The Music Box at The Fonda

Saturday night some friends and I celebrated our dear friend Devin Ord's birthday at The Music Box in Hollywood to hear two of my favorite musicians perform: Joshua Radin and Meiko. The concert was incredible, minus the standing in heels for nearly 4 hours. Never again!

I Heart Troy!

Can you believe it? Friday night my roommates and I skipped out on a lot of fun offers to sit on a couch in Huntington and watch High School Musical 3! You heard me right! We turned down a wild night at the rodeo, the ever popular trip to Disneyland, and even a last minute date, all to watch our favorite High Schoolers dance their way through Senior Year. We might as well be twelve! For months, my die hard HSM friend Erin Hawley had been planning the dvd release party of this blessed movie and Friday night, like a bunch of boy crazy pre-teens, we put on our pj's and East High apparel and watched Zac Efron schmooze the screen with his leading lady, Miss Vanessa Hudgens. It was everything I hoped it would be and more: ridiculous musical numbers that stick in your head for hours, awkward dance numbers that leave you wondering "Did that really just happen?" and of course a shirtless scene with the boyishly handsome Troy Bolton. Am I too young to already be considered a cougar? It was definitely a Friday night well spent. I love my life!

Midsummer Estate

I love my new job, don't get me wrong, but for some reason today I'm missing my old job. A lot. This afternoon I stumbled across these drawings my boss and I worked on back in 2008. Since it will most likely never be built, I thought I would share our ideas for this incredible 22,000 square foot architectural beauty.


After the conceptual design is complete, each home receives a special name. This Newport Coast McMansion would have been known as the Midsummer Estate. Isn't it gorgeous! It comes complete with a subterranean garage, gourmet kitchen, outdoor loggias, guest house, and a view you can only imagine in your dreams. What a fun project this would've been!

The House She Calls Home

I've always been a huge fan of actress Amanda Peet, so when I came across this picture article on Domino featuring her gorgeous Spanish Mediterranean home, which just so happens to be my favorite style of architecture, I couldn't resist sharing. I hope someday someone wants to photograph my home and feature it in a magazine. A girl can dream, can't she?

Actress Amanda Peet and her husband, screenwriter David Benioff, turned their first shared home into an elegant haven that's family-friendly yet pulled-together.

It wasn't until Peet and Benioff bought this Spanish-style bungalow near the Hollywood Hills that they truly married styles.

In the entryway, a collage of family photos and artwork establishes the informal tone. Hanging the frames unevenly, but with roughly the same amount of space between each, is all it took.

Benioff's masculine tastes and Peet's long-standing devotion to stripes and ethnic textiles combine to create a casual, unpretentious sophistication.

A decoupage hollyhock lamp and a pile of vintage textiles warm up the stainless-steel baker's rack and Benioff's leather-and-chrome chair.

"I chose my living-room sofa for its fat seat," Peet says. Set amid neutral hues, the bold upholstery, accentuated by an antique Chinese shawl, commands center stage.

White walls, bare windows, the original terra-cotta floor tiles and weathered industrial chairs gathered around a metal pedestal table form a clean, sun-filled backdrop that's softened by the flatweave rug and vintage-fabric-covered seats.

In the guest room—one of only two spaces that deviate from white walls—a medley of blues, greens and bits of gold unites two very different florals.

Finck's Birthday @ Oceans!!!

Bye Bye Best Friend

While some of you may be hoping to find some juicy commentary on last nights hot tub romp in New Zealand, I'm sorry to disappoint, but this is a family blog, and what happened on ABC last night was anything but PG rated. Although, I will admit I was laughing and squirming the entire time. I mean what was up with the dramatic latin soap opera music? And how about when she...okay, okay, enough! So, I guess it pretty much goes without saying that last night was a sad night for me. As our beloved Bachelor, Jason Mesnick, said goodbye to my favorite eligible bachelorette, Miss Jillian, the adorable 29 year old Canadian Interior Designer, a part of me died. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't devastated to see her go. She was my favorite from the start. However, during Monday night's episode it became painfully obvious to me that Jillian had somehow missed the marriage mark and become the unlikely "Best Friend." I think I liked her so much because I connected with her on so many levels. First of all, she's an Interior Designer and so am I. She's Canadian and I served my mission to Canada. And third, she's been sorely unlucky in love, and well, yah, enough said. Of course I also loved her for her fashion sense, her big heart, and that teensy tiny waistline we all coveted. But at the end of the day, if Jason wasn't in love with her, then what can you do? I think she's one stellar woman and will find love soon...like on next season's The Bachelorette! Wouldn't that be amazing? As for Jason, I think he and Melissa will be very happy together. Sorry Molly, you didn't really think he was gonna pick you just cuz he thinks you have pretty eyes did you? Oh you did? That's so sweet. Oh and Jason, good luck next week! You're gonna need it when you face all those ferocious women again on The Bachelor: The Women Tell All. I can't wait.

