A Southern Girl's life in Los Angeles to Newport Beach

The Great Balance

2010-11-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

Once you get married, life finds a way to all of a sudden get crazy busy. I should probably start off saying I had the most beautiful wedding. I married the most amazing and loving man. There are no complaints. But then you come back from Hawaii and the honey moon literally stops. In. Its. Tracks. Life gets in the way along with work, balancing the saints, rebels and Trojans, being a good a wife, being a home maker, oh and cleaning house too! Not to mention I forget about the blog! Oh and I gotta make my way to the gym! But when it all comes to a halt and the days winds down to an end, I am beyond thankful for all the things, people and love God has given me. I may not be the perfect wife and fall short at times but no matter what, I am loved. And the rest really doesn't matter.

Working.

2010-08-23T19:14:00.001-07:00

I went to work today for the first time since November! So much has happened since I worked last... It was a good break and I got a lot of things done in that time. I knitted a blanket, got engaged, planned a wedding, 3 trips back to Mississippi, helped Danny prepare for 2 interviews, moved to Newport Beach, thrown a few dinner parties, planted a garden, went back to school and already completed 17 hours! Beach living has been a joy, but I realized quickly, I am not a homemaker.

So beginning today, I am a tax analyst for a boutique tax recovery firm. I will probably not blog about this again because I would hate to bore anyone, but needless to say I am happy! Lucy was not too happy. I felt so guilty leaving her today that I woke up an hour early to spend time with her and fed her a biscuit treat! We'll get used to the schedule soon enough!

Next up, the wedding... We leave Friday for Hawaii! I. CANNOT. WAIT.

Newport Living

2010-07-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

We are finally moved into our new place in Newport! I have to say I am very excited to begin our new adventure in Newport Beach. So far, we have gotten our bikes in check (Danny bought a new one), bought tons of new furniture and fixings, found a personal taxi service with Lance, planted an herb garden, painted new patio furniture, and made friends with the locals! Danny is working harder than ever, and I am working just as hard making our house a home and getting through another Accounting course. I
will be glad when that is over...

My Little Garden...

This past weekend was 4th of July and I have to admit, I am glad it comes only once I year. I maybe requesting an out of town trip for the next year. CHAOS! I compared it to a milder day on Bourbon St. where we actually live on the same street. Obviously a fun place to come and experience but no one really wants to live on Bourbon St. Check out Danny's Facebook photos for some pics.

We tried to go to bed a decent time and I was woken up, along with Lucy, startled by loud booms. It felt as though they were shooting them from right behind our house! Scary! Lucy and I cuddled through it...

New Theme, New Beginnings

2010-06-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog, you may not know, but the nautical theme is new. I decided this was perfect for our new adventure! Danny was promoted as a Regional Rental Manager and we are now moving to Newport Beach, CA! I am excited since I was obsessed with The O.C. in college. Living down there will definitely be a new adventure.

We lucked out on our location. We were accepted today by our new Landlord for an Oceanside property! We are only one lot away from the beach! It's very cute blue duplex with a white picket fence. Perfect for sitting on the patio with Danny and Lucy (she is flying out Wednesday). There is a cool bike lane on our street and there seems to be some pretty cool neighbors. Can not wait for my next adventure!

After thinking about it, I can't rename my blog, but I guess I need to change my description a little. Not tonight though! I think I'm gonna hit the sack early.

I'll post pictures of the new place soon!

China and Crystal

2010-05-31T19:31:00.001-07:00

Today I managed to convince Danny to go shopping on a holiday! :) We went to find him a new suit and some ties and ended up at Macy's registering for China and Crystal.

I was torn on registering for these items. I just look at LA living. You live in the tiniest little apartments and pay more than a mortgage in most other cities and have no where to even store your luggage! The last thing I wanted was a bunch of China and Crystal in boxes under my bed, top of my closet, etc... I had forgone the registering of these items when I visited Crate and Barrel and Target.

But here recently, I thought to myself, what other time can I register for these things and get them as gifts? So, I tricked the boy into a trip to Macy's and we picked it out. We chose a beautiful Waterford design in both the china and crystal. Along with some nice flatware, we now feel as though we'll be able to entertain the nicest of guests :)

Next on my list, a house!

