chispita's Profile

5. Get it in writing. Even if you verbally agree with your landlord on something, or even by email - find out what the "official" way to notify is, and do it! We got burnt by this when we were renting in Vancouver - we notified that we would no be renewing our lease on the last day we possibly could, our landlord was an ass and wanted to keep our security deposit, but we couldn't get her in front of whatever the rental office was called because we'd notified by email and not letter.

I'd say that the tratment style should coordinate, but no more than that. If you're going fo blinds, or roman, or curtains or whatever, do the same for both spaces. Then go crazy with materials, patterns or colors.

Something that helped me was to find a morning activity that you _enjoy_ for which you *must* wake up early for and then keep it up. At the beginning, set an alarm at night for your bedtime - otherwise after a couple of days, no matter how much you love your chosen activity you will just be too tired to do it.

Get a cheap colorful rug (think Ikea style) so that you only have to worry about keeping it clean "enough", and when it starts to look grotty just throw it out and get a new one.