terrafaith's Profile

Six years ago my "must have" list started out fairly modest: 2-bedroom house, 1 bathroom, small yard and patio, located within walking distance to cool stuff (coffee shops, library, brunch spots, etc). After tons of house hunting, I happily threw out my "must have" list in order to buy a fabulous, teeny-tiny 1-bedroom condo in a great location.

It turns out location, for me, was my only real "must have."

Approx 5 years ago I bought a small air filter for my bedroom; I turn it on high each night and it makes the perfect sound and tone for drowning out noise. I love that it filters air while lulling us to sleep. It's the perfect answer for us.

I love your place, but I especially love your comment: "I have less stuff and more life." Inspiring.

My 475-sq-footer might be ready to make its debut! Whether or not I'm ready is a 'whole nother story.'

Regardless, I'm stoked for SCC!

In order to make it as easy for him as possible, I would do a bunch of homework in advance of talking to him -- figure out what you really want, bring in samples covering a range of options you'd be happy with, including estimated material costs for your project. If he knows his options without having to do the work himself, he might be more open to the idea.

And if you're an architect and construction worker, bring in samples of your own work -- prove to him that you know what you're doing, have good taste, and are willing to invest energy needed to make the improvements.

And despite all of your effort, be prepared for him to say no.

Yowzahs. That is one hot media room. Love it.

In terms of getting over/through that 'edgy' feeling, my suggestion is to have some sort of cleanse for your apartment.

You don't have to 'believe' in bad spirits or anything to have a cleansing -- burn some sage along the doors and windows, come up with a personalized little house 'blessing' where you write out a simple list of the ways you want to love your apartment and the ways your apartment will support you living a good life, etc. If the sage-burning thing is a little too weird (you might be surprised at how soothing it can be), consider hosting friends and loved ones for a dinner party and ask everyone to write a new 'wish' for your home. Or combine the two and make it like a house re-claiming/re-warming party -- sort of along the 'Take Back the Night' events where communities gather at night to make night time safer after a crime.

Additionally, if it's an apartment, I would try to organize a meeting with other renters/owners in the building -- if nothing else, just to get to know people a bit, puts names with faces, and spread some awareness.

Cleaning, getting serial numbers, ensuring things are well-locked, etc., is great from a logical standpoint and taking these measures will likely help you feel safer. But to heal from it emotionally requires some attention to the feelings associated with the robbery -- that's where ritual, cleansing and house re-warming parties can help. Good luck.

In the first pic, if you cover the toilet/vanity and just look at the tub and tile -- well, I really like it. It looks to be in good condition and seems like the tub and tile part of the bathroom could easily transition into a comfortable, spa-like aesthetic.

I say: put your money into a new toilet, new floor, and new sink/vanity -- I think a hemp shower curtain (in a natural, linen-y shade) would bring out the best in the tub. With the green tub as inspiration, think 'earthy' for the renovation: white walls, dark bamboo or rich marmoleum flooring, sleek toilet, simple but lovely vanity, etc.

Avoid giving into the trend of a 70's bathroom -- they often feel gimmicky after a short while.

When my condo was flooded by a neighbor last year I hired a wood flooring guy, an electrician, a drywall guy and a painter -- I got multiple estimates on each job, hired the contractors in a certain order with certain expectations and my entire condo was refinished from top to bottom within 2 weeks, well under budget with beautiful results. (I'm still proud of myself.) I followed all of the guidelines listed above: started with friends, moved onto Angie's List and BBB and checked all licenses, got 3 estimates for each job, all contracts in writing and, VIOLA! Brand new home.

One hint: if you set-up an account on Angie's List but stop just shy of buying a month of access, you'll get an email within 24-hrs offering you 50% off their normal rate. It happened to me and, so far, several friends. Just so's ya know.

Ok, first off, the chandelier is lovely! As nearly everyone else has said, it needs to hang quite a bit lower.

After looking at your second pic (on flickr), I'd like to see the wire dressed up a bit with wrapping, then swagged towards the corner rather than straight across the ceiling. I think having a draped cord (vs the taute one you have currently) will highlight the romanticism in the chandelier.