As I write this, I’ve now been at my new job for 3 weeks. I feel like the time is flying by as after the first week, I got an apartment and have spent the last 2 weeks settling in.
First, I have to mention, the rental market seems as crazy as the housing market. I looked at 2 apartments and I ended up choosing the first one. One, because it was actually available right away and two because it was updated and I didn’t feel like I was going to find a better priced option. I have to say although the apartment is a small studio, it is perfect for this transition period. We hope to next year buy a house somewhere in the Philly suburbs. There were many apartments that were not available until July/August or September. Basically if a person gave notice today, you had to jump on that and wait 2-3 months for an apartment. Pretty crazy!
I moved in May 31st and had a few days sleeping on an air mattress and going to stores everyday after work as I made my list of things I needed. Brian came down the first weekend with our spare bed and mattress. I could feel after a few days on the air mattress, my back was not loving it. I was definitely happy to have a real bed in the apartment. We grabbed lunch in the King of Prussia town plaza at Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar. It was very good. I even got a mojito because when at a rum bar…
I honestly don’t usually drink, but my drink of choice would be a mojito. I only drank half because it was quite strong and I could feel it so Brian finished it off for me.
We had to leave room for dessert because my first couple days in the area, I discovered Duck Donuts. I have heard so many things about this donut place on Instagram and it is worth the hype.
After we were stuffed, it was time to shop for furniture. I had reached out to a couple people on Facebook marketplace but most of the furniture was not available or the person wasn’t free that day. Given that we had a short period to get use of Brian’s truck, we went to IKEA to see what we could find. Brian decided we needed a futon and I’m glad he did because it works well in the space and it provides an extra sleeping area if I have a friend stay over. I think we were at IKEA for 2-3 hours and we left with 3 carts!
The last time we lived in the Philadelphia area in 2014, Brian paid for the mattress and desk from IKEA, so this time I could return the favor and paid for the furniture. I think I’ll make a separate post with the photos, but we got a TV stand, microwave stand (really just a cabinet), futon, side table and a table for a desk. Additionally, we picked up a new set of sheets, a couple pillows and miscellaneous items. The only item we didn’t get was a desk chair, the one we liked was out of stock and they told us more were coming in. Unfortunately it has been a week and I still don’t see any in stock from checking the website. I may have to find another chair.
By the time we unloaded the truck with everything, it was like 7pm! I really don’t know where the day went. We had a huge lunch that tied us over so we decided on sushi for dinner and went to Sushi Nami close by. It was the perfect amount of food (I didn’t take a picture!) and when we got back it was time for bed.
The next day, we went out for breakfast to Nudy’s East Side cafe. It was such a cute place and the temperature that morning was beautiful. We sat outside and enjoyed breakfast. I thought I had ordered the short stack of pancakes but she put it in as a full. I didn’t even realize until I ate most of it and was paying the bill. Apparently I was a little hungry.
After breakfast, we needed to go to Home Depot to get a few basic tools to build furniture. We picked up a screw driver and hammer and a nice tool bag so I can start building a tool set for the apartment.
Brian put together the TV stand and then we quickly built the microwave stand before it was time for Brian to head out. I spent the afternoon running around for a few more items. I actually went to 3 different Target stores in this day! I ordered a coffee table from one that had it in stock. Then I later ordered a microwave from another that was closer. Brian and I had gone to one earlier to look for tools but Home Depot ended up being the better option. It was quite the running around weekend to get everything in order but I’m glad we did it in one weekend. Luckily it doesn’t take much to furnish a studio apartment and it’s much cozier now.
I was happy to cook dinner in the apartment and do some meal prep for the week ahead.
I enjoyed all the places we ate at, but I normally do not go out for 3 meals in a row. It was best to go out though since we didn’t have furniture in the apartment initially or a place to sit and eat. I had been sitting on the floor and using my yoga blocks for my plate to sit on for the week.
The apartment is coming together though and I’m getting into a new gym routine and learning a lot at work.
Sharing is Caring:
I am so curious to find out where you are living near Philadelphia! I used to live near King of Prussia, years ago, and your post brought back all sorts of memories. I know the area has changed a lot since I lived there, but some things never change. I hope you’re still enjoying your new job, and that things continue to go smoothly.
Hi Anne. I’m just a few miles from King of Prussia. The area has grown a lot even since I lived here back in 2014/2015. Lots of new apartments, new King of Prussia towne center. I love the King of Prussia mall since I prefer to try items on before buying.