Identical frames containing photographs are fine to hang on your wall, however, I would suggest a different approach if you’re looking to create a display for a single flat surface, like a shelf, desk or side table. If all the frames share the same height and color, they lose their individuality. Choose frames that are as distinctively special as the photos inside them.

While most people typically opt for classic square and rectangle frames, I highly recommend looking into other shapes, like round and oval, that are more rare and, therefore, eye-catching.  Also, consider frames made of varying materials, such as glass, wood, leather, or silver.

I cannot stress enough how powerful it is to mix the old and the new. For example, it’s fun to place recent photos in vintage frames and, vice versa, age-tinged images in brand-new ones. You could also match frames from different eras to their subject, like an Art Deco-style one to a picture of your WWI veteran great-grandfather.

Once you have an arrangement you like, you’ll find that these frames become as familiar and companionable as the images they hold. I like to group my framed photos in sets of threes, fives, or sevens (odd numbers look more interesting) that complement rather than cancel out each other.

When photos come together to create what I call “vignettes”, it helps bring up conversations about cultural history, reminding kids (especially) that they share a family life with parents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents. Suddenly, your shelf, desk, table or even wall becomes a testimonial to your family’s past, present and future.

xox,
M

For more tips on how to capture your best memories and other home decor advice, check out my book LIVING WITH WHAT YOU LOVE.

This May, I experienced deja vu when I picked up my youngest daughter, Laura, at the airport. She had just returned from a semester abroad in Paris, where she studied French, art and business while living with a older single Parisian woman.

The similarities between our experiences were uncanny right down to feeling devastated the day we had to return home. She even went through my same program called the International Education of Students.

However, the biggest points of difference from our trips is that I didn’t have the opportunity to maintain a steady flow of conversation with my family as she did. Before Skype, Facebook, texting and even emailing, my best option to contact my parents, besides a handwritten letter, was a phone call, which I would make every 10 days or so from a post office or phone booth (remember those?) on a street corner.

Laura, on the other hand, always had the opportunity to reach out to us every day. If I didn’t hear from her, I would always find some excuse to write her an email. She was particularly great about taking me on excursions with her. She would often write to tell me in vivid detail about a new shop in the historic neighborhood of Marais or a bistro she discovered while exploring a quaint cobblestone street. Or she would bring me with her to my favorite museums—the Musee Rodin and the Musee d’Orsay—where I spent many, many days writing papers.

Had we signed up for Gowalla or Foursquare—popular online social networks that allow you to literally track participating friends and family on a world map (both offer rewards, like coupons, for visiting certain places)—I would have been able to literally follow her everywhere.

While French lifestyle, traditions, and museums have remained nearly the same since my academic visit, many of the restaurants and stores that she found were new to me. I was able to create fresh memories with her from across the Atlantic without dropping a dime—well, maybe a little money here and there since she found way too many cute boutiques. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to fall in love with Paris all over again through my daughter.

xox,
M

P.S. This week we’ve dedicated our all our posts to Paris and the highlights—historic neighborhoods, unique shops and special exhibitions—of my daughter’s recent trip, as told by her. Check back tomorrow to learn more about what this great city has to offer!

Sounds simple, right? Still, I often read in the news about the importance of sitting down to dinner with your family. Have we become so busy, independent and disconnected that we need to be told to do this? Has the modern family—two working parents and technology-obsessed kids—made sharing meals together a thing of the past?

If you need another reminder to uphold (or reclaim) this great tradition, let me tell you why I love it. Cooking for my daughters has slowly evolved into cooking with my daughters—one of my favorite things to do. As early as age seven, my youngest, Laura, started whipping up her own dishes. Whenever we had guests over, she would always volunteer to make this special fruit salad. My husband, oldest daughter and I would look at each other and say, “Yummm, Laura, that’s great. Go ahead!” And she would proceed to cut up fresh fruit, douse it with apple sauce, and mix it up (pictured above). It was disgusting, but we all ate it with a smile and plenty of praise for the little chef.

Encouraging Laura to explore her passion has paid off: she is now an incredible cook. Just the other day, I came home late from work to the most enticing aroma. I had the urge to yell, “Honey, I’m home, what’s for dinner?” I knew my husband wasn’t cooking, so it was a nice surprise when I discovered Laura, who was home from college, in the kitchen standing before a stunning spread, including the Barefoot Contessa‘s eggplant hors d’oeuvre and Mario Batali’s short ribs. I was very proud to see that she, too, has a deep appreciation for taking care of her family through food.

Though dinner at home has changed with the times (I’ll admit an iPhone occasionally vibrates at our table), the sentiment of togetherness is still strong and shouldn’t be taken for granted. What may have started out as an essential maternal task has turned into this irreplaceable bonding experience that continues to grow with every home-cooked meal. Don’t miss out on this precious time that’s both satiating for the body and soul.

xox,
M

P.S. Continuing our chat about food, catch our conversation with Micheal McCarty, owner of the famous Michael’s restaurant in Manhattan and Santa Monica, as part of our column MY HEIRLOOM later this week. We’ll also post a delicious excerpt from the fabulous book Mastering Cheese (new from Clarkson Potter) in SEE IT THEIR WAY.

Trips to eight food aid operations around the world as an Honorary Spokesperson for the UN World Food Program inspired Bush—niece of George W. and granddaughter of George H.W.—to co-found FEED Projects in 2006. The nonprofit is devoted to stopping child hunger through the sale of these stylish yet reusable burlap and cotton totes. Each one sold provides one child in school food for an entire year. So far, more than 550,000 bags and counting have been sold and 56 million meals delivered.

Here, Bush tells us about her own appreciation for a good meal, hybrid hounds, and, of course, her prized heirloom.

Tell us how you came to own this precious object.

“When I was a teenager, my mom created this painting—a sweet scene of a bunny talking to a little snail—and gave it to me. It hung in my room growing up and still does to this day. Looking at it has always made me happy and reminded me of my mom’s secret artistic talents, which I hope I’ve inherited in some capacity.”

How do you live with your heirloom?

“The painting hangs in my bedroom next to my mirror.  I see it twice a day—when I go to  bed and when I wake up.”

Who in your life has most influenced your personal style and taste?

“My personal style has been most influenced by my surroundings and experiences rather than one particular person. I always get so much inspiration from traveling, whether it is to Europe or somewhere exotic, and the artisanal work women are doing in developing countries around the world. Currently, I am working with female artisans in Guatemala, who are making FEED bags that will be sold at Lord & Taylor to help kids in Guatemala through UNICEF.”

[Fill in the blank] Whenever I look at ___”pugs”___I can’t help but smile. “I find pugs incredibly cute and funny-looking! From the way they breathe to the way they strut down the street, I can’t help but smile when one passes by.”

What’s the best part of your day?

“Its hard to pinpoint one exact moment each day, but if I had to choose, I’d have to say dinnertime. First of all, I love a good meal. After a nice full day, there’s nothing more fun than having dinner with my boyfriend, friends, and/or family. Recently, I have been trying my hand at cooking more often, which makes the eating part all the more satisfying.”

What was the most memorable gift you’ve ever given or received?

“When I was 5-years-old, my parents got me a puppy for Christmas. He was white and fluffy with a big red bow around his neck. I named him Junior. He was one of my favorite childhood playmates!”

What was your last purchase that you believe (or hope) will mean something to you 10 years from now?

“About nine months ago, I bought a gold ring with an engraving on the inside that reads: ‘This too will pass.’ It is a simple reminder that no matter what happens, good or bad, it will not last. That means that we must soak in the good while we can, and be patient with the bad, as it naturally will pass. This helps me never lose perspective.”

“I’m not afraid of too many things, and I got that invincible kind of attitude from my father.”—Reinhold Niebuhr, theologian/political commentator

“My father, when you were with him, gave you so much attention. It might only last for a minute, but for that minute you felt like you were the greatest thing that ever hit the earth.”—Courteney Cox, actor

“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.”—Bob Talbert, columnist

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”—Mark Twain, author

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”—Theodore Hesburgh, priest

“My dad always used to tell me that if they challenge you to an after-school fight, tell them you won’t wait-you can kick their ass right now.”—Cameron Diaz, actor

