Happy Halloween!!!

What a face! You'd be spooked too if your Mommy was a Mummy! Love you little buddy! Happy Halloween everyone!

She takes after me!

My friend Jen from High School and her adorable daughter Kambria are visiting from Illinois for a few days while her husband is away on business. Since they're only in town for a few days, and I hardly ever get to see them, I decided to take the day off (I can do that ya know!) to enjoy lunch and a little retail therapy.
I love this candid shot of Kambria shopping at Fashion Island. She had obviously been watching us try on purses, putting them on our shoulders and walking around. So she nonchalantly grabbed my shopping bag and put it on her shoulder and started walking around like a little shopping diva. It was so cute! She's such a good little shopper just like her Auntie Aubrey. It was a proud moment for me!

Happy Birthday Little Bird!

One year older and wiser too! Happy birthday, to you!  Love you sis!

Prop 8 Calling Party

My roommate Allie is in charge of the YES on Prop 8 calling campaign in our ward and to help everyone stay excited about their phone calls we had a Prop 8 Calling Party at our house. There was pizza, peanut M&M's, Diet Coke, and lots and lots of phone calls. If you missed it we'll be having another one Monday night as we sprint to the finish line. Come on over and join us.

Inhabit Wall Flats

Recently I've been putting together a design for a client in Irvine who needs help texturing the walls of his Urban Contemporary condo. In my search for a unique application, I came across this great new product on the market called Inhabit Wall Flats. These versatile tiles are not only paintable, but can be laid in any direction and on just about any surface to create a unique, embossed look. They were also voted "Eco-friendly Product of the Year" by Interior Design Magazine. I can't wait to see how the final design turns out. Should be quite exciting.

Nellie Gail Ranch

I met with a prospective client this afternoon to view the home he recently purchased in Nellie Gail Ranch. It's a beautiful property in a fantastic neighborhood, but just needs a few tweaks before it's move-in ready. Here are a few pictures of the property as it now stands:





Unfortunately, it may be several months before I can get my hands on it because there's talk of another 60 day escrow. I guess that'll give me plenty of time to come up with some exciting concepts for my design. You'll have to stay tuned to see what we do...

PCH Demonstration

A special "Thank You" to Heather for putting together this awesome video of the YES on Prop 8 demonstration from Saturday. Be sure to visit YouTube by clicking HERE to rate the video and leave your comments.

For more information about Prop 8, visit our blog at http://www.preservingmarriage.blogspot.com/.

OPERATION YELLOW

Saturday afternoon the roomies and I walked down to the corner of PCH and Golden Lantern to join some of the YES on Proposition 8 campaign supporters. The idea behind the movement was to have "YES on Prop 8" banners waved along PCH at every major intersection from San Clemente to Seal Beach.

I feel like our efforts today were a great success! It's truly an incredible feeling to stand up for something you believe so strongly in and then have other members of the community honk, give a thumbs up, or even stop by to wave a sign with you for a few minutes.

After finishing up at our street corner we all piled in the car and headed down the coast to give a few honks, hoots, and hollers to the other supporters. It was so great to see everyone else out in full force having so much fun.

Regardless of the negative slander we recieved, what we did today has given me a greater hope that Prop 8 will pass, as long as we continue doing all we can to share our excitement with the commmunity and encourage those YES voters to get to the Polls.

FYI - I don't normally look so homeless. I enjoyed a run on the beach and was a sweaty make-up-less mess. Don't hate. Just vote YES on 8.

CALLING ALL HOUSEHOLDS

Vote YES on Proposition 8 to preserve traditional marriage.

Aubrey goes Hepburn

After weeks of careful consideration, hours of deep contemplation, and many sleepless nights, I've finally decided what I'm gonna be this year for Halloween...

What are you gonna be?

Spielberg Challenge

As part of the second round interview process for the Managerial position at the Laguna Design Center, I was invited to a come up with a design for Mr. Steven Spielberg's home office. The only information given was the room size and the location of the door and windows. The rest was up to me.

