Got To Get Something Done Today, Give Accomplishment a Shot

As we all know life gets busy...and that still holds true here in “laid-back” Northcrest. We have a backlog of projects that we are now vowed to getting complete. In one way, we are hoarders of the various materials and so forth needed to complete a project. We have had our Crestview door kit for I don’t know how long, final elements to the basement, and last finishing touches to the Wiki Wiki Room and adjoining WWII bathroom are still required. The limiting factor for us has always been time. Right now the summer season is in full force down at our beloved Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club. Basically, every other weekend Jordan and I are tasked with throwing a party for 40-80 people. It is truly fun to help out with events, but it does suck down an inordinate amount of time. But at the end of each event, it is always great to see happy friends and neighbors.

Luckily, we were recently approached by our new friends at Easy Canvas Prints with an opportunity to review their product. We have been looking for that last item for the basement WWII bathroom, and the timing was perfect. Basically, Easy Canvas Prints is a online services that allows anyone to upload an image, and then the company prints it out onto canvas suitable for framing or display it as it comes to you. We had a variety of images we were considering. With the help of their great customer support, we settled on what should have been to obvious choice.
 

The production of our Northcrest brochure canvas print was very fast and shipping matched that speed. We want to thank everyone at Easy Canvas Prints for this opportunity and highly recommend their product. It is a great way to formalize and digital image you may have. Stay tuned to see the print hanging in context in the soon to be completed basement bathroom. Want one for yourself, make sure to head to their easy to use website and enjoy!

Easy Canvas Prints

I’m not going to make promises about how quickly I’ll get posts about our various projects, but we are moving quickly forward on many of them. One such project we have planned on since day one here in Northcrest is a new mailbox. I stumbled across some plans for a fun mid century modern design in a 1959 Reader’s Digest that I knew would look great out in our front yard. Here it is in the early stages of construction:

Stay tuned as things are getting exciting around here in Northcrest and Home Sweet Split Level!

Summer Time and the Living is Easy!

Well spring has definitely sprung here in Northcrest. The azaleas and dogwoods have come and gone. This means two things 1) pool season is about to happen and 2) it is time for the annual Northcrest Tour of Homes sponsored by the ladies Hoe and Hope Garden Club. I think back to many years ago when we only heard about Northcrest and I think purposefully kept it out of our minds as we knew we could not afford to live here. Really for that matter, buy a house anywhere! Once we moved here, we quickly realized that the neighborhood was so much more then great mid-century modern designed homes. I have always believed in the notion of thinking global and acting local. So, pardon the pool metaphor, we dove in with both feet.

I cannot begin to tell you about all the great neighbors turned friends we have met through volunteering at the Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club. Northcrest is so much more then what you are doing to your house or what have you. In addition, Jordan is a recent member of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club and worked first hand this year to bring about the annual Tour of Homes. I know that Jordan is really proud to be aprat of this. I really think of this annual event as a celebration of Northcrest and neighbors welcoming neighbors into their homes.

So to that end, the 2011 Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club really wanted to become more a part of the Tour. This year before any of the front doors are opened, the Club is holding a neighborhood-wide pancake breakfast from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The Club is once again honored to be a part of this neighborhood celebration and we will be hosting an open house that day with free refreshments and so forth. Not only will the Club be having a open house for folks, we are also having a vintage automobile show that afternoon featuring many of the great vehicles you see cruising the streets of Northcrest. So come on out this Sunday with friends and family and join in this celebration!

Let’s make this year’s Tour of Homes the best! Everyone come on down to the Club that morning and get a full stomach of pancakes and then maybe take a nap before the real fun begins at 2:00 PM. We can’t wait to see everyone out this Sunday!

Decatur Old House Fair

Well, like many others here in Northcrest, I returned from the mailbox tonight with the latest copy of Atomic Ranch. Anyone see the top of page 35? If not, go back and flip through and take a look at the ad for this year’s Decatur Old House Fair.

The bulk of this year’s event is focused on mid-century ranches and homes. Great artwork for the ad and take a look at the event’s website for a run down on all the interesting talks and so forth. Here are some mid-century highlights:

Ranch Houses in Georgia and DeKalb County: Ordinary or Iconic?
Guest Lecturer: Dr. Richard Cloues, deputy state historic preservation officer
Melissa Forgey, executive director, DeKalb History Center

For folks that have not heard this talk yet...this is not to be missed. Take a look HERE. Dr. Clouse dedication to the mid-century built environment is fantastic and living in such a neighborhood, we should be there to show support for his effort to preserve and highlight mid-century architecture.

