Apt528 Review: Golden Harvest Universal Border Adhesive

Golden Harvest Universal Border Paste
$5.89 (Home Depot)

Apt528 Rating: 4 of 5
Easy to use.  Convenient size.


Yesterday I showed you pictures of my finished bookcase project.  I removed the original glass doors and made new ones out of wood, then covered them in vintage wallpaper.

Originally when I was wallpapering the doors, I used 3M's General Purpose Spray Adhesive. It was my first time working with a spray adhesive and let me tell you, it was horrible!  The people on the packaging are using the spray indoors with no problems, however I ended up with a sticky office from the spray traveling in the air and getting all over my stuff.  Lesson learned.

After getting everything sticky and wrestling the paper to not glue to itself, I finally got the wallpaper onto the door, just to have it peel up a week or so later.

My bookcase with new, wallpapered doors

Aaaagh!  The guy at Home Depot suggested using actual wallpaper glue instead of a spray.  Wallpaper is quite thick and comes in rolls so it's natural tendency is to curl up when you're not looking.  Wallpaper glue is made especially to solve problems like this.  Instead of buying a huge bottle (I only needed enough to cover two panels), we got the one-step Universal Border Paste roller by Golden Harvest. Squeeze the bottle and the adhesive goes up the cap and onto the roller and wallpaper.  The bottle is the perfect size for borders and small projects and you don't ever have to worry about getting all sticky.  To clean up, remove the roller and run it under warm, soapy water until clean.  Even I'm not too lazy to do that!

So far, the adhesive is working well and was 10 times easier to use than the spray.  I can't wait to use it on another wallpaper project I have coming up.  If you have a paper project coming up, I definitely recommend giving this adhesive a try.

Keep Warm, Save Bucks

Two months ago I started a thread on our Facebook page asking for suggestions on keeping your apartment warm in the winter while reducing energy bills.  One of our readers, Arlinda, wrote in suggesting Frost King's window insulation kit (starts at $4.98 at Home Depot)  It's a clear film that you apply to your window frame with double-sided tape.  Frost King blocks drafts and the cold from the window glass by trapping it in the pocket between the window and the film.

At first, I had reservations about putting an ugly plastic film around my windows.  How tacky!  But with drafts coming in through the large windows right above our living room couch, I had to do something before I froze to death watching TV!  So I bought the kit, then kept it unopened in my office for over a month.  I'm lazy like that.

So far, I love Frost King.  It's clear enough, you really can't tell it's there.  Plus it was easy to install.  You just attach the included double-sided tape to your window frame, apply the film, and use a blow dryer to remove any wrinkles.  So far the only issue I have is covering the sides where the tape may show.  Window blinds or curtains should do the trick.We no longer feel any drafts and you can now sit and watch TV without freezing.  I can't speak for the energy bill savings yet since it's only been a few days but our upstairs neighbor uses it on most of his windows and said his bill dropped $100/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.  Great return for an easy to use product that only costs $7!  If you go to Amazon, you'll see lots of negative reviews complaining about the tape's tendancy to peel off the window frame.  Everyone seemed to suggest using 3M's mounting tape instead.  Again, I've only had my tape up for a few days so I can't speak to it's strength yet but it might be smart to grab a role of 3M just in case.  You can also try the 3M complete window insulation kit which got good reviews.



Another thing to remember is caulk.  If you have drafts coming in around the actual window, apply the caulk BEFORE the window film.  If you have drafts between the trim and the wall like we do, apply the caulk there.  We used DAP Dynaflex 230 ($3.74 at Home Depot).  It's another easy to use product....just squeeze it out of the tube and run it along the crack.  It's also paintable so once you're done you can go over the visible part with a brush so it blends in with the wall.  Make sure to buy the smaller 5.5oz so you don't have to use a caulk gun.  It should be big enough to do all your doors/windows.

To stop drafts at your doors, try a double draft dodger.  It slides under your door and blocks drafts from coming in.  We had them back in Boston and they worked well on our interior doors that led to the common stairs and the laundry room.  We bought one again for this apartment and found that it keeps getting caught on the metal bottom plate.  I'd suggest this only for interior doors leading to garages, unheated rooms, etc. since it's not a super efficient solution. You can also buy them/cut them to fit windows, however when we tried this it didn't work.  There wasn't enough slack between the tubes to go underneath our window.  Again, I'd recommend caulk and window film as a more efficient solution.


Before we go, don't forget to take a look at our roundup of space heaters under $100.  What are your tips and tricks for keeping warm in winter?

Apt528 Review: Shur-Line Pro Edger

Shur-Line Pro Edger (for latex paints)
$4.21

Apt528 Rating: 3.5 out of 5
If you're careful, this tool can be an awesome time saver.  Paint loading can be a pain.


The Review

For years, I've been a hater of Shur-Line's edger.  In theory, it's supposed to save you from time-consuming painting tasks like taping your lines or cutting in by allowing you to simply dip the edger in a little bit of paint and roll it at the top of your wall giving you a nice, crisp line.  In reality, the previous Shur-Line edger left much to be desired.  The wheels were constantly getting covered in paint and tracking it all along the ceiling. It was a mess that left you spending all your time scrubbing paint off your ceiling.  After my last run-in with the Shur-Line edger a few years ago, I swore to never use one again.

