20 - Arigatou Take Us With You

Living in a rural part of Japan like Tottori, I was completely submerged in (my humble opinion) the best part of the country. Far away from rush hours, skyscrapers, and any form of concrete jungle, I spent five years working among rice fields nestled between the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen. With a locale such as Tottori, local pleasures like artisan crafts and brewed saké make for rather unique gifts.

Gifts of Appreciation
The gift giving culture in Japan is a rather unique one. In addition to selecting the proper gift for the occasion, there is a process of refusal and acceptance which takes some growing accustomed to. Spending five years anywhere leads to connections both personal and professional, provided you are not maintaining the habits of a hermit. Three years into my stint in Tottori, I moved from the capital of Tottori City in the east, to the tiny town of Nanbu, just south of the largest city, on the opposite end of the prefecture.

Leaving my job, involved a series of going away parties, formal and casual alike, and the receiving of presents, photographs, and other rather Japanese keepsakes.  Though I have a tendency to love social gatherings, I prefer the butterfly who finally gravitates to her favorite patch of flowers after all the required interaction is complete. I prefer not being the center of attention. I want fêtes to be cozy and thoughtful, not a three-ring circus full of pomp and circumstance (and unnecessary drama). Speeches, in particular, heighten the overall emotion of a party, and I hate crying in front of people, more so when I am trying to eloquently communicate a point in a foreign language.

Four Weddings and (Thankfully) No Funerals
At the time, I was in my mid-20s, along with my colleagues, and in that Japanese demographic, lots of weddings happen. First was my gal pal, Yuriko, and my colleague, Yuichi at the beginning of my second year there. Shortly thereafter, gal pal/team teacher, Aya, married her long time boyfriend, Junya. Third, was my best pal at Saihaku Elementary School, Kiyo, to Koji in Kyoto. The last was between two more of my English teacher pals, Shiho and Tomohiro, to one another! As a result, I have lots of neat stuff.

Handblown Glasses from Gallery Zou in Nawa City, Okinawa. The two cup set (photos eight and nine) came in light and royal blue. Eventually, I would like to visit Okinawa myself and collect the remaining colors: purple, red, yellow, white, and green. Images are visible in the gallery (the link to the right of 'About'). If I play my cards right, I would love to add numbers 12, 16, 17, and 18. First things first, I will be needing air fare to Japan.

The tall blue bottle (a bottle of saké) was given to me by the P.E. Department (and the school party patrol) before I left. He was the head of the grade I was assigned to, and we worked together the four years I was assigned to the high school. Mr. T. was thoughtful enough to have it personalized with my name written in Chinese characters. The perfect gift, but I still haven't opened it. I am waiting for the right occasion to celebrate.

A gift from one of the senior teachers in the Phys. Ed. Department, Mr. Nitta, this beautiful green tea bowl was made in Yazu Town by the local artist at Inkyuzan. The beautiful green is to represent the fantastic nature surrounding the little high school where we worked together. I enjoyed learning tea ceremony here and there with my friends while I lived in Japan, so he felt it was an appropriate gift. I should invest in a bamboo tea whisk and some matcha. There are some fantastic Japanese bakeries and confectionaries in NY.

I received this gorgeous hand thrown bowl at the wedding of my close friends, Tomohiro and Shiho, last  year at their wedding. It made with skillful hands at Shutoen Chinshogama, and measures 8.5"x2.5". I have no idea what to put in it, but I would love to have it on my dining room table. The clay is white washed in a glaze and given a swirl pattern. I don't know if I can bring myself to serve anything in it.

This adorable cup and saucer were a present from my colleagues at the elementary school. It was made by a local artist in Nanbu Town. Unfortunately, I cannot find the original box it came in, so I cannot chase up the maker. The white glaze is covered in a clear light blue which reminds of the skies in Tottori.  Many a warm cup of tea were taken to fight of the blistering Tottori winters without central heat.

I would like to find a way to showcase these items. They have laid in wait in boxes for far too long. Should I keep them somewhere visible like a shelf or a cabinet? What to do... what to do...

19 - Butterflies Flown the Coop

I received a beautiful set of four wine glasses, and I had completely forgotten about them until I pulled them out of the back of the closet last night. I never opened the box as items like these deserve a proper display cabinet, and someone far less clumsier than yours truly. The more I look at design magazines and watch swanky design programs, the more I crave a place of my own.

These are hand painted stemware by Lenox's Butterfly Meadow collection. Unfortunately, all the glasses in this collection are now etched glass, so if I break one of these, I need to be prepared to pay an escalated price from a collector to replace them. There are some eBay sellers that have these glasses listed, so I may try and pick up a B-string just in case.

The cabinetry I have for food and item storage is all stainless steel with no padding. The doors are heavy and they slam easily, so having something so delicate as discontinued stemware is too large of a risk. With my job being as it is, displaying adult beverage glassware would be in appropriate, even if they are this pretty and elegant. This is one set that may need to stay in the box a while longer for safe keeping.

When I look at these glasses, I wonder which color combination and style of plates and bowls would best suit these. I do not own as casual dish services nor do I own formal setting either, so that's a positive thing. I do not have to worry about matching it to anything.  Would softer colors like pink, yellow and light green be better, or something bolder like jewel tones of sapphire, ruby, and emerald bring out their beauty?

18 - Light It Up

Lamp makeover time! My mom is cleaning out the house and getting rid of things. Another thing to load up in the car when I go back to NY, but one can never have enough lighting. These lights stand close to 19" from base to bulb and each come with a click wheel switch. Currently, they are a military blue with flecks of green. The lamps have sufficient wear, especially rust as they were used outside by the pool to help light up the tables at night. So this will be one of my DIY projects once I am back at school.

Once they are finished, I think these will be nice in my bedroom. I would like to have one by my bedside as a reading light, and use the other on my dressing table. I am thinking about painting them a brighter color and giving them a colorful shade. The question is do I mix the color of the bases or just play with color on the shades? I have never done anything this crafty before, but I am rather excited. After talking with Mom, we're going to sand and prime these babies before I head back to NY. Also, the padding on the bottom needs to be replaced, but that should be a piece of cake.

I found this informative DIY Lamp Shade at Teeny Blessings. Their step-by-step walk through seems simple enough, but I'll have to take it for a test drive to make a final verdict. It is recommended that a Type C (60 Watt Max) light bulb be used, but I am curious if they are available in compact fluorescent format. Along with up-cycling items for my apartment, I want to make them greener and friendlier for our environment. The final say-so on color scheme shall wait a little longer, but I am excited about this.

17 - Easy-Breezy Doorway

One of my favorite pieces of Japanese decor is the noren, a door curtain. When I initially moved across Tottori Prefecture, my awesome colleagues in the English department gave me one as part of my farewell party. Smarty pants they are as it doubled as a house warming present for my new apartment. Since then, I have used it in four different locations, including my parents house when I returned to the US last January.

Various textiles are used for making noren, with cotton being the most popular. Often noren are used at the entrances of businesses, especially restaurants, bars, traditional Japanese-style inns (ryokan), or public bath houses. They are also used in interiors for privacy and as room dividers. The one I received was made of hemp and its dimensions are 17"x60", so I previously hung it outside my bathroom. When I lived in Japan my toilet was separate from the shower room, and there was no dressing area. The length provided my guests with privacy, and the loose weave allowed the light through so the hallway was still well lit.

The blue gradation reminds me of the Sea of Japan and the times of day in Tottori. Though it was not made in Tottori, the texture of the hemp reminds me of the rural life I once lead. The open floor plan I have in my apartment doesn't provide many convenient places to hang this piece, but I think it would be best to hang it outside my bathroom. If one were to look into my bedroom window, one would have a direct line of sight into my bathroom if the door is left open. Trying to get the steam out of the bathroom can be tricky without bathroom window to assist in the ventilation process. Also, I hang my delicates to drip dry in there as well, so I don't want passersby to find out my little secrets. 

