Back to Blueberry Hill

I’m back today to give you the results of natural stain test #2 (White vinegar and a plain steel wool pad):

It worked much the same as test #1 (where I used apple cider vinegar and steel wool pad that had soap in it), perhaps a tad darker, and the jury is still out on if it’s any less stinky.  So, I’m thinking I have to go in another direction with this… perhaps a white or grey wash on the wood:

While I contemplate what direction to go… I’m going to do a 180 and take you on a little tour of our open-concept living area.  You in?  Here’s one of my favorite views from down here.  It’s standing right next to the sink/oven (coincidentally a place where I spend a lot of my time ;-))

Under the TV is a fireplace and it’s one of my favorite things about this whole space.  A big thank you to my mom and dad for dreaming up the idea years ago to take down half of that wall.  Genius I tell you.  A cozy fire to cook by and enjoy family-time around? Heaven on Earth.

Now if I were to walk around the island and look back, here’s what you’d see:

Down three carpeted stairs takes you to the play area (that red structure is a barn that Santa made for the littles a few years ago). And then to the left is the living room where we sit, relax on the couch and watch TV.

If you looked back from the living room, you can see into the dining room:

Now walking around the couch….

And back through the doorway into the kitchen:

Someday I’ll get a video blog together to give you a real feel but for now – that’s all folks!  Thanks for stopping in and stay tuned for some more improvements happening upstairs!

Cheers!