wingchee's Profile

Display Name: wingchee
Member Since: 5/25/07

Latest Comments...

Small blessings - it's not the dog that is lost - enjoy a few carefree days without stuff - NYC has brought out the perfect spring day today - enjoy!!


Moving: What Do You Do When Everything Goes Wrong?
5/3/13 1:09 PM

I have to agree - and say that the Sutton Sofette is truly uncomfortable - i guess it is good if you want it to remain in shape. I am thinking of getting a sofa from Restoration Hardware - they have a couple of sofas that come in at 5' and also check out their kids seating - it might be too low for some - but it's competitively priced and i think that you are getting a quite a decent product.


Small Space Seating: Sofas & Loveseats Under 60 Inches Wide
5/2/13 2:51 PM

yes - of course! My kitchen, my bathroom at various rental apartments. I figured they will repaint for the next tenant and I would rather forfeit my deposit than putting up with pale beige dirty walls.


True Confessions: Have You Ever Painted a Rental Without Permission? Reader Survey
3/7/13 10:24 AM

Thank you - for a thoughtful and inspiring post. This is just what I needed to get off my sofa and do all the things that I have intended to do but somehow used my job as an excuse not to. Thank you again


Using Your Home to Reach Your Dreams
11/2/12 11:40 AM

Living in less than 500 sq feet - I understand how making the bed can make a world of difference...if only i could teach my dogs to dust while i am at work....


Making The Bed… With Me Still In It
8/9/12 6:23 PM

We live in a 6th floor walk-up. Our 4 beagles are the happiest 4 dogs compared to either solo dogs or ones which have a backyard. They frequent two nearby dogparks and we take them out at least 3 times a day, much more than most suburban dogs. Also, NYC is surprisingly dog friendly - most stores will allow dogs inside. They are really well socialized and do not freak out about traffic or sirens etc. No, they do not howl all the time and yes, 6 flights is great exercise for them. We are lucky in that one of us is home for most of the day, and also we have a great HUGE doggy daycare down the block.


Keep Your Pets Happy Without a Yard Renters Solutions
3/16/12 5:30 PM

How to operate a drill and why you need a different bit for brick walls.
how to change the oil and tire - (this came in handy later on when on a trip from the Hamptons, I was the only one amongst 3 Manhattan boys who could do this)
how to turn the water on, how to use the circuit breaker,
how to put up fencing
how to sew
how to look at something and know if it was something you can tackle or not..


5 Things My Father Taught Me About The Home
6/28/11 4:05 PM

The fact that i can clean things with just that and warm water with no detergents or bleach makes me think it is safer to use around pets and children. Of course, with ANY sponge - i would not leave it lying around.


Magic Erasers: Toxic or Terrific?
6/23/11 12:16 PM

we used to do that with papaya as well - or you could try brown paper bag with a banana


Mango In the Rice Bin: What's Going On Here?
6/14/11 3:35 PM

Our dogs run the household, I couldnt imagine life without them. A friend gave away her dog on CL because she was getting married. I was shocked.


What Pets Bring To Our Home & A Sad Farewell
5/11/11 5:05 PM

How about a larger mirror on the wall - perhaps something big enough so that you can see your entire outfit from the waist up. If possible - 2 wall sconces on either side of the mirror. If not possible - clip on lamps on either side of the mirror - Ikea has good ones, I also saw some at pottery barn the other day and overstock.com always a good source. Lighting beside the mirror means if you need - you can adjust makeup or whatever.

Just under the mirror, a very thin shelf - just enough to leave tickets or mail - not big enough to accumulate junk - and incorporate the hooks for the keys somewhere under that shelf.

Finally for the shoes - now that the mirror is hung - perhaps a bench with open spaces that can house shoes - that way you have somewhere to sit down to put your shoes on or take them off.

bench like this perhaps ? http://www.potterybarn.com/products/samantha-entryway-collection/?pkey=cstorage-benches


Solution For Awkward Entryway?
Good Questions

2/4/11 1:42 PM

As someone who has lived in NYC for over 10 years - buying actually isn't worth the trouble of the mortgage - so many other things add up, like co-op fees or condo maintenance, and generally, apartments in NYC are good with maintaining their conditions.

