It's a wonderful life

New Blog Address!

2009-12-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

The blogging has moved!

Please visit my new blog HERE

News!

2009-12-04T00:30:00.000-08:00

Brandon and I have some very exciting news to share.. nope, not pregnant, but we are

moving!

As of last week Brandon has accepted a HUGE promotion at his job, and I am so proud!

This January we will be moving our little "so cal" selves out to Minneapolis Minnesota!

It will be such a fun adventure for us, and we are thrilled.

We would love if you would pray for us...

To find a place to live! We are traveling out this weekend to "Scout out a place."

For peace of mind... that the transition is smooth, easy and fun!

For our marriage... that it would be strengthened by this move!

We love you all, it's not a permanent move, we will be back in a couple of years! {Mom <3}>

San Fran Trip!

2009-11-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

Brandon and I took a little getaway to San Fran this past weekend, and we had so much fun!

It was chilly and "fall-like" and wonderful.

we shopped.

we ate.

we slept.

we ate.

we walked.

we toured.

It was glorious.

Boat ride to Alcatraz, my favorite part of the trip!

Tour time

It was a little creepy.

On one of our walks we discovered the exploratorium...it was beautiful!

We took a taxi across the bridge, here is our one shot of it :)

Sausolito was charming and gorgeous.

Milkshakes at Mels!

Such a fun trip!

I can't wait to go back...

So much to be thankful for...

2009-11-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for this year!

My caring, loving, adventuresome, hilarious husband

A loving, supportive and wonderful family

So many hilarious and fun friends

Living in a beautiful Country where I am free to Worship the God I love

{ Looking forward to a delicious meal tomorrow with all my family! }

...Happy Thanksgiving...

Carvers

2009-11-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

After the pumpkin patch, we brought home our pumpkins and in

Hunt Tradition, we carved them at the pool!

Since it was 90 degrees in October, we went in the pool after!

The stars were out!

2009-11-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year our friends Mike & Macy threw a "Famous Hollywood Couples" Party

and it was so fun!

Macy made the most delicious food, and everyone had an awesome time.

Brandon and I were Juno and Bleaker

I made some Hollywood Cupcakes for the event...

Macy's tablescape was to die for, everything was so delicious!

The Ladies..... The Men...

We were able to celebrate both Mike and Allisons birthdays

since they were so close to Halloween!

SO many Photogs!

The night ended with a round of " The Brandon" - the classic dance moves.

The couples were so clever, we had...

Taylor Swift and Joe Jonas

Marilyn Monroe and JFK

Katy Perry and Russell Brandt

Prince Charmind and Snow White

Fred and Wilma Flinstone

Juno and Bleaker

Sandy and Danny from Grease

It was a really fun night!

Pumpkins Galore!

2009-11-02T09:22:00.001-08:00

Brandon and I took a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect Halloween Pumpkins.

Brandon wanted this one... but it was too big.

So we found these, which were perfect!

It got chilly, so B found his sweater.

Then threw his pumpkin into the air to see how high it could get.

It was so fun! I love the pumpkin patch!

The Pies were a success!

2009-10-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

The pies were a smashing success!

I had an apple crumb, Amanda "Aunt Smooch" had lattice...

JAKS Thursday dinner group!

.Jill.Amanda.Katie.Sarah.

I am already trying to think of another event to make tiny pies for!

Tiny Pies!

2009-10-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

I found a recipe for a pie in a mason jar the other day, and it was love at first sight.

I was in charge of dessert for this Thursday's girls dinner, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity.

Here is the beginning... all the yummy ingredients.

Looks a little complicated... it's not.

I went a little nutty and latticed two of the pies. They were adorable.

Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced, tossed with some sugar flour and cinnamon.

Mixin it all together....

Lining the jar with the crust

Success! Two latticed, two cinnamon crumb

All done! Now to freeze them until Thursday night where they will be baked to perfection...

Hopefully.

Yikes, messy!

The recipe was found on www.ourbestbites.com under pie in a jar... so fun!

Part two will come Friday, the baked pies!

Featured!

2009-10-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

I read a lot of blogs.

It's not a secret.

I have been married 112 days yet I still subscribe to just about 100 wedding blogs.

( Don't judge me)

One of my favorites is a site called Green Wedding Shoes.

It is FULL of awesome and totally unique wedding ideas.

To my surprise, one of mine and Brandon's engagement pictures was featured back in February!

I was so excited to see it! (Thanks to a little hint from my friend Sher...)

Anyway... if you want to see, here is the link.

See if you can spot us.

Weekend Update

2009-10-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was so fun!

Saturday I had class in the morning ( Ok.. not so fun)

Then I drove over to Mama & Papa's house and met up with Courtney and my Mama ( so fun)

We went and saw Julie and Julia... which I HIGHLY recommend.

We all loved it, but we were starving after

watching 2 hours of people make and eat delicious food.

We ate at the district and then shopped around for a while.

The day was completed at HomeGoods, which is a Shannon Woman favorite.

I found an incredible gift for Grandma

( if you are reading this Grandma.. get excited.)

Mom found a traveling salad holder.

Courtney fell in love with a jacket, then hid it from herself to save some money :)

Sunday Brandon and I went church, then headed over to the Shannon house for some delicious homemade chicken pot pie and we cheered the Angels on to victory!!

