HIGH FIVE FOR FRIDAY!!!!

WHEW this week has been CRAZY full and I am SO READY for the weekend.
I wish I could say this weekend was going to be calm, full of moments of relaxation and refreshment, but I’m pretty sure I’m gonna continue the crazy for the foreseeable future! I’m a gluten for punishment…or at least exhaustion!

So here are my top 5 moments of the week…
1. When I got home from my perfect little weekend escape to San Francisco on Sunday evening, there was a package waiting for me - it contained a whole lot of lippy love from my sweet friend Ally - it kicked the week off on the right foot. LOVED IT and LOVE ALLY for being such a dear friend AND sending me a package!!

2. Monday I had lunch with one of my absolute faves - my closie Rachel (aka. R - we like to pretend we’re Gossip Girl - I mean who doesn’t love Blair aka. B and Serena aka. S?!?!?!!) and after catching up over some delicious eats we started really dreaming and planning for CHOSEN. Just thinking about all that is to come through CHOSEN makes my heart beat faster. I am so humbled and honored to be leading the charge for these kids and I can’t wait to see what the Lord will do.

3. Tuesday was the day I realized my sweet friend Carrie would be in California visiting in less than a week and I better get my act together because she is gluten intolerant and doesn’t drink coffee or alcohol and…well…let’s just say my current food supply will not be sufficient for her needs! I left her a voicemail saying something along those lines and she said it went down as one of her all-time favorite voicemails! It even made her FB status! ha! I was so tickled!

4. Wednesday night I got to see my ROOTED family! We had a major planning session because promoting ROOTED kicks into HIGH GEAR on Sunday morning and we’re all part of the RMT (Rooted Ministry Team). It was so fun to see them again - it’s crazy how close you can get to people in a really short period of time when you let down your guard and lean into the Lord together.

5. Last night was one of my favorite nights of the summer…I’m a total Broadway nerd. I’m addicted and obsessed and I hope someday I marry a man who also loves Broadway or at least loves ME enough to tolerate Broadway and wants to take me to shows and buy me season tickets! EEEK! Anyway, each summer the city of Tustin sponsors “Broadway in the Park” and it is PERFECTION. You come with your picnic blanket and beach chairs, a spread of fun foods and perhaps a beverage or two and enjoy a full-scale Broadway performance while the sun sets in the background and the stars come out to play. This year Jordan and I joined Ally and her parents for a some chipotle and blended margaritas and then s’mores bars for dessert while watching Peter Pan! SO FUN!

In addition to ALL that, this week I also watched Bachelor in Paradise with Jordan and the roomies, had dinner with my friends Rhonda and Kimi, lunch with Shalina and her nugget, my annual review in celebration of my 3rd year at AkinsParker Creative AND got an oil change. WHEW! What a week!

my best week yet...

It’s HIGH FIVE FOR FRIDAY time! The past week was one of my very favorites ever…FOR SURE my favorite of 2014!  I had birthday celebrations galore as I turned 29 on the 12^th, got to spend time with my gorgeous nieces and sister in law, and dove head-first into a friendship that has already made me a deeper, richer, and more beautiful person. I am exhausted (like crazy tired and need an intravenous drip of coffee to survive the day) but my heart is full.

