Moving In, Redecorating, And Finding Myself

Yes I Can

2012-01-01T17:36:00.001-05:00

Fireworks from my window

Today is the first day of the year and the last day of Kwanzaa (Imani: Faith). In many ways this Kwanzaa principal has always been celebrated. The 1st day of the year gets filled up with dreams, hopes, and desires. Imani is the root for these plans to grow. Have faith readers, you will achieve great things.

Yes I can fix this apartment up!

Creativity For Over 30 Years

2011-12-31T09:30:00.004-05:00

The Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History has celebrated Kwanzaa for over 30 years and their annual celebration is a wonderful example of Kuumba: Creativity. The event begins at 12 pm TODAY and with so many activities planned you should get there at 11 am (there is sure to be a line). Get Info

Kuumba today and everyday.

The Purpose Is To Laugh

2011-12-30T19:49:00.001-05:00

For many, Kwanzaa, has been either a bright light to continue to celebrate culturally. In some cases it has people confused. Do you say "Happy Kwanzaa" to all people of African decent? Is it a Black Christmas? Do you give presents each day? Hey I dunno!!!, but what I do know is the principals of Kwanzaa are great teaching tools for a community.

During the week of Kwanzaa, I am always looking for information that will relate to each day. Today is Nia which means purpose, and last year I found a Pearl, who's purpose gave me great inspiration.

This year, the purpose is to laugh. Kwanzaa purists go back to Pearl right now.

Cooperate.......Economics

2011-12-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

Today is Ujamaa, which means Cooperative Economics, but it's like talking to a 7 year old trying to get them to behave. It sounds more like COOPERATE.....ECONOMICS!

The Ujamaa principle emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. The Jeweler and Blogger: Wire Queen posted farming examples of Ujamaa, Detroit (Detroit Black Community Food Security Network) and Arizona (Local First Arizona).

Visit a local farm, vendor, or food coop and make those dollars cooperate along with helping your community.

Kwanzaa or Chanukah

2011-12-28T01:52:00.000-05:00

It is the last day of Chanukah and the 3rd day of Kwanzaa (Ujima). The result of this overlap is ........Cute and a perfect example of collective work and responsibility.

The Black Candle

2011-12-27T00:45:00.003-05:00

Afrikards

Celebrate with determination, by defining, creating, and speaking for yourself. Today is Kujichagulia.

Who Knew

2011-12-26T08:32:00.001-05:00

365 Do- Overs

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and who knew Teddy Pendergrass had a Kwanzaa song. This came from a very resourceful Facebook Friend.

Finally

2011-12-25T09:13:00.000-05:00

This was the year I emotionally able to put up a tree.....kind of.....sort of. Since my mother's passing in 2008 I just couldn't do it. Don't get me wrong, I have celebrated, just have not done the tree thing, it was just to painful to pull out the heirloom ornaments.

I have always loved these glass trees and added some homemade newspaper trees.

New York City Christmas Windows

Have a happy!

Festival Of Electonica Lights

2011-12-20T00:11:00.000-05:00

Photo from NY Magazine

I was looking for something that highlighted the fun of Chanukah. Anyone offended shouldn't be. Rejoice in the miracle.

Chanukah begins today and growing up my mother and I had a Menorah and would light the candles every day. Yup, a Brooklyn Black Christian Woman and her child would "celebrate" the festival of lights. My mother was a NYC school teacher and every turn there was a teaching opportunity. We didn't know everything about the holiday, but living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which has a big Hasidic community, it couldn't be ignored.

Soul Sessions/House Proud

2011-12-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

A group of Women entrepreneurs got together at Malene's home. Each guest talked about their business and what we were most proud of.

Malene (our hostess) had a wonderful announcement. She would be seen on The Nate Berkus Show in a segment called House Proud.

Silent Night

2011-12-17T01:11:00.000-05:00

Antique Christmas Birds Silent Night

Silent Night is probably the most popular Holiday Carol (got to google that theory)......but not mine. I always thought it was boring and the melody wasn't complicated.........then I heard this soothing version.

Santy Claus: The Hit Man

2011-12-14T01:11:00.000-05:00

Card Cow.com

If your a little tired of all this Christmas Crap (my apologies to the purists), let me interject a bit of humor.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T13:11:00.000-05:00

Lights camera action, it's time to put up the tree. The video was created by Annie Poon who was inspired by her childhood doll house. Very cute video. Enjoy

A Christmas Classic

2011-12-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Run DMC

Their Christmas Classic Remix

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2011-12-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

The well known song was actually written in the 40's and was about a college kid homesick, but when Bing Crosby made the recording, American GI's were touched, read more.

This soldier gives his Mom and Dad a wonderful surprise, courtesy of WCNC. This in honor of a day that will live in infamy, this family will hold this moment in their heart forever.

Ella: Winter Wonderland

2011-12-05T13:11:00.000-05:00

Jazzy Christmas with Ella Fitzgerald

Clayton Junior.com

O Come O Come Emmanuel

2011-12-04T01:11:00.000-05:00

Rejoice Rejoice, he (David Simmons) did this for his mom.

Jazz version O come, O come, Emmanuel is a translation of the Latin text ("Veni, veni, Emmanuel") by John Mason Neale and Henry Sloane Coffin^[1]^[2] in the mid-19th century.

Where People Work: Patricia Polhill

2011-12-03T22:07:00.001-05:00

Patricia Polhill, office manager of the The Ground Crew. The office is located in a penthouse on 55th Street off of 5th Ave. I snapped this photo of her, she was too busy to chat.

Where do you work?

A Monster Rendition of Carol of the Bells

2011-12-03T01:11:00.000-05:00

This video made me smile.

Christmas Tree Inspired

2011-12-02T08:11:00.000-05:00

This was inspired by Christmas Tree Lights, titled:

Night Light.

