If you've been around for a while, you know I've been waiting for a condo to be built that I purchased over three years ago. Well ladies, the time is finally here and I'm closing next week!
The other day, I had my pre-delivery inspection to ensure everything looks good, but more importantly, see the unit for the first time. Since I purchased this from a floorplan, walking into the condo was a little surreal and I'd love to share some photos with you...
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It's been a while since I've shared any news about my condo that is being built and I have some exciting things to share.
Yesterday, I had an appointment to preview and approve the two slabs of granite for the kitchen and bathroom. I went to the granite yard and they pulled the two sheets out for me to see. The one above is going in the kitchen, which will be L-shaped and have a breakfast bar.
I was a little concerned about the large spot in the top right hand corner, but the installers assured me they could work around it as this piece will be cut in three to form the countertop (breakfast bar piece + the long side of the L is cut in half to accommodate the placement of the stove).
Tuesday was the day--finally--to choose the finishes for my condo. If you're new, you can read all about my condo here + and update here, however, the short of it is, I purchased a condo about two and a half years ago but still don't live there. Since it's a brand new build, it will only be ready at the end of this year (although, it was supposed to be ready last November if we were to stick to the initial plan--but apparently this is the norm for new builds).
All that to say, I had my appointment to choose all the fun, interior stuff. Now, although I don't do too terribly in the decor department, it's definitely not my forte. I knew some of the basics that I wanted (ie. a white kitchen), and I have been keeping a Pinterest Decor board for inspiration, however, getting into the Design Centre to choose everything is a whole different ball game.
Click to read more and see a couple of my choices...
Outfit deets:
* Dynamite jacket which I showcased in my Fall Fashion video (love this jacket).
* Urban Planet top (new!).
* Guess denim (old) which I let the hem down on few years ago to make them longer to wear with heels #tallgirlproblems
* Aldo wedges which you've seen with pink pants (a fave post).
* Accessories: Michael Kors bangle (birthday gift), Swarovski bangle (birthday grift from years past) & Ardene sunglasses.
* FUN FACT: this outfit was totally inspired by Ashley's outfit back in the Fall.
I'm standing at the site of my future condo! As I mentioned, they have started progress and now that includes digging the hole--cool!
Last night I spent an hour at my old apartment packing up a few more things (I left behind a few things on move day that we decided I would go back for; my toaster, bedding, crock pot, liquor, and some furniture pieces I will be storing at my parent's place). I took out a ton of garbage, swept the floors and stripped the bed. I have the keys until the end of the month and think once it's completely cleared out, and I can walk away from that, I'll feel even more settled.
Additionally, I spent two hours unpacking and organizing the second bedroom two nights ago. I emptied 10 boxes and found the shoes I wanted to wear to my birthday party--four days too late (of course).
This weekend, Marco's parents are coming down to see our new place, help him clean out his old place, and take a tv off his hands. We also have a family dinner with my side, unpacking and hopefully some hanging of curtains--I seriously need a good sleep in!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Photos by Serena Rivard.
I know many of you are wondering what the heck is going on with my condo!? Well, I finally have some news to share as they have finally broke ground... sort of. They're clearing the way to break ground and have fenced off the area, so, that's the same, right?
When I purchased my condo in July of 2012, it was planned to be ready for this coming November. However, since it's a new build, it's not uncommon for these things to be pushed back--which it was, until June 2015.
This past Fall, I went in to see if there was any way to get out of my contract and ultimately get my money back. I even had my Lawyer confirm that it was not possible and so, the best way to look at this in an optimistic way, which is as an investment property.
About two months after I signed on the dotted line, I met Marco, and as you know now, we are moving in together. I don't see us moving into my condo once it's ready, as it is significantly smaller than the place we are going to in just over a week, but I'm hoping I will be able to rent it out instead. If that is not financially feasible when the time comes, then worst case scenario I will sell it. Either way, I just have to wait (and of course document the progress on here with you guys) for another year an a bit.
Here are a few photos from last weekend and the 'progress' so far...
Remember when it was summer & this was a field behind me?
Hey guys, just thought I was pop in and do a life update chat-type post where I just ramble a little.
It's amazing how sometimes I have so much blog content swirling around in my head and in the background and other times I let a day or two pass before I post. I hate not posting on Monday through Friday, but sometimes I just can't come up with anything relevant or worth sharing.
So I just found out that the condo I purchased a year ago--see this video for how excited I was, and still am--has been pushed back, unfortunately. I guess they have not sold enough units yet so instead of being ready in November 2014, it is now June 2015. Ugh. That is two more years that I really didn't anticipate staying living where I'm living now.
While I love my apartment and the location, it is lacking a few things, namely a dishwasher and in-unit laundry. I can deal with having shoes scattered in all areas and that fact that half of my dining room is actually part closet, but I'm getting really sick of doing dishes by hand and lugging laundry down to the basement. I know, I know, #firstworldproblems.
When I was condo hunting last Spring/Summer, I almost bought a condo without a dishwasher. What a mistake that would have been. I really hate doing dishes and since I've been doing them by hand for almost two years now, my patience is wearing thin. I know this may seem trivial to some, and you may wonder how many dishes can one person make? A lot. That's how many, a lot. I cook at home all the time, and in turn produce tons of dishes, add that to lunch travel dishes and shaker cups and Magic Bullet canisters and lids... it's a lot you guys. It's annoying.
So I'm in a transition period in my mind. Do I pull out of the condo and look for something else? I'm not even sure I can, I have to read my terms and conditions to be certain. If I can, do I look for a condo that's ready? When I purchased my car five months ago, I was kind of on a two-year plan to pay it off before I moved to be more financial secure (which means I'm literally paying out the ass for it every month, but, I love it and it was a sacrafice I was willing to make). That would change things if I moved and I would like to own something as I've been renting for almost two years and while it's fine, am I going to continue to do so when I could be building equity instead with the means I have? And on that note, perhaps I should just leave my deposit in the condo and sell it when it's finally ready and hopefully make some money... but on the flip side, am unable to purchase anything else as my money is tied up.
All thoughts just swirling in my head right now and while I'm not quite ready to make a decision, or a move--literally--I'm thinking about it, the future and various other factors and things.
That's pretty much it for now; as always, thanks for reading <3>
Although it's still almost two years away from my new condo being ready, I thought I would post any inspiration I have for what will be a blank slate. I like looking at others' inspiration and also, it will be a great resource for me to go back when I do move and start the decorating process.
Since I will have an entire room dedicated to my closet (eep!), I have many, many ideas swirling in my head. I'm not sure if I want a dark theme (my initial thought) with dark shelves and drawers, or a white coloured theme (some of the photos with that are so pretty). Additionally, wouldn't it be so cool to be able to hang your lingerie (instead of stuffing it in a drawer and hat boxes like I do now)? I already have a manequin which I love to dress up and I just ordered two acrylic bracelet t-stands to further organize my accessories.
Here are some photos I've found online that I'm drawn to.
Photo cred:
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13
* If a photo belongs to you, please let me know and I will credit the source properly. These have been saved for several months on my computer and I don't typically source them when I save them for personal use.
Outfit deets:
* Fresh top (from Winners) which I've had for several years but don't think I've worn on the blog.
* DIY denim shorts which although I made them a couple years ago, I never wore them much and now I'm wearing them frequently; case in point, out dancing two weekends ago.
* Sam Edelman 'Sophie Low' wedges (new, ish!) which I absolutely adore. Not only are they comfortable but they are stylish and a lower heel than I'm used to. Seen with white skinnies & two shades of green. (BTW, size down about half a size, I totally could have gone with the 9.5).
* Accessories: various bangles & Gucci shades.
It was simple: two
bedrooms, a balcony, in-unit washer and dryer, hardwood, higher level
floor, within the city and within my budget. Those were the things I
was looking for in a condo. It wasn't too much to ask for, but for my
budget, it was a little sparse looking.
