LizinCO's Profile

I have a pair of MEElectronics M6 (similar to the Westone 1 and Shure 215) for under $30. I paired them with Comply T500 tips and they are super comfortable and don't pop out. I use them mostly to sleep in (sleep tracks) but when I use them other than while sleeping, best set of buds under $40 you can buy and I have owned quite a few of them. Skull Candy (Titans and INK'd), misc, Sony, JVC, Philips, etc...) If you can't afford, or chose not to afford some of the buds listed, the MEE with the Comply tips are excellent for the price.

I use black electrical tape on my Vizio TV. I haven't any idea why they can't redesign it (they claim that the light helps them trouble shoot during a tech support call. I also use black electrical tape for other annoying things that give out light (surge protectors, computer speakers, etc.).

In addition, I use a red alarm clock. Red light is far less intrusive than the blue or green LED lights. Then there's the trusty sleep mask. A good mask (silk covering) is a great way to go for anyone. There are certain lights that still invade my space from the remainder of my apartment so the sleep mask is the last defense in many to keep light from robbing me of sleep. Now to figure out a way to turn off the brain (the MP3 player works to a degree except the inner chatter that does not shut down).

annekg -- if you live in the US, a simple $40-$45 humidifier from Walgreens will fit the bill. I have one and the light can be on or off and is super quiet too.

I also have an Air-O-Swiss 7145 which is about $119 on Amazon, but honestly, it's way more maintenance and the mineral granules don't do a great job of cutting back on the mineral dust. I give it a thumbs up for design but it's also noisier than my Walgreen's humidifier so it's banished to the hallway. It has no light.

You give hope to all the sad little chairs out there that need a bit of TLC. Great job!

"not everyone who is messy has a compulsive disorder"

Agreed.

Complacency, external pressures, time and a million other reasons are a factor in many messy homes. Even for those without compulsive disorders it can get out of control and it just seems overwhelming to tackle it all.

I was one of those until I had to downsize from a 1400 sq ft house to an 885 sq ft apartment. Personal issues helped it get out of control and it took a move to get me back on track. I also got rid of 1/2 my crap that I had accumulated for 20 years.

Now I've only not made my bed 2 times since the beginning of June 2009. I can't stand clutter (except for the second bedroom as it's being used as storage while I look for larger digs). With my move went most all my 90s decor (but for key pieces that are classics) and am enjoying being free of a messy home.

Some people just need a push or some help to get back on track and are able to stay the course long term. Also, having that change back to order really frees up the mind and since you feel good about your home, you realize it's easier to keep on top of it rather than let it get messy again...because it's a mental exercise to go from organized to messy and get back again.

Oh and not all ADDers are messy or slobs, we just need to keep that order or it gets out of control pretty quickly. I've found that I can do two things: short bursts of cleaning each day which works for ADDers or I can get into hyper-focus mode and do a serious spring cleaning once a month. I do both now because I am weird.

As others have said, declutter.

I would:

Get rid of those floor lamps and look for two smart looking table lamps for either side of the TV and a different (but same style) for your desk. Target has a nice selection of lamps under $25.

Yep, floor length on the curtains.

Get rid of the contemporary desk and look on something like Craigslist or go to thrift stores for a solid piece of furniture (can even be a nice dinette table for size considerations) if you must have your computer in the room. Get some structured baskets to put things in to contain them. I often find them pretty inexpensive at Ross's home decor department.

The little table under the clock is underwhelming. Either look for a nice piece of furniture to place there that adds height (either drawers which will help with the clutter of your desk or shelves with baskets) or eliminate it all together and put a fabulous full length mirror there and be rid of the free-standing mirror.

I also agree with the comforter. Find a nice duvet cover that compliments your greens that will add in some browns and/or blacks to tie it all together.

I have a black metal bed with brown (antiques) for the rest of my furniture and it somehow works. I think with minimum investment and keeping your eye out you can do a lot with your room.

I do agree that the clutter is going to kill you every time so for absolutely free you can straighten that room up, rearrange your furniture and the items on the wall and you've got a great basis that wont leave you pulling out your hair...then you can find core things that work for you because face it, we all have our own style.

It's amazing how good a room feels when it's in order.

Boy, there are so many coincidences around my life and the internet today.

I have been trying to come up with a solution to store the blankets I use for the times I am wanting to curl up and take a nap on my couch. They end up in my bedroom closet.

Anyhow, that could be done with so many different materials. Copper pipes, old chair backs, as someone mentioned ladders, etc. Right on. AT comes through with another inspiration to carry into my own home.

Julie - there's a huge difference between low-grade apartment/tract builder brass and high end and even mid pricing on brass fixtures.

I too have one of those ugly apartment issue "brass" chandeliers and I hate it with all my might. I can switch it out but I don't intend to stay here long enough to make the time and spend the money. I've even contemplated taking the ugly thing down and putting a white electrical plate to cover the hole. Again, I don't plan on being here that long so it's more effort than I am willing to put in.

I have looked at the options out there and there are some nicer brass fixtures but the pricing is considerably higher.

"Staying in is the new going out."

Huh. That's nothing new. It's been like that for most of the last decade for so many people I know. Perhaps it's my age group (Gen X) that have families, though I don't.

Also, (tragic) events at the beginning of the decade made people rethink how important family and friends are over going out to expensive restaurants or buying watered down drinks at 10 times what you'd spend to do the same at home in an intimate setting.

I use a Walgreens flavor (an ultrasonic built by Sunbeam) and the Vornado 4x4 (which they no longer make) and they get the job done very well.

The Walgreens one used to cost $30 now with a lame nightlight (which is blue and not good for a restful sleep - blue and green lights are not good for electronics in your bedroom) it's $40. However, it works very well.

I don't recall how much my Vornado monster cost, it's ugly but it works very well. I can get the wicks for $13 at the local Bed Bath & Beyond now, which is very convenient.

Living in Colorado we are already dealing with a dry climate but in winter, heating sure makes it that much worse. I keep my humidity levels at about 45% and it really helps my skin and sinuses a lot. They are a necessary appliance around here no matter what you use.

However, leaving a few bowls of water out would not create enough humidity in our climate. One can find stylish ways to protect the surface of where a humidifier sits like going to a tile store and get a large 12x12 or 15x15 marble or granite tile that matches your decor. Sometimes you can find odds and ends at said stores that are much cheaper too. At least you are protecting your furniture in a semi-fashionable way.