Working from home today

Gotta love the WFH Monday. Perfect for catching up on paperwork, DVR recordings, and spending a little time working in the garden. My assistants for the day are Killian and Brigadoon, who look up at me occasionally from their spot on the FOOF as if to ask: "Have you found our new house yet, we know you're housestalking" or "When is dinner?"

They know me too well, I am currently slightly fixated on a 4 bedroom, almost new house in Bailey's Grove. Eep. Subdivision. But with a wooded backyard and absolutely nothing to put money into immediately, it has my attention. It's priced well, but I think I a little of the waiting game may bring it down even further. We shall see, and my eyes are always open to other homes to become enamored with

So, I've been drooling (for years) over this dining room set:

It's so classic and versatile, and can be dressed up or down. And the price of the full 7-pc set, shipped is unbelievably reasonable compared to other furniture stores I have looked at.


In addition, I have fallen head-over-heels for this Chesterfield at Horchow:

Of course, the price tag is quite a bit steeper than I would like. My idea is to find an older Chesterfield that needs some work, reupholster if necessary, and add some great spindly legs like the one shown here:

Well, laundry is looming, and the chicken and fennel won't make itself. Until next time!

Househunting: the prey that becomes the predator.

So I've had this blog since 2007: so very much has changed since then, that I wouldn't even recognize myself. I decided to start using it for two reason: part motivation, and part procrastination (if that makes any sense). I am a voracious list-maker, and sometimes the planning can take a backseat to the doing. This way, I am accountable to myself (riiiiiiiight).

Anyhoo, here we go. Having been "clean" (Wardrobe Refashion pledge) since May 1, I have been able to focus on bigger issues than what I wear. Namely: my first house. To be sure, those who know me can attest that I have gone through this househunting thing before, in another lifetime. However, that was never MY house, and this one will be all MY house. Indeed, it will be my home.

After negotiating a deal with my employer (woot woot), I am officially out of contract, and on the prowl for some new digs in Grand Rapids. What no one told me is that GR is surrounded by sub-division hell. It begs the questions:

"Where is Brookmeadow Court, is it near Meadowbrook Park?"
"Is it possible to live on a lake, without encountering the dreaded "pontoon buffoons?"
"No, I'm not married, not in a relationship either, and yes I know it's perfectly fine for a single girl to buy a house on her own."

The real estate market being what it is, I have too many options. After the last time, I have become picky to a fault (and not just with houses). Here's my shortlist of requirements:

3 Bedrooms + office
Formal dining room " ummm, this "great" room is kinda lame"
2 car garage
Full basement (preferably daylight or walkout)
At least 1.5 bathrooms (it will be a first for me)
Decent counterspace in the kitchen
Large backyard, with some privacy
1600+ Sqft

There's too many houses that meet these, with an exception of the damn dining room. Additionally, I haven't yet hired an agent, and I'm not thrilled about it.