1310 Ridgeway Ave

It is true that I love modern houses like 2077 Ravinia Ave. However, there's also a soft spot in my heart for big rambling 119-year-old monstrosities, like 1310 Ridgeway Ave in New Albany. I just stumbled across this one during one of my real estate fantasy episodes, which I have periodically. Take a click through the photos. Do you love the built-in bookcases? I knew you would. "But Erin," you say, "the ceiling is falling in in one of the bedrooms. And have you thought about how much it would cost to heat and cool that place?" To which I say, "Hush your mouth, child. And bring me my sweet tea on the veranda."

Naot Shoes

I have never been one for pricey shoes. I spent $130 on a pair of Doc Martens in 1998 that I still wear, so I realize that it's a good investment. But thus far in my life I haven't really had a lot of money to drop on things like shoes. When I saw these shoes, Naot's Sea, while vacationing in Montreal a few years ago, it was love at first site. But then I saw the price tag and recoiled in horror.

When I got home I couldn't get the shoes out of my mind. I found them on Zappos. They were a little cheaper there than they had been in the store, but not much. I finally scrounged up some money and ordered them (in sensible black, because they didn't have them in red at the time).

I LOVE THESE SHOES.

They are so comfortable. I can wear them with or without socks. I can wear them with jeans and skirts. I get compliments on them all the time. And did I mention that they're comfortable?

Take a look at Naot's other offerings. Are they not some of the cutest shoes you've ever seen? I'm planning to get some sandals from them soon, and eventually I would like to cough up enough money for the Pleasure.

Yes, they are pricey, but they are totally worth it.

Wallpaper from the 70s

Alert reader Jenn commented on the ball chair post and suggested that I blog about what other decor I would like to have in my special room. "You could expand on your room decor," Jenn writes, "like what kind of bookshelves go with it and lamps and rugs and such." I haven't planned it in that much detail, but I do think I would like to have some Wallpaper from the 70s.

I can't even remember now how I came across this website. A couple years ago, when we were living in Neil's house and were thus free to do things like put outrageous wallpaper on the walls, we ordered some samples from them. We never got around to actually redecorating the bedroom, but boy do I love that wallpaper! Yes, some of it is a little much, and some of it is downright ugly. But so much of it is so funky and cool! I think one wall of crazy wallpaper and three subdued painted walls would be awesome. In fact, in contrast to the ball chair, I would put Wallpaper from the 70s in my living room. Just very carefully.

The Dutchtub

Neil told me about Dutchtubs when he and I first started chatting online. I spent weeks trying to convince him to become an authorized Dutchtub dealer. I still think this would be a wise career move for him.

Can you tell from the photo what the Dutchtub is? Maybe? It's a portable wood-fired hot tub! Check it out. It only weighs 165 lbs empty, so it's easy to transport, and it requires no electricity or chemicals or other crap that make hot tubs a pain in the ass. You light a fire in the coil, the water circulates via convection, and in about two hours your tub is ready. It does require a little more forethought than the traditional always-ready hot tub, but can you take your traditional hot tub with you to parties and on camping trips? I didn't think so!

With prices starting at $6,000, the Dutchtub definitely falls into our "maybe someday" category. Or perhaps we'll add it to our wedding registry. And then invite some really rich people to our wedding. Yeah, that's the ticket!

The New Pornographers

I first realized that I liked the New Pornographers in fall 2003, when I heard "The Laws Have Changed" on WFPK. It was a catchy tune, but I had no idea what I was in for when I bought the album, Electric Version. Somewhat nonsensical lyrics, yes, but also fantastic harmonies, infinitely singable melodies, and in general fun songs that made me want to bounce around. I was immediately hooked, and Neil scored 1,000 bonus points when we first started talking and I found out that he was a fan as well.

If I had to pick a favorite NP album, I'm not sure what it would be. Their first album, Mass Romantic, is really good, but their sound hadn't quite solidified. Electric Version and Twin Cinema will both rock your face off. The most recent album, Challengers, is different, a little more mellow, but also beautiful and wonderful. It is possible that I love all four of these albums equally. They are all so good in their own ways. How many bands/artists can you say that of?

I have seen the New Pornographers live three times, and Neil and I are going to see frontman A.C. Newman (who has a flourishing solo career) in Nashville next month. (A.C. is the sexy redhead in the photo. You know, the one who's not Neko Case.)

In the five and a half years I have been listening to this band, they have become very close to my heart. I can't even tell you why, necessarily. I can go back and listen to albums by Aimee Mann or Ani DiFranco and think "This really helped me through such-and-such shitty time in my life," but that's not at all what it's like with the NPs. What it boils down to is that this band is just so good. They make me happy to be alive every time I listen to them. I love it that I live in a world where music this good is possible.

But you don't have to take my word for it. Go give them a listen!

2077 Ravinia Ave

I am a bit of a real estate junkie. Neil and I currently occupy a cozy one-bedroom apartment, and it will probably be a couple of years before we're ready to buy a house. But I love surfing real estate listings and fantasizing about the possibilities.

More than likely we will never be able to afford the likes of 2077 Ravinia Ave. But oh, how I sweat this house. Look through the photos, won't you? And check out how it lights up at night:



I love it. Neil and I have driven past it several times, and I'm always secretly excited to see that it's still on the market, even though there's not a snowball's chance in hell we will be able to buy it. Unless my office lottery pool gets lucky. Come on, Powerball!

Neil

Neil: So how often are you going to update your new blog?
Erin: As often as possible
Neil: Good!
Erin: Any time something is awesome!
Neil: I'm awesome!

And so it came to pass that the second entry on Erin Digs It is about Neil.

Neil and I first came into contact with one another in December of 2003 on Match.com. I had just had my heart stomped on and was trying to force myself to be at least marginally interested in anyone besides the heart-stomper. When I saw Neil's profile I thought that he was too old for me (he did state that he was looking for women older than I was) but that he sounded cool and could perhaps be my quirky platonic older man friend. We exchanged a few messages and then the holidays came along and we fell out of touch.

Fast forward to November 2004. I had spent most of that year with a jerk, although I did not let that jerk stomp my heart, so I was in better shape for dating. Neil came across me on MySpace (of all places) and we started chatting. Then we went out to dinner. And the rest, as they say is history.

"Okay, Erin," you're saying, "that's a very sweet story, but that does not prove Neil's awesomeness. Where's the beef?"

Allow me to enumerate:

1. He is kind. Neil is one of the nicest people I know. He can snark along with the best of them, but in general he is good-natured and very loving. He does nice stuff for me all the time.
2. He is funny. He has a very quick wit and we crack each other up all the time. Relatedly, he thinks I'm funny, which is important.
3. Look how cute he is!
4. He's multi-talented. He's a photographer, he's a musician, he's working on a second degree in graphic design, and he's pretty handy.
5. He is a very loving father to our animules, Otis the Boston terrier and Franklin the cat.
6. He's an adventurous eater and gets excited about food, just like me.
7. He makes coffee every morning while I'm in the shower.
8. He has good taste in pretty much everything (especially women).
9. He has awesome hair.
10. He has great friends and family whom I've come to love as my own.

See, what did I tell you? Awesome.