OK, so I admit it. If you haven’t already noticed from my prior posts glorifying Anthropologie for its modern take on antiquated homeware, fun and elegant clothing, and just plain ol’ supreme cuteness—I am a total slave to Anthropologie. Sure they charge exorbitant prices for simple things like door knobs, tank tops, underwear, or light switches, but if you are lucky enough to live close to one of its numerous branches, they usually have sales that let you buy a few good pieces (read: a pair of socks and earrings if you’re lucky).

Case and point—I managed to snag a few fancy schmancy drawer knobs to bling-ify my otherwise staid cabinet for only $3! That’s a good price for knobs isn’t it? What do I know about buying hardware. If it’s pretty, shiny, and looks like it could be useful, I say come to Mama. Maybe I am a little biased and deluded from seeing anything in the store for under $10, but I digress.

So, if like me, waiting for a sale to happen is not enough to satisfy your cuteness hunger pangs, then maybe checking out Bound Together, Anthropologie’s exhibit of handmade artists’ books, will satiate that insatiable I-Like-Pretty palette. The exhibit opens on June 28th at their gallery at Rockefeller Center in New York and features bound books from out of the ordinary materials and sculptural objects created from recycled everyday items.

For all you non-New York residents, you can check out some of the artwork at Anthropologie's website. It's not much, but it should hold you over at least until the next big sale!

Jill

Posted by Jill at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The US generally misses out on the high-tech toilet gadgetry that is often found in Japan. Companies have tried to spark interest in the American market, but the demand just isn't there, despite the potential for some really neat products. Regardless, toilets continue to get increasingly complex elsewhere, and with that complexity comes a variety of new potential problems, as demonstrated by the recent recall of 180,000 Toto Ltd. bowls.

The company's recalled Z series bowl apparently incorporates electric bidets with faulty wiring. This has resulted in flames near the most unfortunate of areas, in addition to numerous smoking incidents.

Perhaps this is one instance where our simple seating may have saved our collective rears. Still, I would gladly accept a toilet with a built-in cockpit-like control panel.

Thanks to Engadget and Yahoo!

Sean

Posted by Sean at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Worldwide efforts to stick LEDs in the most unexpected of places continue without delay, as demonstrated by the development of this snazzy LED faucet attachment that "colors" running water based on your liquid's temperature. The idea is pretty simple--- the water looks blue when cold and red when hot. At the very least, it is sure to be a conversation starter as you wow both your friends and enemies while everyone huddles around the sink of your choosing.

What item would you like to see with an LED or two?

Sean

Posted by Sean at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If there's one thing that's been troubling me recently, it's that I have to put down my wrench to enjoy a delicious plate of fettuccine alfredo with chicken. Okay, maybe not, but Wrenchware Inc largely solved that little dilemma anyway. The company has a line of tools combining wrenches with silverware. Sure, the concept may seem a little random, but that's why you browse the web, right? If you don't mind a little grease with your meal, these little guys could actually be pretty useful.

Maybe.

Assorted greetings to Boing Boing.
Sean

Posted by Sean at 01:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

These bird houses are so goshdarn lovely. Can someone make these for humans? It could be the next big movement in homes. Sign me up!

Thanks OhJoy and Outblush!

Sherry

Posted by Sherry at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I am not easily cowed by bad weather (a skill developed by years of waiting for public transportation in windy wet weather back home), but it has been freakishly cold down on the Peninsula lately. Below-freezing temperatures and California do not equate in my mind. I moved into my new place, and for the first month I didn’t know how to turn on my heater. Then I found out that while it could be turned it, the off lever was broken. Safety hazard to use.

Yes, my place is old. But adorable, nonetheless.

So after sucking it up for a month, I succumbed to a space heater. You really have to wonder when your home is the same temperature as the outside: freezing. I hate buying things without doing research beforehand (almost to the point of obsession), so I high-tailed it to ConsumerSearch and Amazon. Since I wanted to heat up my entire place, I decided to go with ConsumerSearch’s advice and get a convection heater (who am I to argue?) Their top pick was the DeLonghi TRD0715T, which got a good number of decent reviews on Amazon as well. I looked at several other heaters, and was even tempted to order several and test them out for comparison sake, but in the end, I couldn’t stand the cold anymore and bought it for survival’s sake.

