I am a match-making genius!

On Saturday afternoon, my friends Chris Schnaider and Lori Flinn became man and wife and it's all because I invited them to my birthday party two years ago! : ) Actually, I can't take credit for this, because it was really Lori being "in the zone" and bolding asking who the single guys were -- I should be taking lessons from her!

They're a great couple - both have big hearts, vivacious personalities, and big bold laughs. I am certain that their future holds a lot of love and a tremendous amount of fun...and football!

Lori getting escorted down the aisle by her brother. She made her own veil and jewelry -- what a stud!

Exchanging of the rings.

The reception was at an awesome Italian-like villa in Sierra Madre. Here's Jennifer and I having a photo shoot by the pretty fountain... I have about 30 of her and Sean trying to get "just right", too. : )

Me, Jennifer, and Clare -- the Three Amigas!

Weddings are such a wonderful and joyful event and I will never grow tired to seeing friends pledge their lives and endless love to their chosen one. It's an awesome reminder of the love our Father has for us! If only I could stand at the alter with anticipation and excitement to pledge my endless love to the Lord like that on a daily basis...how short I fall...but what an awesome goal, nonetheless!

Does Anyone Have a Recipe for These???

So my favorite holiday cookie is yummy and chocolate with a powder sugar coating on it (shown below). Does anyone have a delicious recipe for them??? I'd love to try making them ASAP!!!

And what is your favorite holiday cookie? Making them with friends is always a treat!

Birthday Pics - Updated

Monday, November 5, was my birthday which means that I'm officially "in my 30s"... no more JUST 30. ; ) But, as with all birthdays for the last 15 years, I celebrated with my family in the traditional way -- with a kickass dinner at HIBACHI in Anaheim Hills! Yummmmmm! My cousin Carlee is two years younger than me and has a birthday two days before mine, so we frequently get the whole group together and this year was no different.

I have to give Carlee a little shout out here. She's really one of the coolest chicks I know. Having been raised across the street, she's more like a sister to me than a cousin. I'm SO BLESSED to have her in my life and just adore her to pieces. She's laid back, really creative, an AWESOME mom, a supportive and loving wife, a hard worker, and a great friend! Happy First Annual 29th Birthday, Carlee -- I love you!

I also have to thank my mom and dad for my cool gifts! I got a new suit, some patio furniture (yeah!), and a new watch (the exact one I lost a couple of months ago and really wanted!). My parents are so generous and wonderful and aside from loving them for who they are, I also really like them! : ) I'm a lucky gal!

Me and Carlee (and Bryson who is hiding)

Darrol, Stephy, and me
Carlee and Bryson - how cute is this?!
The whole gang!
Pete and Sara-Britt Guinta, Julie and Craig Johnson, Carlee, Bryson, and Bryan Barnes, me and my fam, and Mandie and Jake Johnson - what a motley crew!!!

Then on Saturday, the 10th, my girlfriends threw me a little party. It was AWESOME and 100% JJ-style. We went to this great wine shop/tasting room in Costa Mesa called Wine Styles. They organize all their wines by flavor or "style". On Saturday, Jennifer and Clare arranged a private tasting party for me and my friends with all whites since they know how much I love them. We had about 7 wines to taste ranging from champagne to chardonnay with Pino Biancos and others in between. It was so much fun there. The owners let the girls bring in veggies, cheeses, and treats, too. Afterward, a few of us went next door to a yummy Italian restuarant, then Jennifer and I had a slumber party at Clare's house. I am AMAZINGLY FORTUNATE to have great friends who know me so well, support me unconditionally, and let me know that they love me. Over the last few days, I've really learned what friendship is all about and I am so thankful for the gals who came out and celebrated my second annual 30th birthday!

Me and Rebekah (love this girl!)

The two Jennifers! She organized the party and bought me some yummy wine that I liked!
Crazy Clare and Me (and a little of Jennifer's nose!). Clare made these FANTASTIC cupcakes and bought me a beautiful top and a wine bible! I think I'll read through it and mark all the vineyards around the world that I must travel to!
The group, consisting of Jennifer, Rebekah, Cherie, Clare, Emily, Mamacita, Susan, and Suzanne

Glory Days

I was in Sacramento and Napa for a work conference on Thursday and Friday, so I decided to stay over with friends on Friday night. I met up with a group for dinner and then a couple of girls and I hit a cool place for breakfast on Saturday. Then on Saturday night, Sarah flew in and stayed with me before an interview. We drank a bottle of wine and talked into the wee hours of the morning, then miraculously woke up bright and early and then had breakfast at the Beachcomer down in Crystal Cove...LOVE that place. While we were eating, we both said we worried that the CFS days were our "glory days" and confessed that we were afraid that we'd never have it that good again. I love my job, but the people are so different and I guess I even am now. I live in suburbia and rarely get to see my friends because they're not my neighbors and coworkers. I am really happy with the place that I'm in, but it's a totally different way of life and I guess I just have to readjust my mindset...anyway, here are some cute pics.