Wedding Website on the knot!

2010-05-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today I finished our wedding website! Please take a look and leave a message! I am getting so excited for my wedding day :)

TheKnot

Detox

2010-05-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

I was doing so well getting things in order for the wedding until I hit a wall. Last week, I ate McDonalds twice and taco bell another time. Come Friday, we headed to Palm Springs where all you do is sit around at the pool and drink cocktails then head out for dinner. Steak both nights! On the way home Sunday, we were going through our fast food nation and I settled on KFC! I went big too. Dark meat, original recipe with mash potatoes and gravy, biscuit and cole slaw. Didn't leave any survivors! Needless to say, Monday began detox. I thought I would share my "Sassy Water" that is helping me get back into wedding shape.

Sassy Water

8.5 cups of water
Thinly Sliced Ginger Root (a knuckle)
1/2 Thinly sliced cucumber
1 Medium thinly sliced lemon
12 Mint leaves

Mix and let sit overnight. The next day, drink the entire pitcher! We'll see how well I do with that. I am the girl who HATES to drink water. I did make a mini concoction to get myself on track for today. I just put 2 thin slices of cucumber and 1 slice of lemon in my tall glass. It's amazing how good cucumber makes your water taste. My goal is to fast and cleanse my body.

I also made myself a oatmeal mask last night that made me look silly. Danny called me the cookie monster and kept whining for milk. However, my skin felt really soft and smooth.

My beautiful Nephew, Semmes

2010-05-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

I fell of my blogging wagon there for a while. Once school started, I found myself continuously studying and dreading looking at my computer. On February 18, 2010, William Semmes Strehlow came into the world to proud parents also known as my brother Andrew and sister-in-law Fran. With me being in LA, I was kept up to date by texts from my brother and then the announcement came around 4:30 pm, He's here!!! 7 lbs 11 oz, he was so beautiful! Here are a few pics including some from when he got to meet his Aunt LB. I can't wait to get back home and see my baby love :)

This was the blanket I knitted for him! When he laid on it, it made funny patterns on his little body!

This is Semmes on St. Patty's Day. He's definitely his daddy's mini-me! While I was home visiting him and staying with Fran and Andrew, we all learned so much about babies. It definitely made me aware I want to wait a long time before I have one of my own. I love my sleep :)

SAVE THE DATE: August 31, 2010

2010-04-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce that the first 3 weeks of my engagement have been busy and filled with the task of planning a wedding. In that time, I have picked a venue, secured a reception site, bought a dress and shoes, picked out bridesmaid dresses, ordered invitations, sent save the dates, and found Danny's wedding outfit :) I have been a busy girl on top of my school work. Did I mention we are getting an apartment June 1st?

Wedding Details:
We are getting married at the Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, HI at four o'clock in the afternoon. After that, our sunset reception will be at the Coconut Club that is 21 floors up over looking the beautiful ocean, Diamondhead, and Waikiki Beach skyline!

My guests are encouraged to book their rooms with the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel since that is where the reception is and the great Tiki Bar is downstairs to continue the night after the reception ends! I plan on finding a cute short dress to dance and have fun with my friends!

Have I mentioned how excited I am? I am getting married to my love and I couldn't be more happy!!

Easter Engagement... I said Yes!

2010-04-06T21:43:00.001-07:00

This past weekend became the best weekend of my life. I was in charge of creating a new Easter tradition for Danny and I. Neither one of us had been to the Getty Center, so I decided that would be a romantic/wonderful way to spend our Easter Sunday. We parked and took the tram up to hill... The view going up the hill is beautiful enough. As we walk up and around I was amazed at the beautiful architecture, flowers, shrubs, waterfalls, etc. As our reservation was nearing, I kept making my way up to the restaurant, but Danny kept prodding me to come towards the ocean view to look at another art sculpture. As I came and set my purse down, he came around the table and whipped out a leather box. My heart stopped. Danny got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I just started crying. I gave him several big hugs and kisses and just thought how lucky am I?! And the ring! Just gorgeous!

