apartment eight

J'adore Marsell!

2012-03-11T18:46:00.000-04:00

I think these should arrive by Thursday if all goes well...

soul selling on eBay...

2012-03-11T18:39:00.000-04:00

Check out my closet cleaning... It's getting crazy! I'm selling some items that I never thought I would. It disturbs me a little but I know it's a good thing.

closet cleaning

kitchen & bath

2012-03-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

I love this idea of having something useful above a kitchen sink. The rectangular
cutout always seems so empty to me.

Slippers required... But so pretty!

miscellaneous inspiration

2012-03-01T17:17:00.000-05:00

I love the look of potted plants and other objects on a dining table.

The vibrancy of this rug is great! I also love the messy imperfection of the room.

Old and new. I'm liking the old urn on the lucite table.

Flowers from my valentine

Textile

Geneva Sound Model XL

closet cleaning

2012-03-01T16:17:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Sarah and I might have a shopping and or hoarding problem.

With spring cleaning on the brain, last weekend I went through my closet and what I pulled out (rejected) is piled up on my sewing table ready to be organized into piles for eBay or donation. My closet and drawers are at least a third lighter. I feel good about it but know that I have some work ahead. Please note the new button at the top marked "closet cleaning", this is a direct link to my current eBay auctions.

rabbits

2012-01-22T13:42:00.000-05:00

I purchased this wonderful vintage painting back in November on Etsy for just $21 plus shipping. I love it! I'm currently a little obsessed with rabbits and thought it would be a perfect addition to our diverse art collection. Yesterday, after sitting on the desk since its arrival, it finally found a home on the wall.

on the wall.

after we moved in. we have since moved the little table and chairs.

what the wall looks like now (less the rabbit painting).

preppy prepster

2012-01-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

JCrew wool check

From Twine - Boarding School badges from England

From Tiffany & Co. Oval Signet Ring

Mini Excursion Tote Bag J.W. Hulme CO.

Sea Bag J.W. Hulme CO.

Classic Tote Bag J.W. Hulme CO.

and the word for 2012 (so far) is...

2012-01-04T17:54:00.000-05:00

simpatico |simˈpatiˌkō|adjective(of a person) likable and easy to get along with.• having or characterized by shared attributes or interests; compatible : a simpatico relationship.
The word simpatico came into my vernacular a couple of months ago via an episode of Frasier. Having recently developed a great appreciation for the long running sitcom, over Thanksgiving I, in an obsessed/ tipsy moment, purchased the entire box set, 44 discs, on ebay. I don't remember the exact scenario, nor is it important, but the word stuck. I've noticed it popping up here and there in conversation, in advertisements and on products. What is it and why does it seem so right?

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T08:09:00.001-05:00

What did your party look like? Here's mine.

Audrey in her party hat.

A little wine.

Midnight Moon cheese. It's delicious!

Seriously! YUM!

show me your tree!

2011-12-31T20:45:00.004-05:00

Amy's tree.

It is the last day of the year and...

2011-12-31T10:40:00.001-05:00

My tree is still up. I always keep it through new years day at least. What about you?
My tree is super cute this year (I think) but I haven't been able to capture a good photo of it yet. I did manage to get pictures of 3 of the 4 trees at my in laws.
I can't seem to publish any photos from my phone... More to come.

Okay. I'm home now... hours later...

Here is my tree and some ornaments. Clearly eclectic. Most of the ornaments were gifts or keepsakes from vacations.

I'm just getting started!

2011-12-29T19:00:00.002-05:00

I really do have the best of intentions going into the holiday season. I have grandiose plans of handmade cards, cookies and gifts for everyone. Usually, I get around to the cards around New Years, cookies and fudge are done last minute and the gifts go by the waste side. This year I was different though. I don't know how I did it but I think most of my friends received their cards before Christmas, I didn't stay up into the wee hours working on cookies and I even made a few gifts.

I really am enjoying my new'ish sewing machine. I can't wait to add more fonts and images for embroidery. It's difficult though as I'm a mac user and all the embroider programs seem to be pc based... I'll figure it out...

cocktail napkins

cocktail napkinnouna small napkin designed to be placed under a drink when it is served.

handkerchief

handkerchief |ˈha ng kər ch if; - ch ēf|nouna square of cotton or other finely woven material, typically carried one's pocket and intended for blowing or wiping one's nose.

My new sofa!

2011-12-29T18:47:00.001-05:00

It's not this color but it's just about this long. I ♥ it!!! Illustration by Justin Todd Roberts.

party time!

2011-12-29T18:32:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2011

miscellaneous - apt. 8

2011-09-01T20:04:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist sharing this one. Mr. Handsome!

A couple of the plants that were outside have come in and we've hung up some photos.

Our new ottoman. Who's going to use it more than us? It's already obvious. PS: The photo above Audrey STILL needs to be framed. What a long, boring and annoying story that is!

