fire-roasted tomato salsa with cumin + lime

We had plans to go to the North Shore last weekend with friends. I was going to make homemade chicken burgers with black bean and corn relish and minted avocado mash. There was going to be rhubarb-basil lemonade and spinach and pistachio salad and fire roasted tomato salsa and chips. Hot dogs with doughy buns and salted caramel brownie sundaes. We made sure to have lots of outdoor games for the children; washer toss and bocce and croquet. Frisbee and baseball and loads of little nets for collecting butterflies.  And on top of that, the forecast was calling for nothing but bright blue skies and deliriously gorgeous sun. But early Saturday morning, my little Nikolas woke up with a horrible stomach bug and his pale face and droopy eyes told me we had to cancel and arrange for another day. 

I’m so happy we did. Just days later, my husband and daughter came down with the same awful virus and I’m not quite sure how I managed to escape it all. There must be a rule in favor of mother’s staying healthy and strong when the entire household has come to a complete halt. I mean, that would be catastrophioc.

And so, while my sick little family settled on stale toast and orange blossom tea and watched a marathon of Star Wars movies, I decided to refurbish a pair of old worn out chairs that I was just going to throw away. I had bought them on a whim many years ago simply to fill a void in my living room and even though they weren’t fabulously chic, they served a purpose and it worked with the overall design. I think the main reason I kept them around all these years is because I liked the shape. The back legs are slightly curved and they are generous and comfortable and they just worked in my space. I had been thinking about restoring them for a while and this just seemed like the perfect time.

Not really.

It was actually the worst possible time but I had already made up my mind and so, that was that. 

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before but I have been blessed with fiercely talented friends. Friends who tackle DIY projects and make them look fun and engaging and ridiculously simple. I called my incredible friend Cora-Lee who literally dashed over moments after work had finished to help me reupholster these rugged chairs.  And even though she had a million things to do (she was leaving for the US the very next day for an amazing rock concert) she still made time to help me and so I really have to thank her for that. I know that friends don't need public nods of gratitude but really, she was so gracious and patient and I totally owe her one. 

Anyway, the chairs are done and they look fresh and crisp and new and they add a whole new look and feel to my living room. There are some imperfections if you look closely but I don't mind one bit because I love the transformation. 

Oh and the best part?  I spent a mere $60 on materials for both chairs which I thought was more than reasonable.

How about you friends? Are you big on DIY projects? 

Comments

[anita walters]

The chairs look fantastic! Often so much time is taken thinking about doing it! But wow! What a change when it is done. Great project and thanks for sharing!