A Few of My Fav Things |Edition 3

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I've so been enjoying putting together this weekly series of 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, from a favorite newly discovered artist/painting, to a new favorite quote, etc. As I've mentioned before this weekly series was inspired by the blog ABM.

On with the show...!

THIS QUOTE:

I believe I originally saw this quote on Pinterest + I immediately LOVED it.

THIS PAINTING COLLAGE:

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I don't create collages very often, in fact the only collage pieces I've ever done I've already shared with ya here on BSOM. But just because I don't collage much doesn't mean I don't love + appreciate collage pieces. I found the collage pictured above on Mikestagram's Instagram page. There's just something so eerie about this piece it kind of draws you in. Mike's other collages do the exact same thing, most of them being somewhat macabre like the piece pictured above. But I love his style + how he creates so much emotion/energy with his collages (especially the black + white ones). I honestly had such a hard time trying to choose just one of his pieces to feature as my favorite. Go check out his Instagram it's definitely worth looking at.


THIS CAMERA: 

My new toy. It's my favorite purchase of this week. I just got it a few days ago but I've been looking at this camera for some time now. I'm still perfecting my method, but will share some of shots with ya soon! :) So far loving this insta-print camera!


THIS SONG:

Love me some E-40 + B-Legit. Enough said.

THIS GUY:

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Does he really need an introduction? I don't think so. I guess I'm still day dreaming about The Great Gatsby (referring to last week's Fav Things) which my mom happened to buy me the other day (thanks mom!) Leo just gets better + better as he ages + I'm not just talkin' about his acting. Ohhh wee! ;)

THIS MEAL:

Brown Sugar + Garlic BBQ Chicken! If you caught my MOTW |Edition 2 you'd know this dish was on the menu for the week. I had never tried making it before, but you can bet after trying it I'll be making it again, for sure! Don't mean to tease though as I will be sharing the recipe for this delicious dish this week! Be on the look out! :)


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

Vegan Hummus

Hummus is great, simple, and so versatile. I use it instead of mayo on sandwiches, I eat it with veggies for dinner, or even just a big scoop full in the morning instead of peanut-butter, its basically good on everything!

Ingredients - suggested amounts:

1/2 cup dry Chickpeas

2 tbsp Olive Oil

Salt to taste

Cumin to taste

1/2 Lemon

2 tbspTahini

Directions:
1. Cook chickpeas according to pkg: typically soak overnight + boil for 2 hours
2. Throw all ingredients into food processor + blend
-- You may have noticed I did not add amounts to the list of ingredients, this is because its different each time. You have to mix it and taste to see what you need.
3. Transfer into a glass jar or tupperware and keep refrigerated. This will last up to a week in the fridge. If it starts drying out add a little more olive oil.

Tips: If you want it creamier add an avocado or greek yogurt

Artist State of Mind: Russell Willis |Abstract Expressionist Painter|

I'm so so excited to introduce you to a very talented Abstract Expressionist painter by the name of Russell Willis who also happens to be a Sacramento based artist! In fact he's the very first Sacramento based artist to be featured here on BSOM! Pretty damn cool right? I thought so. :) I discovered Russ's work by way of Instagram + I immediately loved his unique style + the bright palette he paints with. Definitely eye catching work! 

Enjoy the show! :)

Meet Russell!

Current City: Sacramento....Cali

BSOM: What artist do you feel has influenced or inspired you the most?

RW: William De Kooning and Jean Michel Basquiat...oh and never forget.

BSOM: What types of art do you prefer?

RW: I love things that push the art form. Art that moves you and you feel something.

BSOM: When you first began creating art, what medium did you experiment with first?

RW: Spray paint but I haven't used that in a while. It's about the brush nowadays :)

BSOM: What is your favorite medium to use + why?

RW: Painting in acrylic is what I've been working with and it's what I enjoy.

BSOM: What creative medium would you love to pursue but haven't yet? 

RW: I want to work on some 3d projects...and maybe film.

BSOM: How long have you been consciously creating art?

RW: For maybe 7 years...but I feel I'm getting into a grove.

The man behind the art!

BSOM: Are you a self taught artist or did someone show you the ropes?

RW: Self taught...but I do learn from the greats...they left huge shoes to fill.

BSOM: Do you have any other creative outlets?

RW: I write a little music. Check out soundcloud.com/colorbully

BSOM: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

RW: I draw inspiration from life and beautiful and ugly things.

BSOM: Have you ever suffered from artist block? If so how did you get past it? 

RW: No because I give myself breaks to recharge the energy.

