Since moving into our apartment, we have struggled with finding the best use for our second bedroom. It is not quite big enough for a true guest room, so we had a desk in there for a while to use as a home office. Needless to say we still set up shop at the dining table.

I finally decided that Keith deserved one room that was just for him. My original goal was to have a room where he could spend time with a good book and a dram. Well, the new plan has only half worked. The room came together as I had envisioned. However, rather than a place to cozy up with a book, it's become a very stylish storage room for the bourbon.

Organizing the bunker became all the more crucial when I learned about the new bottles from Smooth Ambler that would need a home. I'm coming to terms with the fact that all three book cases will soon house nothing but bourbon. Thankfully, I have time to strategize about a new home for our library.

Wine cellars are so last year. Bourbon bunkers are all the rage these days. Wait, no? Just my house?

As you may recall, I tried let my inter artist out. Well the more I looked at that painting above the bed, the more I just didn't like it.

I spruced up the back porch two Sundays ago and just got around to taking pictures yesterday. Although, in my defense, the weather here in the District has not be favorable. Thankfully, we have a break from the rain. But now I'm worried because we have chilly nights ahead of us. Let's just hope these beauties were for nothing.

As you can see, the new additions have been Sammy approved. She's even suggesting guests. But for now the bigger challenge is to keep everything living and thriving.

You may find this hard to believe, but we've had our Christmas tree up for several weeks now. We got a jump start on the holiday spirit when we took my family to Ford's Theatre for A Christmas Carol.  After seeing them off on Saturday morning, we spent that Sunday decking the halls. Of course, Sammy was there to supervise everything.

She wants to ensure people receive a proper seasonal greeting the moment they come into our apartment. As a thank you for her help, and because she's such a part of the family, we had to ensure she has a stocking hanging up too.


I'm hoping I can convince Keith that we should go all out and expand beyond the Charlie Brown tree next year, but it's not looking good. He's grown quite attached to this little guy. I just feel like our tiny tree is overwhelmed by the gifts. I wanted something fresh, which explains this impulse purchase from Whole Foods. Do you ever get sucked into those purchases too? No, just me.

As I mentioned, Sandy helped me focus on a few things I have wanted to accomplish around the house. I purchased this large canvas almost six months ago.

I wanted a large piece of statement art to hang over the that gorgeous bed we purchased a while back. What do you think? I wasn't in love with it at first, but it is growing on me once I decided to live with it for a bit.

via Joss & Main

I promised you pictures and at last I have them to share. We finished the back porch this weekend and it feels so good to cross that off my list. It took more trips than Keith would have liked to the neighborhood hardware store. After the organized circus that greeted us there Saturday, I'm not sure I have any more trips there in me, myself.

So without further adieu, here's what the back porch looks like for now.

I might add another plant or two. Perhaps, a hanging plant on the middle post. What do you think? Are we missing anything other than steaks on the grill and a cool drink in our hands?

Gone are the Thursday nights where we get a jump start on the weekend by going out on the town. We get a jump start still, just not what it once was. Keith and I have had exhausting weeks at work...but for different reasons. He's crazy busy. And well, I'm waiting for the busy rush to start that I keep hearing so much talk about.

There is something about the thrill of the hunt that just excites me. You know the feeling of adrenaline that kicks in right before you zone in on the target...the excitement of taking your new prize home. Let me tell you it’s a thing of beauty that cannot be argued with.

Now before your imagination goes any further, I’m talking about shopping and finding just the right thing. Sometimes it’s a new pair of shoes. Others, it can be the perfect picture frame to hold that special moment. Or maybe, it’s the ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Regardless, that feeling of conquer is amazing!

Right now, I’m preparing for a big hunt to redo or finish some of the rooms in our apartment. We recently signed on for another year. And dare I say, I see this apartment being home for many more years to come?

Don’t you find a sigh of relief when you realize a place will be home for a little longer? It’s like I can now commence the search for all those items I had put off until I was certain. In case you’re curious, here’s what I need to find through trips to the Goodwill and vintage furniture stores, hours spent combing the Craigslist postings, and ventures to IKEA and Target.

• Leather chair and ottoman (Yes, specifically leather. Something like this.)

Source: roseandgrey.co.uk via Nicole on Pinterest

• Round side table
• Floor lamp
• Two bedroom lamps
• Bench
• Simple arm chair
• Coffee table (Haven’t decided on the shape just quite yet.)

This is going to be such fun! Now to convince Keith to join in with enthusiasm. As I start to cement my thoughts, I’ll begin sharing my ideas and see what you think I may be missing.

So, do you enjoy the thrill of the hunt?