Miscellaneous in my work room.

More Miscellaneous work room...

The dining room + coat rack. This coat rack will probably will never see a coat, just bags and hats...

Dining room.

Kitchen

Balcony post Irene.

Balcony

home improvements part 2

2011-08-28T20:08:00.000-04:00

We hung our other pendant in the entry. I love it! I think we need to get a lower wattage bulb though...

home improvements

2011-08-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

I made a new pillow yesterday 100% stitched by hand. Love that blanket stitch!

New hook near my closet.

Shoe rack for the shoes that are in constant rotation. All others are kept in their boxes.

Audrey was a huge help with the hardwiring that went down this morning.

My Moooi pendant is back up! My work room is really coming together!

I finally got around to printing/ framing some photos. This one was taken in Freemans Alley April of 2010

bringing the outside in before the storm

2011-08-27T14:37:00.000-04:00

With hurricane Irene arriving sometime early tomorrow morning, we're as ready as we can be. Our balcony is 100% clear (so much can not be said for our neighbors yard but that's another story) and I have to say that despite this impending storm, it's nice having so much greenery inside, it's a little like Christmas.

Our storm supplies are ready and available. We also have plenty of September issues to get through. Not to mention the new 615 page Restoration Hardware catalog...

With the balcony clear, Toni decides it's the perfect time to clean the glass.

inspiration: blanket stitch

2011-08-25T11:18:00.001-04:00

I saw this sofa yesterday at B&B Italia and was completely captivated by the blanket stitch detail. It's beautiful both tone-on-tone or in a contrast color. I haven't done this stitch in a while but I think I'm going to try it out today.

Ray sofa B&B Italia

want and bought

2011-08-25T10:39:00.000-04:00

rabbit lamp by Moooi 2006
I didn't buy this... yet... Is it too soon to start my x-mas wish list?

These I did purchase for $12 at Pearl River. Simple and a little kooky, they are great for keeping bottles of wine, mineral water or whatever from rolling around on a shelf or in the fridge.

It's always the way...

2011-08-21T10:01:00.000-04:00

I bought (on sale) a new suede tote from L.L. Bean Signature and of course it has rained (stormed) ever day since receiving it! Oh well, I do consider suede to be more fall/winter than late summer so I'll wait for the beautiful crisp days of fall to bring it out. I can't wait to wear it with my MMM suede ankle boots from f/w 2009/10. They have proved to be worth every (not on sale) penny I paid! I'll admit that I was swayed into the purchase by Stella Tennant who was in the same store purchasing an amazing pair of Demeulemeester boots.

new favorite?

2011-08-19T07:52:00.000-04:00

I think I have a new designer to add to my favorites list! I can't wait to see Giulietta by Sofia Sizzi in person! Looks like a trip to Barneys is in order...

setting up my (hypothetical) home gym

2011-08-16T19:22:00.000-04:00

I'm not Italian but my wife is...

I love all of these items designed by Selab for BoxItalia! If only I had an industrial loft with a corner for working out...

click here for Selab on Yoox

new fabrics!

2011-08-13T10:25:00.001-04:00

100% linen Brunschwig & Fils
I ♥ this fabric! I'm undecided about what I'm going to use it for.

100% linen

These remnants of about a yard were $1.00 each!

Brunschwig & Fils "Villeroy" + matching stripe

window shopping

2011-08-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

I didn't go to the gym this morning despite the fact that I ate half a cannoli and more than half of a piece of chocolate covered cheese cake last night. Instead I sat at my computer drinking coffee and window shopping for shoes... Did I mention that I'm going to the beach today? What was I thinking?!

3.1 Phillip Lim

Maison Martin Margiela

Chie Mihara

Marsell

I went fabric shopping yesterday!

2011-08-11T16:33:00.001-04:00

I'm very excited about my finds! This one is from Brunschwig and Fils and retails for over $100 a yard. I paid $8!! It's not a second. I think that my source (not to be revealed) just gets limited quantities or the fabrics are discontinued.

Is it really August?

2011-08-10T19:43:00.002-04:00

Where does the time go? Plenty of interesting things have happened in the past month that were worthy of a blog post but somehow there just never seems to be enough time to do everything.

In an attempt to catch you up...

I had to say goodbye to an old friend, the sewing machine my parents gave me when I was in Jr High. Only good memories are attached to the 24 years of excellent service. (was Jr. High really that long ago??)

This is my new friend. ♥♥♥ I have been sewing up a storm! I have made a dress, a skirt and a shirt. (okay, a little less than a storm...) I have yet to use the embroidery feature.

My Pashley Princess had an extended stay at the spa. She came back working perfectly with new tires and brake pads. Just wait until you see her with a basket!

table update

2011-07-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

before...

...and after. I ♥ the mixed textures of the white ceramic pots filled with little roses.

gnome finds

2011-07-10T08:33:00.002-04:00

Cursive New York might just be my new favorite store...

little helpers jar from Cursive New York

little helpers bottle opener also from Cursive New York

arranging and rearranging

2011-06-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

This was the original idea. I think before we even moved in.