My actual birthday was Wednesday, March 12 - a wonderful day. I started the day with breakfast at Kimmie’s Coffee Cup in Brea with my dear friend Mindy. I forgot to bring lipstick and failed to put on earrings before leaving the house (Mindy and I meet for breakfast at 7am – life is really hard for me at 7am) so after we ate I ran to target and got myself little treasures (#favorite). Fully dressed and ready for the day, I headed to the office. My coworkers took me to lunch (I had breakfast again) and Rachel sent me flowers all the way from down under! After work Carrie and Shannon took me to dinner at The Filling Station in Downtown Orange (where I had my 3^rd breakfast of the day) – it was DELICIOUS and the company was bar none. LOVE ME SOME CARRIE AND SHANNON!
Saturday Megan came to town from Palm Springs and Kenz was plan free so we spent the entire day together. We started with lunch at Olive Pit – I had feta fries - one of my downfalls in life (#lovemesomefetafries). Then we did some damage at Nordy’s Rack, TJ Maxx, and the Brea Mall (#nordyscoffeeforthewin). Gan and I bought some stellar new shades at GAP with our 40% off coupons (#praisetheLord) and of course we visited the puppies! Food and shopping checked off the list, it was time for relaxation – so we headed for happy feet – one of my very favorite places on earth. I really can’t even explain it with words – but basically it is $15 for a 60 minute “foot massage” which includes a lovely little head and neck massage a very long and concentrated foot massage and ends with about 10 minutes on a standard massage table where I am always shocked and surprised by a little butt grazing. It really is absolutely fantastic and a really cheap little escape. With super greasy everything, we headed to ChaChas for dinner and frozen mojitos (#frozenmojitosareagifttotheworld) and then we grabbed a movie and planted on the couch to finish the evening off. It was basically a perfect day.

Sunday was my birthday brunch at Chapter One – my very favorite breakfast spot in Downtown Santa Ana. Chapter One has bottomless mimosas (for only $6 I might add) – and that is JUST my style! I was overwhelmed with laughter and joy deep in my soul as I sat at that table and looked at the incredible women who have become such a treasured part of my life.  Jenny outdid herself with a gorgeous cake a decorated table and party favors for all my guests! We ate and sipped and the bagpiper played and we laughed until there were tears in our eyes and it was everything I could have hoped for. 

Tuesday I headed for San Diego to steal some time with my precious nieces Madeline and Charlotte and my sweet sister Jamie who are in town for Spring Break from Oahu. The last time I hugged Madeline was July of 2013, so my arms were aching and desperate to have my little close. I got to squeeze Charlotte in September, but since then she had started walking and really playing – so much changes in a short time when they’re small. I took Wednesday off work and we wasted the entire day together. We went out to breakfast and played at the park for hours (#mybodystillhurts) watched Frozen and grabbed chickfila for dinner. Very quickly it was time to say goodbye again and I just couldn’t stop the tears. There is absolutely nothing better than waking up in the morning to Madeline or hearing her sweet voice say, “I love you one-hundred-million times”. I have said it before but will say it again – there is nothing I love more than being Aunt Shell.
My final highlight of the week is perhaps the most profound of all. I drove back from San Diego Wednesday evening in the dark, with puffy eyes from saying goodbye to my favorite people on earth and headed straight for my friend R. She told me she would make it her mission to cheer me up and she did not disappoint. Rachel is a new friend – a new friend who is an awful lot like me (#thesimilaritiesareshocking). She was raised in AWANAs, ordered pintos and cheese at Taco Bell as a child, doesn’t sleep nearly enough, is a little loud and potentially embarrassing in the best possible ways, believes in coffee, cherry7up is her favorite soda, she loves TJMaxx, craves relationship and chooses to love people exactly where they are with complete abandon. She has an incredible heart and an amazing story. She is a passionate, dedicated, driven person with a true desire to live and love well. We connected initially at TLC (the foster kid camp that makes my heart beat) and we just reconnected and kicked off what promises to be one of the most incredible friendships of my life. In a ridiculously short period of time, she has completely captured my heart and I am pumped to see where God is going with us – I have a feeling she might wreck me – but I’m ready to dig deeper and grow in profound ways.  I truly believe I am a richer person because we are living life together and for that I am overwhelmingly grateful.

It really was a fabulous week – a week of gratitude and countless reminders of how great this one wild and crazy life can really be…

it's raining men...hallelujah

Just kidding, I am as single as ever - but it is raining which is a wonderful and glorious occurrence. There is something so perfectly alluring about heavy droplets of water splattering on the brick facade of our antiquated building in historic downtown Santa Ana. It is going to make walking to lunch with Shannon and Sienna a bit grotesque, but overall I just love watching the cascade through the window.

