New Ottoman. It's pink!

Yay, I have Columbus Day off. We celebrated by picking up the ottoman cushion (my mom helped reupholster the base during a recent visit, and it's been waiting naked for too many weeks for its top.).

 

I won't let the day go to waste, but before I start Operation Clean, I had to put my feet up and give it a true test.

 

No need to watch TV, though. Our neighbors seem to be installing an inflatable graveyard next door, complete with ghosts hanging in the trees. Far more interesting to watch.

If Operation Clean is a success, I'll be back later with more pictures of the living room.

Changes!

We moved. Only a few miles away, but it's a lifestyle change fo' sho'. Goodbye, city bus commute with interesting and smelliful seatmates. Hello, shady suburban sidewalks and grocery stores that actually have parking lots. Do you know how nice it is to be able to get in the car, drive to the store for (insert needed item here), and be back at home in 10 minutes? I love it. This pretty much confirms that my heart belongs to the suburbs.

We are not all the way moved in yet, but most everything is out of boxes and stored in its holding place. Now it's time for the fun part - choosing what items go out on display and stacking books and placing coasters in convenient spots. That kind of thing.

And this is our bed, with the sheets rumpled just the way they should be (because ironing linens is not the best way to spend a summer day) and our brand new headboard. See the lamp? There are two of them, and I am searching for new lampshades. See the books? I'm proud of my growing collection. I don't add to it until I have finished what's there, and I only buy when I have a coupon. It's a slow and rewarding way of adding to the shelf.

Living rooms with navy blue

I like blue and red in a living room. Tom Scheerer's room, below, looks so refreshing with the white painted staircase.

I also like this room from the most recent issue of Lonny Magazine. It looks comfortable and pretty.

Speaking of living rooms, here's something I found for my own. A set of matching Herendon dressers! I plan to push them together to use as a TV stand. They're already painted a deep navy blue, a color that makes the clean brass hardware pop. 

They'll be in the new space next month!

New apartment!

It's been a busy month. Our lease is about to expire, so we spent a lot of time apartment searching. A job change has made my schedule busy and unpredictable. And, March 2010 was the wettest on record -- 13 inches of rain! -- so things have been pretty dreary around here.

But things are looking up! The sun is shining, and we even found a new apartment that fit all (well, most) of our requirements. Namely, more space.

So many windows! The softly gleaming floors!! The space!!! Our lease doesn't start until the middle of May, but you better believe I'm already thinking of furniture placement and all the other fun stuff.

It's good to be back!