-
Backpack style carrier
We have the MEC Happy Trails and it works great! You can usually find them on Kijiji and such (where we bought ours for $70)....
We have the MEC Happy Trails and it works great! You can usually find them on Kijiji and such (where we bought ours for $70).
-
Cheapest online shop for 'California Baby'?
I need to buy some California Baby products ASAP! The new baby arrives in a week and I also want to buy some bug spray...
I need to buy some California Baby products ASAP! The new baby arrives in a week and I also want to buy some bug spray for DS.
Does anyone have a tried and true online shop that they've ordered from? Somewhere cheap and fast. I don't know if there's much price difference between shops, but reasonable would be nice. I don't have time to ship to the border and pick up and just need one bottle of each to hold us off until August.
TIA!
-
Re: Anyone selling their house right now?
Thanks for the comments! Humber - I think people do get greedy when they see a house sell for more than ever before...just because that...
Thanks for the comments!
Humber - I think people do get greedy when they see a house sell for more than ever before...just because that one did, doesn't mean yours will too. We're very realistic and would rather sell than be "greedy" or wish for too much in the current market.
RinaZ - yes, we're desperate to sell! Our new build will be ready in late October. As well, we REALLY want to sell the place while we're in Northwestern Ontario. For me, that's HUGE! We do have extra features that aren't in every unit - more open concept, quieter court, A/C, new carpet and hardwood everywhere else, etc. As for buying our next home, we based that on a price that we would've gotten LAST year at this time, so we should still be able to get $10,000 more than that. Financially, we'll be okay. We've been pre-approved (credit report submitted/accepted) in advance, though we can't finalize our final mortgage until closer to purchasing date (b/c of 120 day deadline). I'm also on maternity leave but we've been assured that won't make a difference - hope not!
Good luck - I hope you get some offers soon!
It does seem from speaking to our realtor, that she has no intention of listing high just to list high - if the market/house doesn't warrant it, she'd rather list lower because she knows our situation.
I did notice that one of the three condos listed as finally sold - phew!
-
Re: Anyone selling their house right now?
We're not listing until August 1st but I'm getting worried because it seems like the market has been slow - and we're just selling a...
We're not listing until August 1st but I'm getting worried because it seems like the market has been slow - and we're just selling a first time buyers condo. One condo in the neighbourhood sold about 6 weeks ago, in 3 days, for the highest asking price we've seen in the neighbourhood. Now there are 3 condos on the market in our neighbourhood and they've seen little action; however, they're also trying to snag the "highest asking price" that this other condo sold for. I think that's where the problem lies. I know our realtor said we could sell at this price point in August IF the market remains stable. If not, we'll be selling $10,000 lower which is still a good $10-15,000 more than we were originally hoping to ask. Anyway, I've seen homes all over the city just sitting there - has anyone noticed the market in Ottawa has slowed down or certainly not up to par of where it was a year ago at this time?
We're taking off to my parents house for the first 10 days that our house is listed and we're pretty desperate to sell during this time. The idea of packing up a toddler and newborn for showings does not sit well with me.
If you were in our shoes, would you automatically list at the lowest asking price? Or...wait it out?
-
No way. I have a line!!!!!
Great news - congratulations! I have everything crossed for you that it works out **sticky vibes** ...
Great news - congratulations! I have everything crossed for you that it works out **sticky vibes**
-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
Congratulations MsRoc! Can't wait to see some photos - it must be such a relief after all this time ...
Congratulations MsRoc! Can't wait to see some photos - it must be such a relief after all this time

