Larsie's Profile

Thanks, Babcia- can't wait to try Elmira white! ;)

Lovin' Judy Ross. Hope she gives us a house tour soon.

Glass round table top with any kind of base you want. They're made to be unbreakable, of course. Ours stands on a pedestal of 4 spikes which make the legs, so we just occasionally have to remind the kids not to lean on it so it doesn't flip (although this really would be quite hard to do). Glass top is SO easy to keep absolutely clean. Just spray down with glass cleaner, water+vinegar, whatever you like to use, and wipe. Gets rid of all marker/pen marks, maple syrup, glue. We use this table for everything.

Yes, banquette(s) on one or two walls adjacent to the corner bookshelf. Just buy storage benches that have cubbies underneath with fairly deep seating, then add comfy pillows or install a backrest on the wall. A backrest could be just flat cushions held onto the wall by pegs. Place your table so that one corner goes into (maybe touching) the diagonal nook that makes the bookcase. Play around with the table going lengthwise or widthwise, whatever works best. Then, you can add chairs back in on the other sides of the table without fear of falling off the step.

There's a ready-made kit by ClosetMaid that gives you almost the exact same set-up. I got it at Home Depot for, I think $99. So, same price, but you don't have to cut/make everything yourself. It's called Closetmaid Selectives- different choices for different sized closets.

I'm with you, PooinBaby. I know I look good in cool tones, and I like them on me. But I hate 'living' in cool colors. I need warm, sunny interiors. I think it's better to find your favorite interior colors based on what makes you ooh and aah in magazines, blogs, pin, etc, as well as real-life interiors that strike you and make you feel at home.

Best toy we have EVER bought: Imaginarium Marble Race. You can get it at Toys T Us, online, it's only $20 but EVERYONE loves it. We got it when my older son turned 3 (the marbles are a choking hazard), but my 2 yr old son loves it, too. I once gave this as a gift to my nieces, who really enjoy it, but it ended up being played with mostly by their dad, his brother and grandpa! Girls usually love it, too. I admit it's also my favorite toy around here as well. ;-)

Love the "wishbone" chairs at Thanksgiving- haha!

Similar to Nocturnal's suggestion: I cut into squares. Heat a wok or skillet on high, add veg oil and some smashed garlic. Add cabbage and stir fry til softened, season with salt. You can mix it up however you like- sesame oil, sesame seeds, chilis, spice... Instant, yummy, healthy perfect side for any meat, especially Asian.

Before photo: remember that short story (Roald Dahl?) about a landlady of a B&B who would poison her guests with almond-flavored (arsenic?) tea? How did AT get a hold of a picture of her bathroom?