Day 29: Home Sweet Home

January 31, 2013 by jack1e0

The theme for the 29th is quite fitting, especially since we’re in the middle of the entire house-hunting process. And I’m taking this one literally….oh and a day late.

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com….Home Sweet Home

Whomever said buying a home is easy and fun is lying. It’s not. Easy is planning a month long trip to Europe. Fun is learning a new language. This has been one of the most mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting experiences of our lives. Yes. I speak for the both of us.

I was naive in thinking that all my hours on Pinterest looking up “Inspirational Spaces” or home decorating ideas would be equally as inspiring. Nothing can prepare you for the house hunting, especially when you’re envisioning yourselves “at home” in every single home. Visit eight homes in one afternoon and that’s alot of “envisioning.” So here’s our top twelve things you need to know before you decide to take the plunge. We wish we had someone to walk us through this process so that we’d be better prepared.

12. Find a great realtor. This will make or break it for you. We love Jamie and Sarah Reece. They’ve been in the business for decades, but aren’t stuffy. They’re honest, transparent and will have our best interests at heart….even if it’s telling me that the townhouse I fell in love with is a total compromise and we shouldn’t buy it. Also, if your realtors knows “Nightime-Daytime” from BBC’s animal voice overs, you know have a winner.

11. Make a list of the Must-Haves for your home. Don’t negotiate or compromise when you start….no matter how beautiful that garden is. If it doesn’t have “your kitchen” don’t settle for it. Garage? Lots of storage? Location?

10. Make a list of the Nice-to-Haves. These are the negotiables. Covered Parking? Fireplace?

9. Pack your own food. It sounds lame but house hunting is exhausting and time consuming. Oh and you’re investing in something that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. We packed our own snacks and meals while we went on longer house hunting trips. I think I scared away my realtor with a “hangry” meltdown. Also, we knew that we’d have to get back into the habit of being on a budget when we bought our house. Gone are the days of unlimited access to Senor Taco.

Photo Credit: Familyfreshcooking.com

8. Downpayments. Unless you have 20% down don’t expect your mortgage payments to be similar to your rent. It won’t be and don’t be surprised.

7. Plan for closing costs. Depending on the home, plan for anywhere between $5000-$8500 in closing costs. This is in addition to your down payment. I realize this will totally vary per situation or you may be lucky to have the seller pay this but don’t count on it. The point is that someone needs to pay the people pulling together the paperwork, sending the emails, running the figures, and locking in your interest rates. And that person is you! If you don’t have it, it will come out of your down payment which means a higher monthly mortgage payment.

6. Redfin is in, Zillow is out. Use a recognized and updated website. Redfin’s inventory is updated at the same time Windemere’s is which makes working with your realtor that much easier.

5. Compromise. You’re rarely going to find a home that has your entire list of must-haves. Figure out what you’re going to compromise on.

4. New Home Buyers Part 1. Sock away a few extra thousand dollars for appliances. We’re finding that not all the new homes come with them and it’s not required. For example: One of the homes we were serious about didn’t come with a washer, dryer or refridergator/freezer. It would cost well over $3500 for appliances. You can go to the laundry mat, but you sure as well need to store your food somewhere.

Photo Credit: UKhomeideas.co.uk…Smeg Refridgerator

3. New Home Buyers Part 2: Get a home inspection. Yes, it’s new but you still need to fork over the money and get one. We did and dodged a bullet. At first glance the home was immaculate and drop dead gorgeous. Upon inspection, we learned the builder cut A LOT of corners. The roof wasn’t installed properly and there was water damage in the ceiling, the siding wasn’t installed correctly and would need to be replaced along with the roof in less than two years, and the list goes on. For $425 we saved ourselves a massive headache and a waste of money.

2. Patience is a virtue. We found that we were creating a deadline for ourselves that didn’t need to be created. Maybe you have one and that’s totally understandable. But if you don’t have one, don’t settle. Ensure your future house is meeting 60-70% of your “Must-Haves.

1. Remember the purpose of your house hunt. It’s about you and your partner finding a home that will be a part of your family, celebrations and memories. Don’t get caught up in the ancillary stuff and focus on what is most important.

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com…Wherever we are together we are home.

Current Homeowners: Have advice for newbie and/or soon-to-be homeowners? What advice have you found to be the most valuable as you’ve experience buying-selling homes?

Disclaimer: We are not realtors. We aren’t experts in the housing market. We don’t pretend to be. This is just a list of things we’ve learned along the way. Good luck!

