A Place to Call Home

It's official. I am currently living in my new abode. Upon moving all of my furniture and bigger belongings into the third floor of my new apartment, I sensed the excitement finally running full force through my finger tips.

Without internet and cable for the first week in my new apartment, I spent some free time (what little I could find) at the Starbucks a hop and a skip away. Yes, it may be dangerous how close and convenient this caffeine nook is to my quarters, but it allowed me to look up plenty of good decorating tips (for this girl on a budget). Thank you, Pinterest! You have saved me once again!

Tile 1:
1. Square Mirror- Dollar Tree- $1
2. Hexagon Mirror- Dollar Tree- $1
3. Aqua-Marine ribbon- Wal-Mart- 1 spool- $1.89

Tile 2:
1. Small Glass Vase- Dollar Tree- $1
2. Blue Opaque Pebbles- Dollar Tree- $1
3. (2) White life-living flower- Dollar Tree- $1 (x2)
4. Mainstay Floral Bouquet Candle- Wal0Mart- $3.50
5. Coffee Mug (gift from my homeland, Maryland!)

Tile 3:
1. "Get Naked" individual letters- Michaels- $.79 each (x8)=$6.40

Tile 4:
1. Tack and Tuck homemade cover (sheets) Wal-Mart- $5.69 (x3)= $17.20
2. (2 packs) Cushion Tacks- Wal-Mart- $.87= $1.75

All together, all seen above cost me approximately $37. Not too shabby when one couch cover averages $50! Hope everyone's weekend was crafty, not the least bit soggy, and all around lovely!

Spacin' Out

It’s been a crazy week, to say the least! Starting a new job is nothing short of overwhelming, hectic, tiring, but overall wonderful. Three days into my new job at Premier, Inc. and I am already seeing the working world at its finest. Pencil skirts, cute blouses, high-heels, and decked-out cubicals. Oh yea, and there’s actual work too. But that will come a little later…

When it comes to personalizing my space, I always like to bring out the corky side. That includes my Pooh Bear-tequila bottle, Michael’s Craft store clearance items, photos of family and friends, and coffee mugs upon coffee mugs. I love the occasional inspirational quote and postcard from family members overseas.

Do my desks look like these? No…Well… Not yet.

Oh, and work is going fine- The typical first week agenda, a few training seminars, meeting new people, mentorships, and reading… A LOT of reading and note-taking. (I thought I already graduated college?)

On the Move...

Spring time is here, and that means it's time for cleaning, fresh starts, and adventures! Hooray for yard sales on every corner and consignment stores getting new items daily (By the truck-full!) Why am I this excited about cleaning out the house and finding bargain furniture? 

Well...Because this girl is moving back down south on June 1st!

Scouring Pinterest for bedding ideas and DIY decor, I am so so SO excited to get my bargain-shopping on! One thing that I LOVE about moving into a new space is the creativity I will be able to put forth into a new bedroom, especially the headboard. Remember when I redid my room back at home? 

I replaced the overhead space above my bed with shelves of lights, Boyds Bears, and photographs. But this time, I'm leaning more towards a simple, rustic feel... Much like these Pinterest finds-

 Previously working at a coffee shop, I hope to use left over burlap coffee bean sacks to overlay wooden pallets. Another great reason to dream of coffee and its infinite glory...

 

Plain pallets are EVERYWHERE around this farm, so they are accessible (ahemm... FREE!!) and the perfect size! Plus, they lend to endless possibilities for hanging Christmas lights in-between the slates for a cozier feel.

Just as easy as pallets, four or five basic wood slates, sanded down and glossed. Finish them with a spray painted word of wisdom to wake up to. Me? I like the "love" in this picture, but any word that suits my fancy upon completion can be substituted!

Alternating window shutters. A little harder to find, but once they have been located, a thin layer of paint (I'll be leaning towards natural tan and white instead of green) and then to hang at pillow tops. 

 

What is your favorite part of moving and re-decorating? Anything come to mind when you get those creative juices flowing and spring fever hits?

Feng Shui my way!

Now that I have settled back home in Maryland until I find a company that wishes to hire me, I thought it would be nice to rearrange my space. When I was in highschool, I moved my furniture around more than I changed my clothes (and I still to this day could not tell you why).

This task can be a difficult one, being that I have three windows that come down near the floor and a walk in closet that takes up an ENTIRE WALL

(too bad I didn't grow up with an intense passion for fashion, it is filled with mostly running tights, race t-shirts, and jeans.)

After drawing out my available space (Thank you 12th grade architecture class for teaching me bedroom blue prints), I think I made the right shifts and shakes.

What do you think? (Ignore the mess that still clutters the picture, I'm working on that part today!) 

I love the new shelves and lights above my bed. Perfect for late nights up with a cup of tea and job hunting on the Mini Mac Daddy you see there. I will admit that I did find some ideas on PINTEREST.

What do you think? What are your favorite things about your space?