My 2 cents

    

Moving Out, Living Alone, and Making It Feel Like Home

Hello readers,
I fear that I have great advice for others but tend not to take it myself — so maybe starting a blog will help with that. This blog will start with apartment/home decor and financing.
Living alone in your 20's feels illegal because what do you mean I am not 14 and still living with my parents?

Moving Is More Expensive Than They Tell You

So, it turns out that moving into an apartment can be way more expensive than expected. I moved in before my other roommates, so I had to have everything from a can opener to toilet paper to a shower curtain in order to survive the 3 months.
I struggled with what to buy, thinking what is clutter or was it cute. The whole goal of the college girl apartment is to be clean, aesthetic but cheap. But with decorations if you don't have enough, the space looks bare and uncoordinated.

What I Wish I Knew Sooner (Please learn from my mistakes)

Pick a Color Theme
First thing I did was pick a color theme. Mine was green, because who doesn't love a sage-themed apartment.
Choose Timeless Over Trendy
Second thing is to look at products that will be timeless in 30 years. Trends come and go. In order to keep loving your space — at least while in this era of your life — you have to think about if this is part of a trend or not. That's what big corporations want. They want you to keep getting rid of things and going on to buy the newest shiniest toy.
Look at the Space You’re Decorating
Third, look at what space you need to "fill" when it comes to decorating.
Prioritize Needs Over Luxury
Fourth, make a ranked list of most-needed to luxury. (This may be a kitchen item you need to open cans vs. a new picture frame.)

Finding Your Style Without the Clutter

My goal — at least for myself — is to find my own style, whether that's thrifting, Amazon, handmade, or Etsy, so that when people walk into my home, they think wow, this is a reflection of who you are.
I would love to help you find your style but also not buy things that will end up in a landfill in the next year.

3 Amazon Finds That Made My Space Feel Like “Me”

Window Cling (Amazon link)

This is a must if you live on a ground floor with a window. My neighbor told me she was so happy I put this up because last year she would accidentally look in while passing. (This window is in the living room.) It just felt awkward if you made eye contact with the person inside.
The vines are such a cute pattern, and they match my theme.
Link to Window Cling

Kitchen Rug (Amazon link)

If you have an alley kitchen like me, then you know that anything to spruce up the space helps. I will not praise our kitchen; I will even go as far as to say that it is the worst spot in the apartment.
Rugs — while expensive — add warmth and color to the space. Why I chose this one is because it is machine washable (a must), is the color we wanted, and was the perfect length. Please look at measurements before.
Link to Kitchen Rug

Outlet Light (Amazon link)

While this is somewhat expensive, it is so elevating. Like I mentioned above, our apartment is not the nicest, but this makes my bathroom feel like a spa.
The light looks as though it is flickering and creates a nice glow at night even into the hallway. The best part is it is light-sensitive, so when the lights go on, it goes off. It is a splurge, but I love it.
Link to Outlet Light

What’s Next on the Blog

Hopefully I will be able to share my apartment favorites, thrift finds, and travel essentials through many more posts.

Your truly, 

P