Moving In: January 2013

Settling Down: February 2013

Conceptualizing: April 2013

In Progress of Finalizing: Present

The living room has gone through a lot of changes since I moved in, but I finally have an arrangement that is most utilitarian while not looking completely ridiculous.

Also, I got a lot better at figuring out how to use ISO and f-stop configurations on my camera.

Some decor I implemented:

• Panting walls: I don’t have a ceiling, but rather an exposed roof. This makes the prospect of painting walls a nightmare. I experimented until I came up with the border color approach. I love it, and it was super easy! Just use painter’s tape and a level to get crisp, straight lines. True to my indecisiveness, the living room went through 3 different shades of pink before I settled with a grayish pink called Malibu Coast by Behr.
• Gallery wall: I went through different frames, colors, and artwork but settled on a lighter color scheme because my furniture is so dark. The pink walls were inspired by these! A
• Bike: Finding a home for my bike within a 450 sq. foot space was the biggest challenge of my move-in. It went everywhere — the kitchen, the hallway, my bedroom… Before finding its permanent home here in the living room. Everything around the bike is still accessible, it’s easy to get it out of the front door (I bike to work) and I like looking at it. Score.
• Utility space: I store all of my office supplies, craft supplies, and documents in the boxes.
• Black fan: The ugly tower fan is essential… My house is really old and I don’t have air conditioning.
• Desk: I moved the desk to the opposing side, meaning it was on my left in the final photo. This allows me to use my iMac simultaneously as a computer and a TV for streaming Netflix. It all worked out!

I’m going to do a more detailed walkthrough of sections around the space, including where I purchased everything.

The final photo is still more of an “in progress.” I still have a way to go! I need to decorate that shelf better and get better boxes for the utility space.

(Special props to Max and his photo bombing skills.)

I’ve been living alone for the first time in my life since January. I realize every day how much I love it and how fortunate I am to be living on my own at 25. Sometimes I stop and look around in disbelief.

I have final say on everything.

I pay my rent. I pay my bills. I plant my garden. I pick my food. I buy that super-sweet-smelling candle in pink and paint my bedroom bright yellow. I don’t care what anyone else has to say about it.

I am completely self-sustained for the first time in my life, and it feels wonderful.

I have great friends, new-found hobbies that keep me moving, a man that makes me very happy, and this super special guy to always welcome me home:

More on my house soon! As you may have imagined, I moved everything around again. I’m planning on taking some pictures of the home including the garden and a semi-final shot of the closet renovation I posted earlier. Take care, and be happy!

Animal Prints by Sharon Montrose

Sharon Montrose was featured on The Every Girl this week! If you’re an animal lover like me, you definitely have to check out her work. Can you imagine taking photos of cute animals like this baby kangaroo for a living?

(via TheAnimalPrintShop.com)

iPhone Cases by Rifle Paper Co.

I’m sure most Rifle Paper Co. fans have heard, but this week they debuted a line of iPhone cases. Now you can dress up your phone in the same dainty, beautiful artwork Rifle Paper Co. is known for. Loving it! Unfortunately, my favorite designs aren’t available for my iPhone 4. However, iPhone 5 users won’t have a problem.

(via RiflePaperCo.com)

Kate Spade New York Waverly Street Drew

I’m a huge Kate Spade admirer, but I only own a bag and a wallet. (Hoping to increase my collection!) I spotted the Kate Spade NY Waverly Street Drew and immediately fell in love. These are getting harder to find because they’re going on sale, unfortunately. I’ve spotted a mint color but this pale pink Waverly Street Drew is gorgeous too!

(via Zappos.com)

Well-to-Dew Dress

I’m filling up my wishlist with dresses for the warmer weather, which I can’t wait to knock off the list one-by-one. This Well-to-Dew Dress by Modcloth looks dressy yet comfortable, just what I’m looking for.

(via ModCloth.com)

Gold-Dipped Flatware

Anthropologie always has the cutest things for both the home and your wardrobe. Check this out — they have gold-dipped flatware. Does anything scream ‘I’m Super Fancy’ more than this set? I wish I had an excuse to purchase. These would be great for special dinner parties.

(via Anthropologie.com)

Something I used to do a lot a few months ago (before my life sort of changed) was get intricate with my nail designs. Ever since, I either haven’t had time or gave up on it.

Does this mean my life has officially gone back to normal? I wouldn’t call this intricate by any means, but I’m glad that I’m getting back into the things I love. Blogging included.

Max doesn’t look like he cares very much, but I forgive him.

Products used:

• Master Plan by Essie
• Lady Like by Essie
• Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat