ohio tourists: day one

Over Labor Day, Kurt's friends from Ohio, Nick and Ben, were in town to visit with their entire family. I mean, mom and dad were there; so were an aunt and uncle; throw in a cousin and his girlfriend; add another cousin and his wife, and then you have the Peters/Hickey Clan. They had a lot of plans on their own, but thankfully we were able to show them a few small pieces of the city we love.

fashion, food, and surprise diy

The past week as been a random assortment of activities. I enjoy seeing seven days cover such a spread :)

Jenn and I had plans to get together one day this week when I ran across an open invitation from Mara on A Blog About Love to a mini fashion course here in Brooklyn. (Mara and her husband keep the sweetest and most uplifting blog. I highly suggest checking it out!) I was a little intimidated about it being held at a Mormon church (I don't think I've ever been to one!) but everyone there could not have been more welcoming and lovely. Mara (here in the yellow) has got to be the sweetest person ever (and isn't she gorgeous?! I'm dying for her curls!) and made sure we felt right at home.

  

Plus, we got some awesome fashion tips! Mara invited Marina, a personal shopper from J. Crew, to come share some of her valuable style knowledge with us. She taught us all about her style basics, including scarves and belts and necklaces and even how to roll your sleeves fashionably! I can't wait to try out all her advice. If you are ever in NYC, you should definitely visit Marina at the Rockefeller Center J. Crew. Thanks again, Mara and Marina!

Somehow I completely missed that Mardi Gras was this week :( Where have I been?! Luckily, Jenn and I were able to take part in National Margarita Day instead. After the style event we headed to Pacifico for delicious Blood Orange and Pomegranate Margaritas with Nachos and Quesadillas. Yum.

At work this week I did some running around to different sites around the city. A contractor took us to see some windows at the most gorgeous studio apartment ever. Think I can convince my landlord to install some decorative paneling, slick walnut floors, and steel casement windows in my dinky apartment? Sigh.

Jenn and I also attended a happy hour put on by ENYA at Technogym. If you are ever in need of fancy, Italian workout equipment, give them a look-see.

All in the same day, I received this fun hat from Kurt and this awesome infinity scarf handmade by Jenn's mom. Is someone trying to tell me I am grossly unprepared to live in the Northeast? Too bad winter is pretty much over (or never really showed up?) so these babies might get retired pretty soon. Thank you, Kurt and Mrs. Dunn! 

(Btw, its really hard to take a picture of yourself in the mirror. I feel like a big nerd.)

Kurt has abandoned me for his annual week-long ski trip out west, so Aubie and I were able to fit in lots of study/sleep time this weekend. 

Actually, Aubie's preferred method of studying is completely obscuring anything I am trying to read. Those thumbs are hard to argue with!

Some time months ago when Kurt was booking the aforementioned ski trip, I decided I wanted to makeover his bathroom while they are gone and have this awesome HGTV-esque reveal when they return next Saturday. (Ugh, when you see the before pictures you will see why.) I think I planned this process way before I started studying for my ARE and had lots of free time. Before Kurt left, I tried to break it to him that it might not happen because I was kind of busy. He and his brother seemed really heartbroken......so I guess I'm doing a makeover this week! I bought some supplies today and hope I can get it all done by the time they return. There might be an all-nighter on Friday!

I've found a new go-to recipe. (I promises it is more appetizing than it looks.) I love quiches but try to limit how often I make them because the crust is so fattening and full of butter. I've tried going the crustless route, but it just robs the quiche of everything appealing. My mom often sends me little recipe pamphlets and recently forwarded one put out by Bisquick. One night Kurt convinced me to make dinner (which always sends me into a panic) so I turned to this book for ideas. I actually had eggs and milk (which is rare) so I decided to adapt the recipe for Impossibly Easy Bacon Pie. (Of course I don't own Bisquick, so that made it a little less easy, but the internet is swimming with substitutions. I use 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cold butter for this recipe.) I call it my Pseudo-Quiche. Yes, the recipe still has eggs, milk, and a little butter but I usually omit the bacon and try to stash as many veggies inside as possible. It's really flexible with whatever you have on hand. The flour mixture somehow makes the eggs fluffy and light and delicious. Try it!

