Kitchen Metamorphosis

It's been such a busy summer with 3 wks. of company, taking an anniversary trip and projects at home. One of which was to update the kitchen with granite counter tops.
This is the picture taken before the redo. Very functional but with counter tops that marked or stained easily. We've been in our house 9 yrs. and still love the white cabinets, so we knew they would be staying. We also kept all the backsplash of white ceramic tile.

All the drawers were removed and the mess began. lol

These guys were quick and efficient!

Before we knew it the old counters were out and the new ones brought in!

We chose a black sink by Blanco made of granite. They are heavier than normal and it had to be reinforced underneath. The color is all the way through and it is much more durable than porcelain or stainless. We just love it!

Without the table under the hanging lamp, hubby put a towel on it to remind people not to run into it.

We chose to go with a black island for contrast. We extended it by 4 inches and widened it by 6.

It all came together in two days and we're back in business! lol

We had the pass-through done as well.

A closeup of the counter.

Curtains

Table

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Thanks for taking the time! I appreciate all of you!

I'm linking to the following parties:


Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Fun Filled Summer

A couple of weeks ago I had a full house!   Not with cards , but with people. With just the two of us at home now, it is usually quiet around here. lol   And last week it was anything but.!

Our daughter and family were here from SoCal. It was so much fun having them stay with us. It has been two years since they were here.

We have one daughter in the area and she hadn't seen here sister in a year. It was the longest they have ever been apart in their lives. At 37 and 34 they are still very, very close.

Thought I'd share a few pics from the fun week!

  The girls all decked out for the 4th.   The two older girls live in CA and the two yr. old lives in SC. Jonas got stuffed in with the girls this time. Hubby had them outside and he took this pic in the garage. Hence, the dirty walls. lol

My two sweet, beautiful girls.

 Me with my girls.
                          
Papa playing with the grands!

Grammy taking a turn at it.


Seems like we were always eating!

Kids just hanging out!

Even the big ones were having a good time!

All the fun is tiring!

Ready for church on Sunday.

The 4th celebration! I told you we were always eating. lol

Ending the day with fireworks downtown was a highlight for everyone!

Celebrating the big 5 for Jonas! Does anyone play Angry Birds on the phone or computer???

Jonas does!    That was the theme he wanted for his party.

He even had an Angry Bird T-shirt on!

Mom made an angry bird cake for him.

We used the timer on the camera to take this pic right before we took them to the airport!                           

It was a wonderful, busy, crazy week and we loved ever minute of it! So sorry it had to end!

How has your summer been so far?

Pasta Veggie Salad

I've had this recipe for a few years and kinda forgot about it. With company in town last week, I pulled it out of the files and decided to make it.

It is so yummy and makes quite a bit if you use a whole box of pasta or you can use half a box if desired.

I boiled tri-colored pasta according to directions on box.
Add chopped carrots and tomatoes........

Add chopeed broccoli.....

Add cucumbers.....

Mix with Ken's Three Cheese Italian Dressing and refrigerate.

It's healthy, delicious, colorful and can be eaten alone or as a side dish with dinner or a sandwich.

At time of serving you may want to add more dressing. Enjoy!

I'm joining Michael @ Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday and Nicole @http://www.momtrends.com/2011/07/tips-for-the-perfect-burger/

Thanks for stopping by!

Shrub and Flower Sculptures

A couple of weeks ago hubby and I went to Greenwood , SC for the Festival of Flowers. I have wanted to go for the last three years but couldn't seem to get there.

Even with the hustle and bustle of expecting company we squeezed it in.

I had heard it was amazing and I wasn't disappointed.

The first pic is of the elephant with a news reporter getting ready to film from that site.

Hubby said something funny and she was cracking up. This is her baby and if you look close enough you can see water squirting from the trunk.

The horse was so pretty!

I'm standing next to a sheep, in case you couldn't tell...lol

Check out this life size giraffe and baby. It is truly amazing to see these made from shrubs, flowers and grasses!

King Kong!

This car was adorable! Check out the wheels, bumpers, and headlights.

They all have drip lines running into them to keep them fresh for the month of June.

Hubby by the butterfly.

The next two were not in the town of Greenwood but look at what some talented person did!

We just saw the new Cars 2 movie with all the grands this week, so I thought I'd add these cuties!

If you ever get a chance to see a show like this you won't be sorry!   Thanks for stopping!

I'm joining Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday!