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Saturday, December 20, 2008

FrillSeekerDiary

718 Transient will now live over at www.FrillSeekerDiary.com, a collaborative effort of a few cell phone and PDA addicts, and the information they recieve via text message, photo, and email, over their devices.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Pause

718 Transient is currently on pause while I take in the sites worldwide. Come back in a few weeks for photos from the lovely West Coast, East Coast, some Europe, and a lil touch of the Dirty South.

Till then...

Friday, May 23, 2008

More Hershey




A cheaper option than other big-name theme parks, Hershey offers a wide array of rides for little ones, as well as chocolate-making expos and a how-to dark ride, complete with singing animatronics and free samples. Stop by on Opening Day and start off your sunshine season with thrills and chills. Younger children will love classic rides like bizzy bees, the frog hopper and helicopters, while older kids will enjoy the carousel, Canyon River Rapids and 11 roller coasters. New as of 2007, a sprawling water area is guaranteed relief on a hot afternoon. While many of the edgier slides have height requirements, an old-fashioned boardwalk-style water pool with squirt guns, fountains, smaller slides and a bucket drop is open to all.




Click here for more information...

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Wide Open Spaces II




In lieu of my Memorial Day road trip through Pennsylvania, I was excited to see Expedia introduce a new section on road trips. Though the price of gas is ridiculously astronomical this year, I think the rising airline prices combined with the recent bad press is keeping people away from flying. At the same time, families and family trips are up, and suddenly anywhere in your backyard can be a destination.

I certainly agree with their Vegas choice, as I'm a huge fan of renting a convertible and driving around the desert, but Orlando? Really? I can count on one hand the times I've had a car in Orlando, and though it was a convenience, I didn't exactly take to the open road.

http://www.expediaroadtrips.com/index.php

Monday, May 19, 2008

Richmond County Proper




Instead of bashing the sometimes annoying people I live near, or whining about strict HOA rules, I thought I'd do something different. Below you will find a few reasons why I chose to move to Staten Island, other than it's cheap real estate and proximity to NYC.



















And here is the only thing that got me up some mornings, the view from the front of my apartment on Bay Street.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

To Soothe the Blogging Beast

I haven't been able to update lately for lack of Internet, time being home, and other factors. So, just for an update, enjoy these gardening and new garden tips.






Link: http://www.silive.com/southshore/weekly/index.ssf?/base/news/12102561158330.xml&coll=1

Friday, May 16, 2008

Mid-Century Modern




So far, my favorite part of the bedroom rehab is my Jacob chair, and the way its white frame looks super modern against the mid-century feel of my mid-century condo.



Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Meet the Foyer




This is my foyer. It really needs something... maybe another bookcase and a big comfy club chair?

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Moose





Lately I've been craving an escape from the city. This is rarely possible, so I tend to live vicariously through the emails that flog my 9-5 inbox. Today's was especially charming.

National Parks and their lodges have been getting a lot of great attention, and Denali National Park in Alaska is no exception. May rates at the McKinley Chalet Resort seem to be around $189/nt- not bad for a hotel that Hotels.com and Trip Advisor both seem to favor.



These hotels offer no sort of airfare-inclusive packages, but luckily Alaska Airlines also has some sort of early summer sale, with rates beginning at $59 each way. To fly to Denali National Park, check flights going into Cantwell, Healy River, or the smaller Denali National Parks private airports.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Vintage 1983, from Brooklyn





This weekend isn't Brooklyn Museum's First Saturday program, as I previously thought (Boo to no second week programs!), but I'm still planning a group trip to my native borough this weekend. I'm most excited to visit MURAKAMI, which is running through July 13, but really just love getting to the building and admiring its long-running exhibits like the Rodin Gallery and the Visible Storage Center as well.

I know the face of Brooklyn is changing, and that's something that's a little difficult for me to come to terms with, having been born here to a family that came on a boat to Ellis Island with nothing... and watching a lot of spoiled rich kids move into my city and turn it into a shallow fashionista playground. But, with the influx of people have also come a lot of really great people who are taking communities with a rich past- like Red Hook and Crown Heights- and restoring them into real true communities.

