So I was thrilled when I stumbled across “Designing Trendy Tween Rooms for Girls”. I consider myself a modestly creative person. Art, music and literature were staples of growing up in my parents home and I *hope* to provide the same for my girls (Ages 12, 10 & 8) While I believe we are a little closer than most mothers and daughters, apparently, this is the age that the connection takes a little more work. Anything that give me an edge in creating something that really fits her – without breaking the bank every time the wind blows and she wants to “do something new” – is greatly appreciated.

Susan goes onto to say:

Got a Tween? Yea, it’s (mostly) a girl thing.

If she is too old for bunk beds and trundles, then it’s time to ban the bunnies and butterflies from her room. The key is to be adaptable! She’s going to change her mind many times.

What is a “Tween?” This Tween Definition from the Urban Dictionary really nails it:

A girl ages about 9-14…too old for toys, but too young for boys. Very easy to market to, will usually follow any fashion trend set for them, will most likely go through the phase of ‘finding themselves’ as they ‘grow up’.

In other words, they’re a moving target (and hold on to your wallet!). They want to express their individuality, yet also fit in with their friends. It’s a confusing time! Their opinions are driven primarily by pop culture, friends, and hopefully tempered by her family’s values. And they will change their mind more than YOU do.

Fear not! Here are some helpful tips in finding a fabulous design to make your tween happy and keep you sane (within reason)….

Sound familiar?

Adaptable color

Unless you personally enjoy painting, pick a neutral color for the walls. Spice up a neutral base with funky colors for trim, expressive rugs, throws, pillows and dramatic wall decals or murals.  Oh, and be sure to opt for a comforter with a duvet. 

Here’s a great example of a neutral room that can change on a dime!

Photo source: House Beautiful

Here’s another great example of neutral walls with a splash of electric blue in the bench and chandelier. Keeping the bedding neutral will allow breathing space for a tween’s need for flair AND allow for change.  And isn’t that rug fabulous……

Photo source: Apartment Therapy

You can continue reading here

My favorite tip? I’m glad you asked!

Idea: Why not just go ahead and paint one wall with magnetic paint as her “flair” gallery – it will at least keep it contained to one spot (maybe). Here’s an interesting use of a magnetic wall for a poster display.

Photo source: Flickr

That is genius. I’ve actually been thinking of changing the guest room into a art/music room: complete with rock posters, records and concert ticket stubs.  The magnetic paint might be the way to go for the posters and ticket stubs.

I might even include a lava lamp. Well, probably not. Then again, the tweens would really like though!

Have any more suggestions to add?

Meeting “code” is considered well below the Attention to Detail way to take care of your home, unfortunately, this appears to have been a common practice for many more homeowners than previously understood.

Below is an insightful article on how find out if your home is one of many that were overlooked by inspectors during the building boom and what you can do to rectify any problems.

Will your new home last?

There were many times when Valerie DeBill drove by er Austin, Texas, home in 1997, as it was being built and noticed contractors weren’t following the original plans. Problems that arose during construction weren’t fixed as promised. In fact, DeBill discovered several more issues after she closed on the house and moved in. “They kept telling us, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will be fixed,”‘ DeBill says.

There are more problems with homes built during the 1197 to 2007 housing boom than during any other time period, according to a recent Angie’s List survey of highly rated home inspectors. The sheer volume of houses being built during that time made it difficult for local housing code authorities to enforce propre bukding methods. Many of those homes today have problems related to hasty construction, poor quality of materials and failure to meet minimum housing code standards.

“Meeting code is akin to achieving a D-minus in your academics; the bare minium to pass,” says Ross Neag, a home inspector and co-owner of A-rated Domicle Consulting in Chicago.

A recent online poll of members reveal more than half who built a home during the boom discovered their homes were fraught with problems after a contractor completed the job. Poor drywall and carpentry work, structural troubles and plumbing problems were the three most widespread issues reported on the poll. Bad roofing jobs, insufficient insulation, dangerous electrical wiring, and improperly sized heating and cooling systems were other common complaints.

