tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91748671318249251622024-03-08T09:16:52.366-05:00Tales From A Tiny ApartmentEmbarking on the eternal quest for storage.Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-14776268973753139462014-07-04T18:52:00.000-04:002014-07-04T18:52:35.711-04:00New Website!!Hello my very few, very loyal followers! Just a quick update to say Tales From A Tiny Apartment has become official, with a re-designed webpage over at <a href="http://www.talesfromatinyapartment.com/">www.talesfromatinyapartment.com</a><br />
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I'm excited to share this because I crafted everything when I had insomnia and stayed up until 6am watching Pretty Little Liars. However this message is pretty much for any subscribers as the site will redirect to the new address immediately. So, if you see this, good! I'm really not sure how it'll work. See you on the other side!</div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-31840925216382828132014-06-28T15:45:00.000-04:002014-06-28T15:45:00.591-04:00"After"By the time this is posted, my Mum & Dad will be on their way to my place for the first dinner I've ever hosted, and of course, this means my place is so clean that it could pass as an operating room (without the tragic lighting... anymore). What better time to snap some photos and show how far everything has come along in the past two months?<br />
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And why will I know that they're on their way when this is posted and not a moment sooner? Because I've waited 2 months for the chance to show them the finished product and I do love a big reveal with "ooo"s and "aah"s.<br />
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Needless to say, I'll go into more detail down the road about things that have been changed, added, or taken away, but for now I'll just briefly outline the transformation process room-by-room.<br />
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See <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/06/before.html" target="_blank">"Before"</a> for the full comparison<br />
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Living Room:<br />
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My biggest problem was the cracks in the wall running between the kitchen and closet doors. They appeared to be cracks in the actual wall (yikes), so my Dad offered to come in for a couple days and fix them up properly for me. (Thanks again!)<br />
But here's a fun fact: this place was stripped down to the bone in 1961 and wallpapered (not before someone so generously wrote '1961' on the wall). After that it was painted, oh I don't know, a hundred times? I believe my square footage has been drastically decreased by how many times this place has been painted.<br />
So why does this matter? Because sometime between 1961 and 2014, amidst the hundreds of layers of paint, a small leak sprung upstairs and water leaked in behind the wallpaper, causing the paint on top of it to crack. The wall was in perfect condition once this was all pried off. It's funny to think how myself and my Dad are likely the only people who know any damage is just due to wallpaper.<br />
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Tragically, all doors and mouldings are original and in perfect condition under all the paint (partially due to what is likely a layer of lead paint that formed a perfect barrier overtop the majestic stained wood). It would have been very satisfying and not too difficult to chip it all off, but it would have taken days and... well, this is a rental.<br />
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We also pried off (and I do mean pried off) the original antique doorknob plates and my Dad got them back to original condition. Whoever is painting over all this lovely original material should be shot.<br />
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Other than that, it was a lot of filling holes, sanding, painting, scraping, cleaning, and decorating. You'll see I also swapped out the hideous paper-esque light fixture for my <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/mason-jar-light-not-so-diy.html" target="_blank">mason jar fixture</a>. Much better, and less people will hit their head off it.<br />
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Kitchen:<br />
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Same problem in the kitchen with the cracks, and more or less the same solution.<br />
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And of course, we all know the debacle of the <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/06/kitchen-cabinets-made-by-toddler.html" target="_blank">kitchen cabinets</a>.<br />
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I had to remove a lot of screws from windows and door frames (more on that shortly) and change out the lightbulbs (the light was uneven and very industrial). You'll see the microwave carts were swapped; a wise recommendation from several people. Added a curtain to cover the old exhaust outlet, added my usual kitchen organization, scrubbed the stove half to death, and we're in business. I love the amount of space in this kitchen. It may not be used wisely in the general layout of the apartment, but the fact that I have all my furniture back is lovely.<br />
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Bedroom:<br />
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I should mention, there was a lot of sanding happening in the apartment in general, but the bedroom especially. From bad patching to bad painting, there were lumps and bumps all over. Some fun with a belt sander on both walls and doors lessened that a little. I'll admit by the end of the bedroom I was really bloody sick of sanding so, I didn't mind a couple remaining dimples.<br />
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I haven't put a curtain in here because of the window frosting (which is just frosted MacTac), and the need for a curtain just hasn't arisen. Okay, fine, I don't want to hem the ones I bought, alright?<br />
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Added fold-out hooks that you can probably find in your grandmas's sewing room to the back of the door for my expertly curated collection of sweatshirts. The dresser is new (well, not really, obviously) and I really like the shabby chic aesthetic it adds to the the room.<br />
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Bathroom:<br />
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As I mentioned before, I didn't have a lot of photos of the bathroom. I can tell you that a major problem though was sanding down the wall and the cabinet (more bumps), and filling in holes. It's not clear, but there are two knobs at the back on the left wall and it took me a while to figure it out; turns out the kitchen and bathroom used to have heaters and they were removed. Why? I don't know, but I'm sure I'll be seeking answers in 6 months when my morning showers are a bit more death-like.<br />
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Since the main wall is cement, I wasn't able to mount any fixtures, so I kept the two decrepit, bent nails in the wall to hold my towels. Judge me if you will, but it gets the job done. One of the former radiator knobs serves as a washcloth holder.<br />
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Also scraped a lot of paint off the floor, walls, fixtures... clearly dropcloths weren't a concern in the past 50 years. Also got a cover for the curtain rod so it's white like everything else.<br />
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BONUS: Remember how I mentioned removing nails and screws from the wall? Well that's not all. It seems no one has bothered to remove any of their curtain brackets in the past 50 years and I was left with a hell of a collection to remove myself...</div>
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I felt like I was going insane from all these curtain brackets. To the point where when I saw this in the oven, I was sure I was losing it...</div>
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<b>HOW???</b></div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-89160269233323010632014-06-24T12:27:00.000-04:002014-06-24T12:27:35.251-04:00Shopping For Your Home At The Dollar Store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Parkdale_Dollarama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Parkdale_Dollarama.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A stock image from a Google image search, but funny enough, this is the Parkdale location I frequent.</span></i></div>
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I'm a cheap little lady, so when I wrote about <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/03/the-adult-baking-cupboard.html" target="_blank">organizing my baking cupboard</a>, I mentioned that I wanted to talk about the premise of shopping for home necessities at the dollar store (specifically Dollarama, in this case). If you've ever been to a big-box dollar store, you've surely gone in for one item (or none at all) and come out having spent $40. This is much easier these days, with no dollar store truly charging $1 anymore, but the majority of things you can buy there for $1, $2, or $3 are still a pretty good deal. Take the jars for my baking cupboard; even paying a maximum of $3 a jar was still easily a third of price I'd be paying in a proper store for the same quality.<br />
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Buying large amounts of apartment necessities never really occurred to me until I was standing in a checkout line, watching a young couple in front of me unload a cart full of stuff that clearly indicated they'd just finished moving into their first place; brooms, candles, plates, cookware. It suddenly dawned on me that I would have immediately gone to Wal-Mart for a broom and never to Dollarama. Since then (and since my unemployment), Dollarama has always been my first stop before going shopping for small housewares and knickknacks (is that one word?)<br />
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Obviously, some things aren't a deal. When I bought a mini-pack of Clorox wipes for $1, it seemed like a good deal until I saw the same pack at Wal-Mart for 97¢. That's not much, but you get the idea. I do buy a bit of food there (non-perishables), but to play it safe, pay the extra 50¢ for the brand name and maybe stay clear of the tuna; some things just shouldn't be sold as a discount item.<br />
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<i>Some of my favourite dollar store finds.</i></div>
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The key to successful dollar store shopping for your home is still having standards; yes, you could buy everything you think you might use later on because it's cheap, but junk is always junk unless you truly have a purpose behind buying it.<br />
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<b>a) What will you use it for?</b><br />
The big question is, will you be able to take it home and put it to use immediately? Know where you're going to place it? What the specific purpose is? Don't buy things you "think" you'll use, buy things that you see a meaning in owning. I wasn't looking for a new measuring cup, but when I saw it I knew it was better than the cheap, broken plastic one I owned currently.<br />
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<b>b) Could a similar item be cheaper somewhere else?</b><br />
There are cleaning items like Lysol wipes and toilet cleaner. However between size and quantity, brand name items like this aren't a great deal. The $2 wipes are for half the amount you would buy in store, and the toilet cleaner at $3 is likely more than Wal-Mart charges. Know the base price of items you're going in for. Items like my baking jars were a no-brainer since I knew they were great quality for a buck or two. Shop around before or after visiting the dollar store.<br />
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<b>c) Do you like it?</b><br />
Many times I'll buy something at Dollarama because I have a use for it and it's cheapest, but in the end I'll toss it a year later because I can't stand to look at it anymore. I needed a watering can long before I found the one I own now (above), but I waited until the spring stock came in and a cute little metal, turquoise one popped up rather than the standard white plastic ones available year-round. A purchase is far more useful if you're proud to own it in every aspect.<br />
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So here are some excellent product examples that you may or may not think of buying at places like Dollarama:<br />
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<i>Betty Crocker (and other) cooking utensils</i></div>
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<i>Kitchenwares</i></div>
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<i>Bathroom supplies (I got my tub plug, shower curtain, liner, and rings here and they're all great)</i></div>
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<i>THE BEST. Come here before buying painting/hardware supplies at any other store. I've painted all my apartments with Dollarama supplies.</i></div>
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<i>Glassware</i></div>
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<i>Selection varies throughout the year, but you can find some pretty decent linens (also, DIY tiling supplies)</i></div>
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<i>Bulbs, plugs, mini-lights; all very cheap and very reliable (just don't overload them as a small electrical fire proved)</i></div>
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<i>BASKETS!</i></div>
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<i>Home decor - curtains, tie-backs, stencils, much more.</i></div>
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<i>Gardening. Depends on seasonality, but I got some pots, soil, watering can, etc.</i></div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-83633333474869981312014-06-17T12:57:00.000-04:002014-06-17T13:37:29.254-04:00The Art Of Being Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/MqbT77H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/MqbT77H.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
As I write this, I'm on a mini-break where I've been more or less left to my own devices by my host as I look out over the St. Lawrence river surrounded by trees and islands. Being alone on vacation probably isn't something a lot of people are eager to do, but much like going to a movie alone, I ask, why not? If you're craving peace and quiet and the chance to absorb nature, then a day or two by yourself surely can't be the worst way to go. It sounds pessimistic, but there's no one else there to ruin your holiday; no one to get drunk and pass out at 6pm, no one to get into arguments with. Most importantly though, it's about enjoying your own company.<br />
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Most of my life, people have labelled me anti-social or an introvert, and at times I won't deny it's true. However it's mostly been a matter of being conditioned to enjoy my own company; often times friends are busy, loved ones are away, or you just don't have the luxury to be in someone's company. What surprises most people is that what comes off as anti-social behaviour is really just the fact that I've come to be my favourite company. I can be out with a group of friends at a bar and having the time of my life, but somewhere deep inside, I'm always looking forward to going home at the end of the night to peace and quiet.<br />
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I'm a big believer that being alone is important. Not all the time (as I found when I went a week without human contact and nearly went bonkers), but we all need to stop and learn to enjoy the only person we're guaranteed to spend our entire lives with. It gives you time to think about your past, your future, and make sure you're really happy with where you are. Of course if you aren't then it's a little like torture having to stop and think about it, but it's still a good idea to check in with your psyche every now and then.<br />
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It's also incredibly valuable after ending a relationship. I've never been one to jump from one long-term relationship to another with ease and incredible timing (and I've never understood those who have) so I've always had the chance to sit and reflect on everything that's happened and what my next plan is. I was incredibly independent in my last relationship (to the point where that was probably a fault), but regardless of how much you retain your independence, you always lose a small part of yourself when you're involved with someone. Not in a "I'm dead inside" kind of way, but you just kind of forget what it's like to truly be free and alone and be happy with yourself without consideration for someone else's opinion. You should always be happy with yourself before committing to someone, and it's seems a hard concept to grasp for those who go on about just "wanting a boyfriend" - how can you expect someone else to love you if you don't love yourself?<br />
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So go on a trip, watch a movie, see a concert, have a meal, take a class. You know what activity you need a partner for? Double-dutch. There isn't any reason you can't enjoy every moment of life with the best company you were born with.Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-6476637090412624302014-06-11T15:38:00.000-04:002014-06-11T15:38:32.545-04:00Apartment Must-Have: 3M Command Velcro Hanging Strips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81jSPpLKz-L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81jSPpLKz-L._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
It might be hard for you to get excited about little strips of Velcro, and maybe I've been unemployed long enough that my excitement is easily roused, but these things have changed my life. Or at least my apartment's life. I would suggest these for those of whom:<br />
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<li>Live in temporary rental units</li>
<li>Live in dorms</li>
<li>Want to hang on impenetrable walls</li>
<li>Swap out artwork frequently</li>
<li>Just don't want holes in the wall</li>
<li>Don't own a hammer and nails</li>
</ul>
Now, putting a nail into the wall is far cheaper than buying several sets of strips, yes, so if it's a budget you have in mind and you don't fall into any of the above categories, then go hammer-crazy. However, for the rest of us...<br />
<br />
These strips vary from other Velcro products by having two pieces of plastic hooks that lock into each other - there isn't one side for hooks and one side for the loops (yes, I just Wikipedia'd Velcro for that little explanation). Two pieces are involved in each set - one sticks to the wall, and the other sticks to whatever you're hanging, with the hooks facing inward. I love this system because not only can they be straightened out AFTER hanging, but if you have to take something down temporarily (moving, repainting, etc.), half of the strip stays on the photo so you don't have to re-buy as many next time. They're non-sticky as well, so they only stick to themselves (unlike regular Velcro, which will latch onto anything - probably your favourite knit sweater from New York that can't be fixed easily).<br />
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This may not seem like something that innovative, but being able to take down and put back up posters that would have otherwise been mutilated by thumbtacks and sticky tack is something that matters to me. I've been able to utilize entire walls that would have otherwise been useless due to the cement. While the strips claim to be "damage-free", anyone who's ever used one of these can tell you, that's a pile of crap. When you take off the frame from the wall, yes, no damage will occur, no matter how many times you do it. However if you take the Velcro strip off the wall, paint IS coming with it. Keep this in mind if you tend to vary the hanging patterns a lot or are moving out. When I hung a picture about a foot off-centre and had to re-position, a chunk of wall came out (not really, there's just so many layers of paint here that I think it's decreased my square footage - more on that later). This was a good thing because it reminded me to not throw out my paint, so, don't throw out your paint. As a tiny apartment frequenter, I know I always did.<br />
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Like other 3M strips, they can also be cut. In the case of this frame, the flat area of which I could mount was too small to use a full strip, so I improvised:<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/ZxYVZ8J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/ZxYVZ8J.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I did that to a few frames and a couple weeks later, no one's complaining.<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/YCtoKBJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/YCtoKBJ.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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They come in small, medium, and large. Larger is harder to find. There are also packs with multiple sizes, like these on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Command-Picture-Hanging-4-Small-8-Medium/dp/B000OF6X48" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, or they can be found at Wal-Mart, Target, any major hardware store, etc.</div>
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This sounds like a sponsored review but I assure you no one knows my blog exists enough to sponsor me. I just reeeeaaaally love this product and feel the need to share something so handy to me. That said, hey 3M - wanna toss me some free strips to make this all official? :)</div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-73163591004733940782014-06-07T20:19:00.000-04:002014-06-07T20:19:46.988-04:00Quick Project: DIY Instagram Photo Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/WL2lW1P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/WL2lW1P.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
I have two areas in my apartment for personal photos; one is for photos taken with a proper camera and the other is for Instagram photos. I have a lot of Instagram photos that I love because so often, they were never planned. My cell phone is what I pull out to take a photo of a moment I didn't expect, and that's what makes these so important to me. Even if it's just a photo of some fruit or even myself, I remember how I felt at that moment and what made it important. The photo of my college campus was taken on my last ever day; my parents' bathtub looks pretty insignificant, but it reminds me how relaxed I am when I visit; the snapshot of "307" was the day I moved out of my old apartment. Some of them are just visually interesting to me, but most of them hold a special meaning for me, so I really wanted to have some copies on display.<br />
<br />
This took really no time; the thing that took the longest was choosing my photos. I went to <a href="http://printstagr.am/" target="_blank">Printstagram</a> (or Social Print Studio, as they also like to be called), where a set of 24 4x4" prints is only $12 plus shipping. I couldn't decide, so I ordered 3 sets. Ordered late at night on the Monday, shipped Wednesday, arrived Friday morning. Really impressed with the arrival time, even more impressed with the quality of the prints.<br />
<br />
Anyway, there are many ways this could be done, but I decided to go old fashioned with some twine and clothespins. You could use full-size clothespins but I thought they would look too big for such small photos, so I went on a hunt for miniature clothespins. I thought this would be easier. I'll skip how I went to a bunch of craft and stationary stores and tell you that these can be found in the stationary department of Wal-Mart with the paper clips. Not Target, Wal-Mart. You're welcome.<br />
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I'd recommend going with nails, but I went with pushpins because this particular wall is cement and likely wouldn't hold a nail.<br />
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<b>Things You'll Need:</b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Photos</li>
<li>Nails or Pushpins</li>
<li>String (some more creative DIYs also use Christmas lights)</li>
<li>Hammer</li>
<li>Clothespins or other clips</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Measuring Tape (optional)</li>
</ul>
<div>
I don't even think I need to go into how it's done. Hammer in a pushpin, tie string to line up the next pushpin and make sure it's straight, tie off the string once that's hammered in. Continue for however many strings you need, possibly measuring between the strings to make sure they're evenly spaced (mine were not but that's sort of what I wanted). I don't recommend cutting the ends off the string until you're completely done (photos hung and all) just in case some end up being too loose. The tightness of the strings is up to you, but I found it rather tricky to get any of them particularly taut.</div>
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Easy peasy. Takes maybe half an hour and it can be done even in dorm rooms since it's just a couple tacks in a wall. Enjoy!</div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-58564212695385608632014-06-07T19:23:00.000-04:002014-06-07T19:23:59.018-04:00A New Tiny Roommate: Welcoming The Cat To A Tiny ApartmentGrowing up, we had a couple family cats in our house; Agatha was my brother's, Linus is my Mum's, and my Dad and I had shared custody of Puddy. <a href="http://scousenerd.wordpress.com/2012/12/02/puddy/" target="_blank">Puddy</a> was unique in how amazingly absurd he was, and when he passed away a year and a half ago, it was hard losing a friend of 16 years who made such an impression on me while growing up. Needless to say, I was raised as a cat person, and for a long time now I've wanted that presence in my home again. Kyle wasn't wild about cats, and the apartment was too small for the two of us as it was, so I never took the opportunity. When I knew I would be living on my own, I thought about getting a cat of my own. It was on my moving day when my Dad casually said "You want a cat?"<div>
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<div>
My main hesitation came after I cat-sat my friend Liz's kitten. I'd always thought I'd want a kitten, to make him my own, but after that weekend of neuroses I knew I was in no way fit to parent a hyper, furry child by myself. So this worked perfectly; a former coworker of my Dad's was looking to get rid of their long-hair, black adult cat due to allergies and some poor behaviour. Rather than banish him to a shelter (where black cats have a low adoption rate), or worse, who was I to turn down a beauty like this?</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/sBejhqG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/sBejhqG.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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Meet my new roommate, Indy (or Henry Jones Jr. as you may formally know him). Luckily, his behavioural problems seem to have been left behind, so he's been a perfect roommate. Be nice if he did some dishes once in a while though.</div>
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In honour of the new arrival, I wanted to do some quick tips on bringing a feline addition to a tiny apartment.</div>
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<b>1. Invest in the good litter</b></div>
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How many times have you walked into someone's house and immediately known they had a cat? Even if the litter is clean, a smell always lingers. It might seem easy to just get the 30kg bag of the cheap stuff, but the bottom line is a few more bucks can go a long way to keep your home smelling like it's not a kennel. Through an Arm & Hammer media event I attended a couple years ago, I was given a coupon for a free box of <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/arm-hammer-ultra-last-cat-litter-127-kg/6000071263706" target="_blank">Arm & Hammer Ultra Last</a> litter and gave it to my family since they had two cats at the time. They haven't gone back since and I've started using it for Indy and already had several comments about how there isn't even a hint of cat smell here. It's coated in baking soda so it stops the smell regardless of whether or not it's been scooped. If it's the money you're worried about, think of how many scoops you'll be able to get out of one change. Indy's been here for about 3 weeks now and I've yet to do a full change of litter; just two scoops and one top-up and still no smell.</div>
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<b>2. Match your cat to your belongings (or vice versa)</b></div>
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It seems ridiculous, yes, but unless you have your heart set on a particular cat or a particular breed, it doesn't hurt. This occurred to me when I was at someone's house a few months ago and they remarked on their white cat with the black shag carpet. Having lived with Linus (a large, fluffy, orange long-hair), I knew that I wanted a cat whose hair might at least kind of blend if nothing else. I'd always wanted a black cat, but it became necessary when I found out Indy was long-hair. He sheds. A lot. But it's actually not that noticeable thanks to hardwood floors and dark wood and black furniture.<br />If you already have the cat, the next time you're looking for new furniture, maybe just think about colour co-ordinating.</div>
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<b>3. Nothing is safe</b></div>
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Since there's less room to run around than a house, I've had to compromise on where some knick-knacks live. Candles that sat centred on the bathroom windowsill now sit on either side so the cat can sit there. The watering can had to move from a window to the radiator so he could climb up easier. Basically all my belongings that sat on top of my bookshelf have been re-homed elsewhere because that's HIS spot. It won't take long to realize that some areas are sacred to him, and if you don't realize it, he'll wail at you until you figure out that you've put a photo on top of the toilet so now he can't hop onto the windowsill anymore.</div>
