Sunday, February 7, 2016

Sunday Funday

I need a clone. No doubt about it. I spend my days off puttering around doing this and that....but the more I do, the more I see that needs to be done. 

Either a clone or I need to hit Lotto. This way I can retire right now and have all the time in the world to stay on top of everything that needs my attention. 

For now, it's a bit of this and a bit of that. I'm so very grateful to have time off this weekend to get a few little things done. Next weekend will be an entirely different story and I'll be one cranky lady!

After the breakfast dishes were cleared away this morning I got to business. The stove was taken apart and given a good scrub, the dishwasher was humming along happily, and it was time to get to a few things that had been on my to-do list for a while now. 


The first was to nourish and polish my dining room table. 

I bought the table and chairs with the house because I fell in love with them during my tour. I didn't know at the time all the damage that was hiding underneath the tablecloth and chair cushions, but the scale of the table was just perfect for the space. 

I had to get most of the chairs re-caned when I moved in, and the table has most definitely seen better days. It doesn't matter - I love it regardless.

It's an antique set and I have no idea how old it is. The tabletop is dried out and scarred and burned in spots...it needs regular TLC to keep it looking it's best. 

Since there's so much sun in the dining room I make sure I use a product that not only polishes the wood but also soaks in and nourishes it. 


Doesn't that look great? I'll let it soak in for most of the day and then buff it with a soft cloth to remove any excess beeswax. 

There's nothing quite like the beauty of old wood when it's gleaming in the sun!

Another little project I've been putting off is treating my butcher block counter. 


I adore this counter, I think it adds a lot of character to the kitchen, but it's been abused through the years. 

I use cutting boards on top of the counter and never cut directly on it but that has most definitely not always been the case. The counter is scratched and cut and stained. It's pretty sad looking.  

I had been treating it with orange oil when I first moved in but then I did some more research and read about Tung Oil. 

I wanted something that was natural and food safe since I prepare meals on this counter. 

After a good cleaning I let the counter dry and then applied a fairly heavy coat of Tung Oil with some paper towels. 


Again, I'll let it soak in for most of the day and then buff off the excess this evening.

I have to do this on a day when I know I won't be cooking because I use this counter constantly when preparing meals. It's my primary food prep area. 

Doesn't it look wonderful? I wish I could get it to stay shiny. I might have to bite the bullet and try a different treatment on it in the future because the look I love really is a bit more polished than the raw butcher block. Any ideas? I'm open to all suggestions!

For now, the Tung Oil will at least make it look a little better. And it helps protect the wood from stains. 

Moving on to other little projects around the house....I have some extra knobs from when I ordered the new kitchen cabinet knobs way back when. 

They were the very first thing I bought for my new house, the day  my offer was accepted. Pottery Barn had them on clearance and I took a guess at how many I'd need and placed an order. I have a few extra, after all, but that's no harm. 


Aren't they lovely? And on clearance they were so cheap - I think I paid $2.99 each for them - and they are real glass, not acrylic. Love, love, love these knobs!!


One was going on the drawer of my little wine cabinet. The knob that was there is just dull.....boring!


It's the little things, you know? They really do make a difference. 

You may not notice a huge change but when the sun hits these knobs they absolutely glow - and that makes my heart sing just a little bit!


The other two were slated for the dry sink that serves as my bar. I picked this piece up at a garage sale when the girls were little, for $40. It's been with me a long time, through 4 different homes. 

And I never liked those little dinky knobs. 


Well, they shall bother me no longer! Again, just a small change....but it makes me happy. 

I need to water my many houseplants today and I have a stack of books calling  my name....


...and there are a couple of episodes of Downton Abbey vying for my attention. 

But first and foremost I am going to find some time to spend outside on this glorious day. 


There's a cold spell heading our way this week....Spring's not here just yet. 

Although you'd never know it today. 

Enjoy your Sunday, friends!