I believe my friend, Wakako, was responsible for the selection of this item, so naturally I want to pay homage to our long running friendship. When I look at the gifts I have received from my friends, it closes the distance and helps ease the sting of homesickness. Like Gainesville, Tottori was my home for five years, so I have roots and a special place in my heart for it. I have more items I want to showcase here and in my future decor scheme. I do not want to strip away their unique character, but I also want help in making them blend seamlessly into my design plans.  

16 - The Return of Pirogoeth

When I lived in Gainesville, I was heavily into anime, manga, video games, and the fantasy genre as a whole. One of my favorite web comics at the time was MegaTokyo by Fred Gallagher and Rodney Caston. Though I haven't flicked through MT lately, I still have my framed Pirogoeth Poster. It is my full intention of having her in my living room battling it out (or defending) Conan.

I should own up to it, as I am certain it will come out eventually. I play Dungeons and Dragons. Try as a may, I am a geek girl at heart. Though I may not have an arsenal of gadgets, weapons, or other neat stuff any longer, I do have things I treasure from it. My poster was framed by a fellow gaming chica, Alison, so it carries an extra value to it. I do not have much in the wall decor department, but this is still one of my favorite pieces.

I would like to place her somewhere in the room where I can draw on her creative power. Believe it or not, I also dabble in fiction writing. I have a large expanse of wall between the intended dining and living room, so I think she may be best put there.  She comes with a brushed metal frame which matches her armor, but it is not too dark. I think my students may enjoy it as many of them love Japanese comics, but they will find it interesting that the artist is actually American. The folks at MT are celebrating their tenth anniversary, so ole Pirogoeth here has been re-released along with Broken Miho.

My copy of this poster got damaged when it was shipped to Japan. I don't know if I should get it because I don't want to overload my living room. She may look nice in my bedroom, but I am still on the fence about it, as there is this newer poster, Polesitting Miho. I don't want to hang too many dark pieces, so I may need to revisit the addition of Miho at a later date (but not too late as the former print is a limited time release).

I want to keep my apartment chic, yet I cannot help from making it a little geek, too.

15 - Partially Latina

In recent years whenever I come home, the Spanish channels on my car stereo get a workout. Though I don't understand 90% of what they are singing about, the beats just make me want to dance. I don't recommend dancing and driving, but jamming out at traffic lights is perfectly acceptable. Out of curiosity, I picked up an issue of Latina Magazine while at the drug store. Being in South Florida, I figured it would be a nice way to diversify my magazine collection, and embrace the 1/4 of my heritage that is Puerto Rican. Though Xtina looks fantastic in her article, the two reasons the magazine made it into my shopping basket were 1) "How to Throw a Fabulous Outdoor Fiesta" and 2) "Best Latin Music You Don't Know".

The New Barbecue?
When I think of summer, I always gravitate toward barbecues, dining alfresco, and starry nights. Where I currently live, I cannot throw parties or have many guests, but I think it may be a place I can test drive entertaining as I do have colleagues who I am close with. In "Seaside Fiesta", Chef Marcela Valladolid presents a beautiful spread for ten (or more) of her friends. The Food Network Star brings the love of a Mexican kitchen to the outdoors with a set of recipes (and tips) for entertaining. Unfortunately for me, half of the recipes provided have shellfish, and I have a shellfish allergy. I wrote to the magazine and ask if they have any recommended substitutes. (7/13/10) 

The table settings used in the article are a mixture of white, sea green, and magenta. The tablecloth has a beautiful floral print with accents in brights yellows, lime, and blue. I have been cleaning out my stored items in my parents house, and realized I have lots of glassware and CorningWare. Tiny kitchenette oven aside, they are begging to be put to work. If I could find a similar patterned fabric, I would love to have that table cloth. It's summery and perfect for an evening of dining and drinks with the girls.

Pump Up the Volume!
One of the things I have been interested in is dining with music. With my computer in my living area, it would be simple to put together a musical selection for the evening. Currently, I am working on chasing up the tracks listed in "The Best Latin Music You Don't Know". Some of it would be perfect for a casual dining, while the others would be better suited for a party. Not that I am opposed having a party, but not many of my friends dance. I would love to build my Latin music selection, but I would need to find a bilingual radio station or guide to follow. I think the resurgence of 'Latin Night' could be a fun way to liven up my home life. Free on iTunes Latino would be a good place to start, no?

Ana Tijoux's debut single, "1977", is currently iTunes Freebie of the Week! It has an "old-school rap" feel to it, but the Latina heat is definitely there. The artists listed are starting to make their stateside breaks, but locating them online can be difficult. It would have been helpful to have links to the artist's official sites (or SNS websites) available, especially on the Latina website. Pulling up iTunes yielded some results, but others I am still tracking down. Regardless, I loved that they represented artists from around the globe. I do have a soft spot for Latin music after seven years of middle and high school dances, but my catalog is rather meager.  

Maybe my unexplored roots are trying to tell me something. It could have been a subconscious decision to pick  up the magazine. I never really got the chance (or made the effort) to ask my Grandma Nina about her branch of the family tree. It has been ten years since we lost her to Cancer, but I hope that I can find ways to understand and embrace the other part of my culture.

14 - Swept Away by Fashion

One of my tasks while I visit my parents' house is to go through my stuff, and take a car load back with me. I found two issues of Marie Claire-- my absolute favorite fashion magazine. April 2009 had the adorable Mandy Moore on the cover, but what really caught my eye was the fashion feature, "Swept Away" (page 134; Photographed by Anne Menke & Edited by MC Fashion Ed: Zanna Roberts). Focusing on "the new luxe is low-key Italian knits", the article had beautiful sweaters and breathtaking backdrops. What caught my eye the most was the outdoor sofa with gorgeous patchwork pillows.

Pardon the jagged edges, but I was laying down on the patio flicking through the magazines. I gave them a final go through, as they will be going into the recycling bin before I leave. I love the simplicity of the design from the striped coverlet to the pillows. I change my mind frequently, so I am certain things like pillow cases and blankets would be an asset.

The full pictorial-- "Get Swept Away: Bargain Beach Fashion"-- is still available at MC's website. This picture looks much prettier without the ragged edges (and is #2 in the series of eight). I love their "Easy-pack, easy-mix Italian knits for weekend getaways that won't torpedo your paycheck" concept. With all the shopping I am going to do eventually to complete this undertaking, I may need to be more of a Frugalista in the near future.


The more I look at the picture, the more I am falling in love with that top from United Colors of Benetton. Too bad it is from last summer. I may have to sew one of my own.

13 - Love Loss & What I Posted

Yesterday, I addressed my ideas about my Conan O'Brien poster. After talking it over with The Boss Lady (Mom), we agreed that Conan will go into the living room. After showing her the wrapping paper samples that I was mulling over, she sided with the Faenza Pamlettes.  "It brings out his hair!" became the final verdict on the subject. So, to follow it up, my other keepsake poster is up for discussion. On May 30th, I enjoyed an afternoon matinee of the live stage performance, Love, Loss and What I Wore at the Westside Theatre.

After the performance, I purchased the poster from the gift shop at the drop of a hat when the merch girl mentioned that the ladies would come outside shortly for autographs and a meet-and-greet. I had the opportunity to meet all five of the fantastic ladies who performed: Penny Fuller, Rachael Harris, Diane Neal, Sherri Shephard, and Cobie Smulders. They signed my poster in black Sharpie, and smiled for photos. Now, unlike the Conan poster, this one measures 14"x22", making finding a frame tricky. Though, the extra space between the poster and a standard frame 25.5"x31" could be decorated with photographs from the show.

