I’m not ashamed to admit I don’t mind splurging in the kitchen. This collection will continue to grow and I definitely have a wish list- and one of those wishes was recently granted! A fabulous kitchen that I could spread out in with a recent kitchen renovation that was visioned by us together and built by my love. What a difference it makes in everything we do in the kitchen!

My knives Mercer Cutlery that replaced Henckels happily. Spice rack only holds a few of the essentials- there’s another drawer full. Le Creuset tools are now must haves.

When I moved to SF, I donated my Circulon to jump to Le Creuset and what a jump it was! Learned an important trick- BAKING soda cleans this stuff like anything toxic/brand could. Sometimes I just let it soak in a light layer of it overnite if needed. Works EVERY time.

It took me a year (and 2 moves) to finally add to my collection. I learned that if your color is end-of-lifed in retail, you can buy it at a lower cost at the outlets. Even better if you also get a discount!

I waited years to snag a KitchenAid stand mixer and put it to use immediately! 3 of my fav’s here. I love Cook’s Illustrated Magazine and cookbook which is propped by my Williams-Sonoma glass cookbook holder. Both the cookbook and holder were gifts from my mom! — with Arlene Houdek.

vitamix the latest new kitchen addition

the swing out cabinet custom built to hold the KitchenAid mixer (it gets used a lot more now!)

we went with dacor convention ovens and range- we love them!

plenty of counter space to prep and cook and many people can be in the kitchen at once

we love the farm sink makes prep and cleanup so much easier

dacor range has downdraft so we have a fully open kitchen (and he built the skylight too!)

a bar for seating and tv makes the kitchen a center for entertainment along with lovely overhead lighting

dining table with a bench keeps the flow through the room