A few of my favorite things

The writer of one of my favorite design blogs, Decor8, is in the process of moving overseas, so during the month of August she has rallied a bunch of designers to photograph and write about their favorite things in their homes. I've loved reading and viewing the pictures and it has motivated me to de-clutter a bit (in an attempt to surround myself with things that I love as opposed to just things). It has also allowed me to look around my home and appreciate some of my favorite things. For a few weeks (or until I forget...or run out of things), I'm going to devote Thursdays to some of my favorite things. I've already posted a smattering of things I love, like this, these, and this, but I thought it would be fun to do something a little more regular. The process will also highlight some of my amazingly talented and thoughtful family and friends since most of my favorite things were made and/or given to me by them. Case in point:

A couple years ago Brad and I traveled to Seattle for a little getaway. One afternoon, we walked into a small children's boutique and I fell in love with this table, but I had to wipe my chin off the floor when I saw the pricetag. Brad eyed it up for a few minutes and then said very boldly, "I can totally make that." He says this a lot when I see something I like, so I simply rolled my eyes and we left the store. A couple weeks later, Pops (Brad's dad) came into town and for under $30.00, the two of them made the above pictured table - almost an exact replica of the boutique table. It currently sits in our kitchen and Grace and Lila use it every single day. So I'm thinking that my love and adoration for the table totally makes up for the eye rolling, right?

DIY Note: We made the table with chalkboard paint, birch plywood, some extra table legs that Pops had made for another project and a mixing bowl. Chalkboard paint rocks and I have several friends who have found small children's tables or desks at yard sales or discount furniture stores, painted the surface with chalkboard paint and achieved a similar result.