{ Hobbins Home Update }

Everyone at the Hobbins' household is jumping for joy now that the travertine floors have been laid, the granite is being installed, and the showers and getting tiled in. Just look how thrilled Diane is with her shnazzy new Versailles pattern. Isn't it superb? We sure think so!

Here's a little sneak peak at the new Master Bathroom granite slab Diane picked out ALL BY HERSELF! So proud of her. As for that amazing Memoirs Undercounter Sink from Kohler, I used to spec these beauties in all of our huge McMansions in Newport Coast at Fari International. I'd dare to say they're the best sink on the market! The Hobbins were sold!

For the tub area, we decided to keep it monochromatic and matched the travertine floors with some 6x6 tumbled travertine squares and turned them on point for some added visual interest. We also added a row of splitface stone bordered by a beefy chair rail to finish off the edges. Then, at Diane's request, we accented them with a decorative metal medallion to bring in the designer style and pop she was looking for. Love it. And check out that view. Not bad either!

As for the kitchen, well, it's still a work in progress. But progress is progress people! I mean, remember when it used to look like THIS? Since then the framework for the cabinets were all installed and they're getting ready to recieve some crisp white paint, new appliances, plumbing fixtures, and of course a beautiful slab of granite. This kitchen will be a knock-out when it's done. Truly!

I wish I had pictures of the rest of the home to share, but alas, I do not. However, I can tell you that the hardscape concrete was poured, the kids bathrooms are finished and getting painted, the office is currently being stained a rich mahogany, and the carpet was just laid throughout. It's really starting to feel like a home! Believe it or not, the family plans to move in this weekend, pending a few minor installations. How exciting! The home is still on schedule to finish Christmas time but hopefully I'll have a few more updates before then.

:: Tut-tut, it looks like rain! ::

Sometimes I just can't help myself. I've been wanting a pair of galoshes FOREVER! And I really don't care that it's only rained a total of 9 inches in the past 12 months here in Southern California. It's fall, and I need galoshes! Check out these adorable designs I'm craving from Target, each less than $25.

While I wanted all of them, can you guess which ones I picked? I'll post the answer in the comments section. The winner gets an imaginary cookie and a glass of milk. To pick your own favorite, click HERE.

{ Dinsbach Wedding Day }

My friend Mike of The Digital Orange dropped off a few new pics on his photo blog. This morning I was greeted with this gorgeous shot of the flowers I created for Brandon & Nicole's wedding day. Can't wait to see the rest of the up-close and personal images.

{ Mind The Gap }

What a weekend! I'm home from Big Bear and had such a blast with all of my best friends. Unfortunately, I came home feeling like I was hit, no, run over by a bus! I barely made it through the first hour of church before heading home to pass out on the sofa for six hours. I hate being sick.

When I finally woke up from my coma, I remembered that I taped the General Relief Society Meeting I missed Saturday evening. I grabbed the remote, fluffed up my pillow, and hit play. I might have been heavily drugged and in somewhat of a comatose state while I watched, but as soon as I heard Sis. Barbara Thompson, 2nd Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, step up to the pulpit and begin sharing the memory of her recent trip to London, I perked right up! She talked about a familiar British phrase in the underground tube system, "Mind the gap" and how to apply it to our spiritual lives. I ate every word she fed. It was everything I needed to hear. If you missed it, you're gonna want to check it out HERE. Great talk!

PS- Who in the world made all those flower corsages for the 360 women in the choir? Are you kidding me? It takes me almost 20 minutes to make ONE!!!

{ Off To Big Bear...}

...for another weekend adventure. We had so much fun last year, that we've decided to do it again. See you when I get back. Happy weekend!

:: Champagne & Chocolate ::

Today I had so much fun designing the bridal bouquet and boutonniere for friends Brandon and Nicole. Tomorrow they'll be tying the eternal knot in the San Diego Temple, followed by a sunset reception aboard a yacht in the Newport Harbor. Talk about a magical wedding day! Here's to hoping they love their flowers!!!


For those curious about what flowers we used to make up the yummy bouquet and boutonniere: Sahara and Vendela roses, Charlie Brown cymbidiums, spray roses, Hypercium, Monkey tail, and Swarovski Crystals. The combination is stunning!

{ Bridal Bouquet Preview }

For 6 long weeks I've waited to get my hands on this bridal bouquet, but the wait is finally over! My friends Nicole & Brandon are getting married in the San Diego temple this Friday and I have the pleasure of creating Nicole's bouquet, Brandon's boutonniere, and some similar pieces for their parents. Their colors are champagne and chocolate brown which are such a beautiful combo for a September wedding. The flowers were delivered and processed today and tomorrow we get to create!!! And yes, there will be real Swarovski crystals in her bouquet. Talk about bling bling! Can't wait to see how it all turns out.

:: Fall Into Happiness ::

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

It's almost hard for me to believe that just one year ago today I posted the sad news that I, along with the rest of North America, lost my job. At the time I thought working for Fari International was the best thing that could have ever happened to me, and that losing my job meant losing a part of me. A happy part of me.

But, since then I've found my happy place again.  Doing maybe not bigger and better things, but other things. Things that I had no idea could make me so happy. I've really come to love my new job as a designer at De La Rose. And honestly, if you would have told me this is where I'd be a year ago today, I probably would've just laughed. Isn't it amusing how we all just kind of somehow find our place?  

And aside from the flower shop, how fabulous that I've still been able to continue my passion for interior design through projects of my own. I guess what I'm trying to say is that somehow every Fall I seem to reflect on the good things in life and how truly grateful I am for the ups and downs, the closed doors and especially those open windows, because it's there that I truly fall into happiness. You know what they say: "Every end is a new beginning." Happy 1st Day of Fall!