We finished the day with the Hunt family welcoming Lauren home from back surgery and

watching 101 Dalmatians.

Brandon played (and dominated) at wii golf against Grandpa & Dad

A delicious and fun dinner party ensued at the Boyd household after golf,

the boys won catch phrase this time, but not by much.

(Josh, your clue for bagel...for real?)

All in all.. great weekend.

oh weather, you rule right now.

2009-10-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Mon

66° | 55°

Tue

71° | 58°

Wed

70° | 57°

Thu

80° | 59°

My sister the Bruin!

2009-10-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have posted about my sister a lot this month, but who could blame me?
She is such a stud, and I am so proud!

Here is the first of the new Bruin Gymnastics posters

Top left corner of the UCLA Bruin picture is the sista-sista!

Oh Community, you have stolen my heart.

2009-10-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

love it all.

2009-10-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

love the hair.

love the dress.

love the kristen bell.

{image via people}

creeper.

2009-09-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know my Dad is a camera-man for Fox Sports.
Yeah... it is a seriously cool job.

His camera has been hit by a foul ball and shattered,
his face has been stepped on by a basketball player resulting in stitches, etc etc.
He is a pretty tough guy!

But what we didn't know, is apparently he is a total creeper at these games.
Take the above photo, Dennis is in here somewhere... can you see him?

Oh, here he is.

Just kidding Dad, you're not a creeper, just a fun picture of you.

Love you!

{picture via LA Times.}

Baby Beyonce

2009-09-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

Someone had this linked on their facebook tonight and Brandon and I laughed so hard at it.. enjoy.

I can only dream one day my baby will have moves like that.

Moving on up...

2009-09-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day in the Shannon family, Courtney moved into her dorm!

The whole family drove up there to send her off...

We spent the day lugging boxes and picture frames and lamps up to the 6th floor,

and we loved it ( although it could have been a little colder)

I made Courtney a blanket so that she could stay warm on those cold Los Angeles nights,

She loved it!

Brandon took a quick break to check e mail, this makes him look like he was not helping, but really, he was instrumental in getting everything up to the dorm, and hung up straight, he was our savior!

Tyler hung out in the bathroom...

after he sweat his life away carrying up boxes of scarves and purses.

The final ( for now) product, I think she loved it!

We were all exhausted by the end of the day, but in traditional Shannon family style, we always eat pizza on move in day.

So... we upgraded from our normal "large" to this monster... 27 inches of delicious glory.

Courtney won with 4 pieces down, Brandon in second with 3, Tyler and I tied with 2, Mom ate one and a salad, such a lady.

It was a really fun day, and we were all exhausted at the end, but so excited to see what this year will bring for baby sister!

Bruins 09.

The "Bye Bye Bonfire"

2009-09-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Courtney is moving into UCLA this week and we are all so excited for her!

We Shannon kids grew up in the most incredible neighborhood, the kind where everyone waves at each other, every Mom is "your second Mom", neighbors offer their backyards and we have bonfires- for every occasion.
As a kid, our bonfires were legendary, they would sometimes include bounce houses, clowns, magic tricks and pool parties, as we started growing up, they condensed to beach chairs in a circle around a fire, which was so nice.

"The block" decided to have a bonfire to send Courtney off into UCLA-land, and it was perfect!
We ate pasta, salad, and of course roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.
I provided some UCLA cupcakes... just for fun!

Just a little sista-sista power.

delicious mallows

UCLA- cupcakes!

I really treasure these memories, and hopefully one day
I will have a block just like this one to raise my family on!

Santa Barbara

2009-09-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my 22nd birthday, Brandon took me on a

weekend getaway to Santa Barbara- and it was a blast!

We stayed in the most charming bed and breakfast and

enjoyed the best waffles I have ever had in the morning...

The Upham Hotel - I highly reccommend this place!

We went to the mission for about 25 minutes, really pretty, kind of boring.

We still managed to have fun.

we took our beloved bikes and rode them all over downtown, while we took a rest stop on the pier, our bikes took a moment alone to take in the view.

It really was so beautiful

On Sunday evening we made our wayback home, not before stopping for ice cream sandwiches and sunflower seeds to combat the traffic!

Life Magazine

2009-09-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Life magazine online, and I am hooked.
They have some of the most beautiful images.
Today I looked online and found an entire library of unseen images of Jackie Kennedy.
I adore Jackie Kennedy almost as much as I love Audrey Hepburn so I loved flipping through the album.
If you are interested, you can check it out here.

One Year Ago { yesterday}

2009-09-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

One Year Ago {yesterday}
Brandon asked me to be his wife.. and I am so happy that he did.
My life is so wonderful, and I have never been happier than I am now, as Mrs. Hunt.

9.7.08

Oh, so cute.

2009-09-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

{I love }
-Clever packaging
-Organization
-Bright colors
{Therefore}
I love these products.

someday

2009-09-02T15:51:00.001-07:00

Someday, when I have a home, with a glorious backyard...
I will host a dinner party, and I want it to be fabulous just like this one.
{image from Tec Petaja}

Thanks Mom & Dad

2009-08-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today is my twenty second birthday!
I woke up to my cute husband whispering happy birthday..
and drank some delicious coffee next to my decorated dining room table.

Thank you to everyone for all of the birthday love!
Off to Santa Barbara tomorrow to celebrate... YAY!

