Summer stories - Durango, CO

This was my first visit in Colorado - and it was exactly as I pictured it would be, green and gorgeous! The air was so crisp and smelled so good. I wish I could have bottled that smell in a jar to take home. It was quite refreshing to get a break from that summer desert heat and be back in the land of pine and trees. We camped at a campground right off the Animas River. Durango is a very small town but in the summer it does turn in to a tourist stop for white water rafting adventures and Mesa Verde National Park. I did spend one afternoon in the Mesa Verde Nat'l park to see the pueblos. We stayed two nights in this town. I got a lot of work done on this stay since there wasn't a whole lot to do and see in this town. It was quite enjoyable setting my work bench up on the riverside. Another memorable part of this town was dining at the Yardbird eatery. That place had the best fried chicken I've ever had, and coming from someone that doesn't usually like fried chicken - that is kind of a big deal! This cute little quaint restaurant is owned by a very sweet couple. We met one of them while we were there and she explained how everything is made in house from scratch including the corn bread, fried chicken, and I even splurged for desert to try the banana pudding. That meal was so good, we ended up eating there both nights on our stay. Here's a photo diary of my time in the sweet little town of Durango.

The Dark Bird Palace

One of the first days I was in Santa Fe, I was referred to go check out the Tesuque Pueblo flea market. So glad I did, not only did I find some amazing gems I also go to meet this rad inspiring artist behind the Dark Bird Palace, Kelly Moore. His booth sits right in the middle of the flea market you can't miss it! I walked by and was immediately stunned. The palace is a collection of just about everything in raw form! From paintings, to postcards, cow skulls, to can openers, bottle tops, old credit cards, license plates, dolls, bird houses, straw hats, etc... you name it, it's in there. As I walked inside I met the man behind all of this beautiful chaos who was just as I pictured him to be, extremely laid back and very friendly. He had a very welcoming vibe. I enjoyed my conversation with him, his stories and adventures were all very inspiring. Just before I left he gifted me with his book, "Absurdity is my friend," the collection of his art and stories from the desert. What a masterpiece. Every Monday he adds a new piece to the collection, so there's always something new to check out. Put this flea market on your list for a must visit if you go to Santa Fe! My favorite piece - captured in the last photo, the "4 dead cowboys." Check out more of Moore's artwork and collections here//www.kellymoore.net.

The adobe houses

How could you not love the adobe houses...  while in Santa Fe I got to visit the "oldest house in the USA" which is an adobe home that was built in 1646. I also got a tour of the inside which was full of some of the furniture that had been found in the home. So inspiring to see this homes history, especially seeing that it was at once an Indian and Mexican arts & crafts shop. During my stay I also checked out some of the local neighborhoods to get a view of some of the adobe homes. I really want to own one some day with a big turquoise door!

Summer Stories - Santa Fe, NM

Three days in Santa Fe. I've always had a dream of moving to Santa Fe and living in an adobe house without even having visited this city before but now I know why. This city is a gem. Very high in elevation, which I didn't realize before visiting. It is known as the oldest and highest state capital in the US. In the short time I spent in this city I got to experience lots of different parts. The local flea market on Sunday, a handful of really good authentic Mexican restaurants (so many enchiladas and tacos), El Santuario de Chimayo, the loretto chapel, the museum of contemporary Native Arts, a local winery and chocolate tasting, a full moon, and meetings with some of the local native american silversmiths. Here's a photo diary of my time in Santa Fe.

Summer Stories 15'

