The Barn: Before.
Lots and lots of photos and words ahead.
The process of renovating the barn and making it my home is finally moving along. I could not be more excited about it or feel more grateful for the opportunity and experience.
I have to say that I have had so many mixed feelings about how much to share about the project in fear of what people would think. I know there are probably many people who may think of me as a spoiled twenty year old with rich parents who are building her a house. Yes, my parents are helping me renovate this barn into something amazing. I mean I am only twenty so my savings just can’t possibly be that big. But my family’s not loaded (how can you be with seven kids?), and I will be paying rent. We just work hard…well, some of the brothers like to play equally hard.
It’s definitely something that I am sure is hard not to think “Oh, she’s just living off her daddy and breezing through life”. In fact I am pretty sure I would assume the same thing.
My situation is very unique. While most of the kids I went to middle school and a little bit of high school with are off at college right now, doing what college students do. I am cooking, baking, photographing and struggling like crazy to try to be a sub par writer, doing what I truly love. I chose to speed through college and get my degree before starting this blog because school is just not my thing, never has been. For the first time in my life I am genuinely happy with where I am at. Most of the time I am a total basket case and stressed out, but I would not have it any other way.
When I started Half Baked Harvest, I did it because I loved cooking for my family and being creative in ways that also benefited other people. Did I think anyone would ever read it? HECK NO. I never in a million years would have thought that this is where I would be or what I would be doing at twenty. Doing something that I love, that I am passionate about and makes me happy (well unless my brain is malfunctioning and incapable of thinking of good recipes, that’s the worst).
In starting Half Baked Harvest I also discovered a new love of photography. Ok well, sometimes I love it and other times I hate it, but I love learning and trying to be better with every photo I take. I am not a person who wants to sit at a desk all day or who even physically can. An example, yesterday I had tons of computer work to do, so I sat looking at my screen all day. By five o’ clock I just could not focus any longer. I actually started jumping all around my brothers trying to annoy them. They thought it was so weird, so not me and so bazaar. It was.
Anyway, my point it that I am more than a tad different from most and even though I personally do not feel that renovating this barn is something I have earned, my parents do, and they want to help me do it. Sure, I could most definitely get an apartment, and have thought very hard about that, but why do that when I could do this? That would be just plain stupid. So from here on out I have decided to try (I say try because it is impossible for me to completely not care about what others are thinking) to be confident with who I am and what I am doing. To try to not think too much about the future and what could happen or could not. The biggest hurdle for me, the “what if I fail”. So much easier said (written) than done though. Maybe if I write it and say it enough, I will actually think it.
Alrighty though, about the barn now! Plans have been drawn and I have the picture in my head. It is something so unique and so amazing. I hope to share the drawings with you soon, but for now I have the before photos of the barn. We are applying for all the necessary permits now and if all goes well, building will start in June and end in September…if all goes well! I hear these building projects can hit snags, so I am trying not to get September stuck in my head as move in month… but I’m hoping!
Above is the outside. That garage door is going to become a beautiful door, and that door leading to the upstairs will be one big window allowing for tons of light.
A creepy, but cool, post that I am hoping will be incorporated into the final plans. All the little details obviously have not yet been finalized, but we’re getting there.
Behind those gates will be the kitchen with one giant island. My goal is tons and tons of counter space!
That’s dad. AKA the guy who helps me the most (READ: dishwasher) and surprisingly has great ideas for this place.
Where that cool door is, the big farm sink will sit. So excited about this sink.
Welcome to Spring right? I took these photos yesterday. UGH.
Snow please stop, so I can show you all the pretty views I have from the sink.
This giant room will be the pantry. Also so exited about this. It is going to be a very cool pantry and I cannot wait to show you my ideas for this space.
This is the upstairs where my bedroom will go. It’s going to be small, but I am good with that. As long as I have my kitchen!
So there you go. It’s hard to truly tell the size from these photos, but over time you’ll get the feel. If you have any ideas and or suggestions fire away. I would love to hear them!!
Hey Girl!
