apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'm in!

I'm in too. B&N just left a message that my book (which I had to reserve as they were SOLD OUT!!!! - that would be the BN in Brooklyn Heights if you are keeping track Maxwell) is now in - so I'll run over at lunch to get it.

Me, me, me!

I jumped too far ahead already, as you can see by this blog entry from last week (click on my name).

But by the end of the post, you can see that I've backtracked to the starting gate, so I'm ready to begin at the beginning!

If you have a 350 sq. ft.studio apartment does that count as a one room remedy? I have major paperwork/clutter backlog to deal with and as I read more a depressingly very sick apartment.

Oooh, just the kind of kick-in-the-pants I need to get my house in working order. I'm in!

Jimkk, I wondered that also.

Maxwell, I ordered my copy from Amazon, so when I get it, I'm in! (Although I may be proving my husband's claims about me being secretive correct, since the idea of posting my "befores" pains me greatly!)

Me too! I'm about halfway through the book.

jimkk -- whenever I see advice meant for a whole house-house, I just divide my place up into "rooms" and see if any of it applies. I don't have a "front porch" or "hallway", but I do have an entryway area. My kitchen area may spill into the rest of the room, but I still have a kitchen. I tailor advice to my house by function rather than room. The book does a good job of not assuming that you have a huge multi-room McMansion, so just read through it before you get started and decide the scope of your own project. If you have some serious clutter, you might just clean out one area, or only tackle papers and media...

Count me in. We closed on this condo a year ago and have been living here since late June.

It's big by apartment therapy standards, but it's ills are the same as anyone's--it's overstuffed and unfinished and unhappy. I've made progress on the main level, but the finished basement, bedrooms and sunroom/rooftop all need major TLC.

I've read the book cover to cover, Maxwell, and it's excellent. Since geography prevents me from hiring you personally, it's a great comfort to have the book and the blog for moral support.

Onward!

I'm in. I bought a house in December. I find something new to do daily, but it would be nice to have more of a strategy.

I just gave my local library a TON of books and movies; I am their new favorite person. Amazon.com claims my copy of the AT book should be here in a couple of days; can't wait to get into it and get cracking on my abode.

Uh.........could we put this off until after 4/15 as i'm still digging for tax docs and i'll get it done by the 13th, i promise!!!!

Just don't let the pigeon drive the bus.

I'm on board.

Ok the bus is pulling up slowly to my door....just got my copy from B&N on 54th & 3rd, last on shelf, they sold one yesterday and have 9 on order; the new B&N on fifth and 45 (my first stop) have 8 on order.

Maxwell - My book arrived yesterday and I read through a few pages so I'll join the book group...sounds like a lot of fun.

Holly

I'm going to follow along but not upload photos. Frankly, I'll be moving in a year and I've already been doing much clearing out. The book is incredible though because I'd never before thought of things in quiet the way Maxwell puts them. His viewpoint is amazing. I might weaken and upload one photo - I'll see.

I'm in, probably without photos.

Sort of in, as I'm hoping to go on vacation around week 6 and some projects have to wait on other people's schedules or the weather.

I'm in! I already did the reading assignment this weekend. The "flow" in my living room is very dangerous, I'm always bumping into something or squeezing past something.

Question: I'm allergic to flowers. What can I substitute for the Heart part in Week One?

Mine came from Amazon TODAY. And as I am moving in June to (finally!) my own 1BR, I am going to use my boyfriend's total mess of an apartment (one big loftlike studio) as a guinea pig! It will be interesting because he doesn't have any 'rooms' as such...

Sydney, I never thought to give my books and videos tapes to the library...do they really take them? This is the best idea I've come across this year (so far)!

By the by, I snagged my coveted 'Apartment Therapy' copy the afternoon of the 28th (proud to say!)

It's a pretty good read Max, besides the fact that it's so straight and to the point and so darn helpful! Thumbs up, Max!

Lisa from VA -- Are you non-allergic to non-flowering houseplants? My guess is that the concept is (a) to bring something alive into the place and (b) to treat yourself to a little luxury.

I'm definitely going with plants rather than cut flowers. The expense for flowers within my walking perimeter actually *is* silly-high (since our local economy runs on the principle of "exploit the tourists"), and my neighbor has declared that We're Growing Orchids This Year.

I'm on the bus. Waiting fro my book to arrive from Powell's. I love Spring!

Lisa -- What about a bowl of fruit? Or dried flowers? Is there anything out there that you're not allergic to? What about a non-flowering "flower" like pussywillows or palm fronds?

OK, I've bought my ticket for the bus. But there's just no way I'm posting pictures. A) I'm way too thin-skinned and B) I don't have a digital camera. But I'm sick of walking around paths in my bedroom because of CRAP and it just needs to be dealt with. So punch my ticket, I'm on the bus.

Husband is picking up a reserved copy on his way home tonight (B&N in Lansdale, PA). I am in! And thank you Maxwell for doing this.

I'm in. I've read most of the book so far. I'll definitely be doing the Deep Treatment, since my apartment only scored an 8 on the quiz.

I'm on the fence of whether I want to participate or not...but I'm going to definitely pick up the book.

I did a lot of decluttering when I moved last August. I kept track of everything I gave away and because it's tax time, I recently went through the lists--amazing! I can't even believe I had that stuff. Using Salvation army estimates to value each thing, I came up with something like $1100 in donations!!!

If anyone is looking for a place to donate books, I donated many to the Parole Rotary club in Annapolis, MD--they have a project called Books for International Goodwill that takes books overseas or to impoverished places in this country.

Neal, the BN Union Square still has copies. You can call ahead for them to hold for you.212-253-0810.

Picking my Metrocard up tonight.

::waving to 'Lisa in VA'::

Hey, I was born in Virginia...

Anyway, I live with a highly allergic person, so I can sympathize on the need for non-flower arrangements:

bowl of lemons or apples

bowl of wooden eggs or balls or folk-arty wooden tulips

other bits from nature like small pieces of driftwood, sea shells, or colored stones, arranged among some fresh candles

boy, so many comments. I'm on the edge of MY seat. This is going to be great. Also, there's no pressure on the pics. If you only want to show off your AFTER pics, that's great too. We're going to make up the online part of this as we go.

