Showing posts with label First House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First House. Show all posts

Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday Favorites #3


For today's Friday Favorites, I am going to share with you a few of my favorite pins from this week. I have been looking up a ton of ideas for my new house. I am trying to pinpoint the specific colors I would like for each room.


/ / Bedroom Inspiration/ /
{I am leaning towards a coral, grey, and navy blue theme in this room. I am struggling to find a comforter I like, but I love the pops of color in this room while still be neutral}











/ / Guest Room/Office Inspiration/ /
{I feel like  a little girl with this room, but I absolutely love the gold and pink look! My second bedroom has a guest bed as well as my desk so I would love to have it all work together to create one cohesive room}











/ / Living Room Inspiration/ /
{I have a creme colored couch with navy blue accent pillows. I have a few pieces of wood furniture with dark cherry finishes. I would love to add some more cream and navy into the room}









I am hoping to do a little bit of online shopping over the weekend to find a new comforter and possibly some decor for my guest room. I am thinking of doing gold and mint green in the guest room rather than pink, but after looking at these pins again, I am so in love with the pink and gold look :)

If you would like to follow me on pinterest, I would love to have you as a friend!

Linking up with Erika, Heather  Amanda for Friday Favorites

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Thinking Out Loud #2

Whew!! This week has been a whirlwind. I finally moved into my new house on Saturday! For those of you know don't know, I have been building a house since August. I am so excited to finally be settled into the house {and by settled I mean boxes and boxes sitting on the floor}. I am slowly but surely getting things put away, and it feels more like a home. To be honest, for the first day or two I felt like I was just playing house with someone else's things.

The only pictures I have so far is of my dogs watching tv :)


Am I the only person who loves tax season? Probably because I have always gotten a tax refund, and I feel like I am getting free money. I understand that it is my money to begin with, but it still feels like a bonus :)

Since moving into my new house, I only have Apple TV; no cable. I am getting use to that, but I have found a ton of new shows to add to my list. I am one of those types of people who likes to watch tv series over again. I tend to watch an entire series over a couple of months, and then a few years later I like to watch it again. I am currently watching Gossip Girl again, but once in awhile I add in episodes from My Name is Earl. This is a silly 30 minute sitcom about a redneck guy who wins the lottery. After watching an episode of Carson Daily, he learns about the concept of karma. He decides to write a list of all the things he has done wrong in his life, and slowly one by one he rights those wrongs. It is beyond cheesy, but I love it for a quick, funny fix.

Does anyone else write thank you notes or other cards and then stash them in their purse for a week or so because you forget to buy stamps? No? It's just me who does that…dang it!

Speaking of cards, you have to check out the dollar section at Target! They have the cutest supplies out right now. I like to send cards to the girls in my Awana church program every once in awhile, and I love that I can buy a cute pack of 8 cards for $1!! So while I was searching for a picture of some of the cards, I came across this awesome website! They have tons of information about Target including the Dollar Spot!!

You are probably thinking that this post is going to go on and on, and it kind of has :) So tell me below:

What are some good shows on Netflix to add to my list?
What is your best suggestion for someone setting up their first house?

Linking up with Amanda, Annie & Natalie

Friday, January 15, 2016

Friday Favorites #2

I am back for another Friday Favorites! I love the chance to look back on the week and remember all the little things that made it great. I am linking up with Erika from A Little Bit of Everything.

Favorite Post
I have been following The Daily Tay for awhile now. She is hilarious, and I absolutely loved this post she did on Thursday! She loves her dog, Harlow, just as much as I love my two dogs, Bella & Cori, so I totally find this post relatable! Go check her out….and just for fun, here is a pic of my two dogs :)


Favorite Blog
I just found Caitlin's blog, Cait's Cozy Corner, the other day, but I already love it! She is starting up a book club next month, and I can't wait to join. Make sure to show her some love and tell her I sent you!

Favorite Quote
My younger sister, Ashton, is full of hilarious quotes. I try and document them as much as possible because she really comes up with some bizarre things. We were looking back at my Facebook posts the other day, and I realized most of them are just quoting here. I thought I would share some of the funny ones below!






