Blutarski Fertilizing depends very much on what you're growing, as you know. Something like Adenium or Pachypodium can be fertilized like any other tropical plant all summer long, whereas a slow growing succulent like Lithops needs a completely different fertilizing regimen. For controlled applications, mainly for slow growing and dwarf succulents, I use diluted Algoflash. It has everything the plant needs. Occasionally I supplement with a liquid Calcium feed. One can use Epsom salts as well for a Magnesium boost. For tropicals and robust "succulents", I use the Osmocote 3-4 or 5-6 month slow release formulation. I also add Magnesium and Manganese (via slow release crushed spikes) for added trace elements, along with gypsum for added Calcium. All these are added in the spring at the onset of growth. I assume they are pretty much used up by the time dormancy arrives. During the winter slowdown, fertilizer is not needed. For some tropicals that keep growing in the winter, I just use the Algoflash as needed. I prefer the slow release fertilizers because you apply once, and that's it. What I like most about the super well drained and aerated inorganic mix is that I can leave even sensitive plants outside without protection from rain and I have no fear of rot - well, almost :-) x

Thank you so much nannymac! We did use a KD to design the kitchen (layout, cab/drawer locations, island/tabletop leg design), and he worked very closely with us to incorporate our "vision" for the space, which we (DH and I and our KD) tweaked along the way as needed or desired. The details were all chosen by us; e.g. the appliances, fixtures, granite, backsplash, cab hardware (even the cherry wood switchplates, which we ordered and then gave him to have the cab manuf stain to match the cabs). Those items (among others) we researched/found on our own. The bathrooms were "all us!" LOL. Of course, we were (and still are) extremely fortunate to have a great tile guy, and tile place(s), and plumber, to help and advise us when necessary, since we were our own GC's for the bathrooms (as well as the kitchen). Our bath/kitchen/hardware showroom salesperson was invaluable (literally) in helping us pick and choose fixtures, for function, price, quality, and style. He knew the look we were trying to create (and the price ranges of the different lines, and our budgetary constraints), and we bounced a lot of ideas off each other.

I found this definition... it's a little "horoscopy" for me, but it seems to fall in line with Lynn's post: A classic, enduring design, transitional style is a union of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. To call to mind a fresh, tranquil mood, the transitional palette relies on a lack of color. A simple approach is taken with carefully chosen accessories. The look balances both masculine and feminine qualities for a comfortably contemporary design. A transitional look to your home generates an easy, welcoming atmosphere and mixes it with the sense of the traditional that shows off your good taste. Elegant and relaxed, trendy and tasteful, transitional style blends the best of traditional and contemporary looks. Transitional furniture is about bringing together comfort and minimalism with the attractive styling of traditional furniture. The lines are simpler than those found in more traditional styles, but are not as simple as contemporary. There are two sub-styles: * Casual. This style has elements of classic style, yet is cozy without being overly hip. * Eclectic. The general look of an eclectically styled room is integrated by prudent use of color and finish, shape and texture. Transitional family room furnishings combine both contemporary and traditional furniture styles. It effortlessly adjusts and combines with an assortment of styles, joining clean lines with fancy curves, and natural wood finishes with smooth, brushed metals. Fabric choices range from geometric and graphic patterns to classic textured solids. To get the look of transitional décor mix and match a variety of contemporary and traditional pieces. "Transitional" is also used to describe blended interior architecture, for floor plans that bring together formal spaces and fine points of traditional architecture with open, multitasking ones. An additional burst of color here, an unexpectedly detailed bit of decoration there  transitional is a style that can communicate accents of the eclectic and the unanticipated. You are on the avant-garde of design if you take pleasure in the transitional style. People who enjoy this style are taken with smooth and contemporary furniture and a minimum of accessories. They would select a lamp, a picture or a vase only if it makes a statement, and they have good judgment when it comes to line, scale, and drama. Do you prefer plain, clean lines and geometric shapes? Are you inclined toward light woods, like natural maple when selecting furniture? When you add ornaments to a room, would you most likely pick new accessories that are positioned sparingly and carefully all through the room? If you answered, "yes" to these questions, then transitional style is for you. Here is a link that might be useful: quote source

I believe the vanity is 72" but I will have to double check. We were thinking it would be big enough since we have seen a lot of double sink vanities at 60". They'll fit ... but they'll eat up your storage space, and each sink will be crammed against the wall. It's not a matter of possible; rather, it's a matter of comfortable. Builders put in a lot of things that don't make sense. I really do think modern bathrooms have become rather ridiculous in their excess. We definitely want a pocket door in the laundry. Still deciding on if we should also do one from bathroom to closet. Architect said we will be ok with venting laundry to outside. I don't know if I'd do a bathroom-to-closet door or not. I'd definitely make the opening door-sized so that IF you (or a future owner) ever do want a door, it'd be easy to add one in. Architect said we will be ok with venting laundry to outside. Sure, it's possible ... but it'll be difficult to clean the dryer vent. When things are difficult to clean, they tend to be ignored, and then you have a fire hazard. Or, you get what happened to us last year: a chipmunk climbed into the dryer vent and had babies ... and none of them could get back out ... oh, the smell of dead rodent. Thank goodness our dryer is on an exterior wall, and it was a matter of pulling out /replacing an 18" bit of dryer vent -- and easy DIY. If we'd had an interior set-up, we'd have had to put up with the smell while we waited for someone to come remove the vent from inside the walls /replace it. I think for our needs we will stay with the toilet closet. I like the privacy it gives while allowing the SO to still use the the other parts of the bathroom. I know it's a popular choice, but do consider that you get a number of negatives as a trade-off for 5-10 minutes of privacy each day. If you are going that direction, I suggest you make it a true half-bath with more space and a sink -- not just a toilet in a small closet.