weekend recap

My sis and I refinished a couple tables. It was our first attempt, and they didn't turn out too shabby! We followed this tutorial on refreshing vintage wood from The Brick House.

I had lotsa cuddle time with the bestest.

I indulged a bit. My sister brought donuts over on Sunday morning, and I devoured some deep fried Oreos at a church festival on Friday. One of my favorites. Love 'em. P.S. I'm so awkward when I take photos by myself. Poor Chris had to take 4 pics just to get this one.

We went to visit and snap some pics of our reception venue. More to come on Wednesday! And we've begun a Sunday dinner tradition. This week we made Roasted Vegetable Baked Penne and Chicken Meatballs. I'm stuffed and ready for Monday!

on what to sit?

I've had a lot of things swirling around in my head lately. (And more viciously after having to tackle Duncan to the ground yesterday at obedience school just to get him to LAY DOWN. Seriously. Did any of you spend your Tuesday evening sweating in a room full of dogs and humans with a 50-50 ratio, laying on top of your 55 pound lab mix? You win, only if you have a 55+ pound lab mix. Yes, meltdown immediately followed.) Anyway, among the more pleasant things, I have been thinking about furniture. Yes, maybe jumping the gun, as we are currently mulling over countertop options, but I'm 50% planner, 50% overthinker. Lately, I've been overthinking the idea of barstools. I've found a few that I really like, but I'm worried about their comfort level, particularly because these would be ordered online. I'm drawn to the kinzie barstools from CB2.

I love the smart and sleek stools from Wisteria because the oak would very nicely compliment our bar, which will be in the same room. It would definitely tie in the look.

What do you think? Do we need to go with a barstool that has a back? I don't want our view from the kitchen to dining room (and vice versa) to be blocked, which makes the acrylic option, the vapor barstool from CB2, very appealing. It would still allow for plenty of light to pass through.

The above photo features two of the three options, the far left one is the kinzie barstool and next to it is the vapor barstool.

images: CB2, Wisteria

decor decisions

Well, well. How are you? It's been too long. Here's what I've been up to lately: One, contemplating the number of magazines that I subscribe to. Amazon was running a deal last December ($5 subscriptions for the whole year!) I now receive 5 magazines a month and am in over my head in magazine world! I love the ones I receive, but just can't catch up. See?

I've been putting my Whole Living on hold to read House Beautiful and Coastal Living in search of kitchen renovation inspiration. (Two) This past weekend we received a new piece of furniture that we ordered a couple months ago. This beautiful bar from Crate & Barrel will have the perfect home once we've renovated. It doesn't look too shabby now, either.

Maybe once we fill it up it will look a little more like this...

I want to get a tray to sit on top, but can't decide what look to go for. I love this galvanized metal tray from Pottery Barn. It would add a more rustic look, with the wood handles tying in the elm of the bar. Do you think the bottom would be finished nicely, or is there a chance it could scratch? Hmm..

I also love this neo serving tray from CB2. We don't have too many modern pieces so it might be a nice addition to the traditional-looking bar. Both would add a very distinct look. What to choose? Maybe I'll see which goes on sale first!

images: Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, CB2

eye-popping furniture

I've been thinking a lot lately about painting a couple pieces of furniture. I would love to take some of the mismatch or previously painted pieces and choose some dramatic, eye-popping colors. Do I need to have the remaining room decor set in stone? Or can I choose a nice color, then decorate around it? What do you think?

images: Lovely Clusters, Mary Ruffle

absentee blogger

Woah. What a bad blogger I've been. I realized that I have been checking some of my own favorite, but stagnant, blogs lately, without even having updated mine. I would be lucky to find out that you have been doing the same for me, but still so sorry! Anywayy, isn't this piece of furniture gorgeous? LOVE it. Have a great day!

image: mary ruffle

new bedroom furniture

Hello all! Did you have an enjoyable weekend? Mine was wonderful and went by very quickly, as usual. We ordered a new bed this weekend, and I can't wait for it to arrive. I'm going to go linen shopping to complete the look of our new bedding. It is also a bit larger than the bed we have now, so I might be in the market for some new nightstands. Any suggestions? Enjoy the beginning of your week!

images: Canadian House & Home, Crate & Barrel