Happy Holidays!

I'm a Pastry Chef

Well, it's official! I am done with all my culinary classes and should receive my Baking and Pastry certificate in the next few weeks. It has been a great year and a half. I have really enjoyed all my classes and feel that I've learned a lot. I plan to continue working as the Pastry Chef at "Erika's" where I have been given more responsibilities: costing, ordering, and working on wholesale items for local restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Here are a few of the items I created during the past year that I am especially proud of:

Chocolate Violin - everything in this centerpiece is made of chocolate!













Pear Bavarian Plated Dessert - Pear Bavarian, Shortbread Cookie, Poached Pear, Vanilla Snap Cookie, Pear Chip, and Port Wine Reduction









Pistachio Cream Cake - Linzer Dough, Caramelized Bananas, Pistachio Biscuit, Vanilla Cream, Soft Toffee, Mascarpone Cheese Mousse, and Crunchy Pistachios.









Sugar Bottles - These bottles were molded out of sugar, have a modeling chocolate label, are filled with truffles, have a chocolate base, and a white chocolate cap.

10 Year Reunion

Last night, we attended Kristen's 10 year high school reunion. We had the chance to see friends from out of town and catch up with some people we haven't seen in years! While we were at the reunion, the East Grand Rapids football team was playing at Ford Field for the State Championship. They managed to win in the 5th overtime which was fun to watch with all the other "Easties."

Our Weekend in Toronto

We just got back from a wedding in Toronto. Although it was a quick trip, we had a chance to walk around Sunday morning. We went down to Lake Ontario and also wandered through the University of Toronto.

Recent Cake Orders

Kristen has had a busy few weeks in the kitchen:

Wedding Cake for 150

Our neighbor's first birthday

Phil's a pretty big deal around here...

This picture was on the front page of the Grand Rapids Press. For the full story, go to:
http://www.mlive.com/sports/grpress/index.ssf?/base/sports-5/1189685725226250.xml&coll=6

Addition - It's Done!

Here are the pictures of the finished addition!

Master Bedroom























Rearranged Basement



















Game Room

Cincinnati / Warsaw

We had a great time visiting family in Cincinnati. We spent a lot of time on the Ohio River boating, tubing, water skiing, and riding wave runners. Thanks to the Smith's for their hospitality!

Addition - Day 79

We have carpet! Now we just need some paint touch ups and a final inspection! Yeah!

Addition - Day 78

All the lights are up! They also installed all the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom.













Pool Table Light










Basement Hallway Light - we love this one!

Addition - Day 76

It's been a while since we've posted updates on the addition. Although a lot has been happening, it wasn't "picture worthy." Last Friday, they finished painting all the rooms. They look fantastic. Unfortunately, the pictures don't do the colors justice! Today they installed our screens and put in our bathroom counter.

Existing Bathroom - Pale Blue













Guest Room - Grey Violet










Master Bathroom- Silver Sage












Basement - Light Taupe w/ an Olive Accent Wall

Corey's Visit

Kristen's cousin Corey (from Tucson, Arizona) was in town for a visit. The last time we saw her was close to 20 years ago. We took her to the Botanical Gardens since she is interested in both art and nature. Here are a few photos from her visit!

Addition - Day 64

The built-ins in our bedroom were finished today. They have adjustable shelves so we'll be able to fit a TV, stereo, etc. The closet was also finished. The rest of the trim in the basement should be done within the next day or two and then we can uncover all our furniture!

Addition - Day 58

They finished laying the tile today. I think they will grout tomorrow. The door to our bedroom was also installed today.

Addition - Day 57

Today they started installing our bathroom tile. It looks great! They also completed the trim around the bedroom doors and windows. Other miscellaneous trim was also done. The door to the guest room was re-installed as was the pocket door to our bathroom. There are a lot of tools in the house right now!

Addition - Day 56

Today, our bathroom cabinets were installed. They also started installing the doors. Since the drywall stage is done (finally!), they will be working on the finishing touches. They plan to install the bathroom tile and finish all the trim this week. Next week will be devoted to paint and the week after will be carpet and fixtures. We're getting there!

Addition - Day 50

The drywall stage is done! They started priming the walls today. They also measured for carpet which we will pick out later this week.

In an attempt to save money, we decided not to re-side the entire house. Instead, we are going to sand the existing wood siding and will repaint it to match the new siding on the addition. The new paint job should last for a few years. While Phil was in NYC over the weekend, my parents came over to help with scraping. Phil and I worked on it some more today. The house does not look nice right now. But we hope to have it sanded and painted within the next few weeks.

Addition - Day 44

The siding was put up today!