718Transient

2009-01-05T07:49:00.001-08:00

FrillSeekerDiary

2008-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

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.

Pause

2008-07-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

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...

More Hershey

2008-05-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

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...

Wide Open Spaces II

2008-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

Richmond County Proper

2008-05-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

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.

To Soothe the Blogging Beast

2008-05-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

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

Mid-Century Modern

2008-05-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Meet the Foyer

2008-05-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

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

Moose

2008-05-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Vintage 1983, from Brooklyn

2008-05-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Domo arigato

2008-05-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

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.

M-U-D spells Y-U-M

2008-05-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-07T13:46:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Mother's Day Brunch

2008-05-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

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

Good for the Seoul

2008-05-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Cakes for a cause

2008-05-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

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.

California Dreamin

2008-05-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

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.

But I am the baby...

2008-05-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Farmer's Market

2008-04-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Hooray for Hollywood

2008-04-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Down Home Weekend

2008-04-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

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.

I broke the rules

2008-04-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Kitchen Island

2008-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

The Flea

2008-04-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend weather and time allowed me to stop by Brownstoner's Brooklyn Flea. While I wasn't sure what to expect, one thing I definitely wasn't prepared for was the overall sense of community and friendliness from people of all walks of life. Hipsters and obvious out-of-towners, low-income natives and sky high income new residents, everyone working together to collect money for schools, support local businesses, and keep Fort Greene exactly what it should be- a neighborhood.

I came in contact with many very helpful people, from native born artists, to a couple new to the city who shared my enthusiasm for mismatched ceiling tiles, and I had a great time.

If you're heading to Brooklyn Flea next week, here are some things you should know:

1. Parking is limited in Fort Greene, but the further down, the better. Try Washington Avenue and cross blocks.

2. Hold off on the food till you arrive. There are a ton of vendors peddling sandwiches, cupcakes, and other yummy treats you'll be sorry to miss.

3. Carry cash. 99.9% of the vendors will only take cash, and the schoolyard that houses BK Flea is not adjacent to any ATMs.

4.Grab business cards, flyer's, and other calling cards. While you may not need a 2x4 print of the Brooklyn Bridge now, it may come in handy as a holiday gift in the future. Give these folks a chance after Brooklyn Flea ends.

Photo Essay

2008-04-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm missing Vegas

But I'm thrilled that I'll be back in mere weeks.

You've got a friend in me

2008-04-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

This summer, I'm headed to sunny SoCal and making a stop at the original House of Mouse. I'm a huge WDW fan, so I'm thrilled to see the original Land that Walt built and even more thrilled to try the brand-new Toy Story Midway Mania. You can imagine the chills I had learning the ride was already in tests and I could take a sneak peak now on YouTube. Enjoy.

Backsplash beige no more

2008-04-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've been having ongoing problems with my basement ceiling, and in an attempt to combat them, bought tin tiles. The idea was to attach them to pre-existing (read: ugly) ceiling tiles and make my damp, dark ceiling hideous no-more, but that didn't quite work out. So instead, my imagination got to working over time and I decided to try a little piece of the kitchen to see what it would look like. Please excuse the bad photography- rogue camera.

Before:

After:

What's that on the cabinets, you ask? Well, let me tell you. Chalkboard paint.

Yes, believe it or not, I slathered my cabinet doors in chalkboard paint with every intentions of scribbling to-do lists, recipes, notes to Craig, and reminders up there. The paint was originally for a neighboring wall, but after a kitchen marathon on HGTV I was too inspired to let this pass.

The other side isn't finished yet, but I'll post more when it is.
And yes, those are cheap Ikea knobs looking very sleek and fabulous on the doors.

Project H

2008-04-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Because I didn't come into this world with a silver spoon, I'm very grateful for everything I have, and like to give back when the opportunity comes up. I found the following post today on a community message board, and you bet I will be handing over whatever I have. You should, too.

