Steeliman's Blog

Adios amigos.

2011-10-11T10:32:00.001-04:00

I wish I could write more, but I'm just mentally tapped. That said, the blog is being retired. Thanks for reading and for always caring about the goings on in Casa Steeliman.

Seriously cute.

2011-09-22T09:28:00.001-04:00

This is Boo, and he is seriously cute. Check him out on his Facebook page.

Rusty bought me a new camera for the blog and I stopped blogging.

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

I got this wonderful new camera from Rusty for my birthday. It takes stellar photographs and he told me that he wanted me to have something that takes higher quality photographs for the blog. It was a crazy, thoughtful present.

Needless to say, I have been absolutely overwhelmed by life lately, so I halted blogging one month ago TODAY. The last words I uttered in blog land were about some red shoes. I guess that's how I chose to go out.

The last month has been bonkers.

My Dad had a pretty major stroke, so I spent 10 days in a hospital/rehab center in California trying to help, if I could, which I really couldn't, which was absolutely frustrating. My family is still trying to figure out what to do with the new normal. I'm back in NYC, feeling helpless.

I missed the first week of classes due to the family emergency, so when I came back, I had SO much work to catch up on, at work and for school. I had my first midterm last night! I thought about dropping out for the semester, but that's just not my style.

I went down to VA the weekend after I got back from CA for a round robin of kid's birthday parties and baptisms. It was nice, but absolutely bonkers busy.

AND, Rusty and I are so exhausted we can barely look at each other without bursting into tears, so things around the house have been awesome (?).

I guess that's life though. Some times are good, some times are challenging. We are just trying to muddle through it all with a smile on our weary faces.

Anyhow, whenever all hell breaks lose, I am reminded of what wonderful people I have in my life, from my family, to Rusty's family, to all of my super amazingly awesome friends. I could not accomplish any of what I do without all of the support that you guys give me on a daily basis. SO, even though I've been MIA for a few weeks, I know you've been secretly (or not so secretly) cheering for me. Thanks for that! Knowing that people love you is the greatest thing in the whole wide world.

I will now (attempt to) return to regular blogging. Please keep on reading the bloggy blogg blog.

Speaking of red suede shoes?

2011-08-22T10:49:00.001-04:00

I've been weighing the options on these puppies...What do you think? Ankle breaking or awe-inspiring?

Talbots? Really?

2011-08-22T10:15:00.004-04:00

I was flipping through their catalog this morning and I really liked some of their clothing and accessories.

Red suede heels...yes please!This bag would be perfect for lugging all of my readings and files to and from school. This dress would be lovely for a baptism (Ah hem, I'm going to be an official Godmother in the Catholic Church very soon).This outfit needs to be mine. It screams "Reference Assistance." Times are changing.

Weekend accomplished far too quickly.

2011-08-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

We had a pretty low key weekend, but we got some rest and spent some much needed time together. We went to dinner at Rusty's friend, Lee's house, on Friday night. That was lovely. Lee made us a very yummy dinner and I was impressed with his cooking skills. We were home and in bed by 11pm, which as you know makes me very happy.

Saturday, we went to the Brooklyn Flea and ate at late breakfast of tacos, then we walked around Brooklyn for a little while. We decided to take a jaunt to Soho so Rusty could get some new pants for work. He got his pants, and guess what? We found my pants and Rusty bought them for me!! VICTORY IS MINE!I plan on wearing them as soon as the weather gets a little cooler. Then we went and celebrated our shopping victories by having a slice of strawberry cheesecake and a cocktail at Le Petit Cafe. We had a lazy evening of ordering pizza and watching Winter's Bone.It was my choice. And yes, it was depressing, but very good. I always pick the most depressing movies. I can't understand it!

Sunday was pretty low-key. I made home-made vegetarian chili and sewed all day. SO...here's my dilemma. I have this super cute sweater vest I bought from Anthropologie a few years ago.I don't know what to wear this darn sweater with. I thought it might be cute with a shirt dress, but I couldn't find one that I thought would look good with it. I thought, "Well, I'll just make one!" I went to Purl and bought Alexander Henry's Farmdale Fashionista Mocca Downtown Dot. Anyhow, I was super impressed with myself last night when I sewed in the contrasting placket near the cuff. Needless to say, it's all starting to look a little Brady. That's really not the look I'm going for. I'm gonna finish the dress tonight, so I'll let you know what the verdict is.

The pink pant dilemma.

2011-08-19T10:29:00.004-04:00

These stupid pants have pushed me over the edge.SO, I greatly desire the above pants for this Fall because, apparently, I like hot pink now (I'm so weird. I change my mind every day about what I like). Anyhow, I have made endless trips to J. Crew in search of these pants, as well as perused their online shop and guess what!? I still don't have them! Why, you ask? Because. They don't have my size. BAHHH!

And what's with the vanity sizing at J. Crew? Seriously? I'm done with vanity sizing. I would like to wear the same size pant in whatever store I go to. I don't care if I'm a size 0 or a size 10, I just don't want to have to try on five different pairs of pants to figure out what size I am. I'm busy, okay! It's gotten out of control, if you ask me, which none of you did, so I'll just be quiet.

Will they ever be mine? All signs are pointing to no. I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

Interesting. Very interesting.

2011-08-19T10:22:00.003-04:00

I'm amazed by the use of IKEA kitchen cabinets to make living room storage solutions. People are SO smart! Morgan, over at The Brick House, gives a pretty good wrap up of the several projects out there that have been completed using this concept. I'm gonna have to do this in my humble abode one day.I can't wait until we have a little place all our own. However, we need to decide where we want to live before all of that happens. Soon. The decision will have to be made soon.

Is it 5pm yet?

2011-08-18T16:10:00.003-04:00

It's been a challenging week and I am relieved to say, on this Thursday afternoon, that things are looking up! So, in celebration of my upward looking, I'm meeting my friend and fellow grad student, Michelle, at Tarallucci E Vino for a glass of wine and some gelato. {Photos from The Gothamist...I love the girl in the bottom right of the 2nd picture. I look like that 90% of the time.}

I had to give a library instruction session to the incoming Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows today and guess who was in my class? Michelle...and a slew of other classmates from our program. My friend, Kim, lovingly refers to our program as "The Dark Place." This makes me laugh every time she says it because, honestly, it's like we live in a cave of social isolation with brief glimpses into the outside world. My summer is nearly over. I start classes in eleven days. UGH. UGH. Did I say UGH yet? Because I mean, UGH.

After happy hour, Rusty is making dinner. Thank goodness, because this whole 'making dinner every night' thing is super annoying. When we got married I said, "Listen pal, I will NEVER cook for you." As you can see, my resolve went down the drain. However, my cooking days are limited. As soon as school starts, I will not get home until late on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ah school. I guess you are good for something.

I hope you guys are going to happy hour too.

My awesome little refurbished lamp.

2011-08-17T18:26:00.006-04:00

Hey! That's not my lamp!Here it is, all gussied up and installed in my bedroom! I love it!Please note that the above picture is smaller than the others because I chose to crop out the crap on the floor rather than pick it up. I'm so unbearable these days. The inlaid wood looks awesome now that all the gunk has been removed. I'm pleased as punch...whatever that means.During the big reveal, Rusty said to me, "You think you're pretty cool, don't you?" Never a compliment. Always this question.

