Using Craigslist to Decorate

When it comes to redecorating on a budget, you can find some really reasonably priced pieces to adorn your new space or to spruce up your existing one. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can find pieces to refurbish into something that fits your current décor. Here are some pointers via Apartment Therapy on how to shop with Craigslist.

Know what you want. If you have a specific need then have your parameters clearly defined. One day I decided that a Scandinavian secretary desk would solve all of our entryway problems, but it couldn't be wider than the narrow strip of wall separating my tiny foyer and living room. It took 10 months to find one that fit the bill in terms of size, price, function, and aesthetics.

Figure out your search terms. Searching Craigslist is a skill unto itself. Depending on what you want, your terms may be general or extremely specific. Searching for a particular brand or designer is pretty straightforward (although some sellers will use certain designer's names as tags for items of a similar era or style), but once you get into the realm of unbranded vintage it's an entirely different process. If you have time to kill then broad search terms like "vintage" or "mid-century" could yield great finds, but count on sifting through ads where those terms are synonyms for old and ugly. If you're looking to coordinate with other items in your home then you may want to search by pattern, fabric, or wood. Try common misspellings.

Photo courtesy Upcycle That.

Oftentimes you know what you want but aren't sure what to call it. Stretch your imagination. I needed more chairs for outdoor dining but didn't know what ours were called (Emu Rio), so I would search "white metal chairs," "white patio chairs," "white deck chairs," "white grid chairs," and countless permutations. Eventually I turned up a great deal on a set of four.

It isn't a deal if you spend way more on the back end of the transaction. Those chairs with great bones may be dirt cheap, but ancillary costs can add up quickly. Figure it all out in advance or you'll find yourself reposting the item or putting it out on the curb. Will it fit in your car? Measure and measure again, or face renting a cargo van or truck. Do you plan on getting something reupholstered or refinished? That can get expensive, so it's worth getting a quick estimate before purchasing the item in question.

Know market value and your budget. I'm in the market for a grill, so before I even ventured onto Craigslist I looked at what they cost new. Between Memorial Day and Father's Day, the market is saturated with secondhand grills from sellers who have upgraded, so a quick survey of Craigslist makes it easy to discern typical prices, inflated ones, and screaming deals (like the one I saw last night that sold within three hours of posting). Having a solid sense of my price range and what I want can save me from wasting time on posts that are way off-base.

Figure out your search schedule, parameters, and tools. I tend to obsess about things, so instead of setting up a feed or compulsively searching on my phone all day, I'm a first thing in the morning/late in the evening searcher. If it's something worth a longer drive, I might search nearby cities or use an aggregator (I like adhunt'r and will limit my search by region). If it's not worth a longer trip then I'll winnow down my search by location.

Write a good inquiry. Ask the right questions for the object in question. For kids' gear I always ask if the seller is the first owner, along with the year of manufacture (a quick search can rule out safety recalls). If I'm emailing someone about a grill I'll ask if they are including the cover and propane tank. For upholstered items I will always ask about smoking and pets, as both are non-starters for me. I might ask for more photographs or specifics on condition. I'll also provide my email address and cell number, so that the seller can contact me by email, phone, or text, whichever is most convenient for them.

Let the seller know that you are motivated, nobody wants to waste time with a tire kicker. Complete sentences, please and thank you, and an indication of good faith seem to go a long way; something along the lines of "if this is a good fit for my needs I can pick up at your earliest convenience, cash in hand." If you think their asking price is fair then there's no need to negotiate. Otherwise, start with an initial offer below your target price to leave room for negotiations.

Inspect before handing over the cash. Look everything over, make sure that the item is as described and in the stated condition. If not, be prepared to renegotiate or walk.

Find your Craigslist zen. There will be the perfect fit that sells out from underneath you, the unresponsive seller, the intransigent price inflator, the one who only wants to communicate by carrier pigeon. If it isn't worth it to you, the seller sounds sketchy, or your spidey sense is going off then be prepared to walk. It isn't yours until it's yours, so don't waste time grieving the one that got away.

