Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on March 20, 2009
Ladies,
Thanks so much for the comments and support! While my offer wasn’t accepted, I still feel pretty good about it. And my piggy bank is still intact!
source
First of all, it turns out I was competing against 11 other offers (uh, aren’t we supposed to be in the middle of a recession?!?!). Funnily enough, after I put in the offer I found out my BF’s parents’ neighbors were also bidding on it for their kids!
My offer (according to the agent) was definitely on the high end and was being considered seriously, which makes me more confident that my valuation perspectives are not totally out of whack. Although in this market, you definitely have to take things on a case-by-case basis…
The house went to one bidder who put in an offer SUBSTANTIALLY more than everyone else at the 11th hour. If the premium price is worth it to them, that’s great, and I don’t mind losing out at a price I’m not willing to pay.
In the end, I’m not out any money, I put in an offer that was fair and gave me a good shot at the property, and I also have the experience of going through that entire process. Will post on the process prep next week, hopefully.
And now for some Friday goodness:
Why not get in some real entertainment during your surfing around today? Head on over here to Amazon and sink your teeth into Kristan Hoffman’s excerpt from her Breakthrough Novel entry, The Good Daughters. Don’t forget to review! I just wish there was more available…
I’m also eagerly anticipating the release of The Longshot by Katie Kitamura, which was reviewed here. The weather’s been getting better so I’m spending less time curled up with books inside, but I’m always a sucker for a good read.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Posted in Career Chick, Trust fund, baby! | Tagged: books, house, reading, real estate | 3 Comments »
Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on March 17, 2009
My apologies for lack of posting… I put in an offer on one of these:
So now all I can do is wait. It’s a weird combo of exhilaration, terror, and i-don’t-want-to-grow-up plus a teaspoon of that’s right beeyotch my savings strategy paid off big time.
Oh, and girls? No matter how in love you are, I suggest you make large purchases in your own name and/or sock away the funds to do so. I’m not saying don’t share, but be smart AND sweet; that includes believing in the best but preparing for the worst anyways. Life is hard for many women who are dependent on others for various things, including money. Money won’t buy you happiness, but having independence is a wonderful thing.
If I get it, I’ll write about it for sure!
Image source
Posted in Career Chick, Trust fund, baby! | Tagged: house, mortgage, purchase, real estate | 6 Comments »
Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on March 11, 2009
I’ve been crabby lately, just kinda feeling blah and uninspired, and on the verge of a cold… and the BF has been putting up with it admirably, poor guy. He gives me backrubs and listens to me and generally just lets me vent when I need to. Yes, I was happy being single, but there’s nothing like having someone who understands you and will hold your hand through the ups and downs.
Baking served a twofold purpose here: it’s calming, plus it’s a yummy reward for the BF who was an absolute angel. At least I can try and be productive with my stress, right? (I might be just a tiny bit type A… only a little.)
I like making mini-loaves as they bake more consistently, stay moist longer, and are great for sharing. After trying a recipe from Cook’s Illustrated that was a little too moist in the center, I made a few adjustments, including the substitution of whole wheat flour for half the AP flour, and have been happy with the consistent results ever since. This recipe also makes delicious muffins for an on-the-go fix.
Of course, you can add nuts or chocolate chips or whatever you prefer, but this recipe is moist and full of unadulterated banana flavor, so none of that is really needed. Bon appetit!
Banana Bread
Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated
Yields 3 mini loaves (approximately 18 slices)
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Domestic Diva | Tagged: baking, banana bread, breakfast, cooking, food, recipe, snack | Leave a Comment »
Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on March 9, 2009
Doing well and doing good? It really is possible; there’s a way to do it even with something as small as a postage stamp.
Karate Kat Graphics offers whimsical designs based on children’s artwork, and half the proceeds go to charities selected by the young artists themselves. If that doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies, I don’t know what will! The store offers so many cute products, including stamps, cards, mugs, t-shirts, and much more.
I was the lucky winner of the Karate Kat giveaway on Wedding Fanatic– thanks, Mary! As my prize, I got these gorgeous “to have and to hold” stamps. The quality of the stamps is terrific, and I’m so excited to start using ours on wedding-related correspondence! It’d be so perfect for save-the-dates or a shower invite.
During my email exchange with Mary I was also incredibly inspired by her warm personality and down-to-earth approach to life. She encourages her kids to be creative, while also teaching them how fortunate we are. I will absolutely be buying products from her again!
One of my favorites is this bag: how cute would it be with personalized text for bridesmaids or out of town guests?
Making a difference doesn’t have to be some grand sweeping gesture; it can be as simple as buying a stamp. All together now: awwwwww. Go and check out the infinite cuteness of the Karate Kat line, now, and keep the warm fuzzies going. Happy Monday, everyone!
What are your favorite organizations to contribute to?
Posted in Carpe Diem, Domestic Diva | Tagged: art, artwork, charity, children, customized, donations, stamps, stationery, zazzle | 2 Comments »
Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on March 2, 2009
Aaack, sorry I’ve been behind on the posting. It’s been crazy at work and I’m catching up on a number of fronts– seeing old friends, spending time with the fam, etc. It’s rainy and cold here… I’m totally looking forward to spring, four-leafed clovers, and Guinness, so in that spirit, I’m sharing a card I made a couple weekends ago. Yay for being half Irish!
Not sure yet if I’m going to send out a bunch of these or not… this card was a trial run and turned out decently, I think. The sentiment and clovers are from Studio G; stamped on light green vellum. (Note: Use a dye ink, not a pigment ink, for vellum, otherwise your stamped images will take ages to dry!) I rounded the corners of the vellum and finished it off with emerald organza ribbon with a satin edge.
Posted in Crafty Pursuits | Tagged: card, cards, clover, crafts, green, holiday, irish, march, st patrick's day | 1 Comment »