Anyhow, I love my little lamp. It will be well taken care of at Casa Steeliman.

OH...I nearly forgot...I also framed the painting Maggie gave me. I love it! Hooray for completed projects! Now what? Oh yeah...year two of Graduate School. LAME.

Ah, New York. You are tiring.

2011-08-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

{Photo by Stephen Wilkes}

I like to think that my life is a well-curated land of awesomeness. In fact, I fantasize about all the things I want to do...like have girly parties on my roof deck where we wear sundresses, drink sparkly cocktails and giggle relentlessly. I tried this last week. As it turns out, I ran out of time and fell short of my own girly expectations. First, I didn't buy string lights or install them to make the roof deck glitter with reckless abandon...like this...And I didn't use striped straws in my cocktails...like this...Oh well.

I did wear a sundress, and Rusty did make French 75s (with no garnish because I got lazy, even though I bought the stuff for garnishes), grilled asparagus with bacon, grilled eggplant/chicken Parmesan, roasted potatoes, and a salad. Plus, I made Prosecco Raspberry Gelee, which was yummy yet dangerous. Luckily, Kim brought goat cheese bruchetta (super delicious) and Heather brought homemade whipped cream for the tops of the Gelee (also yummy!), so it was a success. Of course, none of us were standing around giggling with fabulousness, but rather sitting lazily talking about how exhausting life in New York City can be. It was a lovely evening, but who in the world has the energy to be fabulous once all is said and done! Seriously though, I love my NYC girls and I will have to do something like it again in the near future. Perhaps I'll have string lights up by the next party. Perhaps not.

In other, falling short of party expectations I have for myself, today is the last day of work for Kyle, who I adore. He got a new gig at the NYPL and I am very VERY happy for him because he deserves it. So, my plan was to bake beautiful cupcakes...like this... And some fancy cocktails...like this...And this is what he gets...I'm just too tired to accomplish all of these things! Perhaps I will go purchase some pretty cupcakes at lunch, but I'm not sure that's gonna happen. I'm not even sure I'm gonna make it to the party because this week has already been bonkers, and it's only Wednesday.

Ah life.

Missoni for Target.

2011-08-11T11:24:00.003-04:00

I may have to buy a few of these items on September 13.

If anyone can wear this cardigan, it's me. Hello! Isn't it SO Art Librarian?And of course, what Librarian would be complete without a Missoni swimsuit? Because, clearly, I need another swimsuit (I wore two different suits last Saturday because I have become THAT girl). AND, I've been looking for a new bag for my cosmetics.And I'm just going to buy this, on the off chance that maybe, just maybe, one of my friends will produce a little girl. Seriously. It's 11 boys (Christian, Jacob, Nathan, Lachlan, Evan, Maddox, Johnny, Zach, Hudson, Jack, Robert...I'm missing some here) to 3 girls (Abby, Amelia and Elizabeth) at this point. There is something in the water.Anyhow, they've got some cute stuff, so I suggest you prepare your wallets.

Pouty face.

2011-08-11T11:20:00.003-04:00

Just last night I was wondering why Winks is always giving me stink eye. I think it might be a cat thing, and Maru proves that all kitties, even cute ones, can give you the most devilish looks.

Yesterday, I was stripping my new lamp on the roof deck with Klean-Strip Stripper. This stuff is not good for kitties, so when Winks went over there to check it out, I yelled, "Hey. You. No." She did that meowing, chirping thing and then sat under the table and gave me the Maru look for about an hour.

I said, "I'm sorry Winks. Next time I will let you consume the poisonous materials." Her facial expression did not change.

Absolutely beautiful.

2011-08-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

I miss you so much, California. You're the one for me.

A Day in California from Ryan Killackey on Vimeo.

New lamp for me?

2011-08-09T10:09:00.005-04:00

I bought myself a vintage lamp last weekend and it arrived yesterday. Here's some of the pictures that were provided in the sale of the lamp.It needs a little love, but look at that inlaid wood!! I started to clean her up yesterday, since she had all sorts of lacquer chipping and pealing off of it and it was beautiful underneath, so I'm very excited. I cleaned up the brass fixtures too, and those cleaned up nicely and the electrical portions were in excellent shape so I AM A WINNER! I just need to clean her up and get her going before school starts. I was getting really tired of our $19 IKEA Januari floor lamps that just ended up in our bedroom because I had no place else to put them. I think they may be getting donated in a few days although I was thinking of buying a George Nelson lamp shade for the bases, but was like, "Why on earth would I buy a $300 lamp shade for a $19 lamp base?"

I also, finally, started building the frame for Maggie's painting.I built the frame and wood puttied all the cracks last night. Tonight, I will give it a good sanding and then stain it, so it should be nearly complete and installed by Wednesday.

I also took down the umbrellas on the ceiling in the bedroom. I've been feeling cramped lately and overwhelmed with stuff in our apartment. It probably has less to do with the umbrellas and more to do with the bicycles being stored in our bedroom, but either way, they are down. I study all the time in there anyway, and I need better light. Last night was quite productive. I'm wondering if I can maintain that tonight!

I need one million dollars.

2011-08-09T10:06:00.001-04:00

The Fall Chie Mihara Collection is upon us, again. And no, I will not spend $400 on shoes, but if I did, I would buy some of these. And then I would skip and whistle all around town in my super cute shoes.

Did you see this?

2011-08-08T16:28:00.004-04:00

Anna at Door Sixteen posted about this house and I died a little on the inside. It's in Newburgh, New York and I almost thought Rusty and I should buy it. However, it's just too far away from the Pacific Ocean. It is so beautiful though. Ugh. I love the wood!!!

More info here.

I keep forgetting to post.

2011-08-08T15:58:00.004-04:00

Because I'm busy, that's why! Well, I'm not that busy, but sort of.

Rusty and I went away this weekend to New Hampshire so we could attend Bryce's parents Mongolian BBQ extravaganza on Long Pond. It was lovely. At first I was being my usual picky and socially awkward self saying things like,

"Why is the water so black?"
"I can't see the bottom of the pond."
"There's lots of people I don't know here and it makes me feel weird."
"I'm just gonna sit on the dock by myself for a little while."

Rusty hates me when I get like that, but the truth is I HAVE SOCIAL ANXIETY so being around new people is a lot more difficult for me than you guys think it is. I hide it pretty well, but I'm freaking out on the inside. Sometimes, I freak out on the outside too. However, swimming usually helps me to not care about social anxiety, so I went swimming and then everything was hunky-dory. I did incur some injuries due to this guy...I have a quarter-sized scrape on my foot that is all oozy and disgusting. I also have a giant bruise on my butt, some scrapes on my knees and somebody knocked the wind out of me by tackling me off of the dock. I have a suspicion of who the culprit was, but I'm not sure since it was midnight and super dark. Those boys play rough. Okay. I can play rough too, but I don't like feeling like I might end up at the bottom of Long Pond in New Hampshire. I guess if that had happened, I would have died full and happy. It was a lovely weekend and now I'm wondering how I can keep up this swimming every weekend thing because I need it.

