Trash Is Trendy Just Ask Paris Or Lindsay

It's 2010 and if you're still waiting for this recycling fad to end you better keep holding your breath. OK good, now that we agree, we must continue to recycle but the million dollar question is: how to recycle in style without it becoming an eyesore in your place. Well, luckily, trash is now trendy thanks to the likes of Paris and Lindsay. You too can fashionably recycle using these cool canisters and totes.

This is what Crate&Barrel does so well. They hook you in with these $17.95 set of 4 recycling bags and before you know it you're shopping for $3,500 sofas!

Found this foot pedal bin @ thenaturalstore.com

Like the clean look of these bags. You can get it here @ Amazon.

Discovered this very unique recycling bin at one of my new favorite blogs Toxel.com

When You're Trying To Make A Dollar Out Of Fifteen Cents

You would be astonished what amazing items you can find and thrift stores and yard sales. As the old cliche states, one persons trash is another ones treasure. L.A. is the mecca of weekend yard sales and if you are patient and have no problems throwing a few elbows you may find that perfect lamp or jewelry box. If your looking to truly design on a dime don't be afraid to check out places like the Goodwill Store and Out of The Closet. In addition to rummaging through someones hand-me-downs you may also grab a great t-shirt or pair of jeans.

Using these resources is also a good way for you to purge your old stuff. By donating furniture and accessories to these non-profit centers you can receive a tax write-off, you make room for something new in your place, and perhaps your hand me downs may be someone else's killer find. One of my all time favorite items that I found by just stopping on a whim at a yard sale on my corner was an original "Lite-Brite" for just $1.00. I bust it out for birthdays and such and it always brings a smile to the crowd.

Rumors Suggest That Katharine Hepburn May Be The Guy In 2A's Grandmother!

Breaking news: After discovering this lost footage of Hepburn on the Dick Cavett Show many now believe that The Guy In 2A is in fact an heir to Katharine Hepburn. About 25 seconds into this video you will understand the connection. Enjoy these words of wisdom from the 4 time Oscar Award winner.

5 On The Dime

Every Wednesday, I'll bring you 5 quick, fun and budget friendly ways to jazz up your place so make sure to come back. In today's post, I'm going to show you how to spruce up your pad with Toss Pillows that are affordable.

1. Woohoo we can afford something from Crate&Barrel!

Finding pillows with interesting textured patterns will give you the flexibility to mix color and shape in unconventional areas in your home.

2. Pier1 has tons of great pillows under $30

Don't be afraid of floral prints if your a guy, real men dig flowers.

3. The 70's are always in style in small doses like this velvet zig-zag toss pillow.Urban Outfitters may be your go to apparel store but they also have some fantastic pillows and other cool housewares.

4. Selection, selection, selectionNot only can you dress for less but you can also toss for less @ Ross. This discount chain has $10 pillows that aren't half bad!

5. Can't go wrong with velvet solids.

Choose from tons of colors plus solids are always safe these are only $9.99 ea @ World Market Cost Plus at The Grove.

Adding toss pillows to your sofa or accent chairs is such an easy way to rearrange your room. Now I have never claimed to be an interior designer so for great tips on the secrets of pillow placement check out this post from apartmenttherapy.com

January Jones Sat Here

One of my favorite shows, Mad Men is auctioning off their old offices for charity. For more on this super cool story check out the link below via Deidre Woolard @ Luxist.com. You could be playing Don Draper and pulling yourself a drink from his wet bar with a hefty donation.

Mad Men Furniture Up For Auction

Don't Be Afraid To Haggle When Buying Furniture

Living in this economic downturn does have its advantages. There are some really great values out there now on home furnishings and decor and in addition to the sale price you shouldn't be embarrassed to haggle even more. It's kind of strange that it's acceptable to haggle or bargain when buying a car but not for most other big purchase items. My father always told me, 'if you don't ask you won't get". Well I was shocked once when I got a discount at Pottery Barn of all places. My friend wanted to buy this classic cane rocking chair.
The salesman said it was discontinued and the one on the floor was the last one but he could buy it. I asked him if he can do any better because it was a floor sample and sure enough he asked his manager and she said sure take an additional 10% off! Many stores will also give you a further discount for cash so they don't have to pay the credit card fees. Hey this is a different world we live in now. The money trees in our backyards have all been chopped down so don't be embarrassed to ask if they can do better. The store owners' have to make a living too so they would rather make less then lose the sale all together.

Would You Rather? The Naked Oprahs

Would You Rather Have To Watch Oprah Vacuum Your Carpet Naked, Or Have To Watch The "Color Purple" Oprah Sweep Your Hardwood Floors Naked?

Yikes, this may have to be settled over a coin-toss! Listen, Oprah is looking pretty good right now (for Oprah that is), but I hate me some carpet. Ironically my new place is actually carpeted and although I'm not a huge fan, it does help absorb the noise much more then hardwood floors.