8 cities. 20 days. The summer adventures in the RV started here. The first 3 days on the road we made it through Flagstaff and Albuquerque. Of course I would have loved to stay in both these cities longer then just a day but they were only quick stops for us on the road. I had been to Flagstaff a few years prior and this time was just for a late afternoon and one night stop. I think what I enjoy most about this town is that it reminds me of Woodstock, NY where I visited a lot to when I lived in NY. Flagstaff does not feel like Arizona at all with all the green, trees, and cooler temperatures. It was nice to get out of the desert heat. When we started our travels that morning it was 90 degrees at 8am in Vegas. Flagstaff temperature was in the low 70s. I got to enjoy my first hot coffee of the summer in Flagstaff at Fire Creek cafe which was located off route 66, also located right next to my favorite crystal shop called Crystal Magic. For dinner we ate the Black bart's steakhouse. The only restaurant I've ever been to where the wait staff sing and dance on stage during your meal. They all are students at a local art/music performance school which made for a very interesting atmosphere to eat in. I enjoyed it, and of course the steak and wine. The next morning we left early for Albuquerque. Oh, Albuquerque. I wish I could have stayed longer. I LOVED this town (I think even more than Santa Fe) but I only got to spend one day here. We went into old town that evening, where I had the best enchillada dish at La Placita. The people I met here in this town were so friendly and every corner was full of turquoise and old pawn shops. I did pick out some sweet turquoise gems during this short visit. Quite overwhelmed with the amount of turquoise and jewels the city hoards. I will get back to this city soon, if I don't end up moving there sooner. Seriously add this one to the list... Next stop was Santa Fe - post to follow.

Only pic I got from RV park in Flagstaff, AZ.

Only pic I got from RV park in Flagstaff, AZ.

Hiking in Sedona, AZ

This past weekend one of my best friends I met in college, Erika came to visit and we took a road trip to Sedona, Arizona for a little summer getaway. We'd both been to Sedona before so we wanted to make sure to try and see new things we'd never done before which included some hiking. On our first morning we woke up at 7am and took the West Fork Trail. We had heard from some people in town that it was the best hike to take in the summer season because it was mostly a shaded hike in the canyons and the trail made you feel like you weren't in Arizona, and that I would definitely agree with. That trail was so green I couldn't believe it! I felt like I was back in NY, in the adirondacks! It had just stormed right before we headed out on those trails, so all the trees and leaves had fresh drops of rain on them and the smell was one I wish I could have bottled up and taken home with me. Mother nature at her best.

The second hike we did was later in the day, called cathedral rock. This hike was a little more intense especially since it was during prime hours the sun was directly above and beating on us. Not recommended in 100 degree temperatures - unless you have lots and lots of water! Lets just say I did not make it to the top of cathedral rock. I stopped midway and took some time to myself. Erika made it a little further than I did.. but I enjoyed stopping and collecting some personal moments for myself. Even though our Sedona trip was quite short, it was the perfect getaway to clear the mind and cleanse the soul. Sedona is probably one of the most sacred and spiritual places to visit. We also got to enjoy some good food, psychic readings, vortex visits, and crystal shopping during our stay. Here's a little photo diary from our hikes.

Oh yes and we had this little man along for the adventure! He was such a trooper. #romanthepup

Oh yes and we had this little man along for the adventure! He was such a trooper. #romanthepup

Ghost Town

Just an hour outside Vegas - southwest of Boulder City you'll wander upon the littlest town off the highway called Nelson. I recently went mining with a friend who mentioned this town aka Ghost Town. Now I can see why. There is a private property that is now a historical landmark right in the middle of this town. It used to be an old gold mine, and they do offer mining tours on weekdays. I went on a Sunday, but would love to go back in the upcoming week to check out one of these tours. Although this location even without the tour was a dream.. everything from antique cars, school buses, vintage gas pumps, old barns with every random piece you can imagine to find in a junk barn. It was like I wandered right in to a time machine. Such great inspiration, I adored this place a lot. Looking forward to adventuring the gold mine next time. Here's a little photo diary from my day in Nelson.

Annual Tucson gem show

I honestly can't get enough of this show! Last year I went solo, and this year I brought my mom along who was just as overwhelmed. Again, I only had a day to shop - which is not nearly enough to experience this show, but we did see some breathtaking crystals and had some beautiful gem finds for the day. Lately I have been so drawn to rutilated and smokey quartz. Every room I went to I was immediately pulled to these stones, so naturally I knew I needed them. I also couldn't keep my eyes off of watermelon tourmaline. This year it seemed to be popping up everywhere at the show. It's a gem I've never worked before, so I'm excited to see what I can do with it. I must say these gem shows fill me up with so much inspiration and energy. Looking forward to sharing all my finds in the upcoming collections. Here's just a glimpse of our day in Tuscon.

