5 things I'll miss about my apartment

In no particular order...

my view... I have floor to ceiling windows/glass doors in my living room. In the last few months I have spent a lot of time studying/reading/writing on my couch and looking outside.

my storage... my current place has a linen closet, hall closet, and pretty big pantry in the kitchen. New place just has one closet BUT it is much bigger than my current main closet so there's that

my pool... I didn't use it often but it was nice to have the option, especially in the summer!

location...  I am moving under 2 miles away so there isn't much of a difference. But it does add a few minutes to my commute to work and school thanks to wonderful LA traffic. I hate to complain because I have been so spoiled by my current commute to work (under 10 minutes!) but traffic is traffic and it's not fun! However, I will no longer have to enter/exit my drive way/parking garage on a really busy street. That's huge!

the general feeling... From the moment I moved in, this apartment has felt like home. I have spent four years in this apartment. I feel safe and cozy and at home here. I hosted several parties and sleepovers here. So many memories! But I am ready for a change and this move is giving me the best opportunity to downsize. Plus I know I am going to LOVE my new place too!

Life Lately

I blinked and it's March! I still need to upload my photos from my Oscar party. This was my last year hosting in this apartment because I AM MOVING! It happened very fast, but I couldn't pass up this deal. I love my current place and have so many memories here. Giving my 30 day notice to my landlord felt more like a breakup. I moved in on St. Patrick's Day almost four years ago. My sister had been due with Baby Nautical the week before so I was rushing to get everything done just in case he arrived. Of course he arrived almost two weeks after his due date, on March 20. Can't believe he's turning FOUR this month!

I have midterms next week, back to back. Weeks like that I wonder why I waited six years to go back to school! Graduate school is a lot of work! But I do love my program. I'm making progress on my thesis. That thing is a labor of love!

After midterms I will try to get back to posting regularly again. I am seeing nautical everywhere for spring!

Target Pillowfort nautical items

There has been a lot of buzz about Target's new collection for kids. Pillowfort is worth the hype I think! I especially love the ocean oasis room. I'm curious to read reviews as people start buying and posting. The prices are great but what about quality? Have you bought anything from Pillowfort yet?

* this post contains affiliate links *

Anchor plush blanket, $23

I bought this in store, my local store did not have the full collection yet

Seahorse marquee light, $30 (available in pink and blue)

Whale shelf, $30

Oar plaque with hooks, $20

Anchor plaque, $23

Ship string art, $20

Ahoy matey art, $15

Octopus throw pillow, $17

Great white get-together sheet set, $18-30

Whale plaque, $23

Ahoy matey map art, $17

In search of treasure art, $15

Ahoy wall decor, $15

Anchor lampshade, $13

Column lamp, $40

Anchor fabric storage cube, $10

Visit to the Forevermark Diamonds Oscar suite + Oscar looks

Last week I visited the Forevermark Diamonds Oscar Suite. This is something I have done the last few years and what a treat it is! It's not every day I can say "Hey, I am wearing 40 carats of diamonds!" Just less than one percent of the world's diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond. Forevermark diamonds are responsibly sourced. That is very, very important! Responsibly sourced means the diamonds only come from sources which are committed to high business, social, and environmental standards AND benefit the people, communities, and countries from which they are from.

Photos from my visit (unfortunately Thursday was one of those days where I had to run out of my apartment with only mascara but I figured the diamonds would still shine ;)

I LOVED this necklace!

These are the earrings that Saoirse Ronan wore to the SAG Awards (extreme close up of my ear-sorry!)

I wouldn't mind this as my engagement ring ;)

This is the necklace Margot Robbie wore to the 2014 Oscars

Several stars wore Forevermark Diamonds this year:

Margot Robbie in Forevermark by Rahaminov Diamond Hoop Earrings set in 18k White Gold 8.59 ctw, Forevermark by Premier Gem Fancy Yellow Pear Shaped Diamond Ring set in 18k White Gold 6.21 ctw, and Forevermark Eternity Band set in 18k Yellow 3.00 ctw

Olivia Munn in Forevermark by Jade Trau Exceptional Diamond Cuff with 12.06 ct Forevermark Exceptional Diamond set in 18k White Gold 17.13 ctw and Forevermark Stud Earrings with Round Brilliant Diamonds set in 18k White Gold 4.84 ctw

Minnie Driver in Forevermark Flower Dangle Earrings set in 18k Rose Gold 3.20 ctw and Forevermark by Natalie K Three Stone Ring with Pear and Marquise diamonds in 18k Rose Gold

Lily Donaldson in Forevermark by Crossworks Ideal Cushion Stud Earrings set in 18k White Gold 4.08 ctw, Forevermark by Rahaminov The Center of My Universe Station Tennis Bracelet in 18k White Gold 6.39 ctw, and Forevermark by Natalie K Diamond Line Bracelet set in 18k White Gold 16.62 ctw

Thank you again to Forevermark for letting me feel like a celebrity for the day!

New Garnet Hill sheets

I am updating my bedroom (finally): getting a headboard (see post here), and I received my first set of grown up sheets from Garnet Hill as part of their "style it your way" challenge. I am reviewing the signature wrinkle resistant embroidered sateen bedding. I requested the royal navy to go with my duvet cover and headboard (I think I am going with navy!). I love my patterned sheets (I have the whale sheets from Garnet Hill as my "fun" set) but I think the white looks a bit more adult. I like the idea of mixing and matching the two sets too though. The sheets are very comfortable (I am very picky about bedding-I don't like flannel or anything itchy or stiff). They are 400 thread count Egyptian cotton, with almost a satin feel. These sheets are smooth right out of the dryer-no ironing necessary. That's a major pro because I do NOT iron! The duvet could use some ironing but no time for that right now!

Closeup of the top sheet folded over 

I love the navy embroidery

Pillow cases

Please note: I was provided this sheet set by Garnet Hill for my review. All options and words are my own.

Headboards

A headboard has been at the top of my list for years, but I just couldn't find one I really loved. Then a friend posted a photo of her bedroom with a beautiful blue headboard on Facebook. I asked her where it was from, and she told me about this website called Cymax. Here is what my bed looks like currently:

Current situation: too much white space

And when I put my big pillows:

Here is a mock up from Pottery Barn Teen (from when I bought my bedding):

Here are the options I'm considering. My room has a lot of navy, white, and dark brown (my antique wooden dresser and desk) so I am thinking white, gray, or blue. I think 1, 4, 5, and 6 are my favorites.

Rafael Adjustable Tufted Panal Headboard in Gray

1

PRI Tufted Panel Headboard in Tuxedo Seafoam

2

PRI Fabric Upholstered Soft Shape Headboard in Light Blue

3

Fashion Bed Tufted Panel Headboard in Ivory

4

Skyline Furniture Tufted Panel Headboard in Navy

5

Skyline Notched Panel Headboard in Navy

6