Hi Maxwell

-to para-quote a very crappy Tom Cuise movie -you had me at "the Italian bike trip".

In fact -it perfectly expressed the ennui I have been carrying around and trying to label for a long while now. Trusting in others to help meet my needs -instead of tryi8ng to be so self-sufficient that I'll never need anyone again.

After reading that anecdote -it was like a having Eureka moment. I even read it aloud to my husband (who replied -Are you serious about giving up some of this stuff? and then when I said yes - he practically sputtered "Thank God we can give up some of this crap"

I've kick-started my cure -at this very moment I have six large boxes of misc. crapsitting in a corner of my bedroom,as well as eleven kitchen-sized garbage bags full of kitchen linen, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, duvet covers, towels etc.

I still haven't been through the clothing closets yet.

I already feel lighter -in heart, in spirit and in home!

OK tanya, I take that as a challenge. Full-size flannel sheets are out of the closet and near the front door on their way out. I haven't had a full-size mattress in years. Why have I kept these? Italian bike trip!

I'm trying to find my heavy Mexican (southwestern?) blanket that I've had forever, rarely use, and haven't parted with for mildly sentimental reasons.

Pixie
-I just had the manic thought of getting "Italian Bike Trip" tattooed on my ass in fancy script as a permanent inspiration to remain clutter free!

P.S.-I too have a set of flannel sheets (unbleached cotton -but so thick they took two days to dry -so I never use them)they too are lurking in those bags waiting to go
;-) You are not alone...

So I went to the bookstore. Couldn't find it. Asked for assistance. They looked it up, supposedly had two copies. Not on the shelf. Not in the back. Not anywhere on display.

So I go to the next bookstore. Couldn't find it. Asked for assistance. They looked it up, supposedly had one copy. Not on the shelf. Not in the back. Not anywhere on display.

So I go to the online book store, top link. I think I'm a new customer. Amazon says I'm not a new customer. Says I have to reset my password. Reset the password. Try to order the book again. Use the new password. Says my password and email address don't match.

I did tell both stores that they needed to order more copies, and told they why they needed to order more copies...because of the book blog here on the website and that folks will be wanting to join in or just follow along.

I also mentioned that Maxwell will be helping out, and that it was something that none of the other books in the home section had going for them...the author online and helping.

Maxwell, can you say N.Y.Times Bestseller? How many books is that, anyway?

Well, I'm doing my part to spread the word, even though I can't find the dadgum thing.

thanks for doing this, maxwell... it's just the kind of support and inspiration many of us need. i'm so excited - i feel flowier already! and it's a good thing, too, because looking at this floor plan (click my name) might get one feeling a bit clogged up.

eagerly awaiting the arrival of the book,
jessica

I'll be brave (or foolhardy) and post pics. Of course it's easier to say that now- I've just hauled a substantial amount of recycling outside. But there's plenty of mayhem and disorder left to record for posterity. Must see how this Flickr thing works...

Lisa from VA I too am bumping and squeezing into furniture all day long (I work at home). Here's hoping we'll be less bruised by the end of the cure!

Somebody needs to do a book called "Wardrobe Therapy: the 8 week cure." I need it. Maybe it would only take 4 weeks.

The flannel sheet talk was inspirational; I had a flannel duvet and set of shams that I never really liked, but couldn't bring myself to toss (they were in excellent shape, had been somewhat pricey, etc.), but after the "Italian Bike Trip/Flannel Sheet" posts I got them out and pitched them.

Feeling much better, and the book hasn't even been delivered yet (supposed to get it today). Whoo!

When I moved a very few, but very bulky things from my closet last night (flannel sheets, a blanket, and a flannel mattress cover)to my "outbox" area near the front door, it created an AMAZING amount of empty space in my closet (albeit the top shelf, a bit out of reach.) This morning, I started shoveling out other stuff from that shelf. The shelf where I stow the stuff I don't use--you'd think that would be a big hint.

That amazing open space in the closet will solve some of my other storage issues, without redoing the closet (at least not yet.) What planet have I been living on?

Another word: anyone who's getting rid of towels and the like, consider donating them to animal shelters and veterinary clinics. They need lots of that type of thing.

Excellent idea, Pixie. It might be a good idea to post a few places that accept donations. For example, I've hung on to a pair of old eyeglasses for years - too guilty to throw them away but not knowing where to donate them. I finally found out that any Lenscrafters will accept them. As we all purge, it will feel doubly good if we can donate items that don't really deserve to be trashed.

ANDREE: where do you live? We should all get on those stores to order AT. Everybody should continue to report on the book's availablity; I'm sure the publisher's keeping its eye on this site :)

Flip

I get my new apartment the last weekend of this month, so I guess I miss out on this.

Wasn't there another sign-up? Anyway, I'm still in. Started the book. Have two (2) copies. heh heh heh

I've begun.
Will there be a spate of posts at 7:08 today?

I'm in but I'm still waiting on my book, amazon says it could take up to 6 to 36 days to deliver my book! I will have some major catching up to do! Either way, I look forward to seeing everyone's progres. This so inspirational! :)

The Book is moving upward fast in the Amazon rankings. Day before yesterday it was 47th in Home and Garden; today it's 30th.

I managed to get the very last copy on sale at B&N Lincoln Center last night--and I feverishly tore through it last night. I'm so excited to start! I have two worries, though.

1) Which room should I start with--my bedroom (where I've rearranged my mismatching furniture 4 times in the last month) or the living room (which is crowded but cozy with things from me, my roommate, and all the previous roommates)?

2) I'm a perfectionist, and after discovering this website and other design blogs this past month, I've realized how underdeveloped my artistic eye is. Do I really have enough knowledge to create a space I'm going to love? I've never felt like such a 'newbie' before!

