The Labyrinth Challenge – Blog Event

The Labyrinth Challenge!

Welcome to The Labyrinth Challenge! This is a cover reveal event celebrating Young Adult Author Emilyann Girdner’s upcoming book, The Labyrinth Wall. What’s the big challenge? It’s to hop around to all sites participating in the event (site links are listed at the bottom of this post) and count how many character quotes are from the main character, Araina. Circle back to Anything Imagined and comment saying how many Araina quotes were posted during the hop. Emilyann will wait to randomly select a winner from the comments on December 23rd at noon (Eastern Standard time). The winner will receive a $15 electronic Starbucks giftcard (just in time for the holidays).

The Labyrinth Wall Character Quote:

“I think I sense a tone of honesty, if honesty exists in this world.” ~Araina

Without further delay, let’s kick off the book cover reveal and learn more about The Labyrinth Wall…

The Labyrinth Wall

(Obsidian Series, Book1)

Young Adult Fantasy Novel
By: Emilyann Girdner

The tale of a young woman who discovers that although labyrinth walls confine her and her enemies try to repress her, the power of hope can set her free…

Araina’s isolated teenage life is forever altered when she witnesses a man emerge through a rippling wall into the dark labyrinth she calls home. As a result of the stranger’s arrival, Araina’s Creators have unleashed a series of magical attacks using the labyrinth against its inhabitants. Now Araina must decide if she will trust potentially deceitful allies in order to reach safety on the other side of the labyrinth wall.

Release Date:
Ebook: January 2nd 2014 – Amazon (Free download Jan 2^nd – 6^th 2014)

Paperback: January through Barnes & Noble and Amazon 

Excerpt:

(Find a different excerpt at each blog participating in this event)

We sit together in silence and pretend like its three weeks ago before my world changed. Extracting the chalk from my box, I spend a few moments sketching on the wall. Creativity often helps me sort out my thoughts. The entire space is covered in my depictions but more always manage to fit. My arm dances in different directions, drawing what feels natural. Not allowing my mind to plan anything seems to extract the best results.

My sketch depicts a person slouched over in tears. With the creation of lines around and above her, the figure becomes enclosed in a cage.

“Guess that’s how I feel.” I look over at Blue sadly. It didn’t take away the aching in me, but the drawing did help me figure out my emotions: that I’m trapped like a prisoner. A prisoner of the bounds set by the Creators and those I’ve brought on myself. After tucking the chalk back in the box, I close its lid.

To subscribe for more updates, play games, and grab goodies (some are FREE), visit www.thelabyrinthwall.com!

Don’t forget to hop around to all the participating sites, count Araina’s quotes and comment how many you found on Anything Imagined (Emilyann’s website) for a chance to win that $15 Starbucks giftcard 

Want to participate in the The Labyrinth Wall Monster Party Book Release Event? Sign up here.

 

Beautiful Small Kitchens – Part 2

With the right design, and thoughtful planning, small kitchens can be practical as well as beautiful.  This week, we will be showing you another small kitchen, using cabinetry from Smithport Cabinetry of Tennessee.

In this galley kitchen, space was an obvious focus point during design.  One element that increased the usability of this space was the use of an angled base cabinet at the end of the run of cabinets.  Angled bases provide useful storage space, but still allow for the flow of traffic through a small area.

Another key factor in this kitchen was the incorporation of narrow cabinetry on the short wall of the kitchen.  Most galley kitchens have two lines of cabinetry, and nothing on the short wall due to lack of space.  Technically, this kitchen now qualifies as a “U-Shaped” Kitchen, and the storage space added to that wall has greatly increased the usability of the kitchen.

Even if your kitchen area is small, with the right design, and with enough planning, you can create a kitchen suited to your needs, which works just as well as any large kitchen.

Beautiful Small Kitchens – Part 1

Many home and design magazines focus heavily on expansive kitchens with large ceilings, oversized appliances, and sometimes even two islands.  Not every homeowner has the luxury of space, but they do have the ability to have a beautiful and practical kitchen.

Design is the key to a small space.

With a good design tailored specifically to the cooking habits of the owner, small kitchens can become practical.  The key is working intimately with an NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) Certified Kitchen Designer, and exploring with them every inch of your space.  The NKBA website has a “ProSearch” function, where you can find CKD’s in your area.

