Question of the Day: Sweet Deals 2Good 2B True?

Q.: I went to one of the big home center chains and got what I thought was a terrific price on a new kitchen. But before I sign, I have to ask: Is there something I’m missing

–Don L.

Ronkonkoma, NY

A.: Yes, Don, at first blush I’ll bet you did get a terrific price. But a lot of people in your position who thought they were getting a sweet deal, ended up with a sour taste when all was said and done.

Here are some points to consider:

Who measured the kitchen? If you wielded the tape measure yourself, you’re going to be on the hook for any error. Kitchen Magic sends an experienced professional out to your home to take measurements for our jobs.

What’s included in the job? Do you have to pick up the cabinets, countertops and other items and deliver them to your home yourself? (Some home centers want to rent you a truck at this point and act like they’re doing you a favor.) Kitchen Magic provides full service.

Who’s going to install the kitchen? Almost all home centers provide materials only. Installation is the customer’s lookout, and where most of the problems and pitfalls, if any, will occur. With a home center kitchen, you have to find a separate contractor (o do it yourself), negotiate a price, hope he shows up on time, and watch his job performance.

What if something goes wrong? The home center won’t even want to hear about it. You’ll have to fight it out with the contractor — if you can find him at that point.

Kitchen Magic’s courteous and trained professionals handle every part of the job quickly and efficiently. And we stand behind our work with our Lifetime of Ownership Warranty.

Don’t be fooled by partial quotes and half jobs. Contact us for a free estimate for your finished kitchen today.

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Recipe: Leslie I’s Freeze-Tastic Margarita

Just in time for this Labor Day weekend, reader Leslie I. shares a recipe for a cool cocktail, and throws in Weight Watchers info for good measure!

FREEZE-TASTIC margarita recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup diet lemon-lime soda

One shot (1.5 oz.) tequila

One serving (half a packet) sugar-free strawberry powdered drink mix (any variety)

4 frozen unsweetened strawberries

2 tbsp. lime juice

1 cup crushed ice or 5 – 8 ice cubes

Optional Garnish: lime wedge

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until uniform and slushy.

Pour into a nice glass and, if you like, garnish with a wedge of lime.

Drink up!

MAKES 1 SERVING

Serving Size: 1 margarita (entire recipe)

Calories: 125

Fat: 0g

Sodium: 24mg

Carbs: 7g

Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 2g

Protein: 0g

POINTS value: 2

Thanks, Leslie! We’d love to print your favorite recipe!  Share it with us here.

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Rice’s and Shine!

If you’re going to be at Rice’s Market in New Hope, PA on Tuesday morning at 7 a.m., you’ll find Kitchen Magic on hand as well. We’ll be there until 1 p.m. Stop by and see how affordable that new kitchen can be.

And we’ll also be on hand at the 158th annual Great Allentown Fair in Allentown, PA, Tuesday through the weekend. Featured acts include Rush on Tuesday night, Weezer (above) and The Gaslight Anthem on Wednesday, and Lady Antebellum on Thursday, as well as the 4-H Barnyard Petting Zoo, Robinson’s Paddling Porkers, the Extreme Canine Dog Show, the Big Cat Encounter, and more. You’ll find Kitchen Magic there Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Kitchen Magic participates in over 400 local events every year. You can find a listing of upcoming events here. Stop by and find out how economical a new kitchen, bath or closet can be. You’ll be glad you did!

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Monday Morning Snark: The Dog Days of Summer

As summer winds down, enjoy this dog attacking water balloons…

And here’s a dog attacking ordinary balloons…

And for a change of pace, a dog playing with a balloon and not popping it….

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Wescue: Angus

Poor little Angus had a horrible life. His former owner beat and kicked him and once actually hung him up by his collar so he would strangle when his hind legs tired.

Fortunately he was rescued in time. Now, thanks to Kitchen Magic’s animal rescue charity, Wescue, he has found a family in New England who will love and care for him. Look how happy he is now!

You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world for one dog or cat. Please support your local animal shelter today!

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Out and About This Weekend With Kitchen Magic


If you’re in Charlotte this weekend, why not stop by the Southern Ideal Home Show (above)? There’ll be celebrity chefs giving demonstrations, contests, the hosts of Charlotte Today, and Kitchen Magic! We’ll be on hand today from noon until 8 p.m., tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Stop by and find out how affordable your dream kitchen can be!

In the Nutmeg state of Connecticut this weekend, you’ll find us at the Brooklyn Fair in Brooklyn, CT, today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as at the Terryville County Fair in Terryville, CT, Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kitchen Magic will be on hand in the Garden State of New Jersey for the Somerset Patriots game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in Bridgewater, NJ, Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  There will be fireworks after the ballgame.

