Scouts Honour: A Guidebook

Whether we're talking fashion, work or relationships, sometimes we can use a little guidance - and I found just the thing.

One very chilly and brief stint at an obscure NYC flea-market left me admiring a copy 1965's Boy Scout Handbook. So ok, while this guide is entirely geared towards the great outdoors (think the whole build-a-camp-fire-and-use-stars-as-a-compass thing), we must endeavor to remember that guidance is guidance. Besides, you may recall I loved Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom - so this actually is beyond relevant.

From proper uniform etiquette and pitching the perfect tent, to learning how to tie a fail-safe safety knot, there really is a great deal of value in a good survival guide. I mean, the North Star isn't called the North Star for nothing you guys. Also the fact that Norman Rockwell designed the cover artwork for this handbook (one of several commissions for the Boy Scouts of America) is hugely significant. And if nothing else, it makes a pretty sweet addition to my book collection while also doubling as a fantastic coaster.

Happy weekend.

*Click here to learn more about Norman Rockwell's artistic contributions to the Boy Scouts of America.

The Perfect Gift: John Derian

Finding the perfect gift is akin to an intense session at Soul Cycle: it's hard work, but always completely worth the effort.

And yes, we all know gifts should be personal, beautiful, practical and reflective of both the receiver and giver. But sometimes you find yourself at a loss, roaming Barneys and thinking "this spatula is really something" - right? While some spatulas are indeed something (Le Creuset has an excellent assortment) I'd prefer to give something slightly more substancial, unless you're dealing with a regular Martha Stewart-type (in which case the spatula is beyond thoughtful). 

With this in mind, on a recent jaunt up The Bowery I was pleased to discover John Derian's flagship store (at 6 East 2nd Street). The endless selection of hand-made (in NYC) coasters, paperweights and platters are beyond charming and make for the perfect gift on so many occasions. We're talking coral platters for housewarmings, monogrammed paperweights for weddings, large skull bowls for dinner parties - you get the point. I finally settled on a large domed elephant coaster (because everyone loves a good elephant) - which can easily double-up as a trinket-holder. 

Nicole Kidman may or may not be a fan too - just sayin'.

*A selection of John Derian coasters are available online. Click here for details.