slim pickings...

Posted by: bupe at August 27, 2010 1:25 PM in response to Open House Picks

The couple who runs it is really sweet - and while dogs are not allowed in the store, the lady shop keeper always gives a treat to a dog waiting outside.

Agreed about high quality of produce/misc stuff there.

Posted by: bupe at August 20, 2010 4:10 PM in response to Fruit and Veggie Market Expanding on 7th

On another super-cool note, a few weeks after the tour we got a hand-written note (who does that anymore?) about a chair we had completely different provenance on. Turns out to be even older and cooler than the restorer told us - and we found it on the street!

Posted by: bupe at August 13, 2010 5:13 PM in response to Has Your House Been on a Tour?

Our house was on PS tour last year - great experience, IMO. The "casing" is a stupid myth, and nobody from the city will show to "catch" any irregularities.

Most people are overwhelmingly positive. The sitters are very professional. You get great flower arrangements (that's what sold me!).

It did push the husband and me to get a small piece of furniture for under-TV gadgets (another major positive!).

Plus, you get some research done on your house gratis - we found out some very cool things, including the actual date the house was built/occupied.

Posted by: bupe at August 13, 2010 5:10 PM in response to Has Your House Been on a Tour?

Mopar - you've answered your own questions!

Although, there are now not only jets, but also 'air baths' - small holes that pump out hot air. Some people prefer those - and it's safe to use oils/salts in them b/c water never gets into the pumps (as it does with jet tubs).

Posted by: bupe at August 12, 2010 4:25 PM in response to Jacuzzi Tub - Worth It?

We have 3 bathrooms; a 'jacuzzy' (Kohler version) is in the guest bathroom. The guests love it - and we have lots of guests.

From past experience, the husb and I knew we would never use it - so in our "en suite", it's just a shower, albeit a nice one (no steam though).

Posted by: bupe at August 12, 2010 3:49 PM in response to Jacuzzi Tub - Worth It?

That picture make me hungry! Brighton beach, I assume? Or are we getting a Rego Park/Kew Gardens?

Posted by: bupe at August 9, 2010 9:16 AM in response to Monday Links

Woo-hoo! Still out!

(paint your facade pepto-bismol pink while you still can if you are in the expansion area!)

Posted by: bupe at August 9, 2010 9:14 AM in response to Park Slope Historic District Likely to Expand

The in-ground pool would be a minus for most people (safety, insurance, maintenance).

And yes, the fish would eat the larvae.

Posted by: bupe at August 6, 2010 2:27 PM in response to Open House Picks

It's not crazy awesome - just crazy. To pay close to $2MM (after that reduction!) and to have to rethink the layout to make the place liveable (while preserving the detail that makes it interesting) is just nuts.

Just saying.

Posted by: bupe at August 5, 2010 3:05 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 220 Columbia Heights, Reduced

Yes, like.

Posted by: bupe at July 21, 2010 10:02 AM in response to Modern on Prospect Place

M4L - I fainted. Then I called a few more contractors - and mopar has it down; at 200k you could have a VERY livable house. Throw in another $100k on "finishing touches" and you could have a gem featured on the Park Slope Civic Society House and Garden Tour :)

In total - from a 17x23 to a 17x45 (all three floors), squeaking under $300k - that included a lot of sweat equity and exchanges (designer friend in LA - flown out to NY for pride, put up in a hotel for a week - using points, miles, etc).

Posted by: bupe at July 12, 2010 9:08 PM in response to House of the Day: 65 South Elliott Place

Just don't call Sean Dineen for that gut reno - our house was in similar condition, and when he drove by in his Escalade, he was very succinct: $300-400K per floor.

Posted by: bupe at July 12, 2010 4:55 PM in response to House of the Day: 65 South Elliott Place

Is this a new blogging standard practice - to end at least half their posts with a question? (can you tell I am Jewish?)

Posted by: bupe at June 29, 2010 1:40 PM in response to House of the Day: 25 Polhemus Place

Lived in a 2BR that was 1000 sq ft - one bedroom was decently sized, the other could hold a couch and a smallish writing desk (ie office/guest room). 3BR in 1500 sq ft? Who needs two offices?

Though that deck is NICE! I'd sleep there.

Posted by: bupe at June 24, 2010 2:07 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 110 Livingston Street, #4G

Oooh, the dragonboat festival - I've only seen pictures. Are you talking about the one in Laos, Dibs?

Posted by: bupe at June 16, 2010 9:27 AM in response to Open Thread

As a stroller-weilding parent in Park Slope, I really resent the whole stereotype of the SUV strollers. Yes, the wheels are larger - but that's because the sidewalks are really REALLY bad (the stroller umbrella can be a serious hazard to the occupant, the pusher and bystanders because of sudden stops - usually unplanned).