-
Re: HELP! Sympathy Card
^^Ugh, how sad ...
^^Ugh, how sad

-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
Ms_Roc - that's great you were able to see the house at near completion. How exciting! Can't wait to see photos if you end up...
Ms_Roc - that's great you were able to see the house at near completion. How exciting! Can't wait to see photos if you end up sharing them.
CrazyCatLover - jealous of your "jetting off to Europe", lol! Congrats on finding a builder. Sounds like things are coming along.
AFU, we have a hole in the ground! Woohoo! I think once it starts to go up, it'll be quick. It's nice being on maternity leave and living relatively close - I can pop in from time to time to check out the progress. DS gets easily entertained due to all the excavators and backhoe loaders around...
-
Quick mat leave question
I don't know if this is right because I forget all the ins and outs of EI, but it sort of sounds like your 2WW...
I don't know if this is right because I forget all the ins and outs of EI, but it sort of sounds like your 2WW period ended in the middle of an EI pay period - hence, the one week payment. So to me, it seems like the next pay would be two weeks after that.
Do you have an online account? Sometimes it can lend some clarification? I also remember getting those little paper statements in the mail when I first started EI which would indicate the pay periods and possibly my next pay date.
Hopefully someone with actual knowledge can tell you if this is right or not.
-
Re: A WWYD for my DH- long read
DH used to belong to a martial arts club that "kind of" acted the same way. It wasn't about buying equipment, but there was this...
DH used to belong to a martial arts club that "kind of" acted the same way. It wasn't about buying equipment, but there was this strong PUSH to attend out of town events (which cost $$) and holding back levels if he didn't do this or that. It was really annoying and I referred to it as "the cult". It was way too restricting/controlling for a hobby. By suggesting that its members have to buy into a retreat or equipment to even move up levels is not decent. It wasn't jijitsu if that's helpful and it wasn't in Ottawa, but this whole scenario with your DH sounds "off". I'd get him to part with the club and find something more fitting for his lifestyle. Good luck!
-
spin: Do you limit YOUR screen time?
We can't watch TV when DS is up - it's next to impossible and is just not enjoyable. He usually wants "Mighty Machines" on anyway,...
We can't watch TV when DS is up - it's next to impossible and is just not enjoyable. He usually wants "Mighty Machines" on anyway, which are short little segments. We have a "few" PVR'd

For our own shows, we basically PVR everything we like and watch when we can. We *just* caught up on 5-6 weeks worth of 'Grey's Anatomy', that's how long it can take (let's just say DS likes to throw a wrench in his bedtime routine on occasion).
Yes, I use the computer while DS is awake - usually, he has to be VERY engrossed in something of his own. I'll also use it while cooking dinner as the stairs are my getaway (DS can't access them) and I sit and do a few minutes here and there. It doesn't last long, it never does, but I'm a fast typist.
-
NBR: forums for cancer
I'm sorry to hear about your mom ...
I'm sorry to hear about your mom

-
Re: Black or Stainless Appliances?
We're building new as well and chose stainless. I know we get an appointment with the appliance store so I'll ask if we can get...
We're building new as well and chose stainless. I know we get an appointment with the appliance store so I'll ask if we can get those "clean" stainless steel appliances. I think we're stuck with a specific brand though. Honestly, I prefer the look of stainless steel which is why we went for it. I have visions of changing our darker cabinets to white in future years.
-
Childcare options - so frustrating!!
This is a common problem in cities and it seems most parents go in thinking "I have to put my child in a daycare CENTRE."...
This is a common problem in cities and it seems most parents go in thinking "I have to put my child in a daycare CENTRE." I thought that, too. But having put ourselves on the waiting list at 5 months pregnant, I never heard one thing from a centre by the time we needed care. Luckily, by that time I had been proactive and found a FABULOUS dayhome for our son. I know in Ottawa you have better luck if you're proactive and show interest in the centre (i.e. you might get bumped to the top) or you look at centres that are more $$$. We did that and could've had an infant spot for $1750/month - no thanks!
Keep in mind that not all daycare centres are great either. I visited one that I HATED.
So don't discount dayhomes - some are absolutely fabulous, but visit many and do your homework! Also, I would recommend not being put off my the cost per day, as this has no bearing on the type of care your child will receive, imo. We pay $50/day which most would find expensive, but I visited a dayhome that was $46/day and was horrible! So, you never know.
Good luck

-
Re: Anyone selling their house right now?
We're selling at the beginning of August and we're already stressed about it. We'll have a 2 month old at the time, but we're also...
We're selling at the beginning of August and we're already stressed about it. We'll have a 2 month old at the time, but we're also taking off to visit my parents as soon as the house is listed. We'll be gone 7-10 days and *hope* the house sells during that time - so much easier than having to clean/leave the house for a potential buyer. But, we're not looking forward to it nonetheless. So much to do - we have to get rid of 90% of our stuff to "show" the place as per our realtor/stager. Oh well, hopefully it'll be worth it in the end.
Good luck to you - I hope your house sells quickly

