DariaC's Profile

I totally agree that there are advantages to renting, and that home ownership is not the best fit for everyone.

But ... wow! I've read half of the comments and I am quite surprised that so many people are totally unaware of Economics 101. In financial terms, renting and owning can't be too far from each other, because the markets won't allow it. Any major difference is an opportunity for profit that will soon disappear. If house prices are going up and you think it's cheaper to rent- guess what? The rent will increase too, sooner or later, and you'll have to deal with it. If you enjoy renting because the owner provides maintenance, guess what? It's all factored in, your rent pays for it. Same for property taxes, etc. Plus, when you rent and the owner wants to sell you don't have much of a say. That doesn't mean home ownership is ideal though.

Another big mistake is to compare apples and oranges. Often the only reason why mortgage payments are higher than rent is because people compare the rent on their 800 SF apartment with the mortgage payments on the they would like to buy which happens to be twice as big, or in a different location, etc. In reality, if you were to buy the same unit you are renting, the mortgage payments would quite be similar (except rent control cities, but there are other problems there).

In the end, both renting and ownership have advantages and disadvantages. What's best for you may not be best for me, and that's fine. Renting provides flexibility, it may be (temporarily) more affordable, but you need to pay forever. Ownership provides the security of knowing how much you need to pay and for how long before you're done, but it's also risky if house prices fluctuate a lot.

Wow, what a debate! I am pretty sure that if one was to put their mind (and time) to it, there are studies to be found that support pretty much any preconceived idea we might have about food: that carbs are good, that carbs are bad, fat is good/bad, etc. Do we really need to go through all those studies to make some sound choices in our life?

My intuition tells me that eating muffins/pastries/sugary cereals for breakfast, a sandwich made with lots of bread for lunch and a bowl of pasta with garlic toast (why toast as a side for pasta, it fails me) for dinner may be a bit much in terms of cereal intakes. Without any scientific proof I am also inclined to believe that consuming a larger variety of cereals rather than relying on white wheat floor all the time may be a smarter move. Also, consuming more artisan-type, even homemade bread, rather than the spongy stuff they sell in stores.

So, despite having a paleo devotee in my family, I personally like to eat cereals and I don't feel bad after eating them. I am aware that they may not be as healthy as some people portray them, but I still prefer to eat them in moderate quantities and, especially, in savoury recipes. And for reminding me how many options there are out there, I have found this interview quite useful.

The colour is pretty, but I hate how the walls shine, they look greasy.

I love the third one as well!

I've been thinking about doing this the first time I spotted these "bowls" at IKEA. Of course I never actually DID it...

I love it! Very calm and serene.