Why is this week taking so freakin' long!?

2011-08-03T16:37:00.009-04:00

It is SO slow at work right now. I'm losing my mind!! I'm actually looking forward to classes starting so I can return to my regularly scheduled chaos. I work better when I'm so busy I can't even see straight.

Anyhow, today I've been buying books, reading blogs, looking at vintage posters, etc. etc.

I came across this picture on Design Sponge and I fell in love with the rainbow carpet on the floor (not to mention the puppy on the hot pink puppy bed). It's from IKEA, but they don't have it anymore. Would I buy it if they did have it? Probably not. I seem to be stuck in graysville when it comes to my interior decorating color choices. I'd be more likely to buy this one...Actually, I may not spend any more money on items for the house. I may just buy shoes with reckless abandon.

Yes.And yes.How long do you think it will take me to sprain my ankles when I run for the train in these suckers?

Better yet, who cares? They're so pretty!

Thing 1 and Thing 2.

2011-08-02T11:52:00.002-04:00

Christian and Jacob are definitely two of my favorite "things." Anna's kids are growing up without me!!

Jacob always looks guilty, doesn't he?

Tuesday, schmoosday.

2011-08-02T11:34:00.008-04:00

Last night I had a great time at Habana Outpost with my girl Heather. I'd never been there before, and I will be sure to go back, just not on the weekends because this place EXPLODES. I will only go on Monday nights, when it is slightly less explosive and I can hear Heather's lovely stories and happy giggles.The food is good, but the margaritas are better. Not to worry. I only had one.Don't they look delicious!? So yummy on a night where it was 90 degrees out and I was "glistening" all through dinner. I've been fortunate lately in that I've had some lovely girls to spend my summer with, and I've had time to hang out with them! I admit, I can become quite a hermit sometimes. The older I get, the more I enjoy my quiet time at home with Rusty and Winks.

Anyhow, I got home last night around 9:30pm and returned to Fantasyland. I'm grossly into A Clash of Kings so much so that I've started to refer to Winks as my "Direwinks" (get it, direwolf?) and our underwear as "small clothes." It's irritating the crap out of Rusty, which is why I enjoy it so much.

Today is pretty uneventful. I'm staying afloat of things at work, listening to Death Cab for Cutie, reading design and fashion blogs, wishing I lived in LA so I could go see the "Art in the Streets" exhibition with Susie at MoCA, going to lunch with my pal Kyle, and getting my hair cut after work. I'm wondering, should I take the leap and cut this mass of crazy off of my head? I don't know!! My hair always drives me crazy. I tried to have a serious conversation with Heather about it last night, but it didn't hold either of our interests for too long. I'll let you know what I decide, or what the hairdresser decides, tomorrow.

Adios muchachas!

Weekend roundup.

2011-08-01T10:41:00.008-04:00

Friday night

I went and saw the Alexander McQueen show.
{Photos of the exhibition from OMGee Magazine}

I didn't quite understand Matthew's Friday afternoon comment until I got there:

"I had sort of a conflicted reaction to the McQueen show. We will have to discuss. I do recommend going through the Greek sculptures and reliefs before getting into Savage Beauty. It sort of contextualized the show for me in a way."

Funny thing is, when you wait in line for an hour and a half, you end up winding through the Greek sculptures and reliefs without wanting to. No special trip required. I laughed at myself, and Matthew's comment when I figured out what he was talking about.

Anyhow, I was smashed into the exhibition and could barely move, so it wasn't a super awesome experience. I really wanted to be able to look at the objects, and I just couldn't because there were so many people there. What really bummed me out was that they were all watching the videos of the fashion shows instead of looking at the objects! BAAAHHHH! You can see a lot of this footage on that crazy thing called the INTERNET and I had already seen them, so...I was bummed. And I was bummed for other reasons. I knew the show would make me sad. If you want all of the reasons for my sadness, you would have to go to dinner with me and I would talk to you for about half an hour about what I thought and why it made me sad. Conflicted reactions, yes. Matthew is absolutely correct. In awe of the craftsmanship and imagination of the man who created these objects, confused at their complexity, saddened at the loss of the designer, frustrated at the crowds at the show...

SO, it was pouring when I left the Met, so I decided to just go home and eat a leisurely dinner with Rusty and read my book. In bed by 11pm. Check. That was awesome.

Saturday

I woke up, cleaned house, read, and then Scott came and dashed us off to Long Island for a late afternoon, early evening jaunt to the beach. We went here...And had dinner here...It is was awesome. I was home by 11pm, read and went to bed.

Sunday
It was a super lazy day, so I spent it reading my book...very good. Very very good. I'm about 400 pages into the second book A Clash of Kings.I need to finish it before school starts, so I'm on a mission.

We also had Imani for dinner last night, since Tony had some emergency things to take care of. Rusty LOVES this little girl, so it's not a big deal to have her with us. We made bbq chicken, potatoes and corn...had some ice cream and watched movies of her choosing...
Rusty almost murdered someone through the second movie.

Hope you all had a good weekend and have a great week ahead!!

Hooray for Fridays!

2011-07-29T12:42:00.007-04:00

I can't explain to you how happy I am that the weekend is upon me. Of course, some of you already know from personal experience. I'm so happy it's Friday that I can hardly wait for it to be 5pm, when life begins anew.

Here's what I'm doing this weekend...

Friday night

I am FINALLY going to the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition after work this evening. It's my last chance, since it closes very soon. I'm excited and hope I don't have to wait in line forever. Then I am going to meet Rusty somewhere for dinner. That somewhere has yet to be decided. Then I hope to be in bed by 11pm.

Saturday & Sunday

Rumor has it that I might be going to the beach on Long Island on Saturday and Sunday. I hope this rumor is true! As many of you know, the beach makes me very happy.

I also plan on reading the second book in the series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. I really like the books, and the first series on HBO was pretty darn good too!My weekend plans are pretty low key, but I am looking forward to it.

Marie Desbons makes me smile.

2011-07-27T10:02:00.005-04:00

I love the illustrations of Marie Desbons. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've blogged about her before, but you guys don't mind seeing her work again, do you? I love this one...It's perfect for summer.

And this...A re-do of the popular beer logo for Delirium Tremens (also a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes as I found out from the National Library of Medicine...fascinating). I seem to remember one of your absconding with a Delirium Tremens glass from one of our favorite watering holes in Brooklyn. You know who you are. I will not reveal your identity. Plus, that pink elephant is quite tempting.

Blik wall decals = happiness?

2011-07-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've been annoyed with our entry way as of late. I don't know what I want to do with it, but it's been in a state of non-awesomeness for the past few months. Sure. It has some awesome elements to it, like this Will Eisner print given to Rusty by Gary and Sheena for his birthday...Pretty awesome, no? I've been thinking we should buy another one for the entry, since there are four in the series. This is the only one available as of right now...Sheena and Gary have all four and I've been jealously eye-balling them for years.

