Today’s post has been a very requested one and I am SO thrilled to finally share how we built our dining table! When I first moved into my NYC apartment, I had ordered another table for this space that ended up being way too big. I returned it, and searched for the perfect table for weeks, but couldn’t find one I loved. Shortly thereafter Thomas and I started dating and he immediately offered to build me a table! I thought he was joking at first! Well, he wasn’t and come to find out he is incredibly handy, creative, and determined. We went out to his parents’ house in Connecticut and spent 2 weekends working on the table. It was a labor of love for sure, but SO worth it. Every time I walk by it or sit at it, I am overcome with joy knowing that we built it! Dining Table DIYMaterials Needed5 white oak planks (90″ long, 11.5″ wide, 3.5″ thick) 6 galvanized steel L-brackets 48 2.5″ wood screws 16 felt furniture pads 4 cans of water based matte finish polyurethane 1 bottle of single malt scotch (LOL – T added this in here as a joke ;))Tools/Equipment NeededBelt Sander with 80 grit sandpaper and fine grit sandpaper Power drill Level and square Dish soap Paint roller Circular sawStep 1: Sourcing The WoodWritten by T: “We used white oak for our project. This part of our table journey turned out to be the easiest step in the process for one specific reason: we had access to roughly twenty 8-foot long white oak planks that were given to my father from one of his clients in CT. (The client used to own a local wood mill.) Our table called for the use of 5 planks in total. So we were able to cherry-pick the lot of them to find the most plumb (aka level) and aesthetically pleasing planks for the top and legs.  We also happened to love the natural look of the wood and the character in each plank. My parents got to free up some space at their home (the planks were huge and weighed 100 pounds each!) so it was a win-win.” Step 2: Design“Once we decided to use all white oak planks for the table, we played around with a few design ideas and looks that we liked. We wanted something that would be simple, timeless, and chic—all while fitting the space in our SoHo apartment. We ended up sketching out a few ideas while at Kat’s sister’s wedding in upstate NY—which probably inspired the rustic vibe that the table gives off. The design is fairly simple. Three 11.5″ planks form the top of the table. Roughly 90″ in length by 35″ wide and 3.5″ thick. We used the standard or typical table height of 30″. We went back and forth on the base of the table. But ultimately decided taking the harder route of building our own, versus buying a pre-made frame (metal or similar)—and honestly couldn’t be happier with our decision. So we have a slight overhang on the legs which gives the table a nice depth to it.” Step 3: Cutting The Planks To Size“We used a circular saw to cut down the top to 90″ and then four legs to 26.5″.” Step 4: Sanding, Sanding, and more Sanding“Once the planks were cut to size, the next step was to put some serious sweat equity in—that meant roughly spending 16 hours over two days sanding every square inch of each plank. For the first run on each plank, we used a belt sander with 80 grit sand paper. You can see a big difference even with the first run in the pictures below! Once we gave each board a couple of turns with the belt sander, and put a smooth edge on all outward facing edges, we finished sanding with a fine grit by hand—this helped to smooth out anything the belt sander may have left too rough.” Step 5: Sealing the Planks“We wanted to maintain the same or similar color of the white oak while also protecting it from any glass ring stains, food, etc. So we decided to use a matte finish water based polyurethane (which is great because it has no smell!) We went with three coats in total, and applied it generously as to make sure not to miss any cracks or crevices. (Kat was a pro! See pic ;))” Step 6: The Final Assembly“So our wood was sanded, stained, and finally ready to be assembled—this was definitely the most stressful part of the project! You never know how well things are going to fit together and what the final product will look like—especially since it was our first ever build! We placed four felt furniture pads in each corner of each leg to prevent from scratching the surface it was being placed on. Then placed the four legs at a distance that allowed for room at either end of the table for extra seating. Next, we placed the center plank directly down the centerline and used 10″ galvanized steel L-brackets to secure the legs to table top. 2.5″ wood screws were used to secure the table after we pre-drilled the holes. (PRO Tip: coat the screws in dish soap to screw in with ease!) We repeated the same steps for the two outer planks as well and added a few shims (cedar shingles) to level it out a bit.” Step 7: Sit Back and Enjoy!“After the countless hours of sanding, staining and leveling…our table was finally complete. It was totally worth it. We have a custom made table that we made from the ground up and will have for years to come. We think it turned out well, given our friends still don’t believe we made it until we show them the pictures of the entire process!” I hope you are inspired to build your own table now! It really is a rewarding experience to build a piece of furniture for your home, by hand. For those who would rather purchase a similar looking table, I linked a few options below!