Day 1: Surviving your spouse on an international trip
Day 2: Never order flowers online
Day 3: Bucket List
Day 4: Pet Peeves
Day 5: Biggest Fear
Day 8: A little honesty goes a long way
Day 10: A voice from the past
Day 11: Confessions from a wanna-be-cook
Day 13: Top 10 Must-Haves for International Travel
Day 14: Hi my name is Jackie and I am addicted to Senor Taco.
Day 17: Daily Life in the Ostlie Household…in Rhyme
Day 19: Superpower = Life without pain
Day 20: The Beautiful Life
Day 22: The Kullbergs
Day 23: Dessert for Breakfast
Day 24: TV Teachers — Five Life lessons from the small screen
Day 27: Debt Regret

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Because January can be boring. Join us for a January Blog-A-Thon. Post a photo, video, sentence, anything that you want to! And if don’t feel inclined to blog, do come back and see what we’re up to. I can guarantee you’ll be entertained.

Day 27: Debt Regret

January 27, 2013 by jack1e0

When I got married I brought into our marriage a lot more than love, happiness, and until-death-do-you-part vows. I brought in a lot of debt. Unfortunately, my irresponsible spending habits in college had a long term affect that I wasn’t able to comprehend until years later. Lucky for me Kyle is one of the most gracious, non-judging people I know. I still remember a conversation we had when we were engaged and talking about our wedding budget (because we had to pay for our entire wedding ourselves too!).

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-08-30/why-credit-card-firms-are-sweet-on-you-again

Photo Credit: Businessweek.com

Me: ‘I’m really sorry that I’m bringing into our marriage so much debt.”

Kyle: “Babe, it’s okay. I’m not marrying you because of your credit cards, your debt, or lack of debt. I’m marrying you because I love you.”

Me: “Ok. Ok. Fine, but seriously, you’re not mad? Upset? Nervous? Scared?”

Kyle: “No. I’m not. But we as a couple can’t continue your spending habits when we get married. We have to make some changes.”

I can’t say that it’s been a perfect transformation. Like with anything in life, there are definitely still areas to work on. These can easily be adjusted by avoiding Pinterest and visits to Jcrew. But, realistically I think it was Kyle’s response that changed me and my habits. Knowing that I wasn’t going to be judged and he wasn’t angry or upset has led me more to make the “right” decisions with our finances. Also, knowing that my decisions were going to impact not just myself but him as well as also influenced many purchases. I don’t want to take advantage of my husband and I don’t want his grace to be ‘worn down’ by my irresponsibility or selfishness.

The other huge influence in getting rid of debt has been reading retirement books. Nothing will get you moving in the right direction than seeing your “estimated” future retirement dollars and what life is going to look like when you hit 67 years of age.

Saving for Retirement (Without Living Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery) Updated and Revised

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

This is definitely one of our favorites that has been the most influential in our financial decisions. We recommend this to anyone and everyone. Gail breaks down the intimidating financial terms and has great suggestions for planning your retirement today. I can’t change the fact that I wasted a ton of money on clothes, shoes, and purses over the years, but what I can change is my spending habits and planning for our future now.

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Day 24: TV Teachers — Five Life lessons from the small screen

January 24, 2013 by jack1e0

I’m excited to have Ben Teoh, all the way from the land down under, guest blog for today’s January-Blog-A-Thon. Ben has such a creative approach to content and life in general that I was thrilled when we decided to do a blog swap! And I love this blog already…perhaps because there’s another fellow Jackie (albeit it famous one) mentioned here. Without further adieu….

Over the past thirty years, I’ve learned a lot and from different people – including some who aren’t real… and some who aren’t people.

I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who was warned about getting square eyes from watching too much TV. I used to watch a lot. These days I’m a little pickier because I don’t have that much time to stay up-to-date with different series or sometimes I’d rather just put on a favourite movie.

But, over the years, through the lives (fictional or not) and stories that I’ve watched, I’ve taken away a handful of things that will continue to have some sort of impact on how I approach life. Here are five of them.

1) How to cook non-Asian food – Ian Hewitson
Like a lot of Asian families, we have a strong history of food that’s passed down through the generations. It’s fantastic – I love it. However, when you start to deviate from your family’s traditional cuisine, finding people to learn from is a little harder. Breaking out of those cultural boundaries can be tricky.

In my teen years, one of my favourite shows was “Huey’s Cooking Adventures.” Some days after school, I’d come home, reheat a frozen pizza and sit in front of the TV learning all about Australian food. It was a fairly low-key cooking show and the food was super simple – that’s why I liked it. Huey cooked food like steak and stews instead of charsiew pau and otak otak.

2) Parenting – Bill Cosby
Recently, my wife and I watched the first few seasons of the Cosby Show and I was surprised at how differently I relate to the show now as a husband and a father.

When I was a kid, Theo was the coolest. But now, as an adult, I watch this fictional family and think about some of the values that are represented here from a father’s perspective. Having authority and respect but mixed with love and humor; firm discipline mixed with care and compassion; being slow to anger, quick to forgive.

3) How to be a hero – Optimus Prime
In my younger years, I craved cartoons – especially on Saturday mornings. The cartoon worlds of He-man, Voltron and MASK seemed so simple. It was good vs evil and good (eventually) triumphed. The heroes were always the epitome of good and none more-so than Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots.

Timeless, hero qualities were displayed of courage, integrity, honor, valor and when we used to play ‘pretend’ I always wanted to be the hero. Even now, those are the values I still hold as important.

4) The importance of being aware – Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan. I love his movies – especially his older work. Back in the day when we had a VCD player (anyone remember those?), one of the first VCDs we bought was Jackie Chan: My Stunts where he gave a really good look into how he does things. One part shows him scouting a location for a movie and how uses as much of the natural environment as he can before introducing props.

Sure, I may not be choreographing any martial arts fights (ok, secretly I am in my head), but there’s real value in being aware of what’s around you and learning to appreciate even the small things. How much do we miss every day because we’re staring at our phones while we walk down the street?

5) The greatest thing I’ve learned – Moulin Rouge

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

Ok, I admit it. I don’t mind a decent musical and I enjoyed Moulin Rouge. While I can’t say that I learned this from the movie, it sums up a lot of teaching I’ve had over the years from family, friends, mentors, pastors, teachers – that love trumps all.

To read more of Ben’s posts for January-Blog-A-Thon visit his blog or follow him on Twitter at @HelloBenTeoh

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Day 23: Dessert for Breakfast

January 23, 2013 by jack1e0

I’ve recently stumbled across Family Fresh Cooking and I am in love. Not only are her recipes healthy, fresh but some are gluten free and vegan. Oh and did I mention that she photographs all her own food. She reminds me of another amazing local foodie-chef, Ashley Rodriguez.

Marla from Family Fresh Cooking had me at “dessert for breakfast.” This Chocolate Bread Pudding Breakfast Cake” is the recipe I’m making next…minus the raspberries. I’m willing to have this go to my hips but I’d rather enjoy it first before dying of my allergic reaction. Just saying.

Family Fresh Cooking chocolate-bread pudding breakfast cake- ecipe

Photo Credit: Family Fresh Cooking

Chocolate Oatmeal Pudding Breakfast Cake by Fresh Family Cooking

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

123 grams Coconut Flour
77 grams gluten free Oat Flour
23 grams Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
a pinch of fine Sea Salt
240 grams Unsweetened Light Coconut Milk
405 grams Water
1 tablespoon unrefined Coconut Oil
85 grams chopped Unsweetened Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Chips or Unsweetened Carob Chips
about 6 droppers full of Vanilla Stevia Drops, I use unsweetened chocolate, adjust to taste or don’t add any additional sweetener if using sweetened chocolate

Optional Toppings

Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Toasted Nuts
Unsweetened Toasted Coconut Flake
Carob or Chocolate Chips
dusting of Powdered Sugar or Cocoa Powder
Whipped Cream

Method

In a medium bowl whisk together coconut flour, oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Mix together coconut milk and water. Pour the coconut milk and water into the flour mixture. Combine well, it will be thick and pasty. Mix in stevia and adjust to taste. Melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add batter and heat mixture for 5 to 6 minutes stirring constantly, scrap down sides and bottom throughout. A silicone spatula spoon is very good for this. Stir in chocolate chips.
Spray a 9 X 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer batter to the baking dish flatten with the back of your spatula. Let cool in the fridge for about one hour. Gently loosen the edges of your chocolate cake with a spatula. Carefully flip out onto a plate or leave in the pan for serving. Top with fresh fruit or any toppings you desire.

Notes

You will need to adjust the sweetness of your pudding cake according to what kind of chocolate you use. I like unsweetened baking chocolate with 4 droppers full of vanilla stevia drops. If you use sweetened chocolate, make changes according to taste. You might not need any additional sweetener at all.
Serve at any temperature, but it is extra wonderful when warmed with cool berries and whipped cream.
This does not have the texture of a traditional cake ~ it has more of a creamy, oatie, slightly grainy pudding texture.

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Day 22: The Kullberg’s

January 22, 2013 by jack1e0

I’ll be honest, when I think of kids my body cringes, I start to have a panic attack, and I immediately start searching for the nearest exit. Obviously, I’m…no, we’re not ready to have kids anytime soon. However, every time I visit my best friend in Portland, I think, “We can do this. They make it look pretty easy.” Besides, how adorable is this face?