Anyhow, yesterday I bought some wall decals from Blik to add to the entry, you know, behind the posters. I'm not sure how I feel about it now. It's the gray and light gray ten pattern and I might the fatal error of buying it without having authorization from Rusty. I imagine I can use it someplace else if I experience a failure in the entry way. Anyhow. I think the Blik Wall Decals are cool. You should check them out, if you haven't seen them already. So, is this gonna look strange?Man. I'm terrible at making decisions lately.

In other, less exciting news, I'm gearing up to spend the day reading Teaching Information Literacy: 50 Standards-based Exercises for College Students.I know you are all oozing with jealousy.

Happy Tuesday!

To brighten your day...

2011-07-25T14:33:00.002-04:00

A little James Rosenquist...For the Young Artist, 1991 from the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Australia. You can also see another impression of this screenprint at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Super duper!

2011-07-25T11:34:00.001-04:00

A little something for my girl's only bungalow...I can see it now...Get ready girls!

Okay, genius.

2011-07-25T11:30:00.004-04:00

In my dream universe, I will have a cute little main house with an equally cute little guest house out back (think Grandma and Grandpa Broyles' Buena Park digs circa 1981). Of course, my guest house has to have a little kitchen in it, so that when our parents have an extended stay at Casa Steeliman, they don't feel like they have to come to the main house for coffee, snacks, etc. THIS is perfect.They can get their much needed break from moi and their coffee too!!

Well hello there.

2011-07-22T09:30:00.008-04:00

Sorry for the hiatus. I needed a moment.

I'm not any more rested than I was three weeks ago.

Work has been majorly stressing me out. I could fill you in, but it would take too long. Just know that I have lost five pounds in the last three weeks due to stress. Don't worry. I'm actively eating peanut M&Ms in a valiant attempt to gain back the five pounds.

I actually drank and danced until the sun came up on Sunday morning last weekend, in a last-ditch effort to retain my youth. I looked, and felt, like hell Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday. I guess I'm not retaining my youth. I did, however, make everyone slow dance with each other at 4am. I'm pretty proud/embarrassed by that.

My office still looks like a crazy mess, except now I have a few new office mates.Not to mention it's been, like, 500 degrees in New York for the past three weeks.

On the up side...

We have air conditioners in the apartment now, mostly so that Winks can be comfortable. No. I'm not even joking about this. She is a spoiled little furry.

I got an A in my Modernism class. Yippee!

My house is returning to normal after nearly three months of living with two dudes.

I have two new awesome girl friends to hang out with. I've been spending more time with them this summer. They are classmates from my program and we have a lot in common.

The beach at Rockaway isn't as awful as I thought it was going to be, so I have an opportunity to do some beach stuff while in NYC.Jen had her baby, who I met yesterday, and he is a DOLL.I bought him that cute little jumper.

The hot pink pants I've been lusting over from J. Crew are finally available. And I might just throw in some shoes from TopShop on top of that...My plans for this weekend? I'm going to do dinner and a movie at home with Rusty tonight. I'm going to do dinner and a movie with my girlfriends tomorrow evening in Fort Greene. And I'm going to sleep. SLEEP. Sleep. sleep. I so totally need sleep.

My life...

2011-06-29T11:24:00.005-04:00

I have gone through 300 Special Collections books in the past five days. I'm not done. This is what my office looks like. Sorry for the blurry picture, but I need a new camera more than I need anything else. Well, not really, but I should really get a new camera. Anyway, don't feel sorry for me because of the state of my office. I did it to myself. I wanted to get it done before my vacation, but that's not gonna happen. SO, I have something to look forward to doing when I get back (ha ha).

In other news, Rusty and I went and looked at this house for sale on our street this weekend...the gray one in the middle.It has SO much potential. Parque floors, original mouldings, pocket doors, three apartments, a cellar, a backyard. It could look like this with a little love...Who am I kidding, A LOT OF LOVE, but I am a lover of hard work and I would recruit a couple of people to come out here and help me. (1. Mom 2. Cecily 3. Michele 4. Susie) I would make you work so hard you would hate me. But we're family, so you'd have to. MUAH HA HA!

Anyhow, it really got us thinking. Of course, there were PILES of mouse poop in one of the apartments...and I mean PILES. I can't believe somebody lived there. AND, there was a super strange layout with the bathrooms connected to the hallways and not to the apartments. Anyhow, the cellar was, oddly, a huge selling point. I mean, it was huge and had arches (ARCHES!) in it and it would be the perfect place for someone I know to have a STUDIO for his musical instruments. We could also have a wine cellar, and bike storage, and...you get the picture.

We're not considering it seriously, just mildly. It's sort of terrifying trying to figure out how to buy a place, renovate it, find tenants, move, clean...I'm pretty sure I can't handle full-time work, grad school and remodeling a brownstone. Although, that's not saying I wouldn't give it a go. Who knows what we are doing. All I'm saying is, if we bought a Brooklyn Brownstone, I might only leave NY for vacations. If we put a pool in the backyard, I might just stay here indefinitely.

Anyhow, I'm off to work on the Special Collections books, teach a class, go to a meeting, go grocery shopping, throw Bryce a mini-BBQ Birthday party, clean the house, pack, give Tony directions on how to take care of my little angel while we are away...

Oh vey. I need an assistant.

Midcentury Retirement.

2011-06-28T09:47:00.001-04:00

{Image from Core77}

I've fallen off the face of the earth.

2011-06-28T09:38:00.003-04:00

At least I feel like I have. Here is my explanation as to why I haven't been posting:

1. I'm exhausted.
2. I live with two dudes and that takes more of my free time, and energy, than I thought it would. Luckily, both dudes are very lovable, so that makes it easier.
3. I just finished my summer class and that TOTALLY wiped me out.
4. I just started working on the implementation of the grant at work and that is sucking up all my intellectual power.

We are going to Florida to see Andy, and his new fiance Kathleen (YAY!), for the 4th of July. I can't wait. I hope they let me vegetate for a little while. All I need is a good book, a day at the pool, a tan and some muscles.

I'm SO grumpy.

2011-06-20T14:01:00.005-04:00

I'm not going to bore you with the details, but I haven't been this grumpy in ages. I might explode from grumpiness soon.

Anyhow, the only thing that has made an impact on me what-so-ever today was pictures of Brad Goreski on Street FSN. He's so cute and colorful. Until tomorrow, friends.

I have no idea.

2011-06-17T10:24:00.005-04:00

So, I've been crazy busy for the past two weeks and I haven't had the time, or to be honest, inclination to blog. SO, I taking the rest of the week off and will return on Monday. I hope you have a great weekend and...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my Dad and to all the other awesome Dad's out there!!

Retraction.

2011-06-10T09:29:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I received a surly phone call from that guy I'm married to in regards to my post about the Banda furniture from Anthropologie. Apparently, he likes this furniture and was insulted that I thought he wouldn't. For this, I apologize. Of course, I didn't apologize yesterday when he called. I think I said something like, "I don't have time to be bothered with your feelings." Ha ha. Just kidding, sort of. But I realized last night that maybe I should be a little more discreet about throwing Rusty under the bus. Maybe. Look, a leopard can't change it's spots (Ooo, look at these cute baby leopards!).Anyhow, what I should have said was that I, typically, don't like wicker unless you are living at the beach or it's going outside. Of course, I would put the banda furniture on my roof deck, but it would probably disintegrate up there since everything else does. It would look awesome at one of your homes in Southern California though. Just throwin' it out there.

