Hello, dolls!! Hello, June <3 Wheeew! May was something else!! My body is sore and my mind is still on cloud 9. The last time I felt like this was when we were moving into our home. There were countless things to do! I felt like once I finished one task, five more things get added to my list. It’s really nice to FINALLY relax now (at least for the next two hours until baby A wakes up from his nap). Speaking of baby A … I think most Moms will agree with me when I say I felt guilty for being THAT busy. I wasn’t able to spend much time with my little one since I had “goals” to finish every day. Two nights before the event, I told A I can’t wait to just be in bed with our boy and read to him! Aaah the night has finally come and once we recuperate from our busy month, I plan to take baby A to an awesome adventure that he’s been asking for…like literally every day!
So.. to continue with my previous post, here’s our journey of finding our home….food breaks included! lol
The first time I felt at “home” was when I hung this painting in our hallway. I love how this makes me feel like we are driving to Manhattan whenever I walk into our hallway.
A snowstorm hit Baltimore the weekend we planned to move into our new home. It sucked big time because we were cooped in our apartment for 3 days instead of being busy painting the basement or unpacking!
A and I were so lucky because my sister was here in Baltimore to help us whenever we needed her…well also, my parents forced her to help A with everything since I was pregnant and they were afraid something bad might happen to me.
Snow looks pretty, yes! The aftermath especially shoveling at least 9 inches of snow? Not fun at all!
Perfect snow day dinner!!
A and I probably saw at least 60 houses before we found ours. We were very meticulous and as much as we wanted to have a house right away, we knew it’s something that we can’t rush. We took our time and made sure that when we found the right one, there wouldn’t be a lot of “baggage” that will come with it.
The main things that we considered while “shopping” for a house were:
- The Kitchen — Since A and I are both passionate about cooking, having an amazing kitchen at home is the main requirement!
2. Closet Space – It was hard to look for a house with a spacious walk-in closet like the one that we had in the apartment. A and his best friend P ended up doing a closet project in our new home — that made me the happiest wife of course!
3. Backyard – I told our agent that I plan to throw a lot of parties in the future. I’ve always envisioned summer backyard parties or spring afternoon tea with my girls without worrying about space and privacy.
4. Rooms – A and I wanted at least 4 bedrooms and definitely at least 2 bathrooms. We want to make sure we will have enough room for everyone who will visit us and for futures babies!! 😛
Signing day!!
Opening the door to our first house as homeowners. This moment felt surreal!!! We left our house that day wishing we could spend the night there… who knew it would take us a month to get settled!
My favorite spot in our house <3
We spent most of our free time getting the house in order. A and my sister painted the walls while I unpacked. We wanted to do as much as we could before my due date so we could just enjoy being parents to baby A and not worry about home improvement.
Pho for the preggers! 😉
This poor man had to spend his days off painting. We couldn’t finish all of our “projects” quickly since A and I had crazy hours at work. He would sometimes only have 1 day off or none at all so it was challenging to finish ANYTHING. As my due date drew closer, my in-laws gave us an amazing first-anniversary present — they hired a professional painter to finish all of the rooms that we could not!!! *still crying right now*
The rooms were coming along, so it’s time to shop! I became obsessed with anything that would help us stay organized. Lucky for me, our new house is 15 min. away from IKEA!!!
Can’t go to IKEA without getting a plate of Swedish meatballs!
Leap day project with my sissy!
My Kate Spade china’s new home <3 Can you believe this glass case is from IKEA??
My new found love: buying furniture. I especially love anything that is multipurpose or has great storage abilities.
Stocking up for our three bathrooms and kitchen.
I told A I miss Mister Kebab (a famous Persian restaurant in the Philippines). He surprised me by taking me to House of Kabob. I was the happiest that night!!! I felt like I was in Manila again.
Never thought I would be excited to come home to a new vacuum!!!
We were so happy to finally cook in our new kitchen! <3
I may or may have not eaten at least a dozen bags of nagaraya during my third trimester 😛 *oops*
My husband’s chicken tocino is the bomb!!! After almost 7 years, I started eating rice again.
Back at our favorite dim sum restaurant in Baltimore County.
Taking a break from cleaning……
I started to contemplate about the blessings that we received during our first year of marriage. New home, baby on the way, and stable jobs. 2016 was definitely all about being grateful.
Pasta for Sunday dinner. Having an Italian husband means eating pasta at least twice a week!
xx
R <3
My house does not have great closets. However, the awesome backyard totally makes up for the slight inconvenience!
I love everything about this- including the first painting you hung in the hallway, the trips to Ikea, and the 4 bedroom criteria for future babies! I am thrilled for you!
How exciting that you all are getting settled into your first home!! Happy decorating!!!
Thank you so much!!! <3
We just moved into our first house and also felt terrible at how little time we had with our son because we were so busy. While we didn’t have snow, I was 8 months pregnant at the time…
Hope it’s less stressful for you guys now!! 🙂
Finding a new home and moving in is so much work, but definitely worth it at the end. Wishing you all the best!
Yes it is! Thank you so much 🙂
It looks like you have been BUSY!! I love IKEA for all home goods. You can’t go wrong with the prices too!
It’s definitely recommended for young first time home owners! <3 Thank you!
Congratulations on the house. It looks absolutely beautiful, and I agree that parties are going to be a must! Enjoy!!
Thank you sooo much <3
Your house is beautiful. Great tips! I am the same way about Ikea’s meatballs. I always get them when I go there!
Thank you sooo much!! <3
I don’t know what got me most excited the snow or the food! Aww I’m happy for you!
Thank youuu so much!! <3
Gorgeous kitchen!! Hello fellow Marylander and Filipina! =) Your Italian husband can make tocino?!? Awesome!! =) Also, I could eat bags and bags of nagaraya as well ;-). So glad that you have made your house into a home!
OMG!!! I am so excited that you are from MD and a Filipina too!!! I just followed your blog!!! <3
Its so much fun to get settled in a new home. I live it all, the elegance , the excitement and the dreams to be a part of it for life.
What a beautiful house. Your painting, Kate Spade China and the memories you are making in this house with family and friends (and good food) are what makes it a home!
Thank you soooo much!!! <3
Rianna, I LOVED this post! Infact I love your whole blog! Your Kate Spade china is beautiful, isn’t that awful news about her?! Definitely have a follower in me, I can’t seem to find a subscribe button?? X
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Especially for letting me know about the follow button 🙂 “Revamped” my site a little bit for everyone to see the follow button right away 🙂 xx
What an exciting time in your life! Beautiful home.
My husband and I are hoping to buy our first house this year! We tried 3 years ago, but things didn’t work out then. I’m hoping and praying that things will go better for us this year. I loved the feeling of when we first moved in together, into our tiny 2 bedroom townhouse, setting it up and decorating. But I can’t wait to buy a house and to be able to actually make the home the way we want, without someone to “approve” the change.
You guys will get there for sure and it;s going to be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life! 🙂 All the best to you and THANK YOU SO MUCH! xx
So much yummy looking food in this post. I want to go eat now! Congratulations on your lovely new home!
Thank you soooo much!!! <3