The one that got away

I am still forlorn over the beautiful gray leather bag that I did not buy in Paris.

I found it at an independent designers expo filled with tres chic clothes and accessories. It was made of the softest dove gray leather I've ever felt, slightly unstructured with handles and a shoulder strap. It was perfect. But I didn't buy it...maybe due to sticker shock, maybe due to jetlag. I gave it one last longing look and then left it at the booth.

But the bag haunted me throughout my stay. Finally on the last day of our trip, I dragged Matt back to try to find the shop through the winding streets of Marais. We finally found it after many laps around the neighborhood, but the building was closed. There was a sign for the expo which read 17 - 20 Septembre. It was 22 Septembre. Devastated over my loss, I glumly returned to the US.

I tried to find info about the expo and the handbag designer on French websites but I don't remember what it was called or what building it was in. And there's only so much googling you can do in French.

So I've spent the last two days on an online hunt for its replacement but even that is hard. I came up with the following but they are all not quite right and way too expensive. Woe is me.



















This one is nice. The leather looks soft. The color is a liiiittle too dark but the main problem is that it costs $908. From Jerome Dreyfuss.




















This Iro Boker Bag is okay, and a better price, but too dark and kinda dowdy.


















This one from Banana Republic is nice too and the right price. But maybe too structured.
















And finally, here's the Chloé bag. Oooh la la, c'est magnifique.

Still, these are all substitutes. I still think the one in Paris is destined to be mine. I'll just keep looking and maybe we'll cross paths again one day.

Antler Decor

Ever since I saw Erich Ginder's ghost antlers, I've toyed with the idea of decorating with antlers. I would love to hang this above our tv, but the scale is too small and it would get lost in the room.

So I was researching how other people did it:






















I like this effect - but am squeamish about using real antlers. I'd like to find faux ones made from resin that look realistic.



















This is pretty cool - maybe I can spray paint it gold?

















I wish this was larger - but it's only 2.5" big.


Apparently, I'm like 4 years behind on this trend that is way over, but I like the kitsch/irony of decorating with antlers.


















Maybe I'll just go for this clever cardboard version instead and call it a day.

lights!

I'm sad that the moravian star pendant lights I've been eying are no longer in production. i hate when that happens - I never act quickly enough.

Oh well, I'll come across my perfect light fixture someday. and coffee table too.

In the meantime, I drool for these beauties...

Star Lantern - Brass, 1 Light from Vaughan Designs

Royal BB Gold/Chrome Suspension Lamp






















Diamond Pendant from Urban Electric Co.























Venezia Circular Chandelier from NicolettiItalia

Spade Ceiling Mount from Dennis Miller Associates

Pallina Ceiling Mount from The Bright Group

More Green

We've been looking for green accents for the bedroom. Currently it is a nice calm grey room with dark brown furniture. It needs some character, some pop, so we're looking for a bright green rug and accents. This is harder than it sounds because green (and all colors) is open to interpretation and everything we find is either dark forest green or a light sage.














The rug shown here is what inspired us - love the morroccan tile pattern and the shade of green. If the background were in green and the pattern in light grey (and if it cost about $3000 less), it would be perfect. Source
























I also love the pattern of this rug, and you are able to customize the colors, but alas it is also out of our league. Source

I found the second picture on UrbanGraceInteriors, the blog of interior designer Erika Powell. Wow, new inspiration site! It's chock full of good ideas and resources.

It lead me to buyfabrics.com and makes me want to buy a sewing machine and make my own curtains and pillows. Can't be THAT hard, can it? um... probably is.

Seeing Green

If you didn't know, we have a lot of old folk in this building. Old, curmudgeonly, quite loving white caps, set in there ways after centuries of life on this planet. You think they would care about Earth since many experienced the Paleozoic Era.

You see, every floor in our building has a compactor room. It's basically a miniature garbage closet that has a chute (which is way too small) for regular bagged and tied garbage and two pails marked for recycling. Sorta like these: (please click on the picture as it is too large to fit in the blog)



These aren't our actual stickers, but they are very similar. As you can plainly see, it is clearly illustrated what should go in each pail unless you are Mr. Magoo after getting a dilation test at the optometrist or one of the people that live on my floor. Yes, clearly your soda bottles should go where is says cardboard. I'm also pretty sure the actual slices of pizza can't be recycled to make another pizza.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not the most environmentally conscious person out there. In fact, I find a lot of people who preach green to be insufferably pretentious (just like you vegetarians!). I'm just saying, how hard is it to put a newspaper in a bucket that has a picture of a newspaper right on top of it. No wonder why monkeys made it to space before humans.