When I arrived at the showroom, I was given one item as my inspiration for the space; a deep chocolate colored rug with a large geometric print. I was told to choose furniture, fabrics, trims, and a wall covering to complement it. I quickly envisioned Mr. Spielberg sitting behind his desk, looking over his office, and then it came to me. Hollywood Chic. Something trendy, contemporary, and extremely lush. A gentleman's retreat. An inspirational headquarters. An Oscar winning design.

I went to work pulling fabrics, choosing furniture, and designing a layout. At the end of my thirty minute scurry I was pleased with my selections and turned in the final design. I have to wait a few weeks while all the other applicants go through the same process before I find out if I've made it to the third of FIVE rounds of interviews! Whether I get the job or not, I'm still grateful for the learning experience and can use it to build myself as a designer for the future homes I'll create.

Career Paths

As if I don't have enough on my plate already with this Interior Design business venture of mine, I've decided to see what jobs are hiring right now. This week I dusted off my portfolio, updated my resume, and put on my business suit for a few interviews in Laguna. They are totally different from anything I've done in the past but that's just part of the excitement!

JOB OPPORTUNITY #1:
The first interview was for a Floral Shop in downtown Laguna Beach. They're a new company and are trying to expand the events side of their mostly retail shop. If hired, I would work as an event planner/floral designer for weddings, corporate events, and any other kind of work I can find them. It's an exciting opportunity and something I've always wanted to get in to. Plus, I think I'd be good at it. Creating, designing, inventing, marketing, networking. Could be fun!

JOB OPPORTUNITY #2:
The second interview was for a position at a showroom in the Laguna Design Center as a Showroom Manager. It's a big title, and one I'm not sure I'm even worthy of. But I applied anyway. The showroom sells fabrics and furniture to the trade in addition to commissioning outside design jobs. I think it would be exciting to take on the responsibility and a great opportunity for growth. I'm just not so sure I could handle the stress of running an entire showroom.

I'm still tossing and turning about the two jobs. Maybe I'll just forget about them both and continue doing my own thing. After all, I love being my own boss!

Prop 8 Phone Calls

Sunday the Young Single Adults of California were asked to focus their Proposition 8 efforts in a new direction. We, as a group, have been commissioned to make over 1 million phone calls in the next 14 days to registered voters throughout the state. The idea is to encourage the YES absentee ballot voters to send in their ballots and to encourage the undecided voters how important it is to vote YES. I had such a great time making my phone calls Monday. I spent almost 4 hours on the phone, contacted over 200 voters, and found out that more than 80% are voting YES. I loved it! I felt like I was back in the RC at the Missionary Training Center. I just couldn't get enough. I'm already looking forward to making more phone calls tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, and the next . . .

The COLOR CODE

Since moving into my new place with my new roommates, I've been overly impressed with how well we get along with each other. I've never known what to attribute it to until tonight when we were bored and decided to take the COLOR CODE personality test. I'm pretty sure I've been taking this test once a year for the last 10 years, everytime hoping for some exciting new result.

Well tonight when I took it again with my roommates I was pleasantly suprised to find that we were all BLUE! But what is even more interesting to me is that after finding out we were all blue, we learned that each one of us has a strong amount of each one of the other colors. I am mostly blue with a little red. Katie is mostly blue with a little white. And Allie is mostly blue with a little yellow.

Basically, I've come to the conclusion that becuase we all have a lot of blue, we can relate well with each other. But because we each have a little bit of another color, we compliment each other. I obviously bring to the table a more assertive personality, while Katie is the peacemaker, and Allie is the playful one.

So what does all this even mean? Well, this is how it works:

RED – “Red” personalities are motivated by power, or the ability to get things done and move from Point A to Point B. They are focused, proactive, natural leaders and can be argumentative.
BLUE – “Blue” personalities are motivated by intimacy, or connecting and sharing deeply and meaningfully with others. They are quality-oriented, nurturing, analytical and emotionally intense.
WHITE – “White” personalities are motivated by peace, or the ability to stay calm even in the midst of conflict. They are kind, self-regulated, diplomatic and timid.
YELLOW – “Yellow” personalities are motivated by fun, or living in and enjoying the moment. They are spontaneous, charismatic, sociable and forgetful.

Have you taken the test yet? What color are you?

"B" is for . . .

