CHMomma's Profile
Author's Posts
February 13, 2009
Powder Room Corner Pedestal Sink
I'm looking for a small corner pedestal sink for a small powder room. Can anyone recommend a good resource with decent selection and reasonable prices?
Author's Comments
"you should respect the values of the supply house when you go into their place of business, no matter how foreign it seems to you" - Are you kidding me???
If you're interviewing contractors and get any attitude that you don't appreciate (whether you're male or female), end the discussion there, telling them they just lost any chance of the job. Money - or the absence thereof - talks.
BTW....I work in construction, BIG construction, and spend lots of time on site with the trades. When I get attitude I remind them that I'm a representative of the people that pay their (very big) contracts. I don't mind being called "ma'am" when it follows "I'm very sorry."
Posted by: CHMomma at November 6, 2009 10:28 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
"rental market is awful" = no renters OR no renting stock?
Posted by: CHMomma at November 4, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Rental Renovations
A "Dinging Room"?! I've always wanted one of those!
Posted by: CHMomma at November 3, 2009 10:10 AM in response to The Gingerbread House Hits the Market
I think I drove past these recently (from there too). Balconies overlook the loading dock of the Post Office on a particularly unattractive (even for Sheepshead) semi-retail strip. I couldn't imagine spending anywhere near that kind of money for the Bay (unless an old wood frame on an East # street...maybe).
Posted by: CHMomma at November 2, 2009 1:42 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay Gets Sexy
I've been keeping my eye on this in the hopes that there's a 3BR in there for us! But I'm a tad concerned about the cinderblock and rebar construction. Call me crazy, but I like seeing a little i-beam or similar structural support in permanent dwelling construction. Does the approach here mean that it can only be a story or two high?
Posted by: CHMomma at October 26, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Development Watch: 414 Hicks Street
Thanks for the jute/rope recommendations. I'll give it a try.
Posted by: CHMomma at October 26, 2009 2:16 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
I have several of these [peeling] in my apartment and I've often wondered if they can be wrapped in something that would not only protect the kids from heat but also look good and not easily torn or damaged by little fingers. Anyone have any ideas?
Posted by: CHMomma at October 23, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Heat Riser Rusted After Painting
Great. Now you can see my torn window screens. I'm happy the interior lights were off at the time.
Posted by: CHMomma at October 8, 2009 4:16 PM in response to new google maps street views
It looks like it's modeled after Lulu's on 5th, which is just fine - this place is closer. I'd just like to see more of a variety of toys....do we really need another outlet for Melissa and Doug toys at full price?
Posted by: CHMomma at September 18, 2009 10:53 AM in response to New Toy Store on Atlantic
I'm Brooklyn born and raised and really don't want to leave, particularly since my parents are still here and we want to be close. We live in a brownstone neighborhood (nope, not Park Slope) but only because I've been here since 1992 with the same landlord who understands the value of good tenants over market rate rents.
While our cash might equate to a 750K mortgage, it would not be realistic to depleat ourselves of our savings for the down payment. Plus, we'd have nothing left for any work we'd like to do (or to finally replace any of the Ikea furniture that stocks our place now!). Also, as I mentioned, the monthly payment for that kind of mortgage is not possible for us. Like I said, the down payment is not a problem, it's the monthlies.
We've been looking in Bay Ridge, Kensington and similar areas but find the inventory still pretty low of choices in public school zones that we are comfortable with and are still commutable for our jobs. Our eyes remain open and hope the new season brings more options....
Posted by: CHMomma at September 15, 2009 12:07 PM in response to New Rules for First-time Home Buyers
OK, so what's wrong with my picture? We have $145K CASH in the bank (by scrimping and saving over 10 years) yet still can't manage to find our Brooklyn starter home (which for us must include room for 3 kids). It's the monthlies that will get us...two more kids to get into public school and maybe we'll have a chance.
Posted by: CHMomma at September 15, 2009 11:06 AM in response to New Rules for First-time Home Buyers
i disagree - Thank you for your observation. So true!
orestes - "...move into a single family home." - If it were only as easy as having a single family house left to us or bought for us.
Only in Brooklyn is being/not being a parent a political statement by definition.
Posted by: CHMomma at September 8, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs
Has anyone here ever tried to make a toddler/preschooler sit down when they have extra energy to burn off?!!??
We had a similar situation with upstairs neighbors....3 year old doing laps for what seemed like hours at a time. We couldn't understand how they could let it happen and practically cursed the parents. Our kids are now 5, 2 and 2. Now we understand it....we should've been giving our upstairs neighbors sympathy.
(There is a drop ceiling between us and the downstairs neighbors who swear that they don't hear anything bothersome. And for the record, our kids are in bed by 8.)
