Quick Trip.

I got back from Singapore this past weekend. It was a whirlwind of a trip. Singapore is very humid and is one of the cleanest cities I have ever been to. Although we had no time to explore the city, I was able to check it out from our many cab rides. We (my boss Jill and I) did not buy one thing... boring I know, but we were all business on this trip. We underestimated the amount of work we needed to accomplish. We were sure that our last day would be spent shopping, not a chance! Jill and I worked our butts off. We put in over 40 hours in 3 days.

On our first day, we walked to get breakfast at a local coffee shop (see pic below). Little did we know that rainy season had just begun. As we were eating it started raining, when it rains, it literally pours! Of course we did not bring umbrellas. So, we ran from one place to another asking where we could buy umbrellas. Finally, someone told us the local 7-11 sold them. We decided it would be best to take off our shoes (we didn't want to ruin them) and roll up our jeans. By the time we made it to 7-11 we looked like we took a full on shower in our clothes. We walked back to our place barefoot in the pouring rain, people probably thought we were crazy. At least we got some good laughs out of the experience.

We were excited to get to the "flat" we are designing. I have never seen a penthouse like this, it is on the 63rd floor. It is one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. The flat has many angles and curves. It was challenging and took our best problem solving skills. I think we came up with some great solutions and I cannot wait to see how it turns out. We are pressed for time as the entire place needs to be done in March. I would say to do a remodel, design, select furniture, fabrics, lighting etc. could NEVER be done in 3 months, especially in another country. However, we are making it happen. The crazy part is everything actually has to be ready a month prior because we have to ship it on a container to Singapore. Wish me luck as I become very busy these next few months. Good thing I love my job!!! **Sorry I did not take many pics...

This is the only pic I took of myself, behind me is the Raffles Hotel. It is a beautiful British Colonial style hotel and is one of the oldest hotels in Singapore. I loved all the architectural details, simply gorgeous. Please excuse my hair... major humidity!

This is the TCC aka known as the T_______Coffee Connoisseur. We never paid attention to what the "T" stands for. We ate here for every meal on the first day because we did not know where else to go, plus it was close to where we were staying. The decor inside is so charming and of course I did not take any pics of it. The food was tasty.

A quick pic of the city as we were trying to get a cab.

The view from the 63rd floor.

Another shot of the view off one of the decks, it is amazing. This is the area where all the containers of imported goods are unloaded.

Leaving on a BIG jet plane.

I am so blessed to love what I do for a living. It is nice to actually enjoy going to work. I am an Interior Designer for a company in Manhattan Beach. I have worked there for almost 2 years. Our crew is so fun, which makes for an entertaining atmosphere. I love working for this company and have been able to work on some great projects in the south bay. 

I am fortunate enough to be able to travel to Singapore this Saturday for work. I will be working with my boss on a 6,000 square foot penthouse right in the middle of the city. This is going to be such a great experience. Not only to be able to travel, but also to do a project that is completely different than anything I have ever worked on. I am sooooo excited!!!

Summer Part 2.

Jared and I are fortunate to have awesome friends that invite us every year to join them in Catalina. Their family has owned a home on the island for many years and all the kids take turns spending holiday weekends there. We have fun hanging out, playing cards, riding mopeds, eating pizza, napping, snorkeling, cooking and much more. Thanks for the good times Daines'.

If you didn't know already... one of Jared's hobbies is collecting sea glass. He has educated himself on all the different colors, age qualities and more. Jared has collected A LOT of sea glass. If you

visit our home you can see for yourself. After searching different beaches on the island, he finally found a rocky beach that had lots of sea glass. I know this may not seem exciting to you, but to Jared, it made his day. I will occasionally join Jared in his quest to find these gems and I admit, I enjoy it. I get excited when I find one that is rare (he has taught me about rare red pieces) because I know it will make Jared excited too. 

This summer, my Mom, Maren, Rhiannon, Matty, Trisha and I went to the Poison concert. We went to see them at Pala Casino. My uncle Jim (my mom's brother and Trisha's dad) was Brett Michaels' (the lead singer) body guard. Unfortunately, my uncle passed away in 1988. Shortly after his death, Brett wrote a song called, "Something To Believe In" about my uncle. So, our family has always had a special place in our hearts for Poison. 

Brett Michaels (not the best picture)

Mom, Trish, Maren, Matty and Rhizi

My older sis and I

Matty and Rhizi

Rock'in out

This next event did not technically happen this summer. It actually happened 2 weeks ago. Jared graduated with his Masters in Education. This is one of my moments to brag about how amazing my husband is. He worked so hard for the past year and a half. Jared pushed through school while we were dating and even when planning our wedding. He was so diligent in his school work and always strived to go above and beyond. Jared graduated with a 4.0!! I am so proud of him. Congrats Hub!

Engaged.

CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Brian and his sweet girlfriend (now fiance) Anne. They got engaged last weekend in Dana Point, on the beach. Brian put together an amazing set up, definitely a night that would sweep any girl off her feet. He had a table for two right off the water, tiki torches, dinner and more. A perfect set up to pop the question.

Brian is not only one of my favorite boy cousins, but he is also one of my best friends. I am thrilled that he has found an awesome girl that can keep up with him and his humor. Although, I have not been able to spend much time with Anne, I know that she is sweet, patient and funny. I have heard nothing but great things about her from Brian of course, but also from my good friends. I am so happy to have another girl in our family. Brian and Anne are perfect together and we are looking forward to their wedding in January.