1. You owe NOBODY an explanation. I find myself sometimes in the same situation as you (oh her parents must have given her that this and whatever). Truth is we work HARD. While friends are relaxing at home after work I start my second job. Don’t let yourself be consumed or held back with what other people thing. Those who are not happy for you are not your friends.
2. That barn is AMAZING please please please keep posting pictures of progress! That is probably one of the most cool barns i’ve ever seen.
Keep it up!
Thank you so much, Abigail!! I will keep the photos coming! 🙂
you don’t need ot make excuses or worry what others think – ever. If you feel that a decision is right be at peace with it. Everyone’s life is different and everyone’s path is different – and I don’t think you could be anything like the overindulged kid you fear people see you as if you tried REALLY hard – you work hard and spend a lot of time taking care of those in your life as well – most 20 year olds can barely take care of themselves and feed themselves from convenience stores and restaurants – relax – enjoy – it’s going to be a fabulous place!
You are so right and thank you so much for the sweet comment!!
Have a great week, Cherie!
Do not worry about what others think. Even if your parents did have lots of money and give you all this, it is no ones business. Good grief it is your parents business to do what they want to do for their children. After all, who works for their money and pays their bills? They do!!!!
The barn is so pretty and I can’t wait to see more pics as it progresses. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Thanks so much for the awesome comment, Charlotte!! I always love reading them! 🙂
Love the barn. I’m so happy for you to be working over such a neet place. Loved the picts. Keep updateing.
Thanks so much, Joy!
Girl, I am so excited for you – and you really have no reason to defend yourself! It’s clear that you do what you love and you are GOOD at what you love. I wish I’d known this was my path when I was your age (OMG how old does that make me sound?!) Anyway, I am stoked beyond belief to see the after photos! It’s going to be gorgeous!
Heather, thank you so much! You comment means a lot and I am so exited about my path and that I know what I want. I was always afraid when I was younger that I would never know what I wanted to do with my life, but I am so lucky and fortunate for the way things turned out. Thanks again!!
Love this barn! I can’t wait to see where you take the place, it’s going to be beautiful! Keep positing update and pics please!
Thank you so much, Ariel! I will keep the photos coming!!
This is going to be amazing! I can’t wait to see updates on the progress. And you are more independent, devoted, and hard-working than most 20 year olds! Doing what you love is so important, and I think you are amazing at what you do on this blog! Keep it up!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Leah!!
I’m so excited for you, Tieghan! Your future kitchen looks like it’s going to be a dream. And you’re amazing at what you do and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
Thank you so much, Sarah!
Don’t make excuses! You’re doing what’s right for you and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I am so looking forward to watching this barn transform into your dream, so keep us posted on the progress along the way !!! Ps – sent you an email about photography – please reply when you can – I know you’re busy!! Thanks Tieghan!
Thank you so much, Kathy!! I love reading you comments everyday and am excited to share tons of photos with you all!! Thanks again!
Oh and I never received your email? Would you mind re-sending it? Sorry for the trouble!
This is going to be an amazing space. You’re so lucky to be so close to your family. Don’t worry about explaining choices and judgment! We love you for you and that’s why we love your blog.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Bri!! 🙂
I am so excited for you! I never, for one iota of a second, thought that you were breezing through life living off your parents. Blogging is hard work. It takes more time than I could have imagined. In fact, if I had imagined it would take this much time, I might not have started!! I assumed you and your blog were so successful that you were able to make a career of it. And I was super proud of you (yes, I realize I don’t know you) and happy for you because you are so young, yet had already found your passion!
Your barn is super cool! I can’t wait to see the progress updates as you transform it into your home and personal cooking paradise! The horse post is really unique and you should definitely keep it!
Blogging is such hard work and if I would have known, I probably would have been to scared to start too! Haha! So happy I did though. 🙂
Thank you so much for the kind words and reading along. It means a lot! Thanks Lindsey!