Before leaving Arizona my little sister and I tried to snap a few cute pics of baby Dallen. He was not super cooperative (and neither would you if you were stripped down naked and thrown in a box during nap time.) But we were able to get a few cute ones. This is my favorite. I think it's simply adorable.

Tablerock + iPhone =

Friday was so beautiful that I decided to step away from all the designing and take the afternoon off to play with my roommates down at Tablerock in Laguna. When we got down to the beach it was simply picture perfect and I was bummed I forgot my camera in the car. Luckily I remembered my phone has a pretty sweet camera. I love how the sun altered the lighting and made it look like night and how our shadows on the sand look scratchy and bitmapped. Maybe I'll be forgetting my camera a little more often.

Yes for the Children!

FACT:Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.

I come to you today with a post that is very near and dear to my heart. It's about the children. I have already shared many of my thoughts and ideas as to why I feel Californians should vote YES on Prop 8, but this reason surpasses them all. The children.

These faces are our future, a future I am trying to preserve through the passing of Prop 8. Please take a moment to learn why these parents are in support of Proposition 8 and the reasons they are encouraging you to vote YES for the children and the sanctity of marriage.

Meet: Daniel & Joseph

"My children are so important to me. I want to teach them correct principles in my own home. A family, consisting of both a mother and father, is the most import unit in our society and children have the right to learn this, just as I was taught and my parents were taught."

- Jessica, Dana Point, CA

Meet: TROY & COLT

"When I see my kids playing, I worry about their future and the world that they will raise their children in. I think the one thing that we can do now to help their future is to keep the family a solid unit with a mother and a father in the home. That one factor will influence the future in more ways than we know."

- Erin, Mount Pleasant, UT

Meet: TY

"God intended for marriage to be between a man and a woman, and seeing how our nation was created 'under God' I feel it would be a violation of our nation's law and God's law to do anything otherwise!"

- Meggan, Orem, UT

Meet: ABIGAIL

"A Yes on Proposition 8 will mean we will never have to worry about our children being taught values which are not values at all. A Yes on Proposition 8 means that we will never have to worry about a court forcing our church to marry a same sex couple. A Yes on Proposition 8 will remind us that we still live around many Californians who value the role of a father and mother in parenting as much as us."

- Tyler, Laguna Niguel, CA

Meet: STONE

"I think The Family: A Proclamation to the World says it best: 'Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). ...The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.'

"Since I have been a mother, I have an even stronger testimony that marriage between a man and woman is essential. Watching my baby grow, I realize more and more every day the differences between the role a mother has, and the role a father has, and how essential these two roles, TOGETHER, are in my child's life."

- Kendal, Lubbock, TX

Meet: Dallen

"Nothing can compare to the joy of motherhood and looking in the eyes of a little child, so new in this world. However there is another kind of joy that comes from seeing a new father look into the eyes of the baby he helped bring into this world. I feel so blessed to see my loving husband gaze, awstruck into the eyes of his newborn son, and know that this lucky child gets to enjoy the security of a home with a mother and a father, the way that God intended a home to be. Supporting Proposition 8 ensures children the opportunity to have both a mother and a father to guide them through this world in such a challenging day and time. I vote Yes for traditional marriage."

- Jacki, Tempe, AZ

Meet: Bentley & Gage

"I want to be able to decide what values my boys are taught and unless Proposition 8 passes this freedom and right will be taken from me. They are my most prized posessions and they deserve to remain as innocent and pure as they are now for as long as possible. It is my right to teach them about the world when I choose to. Please help me protect my babies by supporting this proposition."

- Jaime, Los Angeles, CA

Meet: Madelyn & Stella

"I want to live freely. I want to raise my children the way I feel, as their mother, will be best for them. I want to teach my girls good morals and high, strong values. I want to be able to worship God the way I want to. I want to preserve our democracy by letting the people decide what's best for our nation, instead of those four judges from San Francisco. I want my children to grow up in a world where "marriage" is something unique, special, and meaningful. Because that's what it is. It's important; it is, indeed, unique.

"A union "between one man and one woman" is inherently different than any other type of union. I'm voting to preserve and protect this vital institution we've called "marriage" for centuries across civilizations, and throughout the entire world. For our families, for California, for our country, and for our precious freedom which so many have sacrificed so much for, I'm voting a fervent YES on proposition 8.