In typical Friday fashion, here are some of my very favorite moments from the week...

We had an unanticipated plumbing issue that drastically changed my plans for the weekend. However, it did allow me some down-time that was greatly appreciated in the long-run. I used the hours cuddled up on the couch immersed in an absolutely fantastic book. I finished The Fault in our Stars in a single day and absolutely loved it. I don't think I could tell you the last time I spent hours in a work of fiction, but I plan to do it far more often in the future.

Sunday I headed to San Diego to see my parents and spend some time with Anna. Anna and I went to Charming Charlie where we tried on approximately 20 pairs of hideous sunglasses that claim to be "on trend". We both came home with the same ($9) pair and according to the quantity of likes on instagram, they were a good choice. I think they're hilarious and I'm still not sure I have enough sas to pull them off!

Monday AND Tuesday were Bachelor nights this week. I honestly can't even believe I'm still watching the show since it is one episode of pathetic after another. However, there was a forecast for lots of tears and that typically makes for entertaining television. Unfortunately, it was all a ruse. At the end of the FOUR hours of total numbness, I don't like Juan Pablo any more than I did before, and I lost all respect for Andi who is slated to be the next Bachelorette. Do you think that will stop me from watching it, NEVER!

Wednesday I had breakfast with the gorgeous Mindy Taylor and we discussed her upcoming nuptials. Mins and I have breakfast at Kimmie's Coffee Cup about twice a month. We used to order oatmeal with blueberries. Delicious. However, we have since wised up and we are ordering full-on-breakfast. Let's be honest, if I'm gonna get up and be at a restaurant around 7:00am I want real food (especially since the cost is virtually the same)! We are GENIUSES Mins!

Finally, as pathetic as this is, a favorite reality of the week is that THIS is the week network television returned in all it's glory. 2 Broke Girls, Chicago Fire, Modern Family, Nashville, Chicago PD, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood and SO MANY MORE I have missed you and am so happy you're back in my home! According to one of my best friends, I am a television athlete - I wear my title proud!

This weekend is THE OSCARS so you're sure to see me with a chocolate covered strawberry in one hand a some bubbly in the other! I cannot wait for the most anticipated Red Carpet of the season and the Award Show of ALL Award Shows! Plus Ellen Degeneres is the host. THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC!

everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend...

And not because I have a ton of fun plans (in fact, I was headed to San Diego to spend some quality time with my parental units but that is now somewhat dependent upon how major our plumbing issue turns out to be...when water starts dripping from a downstairs bedroom ceiling while someone is in the shower upstairs, its probably not a good sign...) but simply because there is something glorious about a weekend. I love the freedom of staying in pajamas on the couch all day lounging while watching movies, reading books, painting nails, etc.. Sometimes a weekend of absolutely nothing sounds like perfection!

I didn't post a high 5 for friday last week, so you're getting 2 weeks of highlights RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

My attempt to watch all Oscar nominated films is nearing an end. I have 2 movies left on the list - Dallas Buyers Club and Nebraska. The Oscars are on Sunday, March 02 - so I have approximately 9 more days to knock this out. In the last two weeks I managed to catch Wolf of Wall Street (I cannot recommend this in good conscience) 12 Years a Slave (absolutely phenomenal and I think my vote for Best Picture) and Blue Jasmine (which is not nominated for Best Picture, but Cate Blanchett is nominated for Best Actress and by golly they got that nomination right - she was stupendous and her ability to transfer between stable and completely mental was believable and engaging. LOVED IT). I really do love movies and can't wait for another Red Carpet weekend!

Megan came to town last week and we got to spend a smidge of time together...we had coffee, tried on bridesmaid dresses (we don't have to talk about it), went to the movies and celebrated Kenzie's birthday with breakfast at Kimmie's Coffee Cup. I had Friday off work, so it was a luxurious morning of chatter and good food with a side of fun gifts for Kenz. It was perfection. I LOVE BIRTHDAY BRUNCH!

