Dan: The lumber I chose for my raised beds was construction grade pressure treated 2x6s. My brother's used them for his beds for a decade and they still look as good as the day he installed them. I know there could be some leaching but supposedly the new treatment is safe. My brother's family is healthy and vibrant so if it's good enough for him (he helped me design my garden), it's good enough for me. Here is a link that might be useful: Sinfonian's garden adventure!

Kitchen porn!!! Hahahaha... it's my DH's new favorite term! "Still looking at your "kitchen porn"?... Close that computer and quit looking at that "kitchen porn"... I keep reminding him that our children have ears and BIG mouths!

I don't think you guys are getting the problem here. Matching isn't the issue! As much as I've ranted over it. I've found 10 colors that I absolutely love and are perfect. Until .... I get them home in the natural light. THEN, they turn turquoise, teal, or any way a green can blue. It's the light. I can't take that to any store I know of and have them match it. I've taken 10 paint chips to the store which they've made perfectly. Bring it home? Blueish in some lights. Ick. As far as the sheen, I like it in this instance. It's woodwork and the dining room can be somewhat darkened because of the porch outside. I understand the issues with a glossier paint. For being pissed? I was annoyed that yet again I was finding I was given the lip service "no" without someone actually taking the initiative to figure out the possibilities. So many can't think on their own. "No" is a good answer when "no" is the only answer. Even then, there are options. When my paint man actually looked up the formula, the high gloss was a base option. It wasn't a question of an inferior product. I am very open to information as to the whys of something. Automatic nay-sayers piss me off. I lived with one, who addressed every idea with, "The problem with that is...." rather than, "hmmm.. let's see what we can do." I choose to face all this crap I deal with optimistically, believe it or not. Or I'd probably kill myself. Or them. Even my Multi-Purpose Man has quit saying no. He asks, "Tell me how you see it?" BTW. So far, in the lights of two days, the color remains.... [drum roll] PERFECT!!! Thank you. [bowing left and right]

Ooh, my favourite and most used tool -- the Fiskars trimmer! Great buy, Debbie. This hobby can get quite expensive real fast so I would recommend doing some free or inexpensive research first. When I started out, I looked at tons of examples posted on websites, boards and in magazines. Pam provided a great list in the previous post. I found it to be very inspiring and very educational! I swear I would've just pasted my photos into any old album with some Elmer's school glue if I didn't read about terms like "acid-free" and "archival quality" first! :o\ See what techniques and styles appeal to you most and use them to guide you through a layout. But definitely keep it *you* -- people will want to see and appreciate your personal touch on your albums for years to come! You can find inspiration everywhere. A funny saying on a bumper sticker could be the title to your next page. A clever graphic you see on the side of building could be your next embellishment. And don't forget to *really* look at your photos -- i.e. what colours are prominent? What is the theme? What images might you extend from the photos onto your page? What amusing or amazing thing was going on at the time that you could journal about? Hope this helps! Let the games begin! :o) Leah