"Protect marriage, protect our freedom. Vote YES on 8."

- Amanda, San Clemente, CA

Meet: LILY

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

Meet: Caden, Gage & Zane

- Lindsie, Scottsdale, AZ

I hope the faces of these children and the words of their loving parents have touched your heart and given you a new perspective on why it's so important that we vote yes on Prop 8.

Vote YES for marriage. Vote YES for families. Vote YES for the Children.

To learn more visit: http://preservingmarriage.blogspot.com/

Knott's Scary Farm

Wednesday night I joined some friends at Knott's Scary Farm for a good spook and some terrifying rides...literally. Has anyone ever been on the GhostRider before? Ummm, are you kidding me? That was the scariest ride I've ever been on. Ever! From first glance it appears to be just one of those old fashioned wooden roller coasters. You know, slightly bumpy, maybe a little less exciting than the big upside down coasters.

But Oh No! After the first huge drop I thought I was a goner. I think I cried the entire coaster. No, really. It was the most rickety, rockety, un-safe feeling coaster I've ever been on in my life. And I'm not the only one that thought so. I was on it with three guys who said "At every turn I said to myself...this is the turn I'm going to die on. For sure!" I really thought we were going to die. And I'm not afraid of roller-coasters.

After the ride was over I had tears streaming down my cheeks. Don't laugh! It was really scary. Ok, you can laugh cuz it was pretty ridiculous. Needless to say, I will never be riding the GhostRider again. Ever! Maybe you'll have more fun than I did...if you like ALMOST DYING!

Preserve Traditional Marriage

Still looking for a good reason to vote YES on Prop 8?

Passing Proposition 8 protects our children and places into the Constitution the simple definition that a marriage is between a man and a woman.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World
"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

To learn more about the reasons to vote YES on Prop 8 be sure to visit our blog: Preserving Marriage for California.

Congratulations Mark!

It's been an exciting week in Arizona for the Bracken family. In addition to becoming a first-time Father, my brother-in-law Mark just recieved word that he passed the State Bar of Arizona. Congratulations Mark! We're all so proud of you and your many accomplishments.

Get the Facts!

A friend of mine asked if I'd like to participate in a blog she started about Preserving Marriage. As one of the contributors I invite you, especially those who are still undecided, to take a look and learn why you should vote YES on Prop 8. Be sure to check back often for updated information to keep you informed. You can visit our blog by clicking HERE or simply click on the picture "Preserve Marriage" on my sidebar.

Dallen Scott Bracken

Meet my little nephew, Dallen Scott Bracken. Isn't he absolutely adorable! I still can't believe he's here. This little stinker decided to come a few weeks early and catch us all by surprise. I guess he just couldn't wait any longer to meet his Auntie Aubrey.



After three days of rest and recuperation, my little sister Jacki and baby Dallen were released from the hospital. Unfortunately, she started feeling ill Saturday evening and was re-admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure and severe headaches. Today while she undergoes an MRI and a few other tests, I opted to stay in Tempe with Grandma Mimi and little Dallen until Jacki is well enough to return home. We are all praying for her speedy recovery.

I'm an AUNT!!!!

Guess I'm not going to Utah this weekend! My little sister Jacki unexpectedly went into labor Wednesday night and delivered a healthy baby boy via c-section. I am please to welcome my new little love into the world. Here are the stats:

Dallen Scott Bracken
Wendesday, October 8, 2008 @ 11:45pm
7 lbs. 4 oz. and 18 inches

After the delivery my brother-in-law Mark called me and held the phone up to Dallen's crying voice and I just lost it. I was so overcome with emotions of joy that I couldn't keep the tears back. I've already seen a few pictures via cell phone and he is absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to share pictures with everyone! I'm off to Arizona now to meet my little nephew. I'm an AUNTIE!

A Return to Zion

It's been two long years but I'm finally heading back to Utah for a quick trip to attend a friend's temple sealing in Manti, catch up with old friends at my Mission Reunion in Salt Lake City, and to enjoy some rest and relaxation with the little sis in Provo. Maybe one of these days I'll just stay in bed all weekend watching re-runs and eating ice cream. Not this weekend!

