Ninna Lu

Ninna Lu | A Holiday Photo Retrospective

 

   Sticking to my ultimate goal of keeping priceless moments posted on this blog whether big, small, good or sad. Pictured below is so far my holiday's photo retrospective. Sharing and writing the story behind each picture is my way of remembering these moments. How do you treasure cherishable moments in your life?

:: Our 2016 Christmas Tree ::

   This 9 foot tree was a healthy one! It was so thick and healthy that it warped the plastic tree stand that we bought at the hardware store. The hubby and brother-in-law teamed up together to put this tree up on a tree stand after a second trip to the hardware store to buy an actual metal tree stand. The hubby had to saw off the excess bark off the tree just to place it safely centered on the metal stand. Preparing this year's Christmas tree was definitely a memorable one! So thankful.

 

:: Our Holiday Road Trip to Napa Valley ::

December 9, 2016

   It's been an emotional roller coaster these past seven days. The hubby took me and the pups on a short road trip getaway to Napa Valley. My first treat at Oxbow Public Market was a cappuccino and cookie at The Ritual.

 

Followed by an unexpected scrumptious lunch at Hog Island Oyster Co. 

 

We drove a few miles down to Yountville to attempt a visit to the Bouchon Bakery. As we were walking around town with the pups, we saw a huge "Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus" sign at the Yountville Community Center, it was perfect timing for Pawley and Maddie to take pictures! 

Photo Credit: Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch photographer

 

We made a stop at a local dog boutique at Fideaux in St. Helena and had to get this awesome reindeer hat for laughs. Maddie easily gets cold too that we got her this matching fleece jacket thin enough to fit under her red gingham harness. Quite a perfect find for $24.95.

 

Also at St. Helena, we made a planned stop at Dean and Deluca. My favorite movie of all-time is Devil Wears Prada. While the movie mentions buying strawberries at Dean and Deluca, I've always wondered what it's like to be able to taste Dean and Deluca strawberries. Along with other indulging essentials such as Prestat chocolates and the oh so wonderfully tasting bold Manhattan coffee from their market. This market at St. Helena is the only one in the west coast. It was definitely worth a trip! 

 

Sometimes in my life, as I come across situations beyond my control, I try to find serenity in words. 

This poem emotionally strikes me so, how? To me it says, be brave and hold on. Be braver and let go. 

Thanks so much for reading.

~ marissa

 

In memory of our angel babies.

November 21, 2014

December 5, 2016

December 20, 2017

Ninna Lu | A Photo Retrospective: September 2016

 

   Wow! It's been quite some time since my last photo retrospective blog post. My last blog post was on August 2015. As today is the first day of autumn, I am thinking back with crazy amazement on how life can just pass us by in a whim and that I need to be mindful and slow down. I need to stop and smell the roses, so why not I reminisce. Here is my 2016 September photo retrospective.

 

   Our Labor Day weekend started off with a casual walk with the pups at Roseville's Fountains. The weekend ended with a 90's neighborhood block party and I paid tribute to my 90's with my cassette tape leggings purchased from LuLaRoe. It was also the start of Oliver's week and half visit with the pups.

 

   The hubby's birthday weekend started off with some veggie picking at the Davis Ranch Produce one Saturday morning. We picked over one hundred and eighty pounds of squash, green beans, zucchini, corn, pumpkins, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes and peppers. A group of us gathered together on a Saturday to pick for a couple hours under the sun. I had plenty of tomatoes to make enough roasted tomato pasta sauce for the week's meal plan. I gave so much away to my in laws and my parents as well.

   On the day of the hubby's birthday, his parents came into town and we walked around Old Town Sacramento right before his birthday dinner. It was a good time of day to take pictures like a tourist.

 

   So I thought I'd explain for a moment and as you can see on the side bar of the blog, I've added on lifestyle brands such as Tupperware. I love the brand so much and that its become so much a part of our lifestyle that I've decided to become a Tupperware consultant. It's nothing but fun ever since I joined a local team and I have enjoyed the many perks of getting free Tupperware as well as enjoying the great discounts on new Tupperware items. To shop or to just find out how to join a team visit My Tupperware. So since the holidays are coming up fast, I also thought why not start lining up my discounts for the holiday gift giving season, and hence I joined DoTerra's wholesale program and I also joined Younique as a white presenter.

I just created my first virtual lip party here.

 

 

   I am hoping that I am pretty well prepared for the holidays. Below is a picture of goodies I have shipped for my Dad, to help with his scalp irritation. Essential oils have also become a part of my lifestyle and would love to share its great qualities with others like my immediate family and friends.

 

 

Follow me on Instagram @ninalu_daily.  Happy first day of autumn!

 

While the rest of my inventory is currently on consignment for the next 90 days, I will enjoy my short and sweet break during the fall season and going into the holidays. Ninna Lu will continue to provide designer-inspired, vintage and handmade goods online as well as at vendor events. It's just good to take a subtle break. For now, check out the side bar of the blog, any questions or comments please do let me know. Until my next inspiration, you'll hear from me if not sooner than later.

 

Thanks so much for reading!

~ marissa

 

 

 

 

Art Within The Redwoods

   

   We headed north of Highway 1 to a rustic Sonoma County coastal town called The Sea Ranch and stayed there for Memorial Day weekend. The nearest town over more northern, about 10 more miles which becomes Mendocino County, is another coastal small town called Gualala, California. It just so happens that there was a Fine Arts Fair going on that weekend and I thought we'd check it out before heading to Point Arena Lighthouse, along the Mendonoma (= Mendocino + Sonoma) coast. 

  The Fine Arts Fair happens to be at the Gualala Arts Center, an art center within the redwoods. Some artists showcasing their work belong to The North Coast Artists' Guild of The Sonoma - Mendocino Coast, while there also promoting the The 24th Annual Studio Discovery Tour happening on labor day weekend (Sept. 3 - Sept. 5, 2016) and the weekend before (Aug. 27 - Aug. 28, 2016). Featured below are some artists I met along the way at the fair.

 

:: Siobhan Elder ::

Her exquisite silk scarves are all perfectly handmade by the artist. All her silk scarves starts off white then hand paints each and every one. Her scarves that day ranged from $85 - $125 each mostly sold at Mendocino art galleries.

 

 

:: Which Craft Workshop ::

Jan Maria Chiappa makes beautiful clay art mostly inspired by nature and knits scarves too. Each clay art piece has a meaning behind it. She also teaches pottery art workshops to individuals and groups. At this time, Jan has no online presence, but you will find her and her husband on the 2016 Studio Discovery Tour and at 46278 Fish Rock Rd., Gualala, CA 95445.

 

 

 

She also makes these ever so cute succulent pots!

 

:: Paul Maurer ::

One of a kind turned wood art. He creates bowls, keepsake boxes, urns and other art pieces from 20 - 30 year old trees. 

Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

   There is something intriguing about these art sculptures surrounding the Gualala Arts Center. They blend so well with the redwood trees that surrounds them. It's so pretty and well worth the time to visit and admire.

 

 

 

Experiencing nature and art along the Mendonoma coast was one of many highlights during our weekend.

Did you go out of town during the Memorial Day Weekend?

Thanks so much for reading.

~ marissa

A Serene Sunday

 

     We've been meaning to checkout this gem of a landscape called the Amador Flower Farm and Nursery and had a chance to walk around to take some snap shots with my VSCO app. Although winter is upon us, it wasn't exactly full of its usual colorful blooms of perennials, annuals or daffodils, but it sure is something to look forward to come the summer months of June or July this year. There was still something so calming and peaceful about this place that made it so serene for us, like the beautiful and majestic oak tree that we stumbled upon during our stroll. 

 

 

A small creek that runs through the farm.

 

The farm's demonstration garden. 

 

The hubby enjoying the scenery as well and taking his own snapshots with his camera.

 

Under the large oak tree are two huge slabs of rock that are perfect for sitting and pondering.

 

One of the tree branches of the large oak tree continues its growth into the ground.

 

 

The farm is surrounded by Amador County vineyards, in fact across the street is Karmere.

 

   The vast demonstration garden makes me anticipate for the future blooms of spring and summer at the farm. In addition, the flower farm also has a nursery and gift shop for the avid gardener. It's also always been in the back of my mind for us to finally start a vegetable garden in our backyard. I can't wait to start that project soon!

Thank you so much for reading!

~ marissa

An Afternoon Getaway

   This weekend at the small, historic town of Sutter Creek is the 12th Annual Trash and Treasures event. We were able to take a short stroll through the main street of antique shops, art galleries. wine tasting bars and restaurants. My husband and I feel quite lucky to be so close to this hidden gem of a town and are happy to do so on any given Saturday afternoon.

 

  

 

   Along our afternoon stroll was a neatly merchandised vintage gardening shop called The Antique Gardener, as I wanted to buy every item I took a picture of. It did give me inspiration to hit up local estate sales to find similar items to place in my courtyard and backyard.

 

After a nice cold drink at Hotel Sutter Restaurant, we finished our afternoon stroll with ice cream at The Sutter Creek Ice Cream Emporium. How are you spending your Memorial Day Weekend?

Thanks so much for reading.

~marissa