You seem like an extremely hard-working, appreciative, kind, person. You cannot worry about what others think. It will make you crazy!!! As for renovations….I’ve spent the last decade renovating property and remodeled my kitchen a few years ago (it’s still not done argh!) and my biggest pieces of advice for your kitchen, that I love about mine, is to put the biggest possible island in you can afford and/or the space will allow. Then put tons of outlets in it. And allow for as much seating as possible. Comfortable seating with an 18 inch overhang so you don’t bang your knees when you sit down (12 inch overhang is not comfortable at all to sit at). I also put in a 2 bay farmhouse sink. I love it! It’s deep, huge and I can load it with dishes. I got mine at Ikea and it was very affordable. Hope that helps. Good luck with the project!
Thank you so much, Jenn!!
I already have a big island with seating all planned out. No appliance go on the island because I want the work space! Also, the sink!! So excited about this. I am going for a big farm house one too!
Thanks again!
Oh dear girl, you needn’t be so hard on yourself. You are crazy talented and it’s clear that you work your bum off to make this space as fantastic as it is. You deserve every corner of that beautiful barn as your home. Can’t wait to see it all come together (especially that kitchen — counter space and farm sinks are my jam)!
Thank you so much, Stephanie!! You are the sweetest and your support is awesome!!
Oh and counter space + farm sinks = awesome!
That barn is truly gorgeous, you are a lucky girl!
I truly am! Thank you!
People who allow themselves to be vulnerable by putting their work out there, are the happiest and most fulfilled 🙂 You’re very brave! Totally agree with your parents that you deserve this! Can’t wait to see it when it’s finished!
Thank you so much, Danelle!! It means a lot!! 🙂
You just keep doing what you are doing! Keeping me excited in my own kitchen (with 3 boys under 5yrs) is crazy helpful and worthy of a fab barn and kitchen. I was just rummaging around my dad’s barn with him this weekend looking for wood and inspiration for my signs. He (amazingly) had some great ideas as well. From your mountains to my flat eastern part of CO, those “barn” dads really do love us daughters and let’s let them keep on giving!
Haha! They totally do!! Thanks for the sweet comment and 3 boys under 5!! You really have a crazy kitchen. Ha! At least it’s filled with a good crazy…well most of the time! 🙂
Tieghan, reading this post, I feel really excited for you. It sounds like you have a really amazing family who are supportive of your dreams in a huge way. And what your parent are able to do for you, I think is just awesome, and if either of my kids showed the ambition that you seem to toward something they love, it would be my pleasure and joy to back them 100% and then some. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out!! = )
THANK YOU so much, Crystal! This was such a nice comment to read. Thanks for reading along daily!
You shouldn’t worry so much about what other people think! But, totally easier said than done. I think it’s amazing you have such wonderful support from your parents and you shouldn’t feel guilty about that! You clearly work your butt off, day in and day out, and I can’t believe what you’ve accomplished at age 20. It’s so inspiring. Keep doing what your doing girl! Can’t wait to see the progress on the barn, so SO exciting. And that kitchen?! Sounds to die for!!
Thank you so much, Nicole!! It means a lot and I am excited you are excited to hear more about the barn!
Thanks for reading everyday!
I’m pretty new to your blog (I don’t know WHY it took me so long to find this. It’s so nice finding bloggers around my own age out there, especially one like you that I look up to and who inspires me) but believe me, do NOT worry about coming across as such. You strike me as someone how works incredibly hard, you are so talented, and your writing just invited me in and now I absolutely love your blog. So if your parents are willing to make that barn a reality, then you’ve earned it in spades.
And oh my god is that barn gorgeous. I cannot WAIT to see the after pictures!!
Aww!! Thank you so much, Sarah!! Your comment really means a lot and I am so excited you found my site! Thanks for reading!!
PS off to check out your blog now! I love meeting people closer to my age too!
There is no doubt in my mind that you are an UNBELIEVABLY hard worker. Anyone who puts out a post like yours everyday is amazing. Just one question – can I ditch my family and move into that absolutely gorgeous barn with you? Just kidding, I’d miss my kiddos. You should be very proud of yourself.
Haha! Thank you so much, Liz! You are incredibly for reading and commenting daily. THANK YOU!
Awesome renovation project, Tieghan! This is going to be so fun -I’m so glad you are sharing it with us!!!!
