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Oak Abode

A husband & wife team passionate about fixer uppers, interior design, and homesteading.

December 19, 2018

Midweek Mashup: Shower Tile, College Graduation and Carnitas

Master Bathroom Progress

Remember that one time I said we were going to tile the shower over the next couple weeks? Yeah… it might’ve been a bit of an understatement. Should’ve tried “months”. But that’s okay. I refuse to be negative about the master bathroom addition because no matter what, it’s still so much better than the living room remodel. Having construction on a separate floor from living is HUGE.

Anyway, here is the the current status of the master bathroom shower. We used this 3 x 12 black subway tile, and we plan on using black grout as well. Ian just has to tile those two remaining curbs, and finish the cuts around the shower niche. After that, other than some touch-ups, the shower tile will be complete.

black shower with stack bond subway tile in progress
Black grout is going to reduce the contrast, and make the presence of the shower a little less intimidating, and a little more organic.

Ian Graduated College! Sort of…

This weekend was huge for us, because after 8 years (and 2 deployments), Ian officially graduated college! Well… sort of. His professors decided to tack on a couple GIANT projects, which are due at the end of this week. So despite going through graduation ceremony & party, he’s actually totally swamped this week with school work. Seeing as he doesn’t get home from the lab until 8pm, we probably won’t be seeing any tile progress until after this weekend. But that’s okay! Because we are SO CLOSE!

I made the best, easiest carnitas recipe.

This time of year, all the unhealthy eating seems to add up and really hit home. A couple weeks before Christmas is usually right about when we try to clean up our nutrition game. While searching for Whole30 compliant recipes, I came across this recipe for carnitas. Guys, let me tell you — it was SO EASY, and SO DELICIOUS!! Usually these two don’t go hand-in-hand. I love my slow cooker, but usually the meals just turn out “good”, or end up overcooked. Or, they involve significant extra work after cooking. These carnitas are so doggone easy, delicious, and healthy. We did eat them on corn tortillas (so not totally Whole30 compliant), and added fresh onion, cilantro, lime, and goat cheese. Yum. I ate them for two days nonstop and my mouth is still watering just thinking about them!

*Tip — don’t skip the quick fry in the pan before assembling your carnitas — the little sear makes all the difference!

Build in place master bathroom double vanity
It’s just about time to pour the concrete countertops for the double vanity. We will build the drawers and doors after the plumber finishes installing the sinks, faucets, etc..
black subway tile shower with bench
I seriously can’t get enough of this shower!
before photo of attic master bathroom
BEFORE: Remember when this space used to look like this? Elohel.

Disclaimer: We’re not professionals or experts on this topic, so all we can do is share our own personal experience in hopes that it helps you in your journey! We always recommend consulting with the pros directly.

Posted In: Blog & Tutorials, Remodel Life · Tagged: 3x12 black subway tile, affordable black tile, attic master bathroom, bathroom addition, bathroom concrete countertops, black grout subway tile, black shower, black shower bench, black stack bond subway tile, black subway tile, black tile black grout, concrete countertops, dark shower, diy bathroom addition, diy remodel, diy shower pan, double vanity, floor and decor, giant shower, living with a remodel, master bathroom, matte shower, stack bond, subway tile shower bench, sweat equity, university of wisconsin milwaukee

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