-
Need Advice Re: Stopping Co Sleeping
That sounds tough if DH isn't on board. We actually co-slept until DS was 13 months and then transitioned him to a crib. However, we...
That sounds tough if DH isn't on board. We actually co-slept until DS was 13 months and then transitioned him to a crib. However, we didn't really have a plan at all. At around 11 months, DS started getting super fussy during the night - he almost always slept through the night at this point and had the "occasional" BFing snack - we realized quickly that I was the problem. DS felt that if I was there he had to BF, but he really just wanted to sleep. I moved to the guest room and DH continued sleeping with DS. This went on for about a month or so (maybe two) until DH gradually made the transition to DS's room, then laying with him until DS would fall asleep and finally, DS would be able to fall asleep in the crib and stay asleep. I, too, couldn't bare to CIO so this is the route we went. It helped that DH liked DS sleeping with us and was willing to make the transition. There was no way DS would be on board with me making the transition since he was still BFing - too much of a distraction! It took a while, but DH also got to the point where he could leave the room after putting DS down in the crib, but since Christmas it's reverted back to DH having to stay until DS falls asleep - we don't know what changed. Kind of a pain as it shortens our night substantially. So as you can see, we do things in the most "painless" way possible for DS but they're time consuming for us. We'll probably do the same with the new baby, though I would rather have DS#2 in a bassinette beside our bed rather than in our bed - but I now how much easier it is to BF when baby is in the bed.
I guess this isn't really helpful advice, but I think what worked for us was following DS's queues as well as moving at a gradual pace - one step at a time.
Good luck!
-
It's been too long
Congrats! I'm guilty for POASing early and actually got a +ve at 8dpo with this pregnancy. Usually, 10dpo is safe with a FRER but it...
Congrats! I'm guilty for POASing early and actually got a +ve at 8dpo with this pregnancy. Usually, 10dpo is safe with a FRER but it doesn't mean you're out if it's -ve. You might want to buy some ICs to test early if you get the urge...good luck!
-
movin' on up!
Happy Birthday Cutie!! ...
Happy Birthday Cutie!!
-
Let's inject some positive life into the boards!
Sounds good. I've been posting more the last few days which I'm sure I can continue ...
Sounds good. I've been posting more the last few days which I'm sure I can continue

-
Wish us luck tomorrow? *updated*
Good luck! I hope you REALLY enjoy your vacation after travelling with your LO. ...
Good luck! I hope you REALLY enjoy your vacation after travelling with your LO.
-
Re: I finally get to write this - I AM DONE SCHOOL!!!!
Congratulations Nat! I'm very proud of you and amazed you did all this while being pregnant FOUR times (and with babies and toddlers...phew!). ...
Congratulations Nat! I'm very proud of you and amazed you did all this while being pregnant FOUR times (and with babies and toddlers...phew!).
-
Re: Another WWYD: Housing/Moving
I'd rent as well. I think you'll be better off in the long run, have a bit of security when you come back, etc. Originally...
I'd rent as well. I think you'll be better off in the long run, have a bit of security when you come back, etc.
-
Re: Massage in Ottawa (Spa-like setting)
I've been to Celadon Spa many times! It's in a "spa" setting for sure - maybe not as fancy as York Street Spa, but it's...
I've been to
Celadon Spa many times! It's in a "spa" setting for sure - maybe not as fancy as York Street Spa, but it's definitely not a chiropractor's office.
It's located in the east end of Ottawa - St. Laurent Blvd North in the Rockcliffe Crossing plaza.
-
REVENGE
Woot - finally!! ...
Woot - finally!!
-
Smoking and Kids
That is very sad. I know it's not nice to judge, but in this day and age EVERYONE should know not to smoke around...

