Deens's Profile

Display Name: Deens
Member Since: 5/5/11

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There is also the issue of rising property prices in desirable urban centres and family pressures. Raising one or maybe two kids in a small apartment is feasible for a few years, but eventually that 2nd or 3rd bedroom becomes more important. We've seen the value of our 2-bdr place skyrocket in 5 years, but same goes for the 3-bdr places which we most definitely cannot afford. This is the point when most young families face the reality of either shoe-horning their growing family into a shrinking space or moving out to where they can afford more space. And by "more", I don't mean a sprawling McMansion, but one extra room. It's easy to romanticise small living for one to three people, but when one area is bedroom/nursery/office/play area/guestroom, it gets a bit cramped. I love urban living but it comes with sacrifices you must be prepared to make.


Will Gen Y Ever Move to the Suburbs? The Wall Street Journal
5/17/13 1:56 AM

I'm 32, my husband is 34 and we are expecting our first baby this summer. I grew up in the suburbs of LA before moving to Europe and buying a flat in a vibrant city centre. We grapple with this question ALL THE TIME. At some point you start to question if hauling groceries/purchases on buses and subways is worth it, or fighting your neighbours for hallway space when their bicycles/your baby gear struggle to co-exist. Also there is SO much competition for space at the local schools, which are totally oversubscribed. Unless you're willing to fork out tuition money there's a good chance you won't get into any of your top public (ie free) choices. It's all well and good saying "never" in your late 20s, but things do change.

Most of our friends are following the siren's call to the suburbs. We'll stay put for now as our neighbourhood has an amazing public park and family amenities. But in the long run I think schools will be the most important factor.


Will Gen Y Ever Move to the Suburbs? The Wall Street Journal
5/17/13 1:28 AM

AMAZING renovation job! Absolutely gorgeous results. It makes me re-think all the discussions with my husband where I want a quick-fix cheapie kitchen make-over while he'd rather save for the real deal a few years down the line.

And slow claps to KHinNJ for the rudest, snarkiest comment I've seen on Apartment Therapy in a while. Green-eyed monster thinking their $1300 kitchen is better than this stunning job?? Please, as if.


Kitchen Before & After: A 1980s Kitchen Gets a Chef-Caliber Makeover Professional Kitchen Remodel
2/27/13 12:48 PM

Also you have to clip them regularly, to encourage new growth. Sometimes I'll get a plant that I only need for one or two recipes, and over time the old branches get really dry and yellow. Just remember to chop those off! And don't over-water :)


Tips for Healthy Indoor Herb Garden? Good Questions
2/13/13 11:49 AM

I struggled with the same problem with my indoor garden. A good friend is a landscape architect and says that the seeds used for potted herbs in grocery stores are not very robust, and you're much better off growing your own herbs from a seed packet. Gorcery stores usually use clippings from the same seed, versus a scattering of lots of seeds.


Tips for Healthy Indoor Herb Garden? Good Questions
2/13/13 11:45 AM

Wonderful home! So many interesting things to look at and an enviable array of art and furniture. Truly original and unique. It looks like a real labour of love.

(Is it obnoxious to say that I prefer when owners' pictures are not included? Anonymous tours retain an air of mystery. Also I found the opening intro informative and to-the-point without all the fluffy over-the-top language of several recent house tours. Great editing!)


Leila & Buff's Beautiful Beach Abode House Tour
8/2/12 12:21 PM