Comments re: donations for people who live in Westchester County, NY -

Greymoor - Franciscan run - owns its own mountain. They have a well known and successful AA program for men. Also have a resale shop and an annual drive and will take anything and work with it. I've given much to them over the years and they are always quite grateful.

Woman's Shelter: For women starting over after abuse: Name is not published but it is literally next to the gates of Sing-Sing. I'll try to get some sort of address. They need anything for starting an apartment, including "frivolous" things for teenage girls.

Trish M.: Great post. Maybe we can get Maxwell to set up a space where we can list places.

Now I have to clean out my hallway.

I read the entire book last night! I can't wait to get started!!!

To all those looking for resources to donate/ recycle: Try Freecycle - most anything will find an audience, and will pickup too.

Craigsist also has a 'Free' section that works pretty well too.

I've managed to find takers for anything from large appliances to old dinnerware.

I read the entire book last night! I can't wait to get started!!! My problem? My boyfriend just moved in and we have clashing tastes. Bruce Springsteen is great and all, but I can't have two or three posters of him hanging on the wall. How can I retain my style and not make his new home feel too feminine for him? Please help!

I'm in but my copy of the book will only be arriving next week. What do we have to do this week so we won't fall behind?

I love freecycle for getting rid of stuff. People can be flaky though. It's good for furniture and stuff you can't quite give to the thrifts due to weirdness/usefulness. I am also on a couple of charity pickups phone lists--they call me and ask if I'll have anything on such a date. I keep a running box and just try to keep a list of what I put in.

Ok, I'm in. I've already started a deep-cleansing spring treatment. Will, try to get my hands on the book. Union Square B&N, beware of rioting AT fans fighting over the last copy! I will even post before pics, if and only if, I can remain anonymous. I can't have potential clients googling me, only to find pictures of my messy closets.

Litchick -- The frantic decluttering actually occurs in later weeks, but Maxwell tells such inspiring stories that one can't resist starting. Having gone on a home-improvement binge *before* getting my book (oops!)... if you want to be doing something, I'd read the posted excerpts, then just wander around your apartment, pondering how those stories might apply to your situation. That's no substitute for the interview and process in the book, but it lays the groundwork and gets you in the right frame of mind.

Chez moi, we've reduced our belongings by about 90% over four years, so while regular weeding is prudent, decluttering isn't big on my to-do list. On the other hand, we also go over-perfectionist on minor decisions -- for the first time in almost 9 years of marriage, I just went out and bought four mugs that I like well enough, without agonizing over whether they were the ultimate perfect mugs that would express our personal style forever. It's a great relief to be able to make a cup of tea in a mug I like.

In need of therapy (of all sorts) after work last night, I stopped at the B&N on the way home (we're talking Bowie, MD here, don't ask), thinking "surely, they will have it." No, they didn't, and never had them in stock. There ARE apartments in Bowie, so as far as I'm concerned, Bowie needs Apartment therapy (perhaps more than those elsewhere). I am going to order online...I ended up buying Living, Etc instead to get my fix.

Barnes and Noble
119 Colma Bl
Colma, Ca
650-756-1228
(that was the one that said they had one copy and couldn't find it)

Borders Books
233 Winston Drive
San Francisco, CA
415-731-0665
(said they had two, couldn't find them)

The latter is completely surrounded by apartments and I'm not surprised they don't have the book. The former is surrounded by cemetaries, and I was sure they'd have the book. I was looking over her shoulder as she checked the Apartment Therapy stock through the Barnes and Noble computer system...looks like Reno might have a copy or two.

Um, since the book JUST came out, and some of us are a lot slower than others, and the books are disappearing a lot faster than we may have thought...any chance on stretching out the book blog/discussion or starting later or continuing each chapter as needed?

By the way, this cure doesn't have anything to do with cleaning or actually looking in the closets, does it?

we moved into our 500 sf 1BR in mid-March, so this is the best thing that could happen to me. Hopefully biking to B&N will pay off.

Don't forget to post your reviews to apt. therapy's page on amazon. The more favorable reviews, the more attractive the page'll be to browsers who haven't decided to buy the book.

Andree - I live in the City and couldn't get the book locally either; had to order from Amazon.com. I called several of the chain and independent stores in town and no one had it, and it wouldn't be in for another week or two. Totally inexcusable! I even called places in Marin and Oakland - nada.

I am supposed to have it today; if it isn't waiting for me when I get home I am going to be sooo disappointed!

OK, I'm in. A bit anxious about keeping up, but even one step is better than none, right? After a year in my new apartment, I need some help getting it past the 'barely unpacked' stage!

You can check availabilty at borders via borders website, though it isn't up to the minute. so i'm on the phone with the san fran downtown store. the clerk just check and there are two copies on the shelf. Somebody better get down there, look in interior design, you can get it right now!

Karma! I am in though I have to cram for the bar exam from May.

I just moved in mid-March.
into a 950sq 1BR triplex (rent! I will live here for 2 yrs).

It’s clean and organized to some extent, but I definitely need better ‘breath and heart’.

Should I go for ‘deep treatment’ or ‘1BR remedy’?
my apt scored 10.
I am thinking og deep treatment, b/c I don’t wanna spend too much money for rent.
How much do you think is appropriate for me to spend for my apt?

I bought a new sectional sofa ($1800), need to buy a bed (found sth about $800) – 2 legs are broken and I am supporting my bed w/ lots of heavy law books :p

my obstacles are my hubby who hates to make any efforts on home improvement, especially moving furniture and his 42” plasma TV with heavy (black metal and glass shelves) TV stand. We even have a 2nd TV for him to watch when I need quietness at desk in my living room. Personally I don’t watch TV much except HGTV.

p.s. Can you explain more how to post pics?

I wanna be an interior designer like you (my childhood dream and long time itch like you)

Where is a good place to buy weekly flowers? I live in midtown east in manhattan

How much does it cost to get help from you?

Could I suggest that you start a Flickr group for this collective project? It can get a bit overwhelming trying to get through all the comments, and would be even more so if everyone posted pictures.

