For me, that suitcase sweet spot is the Optimus Luggage Carry On. I live in New York City, a place with endless flight options to any destination you can think of; I have family scattered across the country (and even abroad); I like traveling to far-flung places for vacation, and I occasionally get the opportunity to travel for work, too. With all that, I end up on an airplane several times a year (hello, Frequent Flyer status), so it’s a necessity that I have a suitcase that can count as a carry-on (so I can avoid bag fees), fit all my travel necessities (I’m a notorious over-packer), and withstand the challenges of traveling and being dragged through city streets....

A few of their ideas had to be sacrificed (goodbye, fire pit!), but Riche was able to create the perfect cozy outdoor space for family gatherings. If you need some inspiration, consider these three design takeaways for your space.

Some aspects of figuring out how to prepare for an emergency entail properly maintaining home fixtures and wiring or playing the long-game of emergency prep, but not all are that way. Most of these small ways to prepare for emergencies take less than 10 minutes, and they set us and our spaces up to be better prepared in case of emergency. Soraya Sutherlin, MPA, Certified Emergency Manager, Emergency Management Director of JUDY, an emergency preparedness kit provider Jim Judge, EMT-P, CEM, Emergency Management Director for Volusia County, Florida, and member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council George Hernandez, IICRC Master Water Restorer, IICRC Master Fire Restorer, Florida Certified Building Contractor and Mold Remediator, and Vice President of PuroClean, an emergency restoration service

Case in point: I recently swapped my traditional bath mat for a hand-woven rug from an under-the-radar home goods brand called Quiet Town, and I’ll never go back. I discovered the Brooklyn-founded brand at Nordstrom’s new home department at its New York flagship store, which now showcases more than 50 fresh brands, including small businesses and familiar staples alike. Quiet Town is one of the smaller decor companies now available to shop at Nordstrom....

When I got married, I was showered with sweet gifts from loved ones, all from my registry. However, there was one item I didn’t register for but received anyway, thanks to a family friend who firmly believes no kitchen is complete without it: the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set. Well over a year later, and I can confirm she was right. The silicone spatulas have held up to my nightly cooking for all this time, and they’re just like new—impressive given the number of times I’ve burnt water or boiled over a pot of spaghetti....