Speaking of eating healthier, I'm on a new kick. Believe me, I am not that girl that tries every new fad diet. I'm not even the girl that tries any diet really. However, I am coming to terms with being mindful of the things I put in my body and how they make me feel. I've been reading lots of stuff lately about Apple Cider Vinegar. Some people put it on their face for clear skin. Others drink a little ACV cocktail once or twice a day and rave about the benefits. I'm trying out the latter route. I've been diluting two tablespoons of ACV (make sure you get the one with "the mother" in it....even though it just sounds gross) in a glass of water in the morning and evening. I don't love the taste of vinegar to begin with, so its been not-so-pleasant so far, but I'm hoping to stick with it. I'm only a couple days in, so the results are inconclusive. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

I hope you all have a great (leap) week! 

i haven't killed him yet!

Let's take a walk down memory lane and recall that just about one year ago Aubie Cat came into my life! That's not to say its been an easy year. I wanted to give him back on many occasions in the beginning. Actually, I've wanted to give him back often throughout the year! But we've had some fun, cuddly times regardless. My bites and scratches eventually heal and I try to make an effort to feed him when he is hungry. We are quite the team.

Just so you remember, this is what the baby looked like way back in September 2010.

And this is how the wise old man looks now. (Am I late to the Instagram party?) Thankfully his kitten rambunctiousness has settled a bit, but he is still a pretty feisty guy. Come visit us sometime. Aubster would love to see you!

a few things...

{photo by Erik Martig}

• I am back from Utah and had an incredibly fun time. We saw some old friends, made a few new ones, and had several dance parties. You better believe I have recaps on the way.
• Fall arrived in NYC during my absence. Believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to cooler temps and earthy colors this year. Don't get me wrong, I love summer and all its beach time, sun dresses, sandals, and dining al fresco. However, I am tired of always being sweaty (tmi?) and am looking forward to a little wardrobe diversity (I swear I haven't worn jeans all summer). I would like to sleep with my windows mostly closed for some peace and quiet, not feel guilty for spending time indoors, and enjoy some college football. While we were traveling, I caught a gust of cold air in Chicago and almost lost all resolve to enjoy the season, but as long as autumn is unnaturally looooong and winter is far out of sight, I might be able to survive until my shorts are put into regular rotation once more.
• When I arrived home late Monday night from the airport, I could tell Aubie was feeling under the weather. I've never taken him to the vet, so I had no idea how he would react. We picked a nearby clinic with good reviews and went after work last night. Aubie didn't like nosy dogs near his cage but was pretty unfazed by other cats. Once we got into an individual room, he enjoyed exploring and getting some extra love from the vet tech and the vet. But once they started trying to do an exam, he went into full bobcat mode. I've never heard such sounds come from my sweetheart moderately friendly cat. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with those claws he was flailing around though. Ultimately, the vet gave up, said "wow, he's strong" and sent me home with a few options. Let's hope Aubie will be more agreeable when I try to play doctor with him!
• My 3 year NYC anniversary has come and gone. I usually like to make a big deal about it and reflect back but was super busy and missed both the day I arrived (September 6th, also the birthday of a fab pair of twins I know) and the day I started my job (September 15th, also the day Lehman Brothers went under). Regardless, there you have it: 3 years, 4 apartments, and 1 cat later and I think I'm doing alright. In some respects I can't believe it's been that long and in others it feels short. Let's see where I end up at year 4 :) That celebration will not be missed!
• Tonight, Kurt and I have our clase de español última (last Spanish class). I've had a love/hate relationship with this class. Every Wednesday beforehand, I would absolutely dread going. I never managed to fit any studying in during the previous week and was always stressed that I didn't know anything. Other fun things always seemed to pop up on Wednesdays and I felt weighed down by the obligation of going to school. Then the 2 hour class would always fly by and I would be sad to leave our fun teacher and classmates I had started to enjoy. The jury is still out on how much Spanish I have actually learned but I think a good groundwork is laid. Taking more classes might be out of my budget, but I hope Kurt and I can stick with it on our own.
• I'm instituting a 1 drink max rule for the next month. I wavered blogging about it in fear I will actually have to stick with it, but I am hoping the internet gives me some sort of accountability. I also contemplated giving up alcohol completely but then decided I would never make it through a week, let alone a month (mama likes her glass of wine with dinner too much). That's not the point anyway. It's more about moderation. I feel like I have been overindulging lately and need to get a better balance. While I can't guarantee that "1 drink" won't devolve from 1 drink per night to 1 drink per bar or 1 drink per hour, I will try to stay on the straight and narrow. Save some money. Save some calories. Save some brain/liver cells :) Wish me luck!!