BSOM: Does your art shape you? Or do you shape your art? (just want to hear your opinion)

RW: Yes it shapes me. It helps me grow mentally and spiritually.

BSOM: Do you create art more for yourself or for others to enjoy?

RW: I like to paint for all to enjoy. One day I hope they all will.

BSOM: Is there a purpose to your artwork?

RW: I paint to release trapped energy.

BSOM: What's your favorite subject matter?

RW: The human body and how can I make it abstract for fun.

BSOM: Are you currently working on any projects? If not, do you have anything in mind for your next piece?

RW: I have this large yellow painting of humans abstracted. I'll post it on Instagram soon.

BSOM: Have you sold any pieces, or would you be willing to sell any pieces?

RW: I sell work regularly.

BSOM: Do you have a favorite experience as an artist?

RW:  Just growing each time the brush touches the canvas.

Artist in action!

BSOM: Do you have a favorite art gallery?

RW: Gallery 2110, The Urban Hive, The Crocker, The Brickhouse...all in Sacramento CA.

BSOM: Do you have a favorite art blog you'd like to shout out?

RW: Shout out to BSOM...many blessings to them.

BSOM: Which social network has been the most successful for promoting your art?

RW: Instagram is great for promoting art.

BSOM: If you could see any piece, that you haven't seen before, in person which piece would it be?

RW: Guernica by Pablo Picasso.

BSOM: If you could only look at one piece of art for the rest of your life, what piece would it be?

RW: Woman by God....he stunted when he made her :)

BSOM: If you could meet any artist from any period of time who would it be? What would you ask them?

RW: God....the greatest artist of all time. I would ask him for life advice lol.

BSOM: Any advice for fellow artists?

" Follow you dreams :)"-RW

Check out the links below to see even more of this talented artist's work!

Website: ColorBully.com

Twitter: @ColorBully

Instagram: @DatDudeRus

SoundCloud: ColorBully

                                                         Email: datduderus@yahoo.com

BIG thanks + shout out to Rus for his contribution to BSOM!!

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie

Pumpkin Cravings! | Muffins w/ Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting |

If you're a regular around these parts, you'd know this recipe was comin'! As part of my Musings of The Week I decided to try my hand at making these bad boys + they turned out delicious! I found the recipe for them on VeryBestBaking.com. The result of the recipe are muffins that are spongy on the outside + have a nice soft center on the inside, bottom line they are hella good! Wanted to share it with ya as is, although I did include a few little notes of what I plan on doing different next time I make them. Get your ingredients together + let's make some muffins! 

Ingredients 

* 3 C. Flour

* 1 T. + 1 t. Pumpkin Pie Spices

* 2 t. Baking Soda

* 1 1/2 t. Salt

* 3 C. Sugar

* 1 15oz. Can Pumpkin  

* 4 Eggs

* 1/2 C. Vegetable Oil

* 1/2 C. Water

How To 

- Preheat oven to 350

- Grease/line muffin tin

-Combine flour, Pumpkin Pie Spice, baking soda + salt

-In separate bowl combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil + water, mix well 

(will be runny but don't fret)

- Slowly add flour mix to pumpkin mix, stir well

- Spoon batter into cups filling them about 3/4 full

- Bake 25 minutes

- Cool + enjoy as is or...

-Add some frosting!

Tips: I'm one of those people who are constantly wanting to improve things. Like I said these are delicious as is, but next time I make these I'm going to add a little more Pumpkin Pie Spice + some Nutmeg to add a little more flavor. I would also like to add raisins + nuts next time I make these, as I think they would just put these muffins over the top!

Now the Cream Cheese frosting wasn't part of the original recipe I looked up, but after eating a muffin plain I decided they needed a little more kick of sweetness to them. (I am a confirmed sugar-holic after all)

Cream Cheese Frosting

This was my first time making Cream Cheese frosting from scratch, but as there are very few ingredients needed it was super easy + quick to make. I found the recipe for this frosting here. As this is not commercial cream cheese frosting the muffins will need to be refrigerated after being frosted. 

Ingredients:

* 1/2 C. Unsalted Butter, softened
* 1/2 C. Cream Cheese, softened
* 2 C. Powdered Sugar
* 1 t. Vanilla Extract

How To:

- In a large bowl combine butter + cream cheese together with a mixer
- Slowly add powered sugar until smooth
- Beat in vanilla extract

- Frost your favorite dessert! In this case the muffins :)

They taste great both cold + warmed up! 

Hope you enjoy these bad boys as much as my family + I have! :) 

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie

Baltimore | Westward Bound

As you read a few days ago, Nelli is Moving, and I hope you're ready for a whole buncha-lotta photos!
Not to mention, I still need to catch you all up on Europe.... I'm going to have alot to do after I get settled.