Again, I turned to EyeItalia for more neat wrapping paper background. Initially, I wanted the Aquiloni (Kite) print, but now I am leaning heavily toward the Marmorizzata Pavone (peacock) print. The drawback of the Pavone paper is that is without seeing it, I cannot tell if the red or sea green will actually match. Also, the dimensions of the Marmorizzata sheet is 20"x28" meaning that an additional background sheet would be necessary. The Aquiloni sheets are the same dimensions as the Palmettes (27.5"x39"), but I wonder if the patter is too busy and may detract from the poster. I feel the same thing about the Tulipani (Tulip) pattern with its additional patterning of music notes.

I am considering hanging this poster in my bedroom. I have plenty of wall space in my boudoir nouveau,  and I think it would be a great addition. I hope to see the show again soon with my family and girl friends. I laughed, I cried, and had a great time. I really hope that Melissa Joan Hart, Lane Lynch, Janeane Garafolo, Fran Drescher, or Brooke Shields will return for another performance. I would have loved to have seen them perform it.

What's the verdict? Living room or bedroom?

12 - I Am With Coco

On Wednesday, June 2, 2010, I was fortunate enough to witness the pandemonium that was Conan O'Brien's "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television" Tour at the illustrious Radio City Music Hall. It was a night of music, comedy, and guest stars, and it though did not have the epic comedic dance off that previous night held, it was worth every single penny that I paid for that Section 3 Row FF seat. I had a fantastic time, and now here come's today's decorating dilemma.

Designed by Mike Mitchell

Being the good little Coco-Nut that I am, I invested in the 2010 Tour Poster. Now, I have full intention of displaying this fantastically handsome piece of concert memorabilia, but the epic question is where. I love Conan, but the bedroom is out of the question, and the he'd clash terribly with my bathroom color scheme. I am starting to formulate plans for my kitchenette as well, but there is not enough wall space to accommodate the 18"x24" poster. Also, the design of my kitchenette is such that there are a pair of folding closet doors, and nobody puts Conan in the closet or a corner!

I would like to mount and frame Conan in a classy way (the poster, People! I am talking about the poster)! I was thinking about getting a 25.5"x31" frame, and painting it dark gray. In lieu of a proper cut matting, I was considering wrapping paper patterns as a back drop. I love the patterns available at EyeItalia. I would love something with orange and with a smattering of gold like the Faenza Palmettes or the Fiori Geometrico. The sheets are 27.5"x39" which would be perfect after a little trimming. I am going to wait until I get home before ordering either (or both) patterns, as I would like to see how the actual size of the poster matches up with the prints.

I keep flipping back and forth between the dining room and the living room. When I look at the Palmettes pattern, I picture Radio City and its glamour which would lead to its placement in the living room. However, looking at the Fiori pattern, it has orange and blue (the scheme I want to use for my kitchenette), so I am leaning toward the dining room. My gal pal, Alison, previously worked in a framing shop, and she once told me "investing in a framed piece is like buying a piece of furniture." This being said, I am hesitant to tackle this project before I have at least put pieces of furniture in both spaces.

I have a general idea of what I would like to do in my dining room, but the living room is completely unplanned as of now. The only piece I have is this older model Leksvik Coffee Table which I use as my TV stand/media center. The sofa I have is currently on loan, and shall be returned to its proper owner when I move into my new place. I am not too concerned about the wood clashing in the living room, as it could be covered or given some colorful accent.

I did think about framing the ticket with the poster, but it was an electronic ticket, so it is just a piece of paper. It doesn't hold the same impact a classic card stock ticket does. Maybe one day, I will drag the damn thing to California and see if I can get it signed by the man himself. That would completely blow my mind.

11 - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Mom passed on another design treat from the mailbox, Lowe's Creative Ideas' For Home and Garden (July/August 2010) issue. Being frequent shoppers at Lowe's as well as Home Depot, they receive additional design ideas by post and e-mail. Without a home to call my own, I very rarely step foot in the larger home design shops. Actually, I don't even know where the Lowes or HD would be near where I live in New York.


Highlights From This Issue:

• Summer Centerpiece ("What a Great Idea!"): I really should find a section of wood before I go, so I can take advantage of Daddy's power tool arsenal.
• Decal Decor: I have already been kicking this idea around, but I love how it can be used to tie a piece of furniture and the wall behind it together. I will need to figure out which ones from Etsy would do the job best.
• Outside Party Pad: I would love to find a bistro set that I could take outside to set up and enjoy the pretty trees outside my windows. Also, I think I could swing a pass through window if I remove my screen. 
• TV Faux Wall: If I can wallpaper or paint a wall, I could always build my own. Never thought about that. I don't think fastening the cleats will make that big of an impact (and they should be easily patched afterward.

I am going to go over their other WAGIs later. Also, I want to check out HD and see if they have ideas as well. Time for some port-World Cup relaxation.

10 - They Must Have Hyperjets On That Thing

"And what have we got on this thing-- a Cuisinart?!" is one of my favorite quotes by Dark Helmet (played by Rick Moranis) in Mel Brook's comedic master spoof, Spaceballs. Do answer your question this time around, Lord Helmet: Yes, we do have a Cuisinart. While shopping with Mom at Costco last week, I invested in a SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor with chrome finish. I have elected to cook at home in lieu of foraging at the school cafeteria, as I can control what I eat (and more importantly how much). More and more of the recipes I am finding, especially soups or casseroles, call for either a food processor or a blender. I was thrilled to find an appliance that uses the same base for both! An added bonus? SMOOTHIES!

Before coming home, I stopped by the ever-so-awesome Big Apple Smoothies in White Plains. I have my high school gal pals to thank for my obsession with smoothies. My high school jalopy was a 1985 Chevy Station Wagon with no air conditioning, so stopping by Power Smoothie quickly became one of the best ways to chill out with my friends and to beat the South Florida heat. The one thing I often forget when I go to pay homage to the Smoothie Goddess is how pricey it can be for some ice, yogurt, and fruit. Summer may be much shorter in New York than it is in sunny So Flo, but battling humidity and heat waves without air conditioning can be torture. I have a hankering for a smoothie just thinking about it!

I often joke that the culinary genes skipped me-- along with the rest of the domestic goddess skill set (sewing, decorating, and fashion sense), but if you are of unfortunate few to actually try my cooking, I am sure that you may agree. While my kitchenette has the essentials, a small oven/stove, a medium sized refrigerator, and a sink. They are wedged into a 6-foot long closet side by side. I have metal cabinets above and below, but minimal workspace. My small, 4 cup coffee maker and my tea maker (an inherited percolator coffee pot sans the inner basket) take up a corner of my limited workspace, and my microwave stands on a kitchen cart (black not chrome) outside of the kitchenette proper. My storage concern escalates when I think of all the other appliances, cookware, and service items I have stored at my parents' house (that I want to schlep back to the Empire State).

I have mentioned the addition of a banquette seating arrangement for my dining room which will help with the storage of service ware (and possibly my ever growing tea stash). Appliances are trickier, but I think the under the counter cabinets may be the best if organized properly. I would prefer not having all my cooking assistants on display, especially when I entertain. I want my guests to feel relaxed, not like they are sitting in a closet. Would making a curtain to hide the metal shelving be a smart idea? I could also put a drop cloth on it to hide the microwave as well, at least when guests stop by. Often I use the top of my microwave to display my coffee mugs, but that is primarily for easy access (more so when it is hot beverage weather).

