Weekly Wishes #10

It was a GORGEOUS weekend here in Atlanta.  Im talking sunny and in the mid 60's!  Saturday could not have been more perfect.  We ran to Piedmont Park on the Beltline, and the kids got worn out at the playground.  We picked up a Bucky Bucks [coffee] and the kids napped in the stroller while we strolled back to Inman Park having adult conversations.  Such a treat!  They continued napping while we ordered lunch at the Krog Street Market.  (I told you, this is going to be a weekly thing!)

We got home at 3:45p which was just enough time for me to meet a friend at a 4p yoga class.

Two workouts in a day! Unbelievable!  After yoga, our friends Rob & Fenella came over to cookout and talk the night away.  Mateo didn't even get out of bed once!  More adult conversation. 

Pefect day! 

Last year at this time we were in an ice storm that closed down Atlanta!  Later this week, it will be getting into freezing temps, so....Spring in February was fun while it lasted.   Ernesto said last night, let's get out of here of a few days, it's going to be freezing!  Quick beach trip anyone?  ¡Bienvenido a Miami! 

Let's take a look at how I did on last weeks wishes! 

1.  Get compost bin up and running.  FAIL FAIL FAILED!!! My bucket runneth over! The bin needs to be constructed soon.  This is one week of compost folks.  

2.  Share my "new" plan for our downstairs bath.   Done!  What do you guys think of my ideas?

3.  Final touches organizing laundry room.  YES!  Still need a new recycle bin for in there, but it is ready for its reveal. 

4.  Spend some time with my plants!  YES! I replanted and propogated and shared some succulents.  With most of my plants inside for the winter, I was happy to give some away.  I am working on a post about succulents, my favorite plants ever! 

5.  Buy a yoga package and GO this week!  DOUBLE YES!!  I am so happy with Sacred Sweat Yoga  in East Atlanta.  They specialize in HOT yoga and I come out of there drenched and limber!! I have gone 3x so far and already feel the benefits.  The 6am classes on Tues and Thursday have me feeling energetic ALL DAY!  I also ran a few times with Ernesto this week, so mentally I am in good shape. 

6.  Make appointment at the Genius Bar for my computer.  Yes, but I JUST made the appointment.  But hey, that ws the goal right?  I backed up everything and will be going Wednesday to get that laptop whiped clean, new software loaded and back in working order again. 

This Weeks Wishes

1.  Compost Bin  I probably should not even say this again since the temps are going to be close to freezing later this week, but I am going to have to dump that bucket somewhere!  So if the compost bin isn't built, I am going to just have to start a pile.  (Did you read that mi amor? A pile of compost in the yard! Please oh please build it!)

2.  Jewelry Stuff  I need to focus in.  I missed one of my better jewelry shows last year because I sent the application too late. UGH!  There are several that I need to apply to THIS WEEK!  Also, I have some new supplies to get creative with and need to order others.  First show of the year isn't until the end of April, but I would like to space out the work, instead of my usual crunch time.

3.  Plant a Terrarium!   I counted the other day, and I have 10 of these hanging glass terrariums.  TEN!  Well, I kept seeing them at TJMaxx.  One here, one there.  They were only $4-5.  How could I NOT buy it? 

I have all different shapes and sizes.  These are from CB2 and cost $7 (not planted!) I now know how I will hang them, which I will share with you soon, but for this week I want to at least plant ONE. 

4. Do Yoga 3x  I have always loved how I feel after doing yoga, but have never been a regular at a studio. Now that I bought a package, I can keep going and begin to create "my practice."

5.  Plan something special for Valentines Day and bake heart cookies! Last year Ernesto and I had a bake-off for V-day (after the kids went to bed) and it was so much fun!  I think we are going to do it again, so I need to find my special dessert!  Also, I have gingerbread dough in the freezer to thaw and make heart cut outs. 

I think this should do it for the week.  Hope you have a good one and GET SOME SHIT DONE too!!

A Plan for the Bathroom

Our little downstairs bath is so sad.  I couple few years ago I stenciled it.  Which in theory doesn't sound too hard.  Problem is that this little powder room has *8* corners.  I got so frustrated I had to stop....for a year.  Later, I was offering my neice money to finish it for me just so it would stop haunting me every time I pee.  I gave up.  Three years later, it is still haunting me.  And at this point I am over the stencil anyway.  I want something new. 

I think we are on the horizon of a new design.  Do you remember this wallpaper?  I showed you this a year ago, after Ally covered her bar area with it.  

Isn't this amazing?!  Here is another shot where you can see it on a full wall.  I can imagine this in my bathroom.  

