ellenarch's Profile

I have always been a famous sleeper, but I don't sleep well when I am in pain, and as I age I have more and more pain. I have been thinking of changing out my old mattress, because I thought maybe a good quality mattress could help alleviate some of the pain. I have been following the year in bed project to see how the mattresses stack up. However, I have never slept on a mattress as comfortable as my old one anywhere. So I take ibuprofen before bed.

I love having house guests, especially family. Last Christmas, my family and I were just recovering from swine flu, no longer contagious, but in the doldrums. Then my SIL, BIL and nieces came to stay on Christmas Eve and cheered us up. We had a proper festive Christmas, and celebrated all the way through New Years. God bless the house guests!

English Ivy is so invasive. Please don't put it in if you live in the Pacific Northwest. Birds eat the berries, and then spread the seeds into native habitats. The ivy then takes over and kills the native plants, even the trees. Much like Kudzu in the South.

I am in favor of the domesticated rat. We had two, and they were so sweet and personable. They each had distinct personalities, and really got along great with all of us in the family, kids, dog, cat. But rats do need social time with their people, especially if you only have one, and they really like very clean cages.
I have not had a good experience with hamsters or mice, and ferrets, although I loved the ones I took care of, require A LOT of attention, special habitats, and potty training. A ferret is way more work than a cat.

@designdittoes, I put about 2Tbsp of Dr. Bronners in a spray-bottle with water to clean surfaces. I put the same amount with water in the the liquid hand soap dispenser to wash hands. I will use about 1 Tbsp in the mop bucket. I have a friend who uses the same solution for dishes. I don't use the Dr. Bronners for mirrors and glass, just Vinegar and water. If I need an abrasive, I go for the bon Ami, baking soda, or steel wool.

I'm glad the Mrs. Meyers didn't change. Everything else looks great.

When I see that sofa in the magazine I always wonder where it would ever look good. Now I know! I love it!

In the last photo, clean clothes are clearly more important than cooking food, and for many single people in small apartments, that is true.
I love these examples.

I agree with in-the-poche. Her strategy is much like mine: Never criticize the person's finished product. Notice the things they are proud of and say something nice. However, if it is a work-in-progress and someone asks my opinion, then I will advise them about what to pay attention to when making decisions.

The bed and the quilt are great together.

What is with all the haters? What do they think they will accomplish?