BarbieQ's Profile

I opted for towel hooks rather than bars...which was a pretty surprising savings. And my local hardware store and ReStore has deals on rejected/unused paint--I checked each a few times until got a gallon of really awesome green for $5. Agree on tile-hunting and finding good quality fixtures discounted online. The interwebs was really the only place I could find a whole suite of matching sink and bath/shower fixtures--very odd how hard that is to do!

In my bathroom remodel, I opted to keep my 1920s toilet...because of looks (wanted to look authentically 1920s) and fears that a lower flow gravity toilet wouldn't work well in my old home. I do the old "put a brick in the tank" to reduce water usage...and it works totally fine. There is substantial mockery from people about low/round shape...as folks are used to the bigger modern toilets...sigh.

Fun! My grandparents had a sprawling 1950s ranch with a lot of plush touches. One thing that I obsessed over was the swank 'dressing area' between the master bedroom and bath. In this room there was a big built-in vanity...essentially a mirrored nook with a mirrored dressing table set into it...so the reflections were infinite...and all of her fancy bottles of perfume were so sparkly...I sat there for hours imagining. There was a cedar closet for coats and suits...and open shelves with built-in hat/wig stands. My grandfather had one of those fuzzy red/black automatic shoe buffer things...which I thought was the single greatest piece of technology in the world. Kinda still do...

um...where did the full-sized pine trees come from?? Teasing...I am guessing that is just a perspective issue with the photos. Lovely in any case...the world needs less lawn!

Nothing more hideous than rancid soda/tonic, swampy ice or soapy glasses...all of which I run into routinely, even at fancy-schmancy places. I feel badly for the staff--as I know they (generally) aren't tasting as they go...but I will get all crazy if they give me attitude or grief for returning a bum drink.

>>>JOCO, for DIY I mainly use cotton fabrics that can be easily laundered and dries quickly--because yes, they get wet and dirty. I use a fabric liner, but a vinyl liner should be enough protetion for most fabrics...unless you are I think the most important aspects are that you pick something that is color-fast and washable. For like $20 you can't go too wrong...

Interesting. I am an x-er. I'd agree with that "less time" and "lack of home ownership" are the big barriers. We also tend to shy away from 'typical' landscaping choices and practices...most of my peers are interested in curbing pesticide use and promoting native/climate appropriate plants...less lawn and ornamental...more edible and sustainable. Huge agreement that the online resources for gardening are weakly organized and not easily searchable/digestible...and the big box home centers are helpless with advice. We are also not likely to go to futzy garden shows that charge $25 for admission at the convention center...where pro-scapers try to sell you sod and vinyl fencing. But I need to give HUGE props to my family and neighbors (all boomers or veterans) they are my biggest helpers/advocates.

YOWZA! I have soiled myself...in delight. That is incredible. I can imagine using an overhead projector with a stencile image to get the baseline scribed...but it is the hand-done details that make it spectacular.

I usually try to accomodate any allergies and preferences, or I ask that the person brings an appropriate dish to share. Where I run into rage is the picky eater. Two of my friends (I question their sanity--routinely) have spouses who are ridiculously picky. One literally only eats grilled steak and baked potato...and is kind of jack@ss about it. Never has he offered to bring over steak (though, to be fair they serve it in heaping portions to guests at their houses despite the expense). The other spouse in question is a vegetarian who wont eat tofu, rice, tomatoes nor mushrooms (I call him a pasta-tarian). I guess it gets me riled because I love food and want to share creative dishes--have fun--try something new. Recently one spouse loudly proclaimed at the dinner table (upon spying the chicken tika masala), "Ugh that looks and smells like butt!" Sigh. Classy. To me that is a lot more lame/offensive than a polite request to make an accomodating side dish.

I wanted a gas stove--but no regrets now--electric stoves have come a long way. I wanted and got a huge yard--now sort of 'meh' on that...a cute, little yard would be a treat as I really wish I spent more time lounging in my yard rather than tending it.