Favorite Activity
Packing!! I know that sounds strange, but I am so beyond excited to move into my 1st home this weekend! I have been slowly packing things over the last few months, but I have had to really kick it into gear in order to get everything ready to go. I have already taken a few trips to Goodwill {I am amazed at how much junk I have accumulated over the last few years!} 

Favorite New Puppy
My mom got a German Shepard puppy the day before Christmas! Winston Charles is going to be a great companion for her when I move out. He is quite possibly the fluffiest and cutest puppy I have met.


Favorite Workout
I was doing the 21 Day Fix Piyo workout the other day, and I turned around to this view. Cori, the black lab, is attempting her own version of Child's Pose while my two sisters are laying around in the background. At one point Jackson was participating, but when we looked back at him he was sitting against the wall on his phone. Guess they don't find find Piyo as exciting as me :)


Well those are my favorites for this Friday. Tell me below, what are your favorites from the week?














Thursday, January 14, 2016

Thinking Out Loud #1

Today I am linking up with Amanda from the Running with Spoons blog. I am also linking up with Annie from Home of Malones and Natalie from East Coast Chic. They both have fun link-ups on Thursdays that are all about sharing what is on your mind! I love the idea of just sharing all the random things that run around in my head…believe me there is a lot!!

Thoughts for Thursday


1. I read this story in my local newspaper this week, and I just about lost it! This little girl was awarded a Make-A-Wish foundation wish, and she chose to go to an orphanage in India! How cool is that?!?! In the midst of battling cancer, this little girl made the decision to bless others rather than focus on herself. I strive to be more like her :)

2. In just a few short weeks, I am headed on my first cruise with my family! I am so excited to sit out in the sun especially after the cold front that has hit our little town the last few days. I have so much to do before we go….get a new swimsuit, buy sunscreen, pull out all my summer clothes, workout :)


3. I am so excited for Fuller House on Nextflix. Full House was one of my favorite shows growing up, and once in awhile I will catch it playing on Nickelodeon! I can't wait to see the story line and to have all the old cast members pop in!


If you are a fan of Full House, you have to check out the Fuller House Instagram

4. Speaking of remakes, I was really disappointed in the remake of Boy Meets World…now called Girl Meets World. It follows Cory and Topanga's daughter Riley and her best friend. My little sister was watching it the other day so I watched a couple of episodes with her. While there were lots of appearances by old cast members (Shawn Hunter, Mr. Feeney, Minkus), it just wasn't the same as the old show! I loved Boy Meets World back in the day.

5. I need to get my butt in gear! I have been slacking on my workouts lately. I have been working through the 21 Day Fix, and I love the workouts. They are only 30 minutes long, and I can do them in my living room. However, I have just been plain lazy! Well, I am also trying to pack up to move this weekend so that always throws a wrench into any plans!

6. Speaking of packing, I AM MOVING INTO MY NEW HOME THIS WEEKEND!!! I am just a little excited if you can't tell. I feel bad for my family and co-workers because that is honestly all I have talked about the last few days :) I can't wait to share pictures when it is all decorated!

I think that is all for this lovely {freezing} Thursday!!



Monday, January 11, 2016

My First Home



I am so excited to be moving into my first home in just a few days! The plan is to start moving this weekend, and I can't wait!! I wanted to share a little bit about my journey in buying my first home!

I started looking at house this summer. I felt like I was finally in a secure job with enough savings to start looking at houses. I had an amazing realtor who was helpful, encouraging, and willing to go to quite a few houses with me. I just couldn't find anything in my price range that I truly loved. To be honest, a lot of the houses were old and needed a lot of updates. Or they were in less desirable areas of town. I was beginning to be a bit discouraged, but I didn't want to buy a house just to buy one.

My dad actually approached me in August with a proposal. My uncle had offered to build a house for me. They found a lot in town that was a great price. My uncle has built several houses, and he was excited to have a new project after just recently retiring. I obviously jumped at the chance, and I am so blessed to have two amazing uncles and a dad who were willing to work so hard to make this house possible! I will definitely share pictures after I move in and all the decorations are up!

I really had a great experience, and I wanted to share some tips and tricks that I learned along the way!

1) Don't settle. I almost put an offer in on a house that I sort of liked because I was just anxious and ready to have my own house. I am so glad that I took a step back and realized that it didn't have everything I wanted. While there are times where you have to compromise, I also think you have to wait and be patient.