But I found myself in a tough situation when we moved into our new apartment and started painting.  We have tall ceilings that are about 18 feet high above the staircase.  While we could paint the walls along the stairs using a roller on an extension pole, we didn't know how to edge the ceiling line on our own.  Cutting in and taping weren't options since we don't have a tall ladder that works on stairs and even if we did, I'm terrified of heights!  We considered hiring someone to come out and line the ceiling but didn't like the thought of paying someone to do something so small.

So we headed to Home Depot where I gave in and decided to get another Shur-Line edger.  What other choice did I have?  Thankfully, the powers that be at Shur-Line heard the grumbles of us DIYers frustrated with their previous design and decided it was time for a change.  They've now come out with the Pro Edger which, though not perfect, is a HUGE step up from their old edger.  The new tool comes with a button that lets you raise the wheels when you're reloading the paint so they don't get covered.  Ingenious!

Of course, this doesn't mean the Pro Edger is without faults.  You have to be EXTREMELY careful about loading paint onto it.  I strongly recommend trying your edger on a spot you can easily reach/clean the first time you use one.  I experimented with a few upstairs walls first, that way I could clean up any mistakes and figure out all the tricks of the new edger before doing the stairway walls where I wouldn't be able to reach any mistakes I made.  Two messy ceilings later, I finally figured out exactly how much paint to put on the pad.  I found it best to dip the edger in paint, then remove the excess from the pad by scraping it along the side of the paint tray or on a paint roller. Then I used a wet towel to wipe along the edge of the pad and do a once over on the wheels to make sure absolutely no paint was where it shouldn't be.  After this, it should all be smooth sailing!

It took some trial and error but now I've definitely come to like my Shur-Line!  It's must quicker than cutting in (my method of choice) and gives you a cleaner line than taping (which I'm not a fan of).  It was also helpful for lining the bottom of the wall along the trim and for edging a corner where I had two different colors meeting.  My only mishap came when I was trying to reach the far wall of the staircase.  Even with the pole, there was one spot I could barely reach so I leaned out just a little bit more and ended up with a spot of paint on the ceiling.  It's one of those things no one else will notice but I know it's there!

For cleanup, Shur-Line added a nifty little button that pushes the pad off the holder.  Pad removal was never a gripe of mine but the button is a nice option, though I often forgot it was there and ended up removing the paint pad manually most of the time.  Still, it's nice to have.  Of course the same features you're used to are still there like the ability to attach it to an extension pole for high ceilings and a swivel handle so you can work from all different angles.

Keep in mind there will be a small gap between the wall and the ceiling.  No matter which edger you use, you have to allow the gap in order for there to be space for the tool to run along the ceiling without getting paint on it.  Also, if your ceiling's uneven, your paint line will be as well.  Again, this isn't a problem with the tool, but something you'll have to do deal with no matter which edger you use.  All-in-all, the Shur-Line Pro Edger is a great redesign that anyone can use, as long as you're VERY careful.

The Weekender: Fun with Bondera Part 1

Today we're making a mosaic tile project using Bondera TileMat Set.  Bondera is a self-adhesive alternative to using mortar to set your tiles.  It's strong enough to hold up to daily use throughout your house, including your kitchen and bathroom.  Best of all, it's easy to use...unroll the Bondera, adhere it to the surface you're tiling, set the tiles, and grout. 

Bondera comes in two different styles: one for verticle tile projects and another for countertops. According to their website, Bondera is NOT for use on floors or ceilings.  To create my mosaic art piece, I used the Bondera made for walls which was sent to me from the awesome Bondera people.  Take note that I broke a few of the rules in the process of doing my project but hey, what else would you expect?!  In the coming weeks, I'll do another mosaic where I follow every rule to compare the results.

The tips and tricks below are based on doing a mosaic piece using Bondera.

1. First, gather your tiles.  If you're doing a mosaic, I'd recommend using mosiac tiles bought from a craft store...it's easier!  If you want to make your own tiles out of broken glass objects, make sure that all your objects are the same thickness.  I didn't.  Instead, I bought several vintage vases, glasses, and bowls, all of which are different sizes and shapes which will make it a little harder to grout. If using Bondera for your mosaic, choose opaque glass so that you don't see the Bondera underneath.

2. Grab your hammer!  If you're making your own tiles, you'll want to wrap the dishes/vases/etc. that you're using in an old towel or scrap fabric.  Take note that some of the glass shards will get stuck in the fabric and that it may tear at spots so don't use your good pillowcases.  Remember to wear your safety glasses!

3. Plot out your design.  You don't have to lay out every single piece, but make a general template so you can see what your mosaic is going to look like.  Being lazy and extremely impatient, I just did a simple random pattern that didn't require much thought.  One thing to remember...make sure you don't use all your big pieces at once, otherwise you'll end up with all the big tiles on one side and small at the end.

