A cable box shaped hole has appeared under our T.V.

Mmm, Downton.

A large, cable-box shaped hole has appeared between our XBox and several books under the TV.  It seems that Aaron has finally (and rather exuberantly) sent it back to Verizon.

I'd been lobbying to try a cable'ess lifestyle for quite some time, safe in the knowledge it would never work, because of the YES Network (Yankees).  And then, after a week of post-work TV binging, and very little talking, Aaron pulled the plug.

I didn't notice for three days, and then we couldn't watch Mad Men, and then I noticed.  And yet, this season has been so bleh, so I got over it.

Then Aaron ordered a digital antenna.  It turns out we get about 100 HD channels for free, courtesy of the air.  We got a Mohu antenna, which we velcro'ed to the back of the T.V.  It was $35, which is a far cry from the $140 a month we were paying only a year ago when we had two cable boxes on top of internet.  We're now down to about $65 a month for FiOS internet only, including all taxes and fees, which still seems high.  ::looks up other providers::  Oo, RCN will do $35 / mo. for three years! A switch might be in the works...

Goodbye bunny ears, this little sticker goes on the back of your T.V.

Our digital antenna has been fun, like the fun you would have in Dr. Brown's Delorean, or the land before time.  Ironically, Aaron is still getting his fill of the Yankees, since all the interesting games are nationally televised.

In addition to the land before time, our T.V. seems built for this brave new cable'less world.  Check out the premium menu:

We're still doing online-only Netflix and we use Amazon for new movies and shows.  And, being married to the super brain, we have wirelessly networked any downloaded video directly into the T.V., so all I have to do is press 'network' on the remote, and Downton Abbey magically appears.

All in all, no regrets.  We started out last year with two T.V.'s, and two cable boxes, and we're now down to one T.V. and no cable box, and we're saving money, reading more, and spending more time together.

What do you think of the bold minimalist moves happing at Casa Karp? Do we have any who have already given up cable, or are considering it?

One Brooklyn Modern's Tourist Guide to New York City

A friend recently emailed me for suggestions on where to go and what to do in New York.  I recently emailed another friend for the same advice on New Orleans, and he had a whole word document ready to go, which inspired me to get as organized, for this New York bound friend.

And so, this is the One Brooklyn Modern's Tourist Guide to New York City:

Food is the primary reason to visit New York, and never leave.  I'll start with cheap eats and work my way up.

• Burger Joints - If you're into burgers, and who isn't, grab one on The Star on 18 Diner on 18th and 10th.  It's one of my little known secrets.  Their burgers are of the huge variety, they're greasy, and they fall apart.  Second to this burger, I obviously enjoy Shake Shack, but there are long lines, and other tourists, and we don't want you to be at the level of other tourists.  If you do go to Shake Shake, try to aim for an obscure one -- the one on the Upper East Side on 86th street usually isn't that busy.  Third favorite is the Burger Joint which is hidden behind a curtain in the Parker Meridian hotel in Midtown.  It's a hole in the wall (literally), no windows, so lets hope the place never catches on fire.  It's the kind of place that I imagine once was secretive, but now there is a line into the lobby that makes it feel touristy.  And yet, amazing burgers.

• Pizza - Joe's Pizza, on Carmine and 6th Ave., is our staple.  I get the margarita pizza vs. the traditional cheese pizza, and find it delectable.  Husband goes for cheese pizza.  Beyond Joe's, I don't want you to go to a pizza place that has a massive line, the diminishing returns start the second you join that line.  In general, pizza made at local businesses in New York is extremely good, and there are pizza places everywhere.  We also like Bleeker Street Pizza, oddly located on 7th Avenue, and not on Bleeker Street (yet, close to it).  You can sit down there.  Lastly, if you're uptown

• Hot Dogs - Gray's Papaya.  There are three left in the city, and a bunch of knock offs (that are really just as good), but who could miss the original? The recession special was $2.75 when I was a student; don't ask me what it is now.  It's two dogs and fresh papaya juice, which kind of cancels out the fact that your stomach needs to digest two hot dogs.  I always went to the one on 6th Avenue and 8th Street.

