Phrankly Philly

Baby, it’s cold outside and I’m starting to freeze.  With the cost of electricity at an all time high, I’m hesitant to turn on the heat.  I’m trying to save money anywhere I can, so I took it to the web to find the answer to the popular question: Do portable space heaters save money? I prayed for a  “yes” because I found this adorable Max fan/heater, above, from The MoMA Store for $99.

After some time researching, I discovered that if you use a space heater for 8 hours per day, it will cost you roughly $20/month.  Check out this Electric Bill Estimator.  You can calculate the cost for dozens of home appliances.  It’s extremely useful.

I recently purchased this vanity off of Craigslist for $30.  It needed a LOT of work and I wasn’t sure if I knew what I was getting into.  But, after a few weeks of sitting sadly in my bedroom, I couldn’t ignore the sad vanity anymore.  It was time for a face-lift.

With an electric sander, two cans of white glossy spray paint, one can of lacquer spray paint, and some wood filler, I brought this once depressing vanity back to life!  The entire project took one full day, including time for the paint to dry between coats.

One of my favorite sites, Apartment Therapy, often runs a series called Scavenger in which they publish great finds on Craigslist.  Well, unfortunately, they do not include the city of Philadelphia in their series.  This is where I come in.  I often scour the “for sale” pages of the site searching for that next great find!  Now, I’m going to share my results with you in my newest series called Craigslist Finds.

Up first are these really cool framed vintage maps.  You can see more info here:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/920702557.html

Go for it, make an offer!

Word on the street is that Dim Sum Garden Chinese restaurant is AMAZING!  I have not had the pleasure to try it out yet, but if anyone has, please let me know how it is.  Apparently the dumplings are out of this world.  I was also advised to ignore the rinky-dink exterior…it has no effect on the quality of the food.

Every morning I walk past a theater that was clearly a majestic place at one time.  It’s art-deco facade is absolutely gorgeous and I always hoped that there were plans in the works to restore it to its former state.  Well, I finally looked it up online and discovered that I’m not alone in my silent wishes.  Take a look at the website I discovered dedicated to the Boyd Theater, The Friends of The Boyd.  You can learn about the theater’s history, current state, and most importantly, the BIG plans that do, in fact, exist for the site!  It’s exciting, to say the least.

The Friends of the Boyd

I’m probably not allowed to keep this image up for long, and I’ll take it down if I ever get any trouble, but I’d just like to point out how hip and retro the wallpaper is in this scene of Disney’s Meet the Robinson.

It’s 50’s Danish modern meets 21st century cartoon and I think its a hit!

I watched to movie last night and while its adorable from beginning to end, I kept this wallpaper in my mind, thinking how it should be made in real life…something to think about.

If you adore Artemide’s lighting like I do, then you might be willing to make the drive next weekend to Long Island, NY for the Artemide Warehouse Sale.  The website is pretty vague and does not let on to which items will be on sale. But “80% off” is certainly up my alley and maybe with those type of discount, the normal person could afford a table lamp or two.  You’ll have to go to find out!

Artemide Warehouse Sale, November 14th, 15th, & 16th, 2008, 1980 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Let’s get one thing straight: I hate salads.  They taste like grass (or what I’d imagine grass to taste like) and there’s nothing to them.  I don’t mind the veggies/cheese/meats that traditionally go on them and usually find myself picking around the green stuff.

But then I stumbled upon the most delicious dressing at Whole Foods by the Art Musuem on Callowhill Street.  Its called GENJI GINGER MISO DRESSING and it’s so tasty.  While close to the watered down dressing you get on your salad at a Japanese restaurant, Genji’s version is thicker, richer, and more flavorful.

Two things to note:  First, It’s $4.99 for a small bottle so eat it wisely.  Don’t go passing it around the office or you’ll end up with an empty bottle.  Second, because the ingredients are so fresh, the expiration date is typically two weeks from when you purchase.

Genji Ginger Miso Dressing, Whole Foods Market, Callowhill Street (near 19th), 215.557.0015

Want to find an adorable pet boutique in the Back Bay of Boston?  Well, for a long time, you were out of luck.  Finally, the wait is over and Pawsh Boston has opened its doors to the public.  High quality treats (always tested first on the store’s mascot and muse Balki, a Boston Terrier), well made toys, the cutest clothing and accessories, and bath products suitable for human use are just some of the items you can find at Pawsh.

If you’re one of the many with a pet in the Back Bay or who simply find themselves strolling down Newbury Street one day, take a turn on Gloucester Street and look for Pawsh underneath Oak.  You and your pet won’t regret it.

The only question that remains is: When will one open in Philly???

www.pawshboston.com, 31 Gloucester Street (below Oak), Boston, 617.297.2045

What a October/November!  After decades of always losing…either our baseball team or the person most of us vote for in the Presidential election, we got two big winners tonight.  Based on the cheers and horns heard throughout the streets of Philadelphia, I can tell I’m not alone in my excitement.

Why the picture of Charlie Manuel?   He was my second choice for president.