Thank you so much!
I cook lunch for my husband’s company once a week, for 15-18 people; and your recipes are mostly what I’ve been using since I found your blog. They love spicy food and your brilliant combinations of tastes are their favorites. SO excited you’ll have such a wonderful space for yourself, your cooking and photography. I have a 24-year old daughter and 2 sons; and we are as supportive of them as your parents are of you. People will think what they want; hold true to your values and your family and someday you’ll pass it along to your kids. Keep dreaming and thanks for sharing your talents with the internets 🙂
Thank you so much!! I can’t believe you are making my recipes. It still blows my mind that people are actually cooking up the things I make. Haha!! I am so happy everyone is enjoying the recipes and thank you again for such a nice comment!
Lucky! I’m so excited for you! Keep posting pictures!
Thanks so much, LC! I am very lucky!
I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that you’re not a spoiled little rich kid! I have similar issues with people thinking that about me and I am sooooo dead set about being a hard worker just like my family, I have never been brought up to think that I’m owed anything, I love working hard! We do not have it all by any means, my Dad has worked hard for 30+ years, but it’s good to be comfortable and you are so lucky to be able to convert such a beautiful barn! I’m only 22 and have my own place, but I didn’t get to convert it, it’s just an average house – I repainted, but that’s about it! And I now also have the problem of people thinking it’s all because of my boyfriend that I have this lifestyle at this age. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not worth worrying what other people think, even though it’s hard sometimes if it’s really blatant. It’s clear for everyone to see just how much work you put into this blog, it’s just fantastic. One of my favourites and I read every day!! I just love seeing what you’ve come up with and I’m looking forward to seeing updates on your remodel! 🙂
Thank you so much, Annie! We sound VERY similar and congrats on having your own house at 22! That is not something you see everyday anymore.
Thanks again for such a sweet comment. It means a lot!
Oh and for reading every day!! Seriously, thank you!
You don’t need to explain to anyone…and if people judge you, it’s them with the problem not you! Congrats on this awesome adventure! Love seeing the pics….keep ’em coming! 🙂
Thank you so much!! More pics and info soon I hope!!
What an amazing space, can’t wait to see what you do with it! And just keep doing your thing, girl. You are amazingly talented! 🙂
Thank you so much, Laura!! All your comments and support is amazing! THANKS for reading a long everyday!
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see the space and the sure-to-be amazing kitchen and pantry!
Thank you so much, Cindy!! I am so excited about the kitchen and pantry…obviously!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I think you are lucky yes, but more important you are grateful for your family and this opportunity. I know that the help my husband and I got from our fathers when we were starting out really helped jump start our careers. I applaud your honesty and for going for it. I know you are going to be a huge success, and I am so glad I discovered your blog a year ago and happily take this tasty journey with you!
Jenna
Thank you so much, Jenna! You are so sweet to leave such a nice comment!
Being different is hard, much easier to follow the same path then to forge your own. We need more people who can think for themselves, do for themselves, & Be themselves!
You are very fortunate to have a caring supportive family. Are you spoiled? Yes!…ur Dad does your dishes, lucky! Course he gets to eat your amazing creations, prob good trade.
Haha!! Thanks Sarah! And yes, you are so right!
It is so rusically beautiful! It’s gonna be SERIOUSLY amazing when it is done. You should share this with Design Sponge- the blog. She is all about home decor and such. She also posts recipes. I think she would love your stuff.
You are sooo hard on yourself. You’re blog is like my favorite. You set the bar high for others! Seriously!
I wish I had more time to work on my blog.
Aww, thank you so much!! Your comment was so sweet and thank you for taking the time to read every day! You have no idea how much that means. THANK YOU! 🙂
Don’t explain yourself…you owe no one an explanation.
If I had the opportunity I would jump at it as well. And if your parents ever sell their home/property they can call the renovated barn an in-law suite. So really you’re helping your parents out. 😉 Best of luck with the renovations!
Haha! Thanks so much, Jennifer!
What a blessing for you! Can’t wait to see everything come together : )
Thank you so much, Paula!
