Half bathroom project

I had some downtime this weekend so I thought I would tackle the towel racks in the half bathroom. The ones in place weren't my style so I thought I'd make some updates.

So, the before pictures:

Hand towel rack:
There was a full towel rack behind the toilet which seemed silly since 1. it is a half bath and 2. the rack wasn't high enough above the toilet to have a towel. So that had to go!



So here is the after - I replaced the hand towel and toilet paper holders and added a decoration behind the toilet.




I am pretty happy with the result and the best part - I paid cash!

Menu plan, week of 3/21/11

Well I've fallen off the face of the earth recently thanks to a really busy work schedule combined with the flu. It was amazing. I'm trying to get back on track in more ways than 1! I've totally been slacking in my healthy eating and my exercising so this week I am hoping to pick it up again.

Breakfasts:
Homemade granola bars, fruit

Lunches:
Peanut butter sandwiches, veggies, misc leftovers

Dinners:
Beef lasagna, steamed veggies, something with chicken tbd

Snacks:
Homemade apple sauce, cheese sticks, goldfish crackers, graham crackers

Financial Goal Update: February

I am feeling good about what I've been able to accomplish this month in terms of my financial goals. I am making a lot of baby steps!

- Pay cash for all home remodeling goals so far so good
- Make an extra principal payment each month yes plus a little extra!
- Pay off 5% of my mortgage this year. I have paid off 0.75% so far this year.
- Up my retirement savings by maxing out my Roth IRA. Not maxed out yet, but contributing!
- Continue saving for a new car. Yes
- Pay for all travel in cash Saving for summer travel
- Pay for Christmas gifts in cash Saving for this goal

Menu plan, week of 2/28/11

I've fallen off the wagon a little bit here with my exercising and my healthy eating so this week I want to step it up again.

I have a lot of veggies and some chicken here so I am hoping to have a lot of salads for both lunch and dinner.

For snacks I have homemade granola bars.

Breakfasts will be oatmeal and fruit.

2011 Personal Development Goals: February

One month of 2011 is already behind us! How is it possible for time to go so quickly?

So how did I do this month?

2011 Personal Development Goals:
- Read at least 3 books per month. Very close to accomplished!

Percy Jackson and The Olympians Book 5
Book 5: The Last Olympian

I am really happy to have finished this series. The author has written a number of other books that I've started reading!

The Red Pyramid I started reading another series by the same author. They are just so fun!

Clive Cussler book - 3/4 finished so I guess it doesn't count...

- Try 1 new recipe per month.
Yes! I made some wonderful bread in the bread machine. I am now obsessed with it :)


- Attempt 6 "Do it yourself" projects. Yes!
I feel so accomplished this month! I replaced 2 bathroom faucets this month. Even though this was not one of my home improvement goals, I am really happy that I did this!

- Volunteer somewhere at least once per month. Fail.

2011 Home Remodeling Goals: February

Despite doing a few home improvement project this month, I haven't actually crossed any goals off my list! But I learned some skills that will help me accomplish some other goals so it all works out.

2011 Home Remodeling Goals
- Tile Backsplash for Kitchen - not yet
- Paint rest of house (dining room, hallways, living room, master bedroom) - not yet
- Replace light fixture in dining room - not yet
- Replace kitchen faucet - not yet
- Replace towel racks in all bathrooms - one down, two to go!

Other:
- Replace master bathroom faucet - done!
- Replace 1/2 bathroom faucet - done!

What should I do next month?!?!

Menu plan, week of 2/21/11

Breakfasts:
Oatmeal, fruit

Lunches:
Peanut butter sandwiches, leftovers

Dinners:
2 dinners out plus 1 dinner at a friend's. Chicken and Dumplings

Snacks:
Cereal bars, string cheese, rice cakes