Mi Casita, Su Casita

Well it's been about 2 weeks since moving to Santa Fe so I'd thought I share pictures of my little casita.  Its so stinkin' cute that I want EVERYONE to come visit!

Casita - two bedroom, two bath, saltillo tiles, herb/garden beds, blue gate and doors...heaven.


Outside:

Front House Gate

Inside my gate...

This is me...530 1/2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside: 

Add caption

Front Door view from inside

Guest Bathroom

Kitchen!

My Grandmas old wooden spoons that I painted (thank you Pinterest!)

Bedroom with sleeping kitty...

My bathroom...nothing special :)

Office and guest bedroom to come... stay tuned!!

Sending everyone lots of love from Santa Fe - xoxo

Moving...I've done it a dozens times but not like this!

The adventure officially begins, one craigslist ad at a time.  Its hard basing your big move off of crappy iPhone photos of houses with bad lighting and foreign amenities. So, heres what I've learned when looking for places to live in Santa Fe:

• Most houses appear to have bad natural lighting and tiny windows. I realized this after reading a few dozen ads where they actually say "bright home", or "lots of light".  Then I quickly drew the conclusion that this will be one of my 'keywords' when searching on Craigslist.  Because 'Bright' and 'Light' is a must for this gal!  
• They say 'Front and back portal'...I'm assuming a Portal is a porch or sunroom, but I'm still not sure and too embarrassed to ask. For all I know its a chamber to take me back in time...if so, then I will booking my first trip back to 1986 to see Queen play at the Wembley Stadium.
• Im not used to everything being so close together.  Im used to looking at a map of Austin so thats what I base my distances off of.  To find out that everything is actually REALLY close together in Santa Fe, makes me feel a little less overwhelmed when I see a house that appears to be the same distance that Austin to San Marcos is.  
• Kiva fireplaces are badass, thats a new requirement for my new "house".
• Everyone said Santa Fe was going to be soooo expensive.  I guess those people aren't used to Austin rental prices.  Im going up an average of 500 square feet and for a couple hundred dollars less than I pay now.  Sweetness.
• There's some sketchiness out there.  I know its all over the world, but remember this is the first I've moved out of state, so my sketchiness radar is turned way up.  A word of advise for you craigslist renters out there, never reply back to the person saying "I do hope we get to meet, it will truly be a pleasure...".  Um no, next!

This weekend I'll be in SF looking at some of these lovely places first hand, so wish me luck!  Although, wish me more look with the driving situation...its supposed to be snowing!  EEK!

Hanna

Holy shit. Is this happening?

I am leaving Austin, Texas...

Yep you heard me. April 2014 I am packing up my car and moving to The Land of Enchantment.  To Santa Fe, New Mexico!

I am leaving the Live Music Capitol of the World, the festivals, the crap ton of food trailers.  I am leaving the rivers, lakes and tall trees that I've grown up around my entire life. Leaving a city thats the #1 booming city and best city to live in for young professionals. 

I am leaving the humidity and sticky, sweaty summers.

I'm leaving Lonestar beer, Torchy's Tacos, hipsters and hippies. Leaving a city where dogs are welcome in almost every establishment. Where you can walk around (alone), in almost every part of the city. 

I am leaving HOME.

And I'm going to a place with not much greenery or trees, but beautiful mountains. I don't ski but I'm going to learn (I have to, living there).  A place that doesn't have much night life and the live music is pretty non-existent (so i've been told).  A place where I have no friends, no family. Going to a chill, laid back social scene.  A place with tons of hiking and rock climbing. The spanish architecture and arts.  A place with seasons and snow!!!

To a dry climate.  I'll probably have nose bleeds for a year. 

To delicious New Mexican food and flavors (maybe I'll end up liking peppers).  I hear there is a bit of good draft beer selections.  A place with lots of scenery and exploring! 

So yea, why the hell am I leaving?

Intuition. Santa Fe has always called to me. This is strange because the first and only time I've been there was just recently, driving through on a trip to Colorado.  Some people I've talked to say "you cant just visit a place and decide you want to move there".  Well, why not? 

I have no ties here (family yes, but they will always be here).  My job is allowing me to move and work remote. I'm young, or young enough. And well, I want an adventure.  I need to experience a bit of uncomfortableness to feel like I'm living life to the fullest.

I'm not gonna lie.  I'M SCARED SHITLESS!  But someone said to me "If it's scary, then it's probably worth it".  And that is exactly the kind of advice I needed.

What now?

My lease is up in February. I am going to crash at friends throughout March to save money... but who I am kidding, the only reason I am staying through March is because I'm going to SXSW!!! Whoop whoop!  I'd be a fool not to do that before leaving!!!  

So...if you know anyone in Santa Fe that can offer advice or that wants to share stories, please send 'em my way! 

Stay tuned, more details coming soon. 

P.S. thank you to my family and friends for being so supportive.  I love you all!!

---------
Hanna