Shop Underground in Beverly Hills

This past weekend I had my first pop up shop in Beverly Hills hosted by Fabric Fashion Show. I'd like to special thank those I met from my instagram, who came out and picked up some jewels. It was a pleasure meeting you all. This was my first pop up in LA and their first "Shop Underground" event [See opening weekend video highlights below]. Also, check out the feature on Racked LA here. They will be hosting these events every other weekend, and I'm hoping to make it back for another one again soon.

The event was held during the day at a stunning new venue located right off Beverly Dr., and literally underground from all the best shopping in Beverly Hills. There was a wonderful mix of fashion/jewelry/makeup artists/performing artists/etc. I got to meet many fellow independent artists and designers. We all had a blast mingling together and enjoying a couple cocktails [they had complimentary drinks, full bar, and little hors d'oeuvres being served all day]. I even got my hair and makeup touched up by the Glamsquad who had a booth there. Some of us ended up going to dinner together after the event to celebrate at the Chateau Marmont hotel, which was also my first experience there. Such a quaint little magical place to dine in West Hollywood. I just love LA visits! I have a feeling there are going to be many of them this year. I've already had two in January - and there's another one in the works for Valentines weekend! Can't wait to share what's on the calendar for that... never stop dreaming, dreamers! XO

photo cred: via fabric fashion show

photo cred: via fabric fashion show

Best of adventures.. since I got my Macbook Pro

The other day I was going through my computer, removing old photos on to my hard drive to make room for new adventures. My current storage keeps messaging me it's almost out. I guess 4 years with my Macbook Pro and 12K+ photos later will do that.. By doing so I found so many amazing adventures that I've had, some I never even shared before so thought I'd share some of my favorites on the blog this morning. Looking forward to what 2015 adventures will bring!

Apple picking in Indian ladder farms - Altamont, NY.

Apple picking in Indian ladder farms - Altamont, NY.

Outdoor camping and canoeing on the Delaware River - Bethel, NY.

Outdoor camping and canoeing on the Delaware River - Bethel, NY.

Antiquing in Hudson, NY.

Antiquing in Hudson, NY.

Planting in green houses - Castleton, NY.

Planting in green houses - Castleton, NY.

RVing off the Mississippi River - West Memphis, AR.

RVing off the Mississippi River - West Memphis, AR.

Wandering around New Mexico.

Wandering around New Mexico.

Cross country road trips.

Cross country road trips.

Old Nevada - Bonnie Springs Ranch, NV.

Old Nevada - Bonnie Springs Ranch, NV.

Opus One Winery - Napa Valley, CA.

Opus One Winery - Napa Valley, CA.

Fog over the Golden Gate bridge - San Fransisco, CA.

Fog over the Golden Gate bridge - San Fransisco, CA.

First step ever in the Pacific - Huntington Beach, CA.

First step ever in the Pacific - Huntington Beach, CA.

Treasure Hunting in Quartzsite, AZ.

Treasure Hunting in Quartzsite, AZ.

Horseback riding in Zion National Park, UT.

Horseback riding in Zion National Park, UT.

Snow in Mt. Charleston, NV.

Snow in Mt. Charleston, NV.

Visits back east to my hometown - Albany, NY.

Visits back east to my hometown - Albany, NY.

Full Moon Meditations - Mt. Charleston, NV.

Full Moon Meditations - Mt. Charleston, NV.

Celebrating 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson - Milwaukee, WI.

Celebrating 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson - Milwaukee, WI.

Rainbows, sunsets, and bottles of red - Red Rock Canyon, NV.

Rainbows, sunsets, and bottles of red - Red Rock Canyon, NV.

Sailing on Lake Mead, NV.

Sailing on Lake Mead, NV.

Exploring Valley of Fire, NV.

Exploring Valley of Fire, NV.

Home away from home - Scottsdale, AZ.

Home away from home - Scottsdale, AZ.