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We’ve officially lost our minds. | #MoCoFixer

#MoCoFixer· DIY· Family· Featured

10 Oct

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So, we bought a house this weekend.

Didn’t see that coming, did you? Well, neither did I really.

A week ago, I was planning new counter tops in my kitchen. And you know how one home project tends to kind of spiral into 10 home projects? Somehow solid-surface counter samples turned into a new fixer upper.

But let’s start at the beginning.

Mr. Cotten and I moved “home” two years ago. And while we have never regretted the decision to move our little family closer to the grandparents, we have never been totally happy with our move.

We purchased our house with the hope that it would be our forever home. At the time, it was the right decision for us. We had just sold our home in the city, we had a 10-month-old baby, and we were two weeks away from homelessness. It’s a beautiful house – it’s grand, updated, and has all the amenities anyone could want. But, something has never felt quite right here for us. This has just never felt like home.

Over the last few months, we have totally wasted our realtor’s time by asking her to show us a few houses we selected. One being a HUGE brick home in town that could easily double as a castle. Another being a small farmhouse that should probably meet a bulldozer in it’s near future. After each showing, we would say, “Let’s just make our house our home. We’re not going to move.” But, then something else would catch our eye and off we would go again  (we’re avid Zillow users, obviously).  Our realtor must think we’re a hot mess.

A week ago, another house with promise was listed. It just so happened that it belonged to a family friend’s father who recently passed away, and it had everything we’ve been looking for. More than three acres, surrounded by a soybean field, a pole barn, a basketball goal, in the right school district, and just enough space for our girls. I decided the house warranted the creepy drive-by (and if you’ve ever sold a home, you know exactly what I’m talking about). When I saw this 1970s ranch perched way back off the road up on a hill, I just knew.

This house is supposed to be ours.

We went to look at it the next day. If you want to picture the interior, just imagine that 1975 exploded. I’m talking green carpet, a built-in intercom system, an avocado green bathtub, white iron posts on the front porch – not a single thing in this house is updated, or our style. And for some reason, it all felt right.

Twenty-four hours later, we submitted an offer and listed our house. By the next morning, the house on the hill was ours. #MoCoFixer was born.

This real estate experience has so far been the exact opposite of our last. I’m not nauseous. I’m not anxious. I’m actually excited, which is something I never really felt about our current house. My husband is 36 steps ahead of the process, and is already picking out new kitchen cabinets and flooring. We are truly over the moon.

But, the actual next step in the process is to sell. If anyone locally is looking for a move, my completely updated house could be yours! Make us an offer, and we’ll throw in the pool table + hot tub. 😉

—

Follow our move with #MoCoFixer here and on Instagram! There is SO much more to come!

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  1. Jennifer McCutchan-Flaugher says

    October 10, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    This was my Grandparents house,you and I have mutual friends is how I saw the picture…
    You have no idea how much I prayed that a Family with young children would buy this house and fill it with love and laughter for years to come! I spent the better part of my life in this house with my grandparents. I went from bringing my dates to meet them and play pool with my Grandpa in the garage,to keeping my wedding dress in one of the closets so my Grandma who had no daughters could enjoy seeing me trying it on,(probably over 100 times!) To my Grandpa babysitting my 11/2 yr old every night while I worked to help me potty train her so she could go to daycare,and then years later take her prom pictures under the tree in the front yard… I am so excited to see what you and your family can do with this house! My Grandparents loved children,so I know they are pleased that someone who will take care of it, and raise their family in it, and enjoy it as much as they did, now have it…. and yes, the green bathtub has always been a conversation piece! Btw… there used to be a matching green toilet!

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:43 am

      I shared these words with my husband, and you have no idea how happy your comment makes us! We are so excited to raise our little family in a house that already has such wonderful memories. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Erin LFF says

    October 11, 2016 at 7:39 am

    SO excited for you!!! I am an avid Zillow user myself and I totally understand creepy drive-by’s as well, haha. Congrats on the new adventure and a beautiful home/location that will soon be made your own!!

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:43 am

      It’s not trespassing if it has a “For Sale” sign in the yard, right? Haha! Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Anisha says

    October 11, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Congratulations !

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Tiffany says

    October 11, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Ha!! We did the same thing! 70’s brick ranch on a hill….shag carpet, wood spindles, down to the same wrought iron on the front porch!!!! Ours was a project just like yours….and worth every second!!! Have fun making it your forever home!!!

    Reply
  5. Adrian says

    October 11, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    Congratulations Sami! That’s awesome, I can’t wait to see the updates.

    Reply
  6. Heather Hammel says

    October 12, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    Congrats!!!

    http://dogmomchic.blogspot.com/

    Reply

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

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L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
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I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
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