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Good thing he's pretty.</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/NOkJtcS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/NOkJtcS.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-81780529669313760622014-06-04T18:26:00.000-04:002014-06-04T18:26:16.328-04:00Kitchen Cabinets Made By A ToddlerIf you've ever looked at more than a couple rental apartments within a... particular... price range, you've learned to overlook certain cosmetic downsides. There's a fine line; crack in the shower tile? Fine. Exposed electrical? Less so. I have no shame admitting that when I first saw this apartment, the kitchen struck me as an absolute nightmare. It looked like someone had thrown a pizza pocket at the fridge, the stove was covered in grime, even the wall paint was such a putrid colour of beige that it looked like it had been cooked on itself. But the biggest horror was the kitchen cabinets.<div>
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I hadn't noticed it in the viewings; the only thing I saw was an ajar drawer. I never saw the scope of this: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The ajar drawer turned out to be a drawer with the facing too big to fit under the counter. There were 3 collectively different handles, some of which weren't even positioned parallel to each other. Then there were the screws and nails in the boards under the sink; different sizes, random placing, painted over (and eventually turned out most of them weren't even nailed into anything). As someone who can't even assemble IKEA furniture on the first try, I still believe I could have done better. I would easily believe it if my landlord said he'd hired his 6-year-old nephew to make these.</div>
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Like I said, handy Dad, so he came in for a few days to help fix up some of the apartment. Removed many of the screws, made the doors able to stay closed, filled in the screws, and fixed the drawer; turns out the facing was put on upside-down, so they're not completely stupid, just very, very dim.</div>
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Removed the knobs (discarded the knobs) as well as that one rogue handle. I figured out that the reason some knobs were crooked was because the cabinets used to all have handles and when they took them out, obviously boy-genius forgot to put use all the same holes. So, dim.</div>
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New knobs (6 Satta knobs for $1.50 at IKEA!), a coat of paint (to cover the yellow chips showing through), and some latches on the doors and we're in business! (also a quick preview of the new kitchen colour).</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/khEtVP0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/khEtVP0.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This apartment seems to so far be a case of lots of small things that are easily fixed. You'll see.</div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-25254830889458632952014-06-04T16:54:00.000-04:002014-06-04T16:54:09.735-04:00"Before"Long overdue, but here are my "before" shots of the new apartment. I've been away for several reasons; the big one of which is I've just been working on the apartment like a fiend. Good news is that it's finally come together and I can start, y'know, talking about it. I just couldn't sit in an unfinished room and talk about improving it until I had done something.<br />
Second reason is that after living here for 7 days, I was let go from my job. Not a bad thing, really. Anyone who knows me knows how unhappy I was there and how I just wasn't passionate for the field. Inconvenient? Yes. But I'm not just churning out crap what I say that I really am excited for what happens next, whatever it may be. It all works out, right?<br />
<br />
Anyway! My apartment before starting the great makeover:<br />
<br />
Living Room:<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/KoDRZvL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/KoDRZvL.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kitchen:<br />
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Bedroom:<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/J7vd7pi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/J7vd7pi.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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Bathroom:</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/iwQHphi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/iwQHphi.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<i>* Probably could have taken more/better photos of the bathroom but hindsight means nothing</i></div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-32320213330184090002014-05-05T12:12:00.000-04:002014-05-05T13:51:48.465-04:00Tales From A Less Tiny ApartmentHello!<br />
<br />
I know I said I would keep up with my improvements while I was in the process of moving, but if you've ever moved, you probably knew that was a pipe dream. With one or two exceptions, I didn't really have much to write about. I suppose my only words of wisdom from the past few months are if you live with a graphic designer, you will find about 600 pieces of card stock after he moves out and you begin to think that maybe you're manufacturing it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I have a new home and I love it even more than I thought I would! On moving day, I always find myself walking around with a critical eye, examining every crack and looking for hidden gems. Some pros and cons of my new place, compared to my old:<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Hardwood floors</li>
<li>Large tub</li>
<li>Double sink</li>
<li>REAL intercom (doesn't link to a phone)</li>
<li>More space</li>
<li>Allows pets</li>
<li>Ground floor</li>
<li>Lots of closet space</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>No laundry</li>
<li>My view is of someone else's apartment</li>
<li>That centipede I saw last night</li>
<li>Water-damaged walls needs some major TLC</li>
<li>I can only assume my kitchen cabinets were made by a drunk 6-year-old:</li>
</ul>
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Doesn't some of that just boggle your mind?<br />
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Best of all, it's all uniquely mine, which means I get to do what I want to it. I'll post photos very soon as a 'before' reference, but I've been creating an extensive list in my head of all the things I'd like to fix up (big & small):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Fill cracks and paint all walls</li>
<li>Fill cracks and paint ceilings</li>
<li>Scrape paint off all doorknobs, etc.</li>
<li>Replace all paint-covered outlet and light switch covers</li>
<li>Replace knobs on kitchen cabinets</li>
<li>Fix up kitchen cabinets (if possible)</li>
<li>Get stove replaced (this may require some unethical things, we'll see)</li>
<li>Paint fridge</li>
<li>Paint or replace shower curtain rod</li>
<li>Wash windows (from the outside - perks of the ground floor)</li>
<li>Remove all curtain brackets (seriously, there must be 30 left behind)</li>
<li>Hang curtains (there's enough windows that I'm calling this a job)</li>
<li>Re-install all my old wall-stuff</li>
</ul>
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So that's where I'm at. This doesn't include anything organization-based, but mainly because I haven't found those flaws yet, living there so briefly.<br />
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Wish me luck, and stay tuned.<br />
<br />Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-50367048459010708332014-03-24T13:16:00.000-04:002014-03-24T13:16:52.386-04:00The Adult Baking CupboardIt's a bold statement, but I'm willing to say it; if anything in my apartment visibly belongs to an adult, it's my baking cupboard.<br />
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When I posted my original kitchen organization post, I had the baking cupboard located above my fridge, which several people pointed out was very stupid of me. Once again, it was just one of those things that I threw in place while unpacking and never returned to it. While baking isn't something I do on a daily or even weekly basis, it's something I like to do and I'd probably do it more if it didn't mean lifting several pounds of flour above my head and risking a concussion. With all the wasted height in my lower cupboards, and wasted depth in my baking cupboard, I decided to make the swap one evening.<br />
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<i>(the horror)</i></div>
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My old baking cupboard now contains various appliances or gadgets that are rarely used (or in the case of my Tassimo, items just waiting for an owner to claim them on Craigslist). My baking cupboard now looks like this and I feel a swelling pride every time I look at it:<br />
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The baking cupboard is a mess to organize for most people. Even in my parents' home it still remains a point of frustration. How could it not be? Paper bags, powders, microscopic bottle of leaky red food colouring. Like a kitchen in general, you have to have a little bit of everything in order to really make it worth it; this gets messy.<br />
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I intend to make a whole post about shopping for your apartment at the dollar store, but I would just like to direct attention to this cupboard for the time being. All canisters you see are from Dollarama, and the shelf divider is from the previous cupboard. There are four different jar sizes (in addition to the tiny ones on the bottom left because who needs a whole pound of corn starch?), and they range from $1.50 to $3 according to size. It's decent, considering nearly the exact same jars are available at the Home Hardware next door from $2.99 to $4.99:<br />
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I probably spent about $40 on jars. Similar to the spice rack, I have leftovers of things like flour and sugar, and once I finish off the bags, I intend to buy bulk. If you fancy, you can pull out a label maker and make it all official, but I didn't feel like marking up my nice clean glass jars (or buying a label maker), so the only labelling I did was an "S" on the bottom of the baking soda jar (completely indistinguishable from the baking powder until you wonder why your cake is a pancake).<br />
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It's simple, but if you have the room, just simply putting everything into jars makes everything look better. I even got some extras to store some of the pasta that keeps jumping out of the cupboard, amongst other things. How DO you store jumbo shells anyway?<br />
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The best side effect is that I had an extra shelf divider when I was done. No more will I knock over a stack of pots when I need to boil pierogies!<br />
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Thing of beauty. With this, my kitchen organization is complete.<br />
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... of course none of this will matter in a month. After a couple beers I've finally mustered the courage to take an apartment I looked at today and the kitchen is a storage NIGHTMARE. But I like a challenge. The tiny apartment saga will definitely be able to go on, that's for sure.Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-49306848086871048192014-03-01T08:33:00.001-05:002014-03-24T13:18:02.189-04:00A Tiny Hiatus & End of an EraThis one's a bit sad and personal, but considering how much I've loved doing this blog so far, I feel like I should address what would otherwise be the elephant in the room for the entries to come.<br />
<br />
The best way to save space in a tiny apartment for two? Make it a tiny apartment for one.<br />
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I will sadly no longer be sharing this apartment, and will be transitioning to a new phase of my life in the coming months. I won't be able to stay here for too much longer and will be on the lookout for a new hole-in-the-wall to call my home. Entries will still be posted, items will still be replaced, cupboards will still be organized, but they will surely be optimized so that they will apply in whatever new place I find on my own. They will be less frequent, to accommodate any foreseeable existential crises, but I will be doing my best to keep up in the meantime. I just hope that I will still be able to maintain this hobby because it has been really enjoyable reading everyone's tiny living stories and tips of their own. Keep 'em coming.<br />
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Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for your understanding.Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-91837251002852381072014-02-26T21:21:00.000-05:002014-02-27T12:07:44.414-05:00Sewing Class: The Workroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a child, I wanted to design my own clothing, and I suppose this is why I cherish online shopping so much. I get a very specific idea of something I'd like to wear and I won't stop until I've found that tiny little eBay shop in Estonia that charges an arm and a leg for this one style in the right colour. This childhood dream could have saved me loads of money and scrounging, but it's just that the sewing machines are out to get me.<br />
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This is what I told myself when I was 12 and threw my arms up in despair as that damn sewing machine chomped up a piece of fabric for the 20th time. With the exception of half a semester of economics and my Mum showing me once or twice, I had no real sewing machine experience growing up. I just know that every time I tried to use one, it never worked out for me (assuming I ever got far enough to understand what came after that bobbin business).<br />
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When we moved to Parkdale, I immediately noticed the storefront a block away call <a href="http://www.theworkroom.ca/" target="_blank">The Workroom</a>, and it was adorable. Every evening, I would see people sitting at the dimly lit sewing machines working away, and it didn't take me long to look into their sew-by-the-hour; $8 an hour. I was interested until I remembered my previous experiences...<br />
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Hm. Maybe they have classes. Sure enough, just what a budding seamstress needed: $55 for a 3-hour course in <a href="http://www.theworkroom.ca/classes/sewing-machine-essentials/" target="_blank">Sewing Fundamentals</a>, made specifically for people who have never touched a sewing machine (or have the kiss of death when they do). This class is also required if you ever want to sew by then hour at The Workroom. There are dozens of other classes including cross-stitch, dying, stationary printing, quilting, pattern design, and embroidery (among how to sew basically anything from your own clothes to upholstering furniture). Prices range from $55 (sewing fundamentals, leather clutch purse, alternations, etc.) to $220 (pattern sewing, japanese dresses, upholstery, etc.), with some higher price points for specific quilting projects. I hope to take some more of these classes as I get a bit more comfortable with the machines, but for today, this is all I wanted.</div>
