Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

Kitchen Remodel on a Budget


We have been working to renovate my kitchen the past few months. Like most families we do not have a huge budget and we do not work with credit in any way. Because of this we have broken down the project into small manageable areas of work.

A few years ago with the help of my father and brother we knocked out a pass through to up date the living room and kitchen area. The galley kitchen is open and has a more contemporary look thus updating the entire house.

Next we moved to the upper cabinets because they were in good shape. This also allowed us to add a splash of color. We decided on a vibrant green and stainless steal accents with the knobs and a stainless steel exhaust hood.
The job was relatively cheap compared to the cost of new cabinets. I removed cabinet doors, sanded and painted. I added new hardware. The color and hardware made a perfect first fix.


Our main goal was to find structurally sound cabinets that would last future remodels. We approached Home Depot to get a base line quote and did not find the quality or price we liked. We looked into custom however the cost was out side our budget. We decided on a Whole sale supplier which has excellent quality. We went with cherry wood doors, the sides and back are all plywood normally an upgrade was standard. Because of budget constraints’ we went with a butch block and a laminate mix all from Ikea for the counter tops. Because we have quality cabinets we can upgrade the counters at a later date.

We bought many products at the wholesale supply warehouse where we purchased the cabinets. The cost was excellent. The exhaust hood, sink, and faucet were bought here. We went to Home Depot for the garbage disposal and additional parts for installation. We also saved by shopping at a scratch and dent shop for our dish washer. We got the top of the line model Frigidaire and will purchase a stove to match at a later date. The receipts are attached if you would like to see prices. We are in the final stages with the backslash and some finishing work. However, we have spent $2100.00 so far .

I expect to spend $600 on stove and up to $300 on the tiles for the backsplash which we will install. My brother is donating a fridge because he is purchasing stainless steel.

Tipping Debate

Severs in Texas make 2.13 per hour by law. Their income is supplemented by tips paid for services given to guest. Restaurants are prepared to service a variable number of guest on any given day because of this arrangement. Servers are given the opportunity to make an above average wage if the restaurant is busy and the patrons tip adequately. They are gambling that they will make above minimum wage; many will make far less than minimum wage some much more. If restaurants were forced to pay minimum wage to all servers the average cost of a meal would increase. Also, restaurants could not afford to be staffed adequately to give the best service. Further, servers pay income taxes on 8% of their sales. The restaurant and the wait staff rely on patrons tipping minimum of 15%.


I say the restaurant is reliant on the patrons tipping 15% or more because the restaurant can fail due to poor service. A restaurant will not retain good servers if they are not paid well. If a patron is given poor service they can immediately let the sever know by giving a poor tip. If the patron should also tell management; good management will ascertain if this was a bad day due to circumstances or if the server does not meet the restaurant’s standards of on a regular basis. Either way the server will suffer. These are a few of the reasons to tip at least 15%. There are times when patrons should tip more than 15%.

Spring in Austin

If you've been aout an about you've come across the drones of badge wearing flolks here for SXSW. The city is a buzz. I love the energy, music venues, movies and we're getting lots of national exposure. As much as I love it I hope the festival attracts only visitors. To big as it is in Austin. Check out the SXSW web site so you don't get stuck in the maddening loop of visitors. South Congress has been crazy. Have a great time hanging out.

Health Care Reform

We have allowed politicians to incorporate the extremist view on health care as American’s view point. I don’t know about you but I’m mad as hell. Our families insurance rates have gone up every year so has our deductible. Thank God we are healthy.

Texas implemented Tort reform years ago. The politicians said it would help the cost of health care. What, help the doctors, the insurance companies. Who did it help. Texas still has the least insured people in the nation. I think we pay so much because we have to supplement so many people with no insurance.

I switch careers when Bush was gung ho about helping Americans with health care. He pushed
Health Savings accounts. Well, for everybody I spoke with the burden was too high. It sounds good, usually to people with lots of money, because you pay health care bills with untaxed money. The problems is you must pay your regular premium and pay into the savings account simultaneously. I sat with single mothers and wealthy executives who could not pull this out of their budget. Than Bush decide to give Seniors confusing pharmacy plans. How’s your Grandparents coping with that small print.