we skirted the apocalypse [again]

Luckily, we were spared much trouble in NYC from dear, sweet Irene. Unfortunately, she gave our New England cousins up north a bit more grief. I hope everyone stays safe as they wade through the mess left behind. In the meantime, here is how the whole (underwhelming) weekend went down in Brooklyn.

Saturday seemed pretty ominous, so as I was rushing around doing laundry and cleaning my apartment (who does housework with an impending hurricane? Me, apparently.) Kurt came to retrieve Aubie on the bike trailer. You can take the boy out of Ohio...

Aubie was not too pleased to go for a ride. He thoroughly enjoyed the weekend in a new atmosphere though. He was (almost) a perfect gentleman at 731 without much clawing/biting and didn't break anything. (He is always knocking things over at my apartment!) He may have even kept a pesky mouse at bay over the weekend and won over the Martig Brothers :) However, Aubie did not win over neighbor Jenn's cat Princess Chunk. They hissed and growled at each other but I think deep down they will be friends one day.

The storm came through without much incident.  I slept through most of it (hence no action shots). Kurt got up early Sunday morning when the worst of it was coming through and was pretty disappointed with his first hurricane. We really only got lots of rain and some wind.

We went up on the roof as the backside of the storm was coming through (smart, right?). There was only wind and some crazy cloud action but no rain. The air was incredibly crisp. I guess Irene was good for clearing the air at least.

A few LSU friends (including a new 731 addition) came over to show us how to really enjoy a hurricane. They were pretty disappointed by Irene's performance but showed us how to yell at the sky, drink beer all day, play board games to pass the time (even though we never lost power), and made us the most delicious gumbo. I think we'll keep these kids around!

One of Aubie's thrills from his weekend journey was exploring the backyard of 731. I kept a close eye like the over-protective momma I am so he wouldn't escape (or scrape his knees or something). 

He was very cautious as he tip toed around very delicately.

Not quite a jungle cat  but I hope he enjoyed the bit of green. He doesn't get much at home with me.

Now we are back at my apartment safe and sound and back to our normal routine. The trains were up and running early Monday morning, so I was back at work too :(

Aubie's been spending lots of time gazing out our third floor window (dreaming of the 731 Jungle, I'm sure), sleeping copious amounts, and working on blending into my hardwood floors. Life as a cat sure is tough. Let's hope we don't have to relocate for any more natural disasters anytime soon! Although I have heard that a couple of brothers wouldn't mind us returning every once and while for a visit. Well, Aubie at least. I'm not sure if I'm invited :)

Have Thumbs, Will Travel

As if we hadn't had enough apartment woes as of late, 3F had to have an exterminator visit the apartment this weekend. I'll spare you the icky details, but we had our apartment bombed on Saturday and all living creatures needed to vacate the premises for the afternoon. This included Aubie Cat who has never left my apartment since the day I got him. Kurt and his brother kindly offered up their apartment for us to hide out for a few hours. I borrowed a cardboard carrier from Jenn who used to tote her cat around in it until she recently upgraded. Kurt and I planned on strapping the box to the back of Kurt's bike and slowly ride his from my apartment to Kurt's.