Christine, it's at the B. Dalton at Union Station. Call and have them hold one for you. (202) 289-1750

As of right now, it's #25 in Home and Garden!

OK. The book is now #25 in Amazon's Home and Garden listing. Moving fast. And Oprah hasn't even interviewed Maxwell, yet.

I am on the bus; have book and ready to travel.

FYI, although I usually use Jennifer as my signature, I am not the Jennifer already undergoing the cure, and I think at least one other Jennifer is already here, so I will join my local bandwagon and be JenDC.

Update: now #17 so it's on the FIRST page of Home and Garden.

Actually if you narrow your search to Home Design (the most appropriate category) on the Amazon list the book is already at #3. Guess there is quite a flurry of people from the site ordering it. I wonder how many are getting it to do the Cure online.

Like I said, JimKK, I don't think I've ever heard of an author doing an ONLINE thing with their book, going step by step. Most of us need help, and we buy self-help books and don't have the support structure necessary to achieve our goals (really, it's me that needs help, hehehe, but I'm including vast numbers of people I don't know personally, so I don't have to stand here alone saying "I NEED HELP WITH MY APARTMENT).

It doesn't really matter if it's studying, dieting, cleaning, it's always SO helpful to have a group cheering us on, and helping us with hard-to-make decisions.

Everyone wants their feelings validated.

So now we can join in (officially, partially, or just enjoy the tales and be voyeurs in other's apartments), and actually READ what others face, and READ what the author suggests, as well as having a HUGE, national (international?) support group.

I know y'all won't fit in my apartment to help out, but that generous pat on the back when it's feeling hopeless is just the kind of thing that I need.

Now, since it looks like there's going to be problems for everyone who wants to buy the book to actually get it...and I already suggested that it be delayed or lengthened...how about a new suggestion?

Do the online Cure in Autumn too. Either before school starts or after. Probably after. People do a lot of "spring cleaning" and post-winter-despair decorating. Autumn is a good time too...although a lot slower on boards. Why? If kids are back in school, parents have time to do something other than trying to keep the jam-covered hands off the wenge.

College students are forced to deal with dorms. DORMS. Any tips for them would be soooo helpful, especially tips on the "beer-cans-stacked-to-be-a-pyramid-rivaling-Giza" not having aethetic value and not being an efficient use of space.

Yes, the rush to get the book is on. How about an endless Cure page/chat/photo area, message board, etc, for people to join in as they get the book, even if it takes a month?

Thanks Flip! I'm so far away from downtown that I think it would get here faster if I ordered online. I dread going downtown and only do it for special things...like seeing a lawyer. LOL!

If the clerk didn't actually check the shelf proper, it could be like what I already experienced. They say they have them in stock, but they aren't really there. I was going to run around the store looking to see what everyone had in their hands and snatch it quickly from their hands telling them I needed it soooo much more than they did.

Then I wondered if the books had been stolen. Obviously there are people then that need the book soooo much more than I do. People sooo desperate to organize and decrap and longing for a bruise-free-shin that they're willing to commit a crime.

I think that's called "organized crime".

Oh, and it would be good to have a Cure update prior to the holidays...regarding too dadgum many holiday decorations. And the sales that lure us into buying stuff we really don't need after the holidays.

And there'll need to be an update. Oh yes. Because people who missed the book and don't know about it, they'll all be swimming in the great finds from the thrift stores, thanks to all the donations.

Like I said before...how many books need to be sold to make it on the New York Times Bestseller list?

ok. got my copy. i'm worried i'm going to only read everyones comments and do nothing. like sitting on the sofa watching exercise programs on tv. also thanks, belatedly to everyone that suggested design books to add to my online order. p2, i took your suggestion and ordered the 'vincente wolf'. oh my goodness. every photograph is soo beautiful. exactly what i strive for but can only dream of attaining. thanks p2.

i am IN!! i bought the book over the weekend (B&N 22/6th, after calling two other stores that were sold out) and am thrilled to begin the cure. it's perfect timing for me as i just today finished a gruelling no-days-off-for-weeks work grind, so am ready to clean, purge and cook after a brief rest!!!

trish - your idea of a donation list is brilliant. i think having that info will facilitate emptying the 'outbox'.

Hey Cake Painter! Good to see you here. I actually just got back from the Housing Works Bookstore on Crosby Street, where I donated a big bag of graphic novels and such. It cleared out a bit of space at home and they gave me a receipt for a hefty $173 tax deduction. Yay!
They have several locations around NYC that accept all sorts of items, but here's the link for the bookstore/cafe:
http://www.housingworks.org/usedbookcafe/

charisse --

My bf has a bunch of posters, and I think I have a solution for you. You guys only get to keep posters if you're willing to frame them. Otherwise, they go in the closet -- maybe on the inside of the door? Remember: if you're keeping something, honor it. Don't just keep junk around to keep it around.

obi, did p(too) recommend Learning To See?

ebrown yes he did. it's such an amazing book. not only visually but what wolf has to say about space and design etc is very inspiring. wonderful reading. i plan to use it as a tool in my 'cure'. going through one closet allows me one chapter in wolf's learning to see!

Got my book today after I read this post. I'm in. This should be interesting.
D.

Jean,
Drats, I could have stopped there earlier. Oh well, my mom is coming in by train tomorrow, maybe I'll ask her to pick me up one! Thanks for the tip!

Well, I finally just ordered a camera: Canon Powershot A610 5MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom. I had $150 in Amazon credits (from using an Amazon VISA), so it only cost me about $60. I've been complaining about not having a camera forever and the Cure has finally inspired me to act on the camera research I had already done. I may submit some pix during these 8 weeks.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. I think I will go with bringing in non-flowering plants. At this point, I think bowls of anything added to my space would feel counter-productive since I'm trying to weed things out.

Pixie mentions the Humane Society/SPCA as being a good place to donate. Always good to check with them first to see what they need. And if your local shelters have a website (they might) you can email or see if they have a "wish list", like this:
http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/involved/wishlist.html

For dogs: tennis balls, Nylabones, Kongs (all sizes), hard rubber balls and rope toys

For cats: ping-pong and golf balls, plastic film canisters,plastic shower curtain rings and feather toys

For rabbits: untreated wicker baskets (for chewing), plastic toy baby keys, rattles, other hard plastic toys (for tossing)

For birds: rope perches and bird toys
LARGE shoeboxes (without lids) for the cats to sleep in (no small boxes, please)

Clean feather dusters for orphaned baby birds to cuddle up to
NEW or VERY CLEAN collars and leashes and unopened packages of dog treats to use in our Second Chance shelter dog training class

NEW squirt bottles (small)

NEW plastic dog bowls (all sizes)

New plug-in heating pads for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals

Paper towels

Newspapers

Blankets, towels, or bedding*

Used cell phones and used toner cartridges (we are able to recycle these items for cash donations)

As always, we appreciate your used running vehicle donations. Please call 650/340-7022, ext. 389 or email:MCraig@peninsulahumanesociety.org

*Items we cannot use: sheets, pillows, pillowcases, electric blankets, carpet of any kind, small boxes, paper towel rolls and expired medication

Things you might have thrown away might actually be needed! People keep mentioning flannel sheets, you may want to check with them on that. Like old shower rings. LOL!

They need other things too, like a digital camera, a color laser printer, a small camcorder. If, when going through all your stuff, you pull up something like that, which you don't use, or perhaps were going to upgrade, think of these shelters.

I have a bunch of stuff from my "must-make-up-for-crappy-childhood" accumulation period, and have to get it to a good home.

Maybe you knit, or have someone who keeps giving you knit afghans, much to your modern decor dismay. Ahh, there ARE places that desperately need those things:
http://www.woolworks.org/charity.html

You'll find animal shelters wanting your little knit squares. People who just need a warm blanket. People who need things like gloves and scarves and hats...NEED them to keep warm.

I mentioned this site to a friend years back, and they are on the list too, Infants In Need, in Florida.

You can support the military (hey, they need socks too) with knitted socks.

People undergoing chemotherapy need hats (you'd be surprised at how warm our own hair keeps our head).

Geez, how'd that spam get in the New York section? LOL!

And if you gave up knitting after the trend passed, there are places that will take your yarn.

If you aren't in tears by the time you've read a dozen of those entries on BASIC things people need, you've a hard heart.

Maybe you'll need a stress reliever, and you can knit, serenely, knowing that your hobby won't take up your entire apartment after the Cure, and you'll know whatever you make will be so appreciated by those who have little.

By the way, those of you out of the SF area, you might want to check out this great PSA put out the by Peninsula Humane Society. I think it's the best I've seen in a long time.

http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/resource/movies.html

Aw, crap, it's only Real Player stuff. Oh, goodie, it's loading on this Safari browser.

Book is sold out in Downtown Mpls, Mn Barnes and Noble- but one on order for me!

I just tried to order again from Amazon and it still says my password and email don't match. IDIOTS! Them, not me. LOL! I wrote the dang thing down to prevent forgotten passwords. I'm so mad, I could just spit.

We need to make a good list for where to donate specific things, although maybe not here... There's a great page on NYC.gov that's all about how to recycle as much stuff as possible:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/recycling/recycle_what.shtml

...a lot of these are local, but I'm sure you could crib ideas -- one of our local tech schools refurbishes broken computers for members of the community, and I'm sure one of yours does too. If anyone's Outbox has broken electronics or computer crapola, there's an electronics recycling event on April 23 in Union Square.

Andree, contact customer service about your Amazon password. Same thing happened to me and they fixed it very quickly.

We have two cats who eat flowers, so I'm getting fresh herbs instead, as they come into season. I think basil is, like, eighty bucks a leaf right now.

Of course, the cats count as living things, too, and with the food we feed them, they would qualify as luxury items.

Considering my cats eat fresh flowers (fatty cat has been know to travel from the top of the stove to the top of the fridge to the top of the kitchen cabinets to get to the tulips) AND fresh herbs (as kittens they took out sage and chives on their first day home), maybe I'll just bathe them and count that as adding life to my place.

LOL about the kittens with the sage and the chives.

Good taste prevents me from saying what my first set of cats did with a potted plant.

Does anyone know which herbs a cat should definitely not eat? Those are the ones Chico will make a beeline for, so I want to make sure he's safe.

okay. [takes deep breath to steel herself]

i got the book last night and completed both exercises. my major takeaways:

- our style is organic, bohemian, and somewhat messy
- our major style problem is being unfocused
- our apartment scored a 6. the main problems are with bones and heart.

the "therapy" takeaway is this: ever since we moved in here we thought we might leave in a year or two. Plus since the apartment, while charming, has suffered probably 100 years of abuse at the hands of tenants and landlords, the whole idea of making it how it should be was intimidating. so we've approached living here as a temporary proposition, filling in gaps with found or inexpensive furniture and accents, mostly vintage. thing is, we've been here five years now. so that temporary thing - not so much. my partner might bristle at this: but this may be in part symptomatic of my lack of professional direction and general fear of being locked in by life. some would call that a fear of commitment. there. i said it. whoa. that's heavy. who'd have thought that could come from a frank assessment of your living space?

another interesting thing: my partner was so sensitive about posting floor plan and photos of our place online. funny, since i've had a craft blog for about three years now, and nothing i posted on there ever bugged him even though details of our life appeared often.

he's also taken sort of badly my feeling that our apartment needs a change, which surprised me since he is usually unattached to material things and unconcerned with style. but he is much more attached to some of the things in our apartment than i am because to him they represent parts of our life together. i guess i didn't realize the extent to which he is emotionally attached to our home.

after we discussed it he offered to read the book along with me and for us to do as much as we can together. he's still not 100% happy about sharing information and photos about our home on the internet, but is comfortable enough for me to share it here and on flickr but probably not on my main blog. i know photo documentation is optional, but i am a visual person and naturally inclined to document. so we'll try it for now.

speaking of documentation, since maxwell wrote that his usual way of beginning with clients (beyond the interview) is having them walk through the apartment, i've created a photo walkthrough. we did not make any special preparations for this what you see is how it really looks, coffee mugs and all. [second deep breath] here it is (please be kind!):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22555946@N00/sets/72057594100288931/

one afterthought: i have to admit i'm skeptical about our ability to follow through with the whole cure because, since we are both full time students in new york and we have ZERO money. this is not a matter of commitment, it's just not there.

