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Save the Deli!

October 22, 2009 RH 2 Comments

What a great ~~Christmas~~ Hanukkah gift this book would make! “Save the Deli“, a hardcover by David Sax, just came out a couple of days ago.Believe it or not, this vegetarian grew up on deli food. There were plenty of delicatessens in NYC back in the day. But alas, they’re all disappearing. Ok, so the food is unhealthy and kind of on the disgusting side. Anyone ever tried tongue? I have. Used to love it. And stuffed derma? Mmm… intestines!

Even though the only thing I’d eat at a deli these days is a knish, I don’t want to see them die. They ARE history! Not just for Jews, but for New York. Can’t they just change with the times? Soy pastrami? Free range organic grass fed corned beef on whole wheat?

And while I’m on the subject, you know what else is dying in New York? Yiddish! I ordered a bagel with a schmear in a Brooklyn cafe that shall remain nameless (Prospect Perk) and they didn’t know what I was talking about!! WTF? You know why, don’t you? It’s because there are no NYers left in NY anymore. Everyone is from somewhere else.

Anyway, enough kvetching. Go out and buy the book for your bubby. It will be a mitzvah.

New Upcycled Gifty Things

October 21, 2009 RH 3 Comments

This little elf has been hard at work creating reclaimed gift items for the holidays. I’ll be doing five solid weeks of daily craft shows with no time to replenish, so it’s all gotta get done now.

“Going Postal” is the prototype for my mail boxes. I bought a bunch of old mailbox doors on ebay and they sat around for about 2 years while I waited to find someone to build me a box around it. Then I was just like “F it, I’ll build my own crude box.” So I did. It needs some tweaking, but I love it.

“Baby Bell” is…..yeah, I dunno….just a bunch of pieces I stuck together. It’s a dual purpose coat hanger and bell so you can call your family and pets to dinner.

The old drawer is mostly just hanging artwork, although if you really wanted to make it useful, you can sit keys on the shelves. The chicken wire was left over from my kitty fence in system. I have a bunch of 4×4 pieces where we cut around the posts.

Another old drawer. The partitions were already in there. Recycled wallpaper and side “pull” were added. Can be used as tsotchke shelf and hat/scarf hook.

Ah, my piece de resistance! Scroll through the Flickr photos to see what I mean. This antique mold (?) is a multi purpose item. The top is open, so it can be a candle holder or vase (insert water holding object). The side seen here is an earring holder with mirror. There’s a necklace holder side, a framed photo side and 2 mini shelves to hold small perfume bottles. Yeah, it’s a girlie piece. But so rugged looking!

None of these are priced or on my store yet. I want to get them out there, but I also want to hoard inventory for my shows. Such problems I have.

Finally Tried Saraghina,Bed Stuy!

October 20, 2009 RH 2 Comments

Photo from Ultraclay

Saraghina has been open for about four months now and I finally just got over there this past weekend. It’s not like I didn’t know about it. It’s been mentioned right here on Reclaimed Home. Well ok, the past is the past…I finally ate there and I can’t wait to go back!

Saraghina specializes in brick oven pizza, but they do have an ample amount of side dishes, including pasta, that one could make a meal out of if pizza doesn’t cut it. Let me just say this. People line up around the corner for Grimaldi’s, considered the best pizza in Brooklyn. Grimaldi’s is fine, but I never got the hype. Look, I’m no pizza connoisseur, but Saraghina is just as good. So save your time lining up and haul your arse over to Bed Stuy.

When we first walked in, I made a scene. Even though I had been previously told the mozzarella was vegetarian friendly, I had to ask. You know, it would be easier to say I’m vegan than to explain the whole rennet thing, but I wanted to be sure I could eat the pizza. The guys behind the counter couldn’t help me. We decided to stay anyway because there was enough to eat. My husband got embarrassed and took the first seat he saw. We didn’t realize that there’s a beautiful dining area in the back. So we had dinner in the pizza area. It was actually fine! Maybe it was the owners and staff chattering away in Italian or maybe it was the ambience, but I really felt like I was in Italy.

I ordered a spinach ravioli with sage or something like that and the husband ordered the Pizza Ortolana. We started with a warm artichoke and arugula salad. And yes, they do have a liquor license now! When the waiter saw me scraping off my parmesian, he came over to make sure we had ordered cheese on the pizza. I had to go through the whole rennet thing with him again (I know…those annoying vegetarians!) but he totally understood and said the cheese does not have animal rennet! I tried the hubby’s pizza and fell in love.

We had cappuccinos and tiramisu for dessert. I thought I died and went to heaven.

My only fault with the place: They don’t deliver. And I wish they were closer to my house.

Saraghina is @ 435 Halsey, on the corner of Lewis. No website. Maybe no phone yet.

PS: I think they only take cash.

