IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

May 17, 2017

This past weekend, eight of my best girlfriends (including my good friend, Kirstin, who came all the way from Chicago!) and I headed northeast from LA to Idyllwild for my Bachelorette - aka Cinco de Andi - aka Andi almost-Askar. I never gave much thought to my bachelorette or had expectations, but this weekend proved to be more than I could have dreamt it would be.

We rented a Geodesic Dome atop a cliff with 2 hot tubs, fire-pits, trails, and a 360° view of Idyllwild. The weather was in the high 70s, clear-ish skies, and luckily, my gorgeous friend, Miriam Brummel (also our engagement/future wedding photographer) came packing and captured the weekend! Putting on the ridiculous shirt and sash was such a surreal moment and it hit me that I was really getting married soon!

We bbq'd, jacuzzied, and popped one-too-many bottles of champagne. It was glorious. The girls even surprised me with a new purse from my favorite store, Madewell, monogrammed with my future initials.

Unfortunately, the dome had issues that were unrepairable, but wow, did it work in our favor. We got moved to the raddest lodge, and the party re-started. Since I don't love being the center of attention, we all dressed in white and took the town by storm. We never got a full group photo but I guess that means we were having too much fun.

Weather predicted snow on Sunday (which is nuts for May) but we had no idea that we would wake up to a winter wonderland! It felt like Christmas! It was truly unbelievable.

It was the best weekend ever. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful girlfriends who love and support me. I couldn't have asked for more. XO.

Thank you for your photography, Even Keel Imagery, and for keeping me pretty, Lauren Burt.

DAYCATION // VENTURA, CALIFORNIA

April 7, 2017

So, my brain has turned into wedding mush. Danny and I are less than 2 months out and we have dove into the details. I can't wait to share more of everything but the time is not right... yet. Soon.

Anyway... last weekend we took a daycation to Ventura for my future mother-in-law's (aka "Ma") birthday and well... wedding things. Last year, I ran the Malibu Half Marathon with my favorite Canadians and we stayed in Ventura. I never really spent time there before, but it's cute! So when the opportunity came to go back and celebrate a great occasion there... let's go!

Our first stop was to Copper Mug Company's warehouse! Again, if you know me, you know I love copper and I loveeee moscow mules!!! I fell in love with Copper Mug Co's products about 3 years ago when we came across their booth at the monthly Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA. Their mugs are made with utmost quality copper, craftsmanship, and are utterly beautiful. It was so awesome to visit their location, see and touch all their products, talk to one of the owners, Eric, in person, learn more about them, and pick up some exciting stuff!!

Next, we headed to the pier and schmoozed about. I actually really love their port. So many cool boats and it's fun to read their names and where they came from! We then saw the mission - v pretty - and headed for some seafood!

We chose the former Erik Erikson, now Beach House Fish, and it did not disappoint! Unlike most places, their more formal restaurant is located downstairs and offers a wonderful array of fresh seafood, prepared the way you wish, located right on the pier with awesome views (the bartender has the best view... really). My fiancé's sister and I came prepared with mini party hats - since Ma hates tiny hates - and we became affectionally called "the tiny hat table." I ordered their blackened salmon salad and it was perfect. Would definitely eat here again!!

I think Ma had a good birthday. I love her and can't wait to officially become her daughter.

SAY UNCLE // CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

March 13, 2017

Chicago, IL. This city and I have something going on.

If you know me, you know I love Chicago. And more so, I love my family there.
About 2 weeks ago, my beloved Uncle John passed away. He was my Mom's youngest brother (out of 2). He lived in the same house his entire life in the tight-knit Ukranian Village quarter of Chicago; a neighborhood that he witnessed go through many transformations (90's...not so good). Every summer, as far back as I can remember, my family would fly from LA to Chicago. My older brother and I would spend anywhere from a week to a month there while my parents traveled. My grandparents (Baba and Dido), Uncle John, and Uncle Mike "watched over us" as we ran amuck up and down the house. Those summers have been the best memories of my life to this day.

My family owns an iconic brick three-flat within the village that lines the streets with their rust-colored bricks and unforgettable facades. Most of the homes built in this area date circa 1930s and are filled head to toe with vintage charm, all the original hardware and personal touches that make a home a family heirloom. This house has been such a large part of my life, and what I love about it the most: it looks the same inside and out as it did from the first day I walked in.

During my recent visit back to honor my Uncle's passing, I was able to meet a lot of his friends in the neighborhood and heard stories about him that I never knew. He was a favorite in the community, and in a way, a guardian to most. Witnessing such a strong community within such a large city was truly humbling and made me more proud of where my family was from.

Six and half years ago, I gave my dog, Frankenstein aka Frankie, to my Uncle John. He devoted his life to this little dog, giving her endless love and guidance, making her the sweetest little nugget today. Frankie remains in the neighborhood and will keep his presence alive.

Uncle John was truly a saint - a man that lived his life his way and his way only, keeping his original mullet hair cut from his younger days, 1970's glasses, and a no-BS attitude. He was also the most loving, caring, and mindful man I have ever met, always putting others before himself and remaining completely devoted to his loved ones. I am forever grateful for his generous heart and for him taking in my dog and loving her endlessly when life wouldn't allow me to have her. He will be missed, but will never be forgotten.

JOHN MARK COLTAN
1961-2017