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This & That // Regular updates on your favorite recipes of the week, happenings around the farm, favorite things from around the web, and more!
Thank you so much for joining me for another This & That post!
But, I really need to be spending some of that time working in the garden! It seems like overnight the weeds are knee high and I’ve discovered ants trying to take over one of the beds.
Since we established this garden, I’ve been doing my absolutely best to only use organic materials, plants, etc there. If any of you have recommendations for a proven solution for crazy ant beds that fall into an organic solution, I sure would love to hear it! Pretty, pretty please!
A few weeks back, the kitchen island was installed at the Barn and I absolutely LOVE it. When we first designed the Barn remodel, I had thought that I didn’t want an island and that I wanted to keep the space free of any permanent furniture or fixtures. But, after we’ve used it for over a year now, I noticed that I constantly kept a cedar table that Bart built me in this same space and used it as an island.
It was really one of the most used pieces of furniture in the entire Barn.
So, I got in touch with Phillip who built all of our cabinets for the Barn and asked him if he could build this island for me. It took a while to work into his schedule, but I couldn’t have been more excited when he installed it.
Since the countertops in the kitchen are granite, we decided to use butcher block for the island top. So far, I’ve really enjoyed how it warms up the area and ties in with the cedar planking on the walls.
We also have (finally) decided to build a small cottage, cabin, hut, house, whatever you want to call it, at the lake.
We met with a few of our contractors a while back, but it should be a little bit longer before construction begins.
I’m definitely going to need all of your help making some of the decisions as we build! It has been some time (15 years or so!) since we’ve undertaken building a home and I’m a bit rusty! 🙂
Like, for example, where are the best places to find lighting?
What are the best paint brands and paint colors to use without being trendy?
What are some of your favorite resources for home design?
Anyway, I won’t bug you to death (hopefully) with all of these questions, but I sure would appreciate your help as we go.
Two of my friends, Jessica and Mary, recently released their latest cookbooks. I can’t wait to share recipes from them with you all! They are both just beautiful!
Your Favorite Posts of the Week
What I’m Watching Now
Lately, we have been binge watching The Big Bang Theory. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen an episode, I still laugh like I’ve not seen them before!
Are you ready for Mother’s Day? I’ve told my guys that the one gift that I really would love from them is the gift of time together. Nothing from a store. Nothing with a bow. Just them. I remember my mother telling me the same thing when I was a teenager, so I totally get the eye rolls. 🙂
I hope you a great weekend and enjoy the gift of time with those you love the most!
Love,
Robyn xo
Hi Robyn,
I recently finished several projects in my house, including adding a new island, new countertops, lighting and paint to my kitchen. I’ve had great success ordering lighting, mirrors and even the island from Wayfair. My countertop guy outfitted it with a marble remnant, and with a coat of Grocery Store Red from Sherwin Williams, it looks custom. I used several colors from SW from their Historic Charleston Collection and their Lowcountry series., and it turned out great!
Good luck! We can’t wait to see your new project unfold!
Hi Robyn,
I’m in the process of a kitchen remodel with a new island being built. I was going to go with a granite top for it like the counters. But I love the look of your butcher block. Where do you get that or how is it made? Did your cabinet maker make it? Also, what about upkeep and maintenance – keeping it clean without damaging the wood?
Also, for paint, Sherwin Williams seems to be a staple among professional painters. I used agreeable gray throughout my house. Seems to be more of a true gray that doesn’t tend toward being too purple or green or brown.Â
Maybe you could do a post in the future with all of the suggestions you receive.Â
Thanks.Â
That’s so awesome. Nothing is better for a cooking addict than owning a garden and even your location is super nice! I’m really envying now xD Awww, I cannot help you for any advices bc I don’t really have any experiences about them. Wish you find the best stuffs to build the best cabin, house or whatever you call 😉
The island looks amazing ! It’s perfect for the space .Â
Thanks so much, Shannon! I’ve really enjoyed using it! xo