Vieques House Search

In July we traveled to Vieques, Puerto Rico in search of the perfect Island vacation home to also use as a rental. We went with a price range in mind and an ideal size. Figured I will show you the homes we viewed with details and then next week share which home we ended up picking (some of you already know as I announced it on FB)....This island is gorgeous y'all and a must visit if you are in the market for a tropical low key beach vacation.

Casa Magnolia - In Esperanza (the more touristy side of the island). The neighborhood was just somewhat junky for our liking (lots  of trash, noisy dogs, etc...) and the yard felt very small and cramped. No privacy. House had potential but didn't win us over.

3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 7 rooms total, 343 sqm lot. $269,000.

La Chata Beach Cottage - In Bravos de Boston. Based on listing photos and info only this was my favorite going into the house search. Loved this one, the house was very nice open and airy feeling, seemed move in ready, loved the bonus shed as could be a private bedroom, and the lot was large with potential. Also loved Bravos de Boston neighborhood in general.

2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 6 rooms total, bonus "shed", 1,408 sf living, 1,164 sqm lot size. $249.000.

Olga's House - also Bravos de Boston. This one is a fixers upper. Super close to the water, great views, the lot was really pretty and landscaped well, the house needed a major overhaul.

2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 6 rooms total, 750 sf living, 616 sqm lot, slight water views. $259,000

Mike's Place - . I will admit we didn't even get out of the car at this one. Location wasn't hitting it for my mom and my dad felt it was too small.

2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 6 total rooms,  776 sf living, 365 sqm lot size, water views. $179.000.

The Beach House - this one was untitled but we looked anyway. The lot was very spacious and nice, the house was interesting. No actual windows and doors (a lot of it was open air), needed a lot of maintenance and updating. There was a really cool bedroom/bathroom on the upper level.

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 8 rooms total, 1,255 sqm lot size. $249,000 (not titled land)

Tangerine Dream - Bonus home we ended up viewing slightly over our initial price cap. The pool was gorgeous and really had the "wow" factor we had wanted, the views were also really pretty but somewhat obstructed, you had a lot of privacy so a bonus, the house was average (really ugly kitchen) and unfortunately only one bedroom so would have to build immediately. It did have an outdoor shower which is always  a win I feel.

1 bedroom, 1 bath (with outdoor shower), 4 rooms total, 1000+ sqm lot , pool, water views. $365,000

Las Iguanas - Bonus home number two we visited when we stumbled upon it by accident one day while lost, way under our price and size expectation. In town which wasn't at all what we had in mind, however seemed really private as your side and backyard are more or less a jungle, small but a workable layout, needs updating of the kitchen and bathroom. Had a cool screen porch off the back.

 

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6 rooms, 800 sf living, 172 sqm lot. $139,000.

All pictures are mine but please click on the links to see the realtor site with lots more pics and info of each house.

We used Bravos Boyz for all of our home searching and we LOVED them. I can't say enough about their impeccable taste, customer service (they stopped for "refreshments" halfway through our search one day), and just overall fun factor. You can watch them this Sunday night on HGTV Beach Front Bargain Hunters show. Crossing my fingers maybe we can be on this show as that would be the cherry on top.

The Chicks are Laying!!!

I know this is no means earth shattering, obviously at a certain eggs chicks will lay eggs. I grew up around chickens, I'm not a total city girl. But for some reason the fact that MY very own city chicks are now laying eggs is very exciting.

In my defences several neighbors and family memebrs are also quite excited about this. My next door neighbor actually discovered the eggs  before I did.

In about a month I'll have 10 eggs a day - hallelujah for farm (errr city) fresh eggs!

The size of these chicks is also making it blazingly obvious that I need to get their bigger house built asap.

A Dreamy Country Chapel

I blogged about this historic gorgeous church in Niobrara years ago. At the time the church and lot were for sale. Sadly they wanted way more than I was willing or able to pay for a dillapadated building, plus I had no use for the lot.

Today I find out it is about to be demoloshed as the new owner has plans for the lot. Talk about sad.Heratbreaking to think of something so unique and pretty being torn down. Even worse is the owner told me he had been trying for months to find someone to take, yes take as in for FREE, this church off the property. Whaaaaatttt?? I would have gladly done this.

