September 30th, 2016 marked 10 years of acreage living for my husband and me. Both of us grew up living out in the country for a good majority of our lives, but the land we currently have was the first property we purchased together. If you also live on acreage, you’ll know that it has its ups and downs. For us, I feel like the pros outweigh the cons, but on this 10th anniversary of acreage living, I thought I’d take a stroll down memory lane and share a few best and worst personal memories of acreage life so far. Let’s get nostalgic and real for a few minutes and talk all about the nitty gritty of land and home ownership out in the country. Are you a homeowner too?
Make sure to pop down to the bottom of this post to win a $500 cash gift card to use for decorating a favourite space in your home from Esurance!
I like to start with the bad stuff and get it over with. Let’s begin with my 5 worst memories of 10 years of acreage living, shall we?
#1: The moment we took possession of our acreage.
Doesn’t that sound horrible? But it’s true. When we first bought our land and the “garage house” that was on it, I felt a little sick. The house was disgusting. It was dirty, tiny and ugly, and I was a little scared. However, I think we did a pretty good job cleaning it up and making it our own. You can read more about our garage house here.
#2: When we couldn’t get our two babies to share a room.
The garage house was fantastic for us and one baby, but when Little A came along the house suddenly felt really small. My dream was to have the two girls share a bedroom, but that didn’t work AT ALL. Little A had to sleep in our room in order for both girls to sleep, and then I didn’t sleep because she was constantly waking me. I do really badly on little sleep… just ask my hubby!
#3: When our neighbors’ backyard blew up.
One night at around 9pm, I was playing on the computer when our whole little home was rocked by a violent explosion. I ran outside to see a huge fire leaping into the air in our neighbor’s back yard. Thankfully, the fire didn’t spread to their home or ours, and the fire department helped them quickly put it out. I was so thankful that no one was hurt and our homes were spared. This was one of the times I was happy that we had home insurance but didn’t have to file a claim. Phew!
#4: When I found a dead animal on the lawn.
Scratch that. Make that several dead animals. One of the joys of living out in the country is that your dogs drag the most lovely things onto your lawn and porch. And I’m not just talking about mice. We’ve had bunnies, muskrats, and all sorts of sad creatures on our lawn.
#6: When I felt alone.
Amendment: this also wasn’t/isn’t a one-time thing. Country living is beautiful, serene, exciting and rewarding but it can also be very lonely. We don’t drive into town or the city every day, so I was an am often alone with my little ones. I’m an introvert, so that’s not always a bad thing, but sometimes I can feel a little lonely and removed from my friends out here. Sometimes I long for the connection one can find in city or town life.
Now, let’s talk about my 5 BEST memories from acreage life!
#1: When we first drove up our range road to our home.
It was a gorgeous fall that year – 2006 – and I distinctly remember driving our car through the canopy of trees that leads to our subdivision and thinking: “This is the most beautiful spot in the world!”
#2: When we met our neighbors.
We have some of the BEST neighbors. They live a little further away than town neighbors, but they’re always willing to help us and visit with us. I also think fellow acreage-dwellers share a lot of common interests like gardening and DIYing, so that’s really fun!
#3: When we sent our first child to school.
I absolutely adore the little country school that’s near our home. So far, our daughters absolutely love it. Little A started kindergarten there this year, so now we have two kids going! I feel like our school is a little more personal and quieter than what a city school might be and we love that.
#4: When we moved into our new home.
We built our new home on our acreage in 2013. The first night we slept in it was amazing and surreal. We had a lot of really bad and really good experiences as we built Our DIY House, and it was such a relief to finally be able to move in! Come see our latest home tour right here.
#5: When we found out our 4 bedroom house was going to be full.
My hubby Sean was adamant that we build a 4 bedroom house even though we had 2 kids at the time. I thought the idea was fine, but little did I know that we were going to be filling that room ASAP! We learned that we were pregnant with Little B the month before we moved into our new home. She was a surprise, but what an amazing surprise she was! Now, I have three sweet girlies running all over the acreage in their princess dresses and rubber boots. I can’t wait to experience all of the new memories we’ll share together here in our home and on our property.
Both bad and good, the memories we’ve shared on our acreage have helped us learn and grow. I couldn’t be more thankful for our land and our home.
