2015 New Years Resolutions

2015: THE YEAR OF TRANSFORMATIONS

- Health + Wellness
2014 was the demise of my healthy eating, for 2015 I will return full force!
Running, Eating NO GMOs, The end of Binge eating, + keeping only healthy snacks around
- Friends + Relationships
Moving to a new city has had me frazzled for the past few months, this year I will be improving my relationship with the Man-Friend + harvesting those relationships here in SF, in addition to incorporating new individuals I look forward to meeting :)
- Photography, Style, + Art
Last year, one of my New Years Resolutions was to take a photograph a day; + while I did not fulfill this in 2014, I figured lets give it another shot in 2015!
- Travel, Travel, Travel
like almost every other year I want to travel to new + old places this year, experience new things + meet fabulous people
- Career
Get my career going again, meet people, mingle, schmooze, and talk talk talk
- Passion!!!
Find my passion again

This is a time not only to prepare for the future, but also to reflect on the past.

REFLECT: 2014 was a year full of conflict, the good, the bad, the ugly.

THE GOOD:
- Reunited with my love
- Graduated with my Masters Degree
- Traveled to Europe
- Traveled to some of my most desirable USA locations
- Moved cross country
- Made fabulous new friends

THE BAD:
- Moved cross country
- Starting my life over
- Lack of drive to improve

2013 was an awful year, 2014 was confusing but ramping up, + 2015 is going to be full of wonderment! The game is on + I cannot wait to meet you 2015!


CHEERS!
- Nelli

Bona Fide Artist

As Nelli mentioned a few posts back we've both been blog slackin', our bad. Life has been crazy the past few months for me, between preparing for my first art show + Christmas, the time has just been flying by! But it's definitely a good thing, as I've been spending my time gettin' shit done + it's been paying off! 

My first art show was a total success!  I got lots of exposure + positive feedback on my work, sold my 2nd + 3rd pieces ever, met some awesome fellow artists, my honey bought me my very first original painting from one of these talented people (pic below!), + I was surrounded by my closest friends who came out to support me! I mean it doesn't get much better than that for a first art show or any art show for that matter! I'm beyond thankful that I was given the opportunity to participate in the show + to be grouped with so much talent...it was a true honor + dream come true for me! I guess I can call myself a bona fide artist now  Thank you again to all of my family + friends for your support + for believing in me + my art! It truly means so much to me! 

XMAS 2014

Noonie's Homemade Xmas Card

Merry Merry Christmas friends!! 

Wishing you + yours a very special holiday!!

 Enjoy these times with your family + friends!! These are the moments!! 

Cheers!!

<3 Nelli + Noonie

Urban State of Mind | Jeremy's Journeys

San Francisco

I've had a blast this past year putting together features for all of you fine folks to enjoy! They've given me the opportunity to meet new people + to get to know those I do know a little better. The later is the case with today's feature!

Allow me to introduce to you....Jeremy! He is in fact Nelli's boo, but Nelli wanted me to be the one who interviewed him because:
1) She wanted us to get to know each other more intimately
2) I'm the 'feature lady' at BSOM. 
So, Jer + I came together to bring you this lovely Urban Feature all about his worldwide travels!

Meet Jeremy!

Noonie's | Paint Splattered Ornaments |

I first learned how to make paint splattered ornaments when I was in 6th grade, but hadn't made once since, that is up until last year. I meant to share this DIY tutorial then, but alas I ran out of time + had to make them quickly so I took no pictures! This year I made sure I'd have enough time + I'm so excited to finally share this fun, easy to do project!

'Reflections'

Happy Tuesday friends! Wanted to share this photo I snapped a few months back after one of our very first rainstorms here in Sacramento, Cali. Enjoy!

Cheers!

<3 Noonie

Life, Love, Travel + Prosperity

Hey folks!

As you may have noticed Noonie + I have been slacking lately, but its because we're both forging our way through this world as strong independent ladies!

As for me, I've been trying to find my passions + what it is that drives me to more (and of course change the world!).
I spent the evening in Sausalito last night at the Sister Cities holiday party!
The Not-for-profit program is run by 6 women, and a plethora of other women who are involved as volunteers, organizers, and advocates.
It was amazing to be around their energy. These women are so successful, powerful, and accomplished that you cannot help but leave them full of energy and dreams for your future!

I have been completely re-charged and inspired to strive for my next mission in life, to forge my path, support other women, + do good in this life.

As I look for my City Planning career path I am reminded of the elaborate list of other goals I have to accomplish including:

Travel

Supporting Women

Networking

Research + Writing

Getting Involved

Inspiring Others

Organizing

Food Systems

Preservation of Resources + Structures

I am so grateful to have a sudo-aunt who believes in me, who supports me, and who is taking me under her wing to teach me all of the traits necessary for my adventures. 

I am grateful for all the women who came before me, who lead the way for me to be anything I want to be, to pursue my passions, and to offer advice along the way.

We need to stand up, and stand together, and never underestimate the power of unity!

I love you all!

-Nelli

Be Strong, Be Powerful, + Have Fun Doing It!

YYYEEEE!!!

That is all.

Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

50 Benefits of My Life

Thank you for all this goodness, please bring me more.
Find the things that bring you joy.

I have been quite in-tune with The Secret (aka Laws of Attraction) as of late, and today is no exception. I got lost in the world of YouTube watching Jim Carrey, Will Smith, Oprah, + the lot of Secret speakers. These people are so wonderful to spread the word + inspire the rest of us to not get stuck in the 'what is' + rather live for what we want, how we want it, and who we want it with.

Since moving to San Francisco, I've been all over the board trying to seek my life's purpose. And while I've had some good days + some bad, overall I am getting back into my jive + deciding what I want for my life.
*You will be able to read through my steps today + in the future as I take them and figure out this life*

As recommended by the Secret Speakers, we need to start planning our futures by appreciating the past + present. The best way to do this is to begin by making a list of what you are grateful for in your current life.

Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Turkey Day Folks!

I give thanks on this day for all of the blessings I have in my life, including these pieces of pies. <3 

Wishing you + yours a special day!

<3 Nelli + Noonie

Pumpkin Muffins | New Addition

I haven't made pumpkin muffins since last year's recipe, and since we are in the season of pumpkin EVERYTHING I decided to try out a new recipe.
This recipe was definitely 'up there' on the delicious factor. One of my favorite pumpkin bread's to date.

Noonie's | Chicken Fried Steak

Uhm, yes please. Love me some Chicken Fried Steak! All smothered in gravy goodness, ooohhh wwweeee! lol. (I mean CFS is a Southern food so I'm just tryin' to get into it lol) Although I've obviously eaten CFS plenty of times over the years I've only ever actually eaten while dining out at a restaurant. Never had I ever (ha) had the pleasure of eating homemade CFS, that is up until recently. When I went looking for an exact recipe to use I found a couple of variations of pretty much the same basic recipe. + so I decided to combine a couple of recipes that I found + made my own by adding/subtracting a couple of ingredients that I thought the recipe could use. This dish turned out to be everything I wanted it to be + more, which is a rarity in life, so needless to say I was a pretty damn happy lady after sitting down + enjoying it. I know you're goin' love it too. 

Grab your ingredients + let's get a cookin'! :)

Street Life

Here are just a few highlights of my time in San Francisco!

Enjoy!

Family of Artists

Up until about 5 years ago I had no idea that there were in fact other artists in the family. I don't know much about my mom's side of the family but I managed to find out that both my Grandpa + Great Aunt were both artists. And good ones too. From what I can gather my Grandpa mostly did pencil works, while my Great Aunt was a painter. I definitely had one of those "so that's where I got it from" moments when I found out there were other artists in the family. I just hope one day I'll be as talented as them. My mom only has a few pieces that my Great Aunt Olga painted + I thought it'd be fun to share them with you! :)

Furry Friends

Rocks that she painted in 1985 + to think I wasn't even born yet when these were done! Lol.

Squash + Black Bean Enchiladas

This particular evening I was feeling adventurous and wanted to try out a new + more adventurous dinner when I came across Sprouted Kitchen's Roasted Zucchini, Black Bean, + Goat Cheese Enchiladas. As per the usual, I modified her recipe based on what I had in my house; but boy were these enchilada fantastic!

