Newsletter #15

2020 Is Upon Us!

A new year and a new decade is upon us. 2020 is the year for new beginnings. All those ideas you once had you can make happen for real. A whole new year means all new projects. We had a quick week of snow but with that already melting away it’s time to start on those construction projects. Spring is right around the corner, so those projects you were holding off for spring, it is now time to start getting that ball rolling. Inside and outside jobs, we are ready to take on all of them. Those outdoor patios, garages, carports, even inside jobs like kitchens and master suites, it is time to start planning for these projects. We are in the Everett area and service from Marysville, down to Seattle. Whatever your remodeling needs, we are one phone call away. We will build your dreams. Give us a call for your remodeling needs 425-224-2004.

Second story balcony in the Mill Creek area.

List of Work We Perform:

  • Whole House Remodel
  • Additions
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom Home
  • Design & Build
  • New Construction
  • Decks
  • Outdoor Living
Metal and wire railing to give it that modern look and feel.

Referral Program:

There is no greater honor than having our past clients/friends recommend us to their friends, family and co-workers. To show our appreciation, we would like to invite you to participate in our exclusive client referral
program.

When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to our company and they sign a
construction contract with us, you will receive 1% of the total project cost on a future project with our company or cash. A $100,000 project=$1,000 credit.
The people who you refer to our company will also receive 1% off of their project costs to be used with their current project.

There is no limit on how many times you can use this program, so the more you use it, the more money you can earn.
We look forward to working with you, your friends and your family.

Trivia Question:
Q: How Tall is Mt Rainier?

Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
(It’s a new year and we need new winners!)

Brand new built office on homeowners property to work closer to home.
Classic Remodeling NW Inc. is in the new year mode. We are ready for your calls to come in for various different projects. We have great guys and subs to complete any project. That kitchen need a face lift, call us. That bathroom looking outdated, call us. You ready to make your home your forever home by doing a whole house remodel, call us. We already have a head start on this new year and are excited to take on new projects. Just 10 digits away from getting your dream project started. Pick up that phone and call us now. We offer complimentary consultations, so give us a call at 425-224-2004. We would love to hear about your remodeling ideas. 

New Year, New Kitchen: 7 Things to Declutter Right Now for a

Clean Slate

[realtor.com: Larissa Runkle]

It’s a new year, new you – blah, blah, blah – you know the drill. But forget that goat yoga and olive oil cleanse. Instead, make your New Year’s resolution something that’s actually attainable – like a decluttered house!

OK, it might not seem so attainable if your holiday decorations are still up and you have scraps of gift wrap and cardboard boxes everywhere. Before you start feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of spending weekend after weekend purging, know this: Decluttering doesn’t have to take days on end or a visit from Marie Kondo. In fact, there are some very obvious things you can throw out without agonizing for a minute about whether it’s the right thing to do. 

“That’s why we’re launching a new series to help you give your home a total refresh, room by room. We’ll highlight what you can donate, trash, or sell to achieve ultimate organization goals in 2020. This week, we turn up the heat in the kitchen. Ready to get started? Grab a trash bag and check this handy list of things to toss, pronto.

Old Spices
 
There are some things that can stay in the family kitchen for years, but spices just aren’t one of them. If the lids are covered in dust and you can’t remember the last time you used them, it’s probably a good indication the’re due to be tossed. 

“When I recently replaced my parsley flakes, my daughter said, ‘I didn’t know parsley flakes were that green’ – that’s when you know you’ve waited too long to replace your spices,” says Ali Wenzke, author of “The Art of Happy Moving.” “For a few extra dollars, you can enjoy the full flavor [and color] of your spices.”

Ancient Cleaning Solutions
 
Besides the fact that storing lots of old chemicals can be dangerous, they’re also quite possibly useless once they’ve passed the expiration date. 

“If a cleaning solution is ‘ancient’, it’s best to dispose of properly as the chemicals may no longer work as initially intended,” says Melanie Hartmann, owner of Creo Home Solutions.

Avoid nasty surprises, and read the labels on your cleaning solutions to find out how to properly dispose of them.

Plastic Food Containers
 
We’re looking at you, flimsy takeout containers. Unless you have a real use for every single item in your food containers cabinet, it might be time for reckoning. 

“A lot of time is wasted trying to find matching lids, and reheating leftovers in plastic can be unhealthy,” says Hannah Hearin, owner of Home Refreshment Professional Organizing. “I recommend that my clients get rid of the majority of their plastic Tupperware, leaving only the larger ones that aren’t stained, and purchased a set of glass Pyrex instead. Tupperware can typically be recycled, though my clients have also chosen to donate to those who may be in need.”

Donate your higher-quality plastic containers, and recycle single-use takeout containers. Trust us, the time you’ll save on searching for lids will far outweigh the time it takes to clean out this corner of the kitchen.

Broken or Unused Appliances
 
Plastic containers aren’t the only kitchen items we accumulate over time. There’s also all the small appliances taking up valuable space – without really earning their keep.

“Broken or unused appliances, like the fondue pot that was a pain to clean, are taking up valuable space under your cabinets,” says Hearin. “If these are in good working condition, you can donate them. If they’re broken, recycle.”

This also goes for the dehydrator and fancy (but overly complicated) coffee machine gathering dust under your sink. If you’re not using them or they don’t work, it’s time to reclaim that space.

Freezer-burned Food
 
Freezer burned food not only tastes awful, it also takes up space that could be used for things you actually plan on eating. 

“Our kids love freezer clean-out day because it means they get to indulge in copious amounts of frozen desserts,” Wenzke says. “Take out your frozen meat, and plan meals with them this week. If the food doesn’t look tempting to you this week, it won’t seem any more appealing to you next week or next month. If that’s the case, it’s time to toss that old frozen food.”

Expired Pantry Goods
 
Much like your icicle-encrusted peas, if the food in the pantry doesn’t sound appealing now, chances are high it never will. Eating this stuff can also make you sick, because just like your perishables, the unopened stuff can go bad, too.

“Many of my clients find canned foods that are older than their children in elementary school,” Hearin says. “Keep your pantry stocked with only fresh products that are within their consumable date, and you’ll save time by being able to take inventory before hitting the grocery store.”

Counter Space Killers
 
Unused bits and bobs eating up counter space make both cooking and cleaning a lot harder.

“Use the clothing rule: If you haven’t used it in a year, it should go,” says Julie Brooks, owner of Peaceful Place Organizers. “Be realistic: Are you ever going to have a ‘Downtown Abbey’ – style formal dinner party that would necessitate three sizes of wine glasses for 16 people?”

Keep the kitchen a clean workspace, storing items that are less frequently used elsewhere.

“I recommend setting up overflow kitchen storage, say, at the bottom of the basement stairs, for items which are only used quarterly or annually,” Brooks says. “Only things which are used per week or more have earned space on the countertop.”

Instant Pot Potato Soup
(4 Servings)

 

Prep time

(15 Minutes)

 

Cook time

(40 Minutes)

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 c. plus 2 tbsp. milk, divided
  • 2 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Shredded cheddar, for serving
  • Chopped cooked bacon, for serving
  • Freshly chopped chives, for serving

 

Directions:

  1. Set Instant Pot to Saute function and melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
  2. Add potatoes and broth and place lid on Instant Pot. Set to Pressure Cook on High and set time for 8 minutes. Once finished, turn valve to quick release.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons milk and cornstarch to make a slurry.
  4. Remove lid from Instant Pot and set to Saute function again. Pour in slurry, remaining 1 cup milk, and heavy cream and let boil about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish with cheddar, bacon, and chives before serving.

ENJOY!!!