Moving in the Marais chairs............

Well, he seems to like them.........but, like most men, making changes around the homestead causes anxiety when something looks/feels a bit different.  Plonking one's derrière on the same old chair for years becomes automatic - it feels the same so one doesn't give it a second thought. Then a new chair usurps the tried and true, and, 'ifs, ands, and buts'(no pun intended!)take over the conversation.  We did add sliders to the legs - this makes them glide effortlessly on the laminate flooring - and yes, the iMac will be moving soon to the upstairs office, well I'm praying that happens!

Don't laugh............I forgot to hide the dreaded scale when taking this shot early today............I'm on a sensible eating plan (if that's what Atkins is) and weighing in about every 4 days!  It's working, but I sure could kill for something decadent right now, like a Cadbury chocolate bar, or even a hunk of crunchy French bread with my cheese.  When you're allowed to eat cheese without bread or crackers it just isn't the same!


...........and the ugly black briefcase bag?  DH is off again tomorrow on yet another business trip, flying away and leaving me here to love my Marais chairs alone, and to start thinking seriously about the table makeover I need to get moving on.


I would truly appreciate any tips on buying a small handheld electric sander for furniture refinishing products. If you use one please tell me the brand and whether you find it manageable.....and thanks to those who left nice comments on the chairs.

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.