Sunday, August 21, 2011

I'm moving!

I have terrible luck with apartment hunting.  A few people I know enjoy apartment hunting, which is bizarre to me.  I definitely look at craigslist apartment listings on a regular basis, but when it comes down to actually looking for places that I will need/have to live in in a short amount of time, I'm a wreck.

After getting my hopes up a few times (and finding the perfect apartment just to discover that they require de-clawed cats-- I would absolutely never do that!), I was almost ready to give up and stay at the apartment I currently live in, which is nice, but I desperately need the change.

On Thursday, when I went to the office for my appointment to look at my last-ditch apartment effort, I was prepared to settle. I hate that I was going to do that, but I am down to the wire and have instant gratification issues, so once the "new apartment" idea was in my head and after all of the disappointments, I was ready to get it over with.

Once I saw the outside, I was excited.  There's a planting area (with gorgeous Black Eyed Susans and other flowers), so I can finally plant my rosemary and other herbs! There is also a space for the grill, which was a concern. We have a large gas grill that doesn't simply "tuck" into any small outdoor space. There's a storm door, as well, so my darling cat can look outside, and more natural light can be let in.

Without describing every inch of the place, I will tell you that I am so happy and excited to move into this apartment. Once I am settled, I will post pictures as rooms are finished, but I am afraid it will be awhile before I can post too many.  
My boyfriend's mother has generously offered to make cushion covers for our couch to match these awesome wingback chairs (the fabric is exactly my taste--I can't wait for you to see!) that I got from my grandmother's house.  I am so thrilled that I will have furniture that not only matches, but is in a color/style that I can stand.

Since this post is pathetically long and dry, I will post a picture of an item I bought this weekend:
The colors are more subtle and autumn-y in person, but this is from Pier 1, and was much, much cheaper than I was anticipating. This will more than likely be a centerpiece on the dining room table.  I am already preparing for my housewarming and dinner parties!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Decorating Ideas

So I got a little antsy and decided to start blogging again quicker than I had anticipated.

I've been going Etsy crazy lately, and have started planning what kind of decor I want to have in my new apartment.

Fall is my favorite season, so I plan on having a lot of fall-ish items in my apartment year-round. I like the colors yellow, dark gray, maroon/burgundy and burnt orange, so most of what you will see will be in that scheme.

I'd love some ideas and suggestions from you.

I want a collage of some of my favorite geeky things in print/embroidery. This (from "The Princess Bride") and the following would be in a grouped style on a wall to be determined.

This is the eccentric Log Lady from one of my new (to me) favorite television shows, "Twin Peaks". The show ran from 1990-1991 and is one of the more interesting television series I've ever seen. It's on instant watch on Netflix, if you're into shows that are dark, mysterious and very, very clever.
The print and the embroidery are both great, but I can't decide which one I like more.

I have purchased this already from 79totterslane, an Etsy seller that I also follow on tumblr. She's a "Doctor Who" fan, where this embroidery is from, and makes adorable crafts!

Although expensive on Etsy, I want to make this and the items in the next picture myself. I love mason jar decorations and distressed paint work.




My boyfriend's mother can sew (and is about to start teaching me), so I will be able to make this for myself at some point, but this pillow is adorable.


These prints are from The Black Apple, and the artist has appeared on "Martha Stewart" for her doll-making. These prints are my favorite of hers (I'm a fan of bird prints, so these were a natural choice), but I would like at least 3 for another grouping. I have about 5 "favorited" on Etsy, and am trying to decide what else would go well with these. 
If anyone has been to my current apartment, they would know that I have a candle closet. Yes, a closet full of candles. I am obsessed with them, and a good portion of many paychecks that I receive go toward candles and candle holders.  This one is absolutely my taste.