Saturday, August 25, 2012

Best of Taos 2012






Best of Taos 2012
The Land of Enchantment

During a recent trip to New Mexico 
I received several requests for suggestions on planning
a vacation to Taos.

Since this was my first visit in the summertime I really  
 enjoyed the bright light and palette Taos is so well known for.

Last fall we took a road trip to New Mexico to 
attend the Big Barn Dance Music Festival at the Old Blinking Light in Taos
 for the weekend and it was wonderful but it rained or was cloudy
 during our stay so this trip was especially enjoyable.

 We found the people to be very friendly and the scenery 
 fascinating with adobe buildings accented with bright turquoise
and desert landscaping. We enjoyed the food, flavor, shopping, music and art
scene in Taos and enthusiastically recommend a trip to this beautiful small town.

~The Adobe Inn was our favorite spot for dinner, drinks and live music in the bar, on the patio or at Doc Martin's Restaurant.

~Loved the fresh Cowboy Buddha Margarita
www.taosinn.com/adobe_bar

~We enjoyed the charm of "Old Taos" staying at the Taos Lodging Casita's.
www.taoslodging.com

Live a Colorful Life,
~Nancy

The following is taken from The Best of Taos 2012

Best Restaurant:
 (1st Place) Graham's Grill
(2nd Place) Lambert's of Taos

Best Brunch: 
(1st Place) Graham's Grill
(2nd Place) Dragonfly Cafe and Bakery

Best New Mex:
(1st Place) Orlando's New Mexican Cafe
(2nd Place) Ranchos Plaza Grill

The Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn is considered 
"The Living Room of Taos since 1936."  
This year it was voted the Best Live Music Venue, Best Happy Hour, 
Best Bar, Best Patio, Best Margarita, Best Lodging (2nd place).
 Offering free live music seven nights a week.

 The Best Beer selection is available at 
(1st Place) Eske's Brew Pub 
(2nd) Taos Ale House 

Best Burger:
(1st Place) Five Star Burger
(2nd Place) Blake's Lotaburger

Best Bookstore:
(1st Place) Moby Dickens Bookshop
(2nd Place) The Brodsky Bookshop

Best Lodging:
(1st Place) El Monte Sagrado
(2nd Place) The Historic Taos Inn 

Best Cuppa Joe:
(1st Place) Taos Java

New Watering Hole:
El Camino Cantina

New Beverage:
A Snowmelt Margarita;a freshly blended margarita atop a frothy beer

You know you are in Taos when ...
Cars going in opposite directions stop and chat and no one honks.
Your car is so dirty you forgot what color it is.
Every waitress has a tattoo.
Everyone welcomes and accepts you for who you are not what you do.
You notice that a stop sign is only a suggestion.
It's 8PM and everything is closed.
www.taosnews.com

Glossary of Architectural Details:
Adobe: a brick of dried earth & clay
Coyote Fence: surrounds many homes usually made from aspen or cedar trees
Viga: horizontal roof beam made of logs protruding from the side of house
Nicho: a built-in shelf cut into an adobe or stucco wall
Banco: a small bench that gracefully emerges from adobe walls
Casita: a small house, usually a guest house
Kiva: a ceremonial room, rounded and partially underground
Kiva Fireplace: a corner fireplace whose round form resembles a kiva
Portal: a large covered area adjacent to the house
Pueblo Revival: homes modeled after the SW Pueblo Indians, cube or rectangular shaped.

                  ~"Taos is a funky place and this sort of architecture supports funky."
                                                                                              ~Joan Duncan


Life at a Higher Level
Elevation: 6,967 feet
Taos Ski Valley: 9,207 feet
Population: 5,545

Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this outdoor cafe











New Stuff ~ Old Stuff ~ Stuff You Need













Friendly food vendor by the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Love these block prints and enjoyed meeting the artist. 
We brought home a turquoise Zia print.
www.mieshiel.com
Earthship Biotecture

Earthship Biotecture
www.earthship.com



Monday, August 6, 2012

A vibrant colorful town Crested Butte, Colorado


It's been a bright & beautiful summer in Crested Butte, Colorado
and although the wildflowers are slight this year due to light snowfall last winter
and dry conditions in the spring this high altitude mountain town is just bursting with
fresh flowers everywhere you look. Huge hanging baskets, flower planters and gardens are 
filled with a gorgeous collection of flowering plants.

It is a delightful feast for the soul and senses whether you are out for a stroll downtown, 
 sitting outside on a park bench watching the sights of a small town, just running errands 
or enjoying a drink or meal at one of many outdoor restaurants. The brilliant blossoms  
 add a vibrant ambiance and beauty to this charming ski town.

Summertime has become our busiest season and our streets and sidewalks are filled with 
visitors, many who have been returning each year for many years to enjoy the cool mountain 
air, great food, boutique shopping, hiking, biking, music and art available in the Gunnison Valley. 

I hope you enjoy a visit through our town in these photo's. 
Wishing you a basketful of colorful days.

Live happy,
~Nancy




Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry





Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry




Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry
Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry



Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry




Monday, March 12, 2012

Shades of Green




         Live Happy. Inspired. Colorful

 Spring is in the air... in Shades of Green


It's almost mid-March, the days are getting longer, temps are warming up & spring break is on the minds of many this time of year.  As a jewelry artist who is inspired by the seasons I have many new colorful ideas swirling in my imagination and recently it's been the shades of green in bright lime, spring green, chartreuse, pear, jade & sea green that has entertained my colorful spirit with joy.


Wishing you Joyful, Bright & Sunny Days ahead,
~Nancy






Palm Tree Style Necklace available at Margaritaville, Key West

Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry


Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Bohemian Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

City Lights Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

City Lights Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

City Lights Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Palm Tree Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Bohemian Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

Island Beach Style ~ Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

New jewelry venue: inAWE Gallery, Crested Butte, CO




NEW!
Follow NYJ on Pinterest too.
www.pinterest.com/nancyyuskaitis