Remember our kooky garage? Well, we really need to replace it this Spring (Or Summer. Or Autumn). My original plan was to do a carriage house that is an exact replica of our home. Now I’m open to any option as long as it’s fast. Enter Shedworking UK.

Here’s where I don’t tell you that the original reason I contacted Alex at Shedworking was to get some technical advice on how he uploaded that Plywood Chateaux video. Do you see the video on my site? Nuff said. Blogger is more user friendly than WordPress.

Anyhoo, after way too much time spent on Shedworking, I came away more confused than when I started out. So much to look at! So, here’s what I’m gonna do. Below are some really cool options. Lemme know what you think. I want sort of a work space/guest house kind of thing. This is just in the research phase and would still have to pass DOB and hubby approval. We would reuse the siding and doors for this or some other project.

A How-To article to get the creative juices flowing. The only thing we ever built from scratch was a bathroom extension, so this should be a fun little project.

San Fransisco based company Modern Cabena has some nice designs. Too modern and too small for our needs, though.

I’ve written about green roofs before but never considered it for our own homes. Hmm, if we can’t keep house or outdoor plants alive, would this be a mistake?

This West Sussex based company, Cock-A-Hoop, has some sweet designs and their prices aren’t crazy. Ok, so delivery might be an issue, huh?

Guy Martin, another UK company. But how cute is that garden house?

Nordic Lodge, again, straight outta da UK.

  posted @ 6:43 am Comments (13)

River Cafe is participating.

Attention frugal lifestyle peeps: Dine in Brooklyn starts today! This week only, 175 participating Brooklyn restaurants are offering up 3 course prix-fixe menus for $23 per person.

The good news is that you can take advantage of the opportunity to try those otherwise over-your-budget places. The bad news? Try getting a reservation. My bad…should’ve warned you weeks ago. But try anyway! Nothing wrong with dining at 5pm. You’ll be going for those early bird specials sooner than you think. May as well get used to it now.

List of restaurants here and google map here.

  posted @ 6:42 am Comments (0)

First off, I’m not going to get into that West Midwood/South Midwood/Midwood Park meshugas. This is just Midwood. Let’s leave it at that.

So, as I mentioned a few times on this blog, I grew up in Midwood. It was like a suburb. All of my cool friends were in the brownstone neighborhoods closer to Manhattan. Midwood was a cultural wasteland with crappy architecture. The finest restaurants were diners.

Ok, so maybe it wasn’t that bad. One of Midwood’s greatest assets, to this day, is the schools. I suppose I was blessed to be able to go to some of the best schools in the country (I made that up): PS 193, Hudde and Murrow. If the neighborhood didn’t offer much, the curriculums were progressive and challenging. So if you have children and you’re not yet ready to take the leap into the burbs, perhaps Midwood is the place for you.

Midwood boasts detached houses and tree lined streets. It’s a quiet, peaceful area. Just like the burbs. Except most of Midwood is within walking distance to shops and transportation. The B express zips into Manhattan. The local Q train is not bad, but it’s a wise move to switch to the express. Shopping strips include Avenue M, J and Kings Highway. Nostrand Avenue is another commercial district.

The area is increasingly becoming more Russian and Orthodox Jewish. Great for food! But bad for you on a Friday evening and Saturday when the neighborhood is dead. Unless of course, you’re observing the Sabbath yourself. It also means that homes don’t sit on the market for very long. Just because this isn’t a popular neighborhood with the hipsters doesn’t mean it’s not popular.

Some big Midwood pluses:

This is a real Brooklyn neighborhood. Diverse and down to earth.

It’s central to other great Brooklyn neighborhoods. Not a far bike ride to Prospect Park or Coney Island in the other direction.

  posted @ 6:17 am Comments (0)

$499k: 2 Family

This is “good” Midwood. Why? Because the train is a block from this house. So is everything else. Avenue J is one of the commercial strips in Midwood and this house is right around the corner. $499k for a 2 family right near the Q local? It probably beats moving to NJ.

