Stephanie baked double fudge chocolate and delicious fresh strawberry cupcakes to practice on. Sounds kind of strange but fondant can be stored up to one year…. Chris is a professional baker and makes beautiful wedding cakes by day and really cool birthday cakes for so many foster kids in her spare time.

As you see… We had “Hello Kitty” and Spiderman in the house today. Chris taught us how to make daisies, leaves and ribbons. There are so many things you can do with just a few tools, however, the process sure can be time consuming. As you make each layer you have to let each one dry then assemble it as you put it on the cake… Little things like storing flowers in an egg carton or a cupped bowl helps authenticate the flowers shape. Make sure you attach your stem to the flower first! If you try after it drys you could have a crumbling mess. Oh… And another thing, make extra! It never fails something may go wrong and you’ll need a few replacements to fill in.

You can see more about Cake 4 Kids at their web site or their facebook page here.

A few weeks ago Patty was moving the toaster, which we store on top of the refer, when it did a header to the floor. My beloved $30 west bend 4 slice toaster was just sitting there in shambles on the floor with a twisted chassis and the panels all popped out. After a couple of weeks of no toaster, I finally decided to go see what was at the local supersize store and was greeted by a shock. They only had 2 toasters, one for $50 and one for $100. What!, toasters are cheap, there was no way I was going to shell out $100 just to lightly burn bread. Moving on to a different store, I was greeted by a plethora of toasters. Stainless, white, 2 slice, 4 slice by about 10 different brands, this was more like it. My daughter and I pulled levers & looked at the specs. Most of them had sloppy levers, a number of the cheapest ones had fewer wires to cook, and just looked like they were assembled by someone who had an all nighter at the local pub. I finally came to the conclusion that this wasn’t going to be a $30 toaster, so it was time to evaluate just how much it was worth to me to replace the 2nd most used appliance in our kitchen. When we came upon the Kitchenaid products, a little light didn’t go off in my head, no chorus of heavenly angels sang, nor was I struck blind by a shining light from the heavens. It was the same toaster that I’d walked away from at the “toilet paper sold by the pallet store” earlier…The Kitchenaid KMT223cu is a digitally controlled toaster. Since it’s digitally controlled, the cooking time is reliable and repeatable, something I was NEVER able to get out my old toaster. The quality of this unit is excellent, the cooking wires are nicely spaced at about a 3/8″ apart and aligned nice and straight, the fit and finish is good, and it’s almost all metal! It has a dial knob for cooking levels and 3 buttons for different cooking methods-Bagel, Defrost, & Reheat plus one to cancel. I grabbed a bagel and popped it into the slot, hit bagel and a wonderful thing happened, it cooked! I’ve never had a bagel button before, never thought I needed one, but it was a smart button that only applies heat to the inside cooking elements and toasted  the faces leaving the backside unburnt and soft! The topper? It made a perfect golden brown bagel the first time. I never stopped to think about it before, my old toaster really was a piece of junk. You couldn’t just push it down and let it go, you had to cook halfway then rotate the pieces and cook everything again. Funny how you just do things without thinking about it, putting up with poor craftsmanship and operation since you’ve never been exposed to anything any better…I shouldn’t be surprised, we use a stand mixer from KA the last 20 years and it just works. Many of our clients have opted for Kitchenaid refers as alternatives to the Subzero’s of the world and have been very satisfied. And I now own the perfect toaster

 Check out the current Medallion Cabinetry Specials – Good until 06/24/12!

Frameless cabinets maximize storage space

Cabinets are built in two ways – either with ¾ – 1-inch framing that the cabinet doors are attached to, or without framing. Both methods have advantages, so it is important to understand the differences.

Also known as “full access” cabinets, frameless cabinets offer more storage space than framed cabinets. They are a great choice for homes where space is at a premium – cottages, condos or any home with a smaller kitchen – as frameless cabinets allow you to use every inch of available space. For example, a 15” 4-drawer framed cabinet will have 10 ¼ inches of interior width storage, while a frameless cabinet of the same size will give you 12 inches of storage. That additional 1 ¼ inches per drawer adds up when you are trying to maximize space!

Designing a kitchen using frameless cabinets can be a sticky business, so it’s important to have the expert guidance of a kitchen designer that is well-versed in the complexities of frameless cabinetry. There can be limitations on specialty materials, and you want to make sure your hardware choices are compatible.

Many frameless cabinets come in sleek contemporary styles, but there are also some great traditional looks available. One we like is UltraCraft, which constructs frameless cabinets with a 5/8 inch back panel that maintains the structural integrity of the cabinet. UltraCraft offers a wide variety of styles, with looks that appeal to even the most discerning eye.

