hannersk's Profile

Display Name:	hannersk
Member Since:	8/16/10

Latest Comments...

In general, no. The things I put on my wall are the things I love and want to look at all the time. But one place does get changed seasonally/periodically: the "mantle". (Or, in our case, the two large floating shelves that serve as a focal point in the living room, since we don't actually have a fireplace.) When we moved in, my roommate and I had very different ideas of what to put up in this prime location, and we're both "collectors" who want to show off our stuff. So we started doing temporary displays. Besides the obvious Christmas display, we've had lots of travel displays, gardening displays, a Lewis & Clark bicentennial display, vintage election memorabilia one fall, and even one to celebrate the 170th birthday of the guy my roommate wrote his dissertation on. Even though we don't live together anymore, I still change out the display at least 3 or 4 times a year, just to keep some variety. And, frankly, it keeps me from taking the space too seriously. Currently the display consists of a couple Hopper prints of sailboats and lighthouses, an old ship lantern, books (Moby Dick,etc.) and some driftwood and seashells that always seem to come home with us from the ocean. And this, despite my lifelong aversion to seashell decor from growing up in the 80s... and I love it! Do You Change Art Seasonally? Reader Survey Flag this comment	4/8/13 11:47 AM
I agree with Octavia82's groupings. Belltown and the CD? Totally different crowds/vibes. Still a lot of places you kind of need a car to get to (unless you love a long walk or multiple bus transfers), but transit is getting better and you'll be in very good company if you're a biker! A Renter's Life in Seattle: The Inside Scoop Apartment Therapy's Renters Guide Flag this comment	3/19/13 4:01 PM
Sorry, Carrotsticks, I work with college students and while the sentiment of hospitality is not unusual in a teenage boy, the attention to detail and presentation is. I mean... doilies? Do You Fika? A Swedish Custom Flag this comment	8/17/12 3:29 PM
Oh, and one more story: A few friends and I once stopped by unannounced at another friend's apartment in Sweden. Within minutes, there was a pot of hot coffee and a tray of cookies, complete with doily. And this was a 19-year-old GUY. And no, he did not live with his parents. Do You Fika? A Swedish Custom Flag this comment	8/17/12 1:15 PM
I think the key difference between fika and our idea of a coffee break is how seriously it's taken. Fika is a scheduled part of many work and school days and seems to be recognized by most employers as an important, productive part of the day -- not just an acceptable period of "slacking". I once had a teacher explain to me that it was during fika that they often discuss how to deal with problematic students or share teaching ideas in a more informal setting. Swedes (and Europeans in general) are just better at stopping and enjoying breaks and meal times, whereas we are constantly "on", probably attempting to multitask and just end up stealing minutes here and there talking to coworkers or browsing on the internet -- as I'm doing now :) Do You Fika? A Swedish Custom Flag this comment	8/17/12 1:10 PM
Hotel/restaurant smorgasbords are certainly impressive, but don't look all that different from an American buffet -- except Swedes have very specific rules and etiquette that dictate what gets eaten first (herring), second (gravlax, smoked salmon, etc), third (meat/poultry), etc. It's surprisingly restrained and ritualistic, as opposed to our "all you can eat" approach. Even better was a Julbord (Christmas smorgasbord) that I went to with my roommates family that was at someone's house. Same etiquette, FANTASTIC assortment of dishes, and all with that wonderful, warm Scandinavian hospitality that just can't be replicated outside the home. Wonderful! A Brief History of Smorgasbord: It's Not Just a Buffet! Flag this comment	8/16/12 1:59 PM
@esvoytko Amen! What's the Deal With Black Chickens? Flag this comment	7/27/12 12:39 PM
Yes! Yes! Yes! Stayed at the Zanzibar Coffee House in March of 2010 and it was wonderful. Clean, safe, friendly, and just lovely. Rooftop breakfast with house-made mango cardamom marmalade is still something I talk about. Returning to our room each afternoon to jasmine blossoms on the beds and much-needed air conditioning (I didn't think we needed such things, but I can't even tell you how welcome they were) was such a relief at the end of a hot, sweaty day. And the spiced coffee... oh my. If I were to visit Zanzibar again (which I'd love to do), I'd probably stay out at the beach since Stone Town can get really hot and confusing, with the narrow serpentine streets and general lack of signage or thorough maps -- but ideally the Zanzibar Coffee House people will have built a beach outpost by then :) A couple notes: -Both my friend and I have spent quite a bit of time abroad and I consider myself an above average navigator, but I can't even tell you how many times we got lost. The good news is, there is plenty of beauty and atmosphere to soak in while you try to find your way. Just allow a little extra time for detours, and if you see something in a shop that you like, buy it right then and there -- you might not be able to find that store again! :) -Everyone in Stone Town was really sweet and helpful to these pathetic lost tourists. Some actually knew the right directions and some didn't (even the locals get confused), but everyone wanted to help! -Be wary of buying spices at the market. We loaded up, and while some of them have been great, others (huge bag of saffron!) really were too good to be true.... (I still don't know what that was). We kind of knew that going into it, but threw caution to the wind anyway... oh well, it was cheap! High & Low Lodging: Zanzibar Hotels Flag this comment	7/18/12 7:17 PM
