Christine (the one in DC)'s Profile

actually, according to my quick calculation (because I concern myself with these numbers for a living and couldn't resist), only about 6 percent of employees in DC are in legal occupations (and fewer are lawyers). However, that is 5 times the share in the US as a whole, which is probably why it seems like the place is teeming with them. Oh and they ARE the ones with money. And yes I'm bitter because I want to be a lawyer who earns lots of money then becomes a designer!!!

Reading the comments has been enlightening, but not in a good way.

I have a whole box of random travel size stuff. I tend to go smaller rather than at the 3 oz level, because I do a lot of 1-night work trips and long weekend trips, and 3 oz is actually a lot for most things. Since I avoid checking bags at all costs (no pun intended...I do it mostly because I hate waiting at the carousel), I have to be crafty to fit all my toiletries into the quart size bag. I managed to do it for a week-long trip, though, too. Trick is to find what you can do in a liquid alternative (soap, solid shampoo, dry face cloths, powder foundation...) and pack that separately.

I like the new "travel' size toothpaste that is larger than the typical travel size ones which are too small for anything over a day or two...that's saved me a lot of headaches of trying to decide how much toothpaste I need each time.

I also keep, in the little pocket on the front of my suitcase, a little travel emergency kit, for all those things you don't expect, like a sewing kit, nail file, band aids, lint roller, aspirin, etc. Sounds like a lot, but it's nothing. I've been stuck too many times in remote places needing those random things!

Okay, and the last tip which will REALLY reveal me for the anal retentive freak I am...I bring clorox wipes for hotel rooms. I saw a local news story once about germs in hotel rooms, so I give the major culprit areas (door knobs, remote control, phone receiver) a once-over.

I guess I veered off the topic a bit...

I'm a big planner. I have a moving checklist and color coded labels (Yes, I know...). I would suggest, however, that the most important bit of planning is to plan to save some money to hire movers. Despite being a big chunk of change, it was some of the best money ever spent. Everything went smoothly and I could walk the next day. (But, to avoid any aggravation or bad consequences, be sure to check out the movers and get recommendations/references beforehand! THAT is where the moving checklist comes in!!!)

Oh, and I have to say that though some people have said the furniture is out of scale, I like that it's not scaled to the apartment. I was just thinking this morning how much I wish I'd known how long I would have certain things I bought because they were what fit or what I could afford at the time...I would have bought better stuff that I really truly loved! I have a larger than I should sofa in my place, too, and I don't regret buying it. I can seat a lot of people...AND sleep some when necessary too!

Bummed that I just got here when thumb up voting is closed. Your studio actually makes me think living in a studio would be possible for me (I have a 1 BR). Very nice. And, way to go with the bold color in the bathroom!

Generalize much?

I have 2 shelves--1 has decorative stuff (a reed diffuser and a shell) and the other has perfume bottles and a container with cotton balls. My makeup bag is on the tank lid.

The wipes thing got me too. I used to use paper towels, but started using microfiber cloths (that I bought at the dollar store). I use 2 to clean my whole apartment (granted, I'm the only one living in it to mess it up). I take one to lightly dust surfaces and then use that same one to clean mirrors and glass. Then, take that same one and use to clean bathroom surfaces with some sort of spray cleaner or vinegar water. I end with the toilet...cleaning the inside with a brush. I've used everything from toilet cleaner to face wash I didn't like in the toilet. I actually read somewhere that the bacteria in toilets is much less than that in kitchen sink. Anyway, second microfiber cloth gets used as a wet swiffer (take note Team Decor!)...I wet it, tuck it in, and spray a Murphy's Oil soap solution on the floors, wiping up as I go. I can clean my whole apartment, including vacuuming in well under an hour. Or, in Real Simple time, about 20 min. :)

How many coats of stain did you use? Did you try doing the lighter portion again, really glopping that stain on and letting it sit awhile? Just a thought! I feel your pain...stripping furniture is exhausting!