Out latest project: Outdoor Buffet

This is our back patio off our bedroom with this little roof that covers the stairs that go into the basement. The little roof used to be the perch for our swamp cooler, but Andy got this brilliant idea to move it to another window and build an outdoor buffet that can double as a potting table.

A couple days later...it features bead-board, a stainless steel counter top, as well as custom metal counter tops Andy built. We are still working on the trim and touch ups, but we are so excited to have some space for outdoor dining! And it looks soooo much better than a giant swamp cooler. Now I can look out the kitchen window while doing dishes and see the beautiful back yard rather than the swamp cooler. And, the top ledge works great to pass things through the window while Andy is cooking and I'm prepping in the kitchen. I'm pretty happy with my "Handy Andy".

25 Main

Andy and I went by this most charming cafe and cake parlor in St. George called 25 Main (also their address). We had cupcakes - one coconut cream and one vanilla on chocolate (my favorite). Not only are the eats divine, but the vibe is amazing; even their plates are darling. See their menu and be sure to happen by next time you are in southern Utah.

Update on the back yard

Because we can't stand on the grass for another week or so, this weekend we had to be creative with what we could work on. The patio area was transformed. We love it! The roof still needs worked on and we plan to epoxy the concrete later on as well. Stay tuned for garden, shrubs, flowers and trees!

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

We made Grilled Eggplant Parmesan tonight and it was delicious. I wanted to pass it along.

Ingredients

3/4 cup Lawry's® Italian Garlic Steak Marinade With Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil

1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

1 medium tomato, sliced

1 1/2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz.)

1/4 tsp. Lawry's® Seasoned Pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves Directions 1. In large resealable plastic bag, pour 1/2 cup Lawry's® Italian Garlic Steak Marinade With Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil over eggplant; turn to coat. Close bag and marinate 15 minutes. 2. Remove eggplant from Marinade. Grill, turning once and brushing with remaining 1/4 Marinade, 10 minutes or until tender. 3. Top grilled eggplant with tomato, mozzarella and Seasoned Pepper. Grill 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with basil.

We have sod

Our yard the end of March...




...and after moving a lot of dirt, hauling away a massive load to the dump, and loading a lot of rocks, today we got sod! I was ecstatic!!! Isn't the rock wall Andy built amazing? We still have a ways to go, but we are excited to tackle it.

Double the Birthday Fun

Better late than never, right? I just want to wish a belated happy birthday to my niece Natalee and my brother-in-law Nate. Love you both!

I graduated

So, it finally feels official now that I have formally graduated. I can't even begin to express all of my relief to be finished. Mostly, I am so grateful to everyone who helped me get there: my boss, my family, my classmates, my professors, and mostly my sweet Andy. I couldn't have done without you all - thanks!