The kitchen

[JoM]

Gal, it's a really fab coffee machine - my favourite and most used gadget You use special coffee bags in it rather than loose coffee and you get a gorgeous cup of coffee in less than a minute.
This is mine although it was on offer at £39.99 when I bought it, plus I had an Argos voucher which brought it down to £29.99
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9014145.htm

The only problem is the availability of the bags - the Senseo ones are expensive to buy, around £4 for 20, but the machine takes Lidl's own brand ones which are £1.69 for 18! I wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't for the Lidl bags. Just that our local Lidl is closing next week and I've now got to rely on John to remember to pick them up from the store near to where he works. I've got quite a stock though.

[Kaz]

I bought Mick one of these for the Christmas before last but TBH he keeps going back to his old filter jug

[Gal]

Ahhh I see!!! I am quite happy with my Kenco instant, but Jen enjoys 'proper' coffee, although she makes them latte - two shots when she needs a boost! So the coffee machine we have is actually hers, it matches nothing in my kitchen as it is red

[meriad]

difficult one re the fireplace Debih. I think plastering over and painting will give a nice clean crisp finish, but on the other hand if you keep the original stone it'll be a huge amount of character which is very special to have (I think).

The one concern I would have, unless of course you're treating the stone; is if there are any fatty or food colour rich splatters (ie tomato sauce ) when cooking and the platter go against the stone; will you be able to clean it up OK?

The kitchen is looking amazing though and once all is done and finished I bet you'll have just the best time there

[debih]

difficult one re the fireplace Debih. I think plastering over and painting will give a nice clean crisp finish, but on the other hand if you keep the original stone it'll be a huge amount of character which is very special to have (I think).

The one concern I would have, unless of course you're treating the stone; is if there are any fatty or food colour rich splatters (ie tomato sauce ) when cooking and the platter go against the stone; will you be able to clean it up OK?

The kitchen is looking amazing though and once all is done and finished I bet you'll have just the best time there

The cooker should have enough space around for food not to splatter on the stone and will have stainless steel splashbacks to the front and the sides Meri. I have a light and extractor fan up the chimney to take any steam away so condensation shouldn't be a problem.

We still have to make the decision - we are waiting for the man to contact Mick. Although Mick now quite fancies having a go at it himself. I can understand why he wants to do it - I know it will give him a huge amount of satisfaction to see it all done but I really do just want it done.