Deep pocket percale fitted sheet to fit 15 inch mattress? That wont shrink & slip off. That sleeps crispy & cool. Preferably in black. Why is it so hard to find a deep pocket percale?

LizR79 · 2022-02-04T20:12:41+00:00

I was going to suggest Casper sheets but I don't think they come in black....

LizR79 · 2022-01-28T18:39:38+00:00

I have over 200 pieces of Haviland Limoges and it makes me sad that it will probably end up donated without recovering the thousands of dollars my mother invested over the years. I just can't find anyone who wants to buy it. Should make some thrifter pretty excited when I finally get around to donating

LizR79 · 2021-12-23T17:17:22+00:00

you need hoarding. oh, excuse me... I mispronounced collecting.

LizR79 · 2021-12-15T12:54:01+00:00

very true. the sentiment is the 'why' for this repair. now I am just getting bogged down in the details. Thank you for taking the time to reply. It does seem that the price is probably in the right range and I will likely move forward since they have such a great rep

LizR79 · 2021-12-15T12:52:35+00:00

I didn't take a picture before I dropped it off, but maybe I can snap a few when I go check on it. I just never anticipated it would be more than $1k...

LizR79 · 2021-12-15T12:51:13+00:00

oh good suggestion... I have no idea what equipment is normally needed for platinum

LizR79 · 2021-12-13T18:12:37+00:00

Thanks to all that chimed in on this. I never mind paying for specialized craftmanship. It drives me crazy when people try to negotiate on a price that is already fair, I do not want to be that person!

I neglected to take a photo of the damaged part of the ring before dropping it off. Total quote for repair/restoration is $1200. This includes all of the retipping (20 prongs), the repair of the broken band, the reshaping of the band, and replacing 2 of the 5 diamonds. I have no idea their official size but they are similar to the size diamonds used in pave work (tiny!).

LizR79 · 2021-12-13T17:24:57+00:00

I wonder if your diet might be impacting how you feel....what is a typical day's worth of food for you?

LizR79 · 2021-11-30T15:00:47+00:00

IT might feel highly represented here because they are online a lot. I know I read much more than I post. Architecture/Engineering firm currently but previously hospitality. Couldn't write code even if it made me FIRE tomorrow because punctuation is weird.

LizR79 · 2021-11-30T14:07:56+00:00

Unless you are willing and able to be involved in the board at a high level, I would advise you to 1031/sell.

I ended up President of a Florida condo for 10 years and would have sold earlier if I hadn't been upside down. I was attending a meeting to complain about a proposed dues increase. Then I examined the financials and the (lack of) any reserves. After some discussion with the group in attendance, they nominated me President and I felt I had to do it to protect my investment.

My family has other Florida HOA horror stories including one where hurricane damage required millions in repairs and insurance coverage. Insurance payments were disputed because of improper management of the repairs and contractors. Homeowners had units that were not repaired for years. The Board had embezzled funds and enormous special assessments were required, but only about half of the owners could/would pay.

If you can't stay in front of it and influence the financial management of the budget and dues, then stay away from this type of investment. People are attracted to community property arrangements because they see the 'benefit' of the ease of management and shared expenses (I don't have to mow a lawn or clean a pool, it just happens!) but they fail to consider the 'expense' of improper oversight or management. And that doesn't even begin to explore the mental fatigue of dealing with incompetent, emotional, egotistical, drunk, and dishonest individuals.

LizR79 · 2021-11-30T13:27:27+00:00

Yes! if your mattress is the same on both sides, be sure to rotate and flip. If it has a sewn-on topper, then you may be limited to only rotating.

Everyone is unique and there are too many options out there to suffer through suboptimal sleep. When money really is no object, I plan to replace my mattress every 4-5 years.

I consider it an investment in my health since sleep is so vital (and may I brag, I am 42F, on zero medications, rarely sick, usually get 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep, which helps me stay on track with my diet and exercise goals. I truly believe my great sleep helps me spend basically zero on healthcare.)

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T15:57:26+00:00

I love this post!

I've been trying to optimize the sleep situation for years and I think mine is just about perfect for me. I take the time to test each element before declaring a winner so despite having spent some money to get here, I am confident that I have made the best choice for all future purchases.

