Sea Change (a lengthy annoucement)
photo by Victoria, who perfectly captured my favorite part of LA- those dang hills.
(I bolded the important parts in case you’re all like, screw this paragraph madness!)
I’ve been dropping hints left and right, and have told pretty much every person I know outside of the internet, but I’d like to make the formal announcement that on December 26th, Mr. William Steinman and I are bidding New York City adieu and driving across the country to our new home, Los Angeles. When I first proposed the idea on this blog that perhaps moving there might be an option, right after our vacation there at the end of September, I wasn’t being 100% honest with you. I made it sound as though the idea had just entered my head, when in fact it has been an idea of ours for almost six months now. I just couldn’t be completely honest with you here because so many people read this blog, but I still wanted to throw such an idea out there to see what the reaction was. I get so very very very many comments about people who are jealous that I get to wake up to this city everyday – a city of wonder and opportunity, that I thought you might balk at the suggestion of needing out. But the response was quite the opposite – so many of you could understand why a person couldn’t live here forever, or you too live here and feel claustrophobic as well. I felt really comforted by that response.
That is not to say by any means that we’re leaving on a low note. I still love New York City with nearly every inch of my heart, and cannot even write that sentence without feeling overwhelmingly emotional. There is not one single thing that has ever happened to me that changed me as much as moving to New York has. You could say that everyone’s lives change drastically in his or her mid-twenties, but mine was something I don’t think could have happened had I stayed in Seattle, still living the life I was living before. But I’m ready for something new. I don’t want to go into all the things that bother me and make me want to escape, because this is not a complaint letter to New York, but rather a thank you. A thank you for changing my life, for giving me a career, for influencing my style, for breaking up a marriage that wasn’t meant to be, then introducing me to the love of my life, for helping me overcome some of my shyness and anxiety, for giving me the ability to meet so many talented wonderful people, for exposing me to a culture and a vivaciousness no other city could ever compete with to me.
LA was chosen because I can keep my job that I love, a closer proximity to our families on the West coast, and a general interest and love for the city. The idea of exploring a new place excites me to no end. I love the ocean and I love sunshine – I’ve never been able to get used to East Coast weather. I’m excited for Bits Of My Weekend to chronicle new adventures and discoveries.
Another piece to this adventure is that we’re getting rid of pretty much every single thing we own because the cost to move it outweighs its worth. We’re just shipping clothing and small things that matter the most. Hence my shopping ban previously mentioned. I physically cannot buy anything else to add to this move! This is the second time in the past five years I’ve had to get rid of almost every single thing I own. But for some reason it’s harder this time. I guess the older you get the harder it is to have that nomadic spirit of your youth. But honestly, as long as I have my shoes, computer, and cameras, I’m good to go in life.
If you’ve read this far, you trooper you, I will now ask that if any of you know of any apartment sublets in LA for the month of January, please let me know! We need to find a sublet not too terribly far from my work (in Century City) for when we first get there since it’s impossible to rent an apartment long distance. I’m having some trouble finding a sublet that will allow Wendy (who of course will be coming along on this adventure!) Wendy is such a clean, quiet cat that sleeps all the time and doesn’t ruin things, but it’s hard to convince a stranger of that.
So! Stay tuned, and now know in advance why I might be a little absent lately or my weekends a bit boring – I’m spending them making piles the size of me to donate and sell. I’m barely sleeping at night I’m so stressed thinking about everything that has to be done or if I’m making a terrible mistake, but luckily I have my logical thinking boyfriend to keep the cool head in this situation and remind me that if it doesn’t work out, New York will always be here for us again, no warm done.
ps. LA bloggers, hit me up! I need to build a network of blogger buddies out there like my lovely group here in NYC.
November 5th, 2010 at 10:03 am
that is so exciting!!! congrats to you both and good luck with the move :o)
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:08 am
the very best of luck & happiness to you!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
So exciting! I can’t wait to see your new life in LA through your camera lens.
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Hey Kate- As a fellow Seattleite living in NY I have always appreciated your POV and style. I’m excited for you guys and can’t wait to hear what you think of LA!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:11 am
congratulations on the big change, kate! i was only in NYC for 6 months and had the same feeling RE:claustrophia, but i still love it to death. (and am quietly contemplating a move back.) like you said, it will always be there. i’m SO excited for you and can’t wait to hear about all of your pending adventures! xo
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:12 am
how exciting!! congratulations and happy trails!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Congrats Kate!