I DO NOT own a Bugaboo, but a Valco (Ebay - $250!). And I hate PSP. And the moment my kid hits 3, stroller goes on Craig's list (ok, no promises there).

Posted by: bupe at June 15, 2010 1:33 PM in response to Where The Kids Are Alright

I never found Moutarde to be disgusting - it was always a great stand-by when Al Di La wait stretched beyond half hour... Haven't been to the new iteration, but am more than willing to give it a try.

Favorite French dish was at the *original* (just trying to keep up with all the asterisks) Moutarde - their scallops were perfect in every way.

For a great *to go* patisserie, try Almondine outpost in S. Slope - too bad they don't bake their goods there. Colson is not too shabby either (yes, they are Belgian).

Savory choices: Belleville (LOVE their fondue).

Posted by: bupe at June 10, 2010 11:15 AM in response to Moutarde Gets a Makeover, Reopens

Doing a raised bed will really limit you to the kind of plants you can put in (ie nothing with a deep root system, and def. no trees - maybe a dwarf japanese maple). So yes, please take out the concrete!!!

I live on a block with several concrete front-yards, and I have talked to neighbors about taking out those yards and I would do all the gardening work to make it look pretty (it's not that hard!). So far, no takers.

Posted by: bupe at June 8, 2010 10:45 AM in response to Frontyard Garden

OMG, there is a child already living in that deathtrap... Somebody call ACS! I don't care how 'cool/well designed' this space is - this is an accident waiting to happen (or already did, and that was a reality check that prompted a move).

Children aside - imagine trying to get into that bed while inebriated.

Posted by: bupe at June 7, 2010 5:57 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 96 Schermerhorn Street, #7G

Swap the "living" and "dining" rooms. The fifth floor seems pretty superfluous - good if you are a hoarder. And yes, I am insanely in love with it.

Posted by: bupe at May 26, 2010 8:12 PM in response to House of the Day: 858 Carroll Street

If they have good sukiyaki, I am all for it. Still, a pho place is SO needed in SPS.

Posted by: bupe at May 26, 2010 11:33 AM in response to More Sushi for Park Slope

The husband and I started with a condo in SSP that was a commercial conversion - I love the modern aesthetic, he - not so much. When we got (and gutted) our row-house Victorian, it didn't even enter my mind to 'loft it out.'

The person who renovated this building should have gotten him/herself a couple of joining units in the Ansonia - and this would have been a great reno style there.

Posted by: bupe at May 24, 2010 2:53 PM in response to House of the Day: 144 Lincoln Place

There is something v. similar-looking in South PS...

Posted by: bupe at May 24, 2010 2:46 PM in response to Development Watch: 168 Havemeyer Street

Having passed this development every day on the way to work, can I just tell you how much tax $$$ is wasted on construction workers standing around and doing nothing??? OK, I will - a LOT.

Posted by: bupe at May 20, 2010 4:09 PM in response to Bed Stuy's The Shelton Tops Off

"bring a book (or Nook)" - stick a finger down my throat.

Posted by: bupe at May 20, 2010 1:28 PM in response to House of the Day: 12 Warren Place

@Is it because urban pigeons derive from Rock Pigeons, and therefore prefer ledges of buildings as nesting sites, since they resemble the cliffs of yore?

YES. If your backyard has a reasonably high fence and nothing inside, the pigeons will come and visit. Low fence and lots of landscaping - no pigeons. (and, obviously, cats won't visit an empty backyard with a high fence, but would rather look for goodies under the bushes of an easily accessible one).

If you install feeders designed to attrack certain birds - they will come.

Posted by: bupe at May 18, 2010 12:04 PM in response to Why No Pigeons in the Back Yard?

All the interior photos are of a single room. Yikes - this does not bode well for the rest of the house.

Granted, I bought a house that was advertised on CL and had no pictures, but I knew that (at that price) it would HAVE to be a total gut (which it was).

Posted by: bupe at May 11, 2010 2:15 PM in response to House of the Day: 135 Bainbridge Street

Yeah, after shelling out $2MM on the house, I'd force my kids to pee out of window - no renovations for a while! Except for that elevator thing (how else can one get to their bedroom when s/he are drunk?)

Posted by: bupe at May 10, 2010 3:32 PM in response to House of the Day: 564 2nd Street

I'd put in an elevator (and more bathrooms).

Posted by: bupe at May 10, 2010 1:48 PM in response to House of the Day: 564 2nd Street

Hey, man - I have no idea what you are talking about, fsrq!

Posted by: bupe at May 10, 2010 10:50 AM in response to 70 Willow Street Hits Market

I've got one word for you (tree cutters): entropy.

Posted by: bupe at May 6, 2010 9:35 AM in response to Open Thread

That just made my day! Good going, TWC!

Posted by: bupe at May 6, 2010 9:11 AM in response to My Cat's Breath Smells Like Cat Food*

DIBS - this is so COOL! During the stress test, they infuse a substance called Thallium (google it) as a tracer.

