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7.23.2014

HEYYYY, BROOKLYN!


There was this moment, before we'd even seen the place, where I knew it was a foregone conclusion and I was already feeling pretty apologetic toward my husband. Moving is expensive, we weren't going to be at Education Level Emergency Code Red until next year, when Huck starts kindergarten at the failing elementary school we're currently zoned for, and I had promised Brandon I would be super critical, only considering a place if it checked off every. single. one. of our boxes. It had to be perfectly serendipitous and fall-in-your-lap easy, it couldn't be more expensive than our place is now, we needed lots of storage options; it had to be a total upgrade. We needed perfection, pretty much. But as I was walking to meet the broker with Huck before the showing, we passed a street light at the corner that had "IDAHO" scrawled across it in spray paint. And that's when I knew. I knew the way you know about a good melon. The place was meant to be ours and that was all there was to it. I believe in signs (and in making rash decisions), and clearly someone was trying to tell me something. So I texted Brandon to apologize in advance, because no matter what the place looked like now, I was going to have to sign on it anyway. Objectivity had completely flown out the door. 

But luckily then God said, "LET THERE BE EXPOSED BRICK." 


And he saw that it was good. 

And then God said, "LET THERE BE NATURAL LIGHT, AND ORIGINAL HARDWOODS AND FIXTURES." 


Amen, and Glory to God in the Highest.

Done every box got checked, son. More space? Check. Full-size Washer/Dryer in the unit? CHECK and CHECK. School district? Impeccable. Charming Neighborhood? YES WHY NOT. Even the boxes I hadn't thought to make boxes, such as Enormous Bathroom with a Claw Foot Tub.... 


Ack! Check!

(There is a shower head, you just can't see it from this shot.)

Or the box for rooftop access and a sick view....


WHAT IS THIS NONSENSE.

We keep shaking our heads at each other, because fortune has favored us this summer in the kind of way that's really overkill. The good times are smacking us in the face. We have been so lucky. It's not often that life decides to be so civilized to a person, and one thing I'm always taken with is how, when the good times come (especially after a particularly crap time), they really do seem to come with gusto. I wouldn't can't call it karma, because that implies I've done something to deserve this--when if you ask me, I don't think any of us deserve anything that we do or don't get--but I do think that maybe the Universe (just like a Lannister) always pays his debts. ;)

So thank you for this one, Universe. The Holbrooks are much obliged. Not to mention extreeemely flippin giddy. :)

72 comments:

  1. Eeeeeek! It's SO gorgeous! Can't wait to see you all settled in!!!

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  2. That is some kind of perfection! Congrats!

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  3. It's so gorgeous! I can't wait to see how you decorate the place!

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  4. which neighborhood in Brooklyn?! Looks amazing!

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  5. So awesome! A shot of the loft bedroom is very much in order ;)

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  6. Where's a kitchen picture?

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    1. they were replacing the counter tops while we were there, so it was a bit of a mess. :)

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  7. Wow, it's perfect! I am dying for that tub, and brick and sunlight! Can't wait to see how you decorate it.

    http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2014/07/first-trimester-recap.html

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  8. SO fun! Wowza! What a find! And what a great way to start all of your new transitions...in a beautiful new home! :)

    http://sometimesgracefully.com

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  9. Holy moly, dude. This place is a dream! That tub! I can't wait to see the ways you and your little family make it your own. Congratulations!
    Xx,
    Lauren
    www.foxtailandmoss.com

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  10. Oh man! Makes me want to pick up and say "See ya later, Pacific NW. It's been REAL these past 28 years!" Alas, if we picked up and moved anywhere, it would be SoCal (ACK!), where my sun-loving boyfriend would thrive. So Portland will have to do... for now.

    Congrats on your epic find! I can't wait to see how you gussy her up!

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  11. I love the windows! And the floors, tub, and brick. What a winner! Congrats :-)

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  12. All of that exposed brick is a dream come true!! And that tub!! So much character!

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  13. Looks amazing! Cant wait to see it after you're all moved in!!