Oh, man. I hate a lot of stuff. I could go on and on. But when I see it in other people's homes, I add it to my mental list of things I won't do in my own (future) home and then go on enjoying the company of the person I obviously like enough to spend my spare time with. And I hope my friends do the same when they come over to my place -- how boring if we all liked the same stuff! My current apartment has a lot of demons (ugly cabinets, unattractive carpet, terrible light fixtures -- the list goes on-- did I mention it's a basement?) but I have neither the finances nor the inclination to kill myself "fixing" what is actually still in very good shape. Instead I try to work with it, personalize the rest of the space and keep collecting pieces and ideas that I love and want to incorporate into a home I'm really ready to invest in. And good thing I can't do that yet -- I can't even tell you how many things formerly of my "Hate" list, that I've since seen done WELL and it's totally changed my mind. Nevermind that it seems to me that the homes that must be perfect immediately are the ones that usually end up looking fake or matchy or staged, because it was done all at once. I think the best homes are the ones that are personal and developed over time -- even if that means leaving the ugly fixtures until you find ones you love. I'm pretty sure that 99% of the people commenting on this thread, if invited to my home, wouldn't ACTUALLY think less of me for the terrible orangey "oak" cabinets in my kitchen -- they'd just be reminded that they're never going to put them in their own house. And trust me, neither will I. Ew, I Can't Stand That! Design Allergies Flag this comment	6/27/12 12:59 PM
I got a "free" armchair from my parents that had seen better days, but had a solid frame and I loved the shape. Decided to get it reupholstered after getting a quote for $400-$500 plus fabric. I was able to buy a remnant for $17/yd (7 yds) so it sounded pretty reasonable to me, but there were so many add-ons (and labor for those add-ons) that weren't mentioned until my chair was already ripped apart that all said and done it was almost $1000. It looks great, but I was really disappointed with the bad quote and lackluster service. Bottom line, ask a LOT of questions before they take anything apart. I have another chair I'd like to redo, but have no intention of going back to the same place. So, if anyone has a suggestion for a good upholsterer in Seattle, I'd love to hear it! Case Studies of Real Life Upholstery Jobs: What Do People Really Pay? Flag this comment	6/19/12 5:27 PM
Mrs. Meyers! Advil, Cheerios, Charmin UltraStrong, Sensodyne Pronamel and myriad other products from Trader Joes. Other than that I'm pickiest when it comes to my cheese -- Tillamook cheddar and Beechers Flagship! There simply are no substitutes :) No Substitute: Which Products Inspire Brand Loyalty? Flag this comment	1/26/12 7:16 PM
Sooo... essentially I still have to click around to get to the various sites/content areas, you just made it harder for me to get to theKitchn? The benefits of the redesign have yet to make themselves apparent to me. Also, there's a really odd combo of fonts going on... at least how it is on my screen. Hoping that's temporary or a just a technical issue. I mean, I love your stuff so I'm still going to read it, I just have an annoyed look on my face now. Welcome to Apartment Therapy 3.0! Flag this comment	1/9/12 4:02 PM
Let's just say my mother was a "free spirit" when it came to housework :) I prefer a cleaner space and the ability to entertain without calling in the National Guard, so all those skills and habits that a lot of people just absorbed as they were growing up, I've had to figure out for myself. Some stuff is just kind of embarrassing to admit I don't already know, while others I don't know if anyone would have the answer even if I asked -- and that's why I love my copy of Home Comforts. It covers everything from how often to change your pillowcases to what's the best way to clean and store pewter or protect the binding on a book. I'm sure Cheryl Mendelson's house is still way cleaner than mine, but it's nice to be able to "ask" her advice when I need/want it. Housekeeping Basics: 36 Step-by-Step Guides To Every Chore In Your Home Flag this comment	1/4/12 7:37 PM
I have one basic natural/flax colored cotton/linen tablecloth and 8 matching napkins that I use every day. But I have at least a dozen other tablecloths, runners and squares that I've bought on various trips or received as gifts that I use to change up the color or feel for different seasons or occasions. I love pulling out the bright, cheerful tablecloth I got in Norway for a casual summer party or the woven silk runner from my trip to Vietnam for something fancier. Linens and textiles are some of the easiest souvenirs to bring home and I love the memories associated with all the different pieces! On Table Linens: A Closet Full or a Drawer Full? Flag this comment	11/8/11 4:11 PM
As another lucky guest of Sam and Dom, I must say that this is a beautiful and completely accurate representation of their lovely home. Warm family, cozy home and lots of kitties! Sam & Dominic's Sunny Phinney Ridge Home House Tour Flag this comment	7/8/11 2:06 PM
Spain. Wine, seafood, cheese and JAMON! And personally I LOVE Swedish food. I could live off the bread and cheese alone. But a simple breakfast of filmjolk, cornflakes and lingon, with a little openface cheese and cucumber sandwich and a strong cup of coffee is something I dream about. And never miss an opportunity to fika! More coffee and any pastry with cardamom -- be still my heart. Summer Travel Plans: Where's the Best Food Destination? Flag this comment	6/3/11 11:51 AM
Love love LOVE Evolution. Yet somehow had no idea about Meditrina?? Now I have to go to the store... Sokol Blosser Wines: Innovative, Delicious and Great Value Flag this comment	2/24/11 8:43 PM
If it helps, the C&B Nilsson pattern was either made by, or looks shockingly similar to, a Swedish company called Hoganas Keramik. Might not be available in all the same colors (they change periodically), especially here, but hopefully this helps you in your search! http://www.hoganaskeramik.se/web/hoganaskeramik.nsf/en/home Starting Small: What To Do If You Can't Afford It Now Flag this comment	8/16/10 6:00 PM