You’ll also find us at the Hunterdon County 4-H Fair in Ringoes, NJ, today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.  Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. we’ll be at the Westfield Street Fair in Westfield, NJ.

This weekend in New York state. you’ll find us at the Mastic Beach Blue Crab Claw Festival in Mastic Beach, NY. Enjoy fresh steamed shrimp, crabs (left), crab-cakes, clams on the half shell, beer, wine and soda. There will be music and dance performances, children’s activities like face-painting and sand art, and a large selection of food vendors. Kitchen Magic will be on hand Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We’ll also be at the Nassau Craft Show in Old Bethpage, NY, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and at the Central Islip Fair in Islip, NY, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you’re going to the Londonderry Flea Market in Londonderry, NH this Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by and visit with Kitchen Magic.

And in the Bay State of Massachusetts, you’ll find us at the Marshfield Fair in Marshafield, MA, today from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. And we’ll be on hand at the Raynham Flea Market in Raynham, MA, Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kitchen Magic participates in over 400 local events every year. You can find a listing of upcoming events here. Stop by and find out how economical a new kitchen, bath or closet can be. You’ll be glad you did!

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Gina’s Cleaning Tip

Our friend Gina F. gives us this natural way to clean shower and sink drains:

Use 1 cup each of baking soda & salt piled on top of one another. Then pour 1 kettle full of boiling water. The combination foams and bubbles to flush out drains. Run sink/shower for 1 minute.

Thanks, Gina! We’re happy to publish your handy household hints; send them to us here.

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Your AFFORDABLE New Project

Are you stuck in a kitchen that’s out of style and out of date? Do you need cabinets replaced or refaced to make your kitchen a showplace you’re proud to have family and friends visit?

Or are your closets overflowing and under-organized? Do you waste precious time and energy trying to find outfits that you know you have but can’t find?
Or do you need a new bath surround; maybe one that gives the look of tile but is made of easy-to-care-for Corian? Are you tired of dingy grout?

Your new project is more affordable than you think. At Kitchen Magic, we’ve dedicated ourselves to finding economical and practical ways to get you the home you deserve.

And our many easy and flexible financing options give you a variety of payment schedules. Our in-home appointment can survey your needs, give you a free competitive estimate, and explain our many financing options. Contact us today!

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Kid Fun: Kitchen Slime

A few household ingredients can be used to make an interesting slime that will delight some little kids. It’s not edible, but it is safe to touch and play with.

Take a half cup of hot water and stir in household borax until it stops dissolving. Take a cup of water, and stir in four ounces of glue. If you use white glue, the slime will be cloudy; if you use clear glue gel, the slime will be transparent.  Add a few drops of food coloring if desired; yellow makes the slime seem to glow.

Mix 1/3 of the cup of the borax solution into a cup of the glue solution with fingers (kids will love this part). Voila: slime!

What happens when the two solutions are mixed is that polyvinyl acetate is formed, with cross-linked molecular bonds. Your kid may not care, though.

The slime can be stretched and molded. It can be kept if sealed in a plastic bag so it doesn’t dry out. Be careful not to let children eat any; it’s not edible.

An interesting variation on slime can be made by mixing ¾ cup of corn starch in two cups of vegetable oil. Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.

When it is chilled, it will separate. Stir it back together, and you will get slime that flows.

This resulting slime is electroactive and will seem to have a life of its own.  Take a piece of styrofoam and build up some static electricity by rubbing it on your hair or a piece of wool. Put the charged styrofoam about an inch away from the slime. It will make the slime gel. The slime will even follow the styrofoam if you move it slowly.  Take away the styrofoam, and the slime will flow as before.

If you want to reuse the electroactive slime, (and who wouldn’t?) refrigerate it in a sealed container.

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All Refacing Jobs Are Not Alike!

Is the person you’re dealing with a trained kitchen professional, or just some guy who works in the store? At Kitchen Magic, you deal with experienced professionals who know kitchens inside out.

Do you get a customer list of people in your area who have used their service and are happy? At Kitchen Magic you get lots of names of people in your area who are happy with the product and service we provided them.

Are there hidden fees and charges? At Kitchen Magic, our price covers the entire job.

Is there any sort of warranty? Kitchen Magic provides you with a lifetime owner warranty in writing, backed by our 30-year commitment to service and customer satisfaction.

Give us a call today at 1-800-237-0799 and see what the Kitchen Magic difference is. You’ll be glad you did!

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