I was in Target yesterday and they were having a big clearance of home furnishings and décor. I had not even noticed when those items appeared in the store, so I think they move them out quickly. I took a quick look at some of the furniture but was wondering about quality and durability. FWIW, a lot of art fair artists are selling stretched canvas prints now, both photographers and painters. (You know how most painters have both originals and offset reproductions of those in their booths). The printing on canvas technology has come down in cost recently enabling individual artists, not just large manufacturers, to be able to print their works on canvas. Its called a "gallery wrap" when there is no separate frame and the canvas is stretched all the way to the back so staples are not visible. I have a friend who is a photographer who has gone completely to this way of printing as it is so popular; no more glass or matting, or worrying if the frame will match decor to deal with. Its also less expensive (after initial equipment outlay) allowing them to pass on the cost savings and make more sales. She also sells her work online at a 2D art dealer and they said the gallery wraps are the fastest selling category they have going, regardless of subject. You could visit an art fair and get something so wont see everywhere, and know it wont be in Target tomorrow.

Okay, so my GardenWeb friend, corgimum, checked out the Ballard outlet in West Chester, and she found my coveted bench there - in black . . . sigh. And, while it is shrink wrapped, it is not boxed. corgimum even found me the name of a shipper, and I called, but they are only open on weekdays. corgimum - a huge thank you to you! I'm so fortunate that you checked this out, or I would have given up long ago. So, I called the store to see about making arrangements for a shipper and told them my story and situation. They gave me the name of an errand service in town that makes purchases and ships. So I called that number, and we soon determined that the bench was bigger than what FedEx will allow and would require a different shipping company. She also doesn't do packaging, but would take it somewhere for a price of $25 per hour. I then searched for other pack-and-ship locations around the West Chester area, and I found one that is open today. The gentleman was very nice and said they could pick up the package, box it, and ship it. It will cost quite a bit, but the bench is on sale at the outlet for several hundred dollars less than its usual price. So, I'm in the process of making the arrangements. Ballard will hold the bench for me for a couple of days. The biggest hitch now is that the Ballard store requires the credit/debit card used for the purchase to be that of the person making the purchase. So, somehow the shipping company needs to pre-charge my card for the amount, etc. I'm still a bit afraid to get my hopes up. I'm not sure that will all go smoothly. In the end, I'm sure this will all be worth it, right guys? Only you would understand my plight. :o) I'll keep you posted. Jan

Fine print says "Special officer code THSEP315 when you place your order. Offer valid through Sept 30th 2013 at 11:59pm. Offer applies to purchases at ballarddesigns.com, by phone or at Ballard Design retail stores. Offer not valid at BD outlet stores. Cannot be combined with any other offers or applied to previous purchases, gift cards, or Bring Home Ballard items. Shipping charges are applied to the item before discount is taken." Why don't you try calling to order? A lot of times they will help you find another code or discount if yours won't work... sometimes just for asking. "Too expensive. I'll have to wait." sometimes will work too.

Thanks! As to the idea to make the cabinets over the sink shorter than the rest, my designer was adamant about not doing that, said it's not a good idea and it's way cleaner to have a "full set" of cabinets both for storage and for the look of the place. We have so little storage that I agree with her and if we have to jettison the higher faucet this week and find something shorter so be it. My electrician thinks we'll be fine with the 16.5 faucet (which is so pretty goodness gracious - a Kraus 60/40 for the 30 cabinet with a faucet that looks like a piece of sculpture for what it's worth). And the appliance store and the designer said don't worry about the blue light on the microwave - I hate it personally but the appliance store ALSO said it won't take the microwave back anyway now that it's been installed, since it's officially "used" at that point so we're stuck with it or have to spend another $250-$350 for a 2nd one. Which is not my preference. (and we can do it later if need be anyway)