That is very sad. I know it's not nice to judge, but in this day and age EVERYONE should know not to smoke around children. Sorry, but it's not okay.
-
-
It needs to be said again- taxes and mat leave
Ooh, that's too bad. I get top-up for 16 weeks and never got dinged. I asked my HR person to make sure enough tax was...
Ooh, that's too bad. I get top-up for 16 weeks and never got dinged. I asked my HR person to make sure enough tax was taken off and I also made sure that taxes were taken off my EI cheques (apparently, it's not always done). Regardless, I didn't know what to expect at tax time - we use H&R Block and the woman did tell me I could've done better if I had more taxes taken off from the start. So, I hope to do better with this mat leave. Thanks for the reminder.
-
Re: Harwood in Kitchen
We're building a new house and took the plunge to put hardwood in both the kitchen and dinette area - they're joined to the living...
We're building a new house and took the plunge to put hardwood in both the kitchen and dinette area - they're joined to the living room/dining room area, everything's open concept and it's a townhome, so we thought the whole area would flow better. We'll find out if we like it or not. Honestly, I like the idea of hardwood being easier on my feet or if the children fall (ceramic is brutal!). We'll see how it goes. I've heard all the pros and cons and realize we're taking a chance.
-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
EvieM - congratulations on your new home purchase! Congrats on signing the contract - here's hoping there aren't any delays. Puppy&Kitten - it's hard not...
EvieM - congratulations on your new home purchase! Congrats on signing the contract - here's hoping there aren't any delays.
Puppy&Kitten - it's hard not to get "envious" over other floorplans. I admit to doing this too, even though I'm perfectly happy with the hosue we chose. Even though it's not the biggest, DH and I are too practical for our own good and went "budget friendly", lol! That's awesome materials are starting to be delivered for your house.
Poulette - I think you can still join. I've seen people join this thread through the years (b/c I was stalking) who bought resale.
We signed the final papers tonight! So far, no new progress on the build, i.e. the ground hasn't even been dug yet. I suspect it'll be in the next month. They seem to know what they're doing with timelines and since they don't miss a deadline I'll assume everything's okay. FX!
-
bum schooching...encourage/discourage?
I wouldnt discourage (or encourage, it's how he gets around is all) the bum scooting at all. We loved that DS bum scooted it was...
I wouldnt discourage (or encourage, it's how he gets around is all) the bum scooting at all. We loved that DS bum scooted it was so cute! Yes, we started to worry a little when he wasnt walking (and he didnt take his first steps until 4 days before he turned 18 months) but you already have experience in this area and know that the LOs who bum scoot dont walk as early. Obviously, they realize they can still get around and see so much more on their bum! I would worry that discouraging it might mean he wouldnt do anything. What if crawling just isnt for him? Id rather him be active and moving than doing nothing at all.
-
Re: x-post- if you have a housecleaner
We have a cleaner come in bi-weekly and she charges $20/hr for 3 hours = $60. Our house is a 2-storey (3 storey if you...
We have a cleaner come in bi-weekly and she charges $20/hr for 3 hours = $60. Our house is a 2-storey (3 storey if you count the entrance level that has a huge flight of hardwood stairs) with just under 1200 sq ft of space. It's worth it!
What she cleans every visit:
Vacuum/sweep/mop stairs and flooring (depending on carpet or hardwood); including front entrance
Vacuums couch
Cleans up DS's messy areas - small table as well as high chair area
Wipes down all counters in kitchen + sinks + microwave + stove = everything just looks so much better when she's done; I'm sure there's more she cleans in there! The cupboards are wiped down as well, and she maintains the mess under the sink
Bathrooms - toilets, sinks, tub, floors
Empties garbage
Wipes down dining room table/chairs
Probably 2-3 more items on the list that I can't remember
And usually one or two more items on the list - baseboards, ceiling fixtures, oven, etc.
We'll have her in for some big cleans in the next little while since we're listing our house in July. Like a PP mentioned, it's saved on a our sanity - DH and I are not natural cleaners and it just bugged us so much to spend all our free time cleaning. With a new baby on the way, selling our house and buying a new one, we knew that getting a housecleaner was the only way. I love coming home to a clean house!
-
Can this really be?
Wow - congratulations!! What a great Easter present ...
Wow - congratulations!! What a great Easter present