Medallion Cabinetry offers a wide variety of framed cabinets

Framed cabinets, also known as “face frame” cabinets – are the traditional style of cabinet construction in North America. The face frame hides the edges of the cabinet box and helps reinforce stability. Though they don’t offer the space efficiency of frameless cabinetry, framed cabinets are available at a wider range of price points, with a large variety of styles and options available. Installation of face frame cabinetry is more flexible than frameless, so that is something to keep in mind.

Stop into our showroom to learn more about the differences in cabinetry today! We’ll help you choose the look that’s just right for your home.

*Now through December 31, 2011 receive 5 – 10 percent off Medallion cabinets with purchase of 10 cabinets.

Try plate racks to keep your dinner plates in line, wine glass holders for a sophisticated way to store stemware, and knife drawer inserts to keep your knives sharp and safe.  But don’t stop there! Here are a few more of the cabinet accessories we have available:

Super Susans. Sturdier and more durable than a “lazy Susan,” this is certain to be the most popular accessory in any kitchen. A Super Susan is a specialty cabinet that anchors the corner of you kitchen, allowing you to utilize the space that would be normally inaccessible. A high quality Super Susan features a smooth ball bearing action in the center, outside load bearing support, and with a positive stop when in the closed position.

Pantry Pull-Outs. If you’re sick of shuffling through your spice collection or canned food to find just the right ingredient, try adding narrow spice or pantry pull-out shelves for a neat solution for food storage.

Tray Dividers. A great addition to base cabinets or above the refrigerator, tray dividers help keep cutting boards, cookie sheets or the Thanksgiving platters in order. They’re also great for corralling paper bags.

Trash/Recycling. Hiding the trash can instantly make a kitchen feel tidier. Turn one cabinet into a dual solution with a double-bin trash/recycling pull-out.

Baskets. Add wicker baskets to your kitchen storage for an elegant way to store produce or picnic ware. They come in a variety of sizes to suit any home.

Peg Systems. Peg systems offer the ultimate in flexibility because you can change the pegs to fit your needs. Ideal for organizing everything from dishware to plastic storage containers!

Two manufacturers we work with at Signature Kitchen & Bath, Omega Cabinetry and Medallion Cabinetry, have really fun solutions like these and more. Come by our expanded new showroom to check out these organization options in person!
   
Photos courtesy of Medallion Cabintry and Ultracraft

• Personality. You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so it’s important to select someone you’re comfortable with. Are you confident that the designer is listening to your concerns? Is he or she genuinely interested in your project? Choose a designer that you trust to have your best interests at heart.
• Style. Different kitchen designers will take different approaches to the same space. Are you dreaming of country chic, or is your style more mid-century modern? Let the designer get to know you and your family personally so that they can design a kitchen that will be the right fit for your taste and lifestyle.
• Budget. Be clear about your budget from the outset to avoid surprises later. Ask potential designers if there is a fee for their services, and if so, what it includes and whether it will be applied to the total cost of your kitchen. Do some research so that you’ll have an understanding of what a reasonable fee is for your project. And make sure that any new ideas your designer brings to the table are realistic and fall within the scope of your budget.
• Reputation. In an unstable economy, companies come and go. Choose a designer that works for an established, reputable company. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request references from recently completed projects. A solid company will freely share their portfolio so you can get a feel for the kind of work they do. Don’t forget to check them out on the internet – you can see what people are saying about them on sites like Yelp!
• Professionalism. Take a look at a potential designer’s website, blog, and Facebook presence. Find out if they have any professional affiliations, including NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), or ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).

At Signature Kitchen & Bath, we welcome the opportunity to partner with you on your kitchen remodeling project and answer any questions you may have about choosing a kitchen designer!

Fun Tips: Consider your overall home décor. Is your style French Country, Eclectic or Nouveau? Perhaps you’re simply matching a new stainless sink or brushed nickel appliances? You can match appliance handles on your cabinetry, or reflect the lines of your new dishwasher or range. There are many options: curves and radius hardware, or clean sleek chrome bars for a modern look.

We are experts at helping customers match their tastes to the design and accents of their kitchens, from hammered coppers and German bronze with a “satchel” look, to stainless steel and brushed satin nickel for a distinctive architectural look. If the selections seem overwhelming, simply pick out one detail of your kitchen and build from there. For example, special cabinet detail like “double bead” or “rope,” matches hardware with ribbing, open weave or basket style.  For a stately Victorian kitchen, beautiful glass knobs could be ideal. Throughout the design process, we keep many details in mind so when it comes to hardware selection you will see it ties absolutely everything together.

