We are starting to make plans for the bedroom! We have ordered a mattress (link here), researched how we would build a platform bed (we are modifying this plan and adding these pretty pegs), and have tested paint colors on our walls. Our general inspiration is black and white with metal accents. I love the look of this room--

I like the idea of a few colors here and there, but I want the overall look to be a 'calm contrast.' Our bedroom has 4 windows and 4 doors and tons of natural light, so I think the black won't cause it to be dark. Here are some before pictures--

Here are some things I would like to try.

Top left |  Top Right |  Bottom Left |  Bottom Right — Top left | Top Right | Bottom Left | Bottom Right

We have lots of work to do, but that is the best part. My mom is coming to visit next weekend, and she said she would help me paint. I will post some updates soon!

When Taylor and I decided to move to Austin, Texas, we thought we would need to rent. Through the Lord's grace and an opportunity at my current school, we were able to save up for a down payment- something I did not think was possible. We spent tons of time online looking at homes since we were in San Francisco. Before you move forward, this post is long and heavy with text. If real estate is not your thing, I would just look at the pictures.

One Sunday morning, we came upon this older home on the East side of Austin. It was a perfect size for a starter home, and the garage had been converted to a beauty salon which I loved. I flew out to see the property, but when I arrived at the property, our realtor, Robin, informed me that the sellers had accepted an offer that morning. I had flown out for nothing. It was a hard pill to swallow, but I toured the home anyway. After walking through the home, I felt relief. I didn't love the home despite the great location and outdoor space, and the fact that it was no longer available made it easy to let go.

Before I left Austin that day, I looked at a handful of homes, one of which we put an offer on. Our offer was not accepted (another THANK GOODNESS moment). I think at that point, I would have put an offer in on a gas station. I returned to California; Taylor and I kept looking and came across the third home we put an offer on. We actually put two offers in on this one. Long story short, we didn't get it. I think there was another home we put an offer in on, but frankly, I have lost track.

We were getting desperate (even though we had only been trying for about 3 weeks), so we made a list of the houses in our price range within the ideal-ish location and ranked them. We emailed our relator and told her that we wanted to offer our max on the first one, then if that didn't work, the second one, and so on. We didn't want to waste any more time!

Side note: I know that this was all very fast, but we were moving back to Texas in June. So we had to pull the trigger ASAP.

I was teaching 6th period when Taylor peaked his head through the door and smiled real big. "They accepted our offer." Or maybe he didn't say anything. I don't remember. I just remember doing a little jump. WHOOP! We almost had a home.

Taylor flew out the next day to actually see the home in person. While he was there, he got the home inspected and did all the other soon-to-be-homeowner things that I was not so much a part of. The closing was a little bit dramatic, but I still am not sure I understand why. Taylor moved to Austin a couple of weeks before me. When I finally pulled up (after 30 hours in the car), it was the first time I saw the home. OUR HOME!

These pictures are what was provided on the MLS website. None of these images were shot by me. You will be able to see updated pictures here as we make this house our home!

SHOUT OUT: If you are looking to buy a house in the crazy market of Austin, TX, you should definitely get in touch with Robin Gulledge. She was a joy to work with, and for a couple of first time homebuyers, she made sure we understood the whirlwind of paperwork and next-steps all along the way.