Welcome to the 827th Tablescape Thursday! Still no dining table here in the Dollhouse, however my sales guy at Rooms to Go has been trying to find a way to get the one I wanted delivered here without it costing a blooming fortune. Since they don’t deliver to Ohio (yet) is this the universe telling me to not buy this table? I know it’s not the absolute highest quality, although it felt quite sturdy when I saw it in person. I thought it would be great here since it has that cottage vibe that goes with the feel of the house, and since it’s not “fine furniture” I wouldn’t mind so much if it got scratched when little ones are dining or playing here. I’ve thought about having this set delivered to the GA house, renting a U-haul—the type you drive, not the type you pull, and bringing it up myself. It could be a great opportunity to bring up a bunch more stuff at the same time. Ummm…
I do have something kitchen-related to share today. Several weeks ago I ordered a toaster using some “Key Reward” points I had accumulated from shopping at Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. I specifically wanted one that had 4 slots so when family is visiting, I can make a bunch of toast quickly.
I am super pleased with this one. It’s fast—I’m shocked by how fast it makes toast! Also, I’ve found it to be accurate and consistent in its settings. When it first arrived, I immediately made two pieces of toast, setting one at level 4 and one at level 5 for comparison. The one I set at level 5 was a little more brown than the one I set for level 4. I was impressed! So it did just what it’s supposed to do.
I’ve found that 4 is a great setting for toast and 3-3.5 is great for a thin mini-bagel. I’m really pleased with this new addition to the Dollhouse kitchen. (Toaster is available here: 4-Slice Toaster AND here: 4-Slice Toaster. The two-slice version is available here: 2-Slice Toaster and some similar 2-Slice ones here: 2-Slice Toaster.
I’ve ordered a sliding tray for it so it will be easy to pull out from under the cabinet each time I want to make toast. The undercabinet sliding trays come in various sizes, and the one I chose for the toaster measures 11.7 x 13.8. It should arrive today, looking forward to getting it in place! (Sliding tray is available here: Sliding Tray for Mixer, Toaster, Kitchen Appliances.
Still haven’t made a decision on how I feel about the LG refrigerator that was recently delivered. It doesn’t seem to be keeping up with my ice usage, but I use a lot of ice. I’m giving it some time since it supposedly “learns” how much to produce based on your usage. It is making plenty of the large ice balls. I’m saving those for when I make iced tea with my ice tea maker. Will keep you updated on how it does! I love how it looks and love the separate door section on the front!
Looking forward to the beautiful table settings linked for this week’s Tablescape Thursday!
If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then copy and paste the address showing in the address bar, into the “url” box when you link up. You’ll need to include a link in your post back to the party to link up and participate. That’s so visitors to your blog will be able to find the party and the other Tablescape Thursday participants. Requiring a link back also prevents businesses and scammers from linking up to sell their products. Please, don’t add your post name/blog name ALL IN CAPS…it tends to create big spaces between the rows of links. Please do not link up table settings that were just recently shared in the last few weeks for Tablescape Thursday.
That is one really nice toaster; I must research for a two-slice one. I hope the refrigerator works out so that it’s one more thing checked off your list. If you did rent a u-haul for larger stuff, then at least your reward would be a flight home and save you one drive! I don’t know how you do it.
That’s true! I always dread that drive both ways. Yeah, I hope the next refrigerator they bring doesn’t have dents in the front.
How does the toaster work on bagels? Does it toast one side or two? I’ve been looking for a 4 slice toaster that has a setting which will only toast on one side, so as not to burn the bagel toppings.
I just stuck a full size bagel (not mini bagel) inside and, not paying attention, didn’t turn it the way that the diagram on the top shows. I realized that after a few seconds had gone by, stopped it and put the bagels back in the way the diagram shows. When I looked inside, it appeared only the sides facing the inside of the bagel pieces were toasting/heating. I guess you could toast it once on the inside as the diagram shows, then when it’s done, turn it around and place it in the other way since it appears only one side heats at the time when it’s on the “bagel” setting.
Thanks so much Susan and thanks for the info on your toaster. The toaster we have at the beach house is terrible, it takes forever to toast a slice of bread, so I’m excited to get a new one like yours!
We are moving from CT to AZ next year so we shipped somethings out this year via PODS. Would highly recommend them. Different sizes , delivered driveway to driveway with no damage. You do the packing, loading & unloading.
LOVE that new Dollhouse
Good luck, you’ve motivated me to keep the ball rolling.
The refrigerator is gorgeous!
Wendy
It really is pretty! It seems to be doing a little better on the ice making, but the ice maker is really strange, some of the stuff it does.
Buyer beware … I have an LG fridge that I use to love…until the defrost below the freezer plugged up and ruined my wood floors. I couldn’t figure out where the water was coming from..looked all around the fridge but couldn’t see any place obvious. jWe kept wiping the water up with towels. Finally called the repair man and he came out and told us what was wrong and said this rarely happened. Well it happened again the night we were to leave for Florida. I had a ruggable in front of it and pulled it up to wash it and the floor was sopping wet. Had a neighbor come and pick up the wet towels the next morning. Floor again ruined. Then it happened a third time…still the repair man claimed that it was highly unusual…just FYI
Question: Is your toast hot? I bought “The Queen’s Toaster”, an expensive Dualit, and while it toasts fine, the bread is not warm at all! I’m desperate to find a toaster that both heats and browns.
Yes, it was def hot when I pulled it out. Butter melted on it easily.
Since you’re not looking to buy fine furniture, can’t you find something in Ohio similar to the set pictured? I have a GE Profile refrigerator that’s more than 25 years old and still works great. Makes more ice that we can use. A repairman told me to stay away from LG and Samsung appliances because of parts issues.
My 20 year old KitchenAid produces tons of ice, too. From what I’ve found, they all do this now, even my son and DIL’s Bosch has trouble keeping up with 3 adults using ice throughout the day. This is a recent issue, all these refrigerators not making as much ice as they once did. I think the govt. regulations have changed. So hold onto that old refrigerator as long as you can. Too bad Speed Queen doesn’t make refrigerators. If I ever move from the GA house, I’m bringing my old KitchenAid with me to put either in the basement or garage.
Yup, I’ve heard that about both LG and Samsung, that’s why I purchased an extended 5 year warranty, something I’ve never done for any appliance. I have 30 days to decide if I’m going to keep it and I think that 30 days will start after the non-dented one gets delivered toward the end of the month, so I have some time to think about it. Just not sure there’s anything better out there that’s being made today.
Our repairman said the same thing. I’ve heard of so much trouble with LG and Samsung. I’m in GA also.
Luv the table, hope you’re able to get it – simply amazed at how much of a handyperson DIY install you are, and the fact you’re even thinking of driving a Uhaul yourself – how do you manage to learn these things!
Thanks, Cindy! Well, I’ve read (and a friend recently told me) that U-haul trucks are not that hard to drive. They come in a bunch of different sizes so the one I would rent, if I do that, wouldn’t be a gigantic one. I would go for a fairly small one. Back in the day when my son was in college, I rented a pretty big Uhaul to help him move all his stuff from one apartment to a house he was renting. I drove that truck and it was a big one, too big for my liking. I wouldn’t rent one that big again. The table would be delivered to the GA house without its legs attached, so it wouldn’t be as big as you might think for moving. Not sure how the chairs get delivered,probably without legs, as well.
