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Aug. 18, 2026 | By Bruce R. Feldman Alvar Aalto’s Stool 60 is as useful as it is iconic. The genius of the piece is its almost disarming simplicity: three bent birch legs, a round seat, and a form so clean it seems inevitable. Designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1933, the Stool 60 is one of the masterworks of modern Scandinavian design — practical, humane, stackable, and quietly beautiful. Made in Finland by Artek, the Stool 60 has birch legs and a lacquered seat. I

You can spend a lot of money on a bottle of balsamic vinegar, and we have. Once a while, when we have some juicy vine-ripened tomatoes grown by a friend in her backyard, a drizzle of rich, knock-your-socks-off balsamic (plus a few grains of maldon salt) is worth the splurge. But for every day cooking, we prefer a reasonably priced bottle. I did not say cheap. I am talking about a good quality balsamic that satisfies our everyday needs, something dense, sweet, silky, well

Some of the year's most intriguing art exhibitions are taking place far beyond the walls of traditional museums. As reported in the Financial Times, historic houses, private villas and architectural landmarks are becoming unexpected showcases for contemporary art. Here are five standouts from the FT’s list of “11 art shows off the beaten track.” Cai Guo-Qiang, Heaven Complex No. 1 and 2 at Claydon House Melting Beauty — Antiparos, Greece, July 30–August 31, 2026 Geneva’s L’Ap

Tired of the crowds of Paris, Rome and Barcelona? Some of Europe’s most memorable destinations lie far beyond the familiar tourist trail, tucked among mountains, vineyards, lakes and medieval valleys. In these quieter corners of the continent, ancient traditions endure, dramatic landscapes remain unspoiled and beautifully preserved towns have largely escaped the pressures of mass tourism. From the truffle-rich hilltop village of Motovun in Croatia and the gravity-defying mona

The Art Travel Book takes you on a journey across the globe, past iconic outdoor art installations and sculptures. The beautifully illustratred book showcases both well-known landmarks and hidden treasures: all extraordinary works that harmonize with their natural surroundings. From the arid plains of Texas to the cliffs of the South of France, from the verdant forests of England to the rugged beauty of Cape Town: many of the locations featured are freely accessible, making

Rich with bacon and sweet with corn, this tasty cornbread recipe has been attributed to superstar Tina Turner. Or so says Robbie Montgomery, one of the Ikettes who backed Tina and husband Ike Turner in the 1960s. They'd make it in their hotel room after a late night gig. ‘’I'd pour the batter in the hot skillet, cook it for a bit, put a plate on top of it, and then turn it over onto the plate," Montgomery recalled in her memoir. "Then I'd slide that cornbread back into the sk