Inspirational Outings ~ The Huntington Library, Museum & Botanical Gardens

We spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon at The Huntington today.

It was a perfect January day to stroll the gardens, get some fresh air...and take a few photos of course!

Chinese Garden

Orchids

Views of the San Gabriel Mountains

Statue in Sculpture Gardens

Family in Contemporary Art Gallery

Succulents 

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.

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

Under the Kenyan Sky

I've recently returned from a journey to Kenya.

A place that was both a challenge & joy for my mind and senses.

Each day I was reminded of the beauty of the world we live in,

 and the fact that no matter where in the world we are...were all under the same sky.

 We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon.                                                                                                                            -Adenauer, KonradCheers ~ 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

Marvelous Monaco

What more can you say about Monaco? It's fabulous!

Here are some photos from my recent visit during the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix.

Gare De Monaco Station

Stunning city by the Sea

2012 Monaco Grand Prix

Our seats right at the turn

Race Day

When can I move in?

Monte Carlo Casino ~ Day & Night

I can only hope to visit this stunning city again someday.

Dreaming of France

I've been fortunate to travel the world this year.  One of my recent journeys was to France.
  It was on a total whim, traveling to a foreign destination with some folks we barely knew.  My best friend & I followed our gut reaction & trusted our instincts.  I am so glad we did!

We made some amazing new friends & spent a week exploring the beauty of the South of France.  A once in a lifetime trip I'll never forget.  

Views upon arrival at the bus station in Grasse

We were blown away at the contemporary villa we called home for the weekend

It was an amazing place to relax and unwind from the action in Cannes & Monaco.

I'd give anything to de dreaming the day away by that pool again.

I'll be posting more pics of France & Monaco soon!

À la prochaine ~ Lara

Stop & Smell the Roses

Even my dog Lucy knows to Stop & Smell the Roses!

Though she may not love the blooms as much as I do :-)

Cheers ~ Lara

Spring Blooms

Happy Easter!

I just love all of the flowers blooming right now.  I took these pics this week while out strolling with my dogs in Long Beach.  

Hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Cheers ~ Lara

Botanical Garden Goodness

We recently traveled to southeast Asia (Bali & Singapore).  One of my favorite stops during the trip was my afternoon spent at the Singapore Botanical Gardens.  The National Orchid Garden there was divine, and I could've happily spent the entire day photographing flowers.  I can't keep an orchid alive to save my life...so I was in awe the entire afternoon!  Here are a few of my favorite shots!

Cheers ~ Lara