They turned out much much better than I had imagined.

This was my first time making enchiladas, I was surprised at how easy they were to create. They were time consuming as I roasted the squash + used dried beans, however, I don't mind things like that. I often roast my veggies or cook my beans while working on other projects so I don't even feel like I am cooking, plus I feel like preparing these on my own results in a better overall flavor. 

Continuing on my exploration of food I picked up a delicata squash and used it for this recipe. These squash have quickly become my new favorite! For a little more on winter squash varietals here is an explanation from Suzie's Farm.

Nelli + Noonie's Downtown Sac Adventures

#SacramentoStreetArt

Nelli + I got to hang the other day for the first time since she's been back in Cali Cali! First stop on our venture around Downtown Sacramento? A coffee shop of course! We met at the ever bustling coffee shop Weatherstone. It's literally always busy + crowded with people + for good reason! The coffee is top notch, it's nestled in a cozy part of town, the atmosphere+ space are lovely; the walls filled with art created by local artists, there's plenty of nice outdoor seating on their back patio, + how could I forget to mention the building itself?! I forgot to take a picture of it, but found this one online.

Advice to Our Former Selves

The other day I was exploring new blogs when I came across Kyla Roma (who by the way, is one of my absolute favorites!) + specifically her blog post Notes to My Younger Self. As she concludes she asks the readers "What advice would you give to your younger self?" Advice which I have amply taken.
In addition Noonie + I have been wanting to collaborate on more blog posts so this seemed like a supreme place to start!

THE ADVICE

.  .  .

Nelli
Be your own best friend.
Love should make you feel good.
Keep in touch.
Cut out the negativity.
Set Goals.

Noonie
Stay focused.
You're stronger than you even know, be confident in this.
Follow your heart + dreams, no matter anyones' opinion.
Be open to change + accept change, even if you think it sucks at time. Most of the time change is just a blessing in disguise.

Arab Meal 101: Manaeesh | Za'atar + Olive Oil 'Pies'

I've been wanting to share this next recipe with ya for a while now for a couple of reasons: 1) it's one of my favorite Arabic snacks/breakfast item + I like to share recipes from my culture! + 2) it literally takes 10 minutes to make including prep + bake time! I'm talking about a little something we Arabs call Manaeesh aka Za'atar pies aka flaky savory goodness! I've talked about Za'atar in the past here on BSOM but for those of you who missed it let me catch ya up on exactly what it is...! 

Za'atar is an Arabic spice that one could describe as kind of a tangy + savory. It typically consists of Roasted Sesame Seeds, Sumac, Thyme, Oregano + Salt, although there are a few variations here + there on the mix. I usually get my Za'atar fix from my local Mediterranean store, but I'm sure an international grocery store will probably have it as it's a popular spice in the Arab world. If you don't feel like buying it just to try it you can always make your own at home, although I haven't personally tried making my own I found this recipe online. Seems pretty legit. Anyways you're goin need some Za'atar for the recipe I'm about to share!

Noonie's 1st Art Show!!

Yeah yeah I know, I've been blog slackin', lol. Life has just been a little hectic for me lately, I guess it all began a few weeks ago when I received word that I was chosen to participate in an art event...my very first art show! You may have already heard the news as I've mentioned it once before on BSOM, but today I thought I'd go a little more into detail + tell ya the whole story of how this exciting news came to be!

Baked Yams | 2-Ways

Tis the season for all things pumpkin, potato, hearty, + sweet!
Over the past few years I have been experimenting with foods that I never ate as a child, many of which quickly became my favorite foods!
In 2011 I set my new years resolution as "trying new edibles" and boy did I! This was the first time I'd had lamb, oxtail, + octopus! Since that years end, I've continued on my mission to try new things, + periodically I come across a food I've yet to try. So guess what the first thing I do is... Try it! Now of course, this method does not always result in a new favorite, or even something I like for that matter, but I relish in the fact that I can definitively state that I tried it + as such know that I am not a fan. For instance tripe. I spent 2 years working in an authentic Italian restaurant where we served tripe in a tomato sauce. When the owner swore to me that it was delicious, I went for it + boy was I thrown for a loop. The flavor of this delicacy was not bad, not was the broth it produced, but for me the texture killed it (If you don't know, tripe is intestine). However, another dish I sampled at the same restaurant was rabbit + that was very good. It honestly tasted like dark meat chicken. Another fail was squid, I am simply not a fan of the texture. But the failures only help me solidify myself + my conquest to sample everything!

