That’s right…I just bought this bad boy. After years of getting my elliptical on for free in my building’s silly-expensive gym, the management recently pulled my proverbial power cord. What was a girl to do? Obviously, get this! Upon taking counsel with a friend who purchased this Hideaway Elliptical Trainer a few weeks ago, I knew that the only way for me to stay fit (depending on the day and lighting, of course) was to join her home exercise bandwagon. Honestly, unless the gym is an elevator ride away or around the corner, I’m not going to go. So, despite…

My name is Meghan, and I’m addicted to Esque Studio’s high-concept curiosities. Ever since I was introduced to the studio’s hand-blown glass pieces (about a year ago) I was hooked—big time. Honestly, just take a look…how could you not be? From skull-shaped paperweights and Fred Flinstone-style barware to bold-colored beakers, the Portland, Oregon-based brand cooks-up tabletop treats that flirt with scale and fantasy, and that are just plain fun. They always make me giddy—just like when I had a crush on a boy named Sam when I was 5 years old. Helmed by world-renowned designers Andi Kovel and Justin Parker,…

One of my all-time favorite pastimes, watching the Food Network channel, has fully cooked a new all-time favorite activity: grocery shopping.  This isn’t to say that I’m actually good at making the food I buy–we aren’t there just yet–but I’m definitely a pro at wandering the aisles, comparing nutrition facts, finding the best deal on Parmesan cheese, and buying way more than I intended. So, how is a young, hip, twenty-something with a ton of street cred supposed to carry his groceries galore?  I think the answer may just be Urbanista’s DraMaten: Inspired by “clever old ladies,” Urbanista’s modern take…

Neither torrential downpours or the threat of tornadoes could stop the V+P crew from celebrating the one-year anniversary of Designer Pages IDNY Meet up group last month. Of course, our client, Allsteel Inc. was hosting the gig at their ultra-hip Resource Center in Union Square, but we would have been there anyway — you know we’re regulars on the Meetup scene! The September 16 bash featured some truly inspiring speakers (per the usual at IDNY), including the creative minds behind Rich, Brilliant and Willing: Theo Richardson, Charles Brill and Alex Williams, along with renowned architectural designer Winka Dubbeldam, founder of…

Earlier this week, I saw a Huffington Post article on The Dollar ReDe$ign Project, another fine example of how to “cash in” on crowdsourcing. The thought behind the project is that the American dollar is lagging behind its rival, the Euro, and that  a money makeover would help stimulate an economy that is a little more “George Washington” than “Benjamin Franklin,” if you know what I mean. Some of the designs really are impressive, and totally make me want to go crazy at the mall. The most popular design, according to the article, was submitted by British duo Dowling Duncan:…

Recently, the V+P crew was privy to Showtime’s Showhouse opening night event at the Cassa Hotel and Residences. The event brought together outstanding designers who transformed three penthouse apartments at Cassa into rooms themed from the cable network’s hit TV shows: Dexter, Californication, The Big “C”, Nurse Jackie, The Borgias, The United States of Tara and Weeds. V+P was excited to attend after spending weeks working the designers, some of whom incorporated Karastan, a luxury manufacturer of carpeting and rugs (and our client), into their design. Karastan was one of the event’s many sponsors. Take a look at some of…

This week, I got on the lovely (and free!) shuttle bus at Forty One Madison, and went on down to the Gift Show for a sneak peek at the latest, greatest and strangest in tableware, doodads, accessories, housewares and other gifts. I oogled luxe bedding, sniffed myriad scented candles and admired modernist kids furniture (this time, i got a closer look at the Brinca Dada dollhouse in person- I must have it!) I checked out enough glittery, bespangled ornaments and thingies to choke even the most ambitious Christmas tree. You know I love glitter.  I also have a strange fascination…

Recently, V+P secured one of more than 25,000 “Keys to the City,” part of a citywide public art project by local artist Paul Ramirez Jonas. Our key came with a little book detailing dozens of spots normally reserved for authorized personnel only. The keys promise to unlock secret boxes, rooms and gates at each spot, offering a little-known slice of New York. We carefully plotted our course, chose a single day (July 13,) and set out to conquer 5 spots in 3 boroughs in 8 hours. Esther, Nicole, Margaux, Josh and I got a steamy start yesterday morning, meeting in…

As Lady Gaga was performing in town earlier this week, my Facebook friends politely reminded me what a great concert I missed. The many status updates, photos, and even videos from the concert pulled at my heartstrings. I totally felt like the little brother who’s not cool enough to go to the older brother’s party (a.k.a. those tickets are pricey!). With Lady Gaga on my radar, I found a blog post from CasaSugar that compares her distinctly different style to some of today’s latest home trends, and I think the similarities are hilarious.  See my favorites from their post below…and…

Monday kicked off the first day of NeoCon, the annual trade show for contract furnishings at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. V+P is reporting from the Windy City with our Day 1 experience. We hit Majora Carter’s keynote speech, sponsored by our client, Allsteel. Majora, a Bronx native and founder of the Sustainable South Bronx, a work placement program for “green” jobs, discussed her inspiring mission to revitalize the Bronx by creating eco-friendly initiatives that also provide local jobs. One of my favorites: Green roofs! Majora has one on her home where she actually grows strawberries! Beyond the awe- inspiring…