80's WHITE OUT @ Oceans

Whoever said you can't wear white after labor day was lame. This week we tried mixin' things up a bit on the dance floor with some all white ensembles. The outcome: pure awesomeness. April, upon her late arrival said this, "It was like walking into a sea of celestial beings. Everyone was glowing." That's what we like to hear. The Mormons causing a scene in Laguna once again.

Fiesta Pack Challenge

Did you know that Del Taco sells a Fiesta Pack? What's a Fiesta Pack you ask? A Fiesta Pack is meant to be a very meaty family size meal. Just $8.99 buys you 6-1/2 pound Bean & Cheese Burritos and 6 Regular Tacos. Can you see where this is going yet? Read on...

Monday night after the ward FHE at the beach I followed Katie Hatch, the trifecta, and friends, to the local Del Taco where Katie would be the lone participant in the Fiesta Pack Challenge. The challenge was that if Katie could scarf down an entire Fiesta Pack in just one hour, Tiffany would give her $100.

But was it worth the price? I don't think so. Katie started out strong and with a smile on her face. But about halfway into it, she started feeling the weight of the beans and began trying several creative techniques to get that food to sit still. There was sitting, standing, laying, pacing and all the while I was snapping pictures. I'm such a bad friend!

After 45 minutes of a more than valiant effort, she decided to forfeit the $100 and stop binging. And although she didn't finish the challenge, I was quite impressed that she managed to throw down 5 whole burritos and 4-1/2 tacos. Way to go Katie. I am also happy to report that there was a re-appearance of those 5 burritos and 4-1/2 tacos later that night. Katie is feeling much better now.

Spring In A Vase

Every home deserves fresh flowers...even during times of recession! I love that my favorite store, Trader Joes, has made it possible for everyone to enjoy beautiful springtime blooms for next to nothing. Since March I've been picking up these fantastic daffodil stems for only $1.29 a bundle. That's right! Only $1.29 for ten stems. They always have several varieties too. I usually pick up two or three bundles every time I stop at the store for a loaf of bread or carton of milk. I'm not sure how much longer they'll be in the stores, so hurry and get yourself a couple bundles before they're gone. The trick is to buy the ones that have yet to bloom. You may think they look dead and ready for the waste bin, but just bring them home, fill a vase with cold water from the refrigerator (warm water feeds bacteria), snip the stems about a 1/2 inch, place them in the water, and ta-da! Your blooms will start to open within 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy!

The HEART and SOUL of Lacrosse

Lately I've been trying to attend as many of my brother's Lacrosse games as I can. When I look back to my High School days I remember how good it felt to know my family was up in the stands watching me break my personal record in the triple jump or pound aces on the volleyball court.

I look back and realize how fun it was being the oldest child because my siblings were dragged to every one of my games. And then I feel bad for my little brother who doesn't have the kind of support I did. His sisters are all grown and living in different states, and I'm the only one around to show my support. Isn't it funny how the roles have reversed.

Anyway, because my brother is a junior on the Varsity team, he doesn't get nearly enough playing time as he, or the rest of us, would like. But I will say one thing about that kid. He's got more heart and soul on that bench than anyone else on his team. He is the first one up to congratulate a player on an awesome save, and the first to tackle the goalie at the end of a win. I think his blood definitely bleeds blue. Way to rock that field Scotty! We love you #16!

Earth Day 2009

Happy Belated Earth Day everyone. Hope you all found ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I know I did a lot of walking that day and even skipped a shower to save some water (ok, so maybe it's b/c I slept in and was late for work.) Still counts, right?

The following day I went and saw Disney's newest Nature movie, Earth. Several years ago I fell in love with the series Planet Earth and hoped the movie would be similar. But what I didn't know is that it was the EXACT SAME THING! I was kind of bummed that I'd already seen the images before. Regardless, it was beautiful on the big screen and fun to see it with a big group of my friends. And did you know that for every person that sees Earth during the opening week, Disney will plant a tree in their honor? So I guess it wasn't a total bust.

I'm already looking forward to seeing the next major motion picture for Earth Day 2010, Oceans! I wonder what they'll do if we see it during opening week next year? Your guess is as good as mine.

Totally Awesome 80's

We'll never stop dancing! No, never!

We're 17 Again!

I can't deny my love for these girls. They make me feel like I'm seventeen again! Last weekend we left our boyfriends at home...oh wait...to go see the number one movie in America. Well, Erin does have a boyfriend but he's in Illinois right now so it doesn't count. Kidding Erin!

Anyway, we took each other on a date to see our favorite little "man cub" Zac Efron in the Blockbuster hit, 17 Again. We're not afraid to admit we love him! While we didn't LOVE the movie, we all loved watching our man on the big screen and listening to all 500 of the teeny boppers in the theater SHRIEK! every time he came on screen. I'll admit, I squirmed a little in my chair when he stepped out of his Audi in those black skinny jeans, white v-neck, leather jacket, vans, aviators, and perfectly quaffed do. But who was really paying attention to that anyway. "I love you Zac!"

