Behind the Scenes Vlog: Lady and the Cat Workroom

When we moved into our place almost three years ago, my big project was turning one of our spare rooms into a crafting workspace.  Until we moved here, I was stuck shoving totes of supplies into whatever closet space I was lucky enough to have at any given time.  So while my current craft room is teeny tiny (roughly an 8'x8' space), it is both much appreciated and perfect for my needs.  It is also the same room we used to acclimate Hermione to our household when we rescued her.  Because of this, it still serves as her nap room/safe haven, and she's a constant companion to me when I am working on Lady and the Cat stuff.  And by default, Roland is usually there, too.  He's obsessed with me and Hermione, so work sessions typically end up being a family cat party.

Anyhow, getting this room in working order was a challenge to say the least.  When we moved in, it was a hoarding den of sorts, as the previous tenants of our place decided to just leave a ton of their old (literally) garbage in there.  Let's just say I saw my first dead mouse ever cleaning up that room.  After I gutted, cleaned, and thoroughly disinfected the room, I began the first of many re-styles of the room itself.  It wasn't until Lady and the Cat was born that the room truly started to take shape and become a place that I wanted to spend my time.

Today I decided to film a quick tour of my current workspace, something I've wanted to do for awhile, but never really planned out in detail.  I kind of just got a crazy tick and filmed this out of nowhere this morning, so I apologize if you get a glimpse of any random messes.  I kept my face out of the mix because that thing was definitely a random mess today! HA!  Either way, I had a lot of fun filming this...enjoy!

I eventually would love to upgrade this room even further.  For example, that wood paneling has needed to go since always, and I need new furniture badly (in the video, I chose to ignore the tripod that's underneath my current ratchet desk, supporting its dear, sad life).  I have even thought about doing little vlogs as I find thrifted upgrade pieces, choose paint colors, create cat lady decor for the room itself, etc.  Would you watch a cat lady craft room upgrade?  Let me know in the comments below, or leave a comment on my YouTube video!  Thanks so much for watching/reading today!  I appreciate any and all love, especially considering how awkward I still am when filming (Um City-Population: Me)...you're all the cat's meow!

Xo*
Jess

Neko Atsume: Cat Lady Gamers Club

As many of you can testify, one of the hardest parts about being a crazy cat person is resisting the urge to bring home every cat you meet. Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is a simple-yet-addicting, first world solution to this #catladyproblem.

Now, if you're more hip than I am(chances are, you are), you know that this game isn't even "new" by internet standards, but I must rave anyway, because it is an absolute unexpected delight.

When I first started playing, I wasn't quite sure if I enjoyed the game. It felt boring and a little slow. Turns out, I didn't yet understand how the game works, much less its intensely addicting nature. Once I got my feet wet, I was hooked. The adorable cat buttholes certainly don't hurt, either. What is it about kitten rectum that is so endearing? Am I alone? Should I stop? Are you still reading? What is life?

But I mean...

I digress.

The concept of Neko Atsume is simple...attract neighborhood kitties using treats, cozy cat beds, and toys. Each time a kitty visits you, it will leave you gifts in the form of fish. The fish are your currency to buy better, more pimped-out cat accessories for your hoodrat feline friends. There are over 40 cats to collect, as well as different "mementos" that cats leave you after repeated visits (a sign of ultimate affection). I now find myself obsessed with the need to collect every cat, goodie, and memento. Not to mention, there is a strategy to the game, as different treats and toys attract different types of cats. Some cats are more rare than others, and you're given a Catbook to keep track of all your pals, complete with photos, descriptions, and stats. It. Is Glorious.

But my favorite part? The cats come pre-loaded with unique names, but you can choose to rename them. So naturally, I now have a backyard full of ragtag cats named mainly after Young Adult fiction characters or members of popular boy bands. Again--Neko Atsume. Is. Glorious.

Have you played Neko Atsume yet? If not, you probably should. It's available for download on iTunes and Google Play, so get on that and let me know what you name your cats...

Xo*
Jess