Home improvement project: hanging curtains

This is my pre-curtains picture of my bedroom. I recently (a little over two months ago) moved from Chicago to New York City, and I'm sill getting settled in my new home. As most know, the real estate/ rental market in New York is a challenge to say the least. Rent is insanely high, there is a ton of competition for the "good" places, and the fees that come along with hiring a broker to do your work for you some times add up to 3 months worth of rent alone. 

I was fortunate to have found a place myself via the tried and true Craigslist. Going from a modern, door man building to a 4th floor walk up in an older building has been a bit of an adjustment. However, I am incredibly blessed to live in the most awesome city in the US (maybe even the world?!) and I am in an awesome location, close to work and an easy walk to a subway that will take me just about anywhere I need to go. There truly is no place like NYC. And one of the perks of living in a older building is having more character; I love the exposed brick in my bedroom and living room.

 

My sister was kind enough to send my these two extra curtain panels that she had from West Elm. I think they make my room look much more homey and warm, and they do a great job of keeping the sunlight out which is perfect for sleeping late on a Saturday. What do you think? I'm a big fan of West Elm... My curtains were a gift, but they just so happen to be on sale right now!

Velvet Grommet Curtains West Elm , Cafe Drapery Rod Bed Bath and Beyond

Resolutions & Serendipity

Hello 2014. Another new year always means reflecting on where the past year has brought you, and another set of resolutions. In 2013 I traveled to San Francisco for the first time, celebrated the weddings of two of my close friends, traveled to Toronto, moved to New York City, started a new job, and shared many great memories with my wonderful friends, family & boyfriend. For my first blog post and to the start the new year, I wanted to share my 14 New Year's resolutions for 2014... and here I am checking #3 off my list! 

1. Make a mint.com budget and actually stick to it.

2. Form a positive habit- it only takes 40 days.

3. Start blogging.

4. Get involved in something new and challenge yourself to meet new people.

5. Go to Vegas for the first time.

6. Take a dance class at NYC ballet.

7. Be content with who and where you are and present in the moment; you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

8. Pack your lunch for work and cook more. It's healthier & it tastes better.

9. Take an all-inclusive, tropical vacation.

10. Go to a country concert. Perhaps even the rodeo.

11. Take pictures with a real camera instead of just your iPhone. Maybe even splurge on a nice camera.

12. Stop worrying about what other people are doing, what you're "supposed" to be doing, and pursue what makes you happy.

13. Join a yoga studio. Try to get into Spring Break '09 shape. Keep in mind that you are no longer 22.

14. Words to live by: "Leave room for serendipity".