Featured!

2009-08-26T13:57:00.001-07:00

There are some really darling pieces in the Just Like Audrey Store right now

Here are two of my favorites!

Be sure to check back Monday for some adorable baby headbands- for the littlest Audreys...
And more grown up Audrey's for the ladies...
They are going to be spectacular!

The Sophie

The Courtney

{ Shop away friends. }

August 28th

2009-08-21T10:00:00.001-07:00

I really love my birthday, it's always really fun.
Why?
a. Eating yummy food that includes baked items.
b. People sing to me.
c. Usually includes the activity of my choice!

{Just in case anyone was wondering, here is the list
that is hanging on my fridge right now.}

Trip to Santa Barbara... CHECK! Husband took care of this.. that sweet man.
Bed & Breakfast for the weekend... I am so excited!!

Etta James " At Last" Album

White Toms...blue stitching, size 7 please.

Polaroid notes from Fred Flare... they are just so adorable.

The lust of my heart right now... The Diana camera. I love it's dreamy, blurry images.

There you have it friends.
{The List}

Becky the Italiano

2009-08-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

My best friend Sarahs baby sister { she is 18 years old now...} left today for Italy to study abroad!

I am so excited for her!

You can follow her journey here through her blog.

She is a beautiful, hilarious young woman, her blog is sure to bring some awesome stories.

Love you Becks... have fun & bring me home a killer gelato recipe!

what should we do today?

2009-08-13T12:46:00.001-07:00

Brandon and I woke up on Saturday after a week apart and decided to have a
"Spontaneous Saturday"

So we drove to downtown pasadena, ate lunch at a sidewalk cafe, shopped antique stores then made our way to the Huntington Gardens. This is one of our favorite places in the world to go and relax. Brandon proposed to me there one year ago this September... crazy!

We walked around, kissed by the lily pond then laid in the grass together.

After we were done at the gardens, we grabbed some coffee and made our way to Venice Beach.

Incredible people watching ensued, we almost came home with an english bulldog puppy, but decided on a slice of pizza instead.

It was a glorious day with my husband. We took the long way home along PCH and discovered how much we love to just be together.

I love being married to Mr. B

photobooth love

2009-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

One of my dreams for my wedding was to have a photo booth, and because of some friends, it came true! Chad of the portable photo booth, is so incredible- his company is the best! I would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking to have a photo booth at their event!
The Portable Photobooth

Here are my top ten favorites from the evening!

Grandpa & Grandma Hunt

Our English friends Ozzy and his adorable wife Shani

Sista- Sista

Our superb videographer Lan Bui and our fantastic photogs Carlie and Gabriel Davis

T Rob

Married!

Ange & Courtney.. they got closer to the camera in every shot, it was incredible.

The Howlands & The Pollgreens

Di Shan & Ry Witt

Jo La Wi

so handsome

2009-07-25T16:35:00.001-07:00

[He really is super adorable ]

Brandon awaiting our first look... photo by Alanna Moine

we like to bike.

2009-07-20T15:46:00.001-07:00

{seriously...we love our bikes }

Hunt-Y- Moon

2009-07-20T15:32:00.001-07:00

Brandon and I traveled to Costa Rica for our honeymoon, and it was so-so fun!

We ziplined... which was my favorite part! While we were there, we saw ants the size of trident gum pieces, iguanas in the trees, and even monkeys!

Brandon went surfing one day, I watched from the shore.

We stayed at the beautiful JW Marriott hotel

One day we went into town to do some shopping and out of nowhere, it began to POUR rain. It rained for about 2 whole hours! We took advantage & shelter of a nearby restaurant and ordered some beverages and snacks, it was wonderful!

Some of you may not know, but besides Christmas, 4th of July is my favorite holiday.
For the first time in years I was not in Lake Forest during the fourth of July parade, and I was a little sad about it. So.. naturally, I bought some "fourth decor" and Brandon and I celebrated in Costa Rica.

While I was inside packing for the day, Brandon set up this little beauty of a picture, it's now a Hunt family favorite.

Our trip was fabulous, we can't wait to go back again someday!

{honeymoon 09 }

Mrs. Hunt

2009-07-12T20:48:00.001-07:00

June 28th 2009 was the most wonderful day of my entire life.

I married the most incredible man I have ever known and I could not be happier.

It was a perfect, sunny, California day, and with all of our friends and family smiling on us, Brandon and I said I do.

I remember every detail of that day, which has surprised a lot of brides I know.

I remember the glimmer in Brandons eye as he saw me for the first time, I remember my Dad's shaky hand as he gave me away, I remember my sister smiling at me as she handed me my bouquet after Brandon and I were introduced, every detail is engraved in my memory and I am so thankful.

{It was pure perfection.}

Today is our two week anniversary as Mr. and Mrs. and we celebrated in a traditional Brandon-Katie way, we rode our bikes to fro yo with friends, went swimming and had pizza and coke for dinner.

I love you B, I am so proud and thrilled to be your wifey.

Time to get MARRIED!

2009-06-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

I AM GETTING MARRIED TODAY!

baby sister all grown up

2009-06-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

{picture taken from ocregister.com - yeah, she is famous.}
Well, my little sister graduated high school this week.

I was so proud as I watched her walk across that stage, knowing how much hard work it took for her to make it to that point. Countless hours spent studying for tests, finishing projects, not to mention, her exhausting schedule she pours into her love... gymnastics.