Faithful

2011-12-01T08:11:00.000-05:00

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

and chill out and be coooooool....

Free Wheeling

2011-11-29T08:27:00.000-05:00

As you begin the hustle of the holiday season, there many that cannot even walk, let alone hustle. There is a way you can help, Free Wheelchair Mission.

Snowflakes

2011-11-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

Don't forget the bathroom winter decor. These beautiful soaps are a lovely reminder to winters wonders.

The Charming Frog

PS Products

Heffernancrafts

Yeung Moxy

Where People Work: Vivian Shaw Buckingham

2011-11-07T07:11:00.000-05:00

Vivian works from home these days and is glad for it, although she doesn't know how long that is going to last. Currently, Vivian is working as a consultant on sustainability, climate change, energy and environmental issues. Right now the work is having her concentrate on rural and small town mayors in the South, a constituency that is often overlooked in federal policy making.

"I am sending you a pic of my favorite place to work in the house -- my veranda. Of course, the days are getting colder and I am moving indoors somewhat reluctantly, having just given away my beloved Boston ferns, which look all the world to me like beautiful dreaded heads. They are nature's rastas."

Vivian mainly work in Washington, D.C. and lives in Manassas, VA.

Where People Work: Anu

2011-10-31T07:11:00.000-04:00

Most people know Anu for her Natural Hair business Khamit Kinks. However she has a passion for outgrowth of her passion for the beauty and power of essences created by nature from the flowers, stems, leaves, barks, roots and seeds of plants. These are photos of where she creates Anu Essentials.

Anu Essentials

Where People Work: Bryan K Osburn

2011-10-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

Work spaces are fascinating to me. What is the creative process. How does the space work and what equipment is required to create the work. This portrait is from my friend and wedding gown designer, Bryan K. Osburn. His loft in Chicago, Illinois, after hours.

Aphro Chic Soulful Style 2013

2011-10-19T10:21:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday I enjoyed the Bedford Stuyvesant House Tour. I wasn't able to take photos (rules rules rules). The home above wasn't on the tour but I thought theses doors were so beautiful.

Now there is a book coming out that will include the beautiful homes of stylish Brooklynites. The AphroChic team is busy at work on their first book which will be released by Clarkson Potter in Fall 2013. Here they share behind-the-scenes photos and videos from our cross-country tour exploring homes that truly exemplify AphroChic style.

Below is a few of great Brooklyn finds, enjoy.

A New Shredder

2011-10-15T08:52:00.002-04:00

Staples Own Brand Shredder

I finally got a new shredder. In the months without a one I had tried to rid important papers by tearing them up by hand. Although this method at least always works if you have hands, it is not that effective. You wind up miss tearing up the right parts and have make too many tears.

I then used scissors but that got old fast. I tried soaking the papers in a bleach and water. This was just messy and takes too long per pile.

I kept thinking these papers can serve some second use. Maybe they can be created into logs and then used as some fire starter for BBQ's and fireplaces. So to test this out, I set the papers on fire, (IN AN OUTSIDE GRILL). First of all, a pile of paper dosen't quite burn and all paper isn't paper. The dyes, plastics, and what ever else was in the pile, just made a smelly mess. It took hours to and then I just dosed it with water cause I was tired and this was just stupid.

That was the last straw and I went to Staples and got a shredder. I was picking out one that was cheap and the salesman told me to wait a day and get the advantage of the sale of a more expensive one. The day wait was worth it. The sale price marked it down just right and now I have shredded plenty.

Life works best with the right tools.

Bedford Stuyvesant House Tour

2011-10-06T20:01:00.001-04:00

One of the homes on tour last year

It's that time of year again, The Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant 33rd Annual House Tour. I look forward to this tour every year, because you get to peek into the homes of fabulous neighbors.

The tickets go fast the day of the event get tickets early.

The Brownstoners of

Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc.

Presents

33rd Annual House Tour

Saturday October 15, 2011

11am-4pm

Rain or Shine

Advanced Tickets - $15

Day of the event - $20

On Sale at these locations in Brooklyn

Ms.Dahlia's Cafe

449 Nostrand Ave

T-Cup Cafe

627 Throop Ave

Or visit the

Bed-Stuy Alive

Gala Kickoff

Saturday October 8th,

10am - 5pm

Fulton Street

Between Marcy and Brooklyn Aves

P.S. On the tour I so loved the home of Malene B, and asked if she would agree to a bridal photo shoot. This was a result of that shoot.

They Said It Couldn't Be Done

2011-09-20T01:11:00.000-04:00

I purchased these two door knobs from Anthropologie (see more). I had been thinking about changing the knobs for the bedroom, office, and bathroom door.

Below are the door knobs I would like to change. They have been there since the 1960's, so that means it is time for a change.

Before I began the project I researched on line a tutorial. This 2 minute + video, seemed simple enough. So I went to Home Depot to pick up additional hardware supplies for the door.

....and that's where all the trouble broke out.

