{ I Love LA! }

Last week I snuck out of town for not one, but TWO visits to the Fashion District in Downtown LA. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, LA's Fashion District is a multi-faceted hub of fashion-related businesses serving both the trade and the general public. An interior and floral designer's paradise! I brought with me my trusty iPhone to document my adventures.

Day 1: Day one found me in the Garment District with my dear friend Holly. Wow! What a place. The stores, sidewalks, and alleyways were completely crowded with bolts and bolts of fabric. Fabric as far as the eye can see! Holly and I spent most of the afternoon searching high and low for the perfect fabric to use as the anchor for a summer bridal shower we're throwing this weekend. We scored a classic black and white stripe I made into two table runners for the brunch. Can't wait to share pictures of the final result.

Day 2: I found my happy place. It's in LA and it's called the Flower District. Incredible! So many flowers I didn't even know what to do with myself. And all for the most incredible prices! My co-worker Hannah and I were at the Flower Mart EARLY Friday morning to pick out all the flowers for the Laguna Beach wedding we did over the weekend. Keep in mind the best time to go to the Flower Mart is on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 3:30 and 7:30am. Yikes! It was well worth it though to find all the pink and yellow blooms we were looking for. Stay tuned for pictures of our creations tomorrow!

THE BACHELORETTE: After The Final Rose

These pictures have nothing to do with anything that happened on Tuesday night's ATFR, but they just reminded me why I was so obsessed with this darling girl.



I think I'm finally warming up to the idea of Ed & Jill now. After watching them on ATFR, Regis & Kelly, and CNBC I see that they are completely enamored with one another and all I can say is that I'm so happy that a darling girl like Jill has finally found love. I'm still not okay with his short shorts, but I'll just have to get over that.

As for the next Bachelor. What the heck? Who's it going to be? I'm so bummed they didn't announce it on ATFR. What are your predictions? Any rumors out there I should know about? I'd love to hear what you all have to say...

{ How to Get a Hole in One! }

A few weeks ago while my sister Jacki was home for the 4th of July, our friend Alexia came over to take some photos of darling little D to promote her new photography business, Ty Bebe. Poor Dallen was woken up from his nap for the photo session and was in the most rotten mood, but Alexia still managed to snag some oh-so-cute shots of Mr. Grumpy. Enjoy.

THE BACHELORETTE: The Final Rose

All I can say is that the Big Island was a Big Disappointment for me. If you didn't already hear, Miss Jillian Harris accepted the proposal of Ed Swiderski on last night's season finale of The Bachelorette. I know what you're thinking. Swiderski? Jill, I hope you know your last name is going to be Swiderski. No thank you.

All jokes aside for a minute...although I've never really liked Ed and questioned his wardrobe and sexual orientation from time to time, I still have to admit that these two totally deserve each other. I think that from the beginning I was too blinded by Jill's fabulous fashion and awesome Interior Design career to actually see what a total dork she is. That's right. I love you Jill, but you're a dork. So there you have it, they're both dorks and therefore both totally deserve each other.

Anyway! Enough about Jill and Ed. They are so last season. So who's the next Bachelor going to be? If they don't announce it on the ATFR episode tonight I might die. I HOPE it's Reid, but I think it'll be Kiptyn or Jake. PLEASE don't be Jake. If it's Jake then I'm DEFINITELY not going to that audition for The Bachelor on Saturday. Let's all pray that it's Reid. PLEASE be Reid!

{ GOODBYE VIOLET LANTERN }

A few weeks ago I made the difficult decision to not renew my lease on this gorgeous home in Dana Point. I know, I must be crazy to leave behind this incredible palace, but it's time to begin a new chapter of my life.

Saturday my amazing mom, dad, and friends helped me pack up the U-Haul and move me into my parent's home until October when I make the highly anticipated move to Huntington Beach. Here's to living rent free and mooching off my parent's for 2 months!

