Saturday, February 28, 2009

Pergola.





I want my better half to build a pergola for me so I can park my teak table & chairs out there, hang a chandelier, grow wisteria on it, and enjoy some grilled meals out there under my happy little canopy of vines.

Is this too much to ask?

If so, then I just want this for now. Get on it.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

We now return to our regular programming.


I had a really busy week. Sorry I was gone.


A few things:
1. Kitchen counters AREN'T going in this week. It will be next.

2. I had a HORRIBLE customer service experience with the store from which I bought my faucet and I plan to dedicate an entire post to it. More to come. Seriously, I tried to support a local Seattle merchant, but what a joke. And all this crying about independent stores going out of business? Well, now I know WHY some of them are (and only some of them. Many are GREAT). Because the service in this case was incompetent.

3. What is up with those halogen high-beam lights on cars? You know the ones. When you look in your rear-view mirror and you get blinded. THOSE. It's like looking at the sun! They are like x-rays. What was wrong with regular old headlights?

4. Why did I remove some posts? I needed to bowdlerize the blog a bit so I could show it to someone for a project. Thanks for your understanding. Everything once gone is back up.

5. I bought a birdhouse. I know, you're like, "Wow, Decorno. Thrilling." But seriously, I woke up the next morning and walked my bleary-eyed, coffee-mug-clutching tired-ass self to the kitchen window that faces the backyard and there were like 5 finches just having a party. They found it so fast. And who doesn't want to see Wild Kingdom right in her backyard? Delightful.

6. We have eaten so much take-out and pizza during the remodel that I think I am getting stretch marks on my wrists. Honestly, I bet I have gained 7 pounds. Gross. I can't wait to have the kitchen in order so grilling chicken and chopping up lettuce and tomatoes is, once again, an easy task.

7. Spring is coming. It's been a really long winter in so many ways, hasn't it? The constant bad news, the economy, layoffs. All of it. But spring, man. It's the salve. The answer. Cherry trees seem to burst with joy, those tiny pink pom-poms cheering on every other plant around them - HERE WE GO! they seem to say.

Yes, here we go. We are just a few weeks away from that excellent show.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Catanduanes Philippines Best for Nature Lover

Catanduanes is for those who love nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island in the Pacific is virtually untouched, unspoiled and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches backed by jungle-covered mountains and crowned with jewel-like islets. It offers a totally laid-back rural charm, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that’s always relaxed. The island province is ready and poised to take on the future. In Catanduanes, it’s easy to keep in touch with the rest of the world. The mod cons of communication are all available for you. If you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the frantic pace of urban life – Catanduanes is the perfect hideaway. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity and revel in the absence of man-made preoccupation and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines! Truly, a Wealth ofWonder in this side of the Pacific.

Highlights
Bato Catholic Church – Constructed in 1830, this massice structure of mortar and coral stones, has withstood the test of time, wars and ravages of natural calamities. The historical and magnificently situated edifice is the only remaining complete structure of its genre in the entire island. Bato’s St John the Baptist Church took 53 years to build. It was started in 1830 and finished in 1883 under six different parish administrators.

Batong Paluay – The face of Our Lady of Sorrows colorfully imprinted in a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size. The replica is enshrined in a chapel at barangay Batong Paluay, San Andres.
Luyang Cave – A mute witness and tomb of the massacred natives who fled from pirates during the 17th century. To appease their trouble souls, a mini grotto and altar was built inside. Visitors can feel the cool damp air inside and wonder what is in the other chambers that the locals fear. It is one of many destinations in San Andres and is located in barangay Lictin.

Solong Falls Nature Park – The mountain resort located in Solong, San Miguel is fast becoming a popular recreation area for nature lovers and mountain hikers. A tastefully conceived park along the breadth of the Solong river channel amidst the surrounding thick forest of giant ferns, trees and a host of indigenous flora is proposed for immediate construction. Solong has several cascading waters flowing into natural pools. With its elevation of 100 meters, it is ideally suited for adventure treks.
Balite Beach - The whole stretch of Balite and Mamangal continues to beguile visitors with its unspoiled beauty-an asset which the locals within the area are guarding zealously. The sprawling beach is covered with cool and shady trees and blessed with fine white sand, both in the shorelines and in the swimming area. Provides an alternative area for recreation, fun, relaxation and picnics.

