Thursday, May 18, 2017

What I've Been Up To

You know when I go missing for a while I'm usually crazy busy. Not only at home, but also at work. 

Yup, I'm one of those bloggers who has a full time job. 

I miss being here, but there are only so many hours in the day. 

I've been taking a bunch of photos every day so I can share my life on the Mountain Top with you. 

Today I'm going to share the side of the kitchen I never show you. 


Nope, not that view. I share that one often. I love that side. 

The other side. The side I hate. 


There it is, in all its glory. 

Granted, it's messier than usual because I was preparing to do a project. 

But it never really looks good. 

For one thing, I detest those railings. They don't suit the house even the tiniest bit, and someday they will be gone. 


This is what I envision to replace them. Perhaps with a combination of closed and open storage, so that I can store spices, canned goods, etc in there. 

But today is not that day.  Nor will it happen this year, as the new floors downstairs were far more pressing of a project. Unless, of course, I hit the lottery. 

However, there was something else I had been mulling over pretty much since I bought the house. 

And that was this. 


What is it, you ask? 

Well....does this give you a hint? 


If you guessed a pot rack, you would be one million percent correct!!


I have wanted a pot rack pretty much forever. And in my tiny kitchen, the only other location that would work would be to hang one over the island. 

But that would mess with all the sunshine I get from the skylight overhead. 

Nope, not happening. Don't touch my sunshine. 


I searched high and low for the perfect one...not too modern, could hang upside down, and a dark finish to match all the other accessories in the kitchen/dining room. 

I found this one on Amazon, and it was inexpensive and just the right size to buy TWO! 

Yes, please, thank you very much!

Of course, I was worried that once I had it up there and hung the pots I would hate it. 

Because apparently as I get older I have issues with change. I'm a weirdo. 

But you know what? I loved it immediately!


It really feels like a true cook's kitchen now, at least to me. 

And I don't hate looking at that side of the kitchen any more. 

It's utilitarian, for sure, but that can't be helped. 

I have no proper entry, and since we use the kitchen door as our main entry there's a boot tray there to catch our dirty shoes, and a hook to hang our jackets when we come in. 

That's my gardening jacket....isn't it pretty? 


I love having all my pots and pans right where I can see them. And I've cleared out an entire cabinet, so I can move some of my small appliances into the kitchen where they belong. 

Instead of the guest room closet. And the linen closet. Oh, and did I mention the downstairs laundry area?

The struggle is real, folks, being a foodie in a small kitchen. 


That's my plaid down blanket hanging over the railing....that's the one I use when I'm out on the deck, by the fire pit. It lives there permanently, to be grabbed easily when heading outside in the evenings. 

There's often laundry hanging on the railing to dry....like the cushion for the deck swing which is hanging next to the blanket drying...after I washed the bird poop off it. Yup, that's how my critters repay me for keeping the feeders full. 

But I don't see any of it any longer....I just see my super cool pot rack that I installed all by myself. 

Did I mention how much I love my new drill? Seriously, this thing is awesome. Best I've ever had, without a doubt. 

There's always a project in the back of my mind, and little by little I'm gaining the confidence and skills to tackle these things on my own. 

What's the next project, you ask?


This. 

It's planting time, folks!

Spring has finally come to the Mountain Top! 

Guess who's doing the happy dance? 

39 comments:

  1. I love your pot rack, how fabulous and all those pretty flowers look wonderful too. Can't wait to see them all planted in your garden.

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    1. I'm making progress on the planting, Marty....a couple of hours each morning before work, and again after work if I can!

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  2. The pot racks look great and seem to be an ideal solution for that space in your kitchen. I'm most impressed that you installed them yourself.
    I'm doing the happy dance with you to be planting in the garden again.

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    1. I was pretty proud of myself, for sure!! It's that drill/driver, it's so easy to use!

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  3. Those pot racks are in a perfect spot! It definitely makes that space look nicer. I'm confused as to what that little area is though...is there a stairwell behind the railing? I wish I had room in my kitchen for a pot rack. I could definitely use more cabinet room for small appliances, too. As it is, I just ordered a Cuisinart ice cream maker from amazon that's now on my counter. But won't be staying there after I make ice cream. So where to put it? Guess it will go downstairs behind my bar with all the other stuff that I don't have room for - bread machine, Crockpot, cake stand, popcorn maker, large stock pot, etc.

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    1. Yes, Melanie, you're exactly right. It's the stairwell to the lower level. I love that it's not closed in, but I don't understand the railings they chose - they look like they belong in a subway!!

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  4. The pot rack is perfect in that space! It looks wonderful! Such a great idea!

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  5. Wow, you had just the right spot for a pot rack and it looks GREAT!

    Happy planting ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I've been in my glory working in my garden this week, Lorraine! Finally, some color....now let's hope the critters leave my flowers alone!

