just another night....

Just when I think we're in for just another night, Mr. Hall and I decide to carve our first pumpkins in our home!

My "Creation"

One 'Hall' of an evening!

Yes, I love my house!

Just another picture!

And, yes, Mr. Hall loves his video games...

Attack of the "Space Invaders"

Hope you enjoyed "pumpkins" of our labour this evening!

things I didn't expect in the first month...

It's been a month since Mr. Hall and I moved into our house. While in my mind I thought that we would be a lot more "settled" in our first month, I'm realizing it's going to take much more time to make our home feel like "us".

While I could choose to dwell on everything we haven't got done in the first month, I want to share with you the things I love the most about our house - the things I didn't realize would mean so much to me once I became a homeowner.

• Getting our mail at the front door - especially not having to carry a little key to access a mailbox
• Not having to carry groceries up 3 flights of stairs - Yay for no more apartment living!
• Having an insulated garage to park the car in - and just store all the misc. storage 
• Baths - I love my new deep soaker tub - I've had more baths in the last month than in the last 5 years
• Living so much closer to necessary amenities - including family
• Taking the bus and having the opportunity to take some "me" time before I get home
• Having so much more room than I'll ever need for MY shoes
• All the help that people have offered Mr. Hall and I - especially our amazing "Moving Team"
• Privacy - we don't have to worry about hearing our neighbours
• Security - I really feel safe in our neighbourhood, not that I didn't feel safe before, it's just better
• Movie and gaming nights with Mr. Hall in our basement - it's so cozy
• SPACE - I know I've said this before, but I never imagined once all the boxes were unpacked that we'd have SO much space

I think more than anything, I love how this home is a blank palate for Mr. Hall and I - for us and our relationship, for ourselves as young individuals to develop ourselves, and for our families and the memories that will be created here.

I know we both are looking forward to having our home more "settled" before we can invited all of you to join us and celebrate this big step in our lives, but until then, I am quite happy relishing in the joys of the unexpected.

Many of you have requested more pictures - so I'm going to get your help. Mr. Hall and I are unsure of the next area of our house that we should renovate/ decorate, so let's get your input. Keep in mind that these pictures are images of the previous owner's home.

Should Mr. Hall and I focus our energy on:

Basement

Basement - Image courtesy of listing REALTOR(R)

Main Bathroom

Main Bathroom - Image courtesy of listing REALTOR(R)

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom - Image courtesy of listing REALTOR(R)

Let us know your vote by commenting on this post!

green is the new black

So I've been a little busy this past week organizing particular areas in our home. I have this theory that if things look good; like they have a place, then I'll be more likely to keep that particular area tidy and clean (and the less I have to clean - all the better). But, for me, I know that, regardless how great something looks, if it doesn't serve it's form and function in the best ways possible, it's not going to stay looking great.

Living in small spaces, with a significant lack of storage, for the last few years has helped me develop creative ways to utilize space. With our new home, I'm still quite overwhelmed by the amount of space that we have - there's just so much! So while I don't find myself struggling with the space issue as frequently as in the past, there are some functions that my previous households just didn't hold.

Enter recycling.

Strathcona County has an amazing recycling program. It's amazing how little is actually "waste" or "garbage" when you spend the time to sort it out. Check out this list to get the idea - I think you'll be surprised. I know, I know... probably many of you have been on the recycling circuit for some time now, but for the most part - this was all new to me.

For the last three weeks (can you believe its been three weeks since we took possession?), Mr. Hall and I have been trying the best we can to keep things sorted and find a place for all of the sorting bins, bags, and boxes. The garage has been a great place to store the sortings until our garbage and recycle pick-up days (yes, they pick up our recycling - I told you it was amazing), but we've been struggling how best to keep things sorted in our house - specifically the kitchen.

I found a couple of sorting options online, but nothing that really works for our particular kitchen set up. I found this cool divided garbage can, but I'm not really a fan of the "out of the cupboard" garbage cans. Mr. Hall went and bought this cool organizer from our local big box home and garden shop, but we failed to remember that all of our cupboards already have built-in organizers, so that was a no-go.

Enter brainstorming for recycle station:

• Must be able to have four containers in one space under sink (green bin for compost, bin for "blue bag" materials, bin for "waste," and a bin for "clean paper")
• Containers must fit under sink - taking into account sink pipe fittings
• Recycle station must look aesthetically pleasing
• Containers must be able to be cleaned
• Must continue to have space for a few cleaning supplies under the sink

Here's our results:

View under our sink

So, as you can see, there are four bins fitting under our sink with a bit of room for a few cleaning supplies. I even lined the bottom of the cupboard to make for easy cleanup. Each bin was $10 and the liner was $10 for the whole roll. Much cheaper than the above alternatives.

Each bin clearly labeled

I labeled each of the bins with my favourite new toy - my label maker - it's like my best friend right now! I got it on sale for $20.

I hope this has inspired you to create a recycle center that works for you, or even just consider educating yourself a little more on recycling. Green is the new black! 

Now my goal is to find a solution for recycling in other areas in the home, like the bathroom. Let me know if you have an ideas - or where I can purchase divided canister waste bins.

living the 'high' life

So I know many of you have been anxious to see some pictures of our new home... and yes... I've kind of been holding out.

I decided to post this picture of our entryway and main living room as a sneak peak because when I saw this picture in the listing sheet of this property I knew this was going to be our home.

Image courtesy of listing REALTOR(R)

I've always loved high ceilings and bright light, so this was kind of love at first sight for me.