“One father is more than 100 schoolmasters.”—George Herbert , poet

“My Father taught me how to be a man – and not by instilling in me a sense of machismo or an agenda of dominance. He taught me that a real man doesn’t take, he gives; he doesn’t use force, he uses logic; doesn’t play the role of trouble-maker, but rather, trouble-shooter; and most importantly, a real man is defined by what’s in his heart, not his pants.”—Kevin Smith, screenwriter/producer/director

“My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition.”—Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India

“I wrote myself a check $10,000,000 for acting services rendered and dated it Thanksgiving 1995. I put it in my wallet and it deteriorated. And then, just before Thanksgiving 1995, I found out I was going to make $10,000,000 for ‘Dumb & Dumber.’ I put that check in the casket with my father because it was our dream together.” —Jim Carry, actor

1. START A NEW COLLECTION FOR HIM A fun and easy thing to do is to create or keep up old or new traditions. For instance, I have a friend who started a collection for her husband. Every year, she finds a small heart made out of various materials (such as Murano glass, stone, or seashell) and adds it to a beautiful small basket that sits on his dresser. Within years, she has managed to fill his bowl with a colorful collection of hearts.

2. WHEN IN DOUBT, FEED HIM Everyone knows that the way to any man’s heart is through his stomach. Your dad is no exception. Making him breakfast in bed or a special family barbeque (as my sister does for our Dad every year) is always a welcome (and delicious) gesture you can easily turn into an annual event. The key is to tailor the menu to his liking. My dad, for example, is European and, therefore, cannot enjoy a meal without bread. So I always pick up his favorite loaves—“Rustica Bread” from a local market—whenever he visits.

3. PUT YOUR SPIN ON HIS PASSION Say your father or husband is a sports fan, you could always go on eBay and find some old memorabilia of his favorite team. It doesn’t need to be pricey, but you can make it look expensive simply by framing the piece, be it an old postcard, magazine cover, or t-shirt. On a similar note, say he loves to collect wine. While you could get him an amazing new bottle, why not take this opportunity to expand his collection to include unique corkscrews. Pick out a few colorful or vintage ones, tack them on a pretty cork board, and hang it up near or in his cellar. Every year, you can add a new corkscrew.

4. PICTURES ARE WORTH MORE THAN 1,000 WORDS Consider mounting a french board behind your husband or father’s closet door, then invite your kids to fill it in with family photos. If they are anything like my kids, you may end up being omitted from the collage. When I asked my daughter, who must have been seven at the time, ‘where’s Mommy in the pictures,’ she just looked at me and said in this great matter-of-fact tone, “Mom, it’s Father’s Day. Why would you be in the pictures?” It was a classic Kosann moment.

For more ideas on how to make photographs, heirlooms and collectibles a special part of Dad’s life, check out my new book, LIVING WITH WHAT YOU LOVE. Also, you still have time to enter to win our special Father’s Day Giveaway, featuring HIS and HERS prizes. Click here for more details.

[Photography by Steven Randazzo]

We know that “behind every great man, there’s a great woman,” so to celebrate Father’s Day we decided to give one lucky subscriber prizes for him and her: a dark brown Monica Rich Kosann Leather Image Case (estimated value: $325) and a Monica Rich Kosann White Topaz Pendant (estimated value: $295). Keep one for yourself and give the other away to a special man (be it grandpa, dad, or your kids’ dad) or woman in your life.

To enter your name in the random drawing (see rules), simply sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter before Father’s Day (June 20th), which is when we will announce the winner. Good luck!

For more information on Monica Rich Kosann collections, visit shop.fineartoffamily.com.

The two I tried out—the Optoma Pico PK201 and 3M MPro150—were great. Both were easy to operate (thanks to simple symbol-based intuitive set-ups) and are under $400. Each has a one-year warrantee, cables necessary to connect to a Mac and/or PC, and weigh a mere 5.6 ounces. They also feature standard tripod sockets and built-in speakers, though neither was powerful enough to be heard over a crowd, so I didn’t fuss with them. Another tiny con they both share is that neither will let you adjust the color, which isn’t a big deal, unless you’re photo perfectionist like me.