At the 1st Home Depot, I went directly to the aisle that sold the door knobs (tip: always take measurements and the item, if possible, to make sure all items fit). I needed help, I didn't see what I needed. As I showed the salesman my knob (no not that!!) and he found something but it didn't fit. He told me it's a really nice knob (no no no not that), but
HD "maybe you need to go to a hardware store"
Me " ummmm, isn't this a hardware store"
HD "yes yes, but I mean maybe a locksmith"
Me "don't you have a locksmith here"
HD "yes, but your knob (again not what you think) is special, they will know what you need"

So I left and proceeded to another Home Depot. On my way I saw a True Value on Metropolitan Ave. I took my door knob in and asked for help.
Immediately I was met with a smirk, silence, and a shrug. I thought the guy didn't understand English. He called another guy (seems like the owner). As he looked at me with his glasses hanging on his nose he said...
TV "YOU CANNOT USE THIS, THE ONLY THING.....I WILL SHOW YOU."
From behind the counter he pulls out a door with a lock for an outside door.
Me "no no no, sir, this is for a bedroom door...."
TV "YOU CANNOT USE THIS, LISTEN TO ME, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE......TALK TO THIS GUY, HE IS A DOOR MAN"
There was another customer there at the same time looking for the right size screw (get your mind out of the gutter). He looks at the knob (out of the gutter I said). He is a bit calmer but......
TV "you can't use this, let me tell you I am a door guy for over 25 years, and this is an ooooold type of door. They don't even make these anymore. You try to put this on your door, you've got problems."
Me "but what if you have a customer that wants this on their door"
TV " they can't have it, this is a problem"

I finally left and decided to continue on to Home Depot. I can't believe that Anthropologie, would be selling door knobs that no one can use. These guys are crazy.

At the 2nd Home Depot, I asked for help again and the sales woman found something I could use, but it was the a whole set, that included the glass, door knobs and latch. This was an additional $15.00, ugggggh! I only purchased 1 just in case that was wrong too.

After much ado about door knobs, I attached it and I feel pretty proud. I now know what to buy and how to do it.

P.S. I think I will write a letter to those knubskulls at the True Value and include a photo of the impossible job.

Roz's Shiney New Chandiler

2011-09-18T01:11:00.000-04:00

After installing her "composite" ceiling fan lighting, Roz discovered that it was missing something. It was cute/interesting/nice - all insipid words really, which was the feeling that the piece evoked.

Many years ago, Roz purchased a wrought iron chandelier that was both classic and rustic, elegant but with an edge. It was an exceptionally good buy as it was very inexpensive for such a good quality product. She wasn't sure if it was her (style) but there was something about it that said, "this piece is a keeper."

Most people would not describe Roz as a person who wrap themselves in the classic and traditional. She embraces lots & lots of "real" color, along with the avante garde and the bold but would also totally embrace a re-interpretation of the tried and true, classic, traditional designs.

For Roz, it made perfect sense to wear red and black tiger striped fur-topped, pointy toed shoes with gray argyle socks. Her friends have never gotten over that pairing, and each time to they tell the story of that particular outfit, ask her what was going through her mind when she chose to wear that ensemble. Roz, felt it was totally fine, and if they didn't get the look they should just consider it art.

But back to Roz's chandelier...Roz thought that it would just too big for her small living room, and so installed the composite fan instead. But after installing the piece, she asked a friend with 20/20 decorating vision their opinion on the piece. Roz's friend determined that the fixture was too small for the space,and thought that the iron chandelier would be perfect for the room. And so the fan was transferred to the kitchens and the wrought iron chandelier installed in the living room. Despite the clutter of remodeling that is the room's current state, Roz thinks the chandelier looks wonderful, and really integrates, enhances and adheres all the elements in the room -paint, crown molding and wall stripes.

Congrats to you Roz!

FANtastic

2011-09-12T21:45:00.000-04:00

The time has come, I am FINALLY, changing the one of 3 fans in the apartment. As you can see the old fan had just a few, little.........listen, this fan was so jacked up. I have put in a new bulb only to have it burst and shatter. You would think shards of glass would make me run out and get a fan immediately. There were only 2 working light units, 1 kind of worked, the last was scary. Well, not scary enough to get a new fixture.

The straw that broke the camels back was, when I turned the light on for an undetermined period of time. It would begin to play a tune (never knew it could do that), and then it would just go out.

Ok already, I'll get a new fan. Below is the installation.

This is Jose, who put in the original fan, he said almost 20 years ago.

Jose's assistant removes the old fan.

I love the new fixture, but it sheds light on the rest of the CRAP!! that I need to get to. Like paint, toss, renew, etc. It's all in the process of moving in, redecorating, and finding myself.

Fan was purchased at Home Depot online: Fast Attach Click-in 52 in. Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan. Originally $99.00 discounted -$40.00, which leaves total price + tax = $64.24.

Hat Box For Toilet Paper

2011-09-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

Umm... is this really necessary. I mean it looks like a hat box for your toilet paper.

Respect The Roll

Then again, I guess it's better than this.

or this....

but this makes me say......OH MY????


Barbie Toilet Seat Cover

Painting My Chair.....A Disaster!

2011-09-02T18:13:00.000-04:00

I may be a bit overly dramatic, but.....

I purchased these 2 red/orange chairs, for about $23.00.....

To replace these old guards......

But I needed 4 so I went to Ikea and saw this chair for $19.99...

So I purchased 2 .....

The plan is to paint them to match the red/orange chair.......

I purchased a red primer (Home Depot consultant recommendation) and a can of Rustoleum Painters Touch (another recommendation).....

I primed it....

I should have stopped there and let this work, but noooooooo I began to paint ....

Although the photo doesn't look terrible, it is a mess. I have the wrong tools, I needed a roller and then I still think it would be a mess.

Tomorrow I am picking up can of spray paint.

This is not over ....

Living to Loving: Beaded Ceiling Fan

2011-08-24T21:41:00.000-04:00

Roz has been given a boost on her quest to de-clutter and create a beautiful living space with the installation of my new light fixture. Of course, with almost everything she's done on this "Living to Loving" journey, the "chandelier" is an original piece made up of items bought over the years, intuitively knowing that it would work into her plan.

In her words:

"I purchased the beaded, wire mesh candle holder, that evoked a middle eastern/Mediterranean flavor and had it converted into a light fixture. Even earlier, I bought a simple, inexpensive ceiling fan, quite boring actually but I knew that liked ceiling fans and I could make it work. Then after painting the ceiling and getting ready to install lighting, Eureka, hit! I thought, I could combined the two if I could get the person with the knowledge and vision to make it happen, and I did. I painted the drab brown of the fan's blades a reddish copper color that matched my crown molding and sprayed painted the shiny brass of the fan's drum a brown crackled metallic to coordinate with metal base of the candle holder. My favorite, talented and professional contractor extraordinaire, Noel Murray connected both pieces into one seamless unit, got the electrical components connected and working and voila, see the finished product in images and video."

