Warm and Cozy

I don't have any pictures to go with this post, because I don't think I could accurately capture the coziness and warmth I feel right now. Also, I am not in the mood to take and upload pictures. But trust me, it's nice in here. Candles are burning (8 tea lights in various lanterns/holders, 2 apple cinnamon votives, 2 pumpkin spice votives), I just finished a mug of hot apple cider, and a Trader Joe's spiced apple bread just came out of the oven (I added dried cranberries). A load of towels just came out of the dryer, and I'm just feeling warm and cozy right now. Will is at hockey, but I am warm inside on this cold autumn night.

Today, I went to a couple of open houses (just for fun) with good friends. We also browsed around Anthropologie, where the abundance of holiday decor caught me off guard. Fake snow, ornaments, chunky knit hats, sweaters, tons of holiday-scented candles burning...I couldn't figure out the combination that I was smelling, so I didn't buy any (also, I don't want to spend $18 on a candle), but the store just smelled like the holidays. It was very nice. Very cozy. Also? Anthropologie? How about you either stop being so cute or stop being so expensive? I found myself saying "I don't need this! I can't afford this!" over and over...but it was still fun to look.

House Number 1 was this condo, which I have been wanting to check out for a long time. It is really neat from the outside - a fence made of car doors, a gate made of street signs..it looks really neat. The inside didn't disappoint! It was a really nice blend of sleek modern touches and earthy natural elements. Stainless steel with natural wood, raw plaster with stone tile. I wish I had taken pictures inside, but that felt kind of creepy. Hopefully the homeowner/seller will post some on the website so you can check them out. If you're interested.

House Number 2 was this house, which is my current favorite style of house: Craftsman Style Bungalow. It was only listed at $19,000 higher than the condo, and had two huge bedrooms, a medium-sized backyard, and a basement! What? A basement in Berkeley? I didn't even know that existed. Anyway, the house was built in 1927, and was recently remodeled. The real estate agent said that it was a foreclosure that was in terrible condition, and they completely redid it, keeping the integrity of the house intact. It is just beautiful. Lots of built-in cabinetry (and a built-in secretary desk!), a completely renovated bathroom and kitchen (with quartz countertops and cherry cabinets...gorgeous!), and just an all-around beautiful makeover from new paint to original etched glass windows. Le sigh...to have $539,000...

Anyway, now I am settled in on the couch, ready to snuggle up with a book and a blanket. Ah, Sunday evening!