naked notes

Organizing A Kitchen Drawer

Laura Cattano — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:37 +0000

A few suggestions when using modular drawer organizers like the metal mesh ones pictured above:

Pull everything out of the drawer sorting into prep and serving pieces, editing out anything you don’t use or need.
Look at what’s left to see what size organizers you’ll need; extra long or wide.
Using your drawer’s measurements, draw it out on paper to see how many organizers will fit.
To make it look its best and not cluttered, create a symmetrical pattern.
For the organizers in the back of the drawer, angle them from back to front for easy access.
Group things by use to limit searching for things.
If you have an inch or so left in the back of the drawer, wedge cardboard from a toilet paper or paper towel roll to make it nice and snug.

Reader’s Questions: Ikea Pax Wardrobes

Laura Cattano — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:00:02 +0000

(images courtesy of MakingItLovely.com)

Leah asks: “Have you ever organized Ikea wardrobes for a client? We just bought a pair of Pax wardrobes (the largest size) and it will become my only closet (to hold, ahem, everythingggg for me). I am wondering how I can maximize every inch … thinking along the lines of hooks in the interior doors and such. I just don’t know how well Ikea furniture holds up to changes like that.”

I LOVE the Pax wardrobes and have used them many times. I almost always install at least one hook on the side of the unit. Just make sure you use hooks small enough that they don’t go through the wall. Here are some suggestions for you:

Don’t rush it; for maximum stability, it needs to be assembled correctly which means following the directions to the tee!
Get it level; place a level on the top of the unit and use shims if needed underneath. Just know sometimes you have to go with what looks better to the eye than to what is actually level.
Get it on the wall; once level, mount it to the wall for maximum stability.
Planning is key; figure what you’re going to store in it beforehand not after.
Group like-things together: all pajamas, all workout, all t-shirts, all pants, or all work pants and then casual pants; whatever makes the most sense to you and your lifestyle.
Drawer it out; especially when using the deep wardrobes, go with drawers from the bottom, going as high up as is comfortable for you.
Don’t be afraid to put anything and everything in a drawer including handbags, shoes, boots…
Install one drawer at a time from the bottom up making sure you don’t waste any space. If you’re doing shelves, install the shelf, then place whatever objects you plan to use it for on top. Place the next shelf up exactly where it should be so you don’t end up losing as much as an inch of space.

In addition to the images above, check out Nicole Balch’s original post for more shots on her blog MakingItLovely.com. And Lonny magazine’s current issue (issue 3 feb/march 2010, page 21) has a great article showcasing Pax wardrobes for even more great ideas and gorgeous shots of Pax in action.

If you’d like, send me some pics of what you’ve come up with. Thanks for reading and thanks for the great question Leah!

Reader’s Questions: Childhood Memorabilia

Laura Cattano — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:00:36 +0000

Image courtesy of Brad Ford's flickr

Jess asks “Hi! I have a question relating to keeping childhood memorabilia. I am 25, and my mom recently gave me all of my childhood papers, artwork, etc. I have ruthlessly been going through it, but I get stumped up. It would just sit in a tub of storage if I keep it, but I don’t want to erase all of my childhood memories. My husband also has several totes of his childhood/high school memorabilia. Do you have any suggestions? I also struggle with what to do with the doll crib and high chair (larger items) that were mine. Keep for a little girl someday? Or will she be into her own things? They are in good condition. Thanks for any advice on this!”

First, don’t let anyone else put THEIR feelings of how much and what personal memorabilia YOU should keep (and vice versa, a common mistake with spouses). Some people can’t bear to part with anything from their past, while others like me keep very little. You need to figure out where you fit in the spectrum.

I don’t believe that by editing down your memorabilia all your childhood memories magically disappear. It’s fun to see pictures we drew and report cards from grade school, but is it necessary to keep ALL of them? Keep the ones that get more of an emotional response then others. As far as the big stuff, think of this way; is it something you can properly store (keeping it clean and functioning) for the amount of time you’d need to in order to pass on to someone that may not love it as much as you did? If you do decide to let it go, take a few pictures of it beforehand so you can see it again when you like. And you must feel good about passing along something to someone NOW who will make just as many happy memories with it. Getting rid of something from your past is not disrespecting the past, sometimes it’s a matter of clearing some room in your home and mind for new memories and new energy to come in.

Deciding to keep or discard something is much easier when you let go of the idea that you HAVE to get rid of anything. Take that pressure off yourself for now. People lose momentum when editing when they stop making decisions; go through piece by piece saying definitely keep, definitely toss (or donate, sell, recycle) and when you get to something you’re unsure of simply put in a ‘maybe pile’, move on until all immediate decisions are done and THEN tackle the leftover items.

One more note. Not all of your memorabilia has to be boxed up and put away. For the things you don’t necessarily want out for everyone to see, why not hang on the inside of a closet door, back of a cabinet, or in the bathroom?

I hope this helps!

Living Better With Less… or ‘Green’ Living

Laura Cattano — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:00:18 +0000

(photo courtesy of UNIFORM natural's flickr)

Although I don’t call myself an eco-organizer, eco-friendly, green, or use any other catchy, popular phrases, I promote a sustainable, ‘living better with less’ lifestyle which is at the heart of environmentalism. I don’t think you have to say you’re something to be it. I’m not into gimmicks, tricks, or one-size-fits-all answers. I help people change the way they see the things in their life; to see them as tools to help live the life they want, not just consuming for consumption’s sake. The term reduce, reuse, recycle is in that order for a reason; recycling isn’t the first step, it’s the last resort. With my process, reduced, conscious consumption is the end result which is the first and most important step to living a more environmentally conscious life (whether you’re looking for that or not).

There are a ton of obvious ways to be more earth conscious:

turn off electricity and water when not it’s not needed like when you’re not in the room!
take your name off junk mail lists
don’t leave your chargers plugged in when not in use
use natural cleaning products
avoid using disposable products; silverware, razors…

But there are less obvious ways too; for example, watch how much plastic you consume:

get Q-tips with cardboard stems not plastic
tampons with cardboard applicators not plastic
eggs in paper cartons not plastic

Personally, I opted for a metal scooper for my litter box instead of plastic. If properly kept it will last a very long time and when it’s done it can be recycled rather than tossed in the trash.

Email Messaging for Renters!

Shankar Desai — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:30:50 +0000

Now when you communicate with a broker, you can do so by replying to their message via email. You no longer have to log into the site to see their message and respond. You can handle it all through the ease of your email account.

Many of you have requested it and we understand the need for it – you want to be able to respond while on the road, using your phone and your primary means of communication, email. Well, now you can!

You will still have to log in to the site to search for listings and make your initial contact or to see any listings a broker or landlord has sent you. However, once you’ve contacted them or they’ve contacted you, you can respond and communicate by email.

We think this feature will make it even easier to use our site and find your next apartment.

Good luck!

Thanks,
The Naked Apartments Team

Email Messaging for Brokers & Landlords!

Shankar Desai — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:30:38 +0000

Now when you communicate with a renter, you can do so by replying to their message via email. You no longer have to log into the site to see their message and respond. You can handle it all through the ease of your email account.

You will still have to log in to the site to search for renters and make your initial contact. Also, if you want to send them new listings after emailing back and forth, you’ll have to log back into the site to do that.

However, once you’ve contacted them or if they’ve contacted you via one of your listings, you can respond and communicate by simply replying to the email that gets sent to you with their message.

In terms of pricing, nothing changes. If a renter contacts you anonymously and you decide to respond to them, you are charged a credit to communicate with them but nothing after that. Also, you’ll still be charged a single credit to search and reach out to a renter.

Good luck!

Thanks,
The Naked Apartments Team

Another Custom Closet for About $200

Laura Cattano — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:00:53 +0000

(before)

This particular client came to me as she was re-doing her apartment to make sure she was spending her money wisely and to make sure whatever she did, it was done right the first time.

(after)

She was originally thinking of using Elfa but I knew we could do it better and for a lot less money. I priced out Elfa vs a mix of hardware store options and Ikea. The Elfa came out to about $835, while the Ikea option came to about $210 (price not including tax, shipping, installation). The center unit (19 5/8″W x 22 7/8″D x 79 1/8″H) with it’s 4 interior drawers, 2 shelves, and pull-out valet hook was about $140. Another pack of shelves and a closet rod that were all cut to fit around the center unit cost about $70.

For more pics, check out my flickr.

Custom Closet for About $200

Laura Cattano — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:00:26 +0000

(before)

I love coming up with custom solutions for closets that don’t cost an arm and a leg. This client came to me because she needed to make room in her 2-bedroom apartment for a new baby (due any day!). To do that, this closet needed to hold all her current and off-season clothes, shoes, and bags that were spread out in two closets.

(after)

The existing shelf was moved up to take advantage of the high ceiling. New Rubbermaid FreeSlide Shelves were cut to fit around a new center shelf unit to give much needed additional shelf and hanging space. The approximate cost of the center shelf unit, new shelves and brackets, valet hook, full length mirror, and small hooks was $200 (not including tax, transportation from Lowe’s to apt, and installation).

In addition, on sale for 20% off, new metal hangers were bought for approx $190, two hanging hampers separate laundry from dry cleaning and canvas boxes store off season clothes on the upper shelf for approx $80.

This client has a beautiful collection of handbags, shoes, and boots that she prefers to keep in their boxes and dust bags. The bags she uses more often are stored on the center shelf. For more pics check out my flickr.

