This past week, while my blog might have seemed a bit quiet on the surface, behind the scenes, it was anything but. I’ve been intensely focused on bringing three significant projects to completion, with the most monumental being the extensive kitchen makeover that has consumed my time and energy since last October. This ambitious renovation journey has mostly been a smooth sail, a rewarding process of transformation, until a crucial and unexpected hurdle arose around Christmastime: the 1970s vintage oven glass decided it was time to crack.
The anticipation of finally wrapping up this kitchen makeover is palpable! My mind is buzzing with excitement to transition to fresh, new ventures, especially the creation of my dream studioffice. However, my primary goal remains to fully complete the kitchen, along with a crucial update to our foyer—a project I’m thrilled to share with you all on Monday. And then, mark your calendars, because a truly big surprise awaits on February 17th!
A Kitchen Makeover Marathon: Out with the Old, In with the New Oven
The heart of our home, the kitchen, has been undergoing a complete metamorphosis, a labor of love that started many months ago. My vision was clear: to blend classic charm with modern functionality, creating a space that is both beautiful and highly practical for everyday life. Every detail, from the cabinet hardware to the paint colors, has been meticulously chosen. However, even the most carefully planned renovations can encounter unforeseen challenges, and ours came in the form of a beloved, albeit aging, appliance.
Pictured above is the vintage GE double oven, a true relic from the early seventies. Its history was as rich as its original color, a delightful (or perhaps infamous, depending on your taste) shade of Avocado Green lurking beneath layers of paint. When we acquired the house, a previous owner had given it an off-white coat many years prior. In an attempt to breathe new life into it, I meticulously painted the top oven myself using high-temp car engine paint, hoping to extend its lifespan and blend it seamlessly with our evolving kitchen aesthetic. The paint job itself held up remarkably well, a testament to careful preparation and product choice.
Unfortunately, the real issue wasn’t the paint or even the oven’s functionality, but rather its structural integrity. The fatal flaw revealed itself during our annual Christmas cookie baking marathon, a cherished tradition with my daughters. Amidst the flour and festive cheer, the inner glass of the oven door succumbed to time and temperature fluctuations, cracking beyond repair. Despite extensive searches, we quickly discovered that a replacement part for a 40-year-old appliance was simply not available. It was a clear sign that, after more than four decades of dedicated service, with its insulation no longer up to modern standards, it was time to bid a fond farewell to our reliable, if not ancient, kitchen companion.
The decision to replace it, though a setback in our timeline, presented an exciting opportunity to upgrade. After careful consideration, we welcomed a brand new, sleek, stainless steel GE double oven into our kitchen. Its modern aesthetic and advanced features promise not only improved cooking performance but also enhanced energy efficiency, a significant upgrade from its vintage predecessor. The installation, which took place just this morning, was met with eager anticipation. The gleaming stainless steel now stands as a focal point, beautifully complementing the fresh paint and newly installed elements of our kitchen.
You can find the model that transformed our kitchen here: GE Double Oven. While the new appliance is everything I hoped for, its arrival wasn’t without its own set of minor complications, a common theme in DIY home renovations. The dimensions of the new oven necessitated an adjustment to the surrounding cabinetry, which unfortunately meant ripping out shelves that I had already meticulously painted and finished. It felt like that classic scenario of “10 steps forward… 2 steps back,” a moment of frustration in an otherwise smooth process.
Before the installer departed, he thoughtfully re-secured one of the shelves, bringing us closer to completion. Our next step involves finding the perfect microwave to complement the new oven and complete the built-in look. Once we determine its size and style, Ed will expertly reinstall the top shelf, and I’ll handle the final touch-up painting. For the second time, this specific area of the kitchen will finally be complete, allowing us to fully embrace the joys of a truly finished, functional, and aesthetically pleasing cooking space. The journey has been long, but the results are proving to be well worth every effort and minor setback.
