There's No Place Like Home

Although I've never owned a house, I can't imagine any purchase more exciting that buying your first home. (I mean, I'm not even close to making that commitment, and I have a 2-inch binder filled with ideas of what I want to put in it!) So, when Lisa announced that she closed on her house, I was thrilled! She had looked at the house when she was home visiting just a couple of months ago, and I think she fell in love with it (who can blame her?! it is adorable!) When she found out she had gotten her job at the hospital, she bought the house. The owners were selling it themselves, and they were pretty flexible with her about the timetable. (But then she couldn't close on the house until she actually started her new job because of the mortgage... so many rules! I am going to need a lot of help...)

When I was home over Thanksgiving, Nick and I went over to Lisa's new house. I had never seen any pictures of it, so everything about it was a surprise. I liked it so much that I think I screamed or made some "ahhh" noise the entire time I was there.

Here are some pictures from our tour...

Isn't this adorable?!

The kitchen is actually really big for a house this size

I love the glass doors on these cabinets

This bonus room in the basement would be perfect for crafts!

The last owners accidentally left the faucet that once hooked up to the washer on. When Lisa moved in, there was a huge puddle in the basement, which had actually gone beneath the tile that the previous owners had laid down. Lisa's mom, Karen, spent the day tackling this project. I was very impressed with what a good job she did- moldy water smells are hard to remove!

You might have to watch your head on the stairs

Looks like this fenced-in back yard needs a dog! :)

The dining room, which will be painted soon... Lisa says it looks like the color of dried blood! (She would know, too- she's an ER nurse)

Lisa's bedroom

How charming- the curved archways add that something extra (there's a mantle and fireplace that I *love* in the living room, but naturally, I was so enamored I forgot to take a picture of it)

The porch is wonderful- not only is it big, it has a swing!

Maybe this is nostalgic (that or I just lived in the suburbs for too long), but I love this type of mailbox

I will be sure to keep you posted on any updates she makes. :)

Lisa, congratulations on your new house! I am so happy for you!

The Weave Mill

"In 1807, Samuel Slater helped start the American Industrial Revolution by creating the first village whose sole aim was to produce textiles. As the centerpiece of that village, the mill complex that stands today, made up of the Spinning, Weaving and Center mills, was built in 1826. Each building provides a thoroughly modern living experience infused with unequaled historical authenticity. With sturdy wood beams and exposed brick throughout the homes that attest to the site's notable beginnings."

-The Halstead at Slatersville Mill Website

It is the oldest standing textile mill that remains intact in the United States. The buildings are actually very intersting themselves. Old pieces of machinery flank the hallways, and pictures of the working mill over the years line the lobby. My apartment reminds me a little bit of my brother's old apartment in the Harness Factory Lofts downtown.

There are 3 different buildings that house apartments on the property: The Spinning Mill, The Center Mill, and The Weave Mill. The Center Mill looks a little bit like a school (below).

I live in the Weave Mill, which is the two-story brick building you see below. There are two floors of apartments of vairous sizes, and the building also houses the mail room, the lounge, the media room, and the workout facility--that will definitely come in handy during the winter! Pictures of the building exterior and the facilities are shown in order below.

Last night I managed to finish putting together a set of file drawers for my desk, and I'm hoping to finish the dresser and bookcase tomorrow night. Until then, here are a few pictures of some parts of my apartment. (No, I am not going to start with the outside again!) Don't you just LOVE the giant "S" on top of the cabinets?! My mom got it for me at White River Salvage in Indianapolis. I went there with Monica a couple of months ago, and she fell in love with the place! If you live in the area, like beautiful old things, and don't mind bargaining and searching, you will LOVE this place! They have an old Otis elevator that I would love to buy, but a) I don't know what I would do with it and b) I don't have an extra $15K laying around.

The "S" is from an old neon sign. The bulb doesn't work inside it, but I think I'll try putting Christmas lights in and/or around it in a bit. I have been looking for one of these forever! Thanks, Mom! Here is part of my living room:

Another HUGE thank you to my brother, Ryan, for letting me borrow his flat screen t.v. for the year! I promise that I will bring it back in one piece. More to come later... Cheers!