$525k: 3BR Single Family

Ok, this isn’t so far from the 2/5 trains at The Junction. The ad says it’s near PS 193, my alma mater, but that’s a hike! I guess I walked that far when I was a kid and I wasn’t complaining. Anyway, looks like a decent renovation and the fact that it has a garage and a driveway makes this gold.

$ 689k: 2 Family

We’re getting a bit too far from the train now. It’s walkable, but think of those cold, rainy days. On the plus side, the house itself doesn’t look bad. Nice wood floors, large rooms, large rental unit for the extra bucks. Open House this Sunday.

  posted @ 6:17 am Comments (0)

The Village of Catskill has a lot going for it these days. Main Street is looking good with it’s restored historic buildings and revamped storefronts.

As with any upstate town that welcomes weekenders, there’s a great choice of restaurants, cafes, antiques shops and galleries. Catskill also has a movie theater, which is a unique benefit among small towns. The town is totally walkable from one end to the other.

Catskill sits right on the Hudson. In fact, it’s just across from the City of Hudson, that once forgotten/now popular haven for weekenders and antique hunters. Catskill prices reflect the fact that it is less “discovered” and on the wrong side of the Amtrak tracks. The town is near the ski areas and the massive Catskill Park. It’s close to Saugerties, another hopping town of late, which, as reader Priscilla informs me, will be home to the 10th Muddy Cup. See, I told you they are taking over!

Apart from Main Street antiques shops, it’s worth the extra few miles to Coxsackie and Ravena for some bargains. Right along route 9W in Coxsackie is the Lincoln Auction building. There are two inexpensive antiques shops in the front of the building. No phone, no name. Just keep in mind they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Farther up the road is the Coxsackie Antique Center. It is a huge, multi dealer place. But their prices weren’t good enough for this cheap bitch. The Ravena Flea Market is another huge place filled with mainly junky stuff, but it’s cool junky stuff. Thanks to Jean for tipping me off to these places.

Welcome to Catskill
Greene Tourism
Catskill. org

  posted @ 6:20 am Comments (3)

Under $100k

Right near Main Street. Agent doesn’t list condition of property but says owner is anxious. Even if it’s a gut job, it may be worth a look for that price.

$112,900: Victorian with details

1800 sf, 4 Br. Looks like a pretty sweet house for the price.

$159,900: Hall

I can’t make out what kind of hall this was. All I know is that it would make a cool loft space. At 3000 sq ft with R2 zoning, it can be a residence, gallery space, B&B or just about anything your little heart desires.

$ 285k: Freestanding Brick

I love this restoration! Check out the painted floors and antique fixtures. Nicely done.

$ 595K: Here’s Johnny!

Is it possible to be in love with a house? This is my dream home. It’s run down and haunted looking, but it’s friggen gorgeous! Unfortunately, it’s been broken up into apartments. There aren’t any interior shots, so who knows if there’s any detail left? It sits on over 2 acres and has other buildings on the property. Taxes are pretty high. This would make an AWE-HAW-SOME B&B! Any readers out there with tons of $ to throw away wanna buy me this house? Just checking.

  posted @ 6:20 am Comments (0)

Oops, my diner list consists of Brooklyn only. Again, no offense to other boros….it’s just what I know. I spent much of my youth in diners with the fries and the egg creams, so I know from diners.

1. Caravelle, Midwood. No longer with us, unfortunately. But I had to include it because there never a better diner was. And also because I see a sign on the building that says “Caravelle Glatt”. It won’t be the same, but at least it’s not becoming a bank. What will those Murrow kids do now? After every school play, sing rehersal or just cutting class, this was the place to go. In my day, anyway.

2. Vegas, Bensonhurst

Must give credit to my parents for finding this one. I have no idea how they came across it as it’s nowhere near where they lived and they didn’t have a car, but the family went here often. Think George and Estelle Costanza arguing over whether to sit in a booth or table. Anyway, this is one of those diners where you can fill up on cole slaw, pickles and bread before you even order. Popular place. Be prepared to wait.

