“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus

We have spent the last year and a half simplifying our lives.  We have purged and cleaned and donated and thrown away things that we’ve accumulated that we just don’t need.  It feels amazing.  One of the benefits of this practice is the gratitude I now have for my favorite things in the apartment that I use every day.  These little corners make this place home for me.

The place I lay my head down every night and wake up every morning.  Our furniture was from our old guest room in St. Paul.  We bought it at Ikea shortly after getting married.  We talk about getting big kid furniture, but not knowing where you’ll be living makes it hard to purchase anything too crazy.  Deep green is my favorite, so finding this Lacoste comforter was a big win for me.  Candles, plants, books, face cream.  That’s my jam.

Obviously, the coffee corner.  I love this Keurig.  My in-laws bought it for me for Christmas 2 1/2 years ago and I use it every day.  I also love the Starbucks “you are here” mugs.  I can’t get enough of them and I try and get one everywhere that I go.

The messy desk where no magic happens, but lots of blog posts get written, daily entries into the 5 Year Q&A journal happen and occasionally I handwrite letters to my grandma.  I moved my work “desk” to the dining room table and I’ve taken over that section of the apartment.  It’s taught us that in the future, I need space bigger than 3 feet.  Messy or not, I love that little nook with all my crap.

Last, but not least, our couch and the creatures that rule over it.  We got a very large couch that doubles as our guest bed.  My dogs cuddle together every single day and rule their tiny kingdom.  Home is wherever your dogs are comfortable napping.

What about your house makes you feel at home?