Our story isn't unlike many of yours.
It begins with Carl- (the guy who brings endless laughter and love into my life) who 10 or 11 years ago was thrilled to buy his first home. The housing market was booming, possibilities seemed endless and the investment seemed wise. He stumbled across an adorable condo that was filled with natural light and perfect for his bachelor ways.
So perfect in fact- that several other buyers wanted in too... and with that, a bidding war began! Needless to say, the small but cozy condo became his - ready and willing to accept his ripped up way-too-friggin'-old-to-mention olive green couch, a fusball table in lieu of a dining room table and the 1 (yes, you read that right - one) pot he owned. Pitiful!
THE STRUGGLE - REVEALED
You know what they say though, inevitably what goes up? ... must come down. The housing market and economy simultaneously plummeted and with that, went half the value of Carl's home. The pros call it an underwater mortgage. We call it a thorn in the side and a few other choice names that we won't mention here.
THE PART WHERE THEY PERSEVERE
Fast forward a couple of years, pots and spouses later. Carl + I decided to cohabitate prior to getting hitched. It presented a challenge as I, coming from a fairly big, 4 bedroom house stuffed to the gills with furniture and other belongings - had to considerably downsize to fit into the cute, but tiny condo as we began our life together. The storage unit we are renting monthly helps with additional storage but leaves our wallets hungry. While we know that someday we want a house together the current housing market in our area doesn't offer us many options.. so we decided to do what any relatively sane couple would do....make the absolute, very best of it!
We may not easily be able to move, but we sure can love the home we are grateful to have and bring out its best.
END? IS THERE EVER AN END?
For us, bringing out the condo's best means maximizing the storage abilities it has - utilizing wasted space, improving the aesthetic and creating a home we feel great about.. while(hopefully) increasing the eventual resale and/or rental value. No small feat for a couple who doesn't want to waste a dollar or spend very many of them! While our backgrounds and skills with projects vary, we dove headfirst into the DIY arena eager to learn and transform our space. We hope that by sharing our projects, successes, failures, ideas and stories you will laugh, become inspired to try your own DIY projects and most importantly, know you aren't alone when everything that could possibly go wrong usually does.
Yet somehow, when we look around and see how far it has come, It is all worth it. (until much to the hubby's dismay, I decide I want to update it again...)
Want to know more about us?
-Who are we? Check this page out.
-Learn about how we began travelling professionally here.
-Read the blog regularly, we are always revealing more.
-See Carl's travel photography here + Chrysti's here.
-Subscribe to the newsletter for updates, exclusive info and more!