Busy, busy, busy

It felt like Grand Central Station over here at times today.

First, the dining room chairs arrived two days early. I'm very impressed with Pottery Barn, but finding somewhere to store them while the carpets are being installed has been a challenge.

The carpet guys showed up right on time,

followed by the appliance delivery truck.

We now have everything but (literally) the kitchen sink, which should be here tomorrow.

Kitchen Decisions

We have most of the kitchen decisions finalized!

Range: GE Cafe™ Series 30" Free-Standing Gas Double Oven with Convection Range - two ovens!

Microwave: GE Cafe Series Advantium® 120 Above-the-Cooktop Oven - counter space is very limited in the kitchen (which made the countertops more affordable), so we decided to stick with the over-the-range microwave.

Countertop: Black Pearl Granite in a honed finish. A little scared of this one because I've read that it may be hard to take care of, but it's SO pretty and we're adults, right?

Sink: Gourmet Elkay Kitchen Sink ELUH3120RPD

Faucet: Talis S 2-Spray HighArc Kitchen Faucet, Pull-Down

Progress!

Although we bought fairly high-end items, we did not pay anywhere near retail for any of them.  I'm a big bargain hunter but I was still shocked at the difference between retail and the best prices I found online.

We still have to make a decision on the backsplash and cabinet hardware but figured it would be easier once the countertops are in.

Kitchen Before

Just scheduled the carpet install! Woohoo!

We've been visiting granite showrooms for what feels like forever and will be back there this weekend.
I never realized picking countertops would be this hard. Not to mention what to do with the backsplash!

Today I'm sharing some "before" photos of the kitchen. I think the "after" is going to be stunning - as soon as I can decide on the product and color.

We've bought a new, stainless steel range and microwave and are seriously contemplating replacing the dishwasher. The sink will also be stainless steel.
Unfortunately the refrigerator is pretty much brand new so it's going to have to stay for now.

Merging

Within the next couple of weeks, I will be officially moving from my temporary abode into a "new" place. It's quite exciting but does involve the merging of two people's tastes and belongings. We're setting off on a fairly extensive remodeling and redecorating journey, which has already proven to be fun, but challenging.

Living room before:

The built-in window seat made the room feel smaller and was truly not a comfortable spot. The enormous entertainment center is out of here too.
We're hoping to get the painting done this week before the carpet installers come...if I can make up my mind about the color.

Lists - app or paper?

 I'm a "list person". Always have been, always will be. When I'm tossing and turning at two am with "to-do's" spiraling aimlessly in my head, I get up and write them down. Nine times out of ten that's all it takes to get me back to sleep. I think it has to do with fear of forgetting something important. Or control issues. Or a bit of OCD. Or all of the above.

With the advent of the smart phone and tablet, I rejoiced. No more carrying around tattered notebooks. "There's an app for that"!

I tried multiple "list" apps. And many work quite well. I've been using the myShopi app for my grocery and other shopping lists for a couple of months and really like it.

For "to do lists" however, nothing beats my good old notebook and pen.

I'll share the system that works for me in a future post, as soon as I actually get something checked off a list, that is.

Happy New Year!

These are my "bling-y" shoes.

Since this blog seems to be a hodgepodge of my life, and I'm a little obsessed with clothes, nails, and all things girly right now, I've decided to add a "fashion" post every now and then.

The dress I wore on New Year's Eve.

Merry Christmas!!