{ Newport Beach: The Wedge }

This one's for all my poor friends stuck in Utah this summer. You probably already heard, but the Wedge was going OFF this weekend. Check out this video compilation from Saturday afternoon in Newport:

:: The "Bracey" Wedding ::

A few months back my dear friends Brad & Lacey called me up and asked if I would do the bridal bouquet and boutonniere for their upcoming July wedding. Well, yesterday at the San Diego Temple these two tied the eternal knot sporting succulent creations made by yours truly! Do you like them? I think they're stunning! Am I even allowed to say that?


At the request of the bride the bouquet was designed with a grouping of succulents, green cymbidium orchids, and fuchsia gloriosa for a punch of color. For Brad's boutonniere she wanted a simpler approach with a small cluster of green succulents. I'm pretty sure she loved them! Stay tuned for even more pictures to come from the talented Mike Cunningham.

:: Kelly Clarkson & The OC Fair ::

There's a reason the OC Fair only happens once a year, because the human body can only handle so much fried food before it will self-implode! Thursday night the ladies and I ate ourselves sick with fried corn dogs, fried waffle fries and fried funnel cakes. It seemed like a good idea at the time!


After dinner we were seeing red. Red lips that is. Paula was nice enough to share her NARS lipstick with all the ladies. Apparently it's the perfect red for EVERYONE. Everyone except me! Yikes!



The concert was incredible. Paula, I mean Kelly, hit everyone note and sang all my favorite songs. Well, all but one. I was kinda bummed she didn't do "Ready" the theme song from this season's The Bachelorette, but I guess she more than made up for it when she sang a remake of "If" by Janet Jackson. Brought me back to the days of my youth. Such a fun night at the OC Fair!

{ Favorite Movie Of The Summer! }

:: Welcome Dallin Leo Rall ::

The long nine months are finally over!!! My dear friend Cora and her husband Deron welcomed their first little bundle of joy into this world on July 15th. Meet Dallin Leo Rall.

Last Monday night Lauren and I were lucky enough to come over to their home and hold this little lover while we watched The Bachelorette together. Isn't he absolutely beautiful!

THE BACHELORETTE: The Men Tell All

Monday night the boys of this season's THE BACHELORETTE reunited for the most anticlimactic episode of "The Men Tell All" in the history of the show. I can honestly say I tuned out about half of it. Partially because I was watching at Cora's house and cuddling her 5 day old baby (so cute...pictures soon to come). But honestly, no Reid? No Wes? The Man Code? You've got to be kidding me. Dave, you are officially the world's biggest dirt bag. And in case you're wondering, YES! I am absolutely ecstatic to see my darling Reid again next week! I knew he'd come back.

Now on to bigger and better things....WHO TURNED IN AN APPLICATION FOR ME TO BE ON THE NEXT SEASON OF THE BACHELOR? Very Funny. I'm actually still trying to determine its authenticity. What do you guys think? Check out the email I received this afternoon:

Dear Aubrey,

Thank you for your interest in applying for ABC's hit TV show, "The Bachelor". We received an online submission on your behalf and would like to consider you for the upcoming season. If you are not already familiar with the premise of the show, "The Bachelor" is a dating-type show where 1 lucky bachelor gets to choose among 25 gals for an opportunity to find true love.

We are holding a casting event in the Los Angeles Area and would like to invite you out to meet with a casting producer in person.

- Please complete the attached application and bring with you to the casting.
- Also, please bring photos (full-length shots, recent vacation pictures, etc.) The more, the better! Please write your first and last name on the back of the photos.

COSTA MESA, CA
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 2009
FROM: 1PM-5PM
THE WESTIN SOUTH COAST PLAZA
686 ANTON BLVD.
COSTA MESA, CA 92626
WEBSITE: www.westin.com/SouthCoastPlaza

*Please note: Taping of the new season is scheduled to begin in October, in Los Angeles, for six consecutive weeks; exact dates are TBD. Please let me know if you will not be able to commit to the taping schedule.