Tenafly Tag Sale Photos Up

October 19, 2009 RH 4 Comments

Previously on Reclaimed Home

On Saturday, Kristi and I went over to Tenafly to shoot some of the items that will be sold on tag sale day. The date will be November 13 & 14. No worries, you’ll be reminded again and again.

The couple did much of the work for us already. They have things grouped and sorted. The woman even washed her dusty stemware and folded everything perfectly. I told her she shouldn’t get upset when people tear through the house and disturb everything within 5 minutes. These people are clean and organized! Takes all the fun out of rummaging, but it’s a good thing.

We found out we were the fourth people to be interviewed for the sale. So, why us? Seems that tag sale proprietors warrant about as much respect as the used car salesman or realtor. Upon looking for recommendations, “the client” heard horror stories about tag sales gone awry. One friend had the tag woman refuse to give her money because she wanted to renegotiate her fee AFTER the sale. Many of the “taggers” in that area were of retirement age and not internet savvy.

After doing a few sales, I have this to say. It’s physically hard work and long hours, but anyone can do it. It takes someone fairly intelligent to do it well (Good thing Kristi is around). As with any business, if you’re not willing to change with the times (Hello, learn the computer!), you’re not going to keep up.

And that’s why us novices were hired over guys with years of experience.

So, back to the sale stuff. Not too many antiques. The gently used furniture is good quality, no Ikea crap. There are some tv’s and stereo equipment, gym equipment….We’ll list more as we go back and sort more out.

Overall picture: quality stuff, perfect condition, free of dust.

Flickr photos

Upcycled Etsy Finds

October 16, 2009 RH

Recycled Bike Ring Clock. $38

Multi Timber Frame. $45

Screw Driver Bottle Stopper. $18

Six Pack of Glasses. $60

Never Too Early To Winterize

October 15, 2009 RH 1 Comment

Today is Blog Action Day and the theme is global warming. Perhaps I wrote a “Winterize Your Home” post in the past, but since I have no memory, I thought it would be fitting to share my tips.

It’s only October, but it feels like winter. Especially since we didn’t have much of a summer this year. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the cold weather. It will keep you warm and save you (or your landlord) money.

1. Take the friggin air conditioners out of the windows already! You folks are like those people who leave their Christmas decorations up until Easter. The window units create a draft.

2. Any other drafts? Well, what are you waiting for? Insulate! You can rent equipment to blow insulation into your walls and attic. Seal around window and molding gaps with Great Stuff or fiberglass. Just do it. It’s not a big deal. Totally a DIY job.

3. The plumbing! Turn off outdoor hoses and insulate cold basement pipes. Trust me, I know from experience. They will freeze and the pipes will burst. It’s not pretty. If you have a weekend place, turn off the water when you’re not there.

4. Check your boiler. Admittedly, I never do this. And admittedly, I’ve been stuck without heat for a day or two in the middle of winter.

5. Clean your gutters. I’ll let you wait until autumn is over for this one. But do it before the big freeze!

6. Stock up on eco-friendly salt. How many times have I run out of my pet safe salt only to run to the bodega and buy that toxic crap? Lots. Not this year. Ok, maybe just once.

7. Do you have storm windows? Granted, there may be a couple of sunny days left in store, but you can start getting them ready.

8. Program your thermostat. No need to have the heat at full blast when nobody is home. If you don’t have a 5-7 day programmable thermostat, this is the year to get one.

Barbie’s Real Life Malibu Dream House

October 14, 2009 RH 5 Comments

Jonathan Adler is my hero. In this video, the New Jersey born interior designer gives us a tour of his Barbie Malibu Dream House.OMG, it would make me so happy to live in a home like this! Unfortunately, my husband would never go for it. Did I ever mention how he won’t let me paint the exterior of our house pink? The bastard!

Anyway, that Barbie sunburst?! Tears came to my eyes when I saw that! And believe you me, I have enough Barbies to make one of my own. Hubby be damned!

The Barbie chair? I gasped aloud when he turned it around to reveal the back.

The chandelier? Ok, I already kvelled over that one in a previous post.

Now mind you, I never played with Barbies. The few I might have come across in my youth, I tore apart. Much like I do now. But I’m obsessed with transformed Barbies. Why is that? Who cares? I’m gonna go make me a sunburst mirror.

Video stolen from Retro Renovation.

Apartments and Shares: Beacon & BK

October 13, 2009 RH

A couple of apartments for rent in Beacon, plus a Brooklyn share.

A Beacon realtor buddy is trying to post his own rentals on Craigs and some asswipe keeps flagging him. They are no fee, by owner. Owner is the realtor and he must disclose that fact by law. But really….they are no fee!

Ok, I’m cutting and pasting the descriptions, so don’t shoot the messenger.

2 bedroom, 1 bath. First Floor in Victorian home. Hardwood floors. Close to Metro North and Main Street. $1,100 + utilities. Available November 1st.

