Birthday Week Extravaganza

For someone that insisted that we not do anything for my birthday this year I sure did get spoiled by all of my friends. I've always been so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by such great people (east and west coast) but this just confirms how amazing they all are. To recap...my never ending birthday party started with a girls dinner out at Buena Vita followed by dancing with all of the guys at The Shore. Then on Saturday morning a big ole crew of us went hiking at Switzer Falls & Bear Canyon followed by a pool party at Danny's parents house in Glendale. Here are some pics from the best 28th birthday ever!!

Girls Dinner

Partying @ The Shore
Hiking in Glendale...
Pool Party!!

Blue Jay Campgrounds

Camping Crew

Saturday we went camping for the first time since I moved to CA 5 1/2 years ago!! We had such a relaxing time just hangin around playing games, exploring the camping grounds, drinking and eating great food thanks to Brianna and her gourmet cooking in the wilderness and playing with the dogs. The camp grounds were only about an hour from the house so it was super convenient for one night out under the stars. I'm still in shock every time we leave the southbay how beautiful it is so close to our home. Corey and I often ask ourselves, "Are we really just outside LA?" I'm slowly trying to accomplish more things on my To-Do list such as hiking and camping since all of these activities are so easily accessible to where we live so as I continue to knock them off I will keep you updated.

Mac swears the spots on the pic are orbs or spirits that live in the woods-uhmmm...

Corey, Me, Brianna, Mackenzie, Ian

Brian, Jay and Melissa playing poker. Nothing says camping like playing poker...Our friend Ian & Bam hangin by the fire. This pic makes me laugh...

Discovery Networks Upfront 2009

Last night was our Discovery Networks Upfront Presentation at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. This is where we showcase our upcoming new and returning programming for 2009-2010 across all of our networks (DSC, TLC, APL, TRV, SCI, MIL, HD, ID, PG, DHC, OWN, FIT). In addition to inviting all of our LA based clients and buyers we also have talent come and mingle with them. This year we had a great turnout and fortunately we did not upset the fire marshall much like we did last year. I must admit that throughout the night I had multiple moments when I thought of Kinsey. I recall her comment on facebook a couple of weeks ago voicing her love/hate for Toddlers & Tiaras on TLC. During the clip from the upcoming season I was absolutely blown away by these little tikes but more appalled by the mothers that put the children through this parade of child abuse. With that said, I will probably tune in and watch- ha! Animal Planet also had a show that was highlighted where I had a "Really, this is what is now on TV?!?!" moment - The Judi Hoffman Project. In short this is a show about a woman with 30 years of psychic experience that communicates through her cats to make her psychic predictions and readings. I mean "Really?" Overall, the night was a fantastic hit. Definitely looking forward to watching the 10 part series "LIFE" coming in 1Q2010. If you liked "EARTH" you absolutely will love this series!!

Bridget Marquardt from Girls Next Door & Bridget's Sexiest Beaches on TRVMondi & I with Adam Richman from Man vs. Food on TRV

Palm Springs Easter Weekend

Friday night after work Corey and I braved the 10 freeway on our way out to Palm Springs for Easter weekend. Traffic was surprisingly not that bad given it was a holiday weekend. We made it out to Linda's house (Corey's mom) in about 2 hours and 20 minutes from my office. When we walked in Linda had apps. and the much needed bottle of chardonnay ready to go. After chatting for an hour we sat down for a great meal. I can't remember the last time Corey and I were in bed on a Friday night before 10p but let me tell you how amazing it was to relax and wake up so rested on Saturday morning. Our friends Mac & Adam were also out in the desert using her boss' place so after enjoying breakfast and a long walk around the neighborhood with Linda & the dogs, Corey and I headed over to hang with M&A for the afternoon. For those that have ever been out to the desert know it can be deathly warm but fortunately it was perfect in the low 80s. Hanging out in the pool was amazing and the perfect way to cool off. Bailey of course was a swimming maniac and Wesley learned to swim for the first time. Not exactly graciously but lets just say he didn't sink to the bottom much like Mackenzie had anticipated.

Bails swimming w/ Core

Enjoying the desert

Mac & Wes Chillin-

Wes swimming for the 1st time-

Newton Kanan Falls Hike - Malibu

Saturday morning Corey and I got up early along with my brother and our friend Ian and went for a long hike in Malibu. This hike wasn't as good as the hike we did a few weeks ago with Jmar but considering the weather was absolutely spectacular is was all worth it. Corey and I have decided that we need to take more advantage of the breathtaking beautiful hikes Malibu and Palos Verdes has to offer and treat our dog to the great outdoors he deserves.

Viva La Mexico

Below are some pictures from the Mexico trip we went on the week of March 16th. We stayed at a resort community called Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta outside of Puerto Vallerta and it worked out great. We rented two places to commodate all of us- one of which was this great 4 bedroom villa where Corey and I plus my sister Karen, her hubby Kevin and their two kids Nate (4 1/2) and Vivian (7 months) joined us from N.C. along with my cousin Matt, his wife Shelley and their twins Kylie and Bryce (15 months) stayed. The trip was a blast but with a minor set back of the stomach flu that basically hit everyone for about 24 hours throughout the trip. From traveling to this great little surf town called Salulita, snorkeling in Mismaloya, canopy ziplining in the forest of PV, to exploring downtown we all had lots of fun. As you can see from the pictures below it didn't set us back too much in the fun department!

The Paradise Village Resort The view from our villa...

Corey w/ Kylie & Bryce
Matt, Shelley, Kylie & Bryce out at dinner...

Karen & Kevin
My lil love bug- Nate (I tied a napkin around his head- he thought it was so funny!)

Out in downtown Puerto Vallarta- Day Trip to Mismaloya-
Justin, Kristi, Aunt Carol getting ready for snorkeling...
Snorkeling around with schools of fish...AWESOME!
Dinner @ Fajita Republic-Enjoying lunch @ The Paradise Village Beach Club

Exploring downtown P.V.Our final night - Viv & I

Last dinner celebrating Karen's 35th Birthday!!

Mackenzie & Adam's Wedding- Fort Lauderdale

Mac & Adam's wedding weekend was spectacular back in Fort Lauderdale the weekend of Feb 27th-Mar 2nd. Corey, Myself, my brother Brian, my cousin Kristi, her husband Justin and a bunch of our friends from CA made the trip. Not only did we get to see my family (ie. my dad, grandfather, etc.) we got to do a bunch of activities around town. Mac decided to get married on Sunday night which actually made for a super fun long weekend. I typically don't feel like we ever have time to enjoy a wedding weekend because the wknd flies by but we had all day Saturday to mess around so it was awesome. Brian's best friend Mike still lives back in FL so he took 13 of us out on his boat all day Sat. until after sunset. The weather was perfect and we all got to start our base tan for Mexico!

Friday Night Welcome Party @ Julia & Craig's House

Mac(the bride), Erin, Me, Aubri, Jennefer

Corey & I On The Dance Floor

Mac & Adam (classic- Mac has a glass of red wine in her hand!)