This is an amazing idea! Everyone should see this video. It shows one way people are dealing with the homeless in a compassionate, proactive, completely beneficial way. Love it.
https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/623999431074901/
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Matsu -- Rosendale, NY
A little sushi place tucked away in a plaza in Rosendale, NY. A menu that is super flexible and written on the chalkboard wall to reinforce the one held in my hand. There are dark booths by the bar at the entrance, but go further, my friends.
The restroom, at the back of the restaurant, is cordoned off with hangings. Once you push one to the side and enter, you are confronted with a peaceful scene.
This little table is flanked by the men's and women's rooms. A charming touch. You continue, and so do the little touches.
A plant, a serene piece of art, wood paneling. But the best part is when you leave the restroom, and realize that you should have sat at a table at the back:
This is the view leaving the restroom. What you are seeing is the view of the Rondout Creek, and all the tables back there have a similar view. Gorgeous, and I know where I'm going to be sitting next time I go! Oh, and the food is amazing, too.
http://matsurosendale.com/
The restroom, at the back of the restaurant, is cordoned off with hangings. Once you push one to the side and enter, you are confronted with a peaceful scene.
This little table is flanked by the men's and women's rooms. A charming touch. You continue, and so do the little touches.
A plant, a serene piece of art, wood paneling. But the best part is when you leave the restroom, and realize that you should have sat at a table at the back:
This is the view leaving the restroom. What you are seeing is the view of the Rondout Creek, and all the tables back there have a similar view. Gorgeous, and I know where I'm going to be sitting next time I go! Oh, and the food is amazing, too.
http://matsurosendale.com/
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Deising's Bakery and Restaurant -- Kingston, NY
Deising's Bakery and Restaurant in uptown Kingston has a reputation for having great baked goods. A birthday isn't celebrated on my husband's side of the family until the cake comes from Deising's. When I had the opportunity to have lunch there a couple of days ago with a friend, I couldn't resist the chance to check out the commode.
Showing off the German heritage, the restroom sports a cuckoo clock and old fashioned pictures on the walls.
While the building (and restroom) shows sign of wear, it's hardly surprising since they've been in the same building (or buildings, sine they've expanded a lot in the intervening years) since 1980. The history of Deising's is one of constant expansion and it is now run by the second generation of the family. Visit www.deisings.com for a whole lot of info. Then visit Deising's for a Napoleon. I love a good Napoleon.
Showing off the German heritage, the restroom sports a cuckoo clock and old fashioned pictures on the walls.
While the building (and restroom) shows sign of wear, it's hardly surprising since they've been in the same building (or buildings, sine they've expanded a lot in the intervening years) since 1980. The history of Deising's is one of constant expansion and it is now run by the second generation of the family. Visit www.deisings.com for a whole lot of info. Then visit Deising's for a Napoleon. I love a good Napoleon.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Mel's Restuarant -- Cooperstown, NY
Mel's is a bar/restaurant that is much lighter and more elegant inside than one would suspect. This is borne out in their restroom, as you can see.
Each stall had its own real door, which surprised me in this fairly small restaurant. And check out the heavy-duty yet stylish hook on the door!
A simple mirror and modern design sink went well with the 'marble' tile on the walls.
And artwork on the walls. Peaceful, modern, not too flashy.
The food was quite good and the staff was accomodating and relatively fast. We sat in the window at a lovely table with cloth stuffed chairs.
Each stall had its own real door, which surprised me in this fairly small restaurant. And check out the heavy-duty yet stylish hook on the door!
A simple mirror and modern design sink went well with the 'marble' tile on the walls.
And artwork on the walls. Peaceful, modern, not too flashy.
The food was quite good and the staff was accomodating and relatively fast. We sat in the window at a lovely table with cloth stuffed chairs.
Monday, September 21, 2015
The OteSaga Resort -- Cooperstown, NY
Staying at the OteSaga, one's thoughts might not first turn to the powder room, but that's exactly where mine went. On entering, the lush accomodations begin with a grand entry, many beautifully appointed chairs and couches looking out to the huge porch which was lined with comfortable rocking chairs.
Was I content to sit, looking out at Lake Otsego and taking in the sights? No. I enjoyed it for a while, but soon I just had to know what the ladies' was going to be like. It had to be good, right? Fear not, it was all I expected.
On entering, I wish they had had room for seating, as I would have lounged for sure.