First Stop: BALTIMORE

Many, if not all, of my stops are based on my having a friend living in a particular city.
My first stop contained one of my favorite ex-coworkers and her boyfriend. I haven't seen her in almost a year, but it feels like yesterday. She and her boyfriend were so beyond hospitable I was regretting leaving.
I arrived in the evening and after a long chat they took me to Brewer's Art for a cold beer, and also because they knew I would love the space. The building itself was very cool! It is an old house that has been converted into a restaurant and bar. The restaurant is on the main level, while the bar is in the cellar and boasts arched ceiling, brickwork, and funky art. The beers were great and we shared duck fat fries, which were superb (and I don't even like fries!). The next morning they took me to the local farmers market and we got biscuit breakfast sandwiches from Blacksauce Kitchen's stand, and WOW. I had the buttermilk biscuit with grilled peaches, arugula, and artisan cheddar cheese, the flavors worked so well together and the biscuit melted in my mouth. After that the 3 of us walked around picking up her fruits and veggies for the week, grabbed a bison beef stick, and some $1 iced coffees before we headed for a walk to the inner harbor. They showed me around the harbor, which is a combination of touristy, historic, and busy (like most of these style places). I've studied Baltimore's harbor so I was excited to see what all the hub-ub was about. It is definitely picturesque and for the most part I think the designers did a decent job merging history with the disney-fied tourist attractions. Our next stop was a wine bar in Fell's Point called V-No Wine. What I liked about this place was that they also are a wine store, so if you want to sit outside and enjoy their harbor view you can come in, purchase a bottle and they will open + serve it for you. It was also great to be able to sit outside and enjoy the wonderful weather they were having.
After our bottle of wine, we walked over to Fork & Wrench, which is her favorite restaurant in Baltimore and I can understand why. The food was superb! We shared the lemon kale salad, the chicken wings, and short ribs. None of which I would typically order, but all of which were great. The salad had just the right amount of dressing and croutons to keep the flavor profile unique, the chicken wings were just the right amount of crispy and they had this wonderful dipping sauce, and the ribs came with fingerling potatoes and a beer syrup that was to die for!
After we rolled out of dinner, we of course had to try ice cream from the place that makes fresh waffle cones, Kilwins! We shared a Baltimore Mud waffle cone, which was gigantic and more than enough for the 2 of us.
Upon returning to the apartment, we enjoyed a homemade beer on there roofdeck with a view of Baltimore, which was a lovely way to end the evening.
The next morning I was off to my next location: Charlottesville Virginia, but not before I grabbed a Cortado + a Muffin at Dooby's Coffee Shop. Not only was it delicious, but this was one of the most unique muffin's I've had in years! It was a blackberry muffin with a passion fruit glaze that added just the right amount of sweet. As an added bonus: the store sells 'day old pastries' for 50% off so I saved a few bucks and had an equally delectable pastry.

Cheers!

-Nelli

Noonie's |Musings of The Week| Edition 2

Hi friends! If you happened to catch my very first Noonie's |MOTW| Edition 1 you'd know what this post is all about, but for those of you who missed let me catch ya up. I wanted to start this weekly series in order 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 to becoming uninspired, or lack of energy to create at least that's what happens to me occasionally. Which is why I think 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. Heck maybe it'll even inspire you to dig a little deeper + start checking in with yourself a little more. 

Here are a few of this week's musings...

Art of the Week:

+ Sacramento News & Review Newsstand: I haven't mentioned it yet but this project has been in the works for over a month. It's taking longer than expected due to health delays, but I'm hoping to finish it up this week. As you might've noticed I'm being somewhat vague about this project because I really don't want to spill the whole can of beans until I've completed it. 

+ Artist Feature!: This week I'm working on putting together an artist feature for a very talented Abstract Expressionist Painter by the name of Russell Willis who also happens to be a Sacramento based artist! I'm very excited about this upcoming feature because Russ is the very first Sacramento based artist to be featured here on BSOM! Be on the look out for this Q+A comin' atcha this Friday! Here's a link to Russ's Instagram so you can get a little taste of what's to come! 

Recipes To Try This Week:

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+ Brown Sugar + Garlic BBQ Chicken: Found a yummy looking recipe for this chicken dish on Pinterest a few days ago + I'm planning on making it this week! It looks so good! I can't wait to share it with ya! :)  

                                                                             

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+ Apple Pies Baked into Apples or Apple Rings: Found recipes for these sweet treats while perusing the net the other day + I'm thinking about making one of them this week. I've never tried to make apple pies like this or apple rings before so it'd be a first + I do enjoy trying my hand at new recipes. 