I’m so excited to be able to share with you an exciting giveaway from Esurance! Our homes are special to us, and home insurance helps us protect them and give us peace of mind. Esurance has been in Alberta since early last year offering auto insurance, but as of this fall Albertan homeowners are the first in Canada to have the option of selecting Esurance home insurance. If you’re like me and love to do everything you possibly can online, Esurance is a fabulous option for you. You can manage your policy online, and they work hard to use technology to provide great service. There’s also a really cool DIY Home Inspection app that helps you save money on your policy, and you can bundle home insurance with auto insurance to save even more. To find a policy that’s right for you, visit Esurance.ca.
Esurance wants to give you a chance to win a $500 cash gift card to use for decorating a favourite space in your home! Use the widget below to enter to win. (Participants must reside in Canada and be 18 years of age or older. See all the Terms & Conditions in the widget below). Good luck!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Esurance. As always, all of the opinions here are my own.
Jo D says
October 26, 2016 at 6:51 amThanks for sharing the hard times as well as the good times! I’ve always craved acreage living, but, alas, I married a city boy (who was raised in the country, go figure).
Our house Reno list is so long, I’m not sure where I would start with $500! Maybe build a kitchen island. I’ve been putting it off because I don’t know where to find a granite counter of the right size (I only need 3ft by 4 ft. I’m hoping to get a cheap remnant, and just have them finish all four sides the same.
Melissa says
October 26, 2016 at 7:09 amWe are celebrating 10 years on an acreage this spring!
Mike and I both grew up in a city, and so when we moved out west from Toronto we knew we wanted to live in a small town or on an acreage. I know the feelings you described well of that first day in your home. We had a tiny 1950’s hole in the wall for a house. Our first day there was panic-ridden for me, even though we knew that house was not the end game for us. I love the home we have subsequently built, but I would LOVE to change out some of the light fixtures and re paint the living room. Xo
Carrie Bennett says
October 26, 2016 at 7:39 amWe’re hoping to get out to an acerage as well in the next year or two. Can’t wait.! But right now I need a new kitchen sink!!!
Heather says
October 26, 2016 at 7:48 amDogs and acreages, definitely always interesting. Ha ha.
Spring, summer, fall or winter I am so happy to turn down our range road every day.
Kelly Burton says
October 26, 2016 at 8:23 amWe love country living. I would use the money for home decor.
Amy Heffernan says
October 26, 2016 at 8:51 amI would use it to help redo my bathroom! 🙂
Thanks!
angela m says
October 26, 2016 at 8:55 amI would use it for Christmas gifts
Amber says
October 26, 2016 at 9:17 amI have been following your blog for a while now, but have never commented. A chance at a $500 gift card was just the push I needed to tell you how happy I am that I stumbled onto your blog and have been able to watch your blog grow over the years. Finding out you were also a Edmonton & surrounding area gal made me even more excited to follow.
As we are currently building our forever acreage home, I have found myself more often on your blog for DIY ideas and inspiration (those plaid roman shades.. AMAZING) and would likely spend the prize on something super exciting.. you know, like an area rug or maybe even some fabric to attempt some window coverings! 🙂
Congrats on the 10 years of acreage living!
Karen E. Hill says
October 26, 2016 at 10:16 amI would use it to fix the breaks on my car so I can continue working.
[email protected] says
October 26, 2016 at 10:50 amWhat a thoughtful post – thanks for sharing! There are so many projects around here, that I wouldn’t even know where to start! Highest priority is a kitchen update – that’s where I could put the prize to good use!
Shelley Hickey says
October 26, 2016 at 11:05 amI would put it towards the basement renovation. Thanks for the chance.
Glogirl says
October 26, 2016 at 12:04 pmI would use it to freshen up my bedroom with accessories.