Okay, so what do you think? Is this thing for real? I seriously think it's so funny that someone would actually take the time to send in an application on "my behalf." Whoever you are, Bravo!

Happy Birthday Dad!

My Dad likes golf. No, he LOVES golf! Some Saturdays you can find him in the backyard with a club in hand, chipping a few balls across the pool to the putting green. Yup, that's my Dad. FOUR!!!

Sunday was his 51st birthday, and although he didn't get to play golf, at least he got to watch golf. Sorry that lame guy had to go and win dad. There's always next year. Happy Birthday old guy!!!

:: Arizona Staycation ::

When's the last time you enjoyed a little fun and relaxing "STAYCATION?" This weekend instead of going to Arizona to play with my friends, I let my Arizona friends come to me! Believe it or not, I met these adorable boys last Sunday at the Scottsdale ward in Arizona and was so excited to hear they'd be coming for a visit to my neck of the woods this weekend.

While they were here we played and did a little of everything: Reggae night at The Sandpiper Lounge, Harbor House, Thousand Steps, 3-Arch Bay, Corn Roast at T-Street Beach, and even a visit to Club Messick. It was such a fun weekend and I wish I could say how sad I am to see them go, but they'll be back again next weekend for the US Open!

{ Summer Corn Roast }

I. LOVE. CORN. And this Saturday I participated in the 1st Annual San Clemente 5th Ward Summer Corn Roast at T-Street Beach. Because I'd never been to one before, I had no idea how it worked. So for those of you who were like me and have no idea how it works, here's a little Corn Roast 101:

STEP 1: Fill a giant tin trash can full of ocean water and ears of corn.
STEP 2: Place giant trash can on bonfire. Cover with lid and boil.
STEP 3: Remove corn from water, drain, and peel back husk.
STEP 4: Dip corn cob in huge tin of melted butter.
STEP 5: EAT CORN!

:: DIY Headboard ::

There are some seriously clever people in this world and one day I'd like to be numbered among them. Until then, I'll just steal their ideas and blog about them. Take this crafty idea from Country Living for example...

It's an old door that's been painted, trimmed with some crown molding, and placed behind a queen size bed. Don't you just love it? I think it's charming! For instruction on how to make your own click HERE.

{ I Left My Heart In Arizona! }

I'm back home again and missing my squishy little baby like crazy! Could that face be any cuter! I had such a great time in Arizona just hanging out with my sister Jacki, Marky Mark, baby Dallen, and all the new friends I met over the weekend. I honestly didn't want to come home which I find quite odd considering the record breaking heat! It's a love/hate relationship.


On another note. How fun are these Polaroid pics? I stumbled across this cool website called poladriod.net that turns your digital photos into these Polaroid-like images. You just download the software, drop and drag, and then watch or shake your photo as it slowly develops just like a real Polaroid. It's pretty fun and guaranteed to keep you entertained during a boring day at the office.

:: Jack's Mannequin & The Fray ::

Tuesday night my sister Jacki and her husband Mark sent the wee-one to a babysitter and joined John and me for a double date to see Jack's Mannequin and The Fray in concert at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona. What a great show!

My High School friend, Andrew McMahon, opened the night with his band Jack's Mannequin...and killed it! He played all of my favorites off his new album "The Glass Passenger," and even did a shout-out to all his old friends in the audience with a throwback from our High School days. Kinda made me miss seeing Brian Ireland on the drums and William Tell on the Bass. Those were the good 'ole days.

It was so fun to have my little sister there to share the whole experience with me. We were together at Andrew's last show with Something Corporate nearly seven years ago so it was great to reunite again for his latest tour. And yes, we realize our outfits are nearly matching. We like it that way.

Although we primarily went to see Andrew rock the stage, we all enjoyed The Fray who put on a fantastic show! They are an incredibly talented group of musicians! Totally made me wanna brush up on my piano skills. Oh, and their remake of Kanye West's "Heartless" was incredible. I've heard it before, but it was even better LIVE.

