Our Farmhouse Table

We purchased an unfinished table last month, from a local carpenter. He only charged $300 for the table with two benches. I love to finish items myself, and so between juggling the kids, (mostly Danny), and our trip to Jersey, I finally completed this beauty.  I've been wanting a large table that we could all sit at and enjoy meals together.  Admittedly, and non super mom status, our typical dinners consisted of me serving the kids at the old pub table, and Stephen on the couch, while the tv blared and I scrambled to feed Danny, only to eat last, with little to no conversation. This was a must for me.

So this is how we picked up our lovely table. Our carpenter did a great job and sanded it.

 

I made up my mind that I would be using minwax stain in special walnut. The first night I stained the table top, bottom and the top portion of the benches.

Over the next several days, I painted the legs with Zinnser primer. In total, I used 3 thin coats. I decided that the primer would serve as my paint, because I just don't have it in me to do more. (

Danny keeps me busy).

At this point, we had gone to Jersey for a few days.  Once we settled back home, Stephen assembled the table for me.  I lit up over it. 

 I let it sit a few days and then started my 3 coats of rustoleum Satin polyurethane.  I applied it thinly, using only a foam wedge craft brush.  

It's safe to say I'm in love with it. I'm in love with it, and my 34 year old self is not as energetic for these things much more.

And to think, I still want to paint our kitchen cabinets. 

Plantscape Inc. Review

It's been a while, since I've ventured into reviewing, and I am really excited to share this review with my readers!  I was contacted by Plantscape Inc. and offered a product in exchange for a review.  Upon browsing the wide variety of artificial plants and flowers, I was beyond impressed.  I had been wanting to find a realistic looking artificial flower for the new table we had built, and this came just in time.

I decided to chose the Hydrangeas, 12 piece.  Initially, I wasn't expecting much beyond the normal craft store flowers, but when they arrived, and I opened the very well packaged box, I was floored.  I couldn't stop saying, "wow"!  These flowers are so real looking, FULL, and beautiful.

I posted an image of them on my social media, and had received several messages asking about where I had obtained them in just the first hour I had them up.  I think any of the flowers or plants on Plantscape Inc.would make a lovely addition to any piece of furniture, needing an eye popping centerpiece, or any office, that wants to send welcoming vibes to it's patrons. The hydrangeas and allium are my personal favorites, but every single item is very well made, realistic and affordable.  A week before I was contacted by Plantscape Inc. I had browsed two local craft stores, looking for something similar, but found that the flowers were not full, and weren't anything to be desired for the high price tags.  The plants on Plantscape Inc. are affordable, well made, full and gorgeous.  I fully intend to purchase a few more items for other areas of my house after falling in love with the product I was sent to review.

The items are packaged, to prevent damage:

 Can you see, why I was smitten with these? GORGEOUS!

I ultimately decided, that I would trim the stems a little to fit

 nicely in this cute glass vase/candle holder:

See how realistic they look? AMAZING!

Plantscape, Inc. you have outdone yourselves, I can't stop bragging about how truly breathtaking these are!

I love our table so much, but the flowers from Plantscape, Inc make it POP!

So, now that you know how much I am pleased with, and love the hydrangeas from Plantscape, Inc. let me tell you more on the company!

"Founded in 1974, Plantscape Inc. is a leading national interior landscape firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We have over 40 years of experience in offering a diverse set of specialty services in landscape planning and design, landscape architecture, trees installation, plant service and maintenance programs and commercial décor. Our team of professionals have decades of experience in designing interior and outdoor landscapes using live plants and trees, especially tropical plants.

We have expanded our interior landscaping design business to include our artificial plant division, Commercial Silk Int'l (CSI), with a goal to produce the world's finest, most authentic artificial trees and plants for commercial projects. Our depth of experience, skilled craftsmanship and extensive capabilities in dealing with both, live and artificial plants and trees allow us to undertake a range of projects irrespective of the business and its scale, meet complex requirements and take on the most challenging landscape projects from planning to completion.

Our mission is to create better environments which will enrich the lives of people and help them feel more relaxed, productive and happier. We take pride in building strong partnerships with our clients and we’re proud to say that we still provide weekly plant care to our very first client. Our firm is driven by values and every project member has a passion for the most distinct and perfect landscape. Whether it's the creation of custom plants and trees to make your business a unique space or the creation of the perfect commercial landscape design and planning, our idea is to make your setting a better and brighter space.

Our departments constantly explore new, innovative ways to bring your dream landscape to reality. Whether you’re looking to work with a small space or want to do a property wide renovation, our team will work with you from start to finish to create a landscape design which will thrill and impress your customers for years to come."

One of the services they offer is interior landscape design. They have a team ready to work with you and make your commercial or residential area custom to your specifications.  The first thing that attracts any patron to a business, is the visual aspect.  If your business is presentable and looks appealing, it is going to draw in people.  Plantscape, Inc. not only carries artificial flowers, but topiaries, trees, plant containers, fountains and much, much more! Offices, Health Care Facilities, Shopping Malls, Restaurants, and Government Buildings could all benefit from this service, that creates an enlightening atmosphere to all who see it.

Please click here, in order to obtain these unique services or learn more.

Do you enjoy social media as much as I do? They've got you covered there as well, be sure to browse their social media platforms:

Plantscape, Inc. Facebook

Plantscape, Inc. Twitter

Plantscape, Inc. Google

Three Kids, Three Birthdays

So, I have this neat little thing, that I like to call my magic 3. I have 3 children and all of their birthday's fall within a month and 2 days of each other.  Their birthdays are 10, 11 and 12. I've always thought that was a little special as well.  My daughter turned 12 on the 10th of March, and she decided on a small sleepover, followed by taking her shopping. And, that she did. My feet hurt afterwards, but she had fun and it made it worth it.  Of course, being the pre teen she is, she decided she didn't want me to take photos of everything.  And, so I respectfully followed behind her. You know, us mama bears can be embarrassing and all.

Ethan turned 8 on the 11th. My sweet boy doesn't have any close friends and so we took him out with the family to an arcade, lazer tag and bumper cars.  He picked Waffle House for his lunch date and he received a few gifts.

The story behind this Five Nights at Freddy's Cake? Well, he requested a home made cake. I tried to warn the poor fella, that his mother is not a cake connoisseur. I mean, cupcakes are my thing. I can make a cute cupcake. Cakes? No. Just, NO.  So I had this all planned out, and then I went to write his name in red cookie icing that I had left over from Christmas.  Well, it spilled. To my horror, I was left to improvise. So what's a mom to do?  I had to make Freddy a little morbid.  Luckily for me, he was impressed.

My sweet middle child? He also broke his arm. Or should I say, one of his friends broke his arm. Boys...(sigh).

Danny, turned 1 on the 12th and same scenario. I literally don't know anyone here, and I opted out of a 1st birthday celebration after my parents declined to come out.  We aren't too fancy anyway, so he doesn't know any better.  He enjoyed a giant cupcake and opened some presents.

Danny also received his first haircut at a really cute kids place. I am a fan :)

I literally can't believe a year has come and gone. A year.  Wait, yes, yes I can believe it.  It has been a very long year for me. Perhaps I will get into that another time.  There really is just so much going on these days that it's hard to keep track of everything.

One thing I know for sure is that I love my three amazing children, more than anything.

Oh time, be still.

Let me watch the weeds feed the garden that turns into long tall flowers and a forest of tall strong trees.

Be blessed, dear readers!