DIY Farmhouse Bathroom on a Budget

I wish there were more pictures of the "before", but our guest bathroom has made a transformation on a small budget. As always, I did not want to put  a lot of money into a bathroom when we have plans to remodel. However, the remodel is at the bottom of our remodel list. This has led to some DIY projects and attempts to take the bathroom out of the 70's and into modern farmhouse era.  

When we purchased the house the bathroom was fashioned with redish-orange blinds, dark wood cabinets and the original 1973 mirror.  Simply removing the mirror, painting the cabinets and changing the blinds made a world of difference.

Before pictures

Three layers of linoleum ......

After -  DIY shelf was made from old wood in our garage and galvanized pipe.

Simple word art is a perfect way to keep the farmhouse theme.  I live by and remind myself each day to be thankful for all we have.

The Home Depot special added some much needed light in the bathroom.

The old cabinet door is gone  and replaced with a  basket, towels and soap under the sink.

TJ Maxx is an inexpensive way to accessorize 

A big challenge was how to hang the bathroom towels since the bathroom was so small. Galvanized pipe was the perfect solution.

Small touches of Christmas completed my little project.

Total cost was less than $75 to change the outdated '70's look until we check this project off our list of to do's.

My Old Stomping Grounds

While attending college at Fresno State, I was looking for the perfect job with flexible hours that accomadated my school schedule and had a steady income. After speaking with my parents, they recommended I look into a restaurant job. With no experience, the Elephant Bar took a chance with this newbee and hired me on as a hostess; shortly thereafter becoming a waitress.  I spent the next three years of my college life at the Elephant Bar meeting lifelong friends and developing lifelong skills. Although I've moved on after graduating from Fresno State, there are many fond memories of the past and it's exciting to share the current Elephant Bar’s latest and greatest items on their menu. Not only did I get to visit my old stomping grounds at the Elephant Bar, but my BFF and I enjoyed a great night of drinks and dinner.

Elephant Bar is located in the Villagio Shopping Center in River Park. Recently, they launched their new menu. They have kept some of the favorites but have added some new craft cocktails, wine and brunch cocktails. In addition, they now have a scratch kitchen… Which I love! 

To start off the meal, they have a light and tasty Quick seared Ahi-tuna appetizer. The appetizer is semi glazed, served rare over fresh mixed greens. 

For dinner, we ordered one of their signature dishes, Teriyaki Chicken. The dish is served with wok chared vegetables and a choice of white or brown rice. (I always had it with brown rice).

 

Next, we split their Chicken Marsala served with with hearty mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and a Marsala Wine Sauce. 

 

 Annie and I never miss an opportunity to try a new cocktail, tonight it was the Jungle Colada which will leave you swinging in the trees!
We ended our evening of beverages with the Tito's Mule in a copper mug with a lime wedge dressing. 

Growing up in our house no meal was complete without dessert.  As you know, tradition runs deep in my veins and we weren't going to leave without a something sweet on our lips. 

   The Gooey Butter Cake was decadent!

The Cookie Ele Mode OMG!

Thank you Ann for a great night.

The Real Housewife of Fresno

Check out Elephant Bar on Facebook, IG and on their website.

Our Elephant Bar experience was a provided to me in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions expressed are honest and my own.