deir's Profile

I gave to say, Charlie's soap (link below) has proven to be awesome at getting rid of residue and also preventing buildup in my washer. I have no ring or grunge in the drum at all and it always smells fresh (unscented - no mustines).
I don't like to use it to wash synthetics because it makes them static-y, but otherwise it does a great job on sheets, towels, jeans and other items without being harsh.
Also, since ditching liquid fabric softener (icky) I've noticed a big difference in the machines' cleanliness. Bonus, Charlie's takes musty smells out of stuff too!

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=1C-1005#.UTNgZDD_mSo

I like the idea but the containers look like maybe not the best idea. My laptop (and my previous phone) could get warm when running and also the charger gets warm so not sure I'd want to have it all on fabric and in a box. Maybe if the liner was gone and the mesh baskets allowed decent air flow?
I do like the look though.

Absolutely devastated that they don't seem to sell that fridge in the US. :( Its for the best - I don't even need one!

I find that the key for indoor plants is leaving them someplace that I can see them. I mean like really obvious - coffee table, front bay window, nightstand. Starting to wilt, they get a dash of water. My orchids are in tall glass containers with stones and charcoal in the bottom. I throw a cup of water in there and it goes to the bottom and keeps the plant humid, but the roots aren't sitting in water. And you can actually see when the bottom is dry and toss in another splash of water. Its unconventional and I'm sure someone may find fault with it, but so far, they are doing awesome. The rocks, bark and roots actually looks kind of cool in the glass vase too.

And it also depends on your relationship with the cook. Among my friends, I have a lot of parties and cook a lot for them, so if I proposed something they may be more likely to be up for trying it rather heeding than someone they may not know as well or who they may not be willing to rely on. If you see something going wrong, I think its ok to try to help, just try to be sensitive about it and stay constructive!

@kpies - mush = rot. Rot is generally caused by bacteria + moisture. Rinse the base with a vinegar solution before sprouting (1/2 vinegar, 1/2 water) to get most of the bacteria off and then take it easy on the watering. Only keep the very bottom in the water (and then eventually the soil), not the whole bit. Also the soil should never be soggy wet. Let it drain and give it a few days between waterings. Not sure if it needs water? Stick your finger in the soil up to your 1st or 2nd knuckle. If its damp, give it a rest.

Like @goonghaeng I am also in love with that shelving in the 1st photo. I suspect it is vintage/mid century, but I would love to know the name or if someone knows of something similar and budget friendly! Totally lovely!

That tiny bathtub acts as a torture device. Looks pretty. Teases me with a nice soaking and then shows me you can only accommodate someone 5' or shorter for a real soak. Pretty to look at, but a total waste for a real tub-user IMHO

The dryer lint thing works great. I use paper egg cartons, fill each of the sections with lint, drizzle leftover wax from mostly spent candles all over it and then cut it into the 12 sections. Sometimes you need 2 or 3 (different fibers burn at very different rates, so depends on what is in the lint!) but they are free and work well.

I'm sorry. At the risk of sounding severely insensitive, HELLZ NO. I am not buying gifts for friends for breakups too!
As a single person who may never be married, I have shelled out a significant amount of my life's earnings on friends and family's engagement parties, stock the bar parties, showers, weddings, bridesmaid dresses, housewarmings, baby showers, kids birthdays, plus trying to avoid (or caving to peer pressure for) candle parties, jewelry parties, girl scout cookies and on and on and on that will likely not come even close to being reciprocated. I don't expect it all to come back around, but wowsa, the bank account just can't be spread any thinner!
I work really hard to be a good friend and I'll gladly help them navigate craigslist, go shopping and/or hit estate sales with them, help them find a new place & move, lend/give them some of my things that they need that I can spare, go to (or make) dinner to cheer them up, brave blind dates and bars together, but holy cow - NO MORE OBLIGATORY GIFT REGISTRIES!
Probably 1/3 of the dating the relationships my friends are pursuing are painfully dead-end/unhappy relationships that I wrack my brain as to why my friends torture themselves and I refuse to reward their bad judgment with more gifts. Also, my bank account would be perpetually F-ed if this becomes the trend.

People. Can we take a more practical approach?? Friends going through a rough patch like this need emotional support about 1000x more than they need a new set of plates. Find a way to be there for your friends that goes beyond clicking on Amazon.