Valentines Day was a full day of fun and friendship. After Kenzie's birthday brunch, I went to froyo with Shalina - I never get to see her so it is always a delight. Then I ushered at The Producers with Ally who gave me the most darling heart garland and gold dinosaur magnet EVER and finished the night off at Endless Love with my best. Carrie surprised and spoiled me with a darling gift including some of my favorite things. I cherish that so many of my friends made it a special day even though I'm single. So very nice of them!

I BOOKED A TRIP TO HAWAII

And finally, I got my haircut and then posted a picture of my new do on both Instagram and Facebook. NEVER IN MY LIFE has a picture seen so many likes or comments - apparently THIS is the hair for me! I totaled it up to appease my own curiosity and this gem has a total of 147 likes and 38 comments. THANK YOU INTERNET for the boost to my self esteem!

because it's friday night and i just got...

NOPE, I didn't get paid this week!

I am so glad the weekend is upon us! I can't wait to sleep in and watch copious amounts of television (on the couch in my new men's XXL pj pants from Target - they were on clearance for $5.08. I couldn't help myself - this is a level of comfortable many have never experienced before!). Due to a total lack of regular programming, this week I started watching Gossip Girl on DVD from the very beginning and I am as addicted ever. I love Blair's fashion sense and total desperation alongside Chuck's debauchery coupled with Serena's short-lived attempts at being a good girl and Jenny's shameful entry into the upper east-side. It is just too good! I have a feeling you now know where to find me on Saturday and Sunday! I do have a couple more Oscar movies to fit in too, so I might catch a film at some point - I do still have a free ticket from Christmas...thanks Mom and Dad! Anyway back to the highlights of the week...

I had dinner at ChaChas with two of my favorite ladies - Carrie and Shannon. We drank frozen mojitos (Please try these if you haven't yet - you will be a fan. Guaranteed. Even if you don't like mint. I am telling you - they are DIVINE!) and talked about everything and nothing simultaneously. It was the type of night where I went home feeling refreshed deep in my soul. It was not an evening of light trivialities (though we did discuss the possibility of going to see Britney in Las Vegas together), but of real hearts in honesty shared amongst sisters. It was wonderful and I can't wait to do it again! We talked about making it a bi-weekly event. Count me in!

Over the weekend I went with Carrie and the kids to watch Joe run his very first 1/2 marathon. I am so not a runner and running a 1/2 marathon (or marathon for that matter) sounds like literally the worst thing ever. However, I am a stellar spectator and love to celebrate other people's accomplishments, so off I went. It was actually a really fun morning...Carrie and I had a delicious breakfast while Joe ran and then got as close to the finish line as possible to cheer for daddy. Carrie managed to get a really great view and even caught him crossing the line on video. He was pretty worn out when he was finished - but we sure are proud of him! There really is nothing I love more than being Aunt Shell and getting to love on those kids. Carrie and Joe have made me feel like family and it is a true blessing I do not take for granted.

Tuesday I managed to get something INCREDIBLE accomplished - I mailed out the very last of my Christmas gifts from 2013. I know, pathetic! I have friends that live all over the county and although I try to keep Christmas relatively small (you can laugh at that statement if you know me) I had three packages to send out that had been nagging at me for months. So glad that is done and off my list. Now to put away the Christmas wrapping paper and supplies that are still haunting my living room!

This week I also boxed up a variety of cupcake related supplies in pink and red with hearts all over for my little loves in Hawaii. I called this package "cupcake party in a box" and it included an apron for M, a pink spatula, a heart-shaped platter, a red oven mitt, funfetti cake mix with frosting and sprinkles, pink polka dot cupcake liners, paper straws and headbands. I hope M and C have a blast celebrating Valentines Day...I sure do love them!