A lot of the stuff I do, I just Google how to do it and usually there’s a YouTube video showing the steps. For example, I just purchased a Speed Queen washer and dryer for the Dollhouse and unfortunately, the door on the dryer opens the wrong direction. I know that dryer doors (and sometimes refrigerator doors) can be changed to open either way. I can tell on the SQ dryer that the door can be moved to the opposite side. I did a search for that on YouTube and there’s a great video on there where the guy shows exactly how to do it. So I’m going to work on that sometime soon. It’s a tad more involved than I initially thought but looks very doable, just more steps than I initially thought. I usally ask myself what’s the worse that can happen and usually the answer is if it doesn’t work, I’ll have to break down and call a repair person.
As far as the dining room set that you picked out, it’s very nice, but it seems such a hassle to have to drive it up to Ohio in a U-Haul truck. Have you looked at furniture from other retailers that would directly deliver to the dollhouse? It could save you time, energy and money.
I know, what a pain that I can’t just order it and get it shipped here. I have looked online, but I just can’t find anything that I like. That’s the only thing that I’ve seen that appeals to me.
The Cuisinart 4 slice toaster works great. Bought one myself. Savings on Amazon for $62.62 right now.
Awesome! I’ll add that link to the post. Thanks, Anna!
I love that dining room table – I hope you find a solution. And that toaster looks great. We’ve got an old 2-slice one we’ve had forever. It’s on its last legs, so when it’s time, I’m coming back here for yours! Thanks so much for the party – Happy Thursday!
Thanks, Barbara! This is the first 4-slice that I’ve ever purchased. I like that it has the “single” button for when you only need a single slice heated.
Thanks for the tip on the toaster….ours is dying and will check this one out. Hope you get your table – one way or another – soon. Our refrigerator is now freezing fine but still getting a condensation on the outside where the ice maker is…repair man coming tomorrow!!!
Susan, you’re so cute. You immediately toasted one piece on 4 and one piece on 5. 😀 That makes me smile, lol. (Although, I’d probably do the same experiment.) I’m glad you found a toaster you like. Also, I love the look of your LG refrigerator. Especially that it’s counter depth! That looks so much nicer than if it were sticking way out. I hope it winds up working out for you because you’ve already had enough hassle with having to return or exchange things. But in the long run, it’s better to be happy and satisfied, so if this doesn’t cut the mustard, out it goes!
As for your table, I found a table set I absolutely loved at a boutique place in the next town. I didn’t need it, (rats) but it made me realize that sometimes the best stuff doesn’t even come from the big name stores. I know you have your hands full, but if you’re not sure about that Rooms to Go table, you might consider some smaller, local places to shop. I found that table about 4-5 years ago and I STILL think about it and wish I’d had a place for it. It wasn’t exactly like it, but it sort of was like the kitchen set from Father of the Bride, which I loved. Before you go through all the trouble of getting a u-haul, I’d encourage you to take a break and do some fun shopping. You might find a real gem, like I did.
For some reason, I’m excited about you being at the Doll house in the Autumn and Winter. I bet it will feel extra cozy to you during those times of year. I look forward to seeing how you decorate for the holidays!
Ha! I wanted to make sure it worked before I tossed all the boxes it came in. It passed the test. I should have taken a photo of the two pieces. lol
You know what I realized recently, since the office, (added on to the house in the 50s) has its own separate AC/furnace, that means if the rest of the house feels too cold or not to my liking in the wintertime, I can hold-up in my own little cozy, warm cave here in the office. Hahaha. It’s like this house was made for me. I hope that plan works as I envision it this winter, just in case I need it!
Oh, that’s great. And you know, there was one post you made a while back which sort of showed the stairs and where the office was located in comparison to other rooms and I will say, it’s awesome that they added that. It made me wonder how the house looked and laid before that room was added and I think it was a great move on their part and added so much character. I know you’re going to love it once it’s fully fixed up. And the fact that it has its own unit is wonderful. I can totally see you holing up in there. 😀
Dang. We used to have a Rooms to Go literally 20 minutes from me here. I just looked and it seems it is gone now. I will keep my eyes open for you on a similar table. I love the table but don’t love those chairs. Cool toaster! I used to have something similar but we ended up replacing our toaster oven/air fryer and use that for toast. I love how fast these new machines make toast.
