Pay It Forward..with your vote!

Hi there! How's your 2013 going so far?  One thing I decided I HAVE to do in 2013 is travel to Europe.  It's one thing I've been wanting to do for years, but year after year I put off because of work, money, and all those other little things in life that just seem to cut in line before my dream of traveling the world.  Maybe you can relate?  Not this year though, I put my foot down so the career, money, everything that kept me from going have to take the backseat at least for a bit.  I figured if I move out of my place in Los Angeles, sell some of my stuff (I also plan to move to New York this year) and store my car with some of my things at my parents house then I could manage to backpack through Europe for a month or so.  So that became the plan, the big plan for 2013.  

Rigggght until I heard about My Destination's Biggest Baddest Bucket List Competion where the winner will get to travel the world for six whole months! The opportunity to travel the world is one of my wildest dreams and deepest of desires in life.  So I decided to up the ante on my travel plans, the new goal being to enter the travel competition and well, win! Yeah, I know the concept of winning this is probably beyond ambitious, but then again ambitious is my middle name, well right after Nicole (my real middle name).  I'm not sure how its going to happen, but I'm trying to be optimistic.  So far I have 40 votes thats only like 2421 votes shy of being in the lead.  So my 31 followers, if you're reading this its your time to shine.  Yes, I need YOUR help and your magic social media skills :) In order to increase my votes I need people to share my video on facebook, Tweet it, Google +1 it, Stumble it, and Pin it to Pinterest.  Each click counts as a new vote! And you can do it at http://www.mydestination.com/users/natashanicole/bbb#tab 

I'm going to need to reach people way outside of my network and hopefully convince them share it with their network.  Reaching this insane goal starts with you. You are the first tier in expanding my reach.  Its simple to do, but that may not be a good enough reason for you to help me, I know.  I'm hoping that you'll do it out of the kindness of your heart, maybe you just believe in paying forward.. I can promise if you pay it forward to my by voting and encouraging your friends to do the same that I make the extra effort to support those working hard spread the word about their cause (be it about a blog, business, opportunity, whatever it may be) I want to help others, travel, inspire those around me and make a positive impact in the world.  If you have any advice for me I'd love to hear it :) Thanks for reading and for being a friend. You can watch the video I made below and CLICK HERE TO SHARE/VOTE YAY!

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

[xo] the garage gypsy

Total Getaway.

Exactly a week ago to the hour, I was packing my bag and running off to borrow a tent for a little weekend camping trip with my friends (& best travel companions) Monica and Vanessa!!  It was only a 30-hr vacation, but I have to say it was the best 30-hr escape I've had in a lonng time! Since we got back both Vanessa and I edited together our own J.T. road trip video, compiling our own video footage and photos.  It's pretty cool watching both to see the different footage!! So watch, enjoy, and then make a trip to Joshua Tree yourself :))

The Lorax from GoldenGirl Olive on Vimeo.  V is for Olive Blog

Clearly, we had a particular soundtrack to this road trip because Vanessa and I did NOT conspire to both use songs from Foster the People.  But I will take credit for introducing them to my latest obsession!!

One of the main purposes of this trip was to visit this place called the Integratron that Vanessa had seen featured in a documentary.  Built back over a magnetic field back in the 40's, this acoustically perfect building was scientifically designed to heal and nurture the body through sound.  Our curiosity was sparked and the little hippies inside us were psyched to explore what they refer to as a "sound bath."  I am a skeptic of many kinds, but the Integratron was super rad and after a 30-min sound bath and baby nap my friends and I emerged from the dome feeling renewed inside and out!  Anyway, I highly recommend you check it out if you haven't heard about it.

Hope you have WONDERFUL weekend!!

See MORE Photos AFTER the jump!!

San Francisco, you steal my heart away.

A little photo montage to take you though my road trip to San Francisco!! Regardless of it ups and downs it was a fun trip.  And like always, a little part of my heart feels as though it was left behind in this amazing city.  Sit back, relax, LA--> SF here we come! Hope you enjoy..

I don't know that I suggest my driving style, it doesn't appear to be the safest..  :) 

Pit stop..

I'm not all that into tourist havens like Carmel.. So I made my rounds then waited at the car.