3. King’s Plaza Diner aka KPD, Mill Basin

I had a friend who lived in Mill Basin, so we spent some time here. I was big on the jukeboxes at each table. Used to hold friends hostage until I heard every one of my songs. I’ve been back in recent years and it’s still one of the best diners in Brooklyn. Which means “in the world”.

4. Juniors, Downtown Brooklyn

Everybody knows about the cheesecake. But I like their food! Another pickles and coleslaw place (most of these are), I come here when I’m craving a pickled green tomato. Good egg creams!

5. Tom’s Diner, Prospect Heights

I always believed the popular rumor that this was the Tom’s Diner immortalized by Suzanne Vega in her 1987 song of the same name. There’s even a sign on the wall. But Wikipedia says that’s actually Tom’s Restaurant (of Seinfeld fame) in Morningside Heights. Suzanne Vega or not, Tom’s is one of the best breakfast spots around. Wonderful pancake creations with flavored butters and a great atmosphere. More like a greasy spoon than a glitzy diner. My only complaint is that they don’t have those typical 24/7 diner hours.

6. El Greco’s, Sheepshead Bay

Word on the street is El Greco’s won’t be around for much longer. The building is being sold. I can’t remember if this was a truly spectacular diner or it was just the only place open late at night when I lived in Coney Island. Either way, there’ll always be a place in my heart for you, El Greco.

7. Hollywood Diner , 16th & 6th

I had to get one other boro in here! The food is ok. Here’s what I love about the Hollywood Diner: Sit at the counter and watch the owner/manager whip his staff into shape. He’s a lunatic! It’s like that old SNL sketch “Cheeburger, Cheeburger”. The last few times I’ve been here, I sat at a table, so I hope he’s still around.

Related: Jeremy/BushwickBK review of Ridgewood Eats

So what are your favorites?

  posted @ 6:34 am Comments (3)

Get your kids involved with your DIY projects! Why shouldn’t they help out? Playhouse Design Competition For Kids over at Choochicoos. Deadline April 25th.

Things you should know about wetlands on your property. Living Well in Westchester talks about building additions while protecting the natural habitat.

You MUST watch this video on Materialicious. It’s about 5 minutes long and will make you all teary eyed. Dan Phillips built his home out of 85% recycled material and helps others realize the dream of home ownership. All they need is a credit history and a job. Could be minimum wage. They must help build their own recycled home, but experience is not mandatory. This is in Texas, of all places.

Here’s another cool video, this one from Brownstoner. Coney Island in the 40′s. My parents would take me here when I was a kid in the 60′s and this video put a smile on my face. Some of these things still existed in the 70′s. Unless my warped mind is remembering something completely different. Laughing Lady/Fun House? Was that Coney Island?

The Brooklyn Blogfest is May 8th at the Brooklyn Lyceum! Mark your calendars. So you can remind me to go. Non-bloggers are welcome also. Only The Blog Knows Brooklyn will keep us posted as the plans progress. Last year’s Blogfest was sponsored by Partida Tequila and there were margaritas galore. They’ve yet to find a sponsor for 2008. Hello Stoli?

The Kitchen Designer posts her top 10 secrets of lighting design. “Lighting is jewelry.” Yes! I totally agree. But you can live without jewelry. You can’t live without lights. Unless your own of them kooks who doesn’t like modern conveniences.

  posted @ 6:34 am Comments (1)

Cafe Reggio, 1975. Huggy Bear and Chris Walkin

New York has changed so much over the last few years that I sometimes don’t recognize my own city. Having spent most of my 42 years here, I’ve seen the demise of lots of wonderful restaurants. It’s good to know that some of them still exist. Here’s a list of my favorite food sources. Old standbys that have stood the test of time. Oh yeah, FYI: I’m a vegetarian, so these aren’t fleshy places.

1. Still the best cheap eats: Dojo’s West , W 4th

Yeah, I know what you’re saying. “But they shut down Dojo’s on St Marks because they were filthy.” You know what? I ate there every day for about 3 years and I’m still alive. Anyway, this is Dojo’s WEST. Where else can you get an entire meal for under $10? They have not raised their prices since 1985. I shit you not.

