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

Two Peas in a Pod

Lucy & Stella are certainly Two Peas in a Pod.

Spoiled rotten and onery as ever.

Love my silly Girls!

Cheers ~ Lara

What Do You Do & Studio ReDo!

I reorganized and de-cluttered my studio Sunday...and in the process realized how many unfinished art projects I have laying around! Half painted canvases and scratch pencil drawings galore!  I really should challenge myself to do something with the unfinished canvases.

I'd love some feedback from you other creative gals.  I wonder how many projects you work on at a time?  What do you do with projects you start and never finish ...do you revisit and rework them until you get to a point of completion?  Do you repaint the background of canvases and start over from scratch?  I'd love to hear more about each of your processes.

A journal entry & rough sketch for my room redo

I've really been enjoying the Creative Courage e-course I've been doing hosted by Stephanie Levy.  Last week, one of the topics focused on Improving Your Workspace.  Stephanie challenged us to really take a look at our studios and envision a place where we feel relaxed, inspired & excited to work.  

I'd posted several pictures of my "before" studio here and here.

Part of the problem with my workspace had been that I had been adding so many things to the room that I just didn't have any place to spread out.  The top of my desk was so cluttered that I had no room to lay out supplies while I was working & that was putting a slight cramp in my creativity.  So I fixed it!

I started by rearranging the furniture.  I picked up a new bookcase (thanks Goodwill $12.99 ~ score!) so I was able to completely clean off my desk and make a proper worktable.  Not only that, I can now just swing my chair around and work easily at the desk or easel!

I'm on the lookout to find a longer worktable...but the newly de-cluttered desk is working much better already!

I may resell a lot of vintage goodies in my Etsy shop, but I hold a special place in my heart for thrifted art & books. I tend to collect a tad too many paintings & framed prints.  By keeping the larger pieces of furniture offset from the wall a bit I have a place to store what isn't hanging.  This is much nicer than before where it was all just lining the walls. Though I already had some inspiration pieces hanging on the walls, I filled in a few more of the open spots with some of my own art along with pieces from my Thrift Art Gallery.

New Bookcase & Art Storage

I'm so much happier with the space now!  I'm feel more relaxed and creative, and have had so many ideas generated throughout the process.  

I have to admit though, I'm not the only one enjoying the new room.

 

Stella seems to have found her new spot too...I even caught her napping up here this afternoon without me!  Silly dog :-)

I can't wait to see whats coming up this week in Creative Courage!  I'm feeling so grateful that I signed up for the course!  Thanks again to Stephanie & the other amazing women in the group.

Cheers ~ Lara

I've got a Bad Bad Dog!!!

I have a confession to make.

Our dog Lucy has slowly been eating away at the couch in our Living Room...and I haven't stopped her.

Primarily because I don't know how to stop her (besides crating her and I think that would stress our older dog Stella out) and secondly because it's the only thing she's really eating...so I'd rater have this couch as a victim than a house full of victims!

But, low and behold the couch is destroyed to a point beyond repair and frankly, I'm sick and tired of sweeping up foam and batting from the floor on a daily basis.

How can I get too mad at those cute faces?

 Guess it's time to redecorate the Living Room!

Too bad, it used to be a pretty cute couch :-(

I'll keep you updated when I refinish the room!
BTW - were currently renting so I haven't quite justified changing out those horrible drapes. Lol.

How's that for a Before & Terribly Wrong After?

Cheers ~ Lara

Yin and Yang

I caught my gals cuddling today, a rare occurrence.  How sweet are they?

 Cheers ~ Lara

Recent Strolls along the LA River Trail

We are fortunate to live very close to a Wetlands area that runs along the LA River Trail.

We've been going there to walk the dogs more recently, and I just love it.

Not only are we able to let the dogs off the leash to run, were getting some exercise too, and are surrounded by beautiful wildlife & some amazing birds.

Thankfully the girls haven't dove into the water yet, though it came very close last night as they tried to approach an amazing giant Blue Heron that was perched on the bank of the water.

Check out this cool flower I found last night too!  I've never seen a bloom quite like this one before, and thanks to Van over at Thrift Core I learned that it's a Passion Flower!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers ~ Lara

Thrift Share - Lucy Goosey

Meet Lucy ~ she's the newest addition to our family & I guess you can say we acquired her in a Thrifty way...from the local shelter of course.    Lucy was ready for a 2nd lease on life, as she was abused in her previous household & had been under quarantine at the pound without any affection for the last 2 months.  She's a 3 year old Golden Retreiver, and she's found a new, safe, & loving forever home!

I found her on a whim when I stopped into the pound this week.  We've been discussing adding a 2nd dog to our family for a few years now & had finally decided the timing was right.  

Were so happy to have found her.  She's an amazing dog.  So gentle & sweet and she & Stella have made an instant Sisterly bond.

As you can probably guess, my time this week has been a little more limited making sure Lucy is adjusting, so I didn't get around to photoing this weeks Thrift Store finds yet.  Instead I'm sharing a few of the adjustable Goose Neck style lamps I've found recently at some local Thrift Shops.  I've grown quite fond of these little utilitarian style lamps, and it all started when I found this green goddess...

Industrial Style lamp from 60s or 70s

Then came this Mid-Century style Veneer Desk Lamp

Followed by this cute littler Silver & Black model.
Once again, I'm linking up to Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday along with Her Library Adventures Flea Market Finds, so be sure to check out all the other found treasures there!

Happy Tails to You...Until we Meet again :-)

Cheers ~ Lara

Sweet Sweet Stella

Playing in the Spring Blooms

Stella Strikes a Pose

I take lots of pics for my shop NowSoLA  & Stella likes to jump in a few.