I lived in the Netherlands and found their system to be exceptional. Yes, they pay lots in taxes however the system is streamlined for optimal care. Everyone is insured and pays a minimal rate for quality care. As Americans, we’ve got to face facts, we already pay for the uninsured to get care. With changes we can slow down the rising cost, take poor general care out of the Emergency room and stabilize the system. Our system is in triage at this point ready to fall from it’s own weight.

Moderates need to talk to the government and take the reins out of extremist hands. I want care for my family and others. Hospital and insurance cost will level off and start to come down it more people pay into the system. Mandatory insurance is the way they do it in Holland. It works there. I don’t want a Politian with a knee jerk response to any question left or right. I say that as an independent. Tell your elected official to stop playing politics with our lives and look at real families in need. Maybe families would be better off with a new system. We deserve legislators who will consider all points not just their election points.

Stocking the Pantry

The secret to saving on your grocery bill is a well stocked pantry. Essential, spices, rice, potatos, couscous, pasta can be bought in bulk and on sale. If one remains stocked there is always a meal on hand. I buy at specialty stores like Sprouts, Sun Harvest and New Flower becaue they are all close to my home and are having price wars. Their marketing gives me great deals. I look at sales fliers, which are online too, and see which one has the most of what I want on sale. That being said I don't make all my purchses there. HEB is my main stay for houshold items and they have the best prices overall. We shopped at bulk stores for a while but decide that the items there were mostly processed and lead to too much waste.

The biggest mistake I make is to shop without a list. My list consist of meals, necesary items and household items.

Potato Soup

I'm so disapointed with the world right now I'm going to concentrate on food. Healthcare has been high jacked by those with the biggest mouths, Toyota is highjacked by politicians and Tiger Wood, frankly who give a rats....
I'm happy with the Olympics; I only wished we were better sports all the way around. Media is making me crazy just focusing on raw meat.

I chopped peppers, onions to sauted in butter for broth. I diced potatoes, about 6 cups. I topped off my veggie mix with water and added my potatoes, the water to cover them. Salt to taste and add a boullion cube if you like more flavor. Because my boys are sooo hungry I added some Jimmy Dean Sausages however the soup is fine without meat too. I'll make grille chees sandwiches with montery jack but a loaf of crusty, or french bread would be fine.
We'll watche the Olympics and eat our soup tonight!
Badart World.com
Della

What's for Dinner

I'm making Black-eyed-peas with okra, pork sirlon roast and cornbread for dinner tomorrow. I started my beans this morning. I've cleaned and cooked them under a low fire for several hours adding a boulion cube, onions, peppers and salt to taste. I'll prepair the roast in the morning, I'll cook the okara and corn brean just before I serve dinner so they are fresh.

We had hamburger patties with brown gravy, mash potatoes and salad tonight.

Holding our Breath

We're in wait and see mode. My sis is seeming much more like her old self. We have to evaluate her situation and pray she will have a complete recovery. That being said we must protect my nephew and her from her self. Right now she just wants to come home. I hope that can happen if it's the best thing for her and my nephew. I don't know where she would be with out my little sister and big Bro.

Happy?

My sister is happy for the first time in years. Granted she has no short term memory and is a bit loopy. But being in treatment or recovery for the last years had taken a toll and robbed her spirit. Somehow brain surgery returned her humor, and the unpredictable silliness that I love. We talked for hours about our lives from childhood to adult but when I left the room for a minute she would not remember where I’d went. She is like a goofy kid trusting and full of love.

I was able to sit with my siblings and discuss the ugly details, insurance, living will trust and most important my nephew's immediate future and beyond. We cried and laughed but mostly we laughed. This is the hardest thing we've ever had to deal with however I know with God's help we'll get through.

!@@$%^

Well, my sister surgery was successful. Now there will be recovery. We need to help with my nephew and her home. I can only pray we do the right thing. I’ll be in Houston this weekend. I want to be with her as much as possible. I am positive everything will be fine.

Greener Grass

One tumor down one to go. My sister is recovering from surgery and everything looks good. The sky is blue today and my grass is growing. I can't wait to cut it, to work to live. Appreciation for all things is the key to be here now. We've got a long road, I thought, we’d crossed the bend, I look ahead and hell there is another hill. We can take it I know we can.

Cancer Sucks

I’m having trouble focusing and I’m numb. My sister who was diagnosed with colon cancer, which was in remission, is in the hospital with two tumors. Crazy shit. I don’t know where to put this. If I think I cry…I want to turn myself off until the nightmare is over. I can’t so I pray. Pray with me for her.