Before - I like how spare it is but it's just a little too impractical for us.

New arrangement - note the bookcases behind the dining table.

Audrey checking out the new location.

Elvis checks out the lower shelves only...

Adjusted shelves... this took longer than you would think.

I'll take a better photo soon... We're not sure where to put the big lamp now.

I know it's the 10th but just look at this guy!

2011-06-10T21:32:00.000-04:00

Mr. June

It's been almost a month!

2011-06-09T19:14:00.001-04:00

"Never complain, never explain" - Tim Gunn

That said, I have been busy doing all kinds of stuff. I'm loving my balcony garden (though my basil is not loving this current heat wave - wilt city). The photos below are from a week or so ago. It's even more lush now! It's been a great place to hang out, drink my morning coffee and to unwind after work with a glass of wine. The view is great in all but one direction... My neighbors in the house right next door have a large outdoor space that could be amazing but is instead, a hot mess. I took a photo but I won't post it.

I have also been sewing more than I have in a long time. So far, I have made a dress and a skirt but I have bought patterns for PJ's, another dress and a blouse. Now I just need to do some serious fabric shopping! I was going to go today but I decided that it was too hot.

TM and I rearranged furniture yesterday! I worked on the revised floor plan forever ago but finally got around to the hard work yesterday. I love it! The rearranging helped not only with my workspace but with the living/dining room.

I'll post my recent sewing projects and floor plan/ photos soon!

at home

2011-05-14T09:41:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, was the most domestic day I have had in a long time. It started off normal enough with a workout at the gym followed by a bowl of oatmeal with blackberries. This was then followed by laundry, vacuuming, dusting and general straightening up. Most of this was done because a repair guy (I want my home to look perfect, I don't care who is coming over) was to come over at 3pm to repair the chip in our bathroom counter that happened when one of the medicine cabinet doors fell. I finished all of this around 2pm. After cleaning I made a skirt. It's a simple pencil skirt from a Vogue pattern made in a linen fabric. The only hitch I came across was an issue with my serger that was remedied by re-threading... By 4 o'clock I realized that the repair guy wasn't coming. When Toni got home from work she went right into the kitchen and made a chocolate bundt cake! We had to laugh about how domestic we were on a Friday night!

The fabric is really a dark charcoal grey.

domestic |dəˈmestik|
adjective1 of or relating to the running of a home or to family relations : domestic chores | domestic violence.• chiefly Brit. of or for use in the home rather than in an industrial or office environment : domestic appliances.• (of a person) fond of family life and running a home : she was not at all domestic.• ~~(of an animal) tame and kept by humans~~ : ~~domestic~~ ~~cattle~~.2 ~~existing or occurring inside a particular~~ ~~country; not~~ ~~foreign~~ ~~or international~~ : ~~Korea's domestic~~ ~~affairs~~.

The chip that remains...

In bloom!

2011-05-14T09:04:00.000-04:00

Since this is my first foray in gardening since I was a child I feel that it's okay to admit that new flower blooms make me giddy! Hooray!

Snapdragons

Snapdragons and Salvia

Petunia

This is the side of the balcony that doesn't get as much sun.

NYC has the best trash

2011-05-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine who lives in midtown was able to complete his balcony with a table he found on the street. The base and top were found separately months apart.

Why buy something when you can find it?

closet rotation...

2011-05-08T18:27:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again when I have to face reality and accept that winter is over. I probably won't be wearing a cashmere turtleneck anytime soon so there is no excuse that they are still out. I spent today cleaning my closet, putting away the wool and hanging up my summer wardrobe...

The process is a little messy and always takes more time than you think.

This is my favorite detail of apartment 8! There is a tiny nook in my closet that is just the perfect size for a sky high stack of shoe boxes. Every closet should have one.

I'm pretty much done with the changeover...

the balcony

2011-05-07T19:14:00.000-04:00

We found the boxes at Home Depot

The balcony is about 10 feet long so we decided to go with 3 boxes that are about 24" each. We might get another.

Herbs: Sweet Mint, Basil, Italian Parsley

Rosemary

Herbs and flowers

Flowers

Some of my house plants are enjoying the spring outdoors.

Jade (Baby Lucy) and my new owl wind chime that was a birthday gift.

Hello May,

2011-05-01T09:48:00.000-04:00

I love that dress you're wearing. It's purrrfect for spring!

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T09:26:00.001-04:00

May Day is celebrated in many countries as a traditional springtime festival or as an international day honoring workers.

vintage animal collection

2011-05-01T09:14:00.000-04:00

This is a small collection that belongs to a friend of mine. They were gifts from his mother who was a flight attendant back in the glamor days of travel. PS: his father was a pilot for the same airline.

current obsessions

2011-04-30T08:03:00.000-04:00

My current obsessions are as follows: marigold (the color), turbans and cotton candy. I'm not going to eat the cotton candy but I'll probably work a turban and perhaps a marigold cashmere sweater into my wardrobe.

Benjamin Moore Yellow Marigold

Prada Spring/Summer 2007

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

2011-04-29T07:53:00.000-04:00

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
May 4 through July 31

the great outdoors

2011-04-28T12:02:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to report that yesterday we finally found a table set and window boxes for our balcony. We have been searching tirelessly for these items online and in stores. Who would have thought that they would be so hard to find? We didn't want to spend a lot on the table set because, with a track record like ours, who knows where we'll be living next summer and if we'll even have outdoor space. At Kmart we were able to find a small folding steel table and two folding chairs for under $100 that were to our liking. This set is also available through Sears, who I think owns Kmart, and comes in a few other colors. Then at Home Depot we found simple wood window boxes. We're going to install them tonight (if the rain passes) and then plant over the weekend. I'm not sure what we'll be planting yet... I'm thinking herbs, flowers and perhaps something for the cats.

I sort of want an outdoor rug as the flooring is so hideous. Perhaps when the flower boxes are in they will act as a distraction. We'll see...

another day another gnome... or two...

2011-04-28T11:15:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wonder if the gnome collection is growing out of control. I think it still teeters safely in the realm of charming and doesn't seem to make my home any less sophisticated.

for the garden

this one came with different backdrops...

birthday gnome

crêpes in the city

2011-04-27T21:18:00.001-04:00

Cafe Henri is one of my favorite little places in NYC. Located in the West Village, the atmosphere is laid back and completely charming. The food is consistently delicious. I love crêpes so I always have one but there are many other items on the menu. TM and I went here for brunch last Wednesday before meeting up with friends for the PJ Harvey concert.

I ♥ Chocolate!

2011-04-23T09:00:00.009-04:00

Happy Easter!

Window display from La Maison du Chocolat on Madison Avenue. Meet Harold and Gaspard. Gaspard is the dark chocolate bunny in front and Harold is the milk chocolate bunny in the back.

gnome finds

2011-04-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that gnome finds will become a regular addition to apartment eight...

Porcelain Gnome Lamp

Wilhelm Desk Organizer by Koziol available from Unica Home

Gnome Cufflinks by Sam Wright also available from Unica Home

and for the bathroom...

2011-04-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

Bamboo shelves for the nook in the shower from The Container Store (on sale!)

Gnome Soap On A Rope available from Unica Home (worth every penny)

and some stacking bamboo drawer drawer organizers also from the Container Store (also on sale).

Sonia Delaunay at the Cooper-Hewitt Extended to June 19

2011-04-17T08:04:00.000-04:00

storage closet redo

2011-04-16T07:59:00.001-04:00

Remember these? The first two are from my other closets post. The bottom two are the "where are they now"... They still need a little work but I'm very happy with the progress.

what a mess!

a little better than the other but still...

TM hung up a shelf over the water heater this past weekend. It's perfect for the empty boxes that we can't get rid of and awkward items like cat carriers.

Who knew that the wire shelving that we were considering getting rid of would fit so well?

for Japan

2011-04-15T07:52:00.000-04:00

This lovely little tote was given to me for my birthday. The proceeds from the sale of this bag are being donated to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. My friend purchased it from Kisan Concept Store which is amazing but unfortunately does not offer it on their site. I have, however found it available on the artist's site.

Click here for Atsuyo et Akiko.

I ♥ April!

2011-04-14T18:18:00.000-04:00

What's not to love about April? The weather is getting warmer, the trees are starting to bloom, the birds are singing and it's my birthday month...

The ducks live well in NYC

View of Central Park from the Guggenheim Museum.

Fresh as a flower. Bond No. 9 New York

TM made me a delicious birthday cake.

Mr. April

2011-04-14T14:49:00.002-04:00

His name is Ziggy and he is Mr. April. This might just be as controversial as the J Crew pink nail polish ad...

things happen...

2011-03-30T15:16:00.000-04:00

The other day, when I was getting ready for work, one of the medicine cabinet doors fell off its hinge. Caught completely off guard, I was doing something that didn't allow me to catch it so it bounced its way down to the floor breaking nearly everything in its path. Gone is Toni's decoupage "T" soapdish, crumbled is the Erno Laszlo sea mud soap, broken is the pump to my Aveda smooth infusion and chipped is the marble counter. Luckily, the mirror didn't break. I think I have already expressed my distaste for the cabinetry... Our management company did fix the cabinet door the next day but said that they would have to special order the counter.

wine storage

2011-03-17T09:44:00.000-04:00

As members of the Zagat Wine Club, we receive 12 bottles at a time. We left the last delivery in the office stacked on the floor but now I think we need more organized storage. We have room to add something to one of the bookcases so I started looking yesterday. I think I found some great (affordable and functional) options. Let me know if you know of others.

