Farmgirl Finds used to be housed in the lower level of my house. The rooms were brimming with candles and wooden bowls and braided rugs and a cash register. Rustic antiques, prim cupboards and vintage linens filled the space.
But then we moved the shop to its new location on State Route 9 in Augusta. We made a lot of trips hauling merchandise. It was a tale of peril and woe.
It occurred to me today that maybe you’d like to see what we did with the empty space. I figured since the little urchins worked so hard at helping me move shop inventory, they deserved a space to play, read, study and do schoolwork.
It’s nice to contain toys and kid clutter to an out-of-sight, out-of-mind place. Although that’s just a theory, it doesn’t always happen. It’s also a great excuse to tell folks, “My kids spend a lot of time in the basement.” You wouldn’t believe the reactions I get.
Here’s a glimpse into Never-Neverland.
As in …
Never promise your husband some day he’ll have a man cave.
It won’t happen … at least until the kids are grown. And by then you’ll need a space for all of the grandkids to play. Be safe, ladies.
Tell him to make his shop or garage or the barn as cozy as possible. And leave it at that.
Fill your space with kid puzzles and games, flashcards and crayons. And if you have to back pedal when it comes to the man cave promise — confuse him a bit. Do what you’re going to do with a room, but carve out a little man space. All you need is a comfy old chair or couch, and a TV.
It’s not really a man space, but he doesn’t have to know that.
And then you can say that you like to lock your kids and your husband in the basement every once in awhile!
