esan's Profile

Display Name: esan
Member Since: 10/27/09

Latest Comments...

Paint if you must, but don't consider how expensive the stone is if you hate it. Talk to a professional, and get an opinion on removing it. It might be more feasible than you think?


Can I Paint Over Exterior Stone Veneer? Good Questions
4/11/13 3:34 PM

Since it seams that people with art backgrounds are obligated to have opinions on this, here's mine:

If it's a well crafted original painting, please consider the amount of time that went into it's creation and consider what altering the original state may mean to it's creator. It's your property and you can do what you want, but please pause and consider.

If it's a mass produced PRINT (limited edition lithographs aside, I mean who hasn't heard of people finding $50k art lithographs in the garbage?) then have at it. The original is safe in a museum or private collection somewhere, the company spent seconds and no more than $1 on the ink and paper combined to make it. Seriously, have fun. This goes for canvas prints. MASS PRODUCED. Yeah, it'll make me sad if I see and original Milton Glaser used for decoupage, but I'll be able to sleep knowing there's another one out there.


5 Ways to Update Thrift Store Art
4/10/13 8:46 PM

as opposed to hanging it outside, it seems like a good way to keep track of it inside a massive purse (us bag ladies included). my only concern would be if there are any protective cases that offer similar loops.


For My Friend Who Is Always Losing His iPhone(s)
3/7/13 9:49 AM

$150.... I'm almost not sure I believe it. At the very least, it was over $150 if you include all the surrounding changes that highlighted the new stairs (new paint, fresh new flooring, etc.) Still, VERY WELL DONE.


Before & After: Cassity Steps Up Her Staircase
3/5/13 1:35 PM

One the subject of sudden allergy onset- it's more common than one thinks. A lot of allergies can be nursed into dormancy when you're young if it's only a mild sensitivity. (Like building up a tolerance.) By contrast, I've heard of a lot of people who were only slightly sensitive to certain pet odors becoming full-on allergic quite suddenly, as if their body's given them a two week notice over minor repeated offenses. I have no idea why this happens (not a doctor) but I know a lot of people this has happened to (it's happened to my sister around three time).

If they're well behaved cats, I would ask if there are any pet friendly elderly communities in the area you could advertise in. A lot of elderly people are happy for the companionship of a pet, but cannot handle the training of a puppy or kitten.


Giving Up Your Pets
3/4/13 11:50 AM

I clicked on the link to see the full list, and as I scrolled down, and thought "Wow, that man mealworms are only 200 calories?" And then I realized that was Fiber One Cereal... and it has been added to my listed of things I can't eat because, I quote my mom: "You've got issues, sweetie."


What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
2/23/13 5:42 PM

The problem with having the word "SMEG" across the front is that the brain automatically wants to finish the word into something else. Thank you design psychology or ruining this fridge for me.


Oh Stop It, Smeg, You Charmer! The Flirtiest Fridge of Them All
1/30/13 12:05 PM

I love marmalade, but only WITH savory foods. It's usually so achingly sweet just on toast, I have to avoid it. Apricot jam or lemon curd isn't usually so painful in the morning.


Beyond Mornings: 7 Savory Ways to Use Your Marmalade
1/30/13 12:01 PM

Get one of those Barbie head cakes, and call it Marie Antoinette?


Food Ideas for a Les Misérables Themed Party? Good Questions
1/30/13 11:57 AM

Don't know if this was said but will say it just in case- if you have ANY money to spend updating appliances, spend it on swapping out that electrical coil stove top for a glass induction top or similar. Those electrical coil stove tops are nightmarish safety hazards. If you have to go electric over gas, go induction. Having had coil top stoves for years, get rid of it when you have the chance!


Updates for Country Kitchen on a Limited Budget? Good Questions
1/22/13 12:34 AM

got a playhouse story for you then!

I'm not sure that we asked for it, but my parents had a big dog kennel in the backyard for breeding dogs and when it was empty we used to go inside it an pretend it was a playhouse and play house. (I think my parents were privately horrified the neighbors would think they were locking us in the kennel.)