I've now lived in 500sq feet with 3 dogs and my husband, and it works out well, and over time, although we covet space, we have also re-worked our space and systematically decluttered.

I can however, recommend renting storage space, especially if you are able to find something very closeby. Creating an organized archive space is actually money well spent.

I really have to agree that if you are on a great rent deal - especially if you are one of the lucky rent stabilized tenants - stick with the space, spend a bit of money on upgrades. ESPECIALLY if you LOVE the neighborhood.


Worth Upgrading From Studio To One Bedroom?
Good Questions

1/18/11 12:26 PM

Any suggestions for the single heat pipe? we already have the shelf thing for the radiator - but we have a heat pipe that runs up the corner of our living room, and one in the bathroom...


Making Space: Radiator Toppers
11/19/10 11:26 AM

I have been thinking of doing this on my ceiling for some time...the pictures are going to help me picture it....thank you!!


Luscious Lacquered Walls
11/19/10 11:10 AM

@ krl2876 the fridge opening thing - they figured out how to pull out the bottom drawer.

i marvel at their cleverness - but the cleanup was a pain.


Think Positively: Dealing With Pet Damage
11/11/10 6:23 PM

I have 3 beagles and while my husband works from home - when they do misbehave - i tell myself its probably because they are bored. I started off with 1 - and he chewed through the cable for the tv and pulled out the plug, then when I got the 2nd one, together they figured out how to open the fridge, and the 3rd one, well, she loved the insoles of shoes.

I have never crated any of them. Before I got married and was living with the first 2 - they had a midday walker, but aside from the fridge they were pretty well behaved. The third one seems to add the mischief.

We now have a childproof lock on our fridge. I also try to leave them treat dispensing toys around the apt - but not every day - or their weight will pile on.

I find that they like their routines - and it is only when that is upset that they play up and misbehave.

Treat dispensing toys, a laid back attitude to furnishings, a good routine with walking and playing and a good vaccuum are my only advice to dog owners..

Good luck - Kojo looks adorable


Think Positively: Dealing With Pet Damage
11/11/10 3:03 PM

Replace the seals in your windows and since you are now an owner, perhaps talk to other owners in a similar situation.

Its not an immediate solution - but going forward, if everyone on the top floor experiences this problem, perhaps there is enough money in the board to have windows replaced - ultimately it will affect the cost to heat the building during the winter months, and everyone in the building will benefit.


Easy Tips for Warming Up My "Freezing" Apartment?
Good Questions

11/10/10 1:16 PM

it looks beautiful!! definitely inspired me to do something with my kitchen. I have no soffits - but an awkward space on top which just kind of collects grime - thinking of filling that space so cupboards go all the way up to the ceiling


Before & After: Sharon's Kitchen Makeover on a Budget
Good Question Revisited

9/30/10 2:22 PM

i am envious - it looks so soft and comfortable and inviting. the price though - prohibitive!!!


Preview: The Hastens Excelsior II
A Year in Bed Project

9/7/10 2:41 PM

I made the move by myself from Australia to the US 9 years ago. I strongly strongly recommend that for at least the first 6 weeks - take a sublease if possible, or if you have a favorite hotel - talk to them and see what rate they can give you for an extended stay. Not having to take care of little things such as furnishing a new place can be an absolute godsend - especially if you are also going to start a new job at the same time - and if you are really busy with starting a new job (or transfer to new location) staying in a hotel may add to costs, but it also means you can spend lots of time acclimating to new work environment and any downtime you have - spend looking for that new apt / house.

I cannot stress enough the importance of having your worldly possessions safely stored and sent to you when you are feeling more settled.

Irrespective of how organized you are - moving overseas is stressful - the last thing you need is to have your boxes of family china either go missing or get damaged while you try to find your feet in a new city.

Good luck!!


Preparing For An Overseas Move
8/18/10 10:41 AM