It's been a year since I first saw those pictures, and I still like it.  I change my mind constantly, so that means something.   This Sunworthy Metallic wallpaper is at Lowes and is only $44 a DOUBLE roll.  Another plus is that it's a washable vinyl.  Although there are so many wallpapers that are better, there aren't any that I have found for that price.  Wallpaper is EXPENSIVE!  

So moving on!

Replacing the sink.  I love the sleekness of this IKEA GODMORGAN vanity and with the 2 deep drawers, we could gain storage in this little bath.

At $429, it's not as inexpensive as you might expect from Ikea, but it is a lot less than others I have seen.  I love the high gloss finish and with some gold hardware, this could look really really nice!!

Besides the ugly, non-practical pedestal sink, this bath still has the "builder special" light fixture. (Seriously, that is the name of it at Home Depot)  

Needless to say, until this thing is gone, there won't be any semblance of a nice looking bath.  It cost $13, which is why it is used by builders no doubt. 

Don't get me wrong, price does NOT make me hate this light. I have found PLENTLY of awesome things for $13 or less.  I just don't like that this is used when a builder is finishing up a house and slapping in the cheapest, most generic fixtures he can find.   I like unique, eclectic pieces.  

One shop called One Forty Three has quite a few that I like.  I love that they are a small company that handcrafts each light.  This brass beauty is so simple and COOL.  (although sold out right now)

Just one I am thinking about.  Something has to be done here soon though.  Here's a pic of the bath in its current state: unfinished walls, builder basic light, pedastal sink.

Oh! And cracked glass on that picture frame too.  Nothing is right!  

Sooooo what do you guys think??  You likey?

Weekly Wishes #9

Happy February!!  It was a great week.    As you'll see below, I did not complete all my goals last week (what's new?) but I had a lot of fun!!  Isn't that really more important?! 

My parents flew in for just 24 hours and we celebrated my mom's 70th birthday.  (see the video I just posted)  Also, have you Atlantans checked out Krog Street Market yet?  OMG this place is going to be a weekly outing for us.  An old warehouse in Inman Park has been redone to house a slew of different vendors.  And it's right along the Beltline.  So.  Cool.  Just one of the many reasons we will never move to the suburbs.  I know that I should never say never, but....

Let's take a look at last weeks wishes...

1. I will get my rug to the cleaners this week! Damnit!!  Yes!  Done!  It will be ready in a week.   In the mean time, I have put down a rug that is way too small for the area, but I suprisingly like the feel of the more neutral pallette.  I have to say though, my orange rug does make the room bright and happy.  I don't think I want to sacrifice that for calm and neutral.  (Unless that would calm my kids down!  OMG, is that what it is?)  

2. Get gold flatware out of the box and use it!  Yes! Yes! Yes!  I prepared a delicious 70th birthday dinner for my mom:  Salmon (grilled on a cedar plank), purple potatoes (with rosemary and kalamata olives!) and roasted broccolli.  For desert, this delicious carrot bundt cake (from Pioneer Woman) with a lemon cream cheese frosting.  The gold flatware made all this food even more delicious!  

3. List Mateo's bed on Craiglist so I can bring newly painted bed inside!  Bed/chest is listed!! Let's see how long it takes me to sell.  I have painted the new Jenny Lind bed, but (new plan) it is staying in the shed until the old bed is gone.  Duh!  Out with the old and in with the new! 

4. Set up date for kitchen cabinets to be painted.   I guess this is a no!  I did email my contact, but have not heard back as of yet.  Will follow up with a phone call in the next couple days.  A for effort?

5.  Get my compost bin put together  NO!  Ugh!  Unfortunately I need Ernesto's help on this one, and he has not made it a priority [over golf!].  I do have my compost bucket under the sink filling up so it MUST be put together soon.  Im going to do a separate post on that. 

On to this weeks wishes:

1.  Get compost bin up and running.  Let's see if I can't get this thing put together and show you guys some pictures! 

2.  Share my "new" plan for our downstairs bath.   Coming! I have the blog post almost finished!!

3.  Final touches organizing laundry room.  I never did show you guys.  It never was really organized.  (Maybe that's why?)  Now it is.  I will show you. 

4.  Spend some time with my plants!  I have recently acquired 2 [more] orchids on clearance.  They need replanted and I also need to spred some of the succuents I have been propogating.  

5.  Buy a yoga package and GO this week!  I have been comparing and comparing several yoga studios near my house, and I just need to buy one already!

