embryoconcepts's Profile

Great question! In FL, we have a rainy season as well, so I'd love to see any suggestions. Between the rain and the need for screened porches to deal with the bugs, good looking yards are hard to create!

There was an AT post sometime over the last year (maybe one of the Small Cool winners from the past?), that highlighted a couple in a loft. They had created a super tall closet/storage space, with long white drapes pulled across the front. It's hard to tell, but would you have space to do that where the current wardrobe is located?

A loft bed isn't that expensive, provided you trust your carpentry skills. You could build it from 2x4s and a slat base or bucky board instead of box springs. That would provide room for drawers or shelves underneath.

My mother and her mother have collected this all of their lives. We used it as the 2nd best dinnerware, between everyday and super-fancy. I anticipate inheriting all 20+ boxes:)

Is enameled cast-iron fairly non-stick, as well?

I personally use all stainless and cast-iron. The weight of the cast-iron is a much bigger deal, to me, than the cleaning/seasoning issues.

When I first started reading this, I was astounded that people would waste time on such a silly thing - ironed sheets?! The thought of clean, crisp sheets is too seductive, though...

I'm washing and ironing my sheets as soon as I get home.

I have a question for the planning BEFORE this stage - how do I know if I need an architect, an interior designer or just a GC? I want to renovate my kitchen/dining area, with some structural changes, and I want it to look good. Oh, and I'm trying to be frugal (not cheap!), as well.

A second on the Crane, works fine, good price point, looks nice.

A good way to get through the last phase without your head imploding: sip green tea if, and only if, you starting getting THE headache. Sip just enough to push it away. It could take anywhere from a couple of days to a week, but eventually, you'll work the last of it out of your system.

Lots of good feedback on the question. I'm interested in the Aeron, not just for it's regular super-comfiness, but because it is one of the few with different sizes for different size people. At 5', it's hard to find comfortable furniture, and it usually costs.

[Preemptive apologies for a long comment!]

I'm the original question asker, and appreciate the feedback. I already have what I call "The Fine Print" list, which details most of what everyone has mentioned above. Before a roommate moves in, I email them this list, and ensure that they reply that they understand and accept. There's a fine art to setting clear boundaries, rights and responsibilities, and not coming across as a control freak. Every single thing on the list is something that I've seen cause problems in renting situations. I've never had a complaint about my landlording (?), but the last 2 roommates were terrible about taking care of their cats. Neglect to the point of abuse, where I ended up taking care of them out of pity.

Please let me know if I could be clearer/more concise:

The ad: http://orlando.craigslist.org/roo/2760717542.html

"The Fine Print":

* Rent
* Rent is due before the 1st of the month, preferably by direct deposit/account transfer.
* Month-to-month: There is a 3 day grace period, with a $20/day late fee for the days of the grace period (ie, 3 days late means rent + an additional $60). Non-payment by the 3rd day will be considered giving notice effective immediately, with forfeiture of deposit.
* Yearly: There is a 3 day grace period, with a $20/day late fee for the days after the grace period (ie, 6 days late means rent + an additional $60). Non-payment by the 10th day will be considered giving notice effective immediately, with forfeiture of deposit.
* Deposit is $250 (+ an additional $250 for pets), less any repairs and/or cleaning needed.
* The rent is for one person. If your SO is there more than 3 nights a week, it becomes a two person rental, and we'll have to renegotiate.
* Since utilities are included in the rent, please respect the thermostat and don't go crazy with water use. If the utilities spike out of control, we will have to renegotiate.

* Fifteen days notice is required on a month-to-month lease, 30 days on a year lease.

* Shared Areas:
* Smoking outside is ok, smoking inside is not. Alcohol is ok, drugs are not.
* The kitchen is open access, and there is room for you groceries and equipment. If you choose to use my dishes, pots & pans, knives, etc., take care of them. Please clean up after yourself when you are done cooking/eating.
* The bathroom, living/dining room and porch are all shared. Please don't hog a room, and I'll do the same.
* Things that are used by both of us, like toilet paper and paper towels, should be supplied by both of us.
* I keep the shared rooms clean and straighten as I go, to cut down on the amount of ‘big’ cleaning. I would ask that you help, and do the same.
* My bedroom and office are my personal space, and your room is your personal space. Respect my space, and I'll do the same for you.

* Pets:
* Small dogs and cats may be acceptable, if housebroken and well-behaved. I (and my little dog, too) need to meet them, to make sure its a good fit.
* You are responsible for cleaning up after your fuzzy friend (food, fur and waste) regularly. If you have cats, this means a regularly emptied litter box.
* Flea-free pets are happy pets, so please have your pet on flea control if they go outside.
* Arrangements can be made to help with pets, for trips and heavy works schedules, etc. However, it is not my responsibility to take care of your pet - nor will I expect that of you.