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  6. The first thing I thought of was "wow, she's clearing a LOT of space somewhere". That's a perfect solution for a small space issu!. Now, tell the truth...you'll likely be pushing those pots together so you can hang some clothes on hangers to dry from those racks, right?? And I am always interested in a Do It Herself girl's tools recommendations. You go, girl!
    That's a good day's worth of work in the garden with that stash of plants there. I need to get out and buy some, but now I'm thinking the prices will drop closer to Memorial Day, so I may just wait. :P Not normally like me, but I'm having a slow start this year.
    Have a great weekend!
    Rita

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    1. Oh that pile of plants took me more than a day, Rita, but then again I was doing a couple of hours before work....and a little more after work!

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  7. Flowers look pretty and I love the pot rack too. It looks fabulous. Happy Friday and have a great weekend.
    xoxo
    Kris

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    1. Thanks, Kris, I can't believe it's taken me a week to get back to my comments - summers are insanely busy for me!

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  8. I love it! Perfect use of space, and kudos to you for doing it yourself Deb. It's wonderful that you're not dependent on anyone else to get things done, even though you have a handy dandy guy ;).

    xxx

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    1. He sure is a handy dandy guy, Doreen, but I love being able to do things myself!

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  9. Ok, now I want one! Looks great! Perfect for your mountain home.
    Lisa

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    1. I think so, too, Lisa - It makes me smile every time I come into my kitchen!

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  10. Well, what the heck happened? I had a nice long comment going and it disappeared. Hate when that happens.
    I love your pot racks and they are absolutely perfect in that space. Looks like they were custom made for it.
    I have a suggestion (you know me-as long as I don't have to do it myself I am great at the suggestions)...lol Have you thought about painting that steel railing either a black or oil rubbed bronze color? I bet it would virtually disappear and would also match the pot racks above it. Like I say just a suggestion...

    Have fun planting. Don't think I am going to get any plantings done this year with everything going on here. I hope your weekend is wonderful. xo Diana

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    1. Hey, that's a great idea, Diana! They sure would look a heck of a lot better!

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  11. The pot racks look great, and I am very impressed that you did that by yourself! I don't think I would have ever thought of such a clever idea. I am doing the happy dance right along with you because I have been out gardening and feel so at peace. Happy spring and happy gardening!

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    1. I'm definitely at my happiest when I see things growing and blooming around my house, Vickie! This weekend the veggies go in....hope my seedlings are ready, I've been hardening them off this week!

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  12. Hi! OH I do love, love that pot rack! Are all those black one cast iron? I have two cast iron fry pans that were my Mom's. Your yard will be so pretty when you get all those flowers planted! Nancy

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    1. They are not black cast iron, Nancy, they are all Calphalon pots, nonstick. I did have a cast iron pan but I packed it away to give my daughter as I never ever use it!

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  13. I thank you for sharing so much gardening experience. It was YOU who encourage me to try seedlings this year and I did just that. I have decided that planting the seeds right in the ground might me ok here in Missouri where spring comes early. I still have quite a few seedlings out under the bushes and under the deck too that I will give to my daughter in law and a friend here. It has been a little harder recognizing the seedlings than I thought. Lupines - easy but some are harder and look like each other. Also, the trees here are seeding up in the ground at the same time and throw confusion in the mix! Thank you for all you share!

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    1. I'm glad you tried seeds, Bernideen - you have such a beautiful garden I can't wait to see what you've planted!

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  14. Ha! I laughed at your comment about change! Me too. I used to be sure, now I am almost sure, I put things up, stare at them awhile, take them down...it's a sickness! ;) Your pots look great, bet you're thrilled to have them all right within reach and prettying up your kitchen to boot. Enjoy!!

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    1. I guess it's a symptom of our age, Kim! I swear that's why I haven't hung any more art in my living room....I'm afraid I won't like it! Although, I'm sure some day I will find just the right thing and it will all fall into place.

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  15. Your pot racks are great! Give a girl a drill and she can do all sorts of good things. I do like the idea of replacing the railing with storage. Who can't use more storage?

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    1. Exactly, Donna!! If I had storage for spices/cans there that would free up more cabinet space!

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  16. It looks great / enjoy your planting time. I just spent the morning planting seeds everywhere since its cooled off a bit and should rain tomorrow.

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    1. Nice, Deb! That's a wonderful way to spend a spring day!

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  17. I do love the new pot rack! Gosh, it holds lot of pots. Sure wish there was room for even a small one in my kitchen. I sure know what you mean about always having a new project in the back of your mind. Me too! That's what makes life fun. Building and adding new things. Poppy thinks I am crazy most of the time.

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    1. I'm sure Poppy is happy when the projects are completed though, Henny! Owning a house, there's always something to do, no doubt we are busy women!!

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  18. You did a great job on the pot racks! I love the repurposing of that space. It is always a challenge to get all the things done that you want done. Happy that spring is there! Have fun planting!

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    1. Thanks, Marilyn! Yes, no doubt it would be nice to have a clone!

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  19. I love that pot rack and would also love all those quality pots. No wonder you can turn out such amazing meals. :) Happy planting of all those plants. I'm having to do a little bit a day so that I don't overdo it and end up with a fibro flare but I sure am enjoying being able to be out in the garden again. Be blessed my friend!

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    1. Please don't overdo it, Debbie - you're smart to pace yourself like that!

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