2) Find a realtor you really trust. I really thing this is an important part of the journey. I don't think there is anything wrong with parting ways with a realtor who just isn't working for you. Find someone who really listens to your needs and is willing to work within your budget. Don't let them push you into a bigger or more expensive house. Also find someone who is willing to show you a million houses until you find the perfect one.

3) Talk to your banker about first time homebuyer programs. I found a grant that provides a loan for $25,000 for the down payment and closing costs at 0% interest for 15 years. This program is through a local non-profit and the Board of Housing. Do your research about programs like this is your area. Talk to your local banker, and they should have lots of information for you!

4) Go to a First Time Homebuyer's Class. I went to one back in the fall, and I really enjoyed it. While it was a full day of listening, I did learn a lot of information. I learned about mortgages, insurance, and even inspections. Definitely worth the time and small investment!

5) When looking at houses, consider the entire investment. Like I said above, I almost put an offer into a house. However, I realized it didn't have a fenced yard for my dogs. It had an extensive yard that would require a lot of time and money to upkeep. The insurance on the house would have been a lot more because of some of the building elements. While the asking price was less than my budget, I realized all these factors wouldcost more in the long run.

6) Have fun! I think that people get stressed out and overwhelmed when purchasing a house. It is easy to get stressed out, but I think you have to make it fun! It's a new house after all!! Don't let all the details bog you down!

I can't wait to get into my new house, and I know it will be just perfect for me and my two pups! Here are some sneak peeks into the house :)










Monday, December 21, 2015

My Top 10

I love blogs. I could spend my whole night reading blogs. I always start out reading a blog I enjoy about hair and beauty, and next thing I know I'm reading a blog about Mexican food. Does that ever happen to anyone else?
One of my favorite blog posts to read is when people do Top 10s. I love top 10 beauty items, or top 10 recipes to try. Heck, I even like to read the top 10 ways to be healthy :)

So what better way to introduce myself to the blog world, than a…

Top 10 Things to Know about Me

1) I have about five go-to movies and tv shows that I watch on rotation. I am the type of person who can watch the same tv series several times before I get bored with it. A few of my favorite include




















2. I have this weird ability to remember funny quotes from movies, tv shows, and even commercials. When I was in school, I struggled to even remember the material I studied the night before, but when it came to a funny youtube video I watched a week ago I can almost quote it perfectly.
I tend to incorporate funny quotes into every conversation. It has gotten to the point that whenever I say something funny my dad asks what movie it was from.

3. I have struggled with anxiety for a few years. There are good days and bad, but I wouldn't change my anxiety for anything. While that mind sound like a weird statement, I have realized that my anxiety has been a blessing in disguise. It has strengthened my relationship with my family but also my relationship with God.

4. I am going to be an auntie for the first time in April. We just found out Baby Bass is going to be a girl, and I am already in love with her :)

5. My three sisters are my rocks. They never cease to make me laugh, and I know I can go to them with anything. We have been through a lot these last few months, but I know we can make it through anything.














6. My dream job is teaching 8th grade English. My undergrad degree is English Education, and I am one class away from a second degree in Elementary Education. I currently work at the business office of the local school district while I finish school. I am hoping to start teaching next school year!

7. In just a few short weeks, I will be moving into my first home!! #firsttimehomeowner
I am so blessed to have been able to have my house built, and I can't wait to move in to decorate. In other news, we just got a Hobby Lobby so there goes my savings.
















8. Without a doubt, the most important part of who I am is my faith. These last few years have tested my faith, and I have grown so much in my relationship with God (this is an entire blog post in itself). While I know I still have so much to learn, I am just blessed with the grace and faithfulness God gives me on a daily basis.

9. There is hands down, nothing better in the world than a good laugh. I mean like deep down in your belly, struggling to breathe, and ending up with the hiccups type of laugh. To be honest, this type of laugh happens to me on a daily basis.

10. I have been told on more than one occasion that my sisters and I are like a real-life SNL skit. We are messy, loud, most likely obnoxious, and quite hilarious when we are together. At least we think we are hilarious. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world. In fast, I often find myself saying that I think we should have our own reality tv show :)


So there you have it…the 10 most important facts about me. Tell me, what is the one thing you would share to describe yourself?