Bravo, Jess, for your courage posting! Your apartment looks charming and full of character to me, so it looks the cure for you might just be dealing with the books, etc. (That's one of my issues, too, so I sympathize!)

Love the cat/grass photo.

Jess: Bravo #2 for posting. Trust me, my place is worse (as you will see if I can find time to post).

Are you a knitter? Managing my stash is one subset of my AT project!

My mom reports that she just got me a copy at the B Dalton in Union STation...thanks for the tip Jean!

Heya folks - just finished reading through the book - and one thing to point out. Everything I've seen about tax and tax related documents states that you only have to keep them for the past three years PLUS the current year you are filing for. The book says to keep them permanently...Or am I misreading?

So you can get rid of anything prior to 2002 (personal taxes that is - don't know anything bout business related taxes...)

Jess -- Boy, do I like you! You have real courage. (I also like your style and have certainly been there and done that on the book overflow, as well as the feeling of stuckness.)

I did "before" photos (linked). In true "before" fashion, I left the sofa cushions wrinkled and the power cords tangled to maximize the impact of the "after."

I've given up on drawing a floor plan, as our apartment has about a million little 6" sticky-outy bits. We have a typical 1920s SF one-bedroom in which the major architectural theme is "let's put a door here!" Actually, I love it to death (doors and all) and wish we could buy one just like it.

For anyone who suggests putting the art projects in a separate area -- no. I've tried them in the dining cubby, and both the space and the lighting is lousy. That nook works best as a foyer for the kitchen, and it'll be a great relief to get the new shelves up so that I have a flat surface for cooling baked goods again.

thank you, wende, fiona, and jenDC! i'm looking forward to feeling better in our place over the next few weeks. we'll see, eh?

wende - i too like your apartment! all those built-in nooks... and the kitchen is really peaceful.

jenDC - yes, i'm a knitter (was your first clue the half-finished sock on the futon? the overflowing knitting basket?). stash management is actually something i feel i now have under control. the secret for me was purging lots of yarn i didn't have dedicated to a project (either giving it away or selling on eBay or through my blog), and resolving to only buy new yarn with a project in mind. if you're curious about the result, peep this:

http://www.figandplum.com/archives/000654.html

it's my experience getting there with the stash that has, in part, inspired me to master the rest of the apartment!

Okay. I'm in real trouble. Because my GOAL is to get the black hole of Calcutta bedroom to be as together as Jess and Wende's apartments. Yikes. You really have HIGH standards/

Good for you Jess! I chickened out last night. I posted the URL to my photos through my name but I ended up not mentioning that when I wrote about what I would use instead of real flowers. So here they are again. I also ordered my pictures as if you were entering my apartment and walking around the rooms from right to left. (Oh, how I wish I could paint my walls!) And like Jess said above, please be kind.

Lisa from VA, I just got off the phone with Amazon. They TRIED to reset my password at their end. Didn't work. The amazed response from the customer service person was "Huh?!"

He tried several things (or maybe just put me on hold and drank a lovely beverage) and none of them worked.

His suggestion...make a new screen name and set up a new account. My response: Huh?!

Apparently at some time in the distant past, I set up Amazon, even though I don't remember doing it. He says that maybe the "account" was shut down because of "inactivity."

Huh?!

How many books am I suppposed to buy? How can they shut down a non-account account?

He's not really sure what's wrong, but was sending it over to technical support.

I had also gotten an email from Amazon, their "help" area. They suggested in the email to do exactly what I had already done. It was a form letter.

There were two links in the form letter, asking how satified I was with the answer. I clicked the equivalent of "Amazon sucks" and was taken to an online form asking me what they could do to help me.

Well, by golly, if they'd actually read the first email I sent in, they'd know what my problem was and perhaps have a solution.

So I spit all over.

Then I called Borders again to see if they got any more of the book. The doofus checks the computer and says they do indeed have the book in stock.

I said "Are these the same two books you couldn't find the last time I was in?"

Back on hold. Crappy background music. Guy comes back, nope, they aren't on the shelf. No kidding.

So I ask when they are getting more, when will the order come in? He tells me that Borders doesn't order books they carry.

Huh?!

Which basically means that until the two books that don't exist in the store are sold, there will be no more books coming in. Which means, MAXWELL, nobody can buy your book at that store until books that aren't there are sold. Which is impossible.

I demanded that Amazon send me a free book. I told them they already have my address, and to make it snappy. Gee, I wonder if it's here yet?

mary - thanks for the idea. most of his stuff is framed. eventhough it doesn't match most of our decor i will definately honor it. or at least hang it in the hallway. thanks!

Andree -- Acting on a hunch, I wiffled through the tulgy wood (well, up the tulgy hill) to the Union Square Borders, found where they'd mis-shelved their two copies of the book, and re-shelved the books in their proper alphabetical order (after Gill, not somewhere in the K's).

I just came gallumphing back, so there are two copies there now, but I can't swear to how long they'll be there.

I've been enjoying the Flicker presentations so far. The funny part is to read the comments and see everyone's apartment the way they see it.

For instance, I'm looking at Lisa's living room and thinking, "What a pretty yellow coffee table! Did she paint that herself? Did she use enamel?" And meanwhile Lisa's like, "Ugghhh! There's a project that's been sitting there unfinished for a whole week!"

Wende, you have a window in your closet? You don't know how envious most New Yorkers are of you...I don't even have a window in our living room.

Jess, I can relate to the over-bookedness. I've gradually given away dozens over the past few months, and have dozens more to go.

And we rent an apartment with 150-year-old walls, so I can relate to that frustration, too. Our budget is a bit more than nothing, but less than a third of a ten percent down payment on a comparable co-op.

