Housing update & dilema

We tried. We did our best, open houses every weekend, craigslist ads, NY times ads (when I felt like spending the $120), & some self promotion ( we are featured on brownstoner, and renovation voyeur, with both good and bad criticism). But with no bites,we have decided to list it with Corcoran this week, with a significant reduction in price. I am hesitant, I of course would love to sell it way over its worth, but the market isn't supporting me on this one. Our realtor is confident that with a reduction on the price, it will bring in a large crowd and lots of offers, driving the selling price significantly above asking. I am crossing my fingers. At least we can go back to church now.

In the meantime I have been checking out the housing market here in Utah. I flew in on Tuesday for some relaxing fall family and friend time. I have already seen two homes for sale. Both are from separate eras, a bungalow from the Frank Lloyd Wright, Arts and Crafts era, and a mid-century rambler ranch style home, but are similar in price.

This place is so charming, set on a tree lined street in Sugarhouse, not much work needed. But small, oh so small. We wouldn't be able to stay longer than a couple of years.

And this place. So much potential, and so big, but a lot of work needed. Our furniture and the furniture we drool over would look so good in this place. We could stay for years, but the street has zero charm, and the location isn't as desirable.

In reality, we won't buy either. You see, our place is still on the market, and still waiting for the perfect buyer to offer us cash. Until then, I will be drawing up floor plans, deciding where to build and take down walls, and furniture shopping for our future home.

**Note, we may stay in New York, that decision has not yet been finalized.

Sculpture Park

For a few years now we have been trying to get up to Storm King, a beautiful sculpture park just about an hour and a half away from the city. Not that any other trip wouldn't have been just as wonderful as Saturday, but the day couldn't have been more perfect. The air was warm & dry, the sun was bright, and the land was calm and still providing a beautiful backdrop for so many amazing sculptures.

The day began with stopping in the city for bagels, the best in the city from Tom's research. I haven't had many bagels since we've been here, so these were nothing short of delicious. So warm and crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, smothered in cream cheeses, and butter. I savored every bite.

We then spent the rest of the day walking to and from each sculpture, relaxing in the sun, taking photos, meeting up with friends, and basking in the awe of the beauty of where we were, and what was and wasn't around us.

Fabric Fabric!!!

I have successfully avoided all stores, sites, and ebay, in attempt to slow down my fabric mania. My small crafting cabinet is now overflowing to the point that I can't shut the doors anymore, and I haven't been able to justify blowing our food money on pretty fabric. Until yesterday.

My friend and I drove down to Bayridge to a very small hole in the wall fabric store in hopes of finding hidden gems. I wouldn't say I found any gems, but I did find some great fallish fabrics that will soon become tunics, dresses, and maybe a tie or shirt for Lukey too. I can always find a good excuse for more grey and plaid in my wardrobe.

And my first order from Superbuzzy was awaiting me in my mailbox upon my arrival home. I frequently browse Superbuzzy's fabrics and always fill my shopping cart, but I have never actually purchased. I couldn't resist these fun novelty prints. And I needed to whip up a quick gift for Luke's friend Marshall's b-day party today.

If anything, I can make lots of these with them.

Am I crazy?

I really want these.  Maybe it's the color. I love how cognac mixes with greys so beautifully for fall. Or maybe it's that these are a nice alternative to the over the top heeled bootie trend this year, or that they are a cuter version of the Brooklyn clog I see everywhere. Whatever the reason, I heart them and I can see them incorporating well into my fall wardrobe. Although I am sure I will never actually get to own them. I can dream though, and I do a great job of doing that.

They are by Rachel Comey, courtesy of Impulse Seattle which has some of the best selection of my favorite and other emerging designers. Check it out if you haven't. If anything it's great for inspiration.

Luke language

his few words

some of his signs

& a random day at the park