This week a fellow blogger invited me to a luncheon held at the delightful Alana’s to hear a presentation about a new program AEP is developing called gridSMART. Being a girl who can’t say no to a chance at eating amazing food for 2 solid hours, I cheerfully accepted, but worried that the price- writing about something that I might have some disagreement with- would prove unacceptable. It turns out I needn’t have worried- here’s the deal:

gridSmart  gives consumers the option of having a digital meter installed in their home. The primary benefit the new meter offers, to me at least, is the ability to see how much energy your home is using in real time; for example, when my daughter opens the refrigerator 20 times in 15 minutes to confirm that there really isn’t anything there that she wants, I can say to her, Look darling,  you have just wasted __ cents- it will be coming out of your allowance (probably I wouldn’t do that, but sometimes threats work…).  Why does AEP want people to use less electricity, you say? Largely because they are trying to delay the inevitable switch to greener power plants, which will, of course, cost them dearly. So brainy people everywhere are trying to figure out how to help people use less energy, and one idea is giving people more information about how much they are really consuming so they can be radicalized into making more efficient choices. Other states have just sort of presented the new meters as a  fait accomplie, which apparently didn’t go so well, as some people felt that their privacy was being compromised, or that that there were security concerns (neither  seem to have any legitimacy, but change is scary for some)- AEP has decided to make the program voluntary, so there will be early adapters- I will certainly be one- to help lead the way for people still feeling a little angsty.

Because I am both frugal and resource conscious, the appeal of gridSmart for me is an increased capacity for managing my  consumption, but for people who don’t feel concerned about that, the new meters will help AEP deal more quickly with power outages,  both because the meters will be able to communicate faster than the current technology allows, and because the new equipment will allow for remote troubleshooting for connection and voltage issues. I also like the idea of no longer having to answer the door in my robe to the the meter reader and having them tromp through my house, but that’s just me.

Here is the crazy making thing- we can’t have it yet. For, like, a while- possibly even a few years.  I got you all excited about it and you didn’t even get any pumpkin bisque! But when it comes, I will be the first to sign up- please hurry, gridSmart.

Official disclosure:

“I wrote this post after attending an informational luncheon on behalf of Silver Spring Networks and Mom Central Consulting and received a gift bag and gift card as a thank you for taking the time to participate.”

I cannot overstate my love for Maira Kalman and her delightful, cheerfully poignant illustrations and writings about everything from philosophy to colonial interiors to historical people of interest. Everything she does is so rich with joy and humanity I can barely speak after I’ve read and seen one of her pieces. She has an occasional blog at the NYT, and has a new book that is about, among other things, the cultural workings of democracy, biographies of the writers of the constitution, and food. Also, shoes. She is 10 kinds of fantastic.

Even when we are mindful of what we choose to bring into our homes, the sheer volume of both unchosen detritus and our every day accouterments threatens to overwhelm. Here are few ways of managing the stuff that comes inside.

Mail- Deal with it as soon as it comes. Toss what you don’t care about (which is most of it, really) into the recycling RIGHT AWAY. Truly, don’t let what you don’t want even hit the table. What you want to keep can go into the predetermined place on or in your desk. As for the seemingly endless newspapers and fliers that arrive uninvited at your door- this makes me crazy, by the way- try to speak to the delivery person and tell them to skip your house, or leave a small sign where someone will see it stating your preferences (my experience with this has been unsatisfying, but it’s worth a shot).

So much of the mail we get is genuinely wasteful and unnecessary- to stop the flow of junk mail and catalogs, go here.

Accessories- Instead of walking in the door and throwing your coat on a chair, just take a second to put it, and whatever other things (bag, shoes, etc)  that come off when you come home, away. This sounds so simple, but it will save you time in the end and keep things where they should be.

Groceries- Put everything away immediately, of course, but also, make sure you buy only what you have space for have the space for what you’re bringing home, and have containers ready for things to go in to save space and give a more uniform look to your pantry items.

Periodicals-  With beloved shelter magazines dropping like flies (Oh, Domino, I think of you fondly, and often. And Blueprint, and Budget Living…), my monthly magazine load is smaller than ever, but there are a few that still come weekly  (you will pry my New Yorker out of my cold, dead hands). As soon as the new issue comes, take your critical eye to last week/month’s and decide if it’s worth keeping. It probably isn’t, so take it to the recycling bin, or Half-Price books (where, yes, there will give you a hot .25 for it, but someone else will get to read it, and that’s a good thing), or pass it on to a friend who will appreciate it. If it’s an issue that you think you will want to read or look at again and again, dedicate a space for magazines somewhere in your home- I will admit to hoarding all of the aforementioned Dominos that I ever received, and they have a prominent home in my dining room bookshelves. As for newspapers, just toss them as soon as your finished; if there’s an article you found compelling, clip it and file it away, just like your grandmother did.

Things left behind- This may not be a universal problem, but we entertain somewhat frequently, and people are always leaving things behind. The first thing to do is to let the person know you have their ___, and give them the chance to come grab it. The likelihood is that this well be met with a well-intentioned promise of a retrieval, but often people’s lives get in the way of this sort of thing, so you have to decide how to proceed. It would be lovely of you to just return the item to its owner, but certainly you can  hang on to it for a little bit, keeping it in a dedicated, intentional place that isn’t in your line of vision. If sundry items begin to collect and it’s driving you crazy, you can let people know a little more forcefully that their things will be waiting for them to pick up at a certain time or place. Offer to take the things to the thrift store for them- unless you think that’s a little passive aggressive…

As in everything in life that matters, a little bit of regular maintenance and paying attention in your home pays off.