Now that I’ve had a chance to use it, here are my thoughts.

This heater is not efficient. And even worse, it doesn’t have a digital thermostat (which I knew beforehand from the reviews on Amazon, but didn’t realize how subpar their heating options were until I started using it). My parents have a similar style heater from at least 10 years ago, and even that has it a digital thermostat. And it beats this one by a long shot. My main room is not that big (wildly guessing…24x24 10x12), but the ceiling is a little higher then normal to accommodate a loft bed. This heater funnels all the heat up to my bed, but leaves the rest of my place a couple degrees warmer, but overall still pretty chilly. At least I have the privilege of being roasted in my sleep. You know that feeling when you open a hot oven, and your face gets hit with a blast of hot air? Just like that, but all over.

I am going to test out the Presto HeatDish and the Honeywell HZ515 and see if they outperform the DeLonghi. Meanwhile, if you have recommendations or your own 2 cents about failed space heaters, please share.

Sherry

Posted by Sherry at 05:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

This. Will. Be. My. Last. Vacuum. Post. Ever. After three prior posts and months of trying and returning brand name vacuums to their respective manufacturers or retailers, I have come to the end of the carpet. My old Fantom vacuum died. Long live my new Fantom vacuum. Say what?

Yes, my quest for the holy grail of sucking vacuums led me back to Fantom. I ordered a reconditioned one from Overstock because Fantoms are actually extinct. They went belly up. There’s only one Fantom dealer in the U.S. and there aren’t any new models. But my last Fantom lasted four years so at least, unlike elections, I know I am in for four more years of house cleaning. And because it’s reconditioned, I paid a paltry $129 for my latest model.

But, as Thomas Mann wrote, you can’t go home again. My new used Fantom sucked. And not in a good way. It was made of cheapo plastic. It had a smaller canister that quickly filled forcing me to empty it more than once in a vacuuming session. So, I reluctantly packed it up and sent it back.

I needed a vacuum. I’d run out of ideas. And then I realized I could buy more time by getting an Oreck XL from a local dealer for their famous one month free trial. So, I took an Oreck XL Ultra home. I lifted its lightweight body over the transom, plugged it in. I vacuumed….and vacuumed…. and vacuumed. My carpets shed their dog hair dreadlocks and looked great. Oreck also gives you a separate, 5 lb. handheld vacuum for all the little vacuum-y chores like cleaning the furniture. The main vacuum just does floors. It does them easy. It does them hard. The weeks went by and it was time to return my Oreck XL. But I didn’t want to. I was hooked. I spent about $550. Way over my budget. But I didn’t care.

I now own an Oreck XL. It’s supposed to last 20 years. It has a great HEPA filter. It does requires bags that may be my financial ruin. But I am happy. My dog is happy. My floors are happy. So, you’ll not hear me breathe another word about vacuums. I won’t get to use the word "suck" in this blog again and get away with it. But I can live with that. My vacuum sucks and all is right with the world.

Mimi

Posted by Mimi at 05:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Here’s the perfect post-holidays gift for the dieter who has (and eats) everything. Or for anyone who checks the scale both before and after dinner (you know who you are). If you’re going to spend that much time staring at your (im)perfections, then you may as well decorate your scale with inspirational, accusatory or merely decorative detail. Art De Toilette, a custom art service created by S.F. Bay Area designer Wendy Gold, creates one of a kind bathroom scales to your specifications. And why stop at scale art when you can order a matching toilet seat or one that commemorates great or ignominious moments in your life? Wendy’s custom toilet and scale works have been written about in many style publications and her designs grace the bathrooms of such notables as Jude Law and Jack Nicholson. And though this item just cries out for some bathroom humor, I’ll let you supply the punch line. I’m not going to weigh in or water down this post.

Mimi

Posted by Mimi at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have been told that the best thing about owning a place you can call home is decorating your space and putting all those little personal touches. Until that time comes for me, I will just have to settle for drooling over items from online favorites like Brocade Home and Anthropologie.

Being a huge fan of antiques, I am thrilled that places like Anthropologie and Brocade Home offer new furniture designed to appear as vintage classics. I love how Anthropologie uses something as commonplace (not to mention economical) as newspapers for wallpaper. The contrast between something so ordinary and something as ornate as the gatekeeper cabinet (on the left) really displays the versatility of the piece. The almost neon green astrid chair juxtaposed with the black and white newspaper backdrop (on the right) is a perfect example of how to moderate a flashy piece of furniture, and, transform it into the focal point for the room.

