Alison6971's Profile

Think the sliding doors in the second picture would be gorgeous, but I also agree with MRSBERG...the cleanup of a counter could be a pain.

I hate Peeps. Sorry...just do. But yet...I like those orangey stale marshmallowy Circus Peanuts...go figure. LOL

After turning 40 last summer I realized it was time to have an "adult" apartment. Not that my stuff wasn't adult...I had just had it for so long and my taste has evolved over the last 20 years. So..I set out to do as much as I could with my rental. Now, I am ALMOST done (still debating the drool worthy end tables and have to paint) and I think I have been pretty successful. My tips would include:

Be patient. EVERYTHING goes on sale at some point. You might have to be patient, but if you can wait you might hit the jackpot. I bought brand new (in-season) Calvin Klein sheets for almost 70% off , barely sat floor models (a Bernhardt tuxedo sofa and chair and a half) for 60% off and discontinued leather wing chair that I absolutely LOVE from Crate and Barrel over for 40% off (and they NEVER have good sales).

I did a lot of shopping online, even if it was just to compare prices before I went to a brick and mortar store.

I had to do some give and take. Like most people, I had a budget I wanted to stick within. That means, I had to get a few knock offs (Kartell lamps, Emeco and Eames chairs) so I could get the things I REALLY wanted but were never going to be at a great discount. Would I love to have the authentic pieces? Of course, but right now, this will have to do.

Not everything has to be expensive, you just have to love it. I particularly think this is true about art. Yes, I have a few expensive pieces, but I have also framed photos I have taken, post cards I bought on vacation and other unusual things (usually gifts). I think in addition to loving it, it is also nice if it has a little story behind it (all of my art does). The more personal your "art" the better.

Lastly, I would emphasize that you should NEVER compromise on something important. I know it sounds like I am contradicting myself, but hear me out. If you don't compromise, you will never look at something and think, "I should have bought the (insert item here)". That being said, if you find a suitable replacement, one that you can accept as much as you could the item you not buying...then I say go for it. I have wanted a certain brand of dishes for years but they are astronomically expensive and I can't justify it. Last year, I came upon IKEA's new "china" (the SKYN pattern) and I LOVE them. For me, they may not be exactly the same, but they have the same vibe and that is more than fine by me. Right now I am debating some gorgeous end tables I found (that has been very difficult since they need to be a minimum of 27" high since my sofa's arms are 33" high). I have found NOTHING that is remotely similar. I have gone in all different directions look wise and always come back to the fact that I don't love it as much as the original very expensive tables I found. I am trying to convince myself that I saved all the money in other areas so I could have these.

No lie...when all is said and done...I probably will have saved around $9,000 (more than half of what I would have paid if nothing was on sale) being "the savvy shopper". I know recycling furniture and using Craigslist (which is only really handy if you live near a large metropolitan area...the stuff on ours is JUNK) is popular on here, but oh well. I have a few things from late family members that I intend on "bringing up to the year 2012", but I wanted new stuff. There...I said it. LOL

I got rid of my record collection years ago. It broke my heart, but when someone who was roughly my age showed interest, I sold everything to her for $10. It felt good that they were going to a home where they would be enjoyed.

Over the years I have sold CDs (and made tons of money...although nothing close to what I paid for them) and donated books to a local library. This past "go-around" I sat down and went through ALL of my cookbooks (two stuffed bookcases worth and several high piles on the floor) and asked myself if I was REALLY going to ever make the recipes in them. If the answer was no...out it went. I eventually donated roughly 20 grocery store bags of cookbooks to the Salvation Army...and did it feel good!!! Do I still have a ton of cookbooks? Yes, but at least I know they are ones that I will use.

I have to admit that while I was going through stuff one morning, I had an epiphany (or as I say, "I finally snapped"). I couldn't stand looking at and trying to find a home for my stuff anymore. I had had it trying to save it for the yardsale that never seemed to happen. That is when I started loading up my trunk and making trips to the Salvation Army or to relatives' homes that wanted some items. Unfortunately it took me a while to get to that point, but thank God I did. I still have a lot to go through, but now my focus is much more narrow and I don't have any regrets. Once it is out of my apartment, I don't think of it ever again.

I also do neither...and pick room colors for the overall vibe of the room. I pick art because it reminds me of an experience (usually purchased on a trip) or because it "speaks to me". I don't have any art that doesn't mean something to me or has some story behind it. I frame everything that needs to be framed in the same thin black metal frame (in an attempt to try to unify very different pieces) and choose each mat individually according to what looks best for each piece.

For the little things in my "baking closet", I use larger Lock & Lock boxes...one for candy making...one for sugars, food coloring and similar items...one for cookie cutters and another for pancake molds/tartlette molds. I have to agree...I LOVE having them all separated in boxes. I just go in and get whatever box I need that I will be using at that time and have at it. No digging anymore...wondering where something went. I would have to say it (the whole closet) is one of my better organizing ideas in my kitchen. I always smile when I go into it. It might not be the prettiest, but everything has a place.