Travel Archives - Page 4 of 5 - My So-Called Chaos

Holiday Hot List: Handmade Gift Ideas for The Wanderer

December 4, 2014 by Angie 4 Comments

Awww wanderlust… It gets the best of us doesn’t it? If you know a wanderer or traveler who you need the perfect gift for this year, here are some fabulous ideas! They’re bound to love them, and you might love them so much you keep them for yourself!

Holiday Hot List: Handmade Gift Ideas for The Wanderer

Handmade Gifts for The Wanderer

Wilderness is a Necessity Wall Art by The Heartwood
Road Trip Pendant Domino Necklace from WiReD Boutique
Decorative Rocky Mountain Pillow from Brittany Bellows (I have one, and I LOVE it)
Born to Roam Wrap Bracelet from Whispered Truths
Wanderlust Travel Custom Painted TOMS from I Bleed HeART
Wanderlust Rings from Belle Hibou
Printable Wanderlust Travel Poster from Minnesota Print Co.
2015 Wanderlust Desk Calendar from Eye Poetry Photography
Adventure Awaits Necklace from Livin’ Freely
Heart Travel Passport Cover from Two Polka Dots
One Heart Custom Map Location Print from Jess Vartanian
Mini Perfume Set from Wylde Ivy
Buddah Diary in Mint from Indian Journals
Our First Date at the Eiffel Tower Necklace from FMJ Creation
Skyline Embroidery Hoop from Made in Neverland
Adventure Awaits Typography Window Decal from Overly Attached Decals
Seek Adventure Throw Pillow from Vintage Skies
The Dylan Tee from Skyline Fever
Tribal Envelope Clutch from Oyeta

What item is your favorite?

Angie

Angie is a coffee-fueled writer, artist-wanna-be, and over-worker who currently resides in a tiny fixer-upper near Salt Lake City with her boyfriend and 70lb rescue pittie. She works full time in Customer Service/Computers, part-time in retail and fashion, goes to school part-time on and off, maintains this and another couple of blogs, as well as volunteers with rescue dogs. In her free time, what little of it there is, she likes to read, play nerd games, craft and create art, and spend time with all of the awesome people in her life.

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Josh’s Sushi Weekend Camping & Tubing in Oneida Narrows

August 20, 2014 by Angie 1 Comment

As you can see, I’m playing catch up with updates here on the blog this week! Life has been crazy while preparing for Josh to go and what we’re all doing after. A few weeks ago we went camping and tubing at Oneida Narrows. This has been a (mostly) yearly tradition for our group of friends for a little while now and we wanted to make sure we got one in before Josh left for Canada. So Josh, Valor, Kristina, and I packed up and headed for Idaho and Ortie joined us the next day.

Josh’s Sushi Weekend

We took to calling the weekend “Josh’s Sushi Weekend” due to the fact that he was the only guy, and when the trip was over he called his mom and told her he was “all femaled out.” Can’t say I blame him, I am a girl and I definitely needed a break from women after it! But the trip was a lot of fun and we managed to get in some good food, great company, and several trips down the river on our tubes. I also got to play with the camera a bit too-which is always fun. I need a LOT of practice.

Josh's Sushi Weekend Camping & Tubing in Oneida Narrows

…And a few pictures of the last trip my Civic took us on. This little car is up for sale now, but it was a great car.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Travel Tips from Anna in Wonderland

August 14, 2014 by Angie 1 Comment

This is a guest post by Anna from Anna in Wonderland. Please leave her some love readers. 🙂

When people realize I have lived in 5 different countries (before the age of 30), they remark that I, or my parents, must be extremely wealthy. While I won’t negate that I did grow up more privileged than many people, my parents haven’t paid for much in regards to my travels since my first study abroad adventure in 2006. You can also finance your own travels relatively easily–although it does take a bit of know how.

The title of this post, however, may be a bit of a misnomer as with many of my experiences, you still had to pay for a flight and/or a visa.

Tip #1 Get a Job

If English is your native language, this is likely the asset you’re going to be able to sell the most when it comes to working abroad. In 2009, I taught English to about 100 Hungarian kids to finance a year in Budapest. Other alternatives include au pairing, interning, working at summer camps and working holidays (depending on your nationality–this isn’t super easy for Americans, however). Companies like Jobs Abroad and BUNAC. are great resources to begin your search.

