...and we shed what was left of our Summer skin.

This Summer was a life changing one. In 3 months I've learned so much about who I am and what I want in my life. I fell in love with my dream man and lost an important member of my family in one season. This time of year always reminds me of one of my favorite Death Cab for Cutie songs, Summer Skin. It's the perfect song to conclude the summer. Here are some of the main events that have happened in my life the last 3 months plus some sprinkled song lyrics here and there.

Squeaky swings and tall grass 
The longest shadows ever cast 
The water's warm and children swim 
And we frolicked about in our summer skin 

In June....

We celebrated Memorial day weekend in Palm springs at the Riviera Spa and Resort. This was also the weekend that the "L word" was used for the first time. :) Now it's a constant one in mine and Wes's vocabulary and I hope it stays that way!

In July....

We honored the 4th with a relaxing day and an unexpected romantic firework viewing. It was wonderful!

My Dad turned 49. He's quite the party animal!

Who enjoys a stiff drink every so often. Below is his version of a margarita. Ick.

 I quit my big girl job. THIS is why.

My Mama moved to Vegas and made a pit-stop in Orange County to visit little ol' me!

...And Wes took us to see Young the Giant. They were A-maze-ing live!

Our family suffered a painful loss when my grandfather passed away. Just days after his birthday... He had a good life and was loved by many. I know that even though he's not with us in person, he will always be with us in our hearts.

(my Grandpa, my Brother, Me, and my Grandma)

On the night you left I came over 

                                          And we peeled the freckles from our shoulders 

Our brand new coats so flushed and pink

And I knew your heart I couldn't win

Cause the seasons change was a conduit 

And we left our love in our summer skin

I went with Wes and a couple of our friends to see Tears for Fears and we shouted it out!

In August....

Wes's parents came all the way from Connecticut to visit us and California for the first time on their cross country RV trip!

Unfortunately, his parent's Shitzus freaked out  his cat, and Wes was attacked.

A 3 hour ER visit and 4 stitches later, he was good as new. The cat however, took a week to recover from the trauma and spent 2 weeks after the event, hiding in the closet.

We said farewell to this lovely couple as they left OC to get hitched and start a life together back in their home state of CT. The wedding is October 20th, which means that I'll be taking a little vacay soon! Woot, woot!

We went to LA's H20 Festival to see Wes's friend Nick perform with his band, Santa Mamba.

Where I also got to meet freaking Snoop Dogg/Lion! That shizzle was off the hookizzle. You can get the lowdizzle on that story over hizzle. I'm done with the Snopp talk. Sorry.

In September....

This sweet little muffin turned 4 years old. Or 28 in puppy years!

We had homemade pupcakes and hot dogs for dinner in her honor! Read all about her day and get the cupcake recipe here.

I don't recall a single care 
Just greenery and humid air 
Then Labor day came and went 
And we shed what was left of our summer skin 

I helped Jesus Jugs and her Ginger Hubs move in to their very own home! She has a cute and witty post on her blog explaining their 'Hunt to Homeownership in Numbers!' Check it out ya'll.  

The weekend after we had a much needed girls cowgirls night out at Incahoots in Fullerton.

I turned 27.

Wasn't I a cute little baby?

Wes turned 31 the same day so we took a mini trip to Catalina for the night. It was Beautiful! And super fun.

Just look at this place! Click here to see the whole trip in detail.

And for your musical enjoyment....

I hope everyone had a great Summer as well! I am so excited for what the rest of this year has in store. Peace out Summer! Finally.

The perfect Bridal Shower Gift

I am getting to the age where my friends are starting to get hitched. It just started this year, and I know that there will be many more weddings to come! If your'e like me and in the awful limbo of just being graduated and looking for a 'big girl job' you understand how difficult it is to want to buy the amazing Keurig coffee maker on the bridal registry, but your wallet says otherwise!

My first bridal shower ever (and I actually hosted it) was for Nurse Bestie. She was given tons of great gifts at all price ranges but there was one that stuck out to me given to her from her grandma. It was a box full of everything she would need to make an Italian dinner including a cheese grater, colander, pasta pot and so on. It was so cute, very thoughtful and even knocked off some of the items on Nurse Bestie's registry.

So when I was invited to Melissa's shower I headed over to my local Ross to see what I could rummage together and came up with a great shower gift that didn't break the bank!

I found an apple peeler first, which gave me the inspiration to create a gift basket with all the essentials to make an apple pie!

When baking anything you'll need measuring cups.

...and spoons! I found these exact Kitchenaide ones at Ross.

To go along with it I bought a 4 Cup liquid measuring cup (except the one I got has a red handle to match the dry cups and spoons.)

Of course you can't make a pie without a pie pan! I got this glass Anchor Hocking one at Walmart. 

What pie would be complete without vanilla ice cream? This ice cream scoop matches everything else, also from Ross.

Then I wrapped it all together in an apple basket similar to this one that I already had at home and added my own apple pie recipe that has been in my family forever, written out on index cards.

Voila! That's all there is to it!

All that and I spent under $30.00! (Shhh! don't tell Melissa!) This just goes to show that you can always be fabulous while on a budget. I hope this helps any Diary Readers out there that may have the same predicament that I did.

Note: You can do this with any kind of meal or dessert, and make a theme of it. Choose your favorite recipe and and the rest will be easy!

Happy Monday all!

Sexy Sunday! (Something Blue Edition)

Yesterday I went to one of my close Ai (that stands for the Art institute for those of you who aren't art nerds like me) friends' bridal shower and it was so beautiful I had to make it apart of this week's Sexy Sunday post. She ties the knot next month and I could not be happier for her! Here's a peek at what the shower looked like. I'm sure you'll all agree, it is quite sexy!

The wedding colors are cerulean and lime with black and white damask print. So lovely.

Here is the beautiful bride with her fabulous MOH

Aren't these table settings gorge? They made me feel like I was at a party from a movie!

The Interior Design girls together again!

How pretty is this floating candle accent?

One of our girls is an amateur photographer, didn't she do a great job? I love this waist shot of the bride to be.

Looking at some of the creative work the guests had to offer. (One of the games was molding a wedding gown out of clay, and the bride chose her favorite creation as the winner.)

Mimosas? Yes please!

This photo could be in an ad for Edible Arrangements. I would know, my mama actually owns her own Edible Arrangements Franchise! 

Opening Gifts

This was my present (I'm going to share with you on Monday some cute and inexpensive gift ideas that a bride will be sure to love!)

I adore this photo. It warms my heart.

The floral arrangements were to die for!

I miss seeing my Ai girls on a regular basis...

It was so nice to be able to meet up again with good friends to celebrate something as special as love. Congratulations Melissa and Curtis, may you live happily ever after! And to all of my Diary Readers, I hope you have a sinfully Sexy Sunday!