Let There Be... Reflection

It's been a month since I last updated progress in our bathroom renovation. In the last post (click here), you'll notice that we were using a tiny old mirror while figuring out a permanent option. We had our hearts set on a large rectangular mirror framed in the same alder wood as the vanity. The only problem? Custom mirror frames are shockingly expensive (more than three quarters of the cost of the vanity). My super handy and very handsome husband took matters into his own hands and after several hours of making loud noises and mess in the garage, created this masterpiece.

We hung it last night and couldn't be happier with how it turned out. And, at less than 1/12 of the cost of a custom frame, our bank account is very happy, too.

Didn't Jeff do an amazing job?!

House Dressing

Several years ago, I found a basic oil and vinegar salad dressing recipe that has just stuck for us - it's become our house dressing. It's fantastic on any green salad, pasta salad (as pictured), or as a marinade on chicken. Simple and delicious- two requirements in my kitchen these days.

adapted from All Recipes and Simply Recipes

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced

1Tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (~ 2 green onions)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 

2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

1-2 teaspoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 Tablespoon parmesan or 2 Tablespoons crumbled feta 

Mix ingredients together in a container with a tightly fitting lid. Shake very well and let sit for at least half and hour before serving. In my experience, it keeps well up to two weeks in the refrigerator (and probably longer, if you can keep from eating it!).

To make this a cream dressing, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise. I usually add another half teaspoon of sugar but taste it for yourself and add sugar according to your preference.

Fun Bunks

My people are farming people. That's probably why I think these bunk beds are AWESOME.

For more information and tutorial, check out the Rucker Rendezvous blog (which is also the source of these great photos). 

Breaking Free

Handel's Messiah is usually performed at Christmas but Part II of the oratorio is actually all about Easter. Here is one of our favourite parts of Part II- a section particularly poignant during lent. The text is below. 

Aria: Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed. (Psalms 2:1-2; Acts 4: 25-26)

Chorus: Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. (Psalm 2:3)

Laundry with Engineers

Jeff here.  I still wonder why my wife follows the washing instructions. I think other men do, too. This is how we (men) git 'er done.

Have a great weekend!

Birthday

Jeff's birthday was last week. It started out with the birthday tradition in our household (one started by Jeff) - pie of your choice for breakfast. Jeff's choice this year was apple.

The day ended with our care group enjoying chocolate brownies in the shape of one of Jeff's robots. They were delicious and Jeff reports that it was a very good day, indeed.

Pucker Up

When it comes to dessert, I'm not a big chocolate fan (unlike my spouse). I'm nuts about citrus- and these classic bars are one of my favourites. Don't skimp on the real lemon juice because it makes an amazing (and wonderfully tart) difference.

adapted from All Recipes

1 cup butter or margarine, softened to room temperature
1/3 cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

4 eggs

1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 lemons, zested and juiced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Blend together softened butter, 2 cups flour and 1/3 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch glass baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden. 

While the base is baking, whisk together the remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Mix in the eggs and lemon juice and beat until light and frothy. Stir in the lemon zest. When the base is finished baking, pour this lemon filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Once baked, cool and serve at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar. 

Rainbow Mat

Spring has started in our tropical part of the world. With the tulips poking out of the ground, I've been thinking about garden plans and outdoor projects we want to tackle this year. I'm at a loss of inspiration this year and feel less and less motivated to continue work on the garden and exterior of our house.  Or I was until I saw this:

Photo courtesy of Makezine

I'm not sure it would be all that useful at removing mud of the bottom of my wellies but my oh my, isn't it happy?