I totally feel you after leaving my hometown of Vancouver a few years ago for Mexico and having just made the move to Toronto – nomadic in the late twenties/early thirties is a bit more bittersweet. I think you’ve made an awesome choice – if an American visa was clutched in my greedy little Canadian hands we’d be there too. Can’t wait to follow you on your (amazing) new adventure.
xo
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Congrats! You’ll love it here! It sucks to pay for an apartment rental database when craigslist exists, but a Westside Rentals account will really help you out (you may be able to get an account code on craigslist). Owners don’t have to pay to put their places on Westside, but the renters have to pay to see them, so it seems that the owners find some sense of security in weeding people out. They would definitely have listings close to Culver City.
Btw, it was 90 yesterday :)
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:18 am
wow, how great!! i wish you all the best with your new adventure!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:19 am
kate, i always love your genuine honesty…it’s what makes your blog wonderful :) i wish you the best in LA…we’re secretly dreaming of purchasing a second home in the NC mtns so we can escape the NYC claustrophobia half of the year :) so i know where you are coming from. can’t wait to follow your adventures on the west coast!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:22 am
hi kate – long time reader, first time commenter here. just wanted to tell you to look at this ask metafilter question about landlord concerns about renting to pet owners http://ask.metafilter.com/157840/Running-a-Cat-House You can glean some tricks to reassure landlords about wendy’s wonderfulness eg. offering a pet deposit or presenting a pet resume.
good luck with the move and finding an apartment!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:25 am
SO SOON, I love it. Come spend new years at Rimrock Ranch with us!
I kind of can’t believe you are selling all your stuff. Yeah, that would be WAY harder for me now than when I was young & footloose & fancyfree.
and, Tweet about your sublet needs and I will retweet, a lot of people who follow me seem to be from LA.
yay! congratulations! lucky west coast!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:31 am
congratulations, kate! how exciting! i’ve been thinking of moving in the near future, too, and this post gives me the inspiration to start putting into motion things that will make that a reality.
all the luck in the world to you, billy, and wendy! xo
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Good Luck with the move Kate…I am sure it will be an amazing change! I lived in LA for many years till I moved to NY in April and I would be happy to recommend many places. That photo that you posted of the Hollywood Sign was pretty much view from a beautiful, airy, open apartment in Hollywood that I miss so much. Over the years I spent there I found many of the underdog reasons that make LA so amazing…and I bet you’ll need no time in seeking those out.
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Kate! Congratulations to you! I am so excited to see you take this journey and explore a new place. And as a Westerner on the East Coast, I am a little jealous too. Good luck!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Congrats! Hope you new adventure is awesome…plus totally jealous of the cross country adventure! My bf and i drove up the east coast the long way to NYC and it was awesome. You’ll be missed here. wish i could have taken a jewelry class before you left…maybe a workshop visit? :)
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:48 am
I did the same thing 5 years ago – but my california city of choice was San Francisco! Moving is exciting & fun. It seems like we both have the same spirit for exploration too.
Anyway, 5 years have now passed, and I am thinking about moving back to NYC. Not because of any hate cali thing – but more, i need new york again. I tell you this because your man is right – New York isn’t going anywhere. In fact, its kind of rad because its the most transient city in the country, and when I think about moving back to NYC (I spent 8 years there as a photo editor), it seems like a whole new city – a whole new new york. :) so go and live it up in cali. listen to biggie smalls going back to cali. make it your mantra.
one more thing – the thought of moving AGAIN (i am 33 now) is daunting. oh, and i have a dog now, and a miata that i just can’t part with… so my point is yes, moving it daunting, but i think that some kind of energy kicks in – like when people have kids, and all of a sudden they have crazy hours and are running on adreneline. its kind of like that. our spirits give us the energy to move forward in life. its a good thing.
lastly, welcome to california. you are going to learn more about nature and spirituality here. its gods country. i can’t wait to see your take on the ocean and hikes and hills. plus, this time of year everything is turning back to green. your style is going to change here too. its going to be fun to watch & read.
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:55 am
I wish you the absolutely best of luck. It’s hard leaving New York, there really is no other place like it. But change is good, you’ll experience an unbelievable amount of new people, new lives, new attitudes.