Wine Runner - Addo Novo $50

Wine Runner

My favorite! Zigzag wine bottle rack about $31 for set of three that holds 12 bottles.

Zigzag wine bottle rack

Kartell Infinity Wine Rack $81

Grape Wine Rack $160

16 Bottle Wine Rack $29 Conran Shop

Pilare Wine Storage - Addo Novo $56

apt. 8.5 new and improved!

2011-03-16T19:04:00.000-04:00

Benjamin Moore Eagle Rock

Benjamin Moore Smoke Embers meet Eagle Rock

Smoke Embers in the cat's half bath

I ♥ Miele!

2011-03-16T18:50:00.001-04:00

A little over four years ago we purchased our last vacuum, a Eureka. It was a bit of an emergency situation and unfortunately there wasn't any time for research and also not a lot of money available. It worked okay... at first... The long story short is that some time ago we lost the ability to fully extend the wand which left us vacuuming in a hunched over position which in turn left us with VERY sore backs. We considered ordering a new part but the suction also seemed to lack power so we held off.

After much research and recommendations from friends we have FINALLY purchased a new vacuum, the Olympus by Miele. It's the entry model but really all we need. Who knew? The suction is amazing while operating fairly quietly (it didn't even disturb the cats). It's lightweight and has a telescoping wand that will allow me to vacuum in even my highest of heels.

The best part of the story is that Bed Bath & Beyond now carries them and we were able to use a 20% off coupon! It seems some of their coupons exclude Miele products but ours did not. Yay! I love it!

new books!

2011-03-13T18:02:00.002-04:00

I enjoy going into Anthropologie not for the clothing (too girly for me) but for the housewares, sale section and visual displays. On my most recent trip I found two books on sale.

project ideas and sewing techniques

a written history balanced with fantastic images of her work

early sketch for a Vera scarf pattern

Sonia Delaunay at the Cooper-Hewitt!

2011-03-13T17:27:00.000-04:00

Color Moves: Art and Fashion by Sonia Delaunay

March 18–June 5, 2011

yellow be gone!

2011-03-06T06:52:00.000-05:00

We are way further along than the above pictures indicate (switch plates, outlet covers, artwork and furniture have all been restored to their original positions) but I haven't had a chance to take any photos the last couple of days. I have to say that new color is amazing! The apartment feels much more up to date. That old yellow really brought the place down!

I had said that we weren't going to paint the kitchen but we did. We continued the accent wall color around the corner...

eye spy! more collections

2011-03-02T20:37:00.001-05:00

A wonderful display of eyewear sent to me from a dandy in Brooklyn, NY. I see Anne et Valentin (factory), Cutler and Gross, Alain Mikli... FANCY!

vintage sewing patterns

2011-02-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

"I have quite the extensive collection of vintage sewing patterns ranging in date from the 1910's to the 1980's but with the bulk of my collection consisting of patterns from the 1930's through 1950's. I probably have about 1000, but it's been a while since I've counted.

These pics are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how many there are. they are from a bag that I've taken out of storage. I've been going through it figuring out which items I really want to make. Sometimes it's really difficult to figure out. I love the illustrations on these in particular. the colors and techniques used appeal to me." Julie, Portland, OR

1930's Souvenir of New York Collection

2011-02-27T08:40:00.002-05:00

The owners of this collection live in NYC.

window shopping

2011-02-26T13:21:00.004-05:00

3.1 Phillip Lim Contrast-Trim Espadrilles

Dries Van Noten Pants

Yay! Five day weekends are the best! The first day I had off I spent in NYC window shopping. My favorite items were a MM6 loose knit sweater (haven't found it anywhere online yet...), 3.1 Philip Lim leather espadrilles and Dries Van Noten wide leg pants. A pair of perfect wide leg pants are high up on my want list for spring.

1st spring/summer 2011 purchase

2011-02-26T12:06:00.000-05:00

I got my tax return...

The Margiela boots are even better than I imagined! They fit PERFECT! I'm going to wear them with tights until it gets a little warmer.

good bye, yellow

2011-02-26T11:39:00.001-05:00

Benjamin Moore Smoke Embers

Benjamin Moore Eagle Rock

Smoke Embers

We're finally painting! We waffled back and forth about painting as this is a rental, we move frequently and it's an expensive (and time consuming) endeavor. Clearly, we folded. Yellow, is really just terrible. We're painting the entry, living/dining area Smoke Embers. There will be an accent wall in the dining area painted Eagle Rock. We're leaving all the trim and doors the existing white. I can't wait until it's done! We just started and it already looks and feels a million times better!

For now we're leaving the kitchen yellow. This is the area above the cabinets and one small wall. We'll see...

One of my biggest pet peeves is paint on outlet and switch covers.

I collect things, do you?

