The beginning of summer was pretty crazy, especially with starting an (amazing!) new job and moving into a new apartment. Now that my roommate and I are settled in, my first big task of summer has been attempting to add some style and function to our microscopically tiny apartment. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful to be living where I'm at now. It's close to campus and there is plenty of green space for walking the dogs. But at the same time, two bedrooms, two busy students, and two very energetic pups means that we need both form and function. Luckily, we're slowly moving the towards the achievement of those things!
The first project that I tackled was relatively easy and involved spicing up our very tiny kitchen. A few finds from local thrift stores hung on the wall and a bright row of herbs growing in our sunny window was an easy first project that quickly added to the degree of homey-ness. A few different baskets and bowls on the ledge between the kitchen and living room help to save precious counter space. I can already see myself baking up goodies and cooking hearty soups throughout the fall and winter. To me that's a sign of a job well done!
Next, I decided to execute a dream that I've had for quite a while: creating my own herb garden. After finding a variety of pots, herb markers, and plant stakes on clearance at Target, I knew it was time! So far, I've planted four varieties of basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, chives, and parsley. Now if I can just keep them alive all will be well. In the picture below you can see some of the herbs that we have growing on our back patio. The soup mugs in the picture above are actually serving as temporary planters for the four varieties of basil. Yay thrift shops!
The living room is still a project that I'll probably work on over time. So far, I've started a kind of wall collage with pictures of friends in colorful Ikea frames that I found at a thrift store and plaques that my roommate has been painting. I'm really pleased with the look and love that we'll be able to continue adding to it throughout our time here. It not only brightens up the small space, but the encouraging quotes and memories of good times bring me joy every time I see them.
Another thing that can help change a space from house to home is the addition of little touches, as seen above on the lower left. For me, these touches have come in the form of deliciously scented candles waiting to be burned on a side table, a few framed photos of my sorority sisters, and blankets and throw pillows placed on chairs. These may be minor details, but to me they make a huge difference!
I also finally hung the TLU coat rack that my dad made me over a year ago. There wasn't really a place for it in my old house, but now it's become the perfect place to store dog leashes, keys, sweaters, and scarves. My next organizational project will be figuring out how to corral all of our shoes that have made their home underneath this rack!
Well, I suppose that wraps up the tour of our new apartment! Again, I'm so sorry for accidentally ignoring this poor little blog. Hopefully the coming months will bring plenty of fun projects, tasty recipes, and most importantly--time to blog about them!! Until then, remember that there are always brighter days ahead!