4. Lay your Bondera.  Measure a million times, cut once. Once you've got everything cut to size, remove the backing and lay your Bondera onto a clean dry surface.  A straightedge helps though the grid on the Bondera sheets makes cutting easy.  If you're having problems with bubbles in the sheet, head over to the Bondera website for tricks on laying the adhesive flat.

*Bondera Tip: Cutting something sticky like Bondera, contact paper, or labels?  Put oil or cooking spray onto a paper towel and wipe the blades of your scissors.  Now you'll be able to cut easily without getting your scissors stuck in goo!

5. Place your tiles.  This is where I started to cheat.  I used translucent glass for most of my project which made it so you could see the grid of the Bondera through the glass.  Not exactly a pretty site.  My solution was to spray paint the Bondera off-white before laying the tiles.  Sounded like a good idea at first, but it made it harder to get the tiles to stick.  I had to really dig them in for them to stay, so you can still see the Bondera grid under a few of them.  Thinking back, it may have been smarter to paint the backs of the tiles instead.  I'm going to contact the Bondera folks to see if they have a better solution.  Maybe they'll come out with a non-grid version in the future!  If you're using store-bought tiles or opaque glass, you can easily lay your tiles directly on the Bondera.  The sheets are super sticky and the tiles adhere perfectly with no messy mortar to deal with.

6. Now it's time to grout.  This is the next place I cheated.  According to Bondera, you're supposed to grout within eight hours of laying the tiles.  I'm at over 30hrs and counting.  The cure for lazy grouters like me - press the tiles firmly into the Bondera before grouting.

Once I finish grouting and framing my piece, I'll post new pics of the finished the profect. Overall, Bondera gets a 4.9 out of 5 from me with my only complaint being that there's not a non-grid version for translucent tiles.

Apt528 Review: Foldtuk Bakeware

FoldTuk Bakeware

$15.99 - 21.99

Apt528 Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Super functional multi-use kitchenware that's a great investment for renters looking to save space.  Newlyweds should definitely add this to their registry!

The Review

Space is one of the biggest concerns for renters.  Fitting pots, pans, and mounds of tupperware into a cramped kitchen can be a huge pain.  Which is why I was thrilled when the folks over at Foldtuk sent me a sample from their bakeware line.

Let me start off by telling you what Foldtuk Bakeware is.  It's amazing.  That is it. 

Foldtuk is a tupperware/bakewear combo that folds flat for storage.  Made of Ceramber, it supposedly heats and cools faster than silicone and can be used in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, and even the freezer.  To test these claims, I used my Foldtuk in each situation.

Cooking
First, I baked a loaf of apple cinnamon bread.  I didn't use any cooking spray since the Foldtuk claims to be non-stick.  The loaf cooked evenly and didn't have any weird plastic taste like I thought it would.  As you can see from the pictures, a little of the loaf stuck to the bottom, but I can't tell if it's from not using cooking spray or because I've never baked a loaf before and I had no clue how to get it out of the bakeware.  Considering my past experiences with cookware, I'm guessing I'm the one at fault!

Dishwasher

With normal pans, you have to do a little scrubbing to completely remove all food residue. We did no scrubbing whatsoever. We simply stuck the Foldtuk in the dishwasher and it came out looking like new!

Microwaving

With the oven and dishwasher out of the way, my next test was the microwave.  I got out my packet of instant mashed potatoes and got to work.  I'm sure most of you are cringing at the thought of instant potatoes but you'd be cringing even more if you tasted my cooking.  I'm horrible!

Thankfully the Foldtuk was wonderful and did a great job of cooking our instant mashed goodness...just look at the steam coming from the container!

Freezer

The last test was the freezer.  I forgot to take pics of this one...sorry!  Long story short, I froze some steak tips for a few days.  There was a little freezer burn which leads me to believe the container wasn't closed properly since my tupperware test proved it is air-tight.  Still, the food thawed out quickly in the fridge and the meal turned out well.

Tupperware
To test it's food storage abilities, I filled my Foldtuk with water, then tossed it, turned it, even dropped it on the floor. Not a single drop of water came out.  Not only is the helpful around the kitchen, but it's great for packing a lunch.  Finally, I don't have to worry about spilling salad dressing in my purse!

Storage
While the Foldtuk is great at cooking and freezing, its storage abilities are the most impressive.  We've been putting off purchasing a Pyrex cooking set for months now, simply because we have no room to store all the pieces.  The Foldtuk takes care of that by collapsing into a slim 1 inch height.  Fold it down, snap on the lid, and your storage problem is solved.

Conclusion
The only downfall to me is the Foldtuk's price.  The 6-cup rectangular container retails for $21.99.  For a thrifty gal like me, $21 seems outrageous. However, when you take into account all of the Foldtuk's functions and the fact that you can store it anywhere, $21 seems like nothing! 

You can also buy the Foldtuk in other shapes (square, circle, and rectangle), colors (orange, red, black, and blue), and sizes (4 or 6 cup).  On top of that, there's also a Foldtuk roaster so you can cook easily cook and serve a big meal all in one collapsible container.  Apparently, there's also Foldtuk cookware in the works.  Collapsible pots and pans?  I'm SO there!