The projectors allowed everyone to see Pop’s new photos from his recent trips to India and Alaska while sipping cocktails, nibbling on appetizers, and mingling with guests. It was a great conversation starter: People were sharing laughs and swapping stories about the hilarious hairstyles and outfits of back in the day.

If you’re interested in creating a slide show to celebrate a special event, such as a graduation, engagement, wedding, or birthday, I’ve detailed the subtle differences between these two promising projectors to help you choose the best one for you. Let me know if you have any questions!

OPTOMA PICO PK201, $299

Pros As soon as you flip the on switch, the palm-sized projector checks for new media and loads quickly. Once you transfer and select your folder of images, the show will begin. That’s it! You’ll notice the images are crisp even if the room isn’t dark (just make sure you choose the “bright” setting). There are no moving parts, like fans, so this model is ultra silent. The USB memory stick adapter allows for portability of images, including large files, without a computer. Projected image size ranges from five to 66 inches.

Cons Rotation time between slides, which fade into each other, can be set to two, five, or 10 seconds. So if you want images to linger longer, it won’t happen. Unplugged, its battery life is only one hour. The internal memory is 55 MB (not a lot), and if you don’t get rid of the presentation software (for PC only) on the drive, then you only have 22 MB of available space, which is nothing. You’ll have to get an additional MicroSD card (about $10 for 2 GBs).

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3M MPRO150, $395.00

Pros As if one GB of internal memory weren’t enough, this handheld projector also comes with a microSD 2 GB card, so you can store tons of images. This model also provides more presentation options than the Optoma, including an “excel” setting (for professional use) and multiple viewing speeds (three, five, 10, 30 and 60 seconds). Projected image size ranges from eight to 50 inches. Battery life is 90 minutes; a light on the top advises you of its status. Added bonus: It comes with international power adapters, making it great for travel, and it has a handy flip down stand for easy tabletop placement.

Cons Fewer options for card reader and no cable for a USB flash reader. Only Micro and VGA-A/V output are provided. Images are slower to load when you click through and they transition inconsistently, from the side or top to bottom (unfortunately, you can’t control this), which I found distracting. Lastly, this model has a fan, which would be noisy in a quieter setting.

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ONCE YOU HAVE A PROJECTOR you will need to find a light or white surface to shine the slide show. Ideally, you’ll want a room that is not too bright, so plan ahead for that if you can!

About Our Expert: With 20 years as an editor, director and producer of photography for magazines and newspapers, Amelia Hennighausen has been immersed in the change from film to digital from the beginning. Also, as a professor of photojournalism at New York’s Fordham University, she’s made it her job to keep on top of the latest developments in technology and to stay current with the most recent trends.

[Photography of products courtesy of Optoma and 3M. Opening image by Amelia Hennighausen.]

My family knows that every Tuesday evening is my “American Idol” time. I’m not embarrassed to admit, I’ve been a fan since day one. I love it! I even vote.

It’s hard not to get attached to these talented strangers, who quickly become household names. But as Simon reminds us regularly in his British accent, “this is a singing competition.” While I agree that I may never have “met” any of these contestants if it weren’t for their vocal gift, it’s not the only reason why I (and millions of others) watch and vote. For several weeks, each singer’s voice and personal stories enter our homes through the TV. We get to know who they are, where they came from, and learn about their aspirations as well as disappointments. It’s truly an emotional roller coaster ride.

Earlier this year, 17-year-old Katie Stevens sang Etta James’ “At Last” to her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. After the song, she explained to the judges how her grandmother, who helped raised her, has been so supportive of her dream. It meant the world to her to sing that song on the “American Idol” stage for her grandmother while she still recognized her. How fast did your heart melt after hearing that? I can’t imagine there was a single dry eye in the house. At least not in mine.

Another emotional moment came when 24-year-old Lee DeWyze (my favorite this season) visited his family in Chicago this March (watch the video here). The outpouring of love and support from his family and fans, left the “Idol” finalist feeling so overwhelmed and touched that he couldn’t fight back the tears. He got choked up as he entered the gymnasium full of cheering kids at his elementary school and when he was reunited with former coworkers from the paint store where he used to dream about singing. Then he performed Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” (the beloved song that his father had introduced him to and that helped inspired his passion). That’s when he finally broke down and cried as his parents mouthed the words to the song in the crowd. I’d swear I saw Simon shed a few tears as he watched the heartbreaking footage of the home visit.

