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Well, if things are going as planned we’ve been in Aruba a few days and we’re still settling into the groove of things and getting used to calling a new place home. But, look what I did for you. After Joel first saw the apartment, when I was still in Key West, he texted me these grainy cell phone pics and I want to share this first view with you! These are the first I’ve seen of this new place we’ll be calling home. So many questions, so much potential, so many unanswered questions.

But I’m going to let you do what I did … just stare at the pictures and dream about what you would do to update the space.

Main Living Area

I love those lamps, this is essentially one large living space where the far end will serve as a dining room that opens into the kitchen behind it, the center section will be living room and the near section is a bit of a hallway that opens into the space so maybe room for a desk and maybe a wall shelf unit or some large art?

View From Main Living Area

Kitchen

I replied to Joel “The kitchen is funny … in the bad kind of funny way.” But there’s a dishwasher, and this girl who hasn’t had one for the last 6 is looking at the bright side. 🙂

Bedroom

Second Bedroom

Closets

Laundry Room

Porch

View

So, uh, I see some projects in there. Like everything but the view. 🙂

And here’s the deal. This place is owned by my husband’s employer and they know it needs updating and it’s actually cheaper for them to give us a budget for upgrades and furniture than it is for them to pay to ship all of our own things down there. Crazy, right?!?!

Crazy exciting as I have a million different ideas running through my head. Ideas that keep me awake at night and get me more and more excited to just get there already. And, if you’re reading this, I am down there and will check in soon.

But let’s hear what you would do. Assume anything can change and the budget is unlimited. Neither is true, I actually have no idea what the budget is yet and I don’t know if things like flooring and curtains can be replaced or plumbing can be moved. Did you see that weird kitchen corner where the dishwasher is under the cook top?

Tell me what ideas immediately pop into your head. What would you change first? What doesn’t really seem so bad? Other than the view.

Go!

And if you want to see what’s been catching my eye follow my new Pinterest board, for Aruba.

Well, that title doesn’t really leave much to the imagination, does it?

And the pictures don’t really do it justice. But it is actually super cute. You’re just going to have to trust me. 🙂

I had a little package of mini ornaments that I used to make super easy wine charms (you should check them out here) and with the leftovers, a few scented pine cones and the help of a hot glue gun and jute twine … a garland was born.

I don’t know about you but I never really “got” garland. I never felt inspired to make one and didn’t really understand the craze. But for some reason this year it seems to be just the right thing to make it feel festive around here. It’s kind of like a necklace for your house. So our house if officially all dressed up and ready for the company holiday party. 🙂

I got the wooden rack back in the day from my mom. I’ve used it to drape fabric scraps on and hang herbs to dry. I love the look of it so I’ve propped it up on the table that is just inside our front door and the garland just adds a bit whimsy.

Those glittery trees are from Ross, total impulse buys, but I think they were $3 and $6. Considering that all of the other supplies I had on hand and left over from other projects I don’t mind a little investment in a little glitter. But I bet they’d be super easy to make, create a cone shape maybe with a thick piece of paper (like a cereal box maybe) and then cover it in glue and glitter. Or just buy them. 🙂

And hang a garland behind them. 🙂

So, are you all decorated yet? Not doing anything but a tree? Ba humbug about the whole deal?

For more ideas you should definitely check out all of the great ways to use what you have to create a few festive holiday things here. And remember the ornament tree on driftwood I made last year for this same entry table? I love that tree.

our aruban apartment – the before