Ninna Lu

A Few Things

   As I've been working my full-time day job for over the last nine months, I've been distant with my other passion in life. This month of March 2014 marks Ninna Lu's three year anniversary and I really have to remind myself that no matter what I'm doing in life, I have to stop and collect the moments, no matter how big or small. That was the whole purpose for me for starting this lifestyle blog. I've been so busy with a structured schedule that I really need to find the time and energy to write once in a while. As I was looking through my Instagram pics, I was thinking to myself, "Wow, I really haven't gone anywhere fashion related." Which is a huge surprise for me as I look and look for events to go to all the time, but something else always comes up. Does that ever happen to you?

   So I came across this quote above from a friend pinner on Pinterest. I have so many things to look forward to, books to read, a weight loss program to stick by to, fashion events to plan for, and most importantly refocus on Ninna Lu. So many "beautiful reasons to be happy" about!

 

:: My "Miracles Now" book. ::

I can't wait for April 8th, 2014 to come. I've pre-ordered my book and look forward to reading this life changer. I wrote a series of blog posts on Gabrielle Bernstein's last book, "May Cause Miracles", you can check out those posts here.

 

:: Chocolate! ::

I started using Isagenix to lose weight this year. My long term goal is to lose 60 pounds and I've lost nine pounds so far! A friend of mine lost 60 pounds himself on this cleansing program and I'm driven to do the same. These IsaDelight dark chocolates are amazing!

 

 

:: Pawley and Maddie ::

As you all know I don't have kids, but luckily I do have furry ones. Pawley and Maddie are turning five years old this year!  We haven't been able to create any new handmade goods this year, but made with madpawlove is still going on Etsy. Please do check it out and tell your family and friends.

 

:: The Body Book ::

My body image from when I was twenty years old is completely different from my body image now that I am forty this year. I plan to read this informative book by Cameron Diaz. I thought it would really inspire me while I'm on my diet plan.

Thank you so much for reading and being a continued Ninna Lu follower. Don't forget to browse through the navigation bar of this blog to see what's new or upcomimg with Ninna Lu.

~ marissa  

 

 

 

Crafty Affairs

   On June 21st, Etsy celebrated the craftmaking community across the globe and called it the Etsy Craft Party. HelloXOXO hosted its Sacramento Etsy Craft Party locally here in Sacramento, CA along with Popcycle Creamery, Giggle & Riot FunBooth and This N That Thrift & Gift. Overall, it was a fantasticly organized event, and we even took the time to take a fun picture with my sister and her 30 something Meetup group.

 

 

   Speaking of arts & crafts, the Sacramento Fine Arts Center held an exhibit on the "Focus on Fiber" and June 22nd was the last day. Below are just some of my favorite exhibits as it's quite interesting to me to see the work of these artists as they use various ways to use fabric as wall art.

 

:: a shoulder cozy made of 40% japanese noro yarn by cheryl lobenberg ::

 

:: valley of hope by ann ragland ::

 

 

::cobblestones - hand dyed, molding paste, paint & paint sticks, machine stitched by linda waddle::

 

:: voted the most memorable - twilight tide by shirley benedick ::

 

:: abstract landscape by marie dixon ::

 

and lastly, more fabric art...

:: spiritual flo - a knitted wall hanging by jan rosenberg ::

 

Thank you so much for reading and enjoy the weather this weekend!

~ marissa

Cherishing The Best Things in Life

 

   Being almost halfway through the year, now that it's getting closer to turning 40 for me next year, I find myself reconnecting with my Mom and my younger sister more than ever before. The times that we do share together are very precious to me so I'd like to share some of those moments with all of you  here from my Instagram feed from weeks past.

 

Starting from top to bottom:

[1] Vivian and I at a local DIY event at Hello XOXO. We painted heart book bags for fun.

[2] A vintage Vogue print from my "Masters of Fashion Illustration" book that I received as a gift.

[3] A really good cup of strong coffee at my favorite bistro, Bistro 33.

[4] My Mom and I on Mother's Day, May 12, 2013.

 

 

  

 

 

  

   These precious moments should never be taken for granted especially when you get a bit older like me. My relationships are what pulls me together through tough times and its during these times that I need to make life more meaningful. So it's great to be able to nurture these relationships every once in awhile especially when it lifts me up and adds shine to my life.

Thank you so much for reading!

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day with your Mom as I did. ~ marissa

Soul Feed: Transformations

   On January 10th, my sister Vivian and I went on a roadtrip over to San Francisco, CA to join other fellow Spirit Junkies who closely follow the author of the newly launched book, "May Cause Miracles", by Gabrielle Bernstein. If you are not aware of who she is, here is my blog post from December 2011 of our first encounter. 

 

   As my first blog post for the New Year of 2013, I've also decided to make it a blog series as it is extremely important for me to be able to look back on my personal transformations through my own life transitions. I have to be brave enough to share this with all of you because maybe, just maybe, someone out there is going through the same struggle and I am willing to share this as a gift to you.

 

   ::Gabrielle Bernstein is also the author of the book "Spirit Junkie" and the founder of a women's empowerment site called herfuture.com.:: 

 

   The Spirit Junkie phenomena has helped me go through my very own personal struggle to forgive. I took the first step [willingness] over a year ago. When life has thrown you too many lemons, it becomes difficult to make lemonade taste sweet. I have stayed strong for the sake of my best friend, not just as his wife, but as also his strongest advocate. I strive to provide the best normalcy in life for him at home but I cannot do it alone. I truly need Gabby's help. I took the important second step, which is to show [gratitude]. So I start my day with a grateful heart.

 

:: This was at first a quote as a theme for Thanksgiving and has now remained

in my kitchen so that I start each day with this vital thought.::

 

   In order to keep him positively focused and to keep his great drive to succeed everyday, I too have to keep myself positively focused. We don't want to have to hesitate and question why we should help people. You shouldn't have to, because it should just come naturally. Loyalty and trust has become a huge factor for me, especially when meeting new people because it is my natural instinct to protect the people I care for. So I decided after coming home from the book event that evening to take the third step. To choose love over fear and my transformation during that evening, which is so important for everyone else, is to have a miracle mind-set and maintain it.

 

  As I cope with my personal struggle of being angry, I search for bigger issues, way bigger than my very own. This is not to watch their overpowering struggle, but to relate with them, even if they are a total stranger. 

   Yes, this is so very personal and I have done a really good job gearing away from being too personal on my blog. But in order to heighten my own self awareness and to take great care of my container or vessel (my own physical being), how will I be a better me? As I build and grow through my transformations in subtle shifts, the universe will feel my positive energy and good things in life will continue to follow. The book signing event ended with a quick group meditation. A song from John Lennon was playing and the perfect words were spoken, "I will see things differently. I will just let it be."

 

::Thank you so much for my birthday gift.

In my eyes, you are truly the best sister anyone can have.::

 

Thank you so much for reading.

~ marissa

{a fellow Spirit Junkie for life}

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Soul Feed: Transformation - Choosing Love Over Fear

Soul Feed: Transformations - Willingness to Forgive

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Soul Feed: Transformations

Staycation Weekend

   The fastest four days was spent with my Mom and my sister over the weekend. All three of us planned to have the same days off and I planned a well deserved Mother/Daughters staycation weekend. Of course I'd love to share with all of you my recent Instagram pics, feel free to follow @ninnalu!

[1] Gar Woods Grill and Pier at North Lake Tahoe - a late Sunday afternoon lunch with the family.

[2] Vietnamese cuisine at Thanh Long in San Francisco's Sunset district and had roasted crab with garlic noodles.

[3] A few pictures from the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco added to our San Francisco day trip.

[4]  Ever had soup dumplings? Visit Yank Sing at the Rincon Center at San Francisco's Financial District!

[5] A few art pics at Sacramento's Crocker Musuem.

Have a great week everyone!

~ marissa