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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!!
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.
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 🙂
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!!
What an awesome place. Your parents are helping you because that’s what parents do. I’m sure they couldn’t be more proud.
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.
Damn, girl, I am jealous of you with that barn! ^.^
Thank you! 🙂
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!
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.
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!
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! 🙂
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 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!
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
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!! 🙂
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!