cara's Profile

I have a fabulous rent-controlled top-floor studio in San Francisco's Lower Nob Hill that's under 30% of my take-home pay. 4 blocks from Union Square, 8 blocks from Market Street/Financial District. Who needs a mortgage, property taxes, a car & a yard? Blah.

But a 2-bedroom for under $2000/mo here? That's just crazy talk. Live happy, live small!

Sherry et al,

I received the new Philips Diamond Clean Rechargeable toothbrush as a gift last year, and wouldn't trade it for anything. My teeth are squeaky clean. It's perfect for my small space b/c the charge lasts. Every 3 weeks the light blinks yellow and I take out the charger & charge it overnight. I use the little lucite base when not charging but others may like the water glass. Perfect for travel too!

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-HX9332-05-DiamondClean-Rechargeable/dp/B0052JN7XG

Btw, am so looking into that KONE vacuum...

Perfect for my closet, where I store my jewelry and need extra light!

What littlebrownbird suggested - knock out that overhead cabinet that separates the kitchen from the living area. Most likely you don't really need that much extra space, and it would really open up the whole area and make it lighter. I see this space as funky 50's space-age yet modern white/orange/silver with dark grey accents.

So:
1) Change cabinet pulls
2) Change dining light fixture - love bubble chandelier idea!
3) Nix fugly black microwave
4) Nix fugly white gate
5) Spice up linoleum with Flor carpet tile areas
6) Paint dining set white or get different dining set
7) Paint fireplace bricks white
8) Knock out overhead cabinet next to living room

Without knowing price points or your industry, I'd suggest South Beach/SOMA neighborhood in SF. Great weather, close to Financial District, the south Embarcadero is an amazing space, and there are more & more dog-friendly spaces (parks, open areas, etc.) opening up around there, especially into China Basin. I don't know the specific yard situations, but there should be a few options in South Beach.

Also, the ultimate frisbee looks to be in the evenings 1-2x per week. Wherever you go, it would be helpful to live near the Muni N-Line - you can always drive out to GG Park for ultimate frisbee, but living near the N-Line you have the option of taking the metro, which runs 1-block from GG Park, then through downtown and down South Beach to just past the ballpark.

I suggest South Beach over living out west near GG Park because the rush hour commute (car, metro or bus) will be daily, but the GG Park activities will only be 1-2 days/week. The weather is much nicer (west part of the city = permafog with little sun, blustery wind & 10-20 degrees cooler), and the lifestyle in South Beach is very breezy & urban.

There are a lot more apartments available in my area and finally some good deals again. I heart my Tendernob location. :)

dkzody - how high is high rise? What area? And what price?

Who uses paper weights? And paper clips?

I present Glitter Bounce Ball. It is the only personal item on my corporate work desk. People come to my office to chat and de-stress and play with hot pink Glitter Bounce Ball. I am popular, smarter and more good-looking with Glitter Bounce Ball.

All of the wonder of a minimalist glitter snow globe, but instead of breakable glass, a clear bouncy plastic rubber. Roll it, bounce it, toss it, chase it, kick it - Glitter Bounce Ball is there for you.

From MOMA store - still pictures cannot do it justice. Glitter Bounce Ball is happiness for $5.

I'm a cheap, non-diluted vodka user too! How cool that it's a theatre wardrobe trick.

If you put a drop or two of any scent, the vodka magnifies it. It is miraculous for linens, towels, carpets, clothes and my fave - bathroom odors.

I'm allergic and am owned by Chloe the cat. I stopped taking allergy pills and was determined to get my body more acclimated to Chloe off sinus drugs, but after months still had massive sinus issues and consumed a box of tissues every week.

My mom turned me on to quercitin, and after about a week, I've been very happy ever since. I take one pill morning & night. It *really* helps decrease the allergic reaction and inflammation over time. Sometimes before bed I also use a homeopathic nasal spray called Similasan.

www.sfcityguides.com - discover tons of hidden gems in SF! Free, over 30 walking tours a week year-round, and even more tours in the summer. I loved taking the tours so much I now volunteer with them!