Twin Rock Beach Resort (Igang) – Pockets of white sand beaches sandwiched between coves, where one can explore caves after swimming; the underwater coral formations offer added adventure for spear fishing and snorkeling in this resort found in Igang, Virac.

Kosta Alcantara - Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand and its pristine azure waters never fall to lure visitors to take dip. It faces the mainland Bicol where one could take a full view of the breathtaking Mayon Volcano. Accommodations are truly class and elegant. Quality and class best describe this place.

More on Philippines' best tourist vacation destination.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Oscar round up.


Anne Hathaway was robbed.

Most of you didn't see her movie (numbers don't lie) but let me say this: she played a jerk. I don't really love the girl when I see her on TV and doing interviews, but when you see her in Rachel Getting Married, you see that she plays this jerk - this crummy, self-involved, addicted mess and she makes you love her despite her un-likable-ness (is that a word?). It's remarkable.

Oh, and god bless Sean Penn and his scoldy speech. God bless him.

Kate Winslet's hair... yikes.. And Sophia Loren looked like an old plastic hooker doll plopped on top of a wedding cake. I know she's 74, but if she's competent enough to read lines from a teleprompter, she's competent enough to hire a stylist, for the love of god.

And what was up with the bad dresses? And let's talk about SJP and her husband. I know that their marriage is their own business and that a lot of couples make it work after an affair, but there is something unseemly about his sloppy portliness and the fact that she's chosen - as many women her age must do - between her ass and her face, and her face has clearly lost the battle. Something about them together there bummed me out. I like the wicked optimism of Brangelina - like they might just pop out triplets while we watch! I do not like the parade of SJP trying somehow to remain relevant and her emasculated and wandering man showing up just to hold her Lieber clutch. And on another note, did Queen Latifah and Reese Witherspoon wear the same navy "Hey-it's-a-present-wrapped-in-a-ribbon-dress!"? I think maybe so.


Did you guys watch? What did you think? Please tell me you all snickered a little when they showed Jennifer Aniston and then Angelina. Those directors are filled with spite. I love it!

Manila Restaurants: Curry Curry House

Just recently SM Megamall has renovated a section of their mall to make way for the posh place now know as the Mega Atrium. It is located at the center of SM Megamall A and B, 2nd floor up to the 5th floor. Most shops here are those from The Podium, and the restaurants are a bit classier than the usual.

There, we discovered the Curry Curry House. It's a Japanese restaurant specializing in -- yep, you guessed it -- Curry. The interior is similar to any other Japanese restaurant, with wallpapers of some Japanese figure like a ninja, or samurai, or a woman dressed in a kimono, or the like. But the food is totally different.

They serve their food in a special curry sauce, which is terribly addicting but can be too "curry-ful" after one cup of rice. Oh yeah, their rice is also unlimited. More than that, each meal only costs Php 100 - 200 per rice meal, and that's not a bad price at all considering the size of their servings. It's one of those restaurants where you really get a good value for your money.

But then again, you can never get too much curry in a week. I'd say, I'll have curry once a month, but I can't have it more than once in a week. It'll be too much for me. But that's just me. :)

Photobucket

For more information about this restaurant, you may contact them at: (63 2) 631-8470
Or you may visit them at:
3rd Level
SM Megamall Atrium
SM Megamall
EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Also just a few reminders:
- Budget range is Php 200.00 and below per meal
- Credit Card payment not allowed YET
- Eat-all-you-can Rice


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Shab-a-thon.







This shabby collection is in your honor, douche-y commenter from HERE.


Anonymous said...
Like the faucet wasn't hideous enough. You decorate your HOME like the "shabby chic" dumps in Maine that my family rented before we had money.