Please join the CSI Alumni Association Student Alumni Interaction Committee and our exceptional student athletes in a food drive for Staten Island Project Hospitality

Most needed items include, canned meats, fish, vegetables, or fruit juices, pasta & tomato sauce, non perishable milk, cereal, rice canned or dried beans, peanut butter, jelly , coffee and tea

donation drop off points:
Building 1A
and Sports and Recreation Center

Project Hospitality is almost empty!!!
So Donate Today

Like the first ray of sun

2008-04-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

So comes the first iced coffee of the season.

This one, hailing from Starbucks at Macy's Herald Square, is a Caramel Macchiato. Bad for the hips; good for the soul.

Namaste

2008-04-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Washington DC is one of my favorite cities to visit. Not only is it a quick weekend getaway from NYC, but you can absorb yourself in art, history, nightlife, shopping, or eating. As you can tell, I really don't need a reason to slide down the East Coast, but for those who might, DC Yoga Week is just over the horizon.

As pulled from The Washingtonian, DC Yoga Week will run from Saturday, April 12 through Friday, April 18, and feature discounted classes and gear, tips, advice, and- weather permitting- yoga on the National Mall. Volunteers and instructors will be on site to advise any newbies, or pass tips onto seasoned regulars, and for locals, it's a great way to sample yoga studios in your hood, and decide which may be for you.

Above all, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's that time of the year again to get out and do something to make your body happy!

Weekend Update

2008-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

While the scattered showers and massive crowds kept me away from Brooklyn Flea this Sunday, I plan to go this weekend and shop enough to make up for it!

You may have noticed my New Orleans guide now up at design*sponge. I highly recommend you visit the city and pour some cash into it. There are too many fantastic stores, restaurants, and other shops still waiting to reopen. (Thanks again, Grace!)

Also, if you're looking for hip places to take your family, I feature some great restaurants, classes, and trips in the NY/Philly/Chicago metro areas over at Dancing Meatballs.

After many trips to Lowe's, Home Depot, and local hardware stores, I was able to create a kitchen worth of my collection of pots, pans, and gadgets. I will be including pics, as well as a how-to for anyone interested, later in the week.

Lastly, I had a chance to check out Color Chart at MoMA on Friday for free, thanks to Target's First Fridays program. Some really great pieces that I want to duplicate for my home. More on that later, as well.

Travel Good

2008-04-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

A previous and fantastic intern left my 9-to-5, where she was making mere peanuts researching in an office, to take a job in Costa Rica and make a difference in the world. Since then, I've had a major crush on the country, and write it up whenever I can.

Of course, Costa Rica is one of those destinations that, because of underdevelopment and advancement, is a pure, natural place to see, but also a difficult place to wrangle. Sure, there are tons of beach getaways, but if you're looking for more of a rainforest or cultural trip, many tour companies are a little lacking. This also makes it an expensive trip.

Luckily, I was tipped off to a voluntourism company called Globe Aware which organizes trips to Costa Rica, Peru, Romania, Nepal, Vietnam, Jamaica, and more, with a catch- you do community service while there. The tasks are more experience than labor and range from providing language conversation to Peruvians studying English, to assembling wheelchairs in Cambodia. Lodging and meals are provided on most tours, which last an average of a week and cost around $1200 (10% discount for minors).

And if you'd love to take one of these trips, but just don't have the money, Travelocity is offering a $500 grant to deserving individuals who would like to spread some love across the globe. Their voluntourism page highlights tours saving Leatherback Turtles in Costa Rica (yay!), assisting medical operations in Tanzania, and even cleaning up US parks.

A tip: Many of these tours run year-round, but fill quickly, especially in the summer months.

I Brake for Greenmarket

2008-04-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

April brings more than just Earth Week in my little hub of Downtown Staten Island, it also marks the beginning of fresh veggies and fruits. So yum.

The St. George Greenmarket, our official greenmarket, will open at the tail end of spring and last through the very tip of summer. Besides the produce you can stock up on, many local artists peddle their wares around this DIY hub, and there's always a good time to be had at Cargo (Sunday night trivia contests and a pint!), South Beach (super-secret, but not so secret, beach bonfires), and The Muddy Cup (a latte and some Faulkner).

Don't be shy. Come and visit.

