Thursday, August 4, 2011

We’re Engaged!

This past weekend, Daniel PROPOSED to me! I can’t believe it happened. It was so wonderful and perfect. I’m still on my proposal-high and catch myself glancing at my ring every other minute. Today I was driving Gavin (a sweet baby that I nanny) to his grandparents and the sunlight caught my ring and spread little dancing sparkles all over the car! Oh happy day! I am in LOVE with the greatest guy in the world. I am blessed.
I would love to tell you the story of how Daniel and I met and the romantic proposal that happen on Friday, July 29th 2011.

We are honored to share our story with you.

Our first kiss.
Danny and I met the summer of 8th grade on a church water-ski trip. During that summer, Danny taught me how to surf, skateboard, shoot soda cans and make go-carts; a year or so later he mustered up the courage for a first kiss.

I was helping him clean out the attic at the Magnolia house. We organized those giant boxes in that stuffy, dusty attic all day long. At the end of the day we sat down on one of the main beams to relish in the completion of a job well done. That’s when Danny leaned over and snuck a sweet peck on my lips.

We grew-up together and fell in love. Fast-forward to 9 years later, and we've been inseparable ever since that first summer. We try to live life to the fullest and spend time with our wonderful friends and family. We’re eager to see the world and to meet fascinating people such as yourselves.  Danny is the “bee’s knees”, the cream to my coffee…basically one of the greatest people you’ll ever come across. I couldn’t imagine life without him.


The Proposal
Last Friday he proposed to me!


I had noticed  for over a month that people had been acting a tad strange; calling me during the day to see how I was doing, taking bets on when he would propose, and asking me for old pictures etc. So, one could say, I had a hunch that something was coming.
Last Friday Daniel told me that he wanted to go out to dinner. I was a little taken back, because I had been sick with a head cold all week and I wasn’t feeling 100%, but who can say no to a fancy dinner, am I right? So I got dressed -- tried to find something nice to wear. I had a strange feeling that he might propose.

He picked me up at 4:30 and we drove down towards Dana Point. We were going to eat at Salt Creek, but he took the exit towards San Onofre. He said he wanted to check the waves. My heart was racing! Why would he want to check the waves if we had a reservation in 20 minutes? He looked over his shoulder at the the Trestles break and kept driving, “Wait, I thought you wanted to check Trestles?” He drove past. “What are you doing? Why are we going to the bluffs? Dan!” He laughed at me and kept driving.

We parked the car and proceeded to walk down Trail 2 that leads to the bluff overlooking the ocean. As we walked down the path, I noticed two men sitting on a bench in the distance. They looked over at us and ran away into the bushes by the cliff side. By now I knew he was going to ask me. I started crying…literally shaking and crying. I haven’t experienced such an uncontrollable, happy urge to cry in my entire life. I was a bit ridiculous, but I couldn’t help it. Dan hugged me and made some funny comment about my blubbering and we continued to walk down to the edge of the bluff. Just then he got down on one knee and opened a little brown box with a BEAUTIFUL ring. He said “I promise to love you forever and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can't imagine life without you...will you marry me?” I was bawling and shaking -- I'm sure my lovely head cold gave me an attractive snotty glow. Ha-ha. I was a complete happy mess. "OF COURSE I’LL MARRY YOU!" And he slipped that gorgeous diamond ring onto my finger.

Our friend Jeremy jumped out of the bushes and played the Beatles “And I Love Her” on the guitar while our friend Ryan took pictures. Danny had a big picnic with peach champagne, prosciutto, sandwiches, and German chocolates.

San O has been a big part of our relationship and it was the perfect place to propose. We sat there and talked, ate, prayed, I cried…he laughed at me some more and then we drove home. I was thrilled to tell my parents (who had supposedly known for 3 weeks and kept it a secret). On the drive back, Dan insisted that we stop off at Shannon and Melissa’s (my best friends) to tell them the good news. I was a little reluctant to tell them before my mother, but thought that it might be more convenient because we were passing by their house.