Conference Olympics

Just in case you wondered what we did in HB between Conference sessions...

A special "Thank You" goes out to Brother Lance Johnson for his amazing choreography skills.

Kiele, the lightweight, being hoisted up by Rodney, the muscle man.

This last one was taken by a passer-byer on a cell phone. Guess he didn't quite understand that we wanted the WHOLE pyramid in the picture. At least he was able to capture Brad defying gravity. How'd he do that?

Palm Springs Conference Retreat

October's Conference weekend is one of my favorite times of the year for this very reason. Our ALL girls Conference Retreat in Palm Springs! This year was just as incredible as the last. We hit the road late Friday night and arrived at the JW Marriott, an all inclusive resort. We dropped off our bags and hit the local club for some fun on the dance floor.




















The next morning the early birds were up with the dawn and ran a few miles while the rest of us lazys slept in and enjoyed the warm down comforters. By 9:00 we were all up and the 10 of us enjoyed breakfast in bed as we feasted upon the Word. After the first session of conference we headed out to the pool for some R&R and a light lunch. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.


















After some sunshine and a dip in the pool we headed back up to the rooms for the last session. What a spiritual feast! After conference we packed up our bags and headed for some grub at Armando's, a local mexican restaurant that came highly recommended by a friend from Huntingon. Good call.




With our bellies full and only a few hours of daylight left, we hit the road and made our last stop at the Desert Springs outlets for some cheap shopping. I think the best finds of the day go to Miss Amber Garrett. That girl always finds the cutest clothes. I think next time I'll just hand her my credit card and tell her to buy 2 of everything. One for her, and one for me. Can't wait for next year!!!

Palm Springs - ROUND 2

This weekend is the Second Annual Palm Springs Women's Conference Retreat! We just made that up. Last year a handful of my girlfriends piled in the Burb and headed for the JW Marriott in the Palm Dessert to relax and watch General Conference with the girls. We had sooo much fun, that this year we've decided to do it all over again.

Tonight myself and THIRTEEN of my girlfriends are going to be participating in this repeat of hot tubbing, dancing, luxurious hotel rooms, a spiritual feeding of Conference talks from the Prophet and other Genereal Authorities of The Church, a pool side nap and maybe a massage from a cabana boy (ok, so maybe just Lisa rubbing my feet), and then a stop at the Dessert Springs Outlet Mall for some cheap shopping and delicious dining. A full report when I return...

We're in business baby!

"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless." - Jamie Paolinetti

The last few weeks have kept me busy. Busy with my new business! I'm finally an independent Interior Designer for my very own company. Well, technically my Mom started the company a year ago, but since she's still busy with school I'm the one doing all the designing right now.

Currently I am working on a job for a client who recently purchased a gorgeous loft style condo in Irvine. He hired me to help him transform the blank canvas into an Urban/Contemporary sanctuary. Together we've come up with some exciting ideas that I'll share with you soon.

Another client I am working for has commissioned me to head up their house remodel in Trabuco Canyon. They're adding on 2,000+ square feet to their already spacious home and gutting the kitchen, bathrooms, and well, just about everything else. It's an exciting project and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to turn their house into a home. Monday we met with the Cabinet Makers and designed a to-die-for gourmet kitchen. Can't wait to show it off!

If you or anyone you know is looking for a designer, whether for a few ideas, a couple pieces of furniture, or help with a complete remodel, I'd love the referral!

Jack's Mannequin

Andrew McMahon, a High School friend of mine, who after climbing the Bilboard 100 as lead singer for the punk rock band Something Coroporate, was diagnosed with Cancer in 2005. After a terrifying struggle he beat the odds and is now in remission and back to doing what he loves. Andrew has once again made a name for himself, only this time as Jack's Mannequin. For a short video about his fascinating story watch THIS.



Andrew's newest video "The Resolution" was just released this week on MTV.com. His sound is as brilliant as ever. And for all you Twilight fans out there, you might be interested to know that Stephanie Meyer, author of the famous Twighlight series was involved in the production and in fact came up with the concept for the video. Let me know what you think!

• Jack's Mannequin
• New Music

Andrew...you're still the man...the McMahon.