Some may think that I have seen far too many episodes of Top Chef or The Next Food Network Star, and may find this addition to my cooking arsenal premature. Back in May, a colleague and I went to the Top Chef on Tour stop in White Plains, so after eating-meeting-and-greeting with two lovely chefs, Chef Ariane Duarte (TC 5: NYC) & Chef Ashley Merriman (TC 6: Las Vegas), inspiration started planning out my personal cooking boot camp. Storage space and counter top are elusive in my apartment, so I may need to get creative in that department. I am certain that the closest my favorite celebrity judges (Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Bobby Flay, and Giada De Laurentiis) will ever get to my dining table and kitchen (read: disaster lab) will be via my TV or PC, but I wouldn't mind them dropping by to teach me a thing or two. 

The Holy Grail of Kitchen Appliances-- KitchenAid's Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer (in Tangerine or Blue Willow)-- may be a while off, but a girl can dream, can't she? I blame the Top Chef Tour! They had the white one and it was so shiny!

"Ludicrous Speed! GOOOOOO!!"

09 - A DIY Summer Fiesta

I want to wake up and get a face lift... for my apartment that is. Fresh Home Magazine's latest issue (Summer 2010; #6), presents 73 news projects in their Do-It-Yourself Summer special. I would be lying if I did not take one look at the hammock in the center of the cover and think it would be an unbelievable idea for my project. Then I realized it wouldn't easily fit into my other design ideas, and I would rather have it outside underneath the trio of cherry trees that will be outside my new apartment after I move.

Page 17 presented me with an interesting idea: The Power Door. As I am unable to change the color of my door (which will soon be a royal blue instead of teal), I am curious to know what I could do to dress it up. I do not need a door knocker, I cannot change the door hard wear, and I have a placard provided by the school indicating my apartment designation and my name. A vinyl decal could be a fun and refreshing way to dress up the door without making any permanent changes. Also, it will encourage students to read the bulletin board outside of my door... hopefully. Perhaps, I can find something unique and fun on Etsy.

The "Summer Shades" article boasts electrifying yellows and pink and cooling blues. Does it make me selfish that I love both. Flipping between the photos of the rooms, I find myself wanting to make lots of pillow cases, and invest in removable items to help change the color setting of the room as I see fit (such as decals, fake flowers, coverings for just about everything, art and posters). One of the best things about this section is the paint number information, for easy matching. I hate walking into a store and attempt to poorly describe the color I am looking for.

In "Feel That Summer Ease", I wanted two of the listed items right off the bat. The Light Bulb Solar Lights would be awesome to hang outside my apartment. It would give me one more reason to get some fresh air, and enjoy life outside of the dormitory. Especially on nights when I am off, and I want to take a break from being an "indoor cat", I could see myself sitting under these with an iced tea and a good book. Second, to fit into my dream bathroom, I would love the 3-Piece Lotus Candleholder. I would love to have this on the shelf above my toilet, or on my night stand. The price is quite reasonable, so it may be picked up soon.

The decorating ideas in "Snuggle Into Summer" make me want to have a large wrap around porch or a shanty by the beach. I love the 'Catnapper's Delight', especially the feather bed topped hammock. I would be curious to see how much space it would take up using a floor stand and how to handle it near a wall. I have not been in a hammock in years, so I do not have a good idea of how much space it would take up. Also I doubt it would met my entertaining needs at the moment. Conversely, 'The Overnighter' would be a fantastic investment. I do not have many overnight guests as most of my local friends in New York are my colleagues, so they all have their own place within stone's throw of my own (and boys are not allowed to sleep over). Only recently, did I start to ponder how I could have my gal pals stay over comfortably. I love the stylish sleep sack idea, especially with a colorful throw. I wonder if it would be simple enough to make for a beginner. I won't even attempt to describe the outdoor 'Suite Dreams', but I would instantly fall for any man who took that sort of initiative for a camp out. It like blanket fort for adults. I love it!

The DIY Lifestyle's "Street Eats" is a perfect summer section! The recipes they collect are soon to become kitchen experiments, but I hope I can recreate the tastes they described. When I think of street food, images of carts and Mom & Pop shops flood my mind. They are the places that you have "to know someone who knows a place", but are so worth the journey. The recipes seem simple enough, but we'll see how successful I end up in the end. Perhaps, I can have a trial run with some of my friends.

08 - Flea Market Fabulouso!

The third glossy to come home with me was Country Decorating Ideas' Flea Market Style (#111; 2010). Edited by flea market mavens and 'junk professionals' Ki and Matthew. After a quick flick through, I realized that many of projects presented in this one would probably require power tools and a well ventilated workshop (neither of which I have at my disposal currently). I need to keep positive because this could eventually mean I could work my way up to that fantastic Original Pink (or Lime Green) Toolbox I am drooling over.

I personally enjoyed the "Confessions of  Vintage Style Blogger" section as it embraces the electronic revolution and also provides novice vintage hunters several port to start their voyages from. I would love to develop a vintage style for my apartment, but without the tools (and patience) necessary, I doubt I'll be market maven any time soon. If this blog were to eventually make it anywhere (even just a mention on another blog or design community), I think I would be tickled pink. I think I need to make a greater effort to discover more electronic places to do my research, but at the moment, I have my hands full with the heaps of information at Team Sugar (Casa, Fit, & Geek Sugars are phenoms!) and Apartment Therapy alone! Recently, I have also started following the Home Made Simple and Every Small Space is a Living Space on Facebook, but I may just go to the main sites as I have a bazillion wall posts already. 

From "Born in a Barn" (page 40), the ole "Make an Inspiration Board" has shown up again. I keep meaning to throw one of these together, but I am so nit picky that I do not want my organized chaos to be on display for all to see. This is one reason I opt for blogging and maintaining an "inspiration book" (not "inspirational book", but I may need one of those eventually, too). Whenever I see IBs presented in magazines or online, they are so painstakingly organized that it looks like an art collage, not scraps of nifty things. Personally, I would prefer not poking a thousand holes into all my photos and magazine clippings, but I was wondering if I should put one of my metal doors (hall closet, bedroom door, or bathroom door) in my apartment to good use. Currently, I use the back of my apartment door for my work related notes and calendar.

I found this magazine to be informative, but not patronizing for the less seasoned flea market shopper. All the do it yourself (DIY) projects were concise and easy to understand (though I have not been able to apply anything I have learned yet). Details of the proper way to handle flea market excursions and where to find them have me chomping at the bit to go check one out. When I think of flea markets, Florida's Swap Shop always comes to mind. I grew up visiting the Swap Shop with my family and relatives, but it was never for the vintage items. Often, we would find things that were junk, but never did I find someone's trash to be potential treasure. I think I might have been missing out. One thing I realized is that to be fruitful in 'the hunt', one needs a theme or an intended design palette. Otherwise, you have no idea what you are looking for (or maybe that's just me). The magazine reads like a flea market mentoring guide, which is quite neat.

If I ever have a child, they will get a play house outside in the yard. After reading "Where Little Girls Dream", I felt completely envious of the little slice of paradise that Linda MacDonald created for her daughter, Sophie. First off, allow my to state that I never had a deprived childhood. I may not have had a tree house, but my sister and I had full run of the basement when we were kids, which was more than enough to dream and scheme. Followed quickly by "Bring Home The Sea", an adult take on a shed hideaway. Naturally, the beach theme and seaside palette was beautiful. It reminded me of a club house for adults. I really dug some of the ideas they had. It reminded me of the tree house Peter Colt's father had in Wimbledon. Though I would not have a TV with rabbit ears, I would love to have WiFi or at least an electrical outlet.