My final favorite moment of the week was when I saw pictures of Rory's first day take over instagram. I had the honor of being present for Rory's birth and photographing the entire event. I took over 600 pictures that day, but the collage Carrie posted took my breath away. For the first time ever, I felt like a photographer and I think I really captured some sweet moments of her first day with Rory James. She says it was the greatest gift I could have ever given her, and I sincerely hope I can give it many many times in the future!

its friday, friday...

Well, another week has come and gone...
Sometimes it seems like once you enter adulthood, you basically live for the weekend - you go through the motions Monday - Thursday eagerly anticipating the arrival of Friday and the hope of spare time to do with as you please. I try to make every day count on some level, but I admit that weekends hold some allure that a workday just cannot. So praise the Lord that it is Friday and the weekend is upon us! Here are five of my favorite moments this week...

1. I rocked this absolutely fantastic and amazingly adorable double tassel bracelet in navy and hot pink from Wrist Soiree. Those tassels made me happy all day. Literally. I'm a huge fan of accessories, so they are pretty much always my favorite part of the week!

2. I spent Saturday and Sunday in San Elijo with my parents - the weather was a dream and the sunsets were breathtakingly gorgeous. I kept hearing the Sara Bareilles song "Chasing the Sun" playing in my head - the lyrics never fail to inspire me to look for the brightness of life and live it to the fullest... "You said, remember that life is, not meant to be wasted - we can always be chasing the sun. So fill up your lungs and just run. All we can do is try and live like we're still alive." There is something truly awe-inspiring about the vastness of creation and the power of our God. Finding that moment of still and quiet to truly soak it in was refreshing to my soul.

3. My childhood best friends Anna Garcia and Jenny Linthicum were also staying with their parents at the beach (beach camping has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember) so we got to spend some quality time together. We have been friends forever, so afternoon walks to Starbucks, painting our nails, and sitting around the campfire together are moments of perfection.

4. I took this random selfie and when I looked at it again, it totally looks like a glamor shot - which CRACKS ME UP! I bet those pictures are still proudly displayed on someone's mantle somewhere! I sent this via text to a few friends and had a really good laugh.

5. I went to see "her" with the Clark family. We are all on track to see all the Oscar nominated movies before March 02 and "her" was still on the list. I enjoyed the film(although it was perhaps one of the weirdest movies I've ever seen) and it left me contemplating, which is always a good sign. The basis of the story revolves around a man who falls in love with his operating system - and very soon you realize everyone is interacting more with their operating systems than with people. It's an interesting parallel to our society where social media has taken on a life of its own and truly controls and commands our presence in a lot of ways. I'm really glad I still have friends to see movies with - and that I'm not just in my head! Sounds like a really lonely and half-baked existence.

high 5 for friday

I'm linking up with lauren elizabeth because it is...high 5 for friday! Here are 5 of my best moments from the week...

1. I rocked this amazing necklace that Gan gave me for Christmas - it is gold and has fringe - could a girl ask for anything more. SASSY but still CLASSY is my favorite! Plus I wore it with this polka dot dress that I absolutely LOVE!

2. I spent an evening at the theatre with my sweet friend Justine - we saw Beauty and the Beast and it was fantastic. Justine kept asking me if they were actually singing or if there was a soundtrack - she just couldn't believe it was all live. We saturated in the arts and became more cultured all while feeling fancy in our dresses and heels. I love all things Broadway, so it was a sure win - plus we had chickfila for dinner, and there really isn't much better than chickfila!

3. Bachelor night with my best bud Rory James and cuddles in abundance. I think I am gonna love being a mama someday - but I'm treasuring being aunt shell for now!

4. I experienced eatitalian. Thin crust pizza, homemade pasta, gelato and pastries = happy girl.

5. I raised my glass and toasted a long-term client who has become a treasured friend through our years working together. Amanda and I have spent countless hours together working on projects, sitting in meetings, and sharing life on a daily basis. She is headed to San Francisco for a whole new adventure and I wish her nothing but the best; however, I will miss her terribly and shed a tear (or two) as I said goodbye.