Heya folks,

I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.

Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
how I cook.

The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
garden too, which I will have in my new house.

How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?

Christine

Oh pshaw, on Tue 11 Jul 2006 09:14:42p, Christine Dabney meant to say...

> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine
>

1. kitchen
2. personal room (for computer, tv, favorite books, etc)
3. rooms enough for everything else to fit

--
Wayne Boatwright
__________________________________________________

'The sex was so good that even the neighbors had a
cigarette.'

Christine Dabney > wrote in
:


>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>

When I was renting it was wherever felt good but also allowed me to have
my pooch (who is strictly an outdoor dog). But then again, I always
insisted on flyscreens.

Nowadays, choosing is down to how I feel whenever I walk into the house.

This place I'm in, I walked in and it felt like home straight away. I
had been to about 6 others houses on the one day and never got that
feeling.

No consideration was given to rooms/kitchen etc, apart from the fact
that I had to have heaps of cupboard space in the kitchen, and walk ins
in the bedrooms.

When I build my own house (well, when I pay someone to build it for
me!!) it will be specifically designed for what I want.
An oblong shaped kitchen with a cooking island (burners)in the middle,
an exhaust system that will suck the skin off a custard if you leave it
out too long...... a long breakfast bar, a *huge* stove (gas *and*
electric) and all the latest mod cons.

Now....... where's my gun....... and where's that bank!!

--
Peter Lucas
Brisbane
Australia

'Enjoy today, it was paid for by a veteran'

My ideal home would be one that has a great kitchen with a couple of
ovens, plenty of burners, plenty of counter space and cabinets. I
think the country kitchen concept, where I could put butts in the seats
around a table while I cook, would be wonderful. Often when my family
comes home, they will sit around my kitchen table, and I'll start
serving, appetizers, a little wine, some soup, a little salad, a couple
of dishes. They are eating, while I'm cooking. I usually have a plate
on the counter near where the table is, and that's the way I serve and
eat, until the last courses. At that point I usually sit at the table
with them, and enjoy those main courses, and desert.

My present kitchen is relatively small, but since my family is no
longer home, it doesn't matter as much. The dining bay which is part
of my kitchen has wonderful windows that overlook my backyard. There
is certain delight in the environment.

I really like the Great Room concept, rather than a small living room,
with a small family room.

I would like to have a bedroom a little bigger than the one I have, but
it doesn't need to be huge.

I've worked as a Realtor for 24 years now, and I often see some
absolutely amazing properties. My own house is small - but it's a very
beloved small house, and I don't really see myself moving from it.

Myrl Jeffcoat
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

"Christine Dabney" > wrote:
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>

What a great question! We are in our first house in a relatively expensive
city,
(at least for our incomes!) so the mortgage payment was a big factor.

To keep it down, we chose a house hold enough to be unfashionable, but
not old enough to be hip. We wanted as much space as possible and as
much "real stuff" as possible--e.g. hardwoods, tile baths, slate and stone,
anything but plastic junk. I had to have an upstairs. For some reason, it
just is not a "real" house for me without a second story. (I did not know
this
until I began looking with a realtor.)

Neighborhood was also important--not social status but "feel." We wanted
it to feel like an old neighborhood. Honey, cracked sidewalks, trees big
enough for shade. Because we compromised on the age of the house we
were able to get a great location--it is borderline citysuburb/suburb, and
in
20 years will be a wonderful old city neighborhood.

Our kitchen is small with old appliances, but the appliances are plentiful
and came with the house! Good for us because we moved out of
apartments. We have had to replace them as they broke but they were
a great help in the first years when we needed to save money. Yard is
important too--I just wanted green. Lots of green. A fenced back yard.
Big trees. *Most important of all--a pre-sale inspection by a certified
inspector NOT connected to the realtor! Ours was right about
everything.

Another good idea for a thread: your dream kitchen and house!



