It’s been a while since I updated you guys on general life happenings, so that’s what I’m here to do today! I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, but I really can’t believe that we’re already in October. Between the craziness of fashion week (which was so fun) and the craziness of looking for an apartment (which was not so fun), September just passed by in a blur.
The good news is that my roommate and I are all done searching for a new place- we just signed the lease and we’ll be moving next weekend. I really cannot wait to make the new place my own. I’ve been pinning all sorts of inspiration on my ‘Cozy Home‘ board and I’m looking forward to adding little personal touches to our new place. I tend to be impatient with this sort of thing though (I want everything to be perfect, like now), so I have to keep reminding myself that it’s ok if our new home takes shape gradually.
Other than that, I’ve been working on getting new goods ready for my etsy shop. I plan on adding some new fall colors of the knit bow headbands, and also a few chunky knit scarves as well, so keep checking back for new products!
What else have I been up to? Well last Friday, I attended the first ever TBC Unconference, which was really awesome. The event was held in Dumbo, in the amazing and well-decorated office space of Huge, Inc. In the beginning, we were treated to a delicious spread from Dumbo Kitchen, as well as yummy drinks from 1800 Tequila. Then once we had sufficiently stuffed our faces, we moved on to presentations put together by our very own members of The Bloggers’ Collective as well as a great presentation from a representative of Disqus. During each of the presentations it was really interesting to hear each person share more about their area of expertise. As if the evening weren’t already wonderful, we were also treated to a gift card from Modern Anthology. The whole night left me feeling very proud of TBC for organizing and hosting such a successful event.
And now you’re probably wondering what the picture above has to do with anything. Well not a ton really, except that it includes two of my fall favorites- donuts and apple cider! The other day I was thinking about how much I really enjoy fall. Growing up mainly on the west coast, there wasn’t really a huge change of seasons between summer and fall- it just got a bit cooler. Here on the east coast though, fall is definitely a separate entity. The air loses the thick humidity of summer and becomes crisper, the leaves start to change color, and people pull out their fall outerwear. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the west coast, but I can also appreciate what it’s like to experience fall here on the east coast. I want to hold on to fall as I long as I can, before the cold, icy fingers of winter grab ahold of the city!
Tell me: What is fall like where you live?
![BLOODMARKED by Tracy Deonn (@simonteen #gifted) • This was probably my most anticipated release of 2022 and it was amazing! LEGENDBORN catapulted onto my list of all-time favorite books when I read it a couple years ago and now BLOODMARKED is right up there with it.
I loved being back in this world and back with these characters. Bree is such an incredible main character. She can be critical of herself, but she’s also so brave and strong. She lets herself be vulnerable with her close circle of friends. She loves fiercely and she would go to the ends of the earth for the people that she loves. Throughout this book, Bree has so many questions about her powers. When she finally realizes the answer, I was like “Yesssss, girl, yessssss!!!”
I’m so in awe of the fantasy world that Deonn has created. I loved learning more about Bree’s magic in book 2 and it still feels like there’s so much left to discover about the magical workings of this world.
This book was action-packed up and I did not want to put it down! I saved it for my honeymoon so that I could read it in longer chunks. I’m so glad I did that because I feel like it really allowed me to immerse myself in the world as I was reading.
I enjoyed this book so much, from the character growth, to the battle scenes, to the themes of self-discovery and finding your path. I can’t wait for more people to read BLOODMARKED! If you haven’t read the LEGENDBORN books yet, what in the world are you waiting for??
[ID: Nnenna holds a copy of BLOODMARKED over a white fluffy blanket with a red pillow in the shot.]
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#Bloodmarked #bookishreels #bookreview #scsreadsreviews #blackfantasy #yafantasyseries #LegendbornCycle #blackbookworm #fantasyreads #blackstorieshavepower #blackgirlsread #bookreels #magicalbooks #amreadingya #bookreel #bookvideo](https://starcrossedsmile.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Ohh can’t wait to see how you transform your apartment into a “cozy home” hehe
I’m so excited to decorate and I really want to take my time and make this new place our own :)
great post! and love the TBC UnCon mention! i am still in the process of making my place a “cozy home” … going to bookmark that board! where do you/will you go home shopping? i need help! it’s been a month and i still feel unsettled :-/
Ahh, a bunch of places! The Container Store and Bed, Bath & Beyond are right near where I work, so I’m sure I’ll be checking out those stores. TJ Maxx and Marshalls also have home sections where you can sometimes find really good stuff. I’ve also found affordable/decent furniture (like my bedframe, bookshelves) online at Target and Walmart that you can often get to ship for free. I’m also probably going to try to borrow a zipcar at some point and make a trip to Ikea and maybe the Target in Brooklyn as well. West Elm and CB2 carry really cute/affordable stuff for the home too. Ahh, I love home goods shopping- we should go together sometime when you’re free!
