On this same general topic I'm testing a new find, Moltan Oil Absorbent #7133 from the local Autozone auto parts store. A 33# bag costs about $6.00. This is probably very similar to OilDri (fired clay particles). So far I have soaked it in water for a week and also frozen it for a week then thawed it out. So far the clay particles have not broken down at all. I have not boiled or microwaved it or grown anything in it so far. The particles are medium gray in color, with largest sizes roughly 1/4" in size, all the way down to fines. You would have to screen the material to remove the fines. The particles can be crushed with your fingers if you press *very* hard. When added to water you do hear a "hissing" sound similar to the sound Turface makes when added to water. Probably a very similar product. As a further test I have several small containers filled with 7133 sitting outdoors in the same conditions as my other container plants. I will leave the containers of 7133 outdoors all winter and see what happens in the spring. So far I like this product but time will tell. If it survives a winter outdoors without breaking down then I believe it should be OK for use with container plant mixes. Thanks John

I too am frustrated with trying to get clean, streak-free laminate floors. We decided to purchase the cheapest by the square foot laminate that has quite the shine to it. I tried microfiber mops, water, vinegar. I made the mistake of initially trying to clean them with Mop 'N Glo. I recently purchased a Shark steam mop at the recommendation of a coworker and while the pad shows dirt is being picked up, my floors are left streaky, even only using the recommended distilled water. I'm at my wits end here trying to get the streaks off these floors. I guess Bona is next on my list to try. I'm getting quite a collection of different mops and cleaners but I'd like to find just one that actually works!

I love the idea of the black and white floor given all of your white, then be fun and accent in red or yellow. It's a cool cafe look that's great in a vintage home. Your realtor is on crack. The bad ones advise neutral neutral neutral...and ya know what...my DH's did as well, and for six years it sat on the market. I came in, painted the kitchen yellow, added bold glass accents, did the bedrooms in garnet green and a deep blue, and it sold in two days. Boring is umm boring heh heh It sounds to me like you have a great start going, and it will be fab in the end. I'd like to suggest a couple of things...first, on the cabinets, I'm all about painting good wood cabinets, so great idea there. I prefer above any other primer, to use a sherwin williams product (primer) called seal and bond (for shiny surfaces). Use this after a quick wash with TSP and you won't have to sand the cabinets :) This will make your husband or yourself, (who ever is painting) love me forever! I have used this product in three kitchens and it is sooo strong!!! Then cover with the paint of your choice (but do a high sheen (glossy or cabinet paint) for stregnth. Big hint...little thing...spend good money on your paint brushes, say over 10 each. Treat them well and they'll last forever, but a good purdy brush will make all the difference in your paint job. Trust me on this, it's important. Ok another mistake made in my lifetime...the hinges you have currently are made for those cabinets, if they work, don't toss them. It's actually harder than you think to change out hinges. I did it once...it was a funny mistake, and ended up costing me several hundred dollars and a few days to fix the error. So when you take them down keep all hinges and screws. You can easily prime (with spray automotive primer paint) then paint with metalic paint and they'll look lovely. Even if you think I'm on crack telling you that...please, throw them in a box until you're sure! To paint, lay them out on a plastic garbage bag. Stick the screws into an empty cracker or cereal box head up and paint them as well. Thin coats, several and they'll look like new :) I'm not sure what the price point was, but you might research copper or zinc counters. Circuspeanut did his copper counters DIY and they're absolutely to die for, and I think they're not bank breakers, and probably cheaper than replacing the current counters. If not, either formica or granite is fine...you're smart to consider your price point there. I have a home full of beautiful stone counters...and one formica one because it suits the use better (sewing room) but it's a wonderful granite look. I did a wood edge on that counter and I love it. It's the color of absolute brown granite and the trim is walnut tone. personally, if you're going to go with a black and white floor I'd go with either a black counter or have a blast and go red :o) Then go totally retro with a metal edge. You said white for your cabs, but spend some time looking at the kitchens in the kitchen forum. Gray is devine and very upscale looking in a kitchen for cabs. Black is rich and wonderful especially if you antique it. And, you can paint laminate as well :) So don't rule that out until you investigate. My last kitchen I painted the cabinets a rich chocolate brown. They're now in a friends mother in law appt and they look fab with creamy counters. I'd kill for a gorgeous devine dove gray...and may do that in our victorian for our first step remodel...so look at other colors just for fun :o) And when done...share!!!

I think your choices lend nicely to a Transitional look. That's when you take traditional looking products but modernize them for today's style. A gray/white kitchen would be the modern part. A 'natural' wood look product could add the 'traditional' part. Adding a wood-tone to a modernized kitchen is what offers the 'Transitional' feel to a space. And the light yellow/gold tones of wood add SUNLIGHT and WARMTH from the floor. Yep. The flooring will bounce a little bit of warm lighting (ahem...sunlight is yellow) into the space. That snick of yellow adds cheerfulness to an otherwise dull gray/black/white monochromatic world. If you are in a climate that sees all 4 seasons or have plenty of cloudy/gray days (aka Seattle and Vancouver) then a cheerful floor colour REALLY helps with mental health (nope....not kidding on that one).