Tuesday, March 11, 2014

A few of my favorite things...

Hello.  It has been a while.

I want to be honest with you...I have avoided writing on my blog.

At first, I thought I was avoiding it because I had no projects to share.  I have done less projects post kitchen remodel, but I still have some good photos/tips to share.  So that wasn't it.

Then I thought, I don't have time.  I have 3 kids, busy schedule, etc.  But then I find myself wasting endless hours on Facebook and on random computer games.  So, yes, I have free time.

Once I sat down and thought about my excuses, I realized my excuses are exactly why I haven't blogged.  Every ounce of me wants to use this blog as a place to vent.  To shout out loud my hardships, my problems, my worries... And at the exact same moment, I don't want to shout out my woes.  I don't want this blog to become a depressing forum of Rachel's whining and complaining.

So I will keep it simple:  I have had a crazy year.  And it isn't over yet.  And I have some really good excuses.

There.  I feel better.  Thanks for "listening."

Now, on to a few of my favorite things.  I wanted to share with you some recent finds/purchases that are too good to pass up.

1.  Our new dining room table.




It is made from 3 different fallen down barns, right here in TN.  A father and son duo delivered it put the final pieces together in our house.  It is solid oak and it is HEAVY.  If you need something handmade, check them out at http://rustic-horses.com  They use reclaimed lumber and love custom orders.




2.  My new Christmas tree topper.







This is also handmade.  I found it on Etsy.  It is stain glass, not too heavy, not too light.  I grew up with angels on the top of Christmas trees.  But every year, I kept thinking I wanted to change something.  When I found this star, I knew it was a winner.




She makes them to fit what size tree you have in your home.  There are different styles and different glass choices.  I am not from Texas, but I love my Texas star.  Check out her site:

One Stop Topper Shop















3.  Last but not least, my estate sale dining chair.















It started like this...a little disheveled.  My hubby thought I was crazy when I brought it home.  I was so excited at the potential.




I told him to ignore the old house smell, cobwebs, and the nasty fabric.  What he didn't see was the 3 layers of gross fabric underneath this one!  I ripped it as far down as I could, gave it some extra batting for extra cushioning, and covered it in some ikat fabric I have been holding onto for a while.  I kept it wood stained, because, well, that is just what I like.  But I think if I was a little more mid century stylin, this would look really good as a crisp white chair or teal.  Or yellow.  It has lots of potential.  And for $25, I was quite happy.

I love it.  I love it so much, I want to convince my hubby to let me find a set of antique chairs, and put them around our new dining room table.  So far, I haven't convinced him.  But I haven't given up yet.




Thanks for reading.  And thanks for being patient while I made my way back to this blog.  And thanks Karen for prodding me to get back in the saddle.  I hope I didn't disappoint.