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:14:42 -0700, Christine Dabney
> wrote:

>Heya folks,
>
>I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
>folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
>Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
>how I cook.
>
>The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
>garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
>How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
>Christine

First priorities: Close to work. Close to public transportation (I
only considered places 3-4 blocks from the bus route that goes to
work, but I could walk). Close to shops/services. Backyard.
Driveway. Space for washer/dryer.

In NYC, for me to afford the above meant giving up "large" anything.
Rather than move out (way out) to the suburbs to get a large kitchen,
I make do with a small but sufficient one.

I am so not into commuting!

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

Christine Dabney wrote:
> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

Our biggest concern was a living quarters where we could keep the
mammalian pets separate from our living quarters. When we bought this
house, we had two cats and two dogs - and DH is allergic to them. So
walked through literally over 100 houses. We ended up increasing our
budget by 35K and bought this house once the price was dropped to meet
that budget. It originally listed for 85K over what we paid. The
kitchen was a big seller for us. And the house is really unique - a
1989 contemporary remodeled into a SW contemporary in 2000. In
addition to a nice kitchen, I looked for acreage, cleanliness, good
structure, multiple large bathrooms and lots of light. This house had
it all. DH also has a huge workroom, which was a plus for him.

-L.

"-L." > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> I looked for acreage, cleanliness, good
> structure, multiple large bathrooms and lots of light. This house had
> it all. DH also has a huge workroom, which was a plus for him.
>

The big thing we don't have that I wish we did is light. This is
a really dark house with the exception of my office and a bath
that has a skylight. (Which confuses guests because they keep
trying to turn off the light!)

cybercat wrote:
>
> The big thing we don't have that I wish we did is light. This is
> a really dark house with the exception of my office and a bath
> that has a skylight. (Which confuses guests because they keep
> trying to turn off the light!)

My bath has a sklylight too, so I know what you mean! It's over the
shower, which is sort of weird until you see the room. They painted
the recessed "box" the skylight is in with a bright marigold-colored
paint, so even when the sun isn't shining, it seems like it is because
the paint casts a golden hue. They painted the recesses of all the
skylights in the house, which I would have never thought to do, but
it's a pretty cool effect.

One thing you can do to brighten a house that lacks light is paint and
decorate in light colors and use those lightbulbs that mimic sunlight -
it really does make a difference.

-L.

"-L." > wrote

> My bath has a sklylight too, so I know what you mean! It's over the
> shower, which is sort of weird until you see the room. They painted
> the recessed "box" the skylight is in with a bright marigold-colored
> paint, so even when the sun isn't shining, it seems like it is because
> the paint casts a golden hue. They painted the recesses of all the
> skylights in the house, which I would have never thought to do, but
> it's a pretty cool effect.

That sounds pretty neat. I love that marigold color lately. For some
reason I am really attracted to saffrons and orangey-golds with contrasting
colors lately, lol! I have no idea why but everything that catches my eye is
in
these colors.

>
> One thing you can do to brighten a house that lacks light is paint and
> decorate in light colors and use those lightbulbs that mimic sunlight -
> it really does make a difference.

I sure could use some new, lighter colored furniture. Next house (if there
is one) I want that light, bright feel. Bigger rooms, more/bigger windows.

cybercat wrote:
>
> I sure could use some new, lighter colored furniture. Next house (if there
> is one) I want that light, bright feel. Bigger rooms, more/bigger windows.

Here in the PNW it's almost a requirement, because of the rainy
season...except the damn skylights get covered with needles and other
goo from the Dougla Firs, so its always a battle. :/

-L.

cybercat wrote:
>
> I sure could use some new, lighter colored furniture. Next house (if there
> is one) I want that light, bright feel. Bigger rooms, more/bigger windows.

Here in the PNW it's almost a requirement, because of the rainy
season...except the damn skylights get covered with needles and other
goo from the Douglas Firs, so its always a battle. :/

-L.

