The Adventures of Emmit Continue...

Dining Room Table Re-do Part 1

In our pre-'burbs life, we lived in a small condo which had a very small dining room. The hubs and I had bought a small dining set that fit perfectly in that space. This dining set moved with us to the 'burbs and somehow seems oddly small and almost cartoon-like in our new dining room. But we have "made-do" with what we have for the last year and a half. 

Confession: I often drool over the Sumner dining room set from Pottery Barn. I love everything about it except I think it may be a bit too large for our modest dining room.

Soooo....recently my wonderful in-laws purchased a new dining room table (so jealous!) and offered us their old table, which by the way, they have had for 30+ years! It's a smaller scale dining room table, but definitely larger than our current dining set. Of course the hubs and I jumped all over the offer. This table has hosted many family gatherings, holiday's, birthdays, and Sunday dinners - and now we get to continue these traditions! Priceless.

In it's current state, the table has several pot marks, scratches and general wear-and-tear. It is, after all, older than me! We were given "permission" to refinish the table. I had to ask for permission since it is an antique and has a lot of sentimental value to my in-laws. And I had to also ask myself - were we up for such a task of refinishing this table??? Of course! In fact, we got started on this re-do a few weekends ago....

Here it is in its original condition. It's stained pine. (No, it doesn't have metal legs, that's just the saw-horse we put it on)

After several yucky coats of stripper, it was lighter but not down to it's natural wood just yet. The hubs helped me sand it down. 
Oh - and here is the best part....

The hubs got to wear his LL Bean boots. Let me explain...the hubs is OBSESSED with his LL Bean boots and will wear them on any occasion possible. In fact, he would probably wear them to work (with his suit) if he could. I love it!

Here is the hubs hard at work! 
In his LL Bean boots!

And here it is after being stripped and sanded. There is definitely more sanding to be done to make the color as even as we can. But I never though it would be this light! I love it! What do you think?

More to come, so stay tuned!.....

Happy Halloween!

Sausage Anyone?

Photo: www.lillyarts.com

I'm finally back! After a long 11 days away for work and a small vacation I am  s l o w l y  getting back into the swing of things.

I was lucky enough to have yet ANOTHER visit from Ms. Ivy just in time for my trip. GRRRRR. She came and engulfed my entire left arm. The WORST case of poison ivy I have EVER had. My arm swelled up so much that I was referring to it as my "sausage arm". I know the words 'sausage' and 'arm' should never go together - but this was the only way I could describe my swollen arm. In fact, put my arm in a bun and you would have yourself a sausage sandwich. Ewww, gross mental picture. I don't wish a bad case of poison ivy on my worst enemy. Ever. My arm is just now starting to get better, 2 weeks later and counting. Her extreme comeback calls for extreme measures. Next up? Paying someone ELSE to remove the unruly weeds in our yard that Ms. Ivy seems to be hiding in.

Coming soon: dining room table re-do, stay tuned!

Duty Calls....

I hate it when work interferes with life...blah. I have to travel for work but will be back soon. I have some exciting projects coming up, including a dining room table re-do, so stay tuned. Be back soon!

Fabulous Five Dollar Find

As I was driving home from work on Friday, I noticed a bunch of yard sale sale signs for this weekend...hmmmmm. 

I managed to convince the hubs to spare 1 hour on Saturday morning to be my navigator around our surrounding neighborhoods while I try and scope out any fabulous finds.

I am not a regular yard sale junkie. But the thrill of the hunt is absolutely euphoric. After several blah yard sale drive-by's we were ready to head home when we saw yet another sign. The hubs decided to follow the signs one last time. Good thing he did, because I found this chair....

For only $5!!!!

I did a double-take at the price tag. Maybe it was missing a 1 in front of the 5? I looked closer....nope. This thing was only $5. I couldn't resist this purchase. It's in great shape. It seems to even have the original springs and horse-hair cushioning. The woman I bought it from said she had plans to refinish it herself but never got around to it. Can't wait to tackle this project! Stay tuned....

A Battle in the 'Burbs Has Begun!

Dear Ms. Ivy,

It appears that you did not get my last letter.  Once again I am outraged at your need to give me yet ANOTHER gross rash on my arm. Like I said before, your unruly behavior simply will not be tolerated by me or the hubs. In fact, this battle has now escalated to a full-fledged war that I plan on WINNING. Laugh you may, but I WILL NOT stand for your rash-giving ways and stealthy tactics. It is in your best interest make a prompt exit from our yard.


Sincerely,
Ms. I-Have-A-Gross-Rash-On-My-Arm-AGAIN