Anyhow, what sort of chair would I buy for our house...

An Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair, of course, in brown leather or gray upholstery fabric. However, I would have to spend a zillion dollars to get one and also terminate the life of another gray object at our house that thinks all new furniture is hers to destroy. Or a brown leather Hardoy Chair, which would probably be more resistant to Winks' advances, but who knows.Anyhow, that's where my money would go. Of course, if we move back to CA or FL, which we are totally considering, we could get the Banda furniture, but that wouldn't be for another 2 years. Now I'm babbling.

The point of this is, and listen closely because I won't do this often, I am formally apologizing to Rusty for my lack of concern for his feelings and for throwing him under the bus.

Whoa. That was difficult!

This one's for you, Rusty.

2011-06-10T08:52:00.002-04:00

Google's doodle today is in honor of Les Paul.

Cooler, but still sweaty.

2011-06-10T08:47:00.003-04:00

My summer class attempted to convince our professor that we would be more productive if class could be held at a swimming pool. He told us he was pretty sure it was against university policy to teach in a bathing suit.{Illustration by Bill Brown}

Nathan.

2011-06-09T09:29:00.003-04:00

The highlight of last weekend was when I watched Megamind with Kristen's son, Nathan. Well, he basically would run away from the bad guy every time he showed up on screen and then I would grab him and do an evil laugh (Mwah ha ha) and then he would scream and I would let him go. So, technically, I haven't seen Megamind yet, but I did have a lot of fun with Nathan.

Banda...not panda.

2011-06-09T09:20:00.005-04:00

I really like the Banda furniture from Anthropologie. Alas, Rusty would say, "What? No."My Modernism class is confusing me. Now I don't know what I want in our house. My design aesthetic is all mussed up!! HELP ME!

At least I'm sure of what I would definitely want in the house...

Seriously New York?

2011-06-09T09:06:00.005-04:00

High of 98 today? UGH. I can't stand it!! I absolutely can not stand it! It's SO awful, and muggy, and hot, and stinky, and gross, and...you get the picture.

I'm on day four of my summer class, which I really like and it's not killing me. However, it is killing me that I have to walk up there at 12:30pm and sweat my face off and then feel irritated and stinky when class begins at 1pm. I, honestly, can not believe it is this hot at the beginning of June. It's making me rethink my desire to live in New York City.

On another, less complainy-pants note, we did cave and put in air-conditioning in our apartment and our home life is much more pleasant. I got home last night and Bryce, Rusty and I were like, "THANK GOD FOR THESE AIR-CONDITIONERS. Let's order Peruvian food and watch Kung Fu Panda." So, it was a good night at the house after a day of sweating and stinking and just being all around grumpy.

Now. Getting off the subject a little bit...How on earth can I get a red panda? I will learn Japanese if that's what it takes.

For your 'fancy' furry friend.

2011-06-08T08:59:00.003-04:00

Les Fauves Mondains has some pretty delightful products for your pampered pet. I also really appreciate their photography. Presentation is key! "Rachel? Could I please come home with you?" The answer is YES. Look at those eyes!
"Of course I sleep in a Louis XIV bed. Doesn't everybody?"I love dogs. I'm almost to the point of being the psycho dog lady on the streets of NY, but I'm just too damn busy to stop to pet them. They are cute though...

Looking good, Doyle. Nice speedo.

2011-06-07T08:49:00.006-04:00

Seriously?

2011-06-06T08:53:00.003-04:00

I'm wearing these shoes today. They are 4.5" high and I'm basically wondering when I'm going to fall and break my ankle. I'm pretty sure it's going to be this afternoon when I am attempting to run to class. What's wrong with me?!

"I will kill you in your sleep."

2011-06-06T08:49:00.002-04:00

That's what all these little furry bundles of joy are thinking. {Photo from Automatism}

Monday always sucks.

2011-06-06T08:35:00.004-04:00

This Monday really sucks, in particular. Rusty and I ran down to Northern Virginia for baby shower duty this weekend...for Sean and Elly...sorry if I didn't see everybody, but the weekend was packed full of family events and craziness. We had a good time and it was lovely to see the old gang, but I am freakin' tired. AND, my two week intensive starts today, which means I was up at 6am and I have a 13 and a half hour day until I get home tonight. I'm just way too old for all of this stuff. Yesterday, on the bus back to NY, I asked Rusty why my life is getting sucked away from me. I need a vacation, but we don't know what the hell we are doing this summer. I really just need one where I do absolutely nothing. We may do a staycation this year. A 12 hour international flight might be the thing that pushes me over the edge. Anyhow, it's Monday. I'm at work and I'm sneering at everything, so I need to get my act together before the rest of my co-workers show up. I'll post pictures from this weekend at some point. Who knows when that will be...

Short Hair?

2011-06-02T15:14:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking of chopping it off for a while. I used the Virtual Makeover again to try on some hairstyles.
I'm pretty sure I had this haircut when I was 19. I think someone broke up with me because of it.I think I might have had this haircut when I was 20. It was the grown out version of the above.I think I had this haircut when I was 20/21. Do you guys remember it? It was poufy in the back.Then it turned into this...Then it got long...then I cut it all off again...I think I might have had this haircut shortly after Rusty and I got married, when I was 26. Remember? It was poufy in the back.
What do you guys think? Chopping block?

Charles and Ray Eames = Awesome.

2011-06-02T12:18:00.003-04:00

Last night I was reading, The Work of Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention by Donald Albrect and I came away loving them even more than I did when I began. What a cool couple...and a good read I might add. It makes me feel like I should buy an Eames Molded Plastic Armchair. But where would I put it?

Fiat 500...spotted outside the NGA!

2011-06-02T12:16:00.003-04:00

Rachael spotted this Fiat 500 outside of her work and posted it to her blog for me. Isn't it the cutest? It's like a little piece of candy...that you DRIVE! Thank you Rachael. You made my day.

Now. When am I getting one? Rusty?

Check this out!

2011-06-01T16:15:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite students just gave me one of her illustrations for our house...I love it!Mr. Dinosaur is going to look tres chic at Casa Steeliman.

Yowch!

2011-06-01T16:03:00.005-04:00

I totally burnt my hand last night while I was attempting to make dinner. I am not impressing Bryce with my cooking skills. It was a sad state of affairs. I iced my hand, whined a lot, and the boys finished making dinner.

We then watched Ancient Aliens on the History Channel. Wow. What a shocker! The boys wanted to watch a documentary about how ancient civilizations may be descendants of aliens!

It wasn't very compelling. It was, however, fascinating how this dude's hair went from this...to this...in the course of two episodes.

Bah ha ha...this is pretty funny too...Let's see what this evening brings.

Nice ride.

2011-05-31T10:38:00.000-04:00

I like this bicycle print.Get it here.

Weekend.

2011-05-31T10:35:00.001-04:00

This is what I did over Memorial Day Weekend...Yup. I read these two books for my summer class. Oh my. My life is SO exciting!

Question?

2011-05-31T10:29:00.003-04:00

{Image from Skona Hem}

Why don't I have two Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs and an R-shaped bookshelf?