Courtney will be attending UCLA next fall and competing on the gymnastics team, I don't think I have ever been more proud of a human being in my entire life.

From the time she knew what college was, Courtney has been wanting & dreaming of attending UCLA. She has worked her tail off to get there, and I am in awe.

She will be an incredible role model to all of her teammates, and I can't wait to go up there and watch her show her stuff.

Courtney... I love you, and I am oozing pride for you.

a little r & r before the big day.

2009-06-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

We leave today for staff retreat... it's in Palm Springs... I am ready to relax, hardcore.

After that, I get married..I can't wait to be a wife.

I love you B.

two down...two to go!

2009-06-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Since junior high school there has been 3 girls that have been my best friends...

We are all 4 currently engaged, and will all be married within a one year period- 3 of us, in a one month window!

First there was Jill... here we are celebrating her marriage! Gorgeous Jill...

May 29th, 2009

Then there was Amanda... she was such a beautiful bride!

June 13, 2009

So I am next in line....Naturally I caught the bouquet at Amanda's wedding!

After me is Sarah... June 6th, 2010!

Hooray for weddings & friends!

The Bachelorette Party!

2009-06-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

My Bachelorette party was so much fun!
We traveled to San Diego where we went to a cave, a beach filled with seals, and a padres game!
I had so much fun with all of my friends in one place.

Ryanne and I ate this entire plate of nachos, and we did not feel bad about it.
Well, our stomachs did, but we were proud.

Here we are after the game

Just me and Alanna, we are so close to the field. Fireworks after the game. I love fireworks!

Traveling down 145 steps to get into the cave... Allison and Alanna continued to reference this skit.
Just a photo opportunity for the parentals.

Stupid pigeon, scared me!

It's a "shan-wich" get it?

oh man.. such good gifts!

We ended the night with me falling, hard, off of the bed. I am laughing, but it was painful.
That "quilt" at the end of the bed, is slippery.

Thanks for such a great weekend girls...
I had so much fun with you all.
Thanks for loving me, and celebrating with me.
I wish I could have a bachelorette party every weekend!

Meet the Bridesmaids 8th Edition!

2009-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here she is.. bridesmaid #8... Miss Larrisa Hunt!

I am so excited that Brandon's beautiful younger sister Larrisa is in the wedding!
She was one of the first people Brandon talked to about me, and she has loved on us and encouraged us ever since!
She has a heart of gold, and is truly such a wonderful person.
We have literally traveled the world together, stayed in super stinky hotel rooms together in China, played indoor mini golf in Michigan, and drank hot cocoa together at Ghirdadelli's in San Francisco.
I am so thrilled that she will be standing up beside me on my wedding day, and I am even more excited to add another sister into my life!

I love you Ris..

{F.Y.I - That is the last bridesmaid readers... }

Meet the Bridesmaids 7th Edition!

2009-06-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Meet Allison Hibbard... bridesmaid # 7!
{this is not me in this portrait}

Allison has been a dear friend of mine for years now!
We met when I was a youngster in the Junior High ministry at Saddleback.
She was an adult leader then, and someone I looked up to and admired highly.
She let me eat Oreos in milk for breakfast at camp, and sat with me during services when none of my friends would show up and she constantly encouraged me through the awkward stages.
Her and I shared a special relationship through my junior high years and high school years, and now I feel so blessed to call her my friend.
Allison truly is a special person.
Last July she moved to Kitale, Kenya and worked with street children. teaching them math, and loving on them.
She has dedicated her life to the Lord's work, and I can't
even explain in words how much I look up to that.
Besides traveling the globe, Allison has the most beautiful singing voice in the entire world. When she sings, my heart smiles, and I get goosebumps.
It's a serious gift.
I am so thankful for Allison and the countless words of wisdom, talks through rough times, laughter, and food she has provided for me.
I owe Allison big time for introducing me to the iced non fat caramel macchiato at Starbucks, it has rocked my world, and my stomach.

I love you Alice.
Thanks for loving me, and Brandon.

june.june.june.june.june.

2009-06-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

IT'S JUNE!

Which can only mean one thing....

{ Wedding month! }

Meet the bridesmaids...sixth edition!

2009-05-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello world... meet Alanna Moine!

Alanna is one of my best friends, and bridesmaid #6!
Alanna was my junior high small group leader, and has impacted my life in so many ways. She has taught me how to be a good listener, a lifelong fan of Justin Timberlake, a great friend, and how to find an awesome and entertaining video on you-tube.
She is an uber talented graphic designer, photographer, and artist... so if you are ever looking to spruce up your place, Alanna is your go to woman!
I was privileged enough to be a part of her wedding last year, and I was thrilled. She is married to Jared Moine who was also an adult leader while I was in junior high & high school.
{side note: Jared once threw a trash can at my head while we were serving in Mexico...I deserved it, I was up past curfew and mouthing off from my tent. No permanent damage done}
Alanna not only designed our save the dates, but also our incredibly beautiful wedding invitations.
I am so excited to have her stand up next to me on June 28th, I couldn't ask for a better friend!

Love you Laney Bloggs.

blog much?

2009-05-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have a plethora of items to blog about... but I am awaiting the photos for most of them.