25 comments:

  1. It truly is the little things, isn't it? The little touches here and there, the little things we do to pamper ourselves...they all add up to a lovely life.

    We have a winter break coming at the end of the week (Yay!) and I'll be polishing my hutch and the piano and the other woodwork throughout the house. I'm with you about the time--we've got to win the lottery! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have tickets that I need to check.....I could already be a winner and I don't even know it! :)

      Delete
  2. You make me want to pull out a rag and some polish. I've been looking for something to put on my very old antique cupboard that sits on the porch. It is too large for the house, but I love it! I've tried several things but it needs something more. Maybe I will look for the Tung oil. I LOVE the new knobs! What a difference they made!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been wanting to change those knobs for ages now! I can't believe it took me so long!

      Delete
  3. Everything is sparkling at your house. I love the view where you are having coffee. Blessings to you. Stay warm this up coming week. xoxo,Susie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Susie - the wood stove will be working overtime this week!

      Delete
  4. I think you need to come over to my house and start working on mine for me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I truly don't know how you accomplish all you do and work outside the home. But it sounds as if the time this weekend to catch up on some things truly did you good. Not much is more rewarding than these homey tasks. and I'm writing down the name of Howard Feed-and-Wax!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do like that stuff for my antique wood pieces. It isn't like some of the other products that just leave a shine on top - this one actually penetrates the wood to condition it and help preserve it. I got it on Amazon!

      Delete
  6. Oh, you've had a busy day! Love the look of your table and chairs. You'd never know by your snaps that they're worn. Looks gorgeous. Your island looks good too! I adore those green glass knobs and you really did get a good deal on them. Your little extra ones look perfect where you've placed them. Glad you've had a good day and thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'd know they were worn if you were looking at them up close but that's ok, many of my pieces are old and loved. Just like me ha ha!!

      Delete
  7. For someone who works full time, you sure manage to stay on top of things. You're the homemaker's homemaker!
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't feel that way sometimes. I look around and see so much that needs to be done. If I didn't do a chore or two every morning before work I'd probably drive myself nuts!

      Delete
  8. You certainly were busy for your day off! I hope you left plenty of time for reading and relaxation. I love the little changes you made with changing out the drawer and door knobs. You're right - those little things make a big difference. Please be careful using that Howard's wax product...it has petroleum distillates in it, which affect the respiratory and nervous systems. It can also burn your skin. You might want to wear a mask and gloves when using this product. Be safe, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not know that, Melanie. Do you have a suggestion for a product that may be safer and still do a great job?

      Delete
  9. I love your lamp where did you get it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Overstock.com - they no longer have this one in stock but they have other gorgeous options
      http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tiffany-style-Sunrise-Table-Lamp/4450335/product.html

      Delete
  10. I have a similar knob...probably quite old, on the door into my bathroom! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yours must be a good bit bigger than these, Deb. These are quite large by cabinet knob standards but significantly smaller than a doorknob. Does yours glow in the sun? Mine look like jewels when the sun hits them - I love them!!

      Delete
  11. I have a similar knob...probably quite old, on the door into my bathroom! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. The butcher block island top looks amazing!! The Tung oil really brought out it's best. Replacing the old knobs with glass ones definitely made those pieces shine too. You did such a nice job making things look new and fresh :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It doesn't stay shiny like that, Karen, unfortunately. I wish it did. It soaks in and then you buff off the excess oil. It helps preserve the wood and protect it from stains but I wish it would keep it all shiny like that. I am going to research other options, I think, for the future. I love the look of a darker stained, shiny wood counter - dreamy!!

      Delete
  13. You've been busy with loving touches to tables and counter tops, which look wonderful and those glass knobs are fantastic.

    You inspire me, thank you.

    FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, that's so sweet, Lorraine, thank you! I think we all work to inspire each other here in blogland, don't we? That's part of the beauty of our little community!

      Delete

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment...I truly love reading your comments and I try to respond to each and every one of your sweet comments right here on my blog page!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
09 10