Ten things I can’t live without, as of May 13, 2010

• Coffee, more specifically the Nespresso system. I need a cup or two each morning, and since this stuff is expensive, fancy and tailor-made for single servings, I don’t over-caffeinate. Favorite varieties include Fortissimo Lungo and Indriya—both are bold, spicy and perfect for Americano-sized cups.

• Mac. Let’s face it, I’m glued to my iPhone and MacBook, not to mention Pages, Logic Pro and iTunes. These guys do it right. Next purchase? The iPad. At first I wasn’t convinced, but the more I think about it, the more I truly believe this machine will revolutionize the way people get their information. It puts the glossy back into glossies.

• Twitter. It took me a while to realize how useful Twitter really is. This is the best way to filter information and feel linked to sources you want to be close to... like Rachel Zoe. I’m more of a follower than a leader. That being said, I really should actually “tweet” more.

• Fragrance. I need to smell like something other than me (not like I smell terrible or anything, though). Like slightly rotten oranges (Terre d’Hermès), or an aristocratic lady on a horse (Daim Blond by Serge Lutens), or a Cuban jazz singer (Havana Vanille by L’Artisan Parfumeur). Other favorites include Infusion d’Homme by Prada, Lime Basil & Mandarin by Jo Malone and Beach by Bobby Brown. (This category includes candles, because I need my home to smell great, too. I LOVE French Lilac by Pacifica, Fraser Fir by Thymes and anything by Jo Malone.)

• Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Non-Streak Bronzer. I’ve often thought about what my desert island cosmetic essential would be, and I always considered this item... but then I realized that I’d probably develop a pretty good tan on a desert island, thereby rendering a gel bronzer quite obsolete. Oh, those scenarios are so complicated, and I take them so seriously! I do wish this product contained sunscreen, though.

• Baléa 3 in 1 Cleansing Cloths. I recently came to terms with my lazy nature. Turns out I’m not as high maintenance as I once thought. The fact is I HATE washing my face at night! I know, seems terribly shameful for a beauty junkie, but it’s the truth. I keep a box of these amazing face wipes by my bed and “wash” my face with them as I lay in a semi-comatose state. They leave my skin clean and fresh, and they’re cheap!

• Gillette Razors. The best a man can get, enough said. (I will be blogging a bit more about Gillette’s new Fusion ProGlide razor in a day or two—it’s really good!)

• My Vespa and my bike. Seems as if I’m a two-wheel kind of guy. I’ve had my Vespa for a few years now and I absolutely love zipping around town in it. I truly think low emission scooters should slowly replace five seater cars holding one passenger. Just makes sense, right? Last year I bought a vintage Eaton’s Glider bike made by Raleigh and I LOVE it. 

(note my glamorous lifestyle: bike indoors, garbage can, recycling with high-sugar cereal in it)

• My apartment. I absolutely love my imperfect apartment. It’s old and somewhat dingy, but it’s also charming and the consummate city residence. For every bad feature (questionable plumbing, cheap tile in the kitchen, there’s a good feature (high ceilings, big windows, lots of room). There’s something about the energy in my apartment that makes people want to convene there. And that makes me very happy.

• My niece Versailles and my nephew Jacob. These two kids bring endless amounts of joy to me and my family. They are a constant source of laughter, wit and love. Versailles is currently very much into American Girl dolls (and her Cabbage Patch Kid named Sadie) and Jacob is a budding comic artist. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these two!

Runners up: Red wine, Club Monaco, bagged salads, olive oil, perfect omelets, macaroons