ATK had a show in which they made tabbouleh last week (or maybe earlier), and it reminded me that I have a lot of parsley in my yard (plus a fair amount of mint) and that it would be an easy matter to make tabbouleh, once I bought some Bulgar wheat. I had recorded the ATK show as a reminder, and when I watched it again, I noticed that they recommended using medium grind Bulgar. I had bought Bob's Red Mill Bulgar without paying attention to the grind (it looked right to me), and the package has a tabbouleh recipe on it. Later I noticed that it is whole grain Bulgar, but the salad I made with it came out the way I expected it to. I used a variation of a Lebanese recipe, which, incidentally, called for fine grind Bulgar. I guess I need to store the leftover Bulgar in the freezer, as I did not use that much of it (only 1/2 cup). I made a sort of vinaigrette dressing for it with the juice of two lemons, 6 Tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 large clove of garlic (from Katy). Garlic was optional in the Lebanese recipe, but I decided to add it since I have a good supply, and I wanted to see how Katy's garlic would do in a vinaigrette. The salad tastes like it needs a bit more salt, and I was thinking of serving it with Feta cheese. I don't want to mix the cheese in, but I thought it might make a nice addition to the salad.

Sorry Mindstrong, you don't know what you are talking about---but I do. The majority of the "big dogs" use Canon. LOL!!!! What "big dogs" do you know? Apparently, they are not as big as you think they are. LOL!! Many National Geographic photographers still shoot with FILM cameras, which are much different than DIGITAL cameras--and they shoot in chrome. And, the ones who shoot digital, shoot with Canon. The archival aspects of the present digital process prevent many photographers from using digital when they don't have astringent deadlines. Sad to say, but, National Geographic photographers are not" cutting edge" by any means. Most are very traditional, which means, NIKON. No "trash talking" here. When the staffs of The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Globe and every other major newspaper use Canon, you know Canons are the best, otherwise, why would they risk shooting with inferior hardware, like the horrible Nikon system? The difference between Nikons and Canon is well documented in professional circles. Ask any "real" professional and they will tell you that Nikon sold-out to the amateur ranks many years ago, that Canons are the best. Most magazine photographers are contract photographers or freelancers and 80 percent of them use Canon. I know what I'm talking about: I'm one of them. Canon digitals are the best in the consumer market too!

This is the rest of the room . It’s pretty neutral. I don’t have bedding or a headboard picked out (and I may skip a headboard altogether). It’s a work in progress. But my toddler has unfortunately destroyed the blinds which were already in there way out. I’m ready to revamp the room. The shades were top up bottom down ones. But, because of the outside mount there was always a big gap for light. I have grommet drapes in the living room, and although they are easy to use, I don’t think it’s the look I’m going for In our master bedroom. Thanks !!!!

What is your kitchen style? Any particular look that you are trying to achieve? Will black porcelain hardware work? Alternatively oiled rubbed bronze or brass?