Click, at the Brooklyn Museum this summer, and online right now, is an exhibit that really takes these two thoughts and meshes them. You can register online to sort through a series of over 350 photos and rate them on a sliding scale as to whether or not they convey the message that the face of Brooklyn is changing. There are the usual suspects of Coney Island photos, and an almost staggering amount of Williamsburg hipster photos, but in the mix there are also extremely captivating pictures that capture people from all walks of life- new to the city and lifers, and the ever-changing background of 718.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Domo arigato





I'm loving giving up all my hard earned cash to MoMA's Destination Japan products at the MoMA Design shop. As a World traveler, I believe it's really important to bring home a little piece of every place you've been- I feel it helps you remember what you learned and carry it with you and to people around you. But if you aren't able to just hop a plan across the globe, this is a great second option.

It's amazing just looking at everyday objects, we can really see how differently we all live our lives, but how similar they are at he end of the day.










Over the last week I fell in love- with this yellow quilt from Ikea. I love the organic shapes and it was cheap to-boot, however I purchased before realizing that it didn't fit my quilt. So, I stopped by Michael's Arts & Crafts and purchased some simple stretcher bars to make an art installation on my, as of yet bare, bedroom wall.

Since my drill is having issues I went the old fashioned way. My grandfather was a carpenter when he came to Brooklyn from Italy and I guess I have it in my blood- hammer and nails was all this project took.

Below are some photos of one in the series.




Thursday, May 8, 2008

M-U-D spells Y-U-M




The New York Times has an interesting article today about how some off-season attractions can become total destinations. I don't know if I'm buying Vermont's plans, but they are creative, to say the least...



By KATIE ZEZIMA
Published: May 6, 2008


LOWER WATERFORD, Vt. — In Vermont, mud season is the limbo between winter and spring, when the snow melts, the crocuses start peeking through and rubber boots and low gears are needed to navigate the mess that takes over many roads and fields.

For some, it is the perfect time to hop a flight to Florida or, for the more adventurous, go off-roading. But for the state’s hospitality industry, it is painfully quiet.

“People come for summer, they come for foliage, they come for winter skiing, and we tend to get overlooked in the spring,” said Sara Berthiaume of the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph, Vt.

For the last few years, the Three Stallion and 13 other inns have been trying to make muddy northern New England a destination, offering free car washes, complimentary mudslides (the drink) and spa mud wraps for travelers looking for an off-season getaway.

718 Constant

Checking out design*sponge this a.m. I was reminded about - this weekend!
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
I didn't have a chance to attend last years show because of family obligations, but this year I will be there with bells on, and will be covering the event for a really fantastic website.

If you are able to shimmy down to Dumbo, visit us during these hours:

Friday, May 9: 10am–8pm
Saturday, May 10: 10am–7pm
Sunday, May 11: 11am–6pm

For the Love of Notes




I am dying to get my paws into the National Stationary Show, but, unfortunately, none of the places I freelance for are very interested in covering it (big mistake!) and I don't yet have the credentials on my own. But for anyone who does have the right creds, be sure to check out the 210,000 square feet of creativity and favorites like sweetbeets, Pink Loves Brown, and MadeByGirl.



The Stationary Show hits the Jacob Javitz Center from May 18-21, 2008.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008




Embarrassingly, since Target is closer to my house than the nearest 24-hr supermarket, we've resigned to stopping in for stables weekly. And since I've just purchased my backyard fence and am deep in yard-mode, I'm super excited to present the Cynthia Rowley Whim outdoor collection at Target.

Patio furniture, grills, inflatable pools, and other neon colored gizmo's flank this extremely wallet-friendly line. However, as with many Target items, I have a feeling these gadgets won't make it to next season for lack of substantial quality. Fingers crossed for the blue and green grill!

A few of my favorites below














Take a Settee



I have a huge problem.

I'm having people over tomorrow for a LOST party and yet have no place to seat them! I do have a couch, though a three-seater, and a few club chairs, but I feel like my archive of good seating is limited.

So, lately I've been looking at wicker two-seater's. I like the flexibility of these items; add thick pillows for a casual dining room seater, leave them bare for outdoors, thick throw for extra living room seating. I'm especially loving the few below.

Montauk Settee from Pier 1



VIBBYN chair from Ikea

Drive-in Downtown




The Downtown Staten Island Council's Drive-in Movie season is already in full swing. Below you can find the schedule for the latest flicks. This is such a totally fun way to chill by the water, with the family, enjoy a snack, and see a flick.