I want it.

2011-05-27T11:12:00.001-04:00

Still dreaming about this interior. Suddenly, a pink ceiling makes sense.

My bedroom.

2011-05-27T10:24:00.008-04:00

My bedroom is making me unhappy lately. Why, you ask? Well, let me give you the reasons in an itemized list.

1. It's a freaking disaster area all the time.
2. The bed is NEVER made (this really irks me, but I'm not the last one out of the bed, so the last one out of the bed has to make it and WINKS never makes the bed).
3. It's dark.
4. It has two bikes in it.
5. It has man clothes all over the place.
6. Sometimes it has girl clothes all over the place.
7. I don't think the carpet works with Rusty's and my design aesthetic.I'm not sure it ever did. I remember asking him a zillion times if he liked it. He said yes. What he meant to say was, "Not really." So, he's secretly not liked it for four years. See what happens when you don't speak up!
8. I keep having dreams about the Matera bed, and I know I'll never own one.

So. How can I remedy this? I'm not sure. I think it might be time to de-clutter the space. SO, I've removed the standing lamps. They were just in there because I didn't know what else to do with them.
I have to get the bikes out of there, but don't know where else to store them.
Perhaps my lovely sister would like our rug? I could ship it to her. I think it would look kick butt in her living room.Then maybe I could buy a new rug...I like this one from Room and Board. It's only $2,500 (seriously?). And the Matera Bed. It's only $4,500.And while I'm at it, I'll just spend another $8 billion on essentials.

Nevermind.

Back to the grind.

2011-05-26T11:21:00.002-04:00

{Lagom Greeting Cards}

Being the uber-intellectual that I am (ha ha), I've started studying again. That was a short-lived six days off! I started doing my homework for my Modernism class on Monday this week and am looking forward to a weekend full of Constructivism and Purism. Hooray for me! My life is AWESOME! Being is grad school rocks! (I'm trying to stay positive here). At least it will be nice outside. I can take my books to the park and try to stay focused. And no, I've never read any Sartre and I don't plan to any time soon.

Those talented Parsons kids.

2011-05-25T13:18:00.002-04:00

Here's some of the chairs from the sophomore Product Design class. Yeah. They made these. I'm pretty sure that I didn't make ANYTHING worth talking about when I was 19 years old. These kids are pretty amazing. I'm gonna take this class and make my own chair. It's going to be EPIC (or a real ego destroyer).

New roomie.

2011-05-25T13:09:00.005-04:00

We have a new roomie for a few weeks. Some of you may know him...Bryce. Unfortunately, he and his girlfriend have decided to pasture on separate fields and he has been staying with us for almost a month now. I've had a month full of sci-fi, fantasy and dudes. Rusty and Bryce cook for me often, so don't feel TOO sorry for me yet. Anyhow, Bryce is looking for a new place to live and I went with him last weekend to check out Tony and Stacie's other place down the street. I loved it! They have such great living spaces!! I think Bryce loved it too.

Anyhow, it's huge and Bryce has very little furniture and you know how I LOVE furniture. He also doesn't have a large budget for acquiring new furniture. Anyhow, yesterday, I was digging through the green project recycling area here at school and found one of these...I instantly flashed into the jumble of information in my mind and came up with these...wooden spool coffee tables!I love it. I volunteered to wheel the wooden spool down to my office, but have not received a response from my new roomie. I wonder if he knows how pushy and overwhelming I can be. I imagine he's about to find out.

Either way, I love the wooden spool coffee table! I think it would be very DUDE of him to have one in his new CRIB. Plus, you don't have to worry about rings from your beer bottles with an industrial table. Score one for the dudes!

Work...work...work.

2011-05-25T12:19:00.006-04:00

Now that my classes are done, I can focus on being crazy at work! My lucky co-workers! I'm now obsessing about library aesthetics! Yippee!!

So, we've been trying to make our quiet study area more appealing on a limited budget. So, we put up some vinyl dots, which are actually super easy and fun to install.I ordered a few more, since I think it looks a little sparse on the right.I also hung up the curtains and put down the new rugs.It doesn't look that much different, but every little bit helps, right?We are STILL waiting for our new Bertoia seat cushions. I'm growing more and more impatient as the days progress. I've still got ideas to implement up there, but that whole "no money" thing really hurts the process.

I just wrote a grant asking for new furniture. We'll see what happens. I love our little library. It's broken, but still good. ;)

Que Sera Sera...

2011-05-24T14:23:00.002-04:00

{From Making it Lovely}

I am STILL a grumpy little monster today and I can't really tell you why. It could be the weather. It could be that I need a vacation. Thank goodness it is Memorial Day weekend in a few days.

Rain, rain, GO AWAY...please.

2011-05-23T14:05:00.001-04:00

It's been so rainy in New York. It's making me a lot more grumpy than necessary. Thank goodness I have Jim Datz to cheer me up.

C'est moi la vie d'un passé.

2011-05-20T15:44:00.003-04:00

I wish. It's actually a 1957 photograph of a Dior model. I want to wear that outfit...and be in Paris...with my new best friend, Murakami.

Have a great weekend!

More patio junk.

2011-05-20T15:33:00.003-04:00

I went to the Brooklyn IKEA last night and bought some more stuff for our roof deck...First, I bought a red watering can last time I was there for my office, but I decided last night that I needed a blue one for my roof deck. I also bought a blue ROXO table, which I plan on using as a coffee table, even though it only comes in this standard height. I'm gonna saw off the legs with my handy jig saw and make it the proper height. I think it will look awesome with the side tables I just ordered (and are hopefully getting delivered today!)...I was looking at the IKEA blog and saw these nifty little plant markers, which I totally did not see at the store last night and am now UPSET because I really NEED them and now I have to go back.Anyhow, Lady McCrappy-Weather is probably going to foil my plans of cleaning up the roof deck this weekend. What is with all this rain?

Roof Deck.

2011-05-18T12:44:00.004-04:00

Sadly, it doesn't look like this anymore.

Our roof deck is an absolute disaster. Every time I go up there is a cringer. Meaning, I cringe. I'm just putting this out to the universe so I don't have to single out some of the DUDES in my life...

Dear Smoking DUDES on my roof deck,
Please, PLEASE, for the LOVE OF GOD, don't put your cigarettes out in my plants, in the grill, in the cute little lanterns of awesomeness. I will KILL you.
Sincerely,
The Management

I've been resisting buying an ash tray since nobody at our house smokes, but I think I'm going to have to cave. I should just make the SMOKING DUDES BYOA (Bring Your Own Ashtray). You know who you are...I know who you are...it's ON.

Anyhow, I plan on putting these new tables up there. I ordered three of them yesterday to replace the aging and beat up home-made tables we had been living with.I planted some sweat peas a while back and they are starting to need a trellis to grow on.
I just bought this one from Terrain. I'm gonna spend the weekend cleaning it up, fixing some things and re-painting the seating. I'm actually looking forward to it, since I haven't had a lot of time to spend making my house look normal.

Victory is MINE!

2011-05-17T12:27:00.006-04:00

You'd think I'd be celebrating, but I'm just sort of wiped out...uninspired...blah...