Julie, Erin, and JJ at dinner in Sac

Macedo, Ani and Tom

Sarah and I at the Beachcomer

Stinkin Adorable!

Elderly couple gets $1,600 hotel room for $10
Patrons of 50 years ago offered stay for the price of their original visit

CHICAGO - It was 1947 when newlyweds Larry and Mariam Orenstein honeymooned in Chicago, paying just under $10 a night for a room at The Palmer House. Six decades later, the couple stayed in the hotel's penthouse suite for the same price — part of an offer for long-ago patrons.

The Palmer House allows one-time guests who visited more than 50 years ago to stay at the historic hotel for the price of their original stay — provided guests can submit an original receipt. The Orenstein's room goes for $1,600 today.

The Milwaukee-area residents, both 81, saved their hotel bill, along with other items from their wedding.

"I feel wonderful," Larry Orenstein told the Chicago Sun-Times at the ornate, downtown hotel. "I feel 2 years old."

The long-running deal at the 136-year-old hotel has been offered to guests since 1925. But customers have taken advantage of the offer fewer than 10 times over the last 25 years, said hotel spokesman Ken Price.

In the end, the Orensteins did not even have to pay the $10-a-night bill. As a gift, their 12-year-old grandson, Ze Orenstein, footed the bill.

Halloween at Work

So, we have a mandatory dress up policy here at work. I thought it was a hazing thing for the new employees, but no, it's a real deal. At lunch time, we're having a big catered shabang and a costume contest, then at 3pm all the kids come for trick-or-treating and festivities.

My department was having a hard time deciding what to go as, so Boss Lady and Assistant went to a costume shop in downtown LA at 9am one day last week. There was obviously no way I could make it to the costume store, so they said they'd pick something good out for me... I NO LONGER TRUST THEM. See below:

Me as Glinda the Good Witch

(yes, the costume is too big and yes, I AM wearing a hoop skirt)

Me, Assistant, and Boss Lady

Thumbs up or thumbs down?

My friend Emily has great style, even when she says she doesn't! : ) When I was at her house last week, I got some ideas for my bedroom. I love my quilt, but I've been wanting to class up my room a little. I've decided that over the next year or so, I'm going to replace my bedroom furniture with some nicer pieces, but in the meantime, I realized that I could use some nicer curtains and accent pillows to add class. What do you think?

new silk dupiani curtains and throw pillows

I used to have a quilty slip cover on that chair and have decided to make one out of silk dupiani, too!

CO and TX!

These photos are a little late in coming, as I've been pretty darn busy since I've been back, but I wanted to share nonetheless!

I had a great time with Dan, Shannon, and Grey-bug. And TA-DA, she has her first tooth, and maybe even more by now as there were a couple that appeared to be close. With the one, she kinda looks like a jack-o-lantern, but she's just scrumptious!!! Shannon and I took her to have her first Halloween photos taken. She's going to be a Skunk and she did so well in the little hat for the photos...I think I would have cried if I'd had to wear that scratchy hat, but not her! We also went to my Aunt Candy's new house in Highlands Ranch, which is just up the way. My aunt made an AMAZING home cooked meal which included rolls from scratch. She's a really talented cook and it was fun seeing her new digs!

Grey in her new Halloween kitty hat I brought her.

Me, Aunt Candy, Grey, and Shannon

On daddy's lap -- don't worry, we were in a parking lot and the vehicle was not moving. I'm sure Officer Johnson would want me to put that disclaimer in there!

After my trip to CO, I flew down to Austin to stay with Robin, Jon, Mackenzie (my goddaughter) and Travis Ayers. It was so fun seeing their new home and visiting with them for a couple of days! They've only been down there since April, but have already found out all the short cuts and good shopping. : ) They live in a darling neighborhood, which I loved. On Saturday night, we had a bit of a girls night (Mack came too) and we met up with one of my best gals from college, Jamie Kay, and Lindsay, a great friend of mine from grad school. It was so fun catching up and hearing about all the news!

Me and Lindsay (she's a stay at home mom now to Zach and also has a really cute online business. Check out the link in my "friends" section!)

Mack and Travis doing arts and crafts!
Me and Mack. She looks just like her mommy!
Robin and me (sorry I look so scary!)

