325 renovation

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

Sugar baby watermellon and fresh strawberries

2010-08-02T11:07:00.008-04:00

After a slow start, and a war with the neighborhood chipmunks--who are total punks by the way, the garden is now producing real produce. With no real experience in mellon gardening, I threw a couple of plants in the ground, hoping to get one or two. What a delightful surprise it was to go out to the garden last week and find tons of them on the vine. I may buy a cart and sell them down on the street. I may also cut them in half and pour vodka in them. Who am I kidding? I am definitely doing that.

Peonies

2010-05-20T07:58:00.004-04:00

Fresh from the garden.

It's ba-aaaaack

2010-05-05T14:20:00.003-04:00

Grab your sweatbands and dust off your knee pads. 'Minton has just arrived at the 325.

2010-04-28T18:52:00.006-04:00

Love.

Bought this super fun stick-on wall art chalkboard at a great store in Maplewood called, Shed. Needless to say, Jho and I have put it to immediate use in calling each other out. So far, it has been suggested that he stop using my Disney princess coffee mug. It has further been suggested that I stop being a bitch.

"Snuricane" 2010

2010-02-26T13:27:00.003-05:00

I mean, it's no "Blizzard of '96," let's be honest. Still, it has been one snowy winter here in NJ. Seriously, it will not friggin' stop snowing.

Downstairs bathroom

2010-02-26T13:22:00.003-05:00

We also made some slight improvements to the downstairs bathroom, which included removing wallpaper, painting, and installing a new mirror and light fixtures.

Master bath before and after

2010-02-16T16:39:00.008-05:00

So, it's been a really, really, really long time since last posting. There have not been too many house-related changes around here--until now. We recently finished our long overdue bathroom renovation. I hated the wallpaper and weird wood-like border in the old bathroom so much that I ripped it all off the wall one afternoon. Unfortunately, the border was glued onto the wall and I also ripped the sheet rock off with it. Nice. Jho was psyched. And so it sat, for about two years, while I obsessed about the changes I wanted to make. The major work on the room concluded yesterday and we were able to use it for the first time this morning (after a month of using a temporary shower in the basement). There are several decorative items still missing, which include super-long, floor to ceiling, Delano-esque drapes, but I digress. On to the pics. But first, the before shots:

Master bathroom before:

Master bath after:

New lighting:

New fixtures:

There goes the neighborhood

2009-10-04T13:43:00.004-04:00

There are lots of wonderful things about living next door to the S's. Deck time, dance parties, hoagie dip, bat removal, and most of all, they are great friends. And then there's this. BS single-handedly bringing down the property value in the neighboorhood. If you can't make that out from my not-so-stellar photography, that's a picture of the NY Giants' logo cut into the S's front lawn. I hate football season.

Before and After

2009-08-20T20:47:00.006-04:00

Finally, our kitchen renovation is complete.

Rock

2009-07-31T16:40:00.006-04:00

Meet the newest member of the family.

Kitchen floor

2009-06-28T21:24:00.003-04:00

New light fixture

2009-06-28T21:18:00.002-04:00

Out with the old

2009-01-10T12:17:00.003-05:00

Sorry...

2008-12-08T10:16:00.002-05:00

For the lack of posting. Our digital camera is broken, and I can't figure out how to fix it. Maybe Santa will bring me a new one for Christmas (hint hint). I do hope he does because we have a big project planned for the week between Christmas and New Year's. Were ripping up the kitchen floor and replacing with marble tile. Can't wait to see it come together.

Turkey?

2008-11-23T08:00:00.004-05:00

Good friends and NEW NEIGHBORS (!) MM & MM e-mailed yesterday to say that they spotted a weird bird on our front lawn. They sent this picture. I think it's a Thankgsgiving turkey, come to spread warm holiday tidings. Click on the picture to get a better view.

Happy anniversary to us

2008-10-02T10:10:00.003-04:00

Before and after

2008-10-02T10:06:00.005-04:00

Before

After

Fall is in the air

2008-10-02T09:40:00.003-04:00

It was a fantastic summer for the 325ers. It's sad to take down the umbrella and put away the outdoor table. But it's fun to rearrange the furniture for fireside entertaining on the deck--my favorite fall activity. Last night, some of our "buddies" and our besties from 327 came over to kick off the fall fire madness.

Labor day

2008-09-07T20:11:00.004-04:00

It wouldn't be a holiday weekend without Beirut. Here are some aerial shots of the table in action:

DONE.