Apt528 Review: Kenmore Iron w/LCD Temp Control

Kenmore Iron w/LCD Temp Control
$39.99 (reg $49.99)

Apt528 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
A great iron with nice features, though a retractable cord would have been nice.  Steam feature is just okay

The Review
The Kenmore Iron w/LCD Temp Control comes packed with a lot of features.  First off, there's an LCD monitor above the handle with two buttons that let you scroll through the list of heat settings (cotton, silk, wool, etc.).  There's also a dial at the very top that goes between no steam, light steam, and full steam.  The steam feature only works on the higher heat settings to keep you from ruining your favorite silk top!

Every now and then, you need a little extra help to get rid of stubborn wrinkles.  Thankfully, the Kenmore has two buttons, one that adds a burst of steam and one that sprays a mist of water to help loosen wrinkles.  The water tank is pretty big...I use the iron on a daily basis for my husband's pants and shirts and only fill it about once a week, as opposed to my old iron which had to be refilled constantly.  My only complaint here is that the water tank can be hard to see through...you can't always see clearly where the water line is. Not a huge deal, but something I noticed.

The iron comes with a handy self-cleaning feature that gets rid of all the mineral deposits and buildup that happen in irons.  Simply fill the water tank, hold the self-cleaning button, and allow the water to drip out of the bottom of the iron and into the sink.  The whole process takes less than 5 minutes every month or so and protects your clothes from being stained with the disgusting buildup that can occur with dirty irons.

One thing I wish the Kenmore had is a retractable cord.  My old iron had one as do most irons nowadays.  It's nice to be able to push a button and have the cord wrap itself up inside the iron. While they didn't provide a retractable cord, they did leave ample space for you to wrap the 10 foot cord around the base of the iron...not all irons have cord storage space so you're forced to wrap it around the baseplate.  Oh, and yes, i said 10 foot cord.  You can iron practically anywhere with a cord that long!  Of course the long cord could be the reason why the cord's not retractable...not enough room to store something that long.

Another downfall for me was the upright steam feature for use on drapes and hanging clothes.  I tried using the feature on a shirt that had light wrinkles but found it a little awkward to manage.  Of course this is just an extra feature of the iron, not it's main function.  If upright ironing is something you plan on doing quite often, you'd be better off buying an actual steamer.

I forget to unplug my iron all the time.  I always think I'm going to come back and use it or put it away but I end up running late and heading off to work forgetting that the iron is still on.  Sure enough, Kenmore thought about people like me and included an auto-shutoff feature.  If the iron is on for more than 8 minutes without use, it shuts off.  If you leave it in the down position for more than 30 seconds without movement, it shuts off.  It's the perfect thing for me...I don't have to worry about my house burning down while I'm at work!

The last feature is the storage strip which runs along the baseplate.  When the iron's hot, the strip is red, indicating it's not ready for storage.  Once the iron cools down, the strip changes to black, meaning it's okay to put away.  Now you can check the strip before putting the iron away to make sure it doesn't burn anything in your storage closet.

I'd recommend the Kenmore Iron w/LCD Temp Control to anyone in the market for a new iron.  at $39.99 it's a great feature-packed iron that will last you quiet awhile.

GoJo!

You're doing a little DIY - making a fake platform bed, painting your bedroom, re-staining a thrift store find - when you decide to take a snack break. You head to the sink and start washing your hands, all the while thinking of that delicious sandwich you're about to devour. But, wait. The wood stain won't come off your hands. Now you're left with sticky fingers! Not fun.

If that's ever happened to you, I've got the perfect product to cure your sticky-hand-blues. GoJo Hand Cleaner works like magic to remove every trace of grime from your hands. It comes in sevearl different variations and is used in the home improvement, healthcare, and automotive industries. I chose the Natural Orange Pumice Hand Cleaner, which is an all-purpose cleaner that removes paint, grease, stain, and oil from you hands. The pumice scrub feels great on your hands and the orange smell is awesome.

I wasn't able to find GoJo on the Home Depot website, though they do sell it in their store for $3.49. If you search GoJo on Amazon.com, you'll find a huge assortment of GoJo cleaners. I recommend the gallon size for anyone who does a lot of DIY. I'm considering getting the wall mounted pump to keep in my workroom. GoJo also makes hand wipes...great to keep around the house or in your emergency car kit for those times when you have to change a tire or check your oil.

Now you can enjoy your snack break without sticky hands!

Apt528 Couch Potato: For Rent

Just when you think HGTV couldn't come up with another show idea they do.

This time, it's just for renters. For Rent, airs Thursday nights on HGTV. I usually watch The Office and CSI on Thursdays so I was psyched to finally catch a For Rent rerun this past weekend.