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Good luck, good luck!
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November 5th, 2010 at 10:58 am
you are amazing! i am beyond excited for you (and semi jealous, and hope to follow your footsteps one day). i wish you, billy, and wendy all the happiness in the world! xoxox
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Your moving to my hometown!! i am sure your going to have the time of your life.
When you get there, do yourself a favor and hit up The Best Tacos in Ensenada… you will not regret it! oh and hit up Portos bakery… your going to add it to instant favorites I guaratnee it!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:12 am
yay! hopefully many san francisco trips in your future. so many new places to explore!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Welcome to California in advance! I love this state and have grown up here since birth. I’ll be moving in December to the Monterey area from Sacramento to be near the ocean. Good luck finding a place. I am supposed to be moving out with my husband and 7 year old in December and we still don’t have a place picked out.
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Wow! Good for you, Kate! When something feels right, it’s best to give it a shot. I’m sure that everything will work out wonderfully for you two, and I’m really excited to read all about your new adventures.
L.A. bonus: Super delicious Mexican food!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:14 am
congrats Kate!! sounds like such an exciting time for you. I wish you the best of luck on your travels! {nothing better than cross-country road-trips! especially with a cat!}
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Congrats! This is such exciting news – and I am sure that you’re not making a terrible mistake. All three of you will love it and what an exciting new chapter! I can’t wait to hear more about it and see the photos!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Congrats on the big move! You’ll no doubt having some transition-pains, but you’ll love it. We moved here from Los Angeles three years ago (used to live in the Fairfax district–which I recommend) and often miss the place. If you can, leave yourself some time to enjoy the drive cross-country. I wish we’d had more time to take in the views. Huge congrats, Kate!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:22 am
P.S. Mozza Pizza… not NY pizza, but really really awesome.
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:30 am
i’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see all your new adventures in la. best of luck!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Welcome to the west coast! How exciting. The weather is much better here…and there is space to roam. I have a feeling your going to love the desert and might need to take a trip out my way once everything is settled.
Congrats! A big scary move, but tottaly worth it.
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:49 am
I wish I could hop on a bus and come visit you in New York before you leave! I’m so glad you followed your heart — what adventure! Good luck with the trip, sounds fantastic!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:51 am
So exciting! LA is, contrary to popular belief, one of the very best cities to live in if you’re adventurous! I love it here — you will too!
Bienvenidos!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Congrats, Kate :) I hope you like the west coast!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Ah, LA will be a wonderful change. So excited to see what comes of it!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
hi kate! congrats on your future move! you’ll love it here! i’ll keep an eye out for any sublets on the westside in january! :)
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
l.a. is fantastic (sometimes). the heat gets a little out of hand, but for the most part you cant really beat it. good luck on your move!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
How exciting! I follow a number of LA-based art bloggers, and it seems like there’s just so much creative energy flowing there. Plus, road trips to Baja, Joshua Tree, the Nevada desert – you’re in for such a treat!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Congratulations!! What an exciting decision and I wish you the best for your move!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Wow this is huge news! Congratulations on making this decision and sticking with it, that’s not easy to do by any means. I must say, though I’ve never even met you in person, I felt a little sad to read this and know I’ll miss you. New York was my first love and continues to be a huge influence in my life and my work as an artist. I also understand how important it is to travel, take risks, and put yourself in new situations that scare the pants off you. My brother and his girlfriend just moved from NY to LA and are loving it over there. You will too. I’m sad to see you go but continue to look forward to Bits Of My Weekend, pictures of Wendy, and all of the inspiration you give your readers…ya know, just from a different location. Good luck!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Yay! Congratulations!! p.s., you should totally design your moving announcements ;)
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I know you’re gonna love it. I’d be sad having to get rid of all those lovely pieces you’ve cultivated, but there’s something amazing about starting fresh (at least after you’ve cried over your empty apartment). I live out here, wish I had a recommendation for housing but I’ve always gone through Craigslist to find an apartment. My BF lives in Sherman Oaks and I’m in the OC, so add me to your LA bloggers list! :D So excited for you!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hurray! Congrats!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
miss kate! this is SO exciting! i love your blog and i’ve lived in los angeles for 6 years now and LOVE it. i live in silverlake which is comportable to brooklyn, but have actually been spending a good amoutn of time in century city which has the cutest resturants and shops around. (and a kick-*ss trader joe’s if you ask me!) i’ll totally keep my eye out for you on apartment sublets. and, when you arrive, i’d be happy to take you out for a coffee or a cupcake and help you get to know the city! honestly, the sunshine is so lovely here and i’m sure you will be so very happy! xo and congrats!