Christine Dabney wrote:
> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

I'm a bachelor and I eat standing up in the kitchen usually, seldom use
my oven but use the microwave a lot. My smaller kitchen serves me just
fine. I tried vegetable gardening, but almost nothing turned out very
well and the deer ate my petunias, so I have just one hanging basket of
flowers outside. To me the important things in a house are
affordability, value with no extra space for which to pay property tax,
closeness to schools and shopping, and a nice, safe, middle class
neighborhood. dkw

"Christine Dabney" > wrote in message
...
> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>

To me a big bedroom is a waste, why do you need that space? If I am in the
bedroom I am in bed or dressing, why do I need more space than my bed and
clothes storage requires?

> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>

Don't make the mistake of having the working area too big. If you have to
walk far between, stove, fridge, bench and sink you will repent of your big
kitchen quite soon. A suitable sized work are within a larger room is quite
good if you like others to be with you while you cook.

> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>

Home grown fruit, herbs and veges are sublime.

David

David Hare-Scott wrote:
>
> To me a big bedroom is a waste, why do you need that space? If I am in the
> bedroom I am in bed or dressing, why do I need more space than my bed and
> clothes storage requires?

Our BR is a multi-purpose room. We sometimes eat in there, even. We
have a 32' flat panel TV on the wall in there, too. Plus, I have a
shitload of clothes.

<snip>

>
> Home grown fruit, herbs and veges are sublime.

Indeed!

-L.

On 12 Jul 2006 01:42:55 -0700, "-L." > wrote:

>
>David Hare-Scott wrote:
>>
>> To me a big bedroom is a waste, why do you need that space? If I am in the
>> bedroom I am in bed or dressing, why do I need more space than my bed and
>> clothes storage requires?
>
>Our BR is a multi-purpose room. We sometimes eat in there, even. We
>have a 32' flat panel TV on the wall in there, too. Plus, I have a
>shitload of clothes.
>
><snip>
>
>>
>> Home grown fruit, herbs and veges are sublime.
>
>Indeed!
>
>-L.

But....as a foodie..what was your first consideration in choosing your
place? Just curious as to how foodies think...

Christine

Christine Dabney wrote:
>
> But....as a foodie..what was your first consideration in choosing your
> place? Just curious as to how foodies think...
>
> Christine

I already answered earlier in the thread. Kitchen was high on my
priority list - probably in the top 10 or so items. Location and
school districts were paramount, as was land and a place for our
animals. If I had to rank them, it would be:

1. Location
2. Schools
3. square footage
4. land
5. place for our animals
6. sound structure/overall condition
7 windows/light
8. layout
9. size of rooms (including kitchen)

Kitchen, bedrooms and bath were most important, in considering the
actual rooms/space. The kitchen had to be in good condition or be
remodeled for under 8K or so, as we had a limited remodeling budget.
What you will find, though, is your priorities change as time becomes a
constraint. If you *have to* be moved by a certain date, you make
compromises. I would have put up with an ugly kitchen just to get us
moved, if we had to. I would not compromise on the first 5 items,
though.

-L.

"Christine Dabney" > wrote in message
...
> On 12 Jul 2006 01:42:55 -0700, "-L." > wrote:
>
> But....as a foodie..what was your first consideration in choosing your
> place? Just curious as to how foodies think...
>
> Christine

When we first bought this house (over 26 years ago), I wasn't into cooking
as much as I am now. But as soon as I walked into it, I knew it was 'home'.
The same feeling happened when we bought our cottage.

I suppose if I were to move, I'd look for one big (huge) room, where I could
cook, entertain and watch tv, if I wanted to. The rest of the house
wouldn't really matter to me. Oh, and I'd definitely need a big yard,
because I love gardening!