You have accomplished so much. Don’t lose patience now. When one door closes another one opens. But don’t double ship that set. Something better is right around the corner. Hugs.
I thought there used to be one here, such a shame that it closed. Thanks, Michele! So you make toast in your air fryer or is it a toaster oven? I remember back many, many years ago I had a toaster oven and loved that thing. It was a pain to clean but I loved how fast and easy it was to toast things inside.
Since it’s just my husband and me, we use our toaster oven a lot! We cook most everything in it. In fact, when my old one died I went out that day and bought another just like it and this one we’ve had for years.
I agree with some of the other comments that maybe you should check out local stores around your Dollhouse. You just may be surprised at what they sell that isn’t available here in GA.
The toaster looks really nice! I hope your refrigerator picks up speed making ice. I personally wouldn’t be bothered getting a uhaul to drive furniture from GA to Ohio. I am sure you can find a cute dining table and chairs in Ohio that would deliver. What happens if the Rooms to Go delivers a damaged table/chairs and you already have the uhaul lined up? Or it gets damaged as you are driving to Ohio? I know I am being the Voice of Doom. I’m sure you will figure something out!
I was thinking what a hassle it would be to have to open all the boxes in Georgia to make sure everything was okay, then have to box them all back up again for the trip. I would hate to drive them all the way here and then discover that something was damaged (before I got it) once I started putting it all together. I wouldn’t line up the U-haul until it arrived at the house in GA, so I think that part would be okay. Uhaul is actually offering this thing now called U-box, maybe to compete with Pods. They will pick up your packed up U-Box and deliver it to your door. They will even pack the U-Box for you for a small charge. It’s not inexpensive, though, doing the U-box thing.
Wonder if your plumbing coming into fridge is sufficient for your ice needs. We found small tubing was slower with water delivery.
Interesting! I don’t think that’s the issue since I hear water going in and it sounds like it’s going in quickly. I had to have a brand new line run. Thankfully, the plumber was here when Lowe’s arrived, so he hooked it up since Lowe’s will not do that. They don’t want the responsibility.
Susan,
It looks like the same dining set is available on Wayfair, except with the rectangular chairs instead of the oval ones.
https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/one-allium-way-rectangular-74-l-x-42-w-dining-set-w100179991.html
Unfortunately, Rooms to Go is the only place that has it the style that opens to take a leaf and will stretch out to be 90 inches to seat 8. I found it on Amazon and a few other places, but never the style that comes with a leaf and stretches to 90 inches. I asked my salesguy at Rooms to Go if that set was designed by Round Hill Furniture just for them and he said that he thought that it was. Ironically, Round Hill is located right here in Columbus, Ohio, I think.
Thanks for finding that Donna! I appreciate you trying to help me find it, that was nice!
XXX
your in Ohio ! go to Berlin and buy an Amish made table best in the USA
hard wood will take grandchildren usage
I actually think renting a small UHaul is a great idea! As you mentioned, you wouldn’t only be taking the table. You could take a bunch of other stuff as well, save miles and wear/tear on your vehicle and fly home or rent a car to drive home. There may be some other items you could move to Ohio that are too large and bulky to fit in your vehicle. Plus those trucks usually come with a dolly for loading/off loading.
New to the blog and appreciate the product suggestions. The roll out tray looks interesting. IME, forcing something rarely ends well. My best furniture finds were serendipitous. We had recently moved to a much larger house and needed dining room furniture. Shopped and shopped, everything we liked was too expensive or didn’t fit or didn’t like it. One day, I went to a golf store to buy a gift card for one of kids’ coaches at the end of the season. Never been to that part of town before, noticed there was a furniture store next door that appeared to only sell outdoor furniture. Something nudged me to go in anyway. They also had indoor furniture and in the clearance section, there was my perfect dining table for $700 marked down from $2500! I called hubby and said we needed to buy it before anyone else walked off with it and he agreed, sight unseen (pre-cellphone camera days). The sales person said they had a buffet and hutch that might work with it in a back room that hadn’t been put out yet. It was also perfect – and had a price tag of $500 – I assumed that was for the bottom part only, he assured me it included the top as well. AND, they threw in free delivery – something uncommon in 1997 around here. We use and love that furniture daily! Good luck on the right table finding you!