I need a bed frame! i will look into target….and omg! you can drive! lol i’m down to pitch in for a zipcar and go to ikea with you/spend a day home shopping! maybe next weekend? i’ll text u :)
Awesome- sounds great! Not 100% sure about next weekend because we’ll be moving on Saturday, but if not next Sunday, then maybe the weekend after? But yeah, text me :)
And Brooklyn Flea! I always see cool home stuff there, but never purchased anything because there’s no room in my current place.
Yay, so glad you found an apartment! Your home decor pins are the cutest, I can’t wait to see how you implement all that inspiration into your new space (if you decide to share on the blog, which I hope you do!). Oh, and guess what? I’ve decided that after *ages* of wanting to, I’m going to start learning how to knit! I keep thinking of you. I used to crochet when I was younger but I didn’t have the attention span to take myself anywhere with it, I just made scarf after scarf after scarf. I’ve got a big needlework book and a knitting DVD from the library, and a big of yarn and knitting needles that we had stored away in the basement, so I’m finally going to give it a try! I’ll definitely let you know about my (probably disastrous) endeavors.
Fall is my favorite season – I think it’s just naturally a favorite of introverts, it has that way about it. I grew up in the Midwest and the falls out there were usually pretty nice, though I don’t think they came as early as they do on the east coast. Even so, when I was young we had a tradition of going to western Michigan for the fall, which had gorgeous foliage and lots of festive activities (and the original Cherry Republic, which just screams fall). So I’ve always had an east coast mentality about the season. Now it’s fun to actually live in it!
Me too! I want to say that it was less of a harrowing experience this time around and I’m really happy with the place we chose. I’ll definitely be sharing some pictures on the blog, although it might be a while before we’re settled in and I have the place looking like I want it to!
Eeek- I’m so excited that you’ve picked up knitting! I really hope you enjoy it :) And seriously, if you have any questions or need any help- just let me know! We could do a google hangout our skype or something. Have you decided yet what you’d like to make first?
You know, I lived in Michigan for a few years when I was younger, but I can’t seem to remember what fall was like there- only the harsh winters! I think I definitely appreciate fall more here on the east coast- such a welcome change of pace after the humid sticky summers.
Thanks so much, lovely, I’ll definitely keep you posted on my progress! I found this on Pinterest, which I’d love to make: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gap-tastic-cowl but for now I’m just focusing on the process of learning. I’ve basically only learned to cast on so I have a long way to go, haha.
Agreed, I lived in eastern Michigan for a few years and the winters were terrible! I remember one year a snowstorm knocked the power out and we didn’t get it back for a week. My parents put up plastic in the entry to the family room to keep the heat from the fireplace in one spot. It was nuts!
Ha, funny, I have the same project in my queue too- I just might actually get to it this fall/winter! Ah, don’t worry, I know you will get there soon! :)
I hope those are cider donuts! Fall in New England is definitely my favorite season. I just hate that it leads into winter. Congrats on your apartment! Hope you’ll share some photos once you decorate.
I believe they are cider donuts- wish I could be snacking on some right now! Thanks Marissa- I’ll definitely share photos once the new place is presentable.
Fall is my favorite season too! Closely followed by Spring. Thought we’ve had a couple of chilly days, it’s been pretty muggy in DC, fall weather hasn’t set in yet for good. I’ve never tried cider donuts before but they look good.
Mmm, cider donuts are delicious- I highly recommend that you try them! It’s been a bit muggy here too with all the rain recently, but we’ve also had some lovely crisp fall days too.
Fall is my favorite season!! Because I live in CT I get to experience the changing of the leaves..I love driving in the highway and seeing the colors..Good luck on the move..it’s definitely not fun but it will be after once you’re done and get to decorate and make it homey!
Thank you Christine! You’re so right- the moving part is not so fun, but the part that comes after that is! :)
Mr. A has been obsessed with finding apple cider lately. I think it is his new life mission.
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I haven’t had apple cider yet either this season- I think I need to make it my current life mission! :)
Those donuts look so good :) Fall is different color leafage and the chance of layering heaps!
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Yay, for layering! I feel like I can do so much more with my closet right now :)
Fall is one of my favourite seasons. I’m looking forward to colder climates, and have already worn a scarf a little bit ago. Apple cider sounds good! Enjoy your weekend.
Thank you Madison- hope you have a great weekend too!
I know what you mean about wanting your apartment to just be perfect in an instant, but i’m sure you will get it just how you want in time.
hope it stops raining so fall can actually be enjoyed, but it’s like this every year – soggy.
Yes, want to take my time and find pieces that I really love for the new place. And agreed, give me more days like today- clear, sunny, crisp!