Bathroom Update on a Budget

Bathroom Update on a Budget

by Engineered Mama ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Our half bath lacked… well, character. I would consider myself to be rather moody in my design style. Dark colors mixed with prints and rich colors are my jam. When we moved into our house we had to gut it before we could move in. I mean GUT IT… down to the light switches and outlets. It was so bad that when I toured the house I was told not to get too close to the master bath shower because it would fall through the floor. Since there were so many design details to tackle, I kept it simple in most rooms and just figured I’d update as I became tired of gray and taupe walls. I designed this bathroom update with mostly items from Amazon because kids, work, and all of the momming doesn’t leave much time to shop around. I have to say I’m pleased with the outcome-especially since I didn’t need to run around like crazy trying to find things to work in this space. I’m linking items I used in this bathroom update at the end of this post so you can shop effortlessly, too!

This half bath project stemmed from finding a mirror I loved to replace the one I just tolerated. Problem? There was a giant hole in the wall behind the mirror where the old light fixture was prior to renovating the house. Fast forward a few years AFTER the wall had been patched and we got around to painting the bathroom after patching. If I was painting, why not paint a new color and paint the whole bathroom? If we’re painting, why not wallpaper, too? It’s like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie… it will never end! How did I make sure I didn’t overspend after deciding to revamp? I tried to keep it simple and make bold changes with low cost fixes.

Design Your Space First

First, design your space like there is no budget. That’s right, have all the champaign dreams. This is just to get an idea of what feel your space should have. Check out Pinterest boards, blogs, anything that gives you inspiration. Keep in mind the colors you like and the overall style you’re going for.

Determine What You Cannot Change

If you’re really on a budget, make a list of what cannot be changed. Examples of this could be a vanity, bathtub, shower, flooring or tile, or other high cost item. Our vanity was still in good shape and was still great aesthetically, so I designed the update to work with the current vanity. Get a sense of what your dream designs or ideas would look like with your existing pieces. If the ideas you gathered just don’t match the “can’t change items” in any way, search for other examples that will work well with existing pieces in your space.

Low Cost Updates

While looking at ideas on Pinterest or blogs make note of low cost items that could be used in an update that can change the entire look of the space. Here are some low-cost updates for bathrooms:

  • paint
  • wallpaper
  • light fixtures
  • faucets
  • towel racks
  • shelving
  • mirrors
  • plants
  • toiletry bottles such as soap or lotion
  • small decor items (candles, framed artwork, etc.)

While considering all of these lower cost items, build your space around these cost effective updates. Consider items that already exist in your home or from thrift stores or clearance sales to fill in empty spaces. When I find items I love I also comparison shop online to see if cheaper alternatives exist. If you can achieve the same look with a lower cost item, doesn’t that make the look all that much better?!

Visually Plan Your Space

Create a visual plan of your space using the items you found to create your desired look. If you’re using paint colors, wallpapers, or other similar items in your design include those. I don’t like to spend a lot of time on my visual planning, but getting an idea of what items will look like together definitely helps. I like to use the PicCollage app on my phone so I can add items together quickly to make sure everything meshes well. I do a quick price check and add the cost of all of the design items to make sure I stay within my budget.

Get to Work!

Once you’re sure everything meshes together well and the budget checks out, get shopping! Purchase all items, prep your space, and enjoy your newly updated room!

Shop My Bathroom Decor Finds!

Sherwin Williams Rosemary Paint

Wallpaper

Wallpaper Application Tools

Shelves

Light Fixture

Towel Rack

Nightlight

Soap Dispenser

Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser

Band Tee, But Make It Rap

Band Tee, But Make It Rap

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When you’re momming all day you don’t really have time to think too much, which is why I live in tees, straight leg jeans, and sneakers. No one has time to be uncomfortable! As much as I love band tees, you never see many rap tees, which is why I absolutely love this one from Amazon! You can shop this entire look with the breakdown below!