New Z's

The rest is history, but my bad puns are not.

We have completed operation grown up bed. We aren't full anymore. No, now a Queen in Queens. Perhaps that did not come out right. We are not starving cross dressers, but this week we will be sleeping in a new bed.

For that last couple of weeks, we have used our new storage bed frame, topped with our full sized mattress. It's a bit like Jared from Subway's pants. Big frame, tiny bed, and very cumbersome if you try to get in our out of them. Here is a picture of what our bed is supposed to look like:



Just imagine a shrunken down mattress and it not looking like Popeye's master bedroom. That's where we were. So this weekend we set forth to remedy this somnefarious situation. We would buy a bed this weekend for Pete's Sake.

So out we went to the furniture row, that is Queens Boulevard.

We laid down, we rolled, we bounced, we tested the edges, we punched, and we poked, and prodded with prices. And we bought our bed.

Here it is, sans creepy sheepy:


Welcome to the Serta Perfect Evening Spring Garden. It's the firm (we like firm, if you want to sleep on a cloud, get a beanbag) platinum mattress that was awesome enough to pass our rigorous standards*.

It is supposed to be delivered this week sometime and I can not wait. A actual bed that fits the furniture. We will be sure to post a full review upon sleeping on it.

If we are awake.


*Pretty much that it doesn't mush, but you don't break your hand if you karate chop it.

Fuel

It was all so simple then.

While we do love our home and enjoy the convenience of living to many forms of mass transportation and any drug store you fancy (because a lot of old people live here and they need a lot of drugs to stay alive), our return trips from Blue Bell have become a bit harder. Nevertheless, I think we have stumbled upon the best way to go. Get off at 125th Street & 2nd Ave and jump in a cab. It's the most convenient. If we had a car THAT would be convenient. I would really like a car. I think at this point actual furniture would be a more logical investment though.

Gratefully, Jung goes out of her way to drive us back into Manhattan. We could take the Jersey bus from her house, but she is too nice to let us experience their unreliable timetables and late night stops of every 15 feet.

Whenever we leave Blue Bell, we always leave later than we say we will, but for very good reasons.

1 - We love spending time with our family.
2 - We hate the prospect of another long car ride.
3 - We always have to stop at Wawa for the official snack of the Blue Bell North Express....



Yes, Kids and Grown-Ups love it so. The Happy world of Haribo.

It's true. I bought these gelatinous gems on a whim two trips ago and they were enjoyed by all. Before hitting the road this past Sunday, I picked them up again. The difference being that this time, the bag didn't make it half way through Jersey. You don't believe how good they are, just read this. It's true. The Germans have once again improved our driving experience. Who doesn't love mawing down on a confectionary cola, bottle and all? You don't? You probably enjoy Ezelkiel Bread or sumpthin!

Not only are Haribo Happy-Cola the perfect snack, but it allows me to circumvent my ridiculous self-imposed ban on soda.

But what about these:



I'm probably pushing it.

So the next time you are on a multi-state trip and need the greatest snack (at the moment) around. Don't hesitate. It's COLA-RIFFIC!

This post was brought to you by tractor. You make me happy, you make me sad, you're always changing gears.

Bizz

Hello All.

I would just like to say I like the new design of the blog, so thank you very much wife for freshening things up.

As you may or may not know, we have transformed a skinny wall in out kitchen to a magnetic chalkboard thanks to Rustoleum.

(Imagine Soon to Be Uploaded picture here)

One of the major features of said wall is a calendar with dates beautifully marked in sidewalk chalk. I have never really kept a calendar besides the occasional noted reminder taken in my phone, but I must admit it's pretty cool. I'm not sure if I've always had a busy social schedule (due to never actually seeing it written out), but it seems as if we are pretty popular these days. In fact, I'd contend that we have never been busier with friends, relatives, and appointments.

I have some theories.

1 - Combined Forces: We're on a double schedule. Not only are the things we have planned together on the wall, but individual commitments as well. Put all that up and it looks like we are pretty freakin' busy.

2 - We're just intriguing people. Not to be narcissistic, but I think people have a curiosity about hanging out with the married people. We're kind of a novelty, being that we don't really socialize with many married folk. Do people want to analyze us? I dunno. I think we are at the age when peers are beginning to think more about the future and as it becomes more immediate, they want to know how it all works. It's a different dynamic. I don't mean to imply that we have all the answers and people are taking notes, but perhaps we're sociological templates.