Brocade Home is another great place that offers antique-styled pieces reminiscent of the art deco furniture from the 1920’s. It reminds me very much of the pieces from Antonio Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece, Casa Milà (La Pedrera). The furniture from these places could get a bit pricey, so if you have the time and patience, checking out thrift stores, antique shops, or garage sales can be great places to unearth some hidden gems!

Jill

P.S. Thanks to Apartment Therapy for this great find!

Posted by Jill at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

All you word lovers can thank me later but right now I have to tell you about a company whose sole intent is to encourage you to write on your walls (and other surfaces). Wonderful Graffiti sells great words on very thin, clear vinyl that you simply peel and stick. You can use their ideas, or send them your own favorite quotes. For those for whom words ARE art, this is a treasury of great graphic ideas.

They have wall words, border lines, refrigerator thoughts, chalkboard choices (daily menus anyone?) as well as a sampling of small type designed for hand labeling your homemade gifts. This is a terrific idea for creating and packaging your own potpourri, preserves and potions for holiday gifts with a very personalized touch.

Of course, you could write directly on your walls yourself, but if you have a lousy handwriting or can’t letter neatly, it won’t look any better blown up to wall size. Or you could coat one wall with chalkboard paint (blatant plug) and let the kids loose on a wall to write or draw (okay, you can scribble there, too, if you must) and wash off when you’re done.

If your walls could speak, what would they say?

Mimi

P.S. Don't forget that the deadline for this Wednesday's Carnival of Shopping is Tuesday at noon. (First edition here.) Send your entries our way via BlogCarnival.com or by emailing us at pocketchangeREMOVETHISPARTIFYOUREHUMAN@become.com.

Posted by Mimi at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Sometimes new stuff is just so….new. It lacks the character and e burnishing that time bestows. Many home remodelers explore beyond the Home Depots of the world, gravitating to the instant sense of place weathered and used building materials can create. Crackled painted window frames, scrolled fireplace mantels, intricate moldings and more can be bought at salvage for a fraction of the cost of something new. And they resonate with the priceless veneer of history. Where do you find these architectural relics? You can check the online classifieds for architectural salvage businesses near you. Better yet, go to Habitat For Humanity’s “Restore” stores that sell used building materials. They convert their profits into funding building new homes for needy families. Check the list of ReStores across the U.S. for one near you. And if you are contemplating the demolition of your own domain, consider donating your recyclable building materials, working appliances, etc. to Habitat or other salvage organizations. Reuse, Recycle and Resuscitate old stuff and help your snippet of the planet last longer! You might even create architectural art!

Mimi

Posted by Mimi at 04:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

(See part 1 and part 2)

When we left off, Significant Other (S.O.) and I were sprawled on the floor after pitting the Dyson Animal DC 14 against the Sears Kenmore Progressive canister vacuum on my dog-haired carpets. After that, I decided a little “social shopping” research was in order. First, I surveyed my friends (and willing strangers) for their choices. Four out of five dog-owners used the Miele brand. Did they love it? Well yes and no. They reported the machines are light, quiet and easy to use and they are classy looking. However, they cost a bundle! I’m sorry, but if I’m going to spend $1250, I’d rather get a new flat screen TV than an appliance that mostly resides in my closet.

So, next I turned to Yahoo! Answers in hopes the wisdom of crowds would provide the ultimate truth. I can’t get over the idea that complete strangers have nothing better to do than to comment on my two word query “best vacuum.” But out of the din of responses (15!), the clear winner was Dyson. Thanks but no thanks: I already know that the Dyson is simply too heavy to push around and carry up and down stairs.

That ended my experiment in social search. Meanwhile, back at home, S.O. decided to give old faithless (our dead Fantom Cyclone) one last look. What first precipitated our vacuum cleaner quest was the fact that the plug fell off the cord which then receded into the belly of the beast. One night, wielding a simple screwdriver, S.O. pulled the base apart, withdrew the cord, scraped it to release the wires, attached a new plug and closed the machine back up. Total time expended: 45 minutes! The sucker now works. That is, until the next part breaks.