Posted by: CHMomma at September 8, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Running Child Upstairs
Come to think of it, a newsstand may not be such a bad idea....at least you could grab a paper before the train. But I would be concerned about a newsstand that would force me to have an anatomy lesson with my toddlers on the way to daycare (actually, I'd be more concerned about my kids asking why mine aren't that big....).
Posted by: CHMomma at September 2, 2009 12:05 PM in response to Calming Traffic at Bergen and Smith
You can almost imagine the newsstand that someone will want to put on that spot....please tell me that there's some kind of restriction!
Posted by: CHMomma at September 2, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Calming Traffic at Bergen and Smith
That is one heckuva lucky au pair that gets the 4th floor of this beauty.
Posted by: CHMomma at August 18, 2009 3:19 PM in response to House of the Day: 315 Garfield Place
Ummm....where are the windows?
I know there are windows indicated in the floorplan but are they real? Does the B in the unit number indicate a basement level unit?
Posted by: CHMomma at August 18, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 145 Hicks Street, #B37
My guess is that what we're seeing is a final push for 1st time homebuyers to close in time to claim the tax credit. Let's see what happens as we get closer to December 1.
Posted by: CHMomma at August 5, 2009 9:55 AM in response to U.S. Homes Sales on the Rise
Parents are going to have to put full window bars (like jail!) or the kids could just climb right over them like a ladder. Instead, they may have to put some kind of lock on the window that limits on how wide the windows can open. I was also thinking about screens....also on the inside? Hmmm.....
Posted by: CHMomma at July 30, 2009 3:07 PM in response to Development Watch: Windows for Sackett
CHMomma wrote a review about Carroll Gardens Classic Diner on July 2, 2009 1:22 PM
It's the classic diner that every Brooklyn neighborhood should have. Homemade cole slaw to die for (with raisins!), burger deluxe platters falling off the plate, darn good pancakes.....
Staff is unbelievably accommodating....twice they have come through for me when there was a sudden (24 hour notice) need to feed 20 family members for dinner in a place accessible by stroller and wheelchair alike.
I especially love how you can see trees "all grown up" (I'd like to think they're the same...).
Posted by: CHMomma at May 19, 2009 10:22 AM in response to Maple Street, Then and Now
I read somewhere amongst the blogs that it's the 3-story annex in the back that is coming down. You can see the annex from the satellite images on Google Maps.
Posted by: CHMomma at May 8, 2009 2:50 PM in response to 217 Court Coming Down?
Hey, I'm a lowly neighborhood [way below-market] renter of a stoopless building.
Posted by: CHMomma at May 7, 2009 10:23 AM in response to Building Collapse at 217 Court Street
I'll miss passing through the gathering of methadone clinic patrons in the mornings.....
Posted by: CHMomma at May 7, 2009 10:13 AM in response to Building Collapse at 217 Court Street
I wouldn't expect anything more than repairs equivalent to a band-aid here. That sidewalk shed has been there for more than a year and from what I can tell, the shoring was likely a direct order after bricks started to fall (again). Mr. Q hasn't shown much interest in this property since he acquired it....
Posted by: CHMomma at April 22, 2009 10:27 AM in response to Major Repairs Starting at 129 Congress Street
Amazing photo series. Just the thought of falling down one of those shaftways is enough to scare the %$#% out of me.
I wonder what Mr. Q would say knowing that someone was walking around over there. Then again, he's been a little busy trying to keep 364 Henry from crumbling...
Posted by: CHMomma at April 16, 2009 10:46 AM in response to Inside the Red Hook Grain Terminal
CHMomma wrote a review about Ted & Honey on April 9, 2009 1:32 PM
Actually, it was me that needed to use the loo and I was alone at the time.
I understand that they keep the seating to a minimum to just so they are not obliged to to make its loo publicly available. Just something to keep in mind as one lingers for brunch...
CHMomma wrote a review about Ted & Honey on April 9, 2009 12:14 PM
Given that this place is right across Verandah from Cobble Hill Park, wouldn't you consider this more Central Cobble Hill, rather than Cobble Hill West?
In any case, the mediocre coffee is overpriced, and they are not family friendly. Strollers have been met with practical sneers (and are nearly impossible to bring in now with the vestibule), and heaven-forbid you ask to use the loo. Still, it's good to have someplace to go for a spontaneous picnic in the park, tho I really miss the Delicatessen.
CGFan...Thanks for reminding me of the options that are increasing in D15, and yes, we do plan on continuing our investment in the community as long as we can afford it. I've lived in Brooklyn my whole life and in CH since 1991 don't want to ever leave. But I've made it this long only due to the generosity of an incredible landlord who understands the real value of a good tenant over market-rate rent (I count my blessings...).
