Pulp Sushi

I love (Old) New York

I grew up in the Bronx but I never liked it and knew that one day I would finally leave it. I'm a very proud native New Yorker overall and city gal at heart.  I don't live in the city anymore, I live in the suburbs which some would consider "Upstate New York".  

For a long time I've been wanting to collect old images of New York City to hang in my home.  Images especially of Manhattan before it turned into a glorified shopping mall, became TOO expensive to live in, and the sleeze was taken out of Times Square. I am old enough to remember some of that and get a little nostalgic over it. That's why I love 1970s New York movies so much like Taxi Driver, The Warriors & French Connection.  Even moreso now that I  *finally* started watching Mad Men - I'm still in Season 1, I got a lot of catching up to do. 

Until that day comes and I have the wall space, I'll just share some of my favorite Old New York images here.

Central Park - This is still one of my favorite places to visit any time of the year.

3rd Avenue - not sure which Third Avenue this is, but I currently work on Third Ave.  Most of the elevated trains that ran through Manhattan are now underground.

Sometimes I wish I could move to another big city like Chicago just to experience a different place but maybe I should visit it first. I've never been and want to check it out so bad. I guess there will always be a part of me that wants to be in a city even though I'd also like a nice quiet home with a garden and trees in between neighbors.

Hitting A Creative Block

Oh lordy lordy. I'd hate to complain but I'm in a creative rut.  I've done my usual tasks to get me out of my funk - blog hopping, Etsy browsing, staring at my supplies - the Creative Well has run dry.  I know it's not the end of the world but do you ever get in a rut like this and worry that you'll never get out???

Sometimes going supply shopping helps but Etsy sales have been SO slow this month, I haven't been able to purchase any new supplies. I feel sorta stuck.   My stress level has been rather high lately and it's been taking it's toll on me physically.  I'm fighting not to go into full-on Depression Mode like those people you see in those anti-depressant drug commercials.  It all comes down to money and worrying about how I'm going to get by, it's making me feel creatively stunted. I hate this feeling. =/ 

It's Friday, I took the day off from work so I can have an *extra* long weekend (Monday is a holiday) and I'm going to try to just enjoy it and not think about the Etsy shop or my blog too much, hope you don't mind.

Maybe this magic frog will bring me some luck and help me kick-start the drive and creative juices again...

This froggie was so soft and fluffy, I wish I could have taken him home. Taken at Dream In Plastic in Beacon.  Have a great weekend!

Things I Wish I Knew How To Do

I make jewelry, I knit (sorta), emboirder (not as much), crotchet (kinda but not enough) and needle felt (ouch!!) but there are still a ton of things I wish I knew how to do or was much better at doing. Here are the top three skills I'd like to learn..

1) Sewing - the most sewing I can do is reinforcing a button on a jacket and even that looks a little sloppy. I wish wish wish I could make my own clothes.

2) Jewelry Soldering - this is a skill I would love to learn and probably not too far out of reach but I don't know how safe it would be to do in a 1 BR apartment.  I'm pretty clumbsy. I love the work of RockLove, P-Nut Jewelry & Femme Metale.

Source: google.co.uk via Sophie on Pinterest

 

3) Baking - Sure I can follow instructions from a box and scoop icing out of a container but it's not too often I make things from scratch. I once tried to make an Apple-Pear Pie and while it was ok, the crust (which I made) was TOO hard.  As much as I LOVE the Food Network, I'm pretty awkward in the kitchen.

Is there a skill that you always wanted to learn?

This post was inspired by Mind Block Mondays at After Nine To Five

(on a Tuesday) =D

Pearls, Flowers, Fashion!

I've been in a bit of a creative funk lately and I'm running low on supplies again (it happens so fast!) so there's only one item to the shop this week.

Sister Harmony - coral rose & pearls

Saturday night I checked out this really cool show at Cornell St Studios in Kingston, NY called Passion for Fashion. This shot I took of some work by Juda Leah from Saugerties, NY. 

