igurl's Profile

This turned out terribly- we couldn't eat it. Too many onions and way too much rosemary- since the recipe didn't say to take it out, we left it in. It was like eating a christmas tree.

My desk (and sewing machine, and craft materials) are in the bedroom because it's twice as big as the guest bedroom. Plus I like having my work space in a different room than my partner's workspace.

Well, since you started it...

Confession time: we have 2 bathrooms in our apartment (powder room and master bath), and the bowls will mold under the rim if I don't bleach there every 5-7 days.(!) That's exactly what I do, of course, but the phenomenon is a total mystery to us. Both my partner and I have been using/cleaning toilets all our lives, and we've never, ever seen mold in the toilet before! I can only think it's the design of the toilet (Toto brand) that the rim doesn't get any air flow, but I'd like some confirmation. Has anyone experienced this before?

Flan.

I've stayed there! Actually I used to live around the corner and my parents stayed there when they visited. Beautiful rooms but the size is really something to get used to! And the elevator... so teeny and it begins on the 2nd floor, doesn't it??

Kimg924, I think it's the key.

I'm surprised to see all the comments suggesting that you paint the furniture. Sure you could, but it isn't the only solution. You don't need to have a super matchy-matchy look to have a nice room.

I recently redecorated my bedroom-slash-office to include brown and black furniture (though a slightly lighter brown) and it worked better than I expected. In my artwork and bedspread I used a lot of warm tones and whites. The walls in my place are cream-colored, which pulled it all together beautifully. Good luck!

Uh, It's illegal in Chicago. I'm pretty sure... your bike shop would know.

... That said I stored my scooter in my basement anyway. I asked the landlord and she said yes.

Just drain the gas and/or add fuel stabilizer to the tank. (Draining it is the safer option in case of fire.) REMOVE the battery and keep it charged (you can buy a charger for about $35 at Pep Boys).

Jessipants- 8 people and they each had their own bathrooms? Sounds great!

Well the more student-y co-ops are easy to find via www.nasco.coop (anyone can live there, not just students but the population is usually mid-20s) but if you're looking for something more 'adult' then it's harder to find. Lots of them are buy-in co-ops meaning you're basically purchasing a condo but in a space that's usually rent controlled and where you're expected to socialize with the neighbors. For example: http://hubcoop.org/

I lived in a 20 person co-op in Chicago for several years, and it was fantastic. OBVIOUSLY it's not for everyone. Most co-ops aren't the cleanest spaces due to the number of people living in them and differences in standards. This is to be expected.

But the cooperative housekeeping is incredible. I only cooked once every 3 weeks and had a healthy, homecooked meal every day. I tended to our garden, while others cleaned my bathroom and the kitchen. And the friends I made there are still very dear to me.

I do think that there can be cooperative living arrangements that are more suitable to older folks... spaces that give more personal space/time and that have higher standards for cleanliness. These spaces do exist and they're worth considering if community is very important to you.

I've been afraid that the olive oil would go rancid.... is that silly? Or would it wear off before then??