The Adventures of Libefante

2016 smart fortwo (453)

2015-08-05T11:48:00.001-04:00

Although I wouldn't call my endeavors to adopt changes to make my lifestyle less chaotic an epiphany, I have always been a fan of simplicity and a proponent of efficiency. This is evident in my efforts to live tiny and explains why I am in the market for a new car; I’d like for this ideal to carry over to my vehicle as well.

What immediately comes to mind are electric cars; but I’m frustrated by the fact that those of us who are actively willing to downsize and minimize certain extras are also the ones that are faced with such logistical challenges of adopting an electric car - there are no plugging stations in the condominium community in which I live, nor in the parking lot of my work. And...I like to be able to spontaneously hop in my car for a road trip and know that I don’t need to stop every hour to recharge. I like smooth, uninterrupted travels.

And for those of you who argue that perhaps an electric is best as a second car, for me that is contradictory to the ideology of keeping things minimal. The two of us don’t need two cars. We need only one. We want only one.

It was at this junction of my analysis that I become obsessed with the smart fortwo.

To make a story that covers the span of three-months more palatable, I’ve created a timeline of the smart steps I have taken to-date:

The new (2016 in the US) smart fortwo has everything that I need and want...and more. Among dozens of other super features like a panoramic roof, cruise control, sporty tires and accents, groovy exterior lights, and a fun orange/gray interior, I’ll have two roomy seats and plenty of space for luggage and groceries - what more does a girl need? And all in a unique and compact shell.

Although no official US release date of the 2016 smart fortwo has been published, the folks at my awesome local dealership - smart center of cary - shared the inventory list and helped me identify the perfect fit - the limited edition #1. It is on a ship from Germany, most likely sailing the Atlantic Ocean at the time of this writing.

Stay tuned for updates as my smart fortwo journey continues...In the meantime, check out this video:

*smart fortwo photos by smart usa.

Choosing the Right Caribbean Cruise

2015-04-25T17:21:00.000-04:00

This story now appears on The Traveling Ballerina.

Fine Dining at Sea: The Pinnacle Grill

2015-04-15T08:19:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I posted about my love for Tamarind Restaurant on Holland America Line’s Eurodam and promised sequels about the other specialty restaurants aboard the ship. For the second in the series I review my experience at The Pinnacle Grill, which I would consider the most fancy option available on board. The atmosphere is appropriate for events ranging from an intimate date and a celebratory dinner.

The Pinnacle Grill

If you are in the mood to dine in sophistication, Pinnacle Grill is the place for you. Serving your favorites from both land and sea, the menu is reminiscent of your favorite steakhouse. If there are crab cakes on a menu, there is a high probability that I will choose them, and the Dungeness crab cakes did not disappoint; there is more crab than filler, which for this writer is the main criteria for excellence. From the land menu the beautifully-cut filet mignon was cooked as ordered, and from the sea, the halibut with shrimp scampi while very tasty, was a bit salty for my taste. An offer was made by our exceptionally-trained and refined waiter to replace my plate, but I declined. As accompaniments, the Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and pancetta and shoestring fries with truffle aioli were perfect.

As I’m writing, I realize that perhaps Holland America Line is at fault for converting me into a person who can appreciate desserts. The creme brulee consisted of a splendid trio of vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavors, and trust me that you will want to try all three; each offers a unique sweet experience. And for you chocolate lovers out there, the assortment of handmade dark and white chocolate truffles melt in your mouth and pair wonderfully with your after dinner coffee.

Delicious Dungeness Crab Cakes complemented by a chili-mustard sauce.

Simple and contemporary tableware frame the food.

That's some big and juicy shrimp!

A creme brulee flag.

Melt in your mouth truffles!

If you want to read about the other specialty restaurants on the Eurodam, check out my post Fine Dine at Sea: Tamarind Restaurant. Here’s Holland America’s video about Pinnacle Grill. Enough to make you want to embark right now, isn’t it?

*Eurodam photo by Wikimedia Commons. All others by yours truly.

10 Places in NYC a Cruiser Shouldn't Miss

2015-04-14T08:29:00.000-04:00

This story now appears on The Traveling Ballerina.

A Musical Voyage: Danzon No. 2

2015-04-13T08:47:00.000-04:00

This story now appears on The Traveling Ballerina.

Tiny House Living

2015-04-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

I’m unsure if there is an official entry of what defines a “tiny house”, but my personal classification is 250 sf of living space per person. And for this reason, when I watch Tiny House Nation (to whom I give credit to bringing me awareness of the movement) and Tiny House Hunting, it irks me a bit when I see folks stretching beyond these parameters yet claiming to be an advocate of living in small places.

I am no expert on the subject, but I do consider myself to qualify as a person living in a tiny house. (Per my definition, of course, which I can agree is quite convenient.) I live in 500 sf with my significant other and I love it. The apartment is definitely no Buckingham Palace, but I wouldn't say it’s close quarters either. You see, it’s all about being creative and intelligent in how you design your home and your lifestyle. It’s a fun challenge - believe me.

Where function and form meet is a very happy junction. Setting up a tiny home requires thinking in terms of a Venn Diagram with one set being “function” and the other being “form”. Function includes evaluating what you need to be able to accomplish in your home, the basics being sleeping, eating, and cleaning yourself. Some optional functions can include working, entertaining, and exercising. Form is the manner in which you intend to complete all of the functions - division of space, furniture, accessories, etc.

My apartment is composed of a bedroom, a bathroom, and a room of which 8’ x 3’ is a kitchen. Aside from the basic functions listed above, I also needed to take into consideration that I work from home and enjoy reading and the occasional tv show or movie. Below are some of the ways I have maximized my living space:

Foldout convertible desk: Yes, this does exactly what the name suggests. The desk is mounted to the wall (very carefully and with the help of at least one other person) and folds out into a desk plenty large enough to support my laptop and office items I am focused on. The built-in corkboard, shelving, and folder organizers are fantastic for housing important knick knacks, pens, and active projects. I have designated the folder organizers as Notes, To Do, and To File and find this works splendidly. Being able to hide the office enables me to better enjoy the leisurely activities without distraction.

Look at how organized you can be!

Stow your work away.

Mandal bedframe and headboard: This IKEA marvel is what I call the Swiss Army knife of bedrooms. It’s the only piece of furniture I have in this space, because it serves several different functions. One, it’s a bed. Obviously. I love platform beds with simply a mattress atop of wood slats. Two, there are four huge drawers that span the entire square footage of the frame which means that they are as deep as half the width of the bed and as wide as half the length. These dimensions, along with having several inches of depth gives you plenty of room for all your foldables. Three, the wall-mounted headboard comes with six shelves that you arrange as you wish; this design erases the need for separate night stands and encourages you to stay tidy considering there are no extra drawers for you to blindly stuff things into.

The bedroom's Swiss Army knife.

This Jansjo clip on lamp is a great reading light.

Do you live in a tiny house or are you interested in the movement? What creative ideas have you incorporated into your home?

*Desk photos provided by ATGStores, Mandal and Jansjo photos provided by IKEA.

Fine Dining at Sea: Tamarind Restaurant

2015-04-10T14:49:00.001-04:00

This story now appears on The Traveling Ballerina.

The Top 3 Reasons I Love Ting

2015-04-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

This story now appears on The Traveling Ballerina.