{ World Ghosting Championship }

Almost a week later and I'm still laughing at these two. I saw Hamish & Andy on the new Jay Leno Show the other night and got such a kick out of their "World Ghosting Championship." So funny!

:: PAL + SMITH ::

Someday when I'm a gazillionaire I will want this incredible Zephyr Dining Table from PAL+SMITH in my house. Until then, I shall just covet thee, oh lovely Zephyr Dining Table. That is all.

:: Casa Romantica ::

I saw Love Happens last night. You know, that cute movie with Jennifer Aniston who plays a floral designer that works in this little Seattle flower shop and after being unlucky in love, unexpectedly finds the man of her dreams and they live happily ever after? Well, here I am the morning after, in my flower shop, just staring at this sensational arrangement in our window, waiting for my Prince Charming to come walking through the door and sweep me off my feet.

Snap out of it Aubrey! Anyway, it's been a busy weekend and the hours pass by quickly when I get to make pretty things like this beautiful arrangement of roses, hydrangea, dahlias, cymbidium orchids, and alstromeria. I had the pleasure of delivering this particular piece to a weekly client of ours at their gorgeous oceanfront home, Casa Romantica on the cliffs of Laguna Beach.

It truly is the most romantic Italian cottage, with the most gorgeous Italian rose gardens, Italian furnishings, and even a cute little Italian couple. Reminded me of something you'd see HERE. And yes, I am saving my pennies to go THERE next year. Until then, I'll just enjoy the views from where I'm at. Happy Saturday everyone!

{ European Vacation }

I was thumbing through an old issue of House Beautiful magazine and for the first time, noticed this incredible destination wallpaper. I need it. I really do. The London Eye, Eiffel Tower, St. Peter's Basilica, and more...

I think I'll wallpaper the inside of my Ikea bookcase with it. Give it some class. Oh, I'm giddy just thinking about it! I only hope it doesn't cost as much as my European vacation did.

:: Feels Like Fall To Me ::

Monday morning I woke up to scattered clouds and a cool breeze and decided to give the new fall wardrobe a test run at the flower shop. Navy dress, paisley tights and camel colored ankle boots. Don't mind if I do.

I had a lovely day parading around in my new wardrobe and creating these little beauties. I'm spending many more hours in this darling little shop and couldn't be happier about it. I love flowers. And tights. But mostly flowers.

{ Tasty Bruschetta Recipe }

I recently saw Julie & Julia and was completely mesmerized by the scene where Julie and her husband are devouring a heaping loaf of bruschetta. If you saw it, you definitely know what I'm talking about. Anyway, I found this great recipe that required learning how to blanch a tomato. I know, I'm learning to be so domestic!

I brought the finished product over to my new house in Huntington this weekend to share with friends as we played a little Beatles Rock Band. Well, I didn't play. I just ate, and ate, and ate. Here's the simple recipe if you'd like to give it a go. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/8 cup chopped fresh basil
4-5 medium, ripe tomatoes, peeled, coarsely chopped and drained in a strainer
1 pinch of freshly ground black pepper
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Directions:
Combine oil, vinegar, basil, garlic and pepper in a large bowl and whisk together. Add drained tomatoes to the dressing and toss to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, maybe 30. Toast bread slices on both sides under the broiler. Top each with some of the tomato mixture and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese and garnish with a leftover basil leaf. Bon Appetit.

:: Lisa & Rodney - Part I ::

I had so much fun doing the flowers for my friend Lisa's wedding at the Newport Beach Temple. The lovely Rachel Thurston is to be thanked for the amazing photographs you are about to enjoy.









To view more photos from their afternoon at the temple, visit Rachel's blog HERE and prepare to be amazed.

:: Lisa & Rodney - Part II ::

After Rodney & Lisa's temple sealing, friends and family joined the newlyweds for a ring ceremony and a backyard reception in San Clemente. Event Planner & Painter Shauna Lewis turned their gazebo into a whimsical wonderland. She did a fabulous job setting the mood for the evening and I think my floral arrangements provided the perfect punches of citrus against the cream palette. So much flavor and fun! Again, thank the amazingly talented Rachel Thurston for the photographs...














To see the rest of the incredible photos from Lisa & Rodney's beautiful backyard reception, visit Rachel's blog HERE.

{ Love My DIY Sweater }

A few months ago I fell in love with this gorgeous designer sweater from Kate Spade. However, I did NOT fall in love with the $300 price tag. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and get my craft on!

With a simple white sweater I found in my closet I was able to take a sheet of black felt, a pair of scissors, some permanent fabric adhesive, a few black buttons, and a spool of thread and turn it all into my own designer look for a fraction of the cost.

Please excuse the expression. I tried to do the whole "deer in headlights" thing. Admittedly not a good look for me. FYI- The pattern is NOT the wrong direction. This pic was taken in a mirror by me and my iPhone. I promise I'll buy a REAL camera one of these days. But for now, this will just have to do.

{ Ladies Book Club }

Time to crack the cover on another great read. This time around I thought I'd invite the blogging world to read along with my girlfriends and me.

This month's selection: NY Times #1 Bestseller UGLIES by, Scott Westerfeld, the first in a trilogy. Never mind that it's in the teen section. It's going to be good. I hope. So feel free to read along. We'll be reviewing the book in late October, so keep up. Happy reading!

{ Friday Night Sunset }

Would you believe this was the view from the wedding reception I attended Friday night? Believe it! I'd like to go ahead and pre-order one of these for my wedding day. Please and thank you!

:: Labor Day 2009 ::

I might not have made it to the lake with everyone for Labor Day, but the BBQ & Swim Party was a good time too. Thanks for coming over and playing with me!