this stuff is very very bad (as in deadly) for dogs. it breaks down into theobromide. here is a post detailing how it killed this person's dog: http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fff29cbd-16e5-4102-8c26-6636654c4719 esterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family. Please tell dog owner you know. Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso, decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's web site, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it." True information about the mulch can be found here - www.snopes.com/critters/c...r/cocoa.htm This site gives the following information: Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called "Theo bromine". It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens. Theo bromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine." *i sent an email to the company but it was returned with a failure to deliver note but if you'd like to try anyway : it's michellemessick@hersheys.com - here's a letter for you to copy/paste - don't forget to put your name at the bottom :) Dear Sir/Madam It has come to my attention that your "Cocoa Mulch" garden covering contains chemicals that are lethal to dogs and cats if ingested, namely 'theobromine', yet your packaging contains no such warning label. This information was brought to my attention by someone whose friends were unfortunate enough to lose their dog after she ingested a large amount of your product because the aroma, even more unfortunately, attracts dogs. May I please strongly urge you to accurately label your product to avoid further tragedy and ill press. Sincerely -your name here- Here is a link that might be useful: article about dogs + cocoa mulch = death

I've just ordered the canvas with cocoa glazing and have gone through at least 8 different counter top choices and am starting over! I cannot find anything I like. Viatera Royal Teak looked GREAT with the cabinets, but too busy and outdated said one. Plus I have one wall of bricks which is really hard to find something to look good with that and faux colored walls?! Anyone? anyone? Nancy Jara - I was told to go for the all plywood cabinets.

I checked 5 Hershey's Cookbooks for a recipe and didn't find one, then I remembered my mother's Peanut Butter Fudge recipe had cocoa in it. Peanut Butter Fudge 2 c. sugar 2 T. flour pinch salt 5 T. peanut butter 1/2 c. milk 3 T. cocoa 1 t. vanilla Mix all in saucepan except peanut butter. Bring to boil over very low flame, then boil vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Remove and add peanut butter, beat until thick. Pour in greased 9x9 inch pan. Cool. Recipe found on\-line: Hershey's Peanut Butter Fudge Time 25 M. Serves 6 To 8 Ingredients 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter or margarine 1 cup milk 3/4 cup Hershey's unsweetened cocoa 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter powdered sugar ~ If Desired How to make it: In a pan add sugar, butter or margarine, milk and cocoa.Let it come to a boil and turn it down to simmer and wisk well.Add peanut butter and vanilla.Wisk well.In an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch pan lay plastic wrap and add the fudge.Let the fudge set in the fridge over night.Sprinkle powder sugar over the fudge if desired. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Recipe from Cooks.com: CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE 1 1/4 c. milk 2 c. sugar 1 c. peanut butter 1 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. Hershey's cocoa 1 stick butter 1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 1/2 c. chopped nuts In saucepan, add milk, sugar, butter and cocoa. Cook over medium heat until comes to boil. Turn on low heat, cook until fudge can make a little ball in a cold cup of water. Remove from heat and mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Use electric beater. Then mix in nuts. Pour into 9x13 buttered baking pan. \-Grainlady

Gamecock43, If you love Glazed, get it. Offering glaze for free is only free if you really want it. Visit a few more cabinet makers and get a feel for what makes your heart sing. Get what you love and you will be able to negogiate a free something or a discount. In fact start thinking about free upgraded plywood drawers. You are so wise to check out the options for yourself. I am not an IKEA fan. Oh dear, I just unleashed the hounds who love IKEA. IKEA looks beautiful and IKEA is rated high in consumers reports but like your husband I have found the service to be unhelpful. The warehoue mentality. If you are close to an IKEA (I am not) you can get exactly what you want IKEA can be awesome. I truly believe your husband was not ill tempered or even the cause of the poor service at IKEA. I have felt the poor service and I consider myself to be a kind person so assume others will be too. Not the case for my DH and I at IKEA. I urge people to look for a cabinet maker or woodworker who can help you make any brand cabinets look great in your space. Someone to make the trim, edges and help fit those cabinets into a space to make a kitchen. Crystal cabs are my favorite but next for me Thomasville, Kraftmade, Yorktowne, Schuler or Medallion ( I think are the same company), ...In time you will find the ones you like. Oh here is a quick post from GW Glaze and Thomasville by Kpaquette http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0313103320923.html AKChicago gave super advice. POST your floor plan here. Let the gurus at GW help you make your space functional, beautiful and exactly what you want. I truly believe GW has helped 1000s on their kitchens. A few interesting links to help you on your way... Reality check--cabinet prices per linear foot? http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1209113023064.html Beautiful glazed Kraftmade cabs http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg071624012734.html Show me your cream glazed cabinets GW http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0214201222913.html And some nice glaze looks if this is truly what you love. ~boxerpups Natural Roca Wilsonart counter top Chadelier Luxury Kitchens NH presea CDX Kitchens AZ Kitchens Fivestar faux painting Fabulous Finishes Co. Kinley Cabinets Here is a link that might be useful: cabinet comparisons GW