Making it mine
I was talking to my good friend 
cielo4 the other day about getting stuff for my new place. I said I was going to go out looking, or perhaps take a friend with me for advice.
"It's your place," she said. "What would make you happy when you come in the door?"
That's a question I've never asked. I've never had a place purely of my own, and I've never taken an interest in what it looks like.
But I do care what it looks like, what it feels like. I know I feel better in some rooms, some places. I'm pretty sure I like natural things - wood, rocks, fabrics, and so forth. Earth tone, but perhaps blues and even reds in touches - I'm not sure.
I went to three garage sales and a local church thriftstore this morning. I got some useful stuff: some utensils for the kitchen, a couple of pots, a very nice short french chef's knife that I'm sure was worth more than I paid for it. Oh yes, and a few books and CDs. (I couldn't resist.) It was really fun! My friend P has been telling me that for years - she says shopping is a game, and the one who gets the most stuff for the least money wins, and she likes to win. I wish she was here to help; another week or so, hopefully.
Later I went to Ikea to take a look. I'm not getting furniture yet - I'd need help to get that in. But I did find some flatware I liked, and a few other things. I also sat in lots of kitchen table chairs. Not sure I liked anything. Chairs are important, and Ikea tends to favor flat bottomed chairs, which are uncomfortable. We have some, and we had chair cushions at first, but it was a pain to keep them attached to the chair. Human butts are not flat; chairs shouldn't be, either.
I did splurge a little bit on .... tea lights. Tea lights, scented and unscented, and various candle holders. I love candles and that kind of light, so why not? And you can get 100 unscented tea lights at Ikea for only $2.99! Whoo hoo ....
I was reading through my apt resident's handbook today, and it was talking about things you shouldn't have - kerosene heaters, fireworks, and candles. Good grief! I'm going to practice a little apartment dweller disobedience. (I doubt that one is enforced.)
I broght all the stuff up to the apartment, and put some of the candles in various places - a number on mantlepiece over the fireplace, and a couple more in the counter in the bathroom. Now I just need a lighter.
Oh, and some toilet paper. Kleenex just isn't the best substitute.
cielo4 the other day about getting stuff for my new place. I said I was going to go out looking, or perhaps take a friend with me for advice.
"It's your place," she said. "What would make you happy when you come in the door?"
That's a question I've never asked. I've never had a place purely of my own, and I've never taken an interest in what it looks like.
But I do care what it looks like, what it feels like. I know I feel better in some rooms, some places. I'm pretty sure I like natural things - wood, rocks, fabrics, and so forth. Earth tone, but perhaps blues and even reds in touches - I'm not sure.
I went to three garage sales and a local church thriftstore this morning. I got some useful stuff: some utensils for the kitchen, a couple of pots, a very nice short french chef's knife that I'm sure was worth more than I paid for it. Oh yes, and a few books and CDs. (I couldn't resist.) It was really fun! My friend P has been telling me that for years - she says shopping is a game, and the one who gets the most stuff for the least money wins, and she likes to win. I wish she was here to help; another week or so, hopefully.
Later I went to Ikea to take a look. I'm not getting furniture yet - I'd need help to get that in. But I did find some flatware I liked, and a few other things. I also sat in lots of kitchen table chairs. Not sure I liked anything. Chairs are important, and Ikea tends to favor flat bottomed chairs, which are uncomfortable. We have some, and we had chair cushions at first, but it was a pain to keep them attached to the chair. Human butts are not flat; chairs shouldn't be, either.
I did splurge a little bit on .... tea lights. Tea lights, scented and unscented, and various candle holders. I love candles and that kind of light, so why not? And you can get 100 unscented tea lights at Ikea for only $2.99! Whoo hoo ....
I was reading through my apt resident's handbook today, and it was talking about things you shouldn't have - kerosene heaters, fireworks, and candles. Good grief! I'm going to practice a little apartment dweller disobedience. (I doubt that one is enforced.)
I broght all the stuff up to the apartment, and put some of the candles in various places - a number on mantlepiece over the fireplace, and a couple more in the counter in the bathroom. Now I just need a lighter.
Oh, and some toilet paper. Kleenex just isn't the best substitute.