The question here is how much do we want to spend on a place that we don't own, and would see no tax credit or profit from, except for the satisfaction of finally knowing what the heck is under all those layers of paint and plaster and wallpaper.

Cats and plants - over the weekend, I got started by buying a few plants. Over the last few years, I've developed the habit of buying plants and then never repotting them, leading to a bad cycle of plant death. So I repotted right away, felt very proud of myself. I also sanded and oiled my wooden cutting boards and cooked a couple of meals to eat during the week. So far so good.

Tuesday night I came home, ate my nice dinner, packed a lunch and put it in the fridge, went to bed early, etc. etc. 4 am - crash! Cats had knocked newly potted plant to the floor. 6 am - blech - cat is throwing up, due to having chewed on the plant. 7:30 am - latest installment of my upstairs neighbors' struggle with their son's refusal to get dressed for school (yelling, crying). I get up, groggy and tired, clean up spilled plant and cat mess, head out the door, and realize halfway to work that my neatly packed lunch is still in the fridge! And several days later my new plant remains a tangled mess of dirt and roots randomly pushed back into the pot.

Best laid plans....

Thanks for posting pictures everyone!

I'm in. Read about book in Domino. Bought book. I'm through the first chapter, interview and quiz. I'm a WARM, so that means extra clutter, which is definitely the case (mostly paper). Goals are to get organized, create an office/desk space for myself, and do some overall finishing (or overhaul, as necessary). In 8 weeks, I want a place that's: comfortable, beautiful and functional. The three qualities of my role model were similar (organized, stylish and professional), so I'm on the right track.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62276452@N00/
Thanks for the inspiration! Looking forward to the next 8 weeks...

How many photos can we upload for free at flickr?
can't I just post my photos at yahoo photo?
I use 100% of my flickr this month already - just 16 photos

Thanks, JulJulee

Thanks Wende! Although I have no idea what "I wiffled through the tulgy wood" means. Remember, I'm in the hillbilly section of S.F. out by Lake Merced. Rumour has it we'll have electricity out here some day. This area, while actually being part of S.F. city and county isn't really part of anything.

It took years to get some things done out here, some of which had to go through the Board of Supervisors, like the Towaway Zone and No Overnight Parking signs along the street. We had, at one time, 33 commercial and RV vehicles parking/living here.

Got nice, new lime green ped crossing signs (which are still ignored by the shortcutters), and some other things. I have to call everyone constantly to keep up with the endless disasters on our street. We currently have some guys living here and working on up to 15 cars they've bought from an auto dismantler on Quint, and leaving the auto parts on the road or in the bushes.

I've pulled out bumpers, car doors, car hoods, car fenders, brake pads, mystery parts, tires, wheels, seat covers, seats (the whole thing). There's a transmission that I can't lift.

I've tended injured animals, like skunks and raccoons. We see foxes and possums out here too. It's not "S.F." in the slightest way, eh?

Hey, I'm good at cleaning the environment, it's easy to see what does and doesn't belong. And I make animal huts in the wild out of the stuff I find IN the wild. My friend saw my stick house and said it looked like something that could be sold...and I'm thinking, yeah, it looks cool, but it's sticks pushed in the mud.

I may have to have a store send it to my local store. I tried to order something at another one of the links and something didn't work there either. Doomed, I say, DOOMED.

I suppose I could do what I usually do when a new book comes out that I really REALLY want. Wait until it shows up at the thrift store for a couple dollars. It will, eventually. And I don't have a digital camera. Dang, I never get to play with the other children!

Oh yeah, CATS and PLANTS.

First, head over to your local grocery store and pick up the organic wheat grass in the produce section, which is generally much less expensive than the same thing sold at pet stores. It's just wheat, so if you have a feed store, pick up some of the loose, raw wheat and sprout it yourself.

This provides your cat(s) with their own greens that they can chew on as they please. That helps the chewing on other plants.

Pick up the double-wide scratcher with catnip at Trader Joe's, best price of the double-wide scratchers, and they'll have something to scratch on.

Next, use plants that they don't particularly like to chew on, or that don't endlessly fascinate them in some way.

Several are particularly good for this, and also seem to survive low-light and inconsistent care, the Rubber Tree, the Schefflera, and the Snake Plant.

Always tons of info on horticulture pages, like this one:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/PLANTanswers/publications/houseplant/houseplant.html

Rubber Tree:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Ficus_elastica.html

Schefflera:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Brassaia_actinophylla.html

Snake plant:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Sansevieria_trifasciata.html

They won't chew on those plants. Unless they're totally desparate and don't have their own greens...and even then, those three seem to be "paws-off" plants.

Two more that will not be chewed on for the most part:
Jade plant:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Crassula_argentea.html

Dracaena "Corn plant":
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Dracaena_fragrans.html

The smaller dracaena, was totally munched, but the tall one I have with the thick trunk (Home Depot, the 10-12 plants) was left alone. However, both the trunk of the Corn plant and my biggest Jade plant were used as scratching posts, much to my dismay.

The Jade plants, all of mine came from discarded plants here at the apartment or pieces broken off of plants at a local shopping center. I'd bring them home and stick them in dirt. Their watering needs are light, and they seem to enjoy being ignored. You'll kill them by fussing over them. Seriously.

My cats ate half of this one, Easter Cactus (you'll see them everywhere now, with all their lovely blooms):
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Rhipsalidopsis_gaertneri.html

It came back wonderfully and is another plant I forget to tend and even so, it does great.

The golden pothos does well in low-light, but the cats seem to enjoy batting the leaves:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Epipremnum_aureum.html

Dragged in a sickly one of these:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Monstera_deliciosa.html

It was only a few feet tall. Kind of attached to a wooden stake. Next thing I know, I've had to replace the stake with a five foot bamboo pole. Which then became a bigger pot and an eight foot pole. I've cut it down from the ceiling a couple times and just stick the cuttings in the dirt at the base, and they grow fine.