Ecker

2011-08-07T11:25:00.001-04:00

Here in Lindsay Park we got free new windows. When we first got the notice, I was in turmoil. Can I refuse them, I won't let the workers in, I don't need new windows these work fine, and what about my air conditioner...... I went on an on in my head. It didn't matter, we were getting new windows.

The process: Move your crap from the windows so the workers can get in there. When I start moving stuff, there is the realization, that I have just tooooo much stuff. My apartment is more like "Architechural Indigestion". Ugh Ugh Ugh. So the window project made me re-examine the stuff I've held onto.

At 6am there was movement in the hallways. At 7am there was a knock at the door "YOU HAVE 15 MINUTES TO GET OUT!!!" "CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN AND GET OUT". All of us (neighbors) hurried down the hallway, into the elevators, and looked up at the building to watch (photo above). After a few minutes I just prayed and went to breakfast.

They worked fast. By 2pm it was done, we were allowed back in the apartment 3pm.

Some of the neighbors complained, whined, and there have been accusations of theft. I wasn't going to sing with that choir.

In the end, the Ecker windows are very nice. Opening and closing them is easier, there is a screen built into the window, which will keep the anything flying out (birds, flies, mosquitoes, etc). With all the windows open, it cooled down the apartment very nicely. I made these curtains (above), also thinking of other window treatments, and I have to paint.

The new windows opened me up to new ideas and I survived my first BIG construction job.

Home and Abroad

2011-07-26T08:56:00.000-04:00

I spent a good part of Saturday, July 23, 2011 in this beautiful establishment Home and Abroad. Here is my conversation with Leticia the owner.

Home and Abroad from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Home and Abroad.BIZ

From Living Space into Loving One

2011-07-22T18:08:00.000-04:00

My friend is doing some renovation too. She recently painted her wall in a collection of stripes. Below are photos, videos, and in her own words, a description of the process.

In her own words "I'm not sure how I feel about the stripes as some notes that it looks like gift wrapping paper. I've used 6 colors- a metallic copper with reddish undertones from Valspar, raspberry, two shades of pink, a terrcotta that is a subtle 50% darker than the wall color but it is the beautiful bright grasshopper green that pops it all. My intention was not to create wall paper with paint but to add a graphic element and color that would add visual interest, add Roz's "ooh, ooh ah and make the room appear larger. I now have a pattern and I think that I need to "relieve/rest the eye" by painting wider strips of the actual wall color subdue the pattern. My painter said he likes it but now he thinks it too much color. I'm not sure. Still living with it.'

I am so impressed, it looks beautiful.

Another Piano Lesson

2011-07-18T19:28:00.001-04:00

Cultured Expressions

I this is an easy do it yourself project that I found on Cultured Expressions. The project is called "Africanize Your Piano Bench". This project can be applied to any seat, see the instruction here.

Thank- you Wallet Pop

2011-07-14T16:10:00.000-04:00

I have been wondering about these "chop it as seen on TV, order in the next 5 minutes and get 2 for......" items. Wallet Pop is going to save you big time.

Small Home, Big Ideas

2011-06-19T20:06:00.002-04:00

I came about this through a facebook friend and I am impressed with what this family of 3 has done so much, with so little.

I especially love the work space. It inspired me to do........to do something.

For 19 Years

2011-05-31T19:58:00.001-04:00

2011 Memrorial Day BBQ from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

The Adolf's have hosted a Memorial Day BBQ in Quogue for about 19 years. It was a long ride from Brooklyn. One of those visit my car overheated on the Long Island Expressway. Ugh, I got home about 3am.

New Rochelle

This year, the home in New Rochelle was ready for the gang and it was a good time had by all.

Our Hosts

It is so inspiring to see how others put their life together. They make us all feel so welcome.

The Grounds

The plumbing in the pool house had just been finished the day before and not a moment too soon

With all the amenities, in the pool house you can watch the game and watch the pool at the same time.

Night time view of the, pool

Upstairs in the pool house has two bathrooms, complete with shower, and slanted roof has the subway tiling.

Gwen is still doing work on the BIG HOUSE. Even as a work in progress it looks like House Beautiful. In the dining room she has this textured wall paper. Which is the perfect backdrop for the lithograph (I think) of Harry Belafonte. I Love Love Love the chandelier of gold tone colored glass droplets.

Now that's Beautiful Living.

Temporary Wall

2011-05-26T01:07:00.000-04:00

I need a paint job, but for not I am covering the wall with art work, which makes it a temporary wall.

Flux Chair

2011-05-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

Lookie what I saw at the 2011 ICFF show: Flux Chairs

Flux Chairs from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

PS, they have a very cool demo on their site, Flux Chairs

Jealous Of Crown Molding

2011-05-03T01:23:00.000-04:00

"My Home Coming Into Being", not my home my friends home. She has got some crown molding put up in the apartment and I am so jealous. It is not finished (that is obvious from the photos), but I love the molding going up around the room.

Noel (Joiner: Master Carpenter)

OOOOOH and she has a specialist working his magic, it has got to be like HGTV.

She has a ways to go, but I am so jealous..........in a good way.

McCarren Park

2011-05-01T00:09:00.000-04:00

McCarren Park is a park pretty active on a normal nice day, but today the Town Square organized their 4th Annual Go Green! Greenpoint! Earth Day Festival.

Green Cycle Swap

Green Blankets donated by Materials for the Arts

Merrimack and Monitor


Point Green Pictures

Eyes On U

One of the designers did my hand she is also an artists and has an Etsy shop, Silent Petals.