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Welcome to LA! I’m so excited to see your beautiful photos of this city.
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Kate! Hi! My name is Paola, i´m from Argentina and I read your blog everyday!
Congrats por LA!!!How exciting!!!!So excited for you! :D
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Kate,
I always enjoy reading your blog.
I left DC two years ago and couldn’t be happier in a new place that is more my (and my husband’s) speed. I wish you both all the best on finding a good place to live as you embark on this adventure!
I look forward to seeing your photographs documenting LA. Try not to worry too much, I’m sure things will work out for the best!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
hi kate! i have no leads on sublets, but it would be great to meet up once you’re here! good luck with the move!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Good decision Kate! I’m sure it’ll be the best experience ever! I wish you all the best and I’m really jealous of you! :)
Patient with the move!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I’m so happy for you Kate, if not envious that you’ll be back on the west coast before me! :)
As somebody who’s done retardedly expensive and difficult moves across oceans, I would highly recommend looking into not just sublets, but vacation rentals. Sites like homeaway.com and such have a wide selection, and I’m sure there are LA specific sites also. Some are swanky and expensive, but you can often find simple furnished apartments that have a very reasonable monthly rate. Also, since they’re meant for people who are coming to town for the short term, I’ve seen more of those that are flexible about pets. It’s worked out so well for me in the past that it’s how I almost always travel now, getting a vacation rental instead of a hotel room.
I wish you the best and all kinds of luck!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I just discovered your blog last week – and although I love it, being that I just recently moved from Brooklyn to LA…your pictures were making me miss NYC! How surprised I was to see you’re moving to LA and I look forward to getting to know the city along with you. It’s quite a change, but spending the day at the beach in November is quite nice. Best of Luck to you!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
i was born in LA and live here now — and I LOVE my city. i spent four years in boston and a summer in NY and though there will always be a soft spot in my heart for the east coast, LA will always be MY city. (fantasy move to Rome notwithstanding.) one of the best things about LA is all the great creative energy that keeps gravitating over here, like you! welcome!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Awesome! Follow your heart, girl. I can’t wait to start seeing all your California beautiful photos! Good luck getting everything ready for the move, what a big one!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Long time reader and admirer of your blog…so sweet and funny to read this post that so perfectly captures my feelings about leaving new york for the west, which my boyfriend and I will hopefully be doing next fall! Portland or LA, we’re not sure which yet…thanks for the inspiration!! And good luck, I really look forward to your blog posts from LA!
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Hey Kate,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now and oddly enough might have a sublet for you. I’m doing the reverse move back from LA to New England and have a few months left on a lease it’s easier to sublet than try and break. It’s in Venice on the beach with a parking space. If you’re interested in details you can email me.
Regardless good luck on the move it was 100* here and a nice change from the drizzles we’ve been hearing about back East.
Syd
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Hooray for new adventures! Leaving the cold in December sounds lovely, too. ;)I read something not too long ago that said even in this day and age, most people have never lived more than 100 miles from their hometown. That seems so sad to me, It’s brave and exciting to move new places and try new things. I’m so thrilled for you and Billy! You seem to make the best of New York on all your weekend adventures, and I can’t wait to see the best of L.A. through your lens. Best of luck with the move/finding a sublet :).
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Sometimes a person just needs a change! I know I do! And when a person has everything working in that direction, I say go for it!
I know what you mean, I may not live in a city as gigantic as NY but I did move from a very small town to a city, then to a different country and so on…and I also am amazed with how much a person grows with such an experience, therefore I consider myself (and of course you and all people that have done it)very lucky.
