This week- the weekend view is all about random bits and updates at home.
From our silkies wandering by the camellia tree to butcher block countertops to baby shower fun and moving.
On the Move
My son Cullan and his girlfriend moved closer to her new job yesterday. She was making the 1.5 hour each way trek for a couple of weeks while they waited to move- and they are now just about 20 minutes from my oldest son.
Diem works as an ultrasound technician and moved from a job at a busy hospital to working in a clinic setting doing scans on babies. She is already much happier there- and Cullan is starting work with my oldest son next week. We are also planning on employing him for a few weeks until he gets settled- my big project to-do list is waiting. 🙂
Butcher Block Counters
Speaking of big projects- we have been looking at counter options for the cottage and are thinking butcher block is going to be the winner. We had granite in there and briefly considered marble. But as I have mentioned before- the cottage really leans more rustic and masculine in feeling and I haven’t found a certain marble that I feel fits the space yet. Plus, since we are planning that someone might stay in the cottage and/or live there when it is finished – we wanted to make sure it was something that was okay to show dents and dings and old stains. I love butcher block when it shows age and use- so to me- that is a win- but my husband isn’t as sure. I will do a post all about what we end up doing. Anyone have butcher block counters? Any tips or thoughts?
Vintage Style Appliances
We have also been shopping for appliances for the cottage. We have an antique stove- that to be honest- has not been fired up in probably 10 years so we aren’t sure it works. And we also wanted to upsize the fridge to be more than just a mini. I will share what I found when searching for vintage style and what we ended up bringing home. A hint? It is SO CUTE. If you can describe an appliance as cute. haha.
Baby Shower Fun
That small family baby shower turned into the first time we have been together with several members of family since Christmas before the crazy started. It was so much fun and with most everyone that was eligible already vaccinated- they felt good about finally being able to get out & sit outside together.
My sister and I took a selfie with one of the chickens. ( she is a teacher so she is vaccinated already)
Silkies and the Camellia Tree
Because, they are both so cute on their own- and together- they created such a pretty picture.
I have been enjoying watching the chickens wandering in the garden and they have started exploring more of the yard. We don’t like to bring them out in the open unless we are out working right there- we have seen hawks and worry. Especially since the hens and some of the roos even- are just about 1 lb and tiny -tiny.
Wandering
This weeks wandering…
Inspire: LOVE all of these outdoor rugs – there are 20 of them- they are beautiful & Affordable.
Make: Love this post on how to install backyard lighting
Bake: This Lemon Spaghetti with Artichokes looks So good.
And that reminds me to get the post together on the Zucchini Manicotti- I think you guys will love it!!
Coming your way this month
How to create a baby buggy flower arrangement
Easy Zucchini noodle manicotti
How to refresh your home using what you have on hand
Styling your outdoor space with no maintenance flowers for everyday & special occasions
7 things for spring
& more
As always- send any requests for topics, more info and Get the Looks you would like to see my way.
Happy weekend all.
Megan says
We have BUTCHER-BLOCK couNters and lOve them. We also puy them in our air bnb and we did have some guests cut directly on them so there is some wEar and tear but if you see it as some good ole character then its great! I love the warmth they bring to my white kitchen at home. ThaNks for all you do! Love following along!!!
Courtney says
That is how I feel about the scratches on it too- I think it is character. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it!
Margo says
My Sil just installed butcher block in her kitchen reno. She has a winterized cottage on the lake and Likes to keep a rustic feel. Six months ago i used walnut plank for the island in my kitchen when we had cabinets painted. Its a welcome change from granite which i did keep on the perimeter. I think wood is on its way to a big comeback, but thats just my opinion.
Courtney says
I think it is perfect for a rustic feeling- which is how I feel about the cottage. Walnut planks sounds interesting! Are they just thick boards? I bet that looks beautiful!
Deb says
I had butcher block in my former House. I loved it but you definitely had to keep it oiled to avoid rings from wet glasses. Aside from that, it was durable and gave me the warmth I wanted in the all white kitchen. I am now looking at my kitchen, thinking,”Yeah, butcher block. Hmmm…” lol
Courtney says
I hear you on oiling it. I would want to find something that seals it but that doesn’t darken it – I am feeling ‘light and airy’. And sorry about the possible new kitchen project on the horizon lol.
Ingrid Burton says
What do you oil it with? I just moved to a hime with walnut countertops and the former owner said she oiled them with linseed oil, but I don’t know what brand/type to look for. They’re so beautiful, i don’t want to ruin them with the wrong product. Thanks!
Michele M. says
You and your sister – filter or not- are beautiful
and your sweet chickens are so unique – the grey one looks like a dog with hair not fur!!!!
always loved the look of butcher block but no way we could ever have it here – my husband would have it looking like an eye sore in a millisecond. no way for us.
KariAnne Wood says
Thank you so much for shouting out my rugs! you are the sweetest!
Happy weekend!
KariAnne
Kiki says
We have had butcher block and love it. Im put it in our cur house. I like that its warm, not cold stone. And its quiet when you put something down on it. I may be th only person on earth who cares about the sound of my countertops!
Love your blog!
Adele bass says
Hey courtney!! I just wanted to say that i absolutely adore your bloG and your style! Soooo perfect in every eay🤗🥰 i have followed you since the very beginning And i never grow tired of your amazing contenT and photos. Your home is so very lovely and your French country sensibilities suit me perfectly!! Thank you for taking us along on your decorating journey……… it is all just beautiful❣️❣️❣️💖🌸
Dayle Matiowsky says
Hi Courtney! i am a big fan of French country cottage chic style. however, though my family celebrates both christian and Muslim Holidays, I would really love to see your take on decorating for the month of Ramadan. TRADITIONALLY with a french COUNTRY theme to it. Any thoughts? Since we are in the celebration month right now, it would be a nice welcome. who knows how many wonderful new THINGS could come out of it.
Nancy Johnson says
I have the best of both worlds; marble countertops and butcher block island. real butcher block, as in, I cut, chop, dice and slice veggies only (meat uses its own cutting board). I love the look and the convenience (my garbage is cleverly hidden in a drawer in the island that i open and just swoosh the scraps into).
you can’t go wrong with butcher block!