#TBT

I rarely ever post a #TBT (that's Throwback Thursday for those of you who have been living under a rock lol)  but I do enjoy doing it from time to time. Hell maybe I'll start doing it more regularly. We'll see. It's just kinda fun to look back + reminisce sometimes. Anywho here's my #tbt for ya, a photo I took a few Summers back when my mother + I took a trip to the city (SF). We had such a good day hitting up all the 'usual spots', but we also headed to Golden Gate Park, a place we don't usually venture to when we go to the city together. I personally love GGP. Certain parts of it just make you feel like you're in the middle of the forest, when really you're in the middle of a huge city. That feeling always trips me out. Anyways after we hit up the park we decided to go to the beach to soak up some sun + ocean time. This particular beach we went to has a huge wall that runs alongside the beach area + it's COVERED with graffiti. If you're a regular here on BSOM you know I LOVE graffiti, so this huge wall of pieces was right up my alley! Of course I snapped some photos! One being the photo pictured above :) 

So there ya have it my #tbt. 

I'd love to see your #tbt! Comment below with a link so I can check it out! 

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie

Views From Above

Here are a few skyline views from my recent 'urban wandering' adventures through my new city, San Francisco!

Enjoy!

Nelli

Forge Meaning, Create Identity

Just a damn good, inspirational TedX talk!

Check it out,

-Nelli

BOO!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 

I wish I was sharing pics of my Halloween cookies + cards (like the ones I made last year) but alas this year it just didn't happen. I bought the blank black cards that I intended on using to make my Halloween cards, but when news of my acceptance into my very first art exhibit arrived the cards + cookies got totally pushed to the side as I need to focus all of my time + energy into preparing for the show. So sorry folks! Definitely will be making my Christmas cards though this coming December!  

Since I don't have any crafted Halloween goodies to share with ya I thought it'd be fun to share this pic of my favorite Halloween decoration of all the Halloween ones we have (there are many as my mom is a holiday decorating extremist)! We've had this little house for years now, but it's still the one I look for first when it's time to decorate! :) 

Hope you all have a fun + safe holiday from us here at BSOM!!

Until next time friends....Cheers!!

<3 Noonie 

Savory Oats | Middle Eastern Style

On this particular day I was craving something savory + filled with cumin; but I didn't have any of the usual culprits around the house. I was trying to think of a concoction that would be quick, easy, + give me the flavor I so desperately wanted. And so, the Middle Eastern Oats were born.

I did a quick google search on 'savory oats' to see if other people had ever tried their hand at these little buggers, + gee-golly alot of people had!

Now, after trying these I have to say I wish I had made them sooner! They are quick, easy, delicious and customizable to your mood! I made mine in more of a 'risotto' style, which I like to believe enhanced the flavor... But who am I kidding I'm sure they would be equally delectable in the microwave or any other manner in which you like to create your oatmeal!

Past Greats: Egon Schiele

I think I've mentioned this before on BSOM but I took an Art History class a few years back + it really sparked my desire to learn all about artists of the past, from the more well known to the not so well known. Prior to taking this course I knew a little about art history, but primarily only about 'household name' artists, such as Van Gogh or Monet. My knowledge about other historically important but not as infamous artists was very slim, but upon taking this Art History course I fell in love with lots of these not so well known artists, including Egon Schiele who became one of my all time favorite artists from the past. I'm sure there are some of you out there who have never heard of this artist so I thought it'd be fun to tell ya a little bit about him + share some of his works with you because they are not only amazing, but they have a timeless essence about them. Enjoy the show...!

Mr. Egon Schiele

Portals + Stairs

Please enjoy a few images from my recent Urban Excursions around San Francisco!

