64 Perry Street, New York, New York...

My real estate high is not over.  Did you know that Carrie Bradshaw's New York apartment is up for grabs!?!  I have to say it is quite the showcase!  Much, much different than what was actually filmed as the interior of Sex and the City.

Take a look at those herringbone floors!

You know I have been told that my celebrity look alike is Kristin Davis or better known for her role as Charlotte York.  In that case, I think I'll just pack my bags and make myself at home!

Photo: The Wall Street Journal

What was actually filmed was the exterior of the home which is located in West Village.  Although, we all know that Carrie lived in the Upper East Side.

Regardless of location, this house is stunning!  The price tag matches the glam at $9.65 million.  You can check out more details here. And just for fun, here's a quiz to see "Which SATC Character is Your Style Twin?"  

Here are my results...

Big surprise.

It's a Monster!

Hi, my name is Jessica, and I am a hypothetical decorator.  Shew!  I’m glad I got that one out.  Just for fun, here's a picture of one of my favorite designers, Mary McDonald, toasted at a party in 1979. The photo was taken by Remus Lupin and can be found here.

Ok, so where are you going with this, you ask.

First off, I’m a real estate whore, pardon my French, but it's the truth.  I absolutely LOVE it!  Seriously, I can't get enough of it.  It is my guilty pleasure.  If you are moving to Philly just ask me where the deal is cause, Baby, I know where to find it!  I know Philly like the back of my hand.  For only living in the city for about 3 ½ years, I’d say that is pretty dang good.  Who needs a GPS when you got Jess?

 I don’t even think real estate agents spend as much time researching real estate as much as I do.  No joke.  So when I tell you I have found a gem, you better believe it.  

This house has some serious swag.  Five bedrooms total with two and a half bath in a "developing" area for less than 200K, ummm... yes, please!   Not only could this be a pretty sweet investment opportunity, but it's gorgeous!  Take a peek inside of this monster.

 The hardwood floors look to be superb condition, and the staircase is oh so pretty.  Check out the boarder inlay. Hello details, I love you.

Right now I am imagining myself living here, raising a family and having a cup of tea.  I have found myself pondering how to decorate the mantel.  And just how might I arrange the furniture? 

 My mother-in-law, asked me if it has a kitchen.  Maybe she couldn't tell by the pictures, but this is it.  It could definitely use a face-lift in my opinion.  However, compared to the square inch we have right not, this is definitely an upgrade.

Speaking of extended family, this place has FIVE bedrooms!  Holy Moly of a Row Home!  We would never have an excuse to not accept company, and besides we would love it!

 It is a bit surprising, even for me, but I could potentially see myself in this city for another 5 years or so. I’m probably really freaking out my parents right about now.  Just this past December we were all about moving back down South, but now that the time is getting closer to make a major decision such as relocation… I don’t know if we are quite ready.  Can you relate?  Anyone?  Do you find yourself decorating houses that don't belong to you?

All images can be found here.

Happy Birthday, Madre!!

Your Day Navy Birthday Card

Create cute birthday cards, valentines and more at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Lovely, Lovely Lamps

One never really knows what he may stumble upon when entering the organized chaos of a vintage shop or thrift store.  Quite honestly, it can be rather overwhelming without a game plan in mind.  Often I feel like a kid in a candy store with ADD, not really knowing where to start or where to stop for that matter.  Last weekend, however, was different.  I knew what I wanted.

Lighting...

This, my friends, is a Paul Hanson Ginger Jar lamp.   I didn't really know what I was looking at while shopping, but I knew that I liked it.  That's all that really matters anyways. 

Here are some more lamps that I am more than just a little gaga over...

Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: adaanddarcy.com.au via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: assemblageltd.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: assemblageltd.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Below is a picture of my lamp in it's entirety.  It has some minor damage (See the base?), but overall it's in pretty superb shape.  For fifteen dollars, I couldn't let this piece slip by.  Jason thought I was insane at first, but after introducing him to 1st Dibs and showing him that we could very well have a $1000 lamp in our possession, he changed his mind rather quickly.  That is after we got over his idea of selling it and my cry back, "I want expensive things!"  Just this morning he told me how proud he was with me and my bargain of a deal.

Now, where to find a lamp shade that will fit this giant sucker?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!!  

P.S. I'm sure many of you were distracted by the nudity.  That is an original oil painting by Jason Espey, my awesome husband.  He has a facebook page, so you should go like him!  And for fun, you can tell him that I sent you!   If you enjoy reading The Tiny Abode please feel free to follow us on facebook or twitter.  Or you can use our little subscribe linky to the right. 

Happy LOVE Day!!!

Good Morning, Lovers!!

Isn't this pink alarm clock adorable!?!

Image: Barry Vintage

I hope you put on your rain boots this morning because it is WET outside!
Good thing Hunter carries them in PINK!

 Image: Lonny Mag Sept./Oct. Issue


In the spirit of St. Valentine, I wanted to share with you my favorite finds from Pinterest!!

Felt Window Garland: Noodlehead
Valentine's Day Egg in the Basket: Petite Kitchenesse
You Are My Happy print: EeeBee
XOXO Cake: Styled by Couture Events by Lottie and shot by Sara & Rocky Photography
Valentine Card - Boobs: Whit and Whistle
Love Matches: Pandah
Kate Spade Valentine, Let's Make Out: Bri Emery from Design Love Fest
S'more Love: Event Solutions
Funny International Mustache-Language of Love Valentine Card: Dawn2Dusk Design

Image: Beverly & Pack

Now go smooch your pooch!!
~xoXoXOxo~

Make a Statement with Barware

Image: Charles Dickens Fine Jewelry

This is the barware that the hubs and I picked out for our wedding registry about four years ago. If my personality could be cloned into barware, this would be it.  Fun, funky and bubbly all wrapped up in a one package deal.  There's only one problem... I hate it!  You know that irritating behavior that you possess that, let's be honest, kinda even drives yourself crazy?  Well let's just say, I'm ready to give this barware the cold shoulder.  If it gets too cold it cracks.  Too hot it cracks.  Sitting in the cabinet being ignored all together... CRACK!  Who knew barware could have such a bad temperament?  The set above is made by TAG, which for the most part carries a great product. Let me be clear, I LOVE TAG!!  However, this barware has to go!

Images: here and here

Fun and funky can always win my heart, but this time around I am on a search for something a little more sophisticated, a bit more glam.  This weekend I stopped by one of my favorite stores, TJ Maxx, and spotted Lauren by Ralph Lauren Barware in Aston for quite the steal!

Image: Macy's

Aren't they pretty!?!  Best part, the highballs were only about $7.00 a pop.  You can also find the
Lauren Ralph Lauren Four Aston Highballs on Amazon  for $50.00, which is a great deal in comparison to Macy's $130.00 price tag.

I also get a hankering for anything in cobalt blue.  I lurve the Classic Lismore (above) by Waterford!  These will never be in my price range! 

Image:  Pinterest

Cobalt, however, really has a way of peacocking itself right off the bar cart, don't ya think?

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Erica on Pinterestt

You Have Incredible Taste!

I really needed to hear this... I hope you find it just as inspiring.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of my faithful readers. This blogging business could not be possible without you. YOU are inspiring! YOU have great taste!  And if you're new here, I hope YOU stay awhile!!!

THANK YOU!!

~XoXO~

Happy Chinese New Year!

People around the world today will be celebrating the Chinese New Year welcoming the Year of the Dragon.  I do not know much about the culture and history of the Chinese New Year, but I do have a healthy appreciation for ancient Chinese design.    

I spotted this Foo Dog while shopping at Packards Antiques in Huntsville, Alabama over the Christmas holidays (note the tree).  I thought it was absolutely fabulous!  I wish I would have checked the price!  If I could get it past airport security without it shattering to pieces, it would be guarding my apartment now.

Here's a game you can play when your slumming through your Monday morning blues.  Can you spot the Foo!?!

Kristy Lee Interiors...

Photo: Kristy Lee Interiors

Naomi at Design Manifest...

Photo: Design Manifest

Cullman and Kravis... you just can't miss it! 

Photo: Pretty Pink Tulips via Juba Life  

Miles Redd...

Photo via Sketch 42 Blog

Ruth Summers on the cover of her book... 

Photo via Sweet Chameleon

I have a dream... Painted Floors

Whoa!  Where'd you guys go!?  It's been weeks if not months since we last spoke.  Ok, maybe that's a bit my fault {totally my fault}.  After the holidays, I crash!  Onto recovery!  After being spoiled in Alabama, I am forced to come back to Pennsylvania only to be submerged in my career.  Day jobs...pshh.  Who needs them?  {I do!}  Speaking of careers, I hope you are all off enjoying this beautiful holiday in honor of a truly great man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr!  Jason had to go to school... what's up with that?   If you are interested in ways you can serve and are in the Philadelphia area, go here.

