animal print pants, outta control

One major milestone on the calendar...my very own Bachlorette party!  I literally get giddy with excitement just thinking about having all my girls together for a weekend of this, that and everything in between.  Friends, Booze, Games, Dancin, Rappin, Hog Callin', Funnnnnn nnnnn nnnn times

 

Can't wait till March!!

Grateful

I am thankful for an abundance of love, family, friendship and blessings this thanksgiving season. As I couldn't sleep last night, random thoughts were swirling in my head.

So much to be thankful for..

family time that is few and far between

new nieces and nephews that I will get to play with and entertain their entire lives

old friends who love hard and laugh loudest

new friends who have energy and spunk, and love a good glass of vino

pie, turkey and mashed potatoes

my mama, her cookin' and mad dance skills

a thanksgiving day feast that fed us to the brim

my sweet fiance, that got to experience the "brandt" side of our family to it's fullest

quiet time with my grandpa

dancing with my fam for hours at a blues bar

beautiful sunsets at the end of a happy holiday week

time off of work to enjoy what really matters

my future in-laws, who always greet me with "we've missed you!"

hog calls and insane Arkansas pride

the excitement of new beginnings and new traditions with new family

pizza with oldies but goodies, even if I recall none of our conversations...love you so

my health and most of all happiness

24.7

She had a cocktail in hand, and confetti in her hair.

Since our engagement, I feel like my life has been on warp speed, similar to the welcome screen when I log into pinterest...very A.D.D. all over the place! I have a never ending "to do" list, which actually just grows by the minute. Wedding planning, to date, has been equal parts fun and stressful. Now that we finally have the big things checked off our list, I am sensing that I can start to breathe again...and try to enjoy this fall and upcoming holiday's. I can really breathe (and eat) a bit better since I went dress shopping and finished our engagement pics! Welcome bread back into my life, if only in small portions of whole wheat, and an occasional basket at Bordinos... YA UM! Missed that. So, even though we are still early on in our planning, we have successfully checked off the following items on our list: A WEDDING DATE, church/officiants, reception location, DRESS, photographer, engagement pics (needs its own post dear lord above), rehearsal dinner spot narrowed down, and lots of research for the remaining tasks. What I am really anxious to plan is the visual design of the reception, which I have been pinning inspirational photos for since wayyy before pinterest y'all. I have folder upon folder on my hard drive...I could be on hoarders, electronic picture episode- computer is about to bust! Wish me luck as I try to edit my way to a vision board I can share with florists and rental companies.

My dad ask me last week, so with all this wedding planning, what have you been doing for fun? (Sheer silence on my end....)

Fiance. Football. Friends. Wrigs. Wine. Weddin'. More Wine.

Somehow I managed to sneak in a lot of celebrations, great time with friends, too much wine, and cuddling with my favorite pup and new fiance. Life might feel crazy right now, but I am trying to take it all in and not miss a moment of it. I feel really humbled and blessed by the people in my life, and how genuinely excited they are for Matt and I. It is truly amazing....

So- I do want to document a few of my favorite wedding prep moments to date...

1) Dress shopping with my mom and sister

We heading to LR a few Saturday's ago to visit Proposal's, then go on to Lowe's (mecca of all wedding dresses)....I had somewhat of an idea what I liked, but wasn't really set on anything specific. I am a decisive person, and didn't try on anything that I knew I wouldn't wear (which saves a lot of time). On the 4th dress, I walked out of the dressing room, and we all just knew....this is it. I twirled around, starred in the mirror for 30 minutes, accessorized, and told my mom to cancel our Lowe's appointment, we were good to go! It was just so easy and fun, nothing like Say Yes To The Dress had built it up to be. Then again, I think 99% of the process is personality. We spent the rest of the day shopping around the Heights, having sushi and wine, and gushing that we had checked off such a big to do in a mere hour. And my dress....well it is just beautiful. The major deciding factor for me, was to imagine what Matt would think of me in it...and I just knew he'd think it was the prettiest dress in the whole world. done. and done.

2) Engagement pictures

The preparation: the time spent shopping and raiding friends closets, perfecting my tan, trial hair appointments (thanks, Theresa!), make up, nails....it really is quite the process. I will update this post once I actually see the pictures..... in the mean time, track me down this week and I'll tell you the story in person. It's the type of story that has to be told in person, with my hand motions and all. What would life be without a little hitch, hiccup, bump in the road....I'll leave you with this visual. After spending 4 hours in the car, 2 hours taking pictures, countless hours getting ready...Matt and I found ourselves eating 2 McDonald's double cheeseburgers (a piece) in the Harps parking lot, laughing... Let's hope that is the image that sticks with me from last Sunday...