Henna Designs in McCarren Park from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.
A day in the McCarren Park, Town Square organized their 4th Annual Go Green! Greenpoint! Earth Day Festival.

This was me getting a Henna design.

Willifest

It was a great day in Brooklyn!

Recycle, Reuse, Re-purpose

2011-04-11T22:38:00.001-04:00

Town Square

Recycle, Reuse, Re-purpose, and reap the benefits of a cleaner community. I am packing my stuff up now and so should you. You can drop off cleaned, gently-used clothing, shoes, toys, books, bicycles, computers, electronics, phones, and household items. You can also walk away with as much as you want, which means you need to bring bags, boxes, carts, or your grumpy husband, to help take stuff home.

The suggested donation is $5.00 and Town Square is a qualified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution. Your donation will be TAX DEDUCTIBLE to the full extent of the law. That should de-grump your husband.

Green Cycle Swaps

Town Square Inc.

April 30, 2011
12pm - 4pm

McCarren Park

780 Lorimer Street

Greenpoint/Williamsburg

For more info:
Town Square Inc.
917.392.8450
agnes@townsquareinc.com

The National Museum of the American Indian

2011-04-05T17:37:00.000-04:00

You must visit The National Museum of the American Indian.........because it's free and it is well worth the trip downtown New York City. Check out the exhibitions going on now here.

It was a beautiful day in New York on Sunday, I took time to enjoy the museum with some photos.

I was able to get this photo but it was a section that photos were not allowed. This was the Preston Singletary: Echoes, Fire, and Shadows.

Successful Transfer

2011-03-30T23:03:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a long journey and the road has come to an...........OK I'm getting a bit dramatic. A few posts ago I mentioned I was trying to get rid of some furniture.

Cleaning House

I first posted the dresser on Free Cycle and I got no bites. After the 30 day period (rules for re-posting) I posted again. This time I got about 5 inquiries, that went no where. One got so close I was practically in the hallway with the dresser. Anyway, I went another route, The Salvation Army but they don't come to my area. Then I tried Housing Works! At that time I only had the dresser. They needed more merchandise to send a truck out to Brooklyn, "when you have more please, don't hesitate to call." This seemed reasonable.

About 2 weeks later I had more, two end tables that were in good condition, but needed a bit of elbow grease. I called Housing Works again, with photos of the items (scratches and all). After receiving a message to call back and discuss a pick-up date, I was elated. We played phone tag but I was still thinking they would be giving me a pick-up date. Not so fast. This call was to tell me someone would call me back and approve the furniture, WHAAAAAAAAAT! The Housing Works caller informed me they have certain protocols. So I explained, there was an email with photos, then a call, then...... "OK" she says "Hold on". After a few brief minutes she says "I'm sorry, blah blah blah, your furniture is crap". Not what she said but it was how it sounded. Dammmmm, I'm trying to give furniture away not sell it to Sotherbys. She did try to give me some other sources which did not pan out.

Now what, Creepies List, I mean Craigs List which is still Creepy. I posted to Facebook, at least every one there is my friend (wink wink). I got a bite from an old friend. Laura (Shop Zambezi) and her husband Lorenzo (Lorenzo Williams Photography) a power couple.

It was a perfect fit just like they are. They have a guest room that needed to be filled and this was perfect. Thanks so much Laura and Lorenzo.

Just to add a note, Lorenzo and I worked on the same wedding, Roxanna Floyd's (I made her wedding dress) wedding, see his work here.

Clutter Artwork

2011-03-27T08:44:00.000-04:00

At the Architectural Digest Show there was an artist that made work out of paper. I couldn't afford the artwork but I was inspired by it. The above piece is a 4 x4 using an old Trinidad Tobago stamp.

2 Canada 4-cent stamps

2 St Vincent Stamps

The Architectural Digest Home Design Show

2011-03-20T18:57:00.000-04:00

Today was an inspirational day at The Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Here are more than a few shots I took at the event.

Cleaning House

2011-03-18T10:29:00.003-04:00

3 drawer dresser and end tables available for give away.

Take A Break

2011-03-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

Ms. Dahlia's Cafe from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.
Love coffee/tea cafe's, they play great music, free wifi, good cups of love and slices of yum. This is just one of those great ones. This video was done out of love and there was no payment exchanged to create the video.

Ms Dahlia's Cafe

located on

449 Nostrand Ave.,

Brooklyn, NY

718.975.0110

www.dahliascafe

And Then There Is Ebay

2011-03-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

Pictures That Sing

Things you live with grow old in a draw or on a shelf. It holds onto dust like a magnet does metal. Sometimes you pull it out love it and then shove it back into its place. At the end of the day it is just stuff, that I have not looked at for years. So loving it is not what I am doing.

Then there is Ebay. I have had an Ebay account with the promise of selling items, UGH I got cold feet (don't ask why, just get me some socks). Ebay is my garage sale, living in an apartment limits you putting "stuff" on the lawn for random weekends. Ebay is a lawn on the street of the world. A teacher in Canada, collector in Kansas, or even someone around the corner, will take a look and OMG bid and buy.

I have big dreams maybe Texas and Ohio will get into a bidding war over a dusty 6o year old book. The winning bid $$$$$$$$ largest in history! No interviews please, too busy posting more gems.

I viewed the instructional videos on Ebay and it says to begin with something small to get the hang of it. These books and flash cards begin with .99 bids.

Ladies and Gentleman badadda aba ba ga .99 to the lady in Kentucky, badadda aba ga $1.50 to the man in Ohio.................SOLD!!!!!!!

Symphony For Simple Simon

Pictures That Rhyme

Beginning Sounds

5 Tips for Aluminum Foil

2011-02-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

Great ideas for Aluminum Foil

Got an idea share, leave a comment.