A Valentine's Wedding

This Valentine's Day my cousin Chad and his sweetheart Katie tied the knot! It was a small and simple ceremony held at my Aunt & Uncle's beautiful home in Irvine. I was extra excited to have my adorable little nephew Dallen there, along with my two sisters, and brother-in-law who flew/drove-in for the occassion.

After the ceremony we celebrated with delicious food, fun friends and COUSINS! I absolutely adore my cousins and wish ALL of them could've been there to celebrate with us. And YES, my sister Jacki is a natural blonde and is NOT the milk man's daughter. I love her goldilocks!

Before it was time to go, Dallen wanted to give his Great Grandma a hug and kiss good bye. He was immediately drawn to her pretty pink lipstick and dark brown locks. He kept touching her face as if to memorize every square inch. Or maybe he was just trying to figure out the secret to her beauty. I mean, seriously! Doesn't my grandma look AMAZING! I pray I got her genes.

K1 Speed Racing

When you're on an indoor racetrack racing 12 of your closest friends, things are bound to get competitive. And while my 3rd place time may seem impressive, the spotlight once again belongs to Mr. Dusty Monroe. The man is a speed demon. He placed 1st in both races...by a long shot! I'm guessing it had something to do with the fact that he has his own racing helmet, gloves, and shoes. That kid doesn't mess around.

It was so fun to have my little sister Kellie there for the race. She flew in special for the event. Okay, so maybe she came for our cousin's wedding Saturday, but she definitely wanted to race with us. And although neither of us won the gold medal, at least we got to take home this heinous helmet picture to always remember our fun night at the speedway.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I decided to be crafty this weekend and make some little Valentine's treats for my family, roommates, and the girls I visit teach. Aren't they cute! Hope you all get a special treat from a special someone this Valentine's Day! And just in case you don't, here's a Valentine from my blog to yours:

Die Cuts With A View

About a month ago one of my best friends Erin Madsen, a Professional Scrapbooker for DCWV, sent out an email to friends and family requesting photographs to be used on scrapbook pages for her Scrapbook Convention in Anaheim. I ended up sending her a bunch of pictures from my favorite day last summer at Thousand Steps which she used for her Tahiti Summer pages.

After the conference was over she sent out another email informing me and others that a video featuring our photographs and friends was emailed to 6 million people all across the world. How exciting! To see this scrapbook video featuring photos of my roommate Katie (pictured above), my friend Brandon, Erin's adorable boys, my little sister Jacki, and her hubby Mark, click HERE!

"Flowers are love's truest language."

Valentine's Day is coming which means De La Rose is getting ready for their busiest day of the year! Wednesday morning the girls in the shop were up at 3am to be the first shoppers at the LA Flower Mart to guarantee the best blooms for our V-Day arrangements. In the meantime, I tended to the store in Laguna and placed orders for the BIG DAY!

While I was working on some arrangements, the cutest old man dropped in to place an order. He brought with him his wife's favorite vase and asked that we fill it with a creative mix of all his wife's favorite flowers. I was so impressed that he knew the names and colors of each and every one of her favorite flowers. He then handed me a personal card to include with the arrangement addressed to "My Valentine & Sweetheart." I was so touched! Made me hope to find a man who will call me his "sweetheart" even after 50 years of Valentine's Days together. So CUTE!

Melissa "Slam Dunk" Morales

Friday night we celebrated the 23rd birthday of Miss Melissa Morales in true NBA style. The fabulous Erin Hawley spared no expense and went all out.

There was an NBA cake, NBA decor, NBA jerseys, and lots and lots of NBA loving people. This girl has more friends than the Dalai Lama! Thanks Melissa for being so rad! Happy 23rd Birthday!!!

Dusty "Karaoke" Monroe

Friday night our favorite Sushi & Karaoke joint Taka-o in San Clemente was booked up with a birthday party so a few of us resorted to Plan B: Go back to Tristen's house and listen to Dusty sing "I Love the Night Life" all night long!

Another One Bites The Dust

Maybe the dead dove was just a foreshadowing of what was to become of Naomi on tonight's episode of The Bachelor. Maybe Naomi's "psychic" mom could "see into the future" and asked the producers to have the dead bird scene as a "sign" of things to come. She must've "known" Eva Mendez, I mean Naomi, would be the next to go. I'm just sayin. Stranger things have happened. Like Jason being reincarnated from his former life as a Mother? Excuse me, what?

Tonight's Bachelor episode was no disappointment! Of course my love for team Jillian was fortified as together she and Jason toured the Canadian countryside and fell deeper and more madly in love with each other. Okay, so maybe it's not quite like that. But I still think the two make the best pair. Although, most of my friends disagree. They're team Melissa! And she's great too. Just not as great as Jillian. I think in the end they'll see it was all part of the PRO-cess so that Jason could learn more a BOAT both girls and find OAT that Jillian is the only one for him. SORE-y BOAT it girls, but it's true. Right MUM? Gotta' love the Canucks.

I don't think there's much to be said about Molly. I mean, no sense in spending an entire paragraph talking about a girl that's going home next week, right? Sorry Molly. You had to have seen it coming. Really? You didn't? Oh sad. Best of luck back in Michigan. You're a cute girl. You'll find someone great.