Researching Your Old House and What Style is My House?
Kenneth H. Thomas Jr., professional historian/genealogist
Melissa Forgey, executive director, DeKalb History Center

20th Century Interiors: From Arts & Crafts to Arts and Machines
David Ramsey, interior designer, Historic Preservation Studio, Lord, Aeck & Sargent
Beth Shorthouse, Business Development, Historic Preservation Studio, Lord, Aeck & Sargent

Maintenance Plans for Old Houses
Laura Drummond, preservation consultant
Atlanta Preservation Associates

Creating 20th Century Landscapes; Six Examples; A Lesson in Garden Design
Ed Daugherty, landscape architect
Edward L. Daugherty Landscape Architect, Inc.

These are just some of the highlights...Who else wants to go?? We should get a group together and represent Northcrest at this event tailored to our wonderful neighborhood. Email me at sobayli@hotmail.com, leave a comment here on the blog, or drop me a line on Twitter at NorthcrestJeff. Let’s make some plans now!

A Long Time Forgotten

Are you like me here in Atlanta and have been enjoying these unseasonably warm days for the last week or so? If so, our friends at CSN stores have a great place for you to find wooden swing set and so forth to enjoy the upcoming spring weather!

Ok, so you’re probably asking “Why is he talking about CSN stores again??” Well to be perfectly honest, they have again approached us about a brief mention on our blog. In return, they are giving us a credit towards merchandise on their websites. I have say, I actually found a blue toilet seat that matched perfectly to the original Northcrest blue toilet we recently installed downstairs in the basement bathroom. The credit they are providing us is going toward the finishing touches on our retro-inspired basement bathroom.

We have lovingly reinstalled a original Northcrest blue toilet and sink down there and cannot be more happy about it! If you are into the idea of restoring a bathroom in your house back to it's original mid-century charm, make sure to first check out Pam Kueber's Retro Renovation website. I'm sure most already know about it, but just in case you don't, it is a great resource for all things mid-century! Plus, her take on saving he pink and blue bathroom is inspiring!

We have been up to a lot of things around the house and at some others houses as well here in Northcrest. Give me a couple more days when I have just a bit more time and I’ll fill in all the details about the basement improvements.

Oh and don’t forget, 20th Century Cincinnati Modern Show is happening this weekend. We went last year (you can read all the details HERE) and it was amazing. Unfortunately, we are not going to make it this year, but if you are anywhere near by…make sure to not miss it.

Here are a few pictures/hints that I promise I will finally get around to talking about in depth next time…

THE WIKI WIKI ROOM



 THE BASEMENT BATHROOM

Bathroom Inspiration via Pam over at http://www.retrorenovation.com/

Busy All Over Northcrest!

Speaking of being busy in Northcrest, take a look at the new Crestview doors our neighbors over at Our Modern Mess just had installed. With the warmer weather, maybe we can finally get around to installing our Crestview kit!

Come and Gone....My oh My!

Well another year has come and gone. Honestly, 2010 was a rough year for us. Simply put, the year started out in a very routine fashion. We looked forward to a vacation with our family to Alaska, starting and finishing projects around the house, and helping out at the Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club. The vacation was great, projects indeed were finished and started, and the summer was a blast down at the club. The one lesson we both learned the hard way numerous times last year was to cast a more critical eye towards people considering themselves our friends. Whether it was people we worked for or with, folks within our social group, or even just mere acquaintances, we were both duped one too many times.


However, we welcomed 2011 with gusto this year once again. The house was full of friends and neighbors as we once again lowered the Northcrest “N” at midnight. Here is a quick video of the 2011 “N” drop:

So not only has 2011 brought a “new hope” to the house, but it also brought with it 4-5 inches of snow. Last week, Atlanta literally became “Hothlanta” as many were calling it. The city became paralyzed as roads, driveways, and bridges became skating rinks. My personal favorite skating moment was the guy that decided to ice skate down Peachtree Street. For us, it was a time to share with good friends and enjoy our house and Northcrest. The mid-century modern homes here in Northcrest take on a entirely different persona when covered in snow and begin to become camouflaged by the wintery background. Roof lines disappear while steam and smoke billow from our heater’s vent and chimneys.