DeBill had a laundry list of troubles including crooked walls and window frames; poor landscaping issues that led to the grass dying; toilet installation problems that created plumbing backup issues; tile grout dumped down the drains, which clogged the pipes; and wallpaper put over textured drywall that was supposed to be smooth. DeBill even discovered pennies were used to level a toilet with a broken seal. “It’s almost impossible to get those things taken care of after closing,” DeBill says. “There was no financial motivation for them to actually finish the house ate that point,” DeBill says.

DeBill-who has snice sold the home-estimates she spent about $10,000 on repairs the first year there, which included her hiring an independent home inspector to help her find all of the issues missed during  her original walk-through. She kept video and written documentation of all the problems and was one of nearly 200 homeowners who eventually sued the builder. Because the problems were so egregious, DeBill syas, the builder agreed to settle with her for about one-third of the purchase price.

If you own a home built during the housing boom, or are considering purchasing one, hire a reputable home inspector-one who is independent of a real estate agent or builder-to help find problems related to the construction. An inspector can also offer guidance on the best way to rectify any issues. The average cost of home inspections reported on Angie’s List for the past year was $475.

It’s also important to check your inspector’s credentials and do your research before you hire. If licensing is required in your state, ask for proof. Also ask for proof of insurance and independent certification from reputable organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors. “No one thinks twice about going to a doctor or dentist for checkups or a mechanic for an oil change,” Neag says. “Why wouldn’t you take the same approach with several-hundred-thousand-dollar investment?”

By Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List

Can you tell what it is? It’s an oven!

Talk about a streamlined design!

This built-in oven from Fulgor does not go in the wall, instead it hides in the kitchen countertop. From there, you can raise it up, thanks to the unique Fulgor Lift System, with the simple touch of a button, just like a hidden exhaust hood. The multifunction oven has touch controls and offers 12 cooking functions including Upper and Lower Heat, Upper Heat, Lower Heat, Salamander, Full Grill, Grill and Fan, Upper and Lower Heat with Fan, Fan with Heat, Pizza and Bread, Lower Heat with Grill, Boost and Defrosting.

To read more about this innovative and slick design, click HERE.

-Kris

ATD added many new homeowners to the ATD family along with completing projects in the homes of our loyal and longstanding clients. With 2011 behind us, we look forward to a prosperous and beautiful year with our newly grown family.

Did Attention to Detail complete a project in your home last year? What about the in years before? Now is your chance to brag about your new kitchen, bathroom basement or addition for all to see!

Vote for ATD as your favorite Remodeler!

You, your friends, family and others will be able to access the ballot on the My Community website at www.footprintspublishing.com. Ballots may be found in the January and February issues of all the magazines.

Please remember that only original print magazine ballots and online ballots will be accepted. No photocopies please. Valid ballots will include a minimum of 20 selected categories. Ballots will less 20 categories selected will not be counted.

Attention to Detail is placing ours here if you haven’t visited all of the small businesses in the community, we have a few favorites ourselves!

Attention to Detail's Favorite List

The rules will be placed online and on the printed magazine ballot.

Click here to vote online:www.footprintspublishing.com!

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know!

The Team at ATD would like to thank you for your participation and continued support. Your support and satisfaction means the most to us.

Thanks again, and happy voting!!

-Kris

Hello and good day to all you foodies and followers at Attention to Detail Home Remodeling. As you know this Chef turned remodeler still loves to cook and I have a nice one for all you Vegans and gluten free people.  I organically found this recipe from New Hope and I added some top spin.

This Rosemary adds a surprisingly sumptuous flavor to these button cookies and the Grapeseed oil lend a buttery taste.

1 ¼ cups blanched almond flour

Pinch of sea salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ cup grapeseed oil

2 tablespoons agave nectar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

½ cup pecans, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda. In a small bowl whisk together oil, agave and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into dry. Fold in rosemary and pecans.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form dough into ½-1 inch balls and press into prepared baking sheet. (If batter gets sticky, wet hands before forming cookies) Bake for 6-7 minutes until golden. Cool on baking sheet.

