Niagara Furniture Bank "Chair Affair" Getting it Clean

When I was picking a chair at the Niagara Furniture Bank Warehouse there were a couple things I was trying to keep in mind:

1. It has to fit in the trunk. 

We have a chevy Malibu, so there's not much room. I had to keep it small.

2. Don't go crazy. 

Considering I have never actually refurbished a piece of furniture before, (and I am super busy with three other projects, plus regular life with two crazy boys) I had to keep it manageable. I was on the lookout for something small and simple. Simple lines, some wood, possibly covered in a material I could paint on. 

3. Think of what someone else would want. 

Being creative is all well-and-good, but, in my mind, this piece will be purchased by someone to put in their house. If there's a warehouse of vintage pieces, I am going to look for mid-century modern, because that is hot, hot, hot at the moment. 

So the chair (barely) fit in the trunk. There were definitely some bungee cords used to keep the trunk from flying up. My very patient and loving Hubby did a good job, after he waited in the car with the kids the entire time I was in the Warehouse. Thank goodness for ipods and snacks. 

We got the chair home, and into the mud room. Immediately realized it had a vintage "odor". Began to wonder where this chair has been, and what kind of life it has lived. 

Filthy dirty, my first reaction when we got in the door,  "Nobody sit on this chair!"

Great profile. Kind of falling in love with it.

A little rough around the edges, with a small tear in the top.
What am I going to do about that?

So, first things first. I got out a bucket of hot, soapy water and decided to clean 'er up. 

As you can see, I had a lot of scrubbing ahead of me.
She was pretty grimy.

Well used. I imagined this chair had been delegated to some guy's garage.
That's the only reason I could think it would be as dirty as it was.
It was definitely well used. That means someone loved it!

Put my "scrubbing muscles" to work. 

Here's a pic I took after scrubbing half of the chair. Progress?
Thank goodness the grime came off. 

So, here she is. Much less dirty than before. Next step, sanding the legs and arms?
What do you think?

The Perfect Wedding

The Barn where the ceremony and reception were held. 

I was so excited to attend Bonnie and Adam's wedding on Thursday. Not only would we be witnessing two wonderful people being joined together in wedded bliss, but we would be sharing the day with old friends whom we don't see often enough (isn't that always the case?!) at the beautiful Ball's Falls in Jordan, Ontario. 


We arrived an hour early, which gave me a chance to wander the grounds and take some photos. 


I have loved this conservation area, the huge historic barns and outbuildings, since Mike introduced me to them, when we were first dating. It's a gorgeous spot. I was beyond thrilled that the wedding was going to be there!

A table near one of the open windows. A welcome breeze flowed through.

Doilies noted seating placement at the front door

Bonnie and Adam opted to take advantage of the many photo opportunities abounding at Ball's Falls and met one another before the ceremony. The love and adoration in their eyes upon seeing one another was evident. This was going to be a very special day.

I felt like a bit of a stalker, but couldn't pass up the chance of getting some pictures of the wedding party  on these historical grounds. I asked the professional photographers if they would mind if I tagged along behind them. As long as I stayed well out of their way, I was welcome. I left Mike to chat with some of his friends and excitedly ran to catch up with the happy couple and photogs.

His first look at Bonnie in her wedding dress. ( I am hiding behind a bush)

So Happy!

Beautiful hydrangea bouquet

In front of the Grist Mill

A painting of the Grist Mill, I painted, in watercolour, years ago. 

Sitting on the wall, overlooking the waterfall
(which, with the lack of rain this Spring, was sadly, very dry)

This was actually a group shot, but I couldn't resist getting a close-up
of Bonnie and Adam holding hands. 

Bonnie and Amy, being normal. LOL

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Hally's hair (Bonnie's Niece/the flower girl) while she waited for the
professional photographers to set up another shot. (Shh! She doesn't know I took it!) 

The Flower Girl, Bride and Matron of Honor, with the bags Bonnie made for the occasion

The Best Men and Groomy, with the controversial "one-hand-in-the-pocket" shot

I headed back to the Barn, to find Mike and be seated for the ceremony. 


I have attended many weddings, all special and lovely in their own ways. This wedding was unlike any I have ever been to. There was just as much attention to detail as any other wedding, everything looked beautiful. The only difference -- it seemed so relaxed and carefree! Every person you looked at, whether they be a guest or member of the wedding party, wore radiant smiles. It was the most cheerful, comforting wedding I've attended. 


There's something enchanting about sitting in an airy barn, built in the 1800's, surrounded by a small group of friends and family. I wondered about all of the events that have happened there over the years. A guitar strummed and the sublime voice of Amy's daughter filled the air, along with that joyful anticipation, waiting for the Bride. 


I put my camera down for the ceremony and was carried away by two people who genuinely honor each other and the new life they are making together for themselves and for Logan, Adam's 11 year old Son. A very emotional moment in the ceremony was when Adam surprised Logan with a personalized leather cuff, a symbol of their love for him and the new family they have become. I will never forget that moment and the look on Logan's face as his Dad and Bonnie embraced him. Why didn't I bring Kleenex? 

Bonnie's Family From Left: John (Brother), Jim and Mary Hildreth (Mom and Dad)
Bonnie, Adam, Laura and Ron (Brother), Jenn and Dan (Brother) 

Bonnie and her Dad

Adam and his Mom

Adam and Logan 

A bouquet with one of the bags Bonnie made for her wedding party

Heading back for more photos after the ceremony

Can't resist a funny mustache shot

Hors d'oeuvre?

Bonnie's sweet hair pin 

The Cake Topper. Bonnie Owl, Adam Owl, Logan Owl and their dog, Ollie

Detail from Bonnie's dress

Bonnie. One of the sweetest people I know. 

Paparazzi ;)

The barn was decorated with these lines of photo memories -- great idea

The most peaceful little spot. 

Here we are, child-free for the night. (Thanks, Oma and Opa for babysitting!)
Thanks to Laura Hildreth for the pic!

After an amazing meal and some great, heartfelt speeches we were free to roam the grounds, enjoying the company, the surroundings and a dusk that was made all the more perfect by the live band. 

What can be better than a fab live band in an old barn - - breaking out the Johnny Cash? They blended seamlessly into the night, the icing on the proverbial cake.

Sarah and Jeff

The program promised a sweet surprise at 10 pm. Sure enough, at ten minutes to Ten, an ice cream truck rolled up, out of the darkness, into the light of the barn doors!

By this time I had been drinking and dancing and my camera was safe in my car. I can't wait to see some of the photos other people have taken.

Bonnie climbed aboard and served Adam and vice-versa. Let me just say, that if you are looking to impress your friends (big and small) having an ice cream truck at your service with unlimited trips up to the window- - this is the way to go. One of the children actually went up and hugged the truck.

While enjoying one of many frozen treats, Murray (one of Bonnie's nephews) remarked that this was "probably the second best day of my life".

I'd say the ice cream truck was a success. Soft serve ice cream cones, rockets, banana splits, slushies, ice cream sandwiches, spongebob or spiderman ice cream treats...we all hit the dance floor again afterwards with a sugar high.

Look at that barn! 

I would like to thank Bonnie and Adam for letting us celebrate their special day with them. We enjoyed ourselves wholeheartedly and are so honored that we were invited! 


We wish you all of the best for this new life together. Lots of adventures to come, in your move from Colorado to Alberta!