the other hand, have found it much more rewarding to bulk up in the summer.  So at the request of my ever-growing buns, a friend and I made a stop at a bakery in Chicago last weekend that I have been meaning to check out for quite some time.   I’m not sure where I first heard about Bleeding Heart Bakery, but what a wonderful discovery it was!  All of their ingredients come from local and organic sources and are integrated to make some of the strangest and most surprisingly delicious combinations imagineable.  I was tempted to indulge in one of their many vegan options, but was so intrigued by the coconut with sweet thai basil, fresh mint and mango cupcake that I had to go for it.  When I think basil, I think caprese salad or margherita pizza…not cupcake, who knew it could be so yummy with frosting!  The decor is just as exciting as their selection of treats, with bright red and green walls covered in nifty paintings by artist,  Timothy L. Campbell.  The staff was super friendly and they cut up a bunch of samples for us so that we could gorge ourselves to the fullest.  Overall, I left BHB feeling delighted yet torn as I began mapping out my plan of attack for my next visit….red velvet cupcake or vegan lemon bar? Decisions, decisions.

Stash your stuff.

Fjällräven’s Kånken bag frees up your hands and allows you to easily access your stuff. The Swedish brand just opened its first US flagship in NYC and is poised for a promising breakthrough in the US market.

Support your feets.

Superga’s 2750 Classics are basically the Italian Converse. The Italian’s say that the sneaker’s unique cut complements the foot, making it unlike all other traditional sneaker styles.

Shade your eyes.

Although she’s Australian, Karen Walker‘s Number Six sunglasses exude je ne sais quoi. Specifically, they say ”No, I’m not famous. But I should be.” Plus, the dark lenses are conducive to napping — on a plane, a bus, or if need be,  a floor.