Biggie Tee

🛒 Yoya Biggie Tee-Shirt

Nike Women’s Court Legacy Lift Low-Top Sneakers

🛒 Nike Low-Top Sneakers

Cat Eye Sunglasses

🛒 Olieye Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

High Rise OG Straight Ankle Jeans

🛒 Old Navy High Rise OG Straight Ankle Jeans
How to Treat Brown Spots on Philodendrons

How to Treat Brown Spots on Philodendrons

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Every philodendron I’ve loved has unfortunately suffered from these nasty brown spots. Guess what? They’re a fungus! These spots are likely fungal leaf spot disease or rust spots. Fortunately, I’ve had great success at helping eliminate or stop this fungus in its tracks as long as it’s caught fairly early. The largest cause for this fungus is soil that is too damp or doesn’t drain well. Preventing these issues as well as using some great products to help eliminate the fungus should have your philodendrons thriving in no time!

Repotting and Root Trimming

The most likely cause of the fungus is improper drainage and wet roots. Remove the plant from its current soil and thoroughly rinse the roots while checking for any black or mushy roots. Trim away any roots that seem to be rotting or mushy and sterilize any tools used by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol thoroughly to prevent the spread of any fungus. Once the roots are rinsed well, dry the roots well with paper towels. Repot the plant in a well-draining soil mix and ensure the pot being used has adequate drainage. Using a chunky mix works well for philodendrons so the soil doesn’t stay damp too long for the plant.

Trim Affected Foliage

Trim any leaves that have been severely affected by fungal leaf spot disease to avoid reinfecting this plant or others around it.

Treat with Organic Blend

I treat my plants with Big Leaf Energy from Bless Your Soil. It’s made with a blend of organic Neem and other oils to help plants thrive pest and fungus free. Shake the bottle well and spray on a paper towel. Wipe the front and back of each leaf of the plant well and spray on all stems and stalks to ensure the fungus will be treated.

Isolate and Monitor Soil

Isolate the plant away from other plants to avoid infecting neighboring plants. Monitor the soil weekly and water the philodendron sparingly to avoid the plant sitting in continually damp soil.

Air Fryer Honey Glazed Salmon

Air Fryer Honey Glazed Salmon

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The air fryer has changed my life! Ok, well, it has changed my diet and has made me a little more culinarily adventurous at least… I found this recipe from Healthy Fitness Meals and it is SO good!

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets, skin on
  • 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • ⅛ tsp ground pepper, or to taste
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • ¼ tsp crushed chili flakes, or to taste

Directions

  1. Place the salmon fillets into a shallow dish. Whisk soy sauce, oil, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. 
  2. Pour the dressing over the salmon fillets and gently rub all over the fish. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 425°F. 
  4. Place the fillets into the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook at 400°F for 8 minutes.
  5. Lightly brush with honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chili flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite side.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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This is hands down one of my favorite soups! It’s right up there with Zuppa Toscana and has a great bite to it from the white pepper this recipe calls for from Food.com.

Ingredients

  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 medium  sweet onions
  • 2 1⁄2medium  green peppers
  • 8 stalks celery
  • 8 -10 medium  carrots
  • 8 medium sized potatoes, roughly diced
  • 10 -12 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 quarts chicken stock
  • 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2(28 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chopped parsley
  • 2 Tbsp white pepper (this is what gives the soup its kick, so if you don’t prefer a spicy soup, halve this amount or add according to taste)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp black pepper 
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp salt 
  • 2 lbs ditalini, as needed when serving or other small pasta of choice

Directions

  1. In a large stockpot (16 quart minimum / 20 quart recommended), heat olive oil medium-low to medium heat.
  2. “Sweat” onion, celery, green pepper, and some salt (to draw off moisture) for about 30 minutes — this is lower than browning and makes the veggies somewhat translucent. Cover and mix every few minutes to prevent browning.
  3. Add carrots, garlic, some white pepper, and some black pepper and continue to heat under “sweat” conditions while mixing now and then.
  4. Add chicken stock, chicken breasts, tomatoes, potatoes, and more white and black pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  5. Remove chicken and let stand to cool to shred.
  6. Add chopped parsley to pot and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
  7. Salt to taste and add more white and black pepper if desired.
  8. Simmer while cooking ditalini (or other pasta).
  9. Serve soup over cooked pasta to taste.
Perfect Instant Pot Rice

Perfect Instant Pot Rice

by Engineered Mama ♥ 2 Comments

After searching for what seems like forever for a tried and true way of making rice, this is it! I found this recipe from Green Healthy Living and it’s foolproof! I use this recipe for all types of rice and it has really upped my chicken fried rice game.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice (any kind will do-adjust cooking time according to rice type listed in directions below)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

