Sometimes a product doesn’t need a clever explanation — it just needs a name that makes you say OMG! Case in point: Fuckin’ Soap by Rude Dude Fragrances. Spotted in the wild at NY Now, this bar of soap comes in a surprisingly glam package: a black box with silver lettering and silver borders that gives it a sleek, almost luxurious look. It reminds of a matchbook you’d find in a downtown nightclub back in the eighties. Then you notice the name. Fuckin Soap. The bar itself carries the same unapologetic name, embossed right across the front. It’s soap, it’s irreverent, it’s a little bit glam, and it gets the job done. Most importantly, it exists!
What if you could actually see what was going on inside someone’s head? Erwin Wurm offers his own wonderfully strange answer with It’s Not Me, It’s Not You (Mind Bubbles), a 2025 sculpture that was part of the artist’s Double Dream exhibit at Lehmann Maupin.
To me, the sculpture looks like a character from some surreal cartoon: A cloud head / body perched atop pair of extremely long, skinny legs that bend awkwardly beneath the enormous, amorphous form. The entire figure is rendered in a soft, dreamy pale blue right down to its little lace-up boots. Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Erwin Wurm, It’s Not Me, It’s Not You (Mind Bubbles)→
Creating a greener home doesn’t mean you need to replace everything you own. Some of the most useful changes are fairly simple and very easy to do. You can make your property more efficient, cut down on unnecessary waste, and create a home that feels as comfortable as possible. For a sustainable home, look at all the things you already use every day and ask whether there is a cleaner way to do them. Small changes can make everyday habits easier, which will make your home happier and healthier overall.
1. Energy Efficient Upgrades
Your energy use at home is a really good place to begin because it affects household bills and your environmental footprint. If solar power is on your list, take some time to research options such as a solar program before making any decisions. Check what is available in your area, how much energy your property uses, and whether your roof is suitable. Even if solar isn’t right for you, replacing older bulbs with LEDs using efficient appliances, and switching off equipment when it’s not needed can really help. Continue reading 4 Eco-Friendly Tips for a Happier Home→
Often a pop of color can completely change the feel of a streetscape. Case in point: the outdoor dining area at Romeos on St. Marks Place in the East Village. The curbside setup is a particularly appealing shade of pale pink, with low metal stools and matching folding cocktail tables, each decorated with a little red heart in the center. Bright red umbrellas provide the finishing touch —and a welcome bit of shade. Because while it’s still summer we should be eating and drinking outdoors as much as possible! Continue reading Pink Thing of The Day: Pink Outdoor Seating at Romeos Cocktail Bar→
Aging isn’t just about the years passing anymore. It’s become an active art, a way of curating our vitality. The modern view on living longer has shifted from simply adding years to our life to making every moment we have feel richer. It’s about feeling vibrant, engaged, and capable, no matter what the calendar says. Thinking of aging as an art form lets us see ourselves as the artists, with our daily choices acting as the brushstrokes that create a masterpiece of a long, well-lived life.
Beyond the Calendar Years
Thankfully, conversations about aging are moving beyond just counting birthdays. Now, the focus is on “healthspan” – the time we spend in good health, free from the chronic diseases and disabilities that often come with getting older. This means making mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and physical energy top priorities. It’s about having the stamina to enjoy hobbies, travel, and stay connected with the people we care about. This forward-thinking approach is backed by progress in fields like longevity and regenerative medicine, which aim to optimize how long we stay healthy, not just how long we live. True wellness isn’t measured by your birth date, but by your ability to fully enjoy life. Continue reading The Art of Aging Well: A Modern Approach to Longevity→