Aubie had much different plans. He began gnawing through the cardboard immediately and tried to squeeze out the gradually widening opening. This was all before we even got outside. The bottom of the box ended up giving way too and after some unsuccessful taping, I decided it would be best to just buy a carrier. I ran to the pet store and bought the cheapest crate they had, hoping Aubie's teeth would be no match for plastic.

Aubie wasn't thrilled about being contained for a second time, but we were able to get him in the new crate with a little shoving and coercing. Kurt is an expert bungee-er and strapped the crate securely to his pannier rack. I was a little worried about riding with him in there (I thought we would just walk...I even said) but Kurt assured me it was on there solidly.

I rode close behind the entire way to Kurt's to make sure we didn't lose anybody. Aubie cried the majority of the way. I put his favorite scratching mat in the crate but don't think it really helped comfort him too much. However, the ride was much easier than I had originally foreseen (apart from the initial packaging issues). Sunday joy rides could become a regular family outing.

Finally we reached the boys' apartment. Aubie took some time to explore the new place and check out the new window views. Doesn't he look so traumatized laying on Erik's bed? Luckily the ride tuckered him out, so he was very laid back at their place. 

Kurt and Erik don't really strike me as cat people, so I was concerned how this visit would go. Apparently, it went well because the next day Kurt asked if he could come get Aubie and bring him over to play! Without me!

Aubie Cat

Okay, maybe my cat doesn't hate me. We are slowly working through our issues. His "love bites" are becoming less frequent (or maybe I am learning how to keep him happy), and he is generally more pleasant. I stayed home on Friday after a long night out, and Aubie and I had some good bonding time. He is much more mellow during the day then when I normally see him in the evenings. Of course, he still had bursts of energy where he bolts around my small apartment and bounces off the walls, but those moments were also mixed with naps and helping me fold laundry.

He finally took to the second scratching post I bought him. We started with a version that hangs on a door knob, but Aubie continued to prefer digging his claws into our furniture. This new one is a Trader Joe's special and came with catnip. Aubie is slowly getting on board with my rules. He even likes to take naps on it. 

Sometimes Aubie still likes to scratch at our chair, so we might stick with aluminum foil therapy until he's totally sold on the scratching mat. Thanks for the tip, Jenn and Erin!

Update: This was the scene I walked into Saturday afternoon:

Aubie decided to destroy an entire roll of paper towels, shredding them into tiny pieces in my room and the kitchen. He also seems to be the only cat in the entire world who does not hate the sound of aluminum foil which I thought was a brilliant scratch deterrent on our couch. Let's just say we are still working through a few issues...

Recent happenings

I feel like I haven't done many blog-worthy things lately (unless having water pouring in my ceiling or dealing with a cat that hates me are blog-worthy stories) or have just been lax about taking pictures. Either way, here are some recent events to fill time:

Last Saturday I accompanied Kurt to the Ohio State bar in Times Square to watch the Buckeyes take on Illinois. It wasn't much of a match-up (Ohio State won) but it is generally fun to watch the games with other fans. (I will have to document our next trip to the Auburn bar and compare!) We generally will meet a couple of Kurt's football friends there--which is a whole different spectacle apart from the game.

After the game, we swung by Bryant Park. I admit I have never been there on an unprogrammed day. I've been when they set up the ice skating rink in the winter and when they show movies in the summer and gazed in longingly when they used to have fashion week there. I have never seen people just hanging out in the grass and sitting on tables. It was a nice, sunny, breezy day and the park was packed.

After a few moments at the park, we caught a train from Grand Central Station to (gasp!) leave the city for the afternoon. An architect Kurt's firm often works with was hosting an Oktoberfest party at his house in Mt. Vernon just north of the Bronx. He's been hosting this party for 20+ years and has definitely taken that time to perfect the festivities. It was such a fun time. He brews a couple kegs of his own beer and everyone brings delicious food. I apologize for the piecemeal panoramic. I didn't take near enough pictures but wanted to show the party. It doesn't do their setup justice!