We parked the car and walked up to the front door. I was still crying when I knocked—thinking about sharing the exciting news with my girls. The door swung open and a roar of “SURPRISE!” was shouted by 50 of our closest friends and our parents. I was completely stunned. I had no idea that the proposal could possibly get any better! It was the cherry on top to the perfect day. I felt so loved and so happy. It was the greatest weekend ever.

Thank you Daniel for being my best friend and love of my life. I can’t wait for our adventures to come. U are my heart.


P.S. I also posted pictures from our trip to L.A.!

Laughin', cryin', kissin' and smilin' all at once.







SURPRISE!!!!!

My Mama and future Mama in-law

Papadoo

Danny <3


Our Suzy Cake and candy counter!

My Ring!!! The diamond is from the 1920's! I love it Dan!



Here are pics from our trip to L.A.
@ the Getty







Dan touched Marie Antoinette's sisters tapestry. What a kook! Someone needs to kick him out!
 
Our new home ;-)



Inventor of the Snuggie





 JJ's Sandwich Shop in Downtown L.A. was the first place we ate as an engaged couple. The little lady behind the counter gave us cold watermelon and the owner took a picture of us. Nice people. He even gave us a prediction of how many children we'll be having. It looks like we're destined to have 4 kids...2 boys and 2 girls! Yay, I always wanted a big family!




Mmmmm a passion fruit martini, teriyaki stakes and a mai tai at Trader Vics.

Roof top pool


Danny looking handsome at the Edison.


Cappuccinos at Illy

Shopping near Santee. I got a very cute tan blazer!

Dogs wrapped in bacon and smothered with onions, peppers and other goodness.

Showing off the bling! Yay! Being engaged is fun!

Friday, July 29, 2011

BIG FUN WEEKEND PLANS

AHHH so stoked for this weekend. Dan and I have been wanting to have an L.A. weekend for quite some time now. My sweet cousin Emy just got an internship with FOX news and moved to Westwood L.A. for the summer! Lucky us, we get to crash with Em and our friend Bryce for the weekend. Here are a few places we are planning to hit up, maybe we'll see you there.

The Getty - A center well known for its famous art, architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles -- can't wait!I've never been and I've heard so many wonderful things about the Getty. The current exhibits feature Parisian artists and rich material ambiance of Paris during the mid-18th century. Oh my...I'm really going to love this!



The Grammy Museum - A museum that uses music as a gateway to learning; inspiring and cultivating creativity, critical-thinking and self-expression. Right now they have exhibits on The Beatles, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson etc.



The Edison - A lounge that retains architectural and mechanical artifacts; a homage to its history of the first private power plant of 1910 in Downtown LA. You enter the lounge through an alleyway! It's located in the sub-basement of the historic Higgins Building. Too cool! The whole lounge has an industrial gothic vibe of the early 1900's. Fun fact...the Edison sells martinis for 35 cents on Thursdays and Fridays. How fun!





Santee Alley - One of the most popular shopping areas in the LA Fashion District and downtown Los Angeles. It's best known for its festive atmosphere and amazing bargains; I like it for it's knock-off's of designer bags and shoes. Shhhhhh don't tell on me. Anything you need, you can find on Santee Alley -- from fluffy bunnies to taser guns, not so sure those are legal. Ha-ha.
Located within two blocks between Santee Street, Maple Avenue, Olympic Blvd., and 12th Street, "The Alley" is open 365 days a year from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.



Illy Espressamente - An authentic Italian-style café focused on coffee and light gastronomy. Illy food embodies the excellence of Italian cuisine, combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with the creative flare of the numerous chefs who created each recipe. Were going to the Cafe in the JW at LA Live!





Lake Street Creamy sure sounds amazing. I hope we can catch them! Click on their "find us" link to see where they're located for the day.


I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and give you the complete update on our weekend when we get home! Yay!