Other Random Musings:  

Other things I'm currently thinking about/working on...

+ Bedroom move: This has been another 'under wraps' project I've been working on. I haven't mentioned it yet, but I did move bedrooms a few weeks back + if you're a regular here on BSOM you'd know of my bedroom wall revamp  plans which I had made for my old bedroom. Well the plans are staying the same it's just the bedroom that has changed! lol This week I'm planning on sketching out the mural(s) that I'd like to paint in my new bigger bedroom. Details to come!

+ Earl Grey: Turning my nose up + sticking my pinky out. I've written about my love for Twinnings Earl Grey Tea before. But until this week I never realized I've become an Earl Grey snob. No joke. Lol. My mom had got me some Bigelow Earl Grey, and of course I was grateful to her for it. She knows I love me a good ol' cup of Earl Grey. The snobbery of this story comes into play when I tasted the BEG. I've drinkin' BEG plenty of times before + enjoyed it, but this time as I was drinking it I realized it's definitely not as good as TEG. I've become an Earl Grey snob out of no where. To me the BEG tastes more watered down + doesn't have that strong Earl Grey taste that a cup of  Twinning brings. #FirstWorldProblems

Hope you enjoyed this installment of my "Musings of The Week"! I'll be sure to check in with you on next week's MOTW + let you know how this week's projects went!

Last Week's MOTW Ed. 1 Check In:

So this is the part where I check in + tell ya how my previous week's musings/projects went. After all this weekly series of posts is all about keeping me  inspired + focused, and accountability is part of it too. 



+ So far so good! I've been keeping up with my goal to post a weekly Musings of The Week + A Few of My Favorite Things posts + I've been having a lot of fun putting them together! :)



+ Art Project from last week: Done + done. Created my very first relief print last night + I'm totally stoked with how it turned out! Stay tuned in the coming week(s) for this project's tutorial! 

+ Recipes To Try: I did end up making both the Bean Salad + Pumpkin Muffins that I had wanted to. I've already shared the bean salad recipe before here on BSOM, but it was my first time making it + it turned out great! It was super simple to make + made a great side + snack. The Pumpkin Muffins were new to me, but the recipe I ended up using was also really simple to put together + the muffins are sooo good! I'll be sure to share the recipe for these bad boys sometime this week!




All in all I think I did pretty damn good for my first MOTW, can't wait to share these new goodies with ya! 

Until next time friends...Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

A Few of My Favorite Things | Edition 2

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If you happened to catch my first "AFOMFT" post you'd know why the photo above is there. Hell maybe if you didn't read my first post (shame on you) you'd know why it's there. In any case I'm super excited to bring you this installment of my favorite things of the week, which as I mentioned before was inspired by the blog A Beautiful Mess.

Enjoy!

THIS QUOTE: 

Photo Credit: Nelli! <3

I originally found this quote on Pinterest, but I couldn't figure out who said it.

 It really hit home with me, because it's such a positive message of hope. 

THIS PAINTING:

Title: Masks

Artist: Louis Soutter

As I mentioned in my first AFOMFT post I follow this one awesome Instagram account called Great Paintings, which is were I found this painting. I really liked this painting because of it's abstract nature, the limited yet effective palette of colors the artist used + the energy/movement of the piece. To me it evokes that feeling you get when you get a sugar or caffeine rush lol but I mean that in a good way. 

THIS MOVIE:

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The Great Gatsby. Of course I saw this movie when it first came out, but my mom hadn't so we rented it this week. I forgot how much I really like it + she really liked it too! I just love how it's filmed, how all the colors are so saturated + "turned up" + of course the music! I just love how they unexpectedly combined modern rap/music with the old flapper days + how it all went together so well. If you still haven't seen this movie yet, I highly suggest it! :)

THIS GUY:

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Simon Rex aka Dirt Nasty.  A model turned actor turned rapper, you might recognize him from Scary Movie although he's done other films as well. I personally love his rapper alter-ego Dirt Nasty. His rhymes are hilarious + quite entertaining! But who am I kidding? He's my favorite guy every week.

THIS MEAL:

Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay so maybe these aren't technically a "meal meal" lol but I did eat them for breakfast. If you caught this week's Noonie's |Musings of The Week| 1 you'd know it was my goal this week to make pumpkin muffins or doughnuts for the first time. Well I checked that one off the list! I'll be sharing the recipe for these delicious muffins + frosting in the coming week so be on the look out for it! :) 

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