Of course a stranger’s first reaction can be “why the hell are you leaving that fantastic city most people can’t even visit” but I can imagine living there being very different from a dreamy vacation. And you have NY in your heart :) and you and your partner are the only people who get to decide what’s best for you, right? I wish you the best of luck in your new home and look forward for new lovely pictures in Bits of my weekend…although I have to admit I’ll miss seeing NY pictures…I guess I have to go there and see it for real :)
(p.s. pardon my english, it’s hard to write in a foreign language when you’re tired)
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November 5th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Kate, congratulations! Moving to the west coast sounds like a dream right now especially since winter is coming and I know New York like Chicago, had a tough winter last year. I can’t wait to see the pictures you’re gonna share with us of your new home! xo
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November 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
I got the warm fuzzies reading this in line at the Sf General Pharmacy!! Ha! The West Coast welcomes you (again)! I’m so excited for you Kate!
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November 5th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
It’s never easy to just up and leave. I did that twice and I know how hard it can get and the mixed-feelings you have. But as everything in life, after a short period of re-adjustment to your new environment, you’ll be perfectly settled and fine!
As for finding a place, I have to say that the Craigslist.org L.A. site is AMAZINGLY good! I used to search through Craigslist L.A. all the time! (I lived there for 4.5 years…)
Enjoy the rest of your time in the apple city, and good luck in your move ahead :)
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November 5th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Congrats, bravo, and welcome to California!
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November 5th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
yipeeeeeee!!!
i believe i commented back on that first post saying how much i love l.a. i’m a born + raised southern california girl and the longer i live in l.a., the more i think it is my ‘forever’ spot. i think you’ll love it here.
don’t know of any sublets, but my apartment does have a vacant unit they may be able to do on a month-to-month or just 1 or 2-month lease. can’t hurt to try! i’m just east of culver city and love the spot. don’t want to post adddress + such here… email me at jessicaobrien99@gmail.com or i’ll try to email you.
do you guys know what area you’re looking into???
when you get settled, i’m happy to share all those insider tidbits like the best dry cleaners, car repair, wine shop + eyebrow waxer ;)
feel free to check out my blog. it is a little bit of everything – fashion, interior design, environmentally-friendly living + my adventures in l.a.
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November 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
ahhh omg kate youre moving to LA!!
congratulations on your and your man for making this step!!
wooo new adventure!
what a big move, im excited for the both of you!
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November 5th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Yeah! I’ve never posted a comment before, but I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. I moved to LA six months ago from St. Louis and have loved every part of it. I can’t wait to see those bits of my weekend posts happening from here in L.A.! Good luck with the move and welcome! (I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any posts on sublets)
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November 5th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
i have been reading your blog for a couple of years now and i have always secretly wished to run into you when i visit my brother in nyc. i’d probably be too shy to say anything or i’d blurt out something awkward. a sort of small world connection drop your jaw and want to point type of thing. but i will let that go and say that i am very happy for you to make the move. it takes a certain type of person to make nyc a forever home and i think your move will be one step closer to finding yours. so good luck and best wishes!
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November 5th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I think this is such an exciting change for you, you’re a talented and lovable character, you should have no trouble at all anywhere you go. A couple blogs happening in LA that i really, really enjoy are:
jeanasohn.blogspot.com (she’s the one who does closet and studio visits, they are the best!)
lainbloom.blogspot.com
I think both of these ladies are quite on the scene, if you already know them or not, you should get in touch with them, i’m sure they would be more than happy to be acquainted.
best wishes!
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November 5th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
What a great, well written entry. I think a lot of people feel the need to make big moves like that (I did it from Boston to LA two years ago) and it’s great when people actually DO IT! My boyfriend and I moved with 3 cats (yep!) and had a little trouble finding a place that would take that many, but there are lots of pet friendly places in LA so you should be able to find one soon. Good luck with your preparations and maybe we’ll run into each other if you’re ever on the east side.
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November 5th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Congratulations on your new adventures ahead! I’ve lived in LA for a few years now and love it here. But I do get a bit jealous of all the cool events and classes available in NY because of the amazing bloggers like you who live there. There are neat things going on here too, but we could definitely benefit from another creative soul moving our way. Can’t wait to have your blog be one of my favorite local blogs. Best of luck with the move!
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November 5th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Congratulations!! It is always hard to articulate the reasons for moving (people always think you’re talking about the city, when you’re really talking about you-in-the-city and there’s so much potential for bruised feelings or misunderstanding). But I love hearing that excitement in the voice of somebody about to embark on a new adventure – when everything is full of potential and possibility. Congratulations to you both – wishing you the very smoothest of moves!!
