Small Spaces Time

The new Oct/Nov issue of ReadyMade magazine is really promising. It is the Small Spaces issue. I perused it this weekend at the bookstore.

Don't you love how big box bookstores have comfy chairs for you to sit on while you read as much as you feel comfortably reading before you actually walk out of their store empty-handed? I do. Thanks-a-million, Books-A-Million!

When you buy the magazine, definitely check out the Julie Brabac's gorgeous A-frame house in New Hampshire on page 51 and also featured on the cover. Besides that actual home, this issue also includes shelters and spaces constructed from old grain bins, shipping containers, and wooden crates and palettes.

Check here for more of their on-line content.

Status Report

Nothing much new going on at my personal shelter except some much needed cleaning and decluttering.

• I tackled the kitchen this weekend, including cleaning the inside of the refrigerator. Uggh!
  
  If you can, don't ever put off cleaning under the vegetable crisper. I had forgotten that my refrigerator back wall was curved. This means that anything that dropped onto the bottom shelf could then roll (or ooze!) down under the vegetable crisper bins. NOT pretty. I also wiped down the drawer fronts and cabinet doors. Yay, me!
  
  
• I have almost completed getting rid of the stacks of unneeded and unused magazines and textbooks (that the school will not take back!) that have been under my for months.
  
  
• Two loads of laundry were dealt with, including one of winter sweaters since that time has come for warmth in clothing. I also got the bathroom mat in this wash though I first soaked it and agitated it in the tub twice before throwing it in with clothes. GOOD call is all I will say about that.
  

So, progress has been made. Not as much as I would like, but, something is something, right?

A Year Late

Last weekend I was watching a Mad Men episode (Season 2, Episode #8, "A Night to Remember") on DVD for the first time. I'm watching the second scene; which takes place in Peggy's sister's house, and I notice that Peggy is sitting down in a platform rocking chair. One that is very similar to my own beloved chair!



See? I can hardly believe it.

Mad Men Mine

I consider mine the more streamlined version because hers has those curvy arms and mine are more modern and angular.

Now, I wish I had seen this episode last year when it first aired. It then wouldn't be so strange if I tried to pick the prop master or set decorator's brain about what they know about these particular chairs. However, a year later, I am still going to try. So, Amy Wells, you should expect an email from me!

By the way, if anyone can get me a clearer* screen capture of this chair, I would be very grateful!

* Yes, I DID set my camera up on a tripod in front of the TV to get this shot. I then had to queue up the DVD four separate times to take pictures of that chair. I'm so sad when it comes to technology...and so obsessive when it comes to my platform rocker.

A Dream

Two weeks ago, I came across a list I had written down a year ago of elements that would constitute a makeover for my apartment (if I had the money for anything I wanted). As it turned out, it wouldn't take much.

• A paint job for the combined living room/dining area & kitchen in a pale shade of lavender, butter yellow, or a green tea shade
• Long drapes from the 12' ceiling on the end wall with the French doors
  
• Large graphic canvases on the walls
• Stuffed armchair in purple or green velvet
  
• A new sumptuous sofa
• Side tables with gourd-shaped lamps
• Small desk for a laptop
• Set of red and yellow stoneware dishes
  
  

NOTE: This is NOT a to-do list. I already have one, these are just some thoughts.

Glamour Shots

I love the combination of this curry yellow color and the blue. I've had these pictures scanned for months but it wasn't until I pasted them in this page that I realized they each had this combo. As you know, I love painted furniture. I just feel it brings so much character to a room.



I love the bench seat of the sofa, no need to fluff and wrangle cushions when you get up.



The touches of red are great. Lately, I was thinking my apartment needs more touches of the yellow and purple thrown around.

Images: Glamour magazine, July 2008