1. “This summer I bought the Balmain loveseat from RH for my side porch. Those of you who know me will be as surprised as I was by this early-summer indulgence. I mostly buy vintage, so the new piece is a bit out of character. Yet I’ve spent many happy hours curled up on that sofa, digesting news articles and novels. I’m currently reading The Yellow House by Sarah M. Bloom. I love the author’s writing style and the insights I’ve gained from following one woman’s story.” –Veronica Theodoro, Editor-in-Chief
2. “Like antique collectors who hit estate sales, we’re on the hunt for rare or unusual specimens at garden shops. Then, we log as much time as possible on our deck as it blooms, enjoying leisurely lunches, working afternoons alfresco, partaking in extended wine fests during the week—one that morphed into ‘Let’s grab a blanket and camp out,’ which we’d never done pre-COVID.” –George Mahe, Dining Editor
3. “Last holiday season, I gifted myself a MasterClass subscription. MasterClass is an app that curates videos of experts giving lessons on how they do what they do. So far, my favorite has been screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, who wrote for The West Wing. I’ve picked up tips that I can incorporate into my magazine writing. Sorkin is known for his snappy dialogue, which I can try to emulate in my own way.” –Amanda Woytus, Deputy Editor
4. “Kylo, my family’s golden retriever, has brought me happiness and a reason to get outside. We’ve walked parts of the Katy Trail, hiked through Klondike Park, and (he’s) taken a dip at Broemmelsiek Park, an off-leash dog area with a pond. But our favorite hangout is the patio at Fiddlehead Fern Café, where we like to stop on our weekend stroll.” –Samantha Stevenson, Associate Editor
5. “Since I can’t get to the gym, I decided to purchase a bike to stay active and get outside. It’s a fun new hobby and one that I anticipate continuing to enjoy long after we get back to a more normal routine. So far, I’ve been sticking close to my neighborhood, but I’m getting ready to explore the beautiful trails around the area.” –Emily Cramsey, Art Director
6. “Aside from work, work, and more work, I’ve enjoyed all the extra time I’ve had to spend with my family. You can typically find me chasing my two boys all over the house or playing baseball or soccer in the backyard. We recently set up an obstacle course using foam floor tiles, complete with a play tunnel, a small ladder, a kiddie pool, and sprinkler. And at the end of a long day, nothing has been more calming than holding and making silly faces at our newborn.” –Tom White, Design Director
Alise O'Brien
7. “This summer, I got a chance to drive through some obscure corners of Soulard, Benton Park, Lafayette Square, and Compton Heights, peering out the window with awe at the craftsmanship of the old homes—all made of sturdy St. Louis brick, mind you. Each house has a story. The folks living inside are adding a new chapter. It’s fun to look for clues and try to guess what’s going on.” –Nicholas Phillips, Senior Editor