Great Weekend

The run was fabulous and we had major clutter clean up this week end. My house and my body feel renewed. I am cleaning up so I can move on to bigger and better things. My main focus is my butt, my art as a business, my family and my home. Everything is good and can only get better.


I have already had to break up a fight between my sons, nothing major but it sent me into screaming crazy mommy mode. HATE IT but how do you stop this cycle? On the positive ledger I had a good walk and decided to be more organized in stopping the fights in our house. I’ll be getting this book about behavior in teens and doing some research and soul searching. Help me Lord.

Beautiful Spring Day

The weather is crisp and wonderful. Usually our family makes or buys pizza. No one is up for making it so tonight there will be pasta for dinner. I love Austin and I am running in the Capital 10k on Sunday; it is my second time with my son. The weather looks good and we'll have a big fat roast tomorrow with pasta to get us ready. We are not involved in team sports however we are an active family. I’ll have a pot of vegetarian chile waiting for us when we get home perfect for the weather.

I am working on cleaning out the clutter this weekend. I made good head way and have some items on Craig’s List. Some one could use my collection of 34oz coffee post and a broken sliding glass door. I have a sofa that must go this weekend I ‘m going to put my oatmeal and grit pots on Craig’ List too. I need to clear out useless stuff.

The Tragic Fall of McCain

I always had great regard for John McCain. His name has been on many a bi-partisan bill that proves he would shake hands with whoever to get things done. I'm afraid it's that same quality that is his major down fall. He took the wrong hand. In order to get the far right he took on Palin. And she did get that audience however she simply turned off the middle of the road. Where she picked up six pack Joe she turned off the uncommitted and even Republicans. Where he decided on Carl Rove tactics like linking Obama to "terrorist", (college professor, respected member of Obama's community) William Ayers and suggeting that Obama through his elementary schooling "might be associated with terrorists." was appalling. McCain decided that becoming president was worth losing respect at least losing my respect. I am asahmed for him even as I see him in one day say to a woman Obama is not someone to be afraid of and than continue to openly court the lowest common denominator.

At the first debate I thought I would not be sad if either man was elected. Now I must admit, I'm afraid of McCain; I don't know what he is capable of doing to get what he wants. That makes me wonder how far would he go to WIN the war. Is it by any and all means and how will we know when he's won. By winning Bush's base he's lost my vote.

Debates

I am listening to the debate and I feel hopeful. We need to look to the past to learns and move forward. When the election is over we can move on. I don't know who is the best man for the job. What I do know is American need to be more aware. Sound bites run our lives. We let rhetoric run our lives and most of us can't pay attention long enough to find out what is really going on in our world.

Think with your heads. Both men are good; plans may or may not be so good. I don't know. Lets just pray, hope that who ever is elected they can move in the direction our country needs.

Obama Video

High lights message in speeches with overlay of stars sings. Done very well. Check it out pass it on.

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Ben & Jerry%u2018s Fights For Labeling Rights

Ben & Jerry%u2018s Homemade Inc., one of the first companies to label its ice cream as free of a synthetic hormone, is protesting a move by some states to restrict such labeling.

read more | digg story

It's Getting Hot in Here

Well, I’m changing gears. We’ve all had extreme lucid moments where we knew we could change the world. If only addle brained diplomats, bureaucrats and politicians could have a main line to your brain. I will lay out my strategies to improve the world. I know it is a Pinkie and the Brain but don’t we all roll between one and the other daily.

I’m, like most of us, do not fit into some pollsters peg board. My views are varied and complicated. Immigration, welfare, taxes, the war, parenting, marriage and life’s little ups and downs do not fit into simple clicks of yes, no or maybe.

I invite you to stay tuned its going to be a bumpy ride…


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Immagration

Business and government services need to be considered. Employers need the correct number of visa required to fill positions. Americans require business to first exhaust the local employment choices. Business need to take care of the needs of its foreign works i.e... health care and a living wage would be mandatory. If living wages and health care were part of the mix most jobs would be filled by American workers. Most of us would not object to legal parties filling positions.

After a grace period of five years business and individuals breaking the law would face penalty. And in that time we can work with Our southern neighbors to correct economic issues, causing their residents to flee in the first place. Maintaining our borders and other purging amnesty cities would improve other problems. Further, we need to look at the 14 Amendment, and the laws on the books need to be enforced.

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