I love many things about my new home state of Michigan – weekends on the lakes, fall colors, snowy winters, light traffic, affordable homes, the bluest sky and fluffiest clouds, the art deco architecture, the music history, the sports (go University of Michigan Wolverines! Sugar Bowl Champions 2012!!) … I can keep on going.
Michigan summers on Lake St. Clair (image by R.S.S!)
Despite the many things that brought (and have kept) me here in the fine mitten state, I’ve recently found myself mourning the separation of my life and identity from my home state of California.
In a particularly rough moment of longing for “home” today, I decided to make a list of the things I miss most about the sunshine state if my youth. I admit most of these things aren’t exclusive to California (and most can be found/done here in Michigan). Anyways, back to the bittersweetness of memories…
Things I miss about California:
Golden sunshine
Orange sunsets mingled with pinks and purples
California Sunset (image via R.S.S!)
Mountains
Rivers
Rocky river banks
Beaches
Smiles
Parks
Burritos
Trees
Abundant Avocados
Camping
Friends
Bonfires
Dog parks
Family
Salty air
Foggy nights and mornings
Image via Wikipedia
Dry heat
Farms
Biking year round
Brunching on patios
The sierra foothills
The stinky smell of eucalyptus
Mission style architecture
Salads
Driving with the windows down.
With that out of my system for now, I can focus on enjoying my new home here in Michigan and all of the good times and fun things I’ve discovered so far… and those I have yet to experience. Sometimes it is just nice to reminisce and let myself be a little homesick.
The harsh truth – My student loans came up due last month, so I needed to get serious about budgeting.
Usually when I think about my expenses I experience a panicked reaction of “deny, deny, deny! Ignore, ignore, ignore!” …but that’s just not going to work anymore. I mentioned recently that before I turn thirty next year I want to pay down my credit card debt and start saving for the future (better late then never). Keeping this goal in mind, I also really needed a new car.
What’s a girl to do?
Even if I chose to lease the cheapest car option I could find, I really needed to have a plan and start eliminating the waste in my monthly spending.
Learn to Plan, Plan to save-
I signed up for mint.com to try to get my financial hemorrhage to clot a little, and it has actually really helped. The biggest reality check I’ve had from seeing my spending habits all in one place (unedited by wishful thinking) is that my small debts here and there are actually not so small added together. Scary. I made a little spreadsheet to keep track of my bills (since not all of them can be tracked by Mint), and started to figuring out where the waste was.
So, where was the waste?
1) I spent too much on groceries.
2) I spent WAY too much on clothes (and yet not a thing to wear… le sigh), and
3) I spent WAAAAAY too much on restaurants (yummm)
I used the recommended budget limits from Mint (and made some adjustments on my own) and I put a cap on the amount of eating out (good for my budget and waistline). I worried this would mean the end to social time, but I have found it easier to cut back then I expected. Now that I know where my money is going, it seems like it’s worth more and worth thinking twice before I spend it (i.e. do I want this sweater or do I want to wait and save towards our pretty new couch)?
Sweater via Tommy Hilfiger, couch from Art Van
My “this or that” method has gotten me out of a lot of impulse buys (I even talked myself out of a Kindle… at least until I finish all of the paperbacks I’ve already got waiting on my nightstand).With my new budget in tow, I was able to determine what I could afford in my new automobile and start test driving the options.
I loved the look of the exterior of the GMC Terrain, but it was a little big for me. I loved the Subaru Forester (especially the sunroof), but without opting for the most lux options I just didn’t feel great about the interior. I loved the handling in the Toyota Rav4, but I didn’t like the swinging back door and the simplicity of the interior.
After shopping around for cars I decided that even though it wasn’t the very cheapest, I loved the look, handling, interior, and safety of the Honda CR-V. Even without going for lux model, the CR-V was just right.
I know I’m writing about budgeting, but to me that doesn’t mean going for the cheapest option… it means knowing your options, understanding the give-and-take, and making an informed decision.
Here’s a little something for your sunday listening pleasure (and a reminder of what will come next):
There’s just something about Sundays. The at home time, trips to the coffee shop, big brunches, long walks …endless loads of laundry to be done…
And what’s better then just any old Sunday you ask? A beautiful, crisp and colorful Sunday in the fall.
Fall Colors Grand Haven, MI (Image by R.S.S!)
The leaves are falling outside, it’s definitely sweater weather now. Whether the plans are to stay cozy inside, or bundle up and head out, everything just seems a little more warm and fuzzy. So far this fall I’ve made two trips to the Franklin Cider Mill, and of course there are always plenty of football games to watch (Thank you Lions).
