Happy weekend!

I've been finding a lot of weird stuff on the street lately.

These pictures don't have anything to do about Memorial Day weekend, but I thought I'd share them with you, because they're pretty funny.

I found an avocado and an onion.  AllI need is a tomato and I can make quacamole!  Just kidding, I didn't keep them.  


This is my wishlist for the weekend.  I hope I can do it all!


See Bridesmaids.


Eat Mexican food.


Go for a bike ride.


See this exhibit at the Met.


Make banana bread.


Maybe the beach?


Have a great weekend!

Better than it looks

I made tortillas from scratch this week and it went a little something like this. *

 

Tortilla recipe from the back of Bob's Red Mill Masa Harina.  Pork taco recipe from here.  It was surprisingly easy and possibly one of the most delicious things I've ever made.  I'm never buying tortillas again!

* I also tried out my new Labelbox app.  Also, highly recommended.

Before & After

Once upon a time, on the Upper, Upper West Side of Manhattan (112th Street, to be exact), I found a chair on the street.  She was a lovely chair.  I painted her green and put her just inside the door to my new sublet so I'd have a place to leave my purse when I came home.

Eight years, five apartments and two paint-jobs later, the poor thing needed to retire.  Someone sat on her last month and she literally collapsed underneath them, much to my humiliation!  Sorry chair, you had a good run, but it's time to go.

Enter the bench.  

I've been thinking about a bench for this space for a few months.  I liked the idea of having a bench for extra seating; two people can sit on him, instead of only one, like my chair.  Also, I thought a bench would look great under my sewing table - something to echo the simple rectangular shape of the the design.  I knew exactly what I wanted, but couldn't find anything in traditional stores (Target, etc.) so I began to scour craigslist.  It took me a while, but I finally got the bench of my dreams from a very nice lady in Midtown who was moving and selling a bunch of stuff.  $40 - not free, but I would hesitate to pick up something upholstered off the street.  I'm not shy about garbage picking, as evidenced here, but I draw the line at fabric/upholstery.  Why, I couldn't tell you.  I just do, okay?

Four coats of paint (yes, really) and a $6 yard of fabric later and I have this:

Ta DAA!  

Not bad, right?  I'm so happy with the result!  The white paint-job really accentuates the shape of the bench and how perfectly it echos my West Elm Parsons desk.  I recently painted that wall Benjamin Moore's Labrador Blue and now everything pops against the color.  I love that I can access the drawers of my desk without having to pull out the chair, which is a bonus I didn't even think about.

Ugh, this shot isn't white-balanced but I wanted to give you a close up.  The blue of the fabric is actually more a teal but it looks very similar to the wall color in the picture.  It's not that match-y in real life.

And here's a wide shot of my office/sewing nook.  I bought that rail and hanging cups from Ikea and it's changed my life.  I love having things (scissors, Sharpies, etc.) out and easy to access but this keeps them up and out of the way - the best of both worlds.

Stay tuned for more Before & After action - coming soon!!

Wants and Desires

In my last post I discussed my philosophy for decorating a new apartment.  I explained how 6 months is an adequate waiting period to decide whether you love something or hate it, where to hang art or place a book shelf.  Well, I hit the 6 month period last month and I decided it was time to paint!

Originally my living room was this color:

Benjamin Moore's Poolside Blue.  I chose to make a bold color choice and, well, I chose poorly.  So, it was time to repaint.  

I really love me some teal/aqua; it brings me to my happy place.  Following that logic, I simply moved two steps down on the color watch.  I still wanted the room to feel like it had a distinct color profile, but I wanted it to be much more subtle.  What I decided on was this:

Benjamin Moore's Jamaican Aqua.  Let me tell you, it is the most amazing color in the world!!!  It made the room feel instantly bigger and it makes all of my dark/vintage furniture seem sophisticated, instead of kitsch-y.  It also allows the curtains that I adore to really shine and doesn't compete so much with my area rug.  (Before and after pictures to come soon; I'm still sorting out this no camera problem.)

Now that the room is painted, I'm feeling the itch to add the finishing touches.  I need side tables and lamps, mostly.  Here's what I'm lusting after.

A classic/modern side table in white to keep things airy and light.  They were on sale last week and I'm kicking myself for not buying one!

From Jonathan Adler (I have a Thing for JA), this lamp costs as much as the table (!), but would nicely compliment the oil-rubbed bronze curtain rod I recently hung.

I want the room to feel balanced, but not match-y, so I'd like this table for the other side of the couch.  You also can't really see that side from most vantage points (it's in the corner) so the table can be more utilitarian.

This lamp to go in the corner, to balance out the room.  It's also bronze, but a different shape, so it "goes", but doesn't "match".

P.S.  I'm hoping that I can find some less expensive sources for lamps.  Why are lamps so expensive?

P.P.S  You guys were no help on the alarm clock tip!  Sheesh!  I've resorted to using my phone, which I don't really like.  I have a strict no electronics in the bedroom rule.  Am I the only one with a rule like that?

In which I have a dilemma

I have an ideology when it comes to settling into a new place.  It's not exactly revolutionary, but it's my theory, nonetheless, and in the last week, it's been relatively hard-won.  

There are some things that you have to do in a new apartment right away - arrange the furniture, clean the bathroom, organize the kitchen - so that you feel at home.  It is then that you realize that there are a lot of items (those old Pottery Barn side tables, that desk chair you found on the street) that don't really fit into your new place.  You make do the best you can because, hey, moving is expensive, and while you may want to replace that chair or buy new side tables, you can really afford it right away.  Also, decisions like that may take kindly to a little contemplation.

Then there are some decisions you make after living with the space for a little  while.  Six months is a good amount of time to figure out where to put your favorite photos or if you need a garbage can that goes under the sink.

When I moved into my new place I felt a compulsion to do Everything right away.  I had to have the walls painted and pictures hung immediately.  After hitting the 6 month mark this month, I realized that there were some decisions that I may have rushed and some that I'm  finally ready to pull the trigger on.  I'll have more of that later.

For now, I have this:  My Alarm Clock Dilemma

This is my old alarm clock.  It's perfectly nice.  It has a radio and a digital display.  It has an (indulgent) 10 minute snooze button.  It also has an unsightly cord and a very large footprint that is taking up valuable real estate on my bedside table.

This is my new alarm clock.  It's the perfect size and the right color.  (See, it picks up these little orange accents on my new duvet cover!)  What it does not have is a snooze button or a light up digital display.  For some reason, someone wants to be able to see what time it is from the other side of the bed.  Sheesh!  And, well, I do love my snooze button.

I'm considering returning it, but I'm not sure.  Something so simple as an alarm clock shouldn't be this troubling, but I have quite a few requirements when it comes to The Perfect Clock.  I really would rather not settle for the beast that was taking up so much room before.

Can anyone recommend a relatively cheap, small, digital alarm clock that is also cute?  Please?

 

*sigh*

 

It's been a tough week, my friends.  The cold and rain has me down and I still haven't adjusted to the time change.  Last night I sat down with some perogies from my grandmother and my favorite (for the moment) vintage plate and all was right with the world.  More later.

Soul Crushing

Almost a month ago I had the privilege of going to see a see Adele perform on the Live on Letterman series.  I don't often go to see live music and I cannot remember ever being so excited to see an artist!

She was adorable, charming, self-deprecating, stunningly beautiful and soul-crushingly talented.  She ended the set with this song and it's been echoing everywhere I go these days.  I came across this link over at Girl From The North and thought it was the perfect item to pass along on this sunny Friday.

Happy Weekend, everybody!

It could be worse...

For me, that is.  I uttered this phrase, rather glibly, to a co-worker today, in reference to a project we were working on.  But then I realized that if only I applied that same thinking to most parts of my life, it would truly put everything into perspective for me.

I was scrambling to put together a post for this week, but everything I came up with just seemed to trite in the shadow of what is happening in Japan right now.  I'm taking this week to reflect on the wealth of small pleasures I have in my life that I take for granted every day and to offer up a silent prayer to all those affected by the tragedy in Japan.

The Japan Society in NYC has set up a really easy way to donate.  Go here and do what you can.

Spring is right around the corner

Can you feel it?

 

I bought daffodils last week and I was so happy that I did a little dance.  Seriously.  Is there anything I love more than Springtime flowers?  The blousy roses that bloom in Sunnyside during the summer are plain lovely, but nothing get my heart going pitter-patter like daffodils.  

The first sight of them at bodegas and in the tiny gardens in my neighborhood mean one thing, and one thing only:  Spring is coming.  You can feel it, that slight shift in temperature where 40 degrees suddenly feels warm and not cold.  Where the wind seems balmy and chilling.  Spring is coming.  It's daffodils first and then tulips and sweet, sweet hyacinth and then it's official.  Spring is in the air! 

The above photo was taken from bed with my iPhone.  Lord those flowers made me so happy all week! 

This is a better representation of my bedroom:

The moody gray walls and the mint-iness of the bedside table are all pretty accurate.  (The glass lamps are impossible to keep free of dust.  I look at it every night when I go to sleep.  "Goodnight dust!")

Oh dear.  So do you have any Springtime plans?  I for one cannot wait to start going on bike rides again.  Also on my list is a visit to The Cloisters, which is heavenly when the trees start to bloom and The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for the Cherry Blossom Festival!

In which I take the 7 train to the end of the line

My friend Little Bunny has been raving about the food court at the Flushing Mall for-ever.  I mean forever.  To the point that I was really skeptical.  I mean, how good can it really be.  Really?

Well, circumstances collided a couple of weeks ago and Jeffery Tastes was sponsoring a trip out to the mall.  I asked Little Bunny and her bf if they were interested in going with me and their answer was a resounding, "Yes!"  (Again, too much enthusiasm?  Maybe.)

We arrived at the mall and saw the group forming for Jeffery's event, but decided to just go it alone, rather than joining in.  The Grazing Experience seemed like a lovely idea, but as Little Bunny put it, "I don't really like to share."  After our first plate of noodles, I knew what she was talking about.

Since they were old pros and it was my first time, I let them be my guide.  There are nearly an overwhelming amount of choices and it can be a little intimidating because not  much is really in English.  But if you are adventurous and courageous, you will have an amazing time.

We ate hand pulled noodles with spicy beef from this place, the weird gelatinous turtle pictured above, the biggest seafood scallion pancake I've ever seen, pork, seafood and scallion dumplings, Chinese lamb "hamburgers", green tea ice cream and fresh mango juice.  All that (which we did share) and I think my wallet was only $10 lighter at the end of the day.

Go hungry and go soon.  According to this article in the WSJ, the mall is being demolished in 2012.  And, yes, it really is that good.

Look What I Did!

I've had a bee in my bonnet about terrariums for some time now.  I even had a page bookmarked on my work computer and my boss was all, like, "What's with the terrariums?"  

I was all, like, "I just love them!"

I saw this little guy at one of my weekly visits to my secret, undisclosed thrift store.  He was so cute, but I honestly didn't need him, so I put him back and left empty-handed.  Then I saw this post and I thought, "Terrarium!" and I went back to the store after work and he was still there!  I was so excited!

Last weekend I set about getting everything I needed from the local Sunnyside florist and pet store and Home Depot.  Not in the picture is some moss (from the florist) and active charcoal (from the pet store).  I also painted the base of the cheese plate white.

I followed this tutorial kind of loosely because I had a really small container, but I'd seen shallow terrariums before, so I just went for it.  Of course it was adorable, but when I put the lid on, it totally squished my cute little plant.  Terrarium fail!

Surely I must have something else to put my plant in.  Some other container.   Yup.  Straight out of my Prop Closet (which I'll share with you someday).  Isn't it awesome?  I'm a little disturbed by the big pieces of perlite in the potting soil the plant came with.  I may change it later.

As for my little cheese plate, he got the moss treatment, which I actually kind of like.  I'm looking for some little toadstools on Esty to spruce him up a bit.

Not bad for my first attempt, but now I think I'm addicted.  Have you ever made a terrarium?  Was is a win or a fail?

Didn't we almost have it all?

I am seeking some advice from my blog friends.  I hope you can provide some insight.

I'm finally, finally, in a place in my life where I'm not living paycheck to paycheck.  I put a comfortable amount of money in my savings every week, but that money, she's calling my name.

The sweetie and me, we've been talking a lot about priorities and what we want out of life.  Be both agree that Travel and Financial Security are at the top of the list.  

The problem is, that it doesn't seem possible to do both right now.  I'm still only in this apartment 5 months and there's a lot that I'd still like to do/buy.  This is where I spend 75% of my time and I'd like it to make me happy, not remind me of all that is lacking.

Then there is my measly savings.  I mean, what's all that business about having 3 months of expenses in savings?  What about owning a house or apartment some day?

Then there is the travel.  I'm itching to take a trip.  It's been 2 years since I've even gotten on a plane!  Isn't the key to being happy "just saying yes"?

How do you balance it all?  Do I really have to sacrifice life's smaller pleasures for the big picture?  How big is The Big Picture?

(P.S.  My camera finally crapped out.  It's 5 years old and it's about time, honestly.  Until I can buy a new one, it's cell phone photos for me.  Oh, so add that to the list of Stuff I Want To Spend Money on.)

Have you seen this?

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

I saw this video over at Black Eiffel and it made my heart ache a little.  The semester I spent in Paris when I was 21 did much to shape my life and who I am as an adult.  Also, the friends I made are my friends for life - I still talk to them and see them as much as possible.  (Though not as often as I'd like.)

I miss you girls!  And I miss Paris.  Constantly.

Happy Valentine's Day

If I didn't have plans tonight.  I would be going here.

Sophie Blackall draws inspiration for her illustrations from Missed Connections.  Her spin manages to be whimsical and filled with sweet, innocent longing.  I've mentioned how much I love her before.

 

I don't go in big for Valentine's Day.  It's tough if you happen to be my sweetheart because the holiday comes so quickly after Christmas and my birthday!  Plus, it just puts unneeded pressure on everyone involved.  We prefer smaller, more heartfelt gestures at The Works.

Tonight I'm making dinner, which isn't that out of the ordinary, but I might light a few candles and put out a tablecloth.  When we were first dating, I'd invite my sweetheart over for dinner in the middle of the week as an excuse to see him!  Also, for me, cooking a meal  is the ultimate way that I can express my love for someone. 

What ever you end up doing today, I hope you are feeling loved!

I'm a terrible blogger

When I moved into my new place, I had grand plans to feature all kinds of DIY projects here on the blog.  I would document each before and after, each decision, each purchase.

Does anyone notice something missing here?  Yup.  A lot.  I have yet to really achieve these lofty goals.

I have no "before", but I can show you an "after".  Here it is:

I found these bedside tables on the street.  (I know a lot of you will cringe when you read this, what with the bedbug scare and whatnot.  I know.  But I'm a garbage picker, always have been and always will be.)  These were pretty grimy and beat up when I rescued them, but I could see their potential right away.  

I considered refinishing them and staining them, but my bedroom was looking a little dark and masculine with dark walls and a dark wood dresser already, so I went with paint.  I also was torn between a seafoam green or just white, so I picked something in between.  It's Mint Fizz from Behr.  In this picture, it's a little hard to see.  It's very, very subtle, but I like it.

See those handles?  I don't know why they're crooked.  The holes in the drawer seem straight and the other hardware didn't look crooked, but these are.  No idea.

I also decided to pull out all the stops and line the drawers.  I went a little overboard at Papermojo.com in December and used one of the beautiful papers I bought to line the drawer.  Just a little double stick tape on the bottom and it's a world of difference.

Full disclosure on the bedroom as soon as the headboard is built!

Birthdays and more birthdays

It was my birthday last week, which around these parts looks a lot like this:

That is to say, a lot of wine and eating and general merry-making. 

I'm a little peculiar when it comes to birthdays.  To me, there is nothing sadder, nothing, than a birthday that goes unnoticed and rather than rely on others to make a fuss over my day, I usually end up throwing myself some kind of party.  This creates kind of a conundrum, because I then start to panic that no one will come, which is the worst kind of sad, because you've gone and made your own fuss and then no one acknowledged it!

In the past I've had parties at bars, or parties that my bf organized that were mostly his friends, or parties that I've shared with roommates (which is perfect when your birthdays are a week a part!), but this was the first year that I've had a party in my own apartment to just celebrate me.

It all seemed a little too self-indulgent.  There was a facebook mishap where a bunch of people didn't get invited.  I begged my family to make the drive to the city, so that if no one showed up at least they would be there.  It was destined to fail and I would spend my birthday alone and friendless with piles of food going bad and drinks going warm.

But of course it didn't.  In fact, I had such a good time that I forgot to take a single picture!  And my apartment was full of family and friends and love and merry-making and I was (am) the luckiest girl in the whole world!

I'm slowly digging myself out, mentally and physically.  All this snow and ice don't help, either.  I finished and started some knitting and I've done a bit of sewing.  All to come soon.  

All. To. Come. Soon.

P.S. Thank you, everyone, for making a fuss and making me feel so loved!

Wants and Desires

With the big move in October and Christmas following so quickly behind, I haven't really been shopping for me at all!

Of course I bought stuff for the apartment, but it's just not the same is it?

With my birthday around the corner, I've been thinking of items that I really want just for little ol' me. Now that I'm firmly in my (ahem, mid) 30's, I also find that I'm drawn to classic, investment pieces that I can keep well into my 40's and that I can maybe pass down to a daughter some day. I think about raiding my mom's closet when I was in my 20's and I was so grateful that she held onto certain items.


Sailor tee. I've wanted one forever!

Grown-up purse, since I'm swiftly approaching mid-life.

This cape. I'm not usually a fan of American Apparel, but this hits all the right notes. Seems vintage and classic at the same time.

Classic Wellies. My last pair fell apart, but these are built to stand the test of time.

5 years

Did you know this blog is 5 years old?  Yep.  I started on New Year's Eve way back in 2005.  I was such a different girl back then - a little lonely, not really sure of her place in the world.  I'm not completely sure of it now, and New Year's Eve still makes me a little blue, but I'm slightly more confident and lot more self-reliant.

If you read the blog, you'll know I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, but this time around, the new year presented me with a chance to re-evaluate my health and the poor turn that it had taken.  I had a summer full of pizza and tacos and pasta with pesto and the extra pounds to prove it. 

I started out the new year with Gwyneth's detox.  I modified it a bit, not following the menu's exactly (I just couldn't stomach that avocado soup and I didn't give up coffee), but sticking with the spirit of the fast.  At the end of about a week of no dairy, no refined sugar, and no processed flour, I was feeling pretty good!  

I'm not a convert, by any means.  I fully intend to indulge in a hamburger sometime soon and possibly some birthday cake at the end of the month.  I may have also had a bagel for breakfast yesterday morning.  But I'm in love with my juicer now, and making a decided effort to eat cleaner foods.

This is where Jamie Oliver's soup comes in.  Well, I've been eating a lot of soup lately because it's the perfect food to keep me going through the day and I can make a lot in advance.  But I particularly love Jamie's soup. It's packed with flavor and veggies and with a dollop of plain (non-fat) Greek yogurt, it's positively decadent.

(I've also been eating a lot of this and this.  Both highly recommended.) 

Lentil and Spinach Soup, serves 6-8

*adapted from "Jamie's Food Revolution"

2 tbs. olive oil

2 medium carrots

2 celery stalks

1 medium onion

2 cloves garlic

2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock

thumb-sized piece of ginger

1/2 small red chili

10 grape tomatoes

2 cups red lentils

7 cups baby spinach

salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup plain (non-fat) Greek yogurt, to garnish, if you like

Put a large sauce pan on medium heat and add 2 tbs. of olive oil

Chop carrots, celery and onion and add to pan

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, with the lid askew, until vegetables are soft

Meanwhile, mince or grate the ginger, seed and finely slice the chili and cut the tomatoes in half.

Next add the stock, ginger, chili, tomatoes and lentils.

Bring soup to a boil and reduce to simmering.  

Simmer, with the lid on, for about 10 minutes or until lentils are falling apart.

Add the spinach and cook, stirring, for another 30 seconds, or until the spinach is good and wilted.

Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Serve with yogurt if you like!

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

This is a blurry, blurry picture of my kitchen after buying some bookcases at Ikea and after my Christmas "Not-A-Party", as I am calling it. Cause it wasn't. A party.

Anyway. During Ikea pit stop on the drive home from Thanksgiving in NJ, I picked up two bookcases. I intended to put them against the chalkboard wall and use them as a place to store my cookbooks and growing vintage Pyrex collection.

Since most of my Pyrex is white, I painted the back of the bookcases turquoise with leftover paint from my living room. (Yes, that is really the color of my living room. I know I haven't shared that with you yet, but it's coming.) It was really easy to do, as anyone who has ever put together an Ikea bookcase will know, because the back of it is actually a thin piece of fiber-board that slides in at the very end. So, simply paint and allow to dry before you finish it up!

I'm really pleased. The Pyrex pops against the turquoise and the bookcases are a good height for staging a temporary bar. And my guests actually used the chalkboard, which made me very happy.

I did a little Christmas baking in the form of cupcakes, but only for the Not-A-Party. There are no gingerbread men or sugar cookies in The Works this year. Left over cupcakes make and excellent breakfast, by the way.

I've also been doing a little Christmas knitting. I have no pictures, however, other than this one.

Sad, I know. But it's hard to get decent pictures these days, what with the dark and cold and whatnot.

So, Merry Christmas, y'all! Here's wishing you all the best for your holiday. Be sure to spend it with someone you love and treasure every moment!

See you again in the New Year!

In which she makes something crafty

I had a Sunday at home for the first time in what seemed like months. I used the rainy weather as an excuse to lock myself indoors and do some nesting. Or, rather, crafting.

I had bought some nylon thread ages ago, with the intention of making a garland similar to this, but after decorating my tree this week, I felt it was a little empty looking. So, Christmas garland it was!!

I used felt, because it didn't need any hemming and cut about a billion little triangles with my rotary cutter and mat. You basically line up the corner on the bias line and cut horizontally and then diagonally. And voila! Tons of triangles.

Then you just run them through your sewing machine. I made the garland in three sections. It was more manageable that way and I could also gauge how much more I needed as I went along.

This was a really quick, easy and satisfying project and, at probably less than a 1/4 yard of felt, it was also very affordable I've dialed it way back on the crafts this holiday season and it feel pretty good. I'm looking forward to a relaxing Christmas season and I hope you all are, too!!