Rejuvenation.com

Found this site and, apparently, they have a store in Seattle:
http://www.rejuvenation.com/

I'll be visiting soon and shopping for new doorknobs.

Cole Haan

The shoes here are sort of on the expensive side, but they last forever and look lovely when they get old. Also, they have sales- I think they have one right now- that sometimes reach 40% off or so. Great deals can be had on boots post-season. Sometimes the photos online do not do the shoes justice. I go to the store at U Village, and apparently there is an outlet up in Marysville although I have never been there. I only have one Cole Haan bag, and although I love the design I prefer the quality of Coach, and find that the prices on bags are about the same at the two stores.

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/home.jsp

Walkscore.com

This website evaluates locations based on walkability.

Volkswagon Vanagon

When I was a teenager, I imagined that someday when I had 10 kids I would have a red Volkswagon Vanagon like this one. The 10 kids idea has lost its luster but I still like the idea of the Vanagon.

Wabi-Sabi

I love the idea of Wabi-sabi, which I first read about in the book, The Architecture of Happiness, by Alain de Botton. (I've linked to the hardcover edition here because I think it is such a beautiful book.)

And, related- here are some links to Seattle salvage companies:

Second Use Building Materials -- 7953 Second Ave. S. (west side of Duwamish Waterway); 206-763-6929

Earthwise Building Salvage -- 2462 First Ave. S.; 206-624-4510

The RE Store -- 1440 N.W. 52nd St. (just north of the Ballard Bridge); 206-297-9119

Seattle Building Salvage -- 2114 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-303-8500

"Drawing Home", by Lauren Hirt

"Everything homeowners, contractors and students need to know to easily design and create construction and permit drawings"

http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Home-One-Story-Additions/dp/0977730212

Paris Vogue

Love this magazine. You can subscribe to it on Amazon.com for about $150/year.

If you know a little French reading this magazine is great for sharpening your language skills. A college French professor of mine advised us to read out loud even when just reading to ourselves in order to practice speaking.