Both “At Last” and “The Boxer” are two great examples of the power of song. You don’t need to be a singer to appreciate how powerful and symbolic music can be. When that song on the radio or iPod strikes a chord with you, it’s like magic. It perfectly explains how you are feeling, inspires you to act, or takes you back to a pivotal moment in time. For each of us, a song can be part of a personal journey or an inspiration for some goal we’ve set for ourselves.

And I think that is part of the pull of “American Idol.” It is no accident that the popular reality TV show continually explores old genres and artists. The producers know that these classic songs are close to many Americans’ hearts. It’s amazing to see a new generation re-interpret, connect and find inspiration in them. “American Idol” is really one of the most sentimental shows on TV.

xox,
M

P.S. This Wednesday night, “American Idol” will conclude it’s ninth season with a winner. No matter who that person is, the power of the song has been an important part of their journey and mine, as a devout fan.

One of the principal players in this e-media revolution, Pallot is no stranger to reinventing the way we experience magazines. Before overseeing Conde Nast’s web brands, such as Epicurious.com and Style.com (which earned him a coveted American Society of Magazine Editors award for General Excellence Online in 2005), the brilliant British expat spearheaded the redesign of People.com at Time, Inc. A pioneer in the young and volatile online publishing industry, Pallot has received many accolades throughout his 20+ year-career, including an induction into MIN’s Digital Hall of Fame in 2008.

Here, Pallot divulges his off-line obsessions and addictions.

Tell us how you came to own this precious object.

“I’ve only owned this bicycle for about 14 months, but it is brilliant – an amazing feat of design and engineering – and it has changed my life. It keeps me fit, happy and motivated. When I’m on a really great ride, I literally feel like I’m flying.

About a year ago, I had the January blahs. Feeling sluggish, I realized I needed to start doing something physical (I’ve never been a gym person). A friend suggested getting a bike, and so I started checking out stores around Manhattan. Being a design geek, I began obsessing over materials, colors, logos, etc. The process dragged on for months. But when I saw the Cervelo R3 – an ultra-light (less than 3 pounds!) racing bike made by a boutique Canadian company – I was instantly smitten. With a cool black-and-white color scheme, it looked futuristic yet traditional at the same time.”

How do you live with your heirloom?

“It leans against the wall in my living room, mostly for easy access. When I ride in the morning before work, time is of the essence in terms of getting everything together and heading out the door. I try to ride at least three times a week for as much of the year as I can.

The hardest part of riding in the city is finding some space. As soon as it’s nice out, all the paths and parks become overcrowded. I love riding in winter when there are fewer people around. Seeing the sun rise as you pedal over the Brooklyn Bridge is pretty great. I did a ride on Shelter Island in January and it was so cold, my water bottle froze!”

Who in your life has most influenced your personal style and taste?

“Paul Smith, the British designer and, coincidentally, cycling enthusiast. My first-ever designer item was a pink-and-white striped dress shirt from his Covent Garden store way back in the 80s. He’s been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. ‘Classic with a twist’ pretty much sums up my style and he more or less owns that corner of the market.”

[Fill in the blank] Whenever I look at ______I can’t help but smile. “I’m leaving this blank in an attempt to cultivate a reputation as a man of mystery.”

What’s the best part of your day?

“My first cup of coffee in the morning. What can I say, I’m an addict.”

What was the most memorable gift you’ve ever given or received?

“Shortly after I moved from London to New York, my then-girlfriend gave me an Olympia Cremina, a classic hand-lever espresso machine. It’s kind of the Rolls Royce of the genre. Twenty years, 10,000 cups of coffee, and two top-to-bottom repairs later, it’s still a beloved part of my daily routine.”

What was your last purchase that you believe (or hope) will mean something to you 10 years from now?

“That would be my apartment. I love it for many reasons, one of which is that it’s a great space for entertaining. It’s a third floor walk-up in an 1830s building, but it’s laid out like a loft. It’s one big room with a deck out back. I grew up incredibly shy, so the fact that I now throw two big parties a year, and have a hundred people milling about in my space, is kind of amazing to me.”