Being the height of summer, the alfresco ambiance displayed by "Afternoon Delight" makes me want to throw an evening soiree under the cherry trees as soon as I get back to New York! Heather Bullard put together some gorgeous ideas that make me crave a table laden with sweet treats and all my girl friends over for giggles and gossip! The craft tips and thoughtful touches presented in the article are rather insightful and simple enough for those lacking in the domestic goddess department (like yours truly). Her Flickr photostream is purely inspirational!

I refuse to look at the "Stand & Deliver" article without a full stomach. The beautiful way the delectable cupcakes are creatively displayed makes me hungry. As I love throwing cupcake parties for my students, I would love some new and exciting ways to make the girls come over (besides whafting bake smells down the hallway from my kitchen). I would love some of the other cupcake recipes (as I am not a chocoholic-- yes, blasphemy, I know).

I just discovered the Flea Market Style blog (see the link at the top), and I just became a follower! I am so excited to get more advice and tips from them!

07 - 'Best Use of Space'

To follow up my review of House Beautiful's small spaces issue, I shall dive into the next magazine in my rapidly growing collection: Country Alamanc's Small Room Decorating Double Issue (#132 Fall 2010)! With 325 designer solutions to choose from, I better get down to business and quick! Not just quick, but licketey split, two shakes of a lamb's tail quick!

From Trends: "Pros Clear the Clutter", numbers three and eleven immediately jumped out at me. #3: The hidden home office designed by Sarah Barnard sounds like exactly how I intend to approach the assembly of my next home office. Finding interesting knick-knacks to accentuate the storage system while leaving space for the monitor should not be too much trouble. I am debating on making either a dust cover for my soon-to-be-purchased monitor or simply leaving it available to display photos (and easily access mood music). By discretely integrating my office into my dining room, I want to make sure that my business can be readily accessible when need be, but also easily managed when it comes time to play.

This tangos into #11: built-in banquettes for cozy diner-style dining. Designed by Robin Riddle of Fox + Riddle, if you check out their portfolio, the image I am describing is Dining Room #3/3. I may not be able to build anything into my apartment, but I can adapt this concept (with possible Ikea Hacking). In addition to being my office work space and my dining space, I will also use it when cooking items requiring more than two feet of  counter space or entertaining my students.  I love the design they've selected with a combination of white and natural wood. Most of the color in the setting comes from the glassware, service wear, and the table decor which are variables of color I can control and coordinate (with practice).

In "Designer Genius", Susan Fredman displays her beautiful collection of Chinese calligraphy brushes both in her bedroom and in her home office. The Chinese furniture and other Asian accents blend in beautifully with the other furnishings. Though I do not have the makings of a calligraphy studio, it was quite refreshing to see the brushes on display. Judging by their pristine appearance, they are working brushing, purely ornamental ones. I would to have some of those, but I remember my calligraphy teacher, Shiho, quoting prices of the higher end calligraphy brushes (and my almost falling out of my chair).

One of my absolute favorite articles in this issue was the "Budget Loft" Boston Bachelor Pad decoration by  Michael Ferzoco. It was transformed from a mint green monstrosity to a sleek mixture of neutrals with splashes of color. Again, the color comes primarily from the furniture and room accents, so I find his design concepts to be easily translated for my situation. His tips for selecting the right amount color to avoid aging the space was quite useful as well. The advice regarding investing in pieces that are not only essential but durable, reassures men that investing additional money into items such as my sofa, bed, and dining set are worthwhile.

The studio designed by Karen Topjian in "One Space, Four Rooms" was incredibly well planned out. I am a huge fan of functional and multipurpose spaces, but the creativity necessary to produce such a versatile space like this one blows my mind. I would have loved to have read this article when I was living in a small single room in Japan. I could have truly maximized my living quarters. Compared to the 470 square foot studio in the article, I have a separate bedroom to work with, so I don't need to be as creative. I will definitely employ the making flexible floor plans concept once I have fully measured my apartment (and the current pieces of furniture in my possession). I hope Ms. Topjian eventually includes this miniature marvel in her online design portfolio as it truly is a work of art.

Many of the items presented were fantastically smart or surprisingly witty. I had many enlightened moments reading this issue. Did I count all 325 of the amazing designer solutions? No. Did I read all of them? Absolutely! I am sure there are plenty of items I omitted, but I think this is all I can handle at the moment!

06 – Compact is Key with House Beautiful

While on a recent excursion at the supermarket, I made my way over to the magazine section. I begged for magazines while shopping with mom as a teen, so now I have a tendency to gravitate to the periodicals when I should be purchasing actual edibles from the market. I picked up not one, but three issues on this particular outing with an additional one a couple days later. With a distinct lack of house, House Beautiful would be a glossy I would tend to overlook. However, the current issues (July/August 2010) focuses on small space living.

An eye-popping, Grimace purple room with a fantastic red chair on the cover caught my attention, but question it posed drew me in. “Is Small the NEW Big?” With an editorial focusing on single bedrooms, cottages, guesthouses, studios, and even the summer appropriate beach house, I couldn't put it down. During my living in Japan, I developed the terrible habit of “tachi-mi” (standing around reading magazines/books in stores/booksellers). As it is common place in Japan, I often forget it is unacceptable here in the US. Also, taking out my camera and photographing or even scribbling memos could warrant being thrown out of a shop these days, so I didn't want to risk anything.

Immediately, I pictured my apartment as an stark canvas, but one where I would have to be particularly creative when it came to accentuating the room with color. As my employer maintains my apartment, I am limited in my ability to paint surfaces, install wall décor, and flooring. My desire to decorate needs to be contained, portable, and simple to patch up if relocation becomes necessary. After reading the magazine cover to cover, my color choices may need to be primarily reflected in the accents I select for my rooms: cushions, seat covers, table cloths, throw blankets, picture frames, lamp shades.

In “Instant Room: Lucas Studio” (page 32), I got a visual layout of my own living/dining combination (minus the vaulted ceiling). The rooms are designated as separate spaces, but they blend seamlessly into one another. Though I would love to use partitions in my room, for fire safety purposes, I am not permitted to do so. Also, I have twenty-something girls to supervise and occasionally, I would like them to visit my apartment for girl talk. I may not be able to buy a carpet that covers the entire area, but I could find coordinating area rugs that compliment one another. I love the blue/green/natural palette the designers selected for space, but I have to keep in mind that I have a lot of standard cream and gray to work with. Carrying patterns and colors from one piece of furniture to another looks simple enough, but I am certain that is only after years of practice.

The “Makeover: Part 6” by Annie Selke was another article I enjoyed. I loved the neutral sofas paired with bright colored pillows, and she picked almost several of the colors I would love to use in my design scheme. I doubt my apartment could handle a large sectional, but a single standard sofa could do the trick (bonus if there is a sleeper sofa). I love the bold art choices she made in her living room/study combination. I wish I could figure out which artist's work would best suit my tastes. Her private linens line, Pine Cone Hill, are beautiful, but selecting just one seems nearly impossible!

Joe Nye's “Tablescape” (page 60) was fantastic. Cobalt blue glass and flatware with the Chinese inspired service wear beckoned me. It seems the more I try and avoid making my apartment “too Oriental”, the more the Asian cultures jump out at me. His recently published work of table eye candy, Flair, would be a fabulous addition to my library. Maybe by the time I am 40 I can handle the challenge of fine dining and hostessing. Yet, every time I hear the word 'flair', I think of Office Space.

In the editorial “Is Small the New Big”, the two spaces that jumped out at me the most are Ellen O'Neill's Gramery Park Studio and David Kaihoi's One Bedroom. Though I loved the cottage, guesthouse, and the beach house, I currently lack the real estate necessary to truly appreciate those sections. Part of my dreams of having one of the tiny, old cottages near the University of Florida campus, with just enough space for myself, a spouse, and perhaps a puppy or a kid (eventually).