-
Re: Just got really bad news...need to tell somebody
I'm so sorry to read this news. I hope you were able to share with your family, as hard as it might have been. Sending...
I'm so sorry to read this news. I hope you were able to share with your family, as hard as it might have been. Sending you lots of **positive vibes** and support.
-
Re: where can I buy these?
I don't know what they're called but I've bought them before at Quickie Marts in Ottawa. There's no brand associated with them, they're just with...
I don't know what they're called but I've bought them before at Quickie Marts in Ottawa. There's no brand associated with them, they're just with the 5 cent candy.
-
Nanny help!
I would try Canadian Nanny. I actually hope to post our own ad there this weekend in hopes to find a "mother's helper" or babysitter....
I would try Canadian Nanny. I actually hope to post our own ad there this weekend in hopes to find a "mother's helper" or babysitter. I've found people through Kijiji, but they always fall through for some reason - usually, they just stop responding to my emails (my guess is they find better employment). I also don't care for the ads where there's lack of interest in children. However, we also found on a DHP through Kijiji and she's been great! So, you never know.
If it works well through Canadian Nanny this time, we'll likely look through a nanny that way when we need care again after my next maternity leave is over. With two children, I figure it's the more economical way to go, plus we're moving and won't be as close to our DHPs. It just makes sense.
I think there are many university students who have the qualifications and are willing to work for a short period (especially with summer coming up). Usually they are enrolled in ECE or children-related programs already and are just looking for experience over the summer.
-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
That's great progress Puppy&Kitten. We drove by our site yesterday and nothing's been dug as of yet. Not surprised - we were told that the...
That's great progress Puppy&Kitten. We drove by our site yesterday and nothing's been dug as of yet. Not surprised - we were told that the building can start up to 17 weeks before the closing date, so there's still time.
This week we're signing the final papers, seeing our lawyer, finalizing mortgage stuff. I guess that means we bought a house!
-
Re: Baby's Nursery - finally finished!
Love it - like a PP mentioned above, it's very whimsical, which is great! Thanks for sharing ...
Love it - like a PP mentioned above, it's very whimsical, which is great! Thanks for sharing

-
Some people's children! A vent and question.
This situation would annoy me more for the fact that the parents weren't around supervising their children. I certainly understand this is the type of...
This situation would annoy me more for the fact that the parents weren't around supervising their children. I certainly understand this is the type of behaviour some children exhibit - I have a 2.5 year old, I get it! But, we've never let DS loose in one of these places without either myself of DH hovering around him. For one, I know his ways - he's a toddler - and can get "upset" easily. Anyone takes his toy, etc. or he doesn't know how to play appropriately with younger children. He still needs to learn to be gentle and careful around younger children/babies and I feel we need to be present to help with that. Same as dealing with older kids - I still get nervous around the 4 or 5 year olds because they're SO much bigger than DS. It seems no matter what their age, children have to be careful around the littler ones but also around the bigger kids who are faster and stronger. Perhaps we'll be more relaxed about this when the new baby comes along, but DS's only experience with other children is at daycare or in public places. He's constantly learning how to interact with other children. So yes, I'd definitely be annoyed and probably would've spoken up to a manager before confronting the other kids/parents. Frustrating though! I guess we all get more relaxed as children get older, but still...check on them at least!
-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
Our progress update is that we've made our design choices and wiring choices. Some I'm second-guessing, but I think that's natural. If there's something that's...
Our progress update is that we've made our design choices and wiring choices. Some I'm second-guessing, but I think that's natural. If there's something that's really nagging me, there's still time to change. Otherwise, we're going to the builder's to sign off on a price change - $1000 less! We'll take it

Let's get some input on those choices I'm second-guessing: I chose dark brown tile (Centura Panga Series Brown tile) for the main bathroom; it goes on the floor and there's matching tile in in the bath (on the wall). Should I go lighter? There's a beige-y colour that would work as I'm wondering if all dark brown will be too...dark? I kept that bathroom darker because it'll be the boys bathroom. The master ensuite has light grey tile from the same series. For both, I automatically chose the same tile for both floor and bath/shower. Bad move?
ETA: photos of the tile we chose - #1 is Brown for the Main bathroom and #2 is Light Grey for the ensuite. I really liked these tiles and found them to be more modern than some choices, so I was pleasantly surprised to see they were "standard".
#1

#2

#3 - juxtapose against the dark brown tile in main bathroom?

