On the bookshelf: Anything by Michael Pollan

On a first-name basis with: The executive chef at Niche Restaurant

On the TiVo: "Top Chef," and most of the lineup from the Food Network

On the weekends: At a wine tasting or, better yet, on a visit to the wineries

Oil on canvas by G. Salman "Still-life original" ($795) at Art Trends Gallery, 703 Long Road Crossing Drive, Suite 1 in Chesterfield

"Domestic Diva" apron in hot pink, black and white ($19.99) at Bed, Bath & Beyond

Global 25th Anniversary three-piece Oriental knife set ($170) at Sur La Table, Plaza Frontenac

Clip-On timer, which can be attached to aprons and belts or propped on a countertop or affixed to a magnetic surface ($9.99 available in red, green, blue and yellow) at bonjourproducts.com

Fishnet Market Tote from Built has small openings that allow it to expand up to 200 percent in size ($45) at builtny.com

Handmade whimsical H&K Steel wine bottle sculpture ($92) at The Porch, 1700 South Ninth Street in Soulard

Antique door knobs embellish the top of these wine stoppers ($15 to $22) at Looking Glass Designs of Lafayette Square, 1410 South 18th Street in Lafayette Square