Big News: We’re Moving On!
April 7, 2014
Hey strangers! Sorry to fall off of the grid here on the blog but if you’re following me over on Instagram, you’ll know that we’ve been preoccupied with some pretty big news . . . we sold our house! Not something we thought would be happening even a mere 2 weeks ago but sometimes things are just meant to be. Here’s a personal look at our story, in a nutshell:
Brad and I bought our first home 11 years ago right before Gabe, our eldest was born, and we’ve basically been house-poor ever since. For the record, it’s totally our fault for the simple reason that we love our homes! Projects, renovations and home improvements get me excited (obviously!) and Brad just happens to be an all-round handyman. Our tiny first house was a 5-year renovation labour-of-love that took it’s fair share of blood, sweat, tears (not to mention cash!) but we loved transforming the former flop house (it was bad!) into our sweet first family home. Sadie was born and we jumped right into more serious renos there, gutting things down to the studs and swapping the kitchen and living room (I do not recommend living on site with a newborn and toddler for a renovation of this magnitude!) and somehow all survived. Fast forward a couple more years with Lilah on-the-way and it was clear that we had officially outgrown our tiny 2-bedroom heritage charmer. We bought our current West Coast rancher from friends and it has been the most amazing home to raise our family in! The cedar tongue-and-groove ceilings, treed yard, huge windows and quiet neighbourhood will forever have our hearts.
The thing is, despite the fact that Brad and I both work our tails off (he is honestly the hardest worker I know) financial stress has never been far away. Even though our house isn’t huge (and we had renters in our basement suite for most of our 6 years here) there are always projects to do, appliances to fix and bills to pay and we’ve been feeling like we’ve been treading water for far too long. Financial stresses have played a big part in our marriage and we realized early this year that something had to change if we wanted to keep our family together. We’ve played with the idea of downsizing (or even selling our house and renting) over the years but never seriously considered it until recently. One of my partners, Kevi, and her family live in a ’70’s era townhouse complex very close to us and I really loved the layout and lofty ceilings when I first saw her place (not to mention she has mad decorating skills!). I’ve kept my eye open for similar units on the market (they’re few and far between on our side of town) but she let us know during Spring Break of a new townhouse listing in their complex. It had been fully renovated (we’re talking everything) so we called our realtor, loaded up the kids and went by for a looky-loo. Well, we loved it! I think we were all surprised by the fact but it felt like us and we could totally see ourselves living there. Long story short, we listed our house last Saturday and the first viewing was on Sunday (before it was even officially on the market) and they made an offer by dinnertime that evening! We accepted and made an offer on the townhouse, which (after a few negotiations) was also accepted. Boom.
Needless to say, we feel like we made the right decision and that this move is “meant to be” but that doesn’t mean that it’s been an easy choice to make. I’ve definitely shed a few sad tears (I’m sure there will be more!) and we’ll all miss this house dearly (especially the yard, sniff sniff). But I’m also totally at peace and incredibly excited about our fresh start as a family. There is so much relief at the thought of putting our financial burdens behind us and having the chance to actually save money (is that what a savings account is for??) not to mention have a bit more flexibility for the odd vacation and family fun too. Weighing the pros and cons was actually surprisingly easy when we envisioned what we wanted our future to look like. Together.
Sorry for the long-winded personal post but I thought it was important to share my story and I’m really excited to share the rest of our journey with you too. Our house is looking sooo clean and has never been more organized (seriously, it hasn’t!) and I’ll be sure to share some fresh photos with you before we start packing. With the thought of neighbours and who-knows-who poking around at our open house yesterday (I hope someone actually appreciated my tidy utility closet), I’ve cleaned, purged and organized every cupboard, drawer and closet and it’s really inspired me to keep clearing out the clutter and keep things simple at our new townhouse. Our closing date is mid-May so I’ve only got a five weeks to pack thing up, eek! You can keep tabs on the process here on Instagram and please feel free to send any moving/packing tips my way! Enjoy your Monday 🙂
Beachside Getaways
March 30, 2011
Spring is barely here and already I’m dreaming of summer holidays and sand in my toes. It must be the warmer temperatures getting to my head! Over the last couple of days, we’ve been talking with friends (including Rachel’s family) about renting a beach house somewhere on the Oregon coast, sometime this summer. We’d originally talked about camping, but I was pleasantly surprised to find more than a few affordable rentals out there, especially when the cost is divided between a few families. And let’s face it, with 11 kids between us, a house will be much more enjoyable than a sandy tent or camper!
All this browsing for a beach abode made these enviable coastal homes catch my eye. There’s just something about weathered wood, natural fibres and watery colour schemes that gets me every time. My mom grew up in Orange County, California so we spent many childhood holidays with family at the beach there as well as at our favourite camping spot at Nehalem Bay, Oregon. We’re very blessed here in British Columbia to have a gorgeous and lush coastline and some of our most treasured family memories, so far, have been our island getaways and time on the beach closer to home. I can almost smell the salty air now…
Coastal Living via Hooked On Houses
I love how this modern home was designed to withstand the coastal elements and rising tides…built to stand the test of time in a harsh environment.
Coastal Living via House of Turquoise
Canadian House & Home via Anne Sage
Looks like I’m not the only one proud to live on the West Coast…check out all of this Left Coast love on Etsy!
