Reflecting on 2012

It's hard to believe another year has come & gone...and boy am I sad to see 2012 go.

This past year has been an exciting one, as I've made new friends and created memories across the world. I never imagined the journeys it would hold...but I've realized that saying "YES" to unexpected propositions can lead to opportunities I would've never dreamed possible.

Clockwise L to R: Singapore Skyscraper, Flower in my front yard, Sunset in Kenya, Camels on the Beach in Diani Kenya, Temple in Bali, Mosque Door in Casablanca Morocco

I've been fortunate to see the sun rise and set on 4 continents within the last 12 months and I swam in the Indian Ocean in both Asia & Africa.  I've seen beauty in poverty and felt danger in places that should be safe. Many dream destinations have been checked off of my list, and my urge to see more of the world is stronger than ever.

Clockwise L to R: Little Girl in Mombasa Kenya, Old Canoe in Kilifi Kenya, Starfish found in Sunset Beach CA, Rose from Long Beach CA, Downtown LA Sunset

While many months were highlighted with new experiences, my day to days passed as always. I continue to question my life and wether it's moving in the right direction or if it's time to make some major changes. I've spent unforgettable time with family, and experienced success and loss in equal amounts. I've strengthened friendships and lost love ones, and felt pain and joy just like every other year I can remember.

Clockwise L to R: Monaco Palace, Door in Marrakech Morocco, San Francisco Bridge, Sunset in Kenya, Lombardi Street San Francisco, Statue in Eze France

I've begun to recognize the beauty in the everyday, and that it's my perspective that chooses to see it or ignore it.  I also realize how much I enjoy photography and capturing my life's magical moments.

Clockwise L to R: Bridge in Singapore, Yacht in St. Tropez, Delano Hotel Pool Marrakech, Levitated Mass LACMA, Sunset Beach CA, NYC Skyline

I feel truly blessed and so thankful for the people in my life who continually support, encourage, and strengthen me and for Tim who accepts and allows me to be me.

Clockwise L to R: Kenyan Sisal Field, Mosque in Singapore, Singapore Pay Phone, Cali Flower, Bench in Morocco

While 2012 didn't bring all the answers, I have realized a few things: People, no matter place or circumstance, are more alike than they are different. Time passes faster with each year, and seize opportunities when they are in front of you as they may never come again. 

Clockwise L to R: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Marrakech Fountain, Queen Mary Long Beach, Nassau Bahamas, Statue at Bali Temple

I don't know yet what 2013 holds, but I look forward to having it unfold! I'll be putting my letter of resolutions to 2013 down in the next few days and I'm excited to write the chapters of a 2013!

Happy New Year!
Lara

Merry Christmas

It's hard to believe another year is almost gone...but the holidays are always a special time to visit with friends and family & to reflect on the closing year.

From our family to yours, we wish you the Merriest Christmas and Happiest New Year!

Lucy & Stella enjoying the Christmas Tree.

Cheers ~ Lara

Mystery Solved

I've had this beautiful lithograph for at least 5 years.  I picked it up at a thrift in Florida, and it has hung in several places in both of our homes throughout the years.  Most recently however, it's been hiding in a closet.  Until today, I never knew the artist...but I always knew it was really cool.  It's numbered 116/260, and the signature has been sending me on wild goose chases since the day I got it!

I searched for Pluar, Sluar, Plurr...and many more combinations.  Then today, out of nowhere I found THIS listing for a Sunal Alvar serigraph on Shopgoodwill.com and I was like BAM!!! THATS IT!!!

Woo Hoo, mystery solved!!!

Sunal Alvar is a highly recognized Spanish artist whose work has been exhibited and collected throughout the world.  His original paintings and lithographs can bring a pretty price, and I'm so excited to have finally put a name to the amazing piece I've been carrying around for years. 

Cheers ~ Lara

Globetrotting in 2012 - Part 1

Clockwise L to R:
Singapore Bridge, St. Tropez Yacht, Delano Marrakech Pool, Levitated Mass LACMA, Sunset Beach CA, NYC

I feel so blessed to have traveled the world in 2012, and cant wait to see where 2013 will take me!

Here are a few of my favorite captured moments from this past year.

A Few Found Things

I'm trying out a new format & title for my Thrift Share posts...along with a new photo set up. What do ya think?

Here are a Few Found Things from the last couple weeks!

