So glad you stopped by. Would you like some coffee? Lately for a fall touch I’ve been grinding fresh beans and stirring a little pumpkin spice into oat milk, finished with a pinch of cinnamon on top. Most days I drink it plain, but a seasonal addition now and then is such a treat.
I don’t buy pre-made creamers, though sometimes I prepare my own. Another favorite is a vanilla-bourbon style addition I experimented with last year—subtle and cozy with a touch of warmth.
I still make my coffee with a stovetop espresso maker—simple, reliable, and it produces a rich cup. My new stove (I’ve affectionately named her Beatrix) has been a delightful upgrade; I’ll share more about that and our renovation experience in a future post. For now, she’s a favorite addition to the kitchen.
I recently treated myself to a set of roomy mugs and I love them. They come as a coordinated set of four with pretty colors and patterns. They’re generously sized—perfect to wrap your hands around on a crisp fall morning.
Many of you have asked if you missed the before-and-after photos of our kitchen. You didn’t—our renovation isn’t fully finished yet. We’re in that final stretch where small details remain, but those final punch-list items seem to take the longest. So close, yet still not quite done.
I hope to publish a full reveal in the next couple of weeks that includes the before-and-after images so we can remember where we started. If anyone would find it helpful, I can also share some of the delays and hold-ups we experienced along the way. Knowing what to expect can be reassuring when you’re undertaking a remodel.
Someone once told me the last 10% of a remodel is always the slowest, and so far that’s proved true for us. There are always just a few finishing touches left, yet they often stretch on longer than expected. I thought we’d be done in June—ah, the optimistic timeline!
If you’re renovating, it can help to prepare for pacing and occasional delays. I’m happy to share details about situations we waited on and how we handled them, if that would be useful. It’s helpful to know when to be patient and when to speak up, so you can protect both your project and your peace of mind.
Despite the lingering tasks, we’ve been able to cook and make coffee in the kitchen these past few months, which makes me very happy. I love spending mornings here and I can’t wait to share more coffee moments and updates soon.
Thanks for stopping by, friend.