Your story resonates with me, as I’m sure it does with many others. Most of us experience the worry of judgement. Banish those thoughts and succumb to the incredibly exciting process of planning your beautiful new space! If its before state is any indication, it’s going to have inherent character with unusual appealing touches, just like your recipes. Best wishes!
Thank you so much!! It comment was so nice to read!
dont ever feel bad.as long as you show love,appreciation for things your given then your not spoilt just a lucky lady…everyone would take this opportunity.im very jealous!!but love it.
we arent all so lucky but i wanted to write and just say that doesnt mean for that reason we dont think this is a swell chance and you are still a great person for taking it.and brave for taking it on eh!!i for one just cant wait to see it finshed.
A lucky lady for sure! 🙂
Thank you so much, Kate!
Pictures: beautiful
Story: a lot like me
Barn: fantasticly great potential
Bonus: Picture of your Dad! Yay!
Good luck, and keep up the good work!
Haha! Thanks so much!!
Love this comment!
SO MUCH FUN!!! So much potential, canNOT wait to see this project progress!
Thank you!! 🙂 You comment means a lot!
I’m imeepssrd. You’ve really raised the bar with that.
Delicious Happens – Aw… I agree! She was my best pal! (For those of you who don’t know me – Micki was my dog – a beautiful Sheltie – who was my best pal for almost 16 years! The girl loved her toast!)
Anyone who reads your blog regularly knows you’re so hard working and deserving of all good things that come your way so just enjoy your new project it sounds awesome and please continue to share your photos and progress updates with us….I love the barn.
Thank you so much! You comment means a lot!!
This is so unbelievably exciting! I mean for you… but also for me to live vicariously through you, haha! I don’t believe there is one person that doesn’t think you totally deserve this. It’s obvious you are an unbelievably hard worker, grateful, and humble 🙂
Haha! Thank you so much! It means a lot!
LOVE the Barn and your story! You are Blessed to have a family who cares about you! Who knows what this will bring … maybe a new show on the Television Food Network filmed from your renovated barn! You obviously are very talented!
Thanks so much, Donna!! You are so right, I am so blessed!
But a show? I cannot even imagine!
good luck with the renovation! the space looks amazing. and don’t worry about what others think.. do what makes YOU happy!
Thanks Julianne!!
Yep, you do not have to explain anything to anyone – it’s your project, your future home, and with your parents help or not – you are working your ass off. No judgment from a blogger who is old enough to be your Momma! 😀
Thank you so much! Your comment was so nice to read! 🙂
I am looking forward to seeing what you do with this space. It’s such an amazing spot, and it’s wonderful that your parents are so supportive of your dreams and goals.
Thank you so much, Shaina! I am very lucky!
I think this is wonderful and you absolutely deserve any and all love. Rich or poor I know all parents would want to support and nourish their children regardless of how that looks.
Would you ever think of opening a B&B (not necessarily in your splendid barn)? Cook glorious breakfasts and blog all day to amuse your guests!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
I am pretty sure I could never do a B&B, just no my thing.
I kinda love it that you wanted to explain yourself because it shows that you know that you are in a special circumstance and blessed more than most. That humility is a good thing. While all your supporters are right to encourage you and say not to worry about what others think, your post shows that you are a grateful and not-spoiled person. Way to go young lady! Brava and good luck! We are all excited for you and can’t wait to see how your home progresses. And kudos to your parents who obviously raised a lovely, appreciative, and talented young lady.
Thank you so much. Such a nice comment to read! 🙂
Such a beautiful space for your new home! You really don’t have to explain yourself Tieghan, you are obviously a hardworking young lady, and as someone who still lives at home with her parents, sometimes being that close to your family all the time is work in itself! It will be so great for you to have your own creative and living space. I can’t wait to see what flourishes in this new exciting home for you 🙂
Aww! Thank you so much. It means a lot!!
I recently discovered your blog and IG account and I am in love. I think you are truly talented and very lucky to have found what you love doing at such a young age! Like you, I care a lot about what others think of me, but I am slowing learning to not let that bother me. Your work is beautiful…keep on doing what you’re doing and can’t wait to see your new home!