They include..
Bridal Showers #1 & #2
Suprise Bridal Shower from the small group girls
Bachelorette Party ( for me)
Bachelorette Party (for Jill)

But here is a teaser photo for you... it comes from my bachelorette party.

this food is bad.

2009-05-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

So I have a fear of cooking, mostly for three reasons;

1. I will undercook the food and poison the "eaters"
2. It will taste horrible and the "eaters" will throw stones at me in the kitchen
3. The hot food will be cold by the time I get the entire meal ready

Therefore, I try and stay away from cooking.
But as of June 28th, I will be someones wife, and should probably cook some of the time.

Yesterday I was over at Brandon's house and his "den mother" as I call her ( he lives with Tom's family and Mistee the Mom is an incredible cook) showed me a magazine that has an entire month of easy and healthy meals to make...that includes a shopping list broken down into weeks.

There seriously couldn't be anything easier for me.
So I downloaded the month of May and I think I will try to cook some of them.

Wish me luck.

If you want a month of recipes... here they are!

"Incessant Poll Taking"

2009-05-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

The closer my wedding gets, the more I hear people say this phrase..
" If I could do it all over again, I would ____________."
This got me thinking... and wondering,

If you could do your wedding all over again, what would you do differently?

my dear audreys...

2009-05-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have wonderful news.

Just Like Audrey has just lowered her prices...on all headbands!

Just Like Audrey

We want to make the world beautiful, one darling audrey at a time... so check them out!

{And be on the lookout for new pieces that will be up ASAP. }

eight.

2009-04-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Saw this and thought it might be fun...

Eight things:

8 TV shows I enjoy...

LOST

Greys Anatomy

Gossip Girl

90210

American Idol

The City

Friends

Criminal Minds

8 things I did yesterday...

ordered mason jars online

slept in

went to zoomba

ate delicious bean soup

watched Ellen

laughed with my fiance

had lunch with Mama and Sister

wrote thank you notes

8 favorite things to eat...

cupcakes

veggie pizza

queso

CPK salad

licorice

baja tacos

spinach pasta

english muffins with peanut butter and honey and banana

8 things I look forward to..

Saying I do to a life alongside my best friend

getting tan on a beach in Costa Rica

being a mom ( one day... far away.)

living in an apartment again

graduating college

spontaneous weekend excursions with my new husband

seeing my little sister go off to her first semester at UCLA!

8 things I wish for...

An awesome & super fun wedding

A great future for my siblings...Complete with love and happiness.

A darker skin tone ( hey, I can wish)

Never getting a pimple ever again. EVER.

Great friendships throughout my life

Anthropologie inviting me to a "supermarket sweep" at their store. Giving me 10 hours to grab whatever I want for free. ( again, if I am wishing...)

World Peace

That was fun. I tag Ange & Sue Tafalla
can't wait to see your answers ladies.

from dharma to topanga.

2009-04-20T14:59:00.001-07:00

Want to know where your favorite sitcom star lives?
Problem Solved.

found via design crush
.

spotted.

2009-04-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Cami... and my bloglines... I saw that Brandon and I were featured on The Brides Cafe which is an absolutely amazing wedding blog. They loved our pictures from the photography convention that we were "models" for- so cool!

Thanks Katie Stoops for the beautiful photos.. and Betsey Johnson for my killer dress.

beware of splinters.

2009-04-15T15:35:00.001-07:00

How cool would it be to receive
a hand carved wood postcard in the mail?

found here

I think it would be ultra cool.

{But then again, I say things like ultra cool. }

alive.

2009-04-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy Busy seems to be my life lately!

74 days until wife-ville...and I am so excited.

Just got home from the most fantastic week in New Mexico.

I got to hang out with these cool cats all week and I loved every moment.

being that we were village #7... naturally we posed in the shape of a 7.

Tamara, Max, Kristen, Ari, Tom, Marissa, Naomi, Shaylin, Amanda and Jordin

You are wonderful kids.

Traditions

2009-03-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

As an almost married person, I have been thinking a lot lately about family traditions.

I was at a bridal shower last weekend for a girlfriend of mine, and her mom made her an exact replica of the birthday plate that her family has used on everyones birthday since her and her husband were first married. Tears filled my eyes because I thought it was so special for her, and such a cute tradition for her to bring to her new family.

Just curious... what are some family traditions that you either have in your family currently, or established once you got married?

Meet the Bridesmaids 5th Edition!

2009-03-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to Ms. Kelsey Price! She and I have been friends since High School and she is a wonderful human being. She is tough and outspoken, honest and hilarious and I love her! Kelsey and I enjoy a mutual love of junky television, things that are funny or embarrassing, star-bucks beverages,Nordstrom, the Ducks(hockey team not the animal), and a great chick flick. We have mutual bland feelings for IVC and the parking situation there :) Kelsey is my friend that teaches me style, tells me what shoes are currently in, and she was the friend that broke the news to me that Nick and Jessica were divorcing that fateful November day. (RIP Lacheys) Kelsey and I have sat through many a roller hockey game together freezing our booties off as our significant others dueled in the rink. I am so grateful for her friendship, and I am honored that she will be up there with me as I marry Brandon!

Brilliant.

2009-03-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

image found via design crush; designed by Jonas Trampedach.

meet the bridesmaids...4th edition!

2009-03-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Onto the 4th bridesmaid...Amanda Michelle! ( oh yes Sarah, I know how much you love this photo.)

