Phase One of our new place

We officially moved on November 23rd, but were able to get the keys on the 18th. We did the walkthrough and signatures and all that, and I snapped these pictures. It seemed really kind of small when it was so empty, and it was a mirrored layout of the model so it really threw me off at first. BUT now with our things in, it looks huge again.

And then we moved stuff in (my mother moved in with us for a few weeks until her new place was ready) and were totally overwhelmed. It felt like we were living in a hotel every day, hunting through boxes for things, organizing everyday to try to carve out a bit more space.... it was rough for all of us.

BUT I got a jumpstart on Andrew's closet organization...

The patio hasn't really changed. Planning on hunting down some wicker furniture, and maybe some sort of play area for Andrew (like a rubberized playmat and.... something. Any suggestions?)

I also was able to get Andrew's bath finished...

(Everything is from Target)

And we have an awesome playground just across the parking lot from our unit. 

Will post the next phase soon! TTFN <3

Tax Refund plans!

Ah, my favorite time of year ;)

Last year taxes were a mess.... lived in two different states, had about 7 W2s, Andrew refused to be born in 2012.... this year was SO much faster and smoother. Jesse got his W2 early, and I already had my 1099 so we just had to enter in the amounts, add Andrew and boom our taxes were accepted early and our refund is less than 3 weeks out. Totally pays off to be aggressive about getting that W2 ASAP!

My plans are pretty straightforward, we're going to be paying off a few bills, traveling back to MN for my brother-in-law's wedding, and ORGANIZING!!!

On my mind: matching bookshelf for the living room, new desk, double dresser (and in not-going-to-happen land, a new table and chairs). Also lots of totes and shelving for our disaster area closet and kitchen.

Ideas:

Shelves for the kitchen found here

Cubby organizer to go in place of the desk in the living room (for Andrew's stuff) found here

"Baskets" to go in the cubby for toys, etc found here

Shelving unit for the closet. Yup it's that much of a disaster area. Found here

Matching bookshelf for the living room, found here

New "office" desk.... old one to become a vanity of sorts. Found here

And of course we will be having some fun when our best friends visit/ investing in a few new make-up/clothing items hehe

TTFN!! <3