JenPDX's Profile

I have a lamp on automatic timer to turn on about 5 mins after my alarm goes off. It's not insanely bright but it helps rouse me a bit more because I like sleeping in the darkest room possible.

1. Get recommendations from friends to find a masseuse. You may have to try several people until you find one you like. Personally, I have found someone who runs their own private practice is usually better than spa-masseuses...even if they may not have the fancier trappings of a spa enviro.

2. Breathe during your massage. Treat it like a mini-meditation.

3. Try to clear your schedule so you aren't rushing to arrive at your appt on time...or have to be anywhere after your massage!

Four people! I wish there was a pic of the upstairs bedroom. Lovely space.

Ballgown - if you only have one and you would wear it if you had an invitation this month - I'd seriously consider keeping it. It's not like jeans where you have 15 pairs and only wear 5 of them regularly.

10 minutes tidying when I get home from work.
Another 10 minutes before I go to bed.
Sometimes just focusing on the worst room. It really makes a world of difference.

color me stupid but how do I vote?

I never understood the loathing for valentines day. For me, it's just a lighthearted holiday to celebrate with bad candy, hugs and kisses for your SO and your good friends.

How often do folks wash their cashmere? Considering my cashmere is usually layered over a t-shirt or camisole...well...don't want to gross anyone out...but I don't wash my sweaters very often....

I would go with proportions that are similarly heavy and not something slim and elegant. I think the mismatch would not be pleasing. You could go with a pinstripe or a tweed or something masculine to complement the black behemoth (I have one of those sofas to deal with too in my future)

Room&Board Odin Chair

Looking at your floor plan and working from left to right....

1. Consider a floor to ceiling bookcase where the tv is. The TV can just be one of many objects in the bookcase. It won't be the focal point and will provide tons of storage.

2. To the right of that, put two swivel chairs (you already have one) like they were flanking a fireplace. They can swivel to watch tv, Or they can swivel and face the kitchen entrance.

3. To the right of that - put a sofa facing the tv and chairs. Put a rug to ground the seating pieces. Create the conversation area in the middle of the room.

4. In the corner where the chaise lounge is - might be a good space for a desk and your tansu-steps piece.

5. In the corner where there's that diagonal wall - a small round cafe table with chairs?