2008-08-18T12:14:00.001-04:00

I've been "waiting for the time when I can finally say that this has all been wonderful but now I'm on my way." Peace out, AU.

Thanks Dad, S, and B, for the super graduation decorations! Now I can really start to work on the house.

Cute shower decorations

2008-08-17T20:49:00.006-04:00

Little B. got married in Las Vegas last weekend. I made these adorable (if I do say so myself) shower decorations with a little help from Martha. They are easy to make and even easier to travel with. They helped to transform our suite into an instant party space. B. was a beautiful bride.

Eddy's Lamp

2008-08-11T11:53:00.004-04:00

When J's grandma passed away, we inherited this beautiful lamp. As a housewarming gift, my mother-in-law found the perfect shade. Here it is looking fantastic in the living room.

Dining room preview

2008-08-11T11:38:00.008-04:00

We're not quite done here . The lighting fixtures and the chair rail still need to be installed, but the wallpaper is history and the color is just perfect. The new color has me dreaming of new dining room furniture, which has J massaging his temples. Much thanks to Suburban Paint in Millburn. They are so helpful and knowledgeable there, and they play kick-ass music all day. Going there makes me want to paint every room in the house.

325 mourns Estelle Getty

2008-07-22T16:47:00.003-04:00

Best. Golden. Girl. Ever.
(Photo borrowed from mylifetime.com)

Girls' night out

2008-06-27T10:32:00.006-04:00

Girls' night out is taken very seriously among girlfriends of the 325. Especially when girlfriends are home from London. Last night, GNO was in danger of becoming Girls' night in. Thunderstorms threatened my outdoor "Swank Mexican Fiesta." This was a real problem because the dining room is being prepped for painting and is a total mess. When the world gives you lemons, make mojitos!

The deck furniture was moved to the front porch, where we would be covered from rain

I strung tiny white lights and flowering vines

The dining area

Humidity

Gazpacho

Mojitos

Dinner served. Gazpacho, flank steak and chicken fajitas with grilled onions and peppers, and Spanish rice.

P.S. It never rained.

College

2008-06-16T08:14:00.009-04:00

This weekend, 325 hosted its first "325 Invitational Beirut Tournament." Beirut is a solid party tradition among our friends, most of whom still believe they are still in high school, 325 owners included. So we decided to celebrate the return of our good friends the W's by partying like it was 1996.

The W's thanked us by making us this ridiculously awesome Beirut table. Most tables are made out of plywood, and you really have to know Meg's mom, Michelle, to appreciate this, but this table is made out of solid birch! It was then hand painted in Ralph Lauren's finest. Let me just tell you, there is no quicker way to B's heart than a birch, Ralph Lauren, hand-painted, 325 monogrammed, Beirut table. Best. Hostess. Gift. Ever.

Considerably heavier than plywood, they rented a van to deliver the prized table!

The biggest difference between parties in 1996 and 2008 is the inclusion of offspring. Here are Matt and Meg with internet celebrity, TCW. Note adorable American flag jumper.

It's true what they say on the George Lane Blog, this kid is happy.

Tournament winners, PD and AS

Thunderstorms forced us into the garage for the rest of the night.

Then the power went out. As you can see, we continued to have a great time.

More great hostess gifts

2008-06-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

From CD and PD. I LOVE this frame from the Metropolitam Museum of Art Store. Also, how pretty is their stationery? As I recall their wedding stationery was similar, and this card reminds me of them as a couple.

MM brings creativity and fun with her always. Can't wait to get into these.

To my dad

2008-06-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

Here's to 325's favorite handyman, my dad.

Buh-bye

2008-06-12T07:46:00.001-04:00

I've been tagged

2008-06-09T16:04:00.005-04:00

Fun. Thanks, Teal Chic!

1) What did you do ten years ago?
Ten years ago, I was a junior in college. Actually, Memorial day weekend marks ten years exactly that I started dating my now husband. I wasn't old enough to drink.

2) Five items on your to-do-list today?
In order:
a) Put dinner in crock pot
b) Gym
c) Home Depot
d) Food store
e) Dry cleaner
f) Work from home
(All complete except for (e). I forgot to go to the dry cleaner--again)

3) Snacks you enjoy?
Right now I'm loving:
a) Robert's American Gourmet Pirate's Booty
b) Haagen Dazs chocolate chocolate chip ice cream
c) Strawberries
d) S'mores
e) Guacamole with fresh cilantro from the garden

4) What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Hmm, tough question. At the risk of sounding like a total martyr, I do believe I would use a significant portion of it to try and make the world a better place. I would also travel a lot more. I would live by the beach.