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Classes are typically a couple evenings a week with a handful of weekend classes, so I booked super early (like, 5 weeks early) for the next available Saturday class. With only 6 spots in each class, it books up pretty quick - half of our class got their sewing machines for Christmas, so you can see what sort of wait time there is for these weekend workshops.</div>
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The class would have us making an envelope cushion cover for a 16" cushion. You could either bring your own supplies, or buy them at the shop. I opted to buy my fabric from <a href="https://secure.designerfabrics.ca/shop/scripts/" target="_blank">Designer Fabrics</a> (whoa, that website) but got the thread and pillow form from The Workroom ($3 for Mettler thread spool, $9 for a 16" inner cushion). It was the perfect class atmosphere when walking in; sun pouring through the bay windows, creaky hardwood floor, colourful fabrics lining the walls; in my world of cubicles and boardrooms, it was refreshing to be in a place that actually wanted you to enjoy yourself while learning.<span id="goog_1803316734"></span><span id="goog_1803316735"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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Not my photo, but there was a dog there as well. Maisy trotted and lay around the shop, occasionally getting tangled in a sewing machine or two.</div>
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The first 45 minutes of class was just talk; how to thread the machine, stitch types, spacing, learning what each part does, what not to touch, common mistakes, common remedies; I don't think there's a single feature on the machine that I'm left wondering about. Most of us were taught on new Bernina machines with digital displays, but there are some manual machines for those who want something a bit more relatable (unless you have $1,400 lying around).</div>
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Once we got into sewing, we learned to cut from a pattern, overlock the edges, and iron the folds as we prepared to sew. I'll definitely be a fan of outlining the pattern with chalk because cutting along paper? Nope. Once the groundwork was laid out, we got to sewing. I can't really explain this part without being both long-winded and boring, so let's just say it turned out to be this!</div>
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Really quite proud. The seams are straight, the corners are squared, and it's designed to be just small enough for a firm, tight fit.</div>
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I'm definitely interested in taking more of The Workroom's classes (I'd love to work with leather or alter my own clothes), but in the mean time, this is all I need! As I mentioned in the <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/im-going-on-adventure.html" target="_blank">first post</a>, I want to make my own curtains, and this is really simply enough! The hardest part now will be finding a fabric that works in our tiny living room. Any suggests for a white room with brown carpet, black furniture, and turquoise accents? Didn't think so.</div>
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I'll be sure to update here when I make my curtains and see how my sewing knowledge holds up.</div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-24386644290892302652014-02-22T22:56:00.000-05:002014-02-27T12:06:31.609-05:00Out With The Old: Replacing Kitchen Necessities<i>Apologies if this seems incomplete. This was posted a week ago and for some reason reverted itself to a draft and erased everything I finished! </i><br />
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This week, I was able to replace 3 items in my kitchen that have been on the chopping block for a while; the garbage bin, the dish dryer, and the kettle. In a previous post, I had mentioned wanting to replace the kettle and dish dryer, so I wanted to provide a mini-review on all of these items and maybe a few points to think of when replacing items you're likely to be using every day.<br />
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<b>Garbage Bin</b><br />
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Garbage bins are not really something I find myself that passionate about, in fact I only wanted to replace it because I had been using the same $20 white Rubbermaid one since 2007. Even that was only ever supposed to be a temporary replacement for the tiny push-pedal bin my roommate currently had in our kitchen.<br />
I realize I didn't take a "before" shot of the kitchen from the right angle to show the garbage can, but this is what was there:<br />
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I don't really understand people with little garbage cans in the kitchen; I've always seen the kitchen as just a giant garbage generator and it's only doubled when your city doesn't recycle plastic bags. As a guilty confession, we also don't compost. We were given a small compost bin on move-in day so that it could be taken out to the green bin on a regular basis, but between the lack of space and what might happen if we didn't take it out frequently enough, I opted out. I really should start though, because my fridge crisper spends most of its time as a composter anyway...<br />
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A surprising amount of thought goes into a garbage bin replacement. Factors to consider:<br />
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<ul>
<li><u>Style</u> (click to see what I mean, as I am not a connoisseur of wastebaskets) - <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rubbermaid-11-8l-open-wastebasket-1424017p.html#.UwEMXGRDtJM" target="_blank">open-top</a>, <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/cuisinart-stainless-steel-half-round-step-can-40l-0429901p.html#.UwELpmRDtJM" target="_blank">step-cans</a>, <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/50-l-black-swing-trash-can-1428286p.html" target="_blank">swing-top</a>, <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rev-A-Shelf-35-quart-Pull-Out-Waste-Container-RV-12PB/202855931?N=5yc1vZc3uk" target="_blank">in-cabinet</a>, <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/16-l-and-18-l-stacking-garbage-bin-1428267p.html#.UwEMamRDtJM" target="_blank">stacking</a>, <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8427908.htm" target="_blank">touch-top</a>, <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/42-l-sensor-trash-can-1428269p.html#.UwEMa2RDtJM" target="_blank">sensors</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/9044-Umbra-Visor-Step-Garbage-Can-Nickel.aspx" target="_blank">visor</a>, or your good old fashioned <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/garbage-can-75-l-0429750p.html#.UwEMH2RDtJM" target="_blank">garbage can</a></li>
<li><u>Material</u> - plastic, metal, wood, wicker. I imagine there are poor decisions too, like hemp or fabric.</li>
<li><u>Finish/Colour</u> - if it's metal, is it brushed or painted; if it's plastic, is it metallic, what colour, etc.</li>
<li><u>Shape & Capacity</u> - this could really be expressed as a ratio if you know exactly what you want, but you need to be able to fit it in the space you have, while making sure it's big enough to serve its purpose. Tall and skinny could fit the same amount of short and fat, so see what's practical for your space.</li>
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I wanted swing-top, brushed metal, tall and skinny. I can't even show you a Google image of what that looks like, so obviously I didn't get it. Anything that would look like that would be well over $100 anyway, so it was time to compromise. The only thing I could find in my price range was an Umbra can that was plastic made to look like metal, and even that was $50. Hell no. All metal seemed to be $80 up and I just can't justify that amount of money for something that holds garbage.<br />
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So, how did exactly I pay $3.25 for a brush aluminium garbage bin? It helps when your workplace holds a contest for best Olympic outfit and you have a 2010 hockey jersey which earns you the prize of a $25 <a href="http://www.homesense.ca/en/index.asp" target="_blank">Homesense</a> gift card. Homesense is great for items that are a little bit different, but it hasn't actually occurred to me to explore it in this little transformation. Until my last trip, I was considering this, despite my distaste for foot pedals.<br />
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However when I went to actually buy it, I walked in and saw a touch-top aluminium one waiting at the front door. Price: $70 marked down to $25. I was - and still am - a bit hesitant with touch-tops just because it's a little plastic part that makes the whole device function. That being said, this was a 50L can as opposed to the 30L, and for $10 cheaper. In the end, I was paying the tax on $25 so what do I care if this $3.25 garbage can ends up falling apart in a month?<br />
... I care. I do. Please don't die.<br />
My final deciding factor: when I went to compare these two side-by-side, the bottom of the step-pedal popped off. We have a winner!<br />
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This also happens to fit much better because it's round and means the cupboard beside it (where our recycling is kept) can be opened a little wider than before. So far my favourite replacement.<br />
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<b>Kettle</b><br />
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And in second place, the little kettle that could. This past weekend I performed the purge and included the electric kettle in the Goodwill bags, since I had just gotten the parcel slip notifying me that my new one was waiting for me at the post office (the kettle that I expressed adoration for <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/my-tiny-apartment-wishlist.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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I've never been good with measurements. Joke all you want, but I thought a 6-inch-wide kettle would be the size of a normal kettle, so when I was handed a box no larger than a bag of sugar, I was a bit miffed. A kettle emerged, looking a bit different from what I thought I saw in the photos.<br />
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Cute as a button though, right? It doesn't show in photos but it's actually quite dirty near the handle and spout. As you can see, the inside of the handle is chipped away in a straight line (which did not look this noticeable in the photos), and there's also a solid black mark near the bottom on the other side. It looks like someone used this for camping, but a good clean would have been appreciated before sending it out.<br />
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On the stove, for scale. It's the exact size of a small element and I'm guessing just barely fills my tea pot. In the end, it's all I actually need, and it's a nice little piece that serves its function. It also means it not only takes up zero counter space, but won't even be a problem if the stove gets a bit crowded (which it tends to do). But as a tip for those of you who like to shop online, make sure you understand how large an inch is before ordering.<br />
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<b>Dish Dryer</b><br />
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If you recall, I ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Better-Houseware-1483-Junior-Folding/dp/B003LNYUH2/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390776980&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=foling+dish+rack" target="_blank">this</a> from Amazon to replace the plastic cesspool I was using before. It folds and takes up essentially no room, while also never developing a greasy red ecosystem for you to wonder about in a couple years. However, I wish it was just an inch wider. I didn't pay attention to the "Junior" part of the listing and it seems that it's only meant for small dishes; it can hold my large plates, but I don't have much faith that a firm nudge would knock them all down. On the spikes meant to hold cups and glasses, it only holds shallow glasses that need the lower sense of gravity for its own support. Taller glasses just slip right off. However, I'm keeping it as motivation to not let the dishes pile up, as it still fits a good amount for its size.<br />
Something else I didn't consider: nowhere to put cutlery. I will have to investigate options for this that don't include just throwing forks wherever.<br />
Since there's no draining tray, I invested in two <a href="http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/11671-Harman-Essential-Microfiber-Drying-Mat-Grey.aspx" target="_blank">microfibre drying mats</a> from Kitchen Stuff Plus; one fits perfectly under the rack with some room to spare, while the other will go elsewhere to accommodate large pots and bowls (which really never fit in the old rack anyway).Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-19076219878619995762014-02-06T14:33:00.000-05:002014-02-27T09:56:47.341-05:00Organization Part One: The Kitchen<i>Warning: this is long, which is why it's taken so long to put together. Consider the photos to be dividers, if you're interested in a particular section.</i><br />
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Despite my petite abode, this current kitchen is probably one of the nicest and most practical that I've lived in over the years (except yours, Mum & Dad). Most of my other apartments had homemade cabinets, too few cabinets, shelves too far apart, no counter space; it was just never the right combination.<br />
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The kitchen at my old bachelor. Much larger and brighter, but homemade cabinets with very poorly utilized space inside. The cutlery drawer is that white ajar panel under the counter and was not a drawer so much as a wooden box inside of another wooden box. And yes, I chose that colour of yellow.<br />
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The only things I dislike about my current kitchen setup is that it could use a tiny bit more space, and that space would ideally house a dishwasher. I would give limbs for a dishwasher. Otherwise, there isn't any wasted space, there are cabinets everywhere there could be, and the shelves are many with just the right amount of space.<br />
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... and yet, of everywhere I've lived, I've never had enough storage space. I think kitchens might just be one of those things where you have to own one of everything ever made if you ever want to be able to have a useful kitchen. I've pared down as much as I can and yet I find I am left wanting.<br />
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I recently journeyed to the wonderful, magical land that is <a href="https://www.solutions-stores.ca/" target="_blank">Solutions</a>, where everything is made of wire and plastic and only wants to make your life easier.<br />
