Skip to content

Page Header

2012 Images in the News

2012 Images in the News published on 1 Comment on 2012 Images in the News

January. Gabby Giffords resigns from congress a year after she was shot in Arizona. Six people died in the attack.

February. California overturns ban on gay marriage as Washington becomes the seventh state to legalize it.

March. US soldier goes on a shooting rampage in Afghanistan and kills 16 civilians.

April. Secret service agents get caught with their pants down in Columbia.

May. For the first time in modern American history, white births are no longer the majority.

June. The Supreme Court upholds Obamacare. Justice Roberts becomes a hero to liberals for the first time in his life.

July. Gunman opens fire in a Batman screening in Aurora, CO. 12 people die, 70 wounded by bullets.

August. Russian punk band Pussy Riot sentenced to 2 years in prison for hooliganism.

September. Four are killed in an attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.

October. Hurricane Sandy hits just days before Halloween.

November. President Obama is re-elected.

December. 28 dead in CT school shooting. This finally starts the ball rolling on gun control conversation.

Why Oscar Madison Was A Green Pioneer

Why Oscar Madison Was A Green Pioneer published on

oscarmadison.jpg

*Originally published February 13, 2008. RIP Oscar!

Oscar Madison was the original architect of the green movement. While Felix was singlehandedly destroying the ozone layer with his aerosol spray cans, Oscar was all about conservation.

Here are some tips on how you can help save the earth by practicing the art of slovenliness. I’m channeling Oscar here, but I’ll throw in a few of my own.

1. Don’t wash your clothes. Throw them on the floor and wear them a few more times. Conserve water.

2. Leave dirty dishes in sink. Rinse only as needed.

3. Oscar saved food behind cushions. This cuts down on refrigeration.

4. Wiping your hands on window curtains reduces use of paper towels.

5. Vacuuming uses up too much electric. Mopping wastes water. The floor is only going to get dirty again. Clean it once a month at most.

6. Use bedding and towels until they smell. Really bad. Laundry not only wastes water, but electric and/or gas.

7. Why shower so often? Who are you trying to impress anyway?

8. The more you change kitty litter, the more litter and plastic garbage bags are used. Let it go for awhile.

9. Same with baby diapers. You use cloth? Big woop. Washing and drying them uses energy.

10. Don’t pick up after your dog. Save the plastic bags.

Fellow Odd Couple fanatics, check this out:

Church of Klugman
Jack Klugman just got married!

Holiday Crafts Markets

Holiday Crafts Markets published on

Looks like this apocalypse thing ain’t gonna happen so that means you’re still on the hook for gifts. What’s better than a locally hand-crafted one of a kind gift? The fact that you’re supporting local indie vendors.

If you only have time to hit one craft market, you can’t go wrong with Brooklyn Craft Central’s Holiday Market 2012. Curator and promoter Deb Klein works her ass off to make sure these shows run smooth as butta for both shoppers and vendors. I know because I was one of those vendors back before I gave it all up to work on big projects.

Brooklyn Craft Central will showcase about 70 vendors this Saturday and Sunday at Littlefield Art Space in Gowanus.

Williamsburg’s Artists and Fleas has a pop-up shop running at the Chelsea Market in Manhattan. They are open daily through the end of the month, minus Christmas Day. The Williamsburg location will also be open this weekend.

Also in Chelsea Market is the Jingle Holiday Pop-Up Shop.

Over in Queens, there’s Astoria Market’s Last Minute Shopping Extravaganza at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden.

Then there are always the old standbys such as Union Square, Brooklyn Flea, Grand Central and more. For a full list, visit Markets of New York.

Happy shopping!

New York 2013

New York 2013 published on

Let’s say we survive this Mayan inspired apocalypse tomorrow. What do you think is in store for us come 2013?

Well, I’m a hit-or-miss psychic but here are my predictions (more like observations) on the near future in local areas.

First, a slight backtrack to 2012 and said apocalypse. I remember reading a Nostradamus predictions on the subject a few years ago. It’s in one of my books that are still packed in a tote box in the basement years after moving. Anyway, I was relieved to find that according to Nostradamus, the 2012 destruction of earth isn’t one single event that immediately ends it all but rather a series of cataclylsmic occurrences around the globe. If I remember correctly, many would be wiped out, but not all would perish.

So, ok. Nostradamus may have been on to something there.

Moving forward, I think New York will survive and flourish as she always does. Armageddon or not, you just can’t hold New York down.

Don’t know if you realize this, but there are STILL people living without heat and electric. Many homes that were not torn down are not safe to live in, so I just want to take this opportunity to say that help is still very much needed for Sandy victims. Just because this blog and the media has moved on doesn’t mean they are not still struggling. If you were thinking that you missed out on volunteering or donating, think again.

Ok, the future!