My boyfriend submitted some Fetish Fashion inspired art too.  I wish I could find an actual corset like that.

Otherwise, it was a low-key weekend. I *finally* Netflixed the first season of Mad Men and started watching that. I hate that it took me this long!

Home Tour: My Workspace (Enter If You Dare!! ☢)

I love how Paige from Little Nostalgia recently posted what her workroom looks like on any given day when not made pretty for the blog, Creative Minds Are Rarely Tidy and I thought it would be fun if I played along too.  

I don't have a workroom or studio. I have a corner in my living room and you will never see this in any magazine or in Apartment Therapy.  So I introduce you to where all the magic (sometimes) happens...

I say "sometimes" because I usually just take my stuff and work on my coffeetable which is a couple of feet away but for the most part, I'm here. 

1) This is where I keep my chains, baggies, metal jewelry supplies, blank stationery sets and random crafty stuff I've forgotten about. 

2) Believe it or not, all of my inventory are in these two trays!

3) Two items are marked three because they're the same thing: BEADS!

4) All of my cardstock which I use for photo backgrounds

5) These bags have my yarn, thread, all knitting/crochet/embroidery stuff

6) Gift boxes, tissue paper, bubblewrap

7) My mail/fliers/coupons and craft books

8) My craft fair essentials are in this box (receipts, square, small signs, etc)

9) Business cards

10) Ribbons & address labels

11) It's kind of hard to see but this is actually where I hang my personal jewelry collection. 

Hope you enjoyed my quickie tour! =P

My April in Instagram

Some bloggers post weekly images from their Instagram, as much as I love the app, I don't use it THAT much, so instead of weekly - I go monthly and I think I got a good thing going.  You can see those albums on my Flickr.  Here's what my April looked like. I would say Easter & Bust Craftacular were the highlights. A lot of nice weather overall!

1. , 2. I ♥ these shoes, I just wish they were a little more comfortable, 3. Good morning, 4. Lobster Johnson! #darkhorse #hellboy, 5. Bear Mtn Bridge #newyork #hudsonriver #HudsonValley #metronorth, 6. Good Friday Burger! #avocado #bacon #bluecheese #NYC, 7. I made a friend while getting breakfast this morning. #cute #dog #nyc, 8. Easter Parade 2012 Fifth Avenue #bulldog #nyc #newyork, 9. That's a big hat! #EasterParade #newyork, 10. #newyork #nyc #easterparade, 11. Hands full with cute #Easter doggies #nyc #easterparade #newyork, 12. St Patick's Cathedral #newyork, 13. Windsor Terrace #Brooklyn, 14. Bust Spring Craftacular #newyork, 15. Dollsville Hair Clip, 16. Punk Rock Zombies (by Mike), 17. Sutton Pl #newyork #nyc #bridge, 18. Not everyone cares for Record Store Day..., 19. St Patrick's Cathedral, 20. Succulent Vines?, 21. Stone Hearts, 22. , 23. At Rondout Creek24. Not available

My morning walk to work

I haven't been sharing any pictures from my afternoon lunch walks because I haven't been taking them (whoops!) but the other day I stayed in the city and was able to take my usual route to the office from my parents building. It was a nice morning and I wasn't rushing so I took some snapshots while waiting to cross the street.

I walk past St Patrick's Cathedral and I always look up at this view, Old with New.

Rockefeller Center is pretty nice to walk through at 7:30 in the morning before the place is crawling with tourist. I am SO glad I do not work in any of these buildings.   The ice rinks turns into an outdoor restaurant for the warmer weather.

I'm waiting to cross Sixth Avenue, if I just pan to the left you would see Radio City Music Hall - which is pretty ugly when it's not lit so I didn't bother taking a picture of that.

This walk also gave me a chance to break in my new shoes from Rocket Dog, Costa Summer Break. So far they're holding up pretty good.

I anticipate wearing these out by the end of the Summer.