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If you're not hyper-organized, this place will turn you. From the moment I set foot in these stores, I wish for everything to have its own bin and every wall to be made only of shelves. It seems this store also sells good intentions, because I bought some sock organizers a year ago and only recently used them to organize my drawer... of utensils. The prices aren't bad either - about what you would expect for some wire shelving and plastic jewellery organizers - but I admit there are probably a couple things here you could find at Wal-Mart if you're really looking to save (literally) a buck. The selection isn't even a battle though, so if you're actively trying to do an overhaul, why would you? I don't have a car and infinite amounts of patience to deal with the crowds at my local Wal-Mart, so I risk it.</div>
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There's also <a href="http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Stuff Plus</a>; another franchise armed with good intentions, this is more for gadgets and kitchen furnishings, but there are some great storage components too. Specializing in, uh, kitchens, there's also some crossover into living rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms. About the same price structure as Solutions (by the way, they both stock Umbra), and they're great at having clearances and warehouse sales in places that urbanites can't access.</div>
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Shopping at Solutions provided for a very large, clumsy, and destructive trip home on the subway (and through a grocery store...) since I ended up buying large wire shelving. In the end, this was my shopping list for the kitchen:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.solutions-stores.ca/ecommerce/control/product/~category_id=010005003004/~product_id=40109" target="_blank">Expanding helper shelves</a> - $10.99 x4 (more probably coming)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.solutions-stores.ca/ecommerce/control/product/~category_id=010005003002/~product_id=40099" target="_blank">Small helper shelves</a> - $4.99 x2</li>
<li><a href="http://www.solutions-stores.ca/ecommerce/control/product/~category_id=010005002001/~product_id=40107" target="_blank">Wrap rack</a> $4.99</li>
<li><a href="http://www.solutions-stores.ca/ecommerce/control/product/~category_id=010005/~product_id=38538" target="_blank">Acrylic cabinet organizer</a> - $14.99</li>
<li>Over-the-door paper towel holder - $11.99 (not sure why this isn't on their website)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.solutions-stores.ca/ecommerce/control/product/~category_id=010003001002/~product_id=14808" target="_blank">Stemware holder</a> - $6.99</li>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/0mlt6O6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/0mlt6O6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The beauty of organizational stores is finding what you didn't know you needed. My first example was the wrap rack, which is specifically made to hold boxes of aluminium foil and sandwich bags. The idea of having one piece of hardware to specifically hold one kind of item seems ridiculous, so I bought it.</div>
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What? Up until this moment, foil and bags had been raining upon my head from the top shelf of the highest cabinet! They were those things that on moving day I kind of pushed to the side and realized I hadn't left room for once I unpacked all the cabinets, so they lived on top of a casserole dish. This was $5 well spent, honestly. </div>
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<i>Addie's tip for morons:</i> Make sure to measure the boxes you'll be using it for before installing the rack. I initially drilled the holes an inch too high and the foil wouldn't fit. *grumble*</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/QuHlTJp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://i.imgur.com/6HkJRw4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/6HkJRw4.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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Second on the "didn't know you needed it" list (and a preview of my newly cleared counter) is the stemware holder! I'm a bit miffed - I planned on installing this in our pass-through liquor cabinet so the glasses could hang and look prettier, but it ended up being too wide to fit in there. With the <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/how-not-to-install-magnetic-knife-strip.html" target="_blank">recent revelation</a> that I would never be needing that cement wall by the sink, I decided to fill in some of that empty space by hanging my glasses over the sink. I also take comfort in knowing that this location means I'll never have to fill my dish drainer with giant wine glasses again.</div>
<i>Addie's tip for morons: </i>Empty the above cabinet before you start hammering into the bottom. Just as I was listening to my beer glass collection clink and thought to myself, "I should probably empty this", I heard the shatter of one of my favourite glasses.<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/0RXugEZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/0RXugEZ.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't know I needed it until I knew it it existed. Once I moved the stemware from this liquor cabinet, I saw the perfect opportunity to display my beer glass collection, but was acutely aware of how large my collection was. I would have been (and still would be) happy with some clear plastic shelves to stack, but that was not an option. When I first discovered these cabinet organizers (primarily used for spices) in clear plastic, I thought of this immediately and returned to Solutions for just that. Of course there isn't a perfect size (this one would ideally be 6" longer), but I've stacked what I can on the 3 levels so that you can see the glasses (not from my height, obviously). The ends are stacked in front and on two square vases that don't get used much. Ideal? No. Especially since I now can't open the front part of this cabinet since I don't know how much the glasses are leaning, but it's freed up more cabinet space than you could know.</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/QuHlTJp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/QuHlTJp.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This has been my favourite kitchen organization so far. I've cleaned out and organized this cabinet more times than I can count, but I would need one cleaning wipe and somehow it would trash the entire cupboard. I'm happy to say that since putting in these expanding shelves, I've used many items and everything is still where it was. As you can see, I fooled myself into thinking I was organized with a cleaning tote. It looked so stylish. It had a handle. How could I have gone wrong?</div>
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You'll notice the dish drainer is no longer present. This was initially an accident, but my folding dish drainer arrives tomorrow so who cares! Paper towels have jumped cupboards and now reside with the linens (more on that later).</div>
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Paper towel holder has re-located from the counter to the cupboard. One shelf is for laundry, one is for cleaning, middle section is everything Swiffer.</div>
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Yes, the spoon served a purpose. I have so many rolls of tape that I had them on the spoon wedged into the cleaning tote... okay, I'm making myself sad now.</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/SPBIkyi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/SPBIkyi.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to say this also resembles the "after" photo! I added in the small shelf helpers to avoid the stacking scenario I had going on. You know what's stupid? 12 cabinets and only ONE contains food. My goal is to make so much room in the kitchen that maybe I can have one and a half, like the dreamer I really am.</div>
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I'll admit it's hard to initially find a system of what goes where, but it's been so much easier to navigate just knowing the different levels.</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/gQmqYwJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/gQmqYwJ.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't have a "before" photo of the baking cupboard, but imagine those Rubbermaids just hanging out in the cupboard with stuff pouring out and stacked on top. It's not much different, of course, but at least now I'm able to keep things like the food scale and rolling pin in good company. Again, more shelves. Useful, but did create a problem when items were too tall (like the now orphaned flour). Will probably have to re-visit this in coming months.</div>
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<b>BEFORE & AFTER</b></div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/aa9ChMx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/aa9ChMx.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/OKAL6ju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/OKAL6ju.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's not done yet, but there's significant progress. Obviously there's the knife block and the paper towels, but it also dawned on me that my cooking utensils bucket was designed to be hung on this rail. Duh. I also realized I had a smaller matching one that hadn't been used in years (all IKEA, by the way) so I tossed the plastic buckets for these. The baking trays are meant to be temporary, but for reasons I don't care to explain, they tend to spend a lot of time out of the oven drawer, so we'll see.</div>
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A change I made before I started this was those under-shelf baskets over the stove. Had them for years and they were a bit useless, but I re-purposed them as fruit & veggie baskets so that I could (you guessed it) clear up more counter space.</div>
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To come: dish drainer, <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/my-tiny-apartment-wishlist.html" target="_blank">new kettle</a>, more shelf helpers for my larger shelves under the counter, possibly another storage rail for pots and pans.</div>
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I'm exhausted just reading this. If you've gotten this far, thank you for a) reading all of this, or b) skipping to the last sentence after skimming.</div>
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Any suggestions for further kitchen harmony?</div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-19519175422882125572014-01-30T20:00:00.000-05:002014-01-30T20:00:54.858-05:00How (not) to install a magnetic knife stripA few months ago, I cut myself three times washing knifes and what turned out to be a shattered glass hiding in the dishwater. Then a couple minutes later, I cut an apple and sliced open my thumb to the point of nearly going for stitches. So it seems wise to start keeping my knives in an open space.<br />
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Blood loss be damned though, I need more counter space! My knife set turned out to be one of my favourite Christmas gifts (even if it does have it out for me), but like many people in small apartments, I have no counter space for the knife block. I've never particularly liked magnetic knife strips, but I'm a girl on a mission and I'll sacrifice my own personal taste if it means there's room for a few more dishes to collect by the sink.<br />
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I picked out <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20202083/" target="_blank">FINTORP</a> for this purpose and actually performed the elusive mission of "popping into IKEA to grab one thing" and do you know how hard it is to RUN through the showroom because you couldn't possibly trace your way to the kitchenwares through the warehouse?<br />
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Before I get started, I think I should make one thing clear in case it hasn't been adequately communicated so far: <u>I make things really complicated</u>. Not on purpose, but it seems like every time I try to do one simple thing as a project, it turns into a 2-week-long debacle. Even "I'll just quickly throw up this light fixture" turned into a 2-hour nuisance. This story is peppered with moments like that, but here was the base of my problem (literally): the wall I planned to mount this on is the only cement wall in the whole apartment. My bachelor apartment was 100% cement, so I know that it is impossible to drill into without a special drill that I sort of despise. I decided to improvise...<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/noqu8hT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/noqu8hT.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The red box pictured here is my fail-safe for everything that is going to be temporary, won't take a nail, or simply involves enough work that my laziness takes over. I thought Velcro mounting tape could do just as fine of a job mounting a magnetic knife strip, and hey, I wasn't wrong.<br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/rDK43GY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/rDK43GY.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was two layers of Velcro tape because one layer wasn't thick enough to reach the wall from the inside of the strip. Two layers was too much (go figure) and it wobbled and creaked and threatened to detach itself every time I wanted an apple. For what's it's worth, this stayed up for over a week before I took it down so if you really are just looking to put it on the wall with no notion of quality, go nuts! Otherwise, plan B. (Note: properly mounting things to the wall with hardware should not be plan B)</div>
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If you refer to my <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/couch-so-long-klippan.html" target="_blank">kitchen photos before</a>, you'll see there aren't a lot of appropriate walls to store stabby items upon that aren't this one. This is key knowledge when you consider where I ended up putting it.</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/Yv3Yhue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/Yv3Yhue.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So now to reach the sharp objects, I have to reach over a heat source. Before you lecture me, I intend to make less use of this particular burner. However, I only have one large element so yes, I made chilli on it.</div>
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Here's another Addie moment, which I will describe as a series of events:</div>
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- Find perfectly sized drill bit</div>
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- Start drilling; drill bit breaks</div>
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- Get slightly larger drill bit; drill holes</div>
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- Holes are too big for the screws</div>
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- Attempt to compensate with wall anchors</div>
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- Anchors are too big; drill bigger holes</div>
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- Insert anchors; one hole is too small and anchor gets stuck</div>
