Sara d'Arc's Profile

as for earplugs, if you need to sleep, the foam ones won't work for me either (they fall right out and barely block the sound) but the drugstore also sells pliable wax ones that work like a charm. though probably a good idea to get custom ones if it's a long-term deal.

because people want to feel part of a "unique and interesting and elite" group (i.e., the cool kids), and once something is popular or "everywhere" it becomes unremarkable and banal. I think it's partially a class issue of sorts--once the trend hits Walmart and other low-brow channels (and to some extent mid-brow channels like Urban Outfitters), it's deemed "truly" over. in fact I saw and chuckled at a fixed-gear bike at Walmart the other day. It had its name--"Fixie"--scrawled on the frame in bright yellow. "Fixed gear bikes are over," as Portlandia has decreed.

I used to be more trend-chasing, too (mainly in clothing and music) -- not so much anymore. Because I know myself and my "core" better now.

fwiw I usually tip $2 on the 12 dollar martini, but not on the $12 bottle of wine -- most drinks I order are $8 or less

I also usually tip a dollar a drink. I won't pay 15+% tip on a basic drink that's simply overpriced by the establishment. A specialty cocktail, maybe -- some drinks are just awesome. But not on a plain shot of whiskey, which I usually get, and which is often 8+ dollars (in some cities, that's just the well whiskey!). Some whiskies and beers are more expensive, but they don't take any more effort to open and pour into a glass than their bottom shelf counterparts (even less so if there's a measuring cap on it, preventing the "good pour"). Some places charge $12 for a simple shake of gin and tonic with a browning lime because they can get away with it (trendy place, in an expensive area, etc.). And sometimes the drink is just poorly made. So I guess my general rule is $1 for the most basic of drinks (or ones that are poorly made, or made with a cheapo mix), which I usually end up ordering because I'm poor, but around 15-20% for more complex or "mixologist" drinks.

On a related note, does everyone tip $1 for ever to-go barista-made drink? I do, and that's always well over 15%, which makes getting coffee on the way to school/work/etc. super expensive in the long run. But I feel weird tipping the true 15%.

UO prices are so ridiculous -- good on you for going DIY here. It looks cute.

I'm having as similar experience to yours, Overture. Not pregnant, but just moved from a "quirky" vintage building (1920s) into an architecturally boring place (1950s, but updated inside probably sometime in the aughties) and am finding it more enjoyable on the whole. I think it's tough to find that perfect "vintage" apartment on a budget (grad student stipend budget for me). The two historical apartment buildings I've lived in have had issues. The first had a cool exposed brick wall, gorgeous dark wood floors, extremely tall ceilings and windows, and a German roach problem likely as old as the building itself -- impossible to eradicate at this point. The second had a lot of original vintage features, and perks such as a washer-dryer and dishwasher in unit, but also the peeling paint and chipping wood, as well as some of the original plumbing, which burst and flooded the apartment below us. (After repairing the pipes, they patched the wall with plaster and never repainted it.) Very old buildings need a lot of TLC, not just superficial updates, and I think landlords and property companies willing to invest in and care for those buildings don't charge the cheap rent. I don't think I'll rent another 80+ year old building until I can afford the good ones.

Pidgie, my cat doesn't try to jump on my counter when I'm home, but if he jumps on my countertop or range top while I'm out and unable to shoo him off, I don't really care. I place all my food and utensils on a chopping block or plate. And the range top matters even less. I don't know about you, but all my food is cooked in pots and pans.

Adorable! If I could, I'd put it under a tree and use it as a writing desk.

yes, these prices are pretty outrageous for what you get. You can get much nicer "real" pieces for $200.

$400 for a pillow? Yikes. But I agree with others -- you should provide at least a couple options under $50. You should offer a few low-priced options/alternatives on all these list posts. It's polite, and makes sure the entire AT community is included.