highsociety's Profile

Congrats on your first homebrew! I can't think of any other kits to recommend, but I guarantee that once you start homebrewing, you can't stop....

I've never dealt with missing cats before, but runaway dogs have become my specialty, sadly. Here's what I would recommend:
(1) CALL YOUR FRIEND. He deserves to know, and who knows, this may have even happened before and he can give you suggestions where to look.
(2) Alert the local SPCA, neighbors, and perhaps even some businesses in the area.
(3) Post signs, as well as some craigslist ads.

Good luck!!! And try not to feel too bad, it doesn't sound like it was your fault.

Two years ago, I bought a beautiful chocolate leather couch that's about as comfortable as a concrete bench. Plus, it's so slippery that I slide right off the couch. I've been hankering to buy a new one, but can't bring myself to pony up the money for one that I like.

Same goes for all the college-quality crap that I need to replace, like IKEA bookshelves, etc.....basically, I just need new, better stuff, but don't want to pay for it.

I agree, this looks like a hotel - nice, but zero personality.

What might work better than a sofa is a padded bench or chest - adds a little extra seating, yet doesn't crowd the bedroom or make the bed feel like it's hiding.

Seriously, you can't judge a city based on one tv show (even if it's a hilarious one)! Philly does have its gritty parts, but that's part of its character. Really, it's an amazingly beautiful city with all of the historic charm of Boston, New York or D.C., but more affordable.

We're the sixth largest city in the country....there is plenty of great design here!

anyone know of any similar venues in philly?

Install a mantle and a large, colorful painting. If you don't think that will do the trick, paint. If your heart is set on wallpapering (which, I know is really trendy right now, but who knows five, ten years down the road....) I think you'll still need some sort of statement mirror or something to break up the wall above the fireplace.

My first thought was to get a new (bit more open) staircase, but that would probably be a big expense and take up some precious driveway space.

Can you paint the stairs white? For some reason I think that would help. Or maybe something as simple as address numbers or a hung mailbox next to your door would help point visitors in the right direction. Flowers and a welcome mat never hurt, either!

Funny, those are pretty much the EXACT colors of my apartment....black entry door with white trim and cream/beige-y walls. (I didn't paint it that way, my landlord did.) Good to know AT approves!

There's a quote out there that reads something like, "Good design is not when there is nothing more to add, but when there's nothing more to take away." That pretty much echoes what everyone is saying about purging and cleaning as a facelift for a home.

Also, I've been sick of my apartment recently, until I had some friends over that had never been - they kept gushing about how cool my space was, and it actually made me feel better about it! I'm sure most of the people on this thread have nice homes, so maybe the same will work for you!