Home Alone, Pawsitively Happy: Moving into My Studio Apartment with Moose
Introduction
Hey, friends! This week has been a whirlwind of school and exciting moments that I am excited to share with you in future a future blog post. As you requested on my Instagram story, let's dive into a topic many of you were curious about: my recent move into a studio apartment! In this blog post, I will discuss how I've been balancing being a student while living independently in a bustling city. Living with nine roommates (if my calculations are correct – and no, Mom doesn't count), it was time for a refreshing change where I could be my true self. This past month in my new studio apartment has been a breath of fresh air. Join me on this journey as I share the highs, lows, and the genuine joy of finally embracing the fullness of who I am in my new space.
The Move
After navigating life with nine roommates, don't worry, not at the same time. I’ve had a pivotal moment where I trusted my intuition, and Moose and I decided it was time for our own space. Moving out of the other Toronto apartment my emotions were high, especially with my mom embarking on her own journey of packing up our childhood home and moving to a brand new city. Handling this transition with a four-month-old puppy added complexity. Luckily, a friend found a spot in her building, which was the perfect nook for us in the city. The place was barebones, but I began envisioning and chose pink as the dominant colour for its comfort and warmth. Balancing cuteness and functionality, IKEA's BRIMNES bed and NORDON table were perfect. My mom's move was a blessing, and I got dibs on all the old furniture. Her MALM dresser was a great find. Now, onto decorations! Amazon became my go-to, and I'll share links for those curious about my cherished pink finds. Highlights include the retro radio Kleenex box, the pink Christmas bows on my cupboards, and the kitchen mat. I got door-hanging shelves, a versatile shoe rack, and Moose's hooks in the closet for practical additions. Decorating has always been a passion cultivated during my role as the interior designer of my childhood home. The piece I love most in my apartment is the feather lamp, spotted at HomeSense. Initially, my mom wasn't into it, but she eventually adored it and graciously returned it to me during the moving process. Thanks, Mom! Oh, and my new coffee bar ties into my next topic: finances and my strategy for cutting down on Starbucks expenses. I'll provide details on the products I've acquired below.
Figuring out my Financials
Confessing to an impulse shopping issue, I've decided to make changes now that I've entered this so-called adulthood. Independence in my financials is valuable to me, so I've initiated a journal to document expenses. Starbucks purchases were concerning, prompting me to make my drinks at home, leading to the investment in a Nespresso. Incorporating “life necessity” expenses means less disposable income. I've resumed working at Aerie, which certainly helps with the vet bills for Moose and his necessary outfits. Despite the challenges of single-income life, these expenses are undeniably worth it for the joy of living in our studio apartment with my best friend. It involves picking up slack, dealing with life's messes, and working hard to make it happen, but all worth it in the end.
Embracing Solitude
One aspect of my life that I've consistently taken for granted is being alone. As an only child and a single woman throughout my 19 years, I often felt different, compelled to put myself out there in ways society deemed necessary. However, after much solitude and self-discovery, I've embraced the opportunity to enjoy life as a single woman with my handy sidekick. Reflecting on my journey and the challenges I overcame to reach this point took great effort, but here I am, finally able to be the crazy, loud, fun, and dog-loving girl I've always been at heart. How did I arrive at this place of self-acceptance and happiness? The realization hit me – I wasn't happy, and it was time to take action. I gained control over my life by shifting my perspective, recognizing that I can't control others' actions, and redirecting my focus to myself. I've set goals for my future, and in a future blog post, I plan to share the valuable lessons I've learned on this journey toward creating my happy little life. It's been a journey of self-discovery, embracing individuality, and finding contentment with who I am. Grateful for the lessons that have shaped me, I'm excited about the path ahead.
The Value of Connection
Moving into my studio apartment has shown me a brighter side than I anticipated – a deeper appreciation for social bonds. This realization has prompted efforts to stay closely connected with loved ones. Hosting gatherings has become a cherished activity, transforming my living space into what I call the "girl cave." These occasions are marked by shared laughter and genuine connections. Beyond focusing on relationships with friends and family, I've found immense joy in engaging with the local community. My loyal companion, Moose, has seamlessly become a part of this experience. Together, we explore new places almost daily, forming connections that I know will leave a lasting impact. Others have pointed out that my significant skill is connecting with people, and it's become my favourite thing to make new friends wherever life takes me. This confidence to be my true self and venture into the unknown has been a revelation, allowing me to listen to others' stories genuinely and appreciate how our lives intersect. While my future career path remains uncertain, one constant desire persists – to continue making people smile and ensure I'm smiling, too. Recognizing the significance of these social bonds has brought vibrancy into my life, emphasizing the beauty of shared moments and the warmth received from human and furry connections.
Mastering Everyday Life
If you've been keeping up with my life on @disneydugandem, you know I'm no cook. An unexpected joy has emerged from me being “forced” to make my food, going to the local market for fresh, well-sourced foods. Some highlight vendors are the fantastic cheese shop with the best sale section, Montreal bagels that sell half a dozen for $7.99 – a must-try if you're in the area. I grab essentials like dairy, fresh produce, and baked goods at the market to match my mood. I turn to the grocery store for additional goodies like crackers, meats, and a sweet treat (lately, it's been Ben and Jerry's Half Baked). Despite my modest monthly food budget of around $200, with occasional DoorDash splurges, keeping my small space tidy is an ongoing challenge. Fortunately, the BRIMNES bed's drawers and my trusty MALM dresser from IKEA have been great storage solutions. Yet, it's still not enough, especially with my accumulating Disney merchandise and Aerie bags I come home with after every shift. I swear I'm slowing it down in January – a promise I try to make every month! Shopping and I have a messy relationship what can I say.
I ordered a shoe rack with bins for more clothing space. An excellent addition to my space-saving is a hanging shelf handy for organizing laundry products and cleaning supplies. As for cleaning tools, I'm still working on the perfect setup, but the Swiffer has been a lifesaver, and the pet spray in Angry Orange has proven its worthiness of tackling Moose's tracks! Juggling school, work, a pet, and personal passions can be overwhelming, but luckily, I can't sit still. Last week, I woke up at 4 am to deep clean my apartment. Amidst this chaos, staying organized is critical. Notion, the app, has become a significant help for staying on track. Still, being a bit of an old soul, I rely on a physical schedule planner that I diligently scribble on every morning – a daily activity that motivates me to start my day right. When I have classes or long hours away from home, a pet camera from Amazon helps me keep an eye on Moose, offering peace of mind while I work.
Conclusion
This apartment has transformed into more than just a space. It is my sanctuary, where I feel the most comfortable in myself . Through my blog, I've introduced a new dimension to my alone time by openly sharing my thoughts and emotions, something you would not catch me doing with ANYONE a year ago. While solitude can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, this blog has emerged as a bridge, connecting me with all of you on this shared journey. Your support has added immense value to this experience, making it incredibly fulfilling. I appreciate the company you've provided along the way. As I take in the positive moments, strive to balance solitude and social connections, and dedicate myself to personal growth, I aspire to inspire others to embrace independent living, whether or not they have a Moose companion by their side. This blog is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to share more of my ideas with you as this adventure unfolds.
Links
Top three Amazon finds:
Amazon functional finds:
Other Amazon finds:
Amazon coffee bar finds:
Ikea finds:
