When I first started my blog, I really wanted my kitchen to be my studio. I loved my tall matching glass apothecary jars. It made me feel like I could earn a Martha Stewart stamp of approval. Which for some reason, mattered to me.
It all started with this coffee maker our friends Gareth and Emily gave us. They knew I had gone through three coffee makers within months of each other and they said they never use theirs and would be happy to give it to us. You know what? This coffee maker is the best one we have ever had! Yes, it is huge and takes up counter space but it is so easy to use and I have not once, had a problem with it. (Knock on wood.)
When we found out we were going to be moving, this was one of those “things” I knew I should let go of. My next kitchen is probably going to be small, probably not have a lot of counter space… It made it as far as getting put into a bag of donations. Then Reg and I “had a discussion” about it and he took it out of the bag and kept it on the floor of his den. He would not let go of it.
The next weekend it was time to make coffee. I got out my French press and sighed. I missed the coffee maker. Reg was right. It was given to us by friends, it does such a good job and makes my life easier. I went downstairs, picked up the coffee maker in front of Reg who immediately asked me what I was doing. I said something about him being right and sheepishly left the room and made a big pot of coffee for him.
Last weekend I went to Value Village and saw the mushroom kitchen containers we had in our kitchen growing up. As someone who normally buys small white plates for “the best” foodie photos, I could not believe I gave them a second glance. But they haunted me. I put them in my shopping cart, intending to put them back before I got to the cash register.
That did not happen.
I was worried having these would hurt every time I went into my kitchen. That they are such a strong reminder of my mom and our kitchen growing up that it would tear out my heart.
I am thrilled to say that they do the opposite. They warm and soothe this bruised heart. They make me feel more at home. They remind me of my mom, my family and my childhood… all in good ways.
I am shocked to say I am loving having a mismatching kitchen! I am donating the apothecary jars, replacing the “studio” look with kitsch and a little retro. The closer I get to moving away, the more I am making my house a home. Which makes no sense. Which actually suits this weirdo foodie just fine.
I’m so glad those mushroom canisters are bringing you joy, peace and good childhood memories. They came into your life exactly when you needed them!
How wonderful that you were able to find those mushroom jars! What a blessing!
Thank you Debra. They already have and you are right, the timing could not be better.
Thanks Susannah! It is a blessing for sure. I feel like my mom is with me in the kitchen.
Those are pretty cool. Glad to read they bring you joy. Very neat.
I inherited the entire set from my grandmother. She bought them from Sears. She worked there from 17 until her death at 85. I have the same emotions every time I see one. ♥
Hey Suzie, isn’t that coffee maker a black and decker under the cabinet model that you hang under a kitchen cabinet? I don’t have it, but I have the matching toaster oven (if it’s the model I’m thinking of.)
Thanks you THW! Cra_z_ladi, oh that’s so cool she got hers at Sears. It’s nice to know I am not the only one who has that tug on the heart when I see it. Randal, yes, it is! That’s why it is technically a “space saver” but I just put it in my cubby.