Library Goodies

Los Angeles Central Library | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Los Angeles Central Library | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Los Angeles Central Library | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Los Angeles Central Library | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Los Angeles Central Library | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Los Angeles Central Library | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

I dropped by the Los Angeles Central Library during lunch today to check out a book. Luckily, it’s only two blocks away from my work, leaving me with enough time to browse the library store. There are tons of well-designed paraphernalia for book lovers.



Los Angeles Map Tote – looks even better in person


Eames Coaster Set


Penguin Classics with redesigned covers in beautiful, clever patterns


Camera Pencil Sharpener


Penguin Classics Mini Notebook Set


They also had this Julius Schulman book full of gorgeous Los Angeles images. I couldn’t find it on their site but here it is on Amazon. I’m definitely getting it.

See more on their website or visit in person. Who knew the public library would be such a great shopping destination? All my reader/writer friends, you can expect a lot of future birthday and Christmas presents from the library!

6 Comments
by Gennia on April 13, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in 5D, Los Angeles, Photography
Tagged , ,
Posted by Gennia on April 13, 2011

http://genniacui.com/blog/2011/04/13/library-goodies/

Versatile Faux-Sheepskin

I mentioned when I got the Plycraft lounger that a sheepskin rug was on my list of to-gets. After a trip to Ikea, I decided that real sheepskin is a little hard to swallow. Walking on it will cause us some moral dilemma and induce flashbacks to Disney movies. Thankfully, Ikea offered a cheaper, faux-sheepskin called Oleby. It’s 80% micro-acrylic and 20% polyester, and best of all, it’s only $12.99! It looks really convincing and feels very soft as well. I definitely recommend it for anyone else who wants the sheepskin look without the actual baaa-ing.

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

I brought home two of them, intended for the sides of our bed so we have something plushy to step onto in the morning. (Idea courtesy of Young House Love’s new bedroom.)

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Faux-sheepskin on the floor is pretty appropriate next to the print of a running fox on my nightstand.

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

But it also looks pretty spiffy on the bench at the end of our bed.

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

How about on the leather armchair in the family room? A+! Definitely an upgrade.

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Ikea faux-sheepskin rug | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

After moving them all around the house, I’ve decided on one for the bench and one for the armchair for now. When the weather gets cold again, I’ll move them to the floor by the bed to warm our feet. Or maybe I’ll just pick up a couple more from Ikea…

4 Comments
by Gennia on April 10, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Home
Tagged
Posted by Gennia on April 10, 2011

http://genniacui.com/blog/2011/04/10/versatile-faux-sheepskin/

Hello, Nelson…

Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Here it is, my new, large Nelson saucer pendant lamp, courtesy of the DWR Annex Sale. Full credit goes to Scott, best boyfriend ever, for dealing with my ceiling lamp musical chairs and installing this big daddy for me.


Scott = Chico from Divine Design on HGTV.

We were debating between the medium and the large up until the moment we installed this. The large one looked so big in person. I could have comfortably fit in its box. But surprisingly, the huge lamp doesn’t look so huge once it’s in our space. It fits very well, proportionally, in our open floor plan.

Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

BEFORE

Here’s how the dining room/living room looked before with the original chandelier. The space felt more traditional and fussy.

AFTER

The new lamp fits our style a lot better. Clean lines, more organic, MCM, all that good stuff. Notice the new lounger that was missing in the “before” photo.
Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp in dining room | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp in dining room | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

I’m looking forward to placing our next Thanksgiving turkey under Mr. Nelson.

3 Comments
by Gennia on April 5, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Home
Tagged , ,
Posted by Gennia on April 5, 2011

http://genniacui.com/blog/2011/04/05/hello-nelson/

Palm Springs – Not-so-thrifty adventures

Yesterday, I dragged Scott with me to Palm Springs for the Design Within Reach Annex sale. I decided to make it a thrifting trip as well, and proceeded to make a map of places we had to hit up.

First stop, DWR. SUCCESS!!! They had the Nelson saucer pendant lamp on sale! After some rangling, we managed to squeeze the large lamp (36″ across) into my trunk. It was already the cheaper, outlet price, and the weekend sale added another 20% off. Not quite a thrifty find (seeing how it’s new and $300+) but I’m still very happy with it.


Here it is in a spiffy MCM home.

I’ll share real photos of it once it’s up in our dining room. Good-bye, wrought iron chandelier left by the previous owner!

The rest of our thrift store stops weren’t very successful. There were a couple cool MCM items but very overpriced, even compared to LA standards. All the stores seemed picked over…maybe it’s because we went on a weekend?

