Jaz Design

Before I got my apartment I knew I wanted a balcony. I didn’t know why, I dislike going outdoors much, there’s always a risk of spiders, or bees, or being active. I think I knew that living in a town centre was going to wear on me, despite my dislike of going outdoors often I love nature. When I was living in Portsmouth the lack of green and trees used to drive me bonkers.

The view from my balcony, with a very very long lens. You wouldn't know I was in a busy commuter town centre would you?

As it is, our apartment just overlooks the central park, so I see trees from my balcony, and the hills during winter (see photo). There’s still flats directly opposite, but the nature’s there. And, we have a balcony. I was lucky enough to be given some plants, some grown from seed and so all very young. This terrified me somewhat, but I was amazed at how much I enjoy looking after them. I’m not doing brilliantly, but I really enjoy going out to the balcony, watering the plants, checking them, not knowing what to do when I find something wrong… ahem.

If you’re living in a small apartment, don’t have a garden etc I highly recommend just getting one little plant, herbs will gladly live on your windowsil and you can use them! I find tending to my plants very grounding and enjoyable, and I know very little about it.

More pictures of my little plant family, and Fuzz Lightyear (because he’s amazing) after the jump! To note, some of the photos are also on my flickr and you can visit them by clicking on them!

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Posts long overdue…

The last two months or so has been quite a rollercoaster, so much so I’m still not sure what normal is!

July 21st the mister and I graduated from university with a bachelor of arts in design for interactive media. I managed to get my first class honours despite glandular fever doing it’s level best to ruin my second year.

Dressing up in the gowns was great fun, I got to do a batman impression (if he had pink hair…).

The ceremony was great, it felt good to have a final “closure” as it were for something I worked so hard for. Sheila Hancock, the chancelor of the university gave an awesome speech at the end. She’s such a great lady and it was an honour to meet her, allbeit briefly.

I also enjoyed watching the mister and my friends graduate. The trip to the pub afterwards was well deserved

You can view more graduation photographs on my Facebook.
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I moved into my little apartment not long after that. I’m on the third floor from the car park entry and it was the hottest day of the year.

Fortunately for me I had an ever helpful mother and mister, and the help of Paul’s Moves. He was a great help – if you need a man and a van, check that link and ignore what the website looks like

With the arrival of “The Sims 2: Apartment Life” I’ve made a sims version of my apartment block. Once The Sporum returns and I find the time, you’ll be able to peruse and download the lot for your games.

I love my little flat and it feels quite homely now I’ve been here a while. I had a housewarming with excessive pizza, and my birthday drinks out on the balcony.

I’m not too keen on being so close to town, the estate agent and it is a bit expensive, but it’s more than adequate for now.