From what I can tell, the show is like My First Place for renters. The potential tenant(s) are shown three apartments that (semi) match their criteria. The host Jodi Gilmour helps the renters work around design flaws by showing them the hidden potential of one of the rooms in the space. Once the renters choose the apartment they want, Jodi surprises them by transforming the chosen room into a masterpiece while working on a slim budget.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical about some of Jodi's ideas at first, but they turned out great! I'm just happy to see a show that encourages renters to spice up their apartments instead of living in a white box...yea for color and design, even if it is temporary!

Check it out the next time you have a free Thursday night.

Apt528 Review: The Point N Paint

Point N Paint

$19.99

Available online or over the phone

Apt528 Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Great for DIY-ers looking for an alternative to messy paint rollers. Take your time and be carefull when getting close to edges and ceilings.

The Review

My Point N Paint came last night! Jerome had it all setup on the table when I got home. I can't tell you how excited I was! The Point N Paint comes with a large edger for open spaces and a mini-edger for smaller spaces and painting along trim. You also get several paint pads in both sizes. I signed up for the "free pads for life" deal...why not?!

The mini edger fits into the base of the larger edger when not in use. You can also remove the handle of the unit to add an extension pole (not included) for painting walls or ceilings. After you have the proper pad ready to go, simply pour the paint into the tray and you're ready to go. 10 minutes after walking in the door, I was upstairs painting...that's how easy it was to setup!

The roller in the tray did a good job of applying paint to the pads, which hold a LOT of paint. They claim that the Point N Paint can hold 5 times the amount of paint a regular paint roller does. While I didn't have the patience to compare the two side by side, I can say that the Point N Paint holds at least 3 times more paint. That means less wasted time reloading...I'm all for that.

What WAS bad was how the PNP performed when hooked up to an extension pole. I have vaulted ceilings so a pole was necessary. Going up the wall, there was no problem. It was coming DOWN that was the issue. The part of the edger that attaches to the extension pole swivels 360 degrees which means that instead of making a straight line as it comes down the wall (like the Shur-Line), it swirls down. A little bit of swivel is good, but 360 degrees is way too much. At one point, the PNP started swirling and the tip of it ended up too close to the ceiling. Oy vay!

Thankfully, painting without the extension pole was a lot easier. I detached the pole, put the handle back on, and painted the lower portion of the wall. The only problem I had was with painting along the baseboard trim. Edgers need something to rest against (trim, the wall, the ceiling) in order to create an edge. Our trim tapers off as it gets close to the wall so there's no edge for the PNP to rest against. Still, it did the job and only required a little touchup with a damp towel.

All in all, I'm very happy with my purchase. The Point N Paint was faster than traditional paint rollers, easy to use, and a more affordable alternative to buying rollers, dropcloth, and brushes every time you need to paint. If you're a frequent painter like me, I'd recommend giving it a try.

Apt528 Reads: ReadyMade Magazine

ReadyMade Magazine

Subscription Price: $19.99

Apt528 Rating: 9 out of 10

I. LOVE. READYMADE.

I subscribe to several shelter magazines but out of them all, this one is the best. ReadyMade is for 20 and 30-something DIY-ers looking for a creative jumping point.

As you flip through the pages, you'll find useful reviews, neat products, and a whole section devoted to projects and how-to's. In this issue, they show you the proper way to hang a pendant light, rate the best paper trimmers, suggest three new uses for old cookie tins (the multi-tiered serving tray is ingenious!), and even have a holiday gift guide with great gifts you can make yourself.

Perhaps my favorite part of the magazine was what I DIDN'T find - overpriced items I could never afford. Most every piece in the magazine was either something affordable or something worth spending a few extra pennies on.

But the greatness doesn't stop at the magazine. The ReadyMade website has a full archive of all their projects. There are also step-by-step project videos and an online store featuring everything from plans for a DIY modular dwelling to customizable library plaques for your house. Now you can make your movies posters look like museum-quality artwork! If you're looking for ways to simplify your life, check out the Resource tab which has helpful hints. My favorite:

TRUE BOUNCE - Avoid the nasty toxins in fabric softeners (and save a few bucks) by throwing three tennis balls into the dryer with a load of wash. The balls create air pockets that help clothes dry faster and feel fluffier.

You can find the Holiday issue on newsstands now.

The Deconstruction 2: Lift Off!!

Motsenbocker's Lift Off 4 Spray Paint, my saving grace.

Last year when we first moved in, I painted the glass panels of our built-in china cabinet with black spray paint. At first, using paint seemed like a great way to cover the glass. But Sunday, as I stood in front of the cabinet wondering how to remove the paint, I realized it would have been much easier if I'd just used fabric.

But I didn't, so Sunday afternoon Jerome and I jumped in the car and headed to Home Depot in search of spray paint remover. We scoured the paint section for what seemed like forever. Who knew there were so many different removers out there? Fifteen minutes later, we found two sprays specifically made for getting rid of spray paint and graffiti.

The first solvent was a bit pricey, so I made the easy choice and went with Motsenbocker's Lift Off 4 Spray Paint ($5.79). The stuff is amazing! Aside from being affordable, it's also easy to use. I sprayed the glass and let it sit for a few seconds. Next thing I knew, the paint came right off. I recommend using a putty knife instead of a towel - it's faster which is good if you're impatient like me!

