Kelly N.'s Profile

I made a pumpkin like that in middle school!

I've been sick at one point for every major holiday - having to sit out on Halloween at age 7 is awful.

If you're cooking for a crowd, call up the cavalry and use your family or friends to help. Have someone else do the stirring, chopping, and other prep work while you save your brainpower for cooking times. Certain things can also be prepared ahead of time - my mom always makes her apple pie a day ahead of time and then freezes it so she can just pop it in the oven (and it still tastes amazing).

If you're a guest, sneak away for a power nap to rejuvenate yourself between bouts of exhausting conversations. Taking a little time for quiet and to rest will help you feel more functionally reenergized.

Ugh, I understand this problem all too well. My apartment has rather small (10.5' x 8') bedrooms and the cheap doors make the rooms look even smaller! I used artwork to cover up the splotchy spackling on the wall covered in paint with two different finishes, but the doors are killing me.

You didn't say how large the peeling area is, but here are a couple ideas:

1. A small piece of furniture, like a nightstand or cabinet. You can find some really cute pieces on Craigslist to add character that completely offsets an eyesore. If you found a piece with higher, Queen Anne-style legs, you could pair this with a basket underneath to fully cover the floor. A basket alone might look odd, but under a cabinet I think it would work.

2. An interesting lamp, planter, or sculpture/statue. This has limited surface area ability.

3. If you're not a fan of used furniture, a nice low storage ottoman in faux leather would work.

Another option: if you're willing to take the time to repair a couple of them, ask the landlord to offset the cost of materials and to provide you with them if you put in the labor.

Check out your city's building codes to see what qualifies as a state of disrepair to see what your rights are. Since you've already signed a sublet agreement, it would be difficult to get them to agree to much now, but I know I usually scope out any repairs that need to be done and make sure they are factored into any agreement.

Additionally, I would photograph the state of the floors and date them so that way, at the end of your agreement, they don't try to take it out of your deposit as damages. Landlords can be shady like that, at least in New York.