lcarolla's Profile

Decorations aside, what you can't tell is that this building is in the middle of two major construction zones that start jackhammering at 6am, 7 days a week and blow construction debris for blocks (yes, it's illegal but the fines cost them less than spending extra time on the construction). Both are major projects that will take "2-4" years to finish (so more like 5-10?). I lived in the area for five months (on a very high floor) and couldn't take it anymore. You couldn't pay me $100 million to live there.

I actually comissioned a pet portrait once as a wedding gift for a close friend. She's the non-traditional type, and had mentioned to me that she thought everything on her registry was boring. She and her now-husband live for their dog, so I thought it'd be a fun gift. It was a huge hit! I shopped around and picked an artist whose style would go with all their decor, and gave them a gift certificate to they could pick the reference photo and colors.

Needless to say I'm in favor. I have a silly one of my dog that adds some humor to the room and makes me smile everyday. Art is there to make people feel something, and pets bring out the best emotions in us all.

Sounds like a great way to prepare your children for adult living in any major city!

I just bought the same dresser (so fantastic in that orange/red) in a three drawer model off of Craig's List. Mine was painted navy, but has all the same lines and hardware. Any idea when it was made and who made it? Mine has some brand markings in the drawers but it's too scuffed up to tell what they say. It' my new favorite thing.

If only all dog owners could be as great at the ones in the AT Community! I am SO excited to see all the advocates for pitbulls, rescues, regular excercise and choosing the right fit over breed. I'm a runner and rescued a medium energy pitbull. After a morning run he'll snooze the rest of the day, and I'll usually wake him up on my way in the door from work.

Aside from knowing you saved a life, another great thing about rescuing a dog in the city is that you know that an apartment, while small, is a major upgrade from a crowded kennel. I've never felt guilty for bringing him into apartment life, but it helps that he's a perfect fit for my energy level and lifestyle.

I'm always really surprised at how many readers respond to these hospitality questions with inhospitable answers. Why do we invest so much energy and love into our homes if we don't want others to enjoy the work we put in? As a wise Snoop Dogg once said "it ain't no fun if the homies can't have none."

I read a similar post on hosting out of town guests a few months (at least) back and was stunned at how many people responded that they can't stand doing it. Am I mistaken to think that decorating and hosting generally go hand in hand?

My main concern for guests isn't maintaining my own privacy, but making sure they feel comfortable in my home. Friends as family. Go wherever, sit where you want, put that drink down in any convenient place. If I ever make it on a house tour, the most important question I'd have to answer is "What your friends say". So far I haven't seen one that says "My friends love the warm feeling of my home, and by home I mean formal dining room because that's the only place I allow them to see".

I feel like all the beige/warm color suggestions will make it feel like you are perpetually living in autumn with the brown and orange accents (very pretty by the way!). Great in October, but I would find it awkward in the warmer months, like leaving the Christmas lights up. I would add in a cool color for some contrast and to eliminate any potential seasonal tone. I love the pale blue suggestion, but if you think that's too sterile, you could always play with greens. I think an olive or other shade with some yellow to it could be great! And I'm also for leaving the brick wall white. Good luck!

I had the same problem with my dog. While he is trained to stay off the furniture when I'm around, we're still working on a bit of separation anxiety,so when I leave, his brains and manners go out the window. If you have hardwood floors, pull any rugs away from the furniture. Without the rugs, they won't have traction to jump up. My dog has stubby legs, so this may work well for better for some dogs than others.