Poor girl. Hope she'll be okay because next week's episode of The Bachelor is gonna be a doozy! The dumper and dumpee, DeAnna Pappas, returns in all her bitter, regret-filled glory, and whatever it is she has to say to Jason has him fleeing the scene in tears. I can't stand the heartache or the suspense! What do you think she has to say to him? I'm dying to know what you think!

Screen Print Fabrics

I'm loving this new company I recently came across while browsing new textiles on the market. Made in Philadelphia and seen throughout the world, Galbraith and Paul have actually been around since 1986, creating beautiful textile products for the design world.

They specialize in these hand block printed textiles designed with an artist's eye and made with a craftsman's hands. I love their bold graphics and painterly qualities. Here's a few designs that caught my attention:

Upholstery fabric

Lighting textiles


Area rugs


Throw Pillows

Window Treatments

Bring On The Rain

It's pouring in Orange County and I love it. Why is it that everytime it rains I'm reminded of this incredible song by Jo Dee Messina & Tim McGraw? We've all felt this way before. I think I'll just cozy up in my blanket and watch the rain from the window while I enjoy this song on repeat. Bring on the rain!

Stop And Smell The Roses

I would assume that when most people go for a run outdoors, they actually run. And focus on their run. Me? I tend to get a little distracted. Yesterday the weather was so beautiful that I went for an extra long run and found myself jogging through open fields and stopping to admire the pre-spring wildflower blooms. I actually smelled them before I saw them. The aroma was wonderfully intoxicating! I wish I knew what species of flower they are, but the smell reminds me of all the lilacs I enjoyed on my mission in Canada. Those fragrant beauties were everywhere in the early summer. Of course I had to bring some of these lilac wanna-bees home with me! I can actually smell their sweet aroma right now, even from all the way across the room. I know, I am such a flower freak. My mother would agree. Is it so wrong to think every home should have a bouquet of fresh flowers everyday, all the time, even if it's just some wildflowers from the field?

Bring On The Hometown Dates

Does anyone else feel like Monday night's episode of The Bachelor was a bit of a letdown? Where were all the hate words and cat fights? Oh yeah, the booger-biter and macho-man went home last week. How could I have forgotten! It's too bad because there was a definite drop in the drama. I guess things are finally gonna get serious as Jason narrows down his dating pool. That sounds terrible, but what a great show!

All that aside, I must admit I was deeply touched when Jason shared his genuine care and respect for Stephanie as he kindly declined to give her a rose. It's apparent that he did the right thing, but I really feel for the woman. She might have gone a little overboard on the botox and eyebrow waxing, but that mom has got a heart of gold. I truly wish her all the best in her quest to find a husband.

So, onto the hometown dates we go. I can't wait for Jason to be "out and about" in Alberta, Canada with Jillian and her family as they enjoy the Great White North! Of course it'll be interesting to see how Jason likes Grand Rapids Michigan and meeting Molly's Mom and Dad. Oh, and poor Melissa who will be taking Jason to Dallas, Texas to meet...her best friends? How sad for her. And I'm a little worried for Jason to hang out with Naomi and her nutty mother and dead pigeon in Carlsbad, California. This should be interesting. Who do you think's getting booted next?

Love Is In The Air

Did you know Valentine's Day is just around the corner? De La Rose, your favorite flower shop in Laguna Beach, is now taking orders for that special someone in your life. We can make your arrangement any size, shape, and color you'd like. If I had a boyfriend, I think I'd want something romantic like this!

And remember men: A box of chocolates will go straight to her hips, but a bouquet of flowers will send her straight to your lips! Call our shop and we'll get your order going.

It's Complicated

Can I please start off by first saying how incredibly beautiful Saturday was! I'm loving this 80 degree weather in January. Bring on the beach days! Saturday afternoon after a delicious breakfast and a special visit from the lovable Mary Ellen Edmunds at the San Clemente Stake Enrichment, I headed up to Huntington Beach for the fourth time this week to join the Piersiders and this hot mamma at 17th Street. For months I've had a little girl-crush on this one and we've finally both confessed our obsession with one another.

After a few hours of just relaxing in the sun it was time to do something a little more energetic so I hopped on my longboard and met up with some friends for a game of beach volleyball. After a few kills and some serious style points, we called it quits and headed to Chronic for some grub. Then, it was off to my other girlfriend's house, Emily Hatch, to help her get ready for a hot date. I love that Miss Hatch talked to her date beforehand to make sure that her hot new red jeans would be appropriate for the date. How could any man resist the seductive power of the red pants!

With Em gone for the night it was time to reunite with Miss Hawley again and get our groove on at Woody's Wharf in Newport Beach. Before we all left I went over to Miss Hawley's house to help her get ready. When we started going through what dress she would wear dancing, she came across this ladybug inspired dance costume she wore in the 8th grade. She decided to try it on as a joke, but with a little coaxing from her roommate we convinced her to wear it out. It made me love her all the more for it. I love my girlfriends.