Check out the little photo montage I created with the photo I took on my first trip ever to New York City this past December.  It's such an amazing city.  So much so, that in a year from now I hope to be living there.  I know exactly what I want; an awesome space/loft in Brooklyn to share with a couple of really cool, artistic and ambitious people (& clean!).  Sooo...if your in...let me know :)



Feel free to comment on youtube, and follow my channel.  More fun videos will be coming :)

Summer Days and the Livings Easy..

Back from the countryside.  I spent the last ten days in my hometown for my brother's high school graduation shindig.  Usually I'm ready to get back to my Los Angeles lifestyle, but something about that damp heat in the air had me wishing my stay could last a little longer.  There is something about humidity that really makes summer feel like summer. Or maybe I was wishing my stay would last a little longer because I felt like I had time traveled back into my teenage years between hanging with my brother, his gang of friends, go cart racing,  drinking cheap vodka with OJ, and TP-ing houses under the starry night sky.  Either way, I have to admit, I think it was just what the doctor ordered.

Me and Grandma with my brother on his Grad Night.

The tres generations cooking in the kitchen..

Anyyyway.  I'm back in the city of angeles and even though I felt small tear slide down my cheek as I departed from Chicago, Sunday was a quick reminder of why I love Los Angeles :)

Here's a little look into my day.

An [8 am] chirping text from my brother pulled me from my much needed sleep, but since the kid is beyond hard to get in touch with I figured I'd call him while he wasn't busy and then get started on my day.  However, when I'm low on sleep it takes me immensely longer to jump into motivation mode.  So rather than do any real work, I went into my creative mode.  I had went thrifting with one of my best friends when I was back in IL and found this sweet jean jacket that I wanted to become a vest.  As a side note, the best thrifting (aka cheapest) is definitely in the midwest.  So anyway, I pulled this bad boy out of my suitcase, got to snipping and ripping, spent a good hour adding studs, and well, presto!

[10am] I surfed the web, its my addiction, got inspired and decided to draw while watching Food, Inc.  I only made it three quarters though the movie - it was making me depressed and nauseous, not to mention I was going to miss the farmers market if I didn't start getting ready.

[12pm] I walked to the farmer's market, filled up on samples and loaded up fresh vegetables and fruit for the week.

[2:30pm] I made a quick switch into my shorts and gym shoes, slathered on some sunscreen, grabbed my earphones and water bottle and headed to Runyon Canyon for a quick hike.

[3:30] Fourty-five minutes after arriving at Runyon, I scurried back to my apt, jumped into the shower, got ready in five fast minutes and headed out the door to meet my friend Lonnie at the Gramins Chinese theater for the XMEN movie.  And because I have this tendency to always be late I ended up running half way there, at least until I was mobbed by tourists.

[7:00] After the movie- which was great by the way, we grabbed a bite to eat at Boho and ended up running into some friends I hadn't seen in a while. All and all a good relaxing Sunday spent catching up with some of my friends and getting back to my favorite LA activities.

P.S. If you enjoy "a day in the life" posts check out V is for Olive's DAY IN THE LIFE !!

[xo] Natasha



Pulling out the camera.

Sorry for the lack of posts, I know things have been looking dull on here!  I've been focusing most of my  'blogging' energy on my jewelry brand blog.  Most of my life resides within my business and designing jewelry, so it's been hard to make my way over here.  But I did!  The weekend before last my friend Andre and I got up in the dead of night, or should I say morning, and drove up to this secret spot up in the Hollywood Hills.  Here are a few photos and a photo montage I made.  I was pretty satisfied with my results, that is, until I saw Andre's photos & timelapse. 

xo

life can get so complicated.

But it's okay.  Everything I put myself through will make for a really good story one day.  So yeah, my three week old Isuzu Rodeo passed on to engine heaven yesterday.  Kind of my fault.  Sometimes I have this tendency to push things to the absolute limit.  I'm one of those people that will drive around on E, leave  at the very last moment possible, and agree to be in fifty places at once.  I like the adrenaline rush that is derived from the idea of not knowing if I will be able pull it off.  And knock on wood, I usually pull it off.  I've only ran out of gas once, and really I was just being stupid when that happened.