3 - We are just becoming more social. One of the most eye-opening things about the wedding was that we realized how easy it is to become antisocial. A couple relationship can be consuming, and planning a wedding even more so. But after seeing everyone at the wedding and experiencing the love and support from our friends and family, we had regrets about having put our other relationships on the back burner. We're not proud and we have resolved to change this. Thanks to everyone for sticking with us. Operators are standing by. We swear we are less lazy.

I am sure there are more reasons, but these jumped out at me. I am glad to be busy though. Makes you feel accomplished, like you aren't spending your life in the waiting room. Plus the socialization breaks up the home shopping, which while rewarding, can be a tad tedious and frustrating at times.

When will I post again. Soon hopefully. Looking at the kitchen wall I think next Tuesday works. It's a date.

HI

Sorry for the lack of updates. I keep meaning to but then forget to upload pics from my camera at home. We have lots of pictures to share.

Last night, i updated our new chalkboard/magnetic wall with our May and June schedule. May is turning out to be quite an eventful month, but sadly June is all bare. Maybe we should plan a trip in June? Or, we're open to having visitors!

Today at work, we had a "Spring Shenanigans" lunch party. I brought Iced Tea. After lunch, our director taught us how to make pinwheels and tissue paper flowers. Of course, I knew how to make the flowers already (thanks to Jungeunie) and so I made mine the way we did for the wedding favors. My coworkers all ooh-ed and ahh-ed and proceeded to give me a round of applause. It was awkward. People here are weird.

Now the entire office smells like onions from the hoagies we had and I feel ill from the macaroni salad. Counting down the minutes till I'm free for the weekend... 23 minutes to go! But so slooow. Have a great one!

Light Fixtures

In the last two weeks we:
painted the master bedroom (2 coats + ceiling)
painted trim in master bedroom (ugh)
got a rug for the living room
got a rug for the office
finished the chalkboard/magnetic wall in kitchen
bought marimekko shower curtain
spray painted ugly light fixture in office

To Do:
move bed into bedroom, move sofa into office
find the perfect coffee table and side table
find the perfect antique mirror
low open shelves for under window
pick out bed, dressers, curtains
paint frames and hang artwork
ikea shelves
get estimate for closet renovation
order china cabinet, dining table and chairs
organize kitchen cabinet and drawers (hello container store)
CLEAN
replace light fixtures in hall, foyer, living room, kitchen and bedroom

Today, I'm obsessed with light fixtures. It's so hard to find ones I like - all are either too ornate, too big, too small or don't give off enough light. The ones at home depot are UGLY. The chandeliers I like are too expensive.

Here is one I love for the living room - it's simple, clear, unique. But of course it's expensive...



















Minaret Pendant

Off to search for more.

Inspiration

Lovely Things I can't have

Awesome coffee table by Miki Iwasaki

These sheer curtains would be great for the yellow room, but they're discontinued pottery barn from like 15 years ago. :-(
Source

hello

The Gift That Kept Giving

It's two weeks after Christmas and I can officially say the holiday season is over. Today I have eaten the last piece of Harry & David Fruit Cake Confection.

"It's true: Harry's original 1947 recipe is such a well-guarded secret, it's kept under lock and key.
If you've ever tasted one though, you know that our Fruit Cake Confection is loaded with plenty of premium whole cherries, sweet golden pineapple, crisp English walnuts and Southern pecans. The ingredients are so delicate, the batches so small, each confection is individually formed by hand. The fruit's gently folded with just enough light golden batter to hold it all together for easy slicing."

Basically it is fruitcake without the cake. Or a little piece of holiday heaven. It's 1 1/2 pounds of sweet perfection that makes my soul smile and my stomach gurgle with delight. But now it is gone and with it so ends Christmas.

Thank you to my wife who purchased this wheel of fruity awesomeness. You are wonderful.

To Find List

Here's a list of all the stuff we will need upon moving in to the new apartment, according to my 'vision'. What do you think?

