Roller Coaster

There are always ups + downs in life, but this past week there were definitely a lot of downs. But let's focus on the positive, shall we? :) I've managed to stick to my 1 post a week goal on here, + I'm pretty proud of myself for doing so, lol. There's just so much going on lately it's been hard to stay focused. 

Got a chance to hang out with my artist friend the other day, we caught up + did some painting. Just what I needed. Like I mentioned last week I haven't done much art in the past month + a 1/2, so it felt really good to pick up a paint brush + do my thang for a minute. Although I haven't done much art lately, I have put my creative juices into experimenting with my Instax Mini camera. Love using this camera as the photos print instantly + the fact that you really never know what the photo is going to turn out like when it does print. Decided to start a new photo series titled Persepctive + Angles, utilizing my Instax + thought I'd share what I've got so far for the series :)  

Until next week, Cheers!

<3 Noonie

Random Life Moments

I've (loosely) made it a goal of mine to try to post at least one blog a week. Like I mentioned a few weeks back life has been hectic for Nelli + I, but don't worry we still love you guys lol. :D

In the past few weeks I've made a couple of new dishes that I'll eventually be sharing on here, Doritos Crusted Chicken Strips + Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Casserole. They were both even tastier than they sound. Look out for one of the recipes next week. 

I haven't done any art for the past month or so due to health crap. But at least I'm FINALLY on the right track + have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It's not a diagnosis anyone wants to hear, but I'm just glad to finally have a name for all of the crap I've gone through all of these years. I've been educating myself about the disease + have come to a lot of "ah-ha" moments! I haven't spoken much about my health issues on BSOM, mostly because I'm actually a very private person. But this blog kind of serves as a journal of my life, + so I thought I'd just mention it today. Perhaps I will write more about it in the future + use this blog as a forum for others who are struggling with this shitty disease, but for now this is just an idea.

In other news things are finally starting to calm down for me in my personal life. It's been turbulent (to say the least) for the past year or so, so I'm very happy the dust is finally starting to settle + things are looking up for this lady! Hallelujah! lol 

Well that's about it in my world, will try to get some more blogs written up so that I can post more often. Hope all is going well for you in your life!  

Cheers! 

<3 Noonie 

2O15

As I sit here thinking about the New Year + what I'd like to improve upon I can't help but reflect on last years resolutions. Caz I 'm a firm believer in "you can't know where you're going until you know where you've been". 

Last Year's Resolutions

* Create more

* Be more committed to finishing all projects I start

* Write more in my journal 

I'd say 2014's resolutions were definitely fulfilled! I created tons of pieces + even sold a few! Although I do have a few unfinished projects in the works, I'd say I definitely improved on finishing up most of my projects this past year. I'm the worst when it comes to completing pieces of art which is one area I could still improve on, but to that I say you just can't rush art. So I've got that going for me :) As far as writing more in my journal...I did get more consistent with it than previous years, but it's still something I'd like to work on. Which brings us to this year's resolutions...

2O15 Resolutions

* Try new things more often!

Whether it be an experience, or a new food. I'd just like to expand on what I'm familiar with. I went fishing for the first time last year + I actually liked it, which I never thought I would. That experience is what prompted this resolution :)

* To let things go.

This is a BIG one for me! I've had a hard time letting things go (material possessions, hard feelings, etc) ever since I can remember, but it's something I'd like to work on. It never bothered me much that I have a hard time letting things go, but as I've gotten older I'm starting to realize just how important it is to let things go sometimes. I'm just so damn stubborn. I'm starting small with this resolution by way of deleting my texts more often, LOL. I know it may sound like a small feat to most, but I've always been one to save all of my text messages from certain people, to the point where I didn't even have enough memory on my phone for things I  REALLY need. So I've started erasing them every other day or so, thus letting them go. It's a small step, but I think I'm headed in the right direction :) I know Nelli would be proud of me for this one LOL 

* Make my health a priority!

This is another BIG one for me. I've had chronic health problems for the past 8 years + they've only gotten worse over the past couple of years. I've tried so many things over the years to try to improve my health + well being with little to no results or improvement, which has/had really lead me to giving up in a way, which I hadn't really realized up until recently. The constant disappointment of trying something + it not working just has really worn on me. But after talking to my honey + to Nelli I realize that I've gotta keep fighting! I've gotta keep trying! + I gotta make my health a priority once again! Whether it be trying new supplements or vitamins, or other types of preventive care I've gotta keep on truckin'! I'm very hopeful 2015 will be the year that a Dr. will finally be able to fix me, so I can have a good quality of life again!

So there ya have it. Yeah there's only a few resolutions I have for this year, but as I said last year I'm a firm believer in quality not quantity. :) 

Happy 2015 friends!! Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

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

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!

