Start with a good reliable soil test for soil pH and major nutrients and dig in with these simple soil tests, 1) Soil test for organic matter. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drainsâ too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. to see what else might need be done to start making that soil into something that will grow plants that will produce edible fruit. The people at your local office of the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension Service will be able to help as well. Here is a link that might be useful: UMN CES

Another vote for the desk. It will be a great addition to your salon and the kidney shape is perfect to work with customers. You could probably even take this as a write off once you start up your own business so you may want to ask for a receipt. As others have said, a single chair is much easier to come by. Before finalizing what to do with that corner, first get in the buffet and make sure it works in that space, then finish the decor for that with the mirror and lamps. Only then decide what to do with that other corner. You are a lot like me and go in several different directions at once. Advice to me about 6 months ago was to slow down, take it piece by piece. Well decorated spaces take years to evolve..... If you are looking for several items on a tight budget, try checking out estate sales.

marti8a, I'm not a granite fan either, and I'll say it out loud. :-) There are factors other than durability which bother some people, factors which might also be true for you. I had it in my previous kitchen and found it too loud and clanky. It's way too cold on winter mornings before the heat kicks in (I live in Maine). Also, mine was polished and, aesthetically, I dislike that kind of coffee-table surface in a working kitchen. And speaking to what might have been your real worry about tipping that little glass bottle, I was indeed forever breaking water glasses on the sink cutout overhang or by just dropping them. So folks needn't obsess on the friend/food coloring story; there are many quite legitimate reasons someone might not choose stone beside the staining issue. :-) That said: Marti, what do you like best of the surfaces you've seen/experienced? If you love metal but think stainless is too modern for your vision, have you considered pewter, zinc or copper? Any of these can be very cottage-vintagey. (Full disclosure for this bias: I have copper countertops.) And stainless really IS authentic for the early 20th century, in case that's a worry. Best of luck!

I would text with "if you cannot make it, I will use the remaining funds to hire someone else. Please respond within the next 48 hours." and when he does not respond, use those funds. I had someone lay concrete. When they messed it up, and they messed it up BAD, I told them, "fix it, and you will get the remainder" The entire thing was about 5500. I had paid, I think, 1300. They refused, so I kept the remainder. The wife of the contractor calls me and tells me how they will have checks bounce on Monday if they do not get the money and they think I can get it fixed for 300, they should get the rest. I said, "you refuse to finish the job. The job is to fix it. What it costs me to do that is not your business. You messed it up.. either fix it, or don't." They refused, I tiled the concrete for like 800. Gotta put your foot down and be mean as hell when it comes to doing what you expected. R