On Monday, Jamie Kay and I drove through the rain to Fort Worth. I had a great time catching up with her on the road. We got to Emily, Jason, and Connor's house and spent some fun time hanging out, then went to Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant (a college favorite) -- mmmmmmm!

Jamie Kay brought Connor an airplane - her hubby Michele is a pilot!

Emily and I went to dinner with Ashley Dixon, a dear friend from college and sorority sister

Here's me and Connor goofing around. He's a complete doll!!!

Sara-Britt's Wedding Weekend

So my sweet cousin got married this weekend to a great cat, Pete. Sara-Britt Johnson is now Sara-Britt Guinta and tomorrow she and her husband will be off to their honeymoon in Guatamala (sp?). She was probably one of the most excited brides I've EVER seen. : ) It's always fun with the family gets together for big parties like weddings, etc, and last night was no different than usual...I just wish that I had taken today off like everyone else...I'm TIRED!!! : )

Emily, Sara-Britt, me, and Missie celebrating SB's marriage in advance. : )

On Saturday, everyone went winetasting in Temecula. Here are a few of Sara-Britt's bridesmaids and friends, and me and Missie. Sara-Britt is the gal in the purple. Ponte Vineyard is really yummy. I joined the wine club!

This was classic. At the last vineyard of the day, we saw this wasted lady who was passed out at a picnic table... As you can see, we weren't the only ones photographing her. Ha! I can only imagine that she had a burned booty the next morning.

Missie, Emily, and I. Emily is like an extension of the family and Missie flew out for the week. Didn't she JUST go back to school??? : )

Unfortunately, I don't have very many good photos from the wedding. It was really dark and during the ceremony, we got stuck in the far back...nice way to treat family, huh?! I'm working on getting some more from my dad and Carlee's husband Bryan...stay tuned.

Back to the bangs... and other things!

I'm rethinking my initial dislike of the new bangs... Now I think they're kinda sassy. I'll probably have some pics after this weekend of Sara-Britt's wedding and the pre-wedding wine tasting excursion on Saturday -- REALLY looking forward to both. : )

A few weeks back, I got sucked into an infomercial. I know, I know, there's no excuse. If I really wanted to lose weight and tone up, I'd just hit the gym a little more. BUT, I have to say, I'm really digging the weights and the DVDs! I've been really committed to The FIRM and I sweat ridiculous amounts in the comfort of my own living room! So, we'll see how it goes...so far, I've been sore all week, which I think is a good sign.

I'm going to Denver, Austin, and Fort Worth next week! I needed a vacation and decided to go west. When looking at tickets to Texas online, I realized that a lot of the flights had lay-overs in Denver, so then I wondered if I could stay a couple of days there and then pop over to TX and it totally worked out! I'm excited to see Danny, Shannon, and Grey for a couple of days, then jump down to Austin to see Jamie Kay and Michele, and the Ayers family! I've never met little Travis and I'm looking forward to seeing my goddaughter Mackenzie a ton! And I can't wait to see Robin and Jon's new house. Then I run up to Fort Worth to see my favorite Littlejohns! Can't wait to spend time with Emily, Jason, and Connor. I sent Connor a kitty cat for his birthday and apparently he sleeps with it every night. I can only imagine that Jason is dying that his son likes cats. It makes me laugh because apparently Connor has started calling one of the dogs his kitty, which makes Jason crazy. : )

This is why I live alone...

South LA Man Charged With Fatally Beating Roommate With Frying Pan
POSTED: 11:53 am PDT October 3, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- A man was in custody Wednesday for allegedly beating his roommate to death with a frying pan in the house they shared in South Los Angeles, police said.

Kevan Beech, 43, was booked for murder in the death of 55-year-old Kenneth Flanders, whose body was found in his bedroom, the Los Angeles Police Department reported. Beech was held on $1 million bail, according to the sheriff's department.

Officers were called to the 700 block of East 47th Street about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, after Flanders' relatives came upon the crime scene, the LAPD reported. "Beach was reportedly angry with Flanders because he refused to give him money," the LAPD reported. "After killing Flanders, Beech remained in the house for at least one day before relatives came to check on Flanders ..."

Detectives believe Flanders was fatally beaten with an iron frying pan.

Bangs

I made a bad decision. I had my hair cut and colored on Saturday and while I was sitting in the chair I said I wanted to do something different. I stupidly mentioned that I liked Reese Witherspoon's new bangs and said sure, let's go for it... I forgot, though, that I looked nothing like her. Oh well, lesson learned. And hey, 1992 wasn't all THAT bad, so why should I worry about the fact that my hair resembles that time period?

Not me.

