Simone Pipek is a native of Cologne, Germany. She has worked with numerous German women’s magazines, including the German edition of Elle magazine. At the tender age of 29 she made the move to New York where she has been living for the past 10 years. She has worked on a number of writing projects since then in both German and English. She also writes on a regular basis as a New York correspondent for the German blog, Die Frohe Botschafterin. She grew up with a green consciousness. Caring for the environment is not only a trend for her, but a lifestyle. In her opinion, knowledge is power. So being educated is key to protect the earth. She is very happy about all the new bike paths the city has to offer.
Better--and much more fun--alternatives are flea markets, antique stores, and last but not least, Craigslist.com. For me, it’s the thrill of the chase for the ultimate piece of wall hanging, the dresser that just needs a little love, or the floor lamp that only requires a new shade to come to life again. Priceless. Or, at the very least, easy on the budget.
There’s something else that makes it all worthwhile. Discovering that very special item, I am automatically being told a story. Those pieces lived a life before they met me, and in my fantasy I can draw pictures of the former life and think of many different tales this night table or vase might be able to narrate. I just have to listen closely when I touch and smell it for the first time.
And the best part is, I am buying something that has already been built. I’m not responsible for diminishing any further resources by my purchase. While it might be second hand, it’s new to me. The literal translation for used, or second hand, furniture in German is “Zweite Hand.” And that expression hits the mark.
Finding good flea markets with vintage and/or antique appeal is not always easy, especially in the winter time. With a forecast of rain or snow, the desire to leave the house lowers considerably. But even at this chilly time of year, I recently checked out the Stratford Antique Center. Located in a non-descriptive former warehouse, I felt like a child in FAO Schwartz at Christmas time.
Happy shopping!
I love the lighting and look of these interior shots - very very dramatic...gives me a feeling of James Bond, somehow. Thanks for sharing these!
Posted by: long island payroll | November 10, 2010 at 03:49 AM
A nice candlelight picture and i also want to get this for my house.
Posted by: Project Management Software | October 21, 2010 at 03:07 PM