1. Redstar Ink 2. Bo Peep Baby 3. January Jones 4. Alter Designs 5. Going Underground 6. Here My Dear
Are you thinking about your summer holidays yet? What’s your favourite place to escape to? Beachside, lakeside or a stay-cation in your own hometown…all it takes is sunshine, long summer days and a cold drink in hand to let the relaxation begin!
Backyard Studios
March 24, 2011
The topic of our own studio space has been coming up more and more frequently between Rachel and I. As we shivered through a cold and snowy outdoor photo shoot for the shop, during our many attempted brainstorming sessions while surrounded by hollering children, and especially while packing shop sales on our kitchen tables between homework and dinner preparations. A workspace to combine all of our shop and blogging duties, in all seasons, would be beyond a dream come true. Not to mention the benefit of making a more clear definition between work and family time…I’m all too guilty of taking that last peak at our inbox right before bed!
A large surface for weighing and estimating shipping costs for our products would be divine, as would a wrapping station and computer space for two. Other necessities would be storage for all of our inventory and packing supplies and a designated light and bright corner to take our shop photos in. And a door that locks…
Studio of Mary Kate McDevitt featured on Studio Sweet Studio
Design*Sponge via April and May
Shane Powers via Decor8
While Rachel and I each have potential space in the unfinished areas of our basements, mine is on the small side and I have high hopes that we’ll be able to finish it into a playroom for the kids by the end of the year. The main thing holding us back is a lack of sufficient storage for all of my husband’s tools and other equipment, which are all taking up valuable real estate in our basement. Before we can attempt any sort of renovation, we have to build a proper shed in our backyard. As I was looking at potential shed designs, I came across these amazing backyard studios and they have really got me thinking outside the box. How great would it be to have a studio space just a few steps away from the house? I’m thinking it would be pretty darn fantastic! Now to decide on who’s property we build it on….oh, and we may have to save up for a few years too!
You really must see Kelly of High Street Market’s amazing before and after for her charming garden shed…what a transformation! Also be sure to check out her Etsy shop, which is packed with vintage goodies…
For those of you who work on home, what are your thoughts? Would you prefer to be within the four walls of your home or to take your work a few steps down the path from your family life? Please share…
Back to School Blues
September 6, 2011
With the delayed summer weather and being ultra busy, I’d have to say that was the fastest summer on record. Was it the same for you? I’ll miss the lazy days of summer, making plans on a whim and the adventures but I have to say that I’m so relieved that school is back in session for us today! It will feel so good to be in a routine so we can actually work for our weekends.
This past weekend, the girls went for a sleepover at their cousins’ house. With my husband away for the weekend, I was free as a bird. So, I set out to hunt for a sofa and I’m so happy to announce that it was successful! I found it on my second stop at Home Sense for a bargain in their clearance section for $460! It’s tufted, big and velvety blue, the curvier cousin to the sofa in the very last image. It isn’t what I had originally envisioned but it’s super fun and I couldn’t walk away at that price. If I can get myself organized enough in the next day or two, I’ll include a couple photos in my next post. But for now, some blue rooms for inspiration.
Lonny designed by Angel Dormer
1. over-dyed rug 2. crocheted lampshade 3. atom pillow 4. cross pillow
Lonny designed by Jarlath Mellett
Desire to Inspire photographed by Manny Rodrigues
Apartment Therapy designed by Emily Henderson
Did you shed a tear or two this morning? Or were you jumping for joy? I did a little of both. My girls are very proud to be in grade one with their very own desks and all their own supplies. They are growing up so fast and I can’t wait to see all the learning that will take place for them this year.
Back to School, Back to Reality
August 30, 2011
Can you believe the date today? I can’t. It seems like only a couple of weeks ago that we were counting down the days for summer to begin and now it’s nearly over…sigh! But I think that my kids and I are all ready to get back to school and into the usual daily routine. This will be the first year that two of my three children will be in full-day elementary school and my youngest will be in preschool for two mornings a week. Although I’ve often counted down the years until my “freedom” during school hours, it’s actually kind of bitter-sweet now that we’re finally here. But I’m hoping to make the most of my childless hours so that I can focus more on my domestic duties when the kids are home, rather than feeling spread too thinly as I did by the end of last year. Is there a magic formula to juggling parenthood, housekeeping and the rest of life? I’m pretty sure the answer is no but I have high hopes to find the right balance for myself and for my family.
It’s no secret that Rachel and I have a major soft spot for vintage schoolhouse finds and we’re lucky enough to have a number of amazing mini chalkboards, ruler sticks and other studious treasures in our collection. Our last market, The Old School Market, was housed in an heritage schoolhouse on the outskirts of our town and it only increased our love of vintage education…
Home of Abbey Hedrickson of Aesthetic Outburst via sfgirlbybay via Apartment Therapy
Poppies for Grace via Oh, Hello Friend
Uppercase Gallery via Poppytalk
I got inspired browsing on Etsy yesterday by all of the amazing schoolhouse inspired goodies out there, like this inspiring and poetic pillow, so I put together this Back to School treasury with some of my favourites…
“Back to School” Etsy Treasury
Organization is going to be key for the school year ahead. I came across these DIY clipboards that would be perfect to get my kiddos prepared each night for the school day to come. Inspired by a list I saw on Rachel’s fridge, I came across a multitude of fantastic lists over at Design Finch and printed off some weekly calendars for myself to keep track of our schedules and even meal planning. Shayla has collected so many fantastic printables there, you’re sure to find one or more to help you keep track of it all!
How are you preparing for the school year ahead? Do you plan ahead or just wing it on Day One? I think I’ll be doing a little bit of both!
