new lamp defined

As people (mom) have commented, the new lamp I have looks too short for the desk. Well, you all can lose sleep over something else. The lamp will eventually live on my dresser, which is in the back room of my parents house and ironically, originated in New York. Dying for my dresser to get here, but first I have to measure it next week while i'm home (for 96 hours). 

So much to do. So little time. I'm thankful for my family and being able to be with them this holiday season. They are my glue. 

apartment redesign

I have been wanting to redo my apartment for months/years and I am finally doing it. For the past six weeks, with the help of several amazing friends, my apartment has been transformed. It isn't finished yet, but it has come a long way. The pictures tell the story the best.

 Where it started. 

Clearly over 3 1/2 years, i have accumulated, well, too much stuff

Moving furniture to new places. 

It was a jigsaw puzzle. (in this photo, Jay is behind the mattress holding it up).

Bed in final location. everything not being donated, packed in boxes. 

The TV is down. Best thing that has happened since I got that TV, eh, sorry Dad. 

Four shades of grey. Picking paint color. 

Sold. Farrow & Ball #265, Manor House Grey is the winner.

Paint purchased. Now to gather the troops. 

Projects stop, Sandy visited. Caught up on A LOT of television. 

Power went out for a few hours during the night. I might have played 50 hands of solitaire. 

And we're back. November 3, the Salvation Army came by and picked up six trash bags of clothes, two trash bags of shoes, and two bookcases. The paint crew (Camille and Derrick Scott) patched all the holes, and put the painters tape up (which apparently, I'm horrible at, but Camille --- rockstar). 

As you can see these two can handle anything. Yes I helped some, but the football game was on. Priorities.

I don't think I could live in New York without this guy. His superpower is handiness and attention to detail. Taped the whole ceiling and painted the top foot and "molding." 

Thank you a hundred times over, D! 

And done. Five hours, start to finish. Perfect shade of grey.

More of the ceiling detail. Left it white. Apartment looks so much bigger and feels even taller, and they'fre 12 feet to begin with.

The kitchen area and detail. The white cabinets pop so well. 

Then on November 5, we get this. The week after Sandy, this is outside my door. 

This clearly made me want to do more to my apartment. So I ordered the white lacquered Parsons desk from West Elm that I have been eying for years. 

Friday, I left work half an hour early to catch the UPS guy. Walking into my building I see the UPS truck. After running upstairs, I see the dreaded sticker on my door. "Sorry we missed you, we'll try again Monday." NO! I grabbed the ticket, ran outside, half way down the street and waited for the UPS man to come back to his truck. After a short wait, he comes out and I asked him if he had my desk, and he did! He kindly delivered it shortly after.

I immediately put it together (took all of half an hour). And it is just perfect. 

Oh, and that lamp is new. Bought it a few weeks ago but had not taken out of the box because I hadn't painted yet and had no where to put it. Now it lives on my new desk. 

That is the redesign thus far. More to come. Looking for blinds/shades, bedding, mirror to hang over dresser (which is in Arkansas), hang all my artwork, oh, and get a rug. Just a few things left of my to-do list. 

Hopefully by January I'll have made as much progress, if not more. 

Saturday, I bought new glasses. Geek chic! 

kate stole my heart

These gloves are epic. A necessity for winter. How can you possibly not agree?

Kate Spade does everything right. Here.

us open 2012

This Thursday evening I will be off to the US Open. Second year in a row and I cannot wait. My friend Lynn and I will be there for Women's & Men's 2nd round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Cannot wait. Pictures to come post matches.

Without a doubt, the US Open is one of the best things about living in New York. Hands down.

life of a fisherman

. . . well, 5 hours as a fisherman. Pictures of our catch while vacationing in the Gulf. We were able to go on the last day of red snapper season. 

Cory, please notice his professional fishing attire, catches the most. Obviously.

Dad didn't always get the fish all the way in the boat . . . sometimes he just gave the snappers a little snack before he caught 'em. 

Thanks for taking me fishing dad, maybe its beginners luck, or the fact that girls are better than boys. Just kidding, but it was a fantastic adventure. 

The fearless, born to be in the water, best brother-in-law, Cory. 

Dad and Cornbread, the first mate.

The 19' fishing boat we were on

Our daily catch. 

vacation relaxation

I'm still in relaxation mode and don't have time to share everything from the best vacation ever, but here is a teaser of what will come. We went deep sea fishing on the last day of red snapper season. Yes, we caught all those snappers and yes, they tasted delicious! Pretty sure we have enough fillets to feed a small army. Just ask Cory for some snapper nuggets. YUM-O!

(Left to right) Captain Jodie, Mike aka "Cornbread," me, Joe, Cory

support the mom-and-pop shops

As most of you all know I am a large supporter of independent businesses everywhere and will always have a special place in my heart for independent pharmacies. After seven years of living outside of Arkansas, finding a good pharmacy isn't as easy as picking up the phone and saying, "Can I speak to my dad?" Although I still get any medicine and odds and ends mailed from Rhea Drug, if I need Tylenol or shampoo, etc. (and I don't have a Target convenient), I go to my local pharmacy on the Upper West Side, Goodrich Pharmacy.

Sadly, after forty years, Frank Cammarata is forced to close the doors to his pharmacy. Below is the note he put in his door earlier in June.

Transcribed below:

It is with a saddened heart and deepest regrets that I have to inform all of you (my loyal and faithful customers) that as of the end of June I am retiring. After 40 years of serving the wonderful people of this neighborhood, I am forced to close the doors of my pharmacy, a place I called a "second home," due to low insurance reimbursement rates and high cost of expenses. I want to thank all of you, my devoted patrons, for giving me the opportunity to serve your needs. I not only consider you my customers, but now I call you my friends. Goodrich Pharmacy will always have a special place in my heart and I extend a helping hand to any that may need assistance until that regretful day that I finally retire my white lab coat. To my loyal customers, I extend my best wishes, good health, and appreciation for all the memories we have shared. I want to inform you that your prescriptions are in good hands and will be transferred to Duane Reade located at 2025 Broadway between 69th and 70th street: phone number (212) 579-9955. If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to call me (phone number).

Thank you. Sincerely, 

Your Pharmacist, 

Frank Cammarata 

Photos courtesy of West Side Rag and DNAinfo.com