Who Do You Blog For?

There has been so much REAL TALK among some of my favorite blogs lately that it's infectious.  Back in March I participated in Blog Positivity Week and shared why I like to update this here blog o' mine.    I recently read the blog post "On Owning It" by Amy from A Is For Ampersand and I encourage everyone to read it, bloggers new and old(er).  While I like blogs that are visually appealing, some substance of the person would be nice too.  There are times when looking over my Bloglovin' page, I end up marking posts as "read" and not clicking to read them because I'm seeing the same type of posts over and over again from various blogs.

Source: fearlessknightsandfairytales.tumblr.com via ModCloth on Pinterest

 

I like blogs that are encouraging, empowering, and gives you something to think about, not just all fluff. Don't get me wrong, I like fluffy posts with pretty pictures too. But I also like when I read a post where the person shares something personal and thinking they're the only ones to feel that way and come to find out they're not alone.  I think we  get caught up with the face we like to portray on our blogs because it seems like everyone else is just so darn happy in their beautiful homes and awesome wardrobe and amazing weekend getaway photos.  I've been living in my apartment for almost four years and it still looks like I'm moving in.

Even I have thought "I wish I can be more like who I am on my blog." Not that this is all fake, it's just one aspect of me, maybe 30-40% of Marilyn.   You probably won't see the angry person who loses her temper and says stupid, mean, ugly things to others. Or see the unhappy office zombie going through the motions. I really don't want to share my whining and complaining but I may have to sometimes for my own sanity.  Pulp Sushi (the blog & Etsy shop) is something I'm super proud of and is what keeps me going even with the stress that can bring. I have enough grey hairs I dye over every few weeks, I don't need my blog to add to that.  :)  This blog is a form of therapy for me because it helps me tap into that person I strive to be.

Easter Weekend Recap - with BIG HATS

What a gorgeous weekend to be in the city! We were outside for most of it but the best was on Easter Sunday when we walked over to Fifth Avenue to check out the Easter Parade.  It's not a parade in the traditional sense, it's more like a big block party full of people wearing some pretty crazy hats.  I was super under dressed.

St Patrick's Cathedral was right in the middle of all of this zaniness. We went inside for a couple of minutes and lit some candles. Mass was still going on.

My mom would be happy to know I went to church on Easter Sunday, even if it was only for a couple of minutes.  I wish I had an extra day just to be home and rest.  I even got a new book to read....

I've been wanting to read this since I first heard about it. Anyone else read it? The movie should be coming out later this year. =D

A Trip to New Paltz, NY

New Paltz is another cool town just north from where I live.  It's located on the other side of the Hudson River in Ulster County. It's home to the popular college SUNY New Paltz and the town reflects that, very hip, arty and a little hippie - we are not too far from Woodstock afterall.  It's a fun town to walk around in and shop the local small businesses. 

I was up there this past Saturday to visit my friend's new store, The Treehouse.  I wrote a blog post about it for Hudson Valley Makes but I wanted to share some more pictures from my visit.

   
I'm so happy for my friend Kathy, I've mentioned her here before.  Her business is Gnorasaurus but now she's the own this neat store, isn't she cute????

I'm sure she will have much success in her new home! :)  While I was there, I went downstairs and checked out the antique shop Nora's Cottage and I somehow, magically walked out of there with a table! Funny, we didn't leave the apartment intending to get any furniture...

I was thinking about painting it but the gold is kind of growing on me now.  Still gotta think of what to put on it.  Some more plants perhaps, maybe it's time to buy a new funky little lamp?  I love it and I'm so glad Mike convinced me to get it. It was only $12.50 - I know some of you Thrifty experts may think it's too much but trust me, it was a good deal. Plus it weighs a TON!

My March in Instagram Photos

Didn't take as many pictures in March than I did in February but I still wanted to share what the month looked like for me.  A lot of pictures taken outside during my lunch break. Unseasonably warm but now we seem to be back at normal early Spring temperatures.