-Nelli

AFOMFT 9

"...these are a few of my favorite things". If you're new around these parts AFOMFT is a weekly series that entails my favorite things of the week. I'm constantly finding new quotes I like + new favorite paintings/artists etc. + I thought it'd be fun to share my favorites of the week via this series! :)

Enjoy!

THIS POEM:

Grapes + Pancakes

Today I woke up craving pancakes.

As you all know, I recently moved to San Francisco, + so far it has been a whirlwind running around to see apartments, looking for jobs, trying to make friends, experiencing new restaurants, and the like. About a week ago I finally got an apartment (in what is now the most difficult place in the country to find one)!!!! That means I can finally get back into my cooking habits, relax a little but, and best of all decorate! Throughout this process I've been eating a bunch of junk food, easy to access, and already made so I (more than anyone) is excited to get back into cooking!

Noonie's SN&R Newsstand!

I've always admired SN&R (Sacramento News & Review) newsstands as most of them are covered with original artwork done by local artists from the area. No 2 newsstands are alike for this reason, which is why every time I see one I always take a minute to check out it. You'd be amazed at the variety of different styles/works of art you can find on SN&R newsstands as many different levels of artists have created works on them, from beginning artists (even children) to professionals. As I was to find out none of the artists are paid to embellish the newsstands, which just makes them all the better as these artists created works on them out of pleasure not gain (although it is a good way to promote ones work).

As it turns out I've become one of these newsstand artists, + I couldn't be more excited to share with you my newsstand story! A few months ago I was reading SN&R + I happened to stumble upon an ad calling for local artists who were interested in artsying up their very own newsstand. As soon as I saw the ad I jumped on the opportunity + emailed SN&R telling them I was very interested in the opportunity + the next day I had a response from them telling me to come pick up my newsstand - which I did that exact same day. 

Carmelita's + Classic Signs

Weekend was good. I finally got around to trying this one local Mexican restaurant that goes by the name of Carmelita's. My bf has been telling me about it for some time now as it's his favorite one in the Sacramento area + after trying the food I can see why! I ordered the Enchiladas Verdes plate which consisted of 2 Shrimp enchiladas topped with green enchilada sauce (which I normally don't like but I loved it!) + served with sliced avocado, rice + black beans. Everything tasted so delicious + fresh, I was quite impressed! I also had a fruit infused Margarita which was pretty tasty too, although it could've been a bit stronger (lol). The food wasn't the only thing that impressed me about this restaurant though, the service was outstanding + it was also very beautifully decorated both inside + out! Very ornate. I will definitely be going back! :)

San Francisco Housing

Just a few shots from my recent adventures around my new City :)

Enjoy!

-Nelli

Forgotten Resource

If you've been around here for a while you'd know how much I love the blog Carrie Ellen's Art Studio! In fact she was even featured right here on BSOM before :) Her work is just so inspiring and I love how she's always experimenting with different mediums, like myself. Recently she published a post on her blog titled Good Reads, which was all about her trip to the local library in search of some inspiration. I'm talking about art books. She found a ton of inspirational ideas from these books + so she prompted us her readers to check out our local libraries so we could do the same. Of course I did just that. 

Welcome Home!

As you may have figured out by now, my new home is..... SAN FRANCISCO!
I am so excited for all of my new adventures here!

Moody CA Skies

A few weekends ago the weather was super odd + I had written this post about it, but hadn't had the chance to post it for your viewing pleasure until now.

Enjoy! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The past couple of days the weather has been really weird. I'm talkin' odd shades of reds, oranges + purples in the skies + thunder + lightning storms out of no where. Kinda gloomy + grey, although I have been enjoying the cooler weather a bit. I got to bust out a long sleeve shirt this morning, which was a nice change. On days like today I really just want to stay curled up in bed, passing the day with movies, such as The Goonies. There's just something about gloomy weather that makes me want to watch it. 

Anyways wanted to share this clip I captured of the lightning storm...

