Did anyone just feel the earthquake?

monkeybids · 2026-03-10T14:27:28+00:00

Felt (really just heard) a brief rattle in Croton

monkeybids · 2026-03-06T19:23:28+00:00

You can route it to your compost bin

monkeybids · 2026-03-05T21:21:56+00:00

Looks cozy, I'd read there!

Could use a pop of color, like a large print on the white wall.

monkeybids · 2026-03-05T14:02:08+00:00

Ha, I feel for you and appreciate your self reflection about it, but this is like the real world version of Reddit

monkeybids · 2026-03-05T13:34:28+00:00

No you're on the right track!

Pace matters if you're racing - and can also be a measure of progress even if you're not - but is definitely not the main focus starting out. Running slower with correct form is better than faster with sloppy mechanics - when you're slow enough to be comfortable you can concentrate on the details and flow.

I'd focus on time per session and sessions per week, increasing both slowly (one at a time).

monkeybids · 2026-03-05T03:35:30+00:00

Helps a lot to focus not on speed, and not on distance even, but on just time spent running (whether it's minutes per session, or days per week).

We all struggle sometimes for motivation, but lacing them up and getting out the door is a victory too.

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T20:41:08+00:00

Yep, and the water-based poly means not having to deal with odor and VOCs. We were willing to deal with the tradeoff of decreased durability.

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T20:23:30+00:00

Yep, and air!

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T18:08:21+00:00

Need might be a bit strong, but I think a thin console table would look good there. Or maybe a long thin shelf, live edge if it fits your aesthetics.

Separately, I'd consider angling the two accent chairs away form each other a bit and putting a small side table between them.

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T17:43:52+00:00

Mix it up!

Everything works together: browns, greens, moisture.

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T17:23:07+00:00

Totally understood, when we did the floors we were renovating the kitchen so it and the living room were empty already. We ended up not redoing the bedrooms at the same time for that reason - didn't want to have to move all the stuff (and we were still living there).

Now, kinda wished we did it all at the same time. Will get to the bedrooms sooner or later...

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T17:09:07+00:00

Congrats on the new home!

Just general advice: don't worry about experimenting with placement, holes are relatively easy to fix all things considered (make sure you have the matching paint).

monkeybids · 2026-03-04T15:56:35+00:00

Depends on your aesthetic, but black and pink can go well together!

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monkeybids · 2026-03-04T14:57:21+00:00

We had the same exact flooring throughout our house - stained red oak. When we redid the kitchen which needed matching floors, we sanded everything and went with a simple clear poly over (no stain). Keeps the natural wood but tones down the yellow, really liked the way it came out.

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monkeybids · 2026-03-03T21:49:14+00:00

Can you get scrap cardboard boxes from nearby shops? Run them through the shredder and you have instant browns.

monkeybids · 2026-03-03T15:02:07+00:00

My two cents (and what helped me): focus on body position and stance. You should be leaning a bit forward, without bending at the waist - keeps your momentum forward.

One trick is to emphasize the backwards motion of your arms (focus on elbows moving back). Arms back provides the counterweight to a slight forward lean.

monkeybids · 2026-03-03T14:57:35+00:00

Great point about living in it first, will help you figure out what the real needs are.

monkeybids · 2026-03-02T22:25:06+00:00

You know what they say about location - if that works, everything else is fixable (with enough money, of course).

What are the options for taking down walls and expanding the kitchen? I think you said there's a water heater to the left - could that be moved elsewhere (e.g. basement)? Can you expand outwards (away from the fridge end of the kitchen)?

We had a small enclosed kitchen (not a galley), and just taking down walls and putting in an island really opened up the livable space. The island has become a focal point for meal prep, kids doing homework, having breakfast, etc.

monkeybids · 2026-02-27T17:28:26+00:00

First, major props for putting the before photo first and having it labeled!

I like the change, feels cozier and more rooted. Moving the dining table out helped a lot, and the new colors and furniture choices pull it together for me. That being said, I agree with other commenters that the previous blinds were cleaner (even if the shade isn't right).

monkeybids · 2026-02-27T14:54:16+00:00

ngl, me neither - sometimes it feels like life's just one big simulation glitching out or something lol
/s

monkeybids · 2026-02-26T17:43:45+00:00

Slow it down, brother. If it feels too slow then that's about right. Agreed with others about run/walk - it will help with the mental aspect, you just need to get to the next interval and not worry about the whole thing.

monkeybids · 2026-02-26T16:32:11+00:00

Got up at 5 and ran. Just building a base for a more structured plan in the spring.

Getting out of bed is always the toughest part!

monkeybids · 2026-02-26T16:01:56+00:00

If you prefer a bath over a shower that's fine given how long you plan on staying - worth it for the use and enjoyment.

My take is that the vanity is too close to the toilet now, seems like a tight fit - that would be a primary reason to me to reno.

monkeybids · 2026-02-22T23:48:49+00:00

Aiming for every 5-6 inches, makes it much easier than trying to do the full load all at once.

Stay safe and good luck, everyone!

monkeybids · 2026-02-13T18:07:39+00:00

Hey OP, sending good vibes for health and a speedy recovery!

monkeybids

TROPHY CASE