Beyond the Kitchen: Exciting Discoveries and Personal Style
While the kitchen makeover has been a major focus, my week has also been filled with other inspiring moments and exciting discoveries that I couldn’t wait to share with you. These insights extend beyond home renovation, touching on areas of health, technology, and personal style.
A Vitamix Win: Blending Health and Joy
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Palm Springs, CA, for the Alt Conference, was attending a fascinating session dedicated to demonstrating the newest kitchen marvel: the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender. I’ve long been intrigued by Vitamix blenders, known for their powerful performance and versatility, but I wanted to understand their full potential beyond just making smoothies. This class promised to unveil exactly that, and it certainly delivered.
The class was incredibly engaging and informative, leaving me feeling wonderfully inspired. The instructor, Nicki Sizemore, shared a wealth of knowledge, demonstrating not only how to master the blender’s functions but also showcasing an array of surprising culinary creations. One of the most impressive revelations was the ability to create piping hot soup right in the blender itself – truly Yum-O and healthy! I was so captivated by her approach to quick and nutritious meals that I immediately “stalked” her website, From Scratch Fast, upon returning to my hotel room, eager to explore more of her fast and healthy recipes.
My mind immediately started racing with ideas on how I could possibly save up to purchase one of these incredible machines, given their premium price point of around $650. However, during the class, Vitamix announced an exciting opportunity: they would be giving away four of their new blenders in a random drawing to anyone who Instagrammed a photo of what we created during the session. Without hesitation, I captured and shared a vibrant image of the smoothie bowl I crafted, not expecting much, but hoping for a stroke of luck.
The very next day, to my absolute astonishment and delight, I received the incredible news: I had won one of the blenders! The excitement isn’t just about owning such a high-performance kitchen appliance; it’s also about how perfectly this sleek, modern blender will complement the aesthetic of my newly updated kitchen. I’m eagerly awaiting its arrival on my doorstep any day now, and I promise that over the coming months, I’ll be sharing a variety of delicious and healthy recipes I create using my new Vitamix. Get ready for some culinary adventures!
Fashion Meets DIY: A Refreshing Style Moment
You all know my deep passion for DIY projects and home transformations, which often means I’m in my trusty paint clothes, knee-deep in sawdust or paint fumes. But I also have a genuine love for fashion and cherish any opportunity to swap my work attire for something a bit more stylish and reflective of my personal taste. It’s all about balance!
During my time in Palm Springs, I wore a particular shirt that garnered an unexpected number of compliments and inquiries about its origin. It’s this beautiful open stitch bell sleeve blouse, which I purchased from New York and Company. I wore it untucked, of course, a personal preference given my lack of a defined waist, which makes comfortable and flowing styles a go-to for me. It’s wonderful to step out of the DIY zone and feel effortlessly chic. If you’re looking to add this versatile and stylish piece to your wardrobe, you can find it here: Open Stitch Bell Sleeve Blouse. It’s a perfect reminder that self-expression extends beyond our homes to our personal style.
The StudiOoffice: Illuminating a Creative Space
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who generously sent me links and suggestions for affordable lighting options for the work table in my upcoming studioffice. Your engagement and willingness to help are truly invaluable, and it reaffirms why I believe I have the best readers a blogger could ever ask for. Thank you for your continued support and fantastic input!
I’ve diligently reviewed every single suggestion, and while I’ve discovered many beautiful fixtures, the perennial challenge remains: the ones I’m most drawn to invariably require hardwiring. This presents a bit of a dilemma for a DIY project focused on practicality and ease of installation. I’m now contemplating the possibility of having to opt for high-quality, efficient tabletop models to illuminate my creative workspace. The quest for perfect task lighting continues, balancing aesthetics with functional requirements, and I’ll keep you updated on the final decision and setup for this crucial creative hub.
That concludes this week’s update from my corner of the world. It’s been a week of significant progress, unexpected wins, and valuable insights, and I’m looking forward to diving deeper into these projects and sharing more with you soon.