"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have 5 of the best friends possible. For nearly a decade, we have been in each other's lives and I can't remember what it was like without them. Despite being miles and miles apary, we always make time for one another. Whether it is a 5 minute phone call, a note to check in, or a mini-vacation, it means so much to me to spend the time together.

Lately, I have been fortunate enough to see and talk the girls more than usual. Due to JL's bachelorette party & wedding, we got two trips together in two months. Thanks to our lengthy drives, Kelley and I have had the opportunity to talk two to three times a week. With Kim in the greater SF area, we rendezvoused twice in a week. And a side perk of Aham's travel itch, I got to enjoy coffee, pastries, and chatter with her Friday morning.

Ahh feeling very blessed to have these girls in my life ;)

Sunday Funday

Our Sundays are typically spent attending church, bumming around some type of mall establishment, hanging out with friends, and lounging with one another. This Sunday was no different. We spent time at Santa Monica Place with Liz & Win. Activities included reading their adorable holiday card, indulging in the most delicious hot cocoa, dining on yummy eggs benedict, and browsing Niketown's new kicks.

I hope your Sunday was a fun day ;)

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

On Saturday night, we attended the wedding of Nicole Furman & Steve Siegel. As soon as we got the invitation two months ago, I knew this was going to be a to-die-for-fanciest-wedding-of-all-time. When an invitation reads Black Tie, one automatically assumes fancy. But when that BT is accompanied with the location of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, then you know it is going to be out of this world.

The thought of getting all dolled up for a night on the town had me excited for weeks. I had my mom mail me by Christmasy ball gown (the one I sported during our senior year sorority formal about 6 years ago). I had my haircut freshly cut and colored, and I treated myself to an early Christmas present of a mani-pedi. I even picked up an extra accent piece for my hair- a golden butterfly pin.

Ryan had his fancy suit and store bought bow tie (despite a minor tying issue ;) ) pressed and prepared. He spruced up his hair with a little gel to slick it back, and we were rocking. I have to say, we don't clean up so bad!

About fifteen past 5pm, we pulled up to the valet. Exotic cars everywhere: Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, Bugattis, etc. We entered the hotel to see a Winter Wonderland. Everything was white from the carpet to the drapery to the faux trees and flowers.

The ceremony was very beautiful and a lesson in the Jewish culture. An extensive cocktail hour followed with an incredible ice sculpture hanging behind the bar, high-end champagne & liquor being passed around, and the most scrumptuous little hors d'ouerves ever.

Their ceremony area was transformed into the reception area doting a 20-piece band as the curtians drew back. Amazing! The centerpieces were white lamps made of flowers. The cake was a winter wonderland masterpiece. Each table was accompanied by a bottle of Grey Goose and Patron. Apparently the Russians are BIG drinkers ;)

We enjoyed a fabulous evening of adult fun!

While the boy is away, the girl will play...

...with her new scrapbooking goodies!


This week with Ryan up in SF, I have been spending my evenings putting together our camping and San Francisco scrapbook pages. I discovered a hidden gem a few weeks back while driving home from work. All this time, it's been right in my own backyard, and I didn't even know it!

Scrapbooking Heaven

A crafty girls dream. Well, I'm not typically crafty, but I do adore scrapbooking. For one, it is a great way to spice up photos as opposed to continually putting them in vinyl albums and storing them on my coffee table. Second, they are nearly impossible to really screw up. But mainly, I enjoy making them because you can combine the pictures, the knick-knacks, and the memories into one place and display it for future admiration.

I started our camping scrapbook back when we hiked Mt. Whitney. I had mentioned to Ryan that I would like to get back into scrapbook making, when we wandered around the visitor center only to find a Mt. Whitney scrapbook kit. It was a sign. I managed to find an I Love Camping scrapbook online at Jo-Ann's Fabric and immediately ordered it. Much to my dismay, I was having trouble finding the proper paper background and props for the rest of our camping adventures...

Until I roamed the strip malls of Goldenwest Avenue in HB. That is when I found the store of all scrapbooking stores. I was more than pleased with the selection of camping-like materials. I collected some lovely things and then prepared to pay up. But the red painted Golden Gate Bridge 8x11 sheet caught my eye. I've been saving a Love is Everything scrapbook for sometime now, unsure of what to capture between the pages. Unsure no more...San Francisco adventures, baby!


So my week has been spent putting together our memories! Still works in progress but I thought I would share a few sneak peeks with you...

Official first page of the camping scrapbook


Heart & Soul, Love is Everything


Golden Gate page


Fisherman's Wharf page

Santa Clause is Comin' to Town...

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."

James 1:17

While I agree with the passage from James, I also believe that making a little wish list for good ole' Saint Nick isn't a bad idea. After all, the seasonal mall Santas wouldn't have employment if it weren't for the naughty or nice list!

So in no particular order, here is my 2010 Christmas list:

• Tiffany's sunglasses
• yoga mat case
• Swarovski figurines (especially the Lovlots collection)
• fashionable booties
• Nike workout clothes
• UK Pink apparel
  
• Patagonia jackets/sweaters/fleeces
• $1,000,000

(just threw that last one in there to see if you were paying attention ;) )

What's on your Christmas wish list?