Then on Sunday, Kurt and I decided to make dinner at Kurt's apartment (lovingly named 731). Well, Kurt decided to make dinner, and I was available to play sous chef. We were about to tackle an unknown culinary project, so it was going to be 1.5 bottle of wine night. Kurt, Erik, and I went to town on a leftover bottle of 3 buck Chuck in the Martigs' signature wine glasses. You can take the boys out of the country...

Our media: pumpkin fresh from the farmers' market.

Kurt went to town slicing it up and cleaning out all the guts. It reminded me of many Pumpkin Carves during my time at Auburn. My roommate from freshman and sophomore years was obsessed with pumpkin seeds. She would accompany me to the architecture building and collect her spoils from the mess of pumpkin innards strewn about the courtyard. I'm not sure what the Martigs did with the seeds from this little guy but we baked the rest in the oven after a light coating of oil, salt, and pepper. The result was...good. Not great, but I think it has a lot of potential. I look forward to more pumpkin and squash experiments through the fall.

We paired our roast pumpkin with this prosecco Kurt had been saving. It was gifted to us by Darrio, Kurt's first host father in Italy, when we visited this summer. It was the same wine we drank during our lunch that day and I couldn't help dreaming about being back there. Fall and winter in NYC are hard for me. Once the weather starts getting cool, I am a sad girl. I long for sandals and sun dresses and loathe wearing socks and coats. (The South ruined me!) Hopefully my memories of our lovely European summer will help me through the hard times. Or maybe I'll go off the deep end around mid-January and up and move to some Mediterranean island! I hope it is a mild winter.

Oh, and in other news, I've introduced Aubie to catnip. He seemed pretty pleased with it, until he spilled it all over my floor, that is. It kind of killed the magic for the both of us. I'll save stories of how he hates me for another day...

I've got an architecture party coming up tomorrow, so hopefully I'll have lots of blog-worthy things (at least photos) to post after that! Stay tuned!

We have a winner!

New cat will henceforth be known as Aubie. He's my little tiger! For those of you who don't know, Aubie is Auburn University's mascot and the best looking tiger in the South (there are several!). Aubie satisfies my name requirement of 2 syllables as well as ending in a -y or -ie. It also reminds me of home! I think Aubie and I will be quite happy together :)

Thanks for the idea, Jessica!

3F has a new roommate!

He is orange and cuddly and acts like he owns the place already. I had been wanting a cat for a while (or wanting some sort of animal interaction until I have the means to own a dog) and finally got around to doing it. Let me tell you, the cat adoption process in Brooklyn is quite involved! There are tons of shelters separate from the ASPCA and city humane societies and they are serious about cat welfare. I respect the fact that they want to find these neglected kitties good homes, but I had to jump through quite a few hoops before the shelter woman would leave this guy in my care. I had to fill out a 4 page application including 2 references. We had a meet and greet session the day before he was delivered and my apartment had to be inspected to make sure there are screens in all the windows. I wrote a hefty check to the shelter and was lectured about the cruelty of declawing and the statistics of kitty runaways.

But now he's all mine! Well, I still have to undergo some periodic checks to make sure I am not neglecting him. The sweet foster parents also asked that I send pictures and news about how he is doing. I promised a Christmas card of me and Gino (short for Orangino).

That comes to my next point. I don't know what to call my new little kitty friend! The rescuer called him Gino but I'm not in love with it (makes me think "guido"). The Graveline's are notoriously bad at naming animals (Buster, Blackie, Buddy, Pumpkin, Fluff, and the list goes on), so I'm at a loss. Well, you can see in the top picture that he has little thumbs. The shelter lady says it is rare but some people search it out. Apparently, Ernest Hemingway thought they were good luck, so he surrounded himself with them when he lived in Florida. He was so into these thumbed wonders that they are sometimes called Hemingway polydactyls. One suggestion for a name was Hemingway (Hemi for short). I thought maybe Ernest/Ernie but it's a little too Sesame Street.

I need help! Send me your suggestions (all 3 of you readers out there)! I'm afraid "Kitty" might stick if I don't find a real name soon!