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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. Â 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!!
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! 🙂
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!!
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!
Lucky! I’m so excited for you! Keep posting pictures!
Thanks so much, LC! I am very lucky!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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! 🙂