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November 5th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!!!! I cannot wait to see my city through your blog! A million and one questions but most importantly, WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS are you looking at?!
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November 5th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Kate, I haven’t been reading your blog very long – only since you bought a glass necklace from my Nature in the City series (via Urban Revisions). Although, I’ve gotten to know you a bit in that time and I can’t believe this post!
My boyfriend and I are moving to LA the 1st of February… probably much like when you moved to New York but the opposite. I’ve lived on the East Coast my whole life, just graduated from college this past May and I am so so so excited for change. Funny how things work out. I’m not huge in the blog world – I’m still trying to grasp what I am and am not comfortable with sharing on the internet… it can be so overwhelming! Once we re-locate I’ve got blog plans in the works to document and share my new surroundings and experiences…
Anyway, it’s seldom that I have so much to comment but yes! I am so excited to read this – I can’t even describe to you how many things you just said that have been going through my head for months as well. Awesome.
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November 5th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Congratulations Kate, what an exciting move. Best of luck!
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November 5th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
congrats, kate! i moved from Boston-area to LA four years ago (now living in SF). i loved my years in LA, exploring the city and southern california – and the weather is beautiful, always (can’t beat that!). excited to see how LA unfolds for you!!
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November 5th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
it sounds wonderful!
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November 5th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
century city!!!
I love LA and century city is one of my favorite parts.
congratulations kate! can’t wait to hear about your new adventures.
xo
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Wow, what an incredibly inspiring decision! You’ll love L.A. I know it. We just moved up this way from San Diego a few months ago–not nearly the distance you will be making though. Century City is just about 15 min. from my house. I’m a bit south in Long Beach, but not far at all!
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November 5th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
this is great news! Have fun in LA.
My tip for a sublet is to check out AirBnB. I’ve see some quite reasonable monthly/weekly rates available on there.
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November 6th, 2010 at 9:16 am
I am so happy for you, Kate. It sounds like you, Wendy, and William have an incredible adventure ahead of you.
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November 6th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Hi Kate, I’m a long time reader but first time commenter. I don’t know what it was about this post but I almost teared up reading it. I moved from NY 2 months ago. I’m now making a pit stop in Chicago for a couple months and then am moving to California to go back to school, jewelry school! Anyway, your paragraph about how life changes drastically in your mid-twenties, and how NY changed your life and influenced much of who you are today really hit home. I feel that love for NY, and if I hadn’t lived there, I wouldn’t have made these recent life changes I’m about to embark on. I wouldn’t have left the love of my life in NY to pursue what’s important to me. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do it or the hope that I’ll find him again later. Anyway, I digress…thank you for your post and your blog and your honesty :) Good luck with LA!
P.S. A couple months ago I found out (via your blog) that you’re friends with one of my good friend’s friends…Kai, ring a bell? Well, ever since then I’d been wanting to meet you but then, you know, shit hit the fan, and then I moved away. Oh well. Another time! Thanks again for being awesome :)
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November 6th, 2010 at 11:21 am
how exciting, kate! im so happy for you!!!!! :-)
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November 6th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
How exciting! It’ll be like summers on repeat.
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November 6th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Aha! It all makes sense now. :) Congrats! This must be incredibly exciting for you guys. And how great that you can keep your job.
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November 6th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
The timing of this post is crazy. I grew up in LA and moved up to Seattle for college. I’ve spent the past 5-1/2 years in Seattle, and truly loved it. But I’m ready for a change…and I just decided to move back to LA at the beginning of January. I too, am overwhelmed with the idea of getting rid of most of my stuff, and deciding what I’ll keep. I’m excited though, because it will provide a fresh start.
I am so looking forward to reading your posts about a city that I’m LIVING in!! I’ve always loved your posts about NY… but it will be great to see where you find yourself hanging out in the LA area. I think you’ll love it, and just think… a new city brings new inspiration. So exciting!
And yes, bring on the jewelry!! Trust me, your pieces will be gone in no time.
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November 6th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
So exciting! I live in the OC and frequent L.A. because its full of art and good food. Prepare yourself for 80 degrees and sunny even in the winter!
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November 6th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Awesome Kate! Love your blog and I’ll look forward to your weekend photos from LA!
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November 6th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Kate, I am so happy for you both. It takes some real guts to pack up and leave a place you love for a something new (even if that place is totally awesome). I know wherever you end up, it will be a place that is meant for you.