UPDATE!!! After much anticipation, our engagement sneak peek is up! Enjoy a few of our pics! I just love that Tiffany captured so many fun shots, I would HIGHLY reccomend her for any photography needs! She seems to have such a laid back kind soul, I can't wait for her to capture our wedding day too.

http://www.tiffanykelley.com/blog/2011/11/emily-and-matt/

Till next time- XOXO

Em

A Future MRS.

An Engaged Milestone!

On Friday evening, overlooking the University of Arkansas's Old Main lawn, I was proposed to by the love of my life. I want to capture down every itty bitty detail, before I lose it to my memory forever. I wish I could capture in a bottle how I feel right now, and spritz it on every morning when I wake up. Saying that I'm on Cloud 9 is an understatement. We are both just beaming.

So, without further ado- the story of how I became an engaged woman, to a wonderful man.

Friday afternoon:

I have my last summer Friday of the year, off at 12 to meet Andrea and Emerson at Hammontree's for lunch. We chat for a few hours, catch up on her sweet baby girl...and just enjoy not having to look at each other and say- ugh, back to work! After lunch, I was hoping to continue the baby tour by visiting Molly and Winston. Molly's family came in town earlier than I thought, so I decided to wait my turn:). Next, I was off to see Michelle and the Trips! They literally doubled in size since I had seen them last. Typically, once I'm over at her house, I end up staying for hours- reading all her design and gossip magazines, feeding babies, and just catching up. At about 5:00, Matt called to see if I wanted to go to dinner when he got home from work. This is very typical- Friday date night, maybe a movie- home depot if we have the time. I told him I'd run home and get ready...little did I know, his plan was just set in motion.

Matt called at 6, which typically is longer than the normal commute to Fayetteville, to say that he was in pretty bad traffic. He claimed he was really hungry, and was just going to swing by, pick me up, and not worry about changing from his work clothes. This, my friends, instantly got me to change out of jeans and into a skirt, so that I would match him of course! (Smart Boy). When he finally arrived at the house, it was normal- Emily in the bathroom finishing up her makeup, Matt taking Wrigley on a spin around the block. He told me he called ahead to Ella's, because so many students and their parents are back in town. I might have raised an eyebrow at this, but didn't think much about it. We arrived to Ella's/Carnall Hall at 6:30- and the dining room was almost completely empty. When Matt told the Hostess, "Reservation for Curry", I rolled my eyes and laughed. May have even said- no worries, I think they have a table...To my surprise the Hostess said- "actually we are expecting a huge group and have two rehearsal dinners here tonight, we'd like to sit you on the porch if that is ok?" I made a comment about the heat, but followed her on outside. After we walk down the steps, she takes a right- which is odd. I comment that I didn't know people could book tables out here, I didn't know it was an option, how neat, oh I hope I don't get stuck in the grass- the whole while looking at my shoes and hopping from one brick to the next. When I think back now, nobody was responding to my comments...but at the time I didn't notice. When we got to the porch, I took my first glance up. I stop in my tracks. Rose petals cover the porch leading to our own table outside. We are the only table in sight, and it is covered with more flowers and bubbling champagne. I cry, immediately. I have seen way to many episodes of The Bachelor to know what this means. I didn't know, however, if I was suppose to walk towards the table, or what to do. Our hostess sort of shews us towards the table so she can throw our menu's down and get the heck outta there! At first, Matt said "oh! this is nice", but he knew he couldn't fool me any longer...then he said "I guess the rose petals gave it away..".

There I stood- ready for it. He immediately got down on one knee, and said the most wonderful things about us, our journey, and our future life together. I won't ever forget the look on his face, the excitement, his voice, and obvious love that he had for me at that very moment. I tried to listen hard, I was only shedding silent tears at that point. At the end of his proposal, he opened a little box- and BAM it had a light! We both laughed, we cried (or I did at least), and then toasted to our engagement! My new ring, and our future plans!

My first question after we sat down, was "who knew about all this?", and Matt claimed- nobody, only our parents. For some reason, it just put me at ease...it was just us! Enjoying that glow of excitement! At that point I told him that we should call our parents, but then just wait until after dinner to start calling people. I really wanted to relish this time with him. Just soak it all in. Our conversation for the next hour and a half was unforgettable, the meal and service was amazing, and we got to watch the sun set over Old Main. It was literally the best meal of our lives.

As the meal was winding down, and we were finished with everything, I told him I was ready to start calling people. I didn't get very far, because he was standing up telling me to hurry up- my mom was waiting inside! I had invited her up when I talked to her the first time, so I knew that much. I start complaining that I really want to call more people when he finally says- they aren't answering because THEY ARE INSIDE!! I cried, I squealed, and we RAN into the Lambeth Lounge. Matt had arranged that my family and friends were there, to start the celebrations! I was so overwhelmed, amazed, and delighted that he had gone to that step to make sure we could celebrate in person with everyone in town. We floated around that room till midnight, toasting, enjoying our engagement cake, taking pictures, and telling our story. It was the best night of my life, and one that I will remember forever. I even still had the ring on the next morning to prove it wasn't a dream.