Posted by: CHMomma at April 6, 2009 9:52 AM in response to The public school effect
Leave it on the curb and I'm sure that whatever it is, someone will make a new home for it (within 15 minutes or so).
Posted by: CHMomma at April 4, 2009 9:13 PM in response to Throwing away large items
People have been tripping over each other for years to get their children (whether or not already born) zoned for PS 29. I think that is a major contributor for the increase in values here....I remember when this was the cheap alternative to Brooklyn Heights. Buying a place here can save you more than $150K in private school costs (conservatively estimated at $25K/year).
But as I prepare for my son to start kindergarten there in the fall, I'm already wondering what the options will be for middle school. I can only hope that the new families stay in the neighborhood and make the investments for the after-elementary options, instead of opting for the 'burbs for grade 6 and on. If they do that now, they'll make it possible for us to stay in 2015.
Posted by: CHMomma at April 4, 2009 9:06 PM in response to The public school effect
Sounds like you might also have a conflict of issue issue if you have the contractor too involved in the inspections. Coordination may be as close as they should get.
Posted by: CHMomma at April 3, 2009 4:11 PM in response to Concerns about Contractor
MAZEL TOV!
Posted by: CHMomma at April 2, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Brownstoner Monthly Traffic Tops 1.5 Million Pageviews
Corcoran has a listing for the building for $4.5 million....
Posted by: CHMomma at March 11, 2009 1:10 PM in response to 110 Amity Back Up for Sale
I wonder which lot gets the abandoned car as the added bonus.....It's been sitting on the lot since the trucks were there for the clean out.
Posted by: CHMomma at March 9, 2009 10:43 AM in response to 110 Amity Back Up for Sale
I love Cobble Hill! Unfortunately, I'm a long-time renter, not owner. I remember when apartments here going for 350K for 2BRs. I think 425k (location, location, location) might be more realistic for this one.
CobbleHillMomma
Posted by: CHMomma at March 5, 2009 2:00 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 220 Congress Street, #6D
And just yesterday, I saw a rather large rat frolicking in the snow on the [indoor] Brooklyn-bound 4/5 platform at Borough Hall. This was during the morning rush. I guess the snow had blocked its usually scurry holes...
Posted by: CHMomma at March 3, 2009 11:20 AM in response to Boom Times for Pests
Henny Penny? Is that you?
Posted by: CHMomma at February 17, 2009 10:21 AM in response to How Bad Could It Get?
I've heard that there is a string of houses along Henry St in Cobble Hill that have/had underground tunnels connecting them. In the good ol' days, they were used for escape in the event one of the houses were raided.
Posted by: CHMomma at January 31, 2009 9:46 PM in response to Mysterious tunnel
Cetus....corner of Congress and Henry is owned by the slum lord who lives/owns a couple of doors down on Henry (and who parks his Land Rover in the driveway of the carriage house). I hear he's fighting with his daddy over the property.
Posted by: CHMomma at January 27, 2009 1:53 PM in response to LICH Liquidation Underway
If only the proceeds were to be used to settle LICH debt and not pad the pockets of Continuum Health Partners.
Posted by: CHMomma at January 27, 2009 10:54 AM in response to LICH Liquidation Underway
It's a rather convenient service station to have there, esp. on those days, with hours left, the little sticker in my window suddenly indicates that the inspection was due. Those guys always claimed that new wiper blades were required to pass inspection, but that was an extra 20 bucks I was willing to pay for the 1 day service and three block walk.
Posted by: CHMomma at January 16, 2009 12:04 PM in response to Atlantic Avenue Shell Station: Re-Open or Re-Develop?
It's just so obvious that the people doing the work are right-handed......
Posted by: CHMomma at January 2, 2009 10:57 PM in response to What do you think of this concrete floor?
CHMomma wrote a review about The Moxie Spot on December 18, 2008 10:10 PM
I just wish it was more stroller friendly inside. I have 1 yo twins and the stairs are just not practical.
I like what I hear about Jersey City but I have 3 young schoolage kids. Anyone know what the schools are like "out there"?
Posted by: CHMomma at December 17, 2008 2:03 PM in response to has anyone ever had any luck with housing lotteries?
My number also came up for a housing lottery. I have the opportunity to buy one of the Red Hook Houses units offered by the Fifth Avenue Committee. It's a 3BR 1.5 bath coop and if there's a terrace, it's $596K. Not sure if that's even a good deal anymore.
Posted by: CHMomma at November 30, 2008 10:11 PM in response to Brownstone Lottory winner
Hmmmm.....Let's think about this....the hospital is around more than 140 years, then Continuum takes over and within another 10 years, the hospital is on the brink of bankruptcy? Gotta wonder....