Aww!! Thank you so much, Lisa! I am so excited to have you as a new reader!
Wow, what a great place and to have the vision to make it into a kitchen is so amazing! i’m excited to follow your journey. I find it so inspiring that you found your passion in life and that you have gone after it with such gusto. I love your blog and I’m cheering you on!
Aww!! Thank you so much, Holly!! 🙂
Came across your blog unexpectedly just now, thank you for Tijuana Street Fries!! Your barn plans caught my eye but not for the same reason. You see we lost ours this winter due to the snow load of 4′ without a thaw, fortunately our draft horse was outside of it when the roof collasped but unfortunate for him currently with no barn. You say you’ll have a spare stall and my Abraham was wondering if he could come visit and bring his Mom-me??!! You are blessed to have such a lovely monitor, cannot wait to see more! Joy
I just started reading your blog and LOVE. IT. I am so geeked to see the beautiful space this barn becomes!
Awe!! THANK YOU! Hope you love everything you see!
What a blessing this barn must be! I love your blog and can’t wait to hear more about how your renovations are going (and, of course, about the yummy food your making!)
it is such a blessing. I am so thankful for it! 🙂
Thanks!
I’m just now seeing this somehow, but I just wanted to say that you ROCK. I know I’m only echoing what dozens of us have already said by now, but I’ve always been SO impressed by you, and anyone who reads a word you write must think similarly. I didn’t know for the longest time that you were so young! I think it’s an amazing thing that you knew what your dream was, that it wasn’t school, and that you went for it. And your dedication to your family is something that utterly inspires me. (Like someone else said, staying at home, especially in the hectic hustle-bustle of yours, is work itself!!) I’m truly inspired by you in so many ways ,Tieghan 😉 Thank you for such an honest and heartfelt post — I think your words show more than anything else why anyone’s misconceptions of you are just that, sheer misconception.
Oh my gosh and d’oh — I forgot to say I’m SO EXCITED for your barn renovation!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!!
AAAWWWWEEE!! Thank you! Seriously, your comment means so much to me. I am always afraid that people will think I am basically just spoiled and don’t work for anything, but you totally boasted my confidence. You are so kind. Thanks again and have a great weekend! 🙂
Cup of Jo just featured one of your recipes, so it brought me here. I’m super impressed by your photos and my only piece of advice for your kitchen as you’re planning is make sure you have some good light! My kitchen has zero.
Also, very impressed by your blog and what you’re doing at your age. Pretty sure I only knew how to make chicken and ramen. 🙂 I wanted to comment on this post of yours because you seem very aware and thankful for what you have which I just don’t see enough of from your generation. Because of this, I just wanted to say keep up the good work and go get that fricken’ awesome barn kitchen! I’ll be following along and trying out some of your recipes.
Thanks!
HI! Thank you so much for all your kinds words and for clicking over! 🙂
Oh and yes to lot’s of light, I think I do have that covered! Hope you are having a great week and thanks again for all the kind words and reading along!
Dear Tieghan,
I recently discovered your blog and I wanted to tell you that I love it, that it is awesome, and that your barn project looks so very wonderful to me!
Keep up the good work and your dreams, I shall be your fan forever.
Much love and a Happy New Year.
What a beautiful dream come true! The process is part of the wonderful adventure. Thank you for sharing your journey. I enjoy your blog and recipes and look forward to watching your adventure unfold. Happy New Year!
Damn, girl, I am jealous of you with that barn! ^.^
Thank you! 🙂
I am new to your blog so now I have to go find out if you moved in! You are seriously talented girl! The next Pioneer Women perhaps? 😉 I was wondering what camera/lens(es) you use and if you have any photography posts ( I searched but didn’t see). Your photos are exquisite.
What an awesome place. Your parents are helping you because that’s what parents do. I’m sure they couldn’t be more proud.
How magical!!!! You are my hero, finding what you love and doing it, and doing it young. I can’t wait to see the finished. What a dream come true, at least one of my dreams!!
