Thursday, January 30, 2014

Age-old question ANSWERED!

I have found the answer to the very important, age-old question: How many monkeys does it take to change a light bulb?

I had never understood why that saying was so popular until recently.

A few months ago, the light bulb in our bathroom needed to be replaced. I tried to unscrew it but I quickly understood that this wasn't just a regular light bulb and it wasn't going to be as simple as I thought it would be. It was a complicated halogen one. After twisting and pulling that bulb for a while, I only managed to chip away the sides of it. It was time to bring in the big guns: our very fancy Ikea toolbox. 


I experimented with every piece in that box. Standing on the vanity, after more twisting, pulling and now, tapping the sides with a hammer, I chipped that bulb away until all that was left was the base. I then I understood that I had to twist the bulb a certain way to unlock it from its place and pull it out. Finally, my hard work paid off! I put the new bulb at its place and thanked the Light-bulb-Gods that halogen bulbs have a long lifespan and I would not have to change one for a while. (I don't think Mr. A knew that was how I changed the bulb. Hi, honey! No harm done! The light works perfectly!)

So, here we are, a few months later and faced with the "great challenge" of changing the light bulb in the kitchen. This time around, I was convinced that changing this bulb would be easy. Simply twist and pull, right? Wrong! As Mr. A twisted the bulb, the whole light twisted upon itself. I got on the step stool to try as well and was faced with the same problem. I told myself I couldn't do it because I needed a better view of the fixture (*sarcastic tone* yes... THAT was the problem). Since we did not have a higher step stool or ladder, I went to get the highest pair of heels I own. Many inches taller (and looking fabulous!), still no success. 

At this point, between sighs and exhales of frustration, I was telling myself we should have bought a home with easier light fixtures. As Mr. A and I took turns giving it a whirl, we had our own light-bulb-moment and decided we needed reinforcements. This time around, reinforcements came in the form of YouTube videos (not Ikea tools). After a few videos, we found the solution (and it's a lot simpler than we could have ever imagined): A SUCTION CUP! Simply pop the suction cup on the bulb, twist and pull! 


So, to sum up, besides a trial session with the bulb in the bathroom, it takes two monkeys, a step stool, a pair of fabulous high heel shoes, YouTube videos, a suction cup and a lot of patience to change a light bulb.

Monkeys like bananas... Banana Bread!

Banana Bread 
recipe from Ina Garten (with a giant seal of approval by The Prep Wife)
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 by 2-inch round or square cake pan.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the bananas, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on low speed until combined. With the mixer still on low, add the oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts, if using. 

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, turn out onto a cooling rack, and cool completely.


2 comments:

  1. Next time u break a light bulb, try removing it with a raw potato instead of tools.hehe

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    Replies
    1. Oh I had no idea! Thanks. I'll try that for the next light bulb!! :)

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