annabananarama's Profile

I also have no AC and, although I'm at the beach, my apartment traps heat like you wouldn't believe. When I get home from work, just as it's cooling down outside, I open all the windows and the front door. I put my fan at the door, point it outside and blast it. All the hot air blows out the front door and all the cool air is sucked in through the windows. In 10 minutes it's noticeably cooler.

And I'm with MaryCooksalot - shower and don't blowdry your hair!

@ ArtsyGirl: As I read your story I can only laugh because I remember doing a similar thing when I was about 7. My mom was always a neat freak growing up (with 3 kids!) god bless her soul. She was also a lover of antiques. Saturday mornings were 'big cleaning days' at our house and while she was off probably scrubbing the kitchen floor I decided to clean her 1800's antique dresser with... wait for it... windex. I remember when she found me she started crying. More like sobbing. All I could do was apologize repeatedly while she polished it with Old English and explained through tears that I was 'only trying to help.' She was able to save it but it was never the same. I now have the beautiful piece and I'll never forget that story. I don't know what I'm going to do when I have kids. Maybe I'll go insane. But I think it's safe to say that when I do, lamps will be broken, family heirlooms will be shattered and tears will be shed. But the most important thing to remember is that they're just things and s*!t happens.

Hi all,

I've noticed that all these comments are from readers who have been through this and I have some questions!
A close friend just had foot surgery this week and will be on crutches for weeks. She is usually very active and running errands all the time. She just doesn't know how to relax. I have a feeling all the bed rest will drive her crazy. I brought over magazines and sudoku books yesterday and she was so appreciative! Any other ideas to keep her entertained?
Also, she has a hard time asking for help, she tries to do things on her own. I do things around the house for her but she rarely asks a favor. I want to make her life easier, what can I do?
Thanks for your advice, wishing a speedy recovery to all!

HI, thanks for sharing your dilemma. I love the white walls and the metal edging on the stairs. I think you should focus less on the floor/stairs and pay more attention to the walls. This is an area that gets a lot of traffic so why sink money into redoing the linoleum or carpeting the space. I say, rip up the linoleum and keep the floor raw. If you can't live with that, check out some AT solutions.

Patterned stairs:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/look/diy-patterned-stairs-052154
Writing on the stairs:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/writing-on-the-stairs-069964
Painting the stairs:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/inspiration/8-ways-to-decorate-a-staircase-075693
Decals:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-decals-on-stairs-create-design-081695
Or even purchase a runner.

But look at all that wall space!! Use it to give guests a little preview of what's to come. This is your first impression. How about framing some posters or prints?

kmccool (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7287033)
and theloveshop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6485248)
have some great - and affordable - prints.

If you don't feel like framing, you could always put up decals!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinylwallart/3144380101/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tweetheartwallart/3791017720/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wall_decals_wall_stickers/3105361236/

What a colorful way to decorate! Also, you could bring more color into the stairway by painting that banister a bright blue or maybe even red! Good luck!

Clutter!

I hate when people try to fill up space just because its there! Why add an extra side table or an extra flower vase just because you can? If you choose your furniture and basics (rugs, throw pillows, lamps) wisely, you don't need much else. I hate cluttered spaces. I like the flow and layout of a room to be breezy and open. Less is more!

I have the same issue in my apartment! My bedroom wasn't very bright to begin with and putting up curtains would have made my room too dark. So I disassembled the metal rack/blinds from the window so I had a blank slate to work with. I installed an adorable curtain rod and tied on these sheer white curtains from Cost Plus World Market:

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3596581

They are seriously affordable at 14.99 a panel. They come in different colors so you can double up or mix and match. Because of their crinkle design, you don't have to worry about ironing or storage. Not to mention, they're so easy to put up because they tie at the top. Most importantly though, they let enough light in and give privacy from close neighbors.

Here are a few examples from decorology:

http://decorology.blogspot.com/2009/03/pretty-curtains-pretty-interiors-and.html

Good luck!

Is there a store like this in LA? Please?