So when I knew that I should probably get my oil checked before I headed up to SF, the 'risk taker voice' stepped in and said, meh its fine, just go.  And in all fairness, my oil was supposably changed and checked three weeks prior.  But its weird because I also felt like something was going to go wrong, I just had this feeling like.. your not going to make it there like you planned.  I don't know why, I'm usually really good about listening to that inner voice thing, but for some reason, this time, I was like whatever, I'm sure it will be fine.  But as it turns out.. yeah, not so much.  Now I am without my Isuzu, and back in L.A.  What sucks is that I feel like I ran smack into a brick wall.  I am without an operating car and without a home. And without a way to get to San Fran.  Anddd.. most of all my belongings are in Chicago.  Ugh.  For the last few months I've been going through this weird streak where every set of plans I make falls through the grates, sucking me into the current of unexpectancy.  I'd be lying if I didn't admit to enjoying it, but now I really just want a cute little apartment (or room) to call my own and decorate.  Not to mention how ready I am for a job with a little regularity and structure.

Heres a little photo montage of my morning yesterday.

Its 7:30am, ready to hit the road..

San Fran get ready..

And I'm off!

Engine trouble.. there is absolutely no oil.

yeah, that's my pouty face..

waiting for my friend Monica to save the day

boredom on the shoulder of the freeway.

seriously, its 114 degrees outside. no air.

watching semis fly by..

my poor baby..

off to the nearest mechanic.

After hearing I needed a new engine..

we headed to margaritaville

 to ease the pain..

i like my lips..

..like i like my bread.  "NOT SOGGY." [[Thanks Gitis, for the way you put that, it was the hardest laugh all day.]]  When you talk to your bff that lives in Nashville (aka. too far away) funny discussions are bound to come up.  And in this case, it was lips.  I am very particular with what I like, thats all I'm going to say.  And when you find something you like (and if that doesn't happen very often) you have to try and hope you can hang onto it.  Thats assuming there is something to hang onto.

Its been another fab day in San Fran!  I got new tires, my spare is back where it belongs, I found a promising potential job, did a little networking, met some fun people, found a fab little jewelry shop and best of all, I think I have decided on what area I would love most to live in!! Not only that, but this city is so inspiring and I totally NEED to live here.

Some people need caffeine to wire them up, other people need drugs.  All I need is ridiculous amounts of inspiration.. art.. passion.  Right now there is so much build up inside, my hands are jittery.  I'm feeling that sudden urge to jump up and down and scream.  However, I am attempting to repress these desires until tomorrow.  I need a studio, BADDDD.  I want to draw and paint so desperately.  What sucks is that I have my old huge sketch pad in the back of my car, but all of my pencils, pens, brushes and paints are back in Chicago.  I'm about to go to Blick and just re-buy it all.  Only, I'm sure I can't afford to do that.  Ugh.

I think I'm going to have to admit that driving back to Chicago with all of my belongings was not the best move.  But how was I to know.  Well, okay thats a lie, I should have known.  I never liked the state of Illinois.  I could go on serious hate rant.  Like, for example: the people have no sense of style, there is no individuality, so much of everything is commercial and/or part of a corporation/franchise, people think you're crazy if you eat healthy, everything is way too spread out, all of the houses look the same (&ugly), most of the guys are d.bags, very few people have any real drive or motivation to do something great with their lives, etc etc.  I am not a fan.  [San Francisco on the other hand, polar opposite.]

The thing was, I needed to get out of Los Angeles. I had lived there for five years, I was too comfortable.  I still love it but I needed to shake things up.  I wanted a city with a little more soul, and not as spread out.  I want to not have to use a car.  Then I thought, oh I'll go back to Chicago, be the better daughter, sister, grand-daughter, whatever...and be close to my family.  Okay, and mostly I wanted to be in a close proximity to my three closest friends that I love and miss so terribly.  I felt bad not being able to be there for my little (and twice the size of me) brother, and my mom.  Then no one can make me feel worse for being so far then my grandparents..  So I caved, even though the thought made me sick to my stomach.

And it was lame.  I tried it for just over a month, and I spent most of that time imaging that I was somewhere else.  I tried to work my ass of making jewelry, editing, and other misc tasks, but I was so bored in my environment that it was often forced.  It was fun to hang out with my friends, I did enjoy our dance parties, midnight drunken bike ride escapades, but I imagine that can only be exciting so many times.  And I know we have just as much fun (if not more..) skinny dipping in Hollywood.

So in conclusion, and I hope this doesn't sound mean, but I'd rather be selfish than hate my life.  I was as empty and irritated there as I am excited and inspired here.

