The Truth About Cats & Dogs

Now, before anyone from PETA throws paint on my fur, I want to say that I love animals! I didn't grow up with pets, however, and I feel that many pet owners fail to consider all of the wacky things a visitor has to deal with when entering their homes. So, after over a year of keeping this inside, I finally had to express some feelings to my friends who live upstairs:

Best Excuse For Why She Can't Sleepover

Funny Pictures | Funny but Weird Stuff

It's cool to show off your Family Tree. Just make Sure You Don't Plant A Forest!

You absolutely can and should have pictures of your family displayed in your place, but it's important to know the boundaries. Having too many (or not enough) may give the wrong impression, and picture placement is key.

  5 rules of displaying pictures of your family in your place.

1. Pictures of babies are always safe- in fact, they're usually a big hit.  A well-placed baby picture can definitely stir conversation, such as... "awww that baby is so cute is that your nephew?"

2. Pictures are also a great and super cheap way to decorate your apartment. 

You can find this one @ crate&barrel.

3. Don't put pictures of your parents anywhere near your bed. It's just weird.

4. Too many pictures of your family can be a little much, and will send a red flag to anyone you invite over. (It's time to cut the chord. You're a big boy now.)

5. Simply displaying pictures of your family on the refrigerator with magnets is fun, cute, and won't reach overkill. I found some interesting magnets here.
 

Everyone Is Switch Hitting These Days

I have always thought it was neat when I would see unique switchplates replacing those generic white plastic ones. Little did I know there's an entire secret society of places to get them living on-line. You can find some really cool ones @ switchhits.com, wallplatewarehouse.com, and switchplatefactory.com.

I have personally bought some antique ones from Liz's Antique Hardware on La Brea/4th.

I also think I saw them once @ Anthropologie. Believe it or not that place has some really fun hardware like door knobs and coat hooks as well.

The best part is that it's super easy to do yet you still feel like you did a do-it-yourself project in your house!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!?!?!?!

There's nothing better then football season. Tomorrow night, the NFL kicks off with a ridiculous opener as Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints take on the Vikings! The Guy in 2A wants to make sure you're tracking your fantasy teams in comfort. Here are some comfortable chairs that are still stylish for you to armchair quarterback in:

1. This chair has the look of Pottery Barn but reclines like a Lazy-Boy!

You can get it @ Urban Home for just $379!

2. You'll love barking out profanities in this chair that features a 360 degree swivel.

Grab this swivel chair and ottoman @ Plummers.

3. I found these to be surprisingly comfortable @ CB2.

Sleek and sophisticated, yet definitely more suited for a fan who's team plays in a dome stadium- frankly they're just softer.

4. The classic Eames bent plywood and leather chair with ottoman

The real thing can be purchased at places like Design Within Reach but you better nail a 2 team parlay opening weekend cause it retails for a pretty penny. Knock-off Eames are easy to find and may be more practical on your pocketbook.

5. The Cuddler

This thing sits as deep as an Andre Johnson's post route.

The Guy In 2A's "Picks of the Week"

I like the Saints to roll the Vikes

Cleveland over the Bucs

49ers over the Seahawks

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

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.