2011-02-23T10:31:00.003-05:00

I wish that I could say that I only collect one thing, but I don't. A friend asked me, "do you have more than two of anything?" Yes, I thought. The list swelled in my head, pottery and ceramic objects, art, woven baskets, scarves, stools, chairs, animal lamps, fashion books... and gnomes.

The gnome collection started innocently enough in the sale section of Urban Outfitters in Seattle about 10 years ago. There they were, five plastic light up gnomes that were perfect for the window of the boutique I was managing. After the display came down, I took them home and they have been with me ever since. They have lived in Seattle, Portland, Philadelphia, Union City, Jersey City and now Bayonne.

Currently, they are huddled together in a corner but in past apartments they have lived on top of kitchen cabinets, on bookcases, on window sills... Once you have five gnomes (a collection for sure) there is no reason to stop. In addition to regular garden gnomes of various sizes I have notepads, t-shirts (never been worn), magnets, Christmas ornaments, juice glasses, a bank, and even a ceramic hybrid gnome-cat.

This isn't all of them by any means and there are MORE after the jump.

apartment 8 - the first one - part two

2011-02-20T22:26:00.004-05:00

I don't know where to start with this one... I'm not one to dwell on the past but here you go, before and afters of the first apartment eight. Did I mention how many hours (an how much money) we spent cleaning, painting and repairing?

the before

new eyewear!

2011-02-17T17:27:00.004-05:00

I picked up my new glasses yesterday and I love them! They are exactly what I was looking for (bold and pretty). I am very selective with my eyewear and even more selective with where I purchase them. I'm not easy. I have a high prescription and higher expectations. I have finally found a place in NYC, after five years of searching, that meets my requirements for selection, quality and customer service, Petite Optique. They have two locations in the city, one in the West Village and one in Union Square. Both are worth visiting.

I really only wear two brands, Theo and Anne et Valentin. I went out on a limb this time though and tried a new designer, Michel Henau. The designers are Belgian and the frames are handmade in France. So, now I wear three brands.

can't help it

2011-02-16T09:59:00.004-05:00

Anyone who know me knows that I'm not the biggest fan of summer. I lived in the beautiful Pacific NW for 11 years in bliss. The summers there are perfect, not too hot and not humid. I have lived on the east coast now for 7 years where the summers are dreadful (hot + humid = dreadful) and have learned that I can either complain and hate it or embrace it in some way. I opt to embrace via fashion. If it's 100° I better be wearing something I love. I know it's only February but summer is just around the corner! It's time to plan. Shoes first. These are all by Maison Martin Margiela.

Flat Sandals

Ankle Cuff Sandals

Open-Toe Ankle Boots

closet #10

2011-02-16T09:05:00.001-05:00

"I finally snapped a shot of my closet for you. It made me realize that I need to clean it out and donate a few things. Most of the clothes that I've been wearing lately are in drawers, so I have not opened my closet in a while...bad idea, I seem to have a moisture problem in there aaaack! My Docs actually have some growth on the rubber. Must move shoes out of there quick!" female, Everett, WA

closet #9

2011-02-13T07:28:00.002-05:00

"The shelf with the shoes has wadded up shirts behind... There are even more wadded up things behind the red boxes that contain my scarves, gloves, belts and stocking caps... What a mess disguised as organized....." male, Brooklyn, NY

click here for all closets

apartment 8 - the first one - part one

2011-02-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

The first apartment eight was the deal of the century and the inspiration for everything. It was the entire top floor of a funeral home in downtown Jersey City. It had three bedrooms and was full of 1909 charm with many of the original details still intact. The savings were so crazy (we were to pay $10,000 less a year than our current rent) that we went against our better judgement and went for it.

despite this pro/con list we moved

We had a big job in front of us. The entire place had to be cleaned from top to bottom as the previous tenant was a smoker. Then everything had to be painted (we went through 22 gallons of primer and paint). We even did some minor renovations like replacing the bathroom vanity and medicine cabinet.

We were happy happy with our efforts but in the end it was futile. As it turned out our downstairs neighbor was also a chain smoker so our apartment often smelled (we tried air purifiers for us and for him). The neighborhood was indeed sketchy and we witnessed more than one drug deal from our window. Then there were the electrical problems... To our disbelief, all of our outlets were on the same circuit. Something as harmless as plugging in an iron (Rowenta Professional) would cause the circuit to brake. To repair this you had to go down into the creepy basement of the funeral home. I can't even count how many times this happened.

We ended up only living there a few months. One day we just couldn't take it anymore.

watches - I have them. I covet them. I wear them sometimes...

2011-02-10T19:58:00.003-05:00

Of these, I only own the Orvis. I have dreamed about the Harnais for over a decade now.

Orvis Grosgrain Ribbon Watch

L.L. Bean Signature Vintage Metal Field Watch

J Crew Timex® traveler watch

Hermes Harnais

closet #8

2011-02-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

male, New York, NY

closet side view

closet front view

new camera!