I had been working with a realtor for about a year, on and off...
most recently, on. He sent me listing after listing (automated, to
match my specific criteria) and nothing fit the bill. We went to see
place after place after place, one came close, but ultimately, nothing
felt like 'the one'. Although I was in no rush to buy (I love where I
live, but ultimately I am renting and owning is ideal), it was getting a
little frustrating after a place I thought was maybe the one, slipped
through my fingers. Turns out it was not the one and that happened as
this was about to.
Then I found it. The one.
A brand new build, located
in the city and not even started yet. The downfall? Will be ready in
November 2014. The optimistic spin: more time to save even more money
to put down (and have a smaller mortgage in return).
I walked into the sales office a few weeks ago on a Wednesday evening after getting a
spray tan with no idea what was about to happen. I thought maybe I
would go in, get a price list, find out I couldn't afford it and walk out.
Not the case. At all.
I told the sales woman I needed a two
bedroom, but that a one bedroom plus den might work. We looked over the
floor plans, prices and options. I started to get excited. The
smallest one bedroom plus den was pretty nice. And within my budget. She
told me the higher the floor, the more expensive. Now, since I currently living
in a high-rise on a high floor, I'm only interested in moving somewhere
with a view. The view I have now is pretty awesome, and it's so nice
to be up high and as a safety factor, I like that I can leave my bedroom
window open at night. Then she told me only the 11th floor was
available for this unit. All other units were sold. My heart dropped.
I probably couldn't afford the 11th floor.
She showed me the price list.
Then my jaw dropped and I tried to hide my excitement: I could afford the 11th floor.
I
knew I couldn't sit on this, as it was such a great deal, it could be
sold the next day if I didn't act immediately (there is only one of this
unit, per floor, and all other floors were sold). I gave all my
information and we made an appointment for me to come back three days
later to seal the deal with a deposit and signature (and to call them if
I changed my mind). I took my sales package, price list and floor plan
and bustled out to my car in excitement.
The following evening I met with my mom to tell her what had
happened, show her the sales package and share my thoughts. By the end
of our two hour coffee sesh, I convinced her I was serious and this was
it. She took the paperwork home to share the exciting news with my
dad. On Saturday, I asked my parents to come with me to the sales
office where I would be putting down my deposit and signing the
paperwork. It was such a surreal moment and so very exciting!
So, enough chatter, here are the deets:
* One bedroom + den (aka walk-in closet / dressing room)
* Hardwood floors
* Granite counter-tops
* Stainless appliances
* Breakfast bar
* In-unit washer & dryer
* A balcony off my bedroom (sliding doors) and living room (regular door) with glass railings
* Indoor salt water pool
* Gym
* Underground parking (which you purchase on top of your price)
So now I just have to be patient and watch the next two years fly by (ha, right)
before I can move in. I'll keep you up to speed on the progress and
all the fun details and ideas I have (I certainly have time for it).
Pssssst! Those photos above? That's me standing exactly where my condo will be built. Exciting!
And here are a few from the sales office & signing my paperwork:
Not exactly part of the weekend, but Thursday (impromptu) night out with the girls for food.
Outfit deets: H&M top, Sirens skirt, Zara jacket (thrifted) & Bamboo sandals
Fish 'n chips with the girls.
Friday night dinner: steak salad
The girls and I (seven of us) went to see Magic Mike on Friday night (entertaining movie!). Afterwards, we grabbed some beer & nachos on a patio.
Rockin' my DIY cut off denim (these used to be men's jeans that I thrifted).
After signing the paperwork & giving my deposit, here I am putting the 'Reserved' sticker on the floor plan for my new condo. Such an exciting day!
Some congratulatory tokens from my uber sweet friends.
Saturday night was a night for celebrating!
Outfit deets: Charlotte Russe top, H&M skirt, Dynamite belt, Old Navy clutch & Diva Lounge Wedges
...and this is what happens when you dance the night away and wake up the next morning. #SprayTanProblems
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