Yard Sales, Bike Rides and Other Goings On

Yes, I have to jam yard sale finds, bike rides and other updates all together in one post. I can't seem to squeeze in any blog time these days and it is very frustrating.  Unfortunately, a lot of my nights that could be spent blogging, are spent like this.


Passed out without a care in the world while the clutter just closes in.
(thanks for the glamorous pic dad!)

Im glad you are still tuned in though because there is so much more going on here.
In good time my dear readers, you will be updated. Let's get started on the subject at hand shall we?

I scored this past weekend at a neighborhood yard sale.  Saturday morning I stole $30 cash from Ernesto's wallet and headed over to a yard sale at 830am just 5 minutes from my house.  I wasn't  expecting much, but "the early bird gets the worm" is no joke.

I had actually been searching for a small table to eat dinner on outside.  And what do ya know?

I snatched that up and more.  What are the chances?  I was actually a little scared to pull into our driveway and see Ernesto's reaction to all my new junk finds.  I filled up his little truck. Yes I did.

The table is a great fit on our small deck. (and Ernesto like it!) As a bonus it was made by EMU- an Italian company backed by Louis Vuitton.  Oh la la! $60 for the table and 4 chairs! The guy (a designer) said each chair wholesales for $150!!! Score!  Is it true? I don't know, but it made me feel good.  Bottom line, these are not cheap metal and you can tell when you touch it.

I also got several garden structures, an umbrella with stand, a huge wooden lantern [to hang from our pergola] and a metal moroccan lantern.  But my favorite thing is the bronze head planter. (bottom left) Can't wait for a green plant to be creeping over the edges. So cool!  All of this for $120!?  Yeah! 

Biking the Atlanta Beltline. A couple weeks ago when my parents & aunt were visiting we had a beautiful Sunday biking on the Beltline.  

It was 70 degrees out after a freezing spell hit, so EVERYONE and their brother was out enjoying the weather. We biked from Old 4th Ward to Piedmont Park.  It was a packed.

Normally I love a crowd (invigorating!), but it was our first time biking with both boys in tow and the trail was so crowded we had to weave in and out of the walkers and dogs and kids.  Still the boys seemed to like it.  They were kind of packed in, but were obviously cozy enough to snooze.

They did not get to this peaceful state without incident.  While riding we heard a squeal of pain from little Marcelo that stopped us in our tracks.  He was really hurt.  At first we thought Mateo bit him, but  there were no teeth marks.  There was a red mark on the back of his hand.  A pinch we determined.  Marcelo was reaching over Mateo to get his water bottle and big brother didn't want to share.  After a good tongue lashing from papi, big brother kissed little brother, shared his water, and we got on with the ride.  Can't wait to ride again. I love biking!  (A big thanks to Gayle for loaning us the awesome bikes and trailer!)

I have two gorgeous, rapidly developing boys to tell you about.  The little ones name is Marcelo.  Do you remember him?  I still have three letters to him to post.  He has reached so many milestones and they need to be documented! Ay Querida Marcelo!  Te prometo que hay cartas para ti como escribí a tu hermano. (see here, here and here)

Also Mateo is 2 1/2 TODAY and is crazier than ever.  And when I say crazy, I mean CRAY-CRAY.
He is spitting out new words/phrases daily.  And in two languages no less.  God I love these boys.

Mateo is an expert in Play Doh.

By far his favorite past time is Play Doh.  I bought him his first batch a year ago, then he somehow he found YouTube instructional videos for different Play Doh play sets.  One of the latest video obsessions an ice cream set.  He found it in Target the other day and carried the big box around the store.  His papi bought it.  Noooooooo papi...those are so hard to clean...I had just thrown out the one Santa got him for xmas. 

The funny part is that Ernesto took everything out of the box and as he was reading the instructions to where all the parts go, Mateo was putting it together. ha! He knew exactly where every part went. It was amazing.  YouTube is very educational. 

We are making-over our small laundry room. We bought a front load washer/dryer and stacked them.  Ernesto took out the wire shelving and built wood shelves which really change the look of the room.  I bought baskets.  Lots and lots of baskets.  Baskets will make us be organized. Magic baskets.

  Here is a little peak:

You can see some of the old wire shelving that wasn't replaced yet. We still need to paint everything.  I think just a fresh coat of glossy white will do the trick.

I organized the pantry and the junk drawer.  Little did I know that this would take me the better part of a day, but, it's done and it has actually stayed organized.  No pretty pictures here, but I wanted to share this great space-saving rack that Ernesto installed on the inside of the door.  Look! I have extra space for if we ever want to buy in bulk. 

Our ugly bed broke. That one I bought on Craigslist 2 years ago with plans of overhauling? Yeah, it's still ugly and now our mattress is sitting directly on the floor. Nice.  Good thing I never got to that project.  Ha! Procrastination saved me this time!

A blessing really!  Just buy the bed you want Cindy! But...but I can't.  I have to search Craigslist for a "potential" diamond in the rough.  What is wrong with me?  The bed could be fixed easily with screws, but we are over it.  (I will be re-listing it on Craigslist along with a few other things that need to go)

I bought paint samples for our bedroom. We are going Dark[er]. From Gray to Navy blue.  These are the contenders, but this pic does no justice.  I will share bigger samples painted on my wall...I am leaning toward Hague Blue because Emily Henderson told me it's her favorite.  I have a mood board in the works, which includes my vintage Chandelier (recently scored on CL Tampa).


Im even more obsessed with thrifting lately!  Isn't it a rush to find something special for next to nothing?  I recently found a huge thrift store near Mateo's pre-school so I try to stop in once a week.  I have scored lots of cute clothes & toys for the boys for next to nothing...and a couple for me.

It's all about timing for furniture though. For example this Kent Coffee dresser was at Salvation Army for $150.  Bad pic, but can you see how cool it is?

Gorgeous right?  This "Perspecta" series is selling for A LOT more online.  $150!?  Why didn't I grab it?  Why Oh why?  Well Cindy, it is because you do not have room for more furniture until you get rid of some.  Anyone want to split a warehouse with me?  I am now stuck on the idea that I need a mad men bedroom set.  Maybe not a set, but a couple pieces.

I also stop into a thrift/overstock store that has new goods.  I found this brand new Skuut balance bike for $10 (which retails on Amazon for $90!) Mateo is getting really good on it.

I got a brand new helmet at that same store for $2, but we forgot to put it on. duh. Bad mom!

My first jewelry show of the year is coming up! I have been trying to work on things over time instead of cramming a ton of work in couple weeks (which is what I usually do).  It has been fun.  I made a trip to the mart for supplies and vowed to buy nothing I have bought before.

Obvs I can't stop with the greens, but come on, it is Spring and everything is popping up green.  And yes I have bought emeralds, chrysophrase and sapphires before, but none like these!  I did find some awesome brass chain and disks too.  Did you know that I love brass?  Yeah, it's not just for my home anymore!

A new Zafiro website is in the works.
I have a new website coming. Here is the homepage.

Clean, modern, elegant. Does that come across? Don't bother clicking over to it...yet!  It is just a mock up right now.  I have to add all the photos etc.  Kelli is doing a photo shoot with a guy in Columbus before Easter.  It pays to have a gorgeous model niece with connections!

So there is the round up for now!  If you miss frequent posts on Viva Cindy, know you are not alone. Ugh! Time time, see what's become of me. 

Follow me on instagram for more frequent activity.
Hasta luego amigos!

A Week in Weeki Wachee

Say that five times fast. A Week in Weeki Wachee

Yeah, I know, where the hell is Weeki Wachee?  That is exactly what I asked my dad when he said he and my mom had rented a cabin there for a few weeks.  It is located about an hour north of Tampa and is a whole other world.  What a surprise.  I felt like I was in a different country even.  Somewhere in the jungle.  Maybe back in Cost Houses lined the river and little canals all the way
The cabin, although rustic on the outside, was well equipt with all modern amenities, nicely furnished and very cozy.

The best part though?  We could walk out the back door to our dock on the river.  People passed all day long in boats, kayaks and canoes.  Oh and manatees swam by as well. So cool.

So what were we doing all week?
Kayaking kayaking and more kayaking. Eating, playing cards, chasing a crazy two year old and a certain little crawler had us on our toes too.

How 'bout I just show you some pictures?

Rustic Cabin

River View

Singing Row Row Row Your Boat

Florida Sun Seeker

Fishin' with Grandma

Tampa Craigslist Vintage  Chandelier - SCORE $45

CL transaction at a McDonalds

Beach Snoozer!

Pine Island Beach

Tio Tim Came to Visit

Dominos with Mom and Aunt Margie

Mr. Calm and Mr. Crazy!

POP!

Breaking up the road trip at a Toys R Us

My parents like the place so much that they have already rented for next year (the whole month of March!) so hopefully one year advance notice can get some of my other siblings down there.  It was really great! Thanks again mom and dad for having us!

Eight Months {Marcelo's Monthly Photo}

Trolling Tampa Craigslist

Sooooo....we are taking a roadtrip to Florida on Sunday.  My Parents have rented a place for a few weeks along the Weeki Wachee River about an hour north of Tampa.  The 12 hour trip up to Ohio for Christmas went so well, that we figured a trip to FL (just half the time) will be a breeze.

Of course since we are driving to another city you know what that means.  I had to waste a couple hours pop on Craigslist to see what's up in Tampa.  I couldn't resist.  What if there was a steal of a deal? What if there was unique piece just waiting to be revived?!

Yeah. What if?!  Big mistake.

2 Dixie campaign chests for $175

It was one cool thing after the next. These two campaign chests above are just calling my name.  I don't think I need to explain my love for campaign furniture, but how many pieces of furniture can one have in their house that is the same style without being overkill?  I did just have to throw out a bed to accommodate the 5 piece set I scored before Christmas. Ha!

(Update: these sold before I even finished writing this post. Of course they did!)

Last I checked though, this beautiful campaign desk was still available and it's only $40 people! Run! Someone please, run to pick up this beauty!  It would be great for a little entry table or a console/sofa table too.

campaign desk -$40!!!!!

I LOVE this vintage Drexel dresser and believe it or not, I would definitely keep the wood.  The burl and brass are so gorgeous!  I really want to have a great wood piece in my bedroom and this would be perfect!

Drexel burl & brass dresser $400

There are several faux bamboo dressers (but real wood) that I would love to have.  To me, these are just begging for a high gloss lacquer in a bold color.   Even though I love my mint green credenza/entry table  I would trade it out for this beauty.

Faux bamboo wood bedroom set -$425

This one below is great too, just not as good as the first.  Still, solid wood and only $200.

Dixie faux bamboo dresser $200

If I had seen these Lucite dining chairs before I found mine I would have been renting a trailer in Tampa.  For sure.  Hell, I should still go buy them.  These things would sell for a pretty penny...Im talking thousands on Chairish or 1stDibs.  Yes, now I am a furniture dealer.  

Lucite chairs $400 for set of 4

The hunt still continues for my bedroom nightstands here is a set of three for $75.  I bet these were nice wood before they were painted.  If you were really ambitious you could strip these down to their midcentury glory.  Still, the shape is great and they look like they hold a lot of shit!  Bonus!  Oh and did I mention they are only $75 for three!!?

MCM nightstands -3 for $75!

This nightstand has a nice boxy shape and unique pulls, but Im not convinced with the wood finish.

Dixie nightstand - $40

Ditto for this campaigner below.  It's a perfect little side table.

Campaign side table - $75

This set sold me with the unique hardware.  It needs to be gold. Period. 

3 piece set $100

 Although the whole set is dope, the nightstands are my favorite.  I would see if the gold hardware makes me like the wood better and then decide if I should paint it or not. But hello?  It's only $100 for 4 pieces. (headboard not pictured)  Craziness!! Someone please snatch this up! 

Under the search "vintage" (one of my regulars) this awesome chandelier came up.  

 LOVE LOVE LOVE!  And just $155?!   

crystal& gold chandelier -$155 

This could easily fit into our SUV.  This would make my bedroom, although I would have to convince Ernesto that it looks better than a ceiling fan feels.  I do like the fans breeze in the summer, but would give it up for this light in a second.  Mi amor?

Somebody stop me already!!

Ok, if you are still with me, I have one last thing to share.  This would not easily fit into our SUV.  But it could be strapped on top right?  Verdad mi amor? This is 8 feet of tufted beauty.  

vintage tufted couch $250

If you think it looks dated, I will concur.  But you would not believe how many decades are forgotten when you peel off that skirt.  It would look fresh and modern.  I actually love the pink, but would change the fabric to a darker velvet to match my decor.  Ps. A couch of this size, tufted and in velvet would be at least $3k brand new and Im sure the quality would not be as good.

I think Atlanta Craigslist is pretty good, but you are killing me Tampa!  All of this came up within a few days.  I guess this is why Florida is the thrifting capital!!  Im looking forward to hitting some of the actual consignment shops and thrift stores while we are there too.  It won't take much to convince my mom to go with me either. 

Im done.  I need to start packing for this Florida trip.  We will be packing light to assure there is least a little room for found treasures. 

Remember when I had the idea to be a Craigslist personal shopper?  I still think that is a great idea, but until then, I will do it for free.  Seriously, I don't mind.  What city do you want me to stalk for you?  

A Valentines Day Bake-Off!

I hope you guys had a sweet Valentines Day!  We sure did.  In fact, my stomach hurt a little the next morning from just how sweet it was.

My parents were here for a couple days, passing through on their way to Florida. We had planned to go out on a date Tuesday night while they were here so they could watch the boys.  A pre-valentine dinner if you will.

Enter winter ice storm.

With all the news coverage stating no one should drive the next day, everyone in Atlanta had flashbacks to a few weeks before and I had to spend 30 minutes in line at Kroger for wipes and coffee.  Come on Atlanta!  I would've left but we were down to the last few wipes and ...hello? coffee!

My parents feared they would be stuck in another southern "winter storm" debacle so they packed up in less than an hour and got out of dodge!!  I can't really blame them. Later that evening they were in 64° weather while all of Atlanta was stuck inside for the next three days.

When the ice finally melted we ventured out to Whole Foods.  (Yes that is an outing for us!)   Usually this includes a stop at TJMaxx next door, but they were still closed along with a lot of other businesses.
Since we were going to be spending V-day at home, we had to do something different.  I had an idea to surprise each other with a homemade dessert.  I think this was my way to get Ernesto excited.  He is not big on the "Hallmark Holiday" but he loves a good competition.  And me, well,  I love any opportunity for surprises.

While Mateo was at school Friday making me this beautiful Valentine...

Neto, Marcelo and I went shopping for the secret ingredients! 

We didn't share what we were baking (obvs) but we noticed we both were buying chocolate. Hmmm

Me: What are you baking yours in? 

Him: little bowls

Me:  Ramekins? 

Him: Yes.  You?

Me:  Ramekins.

Him:  Mine is going to be better!

Me:  We will see about that!

I would never enter a cook-off with Ernesto, but a bake-off seemed like it could be fair.  I just hoped we weren't making the same thing! 

While Ernesto put Mateo to bed, I had Marcelo in the Ergo and got to mixing my special dessert. I left the 4 ramekins covered and ready to be baked while we ate our dinner.

I grabbed these cute place mats from Target earlier that day and they really set the mood.  Ok the flowers, candles and wine also helped.  It was really exciting guys!  (You can tell I don't get out much!)  

Dinner included steaks (mine-filet and his-ribeye) and whole foods actually had a v-day special where you get a lobster tail with each steak! Yes!  This kind-of made up for the restaurant prices we paid for the meat. Organic and grass fed costs, but DAMN it was delicious...even for this steak snob. **

(**every steak I eat is compared to eating in Argentina.  Oh Delta I miss you!  The price has never been beat, but this steak did come close!) 

I roasted broccoli and asparagus as a side dish.  It was crispy and delicious. 

I cleaned this plate up which left no room for dessert. 

 We pressed on though.  Full stomachs be damned!

I found the recipe for my Chocolate Molten Cakes on a blog called Delicious Shots.  Nawja is a chef and a photographer, so I only had to see one picture of this cake oozing chocolate to know it was my ticket to victory!  This is a repeater!  Easy, beautiful and sinfully delicious.  Just wrong.

Note to self:  Self, you do not need to finish such a decadent dessert all in one sitting.  And you definitely do not need to lick the plate...especially with another decadent dessert being served after.

Ernesto's dessert admittedly was more labor intensive.  He made a Molten Soufle from the site Chef Steps.  It was beautiful.

His recipe came with video instructions.  (great little video and website!)
Only thing - it was made by someone in Europe or Canada (or another country using the metric system)  so he had to convert all ingredient measurements.

We have watched Chopped enough to know how to critique food.
 Judging came down to three things:  Taste, presentation and creativity.

Here are the objective results of the competition!

We tied on creativity since our desserts were somewhat similar.
Ernesto won for presentation......but I WON for TASTE!
(I think Ernesto would want me to explain that the conversion of salt from grams to teaspoons may have lost him the competition.)

Here we are in a sweet induced stupor.
We.  Can't.  Eat.  Another.  ....ing.  Bite.

I think we may have started a long lasting tradition for Valentines Day.  It was exciting, fun and sweet as hell! A really special way to celebrate the one you love, right?  Plus just sitting down together for a proper meal really sparks conversation and reminds me of why I am so in love with this guy!

Something else we decided to continue with is that we buy just one card.  Ernesto read mine and said, "Can I just give this back to you?  It is exactly what I want to say to you [if I had bought you a card.]  Ha!  Ok Neto, as long as you hand write a few sweet words I like that idea.  (You buy it next year though mi amor!)

What did you guys do for Valentines Day?  Anything special?  Any new traditions started??