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  14. SO gorgeous!! congrats!

    www.amoderngypsy.blogspot.com

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  15. HOLY
    CANNOLI
    BATMAN!
    This is FANTASTIC!!! I am so excited for you guys! That is like, everyone's dream NY apartment! Bless God!
    Thank you for the When Harry Met Sally reference!
    xoxo, kerri

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  16. I'm so happy for you! Thank you for sharing! It looks like a perfect place.

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  17. Wowzers, you guys are lucky ducks! It's beautiful, oh my goodness, I'm so happy for your whole sweet family, you all deserve it so much! :)

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  18. That is an awesome apartment. Hello Brooklyn!

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  19. Beautiful!! Love your metaphor - really, apartment hunting is a completely wonky thing in general, finding the right one is pure serendipity.

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  20. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! This place is outta control amazing! I'm thrilled for you three. You have definitely "put in time" in the NYC tiny apartment department so GOOD for you! I'm ecstatic for Huck to have his own room---he might never come out!

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  21. i feel like i should apoplogize before telling you how much i envy your good fortune and that incredible space {i am sickly GREEN with it!} you've secured yourselves with quite a gem and i can only imagine what lovely ways you will decorate it to make it your home - can't wait to see! happy moving and have fun settling in!

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  22. Absolutely gorgeous...am very very happy for this, you deserve some good stuff....seriously! I live in London, England but have always felt I should be living in Brooklyn....probably never going to happen but I cannot wait to follow along with your posts :)

    Yay for the Holbrooks, great news!!

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  23. You had me at the WHMS post, but DANG, LADY. That's a lovely home. I can't wait to see what you do with it.

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  24. Wha! Such a gorgeous apartment! So many windows, such floor, that tub!
    congratulations! And like everyone else has said, I can't wait to see what you do with it!

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  25. DYING OF JEALOUSY. Ohhhh, lady. This is so exciting!!! The exposed brick! The claw foot tub.

    Are you just floating? :)

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  26. This place is a dream! On a side note, Is it weird that I am sad that you are no longer going to live around the corner from that yummy Greek place? I guess not everyone's life can revolve around food like mine does.

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  27. A CLAW FOOT TUB IN NYC ? That is like a unicorn. Congrats on your dreamy new place. Can't wait to see how you decorate!!

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  28. So excited for your family. Now, lets get down to business and post kitchen pictures!!

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  29. Really a big fan of the GoT references lately. You have a good taste. And yes, that apartment is DREAMY. Congrats!

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  30. Sooooo beautiful! That looks like the dream Brooklyn apartment.

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  31. Fabulous space! I love it and of course, you will decorate it so well with your style :)

    Cannot wait to see more!

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  32. Sooo gorgeous! Congrats on the score!

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  33. Congratulations! It's beautiful!! :)

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  34. I cannot even talk about this. I can't. Since we all read blogs and feel in our hearts that we're friends with the people writing them, I'm here to say that I'll miss you in our neighborhood, friend-who-is-not-actually-my-friend-in-real-life-but-a-friend-to-all-instead (most dashes used in a comment ever? fingers crossed). Please celebrate for all of us, every new yorker, by enjoying a darn good bubble bath in that clawfoot. Maybe call him Idaho.

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  35. Thanks for sharing your heart. I have been inspired to share my journey with Huntigntons Disease.
    Www.livingwithpassion90.blogspot.com

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  36. I totally want to live there! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

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  37. Reminds me of Ben and Sean's loft in Felicity! I don't know why! It's not even furnished yet!

    Okay, so is it more expensive than your current place? I'd think it would have to be, but maybe...not?

    In any case, who cares! You have found yourself THE home, which really is a priceless thing, indeed. xx

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  38. AWESOME place! Congrats to all of you! Also, have you seen this? https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/youve-got-gmail/malfeooooleemdfajjpighcjgnbmmbam?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon It says "You've Got Mail" when you get new mail in your Gmail account. Thought you might like to know ;)

    www.thesanfracniscan.co/

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  39. Which neighborhood in Brooklyn?

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  40. Nat, I want you to be happy and safe. There is an online hate forum that is telling people how to find your exact address. You know the one. The photos you posted gave them too much info about your location. They have located the number of your building and are sharing how to find it. PLEASE be safe. I love your blog and you have an adorable young so. But there are a lot of crazies out there.

