ahimsamonkey's Profile

Display Name:	ahimsamonkey
Member Since:	11/9/11

Latest Comments...

Particle board backsplash. There's a basic design flaw there. An Ode to Pegboard: A Small Space Solution for Every Room Flag this comment	5/9/13 1:14 PM
D-Limonene is TOXIC to cats! As are most essential oils. For natural flea control, use food grade diatomaceous earth (not the kind sold for swimming pools -- also toxic!) You can find this on Amazon & it works great. How To Make Homemade Citrus Cleaner Apartment Therapy Tutorials Flag this comment	3/8/13 1:00 PM
Has she tried homeopathics? Boiron Histaminum Hydrochloricum is an amazing natural remedy for allergies. If you look at Amazon reviews, you will see many previously skeptical people who give this product 5 stars. http://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Homeopathic-Medicine-Histaminum-Hydrochloricum/dp/B001GCU1YG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top I used to think homeopathics were voodoo until my dog started having major allergy attacks (reverse sneezing for extended periods), keeping us up all night. Out of desperation, I gave him these pellets & LIKE MAGIC his allergies went away. Since my dog is unaware of the placebo effect, I have to believe they work. It doesn't have any side effects & only costs about $6 at vitamin shops / Whole Foods, etc. I convinced a very skeptical friend to try this remedy and he was able to get off allergy pills that made him drowsy. Giving Up Your Pets Flag this comment	3/4/13 5:23 PM
Even better than renting tools is borrowing them from a local tool library. Wiki has a list of them & even info on starting one up in your community. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tool-lending_libraries They're a great way for folks to recycle tools they no longer need (and probably get some tax write-off) while providing tools to folks who can't afford them or only need them short-term. The North Portland Tool Library has saved me hundreds & allows me to connect with other DIY-ers in my neighborhood. Budget DIY: Tips for Stretching Your Project Dollars Flag this comment	2/18/13 2:30 PM
Buy a bottle of juice. Drink it. Rinse the bottle. Put water in it. Pitch the Plastic: Glass Water Bottles Flag this comment	2/15/13 7:03 PM
If you enjoy biting political satire, the reviews for the children's drone model can't be beat! http://www.amazon.com/Maisto-Fresh-Metal-Tailwinds-Endurance/dp/B004JFMOGK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top Five of the Funniest Amazon Product Reviews Flag this comment	2/4/13 2:07 PM
I disagree that cosmetic renovations are a bad idea. Improving my cosmetic fixer is the only thing I can do to increase its value. And as long as I'm spending more time than money, doing DIY projects, and taking advantage of resources like free plants on Craigslist, bartering, architectural salvage, etc., I'm not out that much. Plus, being proactive beats out ennui anyday. As rents have skyrocketed, I am spending less on a 2 bedroom house with a yard than I would on a tiny studio apartment (after itemizing tax deductions for interest & property taxes). And I embraced the small house movement when I bought, so I'm not pining away for a McMansion somewhere. Counting your blessings is a good way to beat the blues! 5 Tips for Beating the Underwater Blues Flag this comment	8/15/12 5:39 PM
Magical house! Your bathroom tile job is lovely! And thanks for the stripey arch inspiration. Anne & Tahoe's Barnum Bungalow House Tour Flag this comment	6/28/12 3:02 PM
Beautiful home, beautiful smile! That fireplace is gorgeous!! And your dog has the most soulful eyes... Michelle's Traditional + Fashion Forward House Tour Flag this comment	6/27/12 12:55 PM
@ Esterogen : I know what you use your hands for! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except for beige nylon carpet. And Keep Calm & Carry On posters. Ew, I Can't Stand That! Design Allergies Flag this comment	6/25/12 6:26 PM
A million thanks for the photo & ID of Love-in-a-Mist! These grow (wildly) in my neighborhood & I have never known what they are. Now I can find them & plant in my own garden! Also, please note Foxglove is one of the most TOXIC / deadly plants out there & should be planted with caution around children and pets! 5 Favorite Self Seeding Plants The Gardenist Flag this comment	6/7/12 7:04 PM
That family photo is awesome. And the exterior is lovely. But these guys need an MDF intervention! Maybe hit some vintage stores in Austin & pick up something unique that was manufactured before 2001... The Roeders' Modern Life is Beautiful House Tour Flag this comment	5/24/12 2:05 PM
Gorgeous bedroom wall! Not feeling the Fred Flintstone sofa & banquette, though. Sean & Sara's Minimal Americana House Tour Flag this comment	5/15/12 2:27 PM
Just one more vote for Diatomaceous Earth. You definitely want the food-grade kind, not the TOXIC kind they sell for swimming pool maintenance. Amazon.com sells a large container that will last forever for about $15. Sprinkle it in every crevice, & on rugs (work it in with a broom), on bedding, etc. I usuallly try to leave it for 2-3 days before sweeping / vacuuming to allow it to do its thing. It is completely harmless for people & pets (try not to breathe it in). The sharp, microscopic shells of these little fossils physically destroy & dehydrate the bodies (and eggs, larvae) of insects... bed bugs, fleas and probably other hard-shelled bugs. I sprinkle it on my animals & their bedding during flea season and it really helps. It's not instant, but it DOES work to kill & interrupt the life-cycle of these pests! Bed Bugs: The First Hand Freak Out Account Flag this comment	3/28/12 5:00 PM
I love the alive animal! Not so much the parts of dead ones. Dean's Stylish & Social Greystone House Tour Flag this comment	3/14/12 12:57 PM
Beautiful home. I have major credenza envy! Steve & Stacey's Vintage-Inspired DIY Modern Apartment House Tour Flag this comment	11/9/11 1:35 PM