Mirror mirror on the bathroom wall

So the single upstairs bathroom at the house is okay but leaves a lot to be desired. On the plus side, there is a new vanity, hardwood floors, white tiles in the shower area, and a semi-new toilet. On the negative side, there is a gaping hole in the wall, no mirror, a weird/gross toilet seat made of fabric (eew), and a dirty tub. 

(Bathroom)

I found some inspiration online and bought this mirror, pictured below, from Gordmans for only $34! What a steal. My parents hung the mirror up so that they had at least one mirror in the house. Rest assured, that hole in the wall will be filled in and the walls will be painted. This was just a temporary thing. But it is still exciting that there is PROGRESS. 
(My parents texted me: "Bathroom reno finished!! ;) hehe")

Here are some pictures I used as inspiration for the bathroom. I think I found the exact mirror as from the pictures below, although she apparently got hers from Lowes or Home Depot. 
Loving the greige walls with the crisp white towels and shower curtain. 

I will definitely need some over-the-commode storage. :)

Taking a break to do some yardwork

I came home for a week so I could get some studying done for the bar exam without distractions from my apartment. I worked for a long time today so I decided to stop over at the house to help my parents with some yard work. It is so exciting to see the progress that they are making every day.


Now...



Now...


There is still much work to be done on the yard, but it at least does not look like the house is decrepit, overgrown, and uninhabited anymore. :) 


Home is ours!! And the reno begins..

My parents closed on the house this past Monday, and so now the renovations have begun! As of this week, my parents have secured the premises, mowed, and done some initial work on the water and pipes. They ran into an unfortunate stopping point when they went to get the water turned on and there was a leak somewhere.... so that has to be fixed before the water can actually be turned on. It is pretty inconvenient for them (and everyone else helping) to not have access to water during the renovations so this is a big priority for them.

Yesterday, I was in town and went to the house to clean the floors. I used the floor-cleaning wet vacuum with a mixture of vinegar and dish soap and it seemed to work pretty well! The floor could use a few re-cleanings though but the initial run through was a success.

The kitchen floor was realllllly dirty and it was fun to see the change that a basic cleaning could bring about. I can't wait until that grout is painted white and the walls are touched up. And that horrible dishwasher has to go!
I also washed the interior windows, and man were they dirty. I wish I took a picture of my paper towels after that. 

I am now back in Champaign, IL studying for the bar exam again, wishing I was in Rockford helping with the repairs! Can't wait to get back there!

Closing has been scheduled!!

Closing has been scheduled for Monday, June 10. I can't believe it has been only about 30 days since we won the bid. It feels like 30 years....

Even though we don't currently have title to the property, we have all made some purchases in preparation of us getting the house. My dad and step mom bought fencing, a new front storm door, flooring for the front porch, and a light for the front porch so far.  I bought a couch and a sofa since my main expenses will be furnishing the place.

This is going to be the longest week ever.