But having lunch at King’s Highway restaurant at The Ace Hotel was a total blast. We also grabbed a drink at the Amigo Room afterward (a mojito in 90 degrees weather? yes please!). The Ace Hotel is a must stop for mid-century lovers. It’s not as glitzy and polished as The Parker, but it is a lot more casual and laid back – and much more affordable for a weekend stay-cation.

Here are some photos, courtesy of my iPhone & Instagram.


Here’s a giant rhino statue at the Estate Sale Co. Sadly, it was already sold to a dealer. Would be a great addition to any home. ;)

2 Comments
by Gennia on April 3, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Home, Travel
Tagged , , , ,
Posted by Gennia on April 3, 2011

http://genniacui.com/blog/2011/04/03/palm-springs-not-so-thrifty-adventures/

Latest finds for the abode

First up is this little darling.

Mid-Century Modern Clock | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Sadly, he is brand new. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for a vintage version of this for some time now, but no luck. I spotted this one in the Chiasso print catalogue and purchased it within minutes. It’s super affordable at $54 and looks very handsome above our wet bar. But when it comes to telling time, it’s completely useless! These days, you will often see me sitting on the couch, squinting quizzically at its shiny hands…

Now the main attraction – my Plycraft lounge and ottoman! Sweet!

Plycraft Lounger, Eames Reproduction Lounger | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

Plycraft Lounger, Eames Reproduction Lounger | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

I was stalking Craigslist last Friday morning when this appeared. I snatched it up by the afternoon for a super fine deal. And by super fine, I mean $200. That’s as good as it’s going to get for someone like me, who lives in a city full of MCM-loving hipsters, who refuses to drive to the westside, and who is too lazy to wake up early for estate sales and flea markets. I’ve long resigned to the fact that I’m not lucky/motivated enough to find an authentic Eames lounger on the side of the road for $50 like Morgan at The Brick House. Ain’t gonna happen, bro. This will have to do.

Plycraft Lounger, Eames Reproduction Lounger | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

That said, I love it! It swivels, reclines, and is super comfy. The upholstery was redone by the previous owner. The right side of the seat has an issue but you don’t really notice and it doesn’t effect the butt’s comfort at all. Most importantly, it looks ubber cool and classy in my living room. My next move is getting a sheepskin rug to drape over it!

Plycraft Lounger, Eames Reproduction Lounger | copyright Gennia Cui 2011

5 Comments
by Gennia on April 1, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Home
Tagged , , , ,
Posted by Gennia on April 1, 2011

http://genniacui.com/blog/2011/04/01/latest-finds-for-the-abode/

Camping in Joshua Tree

On St. Patrick’s Day, we explored Joshua Tree National Park instead of the local watering holes. Luck was on our side as we snatched up the last campsite (and dare I say, best) at White Tank campground. We had a prefect, secluded little spot in the sea of rocks. The almost full moon made the evening surreal…no flashlight needed.


Taken at 8pm, long exposure on a tripod. Look closely and you can see the stars.


Our little tent.

No Comments
by Gennia on March 31, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in 5D, Photo, Travel
Tagged , , ,
Posted by Gennia on March 31, 2011

http://genniacui.com/blog/2011/03/31/camping-in-joshua-tree/

Borrego Springs, CA

No Comments
by Gennia on November 15, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in 5D, Travel
Posted by Gennia on November 15, 2010

http://genniacui.com/blog/2010/11/15/borrego-springs-ca/

Downtown LA

7th Street

I’m very lucky to work in such a beautiful city.

Downtown Los Angeles

The Music Center Downtown Los Angeles

1 Comment
by Gennia on August 19, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in 5D, Los Angeles, Photo
Posted by Gennia on August 19, 2010

http://genniacui.com/blog/2010/08/19/downtown-la/

Starkness

I visited South Korea in one of my recent trips. This land of my ancestors felt largely foreign to me. I accompanied my father and grandfather on a road trip to seek out the roots of our family name. There was quite a bit of rain and dreariness between bursts of sunshine; the ability to withstand bad weather must be buried somewhere in my genes…

korea04

korea05

1 Comment
by Gennia on July 3, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in holga, Photo, Travel
Posted by Gennia on July 3, 2010

http://genniacui.com/blog/2010/07/03/starkness/

Dad eating chestnuts in Shanghai

No Comments
by Gennia on June 17, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in 5D, china, Food, Photo, Travel
Tagged
Posted by Gennia on June 17, 2010

http://genniacui.com/blog/2010/06/17/dad-eating-chestnuts-in-shanghai/

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »