Living in one of the most expensive cities in the country (cough, San Francisco, cough) makes for a tight budget. Once the student loans, rent, and other monthly expenses are paid, the extra cash (that I should be saving) goes toward experiences. Because really, what's the point of living in SF without living in it? Concerts, happy hours, dinners, the occasional bougie cocktail on a roof deck — if it calls for a good memory with friends, I'm there. It's not a cheap price to pay by any means, but I've always felt weekends galavanting the Bay Area are worth it, even at the cost of a nondecorated apartment.
Then, self-isolation [1] kicked in. My bustling weekends turned to nights spent at home, and thoughts like, "Wow, has that corner always looked so empty?" and "How have we lived without a dish rack?!" now pop into my head. Truth be told, I've neglected this apartment. My frugal budget [2] allowed for a choice: fun nights out or a cute home. I chose fun nights out. However, since adjusting to this new normal, I've come to find that it's time for some home improvements, and without frivolous weekend expenditures, I can afford to do them.
The dish rack was my first of many home purchases, and the feeling was so rewarding. Finally, I'm checking off a list that's been in my mind for a year. If you're in the same position, here's all the purchases I've made (thus far) that improved my stay-at-home life [3].
Stylish Sturdy Oil-Rubbed Bronze Metal Wire Small Dish-Drainer Drying Rack
Here it is! This Stylish Sturdy Oil-Rubbed Bronze Metal Wire Small Dish-Drainer Drying Rack [5] ($16, originally $30) is perfect for my dishes. It's smaller than I anticipated, but how long do I really need to let my dishes dry for?
Aspen and Birch Modern Wine Glasses
Between my roommates and I, we only have three wine glasses in our house. Three. Having a few extras for eventual guests can't hurt, and I love the look of these Aspen and Birch Modern Wine Glasses [6] ($50, originally $75).
Veken Nonslip Extra Thick Gripper
I adore the rug in my room, but it's so thin that it constantly bunches up. This Veken Nonslip Extra Thick Gripper [7] ($19) is a game changer. I can actually vacuum without it devouring my rug. It's amazing! The best part is you can cut the gripper to fit the size and shape of your rug, so it's never showing.
Stone and Beam Modern Woven Bamboo Basket Ceiling Pendant Chandelier
Admittedly, this one's still on the way, but I'm so excited! I have big plans for this Stone and Beam Modern Woven Bamboo Basket Ceiling Pendant Chandelier [8] ($77), and I think it'll look great hung in my boho-themed bedroom.
Vickerman Green Potted Fiddle Everyday Tree
I love fiddle leaf fig trees, but my dark living room won't give a real one the light it deserves. I opted for this Vickerman Green Potted Fiddle Everyday Tree [9] ($80, originally $91) to fill an empty corner, and although the shipping is taking a little longer than expected, I can't wait to see the result!
Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws
Aside from their amazing environmental impact, the Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws [10] ($7) are just plain cute. I got the stainless steel because it goes with everything, but they also come in rose gold, gold, black, and other fun colours. Not to mention, they make all my virtual happy hours look legit.
Cosybay Cotton Quilted Down Comforter
I'm always hesitant to order items like a down comforter online — what if it's a flop? However, the Cosybay Cotton Quilted Down Comforter [11] ($62) has exceeded my expectations. It's the perfect weight, the material is nice and soft, and it's not crazy expensive. A win-win-win, if you ask me.
Jason's Brothers Foldable Seagrass Belly Basket
I ordered this Jason's Brothers Foldable Seagrass Belly Basket [12] ($18) to go along with my new fake fiddle leaf fig, and I'm praying it looks good! If not, I'm sure I can use it for blankets and other fun things.
Bextsware Clothes Rack
I live in a tiny little sunroom, and while it's great and all, you can imagine there's not a lot of closet space. This Bextsware Clothes Rack [13] ($26, originally $50) helps me free up my already loaded closet, and it's stylish, too.
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows (Two-Pack)
I wasn't expecting it, but these Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows [14] ($33) are an actual dream. I only had two pillows on my bed before, and an additional two really stepped things up.
AmazonBasics Slim, Velvet, Nonslip Clothes Suit Hangers
The hangers I currently have are for the size of children's clothes (don't ask me how that happened). It only took a year, but I finally ordered more! The AmazonBasics Slim, Velvet, Nonslip Clothes Suit Hangers [15] ($25) are great for all types of clothing.
Soundance Laptop Stand
Now that I'm working from home, I'm always hunching over my laptop screen. It's truly uncomfortable, so I decided to invest and get this Soundance Laptop Stand [16] ($36). It's a game changer, and I can officially report that my neck no longer hurts.