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THE MOST WONDERFUL NEW YEAR’S …

began with guests getting their bling on. Here Alexis decides on hers. Also, signing the guest book and indicating what yummy treat they brought. Here's Jan making her entry. And with her bling on. Then it was time for amazing Magician Tom to mesmerize all of us,...

CHRISTMAS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Valerie Foster Hoffman is truly the Hostess With the Mostest, a real-life Auntie Mame! And to be at her Christmas party is to partake of an unforgettable experience. Cookies anyone? With Sherry in the garden. With Santa and our Lovely Hostess! Photographer Karl....

MOVING ON TOWARDS CHRISTMAS

The partying began at the California Club for the CTG Affiliates' Annual Christmas Luncheon. There are beautiful mystery boxes that everyone bids on....here's the one I got. Delightful Mary Kay with her treasure box. Sweet Diane chats with Artistic Director Snehal...

BEST THANKSGIVING EVER!

It's impossible to express how much I love Thanksgiving! Shopping for all of my traditional recipes starts about a week before, and this time it only took five trips! I begin with making the cranberries the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and the next day, the stuffing....

NOVEMBER’S JOY

Sandie girl came to the studio to work on her Christmas card. It's so lovely, but I can't show it to you just yet! This is where it all began on November 6th. Backup from the water drainage area. It's the 25th and work continues... On to lighter moments. Dinner at...

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY AND SO MUCH MORE

It was time to celebrate delightful Patricia Faber and sooo much fun was had by all! Architrect Miller Yee Fong had to leave early so he wasn't in the group photo. Happiest of birthdays dear Patricia! Make a wish!!! Soooo cute! I was so thrilled to see the recent...

OCTOBER MEANS SAYING GOODBYE TO SUMMER

Each year I'm determined to really enjoy summer and then find it's October and I wonder what happened. The upside to that is beginning the month with the Huntington Botanical Garden's Mid Autumn Moon Festival where we have a booth and get to see many of my wonderful...

CONTINUING SEPTEMBER

For a short month, September had a lot going on, continuing with the Center Theatre Group Affiliates New Member Orientation Meeting. "Giving the Gift of Theatre to the Next Generation." Afterwards, Christine Hart, VP Programs for the Affiliates, and Sweet Diane visit...

SEPTEMBER SURPRISE

Please make no mistake...it isn't easy to create a surprise birthday gift, and the project becomes even more difficult when the recipient is gracious Carol Soucek King. The planning began with Veronica being given the responsibility of making the table place cards....

CELEBRATING VERONICA

August 23rd was Veronica's birthday, so off to Beverly Hills and lunch at Gucci Osteria on Rodeo Drive. I love chef extraordinaire Mattia Agazzi and knew he would do something very special for Veronica! We settled on the tasting menu which had all the exquisite dishes...
DEBBIE KORBEL, AN ARTIST TO WATCH

DEBBIE KORBEL, AN ARTIST TO WATCH

On December 12, 2017 on nanrae.blogspot.com I wrote a blog about 'DEBBIE KORBEL ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE' and said "This may be the most important blog I've ever written".  That has not changed. What can I even begin to say about someone who can create unimaginable...

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LOVE IS SPELLED ELIZA AND TYLER

LOVE IS SPELLED ELIZA AND TYLER

I don't care how you express it.... meant to be, soulmates, true love, heaven sent....any description of a perfect match has to be Eliza and Tyler.  Just seeing them together makes one feel sooooo happy! Happy doesn't come close to the love feast bridal shower...

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Los Angeles OPERA INSIGHT EVENTS

Los Angeles OPERA INSIGHT EVENTS

are always great fun along with learning a lot. Listening to composer Matthew Aucoin, Genius Grant recipient along with a MacArthur Fellowship, and  composer of 'Eurydice', his opera to be premiered in LA Opera's 2019/20 season was no exception. Making the...

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THE HUNTINGTON SUCCESSORS EVENTS

THE HUNTINGTON SUCCESSORS EVENTS

....are always wonderful but I think this weeks focus on "ARABELLA: The Force Behind the Huntington's Art Collections" was the very best! Cutie Cris Lutz. But first some nibbles! Christina Nielsen, the new Director of the Art Collections gave a fascinating glimpse...

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LA OPERA’S THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS

LA OPERA’S THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS

...was absolutely sensational. The sets and costumes gave this Mozart masterpiece a fitting background. The LA Times called it 'A feast for the eyes' and it certainly is.  Only three more chances to see this magnificent production. Amy and I loved being at the...

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THE BEST MEAL I EVER HAD…

THE BEST MEAL I EVER HAD…

...and this includes eating at The French Laundry and Per Se,  was at La Botegga del Buon Caffe in Florence. I knew I was in for quite a culinary adventure when I saw the intensity in the kitchen! This Michelin starred restaurant delivers an innovative and...

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REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna at The Hofburg, designed in the style of the late Baroque era. If I had a bucket list, this definitely would be number one.  I'd say a trip to the lovely city of Vienna is worth it just to see this awesome classic equestrian...

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AN ABUNDANCE OF PINKNESS

AN ABUNDANCE OF PINKNESS

Nikka transformed the studio into an abundance of pinkness for her friend Charmaine's Bridal Shower and did those girls ever know how to party!! I'll show you the very beginnings of the day when signs were posted to guide everyone. At the door leading to the studio......

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I’M SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS

I’M SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS

.....and their current exhibit at the Crain Art Gallery in the Crowell Public Library in San Marino.  Nikka followed my design in helping everyone set up as I was still in Florence.  I was so happy to know that Lynda Lyons, the awesome head of the Crain...

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DECEMBER ADVENTURES

DECEMBER ADVENTURES

began with Carol Soucek King driving awesome Curtis McElhinney, myself and Suwako, famous authority on the kimono, on a delightful excursion to El Segundo. Why you may ask? Curtis, an award winning documentarian (curtisvision.com), has been filming Carol and her Salon...

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WELCOME…

to my personal blog where I’ll be sharing adventures and how I determine each day to live joyfully as an Artist, Teacher, and Author. My latest book “What If… We Have the Power to Change Our Lives” an inspirational book that hopefully will empower you to live your best life! You can find me and my work at nanraestudio.com My hope is that this blog will inspire you to find joy everywhere and in everything and that is what I wish for you!

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