Elaine

"Christine Dabney" > wrote in message
...
> On 12 Jul 2006 01:42:55 -0700, "-L." > wrote:
>
> >
> >David Hare-Scott wrote:
> >>
> >> To me a big bedroom is a waste, why do you need that space? If I am in
the
> >> bedroom I am in bed or dressing, why do I need more space than my bed
and
> >> clothes storage requires?
> >
> >Our BR is a multi-purpose room. We sometimes eat in there, even. We
> >have a 32' flat panel TV on the wall in there, too. Plus, I have a
> >shitload of clothes.
> >

One could say you sleep in the living room :-)

> ><snip>
> >
> >>
> >> Home grown fruit, herbs and veges are sublime.
> >
> >Indeed!
> >
> >-L.
>
> But....as a foodie..what was your first consideration in choosing your
> place? Just curious as to how foodies think...
>

I didn't choose an existing place, SWMBO designed it and I built it. It
has compact
bedrooms, a huge lounge/dining/entertainment room which has the view of the
house aspect. The kitchen is medium about 9ft by 15 ft, this allows one or
two people to work in it, it is right next to the Big room where we eat.

David

David Hare-Scott wrote:
>
> One could say you sleep in the living room :-)
>

We have one in the family room too. TV is a priority for someone in
this house (NOT me!). Plus, we get them below cost.

-L.

Christine Dabney wrote:

> On 12 Jul 2006 01:42:55 -0700, "-L." > wrote:
>
>
>>David Hare-Scott wrote:
>>
>>>To me a big bedroom is a waste, why do you need that space? If I am in the
>>>bedroom I am in bed or dressing, why do I need more space than my bed and
>>>clothes storage requires?
>>
>>Our BR is a multi-purpose room. We sometimes eat in there, even. We
>>have a 32' flat panel TV on the wall in there, too. Plus, I have a
>>shitload of clothes.
>>
>><snip>
>>
>>>Home grown fruit, herbs and veges are sublime.
>>
>>Indeed!
>>
>>-L.
>
>
> But....as a foodie..what was your first consideration in choosing your
> place? Just curious as to how foodies think...
>
> Christine

Okay then. The view from the kitchen sink was what sold me on
THIS house.

--
Jean B.

Christine Dabney wrote:
> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

I made the sad mistake of not looking at the kitchen in my apartment
carefully enough. But then again, I was trying to get away from gunshots
and having to call 911 every couple of weeks! Somehow a kitchen isn't quite
so important as my being able to step outside without being shot. LOL

I like space. My apartment is 1100 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths.
If I had my druthers my kitchen would be larger. But the pantry is amply
sized and the fenced back patio is 22 square feet!

My bed is a king size so the master bedroom has to be large enough to
accomodate that as well as a dresser and other stuff. I also like the big
walk in closets with racks for shoes and different levels of bars for
hanging things.

Yes, if I had it to do over again, I'd be more careful about the kitchen.
But it works... it's not like I don't eat! I'd prefer more prep room and
counter space, but whatever

Jill

Christine Dabney > wrote in
:

> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine


Christine,

We had a realtor show us into a house back in 1991.

It was a 50/50 decision.

We walked into the kitchen and my wife (at the time) nearly fainted. An
Architectural Digest kitchen!!!

Later we were looking out of the living room floor to ceiling picture
windows and I saw a sidewalk that went through the meadow into the woods.
I asked, (disappointed) where does the sidewalk lead, to a school or
something? The owner replied, "no, it goes down to the pool!" I nearly
fainted!

Andy
2 acres of Shangri-La

i have chosen my current apartment based on money and availability of
apartmetns. Not much was availbale.

If I coudl have a dream home, it woudl have a kitchen that has space for a
big table for company. And I'd love to be able to grow veg in a garden. I'd
like a bathroom with a tub. Lots of sunlight in at least most rooms. 2
bedrooms: one for me, one for guests.

Christine Dabney wrote on 11 Jul 2006 in rec.food.cooking

> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>

Easy Access to stores, schools, hospitals, busses and work...While I enjoy
cooking easy access to places is more important to me.

--
-Alan

"Christine Dabney" > wrote

> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?

I chose my house because it's where I wanted to live. For
whatever reason I was drawn to this area for years. I don't
know why. So when it came time to buy a house, this is where
we bought. We paid a stunning amount of money for the place,
$110G, people were all agog. Heh.