Crazy real estate prices. That’s the present, I don’t have to be psychic to see that. Areas such as Bed Stuy, Crown Heights and Flatbush that were on the verge of affordable have hit the million mark. Rental prices have increased as well. I told you to buy a brownstone in Bed Stuy back when they were $650k. What were you waiting for??

I’m not going to put my money were my mouth is (because it’s tied up in Rockaway) but I’m thinking East Flatbush and Broadway Junction (pretty much East New York) will be the next affordable areas to take off. Don’t go out and buy because I said so. My track record is 50/50.

Right now, if you’re an out of work contractor, there’s something wrong with you. Think about this. How many homes in how many areas either need a total rebuild, renovation or just renovation of one floor? That’s not just houses. There are businesses and infrastructure that have been totaled as well. It’s going to be The Year of the Contractor. And they’ll let us down like they always do. F*ckin’ contractors.

Retail will see a spike as folks start getting money back from insurance, charity and FEMA and moving back into their homes. What was lost? EVERYTHING. Clothing, furniture, appliances, artwork, kitchenware, electronics. Think about every item you own times what it would take to replace it all times how many families have to do that. The shops in hard hit areas are struggling to survive right now, but if they can hang on, 2013 can be their busiest year yet. Even food vendors, what with all the workers coming into these neighborhoods.

Farming. I heard this on NPR, so I’m stealing this “prediction”. Because of climate change, we’re going to have a harder time growing food. Land will become more valuable as food production declines. Now is the time to buy those 50 acres upstate you’ve been dreaming about. So perhaps Gerald O’Hara was right when he said “Land is the only thing that lasts”.

Unless, of course, you’re near the water. Then fuhgettaboutit.

Playing Politics? Hell Yes.

Playing Politics? Hell Yes. published on

It’s time to stop letting the NRA and gun enthusiasts get away with murder. It’s beyond upsetting. It’s infuriating that this has become a common occurrence in the USA. Yes, video games are violent. Yes, we need to look at mental health issues. 22 kids were attacked at knife point in China the same week. Guess how many died? Zero.

It’s time to get rid of the fuckin guns! Second Amendment my ass. Things have changed since our forefathers wrote that up. Let’s get it done before the next tragedy.

Please visit Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and do what you can. Just because stricter gun laws may not work 100% does not mean it shouldn’t be tried as part of the solution.

Paint Stripping Deja Vu

Paint Stripping Deja Vu published on 2 Comments on Paint Stripping Deja Vu

tub

Sadly, my Silent Paint Remover ended up under water during the flood. It’s possible that it survived but I’m scared to try it, so I’m waiting for The Husband to fiddle around with it. I’ll stand by to drive him to the emergency room if necessary because I’m a good wife.

Until he takes it apart, I’m stuck using chemical paint strippers. It’s bringing back some bad memories of stripping 5 marble fireplaces and a house full of wood molding with Rock Miracle. Don’t get me wrong, Rock Miracle is a great paint stripper, but since I discovered the SPR, I only use chemicals to smooth out the final (or rather, first) layer of paint instead of sanding.

The clawfoot tub I bought for $100 DELIVERED has at least eight coats of paint. It’s so thick that someone plastered in a patch where the paint had peeled. First I tried Peel Away for 36 hours. I spent half the day yesterday going through layer by layer with the Rock Miracle until I finally said “WTF am I doing? This is the side that’s going to be hidden against the wall.”

Is it nuts that I’m “doing the right thing” where nobody is gonna see it?

Anyway, if you don’t learn anything else from my DIY blog posts, listen to me now and hear me later. The Silent Paint Remover/Infrared Paint Stripper is the most friggin awesomest thing ever invented. It’s like 400 bucks, which is why I’m willing to send Hubby to the hospital rather than buy a new one, but it’s totally worth it! Multiple layers in a 12″x5″ area in one go. Saves tons of time and money spent on bullshit chemicals and make paint stripping a pleasure!

No, I’m not getting paid to say this. But then again, if the company wants to send me a new one, I would not turn it down.

I love you, Silent Paint Remover. And I miss you with all my heart.

Closing Up Windows

Closing Up Windows published on

Lukewindow

Light is one of the most desirable things a home can offer. You may ask why someone would want to close up a window. I believe I can answer that now since we actually got rid of not one, but two windows this weekend.

First of all, both windows had a view of the neighbor’s vinyl siding two feet away. It’s my guess that the neighboring house was built after our 1920 2 story. But we didn’t close up the windows because we were appalled by the view of ugly siding.

One window was in the kitchen. At first, there were thoughts of extending the counter and putting in a smaller window. That could have worked. Then we were like “Wait. Why not get rid of the window completely?” We opted for more cabinets instead of a bit of light, making this tiny kitchen that much more practical.

sheetrock

*Don’t look at my bad taping job. It will be covered by cabinets!*

The second window was in the bathroom. A small window looking out, again, on to the neighbor’s siding. There is a normal sized window right next to it with an unobstructed view of the bay. The sheetrock was already finished but this small window looked totally weird butted up against the wall built around the pipes and sewer line. When we took said sheetrock down to let the plumbers get at the gas lines they were replacing, we thought that was our window of opportunity (You like how I did that there?) to make this area look less…what’s the word I’m looking for?….stupid.