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- Pull a muscle prying the decimated anchor out of the wall; drill bigger hole</div>
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- Other hole is too big, anchor hangs around the hole</div>
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- Hope for the best and screw everything in</div>
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- Drink</div>
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I like it though, mainly because it frees up a good amount of counter space. Unfortunately, my steak knives didn't make the cut and have been relegated to the cutlery drawer. You will see before/after shots of how much more room there is on the counter in my next post, so try to not to die from anticipation.</div>
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I should end with a question, right? Okay, one that no one else has a problem answering for me.</div>
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What would you have done differently??</div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-75915314330128315662014-01-26T18:41:00.000-05:002014-02-27T12:19:02.343-05:00My Tiny Apartment WishlistI created this blog primarily as a way to keep track of things I plan to do or have done, and as a way to remember. So often I'll have a great idea and later on it sort of just trickles away and I'm stuck with no inspiration to solve a previously existing problem. In the process of this makeover, I've discovered so many nifty gadgets or beautiful items that are perfect for my apartment (ranging from home decor to furniture), so I wanted to both remember them and share with you if you're also looking for inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20217522/#/80217524" target="_blank">BJURSTA</a> Wall-mounted, drop-leaf table</div>
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$49.99 - IKEA</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/bjursta-wall-mounted-drop-leaf-table__0140818_PE300817_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/bjursta-wall-mounted-drop-leaf-table__0140818_PE300817_S4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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With thanks to my lovely friend Janet, this was thrust to the top of my wishlist immediately. I had been looking for something exactly like this to solve the fact that I don't have a desk. Since we don't have a lot of space for a new piece of furniture (and to be honest my laptop would only spend 50% of its time there anyway), this is PEFECT. It even turns into a small shelf when the leaf is dropped. The price is really reasonable, although I'm peeved that when I first found it 3 days ago, it was $10 cheaper. Dammit.</div>
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/lighting/lampersand" target="_blank">"Lampersand"</a></div>
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$89.99 - ModCloth</div>
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<a href="http://girloncanvas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120911-215030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://girloncanvas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120911-215030.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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Isn't it beautiful? It's a splurge, I know, but I just love everything about how it looks! This won't be mine for a while, but once I get my pipe & plank shelves together, this will look perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Better-Houseware-1483-Junior-Folding/dp/B003LNYUH2/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390776980&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=foling+dish+rack" target="_blank">Folding Dish Drainer</a></div>
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$16.49 - Amazon</div>
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<a href="http://photos.foter.com/a190/better-houseware-3489-5-folding-dish-rack-metallic-silver-1890055_300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos.foter.com/a190/better-houseware-3489-5-folding-dish-rack-metallic-silver-1890055_300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our dish drainer is really quite awful. Cheap, flimsy, white plastic (though I'd be lying to say it's still white by now); it's big, clunky, and this weird red film has started to develop on the tray. It's so gross I can't even bring myself to clean it. About a year ago I saw a neat double-tiered one at a bath warehouse, but then I realized the better solution - folding! The problem becomes virtually non-existent. It looks small but the layer on the bottom and the points to hold cups and glasses actually makes it very useful.</div>
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I've actually already ordered this, but it won't ship for 3 weeks. Worse than that is I forgot to buy a draining mat to go with it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/200894687119?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648" target="_blank">CD/DVD Wallets</a></div>
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$18.99 + shipping - eBay</div>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/qW8AAOxy66pRrDHr/$(KGrHqVHJCEFDLpKJ0+SBRrDHrVTE!~~60_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/qW8AAOxy66pRrDHr/$(KGrHqVHJCEFDLpKJ0+SBRrDHrVTE!~~60_57.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why, right? If you remember, <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/im-going-on-adventure.html" target="_blank">I mentioned my problem with DVD storage</a>. There's been a recent brainwave, but it does require bringing back this out-of-date storage system. More on that later.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/321301569985?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648" target="_blank">Tea Kettle</a></div>
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$<strike>10.98</strike> $36.01* + shipping - eBay</div>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTYwWDcyMA==/z/2CwAAOxyVaBS2ybW/$_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTYwWDcyMA==/z/2CwAAOxyVaBS2ybW/$_57.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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In addition to being cute as a button, a traditional kettle (instead of the electric one I've had since my freshman year of college) is going to take up less counter room. Yes, it will consume one burner on my electric stove, but it's a non-issue; I rarely cook with more than one burner and when I do, it's for one. Easy.</div>
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I swear to god if anyone goes and bids on this I'll find your IP and ping you off the internet. Dibs.<br />
<i>*[Edited to Add: changed the price because SOME people had to go and bid on it, so it ended up costing me quite a bit more. But, I'm brilliant. Want to know why it was $36.01? Because I watched a lot of Price is Right in my day and my 1 cent rule on eBay FINALLY paid off because the previous bidder had $36. Bam]</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80251706/#/70159100" target="_blank">LACK Shelves</a></div>
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$19.99 - IKEA</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/lack-wall-shelf__60204_PE166208_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/lack-wall-shelf__60204_PE166208_S4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nothing exciting here. Something to contain the many trinkets we have collected on top of our bookshelf so that we may one day actually see surfaces in our apartment. Cheap, and matches my furniture. Now accepting applications for help putting them up.</div>
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Coat Hooks with Shelf</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/028/0/7014398/il_570xN.532204031_m1a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/028/0/7014398/il_570xN.532204031_m1a5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/170945898/custom-made-shelves?ref=favs_view_4" target="_blank">this</a> particular shelf from Etsy, but to get one that looks like this it's $90 plus shipping which brings it to almost double that. I really like reclaimed wood, but it's so hard for me to justify the price for what is essentially still used wood. Still on the lookout for something that would fit, but I need to replace my coat hooks and a shelf for small items is never unwelcome in a tiny apartment. Closest I've found is <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Prepac-BEC-4816-Sonoma-Entryway-Cubbie/dp/B001KW0D8G/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_1" target="_blank">this</a> on Amazon, but it comes in a bit too long.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20213538/" target="_blank">GRUNDTAL Rail</a></div>
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$8.99 - IKEA</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/grundtal-rail__0143865_PE303284_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/grundtal-rail__0143865_PE303284_S4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Big empty space on the kitchen wall + need for storage = hanging pots and pans from a kitchen rail.</div>
Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-36123085807089474972014-01-23T22:30:00.001-05:002014-01-23T22:30:37.575-05:00Things I Like: My Spice Rack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gy2fp_NbX4c/UuCwDuYf1VI/AAAAAAAABDE/F52h1uQLk-Y/s1600/DSC_0642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gy2fp_NbX4c/UuCwDuYf1VI/AAAAAAAABDE/F52h1uQLk-Y/s1600/DSC_0642.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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I won't lie, I'm between paycheques right now and that sort of stalls any progress on my apartment overhaul. But in my years of tiny living, I've acquired some nifty tools that I think are also worth a mention.</div>
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I like to bake. Cooking isn't my friend, but I do like to bake, and over the years spices have crept into my cupboards to the point where I now have the same amount as my Mum, and, well, I guess that's adulthood. You don't expect it. With varying sizes of jars and bags floating around in my two rubbermaid baking bins (also a remedy that's going to take some thought), something had to be done. It's already bad enough I have to haul the two bins down every time I want so much as a mug brownie, but it seemed a bit absurd to keep the dill in the highest corner of the kitchen (this reference only really makes sense if you know that I add dill to damn near everything).<div>
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Sometimes you need to spend a bit more than you expected to get just the right thing, and that's definitely the case here. I bought this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/108303535/large-diy-kit-15-off-large-4-oz-magnetic?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">set of 12 magnetic spice jars</a> from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/GneissSpice?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Gneiss Spice</a> on Etsy over a year ago. In two sizes - 4oz and 1.5oz - these hexagonal jars (also available in round) come with magnets on the inside of the lids so they stick to any metal surface (my fridge). Gneiss also offers custom wall plates for them (with neat options like 'rustic') in case you have the space to have them on your wall. In which case, get out of my blog you yuppie.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wvxlmQ9Q88/UuCwB7Bb76I/AAAAAAAABC8/UMg2ghXFchA/s1600/DSC_0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wvxlmQ9Q88/UuCwB7Bb76I/AAAAAAAABC8/UMg2ghXFchA/s1600/DSC_0639.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would suggest choosing the 4oz size, since the 1.5oz jars hold quite honestly very little; a glass McCormick spice jar is about 1.5oz, so if you buy the big Club House shakers (or bags) like I used to, then you definitely need the big ones. After buying these, you might as well do you shopping at Bulk Barn to save any waste. I confess that I did throw out quite a bit of seasoning when I first got them because I didn't see the point if I'd have to hang onto the shakers for the months (or years) it would take to use up the remainder.<br /><div>
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You've probably seen something like this before. If you're like me, it was probably at IKEA.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/grundtal-container__57356_PE162920_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/grundtal-container__57356_PE162920_S4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grundtal. Same concept, non?</div>
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Yes, and if money truly is your main driving factor and/or you don't use your spice collection enough to justify the cost of Etsy, then I wouldn't bother either. I did consider it though and here is why I chose the jars over the canisters:</div>
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<li>Appearance - the jars had much more style and the interlocking shapes seemed much more appealing (as well as spatially economic)</li>
<li>Capacity - even the largest Grundtal containers don't hold as much as the 4oz jars</li>
<li>Weight - the canisters don't hold as much while staying in the same place; the magnets are just weaker</li>
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The newer sets even include spice labels! I really wish these had been around when I ordered since I Sharpied spice names on the jar lids and now there are permanent black smears all over my landlord's white fridge... oops.</div>
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So that's just my little tip if you have a lot of spices (if you don't, you're probably under 25 or male), and one more handy way to store them. Though really, any spice rack is better than nothing. Just remember to use labels correctly or else you'll be looking for oregano one day and basically cross your fingers the green leafy one is right...</div>
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I mean, theoretically.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KPr8fAbfPI/UuCv_Petc8I/AAAAAAAABC0/4KJER36XDI4/s1600/DSC_0648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KPr8fAbfPI/UuCv_Petc8I/AAAAAAAABC0/4KJER36XDI4/s1600/DSC_0648.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fun fact: these things hurt like a mother when you hit your head off them coming up from the fridge.</div>
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<i>Cost: $68 + shipping</i></div>
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<i>Source: Etsy</i></div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-6311765622305508352014-01-21T01:11:00.001-05:002014-01-21T14:50:24.868-05:00Mason Jar Light: Not-so DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxyJRzW8X5M/Ut3-ik8_fbI/AAAAAAAAA-k/4p7MHYb8xm0/s1600/DSC_0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxyJRzW8X5M/Ut3-ik8_fbI/AAAAAAAAA-k/4p7MHYb8xm0/s1600/DSC_0636.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
Ooooo had to get out the fancy camera this time. Don't get used to it, it's just impossible to photograph a light bulb.<br />