One Christmas when I was 6, we got a giant envelope under the tree and inside was this giant silver key (cardboard covered in tinfoil) with a big red ribbon. We then proceeded to follow the treasure map included that led us straight to the backyard where to our immense shock, there was a little blue playhouse / garden shed that we'd never seen before! It had window boxes, a table and chairs, and even a little loft area. To this day, I have no idea how my dad managed to keep us out of the backyard long enough pre-Christmas to assemble it.


Hilarious Kid Gift Requests: The Year I Asked Santa for a Hamburger
12/16/12 12:55 AM

@rebecca_f pre-cook your apples a little in the microwave a little so you don't have the dome to begin with (this is a cheat, but I fail at making it work otherwise). Still cut slits in the crust!

Another Tip: Instead of brushing your pie with egg whites (which can gather in low places and create crunch pieces of egg plastic yuck) brush your pie with milk. Soaks into the crust, but also gives you that shiny finish. (Sprinkle sugar ontop for something extra.)


Tools & Tips for a Perfect Apple Pie Target Home
10/30/12 4:02 PM

I use it as an alternative to heavy cream in a alfredo variation... little bit healthier, and I don't mind the difference in taste when combined with a sharp cheese.


What Are Some Savory Recipes That Use Cream Cheese? Good Questions
10/21/12 4:14 PM

I wanna know what thrift stores HE goes to.

PS. I want that coffee table.


Josh's Recent Graduate Style on a Budget House Call
6/25/12 9:34 PM

1) non-functional furniture for "look"
2) hotel style mass-produced art prints
3) plastic tableware (plates, bowls, any of that plastic crap target seems to sell like hotcakes 'cause it has a cool design... if you want something durable, at least get Corningware. it feels more substantial)
4) fiber-board furniture... so, most of the ikea catalog, really. (they have some solid wood, but you have to really look). It practically screams "disposable", and it's way more earth friendly and economical to get second hand stuff off Craigslist of better quality. (or, if you're crafty, make it!)


What's Your Design Pet Peeve?
6/20/12 9:17 PM

Big windows, natural light, and a claw foot tub.


What Do You Covet Most From Other People's Homes? Reader Survey
6/14/12 8:20 PM

I'm of the "yay for personal taste!" crowd. I think the blue has a lot of character.

I am, however, of the "omg, soapstone?!" opinion... having carved/sculpted soapstone before, I remember how fragile a stone it is... it might be a cheaper option for natural materials, but I would dread the first time I was banging around the kitchen and took a chunk out of my counter-tops. Then again, not everyone's as clumsy as me.


Before & After: A Brooklyn Kitchen Remodel WREN handmade
6/4/12 11:39 PM

Okay, this poster is being talked about everywhere, so here's my two graphic designer cents inviting flames and criticism.

1) Kinda cool concept for showcasing architectural design. Not the best, but not the worst self-promo piece.

2) It doesn't showcase the Grammy Awards AT ALL. It has NOTHING to do with music. It's a Frank Gehry self-promo. And from a graphic design perspective, it's not even that well designed.


Frank Gehry Designs Poster for Grammy Awards
Design News 12.14.11

12/14/11 12:59 PM

"I want to sew a quilt but it probably wouldn't come out right..." -the big excuse I kept using until someone pretty much said -"it's not gonna come out at all until you turn your sewing machine on!"

Confidence is the key to doing anything. (And accepting that imperfection IS perfectly fine.)


You Can Do Anything: A Crafting Call to Face Your Fears
Manhattan Nest

11/20/11 2:20 AM

Relish trays are just enough to keep my family from killing each other in the pre-dinner fast. Though, there are always battles waged over who has had the most sweet pickles and where the last olive is going.


I'm Being Forced to Bring a Relish Tray to Thanksgiving!
Good Questions

11/14/11 11:35 PM