The commode proper was small but still lush, with gold outfittings and the same wallpaper, and full doors for utmost privacy. The sinks were fancy, though a little old, but the paper towels felt like cloth, and to be honest, I felt pretty spoiled. All in all, a fitting lavatory for a lush resort.
And in case you're curious, the room commode was not too shabby either. Not to the standard of the lobby lavatory, and I don't normally post bathrooms that are not publicly available but...
Was I content to sit, looking out at Lake Otsego and taking in the sights? No. I enjoyed it for a while, but soon I just had to know what the ladies' was going to be like. It had to be good, right? Fear not, it was all I expected.
On entering, I wish they had had room for seating, as I would have lounged for sure.
The commode proper was small but still lush, with gold outfittings and the same wallpaper, and full doors for utmost privacy. The sinks were fancy, though a little old, but the paper towels felt like cloth, and to be honest, I felt pretty spoiled. All in all, a fitting lavatory for a lush resort.
And in case you're curious, the room commode was not too shabby either. Not to the standard of the lobby lavatory, and I don't normally post bathrooms that are not publicly available but...
Sunday, September 20, 2015
The Pit -- Cooperstown, NY
A bit farther afield than has been typical of late, I found myself in Cooperstown, and we found ourselves at The Pit having dinner. Despite what you may think, The Pit is the name of the restaurant, and not referring to the commode. Although...
To get to The Pit, you go down steep stairs, and when you enter, you can feel the fact that you are down underground. It's a very casual place, which put us at ease, but here's where things got a little tricky:
This is the sign on the way into the women's room. Keep in mind the ceilings were already low. So here's what I faced on stepping up into the women's room:
This was a ridiculously cramped bathroom, and I think they were a little too casual when they put this together. While it was clean, I wouldn't say it was comfortable. Keeping in mind that I am 5 foot 8, this is what I saw at eye height:
I really felt like I was going to hit my head on the ceiling. Not comfortable for a comfort station. And on leaving, another eye-burning warning:
Step Down? Yes, I believe it is.
To get to The Pit, you go down steep stairs, and when you enter, you can feel the fact that you are down underground. It's a very casual place, which put us at ease, but here's where things got a little tricky:
This is the sign on the way into the women's room. Keep in mind the ceilings were already low. So here's what I faced on stepping up into the women's room:
This was a ridiculously cramped bathroom, and I think they were a little too casual when they put this together. While it was clean, I wouldn't say it was comfortable. Keeping in mind that I am 5 foot 8, this is what I saw at eye height:
I really felt like I was going to hit my head on the ceiling. Not comfortable for a comfort station. And on leaving, another eye-burning warning:
Step Down? Yes, I believe it is.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Illuminous Flux
My good friend Nora Snyder over at her blog Illuminous Flux had the good taste to discuss her bathroom remodel in her latest post. While it's not the entire thrust of the post, it's a good read. Head over now to
TOUR
Totally worth it and beautiful.
While you're there, check out her other posts. Nora opens her self to her readers in an intensely personal way, and we can all relate. Beautifully written, and many have illustrations by JoWoSo and others.
TOUR
Totally worth it and beautiful.
While you're there, check out her other posts. Nora opens her self to her readers in an intensely personal way, and we can all relate. Beautifully written, and many have illustrations by JoWoSo and others.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Extra: Toilets Around the World
If you enjoy the Commode, check out this video, which was posted to Facebook by George Takei:
Hope you enjoy it, and come back to A La Commode for more Bathroom Reviews!
Cornell Street Studios
Cornell Street Studios in Kingston never fails to make you feel welcome. All the nooks and crannies hold something cool to find. There are many things to find at CSS, including gifts, jewelry, cards, and art. Events and exercise classes and art gallery shows all figure into this unique space.
Also unique, the commode holds small surprises.
Art, not such a surprise at CSS, where art is the focus.
A bench parked in the commode adds a touch of antique-ness.
And more antique style makes the space feel connected and homey.
Worth it going upstairs to check out CSS and their commode!
Also unique, the commode holds small surprises.
Art, not such a surprise at CSS, where art is the focus.
A bench parked in the commode adds a touch of antique-ness.
And more antique style makes the space feel connected and homey.
Worth it going upstairs to check out CSS and their commode!