May 9: Shrek the Third
May 10: Titanic

May 16: Grease
May 17: Young Frankenstein/ Rocky Horror Picture Show

May 23: The Wizard of Oz
May 24: Dream Girls

Price is $25 per car at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark on the Bay St. waterfront. Times vary, so please check the website for more details.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Mother's Day Brunch




I love the idea of having a Mother's Day Brunch, so when it came time to create a brunch Cool Find for DancingMeatballs.com, I was thrilled to dig and find some picks in the Philly metro-area where families can chow down. Find the article below.

The Breakfast Club
Sunday, May 11, 2008 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

If your crew goes wild for diner favorites, you’ll enjoy the yummy bites at Jones on Chestnut Street. Food is served from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and casual attire will do just fine for munching on buttermilk pancakes, baked macaroni and cheese and eggs benedict at this hip eatery. For moms, an array of fun and light breakfast cocktails (with names like “morning glory” and “Jones decadent hot chocolate” are also available.


If you’re in the mood for a family fiesta, stop by the Tortilla Press in Collingswood, New Jersey. Strawberry and banana quesadillas, baby tacos and breakfast burritos abound at this Tex-Mex-influenced venue from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. They even feature a fully stocked kids menu with classics such as silver dollar pancakes, chicken fingers and fries and French toast.


For home cooking without breaking a sweat, visit Winnie’s LeBus in Manayunk. Frittatas, artesian breads and a variety of gourmet omelets rule the roost here from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (with an array of figure-friendly salads to boot)! Also be sure to check out the countless blue plate specials being served today. Only one blue plate special is typically offered each day, but several will abound this Sunday in honor of Mother’s Day!


Those in the mood for a quiet meal will fare better at 333 Belrose in Radnor, where they can dine on a late brunch buffet of waffles, eggs of all styles and a full carving station from 12:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. If a little extra Mother’s Day celebrating is in order, this restaurant also offers a fantastic wine selection, from 2001 cabernet sauvignons to radiant reds from Napa Valley.


Just choose your restaurant and nosh with the entire family – it’s the best gift any mother could ask for!

Locations:
Jones – 700 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106;
The Tortilla Press – 703 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108;
Winnie’s LeBus – 4266 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127-1609;
333 Belrose – 333 Belrose Lane, Radnor, PA 19087

Contact Information:
Jones – 215.223.5663;
The Tortilla Press – 856.869.3345;
Winnie’s LeBus – 215.487.2663; 333 Belrose – 610.293.1000

Type of Event: Family activity
Children's Ages: 0 to 12 years
Cost: $10 and under at Jones, the Tortilla Press and Winnie’s LeBus; $15 and up for kids (under 12), $29 and up for parents at 333 Belrose

Monday, May 5, 2008

Good for the Seoul



Inspired by Pret a Voyager's shoutout to Icelandair's stopover program, I really wanted to let people know about Korean Airline's Seoul Stopover. If you are flying Korean Airline or its partner Asiana Airlines to any destinations, you can register for a transfer and hotel for a few hours in Seoul.

Their website lists a common itinerary as including hotel accommodation fees, round-trip limousine bus tickets, and discounted tickets to a host of other restaurants and tourist spots.

See www.seoulstopover.com for exact details of this trip.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Cakes for a cause



Each month, the punk savvy chefs at Chicago's Bleeding Heart bakery cook up a little plan to give back to the community. Every 30 days the sales from one special cupcake goes to the charity of the month, this month you can feast down on yummy goodness for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which aids the families and memories of Chicago's finest who have fallen.

If that wasn't nice enough, take a gander at the above image. That little baby is vanilla bean filled with raspberry jam and topped with chocolate ganache frosting and donut glaze with chocolate sprinkles. If you're still hungry, check out Bleeding Heart Bakery's other creative cakes. It's definitely worth a Windy City excursion.

Friday, May 2, 2008

California Dreamin

I'm headed to the bright lights and sunny skies of the West Coast in a few weeks and been trying to update my wardrobe since purchasing tickets. Born and raised a New Yorker, my closet consists of black, black, black, sweatshirts, and black, but now I'm aching for some bright cuteness and a hint of color in my pale cheeks. Below are some items I'm crushin on and can't wait to pile into my (black and dark brown) suitecase!



Printed Tube Coverups at Old Navy



Oona Dress at Anthropologie



Clear Gasha Jelly Flats from Target


H&M Marimekko Collection bathing suit (Right hand side), courtesy of StyleFrizz


Terry Loop Romper from American Apparel

Mrs. Clean




We use Mrs. Myers cleaning supplies in this little maison, but it isn't easy to find organic cleaning supplies in any part of Staten Island. The nearest Whole Foods is across the Outerbridge and always pricey, so I've begun finding peddled goods online.

Today, I was alerted that my friends at Drugstore.com have a 30% off sale for many Mrs. Myers cleaning supplies. From what I can see, they start around $4 for single items like yummy smelling basil countertop spray, and run up to $14 for entire scent packages. I've always been a fan of drugstore.com for carrying hard-to-find imports, and now I'm taking my fandom up a notch.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

But I am the baby...




Though I don't have any kids of my own, I often write for parenting magazines, and even a family events website. I have six lovely and adorable nieces and nephews and try to spend as much time with them as possible, and always have my eye out for family fun (kids have way more fun than we do- trust me). So when I was sent info about Empire of the Dog's pet and baby integration classes, I thought to myself 'this is something I need to share.'

Baby Makes Four will take place on two days- May 4 and May 18th- both Sunday's, for the price of $95 at their convenient Williamsburg location. I really like the idea of this class since pets are so common in the household right now, and you really do need to take steps to integrate your furry baby and your skin baby. There's no reason everyone shouldn't be calm, happy, and get along fine- and I'm sure this class can help you achieve that.

Contact empireofthedog@verizon.net for more information.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Farmer's Market

Cash always gets tight for me around this time of the year. Months away from a holiday bonus and Christmas cards stuffed with cash, too too close to summer time shares and trips out of the country. Luckily, $10 can go a long way at Gerardi's Farmer's Market over on Richmond Terrace.

With grilling season right around the corner I am super-happy with the mini corn stalks, peppers, large Spanish and red onions, stalks of broccoli, red potatoes, and portobello mushrooms I brought home for just over $7 this past week.

The official Parks backed St. George Green Market doesn't open in the Municipal Parking lot for another few months, so it's nice to have Gerardi's back

Bed, bath and beyond




This isn't the most timely report but something that's been on my mind for a few weeks.

In the ever present fight to keep my abode feeling sparkling and new I have turned myself into a bed sheet pro. If there's a new sheet in town, I must have it.

Low and behold to my inbox comes an email from bed bath ad beyond. I'm pleased to announce their line of new dkny bed and bath products. It comes in sophisticated colors and modern shapes but what I enjoy most is that I can outfit my bed in this and my boyfriend won't feel like a wimp crawling in at night- they are definitely unisex friendly.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Hooray for Hollywood

I'm headed to Los Angeles in a few weeks and couldn't be happier. Disneyland is debuting a new ride/game attraction that promises to be hysterical and I will be one of the first people online to see it at Disneyland, and then Disney World when we head off in September.

But I wanted to pass some of the information along, out there in the cyber ether. Disney's Toy Story Mania (Toy Story Midway Mania in Anaheim) is nearing its completion and just about open for business!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Down Home Weekend

This weekend was all about a little R&R for your truly. As some of you might know, I've been hard at work on a website relaunch at my full-time job so instead of the usual running around I like to engage in on Saturdays and Sundays, I spent some time absorbing the neighborhood, some locals eats, and my bed.

If you're on Staten Island, the best tip I can offer you is o get over to Sushi Excellent on New Dorp and Hylan. From the first sip of my fruit martini to the Coconut Shrimp sushi, it was amazing- and I don't mind saying, a really affordable price.I was really impressed, and for someone who's eaten sushi all over the world to be impressed is a huge accomplishment.

Friday, April 25, 2008

I broke the rules

of blogging.

I left my blog for more than day. I'm sorry. We relaunched the website I work on 9 to 5 and it required 15 hr work days from me for the last 10 days- leaving zero time for you.

But I'm back, and have plenty to sure on this post-Earth Day weekend with the NYC Grows Festival, and more!

Have me back, please.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Kitchen Island




I'm looking to expand my kitchen cabinets, but for now this super-cheap Ikea butcher block top island is doing just fine!