Wow, what can I say about Amanda? I have known this girlie since I was 11 years old! She is a beautiful woman, and we are both engaged right now, which has been very fun to share together! She will marry kory 2 weeks before Brandon and I say I do... she is literally walking off the plane from her honeymoon and into our wedding! ( thanks girl!)
Amanda is an amazing human being, and I am so lucky to have her in my life! I have spent countless afternoons at her house, swimming in her pool, eating her amazing food ( that she cooks) having sleep-overs at her house watching chick flicks until the wee hours of the morning, getting ready for dances together, attending football games I could go on and on... we are friends. Amanda was always the stylish one in our bunch, and on many occasions I would raid her closet when I had a date or a job interview. We have a mutual love for nordstrom and anthropologie...is deadly. Amanda is one of the strongest people I have ever met. In her young life she has had to deal with things way beyond her maturity level, and I think she is a beautiful person because of those challenges. I love you Manda...can't wait to share "newlywed-hood" with you. ( I like you too Kory!)

More added!

2009-03-17T10:06:00.001-07:00

There have been some more beautiful pieces added to the Just Like Audrey Store!

Be sure and check them out!

give.give.give.

2009-03-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

I signed up for Stacy's handmade giveaway! .

Here is the deal: The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me.
My choice.
For you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be photography, I may sew or paint something. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely creative.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same deal to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. So, the first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they are in, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.

Thanks for the great idea Stacy!

Who is in?

you know I heart Zooey.

2009-03-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am excited for July 17th.

saturday wisdom.

2009-03-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-Maya Angelou

just like audrey

2009-03-02T16:47:00.001-08:00

Ryanne Witt and I have started a handmade headbands and hair accessories store on etsy.com

It's called just like audrey and you can find it here

www.justlikeaudrey.etsy.com

check us out... and tell all your friends!

there is No Doubt...

2009-02-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

There is No Doubt I will be at one of these shows...

7/31/2009 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless

8/01/2009 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless

The really exciting thing is I will be living in my new apartment with my new hubs at that time, which literally backs up to this amphitheater, so I will hear both shows, which really makes me smile.

No Doubt Summer tour 09...holla back girl.

( for clarification, that is a Gwen Stefani song.. not a do doubt song, but it fit.)

Meet the Bridesmaids; third edition.

2009-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's time for another installment of meet the bridesmaids!

Meet Sarah!

Sarah has been my best friend since Junior year of High School. We met when we were 11, but she says I was "too cool" back then. We were at Hume Lake Summer camp as juniors in high school, sitting on a rock outside of chapel when our "bff status began." We were attached at the hip from that day forward. We literally spent the rest of high school doing everything together. We often spent after school afternoons eating bean dip and laying on the couch ( I know, super active.)with an occasional dive at the community pool.Throughout our friendship, she has taught me to be a better and more fun human being, and I love her for that. The way that she loves and cares for everyone in her life is so incredible. Although we live in different places, attend different colleges, we have remained super close and I feel lucky to call Sarah my friend, and honored to have her as a bridesmaid in my wedding. It is even more fun because we are celebrating engagements together! Sarah will be a June 2010 Bride.. hooray!

I love you Sarah!

i heart camping.

2009-02-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

I really do. The dirt, the camp fire, the homemade meals, the laughter, card games, I love it all.

I saw this sleeping bag on a blog today and thought how perfect it would be for camping.

A. It looks super cozy & warm

B. If a bear ever came in my tent it would just think " oh, I thought there were people in here, but's it's just a silly sleeping bear, moving on."

just a teaser.

2009-02-18T23:58:00.000-08:00

Gabriel and Carlie posted a few of our engagement pictures tonight... we can't wait to see the rest!

mutual love.

2009-02-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

I heart Riley, and she hearts me.

look how adorable she is... here

you are so right Ri, Chi Alpha was incredible.

Valentines.

2009-02-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Two things...
1. I love Kate Spade
2. I love getting Valentines

Combine those two & you get this rad website

make me up

2009-02-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

This would be a lovely gift to give, and to receive!

http://www.yellowboxbeauty.com/

Probably only for the ladies though...

Ohh lala

2009-02-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

If you are a bride, and are wanting a short, more vintage style dress, I stumbled upon this site today. It is seriously adorable.

Check it!

Wedding Updates

2009-02-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

So it is now officially 138 days until the big day, which is so exciting! We have done a lot of planning and work since the last update on the wedding.

Honeymoon: Booked; Costa Rica!!

Dress: Almost done, looking awesome!

Accessories for wedding hair: Arrived Saturday, they are beautiful! Done by the wonderful Chelsea at Oh My Deer.

Engagement Pictures: Taken! Despite the rain and gloom, we found a patch of buttery sunlight on Sunday and took what I think will be some rad photos, courtesy of Gabriel and Carlie over at Gabriel Ryan Photography.

Bridesmaids Gifts: Done and Done, look out ladies, they are beyond fantastic.

Shoes: Betsey Johnson provided some cool kicks for me.

Ceremony Chairs: Done. Pricey, but attendees will have a place of sitting now.

( We did throw around the idea of BYOC; bring your own chair... We still think it would be awesome.)

Centerpieces: Found, unpurchased, but still found.

Ceremony Decor/ Reception Decor: In the works, but the plan has been laid out!