6.  Make appointment at the Genius Bar for my computer.  My computer is so overloaded that I can't even apple's latest operating system.  It runs so slow, that I rarely use it.  Need it fixed. 

Ok I would say this is enough to keep me busy!  

I hope you guys have a great week, and GET SOME SHIT DONE!!!

19 Months {Marcelo's Monthly Photo}

My Mom Turns the BIG 7-0 Today!

Is 70 old?  Not if you are Elaine Arnold!  Happy Birthday to my mom.  The best mom ever.  The most selfless woman I have ever known.  The most giving mom (both of her time and otherwise!).  The best grandma. (like get on your 70 year old knees and play kind of grandma)  The best DIYer.  The best recycler. The best gardener.  The best thrifter.  The best sea shell collecter.  The best seamstress.  The best craft room organizer.  And last but not least -the best online scrabble player.
My dad just texted this picture yesterday.  Always up for an adventure,  they hopped on a plane to Florida to escape the winter madness that is Ohio.
She is celebrating all week long, luckily with an overnight in Atlanta on her way back from Florida.  If a seventieth birthday isn't reason enough to break out the gold silverware flatware, then I don't know what is!!
We will be anxiously awaiting you mom! All 70 candles burning!  We love you!  Thanks for all you do!

**UPDATE**
Birthday dinner was delicious (Salmon, purple potatoes and roasted broccolli) and the carrot bundt cake  turned out perfectly.  My mom told me that she was secretly hoping for a carrot cake too:)
The kids helped her blow out her candles and open her gift.  A mega birdfeeder!!

Weekend in Asheville

Even though we just got Brrrian out of our house (ha!) after the lights were all down, we missed him.  

Plus it was brought to our attention that the last time we had been to Asheville to visit him was amost a year and a half ago (!!!), when marcelo was still an infant.  

Soooo, we picked up Mateo from school on Friday and headed for the hills.  Ok mountains of Asheville.

As if on cue, both kids fell asleep and it was smooth sailing. (3.5 hours) In the rain. 

We just bought some new [to us] appliances on Craigslist (oh yes I did!) and we donated our old ones (that were just 3 years old) to the cabin.  Brrrian's rehabbin' cabin.  Mateo and Marcelo were big helpers in the whole switch out process.

It was chilly outside, but you wouldn't know it sitting in Brrrian's little cabin.  It is heated by this little wood burning stove.

The heat from a wood burning stove is different.  It envelopes you. For me it is very nastaligic too, we grew up in a house heated by a wood burning stove.  Its a job keeping the fire going.  Mateo was fascinated by the fire and wanted to help tio Brrrian with bringing the wood in and piling it in the stove too.

Thank God both he and Marcelo understood that the stove was very hot and they could not touch it. Marcelo held his hand up and said "hot" 5 million times (actual number).

Just 10 minutes outside of downtown Asheville, Brrrian's place feels remote.  He is at the base of a mountain and this is his back yard view.

He collected  a bunch of rocks/boulders from his property and created an awesome raised patio with a firepit.  Totally rustic.  Totally Brrrian. 

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The front "yard" is used as a garden in the summer since it is the only area with full sun.  He recently added a chicken coop and was getting fresh eggs which I think is sooooooo cool. 

 Unfortunately, right before he came to work with us a hawk attacked and there was just one left.  Pobreceito el pollito.  He gave the other to his friend since they really need a partner to keep warm in the winter.  He will get more in the spring.  

Mateo was confused that there was coop since there were no chickens. 

Saturday morning was cold but we wanted to get out early.  Asheville Gymnastics has an open play hour at their facility and it was perfect for these little acrobats.

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Yeah, he's up there pretty high papi, can you please get ready to catch him?

Trampolines, foam pits, bouncy floors, high bars, balance beams...all the stuff you want to try after watching the olympics. 

The had to practically kick us out at the end.  So fun. And yes, they were tired.  Mission accomplished.

That wasn't enough though.  We drove most of the way up a mountain and parked so we could walk [at least part of the way] up to University of Asheville's Lookout Observatory.  I would love to visit this place during an event.  They retract the roof and you are able to use the telescopes.  The view is spectacular. What better place for a family photo.

Mateo was running on the trail and Marcelo did a really great job too.  He didn't want us to pick him up and would barely hold my hand.  

He's a tough little cookie that Marcelo. And so gosh darn cute!

We stopped for acorns....

and pee pee breaks

but otherwise we were movin' along pretty good...climbing on fallen trees

and up rock walls?!  Oh these mountain boys.

The wind was blowing pretty good up there and I was wishing I had brought a coat!  Ha.  My new wool and mohair sweater looks pretty though, doesn't it?  A warm hat and gloves made all the difference.

Tio Brrrain eventually scooped this guy up so we could high tail it back to the truck.

Finally it was nap time!  Marcelo didn't last 2 minutes in the car, but that 3 year old had a little more will power.  He thought he could just squeeze in this twin bed with tios Brrrian y Kyja.  "Yes, I will close my eyes mami, I can sleep right here!"

 

Suprisingly that didn't work, but he did fall asleep pretty quickly once in his own bed.  Later he was up baking a cake with "tio Kyja." 

He was all over that hand mixer.  I kind of regret saying that I have one of these at home. 

That night 6 of Brrrian's friends came over for a carne asada.  So 10 adults and 7 kids!  Yikes!  What was so cool though was that the kids were outside running wild.  Like Free. Free. Range. Kids!!!  

It was amazing and just made me think of how lucky I was to grow up in the country.  I was running free my whole childhood.  I don't know if my mom knew if we were a mile behind the house in the woods, across the street in a corn field, or down the street at the horse farm.  Ah those were the days.

Mateo was having a blast! They had flash lights and were running with sticks and who knows what else.  Yes, I was inside having a beer.  What ?!  Even as I write that it sounds crazy to me.  Mateo has definately not had a night like that before.  That being said, there were a couple 10-tween year olds looking out for him.  But mostly, he and little 5 year old Max were best buddies. The night ended calmly with trucks [that we brought] by the fire. 

  

Mateo was asleep when his head hit the pillow...at 10:20pm!  (Marcelo went to bed at 8:30pm) A peaceful night at the cabin! 

The ride home on Sunday afternoon included a long nap.  By the time they woke up we were at the Tanger Outlets just one hour outside of Atlanta.  Yeah!  We took a little pit stop there.  I got a few bargains at the Gap Kids and we stopped for a little treat.  (Note to self: one mini blizzard should be split between the boys lest you have soup.  And soup is not a really good car food. 

I love how even a short weekend trip can feel like a vacation.  Thanks tios Brrrian and Kyja for having us!

Weekly Wishes #8

How is it Monday again?  Let's take a look at how horrible I did in fufilling last weeks wishes.  (Disclaimer: if I continually do not meet goals I may need to rethink this series on the blog.  Could start to get depressing)  What can I say?  but the week just got away from me and then we were in Asheville. 

1.  Drop rug and faux fur bed spread off at cleaners.  I could give excuses and I will.  The dry cleaner I use changed the drop off day for rugs from tuesday to Monday.  My plan was to drop it off Tuesday morning (why would I do it earlier?) and I called just to see what time they opened...it was then I learned the news that would make me fail at this wish of mine.  This wish of a clean rug.

2.  Put away the multiple baskets of clean folded laundry that is sitting in my room.  Yes! Success!! There is more on the horizon though.

3.  Organize our office/guest room  Oh I organized, but it is not finished.  

4. Paint twin spindle beds.  Yes!  Sort of.  I painted one bed.  I only need one right now. I should have wrote bed instead of bedS.  Can I still have this one guys? 

5.  List things to sell on Craigslist.  No. And I have no excuse.

Ok.  Let's start fresh...

This Weeks Wishes

1. I will get my rug to the cleaners this week! Damnit!!

2. Get gold flatware out of the box and use it!  I was so excited to buy this stuff [before Christmas] and it has been sitting on top of my fridge still in the boxes.  This must change.  I have decided that eating will be more exciting off a gold fork!

3. List Mateo's bed on Craiglist so I can bring newly painted bed inside!  

4. Set up date for kitchen cabinets to be painted. This is exciting guys!  The house across the street from us [that has been deserted for 5 years] is finally being renovated.  I met the guy who made the custom cabinets and he also refinishes cabinets.  How convenient that his truck just pulled up in front of my house?!   He came over and gave me an estimate and I said yes.  I saw his work and it's good! I don't want to look around and compare, I just want it done!  Oh what a bright difference white cabinets will make!  He was booked all of January, so hopefully next month I will have a "new" kitchen.

5.  Get my compost bin put together Guys, this has been a year coming.  Pallets are outside just waiting to be put together.   I was tossing my compost into a corner of the yard but Ernesto was not down with that.  It is just rediculous that this gardener is not using all of her reusable waste.  Embarrassing more like it.  It's just too easy to not do.  Plus I really liked seeing my bucket under the sink fill up.  The fact that all that will turn into the best soil I could use on my veges/flowers makes composting a no brainer.

Ok that is enough for this week.

I hope you guys have a great week...and get some shit done!!