• Bagels - My favorite place is Bagels on The Square (located right next to Joe's Pizza in The Village).  Grab one for breakfast and eat it in Father Demo Square right across the street.  It's a newly renovated park, with a fountain, and it overlooks a church.  Not to mention, perfect bagels, and blazingly fast service.

There are other cheap eats, like Mamoun's on MacDougal street, which sells falafels, but I've never been a falafel girl.

Oh, wait, one more, Grom, have to get gelato at Grom.  It's from Italy, and I'm quite sure elves make it.

Ok, now onto expensive eats.

Brunch - We don't really have lunch in New York; it's brunch.  If it's taking place at a restaurant, it dosen't involve clients, and it is before 5pm, it's brunch.

• BG - Situated atop Bergdorff Goodman, this little jewel overlooks central park.  In addition to a light brunch menu, they also have afternoon tea service.  It's a little feminine in there, husbands beware :)

• Sarabeth's - I drool just thinking about the jam assortments.  Careful of the weekend rush, it can be most annoying.

• Cookshop - I once ran into Hugh Jackman here, so, +100 points for Cookshop.  One of the best brunch places in New York.

• Pastis - If for some reason you're in the mood for a French brunch, instead of an American brunch.

Dinner - A perfect dinner in New York isn't something that takes place before a show, it is the show.

• The River Cafe  - I'll say two things, the first is that the tasting menu is the best meal I've had in my life, and the second is that we loved this place so much, we got married here.

• Blue Water Grill - American fusion with a little Japanese influence, plus live jazz in the basement at night.

• Atlantic Grill - Owned by the same people who own Blue Water Grill, but uptown, and less fusion.  I suggest the lobster.

Alright, now that you're stuffed and thrilled, it is time to think about things to do in New York.  I mostly go to work and come home, but on occasion I venture out to do something other than eat.  These things include:

• Parks - Central Park, the High Line, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are my favorites.
• Shows - Oh how I want to see The Book of Mormon.
• Museum - Obviously The Met, MoMA, The Whitney, The New Museum...
• Movies - While you're in town, New York shows movies they don't show anywhere else, check out the Angelika Film Center for some off the beaten path films that beg to be analyzed.

And if you're up for some shopping...

• SoHo - A staple for retailers large and small.
• West Village - All the boutique versions of Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, etc. It's a walk down Bleeker Street.

Alright, that's all I can think up for now, but I hope this helps my soon-to-be savvy New Yorker friends, and those of us who live here and need another burger crawl.

Pinterest Inspiration

For those of you who haven't been avidly following me on Pinterest, don't fret, I'll catch you up now...

q

All the sources can be found on my Beautiful Homes board.

From the Desk of Thomas O'Brien

Hrrm, it looks like Thomas O'Brien started a blog, and err no one knows about it! Thomas, I adore you, stop hiding your content.

Is that 77 likes I see?

Well, I'm a fan of buried treasure, and this blog does not disappoint.  It's filled with droll-worthy pictures from Aero, his store, it appars to be penned by O'Brien, but who knows, that seems too good to be true, and there are tips, like framing pictures.  Fun, fun, and winning.

Check out some of these gush'tastic pictures.

I need all of these things.

Snuggle chair.

Thomas' hand self portrait, so cool.

I need more leather ottomans in my life.  Also maps.

I could eat this with a spoon.

We can learn to frame art together.

Spoon.

I need that photograph.

When I make a mess, why dosen't it look this chic?

 Oh so pleased! It looks like Thomas is blogging *once* a month, as in, one post a month.  Agressive! And yet better than nothing.

We've also added the blog to the right hand side Recommended Reading, so you can pop back there anytime.

Interview: Interior Photographer Emily Gilbert

I could not be more excited to feature interior photographer Emily Gilbert on One Brooklyn Modern.  Her bio is here, but I'll cut to the chase and say that she is one of the best interior photographers in New York, and lives in ::clapping:: Brooklyn!