Some guy is in there now taking what he wants for salvage to include the cool windows and some woodwork. But the majority of the building will be left intact. Am I totally insane if I pay someone to move this to our land? I want it on top a hill overlooking the Missouri River. It seems so serene and perfect for weddings or worship retreats.....

Maybe I could try a kickstarter campaign to fund it??

My Little Brother's Rehearsal Dinner

 

My little brother got married last weekend, cue the tears....Sadly I have very few pictures as I was too busy helping to take pictures. Crossing my fingers my Aunt Debbie and the photographer have lots I can share shortly. In the meantime I figured I would share the Rehearsal dinner pics I quickly took on my phone.

We held this at the Buffalo Cookout Picnic Area at Niobrara State Park. It overlooks a small pond and you are surrounded by vegetation. Not too shabby.

We were going for a casual country picnic feel and I think overall it was a success.

I was missing napkins in all these pictures - but you get the general idea. My brother made all the citronella candles you see in the little tin buckets, my mom and I planted and lime washed the herbs, the linens were all vintage we already owned, and the jars were a fun collection, the plates and flatware we "borrowed" from the lodge. The koozies said "cheers to a future filled with love and adventure".

I made the fabric "curtain" out of thrifted linens and each favor basket contained Puerto Rican coffee, homemade muffins, homemade strawberry and peach jam, homemade chocolate chip cookies, nuts, and pamphlets about things to do in the area along with a weekend schedule.

 

We wanted a farm to table type dinner so we served hamburger from our friend Grant Nielson's farm(excellent if you want to purchase some) bison from Kreycik Elk & Buffalo Ranch (also excellent), a green salad, rolls from the local bakery in Verdigree, and potato salad made by my mom. We had planned on an ice cream bar after but due to the felon on the loose that never happened.

Really wish I had more pictures of the various details, to include vintage metal wash tubs used as a coolers and the delic food. But at least I have these. Crazy enough we had to evacuate this location early due to a suicidal man with a gun on the loose. Never in a million years would have predicted that. Read more here if you want the full story.

Wednesday Scripture

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "though your sins are scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool," Isaiah 1:18

I have been really trying to take time to pray for different people. Whether it be sickness, death, job searching, or contentment I am happy to pray and know the prayers will help those in need. If you would like me to pray for you please please please email, message, or contact me and I will be glad to add you to my list. He has a greater plan for us than we can ever comprehend or imagine and at times the path may seem harder than we can handle. This is not ture and by leaning on him and others you will prevail.

Happy Friday!!!!

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend. My little brother is getting married so mine will be filled with festivities, family, and friends.

Wednesday Scripture

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

 

 

This picture is actually from the Ponca Pow Wow (and has nothing to do with the scripture) I had the honor of attending last weekend in Niobrara. So cool to see the traditional dress and dances and see the families celebrate.

Food and Drink Spots We Love in Vieques

We have been to Vieques enough now we are starting to get our favorite spots. I am sure the more we go the list will increase. We love Bar Azul for the amazing sunsets and cheap delicious drinks (although no blended drinks during karaoke....)

 

Coqui Fire is a new addition to the Island and a must visit. The food was delic as were there fresh margaritas. This guy makes the best hot sauce and has been on the island serving food on occasion from Bar Azul for years. He finally opened his own place and it's packed so make reservations.

The Tin Box is another great place to visit. We love going for Happy Hour and getting oysters. Super fresh and very affordable. The Mac & Cheese is to die for as well. Plus the jungle views are pretty cool and they have a lot of great drinks made with fresh squeezed juice and herbs from their garden.

If you want something a little fancier for dinner I would recommend El Quenepo. It's in Esperanza and right on the water with an upscale atmopsher and great menu. There are several other great places on the Island these are just a few of our top picks that are on repeat whenever we visit.

Weekend Snaps from Niobrara

We are in the final stretch of wedding week, my little brother gets married this Saturday. Crazy I tell ya! Especially since I, the oldest, am the last to marry now. I took a jeep full of supplies up to Niobrara and decided to use the time wisely for last minute cabin sprucing.

 

And always much needed relaxing and fresh country air.