5) Places you would live?
I would live in any of these places--again
a) New York
b) Montreal
c) Washington, DC

Bloggers I am passing this challenge off to:
St James Street Renovation
George Lane Blog

Herb Garden

2008-06-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

More props to the previous owners of 325. They planted this herb garden long before we moved in. I heart herbs from the garden. I don't see the sense in buying them at the store for $2.99, when you can buy a whole plant for the same price, which replenishes itself all season and grows back every year.

Thyme, basil, sage, dill

Jho's peppers: jalapeno, banana, and cubanelle

Here in NJ the strawberries are a few weeks away from being ripe, but down in VA at St. James Street Renovation the strawberries have probably already been eaten.

Flea market find

2008-06-02T06:00:00.003-04:00

One of the things I love about the blog Teal Chic is that she is always asking her readers for opinions on her great finds. Over the Memorial Day weekend, I found these mirrors at a flea market in Pennsylvania. I want to touch them up a bit and paint. I thought about painting one turquoise to match the other turquoise accents in the lair. But I also like the idea of painting it the same creamy white as the other furniture and fabric in the room, so that the other turquoise elements really pop. I bought two and was thinking they might look nice next to one another somewhere else in the house. SO--you've seen the house, what do you think?

I'm also curious if anyone knows anything about this mirror? I was intrigued by the detail on the top panel. As mentioned, I'm not a designer, so I don't know a lot about furniture. Perhaps knowing more about them will help me to place them...

Puke

2008-05-29T16:03:00.002-04:00

Why do people keep putting these two on magazine covers?

Peonies

2008-05-29T13:06:00.005-04:00

I have said some pretty bitchy things about the previous owners of 325, albeit some well-deserved (cough: wallpaper). But I have to give them some credit here. Just this week, a patch of peonies bloomed where there was once nothing but dirt. Could there be a better surprise?

Outside in

2008-05-20T16:30:00.006-04:00

It may be raining outside, but I won't be defeated. I brought the flowers inside.

How great is this vase from my Aunt Jo? It totally makes the table. I should really write her a 'thank you' note.

Gratuitous living room shot

Lair

New Pacifica candle from MM. Note to self: you have a lot of 'thank you' notes to write.

Sweet little bud vase

Front Porch

2008-05-19T14:02:00.005-04:00

The first draft of the big D has finally been handed in, just in time to catch a terrible cold and a solid week of rain. Undeterred, I have been gardening at every chance. Here are some pics from the front porch:

Backyard

2008-05-19T14:00:00.001-04:00

B & G Engaged!!

2008-05-09T17:11:00.006-04:00

So this post is not about the house. CARE. Little B is cooking up a wedding. G whisked her off her feet when he proposed this afternoon. Congratulations to a couple with a lot of flavor.

How gorgeous is her new hand candy?

Kentucky Derby Party

2008-05-07T19:41:00.004-04:00

This weekend we hosted our first Kentucky Derby party. It was a little cold and a little wet, but a good time was had nonetheless. Here are a few highlights:

bowties

seersucker

hats

and stellar parenting

Dining room inspiration

2008-04-27T14:27:00.006-04:00

Did I ever mention the wallpaper at 325? Lot of floral borders here when we moved in. I have torn all of it down with the exception of the dining room, mostly because it is a pretty huge project. Our dining room is adorned with three levels of wallpaper. Below the chair rail, there is a sort of faux stone wall thing going on. Above the chair rail is the same deal with the introduction of a metallic vine pattern. This is topped off with what else but a floral border of metallic roses elegantly arranged in wheelbarrows. Yes, wheelbarrows.

The previous owners seemed to really like the design concept of flowers arranged in unexpected places. The bathroom was a culmination of all their favorites: wallpaper borders, a repeated pattern of flowers unexpectedly arranged in bathtubs, and the use of said wallpaper border of arranged flowers to identify a theme in a room, in this case: bathroom. You know, just in case a traumatic brain injury prevented you from taking your cue from the presence of a toilet. At 325, you need only look to the floral border to know where you are in the house.

