My allamanda have been blooming all year long for the last couple of years since I switched to only cutting back the tallest barnches at a time rather than the whole plant at once. Instead of giving the whole thing a severe cut back. I pick the longest branches (approximately 1/3 to 1/4th of the plants) and cut them back close to the base of the plants and sometimes even entirely. as far as watering goes they dont get as much as my roses. They actually make a good barometer of whether my grass really needs to be watered if they start to get wilty. Their roots run quite deep by now. They do really like fertilizers with a high middle number, but again I dont fertilize them as much as my roses. HTH Michelle

Ligustrum japonicum, Japanese Privet, is not as bad as Lingustrum sinese, Chinese Privet, or Lingusturm vulgare, Common or European Privet, but is still considered a rank 2 invasive by TN-EPPC, the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council. I have read that 'Recurvifolium' seemed to exhibit slightly less invasive potential as some other Japanese Privets. So overall, Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium' would probably be somewhere in the middle of the invasive-noninvasive spectrum. Good news (?) for akewa! While some of the Elaeagnuses (umbellata, pungens, and to a much lesser degree angustifolia) are invasive, many are not. Also, many Elaeagnus have huge environmental benefits (nitrogen-fixing, wildlife food, etc, etc). Don't discount this wonderful genus! Of the Mahonias, only Mahonia beali is listed as invasive here, and it's only a TN-EPPC rank 2. Prunus caroliniana, Carolina Cherrylaurel, can get pretty big to plant beside one's house. They can commonly reach 30' x 30' with the national champion being 47' x 55'. While not on the TN-EPPC list (as Myrtleoak said, it's a native), Prunus caroliniana can become weedy. With our zone change, it may start to become more of a problem here. It is pretty widespread in parts of Georgia and the Carolinas. Vaccinium arboreum, Farkleberry or Sparkleberry, would be a nice landscape plant and is especially useful for dry shade (it also does well in full sun). My guess is that it would be evergreen in much of TN, especially in warmer locations (protected areas, warm microclimates, etc). Here is a link that might be useful: TN-EPPC Invasive Exotic Plant List

Maybe you got those looks because some people prefer a more matte finish in rooms that don't have water. I typically use eggshell in all rooms except bath, those get satin. I used to put satin in the kitchen, but when I switched over to BM I used eggshell and it wipes easily. Did you make a horrific mistake? Heck no. Lots of people out there like the look and finish of satin as well. Easily wipes off without being glaring. It's pretty much personal choice. (Actually, the opposite scenario would probably cause you more headaches: if you had gone with eggshell and your pooches are big droolers, you might have come to really regret an eggshell ;) If it works for your needs and you like it, it's all good!

I think I have the same, if not very similar drawer faces. Even when I convert my cabs to inset, I'm keeping the drawer faces. Gotta figure that out, but I like them. Clean. Give your whole kitchen a chance as everyone is suggesting. It's very different when they're not sitting on the floor. And don't blame the KD. She gave you options, I'm sure. And you picked 'em. She didn't make the choice. I'm glad you made a good one, IMHO.