Party til the cows come home

June feels like it has been the longest month of the year, full to the brim of activity and travel. I was out of town for two long weekends in celebration of Lauren Mallory Wald (in Kansas City) and Martha Deacon Jones (in Little Rock) weddings. Both of which were amazing in their own way. I felt like each wedding reflected my dear friends perfectly, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of both their special days.

First Stop- Lauren and Brian's wedding in KC

Lauren and I at the rehearsal dinner

Joanna, Em, Lauren (BRIDE!), and Stacy (MOH) at the reception. L picked the color and fabric of the bridesmaid dresses, and let us each choose the style we wanted!

Em and Jo riding to take pics at the Nelson Atkins Museum (3 other much less stylish wedding parties had the same idea)

Late night, power and light dance-a-thon.

Second Stop- Martha and Grant's Wedding in LR

Matt & Em enjoying dinner at the rehearsal dinner

Theresa, Steph, and me at the "after" rehearsal dinner party

Em, Ms. Martha Deacon, Brooke
It was SO good to see Brookie who lives in California, it had been way too long since we were all together.

My sweet Chi O sistas (L to R Back Row) Ann, Brooke, Allison, Courtney, Marianne, (Front Row) Laura, Martha (BRIDE!!), and me!

Martha and Grant's first dance


I have YET to catch a bouquet at a wedding, regardless of Martha and my specific toss strategy. I think Theresa was slightly pumped about her success.

Em, Alli and Stephanie

My sweet friend Kate and her husband Mike came through Arkansas from Virginia to visit family, and though the visit was extremely short, it was great to catch up in person, and have the boys meet. Kate had some EXCITING news that they are expecting a petite Bebe next year, and i'm so glad that she was able to share it with me in person! Kate and I have been friends since 7th grade, and even though we lives miles apart...I think the sign of a truly lifelong friend is one who is there for you when you need them, either presently by your side, or just always thinking about you from afar.

Em and Kate

June has also been a trying month for me, throwing many surprises my way, teaching me to take not a moment for granted. I am looking forward to work slowing down mid July, giving me a little breather, and hopefully some time to visit family in Illinois.

Advice needed!

Does anyone out there have experience re-doing furniture, as in wood varnished furniture that needs a new paint job? I really like this look, sort of glossy and smart. Does that require a sanding, paint job, and glossy top coat?
I have a tired plain dresser that with a little paint, and new knobs would be a keeper, not to mention add a spark of color to my bedroom.
Shoot me any inspirational websites or advice on where to find cool knobs :)

Mucho Gracias, Em

Maple Street

This is where it all began...

This is where we met over 8 years ago. This is where I first learned of Martha + Grant. This is where you became one of my dearest friends. It will always have a special place in my heart for all of those reasons, and about 30 others who will help you celebrate this weekend.

XO love and mine,
Em

Photo Credit- Will Flowers

Austin the city of...

bachlorettes, beer, and bats!

What do you get when you combine 17 girls, one pink karaoke bus, and all the festivities that Austin can offer? ...........mania.
We slowly trickled into town from all over Texas, Arkansas and Kansas City last Friday. Had an amazing day soaking up the sun waiting for the bachlorette herself to arrive. Martha of course did it in a BIG way.

Let's rewind for a second back to Friday night. After we all got pretty, we headed to a sushi restaurant, and played "out on the town".

We don't have a hard time finding fun, fun usually finds us. The group of girls that made their way to this celebratory weekend are some of my absolute best friends from college. We were all lucky enough to be in the same pledge class, and most of us lived in the 16 girl attic together for a semester. Normally you wouldn't think you could handle those living extremes for an entire semester, but I learned more about myself and my friends, that I wouldn't go back and change it for the world. We all have a unique bond because of these experiences- joy and heartache alike. We were there through very trying times, and I cherish those friendships and these girls more than they probably imagine.

It's a goal that we go somewhere new and fun for each bachlorette party, which helps us create hilarious memories all over the place...on the table for discussion were our future locations- napa, chicago, vegas, miami??

The higlight of our night (in my opinion) was riding on the rickshaw's all over Austin from one bar to the next. We'd pile in 4 of these, and our drivers (riders??) would all race from point A to B. Exhilerating, Blurry, and totally Fun.

Night 2, the actual shower, and bachlorette party (enter stage left pink bus and trashy crown). Martha's friend from law school invited us all to her house for pre-festivities. We then headed to a great old BBQ restaurant, and out to one of Martha's favorite bars. Of course there was a band playing, and we just danced the night away...what else would you expect from the Live Music Capital of the World!

Martha and Em

All the UofA girls...Each year, I frame a new group picture of us, I think this one will be it for this year!

3 more weeks, and we'll be together again for her wedding in Little Rock, and I am going out on a limb to say that we will not only have a blast, but the boys will too. (Jason get that griddle ready for our waffles!!!)

Cute as a button- Lela Rose

Just wanted to give Lela Rose props for doing a Payless line. All her designs are absolutely adorable. I personally have ordered these online and shipped to a local store (since I guess Arkansas isn't high fashion enough to carry her line). Check out all her pretty flats too!

Can't wait to pair this with a little black dress or black shorts!

Napa Haven

I fell in love with Fume Blanc

Cutest wine tags!

The Bride with her Bridesmaids
(minus Chacey who isn't 21 yet)

The limo ride home :)

Last weekend I spent two nights in Napa for Lauren's bachlorette party. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, and if anyone is interested in renting a house there, here is the link. It could have slept at least 10 easy, was very close to downtown Napa, had a beautiful patio, and was perfect for us girls.


Top Memories:

• Singing "Going to The Chapel" while sipping champagne during our limo ride
• Finley's warm welcome, Zen Garden, and drive by licking addiction
• Juliet and the 3 Bears bedroom
• Impromptu "rug walks" similar to a cake walk, singing Disney tunes
• Jamie asking Karrie if she can "top it off for the road" at Silver Oak
• The rooster next door
• Cathy's welcome book and family history lesson
• My introduction and new obsession with Larabars- o where can I get these in AR?
• Our gourmet meals by Chef Us at the house, thanks Real Simple recipe
• Drunk dialing my mom telling her how we HAVE to plan a family girls trip
• All of our "reveals", including Lauren's fashion show with old college tops
• Anything that was hilarious that I can't recall due to wine consumption
  

Top New Friends- in no particular order:

• Finley Wald
• Jan, Future MIL for Lauren
• Cathy, Napa Haven home owner
• Kerrie, the Silver Oak Somalie (I will win her over one day)
• Marcel, the limo driver

The whole group including Lauren's mom Ginger and future MIL Jan

More pics on FB!

My vote is on Kris!

I know that I might be slightly biased since he is from Arkansas....but oh my goodness, I have been watching this cat since day 1 and he is so talented. I am even guilty of buying his renditions of Falling Slowly and Heartless on itunes. Even if you haven't been following, tune in tonight- I'm sure it will be entertaining! Did you all know that Katie, his wife, was the UofA Homecoming Queen, that's fun!

Don't Miss It: Support Kris Allen on American Idol Tonight!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 7p.m. on Fox

Watch Conway native Kris Allen compete tonight to be the next American Idol at 7p.m. Kris Allen is married to University of Arkansas alumna Katie O'Connell Allen BSBA'08, an Alumni Association member and 2007 Razorback Homecoming Queen.

After the show, you will have a chance to call in or text your vote. Don't miss out on this chance to support Kris and Katie on American Idol!