{images  loveisnoise,  inhabitat,  realsimple,  workmajj, urbanfarmhouse}

Donewaiting, a Columbus site for people part of and interested in the Central Ohio music scene, is releasing a Christmas album this year, featuring songs by a number of notable local musicians. The discs are $10, with profits going to Gracehaven. The Moviola, Bird and Flower, and Megan Palmer songs are particularly lovely.

This is the holiday shopping event that I am easily most excited for. HolidayVille,  December 4, from 10- 6, is being tried for the first time this year, but I think it’s a safe bet to say that it will become a neighborhood tradition. My daughter’s head will explode when I tell her there will be a trolley running up and down High St through Clintonville and Beechwold. A ton of local shops are playing along, including Wholly Craft, Cover to Cover, Lost Weekend Records, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Sew to Speak, and many others; nearly all will be offering special deals, discounts, workshops, and sweet nothings. I am proud to say that my very own street’s newest shopkeepers, Graffiti Dog, will be offering Pet Psychic services for a modest $15 for 15 minutes. More details here and here.

Tote from  Vivisect Apparel, just $3.99!

Ohio Baby onesie, from Lil Burritos, $13.

Personalized map necklaces from Daisy Mae Designs, $20.

Darling children’s clothing from Pink Chickadee, $33.

Cocoon scarf from tiny magpie, $34.

Alphabet poster from Grace Hester Designs, $40.

Antique glass rose pendant from Anne Holman, $120.

We are lucky to live in a town rich with artists and crafters. Please give them more reasons to stay in our wonderful city by going supporting them through these upcoming events!

Wild Goose Collective will host Etsy Team Columbus and their holiday art and craft trunk show on Thursday, December 9th, at 6pm. Details here.

There will be beautiful pottery for sale at Tulane Rd Pottery’s holiday open house from talented ceramists from all over the city. Their event will be held December 4th and 5th, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-4,  Details here.

The North Market will hold its annual holiday extravaganza on Saturday, December 4, from 8-4. In addition to lots of fabulous crafty vendors, they will have music, face painting, and our favorite balloon artisan, Dr Silverfoot. Details here.

Glass Axis holds their holiday sale on December 10-12, Friday and Saturday from 12- 7, and Sunday from 11- 5. They have beautiful hand-blown glass ornaments, jewelry, and more, with additional workshops available, as well. Details here.

ARTillery celebrates its Holiday Art Market at The Gateway Film Center this year with crafters from all over Columbus. December 11th, from 10-5; details here.

Well, it’s a commitment, for sure. And it’s bold enough that you run the risk of getting sick of it more quickly than other, more practical, wall coverings, like paint. But, oh- wallpaper can be just glorious. Certainly there are a lot of subtle, more traditional patterns and materials, but being able to make a strong design statement would be an amazing thing to do for your home. It has the added benefit of doing the heavy visual lifting, so you can get away with a minimum of styling in that space. Unless you like the super-luxe, decadent, layered look, in which case we better get to work.

Some sources for beautiful wallpaper are Farrow & Ball, Anthropologie,The Wallpaper Collective, Jocelyn Warner, Nama Rococo. And don’t forget Ebay- they have some pretty amazing stuff, too.

{images wallpaper collective via sfgirlbybay,amy butler,hygge andwest}

Museums.

TheColumbus Art Museum actually has some really lovely things in its collections, and their recent (as yet not totally unveiled) renovations make the space feel fresher that they have in years. Their free day is Sunday.

Franklin Park Conservatory has so much to look at, from their Dale Chihuly installations, to the Victorian Palm house, with tons of gorgeous and unusual botanicals throughout; the orchids are breathtaking. The first Wednesday of the month, from 5-8, is their free time.

The Wexner Center is a jewel, with frequently changing exhibits, interesting people watching, and my favorite book store/ gift shop for browsing. Their free time is Thursdays after 4.

To get smarter

We have the best libraries around. Period. Go find one, and fall in love. (The Main is my forever favorite, but I’m lucky enough to have Whetstone down the street.)

The Ohio Statehouse does tours, and I’m embarrassed to say that I had never been until my daughter’s class went and needed a chaperon. The building itself is quite spectacular, and it’s fascinating to peek in at our legislators in action.

The Ohio Supreme Court is another little secret to most. They do guided tours, and even mock trials. The day we went, Harry Potter was on trial!

Strolling Around

Gallery Hop, every first Saturday evening of the month, always has a lot happening; there are the galleries themselves, of course, but also street music, dogs in pretty sweaters, and window shopping to be had.

Columbus has a few really delightful parks, and even in the fall and winter they can be worth a visit. The Topiary Garden, by the Main library downtown, Whetstone Park of Roses, and Inniswood Metro Gardens are some of my favorites. Many of the Metro Parks offer group hikes and nature talks throughout the year.

Pet stores* are one of my favorite places to go, especially if there is grumpiness to be dispelled- it’s just hard to be in a bad mood when a tiny kitten tongue is licking you, or you have a puppy belly in your hand. Sometimes we head to the nearest bookstore and get a stack of magazines and just loll around for a while. What are your favorite free places to go?

*If you are looking to bring home a pet, please don’t buy one at the pet store! Check out the Capital Area Humane Society or another rescue organization.

{images the Columbus Museum of Art, Experience Columbus, Puppy Pen}

When I was little I was wildly infatuated with all things Laura Ingalls Wilder, but most especially the sod house in “On the Banks of Plum Creek”. Naturally, I would like to move, or at least spend a chunk of time, into this house. It’s also how I imagine Hobbits live, but I’ll try to limit my geekery. More about the Earth House here.