I did tiling for the first time when I tiled my backsplash and I can give you some advice from one beginner to another (not meant to replace the advice of a pro, but just might be some things that a pro takes for granted since they are good at what they do). IMO the way to get a professional looking job is to: 1) take your time. It's not going to go quick, that comes with practice. It took me a week to do my backsplash, a pro would have done it in a day, but I got a professional look. 2) use spacers. If there are no lugs on your tile to give the proper spacing, use spacers. I will never forget watching some DIY show, maybe weekend warriors, where the guy was like "I don't need to use spacers, I have a good eye." Oh what a crappy install THAT turned out to be. Again this is a practice thing, someone who does this all the time might be able to do it without spacers but you don't have that much practice so use them. 3) never work with someone who doesn't have the same standards you do. Tiling is not necessarily a 2 person job. 4) Try out one of those cheapie tiling kits at home depot - the one that comes with a cheap, half circle shaped piece of tin for spreading thinset. I have kind of small hands (definitely smaller than the average man) and found that this tool was MUCH easier for me to control than the larger trowel. Sure, you can't spread as much at one time but see #1. Even with the trowel, the thing is notched to make sure you get the right amount of thinset on the walls. Use the right size notches (maybe bill can help you with that and also some tips for applying). 4) Buy more extra than you'd need for a pro and don't be afraid to use it... to re-cut anything that needs to be re-cut etcetc.

Our internet is down! Oh the horror, the horror. Borrowing DH's desk at work until I get kicked out. It may be days until we are up again (phone company issues) so please accept my apologies for neglect. The parchment rounds are looking good, as is the dulce de leche. And one can always use another spatula, or Oxo tongs. Linda and bunnyman - smart@sses, I'm looking for kitchen stuff. LOL. Love the suggestions anyway, and they can be used in other parts of the house.... Annie, I own all those canning toys :-). Dlynn, we have plenty of cameras but thanks for the link. Joanm, I have a spaetzle maker, I love it! My family doesn't, sigh. I need to play with it more, maybe add some seasonings. dktrahan, AnnT have an ongoing disagreement about the ricer (but we are still friends, lol). I like the style you linked because I can rest it across the pot/bowl and I don't find it difficult to squeeze. DARFC from Ann. Deee, I have those jar pops and extras too, I give them away as gifts to my friends - we're all starting to need them. jcrowley99, now you have me looking for (and needing) 'scoop' measuring cups. I can't fit my round ones in my narrow flour tupperware containers. Next order or ebay, I can't justify $20 for a set of scoops. Arley, I was listening to Fritz Wunderlich, Dalla Sua Pace, on our Rhapsody music subscription when our net went down. Arrrgh. I do sing Il Mio Tesoro around the house, much to the consternation of my kids, heh heh. We can never get enough Don Giovanni. He does have a beautiful voice. We get everything now on Rhapsody; I'm not sure about O Holde Dame, I'll check when we are back up. Maybe Youtube will have a clip! I don't know if you checked back on the 'Bucket List' thread on Conversations - we just started the Ring cycle at LA Opera. I'm stoked! Thanks all, I'll try to check in for more suggestions!

Judy - those cupcakes look yummy! I'm in your camp. The kitchen we are remodeling had a old vented hood. In the 7 years I have lived here, I think I turned it on maybe 2 or 3 times & that usually involved a toaster incident lol... I also cook plenty but like you, don't deep fry or sear/broil very often & use just small amounts of olive oil or butter when needed and not at high heat. I never had a problem with any grease build up or other gunk & I don't really find food smells offensive (well except when I was pregnant, but those days are over). This time around, I'm going with an OTR micro, b/c my counter space is limited & I hated that the big clunker was taking up so much of my precious counter space. (I'm now trying to figure out where I can hide my toaster oven for the same reason). I'm guessing I won't use the vent much this time around either - When we sell in 10-15 yrs - our kitchen will probably be getting to that "outdated" state anyway & will be redone again - the venting to outside is in place if they want to change back to a hood - but for me, this is just fine...

Sativa has a good idea for a high contrast design but I might be overwhelmed too much dark black. It would need the balance of lighter floors and the natural light from the windows which could make it stunning. I bought the same pebble tile at our local H H Restore to re do our tiny shower. I want bright white tile like your subway tile but hubby still wants a large format porcelain. The mix from the pebbles can work with many things. Remember when it is sealed the colors will deepen to what it looks like wet. You could use a midtone like the charcoal grout for your floor tile if you are keeping the walls lighter like a warm white, tape or grey from the pebbles. If you go with dramatic black walls, you need a lighter grey ,taupe or warm white for balance. With either color scheme choose a basic floor tile with a bit of texture to prevent falls. A rectified porcelain with touches both cool grey and warm whites and taupes would work with lots color schemes. Keep in mind you may change your style in a few years. So pick a classic with lots of options. It will be easier to change a dramatic paint color than a busy tile pattern.