Happy Birthday Lacey!!!

I just had to share this cute picture from my dear friend Lacey Welling's Surprise Party last week. Could she and Brad be any cuter? Don't they make dating look fun? I wanna be in LOVE!

Helping Hands Beach Clean-Up

Last Saturday the San Clemente Stake volunteered to help with the community clean-up of Doheny State Beach. We were excited to help knowing the weather would be in the 80's and we could multi-task a tan while picking up pieces of styrofoam and other little treasures we might find combing the sands.

But before we could get to work, first things first. We were loaned these gorgeous yellow ponchos, along with some rubber gloves, and plastic bags. With our gear on we were ready to to go.



While searching through the piles of rock and debris, Krystal found the first little treasure: a pink plastic ring in the shape of a heart. When I saw that little beauty I decided "I wanna find a ring too!" Not five minutes later I scored myself a totally awesome baseball shaped ring. Suhweet!

Then we see Katie get a little sad as she says "I wanna find a ring. But it better be a diamond ring!" And wouldn't you know...and I kid you not...a few minutes later Katie came screaming down the beach "I found a ring. A diamond ring. A real diamond ring." Whaaaaat??? After careful examination we determined it was indeed real, and what a rock it was. I think she plans on calling the city to see if anyone lost a ring at the beach. And if not, well, happy pawning Katie.

After the clean-up we did the only logical thing to do. Cruised on over to the Samuelian's beach front double-wide in San Clemente for some burgers and a little R&R in the sun, followed by a rousing game of sand volleyball out on the courts. I'm sad the weekend is over, but at least I'm still enjoying the tan. I love sunny Saturdays! Summer, we're ready for you!

The Montage Photo Shoot

Remember when I blogged about THIS? Well, after months of waiting, I finally received some images from the shoot we did at The Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. The photo shoot was for the Special Wedding Issue of Laguna Beach Magazine that hit shelves a couple of weeks ago.

I think the images turned out beautiful and our flowers looked absolutely blushing. Be sure to check out this months issue of Laguna Beach Magazine if you get a chance. We're featured in several different spreads. So exciting!

CorePower Hot Yoga

I recently joined a friend of mine for my first ever CorePower Hot Yoga class. I had no idea what I was getting myself into so I did my homework and learned quite a bit. CorePower Hot Yoga is different from the traditional form of yoga in the sense that it consists of a series of 26 postures performed in a precise order, in a room heated to 105 degrees. Each class systematically works the entire body, concentrating on the essence of every organ, bone, joint, muscle, ligament, tendon, blood vessel, nerve and gland. Incorporating strength, balance, and flexibility, it teaches you how each pose stimulates the mind and restores and shapes the body.

I also learned some of the benefits of doing yoga in a heated environment. Aside form the obvious, it enhances vasodilatation so that more blood is delivered to the muscles, allows oxygen in the blood to detach from the hemoglobin more easily, speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids, makes muscles more elastic and less susceptible to injury, improves coordination, reduces heart irregularities associated with sudden exercise, and my favorite, it burns fat more easily.

So if you haven't yet jumped on the Hot Yoga bandwagon, I suggest you find a studio near you and find out what all the fuss is about. You just might fall in love....or at least loose a few pounds. Namaste.

Easter Vacation

I'm back...and have been for awhile. It was nice to have a little break from the blogging world. I realized that since I no longer have a camera, I don't take pictures of anything I do or anywhere I go. And when I don't have a picture of something, well, then it's just not worth blogging about....in my opinion.

Friday night we enjoyed the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant, the largest outdoor Easter Pageant in the world. The temp that night dipped down into the 50's. Quite a dramatic change from the 80 degree heat we were enjoying just several hours earlier.

The rest of the weekend was filled with shopping, shopping, and more shopping, followed by frozen yogurt, shopping, and Lucille's BBQ. Yum, yum, and yum. I wish every weekend could be like that.

Come on! You can't tell me your family doesn't do this. I mean, what else were we suppose to do while the baby was sleeping? And if I had to guess what everyone was staring at I'd guess that I was perusing my Google Reader. Dad was on some golf website. Kellie was definitely on Facebook. Scotty was checking out how many hits he had on his newest iTunes Podcast. And Mark, he was probably on some Law website, being all intellectual and stuff.

The Easter Bunny spoiled us rotten again this year. I'm pretty sure I ate all of my Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Eggs before leaving the house that day. Easter candy really is the best candy. Cadbury Mini-Eggs. Need I say more? Good thing we played the Wii Fit all weekend. That thing is awesome. I need me one of those!