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  41. AnonymousJuly 24, 2014

    This place is incredible!

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  42. AnonymousJuly 24, 2014

    This apartment is so gosh darn beautiful!! Congratulations! :)

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  43. Congrats! Hope the move scratches your itch for a change!

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  44. Oh my GOSH. HOW. Currently seething in jealousy.

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  45. Its simply gorgeous girl! Let the decorating posts commence!

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  46. I really enjoy the line, the good times are smacking us in the face! lol Thanks for that one.

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  47. it looks fantastic!!! lots of space...cant wait to see more and how you decorate and settle in - all the best!!

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  48. Hey Natalie,

    Your new place looks incredible. Have you heard of this brand we have over here in the UK, their range is so nice ( if a little pricey) but I think it would go perfectly with your place. Much better suited to Brooklyn living than my flat in London. ( I'm not in PR just love their stuff)

    http://www.frenchconnection.com/category/homeware/homeware.htm

    Have fun decorating!

    http://thelexchapter.blogspot.co.uk

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  49. This apartment looks so amazing!! And from seeing the glimpses of your current place, it's obvious you'll do something really wonderful with the new place. How fun to have a fresh white canvas :). Best wishes!!

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  50. Hi Natalie! Longtime reader, (probably) first time commenter. Congratulations on your new place! It looks like a dream! I can't wait for you guys to move and see what you do in the space! Best wishes for the move. :)

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  51. Wow, a view to die for. I have nothing but envy!

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  52. this place is a beaut! congrats and happy nesting :)

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  53. Wow - great new place! I gotta say - out of all the mommy bloggers, you definitely have the cutest little boy - he is just adorable - of course, the fact that he looks so much like my own son (who is now 25!) did at that age does kind of tug on my heart strings - and those little cowboy boots, my own son lived in his cowboy boots at that age! You are really the only 'mommy' (don't really like that label) blogger I like - just keep on being real and you will come out on top.

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  54. This is every girl's dream apartment. Congratulations for you and your lil family! What a score! Like everyone else, I can't wait to see yournown spin you put on the place....and all your tips to how to keep stuff hung on the walls. Lol! Surely you're not gonna drill into that beautiful brick!

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  55. AnonymousJuly 26, 2014

    Gorgeous apartment! I love the recent turn your blog has taken, and in general I find it so much more real and more satisfying to read than most blogs. All the best to you and your family!

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  56. Yaaaay! So excited for you guys!!! Aaand needless to say a tiny bit jealous!!

    Heather

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  57. It's gorgeousssss! I am so excited for you guys and cannot wait to see it once everything is in place! As much as I loveee living in Chicago, NYC is on my bucket list! So magnificent.. Congrats!

    xo,
    Danielle

    deareverly.com

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  58. oh my goodness that tub! the brick, the floors, the light! I think we all have apartment envy now ;)

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  59. Just when I didn't think I could adore you more…you go and give a nod to the GoT!!! And your soon to be home is beyond amazzzzing!

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  60. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.............. THIS IS THE GREATEST!!! So happy for you guys! What a catch of an apartment! Will be a great foundation for Holbrook-family-memory-making I'm sure of it!

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  61. Your new bathroom sink - is that an old teacher's desk?!?! Can we be friends in Brooklyn, so I can see in person? :)

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  62. Perfection! And man, am I jonesing for a claw foot tub myself. What a fantastic find - it really was meant to be, wasn't it? So excited for you!

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  63. fantastic! what an amazing appartement. just visited brooklyn last year and felt in love with. how about the open spaces in the neigbourhood?

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  64. this is my neighborhood (I couldn't help but notice from the photo of the skyline view) you're going to love it. i run a shop in boerum hill & can't decide which neighborhood i love more! best of luck to you xo

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  65. its amazing. we have been looking for a rental home in LA and every single one we love gets snatched up by the person who saw it before us. ERRRG. so glad you found something so perfect for you guys!
    www.thismomsgonnasnap.com

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  66. I just love the way you write. Just when I think that it'll be sick over the top sugary then it's not and I relate. Oh I relate! Keep on keeping.

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