emilyamelie's Profile

I Outboxed a few pairs of shoes I haven't worn this season, a couple of old purses, a stack of books, and a bag of long forgotten (and unused) hotel toiletries. Feels great! I'm blogging my way through the cure at http://www.pinkplusorange.blogspot.com/.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LoseIt! I've lost 25 pounds with it this year, and it has made keeping the weight off so easy. Tracking exactly what I eat and how much of it has made me so much more mindful of the choices I make and has turned my eating around. It's also so helpful to learn how two seemingly similar foods can have such different nutritional values.

There are lots of restaurants (mostly fast food, but still) in the App as well, which makes eating out really easy.

I can't say enough good things about LoseIt!

When keeping it small, I send invitations in the mail (vs. an email or FB invite) so that people know that it's a "special" event, not a casual drop-in affair. If I have to ask someone multiple times to RSVP, then there's a good chance they won't be invited to the next small gathering. Set a date that you need to know by, and then if they still aren't sure if they can make it, you have time to invite another friend. Also, be comfortable telling someone that they can't bring a friend along to a particular get-together.

Some good ideas, but remember that a lot of vases aren't food safe, particularly if they are something other than plain glass. Check the bottom to see if there's a "not safe for food" sticker.

I use them for any job-related books that I keep at work to make sure I get them back.

As far as passing on a book to someone else, what if you added a new bookplate, under or above yours, with their name on it? If you were passing it to friends and family, it could be a nice way for them to remember that it was you who gave them the book and might encourage them to share as well.

I agree that it's totally a scam, BUT, if you really wanted to check into it, then a) ask to speak to the previous tenant and b) do some Google searching to make sure that the person you're communicating with actually owns the property that they are trying to rent out. You should be able to get some information from real estate websites with just the name and address.

Thanks Saderchick! Yes, it's from Better Homes and Gardens. I haven't been able to figure out who makes the curtain fabric though :/

I have the brushed gold Meret flatware from Crate and Barrel, which is actually stainless steel. I love it! It's our "special occasion" flatware and it is fun, festive, and a fraction of the cost of sterling silver.

www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/italian-gold-flatware-meret-flatware-from-crate-barrel.html

I TOTALLY agree on City Issue, Kudzu, Highland Row Antiques, Star Provisions, and Youngblood. Add Staceage to the list, the awesome "secret" fabric store in the back of Lewis and Sharon Textiles.

http://staceage.com/fabric.htm

I also love Heliotrope in Decatur.

http://store.heliotropehome.com/

And Paris on Ponce is a treasure trove for the weird and wonderful.

http://www.parisonponce.com/wordpress/

I agree with the recommendation to rent a truck and then hire a few guys to actually load up your stuff. It makes moving day SO much less stressful. Definitely worth the money.

As far as moving trucks, I highly recommend going with Penske. I have found them to be less expensive than U-Haul (and they offer a AAA discount) and so, SO much better. With U-Haul, I dealt with a truck that was larger than requested, was incorrectly charged for gasoline, and was sent to pick up my truck from a U-Haul location that were way outside of town (when there are several closer dealers). My truck also had a filthy cabin infested with gnats. A bad experience all around.

I've used Penske a couple of times and have had zero problems. They are clean, efficient, and affordable. I have recommended them to all my friends for their moves, and everyone has had an equally positive experience.