2011-02-10T13:26:00.001-05:00

We finally got a new camera yesterday after about a month without. I have only taken a few photos so far... there will be a lot of experimenting to come. I also ordered a vintage style case for it last night on ebay from a seller in Hong Kong. I received the shipping confirmation this morning saying that it could take 10 to 24 days. Fingers crossed that it's closer to 10!

PS: I ordered a black case.

my other closets

2011-02-10T12:54:00.000-05:00

I forgot the utility closets yesterday... so, here they are. Also, these are the first images taken with my new camera.

all my closets

2011-02-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you, to everyone who has submitted (and will submit) closet photos! My plan is to take this far beyond closets. I would like this to become a continuing project to see how we all really live at home. Stay tuned and feel free to comment.

Here are my closets. I thought that I got all of them but I actually missed three... The others are utility closets for the A/C, water heater and the W/D. I'll try to photograph them tomorrow with my NEW camera (still in the box, Canon Power Shot SX210 IS). It's been a long month without a camera. Thank you, camera phone, for getting me through...

my closet - the current side

my closet

the summer side + 2 moooi pendant lamps in the box (are we going to stay long enough here to make hardwiring them worth while?)

the coat closet. we didn't know where to put this little dresser... it's really not working

suitcase + running shoes

coats + art supplies above in totes

TM's closet + sweater storage for both of us

more totes + air purifier that was necessary in the other apartment eight...

closet #7

2011-02-08T21:46:00.000-05:00

"I took some images with my iPhone. Since I couldn't get the whole closet into one photo, I had to take several." - male, Vienna, Austria

closet #6

2011-02-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

"This is painful, but I am attaching a pic of my supermessy closet. Messy with a system, fall/winter edition." - female, Verona, NJ

closet #5

2011-02-07T20:42:00.001-05:00

female + male, Portland, OR

hers

his

closet #4

2011-02-07T20:38:00.003-05:00

"This is so personal." - male, New York, NY

closet #3

2011-02-06T20:27:00.002-05:00

"Here are pictures of my far-too-small closet. Please note: some items are still in storage and all my folded stuff and some accessories are in drawers or in my suitcases under the beds (not too exciting). The closet also doubles as my cd and misc. papers/supplies storage." - Male - Vancouver, WA

closet #2

2011-02-06T20:14:00.003-05:00

"These are the best I could take in such a small space, and trying to avoid [the] messy side." - male, New York, NY

closets... I'm not going to name names...

2011-02-05T22:28:00.010-05:00

The next several entries are going to be all about closets. I have asked a number of my friends to send me photos of theirs.

male, New York, NY

On the mend

2011-02-01T18:27:00.002-05:00

This afternoon, after two days of feeling under the weather, things started to turn around and I decided that I could probably take care of a few little projects. First, I flipped to February on my United Bamboo Cat calendar. Next, I repaired the hem on a pair of my partners suit pants and then mended a seam on one of my sweaters. It's alway a good idea to hold onto the yarn that comes with your sweaters as you never know when you'll need it. Another good idea would be to keep it organized somehow... Luckily, I found the yarn swatch without too much digging. It was much easier when all my sweaters were black.

I'm not sure where this is going...thoughts of spring

2011-02-01T11:57:00.005-05:00

This is the first winter since I moved from Alaska 18 years ago that I have experienced snow on the ground for an entire month. Officially, the snow has now been on the ground here in the NYC area for over a month. For the most part I don't mind it as it is winter after all. Today, though, I am sick at home and all over the news there are reports of another storm coming our way. This one bringing more ice than snow. I can't help but think of spring a little...

Like I said in the title, I'm not sure where this is going. I have been inspired by this image from the Prada Spring 2011 runway for months. From the show I liked most of the black outfits, some of the stripes and none of the monkeys and bananas.

Click here for Prada Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

I'm also a little obsessed with this watch from L.L.Bean Signature. I have wanted a gold watch for a while now and this vintage style field watch is just what I've been looking for.

Click here for L.L.Bean Signature Vintage Metal Field Watch

apartment seven - jersey city, nj

2011-01-31T16:46:00.014-05:00

Apartment seven was lovely. We were the first tenants in this corner unit of a converted hospital. We had a lot of light, great views, a few good amenities, and very high rent. We would have stayed had we not come to our senses about how much money we were shelling out each month.

This is me on our first visit. We didn't move in for a few months.

This was the view for a while out our window. It was turned into a temporary park as the neighborhood park went under a one year renovation but soon it will be another building.

The floors seemed so bold at first.

Another view out the window. The empty lot is across the street to the left .

The view from the roof. Apartment 7 had an amazing roof deck.

