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.

Lake Mohave 2008

Last weekend I was invited to crash my little brother and sister's wakeboard trip to Laughlin. We had so much fun and did just about everthing there is to do behind a boat. I rode the wakeboard, kneeboard, slalom ski, tube, and even tried my brother's skim. Now that was interesting! Next time we'll be bringing the wakesurf. I'm already looking forward to Lake Mohave 2009.

For a more detailed album of my trip, visit my page on Facebook.

LAUGHLIN

Off to another weekend adventure . . .

BOOT CAMP!

It sounds much worse than it really is. I promise. Tuesday morning my roommate Katie and I joined fellow wardies Seth and Adam for their version of early morning Boot Camp. For a couple of months these two have been kicking their own butts down at Strands Beach in Dana Point and this morning, Katie and I decided it was time to get our butts kicked too.

We started our work-out with a brisk jog along the sand that quickly turned into a brisk walk (we're not in that great of shape yet). The boys left us in their dust, but while they finished their 3 mile run, the girls tightened their assets with some lunges. Oh man, my butt hurts.

After our cardio we met the boys at the picnic tables where Seth led us in a series of circuits which included sit-ups, push-ups, jumping rope, strength bands, and whatever else he could think of to torture us. At the end of the work-out we made the hike back up the hill to our cars where Katie and I basically passed out. But the craziest part about it all...I loved it! I can't wait for another butt kicking tomorrow!

Go see this movie . . .

Monday night for Family Home Evening, our single's ward was invited to the sneak preview of the movie Forever Strong. I went into the theater not knowing much about the movie other than it's the story of the Highland Rugby team from Salt Lake City, and that a few of my friends from the BYU rugby team had cameos in the film. It was actaually a fantastic show. I laughed. I cried. I even had a crush on the lead actor, Rick Penning, played by Sean Faris. What a babe! I hope you get a chance to see him...I mean, the movie! It hits theaters nationwide September 26th. You'll love it!

Seasons Change

Just as the seasons of the earth must change, so do the days of our lives. With this, the first day of Fall, I begin a new season in my own life. This past week I lost a job I loved. It was a dream to design and built fantasy homes and be a part of a legacy that will be left in Newport Coast. But the dream for me will still live on. I love this quote by Edward Kennedy: "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die."

A close friend of mine who recently met the same demise shared this thought with me: "When your neighbor looses his job they call it 'recession.' When you loose your job they call it 'depression.'" But I'm not going to let it get me down. I have been blessed with a talent that I know will carry me through this trial and lead me to something even more wonderful. How brilliant is the mind of Nobel Prize winner, Albert Camus, who said “Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.”

Though the door may have closed, a window has already begun to open. I was recently commissioned to design a re-model of a home in Trabuco Canyon and will possibly begin working on another in Laguna Beach. I truly believe that the possibilities for success in this world are endless and I intend on being a part of it all. “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”

Cake for Katie...& Seth!

One year older and wiser too!
Happy Birthday...to you!

A "WICKED" Awesome Saturday!

The hostess with the mostest!

This weekend I joined Miss Christa Woodall and nine of her friends in LA to see "WICKED" for the first time. I honestly can't believe I waited so long to see this show! It was absolutely fantastic! I loved the costumes, the set, the music, everything! My favorite songs from the night were definitely "Defying Gravity" and "Changed For Good." After the show ended we all made our way over to the Farmer's Market for some yummy food. Parking was a nightmare, but well worth the wait! And yes, the stories are true. I did get out of the car and direct traffic for a moment until we got a parking spot. They needed me! But really, its such a fun place to go on the weekend. I was feelin' the Brazilian Barbecue which turned out to be absolutely delicious! And the man behind the counter wasn't too shabby either. Brazilian boyfriend, if you're reading this, I'm the girl who asked for an extra slice of beef! Wink, wink. Call me! Thanks Miss Christa for a fabulous night out on the town. We'll have to do it again soon.

Sing my blues away

“Any problem you can't solve with a good guitar 

is either unsolvable or isn't a problem.”

I have no idea who said this, but it sounds good to me. I feel like music is a great way to escape life's little letdowns and well, right now I could use some escaping. (I know, my life's not perfect - what a shocker!)

While I've played the piano for almost 20 years, secretly I've always wished I could play the guitar. So, this weekend I finally took some action. I bought my little brother's guitar off him. I am now the proud owner of a beautiful, slightly used, but very loved, Fender. She's a looker! I have no idea how to play the thing yet, but I'm gonna learn . . . just as soon as these dumb acrylics grow off my nails! Then maybe, just maybe, all these problems will start solving themselves.