Enjoying Nature’s Sweetness

Patti McCabe — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:17 +0000

Image via www.bluewaikiki.com's flickr stream

A healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity, optimum weight, abundant energy and balance. By using fruit to satisfy our taste for sweetness, we can leave behind the use of chemical, processed and refined sweeteners. Fruits are easy to digest, are cleansing and cooling and are great for those who are overstressed and overheated from excessive mental strain or hot climates. They’re also filled with fiber and liver stimulants, which act as natural, gentle laxatives. Whenever possible, buy fresh, locally grown fruit as opposed to imported fruits shipped from far-off places. This keeps you eating in season, and more in harmony with your environment and climate.

Eating raw fruit in summer months is highly cooling, while baking it in the winter months neutralizes the cooling effect. Fruit in the form of juice is a great choice for cleansing the body, but be aware that juice rapidly raises blood sugar levels, leading to an energy crash soon after. Frozen, whole, puréed or juiced fruit can make great summertime cool-down treats. Try frozen grapes, banana-coconut smoothie popsicles or lime juice ice-cubes in iced tea!

Whether you are having fresh fruit for a light early morning breakfast, a midday snack or evening treat, enjoy nature’s sweetness and whenever possible buy organic. Here are a few tips on fruits and their health benefits:

Apricots: Great for lung conditions and asthma; used to help treat anemia due to their high copper and cobalt content.
Bananas: Help to lubricate the intestines, treat ulcers, detoxify the body and manage sugar cravings; are rich in potassium (which helps hypertension).
Cherries: Slightly warming in nature; increase overall body energy, remedy arthritis and rheumatism and are rich in iron, which improves the blood.
Grapefruits: Treat poor digestion, increase appetite during pregnancy, alleviate intestinal gas and reduce mucus conditions of the lungs.
Papayas: Tone the stomach, act as digestive aid, moisten the lungs and alleviate coughing; contain carpaine, an anti-tumor compound.
Raspberries: Benefit the liver and kidneys, cleanse blood of toxins, regulate menstrual cycles, treat anemia and can promote labor at childbirth.

Recipe: Fruit Nut Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

1 banana
1 cup soy or rice milk
1 cup berries
1 cup diced melon
1/2 cup almonds
2-4 ice cubes

Directions:

Mix in blender for 1-2 minutes and serve.

Note: You can add other ingredients for added nutrition such as a spoonful of bee pollen, coconut oil, flax seed oil, spirulina powder or a scoop of protein powder.

Clinton Hill: The Beat of Brooklyn

Esther Upia — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:00:20 +0000

Image via cisc1970's flickr stream

Tree-lined blocks, parks, enchanting homes and excellent food in a quaint college town 15 minutes from Manhattan? It’s not a fantasy, it’s Clinton Hill. Located on the urban edge of Fort Greene and Bedford-Stuyvesant, it blends the flavors of those areas to create something unique and wonderful. It’s poetry come to life when you stroll through the streets of Brooklyn’s most intriguing neighborhood.

Bordered by Vanderbilt Ave. to the west, Classon to the east, and Park Ave to Atlantic going north-south, you’ll find an appealing mix of cafes, restaurants, markets and bars. Black Iris is a great place to relax with a cup of coffee, and neighborhood staples like Kum Kau and Yamashiro serve up delicious food to the locals. If you’re looking to eat in, Choice Greene gourmet market offers a fantastic selection of marinated meats, fresh bread, and more. At night, grab a beer with the lively crowd at Moe’s.

As you walk through the area, you’ll find pockets of peace and activity all at once. Cars and bicyclists race up Washington Avenue on their way to one of Brooklyn’s many happenings, while kids play with their parents in nearby Ft. Greene Park, and others exploring the new hotspots like small plate haven Umi Nom.

One fascinating point that can’t missed beautiful variation of architecture. From Victorian-style mansions and townhouses to brownstones and well-kept pre-war buildings, you’re almost in awe as you wonder what historical days were like in this dynamic section of Brooklyn. Pratt students and staff have influenced the area greatly, with many new businesses spread out on Myrtle Avenue. Walk a bit further out in either direction and you step right into the still beauty of Fort Greene or the dynamic scene of Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Work in Manhattan? No problem. Hop on the C train and enter the city in less than 15 minutes! If Williamsburg or Queens is your preferred destination, the G train services the area too. It’s not hard to find a parking spot and neighbors actually smile at each other. Almost dreamy, right? Well, it’s true and it’s wonderful. After all, Brooklyn is the home of the unique and unusual. Come on by. Wander around and observe the scene. You’ll get to know why Clinton Hill is Brooklyn’s poetry.

Black Iris (228 DeKalb Ave.)
Kum Kau (465 Myrtle Ave.)
Yamashiro (466 Myrtle Ave.)
Choice Greene (214 Greene Ave.)
Moe’s (80 Lafayette Ave.)
Ft. Greene Park (DeKalb & Cumberland)
Umi Nom (433 DeKalb Ave.)
Pratt Institute (200 Willoughby Ave.)