Blog

Living and Dining

2008-12-12T16:35:45Z

This is my favorite room in the house. In fact, it is what sold it. I am in love with the fireplace and even more in love with lighting it and taking naps by it. Now if I could only figure out how to light it without burning half my hair off in the process.

The pictures aren't from the exact angles but hopefully close enough to get the idea.

Before:

After:

In this room we didn't do much besides stain the floor a dark walnut, add recessed lighting and paint. Next on the list is artwork and new blinds.

Before:

After:

granted these are different corners but same end of room

And I also recognize how this corner desperately needs artwork.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

I love the idea of having a dining table. Finally we can have people over and they don't have to eat off of their laps. Too bad we never have anyone over.

In the original design of the house, this room was actually the kitchen before the addition. Because we wanted wood floor throughout the main floor we had to add it to this room. We also added the pendant light, painted, and changed the door. The door wasn't my first choice, but we were too late in picking one out for our contrator so he chose this one for us and installed it.

Art at Old Navy

2008-12-05T00:50:10Z

I'm a fan of Charley Harper. I was first introduced to him through my friend Nick, who was smart and bought a few signed prints of his just after he died. His stuff is great, and now is available on little tees, puzzles, and books at Old Navy. I want all of it.

He loves them,

2008-12-02T05:57:14Z

and they aren't made with lights, or shiny plastic.

I'm in love with tin toys, and not so much in love with plastic ones. These are so old and classic, but still hold Luke's attention for longer than any other toy. It may be that they are set up high on a shelf, and only played with when he is closely supervised, but either way, they are great.

Luke first got hooked on this rocket carousel and the spinning top while playing with Eve and Ruth. He needed his own to play with, so Santa brought them to him for Christmas. But sadly, they sat in boxes until he finally got his own room, which was just a few months ago. I must admit, I love how they look, but even more, I love hearing Luke call out "Rocket Ship" instead of "Baby Show".

Most of these toys are made by Schylling and can be bought here. The truck was a gift from Eve and Ruth, and the top I bought at a toy store in Brooklyn. My plan is to give one to Luke each year for Christmas, although narrowing them down to just one might difficult.

Hope has come

2008-11-05T16:01:59Z

I can't stop smiling. And thank you Tom for being an Obama poster expert.

My boy, the pirate

2008-11-04T02:05:28Z

Hallowen came and went this year. It was almost even a blur to me. I procrastinated making Luke's costume, mainly due to the disinterest I have had in sewing lately, but also because I have been very busy. I stayed up way too late the night before, and worked on it up until 10 minutes before we were to leave for stop # 1, 3Form, Tom's work.

He was the perfect pirate, aside from the fact he was terrified of every other costume out there. He demanded to be held while traveling from office space to office space, not quite how we pictured it. But he mellowed out after he met up with his girlfriend Dotty, the lamb, or bunny, and they had a terrific time playing together. I think Luke might have even forgot it was halloween.

Stop # 2 was down to Orem for a "trunk or treat" extravaganza. Nothing can compete with trick or treating up and down the streets of Brooklyn lined in brownstones, but I have to say, this block knows how to throw a party. There was not a brownstone in sight but there were cars back to back with trunks open and filled with happy costumers and lots of candy. And if that wasn't enough, the end of the street offered music, dancing, and hot apple cider. Luke had a bawl, and so did I.

For Luke's costume, I wasn't impressed with the patterns available, so I improvised a little. For the pants, I did find a pattern for little girls knickers, McCall's # M5457, and used brown cordoroy. For the shirt and vest, I traced one of Luke's dress shirts, and played around with it until it looked piratey, using elastic thread for the hem, adding a collar, and of course, the deep vee. The vest was just a version of the shirt without sleeves, black twill, and lined in red to to tie in the tights.

#1

2008-10-27T09:13:23Z

I am resorting to this. Posting pictures of the clothes I wear. I just can't seem to find the time for fun hobbies, sewing, and such. Lately I only seem to have time or energy for shopping. So, for now, I will be posting some of my stuff I throw together. Maybe one a week or so, until I get back into the swing of things.

If you have spent any time at all with me lately you are probably sick of this outfit, or something very similar to it. I have been obsessed lately with high waisted skirts, printed tees, and cardigans.

Shoes: Jeffery Campbel

Skirt: Old Navy (and I must note here that it only cost me $7.00, I bought two in 3 different sizes each plus one in grey).

Tshirt: Brooklyn Industries

Cardigan: Madewell (At some point I may just do a post all about Madewell cardigans. They are the best. This is the 4th one I have purchased from there.

Remodel: Kitchen

2008-10-17T23:19:12Z

We aren't completely done with our house. I don't know if we ever will be really. There is quite a bit more time, money, and resources that are required when renovating a house vs. an apartment. I'm happy with the progress though.

The kitchen is the most complete of our home. I refused to move in until it was finished. I'm so in love with it. We really lucked out in our neighborhood. Our kitchen is an add on so it is at least three times the size of most, not to mention I only had 60 inches of cooking space in my last apartment, so this is a dream. If I only had the time now to actually cook in it.

I only have two before pictures. We were not big fans of the layout. It didn't seem to maximize the space, you can't see beyond the bar, but there is about 10 feet of extra space. We could have put a little kitchen table there, but we knew we wanted a separate dining area which is adjacent to the kitchen, and two tables near each other would have been a little strange. And lets be honest, we weren't huge fans of the cabinets.

We almost gutted the entire kitchen. We flipped the layout switching the oven range and fridge. All of the cabinets are from Ikea, and the countertop is a Silestone from Home Depot. We also replaced the tile with hardwood floor to match the rest of the first floor.

Some fall shoes

2008-10-16T04:44:47Z

I've noticed a trend lately, at least with my taste in shoes. Every shoe that I want for fall this year reminds me of either a men's shoe, or a shoe that could easily have been worn in the 80's. It's no secret that I love flats. I work on my feet all day so comfort is second, and these all seem pretty comfortable, and cute in my opinion.

I fell in love with these last year when I saw them at Impulse Seattle.

I searched high and low for a cheaper pair, and almost even resorted to buying a mens pair off of ebay. I didn't, and am glad I waited, they are now making knock offs.

These are from Jeffrey Campbell, I found them during one of my shopping sprees in NY at David Z's.

And this is my fake Sartoralist picture showing them off.

I also tried to buy them in brown, but they messengered the wrong size to me. I just can't get over how cute they would look with narrow jeans and a blazer, so 80's right?

I have some other favorites too.

The boat shoe, or top sider. Sperry makes a great pair, and you can get them in a variety of colors. I know Abby's with me on these.

I also love the classic Penny loafer, or the update with the tassels. This article convinced me I might need a pair this fall.

In addition to these shoes, I really need a new pair of black riding boots. Anyone have suggestions?

People I miss

2008-10-10T00:20:22Z

If you're picture isn't on this post, it's not because I don't miss you, it's because either the picture I do have of you was too dark, or I just forgot to take more pictures. But either way, I miss all of you.

Katie and Eve

Amy

Scout and Mara

*photo by Rusty Clifton

Justin

Scarlett

Abby

Sara

Nick

Chip

Sara

Chris

Food I miss

2008-10-08T05:36:41Z

I'm still in denial. Denial that my vacation is over, denial that I don't live in New York anymore, and denial that I won't be able to eat my favorite foods whenever I feel like. I've been back for almost three days, and my mouth is still watering, and probably will be until my next vacation.

Spicy broad noodles and pad thai from Song.

Custard and banana chocolate cake from Tea & Symphony.

Best hot dogs ever from Grays Papaya. Grab a coconut juice there too and you're set.

Fried Mars bar from Salt and Battery.

Pizza from Grimaldi's.

Jacques Torres chocolates. And the spicy hot chocolate, perfect for a fall afternoon.

And New York's cookie, the black and white.

You may ask yourself, is it possible she ate all of this food and didn't gain any weight? And the answer is no, I gained 5 pounds.