The utilitarian nature of Ms. O'Neill's flat completely floors me. I love how her day bed begs to be lounged on or slept in. I adore how her office workspace doubles as her dining room table. I envy all her built-in bookcases and the gorgeous veranda that the reader only gets a peek at. She makes monochromatic look so effortless, but I am certain this was no small undertaking on her part. I wonder where she buys all of her beautiful flowers (and if they are all real) because I can't seem to find anything that pretty when I venture into NYC.

I praise Mr. Kaihai for embracing the color of purple (I have no ideas about his thoughts on the film: The Color Purple), and making it the dramatic selection of his family's entertaining space. I will definitely be utilizing the banquette concept for my dining room. I adore the vintage Chinese wallpaper, but I am sure it does not come on sale that often. The tulip red closet organizer is amazing. I wonder if I could achieve that effect by simply painting the pieces that go inside it a uniformed color.

In “The One-Day Bedroom Makeover”, Amanda Nisbet adds a desk to the space. Personally, I am trying to avoid this as much as possible, as I do not want my work stress to invade my bedroom. At most, I could see keeping my personal laptop and using my vanity space as an additional writing space. This may prove beneficial and prevent me from continued lapses into couch gravity and extended couch potato-ing. That being said, I also need to ensure that my makeup and toiletries do not consume that area as well.

From Krista Ewart's beach house, I want to pull the bold use of colors, especially that pink. My fear is that I will go overboard with the pink, instantly emasculating any guy who steps foot within my apartment. I want to be classy, not homewrecker Barbie. I love how she uses so many different, fun wallpapers, but that is one luxury I must go without. Though, my gal pal, Allyson, sent me this nifty link for making nifty peel-off fabric wallpaper, so I may need a couple of extra pairs of hands to get this off the ground.

Don't even get me started on the bathrooms they have in this issue. I have no idea how I am going to remotely transform my rather stark and utilitarian bathroom.

05 - Ode to My Coffee Mug

This morning, while having a cup a coffee, I wrote an entry in my Japanese blog for my friends back in Japan. I spent an entire hour musing about my favorite coffee cup. Prior to my high school graduation, my leadership class teacher, Ms. B, gave me a University of Florida coffee mug. She, too, attended UF, so it was quite a flattering gesture. Though I did not know it at the time, that coffee mug became a part of my adult life.

Gator Gal Through and Through
Throughout my years at UF, both as an undergraduate and as an employee, this mug was a constant in my life. This little guy has seen it all: writing papers, studying for exams, dancing with deadlines, all nighters, overtime, creative stalemates, stress relief, and sleepless nights. He sat by my side as a slaved over my senior project. He became my plus one at the office coffee pot. He served as my wingman as my colleagues and I de-stressed over office gossip and cups of tea. He celebrated with me when I was accepted into the JET Programme. Then I moved half way around the globe, and he moved in with my parents.

While I lived in Japan, I only managed to make it home a handful of times. Each time I came home, he greeted me with a eye-popping kiss good morning. Either that, or I had simply forgotten the strength of the Peterson home brew.  My parents have rather mixed collection of coffee cups, with some almost as old as my sister and I. When my parents set out the mugs beside the coffee pot for the morning round up, my Gator mug is always there. I am the only Gator in the family, but I don’t mind. After I returned from Japan last year, I lived at home for a while and enjoyed cups of java with my parents daily.

Mid way through last year, I received a job offer in New York after about six months of job hunting. Despite packing up my prized possessions, I left my Gator mug at home with my parents. I do not know why I did, but for some reason, I feel like my Florida mug, should stay in the Sunshine State. Since my relocation, I have returned home, to find my Gator mug waiting for me each morning. Without knowing it, something as trivial as a coffee mug has become a treasure and comfort for me. I would not go as far as to say it is an heirloom, not yet at least.

13 Years (and Countless Cups of Brew) Later…
I currently have three mugs in my New York collection: a black one from the 2009 Funhouse Tour at Madison Square Garden by P!nk, a white one from the Southern Most Tchotchke Shack in the Continental US with a Key West Mile Marker Zero logo, and a larger 4-leaf clover mug from Starbies. I love them, and they serve me well, but my UF mug has a certain nostalgic quality to it that the others have yet to achieve.

After years of abuse, my mug has not cracked or chipping despite my moving from desk to desk. He’s merely faded and stained from use. I know eventually, he may have to move in with me, but for now I like where he is at. He keeps an eye on my folks for me when I am not around. Maybe it is just another way to help me feel connected with my family when I live far away. I would like to add another UF mug to my collection, so I can flaunt my sunshine pride while I am away from home. I know it may not provide me the sense of security and comfort that my first UF mug has, but I think that is because it was the first piece of Gator memorabilia I ever had. He carries extra heft as it was a present from one of my teachers, and thought I never intended on becoming a teacher myself, I later found myself in Japan doing just that.

Post Script
The white charm attached to the mug was a gift from my friend Shiho. It was to help me in my post-JET job hunt, and I took it with me when I interviewed all over Tokyo and in New York.

04 - Ma Salle de Bain Revisited

Last year, before I moved to New York, I got all excited and started playing Design Star. Scouring the internet, I threw together a lovely waterlily pond inspired escape. I went so far as to pick out linens, accessories, accents, and wall art. I searched for comparable (inexpensive) substitutes until I could afford the pricier, luxury accents. 

Then reality showed me what I had to work with: a toilet, sink with almost no counter space (but a single cabinet underneath), a built-in medicine cabinet with overhead lighting, a shower/tub, and a single towel rack. There is no window and the ventilation fan is built into the ceiling, and floor space is at a minimum. The Bamboo Space Saver that I L-O-V-E-D from Bed Bath and Beyond is now out of stock (but I am praying I can find it in store). I kept waiting for it to drop in price, but it never did. I may need to lean on Amazon.com to see if I can get it (possibly for cheaper). There is this one, but its depth is three inches shorter than the original.

Not that I am complaining, but my images of grandeur for ma salle de bain were dashed like a baby thrown out with the bath water. My excitement evaporated, and my creativity lulled to a stand still. As I am moving to another apartment with the same floor plan, my momentum has not gained any speed. Of course, allowing this lethargy to settle in has resulted in several of the items I wanted for this bathe-cation paradise. So I am forced to review my design selections (and edit for content).

Before » After - The less cluttered version

• B³ Exclusively Ours Bamboo Space Saver ($159.00) » Dorel Altra Bamboo Space Saver (from $129.00 via Amazon)
• Anthropolgie Flamenco Shower Curtain ($118.00)
• Bamboo Vinyl Shower Curtain ($14.99) » The shower curtain provided is aqua green!
• Orchid & Narcissus Shower Hooks ($12.99)
• Set of 3 Lotus Soaps with Ceramic Lilypad ($18.00)
• Lotus Soap and Body Butter Set ($29.90)
• 3 Piece Lotus Candle Set ($14.95)

I thought I would have to nix the paper lantern or two reasons: 1) I have only one outlet in the bathroom (and depending on the time of year it needs to be used for a hair dryer/or hot rollers), and 2) the cute Koi print lantern has been discontinued by the Paper Lantern Shop. Luckily, I found it (for $10.25) at Ooga Lights! If I hang the paper lantern in my bathroom, I may need to have it able to be easily removed, so I don't ruin it with a steamy shower. If paired with a battery operated LED ($5.50), I could eliminate the outlet debacle as well. Hmm... Good to know!