But wait, the good things don't stop there. Lift Off is safer than most removers out there and won't kill you if it touches your skin. According to Motsenbocker's website, their products are safe for people, the environment, and most surfaces. The spray paint remover is green cross certified, deemed biodegradable, and has low VOCs. Pretty good for a solvent!

My only regret now is that I'd taken pictures of the dining room before I started packing. I changed the room around quite a bit since I last blogged about it but never got around to taking pictures. Oh well. 3 days till we move - I know you're all excited!

Store Review: Streamline and the Darkhorse

I've been super busy lately apartment hunting, planning my mom's visit to Boston in a couple weeks, and trying to keep up with all our summer activities. It's been crazy! But, I always have time to go thrifting.

This time we checked out a couple of stores in Lower Mills which is on the Dorchester/Milton line about 20 minutes from Boston. The first place was Streamline Antiques, which specializes in art deco and mid-century items. Don't let it's small size fool you - there are enough tchotchkes inside to keep you busy for at least an hour! The first thing that caught my eye was an amazing orange vinyl chair with a teak base. It would be perfect for my apartment! We also found several great silverware sets, vintage cracker tins, dishes and glasses galore, and tons of jewelry. They had a great selection of books too...I purchased one on collecting mid-century furniture. There were two sisters shopping in the store with us who were amazed at the selection. They came in to browse and ended up buying new silverware, serving dishes, and plates for their upcoming dinner party. Who knew a second-hand store could be the new Crate and Barrel!?!

Our second stop was Darkhorse Antiques. Darkhorse is FULL of furniture and oddities. My recommendation: don't bring large bags or purses with you, otherwise you'll end up knocking something over! If you walk carefully through the cramped isles, you'll find majestic looking desks fit for a palace and massive mahogany armoires. They also have random things like chess sets made of bone china, a barrel from the old Baker Chocolate Factory, and neat cigar boxes. I'm going back for a set of chrome bar stools. They're cute and not like the typical 50's chrome stools. I plan on using them at the dining table once we get moved.

Streamline Antiques

1168 Washington St.

Dorchester, MA 02124
617-298-DECO (3326)

Darkhorse Antiques

2297 Dorchester Ave

Dorchester, MA 02124
(617) 298-1031

Apt528 Reads: Retro Style

Retro Style: The 50's Look for Today's Home

By: Marion Haslam

Amazon Price: $16.50

Apt528 Rating: 6 out of 10

Overall, a good book. The brightly colored pictures capture the spirit of the 50's and Haslam gives vivid desciptions of how things were "back in the day." As you flip through, you'll see mini-bios of famous mid-century designers nestled between the pages, giving you a glimpse into how notables such as Arne Jacobsen got their start. That was my favorite part - learning the history behind the furniture I've come to admire.

Another great feature are the DIY projects. Every dozen pages or so you'll find step-by-step instructions on easy, affordable projects to turn your place into a 50's throwback. My favorite DIY is the boomerang coffee table - the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

While I liked most of the book, I wasn't so keen on the parts where Haslam tried to relate 50's design to the trends of today. For me, the comparisons just didn't work. I felt like the book was written in the 90's. I guessed right...it's copyrighted 2000. Even though the trends may not be up to date with 2008, there are still great examples of ways to incorporate retro style. You're bound to find something you like!

To the Market!

No I haven't been slacking, the internet's been down. I guess that's what I get for stealing wireless from the neighbors!

I've been pretty productive though. I read some new design books for upcoming reviews and made it out to the Sowa Open Market in Boston's South End. The Market is full of local artists and vendors showcasing their merchandise. We found some great things: popcorn bowls made out of reshaped records; turned wood serving platters; funky purses and wallets; organic clothing; handmade breads; and amazing jewelry. You could do all of your Christmas shopping here if you wanted to!

The vendors change from week to week so there's always something new. Not all of the artists have business cards or websites but many offer mailing lists to keep you up to date on the latest happenings. I mangaged to grab a few cards...here are just a few of my favorites this week:

Vonica

purses, wallets, accessories

http://www.vonicadesigns.com/

I love the Chic Chick bag...it's SO cute :)

Bella Bags by Marcia

purses, totes, messenger bags, accessories

http://www.bellabagsbymarcia.com/

There's no such thing as too many purses!

Jolly Bike

hand-painted bikes

http://www.jollybike.com/

You've never seen a bike until you've seen one of these!!

Home Depot: Home of the Drones

It was a LOOOONG weekend. I spent most of my time trying to make a pair of storage ottomans for the dining room. They're mostly for decoration, though I made them chair height so they can be used at the table if extra guests come over.


I have to tell you now that if you're looking for help and advice on a project, Home Depot is NOT the place to go. I go to the Depot simply because it's close to my apartment and all the Lowe's I know of are farther away from the city. Suburbanites get all the good stuff!


Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I went to Home Depot in the hopes of getting help with my ottomans. I mainly needed help picking out the right tools. First, I asked for help picking out a nail gun. It took three different workers to find me find the WRONG nail gun. I left empty handed. The second trip I asked for help finding a table saw. After waiting 15 minutes for help, it turned out that the only person who knew the answer was this woman contractor who was there to pick up a few things. She was full of advice.