Bonnie Way says
October 26, 2016 at 12:11 pmOoooh, I love your house! It looks gorgeous! We just bought our own home (a condo in the city 🙁 ) this year so I’m working on fixing it up. $500 would repaint the main areas or maybe get us started on replacing the white carpet (eeeek!) with hardwood instead. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs! We live in the city now but I still dream about moving back to the country someday. I love the country and wish my girls could have the sort of childhood I did. 🙂
Lyndsey says
October 26, 2016 at 2:05 pmThis makes me want to make the move to the country 🙂 right now we are renoing our basement, so first things first! $500 would be awesome to help with the remodel 😊
kristen visser says
October 26, 2016 at 2:20 pmI would use this gift card to upgrade some things in our home. We have recently been upgrading some of the things in our home left from the previous owner. We would like to do some upgrades in our living room as well as our powder room and basement
Piroska says
October 26, 2016 at 2:24 pmI would use it for Christmas.
Robyn Bellefleur says
October 26, 2016 at 2:46 pmI would use it mainly for Christmas presents, but I may get a little something for me like a new pair of boots.
Sara says
October 26, 2016 at 2:49 pmI was so surprised and flattered to find out that I’m on your list of best things about the country! I love having you for a neighbour, too! 😘
I’d use the gift card to finish my kids’ bedrooms. I need a bunch of fabrics for the girls’ bedding, and some wood for my son’s bed and desk.
Lis says
October 26, 2016 at 3:34 pmLove the makeover pics!
Lindsay - The DIY Mommy says
October 27, 2016 at 9:56 amThank you Lis!
Cloe St-Amour says
October 26, 2016 at 4:20 pmI would use it for my boys bedroom!
Jenness M says
October 26, 2016 at 5:07 pmWe’re renovating the master bathroom in the New Year so I’d put it towards that.
Jenny says
October 26, 2016 at 5:29 pmI would use that gift card for a new vacuum.
Christy E says
October 26, 2016 at 6:24 pmI would use the gift card towards new heated floors in the bathroom.
Julia at Home on 129 Acres says
October 26, 2016 at 6:58 pmI love your reflections in this post. We didn’t have the experience of living on acreage until we bought our 129 acres. It’s hard to describe what it’s like. For me, it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be. The feeling I get driving up our driveway is magic every day.
Lindsay - The DIY Mommy says
October 27, 2016 at 9:55 amCouldn’t agree more 🙂
Anne-Marie Tvete says
October 26, 2016 at 6:59 pmI would use it for Christmas
Tainan Lu says
October 27, 2016 at 1:38 amI would use it for Christmas
Sarah De Diego says
October 27, 2016 at 6:25 amWe’re in the process of moving from a 13 acres property on a gravel road to a 100 acre (family) farm. I’d use this money for moving costs as we have to move over 600kms!
Wouldn’t trade country living for anything!
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Sarah De Diego recently posted..Donate to the @BostonPizzaFdn and Get 5 FREE Kids Meals! #BPKidsCards
Rachel E. says
October 27, 2016 at 6:39 amI would use the money to bring some life to my front entrance. It’s very sad at the moment. We underwent some major house renovations during the summer and my front entrance didn’t receive any love. Just a little TLC and maybe a bench would do wonders
Diana Powell says
October 27, 2016 at 7:03 amI’m so happy to have read your post . We are currently squished in a subdivision . Our dream is to have acreage in the next couple of years . I changed the whole paint scheme in our our current house and our light fixtures look awful now so I would use that money to change them . Keep up the great work on your blog I really enjoy reading all your posts and your photography is great !!
tracy k says
October 27, 2016 at 3:47 pmi’d use it for Christmas presents
lilly says
October 28, 2016 at 10:46 amgreat memories
Alayne Langford says
October 28, 2016 at 11:19 amWe just moved recently to a small town after living in the city for over 40 years!! Our home is in dire need of new furnishings and accessories, as we had to get rid of most of our old furniture after having 5 kids, 2 dogs and 2 rabbits!! I feel like we are starting a new chapter in our lives and I am so happy to have found you on Instagram! 🙂
Julie Bolduc says
October 28, 2016 at 10:37 pmI would buy some bedroom decore
Lindsay T says
October 29, 2016 at 8:03 pmI’d put it towards a new living room set. Our couch is falling apart 🙁
Jenny Major says
October 30, 2016 at 11:23 amI would use it to help redo my spare bedroom
Bailey Dexter says
October 30, 2016 at 11:34 amWe bought an older home that is well over 100 years old and our restoring what we can to bring it back! I would love the extra to do the kitchen with the bead board and older trim!