Tate

Tate and Derek are about as close to kids as we get (for now). We love driving down to Portland to visit Ryan, Meeka, and these two awesome dudes. I went to college with Meeka, and she’s become a dear friend of mine…bestie even. Lucky for the both of us, Kyle and Ryan are two peas in a pod; which makes our Portland trips even better. We’ll probably never have kids (never say never), so we tend to spoil these guys like they were our own. I just knew I’d have to write about the Kullberg’s for January-Blog-A-Thon.

I still remember when Tate was first born. He loved me. I’m not being prideful or gloating. He really did. I’d carry him for hours and we’d just hang out. I’d walk around the house or I’d prop him up on the couch next to me and we’d watch football for hours. Well, he’d watch football, I’d talk to Meeka. He’d coo and ohh and smile at me. Never cried. Never fussed. Except when Kyle came around. Yup, that’s right. Tate did not like Kyle….at all. Before he could talk, Tate would grunt-groan-scream anytime Kyle came near me. It was hysterical. We’d test it out on numerous situations, all leading to the same outcome. Jackie and Tate would be alone in the living room and Kyle would need to drink his beer in the room on the opposite side of the house. Poor guy.

Kyle and Derek

And then the day came where the tables turned. It’s still vivid in my mind. The adults had done a day trip out to Timberline to go skiing and snowboarding. We came back home, showered and were busy prepping dinner. Meeka and I were in the kitchen hanging out, Kyle alone on the couch watching sports; when suddenly Tate teeters over to him, crawls into Kyle’s lap with a book and asks him to read to him. WHAT?!? Meeka and I nearly dropped our beer. After that, Tate only hangs out with Kyle…it’s apparently a guy thing and girls aren’t invited.

Kullberg’s and Ostlie’s

We adore these kids and their parents as well. If I ever was allowed to give a parenting medal, I’d give it to Ryan and Meeka. They are an amazing team. They back each other up, are an awesome support system, and are the most patient parents I’ve ever met…even after the 52nd “Why?” question. Nothing gets by these two and yet they are hysterical, witty, and humble. They are engaged parents, give meaningful answers (remember that 52nd “why?” question?) and treat them as individuals. Their values and expectations live in and through Tate and Derek. I have never seen kids so well behaved than I do these little dudes. Each and every time we leave Portland, Kyle and I have have something profound that we individually picked up from observing Ryan and Meeka co-parent. It’s inspiring, encouraging, and pretty amazing to watch people parent well. It almost makes us wish we had kids.

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Day 20: The Beautiful Life

January 20, 2013 by jack1e0

Each year, some dear friends get together for our Annual Hutting Trip. The number of folks who come vary and the time of the season does as well. But I can guarantee you, it’s my favorite part of winter for me. Ten miles of fresh powder, great friends, gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier (sometimes), awesome food, and three days of Settlers of Catan. Seriously, this is the life. The beautiful life. Nothing gets better than this.

Annual Hutting Trip

The Water Line-Up

Mt. Rainier

Yummy Trail Mix

This is what happens when you’re losing at Settlers.

High Hut

Mt. Rainier

The Farewell Shot

You just can’t enough of her.

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Day 19: Superpower = Life without pain

January 19, 2013 by jack1e0

This March will mark five years since my car accident that has left me with chronic back pain, neck pain, sciatica and all other compensating pains that come along with one’s body trying to get along with life. Gone are the days of multiple work-outs and awesome rock climbing trips. Back to back spin and swim workouts are no longer. An active life filled with long runs, half-marathons, four hour climbing sessions are of dreams. And the only hot yoga pose I look forward to is savasana.

http://www.dailycupofyoga.com/2011/12/25/yoga-nidra-for-sleep/

Photo Credit: Daily Cup of Yoga.

My super power would be the ability to live life and do all my favorite activities like rock climbing, running, swimming, spinning, weight lifting and bikram hot yoga all without pain. Life would be full to the brim with backpacking trips, rock climbing trips, and spin sessions. I wouldn’t be the only person in my work area with a tall desk, tall chair and an ergonomic keyboard. My check book would be full of more money versus my calendar full of physical therapy, and acupuncture appointments. I would actually be able to carry things up and down the stairs without depending on Kyle. I wouldn’t need an ergonomic pillow. And I can sit for hours on a plane without having the utmost desire to drop and do some stretching mid flight. Oh, and I’d be able to do more things like this….

Photo Credit: youaresocool.net

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constant state of frolicking

Day 29: Home Sweet Home

Day 27: Debt Regret

Day 24: TV Teachers — Five Life lessons from the small screen

Day 23: Dessert for Breakfast

Day 22: The Kullberg’s

Day 20: The Beautiful Life

Day 19: Superpower = Life without pain

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