[Tweet “Want to travel more? Get a job teaching English in another country…”]

As far as teaching English goes, a country like Hungary (I went with the Central European Teaching Program) won’t pay you shedloads, but it will cover your time there (and you’ll get a free apartment and utilities). Likewise, the CIEP Foreign Language Teaching Assistants Program in France is pretty well known, but will also only cover your time in France (without an apartment or utilities, which you will have to pay for). Although I have not taught in Asia or the Middle East, those are supposedly amongst the most lucrative and you may even get your flight paid for.

Tip #2 Study

Consider going to university or getting a Masters degree abroad. They are typically cheaper than in America and you may be able to get funding from outside institutions, or your own school, to attend. My Masters degree at the University of Amsterdam was completely paid for, thanks to the fact that I was given a University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. If you do decide to study abroad, consult your school or department about funding, as they can help you find scholarships and studentships that past students have successfully secured.

Tip #3 Take Subsidized Trips

Certain countries or programs will subsidize trips for specific groups of people. One of the most notable subsidized trips is Birthright Israel, which takes Jewish young people ages 18-26 on a free trip to Israel. Obviously now isn’t the best time to go, but it is something to consider if you fall into that category. The recent trip I went on to Poland was subsidized by a museum. You can read about it here if you are interested. My parents also went on a trip subsidized by the Chinese government in 2008, which you can read a bit more about here. Bear in mind that subsidized trips, however, are typically not holidays and will have an itinerary for you that you must follow as a condition.

Tip #4 Apply for a Travel Grant

Many places will offer you a travel grant to travel, especially if it is for a specific purpose. About.com has a great list of travel grants that you can peruse and see if one fits you.

Tip #5 Volunteer

Working, or volunteering, in the Peace Corps can change lives and allow you to live abroad for two years. This is an ideal job for those who are service oriented–however there are some drawbacks. In order to participate, you must sign on to two years of work and cannot return home permanently (visits are allowed). You must also be willing to live in conditions that may be below your normal standard and must be in good health. You must also be an American citizen. However, many people have found this extremely rewarding and a great way to touch people outside of the US.

You can also do service trips through places like Habitat for Humanity which you can pay for outright or invite friends and family to help you fundraise in a good old fashioned crowd funding scheme.

Lifehacker has a fabulous article entitled “How to Book a $1700 Vacation for $700 by Volunteering,” which will appeal to anyone’s favorite causes from education to human rights to animals welfare.I hope these tips have gotten your gears turning when it comes to travel. If you have any further questions or would like me to do a blog post on any of the programs I have participated in, please let me know and I will be more than happy to do so.

Keep up with Anna here: Blog | YouTube | Website

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Sunday Sipping a.k.a My Kind of Church

May 6, 2014 by Angie Leave a Comment

On Sunday, a few of my dearest and I met up for brunch at Squatters. We had a great time, but we were done before an hour was even up, and weren’t content with the time we’d spent together when Josh mentioned “I could sit and chat all day” we all quickly agreed. But instead of hanging out there for much longer, we walked around the corner and snagged a table on the patio at Gracie’s.

The weather was lovely-partially cloudy with a little breeze, and pretty soon they had a live cover band playing. Plus, we decided we had to try a ton of their Summer drinks menu. I was so in love with these two pictured, they were so tasty! The first is a Cucumber Strawberry, and this one is a Cucumber Rosemary.

We ended up sitting there for about four hours… Just drinking, talking, eventually ordering some nachos, and enjoying the mild spring weather. In the process of our leisurely Sunday we decided that this was going to be our new church-since none of us are religious. We are just going to get together every Sunday at a different local venue for brunch, cocktails, and catching up. Sunday sipping perfection.

While we were at brunch we all decided on our Sex and the City personalities. Yes, we really discussed it. We even took this photo to show off our personalities… Shawn immediately wanted to be Miranda, but we decided he was definitely Samantha, and Callie was Miranda. When it was brought up who was the purest of us all-everyone quickly decided on Josh as Charlotte, and me as Carrie. I kind of figured.

