oh no where did september go?

So, I've been gone for awhile, given that no one but my endearing husband reads this I'm not too worried about my fans; however, if you are interested in the WHY this is your answer:
We are in the arduous process of buying a house. Did I mention that it is tedious and frustrating? Have I said anything about how complicated a 203k loan process can be? Have a waxed poetic about the difficulty of working with HUD home inspectors? No, well let me tell you its like being the circus conductor person-thing. You know what I mean...awww, the ringleader. Seriously, if it wasn't for my handsome and extremely capable husband I'd (still) be in the gutter crying. Fortunately, when he found me there, he told me to put on my big girl panties and deal with it.

Thus, despite starting grad school, working part time, and doing 16 hours a week of internship, I am also in the process of buying a foreclosed house that needs LOTS of loving...hmmm, have I said that yet? That it is in dire straights? Here is my best example: I won't set my bag down in the house, but I will at the metro stations! Also, I always use hand sanitizer after I leave.

If you're wondering why we bought this house, its because we both had imaginary friends when we were little. Curious about the relevance? We can see the potential, and this little darling has SO, SO much. Three bedroom, two full baths, 1 half bath, basement (with knotty pine wood paneling, oh yeah, there is character), back yard with off street parking, in DC, close to a Metro, a sky light, wood floors, and that is just the bones.

But, as soon as my bebe saw this place he knew it would be good for us, and the ideas for fixing it up are just brimming over the top. Seriously, I can't wait for the papers to be signed and the construction to start. I'm sure from my description you can tell we are basically gutting it. Only one wall is coming down but the kitchen and bathrooms are gone, literally it is all coming out, there is some fine red shag carpeting to be pulled, doors and windows: replaced, walls industrial cleaner and then primer and then paint, tacky back Florida room that slants down toward the bottom: GONE (and when the second phase of construction happens a sun room will be added, but in the beginning it will just be a uncovered back porch), carport and scary shack in the back: GONE, garden needs to be planted, fun stuff happening with that wood paneling, and a brand new kitchen from floor to ceiling everything is being removed giving us so many, many options. I just can't wait.

This is just the beginning, and although I'm overwhelmed, I'm writing this all down, because I know the end result will be beautiful.

So, if I'm not around much I apologize, but it doesn't mean I'm not busy being creative or cooking. I've been doing both, but the idea of blogging is lost on me sometimes.

more obsession with the chair

So, sense most people have told me they don't really care for my awesome rocker a few posts back, I just want it to be known that other people really do like it and look at how versatile it is:

(photos from apartmenttherapy.com)

See the rocker is both sweet and sexy!

ps I want a fireman's pole in my home. Please and thank you.

Hmmm...fake flower conundrum

So, if you asked me "Chelsea, do you like fake flowers?" My answer would be "hell, no. They are tacky and cheap looking." However, I found these wooden flowers, and I bought them on a whim, and now I kinda like them. Especially in this "not really useable" pitcher that we bought at this cool art store in Akron, OH. Your thoughts? Are fake flowers always a NO! or is that only silk flowers?

If only I had $400...sigh

So, yesterday at the Georgetown Flea Market I saw two of these Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chair, which were made in the 50s. I've seen them before on Chair Whore and I really like them (although they do nothing for hubby who, despite the year, thinks they are too modern). When I saw them yesterday, in excellent condition, I tried to not get too excited, because I didn't want to alert the other onlookers to such a great find. So, I asked the seller the price: 200 a piece. That is a freaking steal. I mean way to much for my current pocketbook, but sweet Baby Jesus that is a deal, usually they are like 900 a piece. Anyway, a girl can dream. Its nice to know someone will have these lovely chairs at a (relatively) lovely price.

Awesomely productive weekend...

: Framed the prints from Peru that Adam and I bought.

: Homemade place mates...pretty cool if I do say so myself (finished product below).

: Adam made yummy bread from the book I bought a few weeks ago. Its no kneading necessary!

: The cool place mates with sandwiches made from Adam's perfect bread.

: Adam's find at the Georgetown Flea Market.

: My find at the Georgetown Market.

So, I have a huge problem with not finishing projects, and my husband is great at lighting a fire under me by giving me an incentive. If I framed the paintings from Peru and made the place mats that I bought fabric for three months ago, then I can get the awesome rocking chair from a few blogs back when we move. Thus the pictures are framed and we've eaten two meals off the mats. I'm super happy with the end results.  Although, what I'm most excited for are the cool things we found at the market...I'll eventually get this poster I bought framed and show ya'll that as well. Until then you'll find me juicing with my cool antique juicer. 

Rhubarb where have you been my whole life?

So, I have never had rhubarb, but it has always been a curious thing for me. All summer I've been reading blogs about women who ADORE it, so finally I went to the farmers market and fell in love with it simply because of the color...very cool. But then, oh then, I made this strawberry-rhubarb crumble, and now I'm infatuated. Simple delicious. It is so delightful that my tongue and taste buds are going crazy. Tangy and sweet...truly a lovely thing is happening in my mouth while I eat what is now my favorite summer dessert. Well that is until I make more cobbler!

chair debate

Is this chair one of the coolest things you've ever seen? Or, is it a crazy, weird should be stuck in a corner chair?

You choose and help this household come to an agreement!