A Kitchen Reborn

Review by: Do

Earlier this month we started to remodel our kitchen and dining area. I am thrilled to announce it is finally complete!! What a long and stressful project that was, but the results are awesome!

I think it turned out beautiful! I never really noticed before how terrible it looked before...I guess I had just gotten used to it.

This project was no easy task, and it certainly didn't happen over night (although during the process I prayed many times that it would).

Our transformation started over a year ago. We purchased our new flooring from Lowe's in January 2009 because it was an excellent price. Come to find out, it was mis-marked, but they sold it to us for that price any way. This was our first step in making our new kitchen a reality.

Then last summer we added in our new color scheme for the dining area. Previously it was a two-tone green/creme color that had really started getting on my nerves. I wanted to brighten the room so it would look nice and cheery. After many discussions, arguments, and color swatches taped to the walls, we ended up with a nice peach tone. I like the two/tone, arm rail look, so we continued with that. The top color is called New Peach and the bottom is called Island Shores (both: brand name Valspar, purchased at Lowe's). We opted for the decorative white chair rail.

In April 2010 we purchased our new dining area table and chair set, and my new bakers rack. We got them because, long story short, we ended up with a credit at the local Raymour & Flanigan furniture store, which coincidentally enough, is my husbands employer. So on top of our credit, he also gets a good discount. We stored those two items in our garage (mostly covered) for about two months.

In May 2010 we ordered our new cabinets. We did a lot of pre-planning for this purchase. My husband got quotes from everywhere. Home Depot, Lowe's, local cabinetry places, and wow were they expensive! We ended up ordering them from a local Bargain Outlet. I was really unsure about that route, but they aren't second hand or anything (which is what I immediately thought). They are all new, name brand, and in stock! The one downfall....my husband had to put them all together. He said they were pretty easy, and any defects/damages we ran into were quickly replaced by the store. While we waited for demolition day, my husband started putting them together and storing them in the garage.

June 3rd was demolition day, so the week prior we were removing EVERYTHING from the kitchen and finding a temporary home for it. My downstairs was completely filled and my sons room also was used. Take from the up, move to the down...over and over and over again. It's hard to find space for stuff in a house with no extra space.

My husband took that Thurs/Fri off from work and planned to baracade himself in the house to get it as much done as possible. My brother also spent the better part of that weekend helping.

The kids and I were asked to leave and stay at my Mom's house for the weekend. I wish I could have been more help, but I understand that more can get done without us there. These are just a couple snap shots from that weekend.

The new plan is a relocation of the fridge, and to add an island. We really needed more counterspace and cabinet storage area. We added 3 cabinets above, 3 cabinets below, and 2 drawers in the island section. The sink, stove, and diswasher remained in their same spots. We purchased a new gas stove (as the other was over 12 years old) and we decided to install an over-the-range microwave to save on counter space too. We extended the bottom color in the dining area to the top in the kitchen area, just to shake things up a bit.

And the final product......drum roll please.....

Kitchen before..........and..........Beautiful Kitchen after!!

Dining area before.......and.......Dining area after!!










I am still in awe as to how much of a difference there is. I love love love my new kitchen and dining area. I just walk in there...stop...and smile. :-)

As you have read, my husband was the main contributor to this fabulous transformation. Without him and his determination to get the job done, it would probably still not have been started to this day. I wish I could make him understand how grateful I am for all his hard work and sacrifices, which made this all possible. I hope if he reads this, he realizes how much we love him and how much we appreciate everything he does.

Up next...my new sunroom!! (just kidding honey) ;-)

Down in Sugarland

Review by: Do

Event: Sugarland Concert (w/ Luke Bryan & Danny Gokey)
Venue: CMAC, Canandaigua, NY
Date: 6/13/2010
Concert goers: Me, my husband, and another couple
Ticket cost: $25

Let me just start by saying that Sugarland is great in concert! Jennifer Nettles is a wonderful entertainer, from her strong vocals right down to her crazy dancing. If I had the chance to see them again I definitely would...BUT I would really have to think twice about going back to CMAC.

The CMAC is set up at the base of a large hill. Stage and box seating under 'the shell' and lawn seating extends up this gynormous hill. The earlier you get there and set up, the better seats you get. We weren't so lucky, and in my opinion, very ill-prepared for this concert.

Pre-game: Our hotel was over a mile from the concert. I really looked into our accomodations too...even calling the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce. All the hotels that were close to the concert were actually college dorm housing, as the CMAC sits right on the Finger Lakes Community College Campus. After reading reviews, we stayed at the Super 8.

I knew the concert started at 7:30pm, but failed to find out that parking opened up at 5:00pm and the gates opened at 6:00pm. After our really crappy dinner at Denny's (everywhere else was totally over packed with concert goers) we headed out at 6:30pm...and drove right into a major backup. We quickly decided waiting in that traffic wasn't worth it, so we parked the car at the hotel and walked. There went my outfit - ruined now 'cuz I'm wearing my sneaks!

We walked a mile or so to the concert, and once we entered the parking lot we came upon a huge tailgating party! OMG...how funny. We were under the impression, since it was clearly listed on the CMAC website, that "Tailgating is strictly prohibited"...yeah, not so much. People were dancing on their cars with beer cases on their heads! As I said, totally unprepared.

Game-on: So we ventured on in to the concert area and were met by beer tents! Thank goodness...or so we thought. A draft (24 oz) was $8 each - yes each!! Holy outrageous batman! And who can drink a 24 ounce draft before it gets warm...I mean really! No that didn't stop me from buying one (or two, etc) but it certainly prevented me from having one too many.

We scaled the all-mighty hill in search of enough space to plant 4 bums. We had to sit on the ground because, if you'll recall, we walked and didn't want to carry chairs and/or a blanket. I know, duh. We did find some half-way decent seats, and since we arrived 'late' we were lucky because the hill was FULL. It was cloudy, but wam, and it didn't rain...thank goodness because we didn't have an umbrella either (see above). And we were a ways up, so even the thought of having to get another drink or go to the bathroom was tiring.

The opening acts were fine. I'm not a huge country music fan, and I had never heard of either opener. The crowd seemed excited so I'm sure they were good. From where we were sitting we could barely see the stage, but there was really no hope for advancement. The CMAC has 2 small screens on either side of the shell. They were not on for either opening act.

Sugarland was great! They played songs from both albums and some from their upcoming fall release. The on stage graphics, behind the band, were phenomenal. The screen was as big as the stage and in the center they were actually showing the concert close-up, so it felt like you were right there. Around the center of the screen the graphics were constantly morphing and changing and they were completley mesmerizing. Good thing too, because those two tiny little screens, when on, were not cutting it. I love the song 'Stay', and she sang it beautifully. My husband was a bit sad she didn't sing 'Joey', which is his fave.

I must mention that the bathroom set up was impressive. There was one main facility in the center of the concession stands, and I thought for sure it would take forever to go. I was quite surprised with how quickly the line moved, and it was because the building housed close to 40 stalls. It was new, clean, and did not stink. No one likes a disgusting bathroom...no matter how many beers you've had.

Post-game: After the concert we walked back to our hotel, with about 100 or so other walkers. The walk wasn't bad, and I felt completely safe. There was a walkway on the side of the main highway through Canandaigua and it was very well lit. Let me tell you though, I sure was tired when we got back!

So as I said, I thought Sugarland was great in concert. I would highly recommend them - you won't be disappointed. I'm not sure I would opt for lawn seating at the CMAC again. For the price you can't beat it...but I think I would rather have paid more and been under the shell, with an actual view of the concert. I guess I'm just funny that way.

More fish

We went to the GA Aquarium on Monday, late morning. I think it's the best day, and time, to go. We managed to avoid the mad rush at opening, the afternoon elementary school arrivals, and the cleaning crews. I'm still not thrilled with their prices.

When they opened in late 2005, the price for an adult admission was $22. It is now $27 -- up one dollar since April 10. See this post for more information. All the prices are up. AGAIN. But I digress.

It is definitely a neat place. They have many nifty exhibits, though the new addition being built for dolphins has made the current tour smaller and less accessible. The one exception to that is the penguins -- they are much easier to watch. Dominic loved that. The Beluga whales are very impressive, but the whale sharks are my favorite. They are in a 6.3 million gallon tank which looks like a huge personal aquarium.


We had a lot of fun this visit; even my Dad was impressed. This was Mom's second visit, and she had a grand time yet again. Yes, it is pricey. I hate to think of spending that kind of money to look at fish, but I've been there three times since it opened and I still enjoy it. If you get the chance, you should go. Just make sure to keep your eyes closed when exiting the building; you have to leave through the gift shop.

My Mother's Day

Review by: Do

Someone recommended that I review my own Mother's Day...it never really dawned on me, but it's actually a good idea.

To make a long story short, I had a super relaxing, peaceful, hug and kiss filled Mother's Day and I couldn't have asked for anything more! The End.

I guess I could elaborate just a little bit...

First thing I remember is my husband got out of bed before I did...which is just weird. But I immediately took the opportunity to hog the whole bed and all the pillows. Ahhhh, so comfy.

Next thing I know I am being woken up by my loving family saying Happy Mother's Day, and holding my M-Day breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, AND coffee! They said I could even eat in bed, but I chose not to because I wanted to be with them.

My husband had taken our kids shopping earlier in the week, and they both picked out wonderful gifts for me. Steven picked a beautiful "mom" necklace, and Paige picked a matching ring. Plus, 2 scratch offs - 1 winner! Paige also gave me a hand painted magnet that she made at school. I love them!

From my husband, as we agreed, I was only supposed to receive tickets to the Creed concert (future review) that we are going to this summer. But since he is a cheater...I mean... since he is so thoughtful, he did get me little something else. On top of the concert tickets I received a gc for a pedicure, and the new Godsmack cd (future review). Plus, another scratch off - another winner! Love them too!

What I asked for specifically from my kids was just a day without fighting. Just get along. Don't fight over a seat at the table. Don't whack your brother when he calls you weird. Don't yell at your sister when she uses your head phones without asking. And let me tell you, they did awesome!!! Just a couple low level 'debates', but that was it!! Everyone was so content, I even had time to paint and work on my pastel!

On top of it all they even attempted to clean the house!! Steven vacuumed, and Paige dusted. It doesn't matter that they only did one room, it was nice of them to try. And my husband did 2 loads of laundry!! Be still my heart - I think I'm in love!

It was snowing here in CNY that day, but I didn't mind being cooped up in the house with my wonderfully caring family. I didn't need all those gifts, but I love the fact that they thought of me and wanted to get me something.

To make a long story short (or is it too late for that) I had a super relaxing, peaceful, hug and kiss filled Mother's Day and I couldn't have asked for anything more! The End. :-)

Hopping down the bunny trail

-an Easter post from Do

I have very fond memories of Easter from when I was little. I used to love everything about the holiday...from the jelly bean hunt to the beautiful Easter dress I would get every year. We would always color eggs and my Dad would insist we make one for my Gramma (I never really understood why). My mom would fill a large basket with a good amount of candy, including my favorite, fruit slices! My sister and I would always find as many jelly beans as we could...sometimes finding them in the butter, compliments of my Dad. We would always visit my grandparents and then head home for dinner.

Now that I am older I tried to create something for Easter that my kids would remember too. (Info alert: I have a 12 yr old son, and a 7 yr old daughter). I am happy to say that I think I've done it. For the 3rd year in a row I am knee deep in crafting our "Easter egg basket hunt". It was a huge hit the first year, and even now my 12 year old (who knows all the secrets) still asks if I will do it.

My first goal is to find the perfect place for the baskets to be hidden...which really isn't easy. The first year it was inside our cedar chest, and the second year it ended up in the laundry room. This year I was tossing around maybe putting them in the tub, or out on the deck, but I think I am shooting for under my daughters bed! Daring...I know.

Starting on the kitchen table where we have set out our family Easter basket with our colored eggs, I leave a typed letter from the Easter Bunny telling them we are playing a game this year (yes, the Easter Bunny is very computer savvy). Next to the letter I leave a plastic egg with a clue inside that gives hints to where the next egg (with clue inside) is hidden. Then the second egg leads them to the third, and to the fourth, etc. If they follow the clues correctly then eventually will find their personalized baskets filled with goodies!

It's so fun to watch them dart around the house searching for the eggs, and it seems to be a hit with both of my kids. I know eventually when my daughter figures out who the Easter Bunny really is, I won't get to create our fun game anymore, but until then I take great pride in making my silly little rhymes for them.

As always, after our Easter basket hunt has come to an end, we pile into the car and head to my parents house for Easter dinner. This year we're hoping to fly some kites and work in our annual Spring walk, weather permitting. My mother is an excellent cook, and even if the weather is crappy and we are the only ones that show up, it's definitely still worth it.

Have a Happy Easter!!

Look into my crystal ball...

Event: Inner Power Awareness Psychic Festival
Location: Liverpool, NY
Date: February 21, 2010

Last month my mom and I went to the local Psychic Fair. We go to this event every year, and we always have a good time. The fair doesn't change much from year to year. The center of the room is filled with rocks, stones, and jewelry for sale; circling the room are many tables of psychics, intuitives and palm readers, etc.

I'm not sure how many years we have gone to this thing and I have never had a 'reading'. My mom always does and we usually get a big kick out of what they predict for her. So this year I finally got up the nerve to have a reading done. I'm not sure why I was so nervous - maybe I have watched too many tv shows where the psychic always has such bad news. Anyway, I paid my money and waited patiently for my 15 minutes of fame (no really...you only get 15 minutes).

The woman I chose was an intuitive counselor, that advertised tarot card readings, spirit guide readings, tarot numerology, and spiritual counseling. She seemed like she might just have the info I was looking for...plus I had a coupon! :-) She started off by constructing a Tarot Numerology Report. Using your birthdate she figures out your personality type, soul, and, of course, your lucky numbers! Then she asked if I had any specific questions. Thinking nothing of it, I said "Well, I would like to know about my career". Little did I know, that question would be the ONLY topic she would discuss. I had to go as far as to give her the actual career I was envisioning for myself, and then she would consult her tarot cards for the answer. Although the info she gave me was interesting, it was nothing new. Yes, I would need a degree...duh...and it would take me at least 2 years to get it...double duh. Moving along, next I asked about 'spirit guides' and she then tapped into their world to discuss my career as well - not exactly what I was looking for from my spirit guide. How would my spirit guide know if I would be good at accounting or not...shouldn't they be concentrating on how I am feeling spiritually?

Needless to say, my first reading was a bit disappointing, but that certainly won't be the last one I ever get. I am well prepared for next time, and I am definitely not interested in asking any questions.

My mom and I wandered around the fair for over an hour or so. Among many other items, my mom bought a really nice salt lamp - that my kids insisted on tasting. I told them it was a salt lamp not a salt lick - but they're a whole different topic. I took home a very beautiful polished rock that was labeled snakeskin cracked agate. Agate is said to attract strength, and protect from stress, bad dreams and energy drains...and I can surely use all the help I can get.