Easter Sunday outfits. So fresh and so clean! This would've been such a cute family photo had Scott consented to find someone to take it, and not hide behind the lens. Oh well. Next year.

Happy Keaster!!!

Hope everyone is having themselves a lovely Easter holiday. I'm still in Arizona relaxing with family and enjoying a lazy Sunday with my favorite little guy in the whole world! What a stud muffin. I don't ever wanna come home.

Mother's Day Is Coming . . .

. . . and look at what my talented friend Shauna painted for me to give to my little sister. I'm so pleased with the result and can't wait to give it to Jacki on her very first Mother's Day. If you'd like to purchase a painting for your sister, mother, wife, or friend, then just click HERE to visit her Etsy page.

Happy 1/2 Birthday Dallen!

I hate to aruge, but I honestly have the cutest nephew in the entire world. Sorry, but it's true! And now I'm off to Arizona to kiss those cute little cheeks all weekend long. Enjoy your Easter everyone! See you when I come back...if I EVER come back!

The Boys Are Back In Town

Pre-season is over folks! Tuesday night was the 2nd game of the season for the Halos, and my 1st in attendance. I'm so excited to follow my favorite team across America as they win their way to another World Series. A little too early to be dreaming of another Championship win? Well, I guess you could say I'm an optimist...or least try to be! For example, my Angels may have lost last night, but that didn't stop me from having the time of my life eating Big League nachos with lots and lots of jalapenos, an Angel dog smothered in ketchup, mustard, AND relish, some chili cheese fries (are you sick yet?), a fatty diet Coke, and of course an ice cream sandwich to finish it all off. My mother was disgusted with me, but I was feelin' pretty good. Judge if you must, but it was a great game. Click HERE to see what I mean. I look forward to many, many more!

OC . Vegas . LA

Last week I got a call from Vegas. It was Allison, one of my best friends from High School, saying she'd be in town this Thursday to go to Dland. I decided to take the afternoon off work to spend a few hours with her and some friends at the happiest place on earth. I was actually excited that she let me ride the only 2 rides I'd never been on before. Toy Story: Awesome! Nemo: Eh.

After our DLand escapade we met up with my friends Chris, Josh, and Justin from LA for dinner at Rip Tide. It's kind of tradition that they come down every couple months for a good sushi feeding. We always pig out on our favorites: the Tornado, the Jalapeno Rolls, the Pipeline, and a few others. So stinkin' good! Oh yeah, and my sister cut my bangs. I needed a new do.

Double Date With Daddy-O

I love how ghetto my family can be sometimes. Would you believe a classy girl like me (insert hearty belly laugh) grew up on Sizzler and Souplantation? How awesome is that! So Monday night my Dad decided to take my sister and me out for a date night while Mom was at school and our not-so-little brother Scotty was at Lacrosse practice. Well, times haven't changed a bit, because when Dad found out Sizzler went out of business (wonder why?) he opted for the next best option. Souplantation! I must sound like a spoiled brat right now, but I don't even care. Just let me have my laugh. Hahahaha!

Anyway, dinner was great. I filled up on salad and cheese pizza sticks. The poppyseed coleslaw wasn't half bad either. At the end of our nutritious meal we decided to try out the ice cream swirl, but ewwwww, no. Couldn't do it. I know I exaggerate, but really, the food isn't that bad. We just like to make fun of it because everytime we go there it's nothing but senior citizens with walkers clogging up the soup lines. You know what I'm talking about!

After dinner, we decided to head up to the Aliso Theaters for a movie. I forgot a sweatshirt and knew it would be chilly, so good 'ole dad let us stop at Old Navy so he could try on khakis, I mean, so I could get a blue and white nautical sweatshirt for $15. I found it in the boys section. I didn't care. It was cute. And sorry about the khakis thing dad. Just so you all know, my dad probably owns 50 pair of khaki pants. All alike. And no matter where we go, he's always trying on khakis, convinced he needs a new pair. And if Mom's not around, he always makes us check that they're not too saggy in the butt. Mom doesn't like that. Hehe. Love you Dad!

So, with my warm sweatshirt and Dad with his new pair of khakis (you all thought I was lying), the three of us headed off to the theaters to see TAKEN! I had refused to see this movie before my trip to Paris for obvious reasons...and boy am I glad I waited. I would've been so stinking paranoid the entire time. I probably would've made someone hold my hand everywhere we went. Oh wait, I did. Haha! But the movie was good and the company...even better. I love watching movies with my dad. He let's me laugh at all the inappropriate stuff and never gets mad. Thanks for being the coolest Dad ever. We should go on Daddy Daughter Dates more often. Only next time, can I pick the restaurant?

I AM the MASTER Prankster

I suggest you visit my friend SHAUNA'S BLOG to see what I'm talking about. And YES, this prank worked on over 50, count them, 50 April Fool's Day victims. You know who you are. Ahahahahahaha!