Monday, September 7, 2015
HITS
Horseshows In The Sun, in Saugerties, NY, is THE place to go for horsing around. It is a huge venue that lasts all summer, and we went on September 5th. We were lucky enough to be under a tent, out of the hot sun, and got to enjoy some really good food. Oh, and there was horse jumping. Finally found the scoreboard by the time the kids were too bored to be roused. I don't know how they could be bored. It was exciting, competetive stuff, and the more we watched, the more we could follow what was going on and what the errors were and how the whole thing worked. I could have stayed for much longer than the 3 hours we were there.
Walking was challenging. Not only because the layout wasn't intuitive, but one also constantly had to watch for, ahem, number 2s in the roads we walked. The horse world may be rich, but it has its share of poop.
Which will segue me into the commode quite well. Here, we have a no-frills, bare-bones affair, but with a 'touch of class'. These were not the cleanest bathrooms, but when it's 90 degrees and you have horses and people sweating and competing, well, let's just say I wasn't expecting much. And from there, it actually was pretty good. Functional, not overly dirty in ways that would make it unusable, and no terrible smells. Overall, a pleasant surprise in a lot of ways.
No one used the three wicker seats they thoughtfully put in the restroom, right where the stalls were since it was one big open space. I wonder why?
The restroom wasn't very clean, but who expects it? At least they tried to make it elegant...
Walking was challenging. Not only because the layout wasn't intuitive, but one also constantly had to watch for, ahem, number 2s in the roads we walked. The horse world may be rich, but it has its share of poop.
Which will segue me into the commode quite well. Here, we have a no-frills, bare-bones affair, but with a 'touch of class'. These were not the cleanest bathrooms, but when it's 90 degrees and you have horses and people sweating and competing, well, let's just say I wasn't expecting much. And from there, it actually was pretty good. Functional, not overly dirty in ways that would make it unusable, and no terrible smells. Overall, a pleasant surprise in a lot of ways.
No one used the three wicker seats they thoughtfully put in the restroom, right where the stalls were since it was one big open space. I wonder why?
Friday, September 4, 2015
Kenco Optical
A lot of people know Kenco as the outdoor store on Rt 28 just outside of Kingston. Lesser known is that they have an optical shop with a very friendly guy in attendance. Their accomodations are well enough appointed, and include art that ties in well to the fact that they are part of the outdoor store as well.
Feeling peaceful and outdoorsy. Nice job, Kenco Optical!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Sweet Frog? Sweet!
Not everyone is a fan of froyo, as it's now called. I've tried to talk one particular person into at least trying a sorbet at a froyo place, but no luck yet. Maybe I can convince him once he hears my description of Sweet Frog, in Kingston.
Taster cups are available right with the cups for servings, making trying the flavors a snap if a tad unwieldy (those taster cups are teeny!). If I'm remembering correctly, there are about 14 flavors, and they can be mixed. Then comes the toppings bar. Six kinds of fruit and poppers (those yummy little balls you can get in bubble teas), scads of candies, chocolate, syrups, and whipped cream. The guy also gave us a card for a free one after 10, which is good, since they are $0.49/ounce. Three cups cost us $14, and I went really skimpy.
The space is very open, cool, and spacious. That gets us to our point. The commode.
We would have been fine, if I could concentrate more on this part, with it's festive colors that matched the rest of the store:
than on this part:
The only downer in an otherwise great experience. Instead of telling the worker, who I'm sure would have fixed it quickly, I just grabbed two squares and made due. Hey, I can spare a square.
Even if you can't spare a square, the rest of the restroom was very clean, and I'm sure they've put in a new roll by now. Well worth it!
Taster cups are available right with the cups for servings, making trying the flavors a snap if a tad unwieldy (those taster cups are teeny!). If I'm remembering correctly, there are about 14 flavors, and they can be mixed. Then comes the toppings bar. Six kinds of fruit and poppers (those yummy little balls you can get in bubble teas), scads of candies, chocolate, syrups, and whipped cream. The guy also gave us a card for a free one after 10, which is good, since they are $0.49/ounce. Three cups cost us $14, and I went really skimpy.
The space is very open, cool, and spacious. That gets us to our point. The commode.
We would have been fine, if I could concentrate more on this part, with it's festive colors that matched the rest of the store:
than on this part:
The only downer in an otherwise great experience. Instead of telling the worker, who I'm sure would have fixed it quickly, I just grabbed two squares and made due. Hey, I can spare a square.
Even if you can't spare a square, the rest of the restroom was very clean, and I'm sure they've put in a new roll by now. Well worth it!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)