Anyway, the kitchen was a hole. Really just couldn't stand
even to be in it. Everyone would say, wow! what a nice
kitchen! Yeah, plywood cabinets and a filthy drop ceiling,
I'm all over that. It gave the appearance of a country kitchen.

It was all about living here where I'm comfortable for reasons
I can't explain, the kitchen wasn't a big deal for me, that I could
fix. Of course, it took me a good 10 years ? but I saved up
enough to replace it.

So I guess I take the location and other factors before the kitchen,
in general, you can fix the kitchen.

nancy

In article >,
Christine Dabney > wrote:

> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine


I haven't chosen one in 37 years but if I do, probably what I'll pay
MOST attention to is the exposure -- I want my front door facing west so
that my back yard is in the afternoon shade. It was dumb luck that
that's what we wound up way back when. Since kitchen and eating area is
usually at the back of the house, I don't need any more sun beating in
on me when I'm cooking. JMO. A nice kitchen would be nice, too, but I
cook in clutter and it doesn't bother me -- only bothers others. They
usually eat well at my table so I tell them to mind their own business.
HTH.

But about food and recipes:

{ Exported from MasterCook Mac }

Kool Aid Jelly

Recipe By: Barb Schaller post to rec.food.cooking 7-12-2006
Serving Size: 4
Preparation Time: 0:00
Categories: Jelly

Amount Measure Ingredient Preparation Method
1 envelope Unsweetened Kool-Aid
3 cups water
1 box Sure Jell for Lower Sugar recipes (or whatever it's called now)
3 cups sugar

Stir Kool-Aid and water together until dissolved. Combine powdered
pectin with 1/2 cup of the 3 cups of sugar; stir into Kool Aid and set
aside. Gradually stir in sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into
clean dry plastic containers and cover. Let stand at room temperature
overnight. Store in freezer. Makes 4 - 8 oz. jars.

----------
Notes: Source: General Foods phone line, 1-800/431-1001, 7/26/91.
--
-Barb
<http://jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 7-5-06, Pannekoeken
"If it's not worth doing to excess, it's not worth doing at all."

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> Christine Dabney > wrote:
>
> > Heya folks,
> >
> > I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> > folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
> >
> > Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> > how I cook.
> >
> > The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> > garden too, which I will have in my new house.
> >
> > How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
> >
> > Christine
>
>I'm into weight-watching, so wouldn't use jam made from sugar, but, the jams sweetened with Splenda are only 10 cal per tablespoon and very tasty. Smuckers makes one and so does WalMart's store brand which sells for $1.50 a jar and is as good as the Smuckers. You cannot make jam for this price I don't think. Try it on the 40 cal per slice light bread or toast from Nature's Own for example for a 50 cal.total treat.

Here's another jello dessert that I like. I call it Yojo, short for
yoghurt and jello. Again you can use the sugar-free jello, or
sugar-free Walmart brand at 33 cents a pack with only 20 cal for the
entire package. The yoghurt is light made from fat-free milk with 80
cal. per 6 oz. serving cup. Make the gelatin as per instruction. When
set, add half the yoghurt to it and blend for just a couple of seconds.
Pour into bowls and place in freezer for about 1 hour to semi-freeze
it. You get a wonderful dessert that is ultra-low cal. You can splurge
by adding the Cool-Whip that is fat-free with only 15 cal per 2 Tbsp
serving. Half the recipe is a huge dessert and has only 45 cal.
including the Cool Whip. If there is a better low-cal dessert, I would
like to know about it, please. dkw