This was very exciting to read, and I look forward to following you on your journey!
Hip Hip Hooray!
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November 6th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Just back from LA Kate! I think u will love it there :) Congrats :)
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November 6th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
holy crud.
that’s HUGE.
i moved from san francisco to la. it’s big. huge. to pack up and change what you’ve known.
i know you guys already love la… but you won’t be sorry.
even with the northern/southern rivalry… i absolutely love it here.
welcome.
http://www.memoryofair.blogspot.com/
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November 6th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
a warm welcome to LA! what a fun move for you guys. I live in Long Beach and let me just tell you it was 98 degrees two days ago. IN November. I hope you have a Christmas themed bathing suit. ;)
Best,
Anna
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November 6th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Kate, congratulations to you and William on taking your next big step in the adventure that is life. NY will miss you, but I know we all look forward to vicariously experiencing your new LA home.
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November 7th, 2010 at 1:58 am
kate! that’s so exciting. congratulations to you two. i’m still jealous you were brave enough to go to new york, and now this! very cool. keep us updated on everything.
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November 7th, 2010 at 3:59 am
good for you for being bold and moving on! i myself am awake right now at 4am (which should be 5am, so thank you daylight savings!) with my own sleep-interrupting anxieties about moving soon, so i can relate to that stress! anyway, i just wanted to let you know that i have a friend that is from LA and whose mom is in real estate. i have no clue if she could be helpful, but, hey, why not have another name in your arsenal, right? keep breathing, keep packing. be well, kate! feel free to email me (resgoldsmith at gmail dot com. or just stop by the ol’ blog.)
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November 7th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I’m so jealous!!! i lived in LA and ever since then i’ve been dreaming of the day i go back to beautiful weather SoCal… As I was reading your post i was watching Tony Bourdain from LA talking about how much fun it is… I was always surprised that the city is so different from what they show on TV and that people are just so nice… wish you the best of lucks on this new adventure!!!
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November 7th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Congratulations to all three of you! I can’t wait to see how this awesome blog will change with your new home. Good luck!
xo, Coyote Kind
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November 7th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Congrats! How exciting. I can’t wait to see LA through your eyes. I’ve lived just outside of LA for the majority of my life (far enough for it to be a hassle to go to all the fun stuff!) and want a change, but hopefully your pictures will spark a renewed interest in the city.
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November 7th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Wow, this is a big decision indeed. But really, why not? Moving somewhere is usually sad but many times it is the greatest possible choice. Seems like you have thought it over carefully, too. Good luck, LA is pretty cool (and hot)- even though NYC is one of the most perfect places ever for me, so I don’t think I would leave it if I lived there.
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November 7th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I have read your blog for over a year, but am not usually interested in commenting.
But I want to say good luck Kate! Making a move is a wonderful thing, I am always in favour of challenging yourself and making sure you’re never too comfortable. Congrats!
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November 7th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
This is so exciting. I’ve loved coming upon your blog in the past few months. I don’t currently live in LA but it is a place I adore and hope to make it back to at some point. I’m not up on the here and now of whats happening anymore but would gladly give you advice on any architecture touring you might be interested in. ;)
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November 7th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Congrats you two! I’m jealous of you getting to live in not one, but two iconic cities. Can’t wait to see your adventures :)
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November 7th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Congrats on the big move! I’m not a huge fan of L.A. but I’m looking forward to see how your life grows and changes. I’m originally from the West Coast, now living in the NYC metro area for almost 4 years now. I’ve always considered myself bicoastal, think you should too!
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November 8th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Wish you all the best on the big move =) I read jeanasohn.blogspot.com, lainbloom.blogspot.com, Oh Joy, Trust Your Style, and Not Your Average Ordinary =)
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November 8th, 2010 at 2:05 am
Good luck on your move! I know what a huge stressful mess it is, moving your life so far away. If I hear of any sublets here in LA, I will let you know. Good luck again! : )
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November 8th, 2010 at 4:55 am
hooray! the west coast welcomes you kate miss!
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November 8th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Best of Luck! I love the changes to your blog as well, bright, shiny happy transitions.
