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.

Mac and cheese

I'm always on the lookout for the next best mac and cheese recipe. I went to one of my favorite recipe and food sites -- FoodGawker -- and searched for mac and cheese. They have the greatest pictures there. Seriously...just looking makes you hungry. Dang.

I chose this recipe because it looked cheesy and gooey and lovely.


Ingredients

1 ¾ c gobbetti pasta [I used macaroni]
Salt
2 ½ c extra sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
2 tbsp plus 1 tsp all- purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper [I used 1/8]
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg [I used a bit more which was too much]
2/3 cup sour cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 c grated onion [left out because Matthew doesn't do onion much]
1 ½ c half and half [I used all half & half -- had no heavy cream]
1 ½ c heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce [left out - Dominic is allergic]
2 ½ c grated extra sharp cheddar cheese [used about 2 cups Gruyere]

Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until tender. Remove and drain. Place the drained pasta into the baking dish of your choice. My mom used a cast iron pan, but you can use a 9×13x2 baking dish or whatever else you like. Mix in the cubed cheddar cheese. [I used the 9x13 pan]

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350 F

Step 3: Take the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Stir them together so that everything is evenly mixed together.

Step 4: Add the sour cream, and eggs. With a wire whisk mix all ingredients together until mixture is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: To the mixture, Whisk in the onion, half and half, heavy cream, and Worcestershire until it is thoroughly blended together.

Step 6: Pour this mixture over the pasta and cheese and then stir everything together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and then place into the oven.

Step 7: Put in the oven for 30-35 minutes and then let cool for 10 minutes. The cooling is necessary to allow the mac and cheese to set up. [I cooked it for 35 minutes on 350, and then another 15 minutes on 400 -- I'm not sure why this was so off]




I really liked this mac & cheese. It was very cheesy and flavorful. It was NOT one of those recipes that coats all the macaroni with a cheesy sauce. I'm not a big fan of Kraft-like mac and cheese. I'll definitely make this again. I will cut back on the fresh grated nutmeg; it is pretty potent and I used a bit more than the recipe called for because I went crazy with the Microplane and didn't want to waste the nutmeg. I like the cheddar/Gruyere combo too. Works well together.

BTW...makes a LOT of mac & cheese. Our three person family ate on this for three meals. I'd give this 4 out of five stars.

It's Magic!

Have you ever heard of these things? Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

I saw it on television. Never one to pass up a chance to ruin our walls further, I decided to give it a go. Our house is about 12 years old and the interior paint is pretty banged up. Okay, it's scary. Take, for instance, the wall posts between the laundry room and front room.


Well, wet these little erasers. Wring out the excess water. Scrub the spot. And holy hell -- 15 seconds later, the spots are gone! Hot damn.


I'm seriously impressed. We had this horrid little red mark on the post near the front door for years. Couldn't get it off with anything; gone in about five seconds. I would show you how well it cleaned off the wall behind our kitchen table but the wall is still pretty hideous...even without all the green scrapes from our chairs.

No one paid me to review this product.

Happy cleaning, y'all.

- Ju

Double the Flavor, Double the Fun

Review by: Do

I tried some new gum this week....I know....very exciting stuff!

1.) Stride Shift - Flavor changing gum. I thought it could be really cool, like in the original 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory' when Violet tried that experimental gum that tastes like a 3 course dinner. I was hoping for better results than she had.

The flavor I chose was citrus to mint. Well, it definitley is a citrus-y flavored gum. Not a great flavor, but tolerable. So, if I keep chewing it changes to mint, right? Okay...chew, chew chew. The only real thing I noticed was that the flavor goes from tolerable to just not good. At one point I thought I felt a bit of 'menthol' when I was breathing in air, but by that time the taste was bad and I had to throw it out. The citus is so strong, that even if it did change I probably wouldn't be able to tell.

I also had my 12-yr old son try and he agreed that it was just citrus, not mint.

End results: If you like citrus gum, give it a chew. I didn't notice any change in flavor.

2.) Rockstar Energy Gum - Iced Mint. My husband loves the Rockstar energy drinks, so when I saw this gum in the local convenient store, I couldn't pass it up. Although I bought it for my husband, I was curious too, so I tried this 'energy gum-loaded with caffeine, taurine, and B-Vitamins'.

Wow...it is definitely minty!! So far so good. But the longer I chewed, which really wasn't very long, I started to notice a funky, bitter flavor. I also didn't notice any increase in my energy level. Serving size is 2 pieces, which is equal to 80mg of caffeine. The pieces are 'giant' and I really can't imagine chewing 2 pieces at once.

My husband says it's okay to start, minty like a normal gum, flavor runs out very fast, and then the gum instantly tastes rotten (his words were a little more 'colorful'). He didn't notice any energizing effects, but then he drinks a lot of energy drinks so he didn't think that was too odd. He said he would not recommend the gum.

End results: I don't care for this gum either, and at $2.50 a pack (10 pieces) I don't think I'll be buying it again.

For now, I'll be sticking with the basics. Trident and Dentyn have never done me wrong, and I think I'll be better off chewing on them.

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. :-)