hongita's Profile

Avoid late fees -- credit cards mainly, but even those library fees add up

Frozen/Canned instead of fresh produce -- since I can't/don't remember to use what I buy, it just goes to waste

Not buying as many snacks/junk food

No impulse/therapeutic shopping. No browsing stores/eBay/Craigslist unless I have something specific to buy.

I rarely go to Coffee Bean/Starbucks anymore. But when I do, it'll be at like Barnes & Noble so I can browse magazines.

I don't wear makeup everyday. Not even my beloved lip gloss!

I use mainly drugstore brands now instead of splurging on Kiehl's and Shiseido. Sniff... : (

I make cards, instead of buying

I try not to go to the movies, unless it's like Batman or something. I actually watch quite a bit of DVD's, so I love my Netflix. I was surprised so many people have said they're getting rid of it.

I still go to music shows, but I won't get any drinks.

I hang dry my clothes.

No. It's the worst place to keep money.

I'm pretty sure it looks horrid in person.

hmm. i dunno. i think any iron security door screams "Hey I'm scared you're going to rob me." maybe bc i grew up in a low income neighborhood, but i've seen plenty of doors that look like this.

Yuck.

This is more like kiddie furniture.

Ew.

Only if you want your house to look like Goodwill.

The big fence could actually be a good thing. You can leave your front door wide open and still have privacy.

So the carpet. I would be afraid that putting a plastic rug over it may result in some funky odor build up. Not in the plastic rug, but in the carpet underneath. I dunno how much time and $$ you're willing to spend. But I would get some wood planks to create a deck-like flooring. On the steps too. It's easier to sweep clean and the carpet could still breathe underneath.

I don't think you need to paint the fence. Instead, paint the wood planks above you. A bright color for the ones going long-ways. A darker color for the shorter support beams.

I would stay away from potted plants taking up floor space. I love the idea of vertical hanging succulents on the fence. I think vines could potentially become too bushy and dense. Also, maybe you could put a long narrow planter on the outer side of the metal railing, so that you don't take up any room on the inside entry. Plant something that grows vertical, like skinny bamboo, that will add color and privacy.

Because it is your entryway, I think one or two metal lanterns -- either hanging from above or screwed into a post -- would look more classy than stringing lights. Stringing lights makes me think of college parties. Like, there should be a permanent keg on your porch.

You could make a small faux cabinet to cover up the AC. Same idea as a radiator cover. It could still be functional as a shelf space. I would not put anything more than a very small bistro set here.