From a Door to a Window

What I like to call Phase 2 of our kitchen remodel moved forward last week. We took a window out and slapped in a pair of french doors! This means that we can gain flexibility in the floor plan in the kitchen and gain another 3' or so of counter space. A door out on to the deck was sealed off and our fridge will slide into the space.

I'm thrilled with the progress!

Kitchen Planning

Hopefully, soon, very soon, we'll be ripping out our hideous kitchen and starting over.  It's not *that* bad, really, but it's a pretty unworkable space and 2 people trying to cook at the same time is pretty much a nightmare.

So, we're saving pennies and planning.  Here's where I am right now:

I scored this gently used Five Star range from CL - gas cooktop and electric oven with a built in griddle. It's insanely heavy - I dread the day it's got to come up the stairs; it's currently chilling in our carport cleverly disguised with an old sheet.

Digging this Glacier White granite. I think it's also called River White. It has little flecks of red, which look like natural garnets. I like Silestone, too, but it's going to be out of the budget.

Source: gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

I was leaning towards a light grey or white cabinet, but these navy lowers are so sharp! I wonder if I would tire of them easily?

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

I want mostly open shelving uppers, which will be a lighter color or natural wood. I think that will balance the rich navy lowers nicely.  I may shave a few pennies off by trying some kind of IKEA shelving options here.  I can hear my husband groaning across town at this DIY idea.

Which Kartheiser do we prefer?

Mad Men style or Scruffy?

I never gave Pete a second thought, until last episode...

Recipe for Simple yet Luxe Art

Just assemble these items:

Paper Source fine paper with gold inking ($6/sheet, plus shipping for me because we don't have one in town)

Natural or white burlap from anywhere (I popped in JoAnn for mine)

 

And these budget frames from Michaels (seriously, they are cheaper and possibly better than the old standby Ribba's from IKEA).  I paid $12 for this giant frame in woodgrain:

And my result:

Leopard Upholstery Fabric

Found where else, eBay! I'm going to re-upholster my x-bench with this. Doesn't every room need some leopard?

(BTW, have you noticed eBay bucks yet?  I guess it's credit earned by buying/selling on eBay. Pretty sweet)

I've also been looking at serapes but haven't pulled the trigger quite yet.  

Coral Skinny Jeans

Can I say that these $30 colored skinny jeans from JC Penney rock? Soft, stretchy, lightweight and fit my fuller lower half well.

JCP's having a bit of a moment. I'm liking their new look, branding and products.  There's still a lotta fug in there, for sure, but some great, affordable pieces, too.

Where I've Been

I took a wee break and hopped on a boat with my mom to the Eastern Caribbean.

We layed in the sun -- and looked at the sea.

Did a little bit of shopping

And sightseeing...but mostly just enjoyed the lovely shades of blue of the Caribbean...

Time to get back at it.