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie

MOTW 5 | Halloween Edition

Musings of The Week. I mean, weeks. If you're a newbie around here let me explain. I started this series MOTW, as a way to help keep me inspired + focused on my current ideas + thoughts. It's easy to get caught up in the BS of day to day living, which often leads me to becoming uninspired, or to lack to energy to create, at least that's what happens to me from time to time. Which is why I thought a weekly check-in with what my current ideas for future projects or what I'm currently thinking about would be quite helpful to me, + it has been! Now I should mention when I initially started this series it was going to be a weekly one, but I've been brimming + boiling over with ideas + the results of these ideas that there wasn't enough space to share them all with you in one week. Sooo I've cut my MOTW back to a bi/tri-weekly series instead, so there will be more space to share all of my current thoughts, ideas + projects. As this series is going to be cut back I plan on including even more of my currents thoughts, ideas + projects because I'll have the time needed in order to share them + the results with ya, so it's definitely a good thing! For those who have read my MOTW before, I hope this series has rubbed off a little on you + has inspired you to dig a little deeper + start checking in with yourself a little more. There are all sorts of ideas swimming around you just have to look for them! :)

Anyways let's get down to business!

Artsy Projects:

Current art projects I'm thinking about trying in the coming weeks...

+ Halloween Cards: YES! The season has come for homemade Halloween cards! One of my favorite holiday activities to do! With all those exclamation points I'm sure you can tell just how excited I am about this project! :) I made these cards last Halloween + I think I'm going to stick with tradition of what I did last year + make my cards using glue + glitter again. It worked well for me last year + the cards definitely stood out with all their sparkle :) Halloween is fast approaching so I'm going to get on this project ASAP + share the results with ya soon!

+ Pumpkins: Of course this is a given. I so love getting to carve pumpkins + this year is no different! I did see this really cute idea though for decorating pumpkins using glitter on Carrie Ellen's blog + I'm somewhat tempted to try her technique this year instead of the usual carving. Just for something different, but we'll see. Maybe I'll have to get 2 pumpkins so I can do both lol. 

Recipe Aspirations:

'New to me recipes' I'd like to try...

+ Pumpkin Pie: Yes I've made pumpkin pie before, making the pie crust from scratch + filling it with canned pumpkin. I've done it this way plenty of times. But I've never made actual homemade pumpkin pie before. I'm talking about the pumpkin part of it. My family + I have always used canned pumpkin, it's convenient + delicious. But this year I thought I'd challenge canned pumpkin + try to make my own pumpkin filling for the pie by prepping + scooping an actual pumpkin. I'm not exactly sure just yet what the whole process entails, but I'm pretty excited to try my hand at it! Will be sure to let ya know how it turns out ;)

+ Halloween Cookies: Okay so I'm kinda cheating with this one as the recipe I'm going to use for my Halloween cookies is the same one I used last year. Caz if it ain't broke don't fix it. Looking forward to getting into the spirit of the holiday by eating my way there with these cookies lol. Be on the look out for pictures :)

MOTW | 4 CHECK IN:

As I mentioned before the goal of this series of posts is to help keep me inspired + focused, 

+ accountability is part of it too. Here's how my last MOTW projects + ideas went...

Art Projects:

- Abandon An Inspirational Rock + Sea Shells: CHECK. It felt good to get out there + abandon some art! It had been a minute since I had done so + I had forgotten just how much fun it is! Will be sharing photos of my abandoned rock + shells here in the next few days! :)

- Fuji Instax Photo Projects: FAIL. I've been keeping busy with other art projects that I completely forgot about this one! Will work on something in the coming weeks!

Recipe Aspirations:

- Mini Chicken Pot Pies: CHECK. I've already shared my experience making these along with the recipe. If ya missed it, check it out! :)

- Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Sea Salt: CHECK. OMG this dessert was sooo good! I've already shared the recipe for this bad boy as well, you can find it here :)

Pretty happy with how my MOTW have been going :) Can't wait to catch up with ya up + let you know how these newest upcoming projects go on my next MOTW!

Until next time friends...Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

AFOMFT | 8

Source

"...these are a few of my favorite things". If you're new around these parts AFOMFT is a weekly series that entails my favorite things of the week. I'm constantly finding new quotes I like + new favorite paintings/artists etc. + I thought it'd be fun to share my favorites of the week via this series! :)

Enjoy!