Wish List 4/08

2008-04-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I surprise myself and fall in love with something the general masses (of Williamsburg) have already been diggin on for weeks, maybe months. I tend to march to the beat of my own sometimes dillusional drummer, and have a hard time revealing this, but, yes, its true. This week I'm ready to commit to a life long love of working girl glasses.

They may not be called working girl glasses for sure, but they evoke memories of mom putting on her blazer and going off to work, while I sat in bed with a big bowl of Rice Krispies, pigtailed hair, and rainbow bright nightshirt- Puffalump in lap. I'm crossing fingers that somewhere in the attic is an authentic pair waiting just for me.

Obsession number two comes at no big surprise to anyone who knows me. I'm a stationary freak. I have a drawer full of cards for Birthday, Christmas, Groundhog Day, Thank You, We've Moved, Happy New Year, Happy New Baby, and Just Because. I have a silver plated Pierre Cardin pencil I received years and years ago, sans original lead insert, and now I'm looking to expand this collection.

Call it excessive, but I just can't help imagining my red Ikea vase-made-pencil holder stashing a few of these bad boys. Superfluous? Yes. A little bit of sunshine in my life? Absolutely.

ps: Both items via BK.
www.fredflare.com
300F Kingsland Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 599-9221

www.americanapparelstore.com
314 Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 230-3705

On the Road

2008-04-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

This weeks Lonely Planet Blog on MySpace is near and dear to my heart. While cross-country road trips, and out-of-country experiences are often praised, the band tour is often left out.

I got my first taste for traveling while sharing a ten-year old rusting van with five guys and a girl, driving up the East Coast on their bands tour. Different from traveling, but not too different from run-away road trips, cash is short, time is of the essence, and creativity is high. Changing drivers at midnight is necessary, and you grow a taste for lesser known fast food chains and roadside stands. Though I can't imagine hopping aboard that van again, I look back fondly at the open road and total freedom of rockstar road trips.

2008-04-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Drawing from MoMA's Color Chart exhibit, which I'm stopping by tomorrow, I noticed a site where they give you a personality profile based on what colors you associate with yourself. Fun!

The down side? They're a bit preachy and after a sentence or two showing how great purple-blue-red-silver-yellow-black-brown-green can be, they go into great detail about how your life sucks. Then they try to sell you something to "fix your life." Not exactly what I had in mind when I signed up.

Anyway, they were pretty spot on with much of my choices. If you're not easily pissed off, try it.

Spend some money this weekend!

2008-04-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am super excited about this weekend. It's actually the first weekend in a long time that I don't want to hide under the covers with a big mug of hot chocolate.

Not only is tomorrow First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum, featuring Arts of Japan, and Elizabeth Sackler's Feminist Art, but Sunday, April 6, makes the first day of Brownstoner's Brooklyn Flea! 200 vendors from the 718 will be represented with home wares, crafts, DIY projects, and a ton more goody's. Click the link for location, hours, and more info.

Right now Weather Channel is showing big rain drops for the day, but Brooklyn Flea will run rain or shine. And I will see you there, precipitation or not.

2008-04-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

While the rest of you have been hard at work, or play, this week, I've been looking into:

1. Sending online postcards.
2. Planning my next cross-country getaway.
3. Getting rid of some baggage.
4. Creating and trying out new get rich quick schemes.
5. Sticking with the monkey.

A Word from our Sponsor

2008-04-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've gotten a number of emails complimenting my profile picture, and asking how I made it. Well, I didn't make it. I actually had it created by this cool online service I found via the Stumble tab on Firefox (thank you Stumble).

It's called CartoonMe and for about $7 American dollars it'll create a cartoon image out of any photo you upload. I uploaded from my computer, and it was emailed to me in about two days time.

I was persuaded to try out the program because I really, really want cartoon images of my dogs to hang in my house, but other options I found have been so expensive- this is not a project I'm willing to spend so much money on; let's save that for the slate shower. Besides the price, I'm into CartoonMe because its online. My next stop is to take the photos I've Cartooned, expand them and print them on photo paper, and frame them for my house- easy as that.

As soon as I get that done, I'll be sure to post pictures.