Catherine R. says
October 30, 2016 at 11:52 amI love your new house, thanks so much for sharing your DIY adventure with us. I live in the city but have often dreamed of moving out to the country but we haven’t taken that step yet. I would use the money to fix up a few things in our house like the ever leaking tap and the broken screen door.
Melinda says
October 30, 2016 at 4:07 pmI would use this card to buy Christmas presents for my family.
Jenn Erin says
October 30, 2016 at 7:33 pmI would love to get a new coffee table and a new Christmas tree with the gift card.
leana says
October 31, 2016 at 9:33 amI would use the gift card for an alarm system for my home!
travelbuds says
October 31, 2016 at 11:40 amIf I won I would put the money towards a new kitchen floor. Mine is in bad shape.
ivy pluchinsky says
October 31, 2016 at 12:41 pmI would use this towards a new sofa
Andrea Amy says
October 31, 2016 at 11:46 pmI would use it to catch up on some bills
Brenda Penton says
November 1, 2016 at 10:50 amI’d put it towards finishing up the basement.
ginette4 says
November 1, 2016 at 12:49 pmI would use the gift card towards Christmas gifts for my family..this is wonderful..thank you for the chance
Maritess S says
November 1, 2016 at 1:18 pmI would like to use the money to purchase items that would make my home smarter and energy efficient like LED bulbs or programmable thermostats.
Rebby says
November 1, 2016 at 10:41 pmI would put this gift card towards a vacation!
Caryn Coates says
November 2, 2016 at 11:53 amWe are currently renovating our basement rec room so I would use it towards that 🙂
Lisa Neutel says
November 2, 2016 at 1:15 pmI am a country girl at heart and always will be my home is in desperate need of a facelift so I’d spend on paint and decor
Karla Sceviour says
November 2, 2016 at 6:56 pmI would use it for renovating my bathroom!
Alison Braidwood says
November 2, 2016 at 7:03 pmI’d use the card for paint; pretty latex paint for some chalkpaint projects, and some neutral wall paint to redo my somewhat skanky bathroom :0
Stephanie says
November 2, 2016 at 7:33 pmI would use it to buy my mom a KitchenAid stand mixer! She has always wanted one and I would love to surprise her with it!
Andrea says
November 2, 2016 at 7:43 pml would use it to go towards my home renovations!
Andrea D says
November 3, 2016 at 9:52 amI would use it to help with our patio renovations!
Tracy D says
November 4, 2016 at 10:08 amI would love to get some new bedding for our spare room.
Naiddia p says
November 4, 2016 at 5:05 pmI would use it for new winter clothing for my kids.
Doris Humber says
November 4, 2016 at 5:34 pmI’d use it towards bathroom renos.
michelle tremblett says
November 5, 2016 at 8:29 amOOOHHH I would use the prize to spruce up my living room, Its been stuck in boring for about ten years now and for sure could use a revamp 🙂
Linda says
November 5, 2016 at 8:33 amThis gift card would really help with installing curtains in the bedroom.
Jay Nelson says
November 5, 2016 at 5:01 pmI would love to put it toward building a third children’s bedroom – my youngest son and daughter have been needing a siblingectomy for quite some time now.
Haylie Langwald says
November 6, 2016 at 7:32 pmFantastic giveaway, thanks for the opportunity. I would use it to fix up my bathroom. It definitely needs some tlc.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
November 6, 2016 at 8:46 pmI would use it to buy paint for the living room – have been putting off painting because of the cost
Kris L says
November 7, 2016 at 12:18 amI would use it for some paint!
Amy C says
November 7, 2016 at 4:10 pmI would use this to paint the inside of my house.
Florence Cochrane says
November 7, 2016 at 7:10 pmI would use the gift card for some paint to repaint a few rooms in my house.
Pat Drouillard says
November 7, 2016 at 7:41 pmback splash in kitchen
Judy Cowan says
November 7, 2016 at 8:35 pmWe need to buy a new bed so I would put it towards that if I won.
Chris C says
November 8, 2016 at 10:39 pmWe would spend the $500 to decorate our living room area, we have a small living space and could use some updating!
