My Home- New Notebook Planning

     Ugh! I did some number crunching in one of my notebooks this week on the outstanding house projects. Once again something is going to need to give. We'll need to concentrate on the must be done items first and make do with lipstick on a pig type updates elsewhere. That might be an exaggeration, but our bedroom, which I would love to redo, is not essential, but could use help. There is nothing technically wrong with the room, just drab and outdated and never really had the retreat like feel most people strive for. Totally cosmetic fixes I should be able to apply with little money, unlike both bathrooms. One needs serious renovation and the other a fix to the ceiling corner and a toilet issue which has made the bathroom practically unusable for guests. We know the little quirks, but it is inconvenient. The deck is a safety issue so either needs a major reinforcement, or to be torn down and either replaced with either a different deck or a patio slab or paving. Currently, doing  a patio is my choice, but then what kind? We could go with a very simple concrete slab or stamped concrete. There's so many options for paving and stone that could look lovely. Since we can't do anything for months, we've got time to do option comparing. 

     Regardless of what we decide, I'd like to get both bathrooms and the deck/patio updates and repairs done by summer so we can enjoy both longer. No doubt our punch list will continue to grow in the years leading up to when we ever decide to relocate, but since that is at least eight years away, no sense holding off enjoying our home during that time. For both projects (or really all three), the décor items such as new towels and accessories and patio furniture, will need to be really on a budget. The above pictures was from my last little spruce up of the upstairs bathroom over three years ago. I'll track via my notebook what is needed, and keep my eyes peeled  for either second hand that can be perhaps upcycled like a garden bench or lounge chairs, or on really discounted prices. I'll also see what I already have that could potentially be repurposed such as wall art or old pillows recovered with more weather resistant coverings rather than new. I bought for 75% clearance outdoor round bulb lights after Christmas. I've seen how people use these to light patios, and I thought ahead to buy the remaining two boxes left. These are the types of finds I hope to uncover and stash away.

     Since we know funds are tight and DH's work is still unstable, we have a limit to how deep we are willing to tap into savings. I'm going to keep looking for little leaks in the budget to fill, and see how much I can separately squirrel away for the accessories. I'll be scouring the  blogs to find ideas from  the folks who are great decorators on a dime. While money will be tight, I know there are creative ways to stretch and five me the  changes that will help me feel great about my home.