So, gentle readers, I will not be reporting on my vacuum adventures for a while. I cannot answer the burning existential question of which vacuum sucks most. However, I can tell you that S.O. was quite smug about ending this affair. And I ended up with neither a new vacuum nor a new flat screen TV. Now, that sucks!

Mimi

Posted by Mimi at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

School is starting again and it’s time to go back to that dorm room you left last semester. Designing the room the way you want is loads of fun, especially when the parents are not around. However, if you are not creative about decorating and tired of staring at a boring, empty room, here are some resources which might be helpful.

Bed Bath & Beyond has set up several kinds of dorm room styles (with their products, of course) for those of you devoid of decoration ideas. It might not fit your taste, but it's definitely a good source of decoration ideas. I like the comfy cushion chair which is perfect for rest breaks from annoying school work. The other items I found interesting are the utility tote which can organize all my random collections and the bed lifts which help increase the storage room under the bed.

If you (or your children) happen to get an unfurnished room and plan on buying some new furniture, the IKEA Style Lab lets you build a “preview” version of the bedroom you envisioned with their products. Although the furniture selections for this tool are limited (you cannot apply all of IKEA’s products), it gives you a chance to know what your shopping list actually looks like and helps lower the risk of getting weird combinations.

However, if you still have no clue or just have no patience to check out these websites, all hope is not lost. Personally, I feel that linens like bed sheets, quilt covers, shams and curtains will brighten up your room immediately. Just pick a main color for your room, and start shopping on the linen with that type of color...it is difficult to go wrong with the above advice.

And just to perfectly match our theme this week, this is my last post on Pocket Change since my internship will end on Friday, and I am going back to school. Wish me luck!

Patricia

Posted by Patricia at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I love bread (especially focaccia), but am very picky about it. One of my favorite bakeries is 13 miles away from my home. I used to drive there twice a week, and then realized I was paying double for my bread--bread for me and gas for my car.

Being a cooking enthusiast (my kitchen becomes my refuge from the pressures of school and a good way to procrastinate), I decided to make my own bread. Not wanting to compromise on the taste and time spent in making homemade bread, I got myself a Salton Breadman TR888 bread machine. It has good reviews on Amazon, a multitude of functions and was the right price (I paid $69.99).

This machine is simply amazing!

Not having made bread before, my first loaf turned out to be quite delicious. No experience or skills are required in operating it. Simply put in all the ingredients as suggested, push the button, and after three to four hours, a homemade, fresh and fluffy loaf of bread is made. It can make up to 2-pound loaves at one sitting. There are 19 programs, three shade selections and even a delay timer. With the 19 programs, you can make several kinds of bread (including a quick setting that makes bread in around one hour), dough, butter and dessert. The delay timer can be set up to 13 hours- put all the ingredients in the pan at night, and wake up to the wonderful aroma of fresh homemade bread in the morning!

So far, I have made several loaves of bread, dinner rolls, and even pizza dough. All the results were impressive, and cleaning is not much of a problem. There are a few minor issues that I would like to mention:

1. It is not a noisy machine, but it does make a noticeable sound. When using delay timer, make sure to put this thing away from your bed.
2. Although the machine does come with a recipe book, you can try recipes from other sources. I personally recommend allrecipes.com. You can find tons of selections with ratings from reviewers (other cooking enthusiasts). To save your time searching in the large database, you can buy their Tried & True Cookbooks. These are the collections of popular and highly rated recipes contributed from others on the site.

The other product I considered was the Sunbeam 5891. It also has nice reviews, similar functions and is even cheaper (The cheapest one that I found on Become.com is around $36). I chose Breadman over Sunbeam because the design was a lot more attractive. Nothing wrong with a little superficiality, as long as it contains all the functionality I desire.

Patricia

Posted by Patricia at 04:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Okay, so I cheated. I couldn’t figure out which vacuum to buy just by reading Become.com’s research (See part 1). So I brought home two to test drive. And yes, I did fall for the shiny purple Dyson DC 14 for animal hair. I also bought the Sears Kenmore Progressive Canister model that got “Best Buy” ratings from Consumer Reports.