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November 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Kate — i am so excited for you guys. I can’t wait to get a glimpse of your life in CA (i love california…so magical). Thank you for taking us along on this adventure!
xo
joslyn
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November 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
you will love west coast living. i am not in la, but go a lot for markets, etc. and used to live there. you will have a super time! come by the souchi store when you venture north to portland (this must be on your to do list!)
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November 8th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Our lives are running parallel. I just traded my 7 year stretch in NYC for west coast life too! I just settled in Portland Oregon, and its such a nice transition. NYC has its charm, but I don’t think I was ready to commit to its hustle and bustle forever. Congrats! Bon Voyage :)
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November 8th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Now you will be able to watch the sunset over the ocean again, something I just found out that you can’t do on the east coast. You have to go to Old Tony’s in Redondo Beach to watch the most beautiful sunset, in the coolest bar with a 360 degree view of the ocean, with the best Mia-Tai’s.
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November 9th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
YAY! Congrats and welcome to LA! We used to live in NYC (love) and San Francisco and as of a few months ago, have made LA home. You will love it. It’s so laidback, the weather is perfect and it’s full of creative and crazy people. Inspiration abounds. And it’s especially a treat for those of us coming from the east coast. It literally feels like vacation every day. Would love to meet up once you’re here!
xx,
kelly
p.s. My one tip would be to live close to where you work that way you ixnay the only downside of LA – traffic and commuting. If you can walk to work/play, you’re golden. :)
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November 9th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Good luck on the move! I’m sure you’ll find lots of great stuff in LA. I do miss living there…
looking forward to seeing your adventures!
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November 10th, 2010 at 8:57 am
good luck out there! i lived in LA for years and years and years and years, so if you want any restaurant/thrift store recommendations, let me know! i know where ALL the good thrift stores are. best wishes to you!
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November 10th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Hello and welcome to beautiful LA! I love it here, and live not far from Century City also. For sublet/housing ideas, LA likes these: westside rentals (although charges $60 for a 2-month subscription). Many of us use Craigslist for housing (although I know it may be difficult to secure from long-distance). There are 2 openings in my building currently, pet-friendly, 2-bed, 2-bath, great landlord, Brentwood location. Hit me up over email if you’d like more information or landlord’s number. Good luck, and welcome to the great area! xoxo Ananda
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November 10th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Congratulations Kate! As a fellow Angeleno, we welcome you with open arms!! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and am a big fan :)
Can’t wait to see all your awesome pictures here in L.A.
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November 13th, 2010 at 7:19 am
I’m a bit late here but I’m super excited for you both; LA will be awesome! we’re thinking of going there next summer en famille, I think I’ve finally managed to persuade the hubby to come with me (I’ve been there seven or eight times and he never comes with) and oomoo’s god mama lives there so we HAVE to go :)
enjoy the move guys (and wendy), may the sun shine down on your new adventures (ha! and it will!)!
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November 13th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Holy cow! I haven’t been by in a while (I was playing with my necklace – made by you – which reminded me to come by and read). But I’m moving to LA too. In April. To the same area as you. For work. I currently live in Philly, so it’s a coast to coast thing too. Alas, we are moving our furniture, blah blah blah. Running around patching walls, etc.
Good luck out there! I’ll come by more diligently to follow your new adventure!
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November 15th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Hey Kate,
It’s Kate aka fastbinx from the LJ days :) Just read this entry. Wanted to wish you the absolute best of luck with your move and I’m excited for you and your new adventures! Be safe and can’t wait to read more about it through your writings on this blog.
-Kate
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November 15th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I am an LA blogger here at The Look See! Let me know if you need any LA advice or ever do any LA blogger related activities :) I have mainly lived on the East Side of LA, so can tell you more about everything North/North East of La Brea, though I have lived here for about 10 years now and know a fair amount of stuff on the West Side too.
Somehow I missed this announcement the other day. Sorry for the delayed comment.
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November 17th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I wish you all the best as you embark on your new adventure out west. I live in Santa Monica and would be delighted to meet up for coffee once you get settled in LA. Congratulations on the move!
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November 23rd, 2010 at 6:15 am
Excitement! Welcome to the neighborhood/city! Will be nice to have you in town – I can’t wait to see what this city looks like through your lens(es).
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January 11th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
My girlfriend (Caitlin of NICE) linked me to this post, likely to serve as inspiration to make a move of our own. Good luck, safe travels, and do update on how your cat fares on the move. Three cheers!
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