Brunch following was hardly eaten! I was just so happy to be with my new fiance on such a beautiful Easter day!

Then the earth shook just to remind us who's day this really was...

A Night on the Sunset Strip

2010-02-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

After finding out my cousin Nate's band was having their debut last Friday, Danny and I made our plans to be rockstars on the strip. I wore my mini skirt and leather jacket to get into character and headed out! First, we had an amazing mexican dinner at El Compadre in West Hollywood. They are known for being family owned/operated with authentic mexican food as well as having Flaming Margaritas! The food was great and the margaritas were so perfect!

After dinner we ventured down the street to see Black Velvet Deluxe at the Cat Club. Gosh were my eyes open! Let me remind you that I live in a modest little area in LA. Sure I see some crazy things, but the Cat Club held its own for sure! The other bands playing that night were OK. There was an interesting girl that sang and played the piano (if you can even call it that) as well as attracted the craziest looking people. It was so bad that I donned earplugs the entire performance! Once BVD got on stage I went into groupie/photographer mode! It was such a blast and I was very proud of Nate and his band! Their music was awesome and the group is truly talented beyond words!

Here I am with the Lead Guitarist Nate

Check out their webpage at http://www.blackvelvetdeluxe.com/

Rachel's Visit & WHO DAT!?!?!

2010-01-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to hear that Rachel was going to come visit for the MLK holiday! Her flight got in around 11:30 on Saturday, just in time to make it downtown to watch the Saints first play off game! We had a blast at the Yard House along with Danny eating, drinking and singing sad songs to the Arizona fans! The days following were so rainy (record setting since 2005). Touring around was wet, and trying to get into good lunch places was a little on the easy side! We were able to do all the fun sightseeing things in Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice. An amazing time to say the least. I was so sad to see her go on Wednesday. It was great having one of my best friends around.

The following weekend was second biggest game in Saints history (next week being the biggest). I stayed home where I could be relaxed and watch our victory over the Vikings! I like to think the Saints are trying to put the oldies into retirement; one down, one to go (although he could retire and then come back again...)! It was also awesome to see Deuce as an honorary captain! Next week will be a blast to watch I'm sure! GEAUX SAINTS!!!!

Birthday Surprises

2010-01-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday twice! Once on the actual day, Jan 5, and the other that following Saturday. On the day of, Danny surprised me with a MacBook! I almost died and didn't want to go out to dinner! We did make it out to Primitivo for tappas and sangrias. My absolute favorite! It was a wonderful nice evening with my sweet Danny.

That Saturday we made it out to Shangri-La to the posh rooftop bar that overlooks the ocean. I was able to spend the evening with all my good friends who all had a blast. Not to mention the bar tender didn't charge people for half their drinks so it turned out very inexpensive :) The coolest part was the next week on the Bachelor, they had gone out to that hotel for one of the group dates! Luckily my friend Lauren, the avid Bachelor fan was on top of that one and let me know it was on. All and all I had an amazing birthday!

http://www.shangrila-hotel.com/

Christmas/New Years Vacation

2010-01-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

"An Oxford Sunset"

"Neely's BBQ"

"Happy New Years"

"The Family"

"Christmas Day"