Last night, we took them for a test drive. Since the Kenmore was about half the price of the Dyson, we opened that box first. It took a while to figure out how to assemble it as the instructions looked like hieroglyphics. When we finally took it for a ride on the carpet, it didn’t seem to suck up all that much stuff. It just grazed. And it took expensive HEPA bags (2 for $8) that I’d need to buy on an ongoing basis.

My significant other (S.O.) then got into the act and opened the Dyson DC 14. This bagless purple machine is outfitted like a Harley and as powerful to drive. It sucked unbelievably well. We re-vacuumed the same rug and it picked up stuff that’s probably been lurking since the Paleolithic age. We ended up cleaning the whole house. The place felt so clean you could eat off our floors. However, we were so exhausted and sweaty from pushing that big palooka that we just sprawled there ourselves.

Not going to work! While S.O. enjoyed the trial run, I know he’s not planning to push that incredible hulk on a regular basis. So, I’m back to square one. I feel like Goldilocks at the Three Bears house. The first vacuum was “too soft” on dirt. The second was “too hard” on my back. I need to find one that’s just right!

We’re returning both today and I’ll resume the hunt shortly. We bought ourselves some time by vacuuming the whole place last night!

Mimi

Posted by Mimi at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I hate vacuuming so let’s start with that. My Fantom vacuum lasted four years and now it barely laps at the dog hair, the handle is busted and the electric cord just disappeared inside the canister casing. So, it’s time to buy a new vacuum and I’m ready for a change. Of course, the yellow and purple Dyson’s caught my eye in the local Bed, Bath and Beyond as I’m a sucker for bright, shiny stuff. But that’s no reason to buy a vacuum—it needs to suck. The more powerful the suction, the better! So, I decided to research vacuum cleaners on Become (blatant plug!) and figure out what to do.

Boy, there are a lot of things to think about. Bagless or replaceable bags? Bagless is more expensive but-- to me-- replacing bags is like the razor and razor blades analogy or cheap printers and exorbitant ink cartridges. Then there’s the upright vs. canister issue. Is one easier to push, clean stairs, or get under furniture? However, on the issue of hepa filters, for this asthma girl, there’s only one choice—a heap of hepa to keep all those nasty little dust particles out of the old respiratory tract.

One of the best articles I found was called Yakko's guide to choosing a vacuum cleaner. This man knows about vacuuming and, while being pretty objective, he seemed to like the Dyson a lot (and not a word about the pretty colors!). Other good sources I found were Consumer Reports for a basic overview (although for details you need to actually subscribe) and Appliance.com.

So, what vacuum am I going to buy? I’ll tell you next week. I’ve got to buy one this week or my house will be buried under dog hair. (Is my dog the only one that sheds year round?). If you have any recommendations, please leave a comment!

Mimi

PS Hello to everyone coming over from the Carnival of Insanities!

Posted by Mimi at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I’m in the process of accessorizing my bathroom and I decided to go for whimsical items to amuse me as I groggily try to get ready for the day. To aid my allergy induced nose clearing I have my eyes on a tiki head tissue box. My floss is getting a new home in a kai piranha dental floss holder. I absolutely need this pisellino cotton swab holder. Since I lack bathroom counter space I’m getting these Tommy toothbrush holders. And last but not least, my collection wouldn’t be complete without the Alessi Mr. Suicide Bath Plug.

Mercedes

Posted by Mercedes at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (204) | TrackBacks (0)

I recently relocated to the East Coast, to New Hampshire specifically, and was invited to a day of lunch and shopping by a new friend. Over lunch she spoke in glowing terms of Home Goods. I was intrigued with but doubtful of her descriptions of a bargain paradise, thinking nothing in a store could beat the price of online shopping. But hey, I am always open to a little quiet browsing.

Indeed, my friend was correct, Home Goods is home and garden shopping Nirvana. I was there for exactly 1 minute, enough time to tell my friend that I didn't need a shopping cart, when I spied a 16 quart stainless steel stock pot with a glass lid for 19.00! As far as I can see, it is in perfect condition. Within 5 minutes I had a heavy teak stool/ottoman (2x2 boards!) and pomegranate syrup to put into my celebratory cocktail! All this shopping love was under $105.00, and I made my friend push it around in her cart.

I can't wait to return and see what they have this week.

My only question, does this cabinet go with my house?

Heidi Schlegel
Office Manager

Posted by Become at 05:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you are currently reading this, chances are you are:

1. Technologically savvy and getting your daily fix of cool new blogs (ahem ahem)
2. Surfing the Internet at work (Shame on you)
3. Surfing the Internet at home (Shame on you again. What are you doing all cooped up when it’s lovely outside?)
4. Lost, accidentally stumbled into the site, and confused about the puzzling creation called the Internet (No worries, you are not alone)

Well, with the hours I spend surfing the web come tons of new finds. There is the interesting, the bizarre, the seemingly-useless-but-still-very-high-on-the-cool-meter, and of course, aches and pains from being in a sedentary position for 8 hours. Because I empathize with your pain and fear losing my audience, I have scoured the web for some great ergonomic solutions to fix your injuries and have you exploring the web comfortably in no time!

The SitFit Plus by Sissel improves posture and balance to strengthen your spine, while simultaneously working your abs, legs, and feet. Now you can cross off exercising from your list of things to do. Score! Another product I found is the Swopper (pictured above), which was designed to strengthen back muscles by forcing you to sit up straight and assume good posture (there is no backrest). Because your back and abdominal and skeletal muscles are constantly engaged, the Swopper trains you to assume good posture.

Back pain eliminated. Problem solved. Back to surfing the series of tubes.

Jill

Posted by Jill at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night I was shopping for a container to store my puppy’s kibble when I discovered The Container Store. I’m trying to organize my messy apartment and my messy puppy’s supplies, so finding this place was like finding an oasis in the middle of a desert. It was hard to walk out of the store with only the things I needed and not the stuff I wanted, but I found a coupon code for 15% off through July 16th for my future purchases thanks to Coupon Forum.

Mercedes

P.S. They also have a travel sale going on for both their online store and their brick and mortar stores which will come in handy for your summer vacation.

Posted by Mercedes at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As someone who has trouble sleeping at night, I often resort to watching late night infomercials in an effort to bore myself to sleep. Most of the time I’m able to talk myself out of buying something, but one product recently caught my attention - Oxiclean Miracle Foam. While grocery shopping last week, I found a bottle and decided to take it for a test run in my apartment. Despite its claims for a light smell, I found it smelled too strong, and it didn’t work as well as I’d hope on the grime along the edge of my bathtub and on my stove burners. I was disappointed with the results that I saw – this foam performed no miracles even after I let the offending items soak in the cleanser for a bit, and I ended up resorting to my old standby of scrubbing with baking soda to get the items clean. (Arm & Hammer, I’m sorry I cheated on you with the no-Miracle Foam and I’ll never do it again). I think I’ll just leave the Oxiclean Miracle Foam to clean my mirrors and streaky windows because that’s all I think it can handle.

Mercedes

Posted by Mercedes at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since I love new gadgets and ways to make housekeeping easier, I knew I just had to get a robotic vacuum to help clean my dingy carpet. After researching (blatant plug!) for a few days I found a sale and I decided to put down $125 for a Roomba 4100, and see if the little guy could keep up with me. Although this isn't the vacuum for deep cleaning, Gonzo the Roomba* does a good job getting dust and cat hair out of the carpet, and it's convenient enough to use everyday. I just set him to do his vacuum duties when I leave for work and hope that the cat hasn't murdered poor Gonzo by the time I get home. Hopefully, Gonzo won't rebel against his indentured servitude like the robots in my favorite TV series, Battlestar Galactica.

Mercedes

* Yes, I named my vacuum

Posted by Mercedes at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

After recently moving into a new apartment, I realized that my place looks a little stark. Although I’ve had some experience with dressing up dull spaces with my college dorm rooms, it’s still not easy trying to figure out how to enliven the small box of white walls, beige carpet and dusty mini-blinds. In search of decorating ideas that fit within my small budget I found Rental Decorating Digest, a site devoted to decorating tips, style guides, product and book reviews, and organizing ideas. I managed to find some good ideas on how to cheaply add splashes of color to my walls without annoying my landlord. I’ve also found some ways to cheaply furnish my apartment that don’t involve cinderblock bookshelves and beanbags by experimenting with finds from salvage stores.

It’s a good thing I found this site since I was a Nyttja away from turning my apartment into an Ikea room display.

Mercedes

Posted by Mercedes at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)