> I haven't chosen one in 37 years but if I do, probably what I'll pay
> MOST attention to is the exposure -- I want my front door facing west so
> that my back yard is in the afternoon shade. It was dumb luck that
> that's what we wound up way back when. Since kitchen and eating area is
> usually at the back of the house, I don't need any more sun beating in
> on me when I'm cooking. JMO. A nice kitchen would be nice, too, but I
> cook in clutter and it doesn't bother me -- only bothers others. They
> usually eat well at my table so I tell them to mind their own business.
> HTH.
>
> But about food and recipes:
>
> { Exported from MasterCook Mac }
>
> Kool Aid Jelly
>
> Recipe By: Barb Schaller post to rec.food.cooking 7-12-2006
> Serving Size: 4
> Preparation Time: 0:00
> Categories: Jelly
>
> Amount Measure Ingredient Preparation Method
> 1 envelope Unsweetened Kool-Aid
> 3 cups water
> 1 box Sure Jell for Lower Sugar recipes (or whatever it's called now)
> 3 cups sugar
>
> Stir Kool-Aid and water together until dissolved. Combine powdered
> pectin with 1/2 cup of the 3 cups of sugar; stir into Kool Aid and set
> aside. Gradually stir in sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into
> clean dry plastic containers and cover. Let stand at room temperature
> overnight. Store in freezer. Makes 4 - 8 oz. jars.
>
> ----------
> Notes: Source: General Foods phone line, 1-800/431-1001, 7/26/91.
> --
> -Barb
> <http://jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 7-5-06, Pannekoeken
> "If it's not worth doing to excess, it's not worth doing at all."

In article >,
Christine Dabney > wrote:

> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?

I live in an apartment and none of the apartments in my budget had a
great kitchen when I went apartment hunting 8 years ago, so I took that
criteria off the table.

For me, the number one factor in selecting the state where I live was
the tax situation. Number two was the commute. I truly hate commuting,
so I selected an apartment that is reasonably close to my office in
Philadelphia, but also in New Jersey so I can get some tax benefits that
I would not ordinarily see.

What make me select the building I am living in now is that its adjacent
to a park with a river running through it. I have a fantastic view of
the river and I am just a few steps from the park for when I want to go
out and take a nice walk or bike ride, plus there is ample shopping
within minutes of my apartment.

On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:14:42 -0700, Christine Dabney >
wrote:

>Heya folks,
>
>I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
>folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
>Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
>how I cook.
>
>The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
>garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
>How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
>Christine

Judging from what I see on TV shows,

You need a house the size of an airplane hangar,
and a monthly mortgage of about $9000.....

<rj>

> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

The kitchen was definitely a main component of my decision and it had to
have a large backyard for a garden AND children, and it had to have enough
bedrooms for all family members. My kitchen has a huge skylight that people
marvel at when they come over as I did when I first saw it. The natural
light in there is wonderful all day long, which makes me feel like I can get
a lot done in there. The only thing I don't like is the placement of the
fridge. When opened it blocks all traffic to and from the dining room.

Lynne

On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:14:42 -0700, Christine Dabney
> wrote:

>Heya folks,
>
>I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
>folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
>Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
>how I cook.
>
>The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
>garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
>How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?

When John was looking for an apartment for us, I wasn't in the country
yet, and the state of the kitchen was the least of his priorities...
this is a lovely big airy apartment with nice tile on the floor and it
was cheap, but the kitchen SUCKS. There's not nearly enough storage
space, the cupboards are very poorly accessible and there are only two
midget drawers in the whole kitchen... the good side is that the stove
and fridge are both in working order and the oven is lovely and big.
The only bad thing about the stove is that it only has one large
burner plate and three small ones - I use the big one almost all the
time and the back two burners never!

When we move out of here I've told John what my priorities are for
finding a new apartment:
- laundry facilities either IN the apartment or as close by as
possible, at least on the same level (carrying laundry up and down
stairs sucks, especially when the weather's wet)
- an outdoor space of our own (preferably a patio) to have a grill
- dishwasher! (I loathe washing dishes)
- drawers/decent storage space in the kitchen
- if possible, an actual pantry cupboard (they seem to be rare in
apartments)
- linen cupboard in or nearby the bathroom
- car parking space near the front door for ease of unloading
groceries
- light, air and space (open-plan living/kitchen with big windows and
good ventilation)
- and lastly, nothing to do with the kitchen, I'd love to have gardens
to look at and a nice swimming pool, and a fitness center (even just
an exercise bike) would be a real bonus.