1. Happy March!, 2. JoJo #cute #dog, 3. Love sharing sneak peeks, 4. Good night! #batman #hush, 5. 1st Ave #NYC #newyork #city, 6. #newyork #nyc #city #brownstone, 7. #nyc #newyork #flowers, 8. This is New York too #hudsonriver, 9. #newyork #nyc #city #building, 10. Queensboro Bridge or Ed Koch Bridge or the 59th St Bridge #city #nyc #newyork #bridge, 11. Waiting for pick-up #newyork #nyc #cute #dog, 12. Java Girl #nyc #newyork #coffee, 13. feb2012, 14. Going Home, 15. Walk to work from the train #nyc #nyc #midtown #morning #rushhour, 16. Terry Austin signing one of Mike's #comics (Alice Cooper!), 17. Making their return to Pulp Sushi soon - Happy #Buddhas! #jewelry, 18. #newyork #nyc, 19. Midtown #nyc #newyork, 20. Breakfast? Maybe tomorrow  #cupcakes #sweets #desserts, 21. Afternoon walk #nyc, 22. A visit to The Treehouse in New Paltz23. Not available24. Not available

Closing PulpSushi.com (The Shop)

It is with a weight being lifted off my shoulders that I write this post.  This decision was a couple of months in the making.  I decided that I will be closing the shop PulpSushi.com.  I will continue to sell my jewelry on Etsy and I'm keeping the domain (I'm not stupid!). It has become clear to me that I wanted to try something a little different but chose the wrong time to do it.  Not to say that I won't do this again somewhere down the line.

I believe that in 2011 I was going through an identity crisis with Pulp Sushi.  I was taking in SO MUCH information about running a business that I got so crazy enthusiastic about putting the business on overdrive.  I am not ashamed to admit that I am so desperately dying to get out of my 9 to 6 office routine. In that desperation I made some decisions that were not truly thought out.   Why did I decide to have different shops with the same name????  This is NOT how branding is suppose to work people! I wanted to be something else than just another jewelry shop because there is such an oversaturation of it.   My vision got a little distorted from my frustrations.  I wanted to get into craft fairs as something OTHER than jewelry.  That was foolish.  I need to let my work speak for itself. 

It was back in February, I woke up at 3:58 am thinking about this. Am I really losing sleep over this??  Promoting one shop online takes a lot, two is even more challenging especially when you have a full-time job. I don't know how people with two or three Etsy shops do it! The sales just aren't happening and I feel like I am letting the vendors down who trust me to sell their items.  The shop does fine in person but I don't sell at a market every weekend.  Seeing the monthly costs of keeping the shop open with no return stings a little. I really thought I was able to pull it off.  I know it hasn't even been a year yet since I launched the new shop but my gut is telling me that I can't keep going in this direction.  The shop has taken a backseat to Etsy & the blog.  While brief, it ran it's course.

So it's time to scale things back a bit and get back to what got this ball rolling in the first place which was the jewelry.  I can't be timid anymore about the work that I do.  I started this post saying this is a weight being lifted, that's how I see all of this. I don't see it as a failure, maybe it had to happen in order for me to truly see which direction I should be going.

I didn't think this day would come...

"This day" being Friday that is, this week was incredibly SLOW for me.  I took this picture the other day during my lunch break on the way to an unplanned trip to Ann Taylor Loft.  I came back with TWO new outfits.  I needed pants. Badly.

The drama with my camera continues. :( I contacted Support at Canon and they suggested I try a couple of things to see if it would kickstart the camera. Still no luck.  They offered this Loyalty Program where I can exchange for a refurbished camera at a discounted fee. I may have to look into that. In the meantime, I'll continue to use my iPhone to take Etsy photos, it just makes the whole listing process take longer now but I gotta do what I gotta do!   Enough of my whining.  I hope you have a great weekend!