Cheryl says
November 10, 2016 at 7:57 amThe gift card would be helpful for decorating our bedroom
Emmeline C McWilliams says
November 10, 2016 at 10:35 amI would use it to spruce up our new home! We move in 4 weeks, and it would be awesome to have some extra cash!!!
Wayne Lecoy says
November 10, 2016 at 1:01 pmIt would be terrific to win a $500 Cash Gift Card from Esurance.
In response to your question of
What would you use this gift card prize for?
I would buy myself a new pair of running shoes
and buy some Christmas Presents for my family.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
Jennifer (@JusticeSadie) C says
November 10, 2016 at 6:18 pmI would put towards flight from Calgary to Toronto to see my Family for the Holidays
Jennifer (@JusticeSadie) C says
November 10, 2016 at 6:21 pmI do a makeover of the Master Bedroom.
nicolthepickle says
November 11, 2016 at 1:00 pmI would use it for a really nice light fixture for my living room.
christine murray says
November 12, 2016 at 7:07 pmHome renovations. Thank you for the chance
Kris L says
November 13, 2016 at 2:11 amsome paint to spruce the place up
Anu Chopra says
November 13, 2016 at 11:54 amI would use this gift card prize for updating my room!
Jackie M says
November 13, 2016 at 8:39 pmI would use to for Holiday gifts and items to make my home smarter 🙂
Carole Dube says
November 13, 2016 at 11:57 pmI would use it toward a new chair for my living room.
caryn s says
November 14, 2016 at 5:28 pmI would love to reno my kitchen as its looking pretty worn!
Lisa McLain says
November 16, 2016 at 4:36 pmI would use it to buy new bedding
Amanda Fontaine says
November 16, 2016 at 8:51 pmI would the cash gift card to purchase some items to help organize my home.
Anne-Marie Tvete says
November 17, 2016 at 9:24 pmI would put it toward a new couch for the living room
Tammy Dalley says
November 18, 2016 at 8:20 amIm in the middle of renovating the basement, this would help a lot, to buy paint and supplies like that!
Joshua Spiers says
November 19, 2016 at 8:57 pmI would spend it on my two boys, wife, and dog!
Janice Cournoyer says
November 20, 2016 at 9:25 amI would use this for Christmas shopping.
SUMMER PLEWES says
November 23, 2016 at 8:15 amI know it may not seem exciting but i would use this for groceries and necessities like toilet paper and such over the holiday season when things are so tight for money.
christina rogers says
November 25, 2016 at 7:07 pmi would get a great christmas gift for my mom.
Lindsay - The DIY Mommy says
November 25, 2016 at 9:30 pm🙂
michelle matta says
November 26, 2016 at 9:53 pmhmm.. I would use this gift card prize towards a trip. or towards rims for our all season tires (waiting till spring to pay for that currently) or… if i was to spoil myself maybe some makeup on the side 🙂
Kris Wilson says
November 28, 2016 at 2:39 pmI would use this towards a new TV as my 3 year old broke ours last week.
Stephanie says
November 28, 2016 at 8:20 pmI’d buy a comfy chair for my living room.
Amie says
November 28, 2016 at 11:17 pmI would use it to paint a few rooms and the rest in fixing the bathroom !
tanyab79 says
November 29, 2016 at 8:25 pmI would put it towards work to be done in the house.
Iulia Zwicker says
November 29, 2016 at 10:10 pmOur bedroom is pretty sad right now – I focused so much on places that people would be (living room, spare bedroom, bathrooms, etc), but I forgot about our space! I would use this GC to make our bedroom beautiful!
em says
December 1, 2016 at 12:00 pmi would use it towards baby girl’s room, add some decorations or fixtures for her nursery
Kelly young says
December 4, 2016 at 12:24 amI would use fir a bed couch my son moved home to take care of me fighting cancer and he’s in my couch he needs a pull out bed
Lisa says
December 4, 2016 at 12:33 pmI would use the gift card to repaint the house both inside and outside.
Karen petrychko says
December 5, 2016 at 11:40 amI would use this gift card to fix up my spare bedroom with a bigger bed.
My grandson has grown so tall that he has out grown the twin bed I have in my guest room.
Edmond says
December 5, 2016 at 10:20 pmGood Golly Miss Molly , I would use the card to volunteer to repair , paint, etc the animal shelters, senior homes, etc.
