i fried a bunch of stuff in very dark cocoa mulch ... as sun heated the media and cause moisture problems underneath ... it dried too fast ... then it molded.. what a nightmare ... but i would never use dark again .... and i am talking black .. more than dark brown ... whatever works.. works ... in this economy ... you are in a good bargaining position ... buy the best product.. and be prepared to pay what it cost .... but if its the further guy.. simply ask him if he wants to waive the $50 ... or lose the sale .... bet a buck he might gladly match the closer guys price ... i mean really.. is he going to give up a 400 sale on a 50 dollar principle??? ken

The hourly rate is less if you're paying for a whole day, and the daily rate is less if you're paying for a whole week. Also, straight cleaning costs less than housekeeping (tidying, laundry, etc.), which costs less than full charge (includes errands, supervising of staff, possibly some cooking or childcare). If you're employing someone directly, instead of paying a service, it costs a lot less, but then you do have to fill out the Social Security forms and send in the SS taxes for both employer and employee contribution. It's not hard, but required. You don't have to do withholding until you meet a minimum annual salary paid, which is usually more than one day a week. I think doing the paperwork and having a single, reliable employee who does things the way you like them is worth doing the paperwork.

We have mostly vintage, antique, and seventies reproduction (Kindel, Henkel Harris) furniture with some new Lee Industries chairs and sofa (I would love to find a place to reupholster and slipcover my 25-year old Altman's sofa), but we do have a number of things from Ikea, and will be getting more for our new house -- the kitchen, and also bathroom vanities (decently made and hard to beat the storage and design for the price point) and Aina 100 percent linen curtains ($69/pair); curtain rods and hardware are decent too. Industrial-style pendant lamps for the pantry and laundry room. We live in Canada far from the U.S. border and not too close to any of the bigger cities, and are stuck with a lot of crummy chain stores. I prefer to avoid HomeSense, Winners, etc. and the furniture at Sears, Ashley, as noted above, isn't even worth talking about. Because of our location, winter is long and dark, so I also like Ikea's unscented votives and tea lights -- we go through a lot, and the price is right. Oh, and the solar Chinese-style round lanterns, going strong in my greenhouse for five years. The Oftast tempered glass dishes (dinner plates, bowls, salad plates etc.) for 79 to 99 cents each are great for entertaining. Considering the cost of paper and plastic, they paid for themselves after a few years of larger summer and holiday gatherings. We'll need some more occasional chairs in the new house and I've been thinking of Ikea for that. I would love a chaise longue somewhere, and Ikea might be the only way to justify it. I find Ikea in general works well if you do it like the best Ikea kitchens here on GW -- mix it up a bit so it's not entirely Ikea. It works well/looks best when it's in a mix of low and high (cost/quality).

..mmkay..I really tried at least..lol dimensions were easier as I knew what to look for..the prices were a serious, serious problem though, so I'll put some vintage finds in it too..good reviews..look into these shops, they customize and all..and also one pendant (reminding one of your options..but it has glass)-I think the light itself won't be enough..but the shop and service is amazing..the fixture I ordered needed no tweaking at all..just follow them, if nothing else and don't hesitate to tell me if you dislike something, then when I see something else I won't go after something that doesn't speak to you I won't post pics sorry, or it'll take me another hour..just links. links also give you opportunity to dig further..customization if possible, dimensions, etc. obviously some go against my own advice..they'll give out shadows etc. still, check them out https://www.aplusrstore.com/product/790/coral-pendant-light (very well known pendant. minuses-cost, shadowing, will there be enough light?) https://www.lightexture.com/product-page/chandelier-lighting-double-cut-boomerang (great shop. started small..now they collaborate with big merchants and whatnot. I picked by dimesions plus cheapest..)) https://www.etsy.com/listing/630647972/crystal-glass-lantern-brass-ceiling-lamp?ref=shop_home_active_19 (my favorite shop I told you about. Answer all the questions, even stupid ones I asked, very precisely and politely..packing, shipping is a dream..got it in 3 days-and I'm on West Coast...postal miracle lol. in any case..follow these guys.) https://www.etsy.com/listing/609118040/midcentury-pendant-lamp-teak-and-white?ref=sold_out-9 (not cascading but a group..should fit..never dealt with this shop before) https://www.etsy.com/listing/477404203/vintage-mid-century-modern-atlas (like it because of the colored shades, and shape is this soft modern..works almost anywhere) I can see you liking this one a bit more? ..I like it for a) milky glass b) customization. height, etc-they'll work on it if needed. but seem to fit as per my rough calculations) c) free shipping. made in US too, so new. even though small shop. maybe you like new better https://www.etsy.com/listing/611935851/stockholm-chandelier-black-brass-mid?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=&ref=sc_gallery-1-2&plkey=4877e3e73046c0ded1277bc03a7b5ee2d317717c:611935851 a tad bigger than what you have now, a tad smaller tan what you'd want. I love the shape and the hint on it being a plant..one either loves this type or doesn't. I'd ask more questions-what's the biggest bulb each globe takes, etc. if 40 might be too small. 60-you're fine https://www.etsy.com/listing/215353216/mid-century-tulip-walnut-wood-chandelier several like this for example. dealt with the shop..beautiful work. albeit takes some time (they're popular..lots of work) they'll customize if needed. check them out https://www.etsy.com/listing/76096376/porcelain-mushroom-ball now, check out these guys..beautiful cloud lights, different sizes, they can add gold or silver to it..great reviews. downside-price..still, check them out, see what they've got https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLightFactory/items okay..now I just wanted to share this shop with you. he has some seriously cool stuff, imo. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroRaum/items?ref=pagination&page=1&section_id=15731794&order=date_desc okay..I need a drink:) (I looked at Anthro btw..it's not that they have nothing good-they do, it just becomes expensive. The moment I like it. Looked at Serena and Lily..nice Capiz globe I remembered, but won't be enough light I think..takes just one bulb..)