Chalkboard Paint

2011-02-04T16:15:00.000-05:00

There is a small wall that I am thinking of painting in brown chalkboard paint. This was an example that I found and I love this. I am pretty excited about doing this, below is a video from HGTV.

Say Yay or Nay to Chalkboard Paint

Let Me Explain

2011-01-28T23:11:00.002-05:00

A visitor at my home went to use the bathroom. I heard as he turned the corner "WHAT THE....??".

Okay, let me explain. I have some plush toys I want to give away, never been played with, but they need to be washed. They are washed by putting them in a pillow case then into the washing machine. This was the only way to dry them.

It does look as if some kind of ominous message.

A Very Good Cause

2011-01-25T13:11:00.001-05:00

These teddy bears, rabbits, and other plush toys sat on the dresser by the bed for years. I think this brought my mother joy. Now they need to go to children who will love them and find comfort in them. Thanks to Free Cycle, my post got a response from someone who will be taking them to a children in need. I think my mother will like that.

Organizing Photos

2011-01-21T20:25:00.000-05:00

I have sooooooo many photos. I don't even know who all the people are. Ugh!!!!!! but I went from this (above) to that (below).

I'm getting there.

Black Is Beautifully Recycled

2011-01-03T11:16:00.001-05:00

RD4 Chair/Branch

This chair is made from recycled plastic, the price tag is $1848.00. DAAAAAAAAANG, I want more than 5 cents went I return my plastic bottles.

Imani

2011-01-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

Habari Gani

Imani

Faith

Imani means faith. It is the possibility of the impossible. Believing that we will bend but will not be broken. Watch Lunga from the musical Africa Africa, bend to the point of no return and then see her bend some more.

Have faith you may have to bend, but believe you will not be broken.

Kuumba

2010-12-31T00:18:00.000-05:00

Habari Gani

Kuumba

Creativity

I stand on the shoulders of two creative giants, my grandparents. When they left this world, they knew they had raised one child to become a Supreme Court Judge. Another child traveled the world. A daughter who was an educator in the New York City School system and a son who became an engineer. Everyone learned to play and instrument, went to church every Sunday, and was polite and courteous to elders. These times (30's and 40's) were not idyllic, but Momma and Poppy were creative, my mother and her siblings had a good lives.

Just like my family, I am sure you have celebrated this Kwanzaa principal for years, because Kuumba is:

It is a lopsided birthday cake made with loving hands.

Chicken soup, loaded up with herbs and vegetables.

A spoonful of Cod Liver Oil.

A swing made from an old tire.

Handmade card for mommy.

Collard greens cooked just right.

A saved egg carton for an important art project.

The prettiest Easter dress.

A crocheted blanket,

Friends and Family

Nia

2010-12-30T07:05:00.002-05:00

Habari Gani

Nia

Purpose

Have you been building and developing your community, restoring our people back to their traditional greatness? Yes Yes, of course you have! If you are apart of a community garden, which makes the neighborhood beautiful, it is a step in the right direction. Or maybe you begin with a window box of herbs, as it nourishes you it will nourish the community.

Rebuilding a community may look like a barn raising, but sometimes it starts with the one looking back at you in the mirror. Pearl Fryar (above) looked first in his back yard. His back yard became the world.

Go out and plant that seed, Nia.

P.S. below I wrote this in 2005, and it is just for laughs:

Some people can use a little Nia in their life. You've seen someone who is just wrong, wrong, and wrong. Like the woman I saw in her electric blue, one shoulder, spandex jumpsuit. She was shaped like a bag of potatoes. Now before anyone gets their nose out of joint, I applaud her spunk, what I had a hard time with was it was 10am and she was drunk. At this moment hooded ninja like gang should have grabbed her from the street and filled her with coffee and some knowledge.

Hope you had a giggle.

Ujamaa

2010-12-29T07:33:00.002-05:00

Habari Gani

Ujamaa

Cooperative Economics

This Kwanzaa principal is overlooked and under appreciated. In the past few years, we have been in such a financial slump. From lay offs to foreclosures, we are in trouble. Fingers point at the Government, Big Financial Conglomerates, War, and The Rents Too Damm High. They may deserve a finger wagging or two, we must point the finger at ourselves.

We have spent too much, saved too little, and ignored all the steps to make ourselves financially stable. Debt is the new slavery and if we don't remove these shackles of "I have to have it.", we will never be free.

Save 10% of your income (or any amount just do something)

Create an interest bearing account, LEAVE IT ALONE, and watch it grow.

Make your purchases count, spend money with a small minority owned business. You may have to go out of your way but it will work to the benifit of the community in the long run.

Work with a financial planner, advisor, or read more about how to make your money go further.

Stop throwing money away.

If you belong to a gym and haven't gone for months, you could have thrown the money out of the window.
Or do you buy coffee and lunch EVERYDAY, ugh too much.
If you haven't won the lotto yet $20 each week won't increase your chances.
Cable bill 2 months overdue????? I like cable too, but you can always turn it back on.
Does the Chinese restaurant know what your order is before you order, maybe it's time to grease up a frying pan and COOK. Plus it's just too much sodium in take out, you know your blood pressure is TOO HIGH.

I can go on but you get the idea, if you Coorperate With Your Ecconomics, Your Ecconomics Will Cooperate With You.

Now you can sing Money Money Mooooney! Ujamaa

Ujima

2010-12-28T09:24:00.002-05:00

Habari Gani

Ujima

Collective Work

and Responsibility

Cowrie Shell Pin Available on Etsy

I know you are under the misconception that you have not celebrated Kwanzaa, but I am here to tell you, you have.

Ujima tells us to work collectively and make our brothers and sisters problems, our problems. Although this formal idea of collective work sounds new, you have been practicing this principal for a long time.

