Astraea, from what I have read, it seems the force of that tornado leaves nothing unscathed. Kutchie mentioned silos made from concrete 16 ins thick being reduced to rubble - how thick would walls need to be!!! If they can dig a whole in the ground 6ft deep that is a long way down for a basement to be. One would think though NASA could come up with something - spaceships have to withstand huge forces. I was so relieved to hear tonight that the death toll is nowhere near as high as first thought, in fact only a third. Of course one death is tragic and the poor little kids who drowned was horrible. Unfortunately, the mob next door are exempt from zoning laws, they have special protection as part of the Govt's cost cutting methods. Instead of having facilities for serious mentally disabled people they lease homes and, in this case, put 5 of them into the home with full time live-in carers. This is the first time the owners have ever trimmed the trees, despite my constant requests for them to do so. We even had to chop one back that is on the street front as the postman couldn't get to our letter box. This time they have taken the top off them although it is still not necessary for them to be so high, but they did have the power lines running through them which was the biggest concern. I have been going to complain to the Council about them a few times but there is not a lot they can do, I would have to go to some mediation board that has been set up for this sort of thing but it is too far away. The main issue I have is that if any work is done on them, it all has to be done from my side which means they are clomping over my garden and I get the mess, but if I stop them, which I do have the right to do, then I have to put up with the trees right over my side garden and driveway. Legally, they should come to my door and ask permission to enter my property but of course workmen never do. I'm actually wondering if the Charity that runs the home may have organised it as they pruned every tree and shrub on the property, but it is the first time it has been done in about 20 years, so at this rate I may never see them again.

Ok, don't like the dark cushion, don't like the TV in the bedroom. You could go for pendant lighting using the same 'material' as the mirror? If you went for larger beside lamps while you have that mirror there, they would be fighting each other. In the programs I watch, they say to have 'a hero in the room'. In this case the mirror is the hero I think. Also the extra throw cushion for the bed could match one on the chair, so it ties in (or don't have one at all on the bed). If you did need a TV what about having one installed on the wall to the right of the chair,(looking at the photo) and make sure it can swivel out, so when you aren't watching TV in bed it can be against the wall, out of the way. Then you can have a lovely (glass) ornament or two, or a bunch of flowers sitting on it along with your photos. I love how you have your bed dressed, spot on! (without the dark cushion) I absolutely adore the blue shades in the duvet cover and I would draw those out into the room. Love that you have opened up your windows in the lounge. Maybe a throw rug and some colourful (same colours as in the duvet cover on your bed) cushions on the lounge suite as nothing is really popping! There doesn't seem to be any colour except for the flowers and the photos. Colourful paintings on the wall would be lovely too. Maybe the potted plants could be in coloured (as in your duvet cover) pots instead of white. I know you weren't asking about the lounge and if you are happy with it, then that is all that matters. Well done.

I'm about to put a cooktop on the 2.3 x 900 peninsular (island with only one free end ( in my new galley kitchen. I am using an induction top so it can be fitted flush with the benchtop surface, allowing me to use the whole area as benchtop when not in use. I intend to have bar stolls on the living room side for entertaining. My joiner has suggested making a beautiful, thin timbercover to go over the glass induction surface for added protection. I just need to decide on down draft induction hob or a ceiling casette. My main aim is to remove the smelly cooking smells from my unit. The smell from one evening of cooking indian chicken curry currently lasts at least a week! Any advice?

prioritise what does and doesn't work for you in your old kitchens, decide what equipment is essential for you and how much space it needs and cull everything else, don't waste money and space storing things you don't need, make sure there's a dedicated convenient spot for garbage bins, dust pan and broom and storage of food scraps, consider shallow in wall storage perfect for cans, jars, bottles and packets. Group supplies and equipment according to expected use eg enough cups and glasses for the occupants and regular visitors near the sink and kettle, everyday dinner plates stored near the stove and extras stored elsewhere. Even with very careful planning and very specific written instructions my kitchen cabinet maker put the cook top in the wrong place and 3 m of counter had to be replaced so don't assume the cabinetmaker agrees with you and have your plans scrutinised by HOUZZ to ensure that you consider all the best options for your new kitchen!!