Sara Lima says
December 6, 2016 at 7:58 pmI’d put it towards a futon, or a really top shelf cot or air mattress, for when we have company sleep over during the holidays.
Michelle L says
December 7, 2016 at 7:02 amMy house is really old and in need of renovations. I would use the cash in the renos budget.
Cathy Oppedisano says
December 7, 2016 at 4:49 pmI’d use the gift card for all those things I buy on a regular basis and it is sure to be spent in no time. For example, pet food.
Caroline says
December 7, 2016 at 9:58 pmI would use it towards refinishing my hardwood floors.
Melissa says
December 7, 2016 at 11:22 pmI would use it toward my artwork. Thanks for the chance!
James MacEwen says
December 8, 2016 at 2:44 pmI would use it to buy a few Christmas presents.
Carey Hurst says
December 9, 2016 at 10:09 amI would use it for food and to get my toddler some new clothes he needs them. Buy a few things needed but with single mom budget is limited and stuff was put on hold, that kind of thing.
Carey Hurst recently posted..Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom: Ghost in Excile $25 Amazon Giveaway and Excerpt R…
Pam says
December 10, 2016 at 1:00 amI would use it towards getting a few things for my new house.
carol markusa says
December 10, 2016 at 6:30 amI would put it towards a new couch.
Lushka Smith says
December 10, 2016 at 6:31 amI need some new lamps
Erika Letson says
December 11, 2016 at 7:07 pmI would use it towards some very badly needed home repairs. Thanks for the chance!
Kathryn says
December 12, 2016 at 6:27 pmId buy decorations for my new home (more to decorate than my apartment)
Vicki Hill says
December 16, 2016 at 2:26 amI would love to get some paint and do a couple of Accent walls. New bedding would be awesome. I need towels. A set of pots would be nice. Lol I have 2 pots from the 80s.
Erica Seaman says
December 18, 2016 at 6:58 amI would love to put this towards new flooring for my kitchen.
Krista M says
December 18, 2016 at 10:45 amI would put it toward organization materials such as shelving, totes, baskets. My basement gives me anxiety with all the clutter & I’d like to have everything neat & tidy with shelves & labels and have it be clean!
Angela September says
December 19, 2016 at 1:20 pmwe have renovations going on right now in our family room so i would use it to buy flooring!
Josh S says
December 21, 2016 at 6:03 pmI would put it towards fixing up my kitchen.
darci paice says
December 23, 2016 at 9:56 amThe after Christmas bills, groceries 🙂
Soozle says
December 24, 2016 at 9:24 amI would use the card to update my linens!
Heather W says
December 27, 2016 at 8:24 pmmy kiddos have been wanting a trampoline for quite some time, and we too just moved to a house with acreage last summer, and finally have the room. I would use this card for that. Good luck everyone!
Nate Fuller says
December 28, 2016 at 7:39 amWe could reall use a dishwasher and to repaint our bedrooms, we’d be using it towards both of those things!
Patrick Siu says
December 28, 2016 at 5:50 pmI want to have a new kitchen table
Rhonda W G. says
December 29, 2016 at 8:06 amMy bathroom needs some renovating and so this would be a handy help.
Shane Smith says
December 29, 2016 at 4:18 pmwe have a medium scale renovation going on right now and another one lined up for right afterwards so I would use this towards the costs as they’re adding up!
Jonnie says
December 29, 2016 at 5:46 pmI would use this for getting my office more organized and pretty
Michelle D. says
December 30, 2016 at 1:23 amI’d use the money to get a video camera. So that I can capture my two year old kid’s moments.
s powell says
December 30, 2016 at 4:40 pmI would use it to buy things for the house
Wendy hutton says
December 31, 2016 at 7:27 amI would use this gift card towards a new dining room set
Jasen H says
December 31, 2016 at 8:56 amI’d like to replace some of the shelving in the basement, I’d probably use the gift card prize for that.
Cheryl MacPhail says
December 31, 2016 at 10:21 amI would use it to treat myself to some new clothes! 🙂
Bons says
December 31, 2016 at 5:16 pmI would use to pay for bills accumulated from the holidays.