If you're in the Orange County area, hopefully you'll get yourself some tickets to their show at the end of the month at the Irvine Amphitheater. I'm actually contemplating going again. It was that good!

THE BACHELORETTE: Failure To Launch

What a night! Monday evening I joined a few of my new BFFs here in Mesa, Arizona for a little gathering to watch ABC's The Bachelorette. I seriously wish I could watch with these girls EVERY week! Not once did they roll their eyes at my snide remarks, shush my screams and giggles, or laugh when I fell helplessly to the floor at the dismissal of my man Reid. I still cannot believe she sent him home! Poor form Jill. I guess I'm now Team Kiptyn...again...by default.

Okay, so for the recap:

KIPTYN: Before we talk about Kiptyn, can we please talk about that horrible-awful-no-good-very-bad-long-black-romper? Come on Jill! You are so much better than that! As for Mr. Kiptyn, it worries me that Jill is blinded by his good looks and is missing all the red flags, like when he announced that one of his greatest flaws in a relationship is having one foot in and one foot out. Not a good thing Jill. I really don't see Kiptyn settling down anytime soon. Although I do think he's the better bet over Ed.

REID: I miss him already! He was so cute, so romantic, and I love that he was sportin' Chucks on his last date with Jillian. I think she definitely made a mistake in letting this one go. I know some of you think he was weird, awkward, and quirky, but I think he was absolutely charming. I mean, he was the most realistic about the whole thing and had his head on straight. Well, except for when ABC conned him into getting in that bathtub with Jillian. Yikes Reid!

ED: Seriously Jill? I mean seriously, you kept Ed over Reid? Where is your brain? News flash: ED LIKES BOYS! He really needs to leave the short shorts wearing and leg crossing to the ladies. And what was up with that lavender suit. Come on! For real? As for the overnight date, well, we're not even gonna go there. We'll just say I was incredibly uncomfortable and embarrassed for him. And I realize that she might pick him because he claims he's already in love with her and wants to get engaged to her at the end of all this, but come on! I just don't believe someone can really truly fall in love on this dumb show. Especially NOT when she's sleeping with two (or more) other men. But to each his own, I guess.

Let's start getting excited for next week's "The Bachelorette: The Men Tell All." I'm not usually a fan of this episode, but for some reason this season I can't wait to see the freaks out in full force.

{ Anthropologie :: Arizona :: A/C }

What is there to do in Arizona when it's ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN degrees outside? Go shopping of course! My sister was kind enough to let me do a little shopping at my favorite store on the planet, Anthropologie. While I was busy buying half the store my sister Jacki was entertaining Dallen...or was he entertaining her? Isn't he the cutest! I'm the luckiest Auntie in the whole-wide-world!

:: Just Another Groupie ::

I'm so excited! I'm off to Arizona this weekend to spend some MORE time with my little nephew Dallen and to go support my High School friend Andrew McMahon as he opens for The Fray on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Last time I saw Andrew he was playing a show at UVSC in Orem, Utah with his band Something Corporate. Since then he's been making a new name for himself as Jack's Mannequin and headlining his tour across the US. If you've never heard his music before, take a listen HERE. Should be a great show!

{ Fishers Of Men }

What a gorgeous evening to be at sea! Friday night I joined a few friends for a deep sea fishing adventure off the coast of Dana Point. Most of what we caught was too small to take home, but there were a few good catches: a Halibut, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Barracuda, Sculpin, and even a stingray. Time to fry up some fish!

{ Bye Bye Beach Road }

Today we said goodbye to the beach house on Beach Road until next year when we do it all over again! It was an amazing week of fun in the sun with my darling little orange popsicle-faced nephew Dallen...and the rest of the Messick clan too.

{ Skateboarding With My Boyfriend }

Don'tcha wish your boyfriend was hot like mine? This week I've been enjoying the sun at Grandma & Grandpa's Beach House and kissing and squishing these adorable little cheeks. I just can't seem to get enough of my little D.