An Outfit Blog Post: My *First* Ruche Dress

I'm so excited to share my first dress from Ruche! I've admired their clothes and lookbooks for so long. I came across a dress I couldn't turn away from. Flamenco Dancing Curvy Plus Dress

I wasn't too crazy about the kind of zipper they use in the back (it's really stiff) but overall I love this dress. The colors are lighter than what I would usually wear but not too far out of my comfort zone. It's a great length, very light and airy. I wore it to work!

I ordered this in a 1XL based on their size chart just to play it safe. It's tricky ordering clothes online especially if you're not familiar with their sizes. I learned a long time ago to not get attached to sizes, every store varies. I go from Medium to 1XL. I am more concerned with clothes fitting me properly and look flattering so I don't care what size is on the label. 

The only problem I do have is the top part of this dress is a little too loose and with the stiff zipper in the back, it looks like a have a slight hump. I am smaller on top than on bottom. :) But this is easily covered up when I wear a cardigan. It's too bad because the back is pretty but I don't know if I'll be able to wear it solo and show off the cut-outs in the back (not to mention my tattoos!).  Otherwise it fits me pretty nicely but I think next time I may go down a size.

Let's get the FUNK out of Friday!

I am trying my best to end this week on a good note.  Even though the gorgeous weather continues here, I was actually in a Funk for the last few days.   There was a loss in my family last weekend so the start of the week was mostly saying Goodbye. Then I was just depressed and feeling super sorry for myself like a big ol' Loser.  This happens from time to time. It could be PMS, I could have some weird backward SAD thing going on, but it kind of sucked. 

I'm gradually feeling better and feel my mood being lifted.   It's Friday! Tomorrow is St Patrick's Day which means my boyfriend & I are NOT leaving the house.  People act pretty stupid (and drunk) on this day so we just stay in. We'll probably watch some of the parade, then cook up a big corn beef with yummy veggies, and most likely reminise about our trip to Ireland back in 2003.

Ok I may go out for my weekly Saturday night Starbucks run (I recently became a GOLD Member! =D) but that is it! Anyway, I just want to leave with this one last thought.....

Source: melodyross.typepad.com on Pinterest

 

Have a great weekend!

Blog Positivity Week - March 19 to 25

Ashley from After Nine To Five is at again! She is preparing to launch Blog Positivity Week and it looking for bloggers to participate. It is open to new and experienced bloggers, any type of bloggers not just crafty, small business ones. Do you want in? Here is the sign-up page *click* and check out her blog post for a little background on this.

Bullying doesn't just occur to kids in High School on their Facebook pages, it happens to bloggers too.  We put ourselves out there to connect with others and sometimes people with no lives will find that as an excuse to attack the person just to make them feel better about themselves.  It hasn't happened to me much but I've seen it happen to others and it's upsetting.  It shouldn't be.

 

Blog: Rainbows & More Walks in the City

I went for another walk yesterday, it was close to 70 degrees in New York. I didn't even bring my coat with me.  I came across a cute little coffee shop I never knew existed.

Again, off the beaten path. Very charming and good Iced Coffee. These little guys were outside when I left. Looks like they were waiting for their orders.

I'm sure I'll be back at this place soon. Hopefully I'll be able to sit down and enjoy a bite to eat.

I'm pretty lucky that I get to enjoy the "big city" but also go home to where it's a little more laid back. I grew up in the city and remember when it was grittier and cooler.  I don't mind not living there anymore but I like having the convenience of a place to stay when I need it (thanks Mom & Pop!).  

Where I live, the city folks go to for weekend getaways. It's my home.  I mean seriously, this is what I see every morning on my train ride to work...

New York is more than just Manhattan, Brooklyn, Skyscrapers and Hipster Transplants.

So it IS Friday and I'd like share to one of my latest treasuries... 

Got Color? may be the MOST colorful treasury I've put together thus far.  Featuring mostly members of the Avid Treasurers team. Check it out, click around, and enjoy your weekend!

