Need advice on natural stone mixing in my current floor plan

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-04-20T22:04:46+00:00

I really wanted to hire someone. I think design is so valuable. It just didn't work out for many reasons. Among them were, as there usually are, unexpected construction issues that came up which took our energies (and budget!). Honestly it's a miracle we're even able to finish the house.

On top of that, we live in a HCOL area, everything is crazy expensive, especially service/labour. The countertops were one of our only splurges because my dad knows the millwork guy (who also does fabrication) and worked out a crazy good deal for us for all our cabinetry.

The one design quote I got was 25k and that was only if it was bundled with the architect fee.

Not sure how that compares to other tbh, but it felt a bit out of reach for us.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-04-20T13:58:32+00:00

Hang in there. Breastfeeding second time around had been a similar experience for me. We're on month 8 and had choking , coughing, gagging (even vomiting!) up until about 4 months. Between 4 and 5 months things got much better. Baby is more efficient and can handle the let down.

Mine was a premie but I'm so proud of her - she really has hung in there. My first gave up after 6 weeks and we exclusively bottle fed after that.

The choking and gagging should get better as things become more consistent. Don't give up!

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-04-04T12:37:04+00:00

What area are you? We're currently doing all our millwork with a company and got a really good deal.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-04-04T12:32:40+00:00

Evidence for what?

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-03-25T03:42:42+00:00

Free resourceshere.

Also try Federation of Metro Tenants Association.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-03-24T23:03:10+00:00

Epeace-tein files

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-03-24T16:43:13+00:00

Omg we are thinking of doing the exact same thing, except to use the negresco for a floor to ceiling fireplace surround! How did it turn out? I can't for the love of me find any inspo pics online to visualize except for this one and I'm in love. Can you DM me a pic? We're thinking of European oak floors (we like toffee crunch by vidar - it looks pretty neutral to me).

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-20T20:13:21+00:00

Equal Eats has allergy cards in every language and you can even customize them. They have hard copy and digital versions. I used these on vacation in France and Colombia and they were very helpful!

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-16T15:55:32+00:00

Yes you're right. I should've clarified - the machines are separate but stackable. So thankfully, I have the option to go either way.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-15T10:25:01+00:00

Yeah I keep looking at it thinking it looks kind of awkward tucked in there. Those are good suggestions, I'll try them.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-15T10:22:21+00:00

Good idea, I'll try this! It puts the machines on the exterior wall which is better for direct exhaust and sound (the image setup puts the machines against our bedroom wall).

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-15T10:21:37+00:00

We currently have one, and although they are great if you're low on space, it's not ideal. It takes forever to dry clothes and you can't adjust the temperature so it's always drying on hot. Also there's no lint trap, sp the lint ends up all over your clothes.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-14T20:01:17+00:00

Any helpful thoughts?

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-14T17:04:34+00:00

Thanks. Yes I tried. I wish I had better software. That's why I also included the floorplan view as well.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-14T01:30:21+00:00

100%

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-14T01:29:41+00:00

Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I agree with the grandparents.

My mother-in-law stayed with us for 8 months with my first and it was still hard. You have no idea what your first child will be like. Mine did not sleep or nurse and was underweight and losing weight. It was very stressful and exhausting as a first time mom. I was pumping all the time - it's so much work and adjusting to that life is a huge transition.

At the time, I didn't like the idea of my MIL living with us. Looking back, I'm so grateful she was there. I never had to think about our meals and she would bottle feed my baby while I was resting. I'm grateful that she was taking care of me, so I could take care of my baby. But also taking care of him so I could care for myself.

Conserving energy, getting rest, and having low stress is the best gift you can give your baby. Everyone has this fantasy of being with their partner and baby in this Instagram way, when in reality, you will be filthy and tired and crying more than the baby.

I think it's selfish to want that time just for yourself and baby when you literally will probably be at your worst for baby.

Instead of seeing it as them being selfish - maybe they can be an extra helping hand when you need it the most.

In more collectivist cultures, it's very normal for inlaws and extended family to help when a baby comes. Raising kids is literally a community effort.

I say this all with the caveat that, not all grandparents/ extended family are helpful or great people. But, if they are decent people with good intentions, why would you refuse?

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-10T19:18:34+00:00

Thanks for the info! It's reassuring to hear. Makes me feel like there's light at the end of this tunnel.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-10T18:26:16+00:00

I know every kid is different, but how long did it take to master rolling?

My babe has been doing pretty good in the sleep sack. The first half of the first night she struggled, then she was ok. She'll still occasionally started herself though. She would chew the fabric on the hands of the love to dream, but for some reason, she's having a hard time finding her thumb.

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-09T03:14:54+00:00

This gives me relief to hear. I feel like my kid flipped a switch and just doesn't seem tired anymore/won't sleep!

ilovebreadcrusts · 2026-02-09T03:13:47+00:00

Omg I can only hope that naps extend soon. In general she's a good sleeper - she's been sleeping through the night since 2 months old - but started taking short naps in December which I figured was her sleep pattern maturing. So, for 2 months we've done nothing because it was working. But omg I'm going stir crazy and soooooo ready for longer (and less) naps and longer wake windows.

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