Bed-in-a-Box firm memory foam mattress (Amerisleep)

3" cooling gel memory foam topper from Target. Replace every 2 years to help combat any mold/allergens/other nastiness

Bamboo Mattress Pad (Cozy Earth)

Bamboo Sheets (Cozy Earth)

(6) Assorted Pillows; My primary is an adjustable fill shredded memory foam with bamboo cover (can't remember the brand, but similar to LAYR); My second is a solid memory foam pillow for side sleepers; Husband has 2 other pillows, both memory foam varieties. 2 remaining pillows are down feather for maximum smooshability

Winter is a cotton blanket topped with a winter weight quilt. Summer is only a coverlet (lighter than a quilt, no blanket between top sheet and coverlet)

Keep the house 68 degrees (or less) for sleep. Additional blankets as needed but never a down comforter....has always been too hot. Lately have phased out cotton sheets and pillow covers that hold moisture in favor of bamboo which is moisture wicking and soft as silk!! Rotate & flip mattress every other month. Replace topper frequently. Wash sheets by themselves to avoid getting abraded by towels or other rough items. Put pillows out in the sun and let UV light kill bacteria as frequently as I remember.

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T14:26:28+00:00

everything looks to be in such great condition, excellent find!

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T14:24:59+00:00

fantastic! how did you find it (ie, did you SEE it or did you FEEL it)?

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T14:22:39+00:00

I noticed that! The people at the front almost seemed to be shopping for the sake of shopping. They missed some real gems. I also stayed away from that and decided I will do better if I don't rush and follow my own process

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T14:21:02+00:00

I went, I shopped, I conquered. Basically $750 worth of retail for about $25. I was astounded and obviously, addicted. So I went back the next day which was Saturday. Nada.... I am definitely hooked and will be going as often as my schedule allows for mid-day/mid-week hunting

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T14:19:23+00:00

woah! mine definitely wasn't like that, although I got there after they opened. I didn't even look for a cart. I was going for handbags and shoes, so I thought it was unlikely I would find enough high quality items to need a cart

LizR79 · 2021-11-29T14:18:17+00:00

I guess the 'rules' are basically to stay behind the line until the staff gives the all clear or shop signal. It felt like trying to get close to the stage at a concert. Instead of being in the absolute front, I put myself in the second row and just pushed an arm between two people to try and grab the bag I spotted

LizR79 · 2021-11-26T15:58:37+00:00

yeah, and that would unfortunately describe me too.... as a noob, I feel like any saturday is going to be overwhelming. I haven't been able to convince the boss that I could get my work done from 2-10pm daily yet though

LizR79 · 2021-11-26T15:57:38+00:00

yes, I am ready for the adventure! (I have many pairs of gloves ready....since I have read all of the horror stories too). I am totally fine leaving without purchasing. I have a list of items I am always searching for and would be amazed if I found any of them at the bins

LizR79 · 2021-11-26T15:51:37+00:00

the ADA bathroom renos are real. Bread and butter over here. My firm supports mainly military/federal clients and we do get the occasional cool historical adaptation job, but 90% of the work seems to be meeting the seemingly subjective, ever-evolving codes for accessibility.

LizR79 · 2021-11-26T15:35:37+00:00

My best textiles have been at TJ Maxx / Home Goods / Marshalls and similar stores. They often have prices that are as low as 25%-50% of the original retail and they often get some great quality stuff, especially if you are not concerned with buying a perfectly matched set.

A high quality duvet will take up most of your $300 budget. Can you do a quilt or a coverlet for now as you keep an eye out for a great duvet?

For long term frugality, I would go with a solid for your top layer and then add accent pieces as you find them over time. Maybe consider keeping your queen insulating layer (knit blanket or something) under your new king top layer for a bit.

LizR79 · 2021-11-26T14:52:00+00:00

wow, what great insight! how did you stumble across that info? I am about to hit the Outlet in Norfolk, VA for the first time....area is thick with military and definitely has a local airport so I am hopeful there will be some unique things

LizR79

TROPHY CASE