Per serving 2 cookies: ( because you can’t just eat one)(note, this is from a website that when you input the ingredients, it will give you the calories and fat, so don’t hold me to it)

149 cal, 14g fat 0mg chol, 3g protein, 6g carb, 2g fiber, 54mg sodium

Enjoy and I love feedback!

David-

Boring!

Spice it up on Thanksgiving with Oyster Stuffing! Chef David has provided another closely guarded secret to save you from Thanksgiving dullness.

Come on, live a little!

Oyster Stuffing

Ingredients:

The sauté:

• 1.5 large Sweet onions, cut like petal of a flower(Julianne)
• 3 cloves of garlic peeled and with a medium chop.(don’t mince. You can add more as I do)
• 4 stalks of Celery medium chop
• 4 Carrots cleaned with a brush, not peeled, cut as celery
• 1 small Parsnips, small cubes
• 1small Rutabaga , small cubes
• 4TBPS of olive oil
• 2TBPS of butter unsalted

Place in separate bowls and place aside

Spices:

• 1 TBSP Fresh lemon thyme or 1/2 TBSP of dried.
• 1/2 TBSP Oregano
• 1/4 Tsp Sage
• 1/4 Tsp Rosemary
• 1/2 Tsp Grated lemon peel.
• Salt and Pepper. I love using freshly ground pepper(about 1/2 tsp) and less of the salt.

In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter over a medium heat. When the butter is melted add the onions and sauté until translucent and browning. Add everything else but the garlic and celery. Stir so all veggies are well coated with the oil mixture. Place a lid on the skillet, reduce to a medium low heat, sauté for  7 minutes.

Add the garlic and celery, mix and cook for another 3 minutes with lid. Remove from heat and the lid.

The Broth:

I love to use “Better than bullion” brand. I use chicken as the first ingredient is chicken and salt is near the end.

• 1TBPS of chicken better than bullion
• 2 cups of water
• Heat the water to a boil and add the bullion
• Set aside after bullion is mixed and it’s a broth.

Stuffing:

I have used my own cornbread stuffing before. It’s easy, just cook up some cornbread and let it get stale for a few days. But, I have used the stuffing in the store with very good success. I like Pepperidge Farm Corn bread stuffing with herbs.

• Two bags of Pepperidge Farm Cornbread stuffing with herbs.

Oysters: One pound of fresh oysters.

Making the stuffing:

Take the lid off the veggies and turn off the heat. All should be yummy smelling and all veggies except the onions and the garlic should be still crunchy. Take the 2 cups of broth and pour into the skillet if large enough. If not, take your large stock pot and transfer it so you won’t splash when you mix.

Add the stuffing and oysters and mix well without making it to mushy.

Baking pan:

Use butter to grease the pan bottom and sides. Pre-heat oven to 400. Bake for 45 minutes until the top has a nice crust on it and the middle is hot and moist.

When done, remove from oven and let cool. Use a serving spoon and get ready for the ooohhs and aaaaahhhs. Enjoy!

David Sturm

So this year, take no prisoners because Chef David is here to help.  Below is his to-die-for Apple Gallet, guaranteed to draws grunts and sighs from satisfaction.

David’s Apple Galette

Yield:  Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) plus 2 tablespoons cold butter
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1/2 cup walnuts
2 pounds tart apples (3 to 5), such as Pink Lady or Granny Smith
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.

1 Tablespoon of lemon juice.

1 large egg, beaten to blend with 1 tablespoon water

1. In a food processor or large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut 1/2 cup butter into pieces and add to flour mixture; pulse motor, cut in with a pastry blender, or rub in with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse meal. With motor running (or stirring with a fork after each addition), add egg yolk and 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time; process or stir just until mixture comes together in a ball. Form dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill until firm but still pliable, about 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, spread walnuts in a baking pan and bake in a 375° oven until barely golden under skins, 6 to 8 minutes (leave oven on). Coarsely chop nuts.

3. Peel and core apples; cut each into eight wedges. Toss sugar, lemon juice and spices with cooled walnuts.

4. Unwrap dough. On a lightly floured surface, with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll into a round about 15 inches in diameter. Line a 12- by 15-inch baking sheet with cooking parchment (or butter the sheet well) and carefully transfer dough round to sheet (edges will hang over sheet).

