Future Home's Living Room

The Living Room at the front of the house is 21X13 with a huge window, white walls, and cream carpet. (And the plaster design on the ceiling is really pretty. Small things.)

I definitely will need to spice this up with some color (and a carpet cleaning). Since I have never owned my own place (or even painted a bedroom), I have no idea how to pick colors, lay drop cloths, tape molding, or paint.

Any advice? How do you pick colors (I have a feeling I will just keep picking my fav color in different shades for every room. And I don't want to do that.)? Any painting techniques you have learned?

Also, any Erie, PA carpet cleaners you would recommend?

Also, those window treatments are the best in the house. (When they signed back my original offer, they only changed two things 1) not paying for a home warranty and 2) leaving the window treatments. My realtor laughed when they told her that, because she suggested using the hideous floral drapes in the dining room as a drop cloth!)

Big News: Home Owner

I have resisted posting about my home search (you might not have even known I was looking), because I didn't want to jinx anything.

But I have made an offer, paid the deposit, and had the home inspection on this one:

It's a 1484 square foot, ranch with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, attached garage, unfinished basement, fenced yard, and living room, dining room, and family room (with gas fireplace).

So far I have tried to remain not invested, in case something went wrong, but after the inspection yesterday I have gotten very excited! Fingers crossed - hopefully everything will go right and this will be my house.

Weekend Window Shopping

Since I am now on a very strict budget, I am not allowing myself to buy anything frivolous.

But that doesn't mean I can't window shop.

So a new feature on my blog will be my finds (home decor, accessories, fashion, etc.) that I am no longer able to purchase.

Something I found on Macy's were these Mikasa Rose Bowls for only $22 each.


I can imagine these 6 inch glass bowls on a long rectangular dining table or breakfast bar.

My favorite frost is the swirl, but I like them best all together.

Huggable Closet

I have been wanting Joy Mangano's Huggable Hangers for a long while. And I finally purchased two sets off of HSN. This set includes 60 hangers, finger clips, cascading hooks, shoe shaper, and zippered pouch organizer.


I got one set in sage and the other in black.

I still am going to need more hangers - at least about 25 hangers more (to hang everything I currently have hanging and more to hang additional clothing). But I want to see if these hangers really do all they claim.

"These acclaimed 1/4" thick hangers are ultra-slim and ready to give your closet a spacious makeover. The velvet-flocked material prevents clothes from slipping, while its smooth curves preserve the shape of your clothing. Virtually double your closet space with these remarkable, life-changing hangers. "

I am excited!

Has anyone used Huggable Hangers before? What do you think?

What's Your Function?

Just a little vintage educational entertainment:

Erie Summer Arts

I was just adding art events to my calendar and I thought, "Why not share them with the blogosphere?"

So for all those in Erie interested in the Arts, here is a short list of events that I try to make it to:

87th Annual Spring Show Opening Reception
April 24, 2010
7-9:30 p.m.
Member's opening preview and reception for the artists of the 87th Annual Spring Show.

Gallery Night
June 11, 2010
7-10 p.m.

Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival
August 7 & 8, 2010
Largest Blues & Jazz Festival in the region.
Free event. Held rain or shine.

Celebrate Erie
August 19-22, 2010
Downtown Erie comes alive with wonderful sights, sounds and smells take over State Street from 4th to 12th Streets.

Gallery Night
August 27, 2010
7-10 p.m.

Of course there are more. What else should I add to my calendar?

Funny Healthcare Headline

Shouldn't they be turned on?

Health CARE - In Obama's Words

Surprising to me, after blogging for about two years, I have rarely gotten political in my posts. I blame it on the criticism I received with my college newspaper opinion columns.

But last night our country made history, and rather than expressing my thoughts, I thought I would leave it up to the president. Here is the email I received last night at 2:00 am from him...

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Green Beer

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sierra Club suggests green beer:

Go ahead and enjoy a brewskie that's been dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, but then check out these beers that are even greener because the companies that make them are working to lighten their carbon footprint. If you know of any others, we'd all love to hear about them.
Then maybe we can enjoy a green-green beer!

New Belgium, maker of the ever-popular "Fat Tire" beer and many other Belgian-style beers, is based in in Ft. Collins, Colorado. In 1998 it became the first U.S. brewery to source its energy from wind power. Employees dipped into their bonus funds to help fund the switch -- very cool.
Using sun tubes and daylighting throughout the facility, they reuse heat in the brewhouse, and continue to search out new ways to close loops and conserve resources. Recycling at New Belgium takes on many forms, from turning "waste" products into something new and useful (like spent grain to cattle feed), to supporting the recycling market in creative ways (like turning keg caps into table surfaces). They've installed motion sensors on the lights throughout the building and evaporative cooling in their new packaging hall.