The Baja "Hood-lums"

This place is proof that God still does love his children! Thursday night for our weekly San clemente 5th ward dinner, we gathered at Laguna Niguel's best kept secret: Baja Fish Taco. I've been a Baja lover since High School and now my roommates and I hit this place up at least once a week. So bad, but so good. They probably have the most delicious Blackened Fish Taco you will ever have the pleasure of eating. And their salsa, don't even get me started. I was born to eat this stuff.

Happy Birthday Katie!

Yes, it's true. My roommate is hotter than your roommate.

"Wild thing, you make my heart sing, you make everything . . . GROOVY!"
Enjoy your special day Katie!

The Traveler's Gift

Its Book Club time again! This month for our Corona Del Mar book club, we read an engaging novel called The Traveler's Gift, an extraordinary tale of a man named David Ponder who receives a second chance at life as he learns "the Seven Decision for Success."

I really enjoyed the author's insights and the small lessons learned at the end of each journey. One of these journeys included a visit to the late Anne Frank, a girl whose famous diary has linked us to the mind of an adolescent who experienced first hand one of the most tragic events in the world's history. As he talks with Anne in Nazi Germany, she shares with him her secret for success:

David asked, "What do you complain about?"

"I do not complain," Anne said."Papa says complaining is an activity just as jumping rope or listening to the radio is an activity. One may choose to turn on the radio, and one may choose not to turn on the radio. One may choose to complain, and one may choose not to complain."

David stared at the sincere little girl for a moment, then said, "I don't mean any offense to what your father has taught you, but have you taken a look around here? These are pretty rough conditions for anyone, never mind a girl of your age. How can you not complain?"

Anne tilted her head to the side as if she were having difficulty understanding. Sweeping a lock of hair from her eyes, she said patiently, "Our very lives are fashioned by choice, Mr. Ponder. First we make choices. Then our choices make us."

Baby Avery

This last weekend Emily finally brought me home to meet the parents. Things are getting pretty serious. Haha! Saturday evening we enjoyed a nice family dinner at their Beach House in Newport and I just died over this little one! Meet baby Avery. I love the way she's staring at my devious smile. It's as if this little Cabbage Patch look-a-like can see right through me. I can almost hear her saying "Oh honey, you're so baby hungry its ridiculous." Good thing my little nephew will be here in 5 weeks. Hurry up little buddy!

Good Bye My Lover

Today is a sad day for Orange County singles. Miss Charity Kartchner is returning back to the land of her inheritance. A land where milk, honey, and young single men flow a plenty. I'm talking about Utah. Can I just say shame on all you men here in Southern California for letting this incredible catch get away...

To celebrate our beloved friend and to say our final good byes, Saturday night a few friends gathered at The Yard House in Newport Beach. Brad was obviously very sad to see her go. It's too late Brad! You had your chance! You have to let her go...

It's always tragic when a girlfriend leaves you, but thankfully I still have some awesome girls left to keep me company. Amanda and Emily, don't ever leave me! What can Utah offer you that I can't! Think about that one.

Putting It Into Perspective

I love waking up every morning to a beautiful view of the Dana Point harbor. As I see sail boats come in and out I am reminded of the safe harbor found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ and at that moment I begin to count my many blessings.

"Home is where the HARBOR is."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said:

"Many today feel troubled and distressed; many feel that, at any moment, the ships of their lives could capsize or sink. It is to you who are looking for a safe harbor that I wish to speak today, you whose hearts are breaking, you who are worried or afraid, you who bear grief or the burdens of sin, you who feel no one is listening to your cries, you whose hearts are pleading, 'Master, carest thou not that I perish?' To you I offer a few words of comfort and of counsel.

"Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations.

"In our own storms in life the Savior is our solace and our sanctuary. If we seek peace, we must come unto Him."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor,” Ensign, May 2000, 59

A Magical Kingdom

I've been to Disneyland almost a hundred times and somehow I never tire of it. There's just something about this place that brings out the kid in me!

Miss you Kambria!

Doesn't she just have the face of an Angel? I love this little girl! I only wish she lived closer so I could kiss those chubby cheeks everyday! Muaaahhh!

In Loving Memory

9-11. A day the world will never forget. 

God bless our troops. God bless America.