our cottage by the bay.

I've had quite a few requests for views of our little place here in the bay of San Francisco, and so it is high time for a visual update. The last time you saw this place, it was naked & full of our smallest hodge podge of furnishings. Sadly, the better half of our items were sold before we arrived, knowing very well that they wouldn't fit into our new teeny space. But in the last 6+ months, we've moved on ..and haven't looked back.

Well, Ikea sure knows what they're talkin about when it comes to furnishing a space the size of a descent closet. Combine that with the friendly pricing and cute selections of target, and my old friend Emilie Jayne- the charming second hand store of SLC- and we've got ourselves a home. A gracious mention goes to some donated authentic Mexican end tables to the cause of cuteness from my parents house in Baja. I must say, 400 square feet is more than bearable when it looks like this. (;

Also, the sizey yard (which is by far larger than our entire interior mind you) is definitely the lifesaver here. Hippo would otherwise go insane. And my freshly sprouting green thumb would wither away. The cilantro has never had it so good.

And my final thanks of the post go to... our first tax return that was not pitifully small due to studentdom. What a glorious day your arrival was. I couldn't have done it without you.

Sincerely,
A budding designer & homemaker.

Be ye warned, I am NO photographer... alas, I gave it my best.

Welcome to our home.

PS If you know anything of designers or the design process, then you know very well that this is 'To be continued...' indefinitely. (;

That said, we love it, and our little life here. Feel free to impose any time... that sofa's a sleeper, so if you need a getaway to San Francisco (and you don't mind bulldog farts), you know who to call!

readers digest.

So, working in a showroom requires random accessories to fill book shelves, trays, and table tops. Luckily we have a surplus of books to fill our shelves (we have a lot of shelving units that require staging). So what did my boss do with some of the extra? Give them to me of course! Oh, well I mean I asked her for them, but still they're MINE and they're beautiful! And good reads.

I'm mostly referring to the vintage Reader's Digest Condensed hardcover books that came out during the 50's-90's. They're gorgeous, and totally trend worthy.

I grabbed an array of the blue and green editions. And I just love them!

It helps that Jaws 2 was in the first copy I grabbed, and that book was epic.

I love sharks. And books.

Buy your own here...

scandinavian.

Work fact: A couple weeks ago a lady was in the store shopping for a sofa, and she told me that it was appropriate that I worked there, because I look Scandinavian. She was very sweet, but don't all of us Euro-American immigrants look mildly Scandinavian? This country was a melting pot once upon a time. Still is I suppose. Regardless, it is definitely appropriate that I work where I do... if for no other reason than I like it.

Here are some pieces (both typical, as well as possibly surprising) that I see every day that make me smile.

Some are on my employee purchase list for the future.

...I'd like to see you guess which ones. (:

I'll give you a hint, there are 4.

 

 

 

 Oh yes. Crappy photo, serious glare, but this is a window display I've set up with our crystal chairs. There were some choice words used while getting them to 'tip & hold' just right.


MOVING ON. On the flip side, we've been exploring more and more. Never a dull moment to be had in such a massive and happening place. A quick visit happened from one of my favorite couples of all time (shout out entered to my Aerin's HERE! I LOVE YOU GUYS!). A trip happened down to Santa Cruz where I was hooked up with a pair of new sweat pants that are oh so comfy, thanks to my man who believes my old pair are not comfies, but 'crusties'. And although we drive to the coast nearly each weekend, I have yet to test the water... I'm still getting my mind wrapped around becoming BFF's with the great whites of Central California.
...I think I'm ready for that relationship.


That's it for now.
Adios muchachos.

potential.

So we just went to Mexico, and it was awesome. I needed a break before getting on the interweb to show you what we've been up to. Anyway, here's our place. Be prepared to feel claustrophobic. It's seriously a cupboard under the stairs, but it'll work for us. It's got privacy (it's a cottage attached to the garage of the main house), a huge yard, laundry, the garage, (half of it is ours for storage.. you know to fit half our things that for sure wouldn't fit inside), and lots of potential. Oh, and a pear tree.

The details are charming. Parquet floors downstairs, and cork wood floors in a beautiful tone upstairs. The stairs themselves add quite a bit of interest to the place, and there's a skylight in the bathroom which also contributes to the list of good things. The superficial things that can be changed out, will be done soon. I plan to sew new drapes ("whaaa, you don't want to keep the high water's that came with the place, Arica?!"), paint our dresser, and bring in some shelving & an island for the kitchen. I've got some awesome small tables I brought back from my parent's house in Mexico that will work flawlessly for a coffee table and end table in the living space. So that's exciting. Also, never mind the hippie couch... It has a destiny that involves new fabric and reupholstering. There are quite a few items to buy when I get back, so I'll be sure to keep you posted on the progress as far as appearances go. Let's face it... it's got a ways to go.

Welcome to our pink trimmed front door.

Welcome to our kitchen/living room.


Welcome to our kitchen during mid-unpack chaos.


Welcome to the bathroom.


Welcome to the cabinet above the toitie.


Welcome to our stairs.


Welcome to the right half of our bedroom.


Say hello to our globe.


Welcome to our deck.


Welcome to our candle lit yard (to be grassed and gardened).


And say hello to Hippo.
Who loves the rug & the cute floor (he does, he told me).

Aside from that, the dogs are funny, doing well, love traveling, and like to bark & pee lots.

Cheers.
-Arica