Dawn, you are liven' my dream. I would love to have that many cats, and room for outdoor cats. But I know it's a lot of work. Our four keep us slammed, and we insist on no cat smell in the house so that's constant box cleaning. Regarding pellets, you can use the commercial bagged kind like Feline Pine or you can use stove pellets. Some shelters have 'em dropped off half a ton at a time. My vet assures me there is nothing bad in the stove pellets; they are pure sawdust. I have not used them, but have used Feline Pine and liked it. There is another bargain option not mentioned here, which is chicken feed, or what the industry calls "layer crumbles." They are extremely safe and work like wood pellets in that the urine soaks the pellets and they fall to bits go to the bottom. Poop stays on top for scooping. Because they are cheap and safe, I keep them on hand, and use them routinely in my porch box. Indoors, they give off a sort of vitamin-supplement smell that I don't care for. The scent does not travel, however, and the feed does contain the urine odor. I would not call this a clumping litter, though some do. And you can, theoretically, flush it. Pros of using layer crumbs are -- very little dust, safe for your cats, safe for the dump, and as environmentally benign, I guess, as any litter. I don't live in an area where you can compost, but I guess with the poop scooped, they would be compostable? Look for them in 20 and 50 pound bags at places like Southern States or Tractor Supply. My last 50 pound bag ran around $15, IIRC, so that is an awesome bargain. For anyone interested in this, I will post a good link below. Here is a link that might be useful: Link from Cats Adored

I decided to go with a solid color on the sofas and a large floral print on the two chairs. The store I'm going to provides complimentary consultations with a decorator. I met with her today and we picked out a few fabrics that work beautifully together. I'm still a little worried about the solid fabric. It's a nice "oat" kind of color and texture, but it seems a little thin. And I'm just a little nervous about having two big blobs of neutral furniture in so central a spot. But this is what everyone seems to do, so I'm trying to have faith! Would you all give me your honest opinions on the style of the sofa I've linked below? It's different from any I've seen before. On its own, I see it as having a cute personality, but again, I have trouble seeing things in context. Does anyone see a potential downside to its style? None of the dealers seem to have it on display, so I'd have to order it based on this photo. I know the dimensions are comfortable, but I wish I could see it in person first. Beausoleil, I love the color of your couch!! Is it rayina raspberry, by any chance? It looks like it has a great texture, too. We're probably going to get Lee furniture, too: two slipcovered sofas (apartment sized) and two chairs. Here's a link to the styles I'm considering: Lee sofa 123-11 and: Lee chair

Good Morning Kind People! What an absolute delight it was to go online just now and read your terrific, supportive and helpful suggestions. If just for the notion of the tufting distorting the check fabric's symmetry alone I am forever grateful, decorpas! It had never occurred to me .... My husband really likes a tufted headboard so I just thought "sure!" But now I'll need to rethink either the tufting there or the fabric choice for the headboard. les917 -- you were the one who led me down such a great path with my boys' fabrics, so I was so happy to see your kind name here again helping me. Thank you for the links to those beautiful fabrics -- I've already bookmarked them! Thank you. gk5040 and oceanna, thank you for suggesting the solids. I think you're right: I was putting the cart before the horse. I should first wallpaper the room (because I know it has to be that red toile!) and then let me eye direct me. And of course, deciding what the actual seating will be (either that chaise or, more likely, two petite fauteil or bergeres) will certainly help decide what the upholstery should be. oceanna -- I am one of those who lives in a CL wasteland -- crap crap crap. We used to live in San Francisco where it was a shopper's dream! But things are different 'round here ... shoot. But I love your always-helpful and kind suggestions. When I first saw those chairs I posted above I thought I'd found a steal -- the two of them for $800. Then I reread it and realized I'd left off a zero. In this life I am just not in that bracket! And thank you for the nice words about my husband. Yesterday was one of those days with the kiddos (my one year-old decided to take NO NAP but did want to scream at me -- he was exhausted but wouldn't give in) where I realized I earn every penny (and then some) I spend on "me" things. I think he feels likewise so he knows if he wants to continue to spend private time with me anywhere (not just in the bedroom!) it behooves him to make sure I am pretty happy. But you're right -- I'm lucky that he doesn't put up a fuss about having a pretty bedroom. I have a friend whose husband hates smocking and gingham (for little boys' clothing) and will not allow their son to wear those things. Let's just say my kids would go naked if that were the case but, of course, I couldn't be married to a man who didn't appreciate smocked jonjons! Thank you for reminding me that I did good with my husband. We all need that mental goose every once in a while, and yesterday was certainly my day. When we get going on this project I'll be back to post pictures!

Maybe it's a problem with the website that keeps you from printing it. Or you may need to install new printer drivers (available at hp.com). I just use the "Snipping Tool" to highlight what I want. That way, I can save the selection to my computer or paste it in Word to print it. The Snipping Tool on Vista is great, but if you have XP, you can download a free snipping tool. I only discovered this wonderful tool recently, and I think it's one of the coolest features yet!