bsand's Profile

In certain situations expensive is so much more expensive that it is better to buy cheap multiple times than to buy the expensive item. You can buy 5 cheaper pots vs. one fancy pot. There is a good chance that you would buy a couple in your lifetime, saving $180. I have had good luck with Macy's brand pots and pans, as well as Revere. I have also bought fancy frying pans and have been disappointed. At this point I have enough Macy's pots and pans as well as a couple of cast iron that I no longer look in the kitchen section. None of it is fancy, a lot of it has lasted over ten years and will probably last atleast ten more years.

I have a chair that belongs with that couch! We had 2 chairs and 2 loveseats that were covered with plastic, when I was a kid, and now I have it in my own house. The cloth is silk I think. It is prettier in person. I think it's manly enough as it is, but I am biased.
I agree with the people who said change the curtains, and pillows around it.

Red shiso leaves seem to be a seasonal item at Asian markets. I substitute red basil which is in the same herb family and available year around.

Aside from being ugly, it seems there would be issues with putting chairs around it. Even if something is 'art' a table should still be able to sit people comfortably.

I would be concerned about splinters not the old two by fours.

There are fluorescent bulbs that can go into recessed lights to decrease costs. Also if the ceiling is tall there is a contraption you can buy to change the bulbs. They are no harder to change then any other type of light attached to the ceiling, and they are easier then some. We like them, as they add enough light to the room without having to buy lamps and side tables, so if you like less furniture it's a good way to go.

Farmer's Ranch Market in Van Nuys is cheap. The turn over for fruits and vegetables is fast so it is fresh. They also have Middle Eastern, Russian and kosher food, and fresh baked goods from local bakeries. They have somewhat exotic fruits and vegetables in season, grean almonds, fresh garbanzo's, green plums.