Gym Pass: Slim down for the gown is in full effect people. Kelly Ripa arms are a must.

Whew. I am sure there is more, but that is all I want to blog about now, and I am sure all you want to read.

on my way to Mrs.

finally.

2009-02-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

Did you love SATC? Do you know what SATC stands for?

If you answered no to either of those, don't bother reading on.

In the epic film, Carrie reads Big a book entitled " Love Letters of Great Men" and I was intrigued. As Fiance knows, I love, love letters. So I really wanted this book.

Well it wasn't real, until now.

Just bought this little beauty for $10 on amazon.

Hooray!

Yes Please.

2009-02-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

I don't know where this place is, but it combines three of my favorite menu items.

Ice Cream

Coffee

Waffles.

{Roadtrip! }

Meet the Bridesmaids, part two.

2009-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Meet the incredible Ryanne Nicole Witt. She is my matron of honor, and one of my best friends. I have known Ryanne since I was 11 years old. She was my first small group leader when I was a tiny seventh grader in the junior high ministry. Although she was a senior in high school, she became one of my biggest influences and role models. We have shared so much together through the years, and the most fun is being able to watch Ryanne become a wife and learn from her and her husband Jonathan what it means to have fun and glorify God through marriage. Ryanne always has incredible advice for me, and knows exactly what I need to hear. She has always modeled to me the lifestyle of a woman after God's own heart and I am so grateful for that. She has an absolute heart of gold, and is always making me laugh. I am so thankful for her friendship, I know without a doubt that I am the woman I am today because of who Ryanne was to me. We share a common love of Victoria Beckham, pepperocinis, twilight and headbands with giant flowers.

I love you Ry...thank you for helping me grow up.

I heart books

2009-01-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well, Barack Obama is officially our President.

I think I will celebrate by purchasing this book for my friend Ange.

It's kids letters to President Obama...I love it.

Quote:

"I really hope you put America back together, no pressure though." - Sheenie Shannon Yip, age 13.

Meet the Bridesmaids!

2009-01-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

I have a total of 9 beautiful ladies standing up with me on my wedding day, which is such a testament to all of the awesome friendships in my life. I want to introduce them to you one by one, just for fun!

My Maid of honor is my beautiful baby sister Courtney. She is the smartest girl I have ever known. Obviously I have known her since birth and ever since that July 19th, we have been inseparable. I remember the anticipation of the birth of Courtney, I couldn't wait to be a big sister, to have a friend, a constant companion in my lonely only child life. I was 4 when Courtney came and I had never been so excited for anything in my life. I took special classes on how to be a big sister, received a ribbon authenticating my big sister status, and wore a cool I am a big sister shirt. I have loved nothing more than being a role model and an example to Courtney throughout her life, but what she doesn't know, is that she has taught me way more than I have taught her. She has taught me what it means to have a dream, and to do whatever it takes to achieve that dream. She has taught me that if you fail, try again, to lean on Christ always. She has always loved Brandon, and that has meant so much to me. I remember introducing them, and asking her opinion and hearing her gush about how perfect we were...that meant the world to me! Being able to share everything in my life with her, is so special and I feel so blessed that my sister is my best friend.

UCLA 2009.

{I love you sista sista. }

Target strikes again.

2009-01-12T15:17:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite designers, Orla Kiely has a line debuting this winter at target.

yesssssssssss.

Domino+Zooey

2009-01-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

Please come to my house... very, very soon.

Tom & Kiva are married!

2009-01-12T00:07:00.001-08:00

Tom and Kiva are finally married after 6 years of dating! So cool... the wedding was a blast!

Katie and Katie in our ugg boots...putting off heel wearing until the last minute.

sweet.
A week earlier the girls went to big bear to celebrate Kiva!
Oh, then snow covered our front porch, but it was still fun!
**There is a severe lack of pictures from the actual wedding, being in the wedding makes the whole taking pictures thing hard.

Hooray!

2009-01-11T23:49:00.000-08:00

My best friend in the whole world got engaged Christmas morning... and I am super excited!

I can't think of two people more perfect for each other. So excited for the big day!

Yes, this is Christmas morning, at 9:00 am. and yes, I do wear my flannel hoodie a lot.

Your wedding will be huge...

2009-01-11T23:48:00.000-08:00

This pretty much sums up my life right now... (photo does not include the 4th bride pal)

Jill- May 29th, 2009

Amanda- June 13th, 2009

Katie- June 28th, 2009.

Sarah- Summer 2010

Just so you know, our nickname for ourselves in high school was JAKS, and that is the order we are getting married in... odd.

oh yea.

This is what winning looks like

2009-01-11T23:37:00.001-08:00

Back in 2008, our team took a Christmas Field Trip to Knotts Berry Farm. We made it into a competition complete with rule sheet and all. Each ride had a different point value, and if your whole team rode the ride, you got more points.

Naturally, my team won. Crazy... I know.

Here are some snapshots of our winning day.

The sun really sucked in this photo. ( Nor Ryanne or Josh was on team #1.. shame.)

Katie, Ryanne and I with the creepiest Santa ever. ( Katie is also not on team #1)

Alanna and I missed the memo on please wear black shirts and white long sleeve tees.

Log ride.
Some ride that takes off way too fast.
Silver Bullet.