  1. Rinse rice thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer. Add all ingredients into the Instant Pot. Double, triple or quadruple all ingredients in same amounts if a larger portion is desired.
  2. Make sure sealing ring is placed properly in lid, add lid, turn shut and turn knob to sealing position.
  3. Cook on high pressure for the number of minutes instructed below depending on the type of rice:
    • White Rice (Basmati or Jasmin): 3 minutes
    • White Sushi Rice: 5 minutes
    • Brown Rice (Basmati): 22 minutes
    • Short Grain Brown Rice: 24 minutes
    • Red Rice: 30 minutes
    • Wild Rice Blend: 28 minutes
    • Wild Rice: 30 minutes
    • Black Pearl Rice: 30 minutes
  4. Natural Pressure Release until pin drops. Takes on average 9-12 minutes (max. 18 minutes for 1 cup and max 30 mins for 4 cups).
  5. Remove all rice from pot immediately to avoid it sticking to the bottom. If needing to keep warm, leave rice in pot after natural pressure release without opening the lid to avoid steam being released and drying out the rice, which makes it stick to the bottom.
Easy Wreath Vegetable Tray

Easy Wreath Vegetable Tray

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The great thing about this vegetable tray is you can use any vegetables, fruits, or cheeses you like to decorate it! Have fun, choose what your family loves, and get creative!

Ingredients

  • Sliced cucumber
  • Sliced celery
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Chopped broccoli
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Red and yellow bell pepper
  • Black olives
  • Mozzarella pearls
  • Vegetable dip

Directions

  1. Place the vegetable dip in the center of a large platter. Place vegetables around the dip in the center of the tray. Decorate the vegetable wreath with grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, grape tomatoes, and bell pepper.
  2. Enjoy!
Easy Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Easy Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

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This is about as easy as it gets-premade spreadable cheese of your choice shaped into a cone shape with your favorite additions. Boom. Instant festive cheese ball!

Ingredients

  • Premade spreadable cheese (I prefer Alouette, but any kind will do!)
  • Toppings of choice:
    • Fresh dill
    • Fresh parsley
    • Almond slices
    • pomegranate arils
  • Crackers for serving

Directions

  1. Shape the spreadable cheese into a cone shape by placing the cheese into saran wrap and rolling it on a flat surface.
  2. Place the cone shaped cheese onto a cheese board or serving tray.
  3. Add preferred garnishes to decorate the “tree”.
  4. Serve with Ritz crackers, Triscuits, or other preferred crackers.
Lasagna with Italian Sausage

Lasagna with Italian Sausage

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There are so many different ways to lasagna… this one is my personal favorite! It’s also perfect to make in large batches to freeze. This recipe was adapted from an original recipe from allrecipes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 24 oz jar tomato basil pasta sauce
  • ½ cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat until well browned.
  2. Stir in pasta sauce and simmer until mixture is heated through.
  3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, fresh parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  6. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese.
  7. Repeat layers, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese. If freezing lasagna, place on level shelf in freezer. Thaw frozen lasagna in refrigerator and follow the next steps to fully cook.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
  9. Rest lasagna for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Cheesy Tortellini with Ham and Peas

Cheesy Tortellini with Ham and Peas

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This is an easy, flavorful, quick weeknight meal that is a hit with everyone in our house. This recipe is adapted from Kim and Amanda’s Ham and Cheese Tortellini recipe. Enjoy this filling, flavorful all-in-one skillet meal!

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cups diced onion (about 1 whole onion)
  •  2 cloves garlic
  •  12 oz ham, diced
  •  1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 package tortellini, fresh or frozen (I use one large package to feed the entire family, but amount can be adjusted according to need)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste
  •  1 cup baby sweet peas, frozen
  •  1/4 cup heavy cream
  •  1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, White Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack)

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and golden brown.
  2. Add the ham and and continue to cook until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
  3. Add the chicken broth, tortellini, and plenty of salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil. Cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
  4. Stir in the peas and cream. Remove pan from heat, then stir in 1/2 cup cheese until well combined. Top with remaining cheese, then place under the broiler in the oven until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Enjoy!