DeirdreChristine's Profile

I lived most of my adult life without my own washer dryer, relying on laundromats the whole time. Now I that I have a washer and dryer, I cannot imagine life without it. And oh yeah, the genius who designed my loft put the laundry in the closet...it's double heaven!

I take very little stock in these lists...and as for St. Louis, I live smack dab in downtown and I've never had a problem, even when I walk my dogs at night. I've got a stable job and this is the first place I've lived where I could afford a big apartment. Cost of living here is incredible and we have great cultural, sports and social opportunities. I'm not miserable here. Quite the opposite.

Sudden allergies do happen. I literally in the space of a week became allergic to the contact lens chemicals I had been using for years and had to switch to glasses. It's not myth...and while there are many theoretical diets and practices one can attempt to improve symptoms, sometimes one's body refuses to tolerate certain things. It's not fun, but it's reality.

As a life-long dog person, I found out that I was allergic to cats when I adopted one that a friend had found on the street. I tried everything to make the living situation tolerable for both myself and the cat but the simple truth was that the cat and I were incompatible. And the cat suffered too, because I couldn't give him the attention he deserved without getting sick, so he never got petted.

I was lucky in that the family that "cat sat" for me when I was out of town adored him and were more than happy to adopt him from me. But honestly, if I hadn't been as fortunate in having that situation, I don't think I could have taken him to a shelter, even though I was miserable with him around. Knowing that he might not be adopted and that his last experiences in life would be in a small cage...I couldn't do it.

As I write this, I am looking at my two dogs, both of whom are rescues. Like all the dogs before them in my life, they will spend their entire lives with me. I will only rent where they can join me, I will always care for their needs, and I took on the responsibility of having them in my life knowing it was a lifetime commitment.

I find this posting difficult because I know how painful it is to give up a pet due to allergies and I truly hope your sister finds a suitable place for her cats to live. But there are so many pets who are given up because of a move to a new apartment that doesn't take pets (find an apartment that does) a change in relationship (my boyfriend knows that the dogs and me are a package deal) or simply because they become inconvenient (they are living beings, not accessories or substitutes for humans). I applaud your sister for working hard to find a suitable home for her pets and understanding that they deserve a second life with a new family. I sincerely wish you the best of luck in finding the right fit!

Put a chevron on it... (oops...wrong chair post...)

One of these days, Apartment Therapy needs to post a nice upholstering tutorial so those of us for whom this would not be quick and simple can learn from those of you for whom it is! :-) Lovely job!

Did I put anyone's name in my post? No. I was commenting on a general culture within the boards in this website of people criticizing without doing so constructively. If anyone took these comments personally, that is on them.

I realize we all think of decorating first and foremost from the point of view of what we would want to do in our own homes. But the main reason I am a devoted reader and occasional poster on this website is because I love to see what other people do differently from what I would have done. It is because of posts like Charlotte's that I've tried new things and taken chances on color and design that I wouldn't have before. So to Charlotte and everyone who is bold enough to post their projects even though they know what the comments section will inevitably hold, thank you. You're the reason I keep coming back.

I have a batik from Africa that I stretched on a wood frame years ago and it still looks great, so a vote for that. A strong voice of dissent against turning it into a cushion or a pillow of some sort. It's a beautiful piece of art that deserves more respect than that.

I have an ornament stand and I choose one ornament as I'm packing up Christmas to hang on the stand. It stays up throughout the year...a little of the spirit of Christmas to cheer and warm me every day.

I have a collection of old souvenir napkin rings from Worlds Fairs in Chicago and St. Louis. I always bring them out as part of the table setting when I have guests. They're a fun conversation starter!

Having spent some time in very small studios in my day, I understand the dilemma between form and function (as well as designer tastes on a limited budget...good taste and modest incomes are a reality!) and the need to have pieces which serve several purposes. I used a good quality feather bed over a vintage tufted daybed, which also made packing up the bed very easy. Good luck, whatever you choose!