In the US, when you rent an apartment, it (as far as I have ever seen) comes with standard appliances. Yes, you may opt to add a dishwasher/washer/dryer and sometimes, on rare occasions, you may need to get a refrigerator but most other appliances come standard. In fact, nice apartment buildings now come standard with dishwashers/washers/dryers and even workout facilities! Our last apartment building in Jersey City had all of that (NOT TO MENTION a pool, a sauna, and a full volleyball court).
Well, here it is not the case. The apartments come with some counter space and a few cabinets and that's it. You need to buy everything! So it is very weird to walk in a kitchen and see it completely bare. Or, we go and visit a place that people are still living in and when we ask what comes with it.... nothing. They have provided all their own appliances. I can not seem to get over this.
Upon walking into these kitchens, I get this big grin creeping across my face every time. It doesn't cease to amuse me... this whole naked kitchen business. I guess it is a good way for the owners to keep the renters in the apartments. I am already dreading moving out of the apartment I haven't even moved into yet, because I am imagining unhooking all these appliances and lugging them to our next destination.
Is the whole appliances included concept unique to America? Before I was asking, "Does it have stainless appliances?" Now, I am asking, "Does it have a stove?"
Regardless, I am excited to hopefully have a place very soon. I have been nomadic in recent months and am looking forward to getting an apartment and all the fun that comes with that. Especially now, while I am taking my French lessons and not working, it is the perfect time to enjoy making the apartment feel like a home. I am excited to decorate, to unpack my suitcases, and mostly, (big sigh of relief) to cook!!!!!!
I have lost weight without having a kitchen (my pants are all falling off) so some good has come out of it, but I so miss cooking. I miss my plates, my pots, my pans, my blenders and mixers, my muffin trays, and having food around me when I'm hungry. I miss being surrounded by freshly baked muffins. I miss trying new recipes and cooking our favorites, too. I miss being able to sit at the table with my man enjoying a meal together while we watch our favorite shows. Mmmm.... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
In the meantime, I have compiled a list of so many recipes I can't wait to cook! I sent my mom these recipes and she said, "Wow, you must really have nothing to do!" I have been perusing cooking sites, other blogs, and reading the food section of the New York Times online. As soon as I try these recipes and am satisfied with them, I'll be sure to share them with all of you!
Until then, the search for a naked apartment continues...
*P.S. I have included pictures of what I want to eat right now!!!
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| Vanilla cake with chocolate chips inside, topped with chocolate frosting and strawberries. |
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| Chocolate chip cookies with jumbo chocolate chunks! |
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| Veggies with a lot of spices over fish AND roasted over pasta! |
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| lemon poppyseed muffins |
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| coconut curry chickpea soup mmmm my favorite! |
Does anyone have any favorite recipes they want to send me? E-mail me: kaylanreaboold@gmail.com :)