This week and next, we will be featuring two small kitchen designs.  This week, we’re showing a small kitchen in a traditional home, with cabinetry from Plato Woodworks, Inc.  Next week will be a galley kitchen with more modern elements and a great design.

Kitchen Design by Susan M. Grabowski CKD - Cabinetry by Plato Woodworks Inc.

In this small kitchen, the owners saved space by using a single-bowl sink, which is an option often overlooked.  Sink base cabinets are large, and with most homes having dishwashers, many people can switch to a single-bowl sink.  Their cabinets go up to the ceiling, adding key storage space, as well as a decorative element.  Their seating area, although small, is tailored for their use, and is made using a cabinet, so no space is lost.

Kitchen Design by Susan M. Grabowski CKD - Cabinetry by Plato Woodworks Inc.

In the same kitchen, shallow tall cabinets provide ample storage space.  These pantry cabinets, because of their reduced depth, make it easier to store and retrieve foodstuff, china, or linens.

Next week we will be showcasing another small kitchen, so make sure to come back to see a more modern design.

Tarragon Chicken Salad

Tarragon Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

Chicken salad:
-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
– low-sodium chicken broth
– ¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon
– ½ Vidalia onion, chopped finely
– ½ cup bell pepper, chopped finely
– Mayonnaise

Green salad:
– your favorite salad greens
– fresh red grapes
– chopped pecans
– shaved carrot
– sliced cucumber

Directions:

Boil the boneless skinless chicken breasts and fresh tarragon in the low-sodium chicken broth.  Leave a few pinches of fresh tarragon on the side for later.  Cook fully, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the green salad to your liking.  We usually add chopped pecans, shaved carrots, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or whatever fresh vegetables are on hand.

When chicken is cool to the touch, chop finely.  Add the Vidalia onion, some fresh tarragon, bell pepper, and enough mayonnaise to make the chicken salad adhere to itself.

Divide into four servings, form into a ball, and place in the middle of the green salad.  Garnish with grapes and pecans.

Top with your favorite salad dressing.  We use a ginger balsamic dressing.

Enjoy!

Stories from the Field

The Well-Hidden Ring

Here’s a short and sweet story “from the field”:

During the removal of Linda’s existing kitchen cabinetry, our field technician found something in the back of a drawer. Usually we will find a Tupperware lid, some change, or other small items.  Our installer held his hand out to her. Linda thought he said “here’s a penny”, so she held out her hands, and he dropped into them a diamond studded ring.

Linda focused on the ring, tears swelled in her eyes.  She gasped, and said “It’s my wedding ring!”

Later, she told us this story.  About a year ago, Linda was out of town on vacation, and asked her husband to hide her wedding ring, which she accidentally left at home.  She remembered hearing about her neighbor’s house being broken into, and all of the neighbor’s jewelry being stolen, so she wanted to be cautious.

Upon her return from vacation, she asked her husband where her ring was, and he had forgotten where he had hidden it.  They tore apart the house from top to bottom but to no avail.  They continued to look high and low for days, then weeks, and then months.

Eventually, they gave up hope of finding it, so they purchased a new wedding ring.  The replacement ring was just a plain gold band that was intended to temporarily take the place of the original wedding ring.  She still had a small glimmer of hope that someday they would recover the lost ring that held so many memories of their married life together.

Watching the excitement and relief wash over her face was truly a moment that we will remember for some time to come.

Here’s just another reason to have your kitchen remodeled!

Do you have a fun remodel story to share?  Send it to us at design@kitchencenter.com

Style Profile – an Elegant and Eclectic Office

Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. by Tallahassee Kitchen Center, Inc.

Unique Details about this Office Cabinetry:

• The computer area can be completely concealed by two large pocket doors.
• Thick decorative shelves add to the rich stature of the cabinetry.
• The computer takes up minimal space because it is concealed in the corner.
• Two-sided desk allows for a variation of work positions.
• Enkebol mouldings range from an Asian inspired dolphin, to Oak leaf and acorn crown moulding, and add to the eclectic feel.
• The varied structure of the cabinetry allows this to be multi-functioning, and perfect for a home or work office.

An integrated Miele Coffee machine.

The photograph above shows how varying depths and cabinet combinations can really make a space “pop”.  The integrated Miele coffee maker sits in a deep cabinet, with open decorative shelves above.  To its right is a brass sink, with a full height granite backsplash, and the wall cabinet above features glass doors.  This just shows how diversity works in cabinetry. 