2. Best Bagel: Bagel Hole, Park Slope

That’s right! Anyone got a problem with that? With the exception of that place near the Avenue M train station in Midwood whose name I can’t remember, this is the real deal. Anyone who likes those big stupid fluffy bagels can kiss my big fat Jewish ass.

3. Best Knish: Yonah Schimmel, Lower East Side

There’s actually a better place on the Coney Island boardwalk, but I can’t remember their name. And I don’t even know if they’re still open. Not Mrs. Stahls. Anyway, Yonah’s is not too shabby.

4. Best Dim Sum: Vegetarian Dim Sum House, Chinatown

Awesome. Inexpensive. Dim Sum or full menu. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love this joint!

5. Best Fresh Mozzarella: Russo’s ,Park Slope

I say this because A) I love their cheese and B) It’s rennetless. (only concerns you if you’re a strict vegetarian) Also, Russo’s has great everything else!

6. Best specialty grocery: Sahadi’s, Atlantic Avenue

Since I don’t cook, I only partake in the deli counter. Their veggie stuffed cabbage is awesome and the fried cauliflower is to die for! Actually, everything they do is delicious. You haven’t lived if you’ve never been to Sahadi’s. Word.

7. Best Indian Buffet: Jackson Diner, Jackson Heights

Apologies to Queens people (and the other boros) but I grew up in Brooklyn and frequented Manhattan, so it’s all I know. I do know a good Indian meal when I eat one and the Jackson Diner is worth the trip!

8. Best Italian: Red Rose, Smith Street

Ok, they aren’t the best around anymore, but I just can’t give up on them. The Red Rose was the greatest family restaurant that ever lived. They changed their menu and style with the Smith Street gentrification and although their food is still superior, they are merely a shell of what they used to be.

9. Best Russian: Primorksi, Brighton Beach

Is the food good? I can’t remember. The vodka flows like water and the music doesn’t stop. This is a night out, not just a meal. Long tables shared with Russians who don’t speak English. But that doesn’t matter. They’ll grab you for a dance anyway. So much fun, I had to get married here.

10. Best Eastern European: Odessa, East Village

There are so many great Polish and Eastern European restaurants in the East Village and Greenpoint, but Odessa is still my favorite. Probably because it’s inexpensive. Probably because it’s the last one left out of that Leshko’s, Kiev, Odessa triangle. But mostly because it’s good food.

11. Best Cafe: Cafe Reggio, MacDougal Street

I know. It’s a tourist spot. But I still like it. I can sit there for hours (as if I had the time) sipping my coffee, listening to music, looking at the artwork, watching the people. With all of our coffee houses in NYC, we don’t have too many European style cafes.

12. Best Vegetarian Splurge: Hangawi, Little Korea

It’s not cheap, but it’s such a great place to go for dinner. I wish I could take my shoes off and sit on the floor in every restaurant. The food is incredible. I love this place! Tip: great date restaurant.

I still have a whole list of diners. I’ll get to that tomorrow!

Please post your own suggestions in the comments so I can have more places to love!

  posted @ 6:44 am Comments (3)

Scottie’s Fine Art Caves is a Canadian design/build firm that specializeds in Interior Art Homes for companion animals.

If you haven’t already guessed, Scottie is a dog. The 12 year old Maltese/Yorkshire terrier is CEO of the company. Scottie was the inspiration behind the cave homes, so why not? The VP of the company is a cat. Some guy is also involved.

The Art Homes are stamped for authenticity. I can’t imagine what the resale value would be after sitting in a house full of chewing dogs and scratchy, peeing cats.

The Caves are made with environmentally friendly materials. Ingredients include water, cellulose fibre, wood, natural fibre rope, and water-based paints. These are meant for interior use only. But then again, who in their right mind would keep a $6000 object outdoors? Or their dog for that matter?

Feline mountain is available for kitties.

via Cribcandy

  posted @ 6:44 am Comments (0)

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