New Home To-Do

Everyone knows that all houses have projects, even new construction can use some new paint colors etc and I have so many I want to complete! I'm making a list here for some accountability and will share as I update!

Outside Front:
1. Take down the shrubs
2. Increase driveway space
3. Plant new bulbs

4. New front deck and railing

Outside Back:

1. Take down the trees hanging on the roof

2. Patio lights 

3. Level part of the yard for a second patio off the Master (maybe make room for a hot tub!)

Living Room:

1. Take down shingles decorating the wall and repaint

2. Remove old rug and replace flooring

3. Remove old wood stove

Kitchen:

1. Update appliances.

2. Remove and update backsplash

3. New floors

4. Add some electric outlets.

Bathroom:

1. Paint cabinets

Green Carpet Room:

1. Replace green carpets

2. Un-texturize the walls

3. Remove chandelier

Front Mudroom:

1. Replace flooring

2. Replace front door

3. Replace chandelier

Emma's Room:

1. Paint

2. Build new closet

Tyler's Room:

1. Paint

2. Build a more functional closet

3. Extend space into living room (?)

Bonus Room:

1. Replace flooring

2. Build new laundry room

3. Storage shelving

4. Re-stain trim work

Side Mudroom:

1. New floors

2. Paint

Master:

1. Paint

2. Re-stain wood work

3. Install floor to ceiling library

4. Remove cubby in closet

5, Install a full closet system

Basement:

1. Organize and Clean!

2. Paint with cement paint

3. Install divider wall

4. Build a gym

5. Update/Fix tool bench area

6. Fix plumbing

There's a lot to get done but I'm hoping to keep working on slowly and making it my own as the years go on. I can't wait to share about what I accomplish!

xo, Heather

I Bought A House (Again!)

 One of the biggest accomplishments of my last six-ish months was buying a house again.

I know I spoke about it a lot through Instagram and Facebook posts but I really can't put into words how amazing it is to me that three years after my divorce, I was able to purchase a house again.  We were lucky enough to live with my grandmother starting March 2020 until we moved in May 2023. Given the house prices, interest rates, and how quickly everything kept getting more expensive, I know I would not have reached this goal without my grandmother opening her doors to us. A great big house, an amazing school district, and I was able to find a job close to it. Not only was it great to help me save up some money, but it was also wonderful being back with my grandmother every day. I lived in that house until I was seven. I remember sleeping over in her room and watching Murder She Wrote with her when I was little. I was excited to have those times again. Watching Wheel of Fortune with her and my kids while we had ice cream was an almost nightly ritual. Although there were many parts that I loved about living there, I was very excited to own my own home again, to be able to decorate and update and own the space. I think that, especially as a Millennial, the idea of going to college, having a family and owning a home was engrained into me and it was something I knew I wanted to accomplish again.

It took lots of house hunting. We toured dozens of houses, ultimately put down offers on 5 houses and then had multiple contingencies fall apart - a bad foundation, a leaking oil tank that needed the ground around it to be cleaned and repaired, not being able to qualify for a first time housing that I thought I did qualify for, and sellers needing much more time to close than I wanted. I was drawn to this house given the town and set up. It felt like a home with character, that was lived in and loved, and I could see parties and holidays in it. 

The house itself is on a "side main road" and we get traffic but there's a great cul-de-sac right behind us that has been perfect for taking walks with the dog and riding our bikes! It will be perfect come Halloween! The house is even close enough for the kids to walk to and from school if they choose! It's the perfect little town - a great library, a busy community center, some small shops, and only 10 minutes away from the city that has all the big stores we love. 

Although I love the house, I also bought it knowing I wanted to change so much - even more than just painting bedrooms- I want to change floors and more! My hope is to document how I make it mine, and celebrate every day that I was able to do this. My kids and I have loved the first few months here and I am excited to work through my ridiculous list of to do projects!

xo, Heather