Who doesn’t love to watch Netflix and chill? ;) This post is a loooong time coming, and I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few shows that are binge-worthy on here, but this is a great start if you’re looking for something new to watch! I put this post under my Wellness/Self Care section because it’s just as important to rest and recharge as it is to go-go-go! Best TV Shows to Binge Watch Sex and the City I can watch this over and over again and never tire of it Emily in ParisThis new show is kind of like the modern day version of Sex and the City (Darren Star – creator of SATC is behind it!) but takes place in Paris. It’s definitely cheesier and more cliche, but honestly, we all need some fluff and lightness in our lives right now. It’s easy to watch and the scenes around Paris are beautiful Queen’s GambitThis incredible series is about an orphan turned world renowned chess player. It’s compelling and one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. BridgertonThis steamy series is addicting and you’ll finish it in 2 days! It starts a bit slow, but then rapidly picks up. The costumes are incredible and it’s basically like a Marie Antoinette 50 Shades of Grey… Cobra KaiThis is the modern day Karate Kid in a series with all of the original actors today. It’s really well done and has a ton of classic flashbacks. The OCI recently starting watching this show again and it’s bringing back so many high school memories. It’s a quintessential high school drama filmed in Newport Beach. An oldie but definitely a goodie LOVESO witty, takes place in LA, centers around quirky dating scenarios that you can totally relate to if you’re a millennialSchitt’s CreekYou will pee your pants watching this – the best Hart of DixieSuperrrr cheesy, but feel good, and light. A great show to have in the background. It follows Rachel Bilson as a doctor in a small townStranger ThingsI only watched the first season and loved it, haven’t gotten into the other seasons TBH, but first season was REALLY goodSex EducationThe second season JUST came out, this is a hilarious British TV show based on awkward sexual high school encounters SuitsThere are 9 seasons of this so you’ll be occupied for a while! Really good show that’s easy to watch – I wish this series hadn’t ended!Royal PainsHappy, cheesy, and easy to watch, there are 8 seasons so it’s a great mindless show that takes place in the beautiful HamptonsLaw and Order SVUThe old Law and Order SVU episodes are so good, so twisted, and so easy to bingeGame of ThronesINTENSE action packed series, that I had a hard time getting through because I get scared easily and have nightmares LOL, but incredible acting and production Virgin RiverThis steamy series is about a doctor who leaves the big city to join a small town doctor’s office. There’s romance, mystery, crime! Selling SunsetThis reality show follows an LA real estate firm. It’s flashy, obnoxious, and over the top, but in the best way. The Hills, The Hills: New BeginningsI’ve gotten so desperate that I am starting to rewatch The Hills LOL. Juicy reality TV that takes place in LA… drama, friendship, love, ridiculousness…YOUAddicting, twisted, creepy and yet the main character who is a murderer is somehow likable. Takes place today in NYC and LA – season 3 is coming soon!DexterA murder mystery series that has lighthearted moments that balance it out – intense but so well writtenMarvelous Mrs. MaiselAn award winning show for a reason. The acting is amazing, the 1950s costumes are gorgeous, and it will make you laughThe CrownA captivating series about the Royal family. The first seasons were way better than the current one – in my opinion!Money HeistYou’ll be on the edge of your seat (in a good way) watching this series. So many twists and turns – adventure packed LupinThis Paris thriller on Netflix is incredible! A son tries to redeem his father’s legacy after he was wrongly convicted by a wealthy French businessman. It’s full of mystery and secrets.Gossip GirlA classic series that I can watch again and again, XOXOLuciferOMG Tom Ellis the main character is so