Hey Tieghan! I just wanted to write a note to tell you how much I respect your candor in this post. Everyone follows a different path in life. And honestly, I really envy you for knowing what you want at such a young age! When I was 20, I had already changed my college major three times! 😉 But you’ve found something you love and are AMAZING at, so don’t let anyone make you feel bad for following your dreams. You rock, girl! And best of luck with the renovation 🙂
I think your barn is lovely—-and I, too, think you owe no explanation as to why you would have chosen to stay with your parents and renovate the barn as your personal space. As the mother of three adult children, my husband and I approach family life as “it takes a village.” When my daughter and son-in-law were on the house search, they lived with us for a year. In total, we had 8 adults (including my 90 year-old parents with good-sized health problems & dementia), 4 dogs and 3 cats in our 2300 square foot house–and four of us did our main living in about 800 square feet. It was cozy and fun! The kids need money now and then (and sometimes a lot of money), and why shouldn’t we give it to them? It buys opportunities for the family. Nothing makes us happier, and I am not quite sure where people came to the conclusion that when you gift your kids they are somehow ungrateful or spoiled! My parents helped us, and we’re workaholics.
By the way, where is this beautiful ranch? The notion that you are having a mild summer sounds great. We live in Davis, CA (between SF and Lake Tahoe). We have, and this year quite literally, blazing hot summers. Our whole tribe dreams of moving somewhere we have a far amount of snow and barely noticeable summers.
I’m just wondering, was the barn ever finished?! I’m crossing my fingers for a “Barn: After” post.
Hi Gabi!
The barn was finished and the post is coming up in early September!!! THANK YOU!
Tieghan, there are people who spend a lifetime trying to find something they are passionate about, and you have found it at such a young age. What I love is you went with it regardless. Peoples opinions of you are only true if you believe them, and I’ve spent my life teaching that to my own children. You have a gift you’ve been able to fulfill and you are blessed to have a family who loves you and supports you. It is the way to true success. I envy you and I’m truly inspired. I wish you nothing but the best on this journey. Your recipes by the way are amazing, I made your Apple Cider Chicken recipe for thanksgiving which, in short, was a game changer!!!!. I’m excited to see this wonderful journey continue to unfold for you, and I wish you nothing but continued success. It takes courage, and your doing it anyway. Don’t be too hard on yourself on those blank days, All the best!
Hey Jackie!
Thank you so much for these beyond kind words. You made my night!! THANK YOU!
So happy you loved that chicken, it is one of my favorites!! Thanks again and have a great week!
Wow I just stumbled upon your blog on Pinterest and I am in love! Keep doin’ you, girl! Your “after” pics for your home are precious and I’ve printed out so many of your recipes. KEEP IT UP!!! Xo
You are the furthest thing from a spoiled child. I hope I have a girl like you one day. You are pretty impressive! and a very hard worker, congrats.
Awe! Thank you so much! Have a great Thanksgiving!
At the end of the day, the only person you owe an explanation to is yourself. Don’t ever feel as though you need to justify your gains as they’re there for a reason. Be proud of your successes! You earned them. I just had to send a message as I stumbled upon your blog on Pinterest; I have to say you have the most gorgeous photography I’ve ever seen on a blog, let alone one that relates to food! Keep up the great work, I can tell you really work hard to make such stunning presentations. It makes me hungry!
Wow thank you so much Amanda! This is so sweet and really nice to hear! (:
Hi Tiegrah,
You did a realy gray Nov on making it your own. Oh and i really loved your couch area and i have one drawing that you might like. I am not sure how to add a pic here. But if you email me, i would be delighted to send it to you.
The process of renovating the barn is very good.
Thank you!
Being a parent of older “children” I totally understand why your parents are helping out, they can and want to, so don’t ever feel like your taking advantage. Your love and obvious work ethics are why they continue to help in whatever way they can.
I absolutely love how your project turned out and a little secret, you could build or renovate a dozen times and find something that wasn’t quite right. Kudos to you and continued success.?
Thank you so much Val! I hope you’re having a great weekend!