Mackheath1's Profile

I'm toying with a big re-do of a kitchen, and something I've always wondered (even moreso than design, although they're not separate), is how to make a sink comfortable.

What I mean is, after doing dishes, I feel like I was leaning over too much and that it's bad for my back and posture. It's really uncomfortable. Maybe have under-the-sink space for your feet so you're not leaning forward so much or something?

There's a blog called twicelovely.com with great, easy-to-paint, amazing 'before and afters'

Back to the original question: I think there's a benefit to a gift card, particularly if it's at an interesting store. When I got a gift card for Barnes & Noble, we probably didn't go there for weeks until after Christmas. So it was like another little Christmas in January. Then Blockbusters in February, then (etc) in March.

It seems very nice, but there's hardly anything - at all. I am not advocating for clutter or consumerism, but I see very little in this tour other than an empty apartment (with little exception).

That's not a criticism in design, it just does nothing for my eyes. Still, congrats for the emptiness, as that is a direction many people like - I think it's well done.

One of the best finds moving to Abu Dhabi (I know, right?), was on the airplane on the way there. The lady next to me in business was drinking as well (LOL) and as we were talking, I'd asked what there is to do, and she aked what I like to do. Jokingly I told her that I love running and drinking (well, it's true).

She recommended the Hash House Harriers, which is a great way for expats in foreign countries to walk/run and then socialize. Apparently there's one in almost any city, and at least I can vouch for the Abu Dhabi one.

If you're living overseas, don't hesitate to look up this and many organizations like it.

I've had a wide variety of experiences living as an Expat in Abu Dhabi - big mix of people.

The worst experience? Living in a very pricy villa neighborhood with roommates (we were three guys). All the neighborhood expat stay-at-home moms were the stereotype nightmare "concerned" moms that we drive too fast or have loud parties. Got a little ridiculous. These were from different backgrounds too.

Best experience? Where I live now, in some clustered apartments (maybe 10?) that share a pool. My boyfriend and I (also a taboo in many cultures, lol), will sit by the pool with a beer (again, with some of the Muslim neighbors, one would think it's taboo.. of course, back in the states some people do too!), and they're all super friendly, whether just there to swim, use the indoor gym, or with their kids at the pool.

Not sure what separates the experience, but the only demographic difference is income levels (apartment dwellers vs very-nice-villa dwellers). Triple the income.

Meh? You really love this space? - go out to your lawn and play some frisbee or something - use the space, heck, use your neighbor's space. No problem? Then it's either the first time you've ever considered this entitlement issue, or it's just that two strangers can get along in the same half-acre: GIVE ME A BREAK. What are you so desperate to use for that front yard? What have you actually used your front yard for in the last year?

REALLY, how bad is it? Do you use every square inch of your front yard and you're worried you don't have enough? Has your neighbor decided s(he) is going to drill for oil in the area shared and get rich?

If your neighbor was building a giant wall into your property, I'd understand, but it appears that they are just mowing the grass they think needs to be mowed. Seriously, the self-entitlement attitude is such a waste of time and space. This is *not* a topic for apt therapy (although it did generate a lot of comments lol)

I have to add to my above comment, as this is a really interesting thread.

Chaotic, I highly recommend it. And, dangab33, there are still some added benefits, but it sounds like you've sounded out your marriage very thoughtfully, instead of jumping in, so it sounds right.

Having two small places, but spending days and nights together has some added benefits.

Diet - he works horrific hours and late nights, so I'll cook or surprise him with food, but basically only eat when I want. For the year together, we ate when either of us was hungry, leading to more eating.

Time together - strangely, we spend more time together than we used to. We'd come home from work and be so "not interested in talking to anyone" that we'd go to our respective study.

So now, when I travel I come back to a clean apartment to my own to take a hot shower, or sometimes he'd missed me and crashed at mine leaving a mess, but no worries :)

And I agree with Nancyalice and Lady J about complete sovereignity!!

Good on you, Jason! Admirable. I think I would spend my whole days looking at funny pictures of cats with captions, or something like that. x

In Abu Dhabi we all have one or more maids, even for the smallest apartments. However, I realized I was getting very lazy, so I did "without" for one year.

I found the key to a clean-looking home was to just not have any surfaces. The first thing I do is clutter up any surface with things that could go elsewhere - from books to sunglasses to dishes even.

I started getting plants, etc. that could go on any available surface and also stopped stocking my home with furniture that had would let me drop my t-shirt from the gym on it!