I Fell For It...

A couple months ago I wrote about needing to find some good books. I didn't want to fall into the Twilight Series trap that everyone else and their dog, yes... their dog, seemed to be ensnared. I persevered until Maxine tricked me into reading them.

I bought the first book, Twilight, went home and read half the book. Then I suffered through an agonizing work day to come home to the second half of the book. Done. I was hooked. Absolutely, positively, irrefutably HOOKED. How did this happen? The next day at work, I found myself chattin' it up at the printer with some co-workers about how incredible these vampire books were... How did I become THAT girl?! I even brought my copy in for a friend to read.

Then came Hawaii (which I have yet to blog about). Ten incredible days in Hawaii... with Bella and Edward. Oh yes people. The first day on Maui, Kami and I went to Borders and I bought the rest of the series—New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. This was the extent of the next 4 days of my vacation... with a brief 2 hour oil painting class interruption. While Kami was "working", I read, basking in the sun at the poolside while the pool boys brought me pineapple slices and lava flows. It was glorious until I realized I was laughing hysterically (out loud) and one of these boys asked what I was reading. "Umm... it's about vampires... and uh, werewolves... maybe." That did it. He didn't leave me alone about it for the rest of the week. I don't really blame him. It sounds pretty ridiculous, but oh my gosh... these books are like crack!

Kami was one book behind me in the series, so I had to hurry up and read the last novel because it was super long compared to the others. The saga ended on Thursday, about 2:30am, on the bathroom floor of the Ritz-Carlton resort. It was so addicting, I just had to finish the stupid thing, but I felt bad about leaving the light on while Kami was trying to sleep. Later she yelled at me for resorting to the bathroom, but I just couldn't help it. Like I said... crack. Or should I say.. bliss.

Needless to say, Kami was just as hooked. We both had "issues" with something WEIRD that happens in the second half of Breaking Dawn, but I won't ruin it for those who still want to read it. I know you're out there, just dying to borrow my books! In fact, while at dinner one night with Kami's coworkers, we talked her boss's daughter into reading them. The next day, she joined Kami and I poolside as we all fell in love with Edward. But don't worry... her pool boy didn't tease her about the vampire books. He was too enraptured with his own love for dolphins to see past the end of his nose. Yikes. Weirdos live in Maui too, I suppose.

Anyway, it's true. I fell for the curse of the Twilight Saga. When I read the words, "The End", I painfully longed for more. The next day was slightly depressing, honestly. I went back to Borders and bought Stephanie Meyer's new book, The Host, just to alleviate some of the pain. I do hate to admit it, but I'm also "one of those" who pre-bought tickets to the Twilight movie for opening night. I'm even leaving work 2 hours early on Friday to see it with Kami and some friends/family down in Orange County. A bit obsessive? Maybe. But don't judge me until you read these books.

I'll say it again... crack. Pure crack.


PS- more on Hawaii to come!

Cheryl & Jim

It's not every day that you throw a bridal shower where everyone invited knows both the bride and the groom... and know them well. I think we laughed all night long--telling stories, playing games, opening presents, and eating cake.




A couple weeks later, I was lucky enough to attend their wedding at the Los Angeles Temple. It was the first sealing I've attended there. The spirit inside the room was undeniably loving and full of excitement. I couldn't help but smile the entire time. Cheryl, of course, looked absolutely amazing, and Jim couldn't help but be himself.

I'm so happy for you two!!!

Oh dear.

I had brunch at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach with some of my closest friends this past weekend. At the end of the meal, the waiter brought out a chocolate cake all lit with a million candles. At first, I looked at the cake coming toward us and I honestly thought, "Oh, I wonder who's birthday it is," and then he placed the fire ball right in front of me... as a choir of my crazy friends sang Happy Birthday... to ME!

Oh dear. The memory loss has begun.

The night ended with a little get-together hosted by my roommates. Sara made a huge homemade 4 layer yellow butter cake with chocolate ganache filling and frosting. It was pretty amazing to say the least. Thank you everyone! I had the best day!!!

Shannon, Liz, Kami, Jessica

Brettly, Jake, Shannon, McKay, Liz, Kami, Eddie

Shaun, Sara, Jeff

Steve, Julia, Bethany

Shannon & Jessica

It's a Boy!

Kami and I threw a baby shower for Kim last month. It turned out to be a super fun-filled night of laughs with great friends. We played two games-- 1) guess the baby food by smelling and tasting it (if you dare) and 2) guess the melted candy bar in the bottom of the diaper. The reactions on the girls' faces was priceless.

Byron was nice enough to show up just in time for the gift opening and dessert. I made a cute little pregnant cake. It was my first time using fondant and I loved it! Granted, it tastes horrible, but I frosted it enough underneath that it was easy to remove. I may have found my new calling in life... I just wish Ace of Cakes was hiring here in Los Angeles. Kami crocheted an incredible sailboat afghan and ordered a Superhero cape from our friend. You should check out her website, the cape's are absolutely adorable and completely made to order. But be sure to check out the photo below of Kim wearing the cape... and punching Kami. SO funny!!! I love my friends. :)








About three weeks after the baby shower, Kim and Byron sent a text message announcing the birth of their new baby boy, Harrison, on November 1st, the day before her own birthday. He's a healthy little guy with seriously bright blond, almost white hair. Some newborns aren't so cute... you know what I'm talking about... but Harrison is SUPER cute and absolutely adorable! Good job parents. I'm finally a pseudo aunt.

MS Charity Tennis Event

Kami and I attended a celebrity and professional tennis charity event for Multiple Sclerosis this past month. Kami helped organize the event--good job Kami! Take a gander into my purse (lunch) that afternoon... cranberry juice, tootsie rolls and starbursts. My 3 basic food groups and the hot guy from Heroes... what a great afternoon!

Style projects

Here are two projects that I've recently worked on for the Style Network. One is a cupcake tag celebrating Style's 10 year anniversary. Everyone at work got one of these yummy things... and a 10 minute massage. Heaven.


And here's a billboard I helped with for a new show coming to Style called Ruby. It debuts on Sunday, November 9th, but I've seen the first episode already and I'm hooked. She's lovable and inspiring, I can't wait to see what happens.

Jack-o'-lanterns

For my young single adult FHE group, we recently had a traditional jack-o'-lantern carving night. Although I participated from the sidelines, I did document some of my favorites. Here's a photo of Mike with his pretty cool, non-traditional lime jack-o'-lanterns. I love the cyclopes.

Mike Wazowski... coincidence? Or maybe my friend Mike is channeling his inner Disney character... hmmm.

Very Clever

Usually, I think vanity plates are ridiculous, but this one is pretty clever. I took this photo on my way to work a couple weeks ago. I love the Kings too.