Sidenote... all of our awesome shirts were part of the Christmas Party. We had to draw names a week before this event and design a shirt for the person we chose. Mine is an active countdown to my wedding.. courtesy of Bethany.

Gift Buying

2008-12-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Apparently around the Christmas season I am really talented at buying gifts for myself.

"Oh My Deer" is my absolulte favorite shop on etsy.com and I bought two new pieces on there this holiday season. One for fun, and the other for my wedding.

I can show you the fun one, the other one will be debuted June 28, 2009.

I haven't decided where I am going to be brave enough to wear this little lady, maybe a date night?

Oh Martha...

2008-12-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

Add this to the list of places I would like to visit before I die...

Martha Stewarts prop room, uh, yes please!

Can you imagine all of the sweet dishes, cake stands etc. you would find in that place?

I might have a heart attack!

sNOw.

2008-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

I really wish it would snow here. Well, let's get real, I wish it would snow, while still remaining at least 50 degrees or higher, the snow would only fall on rooftops and perfectly along sidewalks not touching the walking area at all, and only on Christmas Eve & morning.

That must be the California girl in me talking.

So, until that perfect snow happens, I will work on this craft for my windows, so it appears to be snowing, but it's not.

Alice....I miss you.

2008-12-12T11:07:00.001-08:00

Today I really miss my friend Allison Hibbard. So I e mailed her to tell her that. This isn't out of the ordinary. I do it almost daily.

She sends me this back.

I've had a dream about Starbucks two nights in a row...both times I'm buying two drinks: one for me and one to surprise you...

Gosh. I love her.

Tomorrow is a hopeful day

2008-12-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

This time last year magic happened. You can read about it here. Basically I met the Arquette's at Disneyland's Grand Adventure Hotel, and it was beyond incredible.

Tomorrow Griff is taking the team back there for our annual "state of the union" for HSM.

I can only hope for another celebrity sighting.

[It really was one of the highlights of my life.]

My grown up Christmas list

2008-12-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

In case you were sitting at your house thinking, man, what should I get Katie for Christmas?

I will take a pair of these, in white, in a size 6.5

That would just rock.

If I had $135

2008-12-03T18:07:00.001-08:00

The responsible thing to do would be to get an oil change... but I would buy this.

Not for me. But for someone awesome.

This ones for you Bran...my fiance, not the cereal.

2008-12-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Found on the free encouragement project, which I love.

What a lovely name!

2008-11-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

I found this website where you can click on up to 3 words and it will tell you what names fall under those traits.

Or you can search by name, which is fun to see what your name means..

Brandon's name means: adventurous, American, calm, gentle, independent

My name means: American, creative, cute, fun

It was really informative...

For those of you who are having babies, it is fun to see what names it gives you...

Harold, Izzie, Theodore were among mine...

Won't help the wedding diet at all...

2008-11-24T00:21:00.000-08:00

The other afternoon I was dreaming my way through Anthropologie and noticed that the cupcake store that had been close by was now gone. My heart sank, I had never even gone in! It seemed it was there and gone.

BUT

Much to my happiness I came across this article on ocregister.com ( yes I read ocregister.com)

{A build your own cupcake shop is going in it's place! It is the worlds only do it yourself sweet crafting experience. It opens Monday & I will be there.}

HOORAY!

And let me just say... at $4.45 a pop, they better be unbelievable.

No Doubt

2008-11-23T10:30:00.001-08:00

Seriously, No Doubt is going back on tour.

My heart might explode.

You think Bran will let us make a stop on our honeymoon to see them?

I heart Gwen.

love love loved it.

2008-11-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

you know what I am referring to.

please refer to Ryanne's blog for the absolute perfect review.

Owens Market

2008-11-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

i really like the following...

food

cute colors

fun locations

mindy weiss

so why would i not drive an hour and a half to visit this adorable organic food market that mindy weiss owns?

You can read more about it here...

the perfect t shirt.

2008-11-20T13:07:00.001-08:00

so I have been trying to find the perfect t shirt for the premiere tonight.

i woke up with this idea.

Alanna brought it to life.

Here it is.

This will be on my t shirt tonight.

Should I laugh?

2008-11-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

I am constantly the person who laughs at everything, I admit it.

I think I need to memorize this chart.

Target Designers

2008-11-14T16:25:00.001-08:00

Target is extremley cool, I don't care what anyone else says.

Proof?

Hayden Harnett's line is coming December 28th.

I need to own this bag.

At least I looked cool.

2008-11-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

The other day at lunch, I decided that I wanted to try and drive Brian's motorcycle around the church parking lot. He said ok, so I really gave it my best shot.

I couldn't even get the kickstand up.

But Bethany and I sure looked tough revving that engine for 10 minutes.

(So did my new bangs.)

New Years Resolution

2008-11-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

Every New Years... like so many of us... I make some new years resolutions. Well New Years Eve is 2 1/2 months away now and so I was contemplating what this years resolution was to be. I came across this website a little while ago and they have some clever "daily" resolutions.

It's worth a look.

BEAUTIFUL

2008-11-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this today... I really like it.

"Why do little girls love to dress up in twirling skirts? why do they dream of a day their prince will come and together they will live in a great adventure? because that is the heart God set within every woman. that is the role she was created to play- to be a valiant and beautiful woman whose life changes the world."-Eldredge

Can't wait to live my great adventure with B.