Confession

I'm listening to my VERY eclectic iTunes mix right now at the office and I realize that some of the music sounded like a good idea at the time of downloading, but now I'm giggling as I listen to "I Can't Live Without Your Love and Affection" by Nelson, circa 1990... Yes, in the early HS days, I was a big fan of Nelson...and Wilson Phillips...and Paula Abdul.

Latest addition to my house!

As I've been working on the house more and more this year, I started thinking that I wanted a more sophisticated piece in my living room that would house my TV, components, and computer. I thought I'd go with a custom piece, but then I found this cool puzzle piece from C&B. It came yesterday morning (after my rushed breakfast with Krissy-pooh at 7:30am) and then I spent the rest of the day building/organizing. I'm elated and think it looks awesome!

Look JCF, I've got candles and potpourri and pics...very girly, no?!

I also had the draperies and pillows done. I don't think I've put any pics up of them yet, so here they are. Based upon the fact that I custom made the cornice boxes with my dad using fabric from my old living room suite, I wanted to tie it all in with the new look, so I had the new pillows made using inserts from the old pillows. I couldn't be happier and it looks like I have a new custom look! Watch out Trading Spaces, here I come!

Yeah!

My mood right now

I'm feeling three things right now:
1. STOKED - Clueless was on HBO today, I TiVo'd it... "My buns, they don't feel nuthin like steel."
2. Bummed - The entire world is married.
3. Excited - My little Krissy-pooh is coming home this weekend and I get to brake my fast with her on Sunday!

PS - Jamie Kay, UPDATE your blog!!! Angie and Emily, create one ASAP!

Sara-Britt's Lingerie Shower

I threw my sweet cousin a lingerie shower and it was a blast. I served champagne cocktails and desserts, all of which were YUMMY! It was so nice to meet so many of her girlfriends and realize that she has a really neat group of young married friends, many of which live in her area and are in her small group. The wedding (October 7) should be a blast!!!

I made her wear a feather boa and a shady bustier that I found at TJ Maxx!

My traditional gift. : )

JJ, SB, and Carlee -- three big, yet hot booties!

I was pretty stoked with the way the invites turned out! Super fun, huh? I was up to my elbows in feathers!!!

I have the BEST florist in town!!! Grower's Direct in Tustin is amazing. I told them that the colors were hot pink and black adn they came up with this gorgeous arrangement and a smaller one that I sent home with Sara-Britt.

Ladies Night Out

Have you ever eaten at The Melting Pot? If not, it's a crying shame. The restaurant is host to fondue dinners that consist of cheeses, meats, and chocolates...DELISH! For the last couple of months, they have been doing Ladies Night Out on the last Tuesday of the month and the prices are like half off! Of course me and my girlfriends, all good eaters, have taken them up and really enjoyed ourselves!!! See below! : )

Well behaved ladies.

Well behaved ladies on fondue!

My Mini-Vacation

This weekend was AWESOME! I went up to Lake Nacimiento with some family and friends for a quick getaway filled with waterskiing and winetasting. I realize I am selfish, though, and was not satisfied with only three days away. I want to go back!

Lisa and Matt Page, two very dear friends from Sacramento, drove down and met me, my parents, sister, her friend Emily, and my friend Rebekah halfway. Lake Nacimiento is about 15 miles from Paso Robles for those of you who know your wine country.

On Friday, we hit the water around 2pm and jet skied, wakeboarded, and played in the warm water. We cleaned up and drove down into town for some BBQ dinner at a place that actually has a mechanical bull in it. We were all too tired and already feeling the soreness or I'm sure someone would have tried it.

On Saturday, we got a late start and hit the lake around 9:30 for a couple hours of fun, then we ran back, got ready, and hit three vineyards for some delicious wine. We went to Halter Ranch, Tablas Creek, and Justin. I really liked them all, but found that Tablas Creek has an incredible variety of whites. They pulled out an awesome white for me to try, which I bought instantly! At Justin, we met up with the Fitzgeralds, who were on an anniversary trip, and all took a private winemaking tour and then saw the caves. It was pretty cool! We went back to the lake for a couple of hours of wakeboarding, then ate pizza, and played a lot of Apples to Apples...while imbibing. It was hilarious!

Sunday morning at 7:15, we hit the water for some skiing on glass. It was really incredible for some good cuts. It makes me mad that I have to let go of the rope after a while, not because my legs or back give out, but that my HANDS do...guess there's really no exercise for that...
I had an amazing weekend and can't wait to do more of those fun ski trips with friends in the future!

Matt, Lisa, Rebekah, and I

The whole gang at Halter Ranch Taking a swig at Tablas Creek
With Jennifer at Justin
All that glorious goodness
An intense round of Apples to Apples
Making a cut on Sunday morning
The cute Pages

The girls!