Year one of Master's Degree #2 - DONE

I've learned a lot and now I'm re-evaluating everything I've ever thought about design. I've started looking around our home and wondering what my motivations were for purchasing and collecting things. I've also decided that sometimes I think like Mies and "less is more" and sometimes I think like Venturi and "less is a bore." Thanks for clearing things up design school.

Next class, Redefining Modernism...three weeks from now.

I sort of feel like running away to girl-land (aka LA/San Diego/Palm Springs/Las Vegas) and drinking and dancing until I pass out (aka 2 hours). Checking on plane tickets now. You have to dance to Madonna or your not invited. I could use a little Burning Up Karaoke in Huntington Beach.

"I'M ON FIRE!"

*%@$^&!!!

2011-05-16T12:51:00.002-04:00

I have, literally, been cussing on the inside for DAYS. My last final is tonight. Wish me luck. Then I will return to my regularly scheduled blog posts.

Geez Louise.

2011-05-11T17:17:00.000-04:00

{Photo from Planeta Conciencia}

Everybody must be stressed out because the kids have been crazed today! I've been the recipient of a lot of stink-eye for asking people to follow the rules at the library. It's usually not this crazy. Is there a full moon today? What? What's going on? Anyhow, I'm not feeling the usual love for the librarian and that's worrisome. Hopefully things go back to normal soon!

I have one exam left and I haven't been studying for it AT ALL. Instead, I've been working on projects at work, cleaning my house and watching Twin Peaks.Don't ask me what I'm doing. I'm out of control!

I will study this weekend. I need a mental moment to recharge these batteries!! I'm going out to dinner with my friend Kristen tonight. I can't wait. We've been friends since we were teenagers and I'm happy that she's in New York for work. Hooray for not studying!

Scarry.

2011-05-10T15:47:00.003-04:00

Richard Scarry illustrations rule.

Perhaps I will write one of you a letter some day soon.

Nice hair.

2011-05-10T15:46:00.002-04:00

Maru KILLS me!

Little Monsters.

2011-05-10T15:44:00.002-04:00

For your books! So you don't have to "ear-dog" your corner, as my Mom would say.RAWR! Learn how to make them here.

Saturday Surprise.

2011-05-10T15:36:00.005-04:00

I had a lovely surprise this weekend when my lovely friend, Celine, showed up in town. We went to dinner and out for a few drinks and laughs with my other lovely friend, Heather, and my new lovely friend, Jessica. It was...lovely (please forgive my limited vocabulary today).We had a great time and want to do it again...right now!

BLAGH.

2011-05-09T15:29:00.005-04:00

Oh man. I can't even think anymore. I'm just sitting at my desk, eating little brownies and wondering when I will be normal again. I've been up to my ears in work. I submitted my 37 page glass exhibition last night and am gearing up to submit another 25 pager tomorrow. I think it's done. Rusty is proof reading it for me. Anyhow, that paper forced me to do loads of research on Venice and you'd think I'd be over it by now, but I saw these and they made me smile...Oh Venice. I love thee. Anyhow, all I want to do tonight is eat something delicious and go to bed at, like, 6:30pm. Chances of that happening? Slim.

Sunny Sunday.

2011-05-08T18:29:00.007-04:00

We went to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden again, because that's my happy place. See how happy I am? Wow. It's pretty obvious that my neck and chest haven't seen sunlight in...decades.There are a lot of beautiful flowers in bloom in Brooklyn! I'm glad we've had a few opportunities to take it all in. I love it!I hope you all had a great Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T10:15:00.004-04:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day Mom, Cindy, and Grandma!! I love you!I took these pictures at school the other day. This is where my classes meet. Isn't it beautiful?!

No. Please. No more.

2011-05-07T14:23:00.006-04:00

Gosh. I'm never going to finish this God-forsaken semester. I'm still plugging away, although I absolutely don't want to.

Last night I had the funniest dream. I was in Paris with my Mom, Dad, Cecily and occasionally Rusty (he was really sporadic in our Parisian adventure). Anyhow, I was in a car with my family SCREAMING out things I needed to see while I was there...

The Pompidou center...the Eiffel Tower, the World's Fair (it was there, but apparently is was 1939 and New York)...I wouldn't stop yelling, "FUTURAMA! FUTURAMA! FUTURAMA!" I also informed them that I would be staying at Versailles for the remainder of my days and that Murakami was my best friend.

I need a vacation. Perhaps I should go to Paris.

Just so you know...

2011-05-06T09:57:00.006-04:00

I'm not just crazy at home. I'm also crazy at work. I know what you're thinking...what a relief! Ha ha.

Anyhow, we got some extra dough and we were allowed to attempt to beautify the library, which needs a lot of beautification, SO...

I picked out these rugs (we're getting two) from CB2...New seat cushions for our Bertoia chairs (we really needed them)...And some curtains to beautify our quiet study area...I'm also writing another grant proposal to attempt to get some new furniture. I think I make everyone I know crazy with my OCD issues. Do I make you guys crazy? Don't answer that...

I'm back!

2011-05-06T09:39:00.007-04:00

WOW! I'm a completely different person today after taking care of that final exam! What a relief that it is OVER! Now I can focus on other things...such as...

My obsession for rugs...I really like this one from West Elm...And this one from IKEA...Awesome interiors by Jeffry Alan Marks...Party accessories from BHLDN...Target's collaboration with Missoni...I hope they have home stuff like they carried at Neiman Marcus.School is making me think about design in an entirely different manner, but I love it. Although it's a tremendous amount of work, I'm a happy camper. As Sean told me last night, "You are always happiest when you are insanely busy. You're ridiculous." Spoken like someone who has known me very well for over half of my life. I still have work to do, but the tough stuff is DONE! WOO HOO!!

Final Exam - 4pm - Me - Ready?

2011-05-05T12:44:00.002-04:00

Here goes...something.Wish me luck.

For me?

2011-05-04T16:42:00.003-04:00

I want somebody to make me this cake and give it to me on May 17, when all of this chaos is over. I nominate Mr. Doyle. It better be pretty. I will also need you to follow me down the streets of New York and throw confetti over me, all while pretending not to know me. Thanks.

Things have gotten out of control.

2011-05-04T16:28:00.002-04:00

I can't explain to you what a complete and utter mess I am right now. I'm SO overextended! I hate midterms/finals! It's the only time during the school semester where I feel like I can't handle myself! Anyhow, I have a final tomorrow and I'm already super duper exhausted. I'm so focused on school that I've forgotten everything else in my life. Here's a few things that have made me feel like a jerk this week:

1. My Grandma complained to Cecily that she never talks to me anymore. Meaning, I am in trouble. I still haven't called.
2. I forgot to call Susie on her birthday. I never forget to call on my Super Best Friend's birthday. What is wrong with me!?
3. I commented on Rusty's newly shaved beard last night, to which he responded, "I shaved my beard off a week ago." He then proceeded to give me a dirty look.
4. Rusty led me to a mirror and forced me to look at myself. When I did, I realized that I hadn't brushed my hair in 48 hours, had a melted blob of chocolate ice cream near the collar of my t-shirt, had no make-up on and had my pajama bottoms stuck in my socks.

