laurelsg's Profile

We have a similar problem to people with a split entry: it's not on a different level, but it is a TINY, but defined space off of the living room, and no graceful way to expand it into the living room. When I'm coming in with my kids, it's a huge log jam because only one person can get in and get their boots off at a time.

I love it! Are those halogen lights? I'm surprised people are so down on white cabinets. I'm not sure any style is completely timeless, but this seems pretty classic to me--certainly more so than the zebra-striped wood grain cabinets we see here so often, and the oak cabinets of the 80's didn't exactly fare well in the long run either. If you like white, I think they're a great choice! If you don't like white, maybe just don't use them in your own house and leave it at that.

Great job! I'm sure the kinks will be ironed out in time. I'm hoping that next us a mobile version?!

If possible, find a realtor who has contractor experience, because they'll be able to pre-inspect a home (for free) before you make an offer. Then hire a "real" inspector that comes from a trusted source, preferably NOT your realtor, since a strong relationship between the two can present a conflict of interest.

These are great ideas and a fun project!

But regarding the headline: can we please stop using the word "pimp" to describe a style upgrade? Pimps, well-dressed or not, rape and sell the bodies of women and children. This jewelry armoire just needs a design lift.

Someone in our group of friends started the "no gifts" practice for kids' birthday parties, and it quickly spread. I'm so grateful! They still get gifts from family, but we've cut out our major source of crappy junk from Target. I recommend it!

I think there are a lot of regional customs, so all of these tips might not be universal. In Minnesota where I live, people aren't big hagglers, so if you price everything double they will just walk away and think you're a jerk for overpricing things.

I also notice that the "free" bin gets very little attention at garage sales in my area, usually because they're full of broken and worthless junk. I never look at them, but if it was cleverly displayed it could work (like with a funny note about your ex-boyfriend's baggage). My husband put a sign next to a box of old punk rock cassettes that said, "OH MY GOD THESE ARE AMAZING" and it got more attention that way.

We had our first garage sale a few weeks ago, and I had a few things that I knew I could get a lot more more money for certain things on Craigslist than at a garage sale. So I put those things up on Craigslist a week before the sale, figuring that I'd put anything that didn't sell in the garage sale, but it all sold online. I probably made an extra $200 that way. I did save a few larger, but less valuable big furniture items to draw people to the sale.

Stunning. I just want to curl up with a cup of coffee and live there forever.

Thank you! I'm totally with LaurenBick. I need an education in these styles--if for no other reason than to broaden my Craigslist search terms. I always end up searching "mid century" even though I don't really want a mid century overrun home. Art Deco hits a little closer to my style, but I'm sure there's a lot I'm missing in my ignorance. Thanks for the great post!

They're cute and nicely designed, but I'm surprised that you arbiters of style haven't declared owls, ampersands, and cutesy little sayings overdone by now.