Karen AKA Kajikit wrote:
> On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:14:42 -0700, Christine Dabney
> > wrote:
>
>> Heya folks,
>>
>> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that
>> many folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>>
>> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
>> how I cook.
>>
>> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
>> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>>
>> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> When we move out of here I've told John what my priorities are for
> finding a new apartment:
> - if possible, an actual pantry cupboard (they seem to be rare in
> apartments)
> - linen cupboard in or nearby the bathroom
> - car parking space near the front door for ease of unloading
> groceries

The worst apartment I lived in, I had to haul groceries not only upstairs
but also about 50-60 feet from where I could park. Never again! My kitchen
might be small but it has a good sized pantry and also I get to park right
next to it and I don't have to carry grocery bags up steps. It's nice. It
has a good sized patio, too.

Jill

jmcquown > wrote:
>The worst apartment I lived in, I had to haul groceries not only upstairs
>but also about 50-60 feet from where I could park.

Luxury!

When I was a grad student, I had to lug four full bags
a mile from the Star Mart and then up to the top of a
triple-decker. Sometimes, if the snow wasn't too deep,
I could hang them from the handlebars of my bicycle.

And I was spending just $40 every two weeks.

But I learned to time walking past the no-name fried
chicken joint on the way to within a few minutes of closing
so I could get the last ten pieces for two bucks so they
wouldn't just throw them away.

>Never again! My kitchen
>might be small but it has a good sized pantry and also I get to park right
>next to it and I don't have to carry grocery bags up steps. It's nice. It
>has a good sized patio, too.

Maybe my next house will have a grocery-truck loading dock.

--Blair

Christine Dabney wrote:
> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

1. Always get the best deal you can pricewise by putting in low offers
and don't fall in love with any one place, and don't buy until you do
because sometime probably sooner than you think, you will want to sell
the house. It is no fun to take a loss.

2. Forget those Rand McNally and other "Best places to live" lists,
unless their criteria do in fact seem important to you. Things like
mass transportation, a major sports team (which as it turns out could
be basketball, baseball, or football) mean nothing to me. Neither does
the job market, since if I were to move to a location, it would be that
I already had a job or wasn't looking. I wouldn't buy the house before
having a job, that's for sure. About the only thing of interest on
those criteria is safety...low violent crimes, but since they list only
largest cites, most of the safer places to live wouldn't make their
lists anyway because they are smaller cities.

3. One irony in life is that things that seem really important to you
at one time, are of no interest or even anathema to you at another, so
don't fall in love with any house to begin with or you are setting
yourself up for disappointment down the line. You can be happy anywhere
and it is definitely not "things" (including a large kitchen) that will
bring you happiness except for a short period of time. Go with your
best instincts but always leave a way out, in this case an ability to
move and not go bankrupt because you overpaid. That is why
affordability is always #1 on my list because I like to keep all my
options, including moving, open. dkw

"Christine Dabney" > wrote in message

:: Heya folks,
::
:: I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that
many
:: folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
::
:: Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
:: how I cook.
::
:: The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place
to
:: garden too, which I will have in my new house.
::
:: How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
::
:: Christine

The kitchen *area* would need to be near the patio (preferably
partially covered) so that it would be near the *outdoor* kitchen that
I would build. The 'fridge and counter space would need to be near
the patio door.

Stove would need to be gas, or at least gas availible for the
re-model.

Modest sized bedroom with full bath, large wreck room, large
home-office. One more full bath.

