2009 In Pictures

While I can hardly believe that 2010 is just 31 hours away, I have to say that if it is anything like 2009, I will gladly welcome it with open arms. Below are my favorite pictures and memories of 2009.

JANUARY 2009

January started off with a bang when Miss Lynne (far left) visited LA and we hit up Pink Taco, Red Rock and Coco de Ville. Such a fun night!

FEBRUARY 2009

February had me celebrating my last year of my 20's...the big 2-9 with lots of friends and good times!

It also had my close girlfriend Erin tying the knot in Maui with an incredible group of WSU alum!

MARCH 2009

March had a group of us girls heading up north to Santa Barbara for Jaime's bachelorette party.

APRIL 2009

Had me heading down to Puerto Vallarta for Mrs. F's nuptials (2nd in from left).

And serving as a bridesmaid, whilst enjoying the bar swings at our resort with Kim!

MAY 2009

Had me traveling over to Miami with Mrs. F and Mrs. R for a weekend I will NEVER forget :)

Including but not limited to: hot, late nights at the Delano :)

JUNE 2009

Had us girls heading east to Palm Springs and experiencing the Riveria Hotel and all its glory!

It also had me bidding adieu to one of my favorite girls Mrs. S as her and the hubby trekked to Hoboken.

JULY 2009

July brought sunny skies on the 4th of July in Venice.

Had me experiencing Coldplay in Irvine with Avery and Mrs. R (#1 Fan). Such an experience!!

July also was hard, as I had to part ways with my bestie Mrs. R as she and hubby packed and left for DC :(

AUGUST 2009

Had my GF Kim visiting from Seattle, where we spent a day day drinking and pub crawling in Venice. So much fun!!

Had us attending the Del Mar Races (I won $166 bucks!) and sampling some micro-brews at a beer festival.

A night out in San Diego was definitely in order after the races.

Lastly, it had me attending a beautiful and touching wedding of Ari & Ronit in LA.

SEPTEMBER 2009

Labor Day weekend brought lounging by the pool with our doctored up Vitamin Waters.

Felicity's bachelorette party in Santa Monica was a major hit.

The night included new friends, lots or memories and even more laughs.

OCTOBER 2009

Had me attending Mrs. C's wedding at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes and drooling over her incredible wedding gown.

I celebrated the blessed union with two phenomenal women and took in the breathtaking view.

Lastly, October brought me reunited with my bestie Mrs. R in her new home of DC. An amazing weekend!

NOVEMBER 2009

Had my girl Christy hosting a Thanksgiving for the books.

I also finally got to feel that beautiful baby bump that belongs to Mrs. S.

DECEMBER 2009

Had me reunited with my sorority sisters (and dressed in grey to match - totally unplanned!)

And of course most recently, enjoying the company of 20 fantastic friends who reminded me why it is so important to surround yourself with stellar people.

I feel blessed to be able to experienced so many great things this past year and I think 2010 can only look up! Cheers to all of you and your memories of 2009!

Happy Holidays!!

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A very happy holidays to everyone! May your day be merry and bright and full of love and happiness!

Solvang Wine Mixer

Two weekends ago, 20 fabulous girls gathered together in the sleepy cute town of Solvang to celebrate Miss Avery's 30th birthday. The girls came from Boston, DC, Ohio, Seattle and various parts of LA to drink some wine and make some memories...below is a little preview of the best weekend ever!

Catching up with Santa at James' Beach in Venice before we departed.

Our first night out in Solvang included a kick line to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" followed by dancing in the streets.

Up bright and early the next morning for our tour. First stop Curtis Winery where we enjoyed six tastings that were all magnificent. My personal favorite wine was the Mourvèdre.

The beautiful birthday girl and her frame she had to carry to all the vineyards.

Me, Mrs. F and Mrs. R catching up on good times.

Next stop Zaca Mesa Winery which smelled incredible thanks to this beautiful tree. Top pick here was the Z Three 2005 - a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre & Grenache.

Third stop was Firestone Vineyards. I personally enjoyed their Chardonnay.

Last scheduled stop on the tour was Sunstone Vineyards & Winery where we enjoyed a private outdoor tasting with 10 bottles. My favorite here had to be the mulled wine they were serving hot. It was pouring rain and the mulled wine was delightful.

Our umbrellas got a work out this weekend, but Birthday Girl and Spry weren't about to let the rain ruin their day!

After four wineries and tastings, you can imagine we were feeling a little "happy", which is apparently why I thought it acceptable to climb on top of these barrels as if I was a pirate.

After our tasting tour we gathered at the hotel and walked to the Carivintâs Winery Tasting Room where Fleet and Paul kindly allowed us to order pizza in and plug in our own I-Pods for a dance party.

Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" was definitely the theme song of the weekend.

More dancing, seriously the owners were so patient and kind with us!

Sadly the weekend had to come to an end, so we finished the best weekend ever with a few beers at our local dive bar Hinano.

It was a weekend full of laughter, fun and memories galore. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of ladies that I can call my best friends!

Song Of The Week: Celebrate Me Home

I will departing LA on Wednesday morning and heading up to Seattle for family, friends and holiday goodness. I listen to Celebrate Me Home every year right before I leave as the words just seem to ring very true for me. I love, love, love the opening lyrics...

"Home for the holidays,
I believe I've missed each and every face"

So whether you are heading somewhere for the holidays, or people are coming to visit you...be sure to "celebrate me/(them) home".

Cheers!

Happy Birthday Avery!!

A very happy 30th birthday to my roomie and best friend Avery!

Thanks for being such a wonderful friend and I know this year is going to be the best yet full of fun, surprises and good times!

Love ya girl!

Happy {Toasty} Weekend!

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This week has been one of those weeks with amazing food, wine, friends and weather. I cannot believe it is already Friday!

Be sure to check my Favorite Things over at The Look 4 Less where I guest blogged today.

Hope ya'll have an holly jolly weekend full of friends, family and favorite things!

Holiday Gift Ideas #9 ~ Do You Believe In Magic?

I have a confession....I HATE magic. Not a little bit, not jokingly, like really deep down hate it. I can't even begin to go into it because my hate for it is so strong, and I am trying to keep this light and lovely...That said, the only magic I will tolerate or own is this JCrew Crushed Glitter Magic Wallet.

(My personal favorite and on my wish list)

I have owned a JCrew Magic Wallet for a few years now and it truly is a fantastic little accessory. It fits into the tiniest of clutches, your back jean pocket or the biggest handbag you own.

(Flashy, Flashy)

The Magic Wallet holds your ID, Credit Cards and any business cards you may pick up in your evening out. It also "magically" keeps your cash in place by simply placing it inside and then opening it up.

(Goldie is just right)

These little guys will only cost you $16.50 and I am sure they will bring a smile to even the biggest hater of magic (i.e....me)!

Holiday Dressin'

I would like to wear this Cynthia Rowley Asymmetrical Dress to a Holiday or New Years Eve party. Please and Thank You.

Holiday Gift Ideas #8 ~ These Are The Days Of Our Lives...

I think it is so important to write every single day (thus why I have a blog) to release whatever is on your mind, or how you are feeling. However, sometimes just staring at the pages and not knowing what to write down can be super frustrating. Which is why these Keel's Simple Diary would make an awesome gift for ANYONE! Boys, Girls, Sister, Brother, Co-Worker, etc....

The Keel's Simple Diary has prompts ready and you just answer the questions posed. Perfect for getting out your feelings, and really pondering your day even if only for five minutes. I love, love, love it. Personal, thoughtful and affordable has never been so easy!