Day 4 – 5:30 am.
I’m getting enough sleep because I can’t keep my eyes open past 10 pm. I am going to have to force myself to stay up later if I want to break this cycle. I do love the quiet morning, though – watching the sun come up, hearing the sweet song of the birds.
When I sent some boxes out here, I tried to include some things that would add a bit of color and personality to the apartment but I wanted them to be relatively compact.
I found these net curtains at IKEA when I was here last year. They made a world of difference over the window – diffusing the light and covering up the vertical blinds. I really detest vertical blinds. I strung some wire across the top of the binds, then I gathered and clipped the fabric to the wire. I draped a panel across the top – much prettier!
I am always on the lookout for vintage tea towels and dresser scarves. This pink tea towel softens up the black metal coffee table.
As does this beautiful crocheted piece given to me by Elyse. It sure makes a difference on this wooden table.
Some new things have been added to the apartment. Unfortunately, this lamp is one of them. And, joy of joys, there is another by the sofa. Besides the fact that it isn’t my taste at all, the light is rather harsh.
IKEA to the rescue: this little lamp was only $19. It has a lovely pale green glass base. As for the floor lamps – I try to pretend they aren’t there. Do you recognize the mug? I bought it last year and I found it way back in one of the kitchen cabinets! No one moved it or took it. I’m so happy it is here!
This ribbon board also survived. I bought two of them last year and took one home with me. There is my 39 Squares sampler, held up with one of Elyse’s clothespins. The Mockingbird Hill Cottage badge was made for me by Jeanne. Isn’t it sweet?
A few little touches to make this place more me. I need some more little pretty things around here. Sigh. I’m on the lookout.
It is raining here today. Rain was the top story on the news here last night – I forgot how big a deal it is in San Diego. Don and I used to run outside when it thundered – we would get so excited! I’m off to coach some actors this morning. The read through of King Lear was very satisfying – we have a good cast. If all has gone according to plan, the artistic director should be flying in from London today. Cross your fingers.
It looks like you’re having fun styling your nest.. looks great too. Jennifer jennsthreegraces
I’m so glad you are making the place your own. I lived in an apartment for about 6 years before meeting Hubby and moving in with him, and I soooo would make the apt. my own. It’s a girly, nesting thing that tends to make us all happy.
I can see in each new post you do since arriving there that you are feeling better about being away from home… well, a little bit perhaps.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
Oh I forgot you were still waiting on a memeber to fly over. That has been just a mess! Love your personal touches! Glad you can add them so you feel at home when are not working!
Hugs, Lisa ♥
its all the little touches that will make you feel more at home and comfy!
SO many sweet touches to your home. Great post.
Debby
I have to smile. It sounds like you adapt to change much easier than I do! Everything looks wonderful! Honestly, even your lamps! (0; LOVED the beautiful crochet doily Elyse made too! Very pretty! ~tina
How long will you be there, sugar? Looks like you’ve got it under control a bit there though. I love the sheers and the view from the balcony.
xoxo,
Connie
Claudia i have misses so many of your great posts. I feel a little lost. I love the picture of you standing in your garden. I would love to garden along side you girl! I don’t think I could keep up with you though.
I love what you are doing to your place!
hugs
How wonderful your sampler looks, and that Mockingbird Hill piece is sooo lovely!
Re those floor lamps, if they are from Ikea or similar it’s probably VERY easy to take them apart (ie the should reduce to 4 pieces at least, the 2 lamp tops, the ‘tube’ and the weighted base) and then maybe you could just shove them under the bed – very easy to put back together again before you leave??? Or how about changing the bulbs to low wattage so that you’ll get a glow rather than blinding light??
Very nice view from your very pretty and softened window. It’s kinda fun to make a place a home away from home, huh? You’re very clever with all the ‘Claudia Touches’ and I be a lace drape and low watt bulbs would transform the floor lamp. Your work sounds very exciting.
hi claudia,
i am so happy to be part of your feathering of your nest!
i hope king lear is off to a great start. glad to be tagging along via the blog.
xo
elyse
Your little apartment is looking sweet, cozy and homey.
hugs
Sissie
HI CLAUDIA,
EVERYTHING IS COMING TOGETHER, AND IT IS LOOKING GREAT. WATCH OUT….YOUR GOING TO BE REMODLING YOUR PLACE, AND IT WILL BE TIME TO GO HOME. A DAY TO LOOK FORWARD TOO. I LOVE WHAT YOU DID, YOUR PLACE LOOKS RELLY NICE. I LOVE YOUR SAMPLER, NOW THAT IS SPECIAL. ENJOY, RIZZI
Claudia, it’s really looking comfy and cozy, even the little things like your coffee cup seems to say “welcome”. I absolutely love your sampler. I’ve been following 39 Stitches and never got brave to do it but now that I see them done, I’m going to give it a go! Glad you are doing better and King Lear is going well, hope the artistic director makes it safe and sound.
Hugs and glitter, Patti
You’ve prettied it up lovely Claudia.
Glad you only got the rain..we had hail !
But yes a bit of rain and Californians don’t know what to do :-)
Love what you have done so far. I think you should figure out a way to make knitting bags out of vintage towels, now that could be a great project for your etsie shop. Love and miss you sister,
XO, Mere
I’m so enjoying all the tidbits you’re sharing here Claudia. Lovely how you are brightening up your temp. pad – my hat’s off to you for making it so much more homey for your stay. Love the slipcover – don’t blame you not wanting to relax in that chair without it!
As for shopping – IKEA is great, but that shop Vignettes – oh my, if I wasn’t off on safari in just 3 weeks, I think I’d fly West and come shopping there with you – I LOVE everything in that photo!
Hope your ‘clock’ gets set soon and you sleep better – also that the volcano returns to sleep! This crisis is certainly causing a myriad of worldside problems – hope the ash doesn’t decide to head to Africa!!!!
Stay well, be happy dear.
Hugs – Mary
Hi Claudia,
Glad you are settling in. So happy to see your cross stitch project. LOVE that!
~janet
Hi Claudia,
Looks like IKEA can count on you to stay in business……LOL! It is a great place to shop. Don’t they have them back east?
Hugs,
Meri
Oh my, the badge is so pretty! I love what you’ve done to give the place some warmth. I was just thinking, I wonder if you could cut some scrapbook paper or something and tape it around those harsh light globes? Do you think it would catch the place on fire? Don’t want to do that. Think of all the “decor” that would be ruined. Not to mention someone getting hurt. I hate to say it, but I seldom am up past 10 p.m.
Brenda
Claudia, i hope you are not too homesick…it’s nice to see that you are adding little touches from home…have fun while you are out there…i hope everything goes well for you and your cast!!!
Is there a better place than IKEA to shop?!
Good luck with King Lear
everything looks so cozy and fresh. love the ribbon you got from Jeanne. I’d love 1. I guess she’s gotta notice you or be in a swap with ya to get 1. lol
I love the crochet piece – so darling! Aren’t those net curtains from IKEA great! I bought some to use outside this year.
Manuela
You are doing a good job at making that apartment a home with your little sweet touches.
Enjoy…