Good luck Kate! I am in a similar boat. I too know what works but finding the motivation has been so hard lately. I don't know why I can go along smooth sailing for several weeks and then all the sudden just not have the will to keep going. grrr! DH and I have decided to jump back on the boat together which means portion control and exercise. We are going to Chicago for Christmas so that is going to be our short-term goal and we'll set another after that. Stephanie

Thanks for posting that photo. Here's my idea: I moved the fridge to the inner wall, recessing it enough so that its case (not the doors, just the body of the fridge) extends 16.5" into the room. I made the lower cabs next to it 15", with the counter at 16.5" deep so that they dead-end into the side of the fridge cab. That few extra inches of depth will make it easier to make coffee, toast, etc in this area. There are upper cabs above this shallow counter for more storage, something like what you see in the left side of this photo: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-toronto-phvw-vp~100348) [Contemporary Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Thornhill Interior Designers & Decorators Avalon Interiors Moving the fridge and recessing it into the laundry/utility room gives you the wider aisle you want plus it moves the fridge out of view from the front door. I moved the range to the opposite end of the counter run and sited it next to the window. The hood will run up against the window molding like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-traditional-kitchen-detroit-phvw-vp~1872661) [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Ann Arbor Interior Designers & Decorators Laura Zender Design, Allied ASID Judging by your plan posted above, you should have 12-15" of counter to the left of the range. I moved the sink down the wall, nearly to the opening with just enough room for an 18" DW. 18" European DW hold as much as US 24" DWs so you're not giving up function but you are gaining more space in your small kitchen. Panel the DW to make it disappear. Check the selection of panel ready 18" DW at AJ Madison (see link). You will need to do some trenching in your slab to make this work but you gain a large amount of prep counter between sink and range with a window above. IMO, that is worth the expense. To the right of the DW is a china hutch that looks like a piece of furniture but is built in, something like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/monteverde-residence-traditional-kitchen-los-angeles-phvw-vp~57288) [Eclectic Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by Pasadena Design-Build Firms HartmanBaldwin Design/Build That gives guests a nice view when they come in the door. You could opt to put shelves above the sink and DW like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/flea-market-trixie-shabby-chic-style-kitchen-phvw-vp~134754) [Eclectic Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) You could also hang artwork, decorative plates, wine rack etc on the wall above the sink and DW: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/charmean-neithart-interiors-llc-traditional-kitchen-los-angeles-phvw-vp~886242) [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by San Marino Interior Designers & Decorators Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Wrapped around the corner on the wall facing the front of the house is a tall shallow pantry that looks like furniture, something like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/showroom-display-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~96086) [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Boston Kitchen & Bath Designers Venegas and Company Perhaps you can re-purpose the armoire cabinet that's in the front room already. I put the bench/couch that is in your front room to use, making it a bench for a rectangular table. The two chairs can be placed against the wall next to the china hutch cab when not needed. My goal was to give you a better functioning kitchen while maintaining the charm of your home. In other words, I tried to reduce the utilitarian nature of a kitchen extended into the front room. Here is a link that might be useful: Panel ready 18

Hi Al! All is well in my world (besides the few curveballs life likes to throw). My plant count (by pot, not species or plants) is now at 37. I've learned a lot. In October, I was able to connect with a small business owner who runs a boutique style plant shop (boutique = overpriced) that traded my ficus trees for store credit. I wound up bringing home a monstera adansonii, hoya varigata, peperomia tetragona and hypoestes phyllostachya in that trade (I know, I gave her a good deal). I had my first experience with mealybugs on the monstera adansonii and after trying to treat it the best I could without buying pest control stuff, I returned it (but kept a cutting from trimming up the damage, shhh don't tell). I then brought home a calathea freddie, amazonica polly and a good sized monstera deliciousa. These plants are doing quite well, even in winter. The hypoestes is quite finicky, but that's just what they do (to be honest, I'm not a big fan of them, but my boyfriend liked it). I also acquired a large wandering jew, peperomia obtusifolia, sanseveria cylindrica (from TJ maxx of all places, poor thing barely has roots), english ivy, and a 5 pack of succulents from my aunt for my birthday. I also just ordered four plant lights and cords for them... they should be here Monday. This way I can hopefully get them to look less crowded around the windows. I haven't mixed my own soil yet, I was in quite a hurry last time I had to grab some and so far so good (Fox Farms' Coco-Loco). I add in perlite for most plants. With life's demands lately between holidays, helping my boyfriend with his business, health issues and work, I've been mostly trying to relax and zone out when I can. Oh, one of my pilea peperomioides is finally having babies too!

To the original post I have to admit I have done it, left the dreaded task grumbled my way through, only to run out of steam/ desire to go the extra step. I don't like to be nagged into a task I doubt anyone does, I figure I will get to it when I want to Im a grown a$$ adult and no one is gonna make me. ;) Background here my mom was a TASK master and rarely satisfied etc etc. As for the deal I can't/shouldn't? but will anyway comment as I wouldn't make the deal cause I can't won't compromise yup no spouse here, (something to think about the the side of the coin so to speak) I know my limitations, and am happier for it- no need to make two people miserable. I hear this topic at work a looooot, the ladies b-ing complaining about their spouses, not many guys but I will guess they do the same. What is the trick to living with another with differing objectives, plans, priorities, how do you accept it and move on without bitterness resentment, I haven't a flipping clue, clearly. Hey you have made it this far so you clearly know something about it. Be happy life is short and we only get one trip, hmm any other cliches, go with the flow, live and let live, don't worry be happy, laugh and the whole world laughs with you,ok Im done. Wait ! love em while you got them, Frogged who hasn't learned not to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong...... yet . Now im done........