And no, this isn’t an add at all-so nothing to disclose even though it comes off that way! Haha, we just had such a great time that I wanted to share! We’re skipping next week (Mother’s Day) but I can’t wait until next time!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Oregon Photo Dump pt 5: Mr. Bingo’s Backyard

March 20, 2014 by Angie Leave a Comment

Mr. Bingo’s Backyard sounds like it could be the name of a children’s show-creepy or not, I’m not sure… But let me tell you this-Mr. Bingo has the most amazing yard. It’s like his very own forest, and it’s lush and green with all of these gorgeous colorful accents-some natural, like blossoms, his cat Pepe, and Koi-and some placed there-like red benches and welcome signs. It’s gorgeous and it was the most perfect place for me to practice some of my photography skills as I wandered about. It’s not only his back yard, his front yard is just amazing. It’s covered in clover and has this big beautiful tree right outside the main windows-and he gets to see that every. single. day. Just see what I mean:

Coos Bay, Oregon

Coos Bay, OregonSalamander Egg Sacks in Coos Bay, Oregon

Did you know that Salamanders look just like little Pokemon in their faces? Seriously, so cute and pretty friendly. Those clear sacks up there? Salamander egg sacks. There are itty bitty baby Salamanders growing there in the pond along with the Koi and other creatures. Amazing.

If you missed my other Oregon photo dumps see Eel Lake, Umpqua Lighthouse, Cape Arago, and Bandon also. There were lots of fun shots-great things to see and check out!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Oregon Photo Dump pt. 4: Bandon

March 19, 2014 by Angie Leave a Comment

One day I got Mr. Bingo to drive me down to Bandon. It was really windy there, but we stopped for some lunch (I was queasy from the curvy drive and needed some real food) at this adorable little place called Tony’s Crab Shack and then we wandered over to the pier to take some shots of the murky brown water.

Bandon, OR

After that we drove out to get a better shot of the lighthouse, and then down to the beach where the sun was warm and rich on the horizon and the tide was starting to come in. Aside from the wind being really chilly and freezing our faces and hands, it was a lovely little walk on the beach. The rocks were fun to explore and waves crashing on and through them was wonderful.

Have you ever visited Bandon?

If you missed my other photo dumps check out our picnic at Eel Lake, my visit to the Umpqua Lighthouse, and also my hike along Cape Arago in Coos Bay. Lots of lovely images there too!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Oregon Photo Dump pt. 3: Cape Arago

March 18, 2014 by Angie Leave a Comment

Hello lovelies! I have already shared with you my photos from our picnic at Eel Lake and our visit to the Umpqua Lighthouse; so today I’m sharing pictures from our hike along the coast at Cape Arago. The lighthouse, sea life, and Mr. Bingo being such a great model-a.k.a. a huge champ when I was like “sit there and look pretty while I practice using my 50mm lens!

Cape Arago, OR

For a heads up, the photo with all the little black things in the water is a photo of seals/sea lions-they were just bobbing out there enjoying the tide. This one will be a bit longer, there were a lot of pictures.

See? Total champ. He never once complained about sitting there forever while I got the shot right or when I took multiple shops trying to get one I liked. Let’s not forget that he basically took me wherever I wanted to go take pictures and trekked around with me. What a pal!

Have you been to Cape Arago?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Oregon Photo Dump pt. 2: Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

March 15, 2014 by Angie Leave a Comment

After having a picnic at Eel Lake we decided to check out Umpqua lighthouse. At first we missed the turn and ended up in Winchester Bay, where we visited a cute little Sourdough Bakery and bought some bread, lemon jelly, and a delicious Huckleberry chocolate bar. Then we headed back and found our turn again. The Umpqua lighthouse is a very small lighthouse sitting on a coast guard base-and it confuses me a little since it’s nowhere near the river or ocean-and too small to reach that far probably.

Umpqua Lighthouse, OR

We met a squirrel, saw some crazy hippies with naked Barbies in their backseats, and then drove down to see the dunes and the coast guard tower on the ocean. It was still lovely and gray.

Have you seen the Umpqua Lighthouse before?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Oregon Photo Dump pt. 1: Eel Lake

March 14, 2014 by Angie Leave a Comment

Hey loves! I’m back from Oregon (sadly) and wanted to share some of the photos I took on my first trip with my new DSLR. Since I don’t want these posts to be insanely long, I’m breaking it down into parts. Here’s our first outting-a picnic to Eel Lake. We went up and had sandwiches and I took some photos. It was gorgeous and dreary-gray skies, fog, and falling rain. We were also able to see the huge Salmon they catch to harvest their eggs before releasing them again.

Also, it’s not photoshop-the grass really is nearly neon green. It glows with the dew on it. Gorgeous.

Oh and look, there’s Mr. Bingo being a true champ and posing for me so I could practice using my 50mm lens for the first time. Such a stud-I’m lucky to have him as a friend, especially for visiting.

Will you visit Eel Lake, in OR?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Salt Lake ComicCon 2013

September 10, 2013 by Angie 11 Comments

This weekend I was lucky enough to make it to SLC ComicCon. I’ve never been to a convention before, so when purchasing tickets I only nabbed Saturday tickets thinking that I wouldn’t want to be there more than an hour or two-but I was so wrong! We were there from about 11am to 9:30pm on Saturday, and after attending panels and learning things I found myself wishing that I’d been there all three days-though I still think they should have done it Fri/Sat/Sun instead of Thurs/Fri/Sat, but oh well-it is Utah.

We arrived and stood in line for about 45 minutes. The lines were a MESS, mostly becuse they did not expect that kind of turn out… But once we got in it was a blast seeing all of the cosplay, walking around the artist’s booths, interacting with a few choice celebrities, and going to panels.

There were only two celebrities I had any desire to interract with. (Personally I hadn’t gone in thinking I’d have any desire to get autographs or pictures, and while I didn’t get autographs I did get two pictures with Celebs that I now love more than ever.) I know the big ones were there (Shatner, Adam West, Stan Lee, etc.) but really didn’t care enough… Kristina waited for an hour and a half to see Stan Lee speak for 20 minutes and said he was actually really rude to his fans the whole time… Which leaves quite a bad taste for him now… They said Adam West was funny and personable, but Shatner seems to be stuck on an endless loop of self promotion and senility. lol

Nicholas Brendon at Salt Lake ComicCon 2013

Meeting Nicholas Brendon

First we stopped to see Nicholas Brendon. It was only $10 to get a photo and they said we could all be in it. First thing he did was step up and ask me if I wanted a hug-UM YES! So I hugged him, and then I told him that we weren’t going to mention Buffy, but instead Josh wanted to commend him on Psycho Beach Party, and I’d like to tell him that he played a very convincing crazy rapist on Private Practice. He laughed and thanked us. He had the ability to make every photo look like he was just hanging out with his friends.

Meeting Manu Bennett

The second was Manu Bennett from Spartacus. Not only is he attractive (um yes, cuddled up against his muscley chest there was amazing!) but he has a sexy Australian accent and he was SO nice. He took time to stop and tell us how going from Spartacus to Arrow was like moving from playing classical piano to being a pop star-but that he had enjoyed both of them for their differences.

Salt Lake ComicCon Cosplay

Here are some fun cosplay (and other) photos from the convention:

Doctor Who & Weeping Angel Cosplay at Salt Lake ComicCon 2013

HeMan and Skeletor Cosplay at ComicCon 2013

Cross Cosplay at Salt Lake ComicCon 2013

Other Fun Things

I also have to send a shout out to Geek Lee Tist, who I followed on Instagram prior to convention, and when we stopped to talk to him I realized I did-and told him so. He handed me his phone and said “Hey, make me follow you back” so I found my IG from his phone and now he follows me. He was awesome, and his art is both nerdy and snarky-I love it. Oh and the guy from Unicorn City-didn’t even charge for this photo-he was so nice! Emily just hopped up there and he posed!

Kaylee’s Nail Art

By the time I figured out what panels were I made it into the Skinwalker Ranch panel and then tried to catch the JJ Abrahams Rebooting Star Trek panel but when it was too full we made it into Effective Horror which ended up being so boring that we snuck out after 20 minutes. I was pretty bummed I missed the Spartacus panel which Josh and Doug went to and thought was amazing! We also watched the last hour of a fantasy movie (that was horrible, but at least pretty) and then caught the world-premier sneak peak of Skinwalker Ranch (which is made locally. During the Skinwalker Ranch panel I let Kaylee do some nail art on me to keep her busy, and she was actually really good! It’s a tree!

It was also nice to get dressed up… I just wore my Wookie shirt, but I did my makeup and nails pretty!

A few fun facts I learned about Salt Lake City’s first ever ComicCon:

They planned on 13,000 people but when they sold nearly double that in the first few hours they had to move it from the South Town Expo Center to the Salt Palace.
We actually had 70,000-80,000 in attendance-making SLC’s ComicCon the first in the nation to have that many people attend in the first year-setting a new record. This also put it on par with regular attendance in cities like Las Vegas.
This was the biggest convention of any kind Utah has ever seen. There’s another record.
The Fire Marshall shut it down 3 times during the entire process for violations and the amount of people. This set another record, as it’s the first convention in Utah to ever be shut down. Record.
Next year our estimated turn out is expected to rival that of San Diego, which is the largest. WOW.

Have you been to Salt Lake ComicCon?

Linking up with:

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com