Somebody help me!

Music Animation Machine.

2011-05-03T08:50:00.001-04:00

You can see more of their awesome videos on their YouTube Channel.

Today feels strange.

2011-05-02T08:15:00.003-04:00

The news of Bin Laden's death has New York in a frenzy and it feels so strange today. Drunken college age kids in the street flashing their boobs...why? Oh why? Heightened security EVERYWHERE. Sober looks of people reliving all the horrible things that happened on September 11th. It's certainly not a normal day in New York City.

Hello May!

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

Study time.

2011-04-30T10:27:00.003-04:00

I'm gonna hit the books all weekend! I wish my tests looked like this...Have a great weekend!!

Dinner time.

2011-04-30T10:13:00.005-04:00

Rusty's been making these amazing home-made meals for me lately. On Tuesday I got spaghetti carbonara, garlic bread and Cesar salad and on Thursday night I got homemade pizza. Anyhow, I felt I needed to up my cooking skills and made something good last night for dinner. It took me an hour and a half to get it all together, but it was worth it. I made lemon roasted chicken with homemade breadcrumbs, steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes and some lovely little rolls. I'll also have you know that I made some amazing Guamanian favorites two weeks ago, which included fried chicken, red rice and fenadine.Okay okay...Rusty friend the chicken, but I double battered it! I love food. It makes me very happy.

Oh yes, don't let Rusty fool you into thinking that I never cook, because I DO! Gosh.

Obi-Winks Kenobi.

2011-04-30T10:09:00.002-04:00

"The Force (a.k.a. treats) can have a strong influence on the weak-minded." ~ Obi-Winks Kenobi

Buzzzzzzzy.

2011-04-28T22:40:00.009-04:00

That's me...buzy bee Rachel. I've been busting it for the past few weeks and that's not gonna end any time soon. Here's what's been occupying my time...

Vintage Glass coffee makers...Pretty nifty, huh?Patents (Google Patent rules)...Vintage coffee ads...And for fun I watched Herb and Dorothy, which is about the most adorable and admirable couple on earth. I can't wait to be an old lady with Rusty...with an amazing art collection.

I wish this were me...

2011-04-26T09:54:00.003-04:00

Those wings are the coolest. More pictures of this little doll here.

Glass nerd.

2011-04-26T09:37:00.007-04:00

I'm becoming a glass nerd, and I think it's cool. I went to Lillian Nassau yesterday for class and it made me salivate over the beautiful Tiffany Glass lamps. For our design aesthetic, the traditional Tiffany Glass lamps wouldn't work, but I did discover these amazing Tiffany Balance Weight table and floor lamps...Oh what I wouldn't do for some cold, hard cash in my greedy little hands. Wouldn't this look amazing in my living room?!AND, I got to meet Arlie Sulka, who is one of the appraisers on one of my favorite shows, THE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW! Anyhow, I'm a lucky girl. I complain about all the work I have to do for school, but I'm also having a really good time learning. Yesterday was incredible and I feel blessed to be studying the Decorative Arts in New York City.

Now, how 'bout that cold, hard cash?! I need to do some collecting...

This is what is happening to my life...

2011-04-26T09:32:00.004-04:00

Train wreck at Montparnasse in 1895.

The end of the semester is here, and while work is seemingly quiet, I am a basket case. I have an eternity of work to do between now and May 16th and I am wondering why I am doing this to myself! I haven't had much of a social life this Spring semester and am looking forward to it being o.v.e.r. Here's what I have ahead of me...

TWO final exams
ONE 25 page paper
ONE Exhibition Design

Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

I hope none of you are donning your "Easter Best", meaning, an Easter bunny outfit.

Our gang circa 1940s.Hello creepy bunny lady...{Images from Found in Mom's Basement}

Winkvatar.

2011-04-23T18:26:00.002-04:00

I'm going back to work now.

I don't want to study anymore.

2011-04-23T17:49:00.002-04:00

Instead, I am playing with the camera on the Mac.

Vintage mahem!

2011-04-22T10:42:00.004-04:00

I bought Michele some vintage opera glasses for her Birthday (which was in January and I just NOW got around to figuring out what to buy her)! Anyhow, I looked at a bunch of new models and decided that none were as cool as the old ones...I'm becoming that weirdo lady, aren't I?

I love you Michele!! Happy Birthday!

The Antikamnia Chemical Company Calendar.

2011-04-21T11:19:00.002-04:00

While digging through vintage advertisements, I found this Antikamnia Company Calendar from 1900 and I LOVE IT! More information here.

Big tops!

2011-04-20T15:55:00.005-04:00

As some of you already know, I am taking a glass class this semester. I took it because it fit into my schedule, not because I had an overwhelming love of glass. Lo and behold, now I love glass. I know. You're all stunned that I would actually love something that is beautiful, requires technical skill and is collectible. It's SO not like me. So, I stared perusing collectible glass websites and auction houses, because this is what I do. I found this awesome vessel for sale on Retro Art Glass, and bought it for Ms. Susie for her birthday. Isn't it AWESOME! It's so much fun! There is another one for sale...I don't know if Rusty would murder me or not, but if I have to ask that question, it's better I don't just go on a spending spree. It's very tempting though...if it were yellow, I wouldn't even care...

Wok Star.

2011-04-20T10:44:00.003-04:00

Last night's dinner conversation:

Rusty: I'm making homemade pizza on Thursday night.
Rachel: I'm making tofu stir fry with veggies tomorrow night, so there.
Rusty: We need a wok.
Rachel: No we don't.
Rusty: Yes we do.
Rachel: No. They are huge. Where are we going to store it?
Rusty: In a "wok" in closet.

Rachel stares at Rusty in stunned silence while he laughs hysterically.

Girl's Night...with poor Rusty.

2011-04-20T10:35:00.005-04:00

I got home from class last night and I was tapped. Lucky for me, Rusty had made homemade enchiladas and Spanish rice that was ready within 10 minutes of me walking in the door! He's been awesome this week, cleaning the apartment and making fancy meals! I got homemade pesto pasta and pork chops on Friday night! Anyhow, I sort of punished him for all his nice behavior, which probably isn't the way to go, but I needed a girly recharge. SO, I used one of my "Movie of your choice" coupons and picked Shag the Movie (Rusty wrote "kill me" next to the coupon to prove that it had been redeemed).I also used Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips to light up my life.I picked "Frock Star" which is like a rainbow disco ball. I have to admit, I feel uncontrollably sparkly today. I guess I'll be feeling that way for the next two weeks, since that's how long these nail strips are supposed to last.

GIRL POWER, or something like that.

Pretty things to brighten a gray Tuesday.

2011-04-19T08:35:00.009-04:00

Erin Jang's stop motion video for Martha Stewart.Kate Spade's Ahead of the Curve idiom bangle.A little car full of pink presents!! YAY!Yellow wedges, to let the sunshine in!The deep pink cherry blossoms blooming in the community garden! SO pretty!

Cherry Blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden!

2011-04-17T17:40:00.003-04:00

I took a brief study break and went to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with Rusty yesterday. It was lovely! There were lots of plants in bloom. We may have to go back for more next weekend.