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Kyle and I are at a constant tug-a-war with the living room light. I like the corner lamp because it's a soft light, and lights everything in a pretty inoffensive way; he hates it because it's too dark and claims he can't see anything. He likes the ceiling light fixture with its two fluorescent bulbs because everything is very clearly lit; I hate it because you could do open-heart surgery by it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zWp6eLSKT0/Ut4Dvm4LaQI/AAAAAAAAA_I/AjTleHNmP0Q/s1600/IMG_20140120_220326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zWp6eLSKT0/Ut4Dvm4LaQI/AAAAAAAAA_I/AjTleHNmP0Q/s1600/IMG_20140120_220326.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
That's not why I wanted a new light fixture though. I just couldn't help but realize that I've been living with these same dome lights pretty much my entire life no matter where I was, and that maybe something fresh and different would be the key factor in truly changing the image of the apartment. My inner hipster loves anything with mason jars and since I've relapsed with my Etsy addiction lately, this seemed like a great idea.<br />
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Most DIY tutorials will walk you through how to put together a light socket kit, but as much as I want to be handy, I have no desire to start anything to do with wiring. I needed more than one pendant to make sure the room would be properly lit, so I picked up <a href="http://www.lowes.ca/multi-light-pendants/portfolio-set-of-3-nickel-mini-pendant-light-fixtures_g1309356.html?linkloc=cataLogProductItemsImage&linkloc=reCanonical" target="_blank">this 3 mini-pendant light fixture</a> from Lowes ($62 with tax - this definitely would have been cheaper had I done it myself). I also got 3 wide-mouth mason jars from Micheals (total $14 with tax) - one large, two medium. That was the easy part.<br />
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My Dad has enough tools to - I think, anyway - officially call the basement a workshop. This is lucky, as I don't own a hole saw to cut through the lids. He did this for me in the time that it probably would have taken me to identify what a hole saw looked like, and I was sent home with my newly cut jar lids and my light fixture, ready to put up.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U__n9ma0vjU/Ut4FLiwuPLI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/lVbvl_yExWs/s1600/IMG_20140120_015613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U__n9ma0vjU/Ut4FLiwuPLI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/lVbvl_yExWs/s1600/IMG_20140120_015613.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It looks like a science experiment or octopus torture chamber.</div>
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Not true, however, and this is something that no DIY tutorial told me. You need to drill a couple tiny holes in the top of the lids to allow heat that builds up from the light bulb to escape. Mason jars have one function - to trap air. If that heat builds up, I can only assume you'll have glass and filament raining upon you someday. Not hard at all though!<br />
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Remember to wear safety glasses in case of falling debris. Or if you don't have safety glasses, grab those Urban Outfitters glasses you bought last summer that you thought would look cool but actually look awful and were a waste of $16 and for some reason you haven't thrown them out. They'll do in a pinch. But throw them out after, k?<br />
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See that sweater? Trade that in for a t-shirt too. I was gasping by the end.</div>
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The short list of things I like about this apartment includes the fact that I have access to my breaker box; it makes this much easier and well, possible. You better turn off the power to this particular light. Of course you have no idea what any of these do.<br />
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Good thing your hyper-organized friend got you 5 colours of Post-Its and pens for Christmas. Take this chance to label which ones do what and turn off the right one once you find it.<br />
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One last note on safety.... DO NOT DO THIS:<br />
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I don't own a ladder, but a step stool on a coffee table that I've already admitted only has 3 functioning legs is not an acceptable cause of death. Don't let the fact that I'm alive to write this fool you into thinking it's safe. I'm an idiot, remember.<br />
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After that it was your basic dismantling. I used <a href="http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2011/03/idiots-guide-how-to-change-light.html#.Ut4F52Qo5cx" target="_blank">this</a> as a guideline on how to switch out a light fixture. I guess it went smoothly enough, except that when it came time to put the new base in, I couldn't figure out why the new screws didn't seem to fit. This could be why:<br />
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So I used the old screws to fit the new base. Hope they don't crumble and die though, 'cause they seemed to be as old as the building.<br />
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Full disclosure, this isn't perfect. As you can see, it's an external base, unlike most places which would have a nice hole here. Because of this, the peg on my new light fixture ended up being too long, and so the fixture hung about an inch from the ceiling. I frantically paced back and forth for several minutes before the obvious solution occurred to me; the same solution I used for the screws. Use old parts.<br />
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I call it the nipple, for obvious and mature reasons, but it's the piece off the old dome fixture that filled in that hollow space between the bolt and the base. I plan on it being temporary, but unless I can find a nickel finish version of this, I guess it's not the worst thing if it sticks. Open to suggestions!<br />
Yes, there's a tiny bit of cable peaking out. It's taunting me.<br />
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My face must have looked like Christmas when I switched the power back on and everything, well, worked. Not only that, but the lighting was perfect; it was the perfect balance between the open-heart surgery light and the too-dark lamp. The glass cast some cool subtle shadows across the apartment as well (because they hang lower, the light now shines through the liquor cabinet), and the tiny holes in the top provided a fun pattern on the ceiling.<br />
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In terms of bulbs, these are 60W candelabra sockets. I ended up using 40W clear bulbs (store was out of frosted - I'd like to try those so it's easier to look at), but I tested some 25W Edison bulbs before them. They were brighter than I expected, but just not quite bright enough to light the room to a decent level.<br />
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So that's how we pulled off the mason jar light fixture - sort of DIY. I'm happy with the result, and I'd do it for my entryway light if we wouldn't become known as the people obsessed with mason jars.<br />
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<i>Cost of Light: $62 + $14</i><br />
<i>Source: Lowes, Micheals</i>Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-47878148857059744822014-01-19T02:46:00.000-05:002014-01-20T00:16:21.164-05:00Couch: So long, KlippanYou've seen my couch before; everyone has seen my couch before. It's every student's first piece of furniture that wasn't poached from a curb, and it's not even a couch at all. The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/S49898143/#/S79875748" target="_blank">Klippan love seat</a> is a rather large love seat that can fit 3 people no problem (as long as they like each other), where as the sofa version is kind of massive and expensive. I actually got my Klippan off of Kijiji nearly 7 years ago when I moved into my first apartment; 99 bucks, and she even threw in a free Lack table! During the one year I didn't have a black slip cover on, it was beige, as can be seen here (in my faithful old bachelor circa 2011).<br />
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7 moves, 4 homes, several summers in storage, and one unfortunate incident of the left arm caving in during one of the many transporting endeavours. I'm pretty liberal with spilling things as well, and it was getting a bit silly to be turning away guests because my couch couldn't hold anyone over 3'10". I've also acquired an extra person over the years and I guess he wants somewhere to sit too.<br />
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In October, my lovely family provided a graduation gift to me of $500 to be used specifically for a couch. I was stoked and very thankful, but a quick peak into the furniture market showed that $500 was not as lavish as I was expecting. That was the cost of the standard (real) couch at IKEA, but then there was tax, delivery, and OH CRAP assembling IKEA furniture. Next.<br />
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I ventured back into the world of used furniture with several parametres that you should also follow if you're looking to replace your tiny furniture:<br />
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<li>Less than 90", more than 70" <i>(Measure all available space as well as your current unit - my Klippan was 70")</i></li>
<li>Under $500 <i>(or whatever your budget is)</i></li>
<li>In brand new condition <i>(no point upgrading your furniture just to end up with someone else's crap)</i></li>
<li>Easy to assemble <i>(if you want your relationship to last, this is crucial)</i></li>
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Kijiji and Craigslist are the worst. People who don't respond, people who don't speak English, people who sell things out from under you (thanks, Kathy in North York). It's work. So it was a miracle when I found my new sofa, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/S09840535/#/S29840520" target="_blank">Karlstad</a>. Also IKEA, brand new condition, only $350, and leaves me with $150 leftover to throw back into my fix-up fund! So I rented an Autoshare cargo mini-van, had many problems getting out of the parking garage in a vehicle 3x the size I prefer to drive, and picked it up. 4 big pieces, and cushions. Seriously, those were all the parts. My boyfriend pretty much put it together single-handedly in just over half an hour!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCbRa6Kwjm0/UtuAlxZa71I/AAAAAAAAA98/6ticLUNAdjs/s1600/IMG_20140117_205913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCbRa6Kwjm0/UtuAlxZa71I/AAAAAAAAA98/6ticLUNAdjs/s1600/IMG_20140117_205913.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Sivek Dark Grey looks almost like a grey denim - a nice change from your standard black fabric. The sofa looks massive, but it's actually only 80". With arms half the width and not nearly as much "fluff", there's just so much more sitting room. A full-sized human can in fact lie down on it, and you're not even perching on the edge anymore. It's adult!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmcimgt18vM/UtuAw-SduYI/AAAAAAAAA-M/5PK-O6QtTpE/s1600/IMG_20140117_212407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmcimgt18vM/UtuAw-SduYI/AAAAAAAAA-M/5PK-O6QtTpE/s1600/IMG_20140117_212407.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Funny how a larger sofa actually seems to make the room look larger, but I think it's because it takes up more of the wall and allows for cleaner look, rather than a black hole of junk a la before.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFIEEDMPbxA/UtuAxlLQDHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/_T5tgMdoDVg/s1600/IMG_20140117_212602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFIEEDMPbxA/UtuAxlLQDHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/_T5tgMdoDVg/s1600/IMG_20140117_212602.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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But, let's not forget Klippan, who after 7 faithful years of CSI marathons and mid-day naps, was left out in the cold last night for a nice gypsy family to pick up.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LXvdYkyl88/Utt_iZTy-vI/AAAAAAAAA90/-xYBTndgD1o/s1600/IMG_20140117_181900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LXvdYkyl88/Utt_iZTy-vI/AAAAAAAAA90/-xYBTndgD1o/s1600/IMG_20140117_181900.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Cost of Sofa: $350<br />Original Price: $499 + tax</i></div>
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<i>Source: Craigslist</i></div>
<br />Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174867131824925162.post-55373589742775540692014-01-17T11:35:00.000-05:002014-05-05T12:15:55.825-04:00I'm going on an adventure!<i>Having moved from this apartment and now living on my own, I suggest picking up at <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/05/tales-from-less-tiny-apartment.html" target="_blank">this</a> entry in my current apartment.</i><br />
<br />
About a year and a half ago, my boyfriend and I moved into our
first apartment in the Parkdale area of Toronto. Prior to that, he had been
squatting at my bachelor on the outskirts of the city for 6 months, and to be
honest, my bachelor was perfect for me; painted my colours, hardwood floor,
spacious, big kitchen. Everything fit perfectly, but it wasn’t *ours*. I guess
when I was shopping for that apartment, it just never occurred to me that a
year later (or ever) a guy would want to live with me. Even he’ll tell you that
our decision to move in together was not romantic; he was moving to Toronto for
school and didn’t want a roommate, while my perfect apartment had been overrun
by desert ants and roaches.<br />
<br />
I love Parkdale. It’s a pocket of Toronto
that is the right amount of hip, but sketchy enough that the rent is still
affordable. We found a small 1-bedroom just off Queen St., but I don’t think we
realized until move-in day exactly HOW small it was. It was a bit smaller than
my bachelor, but it was like someone had balled up my bachelor apartment and
put a wall through the middle (and lay down a hideous carpet). We had to return
the IKEA bed-side tables we bought in anticipation of a reasonably-sized bedroom,
and I had to banish multiple pieces of furniture to my parents’ garage (AKA
Addie’s storage space and the home of my dining set).<br />
<br />
This past month I looked into moving to a
new apartment and got my hopes up over one in particular, but in the end, we couldn’t
afford it. Living where we do may be frustrating at times, but the low rent
means that we get to experience the city, rather than lock ourselves in a very
nice apartment and eat beans. It was a bit of an epiphany, and I suddenly
became content with our apartment; in fact, I saw it as a challenge.<br />
<u1:p> </u1:p>So if I can’t make it bigger,
then I will make it nicer and better organized. Of course, I’m limited by the
fact that it’s a rental; our lease says we’re not allowed to paint or
technically punch holes in the wall, but I’m voiding that for the sake of my
sanity. I paint over and fill in any holes when I leave any apartment anyway.