PLEASE cancel your subs to the follwing "Lucky", "Domino", "BHG".

UGH I started reading this blog because of the Rachel Zoe comments. They were so funny that I cannot imagine you decoundering your HOME like this.

February 20, 2009 11:17 PM




Let's all get back to "decoundering," shall we?

Best Summer Destination in the Philippines

Philippines is known for its 7,107 islands with a lot of magnificent beaches and natural resources that will truly pamper you for a best vacation destination in Asia. Philippines has a world class paradise that truly boast its name to welcome everyone for a best vacation destination this summer.

If you are planning to spend your summer in an affordable budget yet truly satisfying then Philippines has to offer you a lot of vacation spots that will make you feel the natural beauty if nature. Below are just highlights are those wonderful destinations that tourists commonly visit.

Luzon Area
Baguio is considered as the “Summer Capital” in the Philippines that tourists often consider to take a first vacation stop. This place is located in the northern part of the country and is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. The Philippines is known for being a tropic land thus, going to Baguio will set you to a relaxing and refreshing vacation especially during summer season. The Mansion, Burnham Park, Mines View, these are some of those beautiful spots that you will see in Baguio. This is a 5 to 6 hour drive from Manila the capital of the Philippines. You will find cheap hotel rooms all around the vicinity of Baguio. February is the best time of the year to go to Baguio and witness its beauty. An annual celebration of the Panagbennga Festival or flower festival is being held in this season of the year.

Tagaytay is located in Southern. The place is considered as one of the most affordable Philippine vacation spots in the country. This city is also similar to Baguio with its refreshing environment and breathtaking beauty. If you go to Tagaytay, you will see the Peoples Park, Tagaytay Highlands and a lot more that your family will surely enjoy on their holiday.

Subic suits if you want to have a relaxing day at the beach. Subic is a famous tourist destination in the Philippines with its accessibility and a lot of different options to choose from. If you love adventure then going to the Subic Safari Zoo or do trekking can be a fun option. You can also watch live dolphin performance at the Ocean Adventure. If you want to relax in the beach or see beautiful schools of fishes then going to a resort called Camayan Island is the best place to be. Camayan Beach resort is the famous resort in Subic with few walks away from Ocean Adventure. You can also go to Long hands beach resort and other budget travel resorts in the city.

Pangasinan showcases the famous hundred islands answers why you must visit Philippines for a best vacation destination. This paradise has literally hundreds of islands like the Governor's Island, Children's Island, Romulo Island and a lot more that you can discover through island hopping. You can choose to stay for an overnight at these islands and experience the feeling of living and staying in an island with no electricity. You can go snorkeling or just simply bathe yourself in the beautiful white sand beaches.

Visayas Area
Boracay is the world famous island as great tropical white sand beach destination in the Philippine. Located in Western Visayas and South of Manila, Boracay is great when you are looking for those who want to achieve the best tanning look ever and feel the beautiful white sand beach and blue water. Boracay is just one of the hottest travel destinations in attracting thousands of foreign travelers in the country every season specially during summer. This beautiful island is surrounded by coral reefs wherein its best part is a "White Sand Beach", also known as the Long Beach by its residents. It is located at the West Coast between the villages of Balabag and Angol, and some experienced travelers claim it to be the "Finest Beach of all Asia".

Palawan surely offers a worthwhile vacation destination and considered premier tourist destination in the Philippines. Palawan is a one stop site for great nature adventure. Among the place best tourist spots in Palawan in Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly Crocodile Farming Institute) that aims to preserve and conduct further research studies on endangered species of crocodiles. Tubbattaha Reefs, a marine sanctuary southeast of Puerto Princesa City and declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on December 1993. Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga is a seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. El Nido Marine Reserve, a 96,000 hectares diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a world heritage site, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river, reputed to be the world's longest, that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea. And many more extraordinary natural scenery.