THIS QUOTE:

"Drowning Time" Painted by: Yours Truly

You may already know this if you're a regular around here + caught this post, but I LOVE Surrealism. So it goes without saying I of course love Dali's work + I really liked this quote I found of his because it very much applies to me. I'm usually pretty easy going about a lot of things, far from a perfectionist. But as soon as I pick up that brush/pastel/marker etc. I become a huge perfectionist. It only gets worse once I'm "done" with the piece + I usually end up spending just as much time doing touch ups on the piece as I did actually painting it, trying to perfect each + every little nook + cranny of it. I just can't help myself. Even when I finally decide I've had enough + declare the piece completely finished I'll come back to it later + still not be completely satisfied. (*I should note that I don't feel like this about all of my pieces, just most of them lol.) But this my friends brings us to this quote, Dali was spot on right. I'm not going to reach complete perfection with all of my pieces or even most of them, but at the end of the day I can chalk up those imperfections as experiences. Now I'll know next time what to do/what not to do, so in the end it's all good. :) 

THIS PAINTING:

Source

"The Harlequin's Carnival". Okay so I didn't really discover this Joan Miro painting for the first time this week, but I did re-discover it. I first learned about this piece while taking an art history course a couple of years ago + I immediately loved it! I mean all of Miro's work is exquisite. So when I found out about the Miro exhibit at the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock I was beyond excited! There's only a 2 hour drive that separates me from seeing actual Miro Printmade pieces + you bet I'm going to be making that journey sometime soon before the exhibit is over. But I've got a little time to get to it as it ends in January of next year. 

Check out the art center's page for more info! 

THIS GUY: 

Source

Bryce Petty. Oooo-Wweee! ;) I am a newbie when it comes to watching Football. I had never paid much attention to the sport because no one in my family ever played or watched it so I never learned the logistics of it, that is until as of lately. My bf is a huge football fan + when he heard I didn't know the game he told me "well you're goin' have to learn if you're goin' be hangin' out with me" lol. That morning I learned the game of football + while I was watching this hottie ^^ popped up on the screen! Needless to say the Baylor Bears are now my favorite team hehe ;)

THIS PHOTO: 

Evidence of the changing Season. I snapped this photo a few weeks ago as I was in awe of the red, orange + yellow leaves. These were the first leaves I had seen this year that had already changed colors so I thought it'd be cool to capture this moment of me officially saying hello to Fall + goodbye to Summer. 

THIS INSTA ACCT:

James Tillery. I can't recall how I came across this lovely poet's page, but when I did I scrolled all the way to the bottom + read every single one of his amazing poems. The love poem pictured above was one of my favorites of his, but he also writes poems about a variety of subjects. Such a talented poet! 

Go check out his Instagram page to see what I'm talkin' about! :)

THIS MEAL DESSERT:

Chocolate Avocado Mousse. Well I guess it could be a meal ;) lol. Might sound familiar as I did just share the recipe for it a few days ago, but it was seriously soo good! + if your faced is all twisted up right now after reading that, you need to try the recipe even more! I swear it'll make a believer out of you! :)

These were just a few of my favorite things from this week, but I'd like to know... 

What was your favorite thing from this week? 

Comment below <3

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie

Urban State of Mind | Nathan's San Diego

Putting together Feature 'Blogorations' has been so much fun for me! 
I've gotten to meet new people + I've had the opportunity to get to know those I do know a little better. The later is the case with today feature.

Meet Nathan (+ San Diego)! 
He is a friend of Nelli's who I have met a handful of times + you may recall Nelli + he collaborated on a post earlier this year: Caramelized Leek, Basil, + Black Pepper Biscuits. 
Nelli wanted me to be the one who interviewed Nathan because:
1) She wanted us to get to know each other more intimately
2) I'm the 'feature lady' at BSOM. 
So, Nathan + I came together to bring you this lovely Urban Feature on what his life was like when he lived in San Diego, CA.

"I'm 26, born and raised in Sacramento, graduated from NewSchool of Architecture + Design in San Diego + work as a Designer at the architecture firm Lionakis in Newport Beach,CA I love traveling, photography, cooking, wine, + great cocktails." - Nathan

Current City: Irvine, CA

BSOM: Where are you originally from + why did you move to San Diego?

