September, 2010.  Why do we fall? So we can get back up! It doesn't really matter if we are speaking about the season (fall) or making a mistake, there is always a reason to get back up. Believe it or not, summer has already come and gone. Soon, the weather will be cooler and the leaves will be changing color. One thing is always constant, however. That is we make our own destiny... our own choices. This month's newsletter is all about the choices we make. Take our recommendations to heart and happy decision making!

BIT O'FUNNY Some men in a pickup truck drove into a lumberyard. One of the men walked in the office and says, "We need some four-by-twos."

The clerk replies, "You mean two-by-fours, don't you?"

The guy scratches his head and says, "I'll go check," and goes back to the truck.

He returns and says, "Yeah, I meant two-by-four."

"All right. How long do you need them?"

The guy pauses for a minute and says, "I better go check." After a while, he returns to the office and says, "A long time. We're gonna build a house."

Choose Wisely.  Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can be overwhelming for any homeowner. This is not a do-it-yourself project - remodeling these rooms is very different from a bedroom, dining room or family room. A specialized professional should be brought in to make accurate measurements, suggest proper materials and design a functional, safe and cost-efficient space that specifically reflects a homeowner's taste and lifestyle. Whether it is new construction or a remodel, let an NKBA professional add value to your investment by applying their experience and expertise to the job.

To ease the process and help homeowners find an appropriate professional that will guide them through the stages of remodeling, the NKBA offers the following tips:

• Do your research. Pick several designers or dealers in your area; meet with each of them and trade ideas and suggestions. Make sure they're qualified for your needs and ask to see past projects and/or a portfolio.
• Clean, neat showrooms. Showrooms serve as a way for designers and dealers to showcase their work. When a showroom is messy, missing elements of displays or not completed professionally, it might be a warning signal to look elsewhere.
• Interesting designs. Look for a professional who designs outside the box. This is a major investment and you don't want to settle for the status quo.
• Well-constructed presentations. Craftsmanship is just as important as innovative designs. If your kitchen or bathroom isn't built well, you'll feel as though it was a wasted investment.
• Broad range of styles. You'll want a professional who can create more than one look. If all the products or designs have a similar look, you won't be able to personalize your space.
• Friendly, helpful staff. A kitchen or bath remodel could take months to complete. You will be in close contact with these professionals during this time and you want it to be an enjoyable experience.
• Satisfied client references. If a designer is unable to provide you with a list of satisfied clients, it may be an indication that you will not be satisfied either.
• NKBA Membership. Membership in the NKBA symbolizes the finest the kitchen and bath industry has to offer. NKBA members specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and you will be able to benefit from this focused expertise.

How do you know if a designer is qualified for your project? Many NKBA professionals are certified kitchen or bath designers. All NKBA certification programs require extensive professional experience and education. If you prefer a certified kitchen and/or bathroom designer, below is a list of options you have when picking the right certified professional for your job:

• AKBD - Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer
• CKD - Certified Kitchen Designer
• CBD - Certified Bathroom Designer
• CMKBD - Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer

Pick the NKBA professional that satisfies your taste and style most. You should never be persuaded to do anything you don't like or that doesn't fit into your budget. NKBA members are the finest professionals in the industry and can help to make your dream kitchen and bath a reality.

The Power of Good Attitude.   Positive attitude helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worry and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it will bring constructive changes into your life, and makes them happier, brighter and more successful. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic and expect the best to happen. It is certainly a state of mind that is well worth developing and strengthening.

Positive attitude manifests in the following ways:

Positive thinking.

Constructive thinking.

Creative thinking.

Expecting success.

Optimism.

Motivation to accomplish your goals.

Being inspired.

Choosing happiness.

Not giving up.

Looking at failure and problems as blessings in disguise.

Believing in yourself and in your abilities.

Displaying self-esteem and confidence.

Looking for solutions.

Seeing opportunities.

A positive attitude leads to happiness and success and can change your whole life. If you look at the bright side of life, your whole life becomes filled with light. This light affects not only you and the way you look at the world, but also your whole environment and the people around you. If it is strong enough, it becomes contagious.

The benefits of a positive attitude:

Helps achieving goals and attaining success.

Success achieved faster and more easily.

More happiness.

More energy.

Greater inner power and strength.

The ability to inspire and motivate yourself and others.

Fewer difficulties encountered along the way.

The ability to surmount any difficulty.

Life smiles at you.

People respect you.

If you have been exhibiting a negative attitude and expecting failure and difficulties, it is now the time to change the way you think. It is time to get rid of negative thoughts and behavior and lead a happy and successful life. Why not start today? If you have tried and failed, it only means that you have not tried enough.

Developing a positive attitude that will lead you to happiness and success:

- Choose to be happy.

- Look at the bright side of life.

- Choose to be and stay optimistic.

- Find reasons to smile more often.

- Have faith in yourself and in the Power of the Universe.

- Contemplate upon the futility of negative thinking and worries.

- Associate yourself with happy people.

- Read inspiring stories.

- Read inspiring quotes.

- Repeat affirmations that inspire and motivate you.

- Visualize only what you want to happen.

- Learn to master your thoughts.

- Learn concentration and meditation.

RECIPE: Healthy Grilled French Onion Pizza

6 slices thick-cut bacon
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper
1 pound prepared whole wheat pizza dough
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded monterey jack cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
2 small plum tomatoes, sliced