I was lucky enough to take a long trip back to Mississippi! I managed to sneak in trips to Brookhaven, Memphis and Oxford while I was back. Not to mention plenty of couch time in Crystal Springs. Danny traveled back with me and had a blast. He fits in so well with my brothers, lethargic on the couch while watching countless hours of football and Sports Center while flipping on his laptop to check out various message boards. Needless to say, we had a relaxing trip.
Christmas was spent with my all my brothers, Matt, Andrew, and Jon and my sister in law Fran. My Aunt Avis and Uncle David also drove up for the day from the Gulf Coast and of course my parents were there. We had a good time eating and opening presents and showing Danny a Southern Christmas. We ate till we popped.
Come the 30th, we headed up to Memphis for Danny's first trip there. We packed ourselves Pimento and Cheese sandwiches and sweet tea for the long drive up. We stayed with Marianne and made our way out on the town after we got there. For New Year's Eve we went to Majestic Grille for a midnight dinner and welcomed in 2010. Our thin skin made it hard for us to continue the party out (not to mention cover charges and places to party were more than we cared to pay). It was around 32 degrees! YIKES!
We did some fun Memphis things the next day. We watched football at Hooters, attempted at Diver at Silky's on Beale St, ate Soul Burgers and Ernestine and Hazels (which was a brothel back in the day), and tuckered out. On the way out of Memphis, we stopped at the Neely's BBQ and stuffed our little faces. With a quick detour to Oxford, MS, Danny then began to realize I was in love with that town. He was able to capture a beautiful sunset and the water tower. He'd never seen one of those tall tower things with a big ball on the top.
Leaving is never easy, but I know I'll be home soon for Semmes' birth. If you couldn't tell by the picture, Fran is due in about 6 weeks, so we'll have to come back to welcome in the newest Strehlow. Reflecting back, It is very clear that I am very blessed with a wonderful life.

NOLA 9-0

2009-11-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

Highlights of the weekend...

Saturday, November 14
Trojan football (mainly the tailgating segment) was an absolute blast. We arrived at 730 ready to go (sorta... Danny had to go back home to get the tickets) Pictured above is Tony and April Fuentez and Danny and myself. The game was a tough one and I took the first half as an opportunity to nap

That evening we cleaned up for a birthday dinner for Lauren!
Happy 25th Birthday Lauren! We were able to have a wonderful dinner at Beechwood in Venice. Phil hosted us including 2 friends of Lauren's from high school and college, Lisa and Brittany, and myself and Danny.

Sunday, November 15
Spending the morning with Danny at Urgent Care (good thing he's not contagious)
Saints undefeated season 9-0 (the injured list is getting longer and our wins are looking uglier, but hopefully we will continue to be a powerhouse)

Also I discovered a fantastic print by one of my favorite artists George Rodrigue. He's known for his Blue Dog art work and he has painted a Saints version with Drew Brees and the Blue Dog. There are 18k prints for non profit market. It has now hit the top of my Christmas list. Last time I was in NOLA I purchased my first blue dog. I see more in my future!

Ole Miss pulled out a big win this weekend too... Hotty Toddy Rebels!

To dixie with love,

lb

Le Tour De France

2009-11-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

This past Friday Danny & I had dinner with my two roommates Heather and Angela. We ventured down to Abbot Kinney to Lilly's French Cafe & Bar. Little did we realize that it was first Friday (first Friday is when on the first Friday of each month all the stores, restaurants, and galleries are open till midnight with free hoers devours and wine). So by the time we were able to sit down to dinner it was already after 10 pm. This is late for me since I start work each day at 7:15 am. We had an amazing dinner, tried escargot (my face was priceless) and finished up with me falling asleep at the table. Yes... I fell asleep at the table. Luckily Danny was able to drive me home and put me to bed before I turned into a pumpkin!

Sunday we visited my fave spot the French Market Cafe. We had a crew come along including Heather, Angela, Gabby, Khalid and Patrick this go around. With omlettes, fresh french baguettes, fabulous coffee and great company, this dining experience can't be beat. French Market Cafe is also on Abbot Kinney between Washington Blvd and Venice. All in all our French weekend was fabulous! Cette nourriture est délicieux!!

http://www.lillysfrenchcafe.com/
http://www.frenchmarket-cafe.com/

luck

2009-10-31T18:37:00.001-07:00

This week we had our annual United Way event. I decided to donate more than usual since I found out I can specifically send my donation to MS Multiple Sclerosis Society. In return, I was granted 20 tickets to place in the raffle drawings. I decided to put all my eggs in one basket. End result.... I scored an Ipod touch. Granted it is not the 64GB or even a 32GB, but it is a cool new toy I would never bought myself. Let's hope this luck rubs off on the Trojans and we score a victory tonight!

and so I blog...

2009-10-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Life has been good to me. I have found the love of my life Danny and the holidays are quickly approaching. Soon enough, I will have my first nephew Semmes. With all the changes in my life, I believe I finally have a few things to blog about.