The Wait Continues...

The time between the offer being accepted and the closing date has felt like eternity.  Granted, we asked for a longer period of time between the two, but I never expected it to feel soooo long.  I think it also feels so long because it's winter and there's generally a shortage of outdoor distractions during this season anyway.

So, my friend and I did the next best thing to distract ourselves from the wait and winter - home decor BROWSING!  Yes, browsing, not shopping.  Big difference, but browsing is just as fun.  We went to Restoration Hardware and looked at every piece of furniture, linens, lighting, and accessories.  The place was empty because it was snowing outside so we had it pretty much to ourselves.

And then we found the Collins Chair...

So incredibly big, but also so incredibly comfortable.  This picture shows my friend who, although naturally short, couldn't touch the ground.  That's what's perfect about this chair - it's size.  We ended up taking our boots off to get the full effect.  We curled up, sat cross-legged, and even retrieved a blanket for the finishing touch.  I deem this the perfect winter chair.  I'm not sure how much I would like the leather in summer, though.

The price was another story.  At $1200 (including discount), we had our fun in the store and then carried on.  Waiting is a perfect time to dream...

Ideas Galore

The anticipation of having our own space to do whatever we want with is just so exciting.  The possibilities are endless!  I've been a fan and user of Pinterest since the beginning and have accumulated plenty of ideas for various living spaces - mostly living room, kitchen, and bathroom.  I've learned that its easier to dream of non-existent spaces than to implement ideas in real ones.  Now that my ideas can now become a reality, I've come down with a strong case of indecision.  Yikes!

With some wise advice from homeowners, we're going to take our time and try to get to know the house and how we use it over the course of a year.  So, the projects we want to tackle our first year have reduced in size.  Our list is subject to change but includes the below for the time being.

1. repaint the stucco portion of the exterior
2. paint/replace shutters
3. remove wall paper
4. install a fence
5. install a patio

I'll be keeping an on-going list of projects, both to-do and completed, on a separate tab at the top of the blog for progress sake.

What's your advice for first-time homeowners eager to get their feet wet in a pool of projects?

Up Next: Closing

A lot to read and much to do.  But at least it's the next step!

Home and garden shows

I noticed a home and garden show will be in town next month.  I'm eager to attend it but I also feel a little intimidated by the thought of it.  I'm used to vendor exhibits at conferences, knowing the best times to visit over a three day visit and what tactics work for both the vendor and the attendee.  My plan is to be prepared, even more than I usually am since I'm only paying for a one day entry.

Here's my list of preparations:
1. Eat a HUGE breakfast full of protein.  I may have to make my favorite omelet just for this occasion - veggie omelet with spinach, mushrooms, peppers and cheese.
2. Pack snacks full of protein.
3. Dress in a few light weight layers, no coat.
4. Wear the most comfortable footwear there is.  You know the shoes older people wear - typically one color with thick, cushy soles and have Velcro for fasteners?  Wear those shoes!  You'll be making a fashion no-no but you won't regret it at the end of the day.
5. Take a large, durable, reusable bag for brochures, toys, and trinkets.  This is key in having a successful time as there's nothing worse than being overloaded with print material and no place to put it.  I know vendors usually have branded bags to use, but I try not take them if possible.  I never keep them and then feel bad about disposing them later.

Do you have must-know tips on attending home and garden shows?  I would love to hear from you.

 

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog, Life on Oak Street.  I created this blog to document our adventures in being first time homeowners - from moving in to the ups and downs of renovations and everything in between.  This blog may take on some other topics like craft projects and some recipes (you know, the ones that catch your eye on Pinterest that you absolutely have to try?) from time-to-time or when finances for renovations get tight.

So, keep checking this blog to read about our experiences as homeowner newbies.  I'm sure we'll both be entertained... ;)