Practical Tips: You open and close kitchen cabinets dozens of times daily! It is important your hardware feels good to your touch, smooth and comfortable in your hand. If you wear certain kinds of jewelry, be sure that it won’t get caught in the hardware, knick or discolor the finish. Evaluate the size and dexterity of your fingers. Will small, sticky fingers be getting into the cabinets? If so, consider what it takes to keep your pulls clean and disinfected. Do you mind shining them? Be sure that knobs won’t interfere with the functioning of adjacent cabinets or drawers. Do you want a cabinet door to open 180°? We have special hinges for that. If you are only refacing you will still likely be changing out hinges. Make sure that the new hinges and hardware match, especially if the hinges are visible.

If you see hardware you like, buy a piece. Store it in a baggie with the receipt, noting the manufacturer and design name if possible. When your cabinets are installed hold them up and look.  Those that don’t make the cut now are easily returned. Note: Some companies offer free or nominally priced hardware samples. Ask about the manufacturer warranty or replacement policy. A lifetime warranty will be more expensive, but as kitchens generally get remodeled only every 17 to 20 years, the higher price averaged out over years is negligible. View your new hardware as the final accent or “bling” that transcends your kitchen from Wow to Pow!  Happy shopping.

Companies represented at our showroom include:

• Colonial Bronze
• Top Knobs
• Amerock
• Siro Designs

At Signature Kitchen & Bath we consider helping our customers choose their hardware an important part of helping them with their entire kitchen or bath project, large or small. We look forward to designing with you!

Last photo courtesy of Topex Hardware

Regardless of your kitchen’s size or shape, you are likely to find the kitchen island that is exactly right for you. There is really only one major thing to consider before making your choice besides cost, and that is space. Generally, the rule of thumb for a kitchen island is to have at least three feet of space around it, on at least three sides. Additionally, here are a few other things to think about:

Consider your “kitchen triangle,” the refrigerator, sink and stove. The “work triangle” connects the 3 major tasks areas, clean up, cooking and food storage. A kitchen island can reduce the walking space between these areas, and direct visitors in and out of the work area.

Consider the island’s use. For increasing workspace, choose any size that fits your kitchen comfortably. Have you considered curves or angles? Would you like to add texture or color to your kitchen? Change in island color or counter tops are a great way to add interest. The surface is important: do you want a non-bacteria harboring surface, like Caesarstone’s Quartz that cleans up easily, or a wooden chopping block that takes a beating and wipes down with vinegar and water?

Consider kitchen size. Do you want a small island on wheels that can store in a corner when not in use? Can you accommodate a large island with room for barstools and possibly a bar sink? If you entertain, a kitchen island can do double duty as a serving area, or a room divider using a raised seating area to help hide the mess.

Consider your décor. Does an open wine storage unit fit with your style, or would you choose wine captain? Is storage more important? If so, then closed cabinets are a must. Open bookcases, furniture details with legs or appliqués are a nice way to add your own personal touch to the island design. A kitchen island is great for eliminating view-obstructing overhead cabinets if you have enough storage underneath, too. If your island is going to be a focal point, don’t forget a little lighting remodel.

Kitchen islands are functional, attractive and multi-purpose, although they do take up floor space. Make sure that the functionality you gain outweighs the area you lose.

For more kitchen island ideas, check out Medallion Cabinetry and Omega Cabinetry.

Yes, she saved this one!!!

After 17 months of sitting on the sidelines, Patty Hayos will be climbing back into the drivers seat of the Hayos Motorsports Class 7 off road racing truck to compete in a special 2 day shortcourse event at Prairie City in Rancho Cordova, CA. The VORRA organization, our racing home for over 10 years, has just announced that the Halloween event will be a 2 round event with a full race both Saturday and Sunday.

Patty’s last venture behind the wheel resulted in a moto win before Stephanie had problems in the sportsman class which sidelined the truck for the day. Patty is a 2 time class champion in this series with numerous wins on this track.

The Halloween race is something special…Special events like a BBQ and costume party are usually held on Saturday with trick or treating for all the kids. Special races are also usually on tap like the infamous Mechanics Race and the Ladies Powder Puff race which Stephanie took 2nd place her first time behind the wheel in 2009. As the schedule gets firmed up we will keep you informed…

To see more about Patty and Stephanie’s racing check out Hayos Motorsports for videos, pictures, and race reports.