OT: waaaaaaay OT....

[pebu]

Yeah, IKEA is quite expensive. At least for my budget it's really expensive. Not to mention their website didn't seem very user friendly to me, unless I suppose you know what you're looking for. But yeah, they definitely have some nice **** in there.

Edit: I'm not opposed to putting stuff together myself. In fact I don't really want some extravagant piece, just something fairly plain with a few decorative touches here and there. I don't want it overpowering the rest of the room.

[Aisling]

i was gona say IKEA too... but then there's always discount stuff like Bobs... i mean if you're not picky the stuffs not too bad, my bedroom set was from them and its pretty nice

[pebu]

I've never heard of Bobs. I'm assuming you mean Bob's Discount Furniture. Their stuff all looks pretty nice to me. Limited selection though.

[carvedog]

So now that I have a house, I need a few furnishings... Anybody have any suggestions on where to order some nice (but not to expensive) cabinets or benches? Some things I'm looking for are a cabinet with some working space with a hutch up top for example. I've been looking at some "microwave stands" that I kinda liked, but nothing really popped out at me. I'm going to be using it like a dry-bar. Anyway, I'm also looking for a bench that I can put in my entryway. I'd like it to have some storage so I can stick boots underneath and put gloves/hats inside it.
I've already searched Target, Walmart, Kmart, Meijer, amazon.com, (you get the idea). So give me some suggestions.

I have a few pieces of furniture from Pier One that are pretty nice and relatively inexpensive. All that Far East asian old growth teak you know.

My parents got some custom cabinets done for a remodel from the local carpentry votech program. They can't ( it seems ) charge for labor just for the materials. I know it was a screaming deal for custom cabinets and a good job for the most part.

Might be worth a look see.

[Allee]

I love Pier One - all those funky things and bright bright colours. It's not that cheap though, unless you can score stuff on sale.

Ikea's actually getting better. Most of their stuff is pretty solid now, not like a few years ago when it was all made of particle board.

I've bought a few pretty cool pieces from consignment stores. Any of those around where you are?

[willywhit]

pier one ? Ikea ?


fall a particle board

priceless !
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oqv-2emERFw&feature=related

[Aisling]

I've never heard of Bobs. I'm assuming you mean Bob's Discount Furniture. Their stuff all looks pretty nice to me. Limited selection though.

yep thats the bobs i was talking about.
thought you weren't picky! sheesh
hehe

[Michelle]

Ok, question for all you east coasters: I need to get from Ithaca, NY to Pittsfield MA. What's the best way using public transportation? Bus? Train? Hitchike? Fly? I'm also trying to do it cheap-ish....I don't know a whole lot about getting around the EC. Anybody going that direction or part way on Aug 29th? worth a shot...

[ncermak]

not an easy one michelle -

I wish I could say I'd pick you up, but it is way in the other direction. now, If you fly into Boston, Providence, or Hartford, or even Albany...I'm there for you. Otherwise, I think you're looking at bus or train.

On the other hand, If you are spending any time around Ithaca, you should be sure to check out some of the Finger Lakes Vinyards. the wines are quite nice; They are know for their Reislings, and the Cabernet Francs stand out in my mind.

[Michelle]

Thanks Noah, I'll keep that in mind. It's still a possibility, and I should know later today. I'll let you know either way. Wish I could spend some time in Ithaca, but it is more of a shuttle stop.

Is there a bus or train that goes that way? Where would I find that info?

[Aisling]

what the heck is in pittsfield anyway? LOL

[Michelle]

Cows and Farms, apparently. And my gf's wedding. I don't even really know where it is, except that I mapquest'ed it last night.

[ncermak]

6.5 hours by bus (www.greyhound.com) 2 transfers
4.5 hours by train (www.amtrak.com), 1 transfer. leaving syracuse (about 45 minutes from ithaca)
About 4 hours if you rent a car.

If you are making arrangements, Hartford and Albany Airport are only about 1 hour away. I'm pretty sure you can still get direct flights to hartford from DIA. Jet blue also flies DIA to logan (boston) pretty cheap. I'll be headed out that way anyway for a wedding too, so I'd gladly give you seat in the car...

And be careful what you say about Pittsfield...Its where I met Lindsay after all...

[ncermak]

jet blue - Non stop to Boston - $378

[cail]

you should be able to get a cheap flight into Albany on Southwest. there is probably a bus that goes to Pittsfield, but anyway i could probably drive... it's less than an hour away.

[ncermak]

look at that! a Chauffeur and a date!

[Michelle]

you should be able to get a cheap flight into Albany on Southwest. there is probably a bus that goes to Pittsfield, but anyway i could probably drive... it's less than an hour away.

Not from Ithaca. You can't even pull up that option on their web site.

[cail]

missed the part about ithaca... dont know an easy way of making that trip. car rental is probably your best bet.

[Michelle]

Thanks to all - I don't know much about the east coast. I am going a round about way - flying to Philly to see friends, driving with them to Wilkes-Barre, renting a car, and then driving to Pittsfield. On the return I'm driving all the way back to Philly....wish me luck! I'm used to driving in Summit County, NOT the city! Should be interesting at the very least.

[LeeW]

I'm used to driving in Summit County, NOT the city! Should be interesting at the very least.

Two words: Italian Job.

I know it too well from residing in DC for 4 years with a small car, plus "no insurance required" law at the time -in- DC, so I had to dodge alot of cars to avoid damage to -MY- vehicle.

[Michelle]

don't you mean one word - "Insurance"?

[dantheman0177]

Speaking of the East Coast, I am coming to NYC in November or December (dates will be decided and tickets booked tomorrow night apparently).
Never been to the east side before, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Will have to tap all your collective brains for suggestions of things to do / places to go (or not to) at a later date. Although I have an BOL EC visitor next month, so hopefully she will be choc full of good info...

[Dave ESPI]

Michelle, feel free to stop by Albany NY I'm sure I could whip up a great meal if you and anyone traveling would want to have dinner

Shoot me a PM or email
Cheers,
D.

[Michelle]

I might just do that! I'll PM you when it gets closer...I cant' wait to see another side of NY - I only know Manhattan!

[Aisling]

Speaking of the East Coast, I am coming to NYC in November or December (dates will be decided and tickets booked tomorrow night apparently).
Never been to the east side before, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Will have to tap all your collective brains for suggestions of things to do / places to go (or not to) at a later date. Although I have an BOL EC visitor next month, so hopefully she will be choc full of good info...

as i mentioned dan, i was just in NYC but i forgot to tell you that there is this amazing cuban place to go to... now if i can just remember the name of it...

fabulous caiparinha (sp?), mojito... and fooooood....

[dantheman0177]

Mojito....mmmmmmm!

[Aisling]

hey i bartend you know so, if you got the mixins i can fix you both up with some mojitos!

[dantheman0177]

Just tell me what to buy and I'll get it next time I go through duty free!!!

[Aisling]

hey dan

just need mint leaves, sugar, clear rum, soda water (or lemon/lime soda for a different slightly sweeter flavor) and fresh limes

[ncermak]

Ais -

where do you bartend? when do you bartend.

-NBC