But I digress. This is the exact color I had in mind for the living room:

Photo: Karen Tam for The New York Times

Spring at 325

2008-04-21T08:46:00.002-04:00

Outdoor living room

2008-04-13T12:35:00.004-04:00

Even though I am very busy working this week, I can't stop myself from obsessing about the house. Since buying the house, I constantly daydream about creating a fantastic outdoor living room. I heart entertaining. I live for having friends and family here. I love the "pop in." Jho and I just purchased the PERFECT outdoor sectionals for the porch and the deck. After obsessing for months, I finally found the answer to my design desires. Here's a preview:
Jho and I honeymooned in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Taha'a, which was my inspiration for laid-back outdoor glamour. We'll have one sectional on the porch and one on the deck. We bought matching sets so that when we have big parties we can move the porch furniture to the back to create lounge areas. And because the individual pieces come apart, we can always rearrange them to meet our entertaining needs. I'm in love.

My favorite things

2008-04-07T11:00:00.001-04:00

Herend Queen Victoria bon bon with fish

From my mother-in-law, who is half-Hungarian. She and Aunt P. recently took a trip to Hungary to trace their family history. They came back with amazing stories and this beautiful little gift for us. Herend is special to us not only for its beauty but also because it represents my husband's Hungarian heritage.

My favorite things

2008-04-03T15:30:00.000-04:00

I Like You by Amy Sedaris (hospitality under the influence).

MM and I share a love of the Family Sedaris. Being the thoughtful gift-giver she is, MM touched on all my favorites with this book, Amy Sedaris, entertaining, and cocktail consumption. It is absolutely hilarious and highly recommended.

My favorite things

2008-03-31T08:00:00.003-04:00

A big deadline is looming here at 325 and as much as I would love to be redecorating the bathroom, tearing down the wallpaper in the dining room, or working in the yard, there simply isn't enough time. I anticipate very few changes around here over the next couple of weeks so I have decided to post a new feature called My Favorite Things. Enjoy.

I love these Pacifica Candles. AE and MW, who are best friends with each other, gave them as gifts individually and presumably without the other's knowledge. They are Tuscan Blood Orange and Brazilian Mango Grapefruit. I want to eat the Brazilian Mango Grapefruit, it smells so good. AE, who was so sweet to remember that I love all things orange, also gave me matching body butter and glycerin soap, which are equally decadent.

Books everywhere

2008-03-28T12:21:00.004-04:00

I got great book stacking inspiration from the design blog Me Myself & I. Voila!

First sign of spring

2008-03-24T13:25:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Big holiday over here at the 325--obviously

Front door

Green cupcakes

Corned beef slow-cooked in beer

Favorite new hometown daytime drinking event

2008-03-10T18:11:00.007-04:00

The West Orange St. Patrick's Day parade. So this post isn't so much about the house as much as it is about the town that the house lives in. One doesn't mind paying taxes so much on a day when all your public services are paraded in front of you while drinking a beer in front of a gas station.

Parking the car

Franklin Tavern on Franklin Street

Outside of Franklin Tavern

Dillon's pub serves over 1000 lbs of corned beef from the beginning of March through St. Patrick's Day. Seriously, the BEST corned beef sandwich ever. EVER.

Back at the good ol' 325 lighting a fire. Note festive green parade shoes.

Dinner Party

2008-02-28T09:53:00.005-05:00

We recently had some old friends over for a little Gloria Jean's reunion

Hors d'oeuvres (and you thought I didn't learn any French in Quebec)

The debut of my blue opaline goblets. I was going to serve Mocha Chiller out of them but alas, we don't have an extra-loud, chocolate-spewing, soul-sucking blender

Jho making dinner

Jho making a mess

Behold my new lair

2008-02-20T14:26:00.004-05:00

We recently converted the guest room into a study and it has quickly become my favorite room in the house. It gets great light in the afternoon and it's nice and toasty on the second floor

I love these turquoise lamps. They're from my office in Montreal and I could not wait to find a place to put them in the new house

Having a quiet workspace in calm, soothing colors is the perfect cure for procrastination

The astute observer may recognize this table. It was our living room coffee table for a long time. I gave it a fresh coat of paint and some new knobs and it completely transformed this room

The cover of March's Martha Stewart Living in my inspirational colors. Coincidence? I think not!

The "Maplewood room"

2008-02-20T13:13:00.008-05:00

MB insists that this room is quintessentially Maplewood, NJ, as so many homes in the area have them. It's the small den off the living room for those unfamiliar with popular Essex County architecture. Anyway, I love the name and that's how I'll be referring to the room forever more.

And here we have the return of my "favorite" chair.

This couch has been everywhere with me, New York, Short Hills, Washington D.C., and South Orange. I missed it terribly in Montreal but here we are reunited at 325. It's not at all easy to move, which should prove how much I adore it.

I wish I could say I spend less time in this room but alas, I have a lot of procrastinating to accomplish.

