skidou's Profile

All white in the kitchen area to start with. A new bright colour in the dining area. The dark and light scheme of the kitchen is enough for the small kitchen. Painting the kitchen walls white will make the ceiling look higher.

Then paint the dining area wall - one wall is enough to create impact - in a bright and light colour. Then add a couple of accessories in the kitchen, in the same colour as the dining area wall.

That should cover it at a minimal cost.

This is great news! He makes food and eating such an adventure. At laaaast!

I have never owned a dishwasher. Having to rinse everything first seems a waste of time to me. Might as well do it myself. I choose to like to do it. While I do it, I give thanks because we have clean water in abundance. I like the feel of soapy water. Dishwashing is peaceful. I am grateful to have two hands to do it and for the warm water that soothes my arthritis. There is no window in front of me so I can't look outside while I wash. However, I installed a mirror on the wall in front and I sometimes catch my favourite soap on tv behind me. That rarely happens because I live alone and the washing goes by quickly. I am retired but If I had a job and a family, I would buy one, as long as it was energy efficient and silent.

A small thin blade handsaw sold for gardeners will cut small to medium branches in a messy tree.

There is a lot going on in such a small area. Maybe if the cabinet windows were covered with some kind of plastic translucent film or if the cabinets were filled with plates of the same colour, there would be less of a bother with the appliances. I have the washer/dryer in my kitchen but they are both white, the cabinet above them have white doors and nobody can see inside them. I tried a butcher block on top of the washer/dryer, thinking that would give me more counter space, but it was not practical to take it off and put it back up there whenever I would wash. Besides, it was heavy and I have arthritis so I got rid of it. Your place has a lot of charm. A bit less visual clutter is all it needs.

Here is a solution that worked for me.

Next time they call, listen politely to what they have to say, then calmly say «You know, I hear you too, in fact I hear everything you do, in your kitchen, your living room, your bathroom, your bedrooms. I hear you talking, I hear your music, the television, the children, I hear you taking a shower, flushing the toilet, I hear the bathroom fan, the water running in the pipes, the banging when you do repairs». It's important to stick to what you actually hear because they can't deny it. Then wait for their reaction. Expect them to be stunned. Stay calm. Say that you just wanted them to know. Don't threaten. Just knowing that you hear everything will get them thinking that you could also possibly complain. That will turn their focus on themselves instead of on you, which will hopefully bring results.

I used this tactic with a downstairs neighbour whose continuous complaints made my life miserable for a couple of years. I felt guilty for breathing. After listing the multiple noises that came from her appartment, her reaction was: «why didn't you say anything?» to which I answered «because I tolerate». She replied «I understand» and promptly hung up. She never called again and she even toned down her own noise.

Shutters or horizontal blinds will let the air flow and the angle you choose will also allow for privacy.

placemats

Picture a grand palace, 1951, in Venice, where Charles de Beistegui hosted «The Bal du siècle» (Ball of the century) for over 1500 artists and aristocrats, in costumes and masks, as expected in the venitian tradition. A documentary film was made titled Le Bal du siècle, if anyone wishes to feast their eyes on opulence and Beistegui's exquisite taste.

G&T or LILLET + lemon twist