Wow! Right place at the right time. Don’t you just love getting a bargain that way? I, too, am in agreement that she should look beyond Rooms to Go. lol
We just got a new countertop depth LG refrigerator also. They no longer are having the parts and repair issues that they once had. My LG front load washer and dryer are spectacular over the past 2 years.. however. The ice. I’m in Texas and I use a lot of ice also. We actually had someone come out and check it to make sure it was making as much ice as possible and it is. I talked to my salesperson where I bought it, a wonderful local appliance store, and she said all of the new refrigerators no longer make as much ice as the old ones. I told her they need to come up with a Texas version. It’s interesting that your large balls of ice are doing well, that’s the one we wish we could have more of but never seem to get past a handful. I do love the crushed ice in the door, that’s my favorite version. The inside of it is humongous for a countertop depth refrigerator. We call it the Tardis, if you watch Doctor Who you’ll know what I mean.
Robin, I remember reading that it can make either 3 balls of ice per day, or 6. Mine was only making 3, but I did a search and found directions on how to get it to make 6 per day, so now it’s making 6 per day. I’m hoarding them in a baggie for those days when I use more regular ice than it can make. Here’s a short video showing how to do that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovkxi44XTQg
Also, a BNOTP reader reminded me that I can press the “Ice Plus” button every day to force it to make more ice. She and/or her hubby, do that every morning and that will force it to make more ice for 24 hours. That helps, but I still outpace it some days, so even that’s not enough.
It’s pathetic how small the ice tray is. Even when it drops a full tray of ice, it’s not enough to fill up a single glass. It’s sad that we spend thousands on refrigerators today and they don’t even produce the same ice that they did 20 years ago. We have gone backward in the world of refrigerators. They give you all these cute bells and whistles, like doors that you can knock on that light up, but they restict and control the things we really want, like enough ice to fill several glasses for dinner or a reliable product that lasts for many years.
Oh believe me, the first thing I did was research how to make more ice. We’ve had it set on six balls daily and use that ice plus button every 24 hours. I’ve even lowered the temperature in the freezer overall to help it. There’s no way I could ever entertain with the ice in there. Will definitely have to buy a bag if I have people over. Yes, I’d rather have more ice and less technology.
I feel your pain, Robin. My son/DIL’s Bosch refrigerator icemaker started out great, then stopped working all together. They’ve had it repaired a few times and I think now it’s working well and producing a fair amount of ice. You have to open the door and scoop it though and I really wanted ice through the door. Plus, you have to open the door to get water, too. Wish Speed Queen made refrigerators! lol
I was intrigued by the pull out for the appliances. I have a 6 qt. Kitchenaide mixer and I can’t even lift it. I have it on the counter where I do all my mixing so I have to drag or push it across to where I work (no upper cabinet and it wouldn’t even fit under my cabinets). Believe me when I say this thing is a monster. I also have an XL instant pot that is also heavy, but I don’t have to pull it as far to get it out from under the upper cabinets, but it’s kind of heavy too. Anyway, I started looking for the pull outs with your link and from there found bamboo trays with wheels or feet that fit the mixer. But then I went out of the box and thought maybe I could use my own bread boards that I have extra of. It works! That mixer slides over like it is on ice! It worked for the XL too. The cutting board even had a little ring I can use to pull it out. lol I saved $40. I may try one of the slide outs for my toaster so thanks for the tip! (I also looked on Temu and they are, of course, less expensive and all are made in China, even those from Amazon.)