A Walk Around 1st Avenue

The weather has been gorgeous the last couple of days.  While at work I must must must leave during the day just to get the heck out of the of building.  I work in Midtown Manhattan on the East Side. I tend to walk around 1st Avenue because it's not as busy and congested as some of the other more touristy/shopping streets like Lexington & 3rd Avenue. Wanna peek?  Instagram time!

I've always wanted to live in a Brownstone building. Absolutely love them.  They are pretty pricey and unless I win the Lotto, will probably never happen.

You can find an abundance of flowers on almost every street corner deli. I didn't buy any. Didn't feel like carrying them. But I am due for some flowers soon.

To be honest with you, I'm pretty bored with this area. I use to LOVE working on the West Side near Central Park & Hell's Kitchen. I enjoyed that neighborhood much more than where I am now. It just seems way too commercial and snooty for my taste. I'm also not too far from the UN.  I still need the walks as my exercise and "alone time".

Hope you liked my brief tour.  Maybe I'll share more pictures from my daily walks and show you New York from a native Noo Yawka point of view.  What do you think? :)

February Photo A Day on Flickr

I *almost* stuck with February's Photo A Day....almost.  I skipped a couple of days due to cold and laziness.  But not too many.  This was fun but I don't think I will be doing something like this any time soon.  

1. My view from a moving train #febphotoaday #metronorth #newyork, 2. Words #febphotoaday #coffee, 3. Day 3 - Hands #febphotoaday, 4. A Stranger #febphotoaday, 5. 10 am #febphotoaday, 6. Dinner #febphotoaday, 7. Day 7 Button #febphotoaday, 8. Sun - probably the only one I might see today #febphotoaday #day8, 9. I have an ugly front door #day9 #febphotoaday, 10. Why does #Portrait fall on a day I'm not feeling photogenic? #febphotoaday, 11. Day 11: dogs in outfits make me happy #febphotoaday #daschund, 12. Day 12 #febphotoaday Inside My Closet - a walk in mess, 13. #day13 #febphotoaday #blue - thirsty, 14. #day14 #febphotoaday #Heart charm by @rustypistachio, 15. #day15 #febphotoaday #phone, 16. #day16 #febphotoaday Something new - liquid eyeliner, what up?, 17. #day17 #febphotoaday I think it's #time for lunch, 18. #day18 #febphotoaday #drink - just water , 19. #day20 #febphotoaday #handwriting, 20. #day22 #febphotoaday where I work, 21. #day23 #febphotoaday #shoes #maddengirl, 22. #day24 #febphotoaday I keep perfume in my medicine cabinet, 23. #day25 #febphotoaday #green #pulpsushi my bf made this for me a few yrs ago, 24. #day28 #febphotoaday #money or lack there of, just spare change €£¥

Ideas For My Bedroom

I'm talking about decorating people, this ain't that kinda blog.  I currently rent the apartment I'm in so I'm kind of limited on what I can do aesthetically.   We keep extending our lease another year thinking "This is it! After this year we're leaving."  However lately I've been thinking about my bedroom and how blah it is. No pictures because I'm ashamed. I have SO many ideas on the type of bedroom I would like to have.  Since I can't do much with it physically at the moment, leave it to Pinterest to save the day!

Source: theenchantedhome.blogspot.com via Marilyn on Pinterest

 

 

Source: weheartit.com via Marilyn on Pinterest

 

 

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Dora on Pinterest

 

I'm totally going through a whole Black/White/Gray thing right now. I like colors in the home, love it! But I've always liked keeping my bedroom dark. I don't care to have sun shining in to wake me up. It bothers me. Don't know if I would paint my walls black, maybe gray but I want my bedroom to be like a cave. 

How do you like to keep your bedroom, bright and sunny or dark and sexy? Yeah I said "sexy".

PS: I tweaked the look of my blog a little, what do you think? It was starting to look a little too jumbled for my taste. I'm happy with how it is now. :)