One of the most beautiful things about fall in Michigan is that the sky is so brilliantly blue much of the time, even as the trees start to take on deep reds and yellows. It’s breathtaking.
Grand Haven, MI Fall Break '09 (image by R.S.S!)Fall is full of contrasts, Ann Arbor, MI (Image by R.S.S!)Trees on Fire, Ann Arbor, MI (photo by R.S.S!)
So grab your cocoa, break out your fuzzy slippers, and lets have a toast to one of the most fabulous days of the week and the prettiest season. Cheers!
San Francisco by Kevin Dart (image via Fleet Street Scandal)
My new wall art is here! I came home from Zumba this morning to a package leaning on my front door. I’d been looking for art to remind me of home for a while and I actually found this artist on Pinterest last week. It’s available from Fleet Street Scandal for $30. I was happily surprised that the print (signed by the artist) looks even more awesome in person!
Nu Bleu 4 by Henri Matisse (via Z Gallerie)
Along with the poster of the paper cutting Nu Bleu 4 by Henri Matisse that I bought from Z Gallerie with my birthday money, our house is bound to start coming together soon (once I get ’em on the wall and a frame for the SF print).
The first time I noticed this cute little storefront I had a feeling it was my kind of place, so I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to pull over and take a look inside. I am so glad I did.
This place has so much character and so many interesting/cool/cute/creative pieces of furniture/accessories/lamps/gadgets, not to mention it is housed in what used to be a the Ambassador roller rink.
Old school roller skates ring the large show room walls along with the old hockey score board.
It’s awesome the way the owners have left elements of the old rink throughout the store. One of the shopkeepers told me that they left the original flooring in and the roller hockey score board still hangs over the door to the stock room.
As a severe Pinterest addict, I couldn’t help thinking “ooooh, I’d so love to pin that!” the whole time I was in the store. If my phone hadn’t been dying I would have taken so many more pictures just to remember what I want to save my money to go back and buy! Alas, I was able to take a few.
One of the many awesome lamps.Chair that caught my eye.
This lamp, made from a large glass jug was awesome. I want this in a bedroom with distressed white painted wood furniture…
I keep picturing this chair in a walk-in closet in a cool loft apartment. It’s a little funky. I like it.
I want this square clock in my kitchen (well, in my imaginary perfect kitchen). It’s hard to see the whole face of the clock, but the overall look was very cool. I love the shape of the hands.
Square Clock = Badass clock
And once again, we have the purple faux velvet furniture that I am so partial to. I’m so tempted to go back and try to bargain (even on sale it’s about $1500.00 and let’s be honest, I need a car more). But hey, a gurl can dream..
Love this purple couch (minus the flowery throw pillows)Full view of the purple couch. I want this.
The crowning jewel of my little adventure at Leon & Lulu’s? These adorable ceramic white doves. I brought home three (two large and one small) to hang somewhere in the Beau and my bedroom. I love them! Someday if I’m designing a nursery I want to hang a whole fleet of these babies above the crib and/or changing table.
The pretty ceramic doves hanging in the store that will now be hanging in my bedroom.
A few gems from my first few years back in the workplace:
People are more likely to question your leadership/authority/knowledge if you do. Fake it till you make it baby.
When they say “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” they fail to mention that the job you want probably gets paid more (and those blazers are expensive).
You can be a doer and a thinker (but be sure to get something done).
It’s always easier to have a strategy discussion if you have a draft of recommendations to work from…
It’s easier to do anything if you have something to work from, so the first step is to do something (brain storm, make a draft, a grid, something, nothing fancy).
I don’t care what month the year starts in, for me it will forever be September. Maybe it’s because my birthday is the day before September, maybe it stems from my deep love of fall (the smells, the trees, the fashion), or maybe it’s simply because for my entire life September has brought on the new beginnings, friendships and challenges of the school year. Whatever the reason, this fall I can’t resist the urge to set new goals and get things in order. I may not have a new school year to start, but I can officially say that I have a NEW JOB!
It was a long and challenging summer working multiple internships in two different cities (while living in a third). It felt like an endless interview, never sure of what would happen come September… the hard work definitely paid off in the form of a full-time offer. The role matches perfectly with what I had listed as my ideal position (a list which included: a strong mentoring relationship with my boss, opportunities for creativity and continued learning, positive workplace environment, internet based health communication emphasis). I am so grateful to have found a position and to be off of the job market. The best part? I actually have a window!
Gorgeous sunlight for my new office!
So, now that my work life is in place, it’s time to get the rest of me in order as well. Grad school was a wonderful experience in so many ways, but it really pulled me off track in terms of my self-care. I had finally developed a really solid workout routine around the time I started school 2 years ago, and by the second half of the first year it had started to crumble… but now that I have evening freedom again my goal is to get back at it. This is the last year of my 20’s and I’m looking to start my 30’s off in tip-top shape.