gorgeous – if anything watch it just to see him shirtless LOL!!! He plays a devil reincarnated on earth living in LA. SO good and it’s coming back for another season! YellowstoneThomas recently got me into this show – and I have to admit, I didn’t think I’d like it and I really do. It’s super intense, takes place on a beautiful ranch in Montana, and has a ton of twists and turns. Great to watch with your significant otherMad MenThis series captured the 1950s in NYC’s ad world perfectly. The sets, the costumes and acting were all on point. Such a unique, special showScandalTBH I only watched a few shows on and off, but the ones I did watch were so good. Kerry Washington is incredible and I’ve been meaning to sit down and watch the series from start to finish!HomelandSame thing with this series, I only watched the first few seasons, but they were really good. VERY intense, and drama/action pack filled but great if you love crime, action, mysteryBodyguardCan they please come out with another season?! Thrilling series following a high profile government bodyguard saving London from terrorist attacksDead to MeThis was AMAZING! I don’t know anyone who didn’t like this show – SO goodThe Assassination of Gianni VersaceVery dark and extremely disturbing, but fascinating nonetheless. The actor won an award for his performance – which was truly well deservedRussian DollQuirky and weird, but really well done. This is a short, quick series to watch one weekend LovesickThis British show is a feel good series that follows the lives of 3 friends who live in a flat and 2 of which are secretly in loveTales of the CityTakes place in SF, about a group of friends who reside in an LGBTQ community home. Heartwarming and captivatingOzarkA small town accountant gets caught up with drug lords who are controlling him and his family. A thrilling and ironic storyRiverdaleA murder mystery show centered around a group of high schoolers – so many good twists and turnsMorning ShowI’ve never watched this but had to include because everyone’s been raving about it! I need to watch it ASAP!Breaking BadI watched this entire series front to back and was SO sad when it ended! A small town professor turns into a drug dealer and has a complete mental breakdown – this show will keep you on your toes!ImpostersI feel like this show ended way too soon! Can they please bring back one more season?! Playful and mysterious with comedy mixed in, this series follows a con woman and all of the flings she picks up along the wayBillionsA billionaire who lives a fast, lavish lifestyle is fighting to stay in control of his life, family and companyThe Girlfriend ExperienceRiley Keough was only in 1 season of this and I wish they had continued it! Her acting was perfect and she nailed the law student turned high end escort partAnimal KingdomThomas loved this show. I had a bit of a hard time watching it all because of the violence (yep I am a scaredy cat!!!) but it was REALLY well done. It takes place in California and follows a family who is involved in some serious shady businessSuccessionA billionaire news mogul and his seriously dysfunctional family fight each other for power, back stab, and jet set around the world. So exciting, well written and award-winning for a reason Home For ChristmasThis popped up on our Netflix when we were in Paris. It’s a cute Norwegian show that follows a girl who is in her 30s and pressured to find a boyfriend to bring home to meet her family for Christmas. Such a sweet, feel-good seriesBelow DeckI’m a sucker for a BRAVO reality TV show! Below Deck is one that both men and women will be able to appreciate!Real Housewives of Beverly HillsAnother ridiculous reality TV show that is so bad it’s good ;) Beverly Hills is my favorite out of all of the series What are some of your favorite TV shows to binge watch?! Any that I absolutely need to watch? A few that I didn’t include but am “reviewing” hehe and seeing if I actually like are…Fleabag, Modern Love (not loving as much as other people do), and Black Mirror (pretty dark the first few episodes are good.) Happy binge-watching!!!