By Right or Might

2008-03-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my cubical staring out at the dreary day, my co-worker is bundling up. Her car service just arrived and she's about to get on an 11-hr plane ride to Chile! I am extremely jealous because not only will she gave some sun in the wine region, but hiking in mountainous areas, and even a side cruise to Easter Island.

Coincidentally enough, Condor Travel has just announced new luxury excursions to cosmopolitan Santiago, and surrounding areas.

2008-03-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

It's a tall claim to say that new art trumps the classics. After all, they are the Master's, and without then we'd be scribbling dots on paper and hanging it behind glass. However, in the world of MySpace's, Facebook's and Google-shall-inherit-the-Earth, it's ultimately true that an exhibit enabling the digital age to interfere with our perception of art would attract as much attention as its Web forefathers.

Enter: Dreams, an exhibit at the Hirshhorn at the Smithsonian that showed me new art really can be more than over funded hippies splattering paint on newspaper.
While I won't give the logistics away, Dreams captures you by making you a piece of the art several times- an effect I really loved working at MoMA and being part of the Richard Serra exhibit! Though a few of the works in this collection get a little too avante garde for the normal joe to enjoy, a good number of them are completely, 100% open to interpretation... always a sign of good work, when everyone and anyone is pulled in.

It is my total recommendation that you lay down the cash for the drive, shack up at the Hotel Helix, a short cab ride away in Dupont Chttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifircle, and an art hotel at its best, and catch the laser tunnels of clarity, disgusting speeches of digital puppetry, looping monologues that mimic the very action of sleep, and captivating new mediums of this exhibit before it disappears to reveal Part II.

Part II opens on June 19th, just short of Cherry Blossom season, but also worth a trip none the less, when our chilly East Coast weather has relaxed a bit.

For more information on Dreams, see:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/

http://www.gosmithsonian.com/

Photo Essay

2008-03-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm missing prague

Big time.

Blast from the Past

2008-03-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

2008-03-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

As a repost from ApartmentTherapy.com (whose 8-week Cure I am reading and following religiously), here is the Staten Island drop-off location for hazardous materials. For example: your probable current hand soap, dish soap, shampoo, and dish washing liquid.

STATEN ISLAND: Foot of Muldoon Avenue off the West Shore Expressway (440) adjacent to the DSNY Staten Island 3 garage.

Read the post here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/green-ideas/where-to-rid-of-your-toxic-household-cleaners-044970

Pre-Cherry Blossom Festival

2008-03-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

I feel silly to even mention this, but prior to this weekend, I was completely ignorant about wine in a can.

A few weeks ago my intern was telling a really funny story about being stuck on the train tracks in rural PA, and running out to buy a jug of wine, but I was stuck to the theory that this jug was pale green with a tiny handle and three little X's. Cartoon style.

Imagine my surprise when I was introduced to Sofia: sparkling mini wine cans developed by, who else, but Francis Ford himself. Perhaps named after the mini sparkling personality of his daughter, these cans are small but pack a punch, and best of all, you can hold them while wandering the room, making them prime party drinks.

Photo Essay

2008-03-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm missing Disney World and the Florida sunshine

But I'm excited to see Disneyland in a few weeks!

Lifestyles of the Rich and Outrageous

2008-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

MSN reported this morning that more and more hotels are going a step further to make their guests feel more comfortable. Among the standard perks of free bottled water and spa treatments, these hotels are now offering jet lag cures to weekday warriors. Among the items said to ease the pain of jet lag are blue-lamp lights designed to make sleep easier to fall into, video meditation programs set on room televisions, and snack menus chock full of sleepy time food.

While this is certainly an innovative concept, and will undoubtedly help the tons of people who pass in-and-out of cities for work trips, what's in it for the guests that are just visiting? A plethora of totally insane perks including pillows filled with everything from water to buckwheat, custom fragrances upon check in, mini bars stocked with board games, live goldfish, and erotic toys, and, my favorite, a $500 bath in Evian water, because apparently that gets the job done a million times better than the standard tap.

With the choices carrying on even further to standard concierge assistant, and technology butlers at your every gadget whim, the choice isn't which destination to jet off to next, but which hotel package to choose for that extra day spent in the room?