Good Things are Happening in Cleveland

I took a mini vacay to my old stomping grounds in Cleveland last week and experienced a whole gamut of emotions. Somehow I took a wrong turn and ended up on Denison, a little south of my destination. Anyone who doesn't know what poverty is like (thinking of some politicians) should take a drive down Denison. I was in utter shock. I've only been gone for about two years, and it looked like a war zone. The streets and sidewalks were caving in. Buildings were being torn down, but many were simply falling down. The holes in the streets were so large I feared for my car. I literally drove about two miles per hour, it took me almost an hour to travel about 10 blocks. Poor people lined the streets, and many came up to my car. Presumably to beg for money, I was too chicken shit to roll down the window. I ached for my city. I've watched my city decay over the years, but this. This was something new. Decay mixed with criminal neglect. If I knew how to use my new Android phone, would have taken video, put it on YouTube and hope that someone notices. But it was not meant to be.

I almost turned around. But I didn't. I headed north, close to where I used to live. I intended to go to Gordon Square, which I hear is really happening. Instead I ended up a little west of there, and was pleasantly surprised to see some exciting shops sprouting up. This yellow reindeer caught my eye, so I had to pull over.

This cool fella is the mascot of an awesome store called Heck's Revival. I peeked in the window and had to go in.

I almost peed my pants when I walked in this store. I didn't know where to look first! The owner and I are clearly kindred spirits - with a love of pink and turquoise. I used to paint furniture back in the day and dreamed of having a little store like this. But my skill level was no where near hers. I knew it was going to be tough getting out of there without spending money.

Isn't this lamp bitchin'? I really wanted it but resisted the temptation. Such a lamp tramp I am. And dig those turquoise walls. I wish I could paint an accent wall turquoise in my living room.

The owner is very talented. Not only does she paint furniture, but she also reupholsters. I love this little chair recovered in fabric from a vintage dress.

Check the Saarinen chair!  I think I need to have mine painted.

I've never seen a peacock chair looks as fabulous as this one.  I love it in pink!

Cute bench reupholstered in shiny silver fabric.  I'd love to have this in my entry way!

As you might have guessed, these bad boys went home with me. I couldn't help it. She gave me a good price.  Heck's Revival is a great place to get something fabulous for your home, and the owner is a sweetie. I had a lot of fun talking vintage furniture and color with her.

As it turns out I had a guitar pick table (like the one above) in the trunk of my car. I found this table on the curb! I had intended to sell it.  But when I attempted to sell the table to another dealer - the trunk wouldn't open! Upon seeing her custom work, I decided to have her paint it. And wouldn't you know, the trunk opened without a problem! Must be meant to be! I really love the shape of the table, but not the color. That's all I'm going to tell you, I'll keep it a surprise until it's done.

Next door to her shop is a Multi Cultural Barber Shop. That's what it said on the sign. I like that. The dude that owns the joint is cool and let me take his picture. I was excited to see vinyl by Grace Jones on his wall.

She is the shit. I miss my vinyl collection. I had a lot of fun talking to these cool peeps. Then I drove back to Akron feeling very grateful.

For photos of the barber shop, see my urban photojournal here.

For photos of post industrial decay that I also took that day, see my urban photojournal here.

Places to See in Akron: Hazel Tree Interiors

Hazel Tree Interiors is a place downtown, Akron that I have driven by many times but never had the courage to go in. You know the kind, a high end gallery where nothing is in your budget. But hey, I love art and I'm curious. Every time I drive by, the cute building catches my eye - so I'm proud to say that I finally ventured in last week. The place itself is absolutely gorgeous, with white brick and a loft. It would make a great house!  Here's a few things of interest that I saw:

I just can't get enough found and upcycled art.  This fab piece, entitled the Red Castle, is by Michael Marras.  Michael's process is so fascinating, I plan to do a post about his work in the near future.

Oh yeah, never enough lamps. This one is made from pipe and an antique beer bottle, by Peared Creation.

Beautiful lighting display using vintage insulators.

Gorgeous industrial chic dining set. I could see this in an industrial loft. The moral of the story? Never be afraid to go into a shop. I was treated well and enjoyed my visit.

Places to See in Akron: The Land of Plenty

I discovered a new place last week called The Land of Plenty! Getting to the store itself was like a treasure hunt. You have to park in the back, and saying the lot was muddy is an understatement. But I was not to be deterred. Luckily, I had on my hiking boots and a nice guy from the hardware store next door held my arm through the mud and up the steps.

And it was so worth it!  When I walked in, I felt like I had hit pay dirt!  I met Kristi, the lovely owner and found that she and I liked many of the same things. I love how the store is set up, there are lots of interesting things to see and still room to move around. I couldn't wait to take it all in.

She carries fine art.  This beautiful multi-media piece is by Julia Bunn.

There were several amazing oil paintings by Steve Ehret.  This photo doesn't do this intricate work justice.

Dig this wood block print entitled American Ideas by Richie Peterson.

There's lots of rocks and plants and other natural specimens.  I love this custom shelf.

I almost flipped when I saw this onion dome!  This would make a great piece of sculpture in a garden or in an industrial loft.

And dig this lamp!  I almost fainted when I saw it.  Never seen anything like it.  Definitely mid century-inspired. Probably custom.  Totally awesome.