I'm starting to think those orange apron's are really full of some toxin that drains all of the common sense out of their brains. Either that or aliens have taken over their bodies and turned them into mindless Zombies.


Those things being said, there are two guys at the South Bay Home Depot that know their stuff - Tony in tools and Chris who sometimes covers a register and other times helps on the floor. Both actually know what they're talking about.


**On a side note: This is a random picture I found it on Google Images. Steve may know a lot about junction boxes. Please don't judge him by the color of his apron, as he could be immune to it's effects!


Anyways, several trips to the Depot occured this weekend until finally I gave in and called my BF Kris who knows pretty much anything about building and design. Thankfully he had a minute between landscaping and decor shopping to give me the right advice. I built my ottomans and now all I need to do is find the right fabric to upholster them.

Spring Review: Got Wood?

Spring is FINALLY showing itself in Boston which means it's time to start the weekend spring cleaning and DIY projects. To help you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the weather, I'll post product reviews and project tips every weekend.

Today is all about wood. If you live in an older city like Boston, you're used to wood floors. Though some landlords gave up a long time ago on keeping the floors nice between tenants, other landlords can be real sticklers about even the tiniest scratch. In my case, our landlord had the floors refinished right before we moved in. They were so clean and shiny I didn't even want to walk on them! Since then, I've made a few scratches moving furniture and even spilled paint a couple of times.

In my search for wood care products, I fell in love with Method, a brand sold in Target and online through the Method website. Method is a cheeky, eco-friendly company that specializes in non-toxic, compostable cleaning products for both your apartment and you body. They make being green easy, AFFORDABLE, and hip. Look for Method products in today's post and many future reviews.

1. Microfiber Mop

The first step in cleaning your wood floors is purchasing a microfiber mop. Hardwood isn't meant to be cleaned with a regular mop and needs a gentle touch. Before I use any type of floor cleaner, I always go over the floors with the microfiber mop to gather all the dust and junk. These mops are great at trapping dust and won't leave dustbunnies behind. Most microfiber mops come with removable/replacable cloths. When mine gets dirty, I simply throw it in the washer and it's good as new.

2. Floor Cleaner

For my wood floors, I found the Method Wood For Good Floor Cleaner ($6) works best. I tried the Swiffer wood floor cleaner and Murphy Oil Soap, but both left my floor streaky and my house full of that lemon, sterile smell. The Method cleaner left no streaks and is easy to use! Simply squirt the cleaner directly onto the floor and use a microfiber mop to clean to a shine. Best of all the Wood for Good cleaner has an almond scent so addicting that I clean my floors just to smell it!

Method Wood for Good also comes in a starter kit ($30) that includes a microfiber mop, compostable sweeping pads (yea for saving landfills!), and the almond-scented floor cleaner.

3. Scratch Cover

One thing Method doesn't make is a scratch fixer. For that, I use Old English Scratch Cover. It comes in two different colors - one for dark wood and one for light. To use, squirt the Old English onto a towel and wipe the scratches. Next, apply the scratch cover to the larger area where the scratches are located and buff to a shine. While this doesn't get rid of scratches, it does make them less noticable.

Renter Tip: Get paint on your floors? No problem! Latex paint easily wipes up with water or can be peeled away once it's dry. Spill oil or spray paint? I found the Old English Scratch Cover to be great for getting rid of these hard to remove paints. Squirt it on the towel and rub until the stain disappears. It does take a little elbow work but in the end it's worth it!

4. Furniture Polish

Back to Method again! The Method Wood for Good Furniture Polish and Furniture Wipes are top knotch for wood furniture care. Like the floor cleaner, they're also almond scented and leave you furniture shiny and protected.

H is for Home

I...LOVE...THIS...SITE!

H is for Home is my new love. In their own words, store creaters Adelle Robinson & Justin Keefe describe their merchandise as "unusual, the quirky, one off, handmade and vintage." I couldn't think of a better way to put it.

Unlike other sites offering mid-century items, H is for Home actually takes you back to that period. If you check out their Product Sets page, you'll see what I mean. They've staged the items so well that even the modern-day Apple computer blends in. Most everything in this picture, including the awesome phone, is for sale.

If you have a passion for retro, this is definitely the place for you. H is for Home sells everything from men's tie's and briefcases to vintage orange coffee makers. When they say their stuff is unusual, they're right. They don't go after the mainstream items you find on most retro sites, but instead focus on everyday items that will stand out and help give your apartment a vintage touch.

Aside from their vintage offerings, H also carries a selection handmade items including a large variety of crochet and pottery pieces. Though they were made in the present day, even the handmade items make you feel like you're going back in time.

Perhaps the best part is the prices. The company is based in the UK so you'll have to do price conversions to get to US dollars. Believe me, it's worth it. I'm already stalking the orange coffee maker and the orange pedestal ashtray, they're just the right amount of funk.