So no hardwood floors, claw-foot tubs, or knocking down walls like I’d want to,
but lots of prettying.<br />
<u1:p> </u1:p>I like the kitchen. Lots of
cupboards, and let’s face it, we moved here because of the pass-through and
built-in liquor cabinet (which is packed for good reason)<br />
<br />
My ideal laundry-list:<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Pipe & Plank wall unit (inspired by<a href="http://www.the-brick-house.com/2009/09/shelving-unit/" target="_blank"><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>this</a>)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strike>Mason-jar light fixture</strike> <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/mason-jar-light-not-so-diy.html" target="_blank">SUCCESS</a><br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Accent walls (bathroom & bedroom)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Replace dresser with dual clothing-rack<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strike>Adding shelves/holders in cupboards</strike> <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/02/out-with-old-replacing-kitchen.html" target="_blank">SUCCESS</a><br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Incorporate a small desk (for my laptop)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Replace bed-frame with legs & fabric box-spring (inspired by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://cozylittlehouses.com/do-it-yourself-upholstered-beds/" target="_blank">this</a>)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strike>Add magnetic knife-holder (to clear counter-space)</strike> <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/how-not-to-install-magnetic-knife-strip.html" target="_blank">SUCCESS</a><br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Shelf in the bathroom<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Remove closet doors/replace with curtains.<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Wall shelves in the living room<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>And of course, clean and throw away anything we don’t NEED.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Replace:<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strike>Couch (left arm is damaged, and it’s small)</strike><a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/01/couch-so-long-klippan.html" target="_blank"> SUCCESS</a><br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Coffee table (left leg is broken)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Bar stools (topple in a stiff breeze and WILL kill you)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Coat hooks (2 hooks are broken)<br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> <strike>Kitchen
garbage</strike> <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/02/out-with-old-replacing-kitchen.html" target="_blank">SUCCESS</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: '';" times=""> Living
room curtains</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" times=""> <strike>Cushions</strike> <a href="http://tinyapartmentmakeover.blogspot.ca/2014/02/sewing-class-workroom.html" target="_blank">SUCCESS</a> - I forgot to mention it, but they are seen on the couch</span><br />
<span color:black="" new="" roman="" serif="" times=""><br /></span>
<u1:p> </u1:p>Now obviously I decided not
to move because it was expensive, and this costs money, but this is an ideal
list. I’ve prioritized some things, and for the sake of saving money and being
less useless, I’ll be building some stuff myself. I’m hoping to start on the
pipe shelves soon (the hardest part, no doubt) – these things retail for like
$1,500 on Etsy, it’s crazy. I’ve also signed up for a sewing class next month
and that’s where curtains will be born and hopefully extend into things like
cushion covers (because who is actually paying $40 for a bloody cushion?)<br />
<u1:p> </u1:p>So consider this a how-to in
both renovating rentals as well as renovating on a budget. I’ll be posting my
updates, but I’d love to see any ideas or experiences anybody has had. Looking
forward to watching my apartment change, so here are some shots of it now.
Enjoy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NS98TSFZddg/UtlVwOspBbI/AAAAAAAAA58/tbUqo6yBH1s/s1600/IMG_20140116_195903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NS98TSFZddg/UtlVwOspBbI/AAAAAAAAA58/tbUqo6yBH1s/s1600/IMG_20140116_195903.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is a lamp, not a portal to another world. As you can see, our lovely pass-through was the selling point for this place. I did the stenciling myself to add a bit of personality and I'm hoping it will still suit my plans. Note that my laptop is on the right stool, and this is basically where it lives since there's no desk of my own. The new clothing rack is actually sitting it's box right next to it. Heh.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJZyt2tE6LI/UtlVwJ4-DYI/AAAAAAAAA54/7msnVEg5bOY/s1600/IMG_20140116_195921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJZyt2tE6LI/UtlVwJ4-DYI/AAAAAAAAA54/7msnVEg5bOY/s1600/IMG_20140116_195921.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View from the pass-through. On the right is our shelf of DVDs; we have several hundred (they're layered here) and this is the best solution I could think of, but it's still very flawed. As you can see, not a surface to be seen that isn't covered.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJ-21MiqUo/UtlVw042HkI/AAAAAAAAA6E/frCWU09DsSg/s1600/IMG_20140116_224212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJ-21MiqUo/UtlVw042HkI/AAAAAAAAA6E/frCWU09DsSg/s1600/IMG_20140116_224212.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F2RfyRWJzw/UtlVxDo-uYI/AAAAAAAAA6U/u7Q7_INtH0E/s1600/IMG_20140116_224318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F2RfyRWJzw/UtlVxDo-uYI/AAAAAAAAA6U/u7Q7_INtH0E/s1600/IMG_20140116_224318.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFQfh0kKnME/UtlVxzn7yhI/AAAAAAAAA6k/R0FiKDfzLPM/s1600/IMG_20140116_224408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFQfh0kKnME/UtlVxzn7yhI/AAAAAAAAA6k/R0FiKDfzLPM/s1600/IMG_20140116_224408.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our entry-way. Needs major work - coat hooks, closet, shoes, etc.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z08jRNFpvU4/UtlVy4TORdI/AAAAAAAAA6w/lu0rqOzuc9U/s1600/IMG_20140116_224446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z08jRNFpvU4/UtlVy4TORdI/AAAAAAAAA6w/lu0rqOzuc9U/s1600/IMG_20140116_224446.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bare wall used to have a fabric hang (basically to dull the echo) but once I decided to build shelves there, my boyfriend admitted he always hated it anyway so I took it down. You can also see a collection of empties outside the door; I'm toying with getting a narrow shelf for this purpose.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm3LoqYv_HA/UtlVzbQHpMI/AAAAAAAAA7I/n0QUcHmPFac/s1600/IMG_20140116_224501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm3LoqYv_HA/UtlVzbQHpMI/AAAAAAAAA7I/n0QUcHmPFac/s1600/IMG_20140116_224501.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ugh. This. My boyfriend will tell you what a pet peeve this entire corner is and how I never shut up about it. Our closet is inconveniently located, obviously, so we have a clothing rack (closet door is also broken). This rack will soon be his and mine will be where the dresser/TV is now. My hope is that this will lead to less clothing being stored on the floor.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g92qIFxGGJ4/UtlVzYsS91I/AAAAAAAAA7A/3gJgKptGhlQ/s1600/IMG_20140116_224549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g92qIFxGGJ4/UtlVzYsS91I/AAAAAAAAA7A/3gJgKptGhlQ/s1600/IMG_20140116_224549.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ksKDwzfn9U/UtlVzZjeq6I/AAAAAAAAA68/qXEBZJGZKt8/s1600/IMG_20140116_224558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ksKDwzfn9U/UtlVzZjeq6I/AAAAAAAAA68/qXEBZJGZKt8/s1600/IMG_20140116_224558.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All good. Only plan for change here is organization, new step stool that folds up (I'm short and use it every day), and re-utilizing the liquor cabinet.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6fpIO9b70Q/UtlV0_LKUkI/AAAAAAAAA7o/pLw2pdxPvm4/s1600/IMG_20140116_224709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6fpIO9b70Q/UtlV0_LKUkI/AAAAAAAAA7o/pLw2pdxPvm4/s1600/IMG_20140116_224709.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9IzMPNt5DE/UtlV1fzduGI/AAAAAAAAA70/CrAH8bKxYK8/s1600/IMG_20140116_224733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9IzMPNt5DE/UtlV1fzduGI/AAAAAAAAA70/CrAH8bKxYK8/s1600/IMG_20140116_224733.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah I didn't do these in order. I don't see anything changing here except maybe a shower curtain.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xO9rNQ3GUN4/UtlVyGSuqhI/AAAAAAAAA6g/icX14vcGP2c/s1600/IMG_20140116_224419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xO9rNQ3GUN4/UtlVyGSuqhI/AAAAAAAAA6g/icX14vcGP2c/s1600/IMG_20140116_224419.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Entrance to the bedroom. A better scope of the size and layout (and should shush all the people who are about to say I could access my closet if I just moved the shelf - WHERE)</div>
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Addiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628293303709509364noreply@blogger.com1