Dispatch from Providence

New city. New dwelling. New adventures.

Hi friends,

I finally landed and I’m fully moved into my new apartment in Providence RI. I couldn’t be happier to be in one place and settled. When I left NY I didn’t have a date planned for my return. I guess that was the point, to see what opened up when I opened myself up. I hoped Rhode Island would provide the same kinds of things I loved about Brooklyn - easy to get around on foot or bike, a local famers market, a good grocery store, a liquor store, a tailor, a hardware store, great restaurants and bars. Seemed like a tall order but my new neighborhood in Fox Point has it all.  There are beautiful old homes on every block and parks nearby.  The East Bay Bike Path is on my list and the entrance is right down the street from me. The trail is 14.3 miles and runs from India Point in Providence to Bristol RI. I’m hoping my beat up 70’s Raleigh can handle it! There is also a walking path so I have options. The green market is 2.4 miles from me so I took the bike and not only loaded up on gorgeous produce but pedaled my ass back home which made for a pretty good work out.  I love a multi-task! I have a great list of restaurants to try and I am making good headway there, of course! My friend Annie told me about a great little gourmet grocery called Hawes Fine Foods on Hope St.  It reminds me of my early years living in Soho and going to Dean & Deluca when it was a small shop on the corner of Greene and Prince St. I love this store and everything in it.  The owner Pam is great and she’s from Brooklyn!  People are very friendly and It feels good getting to know my neighborhood.  Once I try more places I plan to share my favs.  Undoubtedly they will involve food and eating!

I’ve moved so many times in my life I feel like a pro when it comes to packing and unpacking. Part of my stuff was in a deep storage situation up in my sisters attic so when I moved I merged everything together in one place. The older storage has unearthed so many treasures I had forgotten about, especially some choice photographs from the 80’s. Wow is all I can say. Photos bring back so many memories and experiences that I completely forgot about.  My hairstyles alone tell a story.  I can’t wait to dig into all of it because I can feel a creative project brewing.   

My apartment is big so I have plenty of room for all of my collections, and I have quite a few - spoons (serving, coin silver, wooden, hand hewn, tiny, anything unique and interesting). I also collect feathers and miniatures and crystals and more! You get the picture.  So while the rediscovery is joyful I did get a little overwhelmed.  Then I got to my clothes and I went into a shame spiral. I mean how many clothes does one person need? Clearly, I understood it to mean a lot.  Maybe this falls under “collecting”? Haha good try. I immediately set about to unload in a big way.  So far there are two garbage bags stuffed and a smaller bag of shoes. I like to try things out and that’s a big part of why I purchase, but ever since I took time out to explore life outside of my comfort zone in the South I got used to living with less. I’ve also moved so many times in my life and I’m done packing this much stuff.  My philosophy is: there is a place for everything. I don’t have a hoarding issue I promise, but I like to try things out and then share what I know then I let it go.  That’s a cute rhyme mantra isn’t it?  So, that’s what I’m currently in the process of doing - culling, editing, releasing into the wild.  It feels liberating.  

No matter where I move I always end up customizing my space and this propels me into all kinds of organizing systems.  I love bins. I have a thing about bins and my favorites are from Muji a Japanese retail store chain.  MUJI in Japanese, translates as “no-brand, quality goods.” Quality is key here.  Well made and good simple design.  Here are the bins I use and they have lids!  I love a lid. I have a lineup of these in different sizes in my utility closet and they fit so much stuff (edited stuff, that is!).  I have one for around-the-house stuff like extension cords and light bulbs, and others for travel gear, bathroom extras, cleaning supplies, etc. All fit perfectly and look great.

Condiments:

When I left NY I had a fridge full of condiments that I hated to part with. My friends were the lucky recipients of a pretty large collection. Condiments have become collectable (there’s a pattern here) so when thinking about my new kitchen I decided to ease in a bit and try not to overdo it.  Below is my list.  I use all of these items regularly!

Rice vinegar

Apple cider 

Acid League Meyer Lemon Honey Vinegar (first time trying this and I’m in love)

Sherry vinegar

Unfiltered organic olive oil for drizzling and salads (I like Paisano)

Regular olive oil for cooking

Avocado oil for cooking

Toasted walnut oil for salads and veg

Toasted sesame oil

Chili oil

Low-sodium tamari

Braggs Coconut Aminos

Rhed’s Hot Sauce - made right here in RI

Soom tahini

Capers

Maille Dijon + whole grain 

Follow your Heart brand Avocado Vegenaise

Quissett Hill Farm Maple Syrup  (This is my cousin Ivy and her husband John’s farm. They raise alpacas as well as tap the best maple syrup I have ever tasted.  I promise there is no bias. It’s straight up gold!  Order now).

Closets and lack of closets:

Most old houses have crap closets. They are often small, dark, and emit mysterious odors. Back in olden times people didn’t have a lot of clothing.  This has me thinking about “stuff” and how much I have. After unpacking what I thought was the last bin of clothing I found 2 more! The good news is I have a giant give away pile going and it’s OUTGOING! Now that i’ve winnowed down the excess, I set about to organize the small, dark, and odorous old closets.  

First up: lighting.  There are no lights in the closets, natch.  I found these motion lights on Amazon and love because they have battery and USB charging capabilities.  Now I can see everything.  Second: deodorizing.  I bought these charcoal bags years ago and they recharge in the sun and definitely make a difference with neutralizing strong musty odors. To refresh, I add lavender sachets and there are many ways to create this : I buy a large bag of loose lavender from either a farmers market or online and fill small muslin bags myself. I like this method because the scent is stronger and it’s cheaper, but there are many options to buy without the DIY component.

Apartment go-to’s:

Washable shower curtain - I find the curtain and liner combo keeps more moisture in and creates mold growth.  I love the washable single curtain.  It’s easy to clean and no need to replace.

Sink drainer basket - I used to use a mesh screen strainer, but they got so gross as food and waste loved to stick to the surface.  I found this micro-perforated alternative and there’s no going back.  Lasts forever and easy to clean out.

New water filter system:  Life Straw - I bought a Berkey travel size a few years ago.  I went for it after reading reviews and talking to friends who have them. It was ok for a while but the filter cleaning wore me out. A lot of steps and it usually took me an hour to complete. That felt ridiculous.  I started looking into other options and came across LifeStraw.  I was drawn in by their water bottle filter which allows you to fill up at any tap. Very convenient!  I was thrilled to see they made a home dispenser and the price was very reasonable and the filter refills are affordable and long lasting. Best of all, Life Straw claims the filter reduces lead, mercury, and chemicals including PFAS (“forever chemicals”), chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. Retains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium that are good for your health.

Favorite Home store: Yamazaki Home - I love this company for their design and simplicity.  Yes, I’m aware it’s another Japanese home goods company!  I really appreciate the functionality and options for just about every corner of your home.  I needed a small counter table for a spot in my kitchen and this was perfect.  It was easy to put together and it looks great.  Check out all of their products. 

My next project is to unwrap all of my artwork - framed photographs, drawings, and paintings. I plan to hang most of it but I may repurpose the frames for newer art. I have some lovely pieces from Alabama I want to get up on the walls. It feels good to make my home again.

Love,

Nancy Jo