Like to make a couple of comments on this test. Cheaper 125 watt LED's usually only draw 90 watts or so, with 125 watts of total LED bulbs. A better quality 125 watt light, would draw about 125 watts, but would use 200W worth of higher quality LEDs. There is a huge difference in quality and spectrum of units, and aside from bogus manufacturer claims, comparing a unit that likely draws 90W against an HPS system that probably draws over 500 watts with the ballast (not to mention heat removal) is not a fair test. A fairer test would be a true 200W (with 300W or so worth of LEDs) of quality build against a 400W HPS would probably have the LED come out on top with the newest generation products. Without mention of the brand or any other LED info, we cannot draw any real conclusions with this test.

Dear Tray c04, I sincerely hope your question is a put on, because if it isn't, you are in real danger of harm. It makes me think of girls who date guys everyone warns them not to, they don't listen and end up abused and even killed. These people are TROUBLE. If the guy is into drugs, do you really think you're safe, even in another room? No phone, no internet; for you it spells isolation. Bad, bad scene. Lawmakers say women need to trust their instincts. Victims will say they felt something was 'wrong'; they were 'uneasy' about getting into a situation. But because they distrusted that little voice inside themselves and didn't want to be 'rude', they ended up getting attacked. And I think deep down inside you are already ill at ease about this, or you wouldn't be asking. Pay attention to that inner warning. If this 'friend' of yours knows the guy is into drugs and she still wants to move in together with him, you for sure can't trust her! She's already wanting you to lie. What if the cops come looking for him? What if he has a weapon? Do you know that he isn't into selling the stuff? Do you think they'd tell you about it? Right now they need your money. Period. Even if you've already agreed, run, sweetie, run. Your wellbeing is more important that a bad, and possibly dangerous, friendship. Cream

Newbie- Thanks for the ideas...and the link! I would probably prep between the sink and range and maybe between the range and wall oven. I'm thinking about maybe some granite there, for hot items...but that's only an idea. I can't flip the washer and dryer (although it would be nice) because it gets too cold in the winter, to put the washer on an outside wall (especially on a former porch) and the washer plumbing has to go through the kitchen wall and down into the basement. The little corner niche is to hide the plumbing, with display above. Great article on the stools. I'm actually using chairs, so the work table is shorter than counter height...perfect for rolling out dough, etc. I also want an area where the nieces and nephews can sit and help with baking/prep. Yes, marble may not be the smartest choice (as far as maintenance) but I feel a lot better about a small piece on a work table, rather than a fixed island or cabinetry. Worse case scenario, the marble top gets cut down and used in the sunroom and we get a different work table countertop for the kitchen :) One other thing I like about the work table...it can move when needed. This would make it much easier to add leaves to the table (turn it if necessary) and seat 6 to 8 people, maybe even more. That's something we don't have room for in our present kitchen. We also have easy to move, light weight furniture in the sunroom, so that could be rearranged and put the table in there, if necessary. Of course, I'd probably have to take it through the laundry room (wider door) but it would work for holidays!

Mulch is great for reducing weeding and the need for watering. It saves lots of time for us. I use it on everything I can. We have MANY, MANY bags of leaves stockpiled to use for mulching this coming summer :) Think through what you grow and how you grow it. If some plants are "time hogs", it may be best to take a break from growing them for a few years. Some take a lot of care (precision planting, weeding, pest control, frequent harvesting), others can be planted, mulched, watered if needed, and harvested once. Adjust so you have more of the low work ones and fewer of the demanding ones. Also, for me, time preparing the harvest for eating or storage is important to think about. Some things are ready to eat with minimal time, ie. beefsteak tomatoes, cucumbers. Others take longer, ie. green beans. I've cut back on ones that take a lot of time to prepare/cook, or require prep I don't enjoy. I've also cut back on ones I don't enjoy canning or freezing, and plant more of the ones that are easier or more fun for me. Some that require harvesting during a narrow time frame have had to go, also, or I accept that I'll have to throw out some overgrown or rotted fruits from them. My time restraints have mostly been from lots of time away from home and the garden in the summer. Sometimes I'd be home only for a day between two trips that were several days long. One must approach the work with a different mindset than when lots of time is available. Essential tasks must be identified and done first and done as quickly as possible. I had been used to leisurely doing many things and really enjoying puttering in the garden. I'll still do that at times, but not when time is at a premium. During crunch times the garden essentials get done so it will still be there to enjoy when time isn't so tight.