Into the Unknown

 So I have been in Reno now for 2 months. 

I have been delaying posting pics of my new place because I keep thinking I’ll get the last of the boxes taken out and everything will look perfect. I am now coming to terms with the fact that perfection is unattainable. I have some days off coming at the end of the month and I will likely have photos for you then. 

I am very glad to have my own place again. I had not realized how draining having roommates was for me. I am much more introverted than most realize about me. Having to be mindful of others before I make breakfast or go to the bathroom is draining. Wondering if the tv is too loud. Having limited fridge space for cooking and leftovers took its toll on me as well. Living alone can be lonely but it is no less lonely when you live with others that you do not choose. 

I am also thankful for my own space working from home. Now I have room for a desk and have a dedicated work space. It is so much more comfortable than sitting on my futon hunched over an ottoman as a desk. It is easier to take/receive calls when you’re home alone. With my big desk, I can have a substantial 2nd screen. Reviewing claims & photos is so much easier. Like most employers, my job is slowly taking steps towards getting back to work as usual. Luckily my job is offering some work from home permanently options. Since that would mean I would lose my work car, I have not requested full time work from home but I also am not volunteering to be part of the initial employees back in the field either. Maybe I can find a nice affordable car again & can go for a work from home option. All to be determined. 

My birthday is coming up. In less than 3 weeks, I will be 40. Forty! Milestone birthday. Turning 30 didn’t really phase me other than it was a reminder that I was older than most of my friends at the time. This year I’ll be home & alone on my 40th birthday. One friend tried to find a reasonable priced flight to visit but was too short of notice. So that visit is delayed. I’m not sad. Honestly, just thankful she was even trying. 

I’m not sure anyone reads this blog. Even when I share the link. If you are keeping up with my adventures, comment below. Ask questions. Make recommendations. I’d love some feedback. 

Dream board

Moving is stressful. From the packing. To all the planning - finding housing, setting up utilities, setting up movers, arranging transportation... The one part that I find more soothing than stressful is shopping. When I moved from Georgia, most of my stuff was either discarded or stored at my mom's place. And it was thrown in boxes so quickly, I would have to pick through it all to see what I need in Reno. So... I am buying a lot of new. But honestly, buying new isn't that much more expensive than paying to have all those heavy boxes shipped. Not to mention easier. 

After some thinking, I decided to do a mostly gray & black theme with blue accents. The kitchen/office/living room will have more black and deeper blues whereas the bedroom/bathroom will be a little softer in gray & lighter blues/aqua/mint and even possibly hints of pink. I also am leaning towards a bit of a boho feel with some macrame, succulents & Moroccan or similar textures/designs. Items that are simple, functional & interesting. I want items that compliment each other but not necessarily match. I plan on working in items that remind me of GA, CA & my new home in NV.  Not exactly sure what this means yet but I'll know it as I find it & put it together. 

Now time for some pictures to show you what I mean. Some of the items are inspirational pieces; others are items I have already purchased or plan on purchasing as I get into my apartment. Items with a * are items already purchased. Let's do this room by room. Keep in mind some items are to be determined or I have not taken screenshots of. 

Office/entry: 

(I am using the dining room area to do a home office. The laundry is right off the office.) 

I want a nice simple black desk. And will have a pretty standard office chair. 

I have been checking out a bunch of wall decor options. But I really like this washi tape design (without the paper airplane!). And probably a few items around it. I might not do it but I like this being an inspiration behind my desk. 

I like this wood & metal shelf. Not sure if I will have enough room for it & my desk without getting too close to the laundry closet door or front door. If not, then it may go into my bedroom. 

Above the laundry closet accordion door is a header that I want some sort of decor. It will be the first thing you see walking in (after the desk). I like these simple chevrons to point & guide you into the living space. Maybe I'll find a long sign instead. 

Kitchen: 

Have not decided on a fruit basket but these two are top contenders. 

I have looked at so many cookware sets. So far Cuisinart is the choice only because I am not sure I want to spend the extra $150 for Alclad. This set has everything I'd need and is within the budget I started with. I have already purchased a couple of baker's half sheet pans and plan on getting some ovenware like a Pyrex set and some additional cast iron pieces. 

I also will be getting a knife set with block. This is another item I am having to think long & hard about. Budget or splurge? Good knives last a very long time & like cookware would be worth investing in. Decisions... 

And I got these cute anti-fatigue mats for the kitchen. *

I also got this to-die-for butcher block cutting board. The end cut grains are so pretty. *

Living room: 

I really wanted an accent wall behind my tv/entertainment center & remembered seeing some Washi tape versions on Pinterest.  I was leaning towards herringbone or arrow styles like the next two. 

But honestly, I started wondering if the savings of doing a tape wall decor was worth the time investment. And then I found this large tapestry & fell in love with it. * 

I like these simple end tables for the sofa. I will likely use canvas baskets on the lower shelf for more hidden storage. (basket inspo below) 

And I will be getting this coffee table. It has a lift top which will make eating on the sofa easier. (I will have bar stools to eat at the bar also but ... let's be honest here.) 

