A few things:

- When I first moved into this place, I had a the bookshelf above, sofa, a television, a desk for my work computer, a dresser and a matching cedar chest for storage. Along the way I've managed to add another bookshelf, a coffee table, a frame for my mattress, a dining room table (that $5 craigslist find I mentioned in my last post), two dining room chair (a Christmas gift from my mother) and a new sofa.

- I realized that it takes time to make your personal living space reflect who you are, and I've still got a long way to go. For now, at least I've got all the basics. Heck, it took me a couple years to even get all those basics, so who knows how long it'll be before I'm living in a place that accurately fits me and  feels like my own home.

- I was going to take before and after photos of the bookshelf, but really, it's not like that's never been done before on every design blog/magazine/tv show out there, so it's not that serious.

- I almost took the time to arrange my living room so this next photo looks nice, but again, I decided it wasn't that serious.
The first of the month is right around the corner.
Rent will soon be due.
It has me thinking... Being an independent woman is overrated. (warning: this post is a liiiiiiittle long)

Yesterday morning I made a quick run to the mall to exchange one, single item. Naturally, I left the mall with extra stuff I hadn't planned on buying, but the trip was worth it. Upstairs, in a small corner that gets very little foot traffic, I spied a novelty shop advertising pieces of art and home fragrance oils. I've been on the hunt for new scented oils ever since Bath and Body Works stopped carrying my favorite. So, when I saw a sign that said "4 for $10," I made a detour at the top of the escalator and decided to check it out [for reference, a single three ounce bottle usually runs between $7-$8]. There's a point to this story... I'm getting to it.


I have a deep-rooted fascination for magical realism. Every person has their own interpretation of the supernatural and what that may mean. Reading a book or watching a movie/show in this genre give me a little peek into someone's interpretation; I can't get enough. When it comes to books, Like Water for Chocolate by Gabriel Marquez was my first love. Recently, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman have reawakened my affections.



© the active spirit. +