A dull blog is an unhappy blog

I'm sure like many of you, some days (or months) you just don't feel creative when working on your blog. I read these fascinating blogs of crazy thoughts, funny moments or dreams, and I too often wish I had some more of those sprinkled into my own blog journal. Of course I do have those moments, I just forget them when it comes time to share with you all!

I came across this free list you can download, to help jot down blog topics when you think of them. What a great idea! Maybe I'll print out a few to see if it helps.

Download this list here! Thanks designer Erin Vale!

Little bit of this and that

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

I can't believe in all of July, I've only completed two measly posts! Sometimes the weeks fly by so quickly, I have to look on my camera at pictures to remember what in the world I did! Here are a few pics of my latest happenings. I love when I get to catch up with my friends from near and far over the summer.

This coming weekend my mom and I are Illinois bound to visit family, and I couldn't be more ready for a long weekend seeing my sweet fam and lending some loving support to my dear aunty sue, who just underwent her second round of chemo. Would love your thoughts and prayers for her to keep a strong heart and soaring spirit!

This firework show is scaring the crap outta me!

When Suz comes to town, it is always a reunion!

Some of my dear friends at Paige's reception!
Karrie, myself, Michelle and Cody

Lauren and Daniel were in town too! We had a blast!


Morgan, Em, Steph and Theresa loving the summer
nights out and about!

Blogs & Coffee

Well said. I think this is the perfect start to any day.
Check out a few fantastic screen prints at Made By Girl

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!!!)