Another area needing attention: My finances. What am I doing about it? I started a free Quicken Mint.com account and am going to try to actually follow a serious budget. That’s the only way I can get back on track, out of debt and into a better car (I’m currently commuting to downtown Detroit in an ancient sedan).
And with that, it’s goal setting time. Rather then set a resolution in January, I’m setting them now.
By September 1st, 2012, the day after my 30th birthday I would like to:
1) Have successfully submitted at least 1 article for publication to a public health journal (work goal)
2) Have lost 15-25 lbs, and maintained the loss healthfully. I’ve done it before, but I’ve got a lot more to go! (body goal)
3) Have paid off the credit card debt that I accumulated during school (financial goal)
4) Have started saving more aggressively towards a future down payment on a home (financial goal)
OK, I’ll admit this outfit doesn’t have any actual connection to Santa Fe… other then the unbelievable sense of dry western heat it invokes for me. I don’t have too much of a problem with the white winters here in Michigan (except for when they drag out into spring), but the humidity is harder to adjust to (and dress for).
I think I could take on the heat at least long enough to go pick up something cold from Sbucks in this outfit. I love the turquoise bracelet with the panama hat, and the flora print of the dress is so feminine. I haven’t busted out my cowboy boots at all this year (seems less of a natural choice here then it did back out west).
Of course, to top of this relatively inexpensive set, I’m loving those Gucci glasses. This fit is making me want to road trip. Preferably somewhere less like a steam bath then this muggy weather. Until then, …
Mixed feelings of excitement and nostalgia simmer just under the surface today as I prepare to spend the evening finishing packing up my little Ann Arbor studio…
Sunset in Ann Arbor, Feb 2011 via R.S.S!
The Nostalgic Part:
This place has been good to me. I’m within walking distance of the State Street shops, the Farmers market and campus. Sure, there have been hassles in living right in the thick of student life (the drama/musical neighbors haven’t helped). And I suspect that there are creatures living in the walls here… But, that being said I still loved my little home.
I should have taken more pictures before taking my things down off of the walls. I loved the way my black picture frames looked up against the vintage-butter-yellow color of the walls (that I painted with the help of my Mom and her friend). This picture really doesn’t do it justice, but it’s the only one I’ve got…
Studio walls (not the best angle) image by R.S.S!
I’ve really enjoyed having my own little place, but as you might expect, I think I’ll enjoy having just a bit more room. So, that’s the nostalgic piece, I’m gonna miss Ann Arbor.
The Exciting Part:
Saturday, The Beau and his dad will be showing up bright and early with a Penske truck to carry me off to a fabulous future in this lovely abode:
Ours is the top balcony. Image by R.S.S!
I’ve been obsessing and collecting photos of interior design inspiration for days on Pinterest and I am just itching to let my decorating mind run wild on a blank slate.
Now, to be realistic I have big ideas and very little budget, so most of this is going to take a while (room-by-room, inch-by-inch). At this point the only furniture we have are two beds, one dresser, an old (not very pretty) couch, two black leather ottoman/trunks and some plastic storage drawers…. this should be interesting.
The new place is an older apartment building converted into condos and our unit is a two bedroom with updated kitchen and closets (SCORE!). I plan on updating throughout the nesting process, but here’s my wish list for the record.
Must Haves for the New Place:
A statement chair for the living room that can play off of the colors we choose, and add interest to the room. Like this:
Z Gallerie Purple Chair
A simple area rug I would love something lightly patterned in grey. This will depend on the furniture. Maybe a nice neutral jute rug.
A long and low media unit that can also hold some books and accessories. I haven’t been able to find an example yet of the kind of piece I want… but when I do I’ll be sure to share.
A dramatic architects floor lamp (not sure if that describes what I’m thinking of, but I can picture it)…maybe something like this from West Elm
West Elm Pleated Shade floor lamp via Pronto
A new Couch. This is going to be essential in the living room, but I would love for it to be toned out in color so that the rest can pop. I know white is unrealistic, but I’d love a deep, comfy white couch that I could clutter with textural throw pillows. Sorta like this, only with more interesting pillows:
Love this living room. Great example of the patterns and neutrals mix I want to shoot for. Image via pompandcircumstance.files.wordpress.com
I will complete the want list on another post for the bedrooms and the dining room spaces. I’m particularly into the idea of having a workspace in the guest room for crafting and such. Until then, happy moving to us and anyone else making a summer move!
Ready Set Sarah 