L to R: Takahashi Jar (missing handle); Rosenthal Netter Ceramic Shoe;
Arabia of Finland Ladder Pattern Vase; Ulla Wiinblad Bowl

L to R: Vintage Le Creuset Frying Pan; Unknown Artist Oil Painting;
Little Owl Wooden Tape Measure(Japan); Enamel on Copper Wall Hanging

L to R: Vintage Rooster Tea Towel; GFWC International Sign;
1920s Alfred Ray Burrell Etching: Vera Holiday Tablecloth

Otagari Roadrunner Soup Mugs; 1960s Champion Products Bronze Horseshoes;
Robert Maxwell Studios Vase: David Stewart Lion Dish

I look forward to linking up with the parties this week & can't wait to see what everyone                   else found too!

Cheers ~ Lara

Holiday SALE

HOLIDAY SALE starts Turkey Day at NowSoLA Vintage!

Shop THURSDAY - TUESDAY and receive 20% OFF your entire order!

Vintage Gifts for everyone on your List!

SOLD: Vera Napkin Set

Louisa May Alcott Book Stack

Vintage Vera Scarf

Stop by and see what's new at NowSoLA Vintage...and save a little too!

Holiday Cheers ~ Lara

Thrift Share - Stocking Up for the Holidays

I've been searching for new merchandise to add to the shop for the holidays, in addition to redecorating the house.  I've also started to expand my selling venues and have listed some items on eBay & Craigslist.  Heres a little of what I've found the past few weeks!

1st up, a little assortment of goodies.  

L to R: A pair of Mid Century lamps, Vintage Peacock Purse, Gray "Mio" Tray by Marianne Nilson, Miners Rooms in Minerature, Mikasa Serving Piece Set, Catherine Holm Bowl & Italy Planter Pot

I'm in love with the Rooms in Miniature 1960s "Doll House" furniture. Every time I open the box I find another surprise.  The box says the set only contains the dining room set, but I believe the whole house is in this box as there are pieces already built from every room.

In addition to the goodies above, I've found some great vintage clothing and accessories.

The thrift down the street sells scarves by the bag, it's a crapshoot but sometimes there are some great items in the bunch.  Luck was on my side this time with Vintage Vera, Chanel, Calvin Kline & Echo.

L to R: Vera Red White & Blue, Vera Blue & White, Vera 2 Tone Blue, Chanel on Mannequin, Echo Green Strip & Large view of Red & Gold Chanel

Check out these great holiday dresses!  

L to R: 2 Piece Black Lace Dress, 1950's Black & Gold Embroidery Dress, 1970s Gold Sleeveless Dress, 1980s Navy off the shoulder Sequins Dress by A.J. Bari

Last but not least, some great linens!  This set of 4 Vera napkins would be perfect for the holidays, but are so versatile that you could use them any season.

  I snagged 2 of these cozy Hudson Bay 4 point Wool blankets, they have some moth holes which is a bummer... 

but the 2 of these amazing Vintage Faalberg of Holland wool blankets are perfect!!! 1 has already sold on ebay & the other listing will be up tonight!

Well, that's a rundown of what I've found! Can't wait to check out all of the other goodies you've uncovered so I'll be linking up with Apron Thrift Girl, A Living Space, and Sir Thrift A Lot!

Cheers ~ Lara

Thrift Share - Fun Furniture Finds

It's been forever since I've done a Thrift Share post. I've been so fortunate to travel a LOT this year, and between that, work, & life I hadn't stepped foot into a thrift shop in about 4 months.

But...I'm redecorating (for real this time). You may remember that I've blogged about my design dilemma's and living room re-do's for months now, and I'm ashamed to say that my projects are still in limbo. But, I did make a little progress this past week & came across some pretty cool furniture that I thought I'd share, along with where these new pieces will go during the redo.

1st up...this totally cool pair of vintage chairs. I'm in love with them. The crazy avocado upholstery is original & I'm amazed at how great of shape they are in.  I couldn't find any makers marks on them but they are very well made and the backs are button tufted and totally cool. I'm guessing 1950s or 1960s but furniture isn't really my expertise.I originally thought I'd put them in our formal living room, but it's really bright in there and I'm afraid they will fade too much, so I'm putting them in the den instead.

(That leather couch is headed to the living room and a new rugs coming in here) 

I don't often tell how much I pay for my goodies, but on these next few things I have to share my sticker shock with you! 

I found this HUGE wool rug for $25!!!  That's right, $25!  It's not vintage, but it's a beauty and the for the size (8X11) and price I couldn't pass it up. To my surprise when I got home, the original tag was on the back and I was able to find out a little more info about it.  It's a Sphinx 100% Wool rug mfg by Oriental Weavers & guess what it retails for? $1,800!!! Thats right folks, this one was truly a steal!!!  It's in almost new condition and though it wasn't the exact look I was going for in the front room, I know I'll still be able to make it work.

At the same thrift I also scored this set of Bernhardt table frames.  They were brand new with the tags attached, so I googled them on the spot.  They are called Palmer Metal Cocktail & End Tables, and they were missing the glass tops so I got the pair for...$25!!! Yep, that was the magic number at that store & guess what the retail was on these puppies??? Over $1500 for the combined MSRP!!!  I took them to the glass shop this weekend and had new tops cut for them, now they look good as new. Oh wait, they are new!  Lol!  I'm moving these into the den where the oversized ottoman is now.

Last but not least, I found my 1st piece of Paul McCobb Planner Group furniture.  I happened upon this beautiful 3 drawer chest at a thrift & debated about bringing it home. It was a little on the pricey side, but after talking the store into a 20% discount I had them load it into the car.  My first inclination was to resell it on CL, and I do actually have it posted on both the LA & OC listings.  I've had 3 people contact me on it with lowball offers (in addition to 3 scammer emails)...but I've moved it around the house a few places and I'm really starting to get attached. It seems to work in both of the rooms I'm redoing and Tim really likes it...so I may not let it go.  EEK!

So that's it! Hopefully I'll be able to share the finished rooms with you soon.  Decorating around here is certainly a slow process, but thrifting new goodies keeps it fun & fluid so I'm really enjoying the process!

Cheers ~ Lara

Delano Hotel Marrakech

I have a new love & her name is Marrakech.

Exotic, Beautiful, Sexy & Exciting!

On a recent trip to Morocco we had plans to visit many cities throughout the country, but after landing at the new Delano Hotel in Marrakech, we couldn't pry ourselves away from this amazing city...and the Delano was the perfect place to call home during our stay!

Grand Circular "Riad" Lobby & Lounge with painting by JonOne

The Morgans Hotel Group recently opened this jewel of a boutique hotel, and we were excited to be the first Americans to stay at the property.  Lush purple decor accented by arabesque design and amazing Moroccan Modern Art made the Delano feel more like a contemporary gallery than a hotel.

Circles abound as the theme from designer Jacques Garcia 

Living Room in the Suite

The decor was stunning and so were the Suites! Our well appointed room was the perfect oasis from the city with plenty of room to relax and unwind.  

Bedroom in the Suite

We took full advantage of the amenities during our stay. The Pearl Spa was exquisite and the Hammam treatments and spa manicure/pedicures were some of the highlights of our trip.  The 3 pools on the property (1 cold pool in spa, 1 ground level lap pool, and rooftop circular pool) were all well appointed, and we took a dip in each and every one.

Since the hotel had just opened we didn't get a chance to check out the soon to come nightclub, but we did dine in the hotel and all of the food we had was delicious.  Our favorite however was the Namakaze Sushi and Rooftop Lounge where we ended several of our evenings with stunning views of the city and great friends.

I'd be remiss without mentioning the exceptional service we received during our stay. The staff at the hotel were all so friendly and helpful.  The concierge Mehdi provided us with exceptional tips for touring the city and arranged for most of our evening excursions.  He literally made our stay feel more like visiting a friend and I know the trip would not have been the same without his insight and service.

Little surprises like this sweets tray from Hotel Manager Sarah made our stay extra special!

I can't wait for my next visit to Marrakech and another stay at the Delano Hotel!

Cheers ~ Lara

Getting Wild in Kenya

Going on a African wildlife safari was a dream come true. 

We visited Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara during our journey through Kenya.

Each reserve provided wildlife spotting & views for days, while the cross country travel to each park was an experience all in itself. 

Like most of Kenya, the safari was a mix of contradictions for me... but it was a truly unforgettable experience that I feel so blessed to have done.

See more photos from Africa Here and Here :-)

Cheers ~ Lara

Quiet Moments in Mombasa

Mombasa is the gateway to the Kenyan coast, and it's anything but quiet.

The vibe is electric & tense, and traveling through on a late Friday afternoon felt out of control.
I've not been many places that I felt could erupt at any moment...but I knew it could happen here.
My gut feeling was right, and Mombasa did in fact erupt the evening we left.
Rioting, Hand Grenades & several people wounded and killed.

It was along the eclectic streets of Old Town Mombasa and along the shore at Ft. Jesus that I felt most at ease in this hectic city.

We returned through Mombasa 2 additional times during our trip, but didn't want to risk our safety exploring again.  I am thankful however, to say that I was able to experience the thrill of this chaotic city.

Maisha Marefu ~ Lara