New Washer

I just bought my first appliance... a washing machine! Whoa... look out! Our used old washer broke, so I decided I wanted to invest in something more permanent. I've been wanting a front-load washer for a while. They are better for your clothes, have a larger capacity, and are greener than traditional top-load dryers. I found exactly what I was looking for at Best Buy... the LG- 3.5 Cu. Ft. 5- Cycle Super Capacity Washer.

It had really good reviews so I went with it. And after two washes, I would definitely I am really happy with it! When you turn it on, it plays a cute little song. You select what cycle you want, the soil level, the temperature of the water, press play and off it goes. I must admit, I stood there for about 10 minutes trying to figure where the load size was (small, medium, large, super). No need for that... it measures the laundry for you and adds the appropriate amount of water. No extra water slushing around!

One of the factors that made me choose this model is it's size. It is on the smaller side. We have a small laundry room (as wide as a washer and dryer side by side) and I would eventually like buy the matching dryer and stack it on top of the washer. That way I put the hampers and shelves on the side where the dryer is supposed to go.... eventually. For now, I am just happy with my new washing machine :-)

Globe Pendant Lamp from West Elm

Adam hung up my lamp from West Elm in the bathroom. Here's a peek!

The bathroom is small and windowless, so I needed something that was airy and minimalistic. I did not want a ceiling fixture, so I bought the Globe Pendant. It is exactly what I was looking for. It came with a super long cord, which Adam had to cut. Other than that, installation was fairly easy. I would have liked it longer, but any longer, it would have hit us in the head. I am going to replace the lightbulb with a clear one.Let's hope it will go on sale.

The difference that painters make...

Can you tell?

Us...

the painters.

Update:

School is pretty much kicking my butt and handing it to me on a platter, which is why I’ve had little time to spend on the site. But here is what’s been going on in my life:

Since we last spoke, I’ve left my cute little apartment in the city and moved into the country with Adam. Surprisingly, I like it! It’s nice and quite out here.

I’ve We’ve been busy putting the house together. Pretty much every surface has to be fixed. Thus far, all the walls have been painted (except the laundry room and guest bathroom). Adam de- popcorned the ceiling and painted it. He is putting down the hard floors next week. We settled for Espresso stained Bamboo from Build Direct (http://flooring.builddirect.com/Bamboo-Flooring/stainedbamboo-Espresso/ProductDisplay_8749_c2_10004177.aspx). I promise I will have pics up as soon as it’s done. Here is a sneak-peek.

We just had the cabinets painted. The difference is amazing!

We still need to tile the backsplash, tile the bathrooms and laundry rooms, redo the siding, paint and gut the man cave… and the list goes on. I’ll keep you posted, even if it means never sleeping. I don't want to share too many pictures. When the floors get in, I'll do a big reveal! Here is a sneak peek at the bedroom.

Mi Casa

I haven't shared any pics of my place, so I am starting this weekend off with a house tour, well more like a bedroom tour :-) I absolutely love my apartment and will be very sad when I move. I live at home for a year (!) because I was tired of having junkie, college furniture. During that year, I worked two jobs, counting my pennies, so I could buy things that reflected my taste. I see furniture as a major investment. My parents have had many things since I was little. I am not saying I am keeping my Ikea couch forever, but my Glamour Chests I will :-) I was pretty lucky because my second job was at the Bombay Co, before they went out of business. I got a lot of awesome pieces from there. Word on the street is it's making a comeback... cross your fingers!

My nightstand (glamour chest- bombay, capiz lamp- west elm )

I really need a headboard. For a long time, I had my eye on the Archer Bed from Crate & Barrel. (pin-tuck bedding, west elm)

I love this little writing desk, except it is completely unpractical. There is no way I could do my homework here. I think I am going to make it a vanity.
(voyager writing desk- bombay)

I am very fortunate to get this vintage sofa from my grandmother. Its my favorite piece of furniture. I love laying in it in summer and just reading a book with door open. Very tranquil.
(feather pillow- thomas paul, scored on ebay; script lamp- CB2, on sale)

... I know, it needs to be reupholstered, but I love how old and tattered it looks! This would sell for thousands at Anthropogolie.

Here is a closeup of the fabric. It's a golden yellow with embroidered flowers.

Hope you enjoyed my place. More pics to come.

Lapsac

Since I was starting grad school this semester, I decided I needed a new laptop bag. I had had my eye on the Lapsac by Nanda Home. I like how the laptop is stored in the exterior pocket. It seemed roomy, but I was a little skeptical. I wasn't sure if it was wide enough. While it looked cute online, things don’t always turn out that way in real life. I was worried it would not fit all my books, my laptop, etc. Bobby Berk Home carried them. Since they have free shipping and free returns, I figured, what did I have to loose?

Well my bag came in this yesterday and… I LOVE IT!!! I ordered the Lapsac in Stella Creme (thankfully it's washable)

with a chocolate interior.

It's a rather slim bag and the opening is not as large as my trusty Nine West bag. It has three interior pockets that are sown into the side lining. Large enough of a calculator. The other side has a larger zippered pocket. Fearing it was too small, I stuffed it with all books.

Inside: graphing calculator, financial calculator, Operations Management textbook, 2in Binder, Domino Mag, Ziplock bag with index cards & Post-its, pencils & pens, laptop cable, cellphone and....

the exterior pocket is big enough to store my laptop (15in HP Pavillion dv2000) and Groundswell!!! So, I guess everything fits! :-)

Cons: I wish the straps were about 2-3in longer and wider (further apart from each other at the base). And I wish it had an interior divider large enough for a thin folder. However, all in all, I am very happy with my bag!

Sale Alert!

ferm LIVING, one of my favorite wallpaper shops, is having a huge Warehouse Sale. ferm Living is a Danish design company specializes in modern graphic wallpaper. This wallpaper is very organic, with bold patterns. Costing about $115 per roll, when it goes on sale, you better grab some! Here are my favorites from the sale.

Black Berry

Branches

Fallen Leaves

Wilderness

Wild Flower

Little Leaves

If you want to check out this wallpaper in action, visit the ferm Living design blog, Clever Spaces. Also, Christina Coop, the US rep, recently had her home featured on Apartment Therapy (see if you can spot the Julia Rotham's wallpaper).