Like an Imperial AT-AT Walker, the Snow Came At Night and Early Morning





Our Beloved Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club

While the Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club is a great summer spot, the 5 inches or snow that covered the Club made it a place where only polar bears would want to swim now. Don’t even get me started on bears… Anyway, the snow did allow for two fun new albeit temporary hobbies: sledding and watching vehicles try and make it up the icy hill in front of our house.

Seriously, it became a brief evening tradition for Jordan and me to watch the various cars try and make it up Regalwoods Dr to Summitridge. At one point, we came close to making encouraging signs and ringing cowbells like some sort of Nordic downhill skiing event. Some made it, but most failed. My favorite idiot was the Dekalb County cop who got stuck on the hill. After helping him get on his way we asked if he could shut the road down, call the county to dump sand, or offer any type of help to which he replied, “Not my job on a night like this”.

On a much lighter note, the sledding this year in Northcrest was top notch! We gathered our warm clothes, procured appropriate sledding vehicles, and most importantly brewed some delicious Trader Vic’s hot buttered rum for the adventure awaiting us.

The Snow Wing and Trader Vic's Hot Buttered Rum...A Match Made in Heaven!

With a few phone calls and emails, a group of us met over by the school and had a blast! Here is a quick action packed video:



Yes, That IS a Monkey On Jordan's Head...Time For A Bannana Break (A Mail Chimp Joke)!

Matt's Face-First Method

Super-Matt

Luckily we only had two injuries...both mostly only hurting one’s ego. For me it was sliding down the schools iced over slide only to be dumped out directly on my butt.

Ben on the other hand had a slight harder impact for sure. Attempting the face-first sled run, Ben jumped towards his sled only for it not to move as he landed. Following one of Newton’s Laws, Ben's face met the snow. He had a few scratches and yes, there was blood drawn this day, but he survived. Later that day I passed by their house to see Ben shoveling the ice and snow off the driveway. Punishment laid down by Katie!


The Aftermath!

Like Mount Everest, all hills are bound to be conquered. After awhile at the school we headed over to Archwood Drive. If you have never been to Northcrest, there are some serious hills in our neighborhood. Archwood is a serious hill and really is perfect for sledding we came to find out. We made our way to the top of the hill and went for it. Fun was had by all that day.

Archwood Dr....The Planning Stages

Jordan Content at the Top of Archwood

Halfway Down Archwood and Building Speed....

Look at the Amazing Concentration!

Ken...Come On....Grab a Sled!

Seriously, it is always fun to spend snowy wintery day with friends/neighbors. After Day Three of what people started calling “Snowpocalypse 2011”, some began to claim cabin fever. For us, there was no cabin fever at all. Either hanging out with friends or enjoying quality time that I rarely get these days with the love of my life was wonderful. Plus, it never hurts to have a newly finished authentic Polynesian Pop tiki bar in your basement…More on that next time!

What Lies Behind These Shadows ????

* Special thanks to our friend Jeff B. who took many of the great sledding photographs!

Northcrest Tour of Lights 2010!

It's that time of year again!  Time for the 2nd Annual Northcrest Tour of Lights!  We took some time last night to drive slowly through the neighborhood and snap some pictures of some of the best holiday lights in the neighborhood.  There were some really nice ones this year, and the low horizontal lines of Northcrest homes really look great outlined in lights.  We didn't get ours up this year in time....just had too many unexpected things going on.  We will add it to the ever-long list for next year! 

Here is some music again to set the tone for the lights:

Without further ado, here are some of our favorites!



And then....there was Brian's house.  A true winter wonderland!  It was particularly spectacular this year with a few new additions and an ever-changing line up in the manger scenes!  So last, but never least...Brian's house.

This is 2 years worth of nativity finds at Highland Row Antiques!

Baby Jesus, improvised manger.

Various wise men, and the curious snowman and Gloria.

Brian tweaking things in the snowglobe.

I don't know about 'wise', but there's an extra man in this scene.

Brian and Jeff, admiring all of Brian's hard work!



Maybe next year we can organize a neighborhood-wide holiday lighting contest?!  Until then, have a Merry Christmas everyone!