pj's Profile

I'm not wild about drapes. I don't have any in my home since allergies are such an issue. That's probably why they always look odd and untidy to me.

I have white wood blinds on every window in my howe. Thee blinds are easy to clean and both control the light and insulate in all weather. I made sure to match them to the color of the trim throughout the house, so they contrast with the wall paint colors. It's probably not a look for everyone, but it seems fresh and clean to me.

I love some of the modern rolling shades like the Delia ones mentioned above. Next house.

I totally understand why a lot of folks don't want to spend a lot of money for cardboard. I know I balked at spending over $60 on a bunch of cardboard boxes, but finally broke down and bought 6 Catty Stacks boxes on a special. My cat loves them. They are her bed, a place to hide, stairs and perches. They are super sturdy and made out of extra strong cardboard -- not the normal kind -- so, they will look like they will last. You can also configure them to your cat's needs and your space. In addition, they aren't bad looking. So, for me, they were worth the money. Check em out at

http://www.cattystacks.com/Catty_Stacks_Designer_Cat_Condos_p/stx.htm

But, really, my my cat's favorite toy is an empty toilet paper roll. So, no one has to pay that much to spoil their pets. Your cat simply doesn't care how much you spent on it.

There are some great alternatives to all those fancy cardboard boxes if you wanna do it yourself and save some dough. I love this one from Martha Stewart:

http://www.marthastewart.com/275317/cat-crafts/@center/307040/pet-projects#/187969

And, feel free to check out http://pinterest.com/pshores/totally-cool-cat-sh-t/ for more cat stuff.

I purchased an Ammero armchair last summer and found 2 used circle chairs, which Ikea doesn't seem to sell any longer, from the same line as well. All three have been out -- on a patio with no coverings -- in all weather here in North Carolina. They still look brand new. The armchair is super comfortable. I would heartily recommend them.

They're all lovely, but I can't help imagining the carpets with milk and apple juice stains....

I gotta address the naysayers about changing the toilet seats. Most toilet seats are made of painted wood or plastic. Both wood and plastic are relatively porous when compared to stone, metal or ceramic. That means wood and plastic absorb odors and germs that even Clorox cannot eradicate. Wood and plastic also stain -- take a look at the underside of a used toilet. If you can't get the stain out, can you really get the germs out? Just sayin.

I gotta say that I don't have a problem with TVs out in the open. In fact, I don't see why it can't add to your decor. In the summer, I have a underwater video or fish tank dvd playing and in the winter I play a fireplace dvd. And, of course the cat has to have her catnip video of birds and squirrels on heavy rotation.

A was kinda an obvious choice due to its rarity and original finish. However, it also has a number of other features that should be pointed out, such as the delicacy of the turned stretchers and arms, the ladderback itself which goes from large to small, and the beautiful wood showing thru the wear in the painted finish. It is not something you are likely to find in Walmart.

I loved this episode! What made it so funny is that they were not discriminating in what they choose to pick out of the trash -- everything was wonderful. And, that is the point: Is that object you just pulled out of the trash worth it upon close inspection and consideration? If not, you have to be able to throw the fish back in the pond! Or, you will end up surrounded by trash. I have dumpster dived upon occasion -- people throw out some great stuff -- and I would not be considered alternative at all. My last rescues were two dining chairs that I cleaned up and sold for $30 on craigslist within 15 hours of posting them. So, I will probably keep "picking."

I have a chair slipcovered in white twill. The cover can be taken off with little trouble and washed/bleached in one load. I probably wash it once a month. It has survived lots of traffic as the fav chair in the house for both people and pets. Just have to remember not to sit on it with new jeans. After 2 years it looks brand new. I had a colored slip cover on it before which never looked as nice since it didn't wash as well and showed lots of fading. So, if you get a slip cover -- go for a washable white.

I tried something like this on my front door. I was really pleased with it until I went out to get the mail and could not get back inside. The weight of it on the handle inside made opening the door from the outside simply impossible. I made such a racket that one of my neighbors thought I was trying to break into my own house.