Long weekends like these give me time to take a good look at my unconventional apartment and start dreaming up ways to make this challenging space swoon worthy!  Like say... painted floors!

Source: racheleisner.com via Donna on Pinterest

I wonder if my landlord would go for it!?  Highly unlikely, but it's fun to dream!  What are you dreaming up for your space?  Feel free to send me an email with pics and I'd love to share!

A Very Merry Discount... Leopard Flats

One thing that I love about the holidays is finding a great bargain! I've been eyeballing leopard flats for a while now.  As usual, I can rarely afford my own taste (what's new?) like these Kate Spade drool worthy flats.

The shoe above is the Kate Spade Eryn flat that is currently on sale online for $135.  However, most major department stores still have them priced for over $200.   I'm not one to spend over $100 on flats much less $200!!!  That's why when I spotted this look alike by Adrienne Vittadini at Belk for a 70% off discount... I couldn't resist.  

The detail is a bit different, but all-in-all, in my opinion, this is a very merry discount!

I hope you are all having a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

Treat Yo Self!

Design Crush: BDG Style

One of the greatest joys of blogging is discovering fellow bloggers who are just as much in love with design as I am, if not more (is that possible?).  Most of these design lovers are fortunate enough to have their own design business or are in the process of beginning their journey into the design world.  Ummm, can we say, "Jealous!?!"  In my dreams.... maybe one day that dream will be a reality!  Until then, I would like to share with you one of my newly discovered design crushes, Alison Royer of BDG Style, and check it --- girl will be featured on the Nate Berkus Show this Wednesday!!  Here's a sneak peek that Alison posted on her blog.

Photo Courtesy: BDG Style

I love this design!  Lots of neutrals with the perfect amount of POP!  Don't let anyone tell you to not mix creams and whites!!  And if they argue with you, just show them this picture!  Don't you just love it!?

I discovered Alison's blog while perusing around Pinterest (you know you're obsessed), and this is what I discovered...

Source: bdgstyle.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

All you "seasoned" readers may recall my obsession with orange when I posted my rug dilemma (which is now remedied) a few January's ago.  My apartment is always in a "work-in-progress" stage, so don't judge!  But don't you just love the color combos above!?!  Schumacher Chiang Mai fabric has been HOT for a while now, and if I do say so myself, a bit overkill (Blasphemy!).  We still love it though!  Especially with the mix of patterns that Alison put together!  Please come decorate my apartment!  

Solid orange pillow, check!  Neutral couch, check!  Schumacher Chiang Mai pillows, hello Etsy!

The pair above are available at PillowMood's Esty shop.  Now, I hope that's enough for your design fix. I know I really needed one.  See more here at BDG Style's blog!  Also, be sure to tune into the Nate Berkus Show on Wednesday, December 21st at 3pm PST on NBC to see Alison in action!

Special thanks to Alison at BDG Style for letting me share about her mad design skills!

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Fabric Choices... Galbraith and Paul, Anyone?

One thing I need to be sure to put on my new years resolutions list is to familiarize myself with beautiful textiles!!  And where better to start than with one of Philadelphia's very own, Galbraith & Paul.  Can you tell that I love local businesses?  I really am a sucker for it.  You may recall seeing Galbraith & Paul textiles in Style at Home's May 2009 From A to Zoo article. Yes, I know that was ages ago, but these little birds have decided to stick around my friends!

Photo: Daniel Harrison via Style at Home

Mark your calendars, cause a sample sale awaits you!!  Fortunate for us, Galbraith & Paul is only a hop-skip away to 116 Shurs Lane in Manayunk.  The sample sale will begin on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 5pm. 

Source: Galbraith and Paul

I owe it to my friend Laura Flavin from Modern Bird Jewelry to thank for this helpful tip!  Not only will the sample sale include fabrics, but you may also be fortunate enough to score some fabulous wallpaper at a whopping discount!

Source: galbraithandpaul.com via Cathe on Pinterest

I'm really hoping to find some fabric to spruce up my farmhouse chairs that were a curb steal back in October.  I'm thinking the Seville Medallion (bottom left from samples above) may make the cut.