What gives this workspace a rich feel is the variety of depths and utilities.  The great thing about purchasing fully custom cabinetry is how versatile it is.  This office cabinetry could easily be suited for a home office, or a formal workspace.

Take some chances in your remodel, and add a few unique accents to your cabinetry.

Good luck!

Custom Cabinet Manufactures Catering to Consumers

Plato - High quality, factory custom cabinetry

Everyone knows that the economic climate has been considerably bleak.  Even consumers with steady incomes seem to be guarding their wallets closely these days.  So what should we do when faced with the task of renovating our kitchens?

We’ve noticed that people who choose high quality factory custom cabinetry for their home are attentive to detail.  They understand the importance of buying products that last, and they notice the top-to-bottom quality in every aspect of cabinetry.  But with the current economic climate, even the most attentive consumers are forced to lower their standards.

Many fully custom cabinet manufacturers have started to create sister lines of cabinetry.  These companies specialize in creating the best cabinetry possible, and they are re-arranging their production to include cabinetry at a lower price point.

This is a great option for the consumer with an eye for quality, but with a smaller budget.

Plato's sister line - Prelude

Here are some features that come standard with Plato’s sister line – Prelude:

• 13” deep wall cabinets
• Dovetailed drawers
• Drawers with BlumTandem bottom mounted full extension slides (soft close)
• Framed construction
• Melamine interior
• Multiple wood specie options/door options/over 50 stain options
• Catalyzed conversion varnishes

One thing that seems to be prevalent in the sister lines of fine custom cabinet manufacturers, is a wide variety of style options.  They often use the same high quality stains and paints that are used on their main lines.  This is an important aspect of factory custom cabinetry, as the catalyzed conversion varnish is extremely durable, and even holds up to paint remover.  Also, because the separate lines offer the same wood species, door styles, and stains: they can be interchanged in your project.

Good Luck!

True Green Cabinetry

Cabinetry by Tallahassee Kitchen Center, Inc. for Dion Builders Inc.

In the construction industry, the term “green” has been ever present.  Whether you’re browsing through a design magazine, shopping for appliances, or reviewing cabinet manufacturers, “green” is everywhere.  Sustainability is not a new concept, but it has had a rebirth in the recent years.

What does green really mean?  The term has been thrown around so much that it’s been watered down.  It really breaks down into three categories: production, transportation, and longevity.  In order to commit to an environmentally friendly home project, the lifetime of the products must be taken into account.  If it’s not made to last—it’s not green.

By now, consumers understand the basic concept of environmentally friendly options and alternatives.  We’ve all heard about halogen bulbs, energy saving appliances, and carbon emissions.  What seems to be lacking in the ongoing conversation about sustainability is the consumer’s choice to purchase cabinetry that is not only made with less impact on the environment, but is also built to last longer.

Many consumers, when faced with the task of renovating their home or building one from scratch, express their concerns over the impact of their project on the environment.  Choices to reduce a harmful impact on the environment in construction often add cost to the project.

There are many cabinet companies out there that will offer a cheaper version of green cabinetry.  This could mean that they might use plywood instead of particleboard, that stains and paints are waterborne, or that glues used are formaldehyde free.  But what of quality and longevity?  How long will these green products last?  Price and quality go hand in hand, and products offering a cheap version to sustainable cabinetry, might only last 10-15 years, at best.

What is often overlooked in the green conversation is the importance of purchasing products with longevity.  If your green kitchen is only built to last between 10 and 15 years – it’s not green.

From our experience, these are questions we think are important to ask when shopping for an environmentally conscious cabinetry construction project:

• Are Cabinet boxes made with plywood instead of particleboard?
• Are the glues used formaldehyde free?
• Are the stains, paints, and coats waterborne?
• Is the lumber purchased from a sustainable hardwood forest?
• Are all components of the cabinets made in the United States? (not just assembled in the USA)
• How long is the warranty?

Finding cabinetry with a lifetime warranty is ideal.  A kitchen is a big investment, and should last a long time.  If the warranty seems short where you’re shopping for cabinets, ask for a reference that goes back 20-30 years.  Every company functions differently (some great companies offer 3-7 year warranties), but if they can give you a positive reference that goes back decades, you can trust that your cabinets are there to stay.

Good luck, and great shopping!