DH, tell me you love 'em............

I'm back in the kitchen, not doing much cooking as DH is traveling a lot.  Also, yours truly is on Atkins, trying to drop those Winter acquired pounds before I head home and indulge in Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam on my teatime scone, naughty but nice! 

Will he like them?  Maybe he'll be mad at me! Practicality counts, and he's definitely a practical man, so he should be pleased.  He'll be flying in from Dallas this evening. He checks my blog - I'm posting this while he's in the air and can't use the iPad.  There'll be a surprise waiting when he gets home!

As we know, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade.

When life throws you French treats.......even reproductions, and you are gradually adding a little industrial to the classical............why not French chairs!

The Marais chair is a reproduction of the iconic Tolix Model A chair - click for the interesting history. Found in traditional bistros across France for 75 years, these chairs, which now come in several bright colors beside the gunmetal finish I chose, are wonderful.  Beautiful originals can be discovered, if you're lucky, but are very expensive. The chairs can be used indoors and out as they are galvanized metal. They are not heavy and can be easily moved around.

Our small breakfast area in the kitchen needs an update - the old, bulky wood Windsors were literally on their last legs. The table, which I hardly dare show you,(at present it's part of DH's home office since he refuses to remain 'retired'), will be getting a makeover.  I'm hoping to sand the top and stain it grayish white......anyone tried that?  It's perfect size-wise, the legs are farmhouse style, and to replace it I would need a custom made one because it's an odd size..........

...........and, last but by no means least, are these chairs comfortable?  You bet.........seats are fine and the backs are amazing as they cradle your back making you think sidewalk cafe, glass of red, nibbling on a few macarons from Ladurée..............elegant Frenchmen and fashionable Parisian women walking by!

I purchased my Marais chairs here. Easy online order - received in 12 days, sooner than expected - a nice surprise.