Things that inspire us

Cass Daubenspeck is a culture and lifestyle writer based in Brooklyn. She lives for good coffee, good whiskey, and a rainy Sunday morning. She interviews people about their weekend routines at sundayroutine.com. Twitter: @missprotestalot.

Dale Pimentel is a fashion copywriter at Levi.com, and a residing native of San Francisco. He grew up as a hip-hop/backup dancer, with a degree in SF nightlife, and has more sneakers than one could fit in a NY-sized studio.

David Toussaint's latest book is DJ: The Dog Who Rescued Me. He is the author of four books, including The Gay Couples Guide to Wedding Planning and TOUSSAINT! Toussaint is also a professional playwright and actor. He resides in Manhattan. Reach him on Facebook!

Jay Blotcher is a longtime writer for magazines based in the Hudson Valley. He is currently at work on Holding On, a new musical about Harlem life in the 1960s with composer Neil Klein. holdingonthemusical.com

Laura Grimmer is a professional cook and sommelier. She came late to the culinary world, selling her PR firm and enrolling at the French Culinary Institute. She has a deep appreciation for tradition in the kitchen. perfectpairnyc.com

Lisa Kelsey is a Dutchess County, NY-based art director. Her radio shows “Stirring the Pot” on home cooking, and “Spice: The Final Frontier” on herbs and spices, can be heard on Pawling Public radio. pawlingpublicradio.org

Mac Smith is a New York City based fashion writer who has never met a cat, coat or cake he didn't love. itcantallbedior.blogspot.com twitter: @itcantallbedior

Matthew Wexler is the National Style and Travel Editor at EDGE Media Network. More of his musings can be found on his blog, roodeloo.com.

Sarah Lohman is a historic gastronomist. You can follow her adventures at fourpoundsflour.com.

Sloan Rollins contributes to Time Out New York and is a music and theater critic for EDGE Media Network. sloanrollins.com