slowdown's Profile

Labeling thi

Spitting anything onto the floor would be considered disgusting and impolite by Koreans (and probably nearly everyone else). And the slurping thing is not a "must"--it's just more acceptable to slurp noodles in some cultures than others. That doesn't mean you're being impolite if you eat your ramen quietly.

Many of these table manners lists seem based on archaic anecdotes designed to make non-Americans seem strange, quaint and/or boorish.

Mud purple, very dreary and depressing hue. Perhaps that's appropriate given how this year has been going so far.

Calling this shade wine is problematic--it's too brown. Aubergine would be darker and cooler. Plum would be more vibrant. This color is just ugly.

I'd paint the mirror frame black and then hang it above the mantel. I'd get rid of all the small things on the mantel, which are not the right scale. Instead, I'd add a tall, dramatic plant like an orchid or something similarly shapely. Place it off to one side and avoid the temptation to "balance" it with something similarly-sized on the other side of the mantel. Instead, add a vase or something that's a different shape and size next to the plant. Perhaps add a family photograph is an interesting frame. Finally, I'd put large white pillar candles inside the fireplace and get rid of the white thing, which is visually busy.

Why does there seem to be a cowhide rug in every single one of these collages?

Please, you're essentially getting to rent DVDs that few or no people want to see at the moment anyway. Who cares? It's not unethical at all to game a system by its own rules.

The very best and quickest way to air out a kitchen is to open a window and prop a box fan on the sill. Point it facing out so the smelly air inside your kitchen gets sucked out.

Beautiful!

I think this is my favorite collage yet, though I'd change the wall color to a lighter color that's not a neutral.

Rugs, art and curtains in the living room. You can compromise with your boyfriend by using neutrals for the rugs and curtains, but putting colorful art on the walls. I'd also get a few more plants.

Are you allowed to put holes in the walls? Shelves on that wall where the TV is now would provide a place for it and books, etc. (books warm up a room nicely). It can also be cheaper to get shelves than bookcases.

Places to shop if you're on a tight budget: IKEA, of course, Cost Plus World Market, overstock.com, eBay, Target and local thrift stores.