I've been slowly working on finishing the bookshelves I bought (they were unfinished maple, so I had to sand and add finish to all three). I went with a clear finish and no stain since I like the light color of the maple and didn't want to add any extra steps. :) I finally got the shelves finished last week, and today I finally managed to get the books, dvds, and knick-knacks sorted and loaded onto them. My living room feels a bit bigger without the boxes of books, and the whole space feels tidier and more comfortable. ( Pictures below the cut )

My sister and nephew came up yesterday afternoon and helped me go pick up my new-to-me furniture and move it into my apartment. I then treated them to dinner because if someone helps you move stuff then you ought to at least feed them. :) Plus dinner gave me more time to visit, which is always fun. Lots of lively discussion happened, and I managed to make plans to go see the new Avengers movie on Sunday with nephew and maybe sister and brother-in-law (nephew is 16 and a lot of fun to hang out with).

I will note that it's been a long time since I've driven anything larger than a small SUV, so driving the U-haul cargo van was both terrifying and fun.

Anyway, I promised some photos when I got the chance. I haven't decorated much yet, so the walls are a bit bare. Both couch and chair will be getting slip covers. A dark red cover for the chair to make it look a little less retro, and a dark tan cover for the sofa to try to protect the pretty cream sofa from inevitable stains. I also got three small wooden bar stools as they make the best portable coffee tables/laptop stands (and are the perfect height for most chairs and couches).

( pictures below the cut )