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.

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.

Forge Meaning, Create Identity

Just a damn good, inspirational TedX talk!

Check it out,

-Nelli

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!

25 Goals

I recently stumbled upon the website + life site: Live Your Legend.
The creator is all about helping others achieve their life goals as he achieves his, he wants to give you the tools necessary to live your life the way you want + provides articles and blogs to both inspire and guide you.

Today I've stumbled upon this article, to help you set into motion 25 of your own goals to be achieved. AFTER you have done this, circle your top 5 overall, then your top 10.


Below are a list of mine.
I've broken them into 1 month, 2 month, 1 year, and 5 year goals, Life Goals.
My top 5 are in BOLD.

1 Month (Nov. 1, 2014):
1. JOB: Step toward Dream Job
2. Apartment
3. Health: Back + Jaw pain gone!
4. Few Extra Bucks: $5000

2 Months (Jan. 1, 2015)
5. Smart Car
6. Weight + Health
7. New Wardrobe
8. Furnished Apartment
9. Few Extra Bucks: $10,000

1 Year (Jan. 1, 2016)
10. DEBT FREE: Student Loans + Credit Card debt gone
11. Travel to Baltimore, Chicago, + Croatia
12. FIT: Consistent Workout routine in place

5 Years (Jan 1, 2019)
13. Get Married
14. Purchase a Home
15. JOB: Have Government / Dream Job

Life Goals
16. Inspire Others
17. IMPROVE THE WORLD
18. Have 2 Kiddos
19. Live in Europe
20. Fit + Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain + Inspire others
21. Go to Canada
22. Go to South America
23. Open a Bakery / Coffee Shop
24. Live in Chicago
25. BE HAPPY + IN LOVE, EVERY DAY :) : I know some might think this should be #1 however #25 and #1 are about equal in my book!


Now, When do you plan to get to work on these and what is your plan?
Or rather, When do I plan to get to work on these and how? Not only your top 5 but all of them!

Now first off, if you noticed, I listed my top 5 and my top 10, however, I feel that all 25 are important to me they're just a matter of figuring out how to do them while accomplishing the first 5.
Step one will be to stay focused.
Set aside each time to focus on how to accomplish your tasks!

Dream Job.

Since my recent move to San Francisco, much of my time has been spent job hunting, reading about jobs, writing cover letters, researching companies, finding events, and and and....
However, until today it didn't occur to me to figure out first 'what am I passionate about' + 'what is my dream job'?

After reading through some articles at www.idealist.org I realized I needed to think about these a little bit, and maybe I should have considered some of this before my 75+ applications have gone out, but better late than never.

I have started with trying to identify what am I passionate about...
history of cities + architecture
cities
structures
details
health
food
baking
ideas
creativity
questioning : why don't others ask as many questions as I do?
science
the universe
saving money
humans
happiness

Anyhow, the second part is more complicated : What is my dream job?
This article poses 9 questions you should ask yourself to figure out what your dream job is, and here are my answers:

1. If I could choose one friend to trade jobs with, I’d choose Amber, because she seems happy every day.
2. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to do be a politician. It’s interesting to me because you have so much power and ability to do good.
3. If I had the right education or skill set, I’d definitely try to open a bakery + coffee shop, because I would have the ability to make someone happy every day, picking up that muffin and coffee each morning makes my entire day more enjoyable and I can only imagine it is the same way for others.
4. If I had to go back to school tomorrow, I’d major in Croatian + Baking School, because I want to live in Croatia one day + I love baking. I would still choose Urban Planning as a major before any other (which is what my degree is in).
5. My co-workers and friends always say I’m great at dissecting problems and understanding people, because I can read them on a level that most others cannot, and because I listen.
6. The thing I love most about my current job is the capacity to create change, because I want to improve the world, I want no person to go hungry, I want not person to feel unloved, I want no person to feel worthless.
7. If my boss would let me, I’d do more talking, because I like to hear everyones story, each story lets me experience a piece of life that I never have before, it is like reading a book or escaping into another reality; this love of listening to people allows me to combine their life experiences with mine, and give advice to others.
8. If I had a free Saturday that had to be spent “working” on something, I’d choose working at a vineyard, as a barista, or exploring a new city, because they all have skills I've always wanted to possess, all of these jobs seem fun and artistic, and would allow me to continuously learn.
9. When I retire, I want to be known for making someone happy + being a good human + making people's lives better + for my baked goods, because I feel like I would have no purpose on this earth if I couldn't make an impression on the hearts of others; and of course cookies are a good way to accomplish that!

Now that I have answered the requisite of questions, lets find your dream career!
I am not sure if I am any closer to figuring it out, but I definitely have a better idea!

Cheers!

-Nelli