I don't regret driving back though, I had a great road trip with my brother!  It makes me so happy that we're able to talk about almost anything (with zero awkwardness), have fun, be silly, and rock out to music. For as much as we get along, we sure do know how to piss each other off though.  But the time spent was well worth it, and I think it made up for some of the lost time.

And look, this city is already motivating me enough to blog each day...
suki suki..

An Adventure Back in LA.

Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine a bit of unscheduled pleasure.

- Richard Iannelli

It was a fabulous, unintended three weeks.  There are no words to express how grateful I am for my old and new friends in this city.  I came back on a whim, and I have to admit, its was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.. ever.  I flew back with two bags, one filled with my jewelry designs and supplies, the other filled with my belongings.  It was the most liberating feeling to know that at that moment in time, I held in each hand my only responsibilities. I was returning with three priorities: (1) showcase my jewelry line at a few events, network, expand the exposure and sales of Garage Gypsy, (2) buy my old, inexpensive 'dream' car to a) retrieve a few belongings I had left behind, b) run me around the city, and c) deliver me to my next destination, (3) see Phoenix play live in SB with my bffs.

It was a fun adventure, I came with a purpose, but flew by the seat of my pants the whole way.  I had the best of both worlds.  I met an array of amazing new people, all of which I hope to cross paths with again, and I was reunited with old friends.  There are just so many reasons I love this city: farmers markets, runyon canyon, meeting other creative designers, artists, musicians, Nature-well (and all other juice/health food stores), piloxing and classes at Crunch, friends that will carry you home from the Fuck Yeah Feast after too much alcamahol, and the fact that in five minutes, I can be at a cute coffee shop, Whole Foods, The Grove, Blick, art museums, or Target.  This all makes it very hard to leave, but my soul is just screaming for a new adventure.  A new city to discover, learn, get lost in and conquer.  I guess, after all, I am just a rolling stone.

Meet Murtough, my recent obsession and biggest headache.  Don't ask me why, but I always seem to be  attracted to objects or what have you, that are most likely to cause me more grief.  On the other hand, they seem to feed me with the most gratification.  How I ended up purchasing another vehicle will remain a mystery to even myself.  Once I get an idea in my head, assuming I want it bad enough, I just do whatever it takes to make it a happen.  I like to think of this quality as one of my better strengths, but in reality it can easily become my greatest weakness.  Hmm..

San Francisco [[Day 1.]]

Today (mind you it's still only 10:30am) has been the perfect, worst day ever. Okay not ever, but I'm feeling a tad bit dramatic from the overload of emotions that are racing through my body.  Just to highlight this day starting at one am, I've had a blow out on the freeway, my car battery died, I've had three hours of sleep, which I enjoyed in back seat of my car, and my driver door lock got stuck in the 'locked' position.  Not to mention the doubts I have about my Isuzu making it to Chicago, this homesick feeling for LA, and the rapid dwindling of funds in my bank account.  I would be lying if I didn't admit to wondering if, this was such a good idea.  BUT, despite all these little punches, I am too amazed by San Francisco to really let it get to me.  I am in love with the eccentric yet elegant town homes knit closely together, each accompanied with it's own steep stairway that leads to unique front door.  I could definitely live here, in Noe Valley to be exact.  Mostly because there is a line of cute coffee shops, dark bars, cozy restaurants and a Whole Foods surrounded by ridiculously cute homes.  Okay, who wants to find an apt with me?

seven weeks, seven adventures

Its May. WOW!?  I feel like it was just a few weeks ago when the new year rang in along with my new goals and plans for the year.  Now its four months later.  I'm left sitting here wondering what happened to time and if I accomplished anything.  Its weird because I guess when I do think about it, a lot has happened.  Only, it either took longer, or wasn't planned.

Now if I stick to my current plan, I have seven weeks left in Los Angeles before moving on to my next city and new adventure.  Which means, no more diddle dallying, its time to make the best of everyday spent in the sunny state of California.  So I'm starting a few lists.  Lists of restaurants and bars, museams, beachs, towns, shopping, and anything else I've had sitting on the back burner.  Check out the MY PROGRESS HERE!

***Also, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has been following my blog! And to those of you who  have left me feedback, you've made my heart smile! Thanks for that :)