wrenagain's Profile

We do this in my apartment block with books. There were a couple books on a ledge in my laundry room, and so I brought a few down. Now it's a full out exchange library, where I've found some excellent reads!

As someone who uses a cottage as a weekend home, here are the two things that have helped with my somewhat similar situation:

- bulk foods in glass jars allow you to keep a variety of foods without a worry about packages spilling, etc. and a freezer is your best friend. Stock up every two months or so and you will then only have to bring a cooler or so full of fresh foods when you head out for the weekend.

- On Sunday, before you head out, spend one hour cleaning. Dust, vacuum/sweep, etc. Since you've only spent two days or so there, this should be more than enough time to get the place sparkling, and then it's ready when you get back.

If he has permission, it's wonderful. If not it's criminal. I love public art, but I cannot support graffiti, no matter how lovely. After all, many of the eyesores I've seen scrawled across private property were likely very beautiful in the "artist's" eyes. If he asked my permission to do this to my building I'd likely say yes. I might even pay for it. But I'd want to be asked in case I had a reason to decline.

I don't mind a pretty if somewhat off the wall collection, but all too often they look like hoarded junk more than a display.

I went from never to always making my bed. And yes, it makes me happy and inspires me to get up and DO things. Like make an amazing breakfast. :)

I do a varient of this. I'm more than a little OCD about my hangers, so having them face the wrong way was not an option. Instead I put a washer over the top of each hook. When I wear an item, I slip the washer off the hanger and put it in a small dish by my closet. At the end of the year anything with a hanger goes to Goodwill.

When I receive an invite from someone I tell them that I have dietary restrictions and offer to bring food along. When offered food unexpectedly, I'll thank the person, refuse and again reference dietary restrictions. If the person wants to discuss those restrictions the option is there without them having to feel lectured or judged by my personal choices. I eat a vegan diet with the exception of meat that I know the history of (I have been to the farm or hunted it myself) so it can take some explaining. I haven't had many problems with hosts, though. After the first time, they know what to expect, and are happy to share cooking duties with me. Good luck!

http://www.gardendesign.com/diy-tree-lamp

Aimsly - My kitchen exactly. And several of my old ones. I'd love to see some nicely design "hallway kitchens" like ours.

Why buy a bunch of glass jars? Pickle/sauce jars and such will do the trick. If you feel up to it, paint the lids, or even the jars themselves. Less expensive, less wasteful.