Have you ever used something you bought on Craigslist to up-cycle and decorate your apartment? What are some of your best Craigslist finds? Post them in the comments below!

5 Things to Know About Living on Your Own

Photo courtesy Mitya Ku

For many people, living alone is best for all involved. If you're not home a lot or just like to have your space and things arranged your way, living alone is probably ideal. As with any living situation though, living alone comes with its pros and cons. Here are some common issues faced by those who live alone and some solutions on how to cope, courtesy of Apartment Therapy. 

1. ECONOMIES OF SCALE
Problem: Generally, the more you buy at one time, the cheaper it becomes. While a family of six cruises through a pot of chili, that much food can get wasted in a household of one. It's also more expensive to buy smaller quantities of toilet paper and other household supplies.

Solution: The Kitchn has some great tips for cooking on your own. For everything else, consider teaming up with a friend, family member, or neighbor to split that 24-pack of toilet paper. You’ll save money and space in the process.

2. HEAVY OBJECTS
Problem: You get an itch to decorate first thing on Saturday morning and find yourself stymied by your grandmother’s huge, six ton armoire.

Solution: Don’t hurt yourself by trying to lift things yourself. First, break the piece down in any way to make it manageable: empty contents, remove drawers or legs. If it's still too big or heavy, round up a friend or next-door neighbor to help you out on the fly. Otherwise, save up all your little odd jobs and hire someone one Saturday afternoon to knock out everything out on your to-do list that requires help.

3. LONELINESS AND BOREDOM
Problem: Even if you have tons of friends, a boyfriend/girlfriend, sometimes being home alone at night is a downer. Everyone likes someone to turn to to express outrage over Ann Coulter’s most recent comment, or to rub it in when you get that night's Final Jeopardy question correct.

Solution: Create structured ways to leave the house and regularly interact with others— especially if you also work at home — at the times you feel most alone. Sign up for yoga classes, or join a book club. Host regular dinner parties, or even low-key television watching sessions with another person who shares your love of Mad Men. Lastly, think about adopting a furry friend. (Because everyone talks to their pets, no matter what we tell others.)

4. FEAR FOR SAFETY OR WELL-BEING
Problem: Maybe you are scared of axe murderers at night. Or, you worry about falling down the stairs and having no one find you for days. These are very rare yet valid concerns that shouldn't be deal breakers.

Solution: Yes, there’s always LifeAlert. And the pet (dog) you adopted to thwart loneliness will also help deter any meanies. Otherwise, set up a check-in system with a friend/neighbor and agree to touch base with each other regularly via text or phone. Ideally, this person will live alone as well, so the benefits go both ways. If one party is suspiciously quiet, either expect a welcome knock on your door, or head on over to check out your buddy.

5. DELIVERIES AND REPAIRS
Problem: You're only one person, and can only be so many places at one time. If you expect a package during the day, or need something repaired, there are only so many times you can take off work to be there in the flesh. There's no one right answer for this problem: the solution depends on your unique situation and needs.

Solution: For mail, check out this post on How to Manage Home Deliveries. For repairs, arrange to work from home one afternoon (again, if this is feasible). Renters can often ask landlords to greet the person on site. If you know and completely trust your repairman or contractor, install a key safe outdoors, then change the combination once the work is done. If all else fails, and you have to take the time, try scheduling appointments first thing in the morning, or as the last slot in the day.

Do you live alone? What to you do to combat these common problems? Share your advice below!

10 Home Items to Own by 30

Photos (L-R) courtesy Samantha Marx and Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Nobody is blaming you for the inexpensive items you had to buy as a college student or post-grad to furnish your dorm or apartment. However, once you hit your late 20s, it’s time to invest in some more substantial pieces and furnishings for your home. You know more about your personal style and taste, which your decor should reflect. This article from ELLE Decor guides you through adding some sophistication to your style.

1. ART YOU LOVE

"Art stays with you for a lifetime, and each piece marks a place and a memory," says Todd Nickey of Nickey Kehoe. "Start collecting when you're young—it doesn't have to cost a fortune, it just has to speak to you."