There are plenty of unique things for the home.  I could see this pink chair in a boho modern apartment.

Cute tile.  German maybe?

How cool is this model of the Taj Mahal hanging on the wall.  I love the unexpected presentation.

Pretty glass pieces.

Cool outdoor table.  I think this would be cute as an end or coffee table.  So much inspiration all around and really reasonable prices. I'm definitely going back.  Here's what I bought:

Little, metal pyramids.  Not sure why, but I dig 'em. I may go back and buy them all. I could see these lining a shelf. Goes perfect with my desire to add some more organic, yet simple, pieces to my decor.

Shop Local, Part I

I'm not really participating in the holidays this year, I decided to give myself a break from all the stress. I had no intention of shopping on Black Friday, but I found myself wanting to go out.  So I made a very wise decision, and shopped local.  I think we should all make more of an effort to support the small business owners in our community, not just during the holidays, but all year long.  In fact, I've been making more of an effort to support artisans and local business owners in decorating my apartment.  Believe me, once you start shopping local, you lose your taste for mass produced items. They look too common, and cost too much.

I had the pleasure of discovering The Bomb Shelter on Black Friday.  This place is totally fun, and you can find something completely unexpected for your place, at a reasonable price.

I can't believe this is in East Akron!  It's a cool neighborhood after all.  The place is huge!  15,000 square feet.  I was so fascinated, I did my best to see everything.

When I walked in the door, I was greeted by a large neon letter, a bitching car and an alien wearing a Christmas ribbon.  Far out.

There are interesting objects everywhere.  The place is big, and there's a lot of stuff, but it's well organized.

My brother and his family need this light for their mantel.  It might appear under their Christmas tree, but shhh...don't tell them.

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Fabulous one-of-a-kind propeller table and lamp created by Damon Drummond, one of the proprietors of the shop. If you're into found objects, there are many industrial remnants that would work perfectly as sculpture.

I kept wishing I had a loft to decorate.  This flood lamp would be perfect in an industrial loft, and is reasonably priced.  I have to go back and get some photos of coffee tables.  If you are in the market for a new coffee table - this is the place for you!  There are many interesting and unique coffee tables and at reasonable prices.

For some reason I fell in love with these cement planters.  I'd love to have one for my balcony.  Kinda heavy, though, not sure how I'd get it upstairs.

There are tons of vintage marquee letters!

And vintage stereos!

The vintage TV section is amazing!  My nephews would love this place, I hope to take them here on their break from school.  I can't wait to go back!  I did buy a little something, stay tuned to see what it is.

Window Shopping, Vol. I

I mentioned in my post below that I shopped at Sweet Lorain in Cleveland yesterday.  I just had to show you a couple of sofas that I fell in love with.

Dig this two piece orange sofa!  Gorgeous!  I love that corner.  I love mid century modern.  This would look so fab in my place.  At $750 it's reasonably priced, it's sturdy and well made.  They just don't make them like that any more.  But it's not in my budget.  Oh well.  I'm sure it will sell quickly.

Look at this deco sofa and chair.  So cute!  Love the shape.  Love the low sale.  I can imagine stretching out on this to watch a movie.  Of course, I'd fill it with lots of pillows.  Also dig that coffee table and that standing lamp.  I might have to go back for that lamp.

Kawaii Overload

Good day, dear readers!  I had a great day, took tons of pictures.  Today I ventured out with my 12 mp camera, which is a little more difficult to hold steady than my 4 mp.  The advantage is that it does super close up and super wide shots, but it really wants a tripod.  I'm too lazy to use a tripod, and that defeats the purpose of being a guerrilla photographer, lol.  Please be sure to check out my urban photojournal.  I'm pretty excited about exploring my new 'hood.

I had a post all ready to go.  Published it and everything.  Then made an edit, and lost it!  Oh gosh.  First time this ever happened to me.  I was crushed, I work hard on my posts.  I didn't have the heart to start over at the moment.  So instead, here are some pictures I took at Target today.  Everyone likes kawaii, right? How about some kawaii over load?

 

Dolls have gotten so pretty!  Dig her pink earrings!  If I had a little girl, I'd probably buy a ton of them.  Heck, I do buy some for me (and even play with them).  I'm really five years old.  I'm trying to control my obsession, though.  Not easy. Humans sure do make plenty of beautiful things.  I love beautiful things, but not clutter.

Isn't her hair cute!  I love green hair.

Red eyes, and wearing a veil.  Wicked.

It's a bonus when dolls come with cute little pets.

Isn't she cute?  My little ponies come with companion dolls now!  Dig the boots!  Love her blue skin and her ears!  Too cute!  She even has a spare outfit.

I admit it.  I gotta thing for the Hulk.  Maybe it's his tortured soul.  When I played with Barbie dolls, I used to use monsters, GI Joes and Vikings as the boyfriends.  Ken was - and still is - too much of a woos for me.  I don't like pretty boys very much (sorry, not trying to cause offense, just stating my preference).

I like little monsters too.

And minions!  I haven't seen Despicable Me 2 yet, but I want to!  Hope it comes to Netflix soon!

Omigosh!  Look at this.  A Barbie world that you make out of Legos.  I wish I'd had this as a kid.  I wouldn't dare buy this - because I am sure it would totally consume my life.  I probably would never stop playing with it.