As I’ve been visiting second-hand stores in the area with my mom I’ve, of course, been looking for some fun pieces for my kitchen. Admittedly, I didn’t really “need” anything, but it’s been fun to hunt for things that are special. I did get a little overenthusiastic, but I have tempered myself now. I did find the sweetest piece for my pot rail, though. I spotted it at an antique store and was immediately drawn to it. Can you spot it on the pot rail?
It’s this vintage brass “turtle” shaped grater. I paid about $40, which was one of my bigger purchases of that shopping trip, but I kept coming back to it and finally decided to buy it. I looked it up when I got home and it turns out I got a pretty nice deal on it. They seem to run in the $70+ range on Etsy and eBay. I also learned what the “tail” was for. It’s a coconut scraper! So, this is actually a combination trivet/grater/coconut scraper. I can’t say I have ever needed any tools for processing coconuts, but now I have one just in case. Whew. I know Jeff will be glad.
I polished up the brass with Bar Keeper’s Friend and it shined up nicely. I just love that it’s such a unique piece.
I’ve written before about having “a house full of favorites.” I will confess that I’m not always good at sticking to that boundary, but I strive for that. If it’s not something that will be a favorite, I shouldn’t buy it, even if it’s a good deal, even if I have a spot for it, even if I like it. Things that are favorites don’t end up on the thrift store pile and don’t feel like a burden when you’re trying to get organized (almost a year after a move.) Favorites are things that are useful, things you’re thankful you have, things that make you smile, and things that always make the cut.
It’s probably unrealistic to think that everything in your house will be a favorite thing, but that is a good goal to work towards.
And, I also bought another little thing that made me smile when I went to Lowe’s to get some pool chemicals (oh, I’m learning all about those!) I have wanted a plant to put by the sink and it has been surprisingly hard to find something that works! I have tried a few different herbs and none of them were happy or ended up looking very pretty. So, I bought a button fern for $8.00. I think the fern will like the light we get in our kitchen window and this one looked very happy and healthy.
Other than herbs, this is only the second houseplant I’ve bought since moving here! I had a bunch of house plants that I gave away before our move and this new house is darker than our last house so I haven’t wanted to bring in plants that weren’t likely to make it. Now that our kitchen is brighter, though, I wanted to add a plant. I will repot it in a cute pot, I love the touch of green it adds already.
This window overlooks our side yard and, while we can see some neighboring houses, it feels pretty private because of a large L-shaped hedge and huge maples that line our property. I’d like to eventually plant a kitchen garden with a little fence around it in the L-shaped hedge. That way, the view from the kitchen will be a sweet four-square garden and fresh herbs and veggies will be just a few steps away.
For now, I have a little plant by the sink. And, that’ll do.
25 Responses
He is so cute; I suppose it’s a he because all of your other kids are boys.
I find that I only want things in my home that I am willing to be responsible for, like dusting and cleaning. If it’s ‘too much’ I don’t buy it.
I think the fern will be a really bright spot in your home.
well, except for kitties, so maybe it’s a girl!
In houses past, I once moved from a very bright house to a very dark house that had 3 foot overhangs. My large collection of plants, including some choice orchids, slowly but surely bit the dust thanks to the lack of light. But ferns and ivy survived! You could easily grow some ivy there too. It has the bonus of being able to be trained to various topiary forms to keep it more upright.
I love button ferns! I now I want to go to Lowe’s!!
Marian, this kitchen says “French” to me more than any of your other kitchens. I love the pot rack and the rail over your stove, and the sconces next to the window are perfect. And the island/work table is perfection. Bravo on another beautiful transformation!
I tried to zoom in and see where the turtle grater was made, but it wasn’t clear. Just curious. A really “great” piece!
I see “Made in India” on my screen.
I’m really enjoying seeing the treasures you are finding. I’m at the stage in my life where I’m unloading. You’re taking care of my need for a thrift or retail store fix. Enjoy your treasures.
A little touch of greenery always warms up a space up, also I am smitten with that darling double sconce next to the sink window! So inviting and looking quite European 🙂
That’s such a cute turtle trivet/grater/coconut scraper! I lived for 35+ years on the east coast of south Florida and we handled lots of coconuts, but I have never seen such a cute coconut tool! Your button fern is a perfect addition!
Never saw a brass turtle grater before – so unique and is happily situated on that bar! My mom had a scraper (likes its tail) and I never knew what it was for. Again, learned something new with my visit to your blog! I love those ferns, They’re so cute. Once a week put it in your sink and give it a nice misting with a mist sprayer – it needs moisture and will do well there.
The brass turtle is very special and perfect for your collection! Am enjoying each day’s revelation SO much!
I found it useful and pretty to have an Aloe Vera plant in the kitchen. The gel inside the succulent leaves is a good cure for those little burns we get in the kitchen
I’m so glad you suggested this! My mom always kept an aloe vera plant in her kitchen, too. Raising 4 kids, it was a quick fix for any burns.
While living in Ireland we would visit an Indian shop which sold gorgeous colorful clay pots, brightly colored dresses and scarf, and tons of brass items. They too had brass turtles like yours!
Remember purchasing a good many items there for the gardens
What a cute find! Your kitchen is stunning and that light coming in from that window over your sink is just beautiful! So cheerful & inviting!
The turtle is the most adorable thing ever. Your mention of a garden reminds me, I tried your reciipe for cucumber salad yesterday. I had to make another bowl today. Its the best I’ve ever had. Thank yoy for sharing it.
While I still love to hunt and enjoy what others buy, I’m unloading myself. If it’s not a favorite, it needs to go even if I have a place for it. That’s a good motto. The craft and sewing items were hard to sift through at first, but it’s getting easier. Marian, your kitchen is just lovely. Bravo.
Oh, I am so glad! That is one of my favorites.
I’m sorry…what the…?? That beautiful button fern was only $8.00? At Lowe’s? Every time I go to Lowe’s (in Oregon), I’m shocked and depressed at how expensive plants are – even the tiniest of the tiny are at least $5.00. That was a very good deal! (Love the turtle grater, too!)
Yeah, it must’ve been on sale. The sticker said $15, but it was under $8 at the checkout. It’s very healthy and sweet, so I was excited at that price. Yes, the plants have gotten so expensive! Some of the small indoor plants are over $20.
I have a lovely collection of ferns in my north/east window and they are quite happy there. The fern you have is a lemon button fern, a button fern has dark green round leaves and low arching stems. I have both and they are so pretty together. Love following your updates, renovations, thrifting and antiquing.
Button fern – I love all ferns and have quite the collection. If I may be so bold – DO NOT pot directly into a “cute little pot”. Ferns need to be kept on the moist side, so if you pot directly into a ceramic pot, the water will most likely not drain well.
It would be best to double pot the plant – ie: keep it in the plastic pot (much better for moisture control) and then drop that pot into a larger, ceramic pot. Then, when you water, you should water your plants so well that water comes out on the bottom. Done with watering, drain all the water that it is in the bottom of the pot.
My Horticulture degree has served me well in the houseplant department ( I collect ferns and Sansevieria) as well as my outdoor garden – uber shady yard.
Love to see real plants in the home – could not live without them
LOVE the turtle! And the button fern is precious. I’m curious though…what it the chain, bell thingy hanging above your light switch by the door? Please share! It must be another great antique find!
I love hearing all about others’ thrifting finds……please keep sharing!!! LOVE the kitchen!!!