There is a leech......I mean friend or relative that calls on you, with their daily drama. You never turn them away. Even if they are grown and living off of their 76 year old mother's pension. It is a challenge but, you take on this poor old sad sack doing all you can to get them off your back.......I mean back on track. Sing your praises you have done good work, Ujima.

Kujichagulia

2010-12-27T08:32:00.000-05:00

Habaragani

Kujichagulia: Self Determination

Photo from The Brooklyn Socialite Blog/ Ms Dahlia's Cafe and N-Diya Spa...

I think you suffer under the impression that no one understands or celebrates Kwanzaa. Oh to the contrary. You've seen it celebrated each morning on your way to work, fellow riders are determined to get that seat on the train, get out of the way, you are blocking an important principal. You have a good idea and a co-worker steps up and claims credit, be quiet, the boss needs to see their brown noses. Coffee shops are prime examples of Kujichagulia at work. The next time a determined customer jumps in front of you and screams "I WOULD LIKE A MOCHA, SMOCHA, LATTEE SKIM WITH SPLEDA..........", don't get mad. Look at them directly in the eye, don't blink and scream at the top of your lungs "KUJICHAGULIA!!!!!!!!!", now how would you like your coffee.

Smooth Transfer

2010-12-26T17:39:00.001-05:00

I had file cabinet to give away and this went artist, Sophie Naess. This Free Cycle transfer goes smoothly.

Umoja

2010-12-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

Habari Gani

Umoja: Unity

Photo from Average Bro.com

We were unified when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat (1955)

We were unified when we marched on Washington

(1963)

We were unified when we marched from Selma to Montgomery

(1965)

We were unified when we elected the first African American as the 44th United States President

(2008)

@#??!&%##!X

Ouch!

Someone kicked me off my soapbox

Apparently Unity has an expiration date

Let's put the U back in Unity and get our Moja working

UMOJA

A Partridge In A Pear Tree

2010-12-25T01:53:00.000-05:00

See the recipe Here

The first gift your true love will give you, a partridge in a pear tree, and it will cost $161.99. "Great, just what my cat fluffy wanted. A tree to climb and a bird to chase".

I was curious why so many gifts were birds (geese, colly, french hens, doves etc). From pear tree, Lords a leaping ,and drummers drumming each of the "gifts" have a religious significance, Twelve Days Of Christmas. Well that certainly clears it up. I thought your true love had to work at the zoo.

2 Turtle Doves

2010-12-25T00:34:00.000-05:00

Two Turtle Doves Comb Necklace/Contrary

The cost of 2 turtle doves vary. One site posts the pair for $100. Another site has it at $55 each. Or for the bargain rate of $55.98 for 2, which may be too good to be true. Your true love has good intentions, the birds are a symbol of love and fidelity. That's sweet but who is going to clean out the cage.

3 French Hens

2010-12-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

My grandfather in Virginia

3 French hens and your true love's list is almost complete and with $150, 3 french hens can be in the living room skawking, walking, and pecking at the furniture........hmmm. Can we revisit those 5 gold rings?

4 Colly (not Calling) Birds

2010-12-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

This verse is often sung as 4 calling birds, but is is actually 4 colly or collier, which is a black bird. In England a coal mine is called a colliery which means black like coal. This gift sets your true love back $599.96. I am sure that doesn't include the cage, bird seed, etc etc etc. And do you want birds to take care of, which is why I have posted this version of Beatles-Black Birds (Acoustic Cover-Tomothy Moloi).

Both of you will fly.

Closet Clean Up

2010-12-21T17:23:00.000-05:00

My quest to clean up, decorate, continues, and Free Cycle a helpful source, where I can participate in the hip and happening trend of recycling.

Above are some ornaments that were sitting in the closet. I still haven't done any holiday decorations inside and these ornaments were not family heirlooms. They were in a box in the closet wanting, waiting to be used, and I decided that I would post them to Free Cycle.

After so much success with my Piano, this should be an easy transfer. Not so fast, I posted the ornaments with an error, the post was removed. I posted again then that seemed correct but there must of been a technical error, and the post was removed for an error in posting. But the post did get a response from readers. However when I re-posted, believing I corrected it, yup, it was removed because you are not so re-post an item for 30 days (huh). This is all happening the 2nd week in December, 30 days and would make the ornaments irrelevant.

Suffice it to say, I had a deal pending and even that fell through. NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXT, Max came through and on a street in Brooklyn the ornaments are off to a happy home.

5.....Gold.....Rings......

2010-12-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

Now we're talking, Fiiiiiiiiiive...Goooooooold.....Riiiiiiiiiings. This has value that you can understand. Based on some Googled results, your true love will spend, $500 to $1500. However, with a bit of searching I found many 14K gold rings for less.

Like Oli and Me has this set of Whisper Ring, Set Of 5 for $350. Wow, your true love is a financial wizard.

Oli and Me

6 Geese A Laying

2010-12-19T10:44:00.000-05:00


Hawaiian Paradise Designs

Above a goose egg

Real Egg Carvings

Now we are getting into an area of gifts that are plausible, 6 geese a laying. According to Veracity Stew, it is just $150. Someone actually posted a question to Back Yard Chickens, "I'm thinking about getting a pair of geese......read more". Surprisingly some of the answers are positive.

Recently, in Whole Foods I figured would get a few groceries, which included eggs. WHEN DID EGGS GET SO EXPENSIVE, I know I know it's a fancy smancy grocery store, but DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG. I think I may consider buying 6 geese. I can raise them on the terrace and every morning, fresh eggs. Maybe create a business, "Goose Eggs From Brooklyn". Get a Facebook like page, Twitter, and then.................

7 Swans A Swimming

2010-12-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

The cost of 7 swans a swimming: $5600. For sure it doesn't include the lake, bird keeper, feeder, and if these birds were under the tree Christmas morning, you know what else would be there, SOMETHING TO CLEAN UP! Below a less messy alternative.

