lwray's Profile

I was veggie for years while living with my family. The easiest dishes to eat "together" are ones with an identifiable meat-substitute component; usually they can be split into two batches and cooked side by side without extra effort. Some top hits from my childhood:

broccoli & pasta alfredo (chicken/fake chicken)
pasta and meat sauce (one with meat, one TVP) or red sauce with two kinds of meatballs
chili (split into two batches, one meatless)
tacos or burritos (TVP/beef)
veggie stirfries with tofu/chicken/beef
breakfast for dinner with veggie sausage
individual stuffed peppers in tomato sauce (with meat & rice, or beans/mushrooms/TVP and rice)
make your own salad bar (lay out basic ingredients)
make your own sandwich/panini
homemade pizza, top your own half
fancy grilled cheeses (add ham, veggies)
quesadillas
enchiladas (chicken in only one, wrap and bake them all together with sauce)
steak/chicken on the grill -- throw on marinated firm tofu or seitan and you can both have grilled veggies
chicken nuggets/fake chicken nuggets with french fries (don't judge!)

We also arrived at a few meatless meals that satisfied the whole family (after a LOT of failures) ... a white bean/tomato/cheese casserole and an eggplant parm variation.

OK, sure, you should get the landlord to install a deadbolt, and make sure your windows lock. And, you know, pull your curtain before changing at night.

However, I'm also a single woman who has lived alone in the city for 8 years, including some sketchy areas, and I've never been afraid for my safety. My first apartment ever was basement level with a window onto the street. I often opened the window while I was inside, cooking or doing homework or whatever, and I had a deadlock on the door but rarely used it. I can't stress enough that if you are "terrified" or if you are uncomfortable walking on the street in your area, you won't be happy. If I had felt like I couldn't open my windows, that tiny place would have been a nightmare! Personally, I try to avoid situations that make me uncomfortable -- but I also try to remember the world isn't that scary. You said you were looking for "comforting words", so I hope this helps you. Keep your head up, smile, and carry mace :)

It reminds me of a biohazard suit!

Have you considered ordering flat cherry fronts made? You won't be happy with those if you paint them! The beveled fronts will just look shabby. Maybe you're overwhelmed by the dark wood floor and dark granite countertops, and tile backsplash ... all of which help make this room look "traditional". Try some bright colors, too! You can also take out the windowpane decorations on the open cabinets and like you said change all the hardware. But you will kick yourself for years if you try and "spray" these. Please consider some alternatives first! :)

You can use Elmer's glue, too! We made these in elementary school. If you do only half the balloon, you have a nice bowl. You can coat the balloon in glue so the thread sticks, then brush more glue over the top. When it's totally dry, the glue is clear and you can pop the balloon.

AT, you rock! I had actually been on eBay without much luck before. "Syroco" was spot on and I would never have guessed it in a million years. I plan to scour Macy's and T.J.Maxx, too.

"Hollywood Regency" was close, but what kept turning up all those gold-plated antiques...

LCG - Just find your local glass shop in the classifieds! I've had picture glass and mirrors custom made that way for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend it over online, because shipping is dicey on fragile items, and if unsatisfied you can easily return.

I must admit ... I am actually in Boston. But I hope to check out your local suggestions when I visit my big-city-livin' sister. Hopefully you will all see my new fancy mirrors in this year's Smallest Coolest. :)

Just lovely!!

Induction burners do work great, but take some getting used to. They can heat so quickly that it's easy to burn things if you're not careful.

That is SO COOL. I would buy one too.

This is soooo beautiful. Very inspiring.