On the other hand, the thought of watching naked "Color Purple" Oprah chasing down those dust bunnies sounds like a nightmare! But furniture just looks SO much better on hardwood floors. And most importantly, vacuuming sucks. So "Color Purple" Oprah "you're the pick cause hardwood trumps carpet any day and I'd much rather sweep!

Don't forget to check back every Friday for more Would You Rather.

5 On The Dime

Every Wednesday, I'll bring you 5 quick, fun and budget friendly ways to jazz up your place so make sure to come back. In today's post, I'm going to show you how to spruce up your pad with Lamps that are affordable.

1. The Desk Lamp

When it comes to a desk lamp I personally love a classic piano or bank lamp. Even if you have a modern desk a lamp like this works.

2. The Table Lamp

Lamps are just cool no matter what your style is. From tiffany lamps to modern ones they can be an easy game changer and easily give a room a new look.

3. The Floor Lamp

This lamp can be bought @ West Elm on-line or in their Santa Monica store.

4. The Hanging Lamp

If you have a set-up to do a hanging lamp I definitely would take advantage of that. This look is getting more and more popular and easier to find then ever before. I came across some great ones locally at Modernica.

5. The Night Light

Your never to old for a night light. Sure you can get the generic ones anywhere but buy a fun one cause night lights should remind you of your youth.

Are You A Shower Or A Grower? Tips To Make It Look Bigger

Although most of us love our homes we probably still would like for them to be larger in size. One of the challenges we face living in a city like Los Angeles is that we pay a lot for rent for very minimal space. The trick is to capitalize on the area we are working with through manipulation and creativity. Here are some quick and easy tips to make your place appear bigger then it is.

1. Paint Your Walls

When choosing a color make sure you stay with light or pastel colors, dark colors will close a room in.

2. Hang Or Lean A MirrorMake sure you try to place it opposite from a window so if it is a nice view it will reflect back into the room. Here are some other great feng shui tips when it comes to mirrors in your home.

3. No Arm Sofa

Not only will an armless sofa create more space they are also quite the trend right now. This sofa and other armless ones can be bought here.

4. Clean Your Room & Make Your Bed!

The simplest and cheapest way to make your place feel bigger is to actually pick up after yourself. You have all seen these shows on hoarders it's not a pretty lifestyle.

Would You Rather? Decorating Naked

Would You Rather Paint Your Bathroom Naked With Bruce Vilanch Or Wallpaper Your Bathroom Naked With Precious?

The Case for Bruce Vilanch: With a wardrobe of over 5,000 t-shirts, we could probably save some money by using them as tarps while painting, so choosing him could come with some added benefits. However, painting is extremely tough and tiresome, and if you parlay that with the image of him shouting, "X gets a Square" while naked in my bathroom, it makes him a tough choice. On the other hand, wallpaper has become as trendy as Precious, and is much easier to do than before. Although the bathroom is going to be a tough squeeze for the two of us, wallpapering is best to do in a smaller space. So Precious, as your girl Mariah Carey would say, "Touch My Body" cause I'm choosing you! I'm looking forward to seeing how the wallpaper comes out.

So if you agree, here's a wallpaper store in the Valley that has thousands of choices and is a total hidden gem. We promise that it's worth the drive to the Valley.

Don't forget to check back every Friday for more of Would You Rather?

5 On The Dime w/ Guest Host Flava Flav

Every Wednesday, I'll bring you 5 quick, fun and budget friendly ways to jazz up your place so make sure to come back. In today's post, I'm going to show you how to spruce up your place with CLOCKS that are affordable.

1. The ModernGrab this ribbon clock @ Plushpod on the corner of Beverly Blvd/Orlando in W. Hollywood.

2. The ChicYou can find this clock and many others at Bed Bath&Beyond.

3. The Hour Glass
Not so practical for telling time but looks great on a coffee table, you can grab it here at CB2.

4. This Clock Is $5!You can buy this clock at Walmart for seriously only $5 and it comes in 3 colors!

5. The Kitchen ClockFind this fun kitchen clock @ Target.

The Guy In 2A Just Got Featured On Jonathan Adler's Website!

As Ice Cube would say, "today was a good day."

After only a few weeks online, The Guy In 2A was featured on Jonathan Adler's website. If you're not familiar with Jonathan Adler, he's built a design company "dedicated to bringing style, craft, joy, and a general grooviness to your home." I'm a huge fan of Jonathan Adler, especially since he's the tchotchke king (pronounced chach-kee for all of the non-Jews), and am inspired by his words to live by:

Our Manifesto

We believe that your home should make you happy.

We believe colors can't clash.

We believe our lamps will make you look younger and thinner.

We believe in the innate chicness of red with brown.

We believe in irreverent luxury.

We believe celebrities should pay full price.

Thanks again to Jonathan Adler whose store is located at 8125 Melrose Ave across from Fred Segal, or you can check them out online.