And these coasters! [heart eyes emoji] *

These are the barstools I will be getting. 

This is the sofa I am getting. Already ordered. It is a deep slate gray. The two sides are recliners & center backrest lets down for a cup holder & table (snack holder). Most of my time at home is relaxing with Netflix or Hulu. Might as well be comfortable while I am there. *

I have already ordered this entertainment center. It gives me some nice storage (and decoration options). *

Knick-knacks on the shelves will include my Amazon Echo Dot and my 2nd Dot will go in my bedroom. Not sure yet if the goddess or the owl will go in the living room. Leaning towards goddess but we shall see. *

I know this says it is a fruit bowl but might go on the living room shelves to break up all the dark colors. 

I adore all of the following pots. Maybe I will even be bold enough to try being someone who owns plants. That seems very boho and adult of me. It also sounds a bit scary. Perhaps they will be storage vessels instead. 

I love a good canvas storage tote. These are winning for various places around the living room/apartment. 

And I want an accent chair. Blue to teal. These are the current contenders. The chair will be one of the last pieces. 

And living room adjacent will be the patio. I want a rocker bistro set. Not sure if I will go bolder in color like these or more muted. 

Bless your heart if you are still with me. Thank you. 

Bedroom: 

Bedroom is one area that does not need much. Mostly freshening up some items. Including a new bedspread set. *

And I got this macrame tapestry to go above the bed. I will likely do the Washi tape accent wall on the opposite side of the room. 

And I like these 3D pieces. Might do these instead of the Washi wall. Might find some air plants to go in them for a softer, more boho feel. 

Bathroom: 

While there are items needed, not all bathroom items are fun or cute to talk about. I do want an above the toilet cabinet, trash can, and most of the usual practical items. No photos of those. I love this simple ruffle shower curtain. *

A touch of color with towels, hand towels and washcloths in aqua/teal/mint shades. 

If you hung on for this full journey, thank you. Leave a comment. Let me know what you think. (Let's try to keep it positive though.) I'm sure will be another post in about a month once I'm in and all settled. 

Home Sweet *NEW* Home

I alluded to some of the struggles with apartment hunting for my move to Reno on Facebook. When I initially accepted the job, I had a particular apartment in mind. I had already looked around on a few housing apps. It seemed to be a growing part of town near a lot of shopping options. It was a generous sized two bed/one bath for less than what I pay now in LA to rent a room. They were impossible to get on the phone. Did not even have an option to leave a voicemail. Was a week to even hear back from the email that I sent. And then they wanted me to print the application on legal length paper & mail it back to them. (Who has time for all that?) Needless to say, I moved on. If they are this difficult to get my business, then how bad would they be once I was a resident? No thank you!

The next place I was interested in was in the same southeast side of town. It was going to cost more than place number one but it was a nice one bedroom. They had some very nice amenities - including a tanning bed on site. For those of you aware that I have psoriasis, tanning beds clear up my skin! Signing up for a tanning bed was already on my To-Do list. Well, I put in my application, I was accepted. There was only one one-bedroom still available. When I got word I was accepted, I rushed to the post office to get the money order needed for my deposit. I had called my (new) sup at work to request personal time to rush out and secure my living situation. For those of you that know where I work, this is a big deal to leave abruptly in the middle of a workday. Waited in line for about 30 minutes. When I was the next person in line to finally make it to the window, I got a call from the leasing agent to tell me that the apartment was just taken. Got this disappointing news as I being told to step forward. 

I rushed home to quickly get in my application to my very close next choice. The only reason it was not the first choice was that it was farther from a few stores I knew I would be at often and it did not have a tanning bed on site. But what it had over the other (now gone) option was a better view and more square footage. Well, I was able to get in my application, income verification, etc within a few minutes. I was even able to pay application & holding fee by card over the phone. They only require the deposit & first month's rent to be by money order. Well, I got back to work and got a phone call at the end of my workday telling me I was accepted and the apartment was mine. Then we went over the next steps about deposits, etc. I finally had secured housing. Huge weight off my shoulders. I needed to have an apartment secured before I could get movers lined up. Or all the other countless tasks that come with moving. 

I will be northeast of downtown Reno closer to Sparks. I am right off one of the big highways so getting around won't be a problem. And once I had a chance to think about it, I think being a little farther from shopping centers will be a good thing. Not so much because I think I will spend less but because the traffic & petty crimes should be lower. Since you've hung on this far, time for some photos. Most of these are screenshots from apartments.com and a couple from google maps street view. 

Here are a few around the grounds: 

Here is the floor plan: 

Here are some from around the apartment. I plan on using the "dining room" area off the kitchen for a desk/home office and using the bar for eating: 

And for those kind souls of you still reading/viewing, here are a couple of street view images of the view I will see coming/going every day: