margue's Profile

I have to brace myself for the comments that repeat themselves every time this feature comes out. Lighten up.... be inspired, be innovative, be resourceful- no one here can speak for the "masses" of readership of AT- there are readers across the globe, spanning age, gender, culture and financial capabilities. If it doesn't work for you...move on to the next feature- as it may work for others.

Two words- Ice Cream!
What a unique space- modern, fun and light.

love this column. We individuals can't speak for what "most people" see as what is described as unrealistic or wasteful-that's pretty judgmental in my opinion. I see nothing wrong with a comparison of a 2K room and and 500 dollar room..one can look at the entire look- or just one piece, etc.

I can not believe how motivating it was to engaging an online challenge/project with the AT team and perfect (online) strangers/communicty and find it so motivating and inspirational. WOW! My house is better in every room-addressing sore spots and making everyone room more enjoyable. A nice blend of cleaning/ organizing / and just plain more aesthetically pleasing. Thanks So Much!

I bought three orchids on the first weekend assignment- so I cheated a little, but they are all still beautifully in bloom! I am a newbie to the Cure, and I'm hooked for Summer 2013!! Can't wait. Every room in my home is better- and it feels great. I think the only thing I didn't do, that is still on my list- is to attack my cords...sigh, and probably my kitchen could use bit more work- but it's definitely an improvement. My big project was an overhaul of our hideous laundry room- and it is clean, organized, repainted- and now has art hanging also! I have hung four enlarged travel photos, and have even gone beyond and done some of those nagging tasks...upgrading to a wireless printer, backstocking printer cartridges, backstocking light bulbs- the things that make me crazy when I am out!!

AND I am so excited for my party in February- we are having a Chinese New Year party- so fun!

I love the idea that many people have one night a week "unplugged". I think I will incorporate that into my household. Starting tonight. I think I will straighten my closet which looks like it threw up sweaters and jeans. Hope I come out alive.

I am so inspired by how many people are following this Cure! So fun.

Ok, so you caught me since I vacuumed this week- but honestly did a poor job. ;) Will get into those corners and move some furniture. AFTER we move out the Christmas tree, which of course, will drop needles everywhere.

Cleaners- check. Flowers....this evening. Plan to break a nice bunch into a few small ones and spread them out in the house.

I think it's extremely cool...but might not want to be below it...haha.

I actually was surprised at the comments from the first post. I took away much more of the financial aspect of the article. I have read many articles trying to determine the "worth" of the household tasks, and frankly, in my experience- they are so inaccurate. My husband and I are two careers and two kids, a dog and a house. (We make almost exactly the same amount). We are lucky enough to be able to have help to do the majority of tasks outlined. Groceries, cooking, basic cleaning, kids to soccer/parties whatever. We call her a household assistant. The cost to hire someone to do this...in the san francisco bay area (which is a very expensive part of the country) is nowhere near the 90K in the article. Because of course you aren't hiring a culinary chef, professional maid service, limo driver (with car), etc. You are hiring general skills, none that take any education, really. Maturity, organization, safety, etc. You can also set expectations for performance for a person, and of course terminate them if they are not meeting them. Can't do that with a spouse- haha. I think the problem is that people want to quantify the value of someone who does things "with love" which of course, isn't possible.