5. Pour apple mixture onto center of pastry, moulding wedges in a circle about 8 inches wide and 2 inches high. Gently fold edges of dough over apples, pleating as you go, leaving an opening about 4 inches wide in the center. Brush pastry all over with beaten egg.

6. Bake in 375° oven until pastry is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced, 40 to 45 minutes (35 to 40 in a convection oven). Transfer galette (with parchment, if using) to a wire rack to cool. Transfer to a large plate, gently pulling parchment from under tart. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges.

CALORIES 390 (48% from fat); FAT 21g (sat 9.8g); CHOLESTEROL 92mg; CARBOHYDRATE 49g; SODIUM 233mg; PROTEIN 4.9g; FIBER 2.8g

So when a special day like Thanksgiving rolls around, the gloves come off. Cooking Thanksgiving dinner was a bit of a presidential event in my family. My Grandmother, the captain of the ship, prepared for this day as though it was to be our last meal on earth.

As a small child, I was given tasks such as setting the table and putting whip cream on the pie. So around ten years old, my Grandmother decided I was old enough to really start getting my hands dirty. This was an exciting prospect since I equated cooking Thanksgiving to being a “grownup”. This was an honor; I was on my way to adulthood.

Roughly two weeks prior to “T-Day”, I was brought in to meet with my Great-Aunt, my Grandmother, my Great-Grandmother and my Mother. Four generations of women began the strategy session with a menu plan. This meeting was sole political posturing since my Grandmother really ran the show.  Grandma took requests, she just might throw them out the window. This also transferred into the actual cooking and baking because Grandma would cook the main event and dole out pie baking responsibilities as she saw fit.

So we’re into the night before. T-Day is almost here and Grandma has her game face on. I’m excited and scared witless. The smaller preps have been completed. The Cranberry sauce, the baked mac and cheese; these were all completed earlier in the day. We are now on the epicenter of the universe: the bird. This fellow was magnificent. Unreasonably large and appeared to have lived a healthy life, I was impressed and intimidated.

The cold, pale bird rested in the sink while Grandma and I prepped the stuffing. It’s now roughly 11pm,  and the house is silent other than the sounds of the Captain and First Mate cooking in the kitchen. I’m drowsy, but running on adrenaline. Then, the task of all tasks is bestowed upon me: “Pull the turkey neck out of the bird.”

This. Shocked. Me.

Why is the turkey neck inside the turkey? Is this a cruel joke? Has Grandma become cruel and maniacal? WHY?!

Ok, I can do this. No big deal. This must be a critical part. How else would one stuff the turkey? And if there’s no stuffed turkey, then there is no Thanksgiving. No Thanksgiving and society breaks down and there are riots in the street. All of Thanksgiving is weighted upon my shoulders now and it is heavy.

About 3 minutes have passed since she told me “just get it over with”. I’m silently giving myself the end all, be all of pep talks. “Come on Kris, the family is counting on you”. I pull my pajama sleeves up, tighten my apron and prepare to go in.

But… I can’t do it. My hand won’t move beyond the countertop. Grandma encourages me, and I try it again. And my hand once again falls back to the countertop. Now, I’m becoming angry. Angry that adulthood is within my reach and my small hands can’t grab it. Angry that I had never noticed this part of the madness before this night and maybe if had, I could have psyched myself up more. And now becoming angry that somewhere, someone set me up by placing the stupid neck in the stupid bird to begin with. As the anger grows, so does my courage. I’m suddenly 12 feet tall and bullet proof.

Grandma looks at me again, asking “Are you going to put your hand in there or not?” This time, I’m ready as I answer: “No, Grandma. I can do it”. 

Just before I clench my eyes shut, I catch a grin that I will never forget on her kind and wise face. With eyes shut tight, I move faster than I ever have again in my life. I finally make contact with the turkey neck, pulling it out so fast it flies across the counter as I release it. I stand motionless, breathless, slightly in shock and slightly afraid that I somehow just ruined the bird. My Grandmother erupts in laughter. She covers her eyes as she rests her elbows on the counter, slightly shaking her head at my behavior, but it’s written on her face: She’s proud.