Meanwhile, over at Sierra Nevada in California, they've installed four 250-kilowatt co-generation fuel cell power units to supply electric power and heat to the brewery. This produces most of the brewery's electrical demand, and the co-generation boilers will harvest the waste heat and produce steam for boiling the beer and other heating needs. And get this: Their fuel cells use the waste methane generated at the wastewater treatment plant as a fuel source.
And hey, they're recycling fools! In 2006, Sierra Nevada kept 33,738 tons of materials --97.8 percent of their total waste, out of the landfill. They continue to earn a WRAP Award (Waste Reduction Awards Program) from the State of California as they have every year since 2001.
The natural fermentation process produces CO2, a greenhouse gas, but these guys installed a system to recover and recycle most of this gas for use around the brewery and during the bottle-filling.

You've heard the saying "It's the water" in regards to beer production. Well, Sierra Nevada continually audits the process to minimize wasteful practices, and have reduced their water usage to almost half of what's typically used by breweries.

They also encouraged and reward employees for reducing their emissions by riding their bikes to work, to run errands, or just for fun.

Cleveland, Ohio, is home to the Great Lakes Brewing Co., where you can climb on board their beer delivery truck and shuttle bus (called "The Fatty Wagon") that runs on straight restaurant vegetable oil! They've cut their trash removal fees in half by recycling the usual stuff, plus brewer's barley. They print newsletters, menus, beverage napkins and promotional items on 100 percent recycled paper. In addition, all packaging (i.e., 4-packs, 6-packs, 12-packs and the unbleached "eco-carton", which holds a case of beer) consists of recycled content.

In the brewery there's a cooling system that brings in cold air during winter months to cool the beer. Skylights and light sensors have been installed in the Tank Farm and cooler to allow in natural light and minimize the use of electricity. An "air curtain" is in place in the brewpub to keep warm air from escaping when patrons enter and exit.

Hats off to the Brooklyn Brewery which, in 2003, became the first company in New York City to switch to 100 percent wind-generated electricity. Community Energy, which manages the 20 wind turbines that produce electricity for the beer house, estimates that Brooklyn Brewery's green power stops 335,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 1,500 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 500 pounds of nitrogen oxide from being emitted into the atmosphere annually.

And, finally, a shout-out to Orlio, which makes 100% organic beer.

Got a beer-lovin' friend? Spread the word before St. Paddy's!

5 Green Facts for St. Patrick's Day

From the Sierra Club Blog:

On St. Patrick's Day, it's easy being green. Here are a few tips and conversation starters to help you celebrate.

• Really Green Beers: Kick off the festivities with your favorite local, sustainable brew. And remember, buying in bulk is best: Keg or draught beer is greener than individual bottles. Bottles, in turn, are slightly greener than cans.
• Delicious Dishes: Irish recipes favor potatoes and cabbage. These staples can be found in some farmers' markets well into winter, making them great bets for year-round locavores. Use organic veggies and local, grass-fed beef to make Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage. Try substituting seitan or kidney beans to make meatless versions of these traditional dishes.
• Ireland's Environment: A report from the Irish American Climate Project predicts that global warming will endanger the Emerald Isle's verdant fields, cause a drought-induced reduction in the the country's famous potato crop, and lead to more "bog bursts" (think mudslides). Talk about a buzz kill.
• What Climate Change? Don't bother trying to convince Ireland's environment minister, Sammy Wilson, that the island's green fields might turn brown: Wilson doesn't believe in human-caused climate change and has tried to ban public service ads aimed at raising eco-awareness.
• A River Runs Through It: Chicago celebrates St. Patty's Day by dyeing its eponymous river a distinctive shade of green (this year, the Obamas brought the tradition to the White House). While this act seems dubious, a spokesperson for Friends of the Chicago River seems to agree with other environmentalists that the dye is small potatoes compared with the toxins already in the water. Let's hope the attention-grabbing color gets people talking about cleaning up the Chicago River.
  --Della Watson

Number 1 Killer of Ages 3-35

Motor vehicle accidents kill thousands of people every year and it is the number one cause of deaths in people ages 3 to 35. But driving fatalities have dropped to their lowest level since the numbers were first recorded 55 years ago, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation to be released today.

Overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 declined for the 15th consecutive quarter, according to the report.

The number of highway fatalities declined 8.9 percent last year to 33,963 from 37,261 in 2008, according to projections.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributed the decline to a number of factors, including safer roads, safer vehicles, stricter laws, and enforcement campaigns. Plus people driving habits have changed their driving habits due to the economy and they are driving less.

However the roads are still deadly. Statistics show that 80 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes resulted from some kind of distraction experienced when drivers were either eating or drinking, reading, listening to music, or talking texting on their cell phones.

Fashion Not Odd for Awkward Oscars

I know it wasn't just me, but the 2010 Academy Awards were very awkward this year.

But the fashion was not so strange... accept for a few oddballs:

Zoe Saldana (Avatar lead actress) wore a ruffled purple gown by Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. The top half wasn't bad, but the bottom looked like a pinata or a muppet or a feather duster.

Another purple mess was Charlize Theron in this Dior Haute Couture dress. Note to Theron: Cinnamon Rolls do not belong on your chest.

Faith Hill is the second runner-up for the worst dress in her black lace dress by Roberto Cavalli.

All the men looked daper, and most of the women. Here are my favs.

Some critiques didn't like Rachel McAdams's dress, but she reminded me of spring in this pastel-patterned Elie Saab Haute couture gown and Lorraine Schwartz diamonds.

Young Hollywood makes me proud again. Anna Kendrick, Best Supporting Actress nominee, looks vintage in her pale pink draped Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, crystal Judith Leiber clutch, Sergio Rossi heels and Kwiat diamonds.

J-Lo wore a sculptural Armani Privé pale pink gown with a dramatic train, Ferragamo heels and Cartier diamonds: 169,500 Cartier platinum and diamond bracelet, $22,950 Cartier Panthere Maillon XXL white gold and diamond ring, and $92,000 vintage Cartier 'Tradition' platinum and diamond clip earrings.

Cameron Diaz wore gold-dusted Oscar de la Renta gown and her Cartier jewels. My eyes were drawn to the hoop earrings she wore: $49,500 Cartier white, yellow, rose gold and diamond pavé "Trinity" hoop earrings.

Best actress winner and best dressed IMO, Sandra Bullock. She wore a shimmering gold beaded Marchesa gown with delicate embroidery on the bodice and illusion shoulder. She carried a metallic silver Celestina clutch. Bullock donned her own jewels: her own platinum and diamond line bracelet and platinum and diamond drop earrings.

Who were your favs?

What are your thoughts on the awkward Oscar moments?

Project Runway Episode 7: Hardware Store

Carol Hannah Whitfield said on her blog this week, "Gosh, what is it about taking super-talented people and setting them up against seemingly impossible circumstances that is so fun to watch?"

I couldn't agree more. This week's Project Runway episode was AWESOME. One of my favorite Project Runway challenges of all time. (Note: Some of my other fav challenges: "Waste Not, Want Not" - recycled materials challenge of season 3; "Good Queen Fun" - drag queen outfits of season 4; and "Flower Power" - plants and flowers as clothing of season 2).

In episode 7 of Project Runway's seventh season, instead of going to Mood for their fabrics they went to a hardware store.

The winning designer was Jay Nicolas (who also won the Burlap Sack challenge this season). He made his outfit from paper bags and teal tape. His faux-leather look was phenomenal!


Also in the top three was Maya. Her dress was made out of a window screen and her necklace was made from pieces of the screen and KEYS!

Not in the top 3, but whose look was a fav of mine was Amy. She made her dress from sandpaper. Her detailing was very unique.

The worst look on the runway was Emilio's. He made his stripper outfit out of washers and pink rope. Even if he had enough materials to make the look into an entire dress (rather than a bathing suit), shiney silver and hot pink are not a "classy" combination.

Heidi and the judges said auf wiedersehen to Jesse for is ugly "Hershey Kiss" dress. Jesse has consistently been in the bottom, so I wasn't sorry to see him go even though I think Emilio's garment was the worst.

What did you think?

Fire at Behrend's Dobbins Dining Hall: Memories up in Smoke

A fire was reported at Dobbins Dining Hall and Gazebo at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, March 1. The Dobbins Gazebo is a complete loss. Dobbins Dining Hall, including the kitchen and dining area, is heavily damaged and will be unusable for the foreseeable future. There were no injuries.

Dining services for Dobbins will be served in McGarvey Commons in the Reed Union Building. Dining will resume with normal breakfast hours this morning (March 2).

Lawrence and Porcupine Halls, two residence halls, were initially evacuated due to smoke nearby, but students were able to return to their rooms without incident.

All other college operations, including classes and food service in Bruno’s Café, will resume as scheduled on March 2.

Photos by Jon Klein, Behrend Beacon Photographer

Dobbins Dining Hall is the college’s full-scale, all-you-care-to-eat food court, offering grilled specialties, a sandwich bar, soups, a stir-fry station, a pizza station, entreés, a large salad bar, daily specials, and desserts.

More than that, Dobbins was the place fill with so many memories of mine.

It was the first place I visited on campus when I was a student.

It was my first job on campus.

It was where I ate many Sunday brunches.

It was the site where Staci and I ate most lunches our freshman year.

It was where Karena and I got to know one another.

It was where I burned my hands grabbing freshly sanitized plates from the dishwasher.

It was where I worked until midnight cleaning after a fancy catered dinner.

It was where I carried prepared food from for a residence hall event.

It was the only place where I wore my PJs - aside from my residence hall.

It was where I fell down the stairs.

It was often times the precursor to a stomach ache.

It was still a place where I never ate breakfast during the week.

It was where I gobbled down the salad bar after a strenuous workout.

This comes as very sad news. And I hope Behrend's Housing and Food Services can find a way to easily prepare food for the 1,600+ students who live on campus.