Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent with my Mom's side of the family at our place! We had a wonderful time eating, drinking and being merry.

Christmas Day was spent with my sister's future in-laws. They have become an extra set of parents to me and I love spending time with them. One of my favorite "new" traditions is the BOX. Mongo and Debbie wrap a box in newspaper with coordinating pictures to match our personalities. This year I got a Prince Charming...still waiting on that one... Lisa, Jamie's coworker was able to spend the holidays with us and it was a pleasure to celebrate with her as well.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Sorry for the delay in posting! This month has been very busy with starting a new business selling infant accessories. My mom, sister and I are very excited to be starting something that we are all so passionate about. If you know any moms-to-be or know someone who does please pass our blog along! Click here to check it out…ENJOY!!!

My sister and her fiancé Brad are blessed to have a photographer in the family who shot their engagement photos. Brad’s father, Mark works for the LA Times and is a very talented photographer.He was kind enough to let our family follow along as he worked fluently on the shoot. As people passed by you could hear whispers inquiring if it was a shoot for an ad or a commercial…they are such a beautiful couple! Good work Mark :).

After the shoot we toured The London Hotel which Jamie and Brad selected as their premiere hotel and where we will be enjoying the rehearsal dinner at their boxwood restaurant. If you are a guest and would like a few hotel choices for the evening of the wedding feel free to peruse the hotel selections on Jamie and Brad’s Blog.

Thanksgiving this year was spent in Las Vegas! My Mom, Step-dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Jamie, Brad and myself piled into a seven-seat Explorer for our journey to the desert. I must say you definitely get to know each other pretty well spending four hours in close proximity. My aunt prepared a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and brunch the day after! We will have to head to the Derentz Residence again soon. Thank you for the hospitality. Love you all!

Some of my best girlfriends that I met while attending Concordia University got together the Friday after Thanksgiving for a mini reunion. We all have very busy schedules and live a couple hours away from each other so it is always a pleasure to get together when we can! I am excited to be spending more time with these ladies as Paige’s wedding approaches this coming July. I had the honor of watching Paige try on her very first wedding dress at the David’s Bridal that her sister-in-law and all of her friends found their wedding dresses! I can’t wait to see what she selects as the one; she is going to make a beautiful bride.

I had the pleasure of showing my best friend around LA; she came up for a visit a couple of weekends ago. We headed to The Grove where we enjoyed a few of our favorite things…Christmas Decorations, Nordstrom, Starbucks and The Cheesecake Factory (a change from our usual Javier’s). Thank you Lauren for coming up to visit me in this CRAZY city!

Jamie's Birthday Weekend

 

We drove out to Javier's in Newport Coast to kick-off Jamie's 26th birthday weekend.  We had a lot of fun walking around enjoying the lovely November weather.  It was an intimate birthday celebration full of a lot of laughter and love.

 

The next day, the Bosters and the Aughinbaughs came over to Brad and Jamie's home to celebrate.  We headed to Ponte for a couple of bottles of wine and some delicious appetizers.  The ambiance, service, and food were FABULOUS...definitely worth checking out!  After, our late lunch we headed to Wilson Creek Winery to visit our Aunt Sharon and to meet up with my Mom and Will.  It was great to have everyone together to celebrate someone very important in our lives.  

Happy Birthday Jamie...I love you!!!

Jimenez/Boster Fun

 

The Sisters

Jimenezs

 

Bosters

 We had a lot of fun "blending" families this last weekend with the Jimenez family and the Bosters in Murrieta.  We met up at Brad and Jamie's home for some getting to know you time, then headed off to BJ's.  We are all looking forward to the wedding coming up in April...it is hard to believe it is only 5 1/2 months away.  

Burlesque Show @ STK

My mom and I were invited to a Burlesque show at STK to kick off the holidays.  Can't wait to have Jamie and Brad's reception here!  We always have a great time and never leave wanting...thanks Jason and Elliot!

Maid of Honor duties...(cont.)

