L.E.D.s R Us

Just when you thought you were done reading about my kitchen makeover, 

here I am with another chapter. This is the last one. Promise. 

 You might remember that after Ethel and I installed the backsplash,

I called the project finished...except for that little matter of under-cabinet lighting.

I did my research, it looked easy, so I ordered all the stuff.

I selected Armacost's LED RibbonFlex Pro Tape Lighting.

As usual, I couldn't understand the instructions and turned to youtube for help.

The project started early Saturday afternoon. April the giraffe's baby was up and nursing,

so I felt confident that I could divert my attention to the task at hand.

Two and a half hours later, progress had been made, and the worst part
(that which involved all matters electrical) and the second-worst part
(reading the instructions printed in teeny tiny type) – were over.

There's just something about me and wires. I stared into this cupboard for two hours

trying to muster the confidence to make these connections.

You: You put the dimmer where you can't reach it, silly girl.

Me: Be patient...I'll get to that in a minute.

With the connections made and the lights working, it was time to stick them in place.

I learned from the manufacturer's FAQ page that to avoid a marquee reflection 

on shiny countertops, the tape strip should be affixed perpendicular to the surface, 

on the lip of the cabinet, instead of on the bottom. So that's what I did.
The stuff has a peel-off backing and couldn't be easier to stick on.

During the project's research phase, I was most concerned about 

how to work around the cabinet supports. I figured the lights or the wires

would show below the edge of the cabinets and then I'd have to drill holes through

the supports, then I'd screw that up and the cabinets would fall down.

Again, and as usual, I wasted a lot of time and energy fretting about something 

that wouldn't be a problem.

Unless someone shorter than me happens to be looking (highly unlikely unless they're 12),
 the wires that connect the sections of tape between the cabinet supports are invisible. Whew.

As for that out-of-reach dimmer in the cabinet above the microwave, 

I present this wireless control pad. It talks to the thing in the cabinet 

and powers and dims the lights as if by magic...
which is how all electricity works in the first place, right?

If this accessory had not been available, the project never would have happened,

as no amount of youtube videos could help me understand how to wire a new switch.

I loved my backsplash before, but now I want to marry it.