This actually makes me feel somewhat safer - there is at least one place in NYC where they monitor for radioactivity (hopefully, it is also done beyond St. P's cathedral!)

Posted by: bupe at May 4, 2010 9:33 AM in response to Open Thread

True dat, Jonathan Miller (from two new development purchases experience. Still in major pain - many years later).

Posted by: bupe at May 3, 2010 11:40 AM in response to The Appeal of Almost New

Wow. St. V's goes down...

Posted by: bupe at April 30, 2010 9:29 AM in response to Open Thread

Sorry, I guess Pigeon and Slopefarm expressed my advice better. The idea of a "buyer's agent" is almost unheard of NY - even if someone proposes such a thing to you, it's a marketing ploy to get you into the company.

I picked Corcoran b/c personal experiences - they did a great job selling our old place, but in the end, the buyers were screwed (misrepresentation by the Corco broker and lack of due dilligence by the buyers' attny).

In other words, caveat emptor.

Posted by: bupe at April 29, 2010 1:31 PM in response to Good Park Slope RE Agent

I would say do not go with Corcoran - they are great if you want to sell the place, not buy the place...

Posted by: bupe at April 29, 2010 11:14 AM in response to Good Park Slope RE Agent

Didn't we just all swooned over another building that was covered with black subway tile (no doubt of interior variety)?

Permastone is far worse, IMO.

Posted by: bupe at April 28, 2010 12:16 PM in response to Bathroom Tile Exterior in Greenwood Heights

I don't think Ratner will want to fool around with Prokhorov's team's new home. It will be top notch or else. Go Russkis!

Posted by: bupe at April 26, 2010 4:15 PM in response to Barclays Watch: Deep Dig

Thank you for going there, dibs. HA!

Posted by: bupe at April 26, 2010 11:26 AM in response to Lesbians Sniff Out Values in Kensington

I have the same problem with my 16 mo old... The time between nanny leaving and end of business day, there is a lot of online fisherprice gaming hapenning on my PC. (Check it out, BoHill - it's a good diversion that's actually interactive with the kid - whether you want to involve yourself or not is totally up to you!)

Posted by: bupe at April 26, 2010 10:36 AM in response to Open Thread

"oh please. tell that to the gays who think 25 is over the hill :-/"

The ones prancing all over the place in PS? I remember being at the Excelsior when the Heatherette crew was there - maybe getting inspiration? Richie Rich has seen better days.

Posted by: bupe at April 26, 2010 10:22 AM in response to Open Thread

So when to expect the "hate on PS" feature this week? Not that we need an advanced notice given the same-old rehash of arguments past...

Posted by: bupe at April 26, 2010 10:14 AM in response to Open Thread

Love.

The floor-plans look like there were done for the last reno of the house. Not sure if needs a "gut" reno - but certainly a LOT of work.

Posted by: bupe at April 22, 2010 1:59 PM in response to House of the Day: 220 Rugby Road

So, it seems that DG is not a hero afterall. If he was that principalled, he would have been the captain of the ship leaving it last and watching it sink (or sinking with it).

Instead, we have some shmoe who got a nice chunk of change, the arena is still going up, and the money wasted to fight "the good fight" was also tax-payers money - who do you think payed for all those trials?

Posted by: bupe at April 22, 2010 11:26 AM in response to Stunner: Goldstein Takes $3 Million Buyout

And the debate will go on forever...

Has anybody seen the Bloomberg profile on Prokhorov?

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601108&sid=aF9Tel_2lNpA

This guy will make sure that HIS team will not be housed in a shabbily designed stadium in a crappy area. White knight? Well, at least he has very deep pockets, will not ask tax payers for $$, and can actually dunk!

And snappy, no offence, but you didn't have to follow the AY debacle that closely to have heard of the original designs and what happened to them as a result of DG stalling tactics (and thus approval of the project in the midst of a recession, instead of sometime in the bubble).

Posted by: bupe at April 21, 2010 12:12 PM in response to ESDC Seeks Final Evictions Today

Yep, sign me up with ENY here. DG used every considerable maneuver even when the writing was very much on the wall - and cost us a project that would have been well funded and added something very interesting to the fabric of downtown Brooklyn.

So my sympathies (while not with developer), are not with the trust fund baby.

Posted by: bupe at April 21, 2010 9:58 AM in response to ESDC Seeks Final Evictions Today

ET - when you say city, do you mean Manhattan? B/c everywhere we went in Bklyn, it was hopping...

Posted by: bupe at April 19, 2010 11:04 AM in response to Open Thread

I think the location is far from sweet - AY is coming... The house is cute, but not worth $2MM. Who can actually sleep in a bedroom that 12x7 - other than an infant?

Posted by: bupe at April 15, 2010 2:44 PM in response to House of the Day: 62 Prospect Place