LET THERE BE LIGHTING

Basically, I'm poor and I need some light in my apartment. So, here's some DIY lighting ideas. Above: DIY Dutch Lighting {Apartment Therapy}

Lamps from garbage! These would look really great in my kitchen. {CribCandy}

Paper lanterns or ugly shades covered in paper! {Apartment Therapy} & {Apartment Therapy}

DIY Pendant Light! This one's my favorite. I think I might actually do it. It looks super easy. The hardest part would be figuring out the actual light, which I think I could handle. {Pickles.no} & {CraftyNest}

Also, NEW PLACE UPDATE

NEIGHBORS
...are weird. I've been living in a house for so long with other late night people, that I've forgotten how to be considerate to other working people. First of all, I'd just like to say that I don't think I'm being loud. It's 10:00pm. I have my music at a very reasonable level (barely audible to me) and I'm just putzing around the kitchen, when I hear a knock on the door, reprimanding me for being too loud, saying, "Some people have to work in the morning." So do I, but I don't say that. I just apologize and turn my music off.

Part of me wants to be a good neighbor and keep respectable hours, but most of me wants to do what I want, when I want, how I want, and not give a crap about my crotchety old neighbors. We'll see which part wins in the end. :)

DUCK DUCK
My street has a pet and his name is Duck Duck. He is a duck. He is cute. He likes kettle corn. I like him. :)

KITCHEN
Last night I started to get my kitchen in order and I think I'm in love. The kitchen in my last house was so terrible, I couldn't stand drinking a glass of water in it, let alone making dinner or eating any kind of meal in it. My new kitchen is small, for sure, but it's cozy and efficient and just what I need. When I'm alone in the apartment, I find myself spending more time in the kitchen than in any other room. This is mainly due to my AMAZING boyfriend, who found the perfect table and chair set that fits right in the corner. I love reading, checking my email, and even EATING at this table. :)

Also last night, I made a pasta salad and was really happy with the organization and placement of all my kitchen supplies. It made cooking really enjoyable, so hopefully I'll be doing a lot more of it! There are only a few cupboards, most being open without any doors, so I was worried about having enough room for all my junk, but I have a lot more space than I originally thought. Yay!

Also, I really love my open cupboards. 1. They give me another venue for display. Last night while grocery shopping I found myself looking for items in the prettiest, coolest packaging. I usually do this anyway, being a graphic designer, but even stuff like dried basil or tomato sauce can add to the aesthetic of my kitchen now! and 2. They force me to keep everything relatively organized and I need to be forced.

FRUIT FLIES
Dude, those things suck. I came home last night and they were swarming SWARMING my half full garbage can. Yuck. I think I need a smaller garbage can. and a fly swatter.

RIVERSIDE
Love it. It's so cute with its arts and craft homes, trees and parks. SO MANY PARKS. When it gets cooler out, I can't wait to walk the little streets to see all the cute houses closer up. Almost everyday, Sean and I go on little adventures to get to know the neighborhood a little better. Yesterday we went to Micheal's Deli for lunch, a little hole-in-the-wall with really great tabouli. There are so many places like that I want to try.

MOJO'S
On University and San Jose. A friend of Sean's turned us onto this AMAZING bar-b-que place. It's seriously the best BBQ I've ever EVER had. If you go, get the ribs. Once we went and I ordered something other than ribs, which was still good, but wasn't ribs, and Sean let me have one of his. That's when I knew he really liked me. Now, "ribs" is our term of endearment. Seriously. They are that good. :)

So, in conclusion, I'm loving my new place. Yay. Hopefully I'll have pictures soon, but if I don't, you'll all just have to come over and see it for yourself! :)