-
Re: Forum bugs - please report them here!
I'm still redirected in certain threads in CF. Very annoying. I don't get why it happens sometimes and not in others. From what I can...
I'm still redirected in certain threads in CF. Very annoying. I don't get why it happens sometimes and not in others. From what I can tell, it doesn't matter what browser I'm using.
-
DD got bitten at Daycare yesterday
I'm sorry your DD is going through this - it sucks and it does make you feel so badly for them. It's happened to DS...
I'm sorry your DD is going through this - it sucks and it does make you feel so badly for them.
It's happened to DS as well. He gets bit by the same child (DCP's DD) when she's going through something (usually teething) and doesn't get her own way. For some reason only DS is the target, not the other kids. We suspect it's because DS has been there the longest and they have a brother/sister relationship.
It really bothered me around Christmas when it seemed to be happening on a weekly basis. I did wonder what would happen if DS had been the biter - would he still be there, etc.? The biting itself didn't bother me, because I know we could put him in another centre and the same thing could happen. I mainly wanted to know that DS was speaking up for himself and that the biter wasn't getting all the attention afterward. I thought that was more important, how the situation was being dealt with. I would hate to think that DS was being bit and not saying anything afterward about how it hurt him, that it's not nice to do that, and that his feelings/words were being ignored. He started biting me around the same time, but hasn't bit another child at daycare himself.
-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
Bumping us up... How's everyone doing? I hope some of you are still around. DH and I go for our Concepts wiring appointment on Wednesday...
Bumping us up...
How's everyone doing? I hope some of you are still around. DH and I go for our Concepts wiring appointment on Wednesday and a design centre appointment next week as well. Things are definitely coming together.
-
Welcome Mary Katherine!
Congratulations Erica! I love her name ...
Congratulations Erica! I love her name

-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
MsRoc and MrsMuffin - so great to see photos of your houses! Both are impressive homes. AFU, we're going to sign our Agreement of Purchase...
MsRoc and MrsMuffin - so great to see photos of your houses! Both are impressive homes.
AFU, we're going to sign our Agreement of Purchase and Sale tomorrow ; then it's off to the builder and we probably won't see it again for another 2-3 weeks at which time we visit our lawyer, settle the deposit with the builder and it's a go!
For our upgrades, this is what we've decided on - keep in mind we're not handy people and the convenience of buying a new build was one of the reasons we went for it. We both work full-time (well, I'll be on mat leave) with a toddler and another baby on the way. Some of these items are really silly and should've (I think) been part of the build, but oh well!
*Install hardwood flooring in lower hallway, dining and living rooms
*Install ceramic flooring in kitchen, dinette and main bathroom
*Extend ensuite vanity to include second sink and bank of drawers
*Upgrade appliance package to the "better" package including stainless steel (we're also getting an A/C with this package but not upgrading it)
*Install rough-in for gas barbeque
*Install fan (and accessories) for fireplace in basement (suggested by my dad)
*Install shut off water valves at kitchen and bathroom sinks (suggested by my dad)
*Upgrade staircase spindles to modern square spindles
*Upgrade half walls to staircase railings (square spindles)
*Extend kitchen island to include breakfast bar (square)
*Add potlight over kitchen island
*Add potlight in ensuite shower
*Upgrade hardware package from brass to silver - includes all doorknobs, fixtures, etc. Might have been doable afterward, but for the hassle of going out and buying new fixtures...it wasn't worth it to us.
*Install a pots and pans drawer in the kitchen - quite expensive so we just chose one ($680)
Two items we removed after submitting our list were:
*Adding crown moulding to upper kitchen cabinetry. In the end we decided it's "just" a townhouse and this level of design isn't necessary. Extending our ensuite vanity was more important at this point and almost imperative for resale value
*Adding an outlet for Christmas lights (almost $500 - DH said we'll work around it)
As you can see, we didn't do a ton with the design, but added a few necessary and functional items. I think the shut off valves for sinks should be included, but for $323 it was a good decision to include them. My dad was remembering when my brother used to flood our toilets over and over as a toddler and thought with two small boys, we might be experiencing a few of these "pleasures". At least we'd only have to shut off a portion of our water supply and not the whole house. I really assumed all homes came with these.
Thanks for your input on wiring - DH and I are admittedly clueless about this kind of stuff, but know we're allotted a certain amount of outlets for phone, cable, Internet. As long as we have enough.
Puppy&Kitten - did you get a firm date?
-
Re: Gas dryer
No advice on the gas dryer M-E, but just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!! That is a beau.ti.ful home You must be so relieved to have...
No advice on the gas dryer M-E, but just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!! That is a beau.ti.ful home