My beautiful ring!

My flowers! You can see the rose petals in the background!

Our amazing meals...scallops for me, steak for Matt. Honestly, I could hardly eat!

MY SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT PARTY!

My Sister and Mom...I was so happy to have them there!

My amazing table! Cake, Cookies, Champagne- Oh My!

All my girls...I can't thank you enough for being there to celebrate with us!

Andrea and Josh...how she kept the secret during lunch, I'll never know!

Reed, Ben and Cam came to celebrate!

Tressa and Stephanie were so sweet to be there!

Michelle and Karrie, who KNEW the night before! Love y'all.

My sweet friends, Jo and Alison!!

Andddd here we go!!!! Future Mr. and Mrs. Curry!

With a name like Grace Bonney

I really can't have enough books laying around my house. I love to take the hideous book covers off just to feel the fabric and smell it, plus for decorating, the real covers are so much prettier. Ever since I converted to a Kindle, though I love the book prices, and convenience of the toy, I have promised myself to not stop buying real books. They will just be the more decorative coffee table flip through when i'm bored watching Matt's ballgames kind! Cue- Design Sponge big ol book. Through today, yes last minute notice I know, it is 50% off through barnes. It doesn't come out until September, so you will have to wait a minute to get the book in hand, but it will be worth it! I just might have added to my cart the Domino book, which I have been eyeing for a year or so. Hey- it made the shipping free, who wouldn't have done that! Anywho- enjoy this tid bit...I hope the book holds as much eye candy as the blog!

D*S Bloggidy Blog

Em

The Big Apple

It is hard to believe that I've been shakin' it

with these girls for 10 years...

NYC was the destination to celebrate

Theresa's Bachlorette bashorama.

Boy oh Boy did we show that Big City a Big Time.

Spice Market, very delicious.

"The Trough" at Spice Market,

because calling the Hogs is very classy.

On the dance floor, nobody could BELIEVE we were from Arkansas.

It must have been our beautiful singing

voices that really threw them for a loop.

After night 1, we weren't as enthusiastic for beverages, or life in general. But we rallied, because that's what we do.

Cheers to C+T!

PS. Let's play I Spy

Theresa's shower a few weeks before NY.

Notice Bethany faking us all out with that cup in her hand...

little devil.

Turn that Frown..

UPSIDE DOWN!

I will be positive this week after my Debbie moment(s) last week. I am VERY thankful for the joys in my life this week and I want to share that with the world.

1) My birthday is Saturday, and I am a GEEK about birthdays. Love each one.

2) One of my besties got Engaged! Congrats B!!!

3) I am heading to New York on before mentioned birthday to celebrate my lovely Theresa for her Bachlorette party.

4) I had a much needed laugh and beer with book club babes.

5) I bought a new car.

6) I have a job. It even allows me to work into my late night prime when my mental capacity is at its finest. (Debbie resurfaces)

Peace Out!

NY Resolution: Hair fabulousness

One random resolution at a time folks...and this one is a LOT easier than hitting the gym.

Since Christmas, I feel like I have had a hair awakening. I normally will test products recommended by hairdressers, though NEVER able to recreate the masterpiece on my head the day of my appointment. Randomly, two unbelievable products crossed my path, and i'm not sure i'll ever ever ever go back. (note: though I am and have always been fairly blonde, these locks take a little highlighting love. after years of treatments, i feel stiff, frazzled, and nowhere close to a Brazilian blow out)

Treatments I have come to admire and adore:

Product 1 (Thanks Kelly!): Moroccan Oil (light for blondes), use daily. (or so I do)

I had heard about Moroccan Oil in magazines, where celebrities swear by it. The term "oil" always threw me off. I've tried similar anti-frizz oily substances, and in an hour I look like I haven't showered in days. FORGET not washing your hair the day after.

The Promise: Achieve luscious locks with this luxurious Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment. The ultra-light formula strengthens and conditions your hair, creating an instant shine without leaving an oily residue.

This miracle liquid soaks into your hair like magic. All I am left with is an amazing smell, and a soft manageable mane. Can't. Say. Enough.

Product 2 (Thanks sis!): Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco masque, use once a week. Your hair becomes this soft, shiny spirit. I think of it like a huge dose of Gatorade after a marathon...my hair gulps this in, and for the rest of the week, is a hydrated being.

Anywho- just wanted to share my good hair news with you all!

*Do not judge my hair every time you see it, maybe only on the weekends when I have time to do more than blow dry.