Ch-ch-cha-changes...

2008-02-20T13:08:00.005-05:00

We've moved the guest room to make way for the new study

I find it's much cozier and there's a TV for JA

For Lauren

2008-02-20T13:06:00.003-05:00

We miss you

For my nephew

2008-02-20T13:03:00.003-05:00

Apparently at Aunt Shreesy's house

Blue opaline goblets

2008-02-18T10:50:00.007-05:00

I have been searching for a complete set of these turquoise blue opaline goblets (pictured below) for years. No exaggeration--years. They are French Portieux Vallerysthal from the early 1900's. I had high hopes I might find some in the incredible antique district in Montreal last year but no such luck. Occasionally, I have searched Ebay in vain. This week, I found a set of eight in the size I wanted. I had never shopped Ebay before but let me just tell you, it is "better when you win it!"
You may have noticed this picture is NOT from the 325. It is the Malibu home of Gela Taylor, co-founder of Juicy Couture. Look how many goblets she has! As if I needed another reason to hate Juicy Couture. I borrowed the picture from a new obsession, a design blog called turquoise chic: http://turquoisechic.blogspot.com

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T16:50:00.004-05:00

New coffee table

2008-02-13T16:30:00.005-05:00

Things are really coming together here at the ol' 325.

For Marci

2008-02-13T16:07:00.004-05:00

I was going to wait until the job was finished but here's a little preview of our new backsplash. Take that St. James.

Finally!

2008-01-16T15:47:00.002-05:00

Matching chairs

Before and After

2008-01-13T11:15:00.001-05:00

BeforeAfter!

Aquavista 500

2007-12-31T16:36:00.002-05:00

Having never quite forgiven myself for washing J's old fish tank out with dish soap a few years ago, silently killing a dozen or so fish before admitting my folly, I finally made it up to him. Welcome the Aquavista 500. Initially horrified by how "kitschy" it was, J planned to return the tank. Always delighted by kitsch, I was sad. Sometime between Christmas and New Year's it began to grow on him and here it now sits, in our kitchen, the final joke being on me, who thought it would make a fine addition to his office at SC&G. On the bright side, it replaces an old TV.

Christmas Dinner

2007-12-27T17:53:00.003-05:00

I've been waiting two whole years to break out the good silver, china and crystal for Christmas dinner. It was worth the wait. A perfect dinner of beef bourguignon shared in perfect company. It was a merry Christmas indeed.

J&B's Annual FDD Holiday Party

2007-12-27T17:45:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone for coming out for the 1st holiday party in the new house. I think it was the best one yet. Nothing like Christmas to remind you of how lucky you are to have such wonderful friends. We had the best time. Looking forward to many more.

Can you make out the partygoers in this picture?

325 All Dressed Up

2007-12-27T17:38:00.003-05:00

Snow

2007-12-02T08:50:00.002-05:00

Our new kitchen doesn't just look pretty

2007-11-30T10:51:00.001-05:00

I used it to make this

From this

But first we had to do this

First fire in new house

2007-11-17T17:56:00.001-05:00

"That's hot."

J&B:1, Leaves:0

2007-11-17T14:38:00.001-05:00

Preview

2007-11-16T15:27:00.002-05:00

We have big beautiful plans for this room, but for right now, I'm loving the bedding.

Thanksgiving pumpkins

2007-11-16T09:53:00.001-05:00

Gave boring old Halloween pumpkins some glamorous gold flair for Thanksgiving:

Living Room

2007-11-16T09:37:00.002-05:00

Finally, our new living room furniture has arrived!

New couch

Matching new chair

Other match... wait a minute! Furniture store delivered correct chair in incorrect fabric.

For now, you'll just have to imagine what this would look like with two matching chairs. Stay tuned.

Oh happy day for Aunt Shreesy

2007-11-16T09:15:00.001-05:00

S,J and bestest nephews ever, J&B bought us this most awesome housewarming gift. How ever did they know? Good friend AS promises to come over and "burn shit," and by "shit," i think he meant JA.

Mums

2007-10-11T18:50:00.002-04:00

Now Accepting Guests

2007-10-11T09:18:00.001-04:00

Guest room improvements include: removal of white plush carpeting, removal of floral border in the middle of the wall, removal of lavender gingham window treatments, and refinished hardwood floors.

Kitchen Renovation: Phase One

2007-10-11T08:47:00.002-04:00

The first phase of our kitchen renovation is complete. New granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are fully installed. Phase two will include painting, cabinet refacing and new flooring.