You must be so relieved to have found something!
p.s. we're moving, too, but in October.
-
Re: How much did you spend on upgrades when building?
We're capping it at $20K as we're building a townhouse. ...
We're capping it at $20K as we're building a townhouse.
-
Re: When did you join WB?
June 2005 - a long time ago! ...
June 2005 - a long time ago!
-
Re: Poll: Do you have a housecleaner? Do your parents?
Yes, we have a housekeeper. No, my parents do not, though my ILs (who are elderly) do have someone in to help them clean. From...
Yes, we have a housekeeper. No, my parents do not, though my ILs (who are elderly) do have someone in to help them clean.
From what I understand, my ILs had a housekeeper, nanny, etc. before moving to Canada.
I think it's generational - we're busier, have no time, aren't natural cleaners to begin with, and the time we do have we'd rather be spending with our children(at least DH and I would). We spend a fair amount of family time together, except for some errands that need to be done (b/c we don't want to take DS on errand running all the time).
-
Re: Waiting for your new home - 2012 and beyond!
Kezza - that's exciting to see framing. We're moving a month after you so I hope to see framing soon. It must seem more real...
Kezza - that's exciting to see framing. We're moving a month after you so I hope to see framing soon. It must seem more real to you now.
I'll respond to some posts later. We were getting worried about trying to get some extra funds (for down payment since we can't sell our house until the summer). Phew - it's been approved without a problem, but the stress was still there.
We're showing my parents the model and lot tomorrow, I'm emailing our upgrade choices to the builder tonight, so we should have our contract in 2-3 weeks. I was hesitant to send anything until we had some cash. Now we can start choosing colours and such, so I see a few visits to the design centre in our future.
MrsMuffin - can I be added to the list? As a reminder, we close in October 2012 (Ottawa).
Does everyone else get a meeting re: wiring for phone, cable, outlets, etc.? How do you choose where everything should go?
-
Re: home poll- what would you chose
Well, since we just bought a townhouse (freehold/rowhouse on your list) so that's what I voted for! And ours' is just over 2100 sq ft...
Well, since we just bought a townhouse (freehold/rowhouse on your list) so that's what I voted for! And ours' is just over 2100 sq ft AND it's an end unit (this was a must and we paid extra for it!).
Why? Well, we didn't really want to move to the 'burbs and realized very quickly upon looking at detached houses in the city that a lot of work would need to be done on them. We have a toddler and a baby on they way, are not handy people at all and don't have a ton of disposable income or time (biggest issue) or inclination to renovate a house. We went with a new build and we're really happy with our decision. Townhomes have great layouts, imo, there's still a backyard and we go to parks and other areas in the neighbourhood anyway. It comes with a finished basement as well. Admittedly, we're a little further out than we'd like, but it's still not the suburbs which was very important to DH.
I think those who prefer to live in detached homes often live in more economical cities where it's easy to find a detached home for a great price. For example, I've seen HUGE detached houses in some parts of the east coast that are a good $100,000 less than what we paid for our townhouse. So, a lot of this depends on where you live. If you live in a more expensive city like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or Ottawa you have to make more sacrifices.
-
Gluten Free Corn Tortillas?
Mission brand tortillas makes gluten-free. I don't know if they're available in Canada though I get my corn tortillas at a local latin store -...
Mission brand tortillas makes gluten-free. I don't know if they're available in Canada though

I get my corn tortillas at a local latin store - I'll check next time if they're gluten free (maybe not b/c they're authentic). It's Mercado Latino on Montreal Rd.
-