My in-laws finally have their new countertops and we wanted to share the “after” pictures with you! (Click here for the before shots!)

Drumroll, please…introducing Pat and Herm’s brand new Wilsonart HD countertops and sink!

Pat and Herm chose Bainbrook Grey for the counters and decided to also go with a Wilsonart HD sink. The size and shape of their counters limited them a bit and installation was a little tricky, but they were able to figure it out! Due to the constraints, however, they were unable to get the rounded edges, which was kind of a bummer. BUT…the final product is still beautiful! The sink is integrated into the counter, which not only looks nice but is functional, too. The counters are also very resilient to staining, scratching and chipping. Wilsonart HD’s laminate counters really are a great option for when you don’t have a huge budget but want a high-quality, nice looking countertop. Click here to read more about their products. I can’t wait to get out to New Hampshire to see these counters myself!

P.S. Didn’t Pat and Herm choose the cutest backsplash? Love it! (That was separate from Wilsonart and I think they did a great job!)

The last picture is my favorite one – Pat’s kitchen on Thanksgiving. It makes me so happy that she has a nice counter and sink to use!

 Wilsonart HD paid for most of the supplies and installation. All opinions are our own.

I know I always brag about how awesome my mother-in-law Pat is and you’re probably sick of hearing it, but she really truly is amazing. I seriously would have no problem living with her. That’s saying something, right?

Wilsonart HD was one of our SocialLuxe Lounge sponsors last year. They were great to work with and it was fun learning about their product. Because I was a VIP (in other words, I worked my tail off throwing that shindig), I had the chance to get some new kitchen countertops. Happily I was able to give the counters as a gift to Pat. Because she needs them. Because these were the counters she had forever:

She even had the edges of the counter taped down in one spot. Pat is in the kitchen a lot, so she deserves to have nice, high-tech counters to work on!

The counters were just installed, but we’re not quite ready to share the ‘after’ pictures. Once the backsplash is done we’ll have the big reveal, along with the reasons Wilsonart HD is a great option when you’re on a budget. Stay tuned!

Hey everybody! Okay, so my menu this week is gonna kinda be lame. The house is a disaster, with boxes and piles everywhere you turn. And we are doing the actually moving on Saturday, so we’ll definitely be eating out for a few days!

We spent a little time at the new house this weekend and took out some overhead cabinets in the kitchen that divided the dining and kitchen areas. I can’t believe the difference taking those cabinets out made! The room feels bigger, the countertop feels bigger, there’s more light…it’s just BETTER. We lost some shelving but it was worth it. Along the wall to the right of the window above the sink, we’ll either put a cabinet on the wall, hang pots and pans from the ceiling or do a spice rack of some kind. Suggestions welcome!

Here’s my semi lame-o menu.

MONDAY:
– Grammy’s Orange Chicken

TUESDAY:
– Waffles

WEDNESDAY:
– Turkey Boursin Baguettes

THURSDAY – SUNDAY:
– Eat out, sandwiches, cereal, whatever!

I am not providing a lot of inspiration this week, so please post your menus to inspire one another! Can’t wait to see your plans!

Well, it is finally official and I can tell you what has been occupying half my time for the last month. We bought a house! After years of hard work and saving, we finally bit the bullet and took the plunge. (Can I come up with any more cliched phrases to use in a row? Probably…)

So, here it is! Isn’t she cute?

We even have a peek of the ocean from the front yard. CRAZY.

And here’s my new kitchen!

This weekend I will spend time scrubbing down the kitchen and bathrooms, and Nate will be removing the cabinets you see there above the peninsula. There is a bonus room built off the kitchen, which makes it a little dark. Removing that cabinet is going to really open things up and add a bit of light. I’m also looking into some lighting options (perhaps something like Solatube) to add some natural light to the space without needing to make any significant changes (or spend a lot of money!).

I also can’t wait to get my brand new Bosch dishwasher installed in this kitchen. This dishwasher is quiet, beautiful and smarter than me and it can’t wait to get settled into its new home. Neither can I!

So, now begins the task of moving…again…within 6 months. But we can do it, and I promise not to disappear. Menu planning and eating will still be happening!