As far as the linens and floor mat are concerned, comparable items were purchased over the past year. The towels from Marshalls and the floor mat from Target. The luxury of teak has also been placed on the back burner for the time being. I need to learn how to properly care of actual wood products before investing in these bathroom pieces. With most things being made of particle board and synthetic finishes, I never needed to learn how to properly care for natural furnishings. I grew up with formica and glass being the two big designer favorites, so the only wood element I ever contended with was my parents' kitchen table (that still had etchings from where my sister and I did our homework as kids). Relinquishing the teak shower mat and bench make me rather sad, but sadly I do not have the space for them. I may be able to eventually incorporate the teak shower caddy, but at $70.00 it may have to wait.

I am still trying to think about what I can do about wall decoration. I have some personal photographs (o1 | o2 ) of flowers which I am considering cleaning up in a photo editing program and printing instead of hijacking images from DeviantArt. I have two bathrobes I would love to hang on the back of the door, but I may need to craft magnetic door hooks as the (fire safety) steel doors provided in my apartment are too wide for traditional over the door hooks. I am also considering a vinyl decal like this for the inside of the door.

03 Soul Patchworking My Way to Success

Back to Basics
Talking with my mother about this project, I am learning more and more where I get some of my organizational quirks: color coding, typing, filing, clipping, binding, and storage. Unlike her, I have yet to graduate to the class of organizing mavens who use a massive, it-can-save-the-world-one-label-at-a-time label maker. Yet. I still mourn relinquishing my Hello Kitty P-Touch when I left Japan. There simply wasn't enough room in my suitcase. As of now, I am on the hunt for a cute label maker for my moments of weakness. In a paperless world, the labels are simply applied with a few clicks and keystrokes, hence negating the utility of a label maker. It's not the same though.

My mother is crafty: knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, decorating-- all talents which have apparently elected not to show up in my DNA. She makes cute things all the time, and I sit in awe (and envy) of her finesse. We have been discussing my desire to invest in a sewing machine, but like any worthwhile investment the weighing of pros and cons is essential. I am a perfectionist. I am an overachiever. I get easily frustrated when I cannot do something. I get very annoyed when I cannot increase my learning curve quickly. This combination alone pushes down heavily on the con side of this discussion. Conversely, I am motivated. I am hardworking. I have free time that desperately needs occupation. I feel compelled to become a domestic goddess. I don't want to spend all my dinero on Etsy!

Where does this leave me? At a crossroads, I guess.

Soul Patchwork
Recalling my Girl Scout roots, I see this challenge as prime opportunity to score some new patches for my sash. I had forgotten how excited I used I get when I would work on my requirements for each patch. At the end of the day, they were badges of honor and hard work (and colorful reminders there of). This time around, the end result would be customized home accents for my new homestead. I prefer not to use the term 'nest' as this bird's flying solo at the moment (and not expecting any permanent company any time soon).

My work schedule and line of work has a tendency to impact my ability to take classes (academic or leisure), but sewing is readily available during the day time in my locale. Hartsdale Fabrics is a mom & pop shop near where I live, and my friend works there. Without Mom close by to help me fix my sewing catastrophes, having the expertise of a reputable local business is reassuring. The added bonus of supporting a local business makes me giddy inside, even if it ends up being a few dollars more expensive. Quality trumps quantity almost any day of the week in my book.

Raiding the Stash
Today, My Sewing Goddess (better known as Mom) and I went out to lunch after Dad unearthed my sewing machine from the attic. After a lovely soup-salad-n-breadsticks lunch for two, Joann Fabrics was our next stop. I have gone to craft and fabric stores with my mom since I was a little girl. I always find the process equally inspiring and intimidating.

With a 4th of July sale in progress, I was able to pick up three small bundles of fabric for 50% off! I am excited as some of them are Japanese style prints, which will be right at home in my New York apartment. Living in Japan as long as I have, influnces are easily seen in my decorating choices. It may be a comfort zone for me, but I feel it keeps me connected to a very special adventure in my life. With Dad's discovery of my old sewing machine in the attic, it certainly allowed me to go about selecting items to work on.

While I search for a larger sewing box for my supplies, I decided to pull out a soft-sided case from my closet at home. As luck would have it, it was precisely the right size for my new spools, bobbins, pins, and fat quarters of fabric. Some of my smaller tools and accessories fit into the storage compartment on my sewing machine. I also inherited a fabulous sequinned heart applique that may demand being glued to the oustide of my sewing machine case.

My first project will be two sets of double sided placemats! After several rounds of rearranging and contemplation, I managed to sort the material into four sets of four. I found a nifty pattern at The Sewing Republic which I am chomping at the bit to start. I started to get carried away, and wound up printing out a couple of other cute (and slightly more complicated) projects to work up to. I also have a secret project, but due to its nature, it must remain a secret... for now.

The only snag I encountered was as my sewing machine was not functioning as it should, most likely a result of nonuse, lack of maintenance, and being tucked away in storage for nearly nine years. Tomorrow, I go on a quest for sewing machine oil and to give my little Brother VX-808 a tune up. So unforunately, there was not much actual sewing done today, just gathering ideas and trimming up fabric.

02 - Goin' South

After moving to New York last summer, I received some interesting feedback from the locals shortly after I arrived. Apparently, saying pleasantries, making small talk, lending a had, and other common courtesies are strange nowadays. Holding doors, offering up a seat on a train, helping someone carry packages are antiquated. It quickly became a refrain. 

“You’re not from around here, are you?”

East Coast Girls Are Hip

Born in Jersey. Raised in Florida. Transplanted in New York.  Aside from my five years in Japan, I have always been an East Coast Girl. My colleagues often compliment my hard work and chalk up my eagerness to assist and entertain to my “southern upbringing”. They found my “southern comfort” refreshing in the hustle and bustle of the Empire State which I certainly take to heart. Though I chalk some of my quirks up to my ‘being from the South’, compared to Georgia, the Carolinas, or anywhere north of Gainesville, south Florida is a completely different color of horse. 

South Florida’s diversity pulls from many different cultures, but the part of the state I hail from does not lend to the traditional textbook definition of “The South”. Being close to Miami and going to a culturally diverse high school, I was able to embrace the flavor of the Greater Miami Area. When I think of The South, I think of the stereotypical symbols: Gone With the Wind, Southern Belles, Juliette Gordon-Low, Savannah, Atlanta, Paula Deen, and the list goes on and on. South Beach and anything south of Orlando is a completely different story.

Perhaps the summer season has me by the collar. When I return to New York later this month, I will throw myself straight into the annual summer camp and packing to move to my new housing assignment. Though the summers up North are milder compared to the sweltering humidity of the Everglades, it calls to me to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, moonlight, and the fresh air. Often I joke about being “an inside cat”, but it is true. Growing up with the air conditioning on from March until October, I grew accustomed to staying inside. I look out the window with longing, reminiscing about summer camps, pool parties, and playing outside from sunrise to sunset. How did I use to do it when I was a kid?     

The Not So Dirty, Dirty South

While perusing the magazine selection at the store today, my curiosity got the best of me and I threw Southern Lady (May/June 2010) and their sister magazine Tea Time (July/August 2010; Volume 7 Issue 4) atop my stack of glossies to purchase. During the World Cup game this evening, I flicked through both, diverting my attention from the tension and excitement. Tweeting with my pals up in Gainesville, we started hashing out ides for a tea party. Not a traditional afternoon tea, but being the diverse group of creative thinkers we are, we came up with a theme. Granted, it is not very southern in sense that there would be hoop skirts, lace gloves, and lots of fine china, but it seems more appropriate for my group dynamic. 

My greatest concern is when said tea party “eleganza extravaganza” should take place. As I no longer live near my tight circle of friends in central Florida, the next feasible date would be during winter vacation. However, that may now be a particularly bad thing as it would give me time to create a menu, select teas and entertainment, as well as provide time for everyone to select and design their costumes. Yes, costumes. We figure that if we are to have our first tea party, it might as well be fun.  Winter may be best as it would justify copious amount of hot beveraging and delectable treats.  It would also give me several months to practice.

I may not be the hostess of the group, but the perfectionist within refuses to anything less than 100%. I want the experience to not only be educational, but more importantly entertaining enough for a repeat performance. I want to tap my inner Julia Sugerbaker, embrace my sassy Blanche Devereaux, and develop my inner Ya-Ya. Hundreds of miles away from ‘home’, I want to remember the smell of pine, palm, and air plants. I want to relish the savoury tastes of my youth. As I flick through the pages, I see so many ideas that look simple enough for a bumpkin like myself to tackle. I not only want to walk through my door and feel at home, but I want others to see visiting my home as an adventurous escape.   

I wonder if subscribing to these magazines would be a worthwhile investment. As they are region specific, I doubt I will be able to find them once I am back up north. Ladies of the South, what other magazines would you recommend for a fledgling hostess and home decorator in her early 30s?

A Year Round Celebration

Magazine subscriptions aside, I have managed to refrain from committing myself to a monthly delivery program. When I flicked to page 18 in Southern Lady, I found this really cute design idea that I could really dig. Year of Seeds ($79.95) by Red Envelope would be a nice splash of color on my window sill or table top. Without the ability to have a garden of my own and the lack of storage to maintain large window boxes, these small planter pots are 2½” x 2½” x 3” and come with everything necessary to grow the flowers. 

I always joke about having a technological black thumb, but it also crosses over into my gardening ability. When I was a junior in college, I did a research paper on the art and popularity of Japanese bonsai trees. I learned that when properly taken care of, the juniper in particular, is virtually indestructible. My parents were kind enough to buy me a juniper bonsai to celebrate my high marks on the paper. Unfortunately, I killed the ‘virtually indestructible’ tree within a few months. From that moment on, I swore off all plants that were not edible or artificial.  It has only taken ten years or so for me to even contemplate another foray into gardening, but even if it is on a small scale, it’s a step in the right direction, yeah?

Looking over all those gorgeous table settings in the magazines, flowers appear to be a staple in ‘Southern Living’. There’s something mature and classy about a table with flowers on them.  Even sprigs of green or small clippings of flowers dress up a setting. I would need to wait until later this month when I return to New York to order them, but I think these planters paired up with the Year of Wishes Candles may make for interesting conversation pieces and lovely home accents in my slice of the South in the North. 

I terribly torn being a Girl Raised In The South and a Damn Yankee at the same time. ;)  

01 Not Entirely Paper-free

For some reason, I cannot completely go paperless. After reading Sophie Uliano's Gorgeously Green (in eBook format), I felt empowered to hug a tree and make the leap to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. I found the book inspiring and well researched, but there are some things I simply cannot do without. Call me old school, but paper and I go way back, to kindergarten. Back in the day we had Triforce of Paper: drawing tablet, lined penmanship notebooks, and construction. Kids could do just about anything with a fistful of crayons and their imagination. The graduation to ink pens, markers, college-ruled and graphing paper, and now themed notebooks filled with different kinds of stuff to write about hasn't made the letting go process any easier.

Kahren Unplugged
There are times when I simply don't want to look at my computer. I tell myself 'just 15 minutes' and three hours later, I am still glued to the screen. When I accomplish things, I feel rather justified in my election to go surfing. However, the unproductive days often outweigh the productive ones. The personal computing device has long dethroned the television as the new boob tube in multiple ways. With the launch of this digital design project, I feel conflicted. As a lady lacking techno-savvy and in possession of a technological black thumb, I am prone to computers dropping me like a bad habit. Computer crashes, drive wipes, and other mishaps have made me rather suspicious about relinquishing my love affair with paper.

From a learning and thinking standpoint, I lean heavily toward visualization. I like to map things out. I love to make lists and sketch diagrams. I live to color code. Though these tasks can all be done by pecking away at the keyboard, the tactile satisfaction of rolling up my sleeves and scribbling all over the place makes my inner child much happier. From a productivity standpoint this could be viewed as procrastinating or simply inefficiency, as all results would later be typed up and organized for posterity in the end. This hybrid system is simply what works best for me, and that is the most important factor.

eFiling vs. D-Rings
My senior project for my undergrad degree focused on the power of electronic writing and how it impacted creative writing spaces. When I wrote this half-theoretical half-creative exploratory project back in 2001, I swore that I had both an electric file and a hard copy portfolio. However, both seemed to have gone up in smoke. I pray that a dive into the boxes stored in the attic may prove otherwise, but I am not hopeful. During the six week frenzy to finish up the two final classes I needed to graduate, I was rather lazy about organization. I would just save-save-save on my Zip disks and cart my projects between the CIRCA Lab and my home computer. Yes, I was a student in the pre-USB era, and now even if I manage to find my 250MB Zip disk, I don't have a single piece of equipment that can read it.

With the constant evolution of technology, is keeping purely electronic records a safe thing to do? Would transitioning to new operating systems and programs, require constant conversion of stored items, or would the collection of a techno-museum be an unfortunate side effect? Printing not only consumes paper, but when you amass enough of it, it starts to consume space. How is one to decide what should be scanned versus what should be printed and stored (just in case...)?

I wrote my project on precisely that, and I am no where closer to an answer and it has been nearly ten years. Good grief! After the mysterious disappearance of my beloved senior project (along with my other academic papers), I am very hesitant to cast paper completely aside. I e-file my taxes annually, but I keep a paper backup. Though many businesses tout their paperless processes as a way to cut costs and save the consumer money, I always end up print out my own copy of things like credit card and bank statements. I feel this is a knee-jerk reaction in the wake of the loss of my academic portfolio. Try as I may, I simply do not feel safe without that paper copy. I think the last time I dealt with a black out was in 2006, and that was only for 30 minutes. Yet for those 30 minutes, I was bored stiff, as I did not have so much as a book to read.

Dead Batteries and Killing Time
Whenever I travel, I always laugh at myself during the packing process. One of the first things I pack is a bundle of wires-- UL plug adapters, chargers, USB cables, and replacement batteries. You'd swear I was going to E3 or a top secret spy mission instead of vacation. The next items to be thrown into the mix are notebooks, pens, and ink refills. Although more and more places provide travelers with outlets or charging stations, I always wind up with dead batteries while in the throws of something important. Critical phone call? My batteries inevitably run out. The rare and fleeting winds of creativity? Every outlet is already claimed by other travelers beating me to the punch and charging every last item they possess. I think I am cursed.

I feel that my inspiration book and board serve as a security blanket. If the power goes out, I at least have something to keep me entertained. The binder is portable, and fewer people would look at me like I am crazy if I pull that out in a shop. I could bring my laptop, but for some reason it just seems really pretentious. I cannot explain why, but it just feels natural to carry a binder with my ideas. The pack rat within loves watching the growing collection of clippings and articles, and loves the contact comfort the pages provide. If I am mugged, I would mourn the loss of a binder and papers far less than I would a pricey piece of electrical equipment. Not that I plan on getting mugged (or going anywhere this could be a possibility) any time soon or anything.

Progress Report
Though the kitchenette, dining room, home office, and living room bleed seamlessly into one another, for the purposes of determining the needs of each space, I needed to divide them. Doing so, I feel like I have a better chance of being able to prioritize the needs of each space. Some will be far easier (and cheaper) than others, largely in part to the lack of furniture currently in my possession. I don't have a garage where I can hack, strip, and paint items, so I have to find items that will require the least amount of work for the time being.

The list is begging to be typed up and color coded. I can smell it. At the moment, I have a Fourth of July motif going with the red and blue ink on light blue and white graphing paper. Perhaps my task this evening after dinner.