Entryway:
Starlight fixture
New doorknobs on closet doors (2)
Shoe rack or closet
Runner
Key hooks

Foyer/Dining Area:
Dining Table
Chairs (3)
Bench
Credenza
Victorian framed mirror

Living Room:
Sofa/Loveseat or Sofa/Sectional
Eames Rocker Hooray!
Oriental Rug
Danish Modern coffee table and end tables
Entertainment Console
Gridded Bookshelf
Corner display shelf
Flatscreen TV
Storage bench
Extra long window treatment

Master Bedroom
Platform Bed with storage drawers
Queen size Mattress
Vanity with mirror
Dressers
Mini Chandelier
Window treatment

Guestroom/Office
Sofabed
L-Shaped Desk
File cabinet
Floating Shelf
Desklamps
Frames for art prints
Window treatment

Kitchen
Casual Silverware
Floating Shelf or Hardware for hanging stuff
Dish Rack
Window treatment
Light Fixture?

Bathroom
Shower Curtain
New glass shower door
Window treatment
Bathrugs
Bath accessories

We got a lot of shopping to do.

Latest and Waitest

We're still in Manhattan. Patiently waiting. The paperwork is in and we're primed to be prodded. We should be hearing about our interview with the co-op board shortly, so please cross your digits for us.

In the mean, we are looking for furniture and trying to come up with some sort of theme to appease our varied tastes. I am kinda glad we aren't getting a full blown house because, while fun, it's a fairly daunting task to decorate something so big. In the mean time, this is going to be very fun practice.

I must admit, Ji is the one with the knack for finding all kinds of interesting items. Not sure how she does it, but I am glad she does. Don't underestimate me though. I am sure to come up with some good stuff.

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Milestones were passed the last couple of weeks. We successfully pulled off the daunting Quest for Christmas. What is that you ask. It is the gauntlet of celebrating the holiday with both families in a neat 60 hour pocket. This is how you do it:

DAY 1:

1 - Work Christmas Eve and then jump on New Jersey Transit to Trenton
2 - Transfer to SEPTA and head to 30th Street Station
3 - Last minute shopping, wrapping, shower, and show up.
4 - Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Lee Family. Gorge yourself with delicious food, watch the kids open innumerable gifts, consume copious amounts of wine, exchange presents, win fabulous prizes, and enjoy your first holiday as a member of a newly inherited family. Laugh at unwarranted warnings of impending insanity.
5 - Go back to my in-laws house and exchange more presents. I think everyone was surprised by their gifts which is quite a feat to pull off. That everyone had huge smiles after opening the presents is an even greater success story.

SLEEP!

DAY 2:

1 - Ride back to Philly and get back on SEPTA (which had the wrong times on-line) bound for Trenton.
2 - Miss connecting NJ Transit train. Wait for next one and back on our way.
3 - Arrive at Penn Station. Walk up the block and catch the Q to Brooklyn.
4 - Walk 13 blocks to my grandparent's house to surprise everyone with unexpected appearance.
5 - Eat clearly labeled roasted potatoes and other explicitly named food items. Socialize and watch more children open more gifts. Get some CBS swag from Cranberry Vodka drinking Santa Claus. Consume delicious biscotti.
6 - Say goodbye to gracious family who are still surprised at our arrival and get back on the Q. Transfer to the 6 and then board the M86 bus to home sweet home.

SLEEP!

DAY 3:

1 - Go to work. Both of us. Get out early, jump on the subway and meet at Penn Station. Off to Long Island. Oh yeah. I was late and we had to wait for the next train.
2 - Arrive at Suss house and I forget what happened next. Eventually there was pizza and for the third day in a row, presents were opened. Drinks were consumed. Tomorrow we would rock.

It was a crazy hectic wonderful holiday journey through three states and four different transit systems. It meant a lot that we got to experience it all and share it with both of our families. Will we ever do it again? I dunno. We didn't initially think so, but we pulled it off and after a year break who knows. It's not like we did this.

We also came across another memorable anniversary on New Year's Eve. It was one year prior that I proposed to my wife. In the one year since, we've planned a wedding, successfully (with LOTS of help) pulled it off, took the vacation of a lifetime, and took major steps in becoming homeowners. Not bad huh?

So now it's 2009 and there is so much to be done. Hopefully fill out those change of address cards soon, remodel and decorate, new car (maybe?...mine has finally give up), find new jobs, new business opportunities, and many surprises for sure. The best part is that we'll do it together.

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Sorry again for the lack of updates. Excuses of business are lame. So all I'm going to say is that our Smoked Meat via Kite Delivery company is all systems go! Please stay tuned. More adventures to come.

P.S. Does anyone know any good bands. After the busy year we don't know anything about music anymore. Sad. Sad. Sad.

P.P.S. Has anyone seen our photographer?