2. AN ORGANIZED BOOKSHELF

Consider the bookshelf an inspirational place to display everything that's uniquely you—then you can personalize and change it over the years as you see fit.

3. MATCHING TOWELS

Buy at least two sets of towels that you're happy to use and proud to lend to house guests.

4. A PLANT

"Even if you're in a rental, a plant will make your home feel more permanent," says designer Grant K. Gibson, who recommends choosing something tall and substantial over many smaller houseplants.

5. A NICE MATTRESS AND HEADBOARD

"Invest in your bed during your adult life," says Gibson. You'll want to choose a quality mattress for comfort, and a headboard for character.

6. A COLLECTION

"Start a collection when you're young," says designer Sara Story. "It's great to pick up things you love from your travels—especially art and furniture."

7. BATHROOM ACCESSORIES (THAT AREN'T PLASTIC)

It's time to say goodbye to anything you bought at a dollar store and upgrade to something with real heft and beauty.

8. A FAVORITE CANDLE (OR THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU'RE NOT A SCENT PERSON)

"A beautiful candle adds scent and personality to a room," says Gibson. Of course, this tip is the ultimate personal preference—if adding a candle to your home is your worst nightmare, stick with your instincts.

9. TWO BEDSIDE TABLES

A bedside table on each side provides optimal personal balance (according to Feng Shui) and a mature, cohesive look.

10. A LUXURIOUS THROW

"A good throw is an investment that adds a finishing touch to your sofa or chair—even if they're not your 'forever pieces,'" says Gibson.

You're Never Too Old for a Pizza Party!

Photos (L, clockwise) courtesy of Steven Depolo, Jessica Spengler, Jay Cross, Alpha

Although dinner parties make for fun, elegant gatherings, choosing the menu can be a tricky task to tackle. Why not throw a party where you don’t have to do all of the cooking yourself AND your guests can customize their own dishes? The solution...pizza! Found anywhere from childhood sleepovers to Superbowl parties, everyone loves a good pie. Here are some tips from Style at Home on how to perfect the pizza party.

• Do make the dough beforehand and freeze it in individual round portions. Defrost an hour or so before the fun begins.
• Don't buy the pre-made crusts, they just don't taste as delicious as home made dough.
• Do encourage your guests to stretch and roll out their own dough.
• Don't serve the pre-stretched, storebought dough, it tends to be more chewy and not as pizza parlour-tasting.
• Do offer up interesting pizza toppers to create unusual pizzas.
• Don't give too many choices as this slows down people's creativity and clogs up your kitchen.
• Do offer Italian wine and Italian beer to round out the dinner.
• Don't make a heavy dessert for the finale. A light refreshing sorbet will do just fine.
• Do interact with your guests. If you stay at the oven all night, it's no fun for anyone.
• Don't worry if there is a thin veil of white dust over everything the next day. It's just part of the fun.

Inspiration for pizza toppings

Move over pepperoni and mushroom, when it comes to topping a classic Italian pie, a little imagination and inspiration is required. Maxine Clarke says that the ingredients should be able to stand the intense heat of the oven, stay moist or crisp and complement the basic bland taste of the base.

Pizza Margarita

Super simple, but unbelievably flavourful, this classic is made from Buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. With so few ingredients, go local. The flavours will be that much more intense.

Caramelized Red Onion Pizza with Capers and Olives

There's no tomato sauce to splatter on your clothes, but this succulent pizza is always a hit. Onions are cooked until soft and caramelized and spread on top of mozzarella. The olives and capers make the sweet onions more savoury. It's a combo to die for.

Pear, Pecorino and Taleggio Pizza

This is a new twist on pizza, but the flavour combinations work magically together. Almost like a dessert course, the pears and cheese melt beautifully together. For a heartier meal feel free to add some Italian sausage scattered throughout.

Sicilian Shrimp and Tomato Pizza

Topped with mounds of whole roasted cherry tomatoes, shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, this pizza will add a kick to your party. Make sure to offer plates as it's a little sloppy but well worth it.

Let us know if you try any of these recipes. We would love to see pictures of your gourmet pizza successes!