GROOMS IN THE KITCHEN

This kitchen has design details borrowed from an earlier time but with all of the conveniences required for today. The colors create a vintage/urban effect, using a mushroom finish on a maple classic door style. Open shelves surround the picture window above the sink while a glass door cabinet frames more keepsakes on the island. Granite countertops, decorative crown molding and light valance finish the design. Photo: courtesy AyA Kitchens.

Shelley Waugh

upboards and drawers and knobs, oh my! With the current trend of entertaining at home, men are migrating from the popular garage hangout to spend time in the kitchen. Although the kitchen has typically been a woman's domain, resulting in up to 98% of home kitchens being designed by women, a large percentage of men are now in charge of weekend cooking. With unique accents available to customize the eatery area, men are having a blast modifying this once female-dominated room. Olive oil is the new engine oil!

  According to Randy Albert of AyA Kitchens' Ajax showroom, "It is likely to see a guy design his kitchen with cherry wood and black countertops."  Men prefer 'beefy cabinets' that look substantial, and they love to spread out: large countertops to throw a slab of beef on; custom drawer dividers that enable a quick utensil grab in the heat of the moment; and anti-slam doors equipped with runners that glide as smooth as luxury cars. Visit www.ayakitchens.com.

Tips for Moving

Evelyn Pothier

etting married and moving top the list of life’s most stressful events — if they occur at the same time, the stress can double. Advance planning, proper packing and organization can make the move go more smoothly, enabling the couple to enjoy the honeymoon a little longer.  

Start Early. The following are a few simple tips to ensure wedded bliss continues through the move.

Take Inventory of Your Possessions.

Start up to six weeks before the moving date. Take inventory of everything in your home and have your spouse-to-be do the same. Be sure to include wedding gifts such as china, crystal, electronics and other home items that might be stored elsewhere. 

Get Rid Of What You Don’t Need.

Make a list of the items you’d like to keep and compare it with the list your spouse has made. Get rid of duplicate items before you begin packing. Decide what to throw away or sell. You’ll also save money if you have fewer belongings to be packed and moved.

Determine How Much You Can Take To Your New Home.

Visualize where you’ll place pieces of furniture to help you decide whether you’ll sell, give away or store pieces that won’t fit. 

Remember Important Names and Numbers.

Keep a list of all the phone numbers and contact names of representatives if you are using a moving company, the real estate office or apartment leasing company, as well as the utility companies in both your current and future residences.

Get Some Help!

If you aren’t getting help from friends, check out professional movers. They will estimate the cost, discuss packing and unpacking options, work out a convenient schedule and answer your moving questions. Find out what their policy is regarding responsibility for broken items. Most movers have specially designed materials and boxes for china and crystal.  

Follow a Calendar Countdown to the Move. Create a step-by-step timetable for packing and moving. Source: www.Mayflower.com.

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | April 18, 2007