I also decided to post this picture first because this is the area of our house that we've spent the most time, so far, making it "ours".

Here are a few pictures of some changes we've made to the space, but there are definitely more to come!

Moving Day - Image by my sister-in-law

Entryway "Before"

As you can see the entryway divider had a definite 1970s vibe going on. I know my Dad had a liking to it... but sorry Dad.

Entryway "After"

As you can see this has a somewhat of a more clean, modern appearance - a definite improvement in my own eyes. What do you think?

Mr. Hall - My Cutie Handyman

So rest assured, we are making some progress! Hopefully by next week I can show you our newly painted living room walls, trim, and ceiling!

P.S. - Our first mortgage payment came out today - first time in our lives we're not paying rent to live somewhere!

what's a good number

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. I figured it would be appropriate to write a post in honour of my incredible mother and one of my best friends.

I figured she probably doesn't want me sharing how old she is... so I'll just share with her 26 reasons why I love her... in honour of how long she has been my Mom.

I Love my Mom Because:

1. When we bought our house she insisted on us renting this "amazing" vacuum from her local town - and it WAS amazing... you've NEVER seen so much stuff come up from a carpet - she's got our backs like that.

2. On our moving day she prepared the most delicious "Sister's Chicken" and Greek salad to feed our crew - a definite crowd pleaser.

3. She has the most beautiful, natural teeth I've ever seen - I know this seems weird - but honestly she does - I'll take her smile any day.

4. She knows how to dress - and when I mean "how", I mean - HOW WOW! Dad - you're one lucky guy.

5. She's always instilled in Mr. Hall and I how important it is to COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE! It's definitely helped our marriage and for that I'm grateful.

6. She was willing to take the "Mac" plung and has never looked back - Macs rule!

7. She takes pride in her vehicle - you've never seen a woman so happy to shine up the chrome on her wheels! Love it!

8. Ok... I know I already said my Mom dresses well... but she also has amazing shoes to compliment her outfit.

9. And jewelry too! Always so funky!

10. My Mom has an amazing group of friends - not an abundant lot of them - but an authentic lot of them. This is something she always has encourage me to keep in mind. She's always gently reminded me when she feel my friends are not being authentic, and also encouraged me that I deserve the graciousness actions of the friends that cherish me.

11. She has quirky interests - whether it's old gramophones or accordions or knitting - she's definitely no Grandma (yet).

12. She's taught me to take pride in the things I own - even if they aren't the most expensive things. This has been a great lesson to have learned in my early experiences as a homeowner. I truly have pride for my home, even though it's still very empty - and for that I'm grateful (and so is Mr. Hall).

13. She can rock short hair. I've always felt that only a certain type of woman, looks aside, can "rock" short hair... and whatever those qualities are, my Mom definitely possesses them. Thanks Mom for really teaching me that femininity doesn't have to come from long locks.

14. Speaking of hair... my mom is also quite talented when it comes to cutting hair. I know Mr. Hall definitely trusts her when she's cutting his hair... and well... some of us know how his hair has looked in the past...

15. My Mom is one of the most creative people I know - I know she is definitely where I get my creativity from. I can always take my creative endeavours to a point - but she can always finish my projects off with just the right touch!

16. I love how my Mom is always seeking more from her career. Growing up, I felt that I always watched her struggle to find her calling - and I'm not saying she's found it, only she can answer that - but she's always seeking new avenues - that and she enjoys a good spreadsheet just as much (maybe even a little more) than me.

17. One of the things I love the most about my Mom is how she has granted me the time and space to strengthen my own independence. She's never asked me to conform or pressured me to do something I didn't want to. I really appreciate how she respects this about me.

18. I think my Mom has the cutest nose. It's just so small, perfect, and petite. I know Dad feels the same way too. It's just so cute!

19. What I beginning to understand about my Mom is why she's never really encourage me in an area that I already have my own strength. She's never really challenged me to do or be something that she already knew I could do on my own, in my own time. Gotta love someone like that!

20. I love how Mom created a home, with Dad where their children know they have a safe place. A place to speak their minds, share their hearts, and share ideas. We may not always agree with each other - but home is always a place where we can truly be ourselves.

21. Mom taught me how to sew. It start at a very young age sewing sleeping bags for dolls - and evolved into grad dresses, costumes for a play, and more recently, quilts. This is a skill that no one can ever take from me - and for that I am grateful.

22. She has instilled in me that sometimes it's okay when things are "All About Me!"

23. I love how my Mom can be an open book when it comes to her emotions. I rarely have to guess how she is feeling - it's always pretty clear... and everyone who truly loves her, love her for that reason.

24. Mom's pretty clever too - she likes to sometimes say "Well, Dad thought you'd really like this..." but I know the idea came from her entirely. She doesn't always like to take credit where it's due, and sometimes I think that's pretty cool.

25. I love how my relationship with my Mom has gotten to such a strong point to where I can put her in her place... or give her "lectures" (as she likes to say). It's so comforting to know that we're both adults, and we both respect ourselves and each other enough to get real with one another. I really love this.

26. My Mom taught me that it's completely fine to say "I love you". I often say those words to people, and I always mean it. I know it may take people off guard sometimes, and make them feel uncomfortable, but I know I'm being genuine when I say it, so I don't really care. Sometimes Mom and I say this to each other a couple of times before we get off the phone with each other. And that's what my Mom has taught me. I love you, Mom!

I hope this all made you think about the special people in your life. I know I am truly grateful for this one in particular.

I love you, Mom! (Told you I'm kinda excessive... but I love her!)