Mama Ark's Profile

The cork squares came with sticky bits for the corners. We found they weren't holding very well so there is one nail in each square as well, for added hold. Picked up the cork squares at the big box stationary store.

Marvelous!
And hurrah for comments about not needing the food storage. I cleaned out my pantry with last year's Kitchn Cure and haven't looked back. I still have empty cupboards.

Quick question about the flooring. Is that wood grain piece a Marmoleum as well? Or is that a floor cloth or something else?

Overhead when out for dinner at a high-end restaurant (and a good one) the other night:

She: I'm way more of a foodie than you, so I'll pick the appetizers.
He: Duh, okay.

Seriously?

Call me whatever you want. I cook, and I cook a lot. And yes, I sometimes make pasta with jarred sauce on the days that I can't even fathom a scrambled egg. I drive across town for some strange ingredient and my vacations are often planned around food. I'm raising my kids to know food, know where it comes from, and have them both in the kitchen with me already, at 1 and 3 (backseatgourmet.blogspot.com). And my Hubby just loves to eat. Is he any less of a foodie than me? No, but sure ain't no cook. And he can always order for himself, thank-you very much.

What about putting and Expedit or custom book shelf as a headboard for a bed on the 5 foot wall, behind the door? Then use a platform bed that either lifts up for storage or has drawers underneath.

Evaluate whether you need the wardrobe. Does an 8 year old need hanging storage? If not, then get a good desk/credenza/dresser for storage of clothes and more. Will your existing dresser do this? Can you get a matching one and fit it in?

And don't forget to ask your son how he wants to use the room? Maybe he doesn't even want/need the desk? maybe he would prefer loads of storage for toys/books? Maybe he's an 8 year old minimalist?

And I love the idea of a built-in - or built-in looking desk with shelves on the 4'10" wall. A personal area with display and storage.

How about both? I made watermelon and jicama sticks this weekend with chili salt.

http://backseatgourmet.blogspot.com/2009/08/perfect-first-date.html

It is more about size, than age. Once the kid hits about 36 inches it starts to get a bit crowded. That is, unless they are a perfectly still sleeper.

That tent/bed thing rocks! We got one before we went away on vacation with our first, at 15 months. It travels all the time with us for our second now. She's been sleeping in it since she was 6 months old. And it's great for outdoors too. Best thing, you can pack it in a suitcase.

I use that basic Cuisinart model. Actually it is my mother-in-law's and everytime I post a new ice cream recipe she threatens to take it back. I may let her and pick up this one instead, if only because it looks like it might store a bit better.
PS Just made some Strawberry Ice Cream with a Rhubarb Swirl. Yum! backseatgourmet.blogspot.com

Like wesaturtle, I consider almost every day like this. No, I'm not making cassoulet, but the act of cooking is not separate from the everyday eating in out house. I would kill for a a door and a lock somedays - it is damn hard to mince garlic while keeping a toddler entertained with a related task and keeping the baby from playing in the dog's water. Generally, though, the kitchen is for the kids underfoot asking questions and begging to help, whether it is a quick homemade mac and cheese or a day for sourdough bread making.
backseatgourmet.blogspot.com

This is the perfect kitchen for my Hubby, and most men. Everything is in the front row. Because we all know it doesn't exist if it isn't in the front row. Hubby dreams of a fridge like that pantry wall.