my doppelganger

Why is it that we always see ourselves in someone else...or we're always trying to see ourselves in someone else? You know when you're watching The Bachelor and some girl has the ugly cry going and vows to never date again (I made that same vow in college, you think). Or you read a book where you connect with the main character--a fictional character I might add--because she lived in the same neighborhood as you in New York and she rides the subway to work and likes to drink martinis. I'm not talking about myself here, by the way, but I could be talking about you.

Anyway, my point is that my friend just sent me a link to her friend's blog, and I have to say that I kind of see myself in this girl. I won't say her blog right here for fear of labeling myself as a stalker (which we know I've had experience with in the past) but I have added it under "suggested reading." She also sells things online and--other than her witty and humorous writing--there are (at least) three things listed that tell me she could be me:

Chiang Mai fabric: remember seeing this here?

I've definitely touched on this subject once or twice in different variations.

Been there, ikat.

Admittedly, I was not the first to come up with any of these ideas, but it is comforting (or perhaps validating) to see someone with your same interests even though we're all striving to be unique. An oxymoron perhaps, but that's what unites us...or is it just me?

color of the year

pantone

I can't believe we're 39 days into the earth's rotation and I have yet to mention the 2011 color of the year. Introducing: Honeysuckle, or Pantone 18-2120. Most who know me know I'm not a pink girl. I don't like pink. I don't wear pink. I don't buy pink for my daughter (correction: I sometimes buy pink for my daughter because there aren't many options otherwise).

Those who know me well, however, know that I have a weird pink side. I like bright pink. Garish pink. Neon pink. I like it as nail color. I like it as an accessory. I love it on a wall. While the color of the year is a bit tepid for my liking, I'm here to give a shout out to my kind of pink: welcome 2011!

Elle Decor

Property

First of all, have you ever seen anything cuter than these gummi bear lights? Secondly, the bright pink guy has the right amount of style and quirkiness that I would actually consider using it to decorate Scout's room.

New York Magazine

Artist/director Julian Schnabel is not afraid to be bold. Behold his West Village home, the Palazzo Chupi.

Metropolitan Home

COCOCOZY

frilly chair

By the way, here's how Pantone describes the color of the year: "Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you, and carry you through the year. It's a color for every day -- with nothing 'everyday' about it."

clogged

Last Monday I made the list, and I have yet to cross off one item. In my defense, though, we did have a pretty busy week including a trip to Winchester, VA for Scout and her cousin Abigail's baptism (that's a six-hour drive each way). And of course last night we had the Superbowl...the Packers won in case you hadn't heard. During the ups and downs of the game Alex and I had many drinks, which makes today a little fuzzy. But I digress...

So I haven't managed to cross anything off the list, but I do have one more item to add: Drano--can I use that as a verb?--the bathroom sink. A clogged sink really grosses me out, so mark my words that this task will definitely be accomplished this week...if I remember to actually purchase the Drano on my weekly Target binge.

small treasures

One day when I have a new home, which will really be an old home that we magically stumble upon and completely refurbish, and when I have the time and money to decorate that home any way I choose--including trips to New York and the Paris flea market for perfect one-of-a-kind objects--one of my first stops will be Olde Good Things. A virtual treasure trove of architectural artifacts, reclaimed wood and vintage furniture, this place has it all. I stumbled upon the storefront years ago on a lazy Saturday afternoon while trolling around the Chelsea flea markets, and I was instantly obsessed. This is where my fascination with old door knobs truly began (sorry, Alex). I could spend a lifetime in Olde Good Things coming up with a new invention for some cracked piece of stained glass or a quirky bronze statue. I even saw an excavator listed on their website at the incredible price of $34,000...don't get any ideas for your birthday this summer, Catcher. Anyway, here are some of the wonders to behold:

fanatical

In the spirit of the Super Bowl--am I allowed to write that without paying royalties to someone?--and in honor of my husband, I present some spirited room decor that will never find its way into our home (sorry babe...keep dreaming about that "man room":

Wow. There really is something for everyone out there. Go Pack Go!

not that kind of blizzard

I'm not starting my to-do list today. Part of the reason is because I like procrastinating and find that I work better under pressure, but the other part is because roughly 2/3 of the country is experiencing the snowstorm of the century and it feels weird not to be under a weather advisory like everyone else. Why should I be getting things accomplished when no one else can? Or am I just procrastinating? I want some ice cream.

something to do

Last week I was over the to-do list of the home variety. Today I'm reviving it because--let's be honest--to-do lists work. Yesterday Alex and I met with our new realtor, and we were beyond thrilled with his expertise and suggestions. We may have to sink another $1,000 or so into this place, but everything he said made sense and he has a crazy eye for detail. I'm ready to get back on the market, and I know this isn't going to be another 18-month haul. So, in the spirit of my new found enthusiasm to get this place sold, here's a look at the actual to-do list ahead of us (in no particular order):

- throw out doormat in kitchen

- stock up on air filters for hallway vent and change weekly

- fix cracked tile on fireplace

- all cords off the floor (behind the TV and desk in the bedroom)

- fix Alex's closet door

- get rid of the dead bush in the back yard

- move trash and recycling bins to the side of the house (DONE!)

- blow the lot

- mulch "the heck out of the trees" (realtor's words)

- planters (with some color) on the front porch

- window box under front window where screws are sticking out anyway

- get light for side porch

- fix light on front porch

- fix electric "issues" in living room (i.e. lose the kill switch)

- cut monkey grass

- plant evergreen (something) around the giant HVAC unit

- skim living room ceiling and cracks where wall meets ceiling

- paint the living room and dining room ceilings white

- touch up trim in hallway

- skim wall in (master) bedroom where shelves were hung and touch up paint

- touch up trim in Catcher's bedroom

- replace shower curtain and shower liner

- hire mason to fix loose bricks on outside of house

- update washer/dryer

- remove shade on kitchen (side) door

- fix or remove mullions on kitchen door

- place uplights behind the TV

- cover drainage extenders

- fix kitchen cabinet where it's peeling slightly

- re-caulk the tub

There isn't anything too overwhelming on the list, but I think our best plan of attack is to focus on one thing/area per week. Considering our schedules, I think it's realistic (and not too aggressive) to give ourselves a deadline of March 1st to get everything accomplished. When it's all said and done, we're just hoping to come away from this whole experience not owing anything to the bank. If you had asked us in May 2009 what we wanted, the answer would have been at least $20,000 in our pockets. But things change, and we just want out.