kbwelham's Profile

I think it's inaccurate to characterize non-tidy spaces as "disorganized." My home is most definitely not tidy -- papers are everywhere, clothes decorate the bedroom floor, etc. -- but I know where everything is because I can picture where I last left it. For people like me (and I know I'm not alone in this), making something tidy sometimes leaves us feeling *more* disorganized because we can't find things anymore.

Stay on top of the mold as it forms! I keep an old toothbrush in the shower and spot-scrub while I'm waiting for the water to heat up, while my conditioner is doing its thing, etc. Less mold & mildew on ceramic surfaces means fewer spores in the area means less growth.

I second most of the suggestions above.

I've also found that my issues tend to be worst when I'm trying to *fall* asleep. Last summer I tried out sticking one or more freezer packs in my bed about 15 minutes before I climbed into it as reverse bed-warmers -- that helped considerably. I also tried taking cold showers before bed really helped lower my body temperature, with the added benefit of the fan(s) have extra impact once I'm wet.

When I have the impulse to go shopping but don't need anything, I've begun loading up super-high-end designer websites that are obviously out of my price range. The sticker shock is such that I never seriously consider purchasing anything, but I still get the pleasure of weeding through items and imagining what they'd be like in my life.

I sand things in the alley and paint them in the spot my kitchen table usually occupies. Haven't tried stripping or spraying yet, so I'm pleased to read all these great suggestions.

By the way, I'm thrilled to see this kind of post on AT. As a small, urban apartment dweller, I sometimes feel like I'm reading a blog called House Therapy and it's nice to see pieces articles like this which align more closely with my home-making experience.

If you can swing it, bring in a live potted tree from the porch a day or two before the big day, rather than the corpse on a once-live tree that needs to be recycled!

Nice handknit washcloth!

I think this is a lovely piece, but I'd be shocked to meet a 20-year-old male who appreciates the work that went into making it. If it were me, I'd be tempted to keep this for myself.

As a former telemarketer, I can tell you that "Do Not Call" is void if you have a "business relationship" with the caller (what qualifies as a relationship may surprise you). A few tips to screen out these kinds of calls:

- When ordering things online, always avoid the phone box or -- if you have no choice -- put in a dummy number (e.g. (888) 888-8888). Most websites can't tell the difference, but most callers will realize it's a fake number right away.

- Instead of just hanging up on telemarketers, take an extra minute and verbally ask to be removed from the call list. By law, they must do so unless you re-provide your phone number. This is important because some telemarketers (for instance, University fundraisers) will count a hang up as a bad connection and call again later. It also helps keep the underpaid caller from getting penalized by their employer.

If you have a nice building manager, s/he can often be a boon -- when mine saw me hand sanding a small end table in the alley behind the building, he lent me his powersander, extension cord, and expertise. A lot of these guys work with power tools for a living!