apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

ADORABLE!!!

I've posted this in another open thread, but did so rather late and only got one response...so I'm going to post this just one more time:

Please forgive the fact that I'm new, so these questions have probably been asked a million times.

I hear this Web site started around an 8 week "cure" for home decor/design...is that true? I saw that there is a book. But is there anything about it (the "cure" not the book, I can google that) online? I want to know what the "cure" is, exactly.

Also, since I'm a newbie, does anyone have any recommended articles they can link me to?

I'd especially like to read ones that either spawned or explain any "inside jokes" or "inside facts" that all members of this site should know (like, why does everyone hate on IKEA, yet refer to IKEA all of the time? What are squiggles when voting for bloggers? Etc). I've discovered the "royal we" thing, the Carry On poster everyone hates, and the apartmenttherapy tags on Flickr.

But I'd love to read articles that are just great articles, too.

Thank you!

The cure's kind of a long, several-month process that addresses different home issues like flow, clutter, personal style, cleaning, etc. I'm finding it hard to sum up since there's a lot involved (not intimidatingly so, though) - it's seriously just better to find the book at your local Borders or something and flip through!

On another note: I know this has been discussed before, but I thought I'd bring it up anyway. Is there a http://www.canalplasticscenter.com/ type place in Chicago? I know there are manufacturers here, but are there more retail-friendly places to find things like sheets of colored plexiglass or mylar? Is this kind of stuff readily available at Home Depot and I'm just missing out?

Hi. Mrs.Mack, For the first Spring Cure entry that explains it pretty well, go to http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/spring-cure-2008/the-spring-cure-official-signup-044490

Does anyone know where I can get a counter-height table that is either real wood, steel or a combo of both that is affordable. Maybe less or at $300? I hate MDF. I need counter work space that doubles as a dining table for my small apartment.

Thanks!

Mrs. Mack, welcome to AT! Veej is correct - it's probably best to check out the intro to our last Spring Cure for the most complete information about the 8-week process.

For links to good posts, you can check the left-hand column of the site in the "Top Posts" section. These are articles and posts that have scored high with our readers.

Thank you! You all have been helpful.

Hey, can anyone recommend a reasonable heating contractor that specialize in hot water radiant heating systems in Chicago? Thanks all!

i say AT should have a full-time "Pets" page (not unlike the individual city pages) devoted to all things pet (decor design, health, adoption, etc.)!!! Just one month isn't enough for my pet-loving heart. Anyone else with me?

I meant to add: at least with a devoted page, those who DON'T want to see posts about pets don't have to skim past the pet posts in aggravation.