Relief washes over me as I smile, proud of myself and delighted at Grandma’s pride in me. I did it. I accomplished the impossible and I made my Grandma, my captain, laugh.

My Grandmother is gone now and has been for many years. But not a Thanksgiving passes without her strong presence in every detail of the meal.

My Grandmother's magnificent birthday cake.

My Halloween desk mascots.

Bathrooms can be one of the most complex rooms to remodel.

If you’re dreaming of giving your bathroom a major overhaul — whether doing it yourself or hiring a contractor — consider this before getting started:

A recent survey showed that readers of consumer reports vented having more issues with bathroom remodeling than any other home improvement project.

Given a little thought, this doesn’t surprise me.  Bathrooms provide the opportunity for frustrating and sometimes costly problems to arise.

Plumbing fixtures, waterproofing the shower area and flooring just to name a few. It takes a very good plumber to solder all the complex valves and shut off and not damage them. When you have a second story shower, you really want it to be water proofed and have at least a 10 warranty of not leaking.

Water can leak under the tile and into the wood and mold will start grow and this could go on for years without you ever seeing it, but you and your family may have illness to show from it. Now those are the things nightmares are made of!

Another misstep some homeowners make is not comparing “apples to apples” when a quote comes in. A lot of people focus on price, and that gets in the way of the value any good remodeler has to offer. If the price is lower than the other two, ask yourself “what did they leave out”? We all buy from the same places and labor shouldn’t be that different, so where does the price difference come in? One of the items maybe the practice called “low balling” where they leave something(s) out (of the project) and then once engaged the company asks for more money. Another may be cleanliness. Not cleaning up daily and causing your house to not pass the white glove test. Here is my favorite. When the project is half completed and their lowest price constructor just stops work on the job site realizing the bid was to low and not answer you repeated phone calls. That happens more than you’d like to think and it gives other remodelers a bad name.

I've paid you everything, what more do you want??!!

To avoid making them yourself, here are some of the biggest mistakes that ruin bathroom remodeling projects that I have found and according to, Consumer Reports and experts on bath remodeling Web sites:

• Failing to plan. Some folks get caught off guard when they realize the time the job can require, and chaos can ensue when the project lasts longer than expected. Remember that almost all of the elements of a home (electrical, flooring, etc.) come together in a bathroom, and when the project takes longer than expected, family members can get anxious. Find a Design/Build company that can understand what you want and with their design staff can create a functional, feasible and gorgeous drawing with detailed budget requirements.

• Changing your mind. Homeowners who change plans after the job has started are much more likely to suffer big cost overruns and delays.

• Overcrowding. Most bathrooms aren’t spacious, and the layout should be checked carefully before making any changes. Putting in a sink and finding that you can’t open the door all the way is a real problem. Proper planning with a designer that is certified in Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling can avoid this.

• Inadequate ventilation. A bathroom is a tight space to work in and often isn’t well ventilated. This can be a problem if the house is “tight” as excess moisture will be contained in the room.

• Choosing inferior products. Your choice of products for your bathroom, perhaps more than anywhere else in your home, will determine how happy you will be with the changes, according to information at luxurybath.biz. Inferior products may result in a lack of protection and water damage that can cost you more in the long run.

• Hiring the wrong contractor can be avoided. Make sure the remodeler has general liability and workman’s comp insurances and make sure they are either emailed or faxed to your location. Never take a copy. The policy may not be enforced. Yet another blunder, not carefully checking the credentials of the remodeler. State licensing, belonging to a charter organization like NARI(National Association of Remodeling Inc.) are all good steps in the right direction. Remodelers take more pride in what they do and have to be held to a “code of ethics”.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do they specialize in bathrooms?
• What is there standing with the Better Business Bureau?
• Can the remodeler supply references?
• Do they have a written warranty?

Use this as a guide when choosing your remodeler and always, always check the references, insurances and licensing for yourself.

Be safe, not sorry.