9flights

Things I wish I could wear

via www.etsy.com

Pamela Tang it's like you crawled into my head and made the clothes I see myself wearing.

And those pockets look big enough to hold a Kindle.

Review of 9 By Design on Bravo

via www.bravotv.com

I was reading the comments on the Apartment Therapy post "Are you watching 9 by Design on Bravo?" and was completely annoyed by the devolved trolling about kids and overpopulation and complete lack of serious discussion about what the show is really about.  I, for one, watch and love the show.  Here is my reply to Apartment Therapy's question:

The Novogratz's are fascinating people.  Utterly fascinating.  One article about them printed a while ago (NYTimes or perhaps The New Yorker) compared them to Nicole and Dick Diver, a couple in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, which reminded me of one of my favorite lines from the book:

"Her naivete responded whole-heartedly to the expensive simplicity of the Divers, unaware of its complexity and its lack of innocence, unaware that it was all a selection of quality rather than quantity from the run of the world's bazaar; and that the simplicity of behavior also, the nursery-like peace and good will, the emphasis on the simpler virtues, was part of a desperate bargain with the gods and had been attained through struggles she could not have guessed at." 

Much of the Novogratz's history as a couple is available to read on the internet, and can be read about in their book Downtown Chic, so I won't repeat too much here.  But it is important to note that they both came from large families.  This is obviously a cultural factor in their own decision to have a big family. 

But what I find even more fascinating is the Novogratz family history, and its history of success.  I'm not sure what sort of success Cortney's side of the family has, but it's probably quite impressive as well.  Robert's siblings range from a very successful venture capitalist, Michael Novogratz, to best-selling author and TED speaker Jacqueline Novogratz, "founder and CEO of Acumen Fund, a non-profit global venture fund  that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty," says her wikipedia file.  And there are several other siblings as well, perhaps just as successful if not as public. 

What is it about their upbringing that makes them all so successful?  I would love to learn more.  For some reason, I also thought I read somewhere that their grandfather was an artist, but I can't find mention of it anywhere now, so I'm not sure that's true.

One thing is clear in watching the show:  They know how to maneuver and negotiate and thrive in a very difficult environment: New York City, real estate and development, lots of kids, and being successful design professionals without having degrees.  They are opportunistic in the most creative of ways.  Sure, they probably have opportunities available to them that most of us wouldn't have, including access to people with money, but opening just a few doors can lead to myriad more, and they seem to be on a bit of a roll now.  That is impressive.

Back in the early 2000's I went to a few of Robert's New Year's Eve parties and they were quite the NYC fabulous events (except for the liquor lines and the getting home afterwards).  Having worked with one of his relatives (not sure if it was a younger brother or cousin), I get a kick out of watching and listening to Robert.  My co-worker was hilarious, a really sincerely nice person, and lots of fun, plus he knew where the good parties were.  So I get the sense that the Novogratz's would be great fun to know, too.  Authentic.

While watching the show or reading their book you won't get much design "how to", you will see their negotiation skills and their creative intuition at work.  And that is downright inspiring.

The missing ö

via mjolk.ca

When I met my husband and learned his last name, I have to admit, I was worried. Most Americans make us sound like back teeth. Even our dentist and his hygienists got a chuckle when we showed up for back-to-back appointments not long after we were married. "The Mollers are here for their cleanings!" They called through the office. Moller/Molar, yes, haha, very funny! Oy.

I always thought I would single-handedly bring the umlaut back to the Moller clan! I was going to fill out my new social security paperwork as Susan Möller. Even the guy at the passport desk at Schipol Airport could say our name with pizzaz - Moerler or something like that (small r in the middle). It sounded wonderful!

At last, I've found our ö. Can we, please, Mr. 9flights?

Lately working on . . .

Sorting my art and craft supplies on our new Elfa shelves. I haven't seen most of this stuff in almost 2 years. Hello old friends, what would you like to make today?  There is a matching set of shelves on the other side of the sliding doors, holding our computer station.  Still all really messy, but coming together.  Amazing how long it takes to do things like this with 3 under 3 to care for.

These shelves are a new addition to our giant family room which is now becoming quite full.  Full of toys, furniture, shelving, and color!  The next addition to the room will be a new sofa.  I've been visiting her weekly on the Ikea website, and whenever we go to the store I test her out to be sure she's comfortable.  Her name is Tylosand, but I will call her Tylo when she gets here next month.

via www.ikea.com

City on a shelf

Almost 2 years now, away from my city. Squirreled away in the countryside in a house with straight lines, low ceilings, no shelves. But now I have shelves. Lots and lots. And a place for my city.

(City in a Bag by Muji)

Baby It's Cold Outside: High/Low

Lest I kid myself into thinking I'll actually be able to pull off yesterday's cold weather wish list, I've put together a Low version based more on the reality of the situation.  I've kept the hat, though.  Noone else seems to carry anything equivalent that I would be caught dead in, and it's under $50.

1. Kubla Cap in Cream at Sundance

2. Toasty wrist warmers, a free knitting pattern by a friend to knit with knitted in orange wool (a project to find yarn for!)

3. My own Banana Republic toggle coat in black, from 4 or 5 years ago, very similar to this one.

4. Autumn Afternoons Cardigan in charcoal, a free knitting pattern by Lion Brand that I have about 1/2 knitted.

5. Quest PAC boots at Dick's Sporting Goods

There.  About $500 cheaper!

Baby It's Cold Outside

A neighbor told me that during his first winter 30 years ago here in the Catskills they got 40 feet of snow.  They haven't seen that much since then, he said.  I'm not sure I could handle that much snow.  So far this year we've had a little over a foot, so maybe we're on track for a big one.  If it keeps up I will need supplies:

1. Kubla Cap in Cream at Sundance

2. Wrist Worms in Rust by Sandra Juto

3. Bean's Warm and Light 3/4 coat in Black Coffee by L.L. Bean

4. Kimono Sweater in Cozy at Sundance

5. Tall Adirondack Boot by Ugg at Garnet Hill