Mindanao Area
Camiguin Island is famous for its ancestral homes gracefully dotting the streets all over the island. The white sandbar just across Paras Beach Resort in Barangay Yumbing, ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling. This uninhabited sandbar changes its shape according to tide. Camiguin owes its monicker, “Garden of Eden,” to the presence of beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls in this island-paradise. Agohay is one of the favorite sandy beaches in the island Likewise, Agohay has a good camping area for Mt. Hibok Hibok mountaineers. Camiguin island most famous and accessible falls is Katibawasan, with 160 meters drop of a slender stream of water. A shallow basin with its icy cold water is surrounded by wild ferns, trees, and boulders.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort nestled on the quiet side of Samal located in the southern part of the Philippines. It is an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. Samal is a beautiful, tranquil and exotic island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, mangroves, and landscape elements of coconut palms, flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees. The area is blessed with various natural attractions and flourishing flora and fauna.

Dakak Park Beach Resort nestled on the tip of Northern Zamboanga, Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and is surrounded by mountains on its east side. North of Dakak are Negros, Cebu and Bohol. To its south is the Mindanao mainland with Borneo and Sarawak beyond the Celebes Sea. Conveniently encircled by all these alrge island, Dakak tactfully evades the typhoon belt, making it the perfect all-season destination. Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed the resort's two pools, whilst the ultimate hideaway is provided at a private open-air jacuzzi where you can relax in the sauna and whirlpool midst an atmosphere of blissfull solitary.

Truly, the Philippines have a lot of wonderful vacation destination and is rich with natures resources.

More on Philippines' best tourist vacation destination.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Just looking.

Visited good ol' Pacific Galleries today. Here's what caught my eye.



Seriously. I mean... come on. My fiance's mother has one like this - not quite as long - with grey-blue paint. It's something else. She keeps it in her kitchen. Love it. Can you imagine having a kitchen big enough for this along one of the walls? Dare to dream.



So crazy and over the top. Love. Have no use for them, but was happy to see them.



I'd like to give it new-ish handles, mirror the inside, and put all the booze and glasses in there. I love anything beat-up and needing a second life, so of course this called out to me.



This photo does it no favors, but the color - in person - was a real wow. Not sure what I would do with it. Maybe stock the booze on top and put silverware and napkins and such in the drawers. Or magazines. I am running out of places to store mine.

Faucet: Final pick.




By Rohl. In all its polished-nickel glory.

Love this.


HERE.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Agenda for day off:



Wake up.

Read the gossip blogs.

Read the Times online.

Email Joni to ask a question about marble.

Print Oscar Ballot, grab pen, read Entertainment Weekly's picks and think, "Ha, ha, suckas! I am researching this shit!" in preparation for our annual Oscar pool and viewing event.

Shop online for new faucet. I *must* decide today.

Hear painters come into the house and get started on their last day of work. The boombox is tuned to oonce-oonce-oonce dance music, which I love, and the fiance hates. (Viva Lady GaGa!)

Breakfast with the man.

Oscar movie double header: Milk at 3:30ish (Viva Sean Penn!) and Slumdog Millionaire at 7-something.

Consume massive quantities of movie popcorn, butter, and salt.

Come home. Pour glass of wine. Bite the bullet and order that stupidly over-priced new faucet to replace THIS one which is going back.




(This is the faucet I plan to order... send links of you have other options for me... photo from HERE.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Mini kitchen update:


I came home yesterday and was like, "What??? What is all this shit?" Drippy patches were hanging from the walls. It was painting day.

And then my better half said, "I think it's like spackle or filler." And then I realized that the painters skim-coated ALL the walls to even them out. Holy cow. So in a moment I went from, "What the fuck?" to "My painters are geniuses!"

I didn't know this was part of the deal. I just expected dudes to paint - simply paint - as I would. But it's a good thing that is not the case because I am the kind of person who would paint a cobweb or a hair into the wall.