It doesn't have as many "cuts" in the leaves, as in the picture, or as full and leafy, but it's a column of leaves doing just fine. Cats occassionally are interested in the lower leaves, but they don't fuss over it.

Plants that were a disaster in here with cats over the years,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Dracaena_marginata.html

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Dracaena_Warneckii.html

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/Dracaena_Janet_Craig.html

Why? Because the leaves were too "grass like" in appearance and just said "EAT ME" to the cats. I'd go to bed with a plant, and wake up with a stem. Oh, and the prerequisite upchucked greenery.

Why did I choose those plants in the first place? Cleaner air:
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Plants/clean.htm

http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/houseplants.htm

Lots more info, and even a book to buy.

If you're new to plants, or to a particular kind of plant, try out the smallest version you can find. That's how I set about using plants. Will the cats eat it? Will it survive in the lighting and conditions in MY apartment? Will it survive with the kind of care I can give it?

It has to pass the cat test first, and that I know within minutes of putting it on the table. So will you.

Another thing to consider, is the kind of litter you use for your cats. Those clay litters and other perfumed litters, they aren't "natural" smelling to cats. Oh, WE humans might like them, but the cats don't.

I went on to Feline Pine, which is wood sawdust formed into pellets. Runs about $4.00 for 7 pounds. You only use an inch in the bottom of the box, and the urine causes the pellets to expand into sawdust. No urine odor. Don't use too much or it will expand right over the edge of the box.

Trader Joe's has their own brand, as do other stores, that is a little less than Feline Pine.

Best value by far is to purchase the wood pellets used for wood pellet stoves, available at some grocery or hardware stores, which runs about $4.00 for FORTY pounds.

Yeah, that's a lot, but you're spending the same amount of money as you would for seven pounds or forty pounds and it does the same thing. I use a rolling plastic storage container to fill with the pellets and dispense from there.

If the cats really go nuts over the earth in the potted plants, you can sprinkle a bit of earth on the wood pellets. I also use the cedar shavings on the wood pellets to help discourage moths (it's been a bad year here for moths) and because cedar smells sooooo gooooood.

This info should help get you going in the right direction for the kinds of plants that will thwart kitty attention, survive on low-light, survive with little care, and clean your air constantly.

juljulee - flickr's monthly limits are by bandwidth in uploading, not in number of photos. probably you're uploading large, high resolution photos. if you use "flickr uploadr," their free uploading tool, you can automatically resize your photos to reduce their size (this makes uploading a lot faster, too). usually 800x600 is adequate for internet viewing. this will stretch your monthly limit lots farther.

and i think free flickr users are allowed to post 200 photos total (not monthly).

good luck!

When I informed my husband that I was going to take The Cure he snorted,

"Yeah, I know what The Cure is. First, get rid of your husband."

Apartment Therapy (the blog, the book and the Cure)has a big spread in today's WPost Express.

I saw the thumbnail next to the teaser in the Express (which didn't mention the book or Maxwell) and thought "hm, that looks like Patrick's apartment." The big shot confirmed it. It stands out in the field, even on B/W newsprint.

I'm new to this flickr thing, but if this works it will show my beach pad which I have renamed The Zanibar Pleasure Lounge.

Flickr posting is new to me too! I posted my photos last night, but I'll try again so that you can access them by clicking my name (I hope!)

I've already realized that my apartment is way too "safe" in terms of decorating - nothing risky at all. Perhaps it's just my style, but I'd like to tweak it a little bit.

Andree - thanks for the tips about cat litter. Our apartment is small enough to have a "where does the litter box go?" issue - so it's in the hallway between the kitchen and living/dining area. It'd be so nice to have something more pleasant than clay cat litter!

I snafu'd that flckr effort -- will do it again tonight, only better! Ignore previous link going nowhere, please.

I'm halfway through the book. I thought to read it completely before beginning. Unfortunately, all common sense completely left me and I ordered a whole bedding set Sunday morning from Spiegel.com. It's returnable, which is cool.

Without scoring I know my place qualifies as toxic. But I believe, with your help, a new beginning is just 8 weeks away.

Kati, unless you are hiding loads of stuff somewhere in a storage space, you don't look like you need the Cure. Your apartment is so nice and neat already. But of course that is only my opinion. Where did you get all of those lovely pillows from? If only my apartment looked that great.

Thanks, Lisa! Well, I forgot to take a picture of our Harry Potter closet (the closet under the stairs). It's rather full of stuff: pantry, suitcases, my road bike, cat litter, etc. It is getting a bit full!

I don't have a lot of stuff that's cluttering, but I do need a better system for organizing paperwork. That's definitely my clutter issue. Receipts, articles, emails, envelopes, bills for filing...aack!

I'm also researching vacuums to buy this weekend - step one is a deep clean, and I don't even have a vacuum that works well! Debating between a Dyson and a Miele upright. Any suggestions?

The two matching green/brown pillows are from a local independent home store in town, but the other green and orange ones are from TJ Maxx! The upstairs pillows (grey/white coral and mod tan/red) are all Ikea. They've got nice feather pillow inserts, which is great. I've developed a pillow fetish, but don't have enough places to put them!

I second the need for recommendations on a really good vacuum cleaner; I have insanely thick hair that quickly kills anything with a motor. I've heard the Dyson isn't all that great and that Miehle is better; very open to recs on any machine that is really powerful and very hardy. My Electrolux has been OK, but needs to be replaced.

vaccuums -- do a search on this site! I know that the vaccuum thing has come up before...

"Wiffling through the tulgy wood" is from the Jabberwocky poem in Alice in Wonderland, isn't it?

That alone makes me a Wende fan.

I'm in, thought I'm apparently a bit late, but I was on vacation in Hungary and just got my copy of the book. I think the furniture in my apartment is well-aranged for the most part, but otherwise it is very sick and in need of major therapy. Not enough art or color on the walls, clutter clutter everywhere in the bedroom, and it just feels a bit random and not pulled together.

I do already cook at home four nights a week and have many people over all the time and it is very easy to have comfortable conversations, so at least I've got that going for me.

I'll get a Flickr account and post my (belated) pix.