h3idi's Profile

Could you mix baking soda and protein shake powder? ;)

Solution- don't unpack the guest room when they come, leave it (and some post-it note directions) for them to do.

To add- you still need the original "soda stream" machine, but you don't need to replace/refill those tiny, prohibitively expensive canisters.

Thank you for giving me hope that we can repurpose my husband's hideous old bunk beds that separate into beds. Covering them may well be the way to go!

I think i love you!
We did a buying fast last June, and February we're scheduled for another. It went well. We actually got invited to a clothing swap, but we downsized more than received, so it was fine.

We've moved from being a 2 income family to a 1 income family, and with a new child. So spending is more careful, and we've started to downsize by selling some of the things we held on to "just in case" - clearing out a little more space.

Another thing that's REALLY helped us is our "No Flyers" sign at the door. Less of an impulse to go shopping.

Reusing cloth diapers is very popular. If they can be cleaned they can be shared. I understand that many people consider it a bit much initially but if you really give it thought it makes sense for the planet and isn't a hygiene concern.

I truly believe that if you are NOT buying at least SOME main pieces of baby items second hand you're personally irresponsible. Bringing children into this world and putting a strain on the planet's resources can be mitigated somewhat by reuse of clothing and gear.

For safety - car seats, cribs - those can be exchanged between friends if you have access to recalls and manuals.

But for unnecesary items like bouncers, swings, etc, and even some strollers, it's great to access used items.

If goodwill won't accept baby items due to some policy, it's easy to post them online and offer them to families in need. Our goodwill doesn't make that distinction, but there are numerous bad policy decisions out there for organizations. Don't let that solve the question of whether or not reuse is a good idea.

This is ridiculous, fitness is a priority, as is your sanity, treadmill going is a silly statement.

Thick mats and agreeing to a time or something could be a workaround. Additionally, invite her into your home to hear the sound it makes with someone running.

If she says no, then I'd recommend a tape-recorder in your apartment to record how loud it is.

Document all that you do to try to resolve, then go to the management company if you must, but remember that she can make your life really unpleasant.

I would be VERY surprised if they can make a treadmill forbidden, but maybe under the guise of flooring they can insist it has a padded mat. If it was a very expensive treadmill, she should want to protect it with a mat to prolong its use.

Good luck, very frustrating.

I have a pair of curtains that i made with 2 jacquard tablecloths (from a discount store) and made an iron-hem-tape casing for. They were a temporary curtain for 9 foot wide kitchen windows way back in 2005 and they've lived in the guest room and nursery since. Finding curtains to cover 9 feet of window was daunting, and privacy was needed - they were really easy!

My family and I rent out properties (a condo, a basement apartment in the house, and my in-laws always have a student exchange) and we are great landlords - the one thing that we love is when tenants let us know right away if something is wrong. We are definitely in it for the money, but we've all been renters too and we respect our tenants.

I have known some really good and really bad property managers, it's a stressful job! (And I'm talking 16 plexes and highrises.)

Remember that it's a (business) relationship and keep things nice and above board, and things should go well. And if you run into a slumlord, definitely keep a log and document. If you end up taking it to tribunal, you'll likely win, but if you're friendly and work things out during your stay your life will be even better/less stressful. Also - own a screwdriver and tighten things that need tightening, it's a lifeskill and good practice if you ever own.

The person who listed that the agent was working for them was I believe mentioning a condo board/manager. That's a different story. In THEORY your dues pay them, and they work for you but MAN the bureaucracy! I always preferred private landlords.