Store Review: Hamilton Hardware

Happy Belated Easter!

Once again, another weekend went by where I didn't do anything around the house. I was going to re-hang my livingroom shelves with new brackets but wasn't in the mood for patching old holes and drilling new ones. Finishing the mirrored faux fireplace in the dining room was also on the list but everytime I go to the hardware store, I forget to pickup the glass cutter. There's trim to be painted and numbers to be stenciled on the hallway barcodes. But, of course, none of that tedius work appealed to me either, so I sat on the couch watching mindless TV instead!

I did manage to do one productive thing. Saturday, Jerome and I finally made the trip around the corner to Hamilton Hardware. It's literally about four blocks from our apartment, but in the eight months we've been here, my legs have never felt like walking that far!

Hamilton's is a small, mom and pop store. The layout is simple so you're not running around for hours trying to find a #8 screw. Even with the store's small size, they manage to have a pretty good selection of the basics you'd need for any home DIY project. If you're looking for something large-scale, Home Depot or Lowe's might be your best bet, though the guys at Hamilton will special order what you need if they don't carry it. Case in point: the table saw they offered to have shipped in for me!

If you're looking to add color to your place, they sell California Paint. It's not my favorite brand, but give it a couple of coats and you're all set.

While we were having a key made and purchasing a refill pack of Swiffer pads, a lively group of people came in. They appeared to be the family of the gentlemen behind the counter. Hugs and hellos went all around. It was cute and made me wish all places were family-run by nice people with great, PERSONAL customer service. In an effort to help out the little guy, I'm definitley going to give Hamilton Hardware my business. I'm also on the lookout for other locally owned shops to frequent.

Tonight I'm going to Ikea.



Hamilton Hardware
259 Bowdoin Street
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 825-7340

Youz*d Reads: Decorating Junk Market Style

Youz*d Reads
Decorating Junk Market Style
By Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer
$13.57 - Amazon.com

I found a great new book just perfect for Youz*d. Decorating Junk Market Style is full of ideas on ways to turn random items into great pieces. There are wonderful things you'd NEVER dream of, like a candle tray out of a drawer front, a roller skate vase, and a towel rack made from a playpen! Talk about trash to treasure! There are several projects I can't wait to try! In addition to this great book, Amazon has a host of other books on flea market and junk decorating. They come up with some ingenious things...some of the stuff they do is incredible!

Aside from their book, don't forget to check out the Junk Market website where you can buy Junk apparel and find nifty "junk" gifts.


Youz*d News
In case you're wondering why I haven't posted a blog in a few days it's because I was sick...not fun! Lucky for me, the extra time I spent on the couch wasn't all a waste! In going through the first steps of drafting up my business plan, I started thinking about what I REALLY want Youz*d to be and what I REALLY love about interior design. During Law and Order commercial breaks, I was able to come up with a great new direction for Youz*d. I don't want to reveal anything yet, but believe me, Youz*d is getting a revamp!

Not only will Youz*d be "going green" (refurbish, reuse, repurpose!), I'll also be changing my focus, redoing the website (isn't it great to have web designer friends!) and possibly - gasp! - changing the name of Youz*d!!

The final plans won't take full effect until this fall but believe me, it'll be worth it! Perhaps Youz*d will show up in a neighborhood near you!

Wednesday Review: Sew Fisticated Discount Fabrics

With my living room chairs in desperate need of recovering, I made it my mission to find a fabric store. After several trips to the Stop and Shop on Morrissey Blvd. I noticed a sign for a Sew Fisticated Discount Fabrics down the road.

I read several reviews prior to going that said Sew Fisticated wasn't the best for a good, quality selection but that they sometimes have just the fabric you're looking for. Sounded okay to me, so I headed over.

The reviews were right. Many of the fabrics seemed to be dated and less trendy than what you'd find at a Jo-Ann Fabrics. Of course this was perfect for me since I was looking for something retro! The remnant section is pretty good and is a great place to find fabric for as low as 99 cents a yard.

But, everything has it's cons. While there were a few really neat fabrics, this is definitley not the place to go if you're looking for something in particular or are looking to special order. You definitley need an open mind for this place, otherwise you'll never be able to appreciate the true beauty of their newspaper-print cotton weave. They also don't carry fabric that looks like bricks, which is what one guy was requesting as we walked in. I think it was a blessing they didn't have what he was looking for...his project sounded horrible.

They also don't have a fancy store. It's a cheap brick building with cheap, faded carpet, cheap, low ceilings, and cheap displays. But if it comes down to it, I'd rather have a cheap building and low prices than a fancy boutique store with high prices to match!

All in all, I give this store 3 stars (out of 5). Interesting fabrics, good customer service, and no brick fabric...that's all I ask for in a fabric store!

Sew Fisticated Discount Fabrics
735 William T Morrissey Blvd
Dorchester, MA 02122
Phone: (617)825-2949
http://www.sewfisticated.com/

Sew Fisticated Discount Fabrics
Twin Cities PLZ
Somerville, MA 02143-3613
Phone: (617)625-7996
http://www.sewfisticated.com/