We recently converted to a standing desk setup for our desktop computer. This was mostly at CJ's request - he sits at work already, and sometimes has some lower back/hip discomfort from too much sitting.

Much to my surprise, I'm really digging this standing configuration myself. OK, it's not 100% ideal -- it's about an inch lower than I would have ( Read more... )

Recently I feel that the single most useful tool for the homeowner/DIYer is ...

Buckets. Lots and lots of buckets of all sizes.

A close contender is the 2" putty knife, but I think that it's really buckets.

( Read more... )

I have this silk shirt. I (irrationally? inexplicably?) love this shirt even though it's an almost-unflattering color on me, and a kinda weird style. And it no longer really goes with anything in my wardrobe. But I can't bring myself to get rid of it. When I see it hanging there, I always imagine that somehow, someday I will wear it again ( Read more... )

Ah, truth: When there are two ways to do a house/diy task, the way that is faster is generally also sloppier.

Hey, who's got two thumbs and actually completed a home improvement task on a weekday after coming home from work? This girl ( Read more... )

... maybe for your house!

Today was the day for purchases at that old standby, Construction Junction. But for Pittsburgh folks:

Yesterday was a day for regretfully passing on some beautiful vintage furniture (loved the pieces, but just couldn't come up with spots for them in our particular house) at a new secondhand store, Second Chance Home ( Read more... )

Today we made an awesome find/impulse* purchase at Construction Junction. This GORGEOUS antique (circa 1910) gas fireplace insert has beautiful Art Nouveau/Deco ornamentation. It needs a little bit of work, including being stripped and repainted - the color is actually great for our room, but that's the original paint and it's showing plenty of ( Read more... )

This afternoon we bought some lamb chops at the farmer's market. I've eaten lamb many times but never cooked it, so I was fearful of ruining an expensive cut of meat. (I am always this way when cooking something for the first time ( Read more... )

It's good to get back in the habit of cooking from scratch. Having fresh veggies coming from the backyard is a good goad to get me to do it, too. Having made it to the big East Liberty farmer's market yesterday also means the fridge is full of wonderful but perishable things, and it would be a crying shame to let them spoil ( Read more... )