HYC Update – Quick Catch-Up + Mini Bathroom Makeovers

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Let’s do a “quick,” bullet point catch-up:

• I’ve decided to start Medifast in order to lose the required 38ish lbs I need to in order to get on the waiting list for lap band surgery.  I’ve carefully weighed the pros and cons and I truly feel that it’s the right thing to do; it’s a means to an end.

• I’ve kept up well with my goals for the  January Being True to You Challenge. As a reminder, I set out to attend group exercise classes regularly and see which ones I like and which ones aren’t my cup of tea. My goal is to attend 9 group exercise classes by Jan. 31st and if I do, I’m going to treat myself to a pedicure. So as of yesterday, I’d made it to 6 (Zumba, belly dancing, Pilates, intermediate step, Zumba, and Aqua aerobics)  plus 1 physical therapy session (more on that in a minute).  During this time I also walked Lulu for at least 30-45 minutes each day, even on the days I didn’t go and take a class, and I did the Wii a couple of times.  So I got activity in each and every day, and tried out a bunch of new classes.  In my book (which is the one that’s paying for the pedi), I’ve done more than enough to earn that pedicure!! I have an appointment booked on Saturday, and my poor tootsies cannot wait to get pampered.
• Speaking of which, here’s this week’s workout plan:
  • Monday: walk Lulu, Aqua aerobics
  • Tuesday:Afro-Belly Boogie (new class) – From 24 Hour Fitness: “This workout combines high-energy conditioning and rhythmic movements of African dance with the sensuous muscle isolations of Belly Dance to create a low impact, spirit boosting, high cardio workout. The workout features rhythms and sounds from Africa, Caribbean, Middle East and even current club beats. You’ll have fun while you burn calories, tone your core and strengthen your upper and lower body all while dancing to the beat.”
  • Wednesday – walk Lulu, Aqua aerobics
  • Thursday – walk Lulu, FitTV or Wii
  • Friday: walk Lulu, UJam Fitness (new class) – From 24 Hour Fitness: “This class unites world beats with urban flavor and takes you around the world from hip-hop to Bollywood with an intense cardiovascular workout! Easy to learn dance steps choreographed to high energy music that makes you sweat, tone your body and leaves you craving for more!”
  • Saturday: walk Lulu, Wii Zumba (pedi!!!!)
  • Sunday: belly dancing
• I’ve been doing the MeYouHealth Challenge for a month now, and I’m loving it. Each daily challenge is something that’s easy to do, but makes a significant impact on my well-being. Plus it’s #2 on my 2011 Goals. This past week I’ve:
  • Started one meal with a colorful salad
  • Practiced a full-body stretch
  • Named a sport or exercise I wanted to learn or take up again
  • Checked my reading light
  • Found a book (or an audio book, podcast or e-book) to carry with me
  • Drew a “pie chart” of my life
  • Listed 3 locations where I can take the stairs next time
• I went to the physical therapist last Thursday, and she gave me a few tiny exercises to do and an appointment to check in with her in two weeks.  I have to admit that I haven’t been as diligent with the exercises as I could be, but I think they’re helping a bit.  I’m going to start doing them each night before bed (to get myself on a regular routine) and hopefully they’ll start having a serious impact.  Otherwise, I guess we’ll see what else the physical therapist has in mind.  Fingers crossed that I won’t even need to “go there.”

And now on to the decorating portion of the post.  You guys know how much I love fixing up my place and turning the house into a home.  Ever since LC moved in next door and bought a few new things for herself and the kids, I’ve been feeling as if my bathrooms sort of paled in comparison.  Most specifically, the bathroom rugs.  For years I’ve had these white shag-like rugs in the bathroom that were funky in the other house because of the retro tile, but in this place they were just looking tired. It may seem so insignificant, but something like a bathroom rug can really change the sense of warmth in the room.

My bathroom posed a real challenge because of the late 70s-era salmon-colored countertops.  It’s not quite pink, not quite peach, and just sort of yuck.  White had been a decent option, but definitely required a lot of maintenance and just made the room feel stark.  So I thought gray would be a nice alternative.  All of my fixtures are stainless steel, so I thought the gray would tie in nicely:

The gray is actually a lot lighter in person than it’s coming up in the photos, but I think you get the idea.

The guest bathroom has neutral colors, so I could’ve gone a lot of different ways.  I’d already made it feel spa-like with a few accessories:

But the main focal point of the bathroom was this fun painting I’d purchased at Z Gallerie years ago.  I call her my fat lady painting, also known as “the before.”

I’d randomly found that green box of Kleenex, and once I saw how perfectly it matched the painting, I knew that sage green was the color I wanted to bring out.  It’s very serene and tranquil, and I think it adds to the overall atmosphere I was trying to create in the room.  Here’s what I found:

Again, they may look more grass green than sage in the photos, but believe me, they are the EXACT color of the painting.  I’m really pleased.

A small investment that makes a really big difference in the look of the bathrooms.  Plus, the new rugs are so luxurious and soft that they are more than just esthetically pleasing.

And just because it’s been about a week (or maybe even two), it’s time to give a gratuitous Lulu shot:

Lulu, waiting while we do a mini bathroom makeover.

What room in your house are you dying to redecorate?  Is there a way to give it a mini makeover to make a difference?

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