The window in question sits behind the bathtub. I was thinking about some built in shelves which still would have looked uneven. Then hubby was like “Eh, what if we get rid of this one too?” Fine.

So, what’s the process of taking away a window? Skipping over the DOB legalities and heading right over to the how-to: It’s not as bad as I thought. Of course, it was Hubby doing all the work. And I should let you know that you shouldn’t try this if you don’t consider yourself a handy person. Bottom line is that you need to know what you’re doing enough to keep the moisture out of your house or you’re opening up a world of problems.

1. Take out rotted wood (in our case) and re-frame. Oh yeah, take out window first. Duh.
2. Build studs.
3. Plywood exterior side.
4. We have vinyl siding on this house so in this instance it’s plywood, tar paper, rigid insulation and siding. If you have brick or brownstone, it’s more skilled. Eh, chances are you’re in an attached house anyway and don’t have to worry about it.
5. Interior. Insulate between studs.
6. Sheetrock.
7. You know the rest. Tape, paint, done.

NYC Hurricanes Past

NYC Hurricanes Past published on 1 Comment on NYC Hurricanes Past

I’m old enough to remember Hurricane Gloria in 1985. I lived in Coney Island with my parents at the time and went to the beach beforehand to catch some action but I wasn’t too impressed. Wasn’t born yet when Donna hit (Yay, I’m not completely ancient!) but this 8mm footage below is pretty amazing.

Cheater DIY Concrete Counter

Cheater DIY Concrete Counter published on 3 Comments on Cheater DIY Concrete Counter

I tend to go with tile countertops because they are inexpensive and easy to do but sometimes one needs a change in life. So, I’m researching. You can stick just about anything in resin but the problem with that is that heat will melt the epoxy. So what’s a DIY gal to do? I’ve always wanted to try a concrete countertop. Hell, why not? I’ve done concrete floors.

Then I came across Kara Paslay Designs’ blog post on a DIY concrete counter that you don’t have to pour. Duh! Why didn’t I think of that? I could never be bothered with pouring a countertop because you have to build a mold for the pour first and let’s be honest…Who wants to do that?

So all’s ya gotta do is skimcoat any roughed up and prepared surface with Kara’s recommended product called Ardex Feather Finish. A few coats, sand and seal.

Sounds too easy. I’ll let you know if it’s idiot proof since I’m pretty sure this idiot will give it a shot pretty soon.

Dances with Elves

Dances with Elves published on 2 Comments on Dances with Elves

Creepy yet awesome baby elves by Baloo Hallow

Tis the season of The Elf. Check out some of these magical little finds on Etsy.

O.M.G. How cute is Dobby the House Elf by Himawari Land?

Bazel the Elf has a beautiful sad quality to him. Makes ya want to take him home and give him some TLC. By Homespun Dolls.

And who can pass up this Buddy the Elf ornament? Crafts by Suzie Q

Lovin’ this vintage ceramic tea set at Mum’s Cottage shop.

Two Steps Back. One Forward.

Two Steps Back. One Forward. published on

Untitled

As of last weekend, we finally hit the reset button on the renovation. The house has heat and electric. The basement is cleaned out. Now, where were we before the storm?

Oh yes, I was down in the basement painting the kitchen cabinets I intended to recycle. Ok, so those were trashed. I ended up finding 2 cabinets to recycle at a PA ReStore and then I caved and bought new unfinished ones at Lowe’s. The good news is that I don’t have to clean maple syrup and mouse shit from the insides of the cabinets. New has it’s charms. So I’m doing the cabinets again. How deja vu.

As mentioned, twas only our basement that flooded, so all of the new sheetrock was fine. I say “was” because since we had licensed competent plumbers over to install a new boiler, we had them run new gas lines throughout the house. That means cutting into some sheetrock. We hate doing sheetrock but we’re not getting the schmuck back who did it in the first place. That didn’t end well. It never does. That’s why we DIY.

So where’s this step forward? Got a clawfoot tub! Yay! It needs some work. “Some” is an understatement. Oh, and I finally bought some bathroom tiles. New slate. No overstock or discounts but like $1.48 per square foot. Not bad. Again, Lowe’s. So much better than Home Depot. The bathroom will be ready to tile once we re-frame and sheetrock that pipe area we demolished.

Funny. Don’t know if I ever mentioned that this house is my project and the hubby wanted nothing to do with it. Now here I am all “we” this and “we” that. Guess I dragged him into it, huh?

Primary Sidebar