We rearranged the living room many times.

if you give a cat a pillow

2011-01-29T19:33:00.002-05:00

Today, after the arrival of the the stools, I made two pillows. The smaller one is in a pink cotton velvet and the larger is in a red basket weave cotton. I seem to have a lot of fabric and pillow inserts around... but not very many zippers... As I was sewing I realized that I haven't sewn velvet or put in a zipper in a really long time. Both turned out just fine. Velvet makes a mess when cut and a zipper foot is pretty distinct looking.

for the cats

2011-01-29T13:51:00.003-05:00

Two new 18" stools. This is the only window that the cats can really get to so we had to do something.

Audrey tests.

Audrey approves.I bought these on clearance through my job. I never though I would own anything upholstered in microsuede... but I have to say that it actually looks fine. I'm happy with the color and if one of the cats barfs on it (which we know will happen sooner than later) it will be a snap to clean up. Perhaps this will keep them off the pretty wool sofa?

if I could have six or eight of any chair it would be this one

2011-01-29T12:46:00.003-05:00

moooi smoke chair by maarten baas

hemming

2011-01-26T18:37:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to hemming these curtains. Soon there will be a little bench under the window for the cats. Toni acquired the dress form for $20! It's totally new and very close to my size. Look how well my pearls fit!

This is the sewing machine that I have had since junior high (1987?). I have others but this is still my favorite. I have had my sewing scissors since high school. The ominous squirrel in the background was a birthday gift from Toni last year (2010).

A gift from a friend in Seattle. I can't remember the year... Around 1997. I worked for a small designer out of a house on Capitol Hill. I did finish sewing (hems and buttons) as well as pressing all items for shipping. This was perhaps my favorite job ever. Really, my arms were in great shape from the heavy iron, I worked in front of a window with a pretty view and got to listen to NPR all day. Did I mention they made clothes for the likes of Hillary Clinton and Bea Arthur?

Organized thread is happy thread.

new'ish coat rack

2011-01-20T11:13:00.005-05:00

I had wanted this limited edition Eames Hang It All the moment I saw it. It sold out quickly at my job though during the Herman Miller event in December and I didn't want to buy it without my discount.

I bought this one off Etsy instead, the Wauli Coat Rack. I like everything about it except that it didn't come with black screws. We hung it up and have been using it but haven't got around to swapping out the screws.

Here it is in action. Just look at those silver screws! We'll probably change them when we paint. PS: I'm still using my phone as a camera. It's a long story... we haven't bought a new camera yet.

apartment 6 - jersey city, nj - I miss this apartment...

2011-01-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

apartment 5 - jersey city, nj

2011-01-14T22:25:00.003-05:00

looking at the new place

entry

wall of windows = 20 ft

elvis looking out to street

living room

dining room

I have a small gnome collection

meet audrey

yarn from Alaska

envelope from Japan

audrey addicted to heights...

craigslist chests from CT. who knew it was so far away?

we're moving?

it's been a busy week

2011-01-14T21:58:00.003-05:00

christmas tree is down

ornaments are still on the table...

new bookcase!

5 shelves are MIA... I'm still waiting to find out when I'll have them.

I paid $3.99...

velcro strips

I ♥ cord management!

apartment 4 - union city, nj

2011-01-12T18:52:00.002-05:00

view

view?

fire escape

me in kitchen

Toni painting...

living room - we were clearly into dramatic accent walls back then.

AVL meet Miss Sissy

we sold the Noguchi lamp as it was just too big.

does anyone else see elvis?

From Philadelphia we moved to Union City, NJ. It seemed convenient for the both of us as I was to be working in NYC and Toni, my wife, in Jersey City. Our apartment was nice with beautiful views of Manhattan. We were on the top floor in a corner unit. What more could you ask for?

Apartment 4 was in a giant old (pre-war) condo building that was in desperate need of roof repair. We had many leaks... We also had the most uneven floors in the world (from back to front about 3 inches). There were a couple of cockroach sightings.

We only had one (yes, one!) very small closet. I don't know how we did it!

Union City was okay. From where we lived we were the last bus stop before the Lincoln Tunnel so we could be in midtown Manhattan in minutes. It was also very close to to the "prestigious boulevard east" that runs north along the east side of the Hudson River, directly across from NYC. This was a great for running. Otherwise, there wasn't much to do... There was a wine store, with a couple of cute french bulldogs, that seemed misplaced.

first purchase of 2011

2011-01-08T21:02:00.002-05:00

New Years 2011, I really didn't think I was drunk. There were three of us, we had a hearty pasta dinner. One bottle of prosecco and one bottle of champagne at midnight were all we consumed (maybe a little St- Germain was involved). We played scrabble (I won). I checked the New York Times one last time before I went to bed...

I woke up at 10 AM on the 1st and remembered that I made a purchase the night before, a cat calendar! The United Bamboo 2011 cat calendar. How much did I spend? $42 with shipping! I have never paid so much for a calender!

It arrived today and it's amazing! More than any cat loving lesbian could ever hope for. Sign me up for the 2012 addition. Thank you, New York Times Magazine for the link.

I think they have some left. Click here.