Posted by: CHMomma at November 24, 2008 3:35 PM in response to Cobble Hill Wants LICH Hospital, Not Condos
RobertMosesJr....it's #4 that's been renovated and I believe it's staying in the family....bummer. I had dibs. And someone was actually living in it until it was sold. It just looked vacant, and haunted.
Posted by: CHMomma at November 20, 2008 11:55 AM in response to AMNY Does Cobble Hill
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
eman1234
since when is making a pass at a woman considered a culture?
You't can't imagine how many men bug the crap outta me on a daily basis.
Tis the season to be jolly.........
Posted by: Ysabelle at November 6, 2009 10:20 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
Listen, the reality is that women get hazed in stereotypically male work environments, and shouldn't need tougher skin than men in similar positions but absolutely do.
As a woman who has worked on way more jobsites than offices, I have survived and thrive because I have a very dirty mouth, am not afraid of conflict and am just about impossible to offend. I also go ahead and sympathize with how weird it looks to see a tiny blonde woman lifting a 100-lb bag of cement, actively point out that I am smaller than my co-workers, and generally don't try to act like everything's normal. I am a novelty, and honestly it's easier and more honest to work with it than it is to work against it.
You can't change people, but you can behave as if you will be treated the way you want to be treated, and empathize with the fact that a lot of people in the trades have very little formal education, come from countries that are really sexist, and live in a much more gendered world than you do. This mixture of integrity and empathy is strong. It doesn't work instantly, and is more about developing relationships than negotiating the hardware store, but it works really well.
Posted by: vanburenproud at November 7, 2009 9:33 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
The surprising thing about this thread is it is full of women I had previously assumed were men.
Posted by: mopar at November 7, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
"The surprising thing about this thread is it is full of women I had previously assumed were men."
You sexist :-)
Posted by: denton at November 7, 2009 5:30 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
People who renovate brownstones are spending tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. And while doing so they're being told by people like eman and denton they have to just accept and try to fit into the "culture" of these workers?
Whatever. Not by me. I would never hire anybody who made comments like the ones that were listed. How about these contractors and workers trying harder to fit into MY culture as their employer? You know, like I have to do when I'm hired by somebody! I think that's argentina's main point, that the new "culture" of homeowners in the United States is this: Women are a significant group of homeowners and even when married are more often the boss on these jobs, so act professionally and with courtesy or you don't get hired.
Posted by: traditionalmod at November 8, 2009 8:20 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
I didn't say that, tmod. I think my post was a little more nuanced than that.
Posted by: denton at November 8, 2009 3:46 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
misogyny doesnt make a man a bad contractor. I'd rather find a good and honest contractor and deal w/ some backwards ideas than be stuck w/ a guy who tells me everything I want to hear but disappears 1/2 way through.
Posted by: slick at November 8, 2009 11:17 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
To slick:
Mysoginy and dissappearing from the job are not mutually exclusive.
to traditionalmod:
your post really gets the point I am making.
In this economy you can place yourself to an advantage by behaving professionally but overtly chauvinistic behavior is not professional and you will loose out financially. It's not about kumbaya moments it's respect for your client, you know the one that PAYS you.
I have heard so many comments from other women friends too numerous to list frankly, but they are intimidated by contractors...and contractors get away with stuff. I'm not intimidated and have fired people as well as developed long term relationships with contractors for specific trades over the years (plumbing, exterior work, mason)- guys I use repeatedly. In short I'm not a newbie and have done a lot of the work myself (with friends).The exchange in the electrical store really ticked me off. I was willing to let the proprietor get away with his dumb joke until his staffer piped in....not good.
Thank you all for posting your thoughts and weighing in.
Posted by: argentina at November 9, 2009 1:15 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
...another footnote.
Home renovation is stressful, that's universal for all homeowners;the dust, the cost, the unexpected delays, etc.To bring in someone that adds to that stress with their attitude is just foolish. A colleague who had her place done recently gave me condolences when I told her I was doing this project. She is a breast cancer survivor and said that was easier to deal with than her kitchen renovation. Yes it is a joke but the point is that the wrong contractor can make your life miserable for the duration.
Posted by: argentina at November 9, 2009 1:43 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
Link to professional women in construction. (Men are members also).
Link to Lenore Janis on the news, wrapped with her talking about Emily Roebling - an engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge.
http://www.pwcusa.org/flyers/video_small.mov
Posted by: masterbuilder at November 9, 2009 8:07 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
Also try the Magic Eraser, or the generics. It has removed permanent sharpie marker for me before (from a variety of surfaces). Don't know how those things work but they have saved my darling children more than once...
Posted by: CHMomma at November 13, 2009 3:32 PM in response to Marker on Wood Floor