Really Big Lifestyle Change!

So as most of you know, if you've been following along... I went apartment hunting on Friday, and literally found a place in less than an hour. I know that may sound weird, but I did my research before I actually went out. I had been calling places for about a week, getting quotes on apartments, distance from work, perks, amenities, etc. I found the perfect place, and since I'm going to be the only one living there I didn't have to worry about compromising for anyone else's needs :-) My boyfriend could be a tad bit picky somethings... I'm just saying!

Anywho, it has central air, a dishwasher, plenty of closet space... I have wayyyy too many clothes and shoes, and the bathroom isn't in the bedroom (which BTW has a nice sized walk-in closet :-) What girl doesn't love that?! Of course with me only being there for 3 months and then on the move again, I had to figure out what things I would be taking with me while being as minimal as possible yet making my first place feel like home. Therefore a little shopping was done to complete "the look"... an aerial rug for the living room, a nice coffee table, shower curtain and bathroom rug set, bedroom vanity, trash can, dishes, towels and general household items. I've spent so much money in Walmart this past week, it is absolutely ridiculous!

Needless to say, I am extremely excited about this new chapter in my life. Sad that I'm leaving things behind for a while, including my family, my wonderful boyfriend and my friends. Good thing I have Skype, a Blackberry and a car for those lonely nights :-) It will definitely be hard adjusting to making my own meals, being 100% responsible for myself, making sure my ENTIRE home is clean, getting to work on time, buying groceries, paying rent, car note, car insurance, cable/internet, electricity and gas bill, gas for my car... Ugh, that lists looks even uglier than I thought. Well, I'll be rolling with the punches that life throws at me and will be sure to keep you guys posted on the goings-ons in my renovated life :-)

But until I move in, I have a to-do list like none other... jury duty tomorrow, final exam coming up, first day of work on Thursday, Father's Day on Sunday, Going Away Dinner, andddddd actually packing <------ I do not look forward to this!

On the bright side, tomorrow is a new day for new opportunities and new lessons. 

Apartment Hunting

Yes, you read correctly... GAB has been apartment hunting for the past month, and I have to admit it is very exciting! This coming from someone who still enjoys nights in with her mommy, I found it time to begin a new, adventurous life away from mommy. So for 2 straight days, my boyfriend and I ran from Canton, to Westland, to Livonia, to Farmington Hills, to Northville (Michigan) and back scouring apartment complexes in the snow. A few were very disappointing, just not up to our standards of living. We're not snobs or anything, we both firmly believe that you get what you pay for. So yea, I'll pay a little extra a month in order to live a comfortable life.

We found one very cozy little place not too far from home, in the middle of suburbia surrounded by beautiful lakes and trees. $590/month including water! In my opinion, you just can't beat that. The kitchens are upgraded and there is enough closet and storage space for our needs. We're allowed to hang pictures and paint, which a lot of places don't allow. Private entrances, olympic-sized swimming pool, access to fitness room 24/7, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, along with access to use the fully-equipped clubhouse at no charge. Oh, and free wireless internet access! These amenities are hard to come by, so we've both made our decision on location.

Next up is... furniture. Between us, we own a computer desk, night stands, lamps, a small bookshelf and a new bed. We recently visited Ikea to look at living room furniture and dining room table sets. We're pretty much set; the only thing left to do is actually apply for the apartment and decide who's going to be responsible for which portion of the bills. As a courtesy to my boyfriend, since I'm graduating before him I agreed to take on the rent until he graduates and he'll cover the utilities and groceries. Once he graduates, things will be 50/50.

I want to share with you all a few photos of the apartment along with some tidbits on how we (I, used firmly) plan to decorate our first place!

Nice bathroom, clean colors will be used.

You can't see the wall due to the angle of the picture, but I'm thinking of painting one wall of the dining room an accent color. Not sure which color yet though!

Can't do much here, but a few pictures and matching towels. But the kitchen is very nice!

The bedroom will work fine as is. Maybe a nice aerial rug and few pictures will do.

Let me know what you guys think of our soon-to-be new place!