MasterClass: Mixology by Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana

One master already provided so much new learning and insight so what more can be gained from two? This was the case with this class, the first MasterClass I completed that featured two experts in the field of mixology hailing from two very different backgrounds and cultures (US and UK), and hence, yielding two diverse

MasterClass: Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler’s MasterClass was not on the top of my watch list but because I had a home improvement project on my plate, I decided to check it out. I ended up finishing the entire course. Although my style is more minimalist and homey (think Joanna Gaines and Magnolia), I find Kelly’s designs as beautiful

MasterClass: Wine Appreciation by James Suckling

Soil, temperature, humidity, weather—these and many more make up the vital considerations in growing wine. Some wineries in Tuscany (Marchesi Antinori) even place rocks beneath each vine for heat management; the pieces absorb heat in the daytime which will be emitted in the cooler nighttime. There’s a notion that the older the wine, the better

MasterClass: Makeup and Beauty by Bobbi Brown

Highlight your natural beauty. Pick the makeup shades that match the colors of your skin and lips. Bobbi Brown’s go-to look is not that far from my simplistic makeup combination. Contrary to the trends, makeup doesn’t have to be loud and complicated. Because of my minimalist preferences, I used to think that I’m doing it

Real, hard talk

I’m not close to quitting but can I just say that this phase sucks?

Protected: Atomic Habits by James Clear

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

MasterClass: Modern Italian Cooking by Massimo Bottura

Cosa imparo: “Il palato è l’elemento fondamentale di un cuoco.” Usi gli ingredienti nel tuo paese. Personalizzi la ricetta. (Use the ingredients in your country. Customize the recipe.) This takes out all the pressure (and pretense) that can be felt by an amateur who’s learning how to cook Italian cuisine. Strict compliance to a recipe

MasterClass: Business Leadership by Howard Schultz

Key takeaways: Make key decisions with your partners and customers in mind. Howard designates two empty chairs (imaginary or real?) in every leadership meeting for the Partner (Starbucks employee) and the Customer. Hire for two things: domain expertise and core values. Hire someone who is open to accept equity options as compensation and does not

MasterClass: Self-Made Entrepreneurship by Sara Blakely

Key takeaways: Avoid sharing your idea on the onset just to receive validation. Wait until you have gathered sufficient evidence to back up its feasibility. Wait until you have built a case that is strong enough that despite contradictions and reservations from the people around you, you will do it anyway. Sara kept her idea

Start-up Nation by Dan Senor and Saul Singer

“Israel has developed an unusual specialty: an ability not only to cope with but to leverage all sorts of adversity . . . The essence of the Start-up Nation story is a country’s ability to turn adversity into a renewable source of creative energy . . .”