re.ar.range

When times get tough... or I get bored... I tend to find therapy in shopping/cleaning/working out... you get the picture. So, lately, I have found myself preoccupied with thoughts of a mini overhaul in my small abode. As the furniture currently sits in my living space, there is no real flow or design. When I moved in, I must admit, I was simply overwhelmed by the proportions of my current furniture and the room itself. That being said, I decided the best floorplan was to back the oversized, hand-me-down, slipcovered couch up against a wall; place the TV and table against the oposing wall and literally allow the other pieces of furniture to fall where they may.

current room set up
(the entry door is to the bottom left of the TV table. there is a large floor-to-ceiling window position between the large upholstered chair and side table)

Now that I have the inspiration and tiny cash flow to make a few changes, I am inspired to bring the arrangement closer together to create a more intimate AND attractive seating area. I also hope to acquire a desk that would allow me to set up a computer/work area.

re.ar.range

 By placing the chairs and a new, smaller, more tailored sofa in a squared off arrangement and away from the walls, I hope to gain the extra space to spread out the side tables and add an additional desk/console table for storage and style. In a perfect world, I would have the space to perfectly place the furniture and include a coffee table, but this will have to do for now!

Here are a few special pieces I have been eyeing at our local West Elm outlet...

2x2 Console Table

Parsons Desk

Parsons Low Bookshelf

Sutton Soffette (note: I like the lines and tall legs of this sofa- I will be searching for a full size version)

What do you think? How did you make your small space work for you while pleasing the eye?

Cheers!


Emily

Losing

When my own words fail me-

The Art of Losing
By Elizabeth Bishop

The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster;
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.


--Even losing you (the joking voice, the gesture
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident.
The art of losing's not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

text via www.poets.org

this day in history

Today, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, my Mom gave birth to ME! Well, actually, I was born on May 4, 1987, but you get the idea?! So, to commemorate this momentous day, below are a few fun facts about my birthday.

 1. On May 4, 1929, Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium. This probably means that I was destined to possess beauty, intelligence, style and poise... all of which I am sure will kick in this year!

2. On May 4, 1494, Christopher Colombus landed in Jamaica. BAM- America!

3. On May 4, 1946, 5 die in the famous Alcatraz Prison riot. I got to tour Alcatraz last Fall with my Dad. It was soo spooky and cool! If you are unfamiliar, it was the most secure, secluded and infamous prison in U.S. history. Two words- Al Kapone.

4. On May 4, 1953, the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to Earnest Hemingway for The Old Man and The Sea. This might explain my love of literature or (until now) unexplained ability to write masterpieces with ease.

5. On May 4, 1964, The Soap Opera "As the World Turns" premiered on television. The beginning of true trash TV- love!

6. On May 4, 1976, KISS performed their first concert. Cool Right!?

7. On May 4, 1979, Lance Bass was born in Laurel, Mississippi. I know he is officially not interested in marrying me, but, when *N SYNC was HOT, I was soo in love with Lance Bass. I just knew that he would respond to my handwritten letter admitting his love for me- especially since we shared the same birthday!

So, maybe May 4 is not the most memorable date in history, but I think this list would put it on the honorable mentions list at least.

As a little treat on my birthday, here is a little *N SYNC nugget- please enjoy!

*N SYNC- It's Gonna Be Me

Cheers!

Emily