Category: At Home

The Bike Situation

A lot of bloggers have started a trend towards writing a few bummers out as posts and billing it as “transparency.” Others eschew all venting and unhappy content because they don’t want to bring others down. Generally, I try to keep things pretty upbeat around these parts!  Well, while things have mostly been going well as of late, this post is one of those bummers.

You might have noticed, when I shared a bit about the sad fate of my natural fiber rug, that my green bike (the star of this blog’s facebook cover photo) has taken up residence on the patio.

Life in the big city didn’t take long to catch up to us, as a month or two ago Doug’s really nice vintage road bike got stolen from the communal bike rack here in our apartment. We had it locked up with a cable but someone with bolt cutters easily clipped it and that was that (they left my bike behind–we were sharing the cable).

Naturally, we were both upset. Of course we were sad over the loss of the bike! Riding bikes casually has been a hobby of ours for most of our relationship, but moreso we were angry because we simply felt violated! Our property was violated, probably for some jerk to take to a pawn shop for a couple hundred dollars. Our neighbor, who fixes up old bikes as a hobby shared that he has heard of at least five bikes (mostly beach cruisers) getting stolen from our complex–which by the way is totally gated–in the past year or so. This sickens me. For some people, sure, it’s fun to ride occasionally (our apartment is adjacent to a dedicated bike path) and biking is a fun hobby, but for other people–what if that bike was their only way of getting to work? Our area is flat with lots of small business–it is totally feasible to be bike-dependent in this neighborhood. It’s thinking about that kind of situation that really makes my blood boil.

Unfortunately, since the value of the bike didn’t meet our renter’s insurance deductible, we are simply out of luck on this one, but we did learn a lesson.

U Bike Lock

My advice to bike owners is to invest in a U-shaped lock more like this one. And not to be a fool who trusts the communal bike rack. Lock your ride up closer to your apartment, or inside your apartment if you have the space. I have even seen some people go as far as removing a wheel or two when the bike is not in use to make it less appealing for a thief.

This was our first and hopefully the last time of having anything stolen from us, and it has taken me a while to actually sit down and write about it, mostly because I am embarrassed at our own naivete. Sorry for a bummer of a post, but hopefully someone will heed my advice in regards to keeping your bikes in the city!

Me TOO!! (Blu Dot for Target)

How have I not heard a lot of internet buzz or hubbub about the Blu Dot collaboration with Target, “TOO,” that came out online a few months ago? I am in love with some of these pieces! Given how beloved Blu Dot is is with the interior design crowd (especially the Strut table and the Real Good Chair) I would have thought this would’ve come across my radar by now.

I happened across the line while searching for dining chairs on Target.com… which is the kind of thing I do regardless of whether I have the money to buy them or not… what can I say? Online window shopping is definitely a hobby of mine.

Truthfully, I have been socking away some money for a big furniture purchase in the near future, the problem is that I’m mega torn between so many priorities. Bed & headboard versus new couch, versus media/entertainment unit… etc. The wish list goes on, unfortunately.

Naturally, after living here for almost 4 months (has it been that long already?) I’m thinking it’s time for a big fat shakeup of the furniture around the apartment. The first step might be the addition of a new (old) glass and chrome dining table from my parents’ garage… the possibility of this which means I will be in the market for new dining chairs. The wood dining table we got for free from my aunt is simply too cramped. It is a 4′ circle but only holds four chairs due to the leg placement. I think I would like something that can fit four comfortably and six in a pinch.

Anyway, along with a new (old) table would have to be new chairs. I love the look of these and think they would look awesome with the glass/chrome table… but I hesitate because I don’t want things to be “too modern.” Perhaps for someone who was more willing to commit to the totally modern look. I prefer the chartreuse ones (still such an “in” color!) but Doug leans toward the practical gray version.

TOO Blu Dot for Target

My second favorite selection from the TOO line is this funky media unit. According to the reviews, it comes with this fun yellow door, or a grey-brown alternate. Additionally, the reviews note that this is a great little piece of furniture–IF the package is treated with care during shipping. :/

TOO Blu Dot for Target

I’ve had media units on the brain for the past, um, four years and have yet to commit to one. The cheap ones are too generic and the ones I really like are out of my price range. The hunt continiues…

Below are some more favorites from the TOO line.

TOO Blu Dot for Target

1. Take A Seat pillow – love the blunt welcoming statement.
2. “Time” lounge chair – an awesome contrasting statement piece to pair with a solid colored sofa.
3. Daisy accent table – the wood and red combo would look good next to a sofa, as a bedside table, or as a plant stand… really this table could be used for anything!

Unfortunately the line is all online-only which bums me out because I like to see stuff in person before I buy. Still, I think a lot of this has some awesome potential for someone looking to inject some modern, punchy pieces into their living space for a fraction of the price!

Go ahead, check out the whole collection. What do you think?

2-Second Tip: Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are made of plastic for a reason: And that reason is MOLD.

Do not use a natural fiber rug outdoors.

This is what three days’ worth of rain quickly made of this natural fiber rug (World Market, 2006).

Do yourself a favor and if you’re going to decorate a patio, either paint a design straight on the concrete or purchase an outdoor rug. If you do so, you may spare yourself the loss of an old rug friend.