BOB

On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:14:42 -0700, Christine Dabney
> wrote:

>Heya folks,
>
>I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
>folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
>Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
>how I cook.
>
>The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
>garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
>How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
>Christine

We moved here 2 1/2 years ago. After looking at about a dozen houses
and making offers on several the realtor brought us to this one. I
walked into the kitchen and said we'll take it. Not really that
fast, but the rest of the house was also great and is on a 1+ acre
lot. We have since bought the 2 lots behind us and have room for a
fairly large garden and a dozen fruit trees. We also have muscadine
vines and kiwi fruit on the fence at the side of the house.

We moved in and have not changed anything. The deck got replaced
because it had not been kept up. There are a couple of things I would
like to do but they involve major projects.

I will take some pictures when I can find the counters again. Right
now there are piles of tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers on the counter
and bags of potatoes sitting on the floor. The canner is still
sitting on the stove where we canned potatoes yesterday. As soon as
the dishwasher finishes I need to wash some canning jars and make
pickles with all the cucumbers. We are going to eat one jar of the
potatoes to make sure that we like the taste and texture of the canned
ones before going to all the work to can the rest.

Looks like a busy summer and fall here.

--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974

> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

We decided about five years ago that we had simply outgrown our house (and
didn't want to do any further upgrades) and wanted a larger one. So off we
go house hunting. We looked at approximately a zillion houses (OK I'm
exaggerating, but we looked at a lot of existing properties) and none of
them suited either one of us, so it was time to look at new construction.
Again, after much looking and factoring in convenient geographical locations
(minimal as possible traffic, work commute, good school districts, taxes,
etc.) we decided upon a house that suited both of us (NOT EASY!)

My primary desire was to have a good and large kitchen (and you know how
people always congregate in the kitchen when you have company) and my
husband wanted a good attic and garage. We finally found a floor plan we
both loved (a truly custom home like hiring an architect was out of our
budget)... here are the approximate dimensions:

Living: 15x11

Den: 21x19

Dining: 12x13

Kitchen: 16x12

Breakfast: 12x10

1st Bed: 14x17

2nd Bed: 11x11

3rd Bed: 12x12

Anyway, I finally got the double 30" built-in oven that I've always wanted
(convection oven on the top), microwave is over the gas cooktop, and the
countertops are Corian. I'm happy!

Chris in Pearland, TX

"Christine Dabney" > wrote in message
...
> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?

Well you've been in my house, so you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
I grew up in the neighborhood in which I live -- my mother lives, literally,
around the block. When I drove up to the house, the first thing I noticed
was the rosemary growing in the front (it's now sort of overgrown with
weeds). When I walked in, I noted the same hardwood flooring in the living
room we had when I was a kid, and also a nice fireplace. The laundry room
has cabinets that are the same as those that were in my mom's kitchen. And
when I walked into the kitchen -- I knew I was home. Everything about that
place said "you're home, you're home, you're finally HOME." I love my
kitchen, ratty old O'Keefe and Merritt gas cooktop and all! The asking
price was a tad high for me back then, so my agent negotiated with theirs
and came up with a price we both could live with. Having lived there for
nearly 12 years now, the only things I would change if I could are the
garage (it's only a one-car and it would be lovely to have more space!), the
tile kitchen countertops (looked into it but didn't have the $5k they wanted
to put in my granite ... so I'll just wait until I have the bucks to do it),
and the fact that I wish I could afford a gardener to mow the backyard.

TammyM

Christine Dabney wrote:

> Heya folks,
>
> I was just ruminating on how I choose a dwelling. I realize that many
> folks want a big bedroom, or a large living area.
>
> Me, I want a great kitchen..or a large one. I want one that fits
> how I cook.
>
> The rest of it, I could care much less about. I would love a place to
> garden too, which I will have in my new house.
>
> How do all of you cooking/foodie types choose your dwellings?
>
> Christine

Big kitchen with a nice view from the sink <g>. Enough wall
space for my cookbooks (and other books)--and I'm in
collecting mode. I'd LOVE to have a pantry. (Maybe in the
next house.) Not too sunny, but an area in which I can grow
tomatoes and herbs and anything else I might decide I want. A
little greenhouse would be nice. (Yeah, right.)

--
Jean B.