Nicquee's Nook

Remembering Our Wedding Preps

I was browsing my Facebook feeds when I stumbled on some wedding pictures by some high school classmates. They attended the wedding of one of our classmates, just recently. I am not very close t my high school classmates. In fact, my best bud in high school came from a different section. If I can turn back time, I really wish I can be a little closer to them and give the saying high school life is the best a chance.

Speaking of turn back time and that wedding, I sort of remembered how hubby and I did our own wedding. Compared to many who plans and prepares for their big day, six to twelve months ahead, we did ours in barely three months. Thankfully, we pulled everything off through the help of our loved ones.

My mom has some really close priests and through that, we were able to book a beautiful church with our preferred date. We even got our priest celebrant as our godfather! And we are so thankful that there is a multi-purpose hall near our church. We were blessed to be allowed to use it as our wedding reception for FREE! As for the caterer, my mom also helped us in this area through our friends in the church. We were able to get a very affordable package. Our flowers were also arranged by people from our church and so is the wedding day coordination.

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What to Consider When Buying Real Estate

I cannot remember if it was last year or it was in 2010 when we bought our first investment as a family, a vacant lot. The lot is located in an exclusive subdivision here in the north of Manila. We acquired it through a bank loan but with God’s grace, we were able to pay it off in less then a year even if our contract with the bank is five years. We had to pay all the bank fees to have everything processed but that is better than having an outstanding loan.

So what were the things we considered prior to buying the lot?

First, I told hubby that as much as possible, we look for something that is strategically located. By that I meant, the real estate should have a good proximity to school, church, market, hospital and public transportation.

Second, the location should be safe.

Lastly, we considered our financial capability. How much money do we have? Do we have enough to pay for the downpayment? How much can we pay as monthly amortization without getting short for our other expenses such utility bills, food and others? Will we acquire the property through in-house financing or bank loan? What are the pros and cons of each? If we go with bank, which bank?

This year, I think hubby is doing another real estate move. I do not want to divulge anything at this point since everything is still unsure and I do not want to jinx it. But I am praying that it will push through.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for St Louis county real estate and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Making Space

I just closed a deal. A new toy for mommy and daddy will be arriving before Christmas, which is our gift to ourselves. Curious now?

I bought a 35L electric convection oven. Hubby and I loves to experiment in the kitchen and I am sure, we make more bonding moments with this new toy.

Our problem now is space. I still do not know where we will put it. I think a need a rack. No, not that kind of ski racks. More of a cabinet type. If only we can build a hanging cabinet for it and the microwave oven.