Jamie came up to LA for the weekend to get some wedding details accomplished. We FINALLY sent off the Save-the-Dates that turned out fabulous! We also found the fabric for the flowergirls' dresses that are being made by my Aunt Joan.

I feel blessed to have so much time on my hands to be the maid of honor my sister deserves. I am looking forward to accomplishing the next few tasks.

My Room

 

 

 

 

A few of my favorite pieces...

Wedding Details

 

My sister Jamie and her fiance´ Brad plan to tie the knot in about six months!!!  So, much of this weekend was spent ironing out some of the wedding details.  Saturday afternoon the bridesmaids met at MaryMe Bridal and ordered their dresses.  Jamie found this dress online and we were surprised at how well it fit all of the bridesmaids.  We are all so happy to be wearing such a gorgeous dress that can actually be cut off and used again.  Jamie and I spent Saturday night working on the save-the-dates.  I am looking forward to the finishing touches and to sending them off!

 

Happy Birthday Dad and Jason!!!

Girls Night Out

 

We chose to spend girls night out at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills.  We shared two bottles of wine thanks to our new "friend" from South Africa.  Can't wait to go out with these fabulous ladies again soon!

End of Summer Celebrations

 

August 22, 2009

Jamie and I had the pleasure of sharing the role of Maid of Honor in our friend Allison's wedding.  The wedding was beautiful and a joy to share such a special time in Taylor and Allison's lives.  

 

I turned 24 this year and was blessed to share it with some of my closest friends and family.  Thank you all for coming and making it such a special day for me.  We all met up at the soon-to-be Boster's home and then headed to Ponte Winery in Temecula Valley.

  I am lucky to have such a generous sister and future brother-in-law...thank you both so much for opening your home and hosting the party!!!  

I have also decided to start looking for job opportunities in Orange County.  I am ready to be back in my hometown and closer to my friends and loved ones :).

Brad and Jamie had their engagement party last weekend in Ladera Ranch. We were surrounded by family and friends. It was exciting to celebrate the upcoming union of two very important people in our lives.

Our brother Dan and sister-in-law Sara were able to make it for the party all the way from Missouri!!! It was awesome spending time with them. We got a family picture as well...with the addition of Brad :).

My mom and I moved in together into a two bedroom a couple of months ago. We are enjoying our new apartment. I am still getting used to the LA lifestyle!

Jamie and Brad moved into their new condo. We are all very impressed!!! I can't wait to stay in MY room.

Wedding Fun and Birthday Celebrations

My sister is getting married in May of next year.  She decided to take her bridesmaids out for the day to see the Flower Mart in Dowtown LA, lunch at Toast, and her ceremony site.  The weather and day could not have been more beautiful...it exceeded Jamie's expectations. We had a blast hanging out and getting to know each other better.  We are all looking forward to celebrating Jamie and Brad's wedding next year.

 

Brad's brother, Jeff, turned 30 this past week and we celebrated by eating at the Cheesecake Factory and then watching Star Trek; the girls were a bit "nervous" as Jamie put it but it turned out to be a great movie!  Thank you Mark and Debbie for treating :).  

Easter 2009

 

On our way to Easter at the Hiller's...and a stop at the condo Brad and Jamie are putting an offer on!!!

 

 

My mom with the hostesses (Aunt Sharon and Leanne)!  Thank you ladies (and the boys) for the wonderful food, hospitality, and allowing us our crazy family into your home for ALL of the holidays.  

I think a fiesta is a great new tradition for Easter!!! 

New Year, New Job, New City, New Beginnings

A new year has started and a lot has changed in my life.  I am currently living in Beverly Hills and working for a Plastic Surgeon.  I am beginning to become accustomed to living in "the city".  I am not used to the hustle and bustle but I am loving the restaurants, shopping, and the uniqueness of so many businesses in such a small area!  

My older sister, Jamie and my little brother, Bryce both got engaged before the New Year!  I am so looking forward to being a part of these momentous events in the next year and a half Congrats to you both : ).