-Counters go in early next week.
-Sink is in, but I can't see it because all the cabinets are covered up for the painters.
-New faucet needs to be ordered stat. I am sending the old one back (Everyone was right about the skinny handles.)
-Still need to figure out lighting for two more spots in the kitchen, but I'm not rushing that decision.
-Ditto on the backsplash. No decisions there yet. Oy.
-That's really all that remains to be done. I should be making a mess again in my kitchen by end of next week. Thank the lord.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Big Ebay day...



Chloe riding boots and a Chloe Heloise bag in distressed silver (hopefully... the bidding war continues), a LeSportsac crossbody, the J Crew Jenna bracelet, and new Miu Miu prescription frames (such a bargain on Ebay... who knew??).

And I'd forgotten about these python Prada platform sandals I bought on Ebay last fall... haven't been able to wear them, of course, because it's freezing out. I can't wait for spring to break those bitches out of winter prison and wobble around town in them. I will fight this recession with fierce shoes.

I love Ebay.


And speaking of shoes, how much do you love THIS girl?

And also speaking of shoes, I am looking forward to other brands doing interpretations of Prada's insane platforms with this stitching detail. Get ready to see it elsewhere, and hopefully for less than $690 a pop.

On charity.


Here's a comment from THIS post:


Anonymous said...
You should read Peter Singer on morality. He makes the case that all surplus income after we take care of our most basic needs should be given to the poor. One can make a comment about the political economy implications of this, but he's a ethics philosopher, and the point he's making is about ethics. This story isn't about "putting things in perspective" - it's about how do we reconcile our conspicuous consumption with our sympathy for people who have nothing and are living in misery.

I'm actually curious to hear how people in this community react. I can recommend some Peter Singer articles if you'd like.

-Chase




Thoughts?

This is how you do it.


I love sleek lamps and fussy old alabaster lamps and was never sure how to reconcile the two loves in one room. I think this is how you do it.

Image from HERE.

Friday, February 13, 2009

This is the song that will be in constant rotation...



...when I open my long-awaited gay space-age disco.

So I am in Las Vegas for work...

and I am in a cab going from one early appointment to the next. I am at a stop light. I look over to my right, where this enormous patch of land is cordoned off by chain-link fence, ready for Steve Wynn or somebody to build the next $2 billion-dollar hotel complex and I see this rustling on the corner, right next to this fence.

A guy pushes back some blankets and gets up and it hits me that he slept there. He was maybe 50, with grey hair, kind of wiry build. And he moves his backpack out from under the blanket, where I presume he was keeping it maybe wrapped around his ankle for safekeeping. And then what did he do? He made his bed.

Something about the sight of that was the loneliest feeling in the whole world. Safety is a chain-link fence on one side of you. And dignity is taking the time to smooth out and fold up the blankets that keep you warm during a wintery desert night.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Belize Trip Review - January 2009 - Part 2 at the Jungle Dome

Jan 2nd, 2009

John and Laura West, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Leaving day : (

To all of you here at the Jungle Dome and all who may come. What a beautiful, exciting and amazing time we had. Our hosts were beyond what we could have imagined, the food define (and I will never know how the ladies managed to remove all that mud). The rooms were very clean and the grounds...well, if you are reading this, you can see for yourselves.



The ruins are a must and ask about ATM & the Black Hole Drop: all so much more than worth your while. The guides that they set you up with are more than knowledgeable.
So...thank you staff and have a wonderful visit if you are reading this!

Jan. 6th, 2009

Craig and Robert Brown, Clovis, CA, USA

To the staff at the Jungle Dome: Thank you/gracias for everything you did for us.

You gave us something that we badly needed and we appreciate it. We also hope to see you again someday soon.

May everything you dream for come to pass!

More snaps from ABC Carpet & Home



Ikat graveyard.


Chair covered in Obama fabric. Who knew?



That slab on top is like 6 inches of marble. Holy cow. I totally want it. 
I think it was $4000 or something. Ouch.


Madeline Weinrib rugs as far as the eye could see.
You know, I want to dislike all her rugs now because she's just... everywhere.
But there were some really interesting rugs in these piles.


Loved these tables.



Totally batshit crazy chandelier. Loved it.