Goofy Dog :-)

Behind the Scenes

Staying organized as a reseller is a job in itself.

A few weeks ago Amanda at Tall Glass of Water blogged about her "Dirty Little Secret" and asked the question of how to best stay organized with inventory as a reseller.

Unfortunately I can't say I'm a role model as I have stuff stored throughout the house & garage

(Tim tells me I've invaded every space of our place),
but I have to say I've impressed myself as I've found a place for most of my things.

Stella feels inspired for a nap!

My Art Room is overflowing.  I don't take as much time to create in here as I should, but the closet in this room is perfect for storing my supplies & some of my inventory.

My art obsession lines the walls.

This is where it starts to get messy.

I did save myself a little space to create.

The garage is where you'll find most of the breakables.  We have a fun little workshop filled with drawers & cabinets just perfect for holding all sorts of little treasures.  Almost everything out here is for the shop.

Did I mention that the cabinets don't really close?

Oversized frames & mirrors.

What would you expect to find in the library??? Well books of course!  I thought I may have a hard time filling the shelves in here, but nah!  Heres a little peek from when out Xmas decorations were still up.

Vintage clothes are housed in the guest closet & all of my inventory is logged into a little Composition Book as it comes in.  I give myself enough room to write a small description, measurements, and price paid for each item...it's getting it onto a computer spreadsheet that proves to be the bigger challenge.  

Basically I guess it's just slightly organized chaos...but it's fun & I enjoy every minute of it!

Hope you enjoyed the Behind the Scenes peek of NowSoLA Vintage!

Cheers ~ Lara

Stellas Chickens

Stella always has a toy in her mouth...but her favorite is her chicken!

Stylish Blogger

As a new blogger, I am so appreciative of all the positive feedback & support that I have been receiving.

It's so fun to connect with a community of like-minded souls...and I can honestly say I'm hooked!

Yeah for the Blogosphere!!!

This week I received my biggest compliment yet from an amazingly talented blogger...

Lee Ann at The French Maids Place!

Lee Ann was so gracious to send me a Stylish Blogger Award!  

Thank you so much Lee Ann!!!

In order to receive the award I am supposed to share 7 things about myself.  Oddly, I realized that I actually haven't shared very much about me yet, as I've been so focused on sharing my fun thrifty finds & art musings. So here goes nothing...a little more about me!

First...A quick introduction! 

 I realized that most of my new blogging friends don't have a face to put with a name...so this is me with a big yummy glass of wine in Santa Barbara last week.

Hi, I'm Lara!
Cheers to you for visiting my blog :-)

Guillermo Bert - Statue of Limitations

       

                                            Second...  

I dream of being an Art Collector, and all of the proceeds from my Etsy shop are being applied to a Contemporary Art Collection in addition to my Thrift Art Collection.  I'll be making the first purchase from my Etsy earnings in the upcoming weeks (I have a goal of 2 per year) and I've really been researching contemporary artists I want to invest in.  The lead contender right now is Guillermo Bert as his work is not only amazing, but ties emotionally to one of the biggest transitions in my life...moving to CA.  In addition, I've had an opportunity to meet this amazing man & like the idea of investing in someone so accessible.

       Third...

When I'm not on my Etsy shop NowSoLA & not blogging, you can find me on my other online endeavor...the Facebook page for Long Beach Mardi Gras!  Last year I began volunteering with the wonderful folks who coordinate the event as the Social Media & Marketing Director.
LBMG is a fun filled all-day Celebration for the entire family.
This years celebration will be March 5th, 2011!Hope to see you there!!!

Fourth...

I may be a Cali Gal now, but I'm a KY Girl at heart!  I grew up in the Louisville & Oldham County areas and still have so many close friends and family there.

Plus, everyone knows that home is always where your Mom is!

Fifth...

I'm allergic to shellfish.  Not so odd I suppose, other than I worked my way through college in Florida at a seafood restaurant, love to scuba dive, and graduated college with a degree in Marine Biology.  Thankfully I only have reactions when I eat the stuff!

Nathaniel Mather  - Sisters

Sixth...

I seriously think that in my former life or in some parallel universe I must have been a bird.  Crazy I know, but I tend to make random bird noises without even realizing that I'm doing it.  I love to draw/paint birds & even looking back at my childhood art I was amazed to find I drew them then too.  I knew I had rubbed off on my better half Tim when we woke up one morning & he looked at me and said

 (insert parrot voice) 

"WHAT...HONEY LETS TALK LIKE PARROTS TODAY!" 

Oh my goodness, it was priceless!

And Finally Seventh...

I have to introduce you to my sweet Baby Stella!  

She's such an amazing old gal, and I know she loves living in CA as much as Tim & I do.

Hope you enjoyed hearing a little more about me & thanks again to Lee Ann deeming me worthy of a  

Stylish  Blogger Award.

Now here are 10 other AMAZING blogs I've found recently that deserve this award way before me.  Check them out & follow if you can as I'm sure they would love to hear from you too!

1. Selena at Apron Thrift Girl

2.  Ana at Rearranged Design

3.  Sarah at Simply Sarah 

4.  Alison at Alison Travels

5.  Carol at Found Vintage Style

6.  Amanda at Tall Glass of Water

7.  Amanda at Prim & Propah

8.  Cheryl at Artsy Fartsy

9.  The great gals at Whatcha Find

10.  Tiffany at Ramblings of a Girlie Girl Housewife

Just to recap the award rules:

1.  Thank and link back to the person that awarded you.

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3.  Award 10 great bloggers that you've recently discovered.

Have fun visiting some new blogs!