cp_arch's Profile

We changed our minds on a West Elm table due to the rediculous delivery cost and jerking us around. We ordered the table (not in stock) and 2 chairs (in stock in store). So we were going to take the chairs home that night, then have the table delivered. They charged 2 shipping fees, but weren't clear on this when we placed the order in store (one fee to ship to the store, then one to deliver to our home), so we were like, uhhh, no. We'll come pick it up. Also, they said it would arrive in a week, which was good. Then they were like, oh yeah, it'll be in the STORE in a week, but to have it delivered from there, you have to set up a time with FedEx, and that'll will be another 2 weeks, which didn't work as we would be on our honeymoon then. So yeah, that sealed the deal for us picking up ourselves.

We walked away from the counter feeling pretty annoyed, then went back and told them we'd pick it up. It was just a pain because we asked all these questions before ordering, then, after we paid, they were like, ok, once it's in the store then you have to do this, then this, and this fee. So in order for them to change the order, they had to cancel it, then we had to call back the next day and "repurchase" 24 hours later so that the original order had time to be canceled. I called 24 hrs later, and the table had been sold out/discontinued (this was during their 15% off dining sale). What the f. So, we also had the 2 chairs we bought in store, now with no table. So we had to drive back to return those too. Sorry, long post, but, it was a huge pain, and we won't use them again. So keep an eye out on the dual delivery fees. And I'm pretty sure it's FedEx and not them, so they don't set it up or anything. I'm ok with buying accessories with them, but, the large delivery-required fees and pain in the butt factor canceled out any deal we were getting.

Varies. I tend to do SOMETHING, but recently, it's been small gatherings or just me and the hubs (same goes for his birthday). I'll be 30 in March, so we're planning a big one for that, but even then, it'll be a house party at our place, with cake. And probably a keg, ha. The moto is to celebrate, but don't put people out, either by time or cost. We have some friends who have really elaborate birthday celebrations every year (for non-milestone b-days). Overnight trips, or 2 hr. drive day trips, or pick really expensive bars (no-host), then tend to invite way too many people, so you're lucky if you speak more than a line to the birthday person. We always end up having fun, but spend the couple weeks leading up to it dreading one or more of the above issues, and sometimes feel lucky when we'll already be out of town, haha.

We invited nearly 200 people to our wedding last fall (mail invites, mail RSPV cards). We didn't have to track down a single person. Nearly everyone RSVPed, and the handful who did not, we were not expecting them to attend due to health, cost/cross country flight, work, etc. 6 months later, we throw an engagement party for another couple. We had to track so many people down to RSVP (invite in mail, RSPV via email or phone). Not to judge, but my fam (my 27 year-old, single, brother sent a thank-you for his birthday gift even!) and the hubs' fam are all pretty considerate and punctial, as are our friends, so I think it has a lot to do with the company you keep...and if it's family who don't RSVP, unfortunately you can't choose them.

My husband works from home as a graphic designer/web developer. I work from an office as an architect. He's really good at being able to focus, and also take his breaks. He takes time out for lunch, etc. But, one issue we have found is I get home, and I think, "Yay! So good to be home!" And he thinks, "Man, I've been here all day, let's go get a drink!" Not something I anticipated when he went from office to freelance a year ago.

Time of year is also important. My husband and I wanted to downgrade to smaller unit thinking it would be cheaper, but no. The smaller one was more expensive because 1) it was a more desirable size and 2) it was the end of May....when college kids are looking to store their stuff over the summer between apartments. And we live in San Francisco, which is NOT a college town. So they change the prices based on supply and demand. So I would get quotes on a few sizes that could work, it may surprise you.

I agree! I was NEVER a bed maker, but my boyfriend is. Since we moved in together, he makes our bed in the morning and I've learned to love it! He leaves the house after me in the morning. But it's great falling into a made bed at the end of the day. And if it's not made, it's an indicator to me that he had a rushed morning, and might have had a stressed day too.

I did this a couple years ago after I found it hard to find teal blue and brown ornaments. I used acrylic paint and puff paint on the exterior. The only thing I will say, is that since they are clear, they don't show up in the tree too well. So I would recommend doing something bright and bold in color. Some green herbs hanging in a clear bulb in a green tree won't show up too well.