08th Feb 2010
Setting up Under-counter Lights
I was trying to think of a way to light up the “bar” area. As I couldn’t really install any light fixtures at the ceiling where the bar-top was (no in-ceiling wiring for the spot immediate above the bar-top), I thought I could install some lights that aim towards the floor and therefore would somehow illuminate the area a bit. I started by getting a brand new drill bit that allowed me to open up a couple holes at a couple different locations. Had to be very thoughtful as it was tricky to determine where to drill the holes - I need to be able to wire these lights to the existing under-cabinet lights, so that they could all be switched on/off at the same time. There was a place where I need to “fish” the wire behind a drywall, I did it by slowly fishing down a thread with a tiny metal paperclip attached to the end (acting as a weight) from a hole inside the cabinet, all the way to the bottom where the other hole was. I then was able to see the thread from the hole, and I taped the wires from the light fixtures to the thread, and slowly pull it up so that it went through the dry wall and reached the hole inside the cabinet. It was quite a risky approach as there was no way to know in advance whether it would work, but I guess I was in luck and it worked like a charm. The next day I bought some “epoxy glue” and clamps to mount the lights to the underside of the granite countertop. The glue was composed of a “rasin” and the “epoxy” (I picked one that can withstand up to 93C since the lights would get really hot), and you have to mix them up prior to application. It was basically a mixture of very sticky goo, but it was fun playing with it. After applying the glue I clamped everything in place, and let it sit for a day for it to completely dry up. Last step was to apply white caulking to one of the holes that was exposed to seal it up. I think it looks awesome 
And I got my first espresso machine (Cusineart Espresso Maker EM-100) from Canadian Tire today! I had been wanting one so much but couldn’t really afford it. This one was on sale today so I couldn’t resist and took it home. Tried to make an espresso and this machine was able to create the “crema” with my crappy Starbucks beans, which was a good sign! The milk frother / steam wand was kind of hard to use though, I still wasn’t sure how exactly to steam the milk in order to make the best froth, I guess it’s going to take some practices…
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