Yimmers's Profile

ARRRGHHHH. HEART. Not HEARD....

I have a three-ring binder of old standbys, but I also use the Paprika app. It's just a little small for viewing on my iPhone! But, the app stays on while cooking, so you don't have to worry about auto sleep.
Once in awhile, I will go through and purge recipes that I have never tried.

I have a big and newer kitchen with granite counter tops (circa 2000) and good wood cabinets (done by the previous owner). However, after using it for awhile, I noticed one problem - the sheer lack of counter top space to prep. There is also a weird cove in the kitchen next to a pantry. If the pantry was moved to the end and filled the cove, I'd have that extra counter space that I needed. I ended up buying an island since it was the most affordable solution to our dilemma. In the future though, I'd consider moving the pantry, changing out the doors to the cabinets (as they a little too country style) and changing out the counter top or paint the cabinets.

Point is, the owner was not happy with the flow of her kitchen, and had the budget to re-do it. Her new kitchen has better flow, more storage space, and works for her. Note, her island can accommodate extra storage, and may have appliances in there as well, like a microwave. Or maybe a dishwasher. I do notice that the before had a small dishwasher, and I can't tell in the after whether there is still a dishwasher by the sink.

As for the vent, my mom's stovetop has a down drop fan, and a hole where the overhead vent (not yet installed for nearly 20 years) should go in the ceiling. Let me tell you, she really needs the overhead vent. I've seen one lower vent that works, and it was a huge fan that rose from the depths of the counter to vent away all that stood in its path. Her old set up wouldn't accommodate that type of fan.

We have two Restoration Hardware fur throws (not the big blanket). Very plush. Our dog loves to snuggle on our (his) throw in the winter.

Even if you can't afford a great set of knives, find some decent mid priced ones, and get them professionally sharpened. I use a cheap stick blender, which takes care of my immersion blender needs. I also get by with a small, inexpensive food processor, and purchase serving plates or nesting bowls from Home Goods.

As for the splurge item, I'd do a KitchenAid stand mixer if you like to bake, or some heavy dutch oven. I wish I added the dutch oven to my wedding registry, because they cost a pretty penny. That being said, if there is a particular type of kitchen function you perform often, splurge on that product. You will find cooking to be much more enjoyable.

I am fortunate to have lots of kitchen storage in my house. I have a floor to ceiling cabinet, with pull out shelves, as well as a laundry room with additional shelving for lesser used items. Since I put all my spices on one pull out shelf, I put white dot stickers on the lids and write the name of the spice on top. That way, I don't go picking up every spice. While organizing it on small tiered stacks would be neater, my husband doesn't really put things back in place in the manner I prefer, haha.
I really like the open shelving look, and would love to use glass. But again, in earthquake country, plastic is much more practical. Oxo pop containers with white erasable labels do the trick!

I successfully declogged the sink with some elbow grease, vinegar and baking soda. I spared you all from the before photo.

Next, hem the curtains.

My entire desk can be the outbox, right? Because it already is....oh wait. It's also a project as well...DOH.