2 Bedroom with office. Centrally located 3rd Floor Main Street apartment. Updated kitchen & bath, hardwood floors throughout, exposed brick, deck off kitchen. Charm & Character. Rent includes heat & hot water. $1500.

Call Jon directly @ 845-453-8049 for either Beacon apartment.

Down in Bed Stuy, another buddy is having a hard time finding a roommate. It’s Olivia from Supervegan! Who doesn’t want to live with a super vegan?

It’s a temporary share available November 1-March 31st. You would have a choice of 2 rooms. It’s $650 per month and right around the corner from me (the super lacto ovo vegetarian).

Olivia has a page up with all the info.

You Know You’re A New Yorker When

October 9, 2009 RH 7 Comments

This list has been done a gazillion times, but here’s my own version.

You know you’re a New Yorker when…..

Dinner is only a phone call away.

You have more packets of duck sauce and soy sauce in your fridge than food.

You have to walk in the street because people on the sidewalk are moving too slow.

Yiddish is your second language.

Manicured lawns, American flags and a sea of white faces scares the bejesus out of you.

You know when your neighbors are arguing or having sex.

Only other New Yorkers can understand you. Anyone who moved here after 1985 is a tourist.

You don’t need to pay for internet because you can steal any one of your neighbor’s.

You miss opportunities because you can’t lose your parking spot.

You are a bagel connoisseur.

You refuse to stop for pedestrians in those crosswalks outside of the city, but if it’s you walking, you just go and expect cars to stop. Because you’re a New Yorker.

If the gym is more than 3 blocks from your house, you ain’t joining.

You prefer to sit on your stoop than in your backyard.

A stoop? A backyard? What’s that? I live in a shoebox on the 16th floor!

Reclaimed Jewelry

October 8, 2009 RH 4 Comments

With the holidays just around the corner, I’m starting to think about small, gifty merch. I had fun yesterday creating pendants out of found objects. Maybe I’ll even do my own advertising and wear them. If I ever left the house.

Wednesday Linkorama

October 7, 2009 RH

The Bewitched House. Hooked on Houses

BB does Bed Stuy. Brooklyn Based

That 70’s House. Retro Renovation

Brooklyn Has Fleas. Daily News

New Kitchen Stuff. Kitchen Designer

Eco Brooklyn, Part II

October 6, 2009 RH 1 Comment

It seems like a lifetime ago that I posted part 1 of the Eco Brooklyn interview. This one needed editing and I finally got around to doing it. Can’t say I did a great job, but it’s done. Forget the fact that the house is probably finished by now and there are probably people living there. I said I’d upload the rest and I came through.

YouTube link

Eco Brooklyn

2nd Souls Doll Sculptures!

October 5, 2009 RH 7 Comments

Yes, I stood out in the rain to do the Brooklyn Flea on Saturday. Let’s not focus on that. Instead, let’s talk dolls. As I was setting up, I saw these fascinating beings and dropped everything to run over and have a closer look. Suprina of 2nd Souls creates sculptures from found objects that belong in galleries and museums, not at flea markets where people say “Uh, would you take $25 for that?”

I did the Dumbo market on Sunday and guess who was my next door neighbor? Suprina! I was all like “Yeah, go get something to eat. I’ll watch your stuff.” So, I got to spend the day looking at these awesome creatures and chatting with my long lost sister from the Planet of Discarded Dolls.

An interior designer by day, she only recently started focusing on her art work. She is drawn to society’s castaways and reincarnates these abandoned objects so they can live amongst us once again. The little sculptures start at around $45. Something more elaborate carries a $1500 price tag. Suprina also does customized portraits.

To make ends meet at the market, Suprina offers small reclaimed wood boxes and vases in the $30 price range. The weathered wood fits in perfectly with the battle-scarred effigies. The boxes are not up on her website yet.

You want a doll? Gotta contact Suprina. Her studio is located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and y’all welcome to stop by for a tour.

“Hot Wheel” is a self portrait.

I was loving “Chariot” priced @ $450.

Squish Art Market, Williamsburg

October 2, 2009 RH

New kid on the block, Squish is a small, intimate, indoor monthly market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The next event is coming up on October 24th. It will be their third since opening their doors.

Squish features live music as well as the market. Admission is free to the public.

They are currently looking for creative vendors. A six foot table is $110 per event. You can sign up here. Spaces still available for this month.

More Creepy Dolls Just In Time For Halloween

October 1, 2009 RH 3 Comments

Mwwwhhaaahhaaahhaaahhaaaa! Look what I scored last week! I hit some garage sales over the weekend and fell in love these spooky plastic beings.

The woman who sold me the dummy told me he’s famous. I forgot his name though. Anyone?

The clown is from the same woman. No, it’s not Bozo.

It’s Jaaa-aaack! The original!

Her dirty hair, her oversized filthy dress. Love it.

I dunno. This couple just scares me. They look all, like religious or something. They’ll be made into an art piece, as will dirty ho. I’ll obviously keep the others as is.

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