7 different sterling silver swan charms $271.00, all found on Etsy.com. Your true love can keep $5329 and put it towards those 5 golden rings.

Vintage Sterling Silver Etsy

Sterling Silver Charm Etsy

Swan n Loop Sterling Etsy

Two Swans Sterling Etsy

Swan Etsy

Origami Silver Swan Etsy

Dainty Sterling Silver Swan Etsy

8 Maids A Milking

2010-12-17T23:40:00.000-05:00

Heifer International

If your true love gave you 8 maids of milking, it would set them back $58.00, that's it!!!!! You can get a gallon of milk here in NY for about $2.70 to $3.00 x 8 = $21 to $24. Add $37 for the maids. Seems so affordable compared to some of the other gifts.

Buuuuuuuut, if your true love gave a cow to a needy family, it can enable them to have a glass of rich milk every morning, sell the milk which can pay for schooling, medication, and clothing. The first offspring is passed on to another family. They then agree to pass on their offspring, and so on and so on. It is the gift that keeps giving. This may not be 8 maids a milking, but you begin with one and then it multiplies in more ways than you ever expected.

9 Ladies Dancing

2010-12-17T19:31:00.000-05:00

This gift is a little like 10 Lords a Leaping, just add $1527.33 making it a whopping............$6294.03. Also, what kind of ladies dancing, strippers, clog dancers, back up dancers for a rapper, tap dancers, I can go on but you get the idea. The 12 Days of Christmas does not specify. However I will stick to ballet for this reference.

I wish I could fly across the floor stand on my toes and spin like a top. I believed those days are long gone then I saw this video of Alicia Graf beautiful, graceful, and an outstanding talented dancer. She has a story that should get you moving, no matter what the dream.

Be daring to

dream it,

live it,

loose it,

rise above it,

and be extraordinary.

BTW, I am getting my toe shoes ready,

I am about to fly.

10 Lords A Leaping

2010-12-16T20:29:00.000-05:00

Photo By Andrew Eccles

If your true love spent $4766.70 on lords a leaping, wouldn't you be mad. Dudes jumping around the living room knocking stuff over. Plus, couldn't that money go to something that would appreciate, 10 lords a leapin' is not an investment.

So if you have to have 10 lords a leaping, try tickets to an Alvin Ailey performance. This is a gift you will love love love.

See more photos by Andrew Eccles

11 Pipers Piping

2010-12-15T19:49:00.000-05:00

Fancy Flours

According to Veracity Stew, the cost of 11 pipers piping, is $2356.20.

An alternative, 11 cookies from Fancy Flours, $271.70.

A demented version of 12 days of Christmas, freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

12 Drummers Drumming

2010-12-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

The cost of 12 drummers drumming, according to Answers.com, drum role please........... $2552.55. ............Ba da buh

A Bucket Full Of Fun!

2010-12-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

Bucket Full Of Fun

About 2 weeks ago I went to the Martha Stewart Show, again. This time I took a friend and we got in by the skin of our teeth. Although my name and my friend's name was on the list, it was not enough to get us in. We had to stand on the side with 2 other women (but the MS employee whispered "Don't worry, ladies I have 25 stand bys, you will get in and you will be very happy".

They have a system for seating the guests and along with other stand bys, we were seated last. As we (my friend and I) got into the studio we were directed to the front row. Kind of like orchestra seats. What a bonus too, this was the Holiday Gift Show, and every segment was a gift giveaway! And you can get in on the fun too, Enter To Win.

During one of the breaks, someone from the staff, whispered to my friend that Martha Stewart may ask her a question. During the taping she asked her to come up and try on the Seersucker Robe, which of course was a gift for everyone in the audience.

We had a great time and got a bucket full of fun. I even made a little movie with my Flip Video camera (one of the gifts). Thank you Martha!

Flipped Out Over My Beans from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.
My new Flip Video and I celebrate with some beans! So this is just me foolin' around.

Thanksgiving Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

2010-11-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

I took some take away containers for Thanksgiving Dinner. It made it a lot easier to carry leftovers home. My host didn't mind and I brought enough for everyone.

FAB Fridays at Yu'

2010-11-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

Yu' Celebrates FAB Fridays on Fulton Street

Set your calender to December 10th for the next Fab Friday.

Yu' will be joining the Fulton Area Business (FAB) alliance in celebrating FAB Fridays on the second Friday of each month. A number of stores & restaurants will participate with live music, poetry, reading, and discounts.

Yu' will be offering 15% off on ALL purchases, and will be pouring champagne from 6-9pm.

Yuinteriors@gmail.com

Yu Interiors.com

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

2010-10-17T15:07:00.000-04:00

The Bedford Stuyvesant House Tour, was wonderful. I met great people, saw beautiful homes and ran into old friends. I wasn't able to take photos (rules, rules, rules), but I still took away the gorgeous interiors of a centuries old neighborhood.

You first get your book for the tour at the Boys High School which is now Brooklyn Academy High School on Putnam and Madison. Then you walk, ride, drive, and get going there are 11 stops and each stop takes time.

I am glad I went early, at the first house I got a free cupcake. That was the icing on the cake of a lovely home.

There is a home that stood out for me, the home of Malene Barnett stood out like a beacon of light. It was gutted and then she went to work at creating a space that sings in her voice. It was uncluttered but filled with so much style it was bursting at the seams. Her commitment to her own aesthetic is apparent and will not be challenged.

malene b custom hand made carpets

Now I have inspiration over load!

My Etsy Shop

2010-10-12T15:39:00.000-04:00

Vintage By Cassandra

I never know what will sell in my Etsy shop. This wire phone rack sold about a week after I posted it. See what else I have for sale.