Our 1920's House...

A few months back, Danny bought a house! I know...big news! We are very excited to see what it will become. The house is a major fixer-upper from 1921, but it has great potential and a BIG backyard. Dan and his father are remodeling the house and making it rent worthy for future tenants (with hopes to start a nest egg for ourselves). We recently tore down a wall and found a newspaper ad from 1929! Too cool -- an advertisement for a permanent hair wave for $4.50.
Sometimes we drive over to the house just to visit our adopted cat (Captain Jack - he apparently belongs to our address) and I like to sit in the house with Jack and Dan and imagine what life would have been like in the 1920's. I think about the history this house has seen...who lived here, what did they look like, did they own a Model T, did she wear a mink stole, how many families had memories of this house before us? If only walls could talk. Right?
We are so thankful for our little shack/soon to be cute cottage. We hope we can get it finished in the months to come. Here are a few pictures of our fixer-upper and a photoshop image of what we hope it will look like in the future. Hmmmm...what would life have been like in the 1920's?




Our big backyard!


Some vintage wallpaper...I'm guessing from the 1950's

Here is some of the original wallpaper from 1921!

Danny and his father Doug working on the kitchen

The 1929 ad we found in the wall space


Working on the house

This is a Photoshop image of what we hope the house will look like when we're finished

She must have seen our ad!

Maybe they lived here...

These babies crack me up! Too funny

I'll be sure to keep you updated on our progress!



Pictures:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10





Thursday, July 28, 2011

YSL Rings.






Pictures: 1,2,3

Newspaper Nail Art! How Fun!


How fun!
1. Paint on a light colored nail polish and let dry
2. Dip fingernail in alcohol -- basically any will do, vodka is suggested 
3. Press a strip of newspaper big enough to cover the whole nail on to your alcohol soaked nail
4. Pull off slowly
5. Paint a clear top coat

Picture: Pinterest  

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

DIY: Lanterns

Lanterns add pizzazz to parties, dinners, shindigs etc. Here are some fun DIY lanterns that will jazz up any special event.
P.S. Kids love making these too!


Cocktail Umbrella Lantern
Illuminate your outdoor soiree with a saucy summer lantern made from cocktail umbrellas.


Doily Tree Flowers
These are dainty and adorable. You can use a strand of Christmas tree lights! Wrap small paper doilies around the base of the each light. Secure with clear tape.





Fabric Makeover Lamp
Find your favorite fabric and cut the length and width of the lampshade circumference. Sew the fabric ends together and pull it over your lampshade. Vuala.





Tin Can Lanterns
Draw dot designs with a washable marker and then poke holes in the tin with a nail and hammer. Hang with a wire and place a candle inside. Simple and cute.



Pearl Lamp
Ooh la la, this is so pretty. You will need a wire cage and wire pearl strands.These pearl strands can be found at craft stores like Michael's in the flower or wedding section. Simply twist the pearls between the slats on the cage and hang you lantern with a metal chain and hook.





Tissue Pendant Lamps
These are fun looking! I would make these the same way as the cocktail umbrella lantern -- A paper lantern, glue and tissue paper. I've also seen these decorated with newspaper circles and thin book pages. Fun stuff.



Lace Lantern
BEAUTIFUL! This one takes a bit longer, but the finished product is magnificent. You will need lace doilies, a large balloon (found at party supply stores), string, wood or wall glue, a brush and a light with an extension cord.

1. Blow up your balloon to the desired size of your lamp and hang it from a string
2. Soak all of your lace doilies in glue and place them on your balloon. Make sure that the doilies overlap -- this will give your lamp more support
3. Once all of your doilies have been placed on the balloon, take you brush and coat the lamp once more.
4. Let the lamp dry for 24 hours or until the glue is hard.
5. Pop your balloon and carefully peal it away from the inside of the lamp.
6. Attach your light bulb and extension cord and secure it to the inside of the lamp...





Pictures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7