Ms. Emily Gilbert, Interior Photographer Extraordinaire 

I reached out to Emily a few weeks ago and asked her if she would do an interview for us, because I think a lot of readers would be interested to know how to take better pictures of their homes.  I learned a ton from this interview, and know you'll love it.  Also, gear up for some incredible interiors.  Emily gave us the designer credits for these beauties; I can't wait to see the rest of their portfolios!

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How did you learn to photograph interiors and architecture? Any formal training?

I don't actually have much formal training.  I learned a lot while working as the Studio Manager at a still life studio in Manhattan.  I had access to three great full time photographers who taught me a lot about photography & I had access to the studio and the equipment so I would go in and shoot during off-hours.  When I decided that I wanted to shoot Interiors & Architecture, I took 2 classes (one at ICP with Elliot Kaufman and the other at Cooper Union with Albert Vecerka).  They were both great classes, but I would say that I've learned the most about shooting Interiors by being on a shoot & having to figure out what I need to do to produce an image that both I and my client are happy with.  On every shoot I do, I find I'm learning something to add to my (increasingly growing) bag-of-tricks.  Each location presents a new lighting situation so it's always a game of troubleshooting.  If I could start over again, I'd assist.  I wish I had assisted other Interior Photographers before going out on my own.

Designer: Ali Schwarz

Designer: Modern Declaration

How did your photography equipment evolve? Any drool-worthy upgrades that made a huge difference?

I try to keep my equipment minimal.  Since I had access to top of the line equipment at the studio I worked at, I made the decision to invest in good equipment from the beginning.  I do have to keep maintaining it and upgrading it every couple years, but it hasn't changed much since the beginning.  My first digital camera was the Canon 20D and then the Canon 5D, and now I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II.  I would say that the 5D Mark II is far superior to the first two models- they just keep getting better.  My main lights are Profoto Acute2's and they are great.  I've had them from pretty early on.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

What's your favorite lens right now?

I love my 24-70mm lens.  It is a great versatile lens- though it is a bit heavy!  I do have other fixed lenses that are much better quality, but the 24-70mm is the one I end up using the most. 

Canon EF Zoom lens - 24 mm - 70 mm - F/2.8 - Canon EF

Is a wide-angle lens essential for interiors?

I don't think it is essential at all.  I think that's a myth.  In my opinion, the best interior photographs are intimate- not wide shots showing the whole space.  I think you get a better feel of a space by seeing 2 or 3 tighter shots that show the texture and detail of a space versus one wide shot showing the whole room.  I like to take photos that make the viewer feel like they are in the room rather than pressed against a far wall looking in.

An incredibly intimate shot.  Stay tuned for the designer credit :)

What tips can you share for readers looking to take better pictures of their home? Any go-to camera settings, equipment must-haves, etc.?

A tripod!  Put your camera on a tripod, turn off your flash, and set your shutter speed for a long exposure.  I suggest turning off lights as well.  The sun is an amazing light source.  Of course, there are many rooms (especially in NYC!) that don't have good natural light.  These rooms are much more difficult to shoot with out additional professional lighting.

Designer: Darci Hether

Your travel photography is stunning, do you sell prints?

Thank you!  Yes, anyone can email me if interested in prints.  I'm hoping to set up a website that will make art prints easy & quick to purchase in the near future. 

Your bio speaks of a very artistic background.  Are you doing any other kind of art right now?

Sadly, not much.  I've been having trouble making the time to do any other art.  It is one of my biggest stresses in life, as I really miss it.  We did just move apartments & its been fun to paint and get my hands dirty.  I love tools and building things.  If I had the time, I'd make all my furniture.  Maybe one day!

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Thank you SO much Emily for sharing your talents with One Brooklyn Modern.  We're incredibly appreciative.  And now I just need to pick which of your travel photograph I need to buy a prints of :)