Nathan: I was born in Sacramento, and moved to San Diego in 2010 to complete my Bachelor's of Architecture degree.

BSOM: What's the biggest difference between Sacramento + San Diego?

Nathan: San Diego reminds me a lot of a 'Sacramento by the beach,' with the city sprawling out with lots of suburban areas, but a really exciting and lively urban core downtown.

BSOM: How long did you live there + why did you move away?

Nathan: I lived in San Diego for 3 years, from July 2010 - August 2013. I moved because of a job opportunity in Newport Beach. I think that if I didn't have that opportunity, I would have stayed in San Diego.

BSOM: What did you enjoy most about life in SD?

Nathan: Living in downtown San Diego was always exciting, there was always something going on and you could just walk out your door and be within walking distance to restaurants, the nightlife, basic amenities. I liked how relaxed the atmosphere is, the weather was always nice (even when it wasn't it was great), and there's a scene/neighborhood for everyone.

BSOM: Best experience you had living there?

Nathan: It's hard to pinpoint one particular experience that I had, I think that it was a great place for me to transition from living at home to being on my own.

BSOM: What negatives (if any) were there to living in SD?

Nathan: Relative to the whole of San Diego, the downtown is very small; while this created some interesting pockets within the sprawling neighborhoods, the vast suburban neighborhoods were also a major detractor in creating a vibrant urban environment outside the downtown area, and walking between the neighborhoods didn't really happen. 

BSOM: One piece of advice you'd give someone who is considering moving there?

Nathan: Spend some time in San Diego exploring the neighborhoods before you commit to moving to any area, and realize that most of San Diego isn't at "the beach".

BSOM: What was the biggest change you've had to make in order to adapt to life in SD?

Nathan: I had a pretty smooth transition, I moved down with a lot of friends from home and knew a lot of people in San Diego prior to moving down. I think just finding a place to live was my biggest obstacle. 

BSOM: Transportation: How did you get around?

Nathan: For getting around most of the time downtown, I would drive just because my daily schedule of activities was very unpredictable, but I more often than not walked to class because parking enforcement was terrible.

BSOM: Favorite "locals only know about it" hang out spot?

Nathan: The funny thing about San Diego is that so much of the population are from elsewhere, and not many people are actually "locals". And San Diego is also a huge tourist town, so even the "local" non-Gaslamp places will often have plenty of out-of-towners. My favorite place in the East Village (the "artist/up and coming part" of downtown SD east of the Gaslamp) is called Neighborhood and the attached Noble Experiment speakeasy with their amazing mixologists.

BSOM: Any local artists/street art you recommend we check out? 

Nathan: A classmate of mine started to make a name for himself doing live art pieces at venues and in the San Diego art scene, his name is Max Mcilwee. He specialized in urban art work with spray paint as his medium. 

BSOM: Favorite restaurant + coffee shop in SD?

Nathan: My favorite restaurant is Underbelly in Little Italy, a hipsterized/trendy ramen restaurant in a converted wine bar. Local beers, great food, and windows that fold down into communal tables. Caffe Calabria in North Park is a great cafe with cold brewed iced coffee.

BSOM: Favorite "day trip spot" in SD?

Nathan: I have two favorite spots to just walk around and enjoy the city, both different but equally the epitome of San Diego. The first place is The Prado in Balboa Park - what started off as the stage for the Panama-California Exposition is now a concentration of museums, art and culture, and gardens with great views of downtown sitting above the city. The second place is the Cabrillo Point tide pools, natural unobstructed, non-tourist overcrowded waterfront with incredible views of the setting sun.

BSOM: If someone only had one day to experience your city, what would you recommend they see/do?

Nathan: Eat and drink you way through San Diego, avoid the Gaslamp unless you're going clubbing, and stroll along the wind sandy beach front of the Hotel Del Coronado.

BIG thanks and shout out to Nathan for his contribution to this blog!!

Until next time friends...Cheers!!! 
<3 Noonie

P.S. Would you like to be featured right here on BSOM?! Email us! We'd love to hear from you! 

Check out our Contact page for more info! :)

The Prado in Balboa Park

Hotel Del Coronado