Kitchen Renovation Week 1 - Let's do some demo!

Week 1 was a short week - only 2 days of actual work.  During those two days the guys removed all the cabinets and appliances, saving the fridge, dishwasher, and disposal as those were new appliances.  We are donating the remaining appliances and cabinets to Habitat for Humanity.  We did discover some 2 problems with the renovation. 

Problem 1
 
In the bottom right photo you will see what looks like a beam coming across the space and into the wall.  We thought that was only duct work for the A/C.  Apparently, it also housed all the wiring for the other side of the house.  The Architect believes we can run the wiring over the new beam and through the ceiling to the rest of the house.  Or we will have to get "creative."  Yeah, getting "creative" scares me.  As in "how much more is this going to cost me" scared. 

Problem 2
 
The other issue was with the new beam we have to put in to span the space where we will remove all the walls.  We have to do a bit more carpentry in the ceiling to ensure the rafters (or are they joists? Clearly the Architect isn't writing this post) are properly supported.  Apparently, the ones up there right now are just kinda laying on the beam which  is twisting the beam.  The Architect assured me that this isn't a problem the way it is and the new way will be much better.  This information just fuels those nightmares I have where I come home and find my roof caved in during demo.

Week 2 sees further demolition, electrical, and the beginning of the structural work.  Exciting!

An easy and refreshing way to cool off this weekend

It is shaping up to be a scorcher of a summer in Texas this year. A great way too cool off is with some homemade popsicles. These are perfect for lazy Sundays like today and super easy to make.

Campari Citrus Popsicles

Makes 10-15 popsicles

Adapted from a recipe on Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 cups orange juice
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup Campari

Popsicle molds (I bought mine at IKEA)

Directions:

Mix the water and sugar together in a small pan over a low heat, and bring up to boil until the sugar dissolves. Allow the simple syrup to boil for 4 minutes, remove from heat and cool (makes a little over 1 cup). I used organic cane sugar which gives the simple syrup the caramel color you see in the picture above. It does not affect the taste or color of the popsicles.

Combine the citrus juice and Campari and add 1 cup of simple syrup.

Pour into popsicle molds and freeze at least 8 hours or overnight. To remove, run the molds quickly under hot water, and gently pull out the pops.

Note:

I halved the recipe above because I only had 6 popsicle molds. You could also use Aperol, a bitter orange aperitif in place of Campari. Aperol is more orange-y and less bitter than Campari. Additionally, you can use grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for the Campari popsicles, just omit the lemon juice.

Online research tools for MCM furniture

So you have bought some swanky MCM furniture and you want to learn more about the cool cat who designed it - where to go? Here are some useful links that give you a bit of insight into the designers and manufacturers that may have designed that piece you just picked up.

Lushpad - Besides being the all things MCM version of Craigslist, this site also have useful articles about MCM designers and manufacturers. Currently there are articles about how an Eames fiberglass chair is made and famous designer couples.

Herman Miller and Knoll - You can read designer biographies about new modern designers in addition to MCM designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Alvar Aalto.

Wright 20 - Not only is there some serious eye candy on this sight, but if you are in the market for higher end and rare MCM pieces (think FLW, one of a kinds, etc.) this is a good place to see what the going rates are for pieces in the market. You can search their past auctions and purchase catalogs for upcoming auctions.

Apartment Therapy - Occasionally, they will have in depth posts about particular designers and trends. The best way to find these posts is to search by the designer or manufacturer's name in the search box.

1st Dibs - this mega site of all things furniture, design, and jewelry has multitudes of articles with designers, artists and the like. Search the "Creators" tab to view retrospectives on a selection of designers.

Google and Wikipedia - Basic I know, but you can usually find some basic information or links to blogs and forums that may be discussing that chair you are looking for or that credenza you just picked up.

Vote Quadrille for The Homies on Apartment Therapy!

My little blog has been nominated for The Homies on Apartment Therapy.

You can vote for the blog here. Nominations and first round voting close December 29 at 5pm EST so get to it!