My Favorite Things

“This book is a testament to a newfound connection to the natural world at a time we need it most. It’s a monument to the pleasures of the Flamingo Estate garden, the people that keep it buzzing, and the myriad ways Mother Nature takes care of us when we take care of her.”

“I’m a big fan of anything with upcycled materials. This apron is made from recycled fabrics held together with thick seams, and has a handy center pocket to stash recipes when I am cooking in the kitchen.”

“I took an older version of this camera to Mount Everest, up to the North Pole, and down to the South Pole. My version got banged up, frozen, and crushed—and it still works perfectly. Life needs better photos, and the Leica M 10-R is the best gift for anyone with a good eye.”

“I think a hot bath is the greatest luxury. So we made these soaps from rare Japanese essential oils: hinoki, hiba, Kitayama sugi, and yakusugi, responsibly sourced from UNESCO-protected cedar forests in Japan, from the limbs of previously cut trees. Each comes hand-wrapped in ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the 17th century.”

“I have a confession: I fall asleep in front of the fire at least once a week. We all need a soft emergency blanket for these situations. This one is perfect.”

“I’m not a fashion person—I’d much rather spend my money on a tree than clothes—but I do like a well-made suit. And since green is my favorite color, this olive corduroy suit from the tailors at Drake’s has my name on it.”