Tuesday Topic {I'm a Bridesmaid}

Hey y'all,

This past weekend, one of my sorority sisters and best friends,lSc, asked me to join her bridal party! I'm so excited for her to become Mrs. R next June but until then there will be lots of planning and parties and I will of course bring y'all along the way. 

So quick background: I can't remember how I met lSc, seriously, it feels like we have been friends forever. I know she joined Phi Beta Chi the Fall of our sophomore year and we were pretty much inseparable that whole year. We share a love of monograms, Disney, weddings, and so much more. We had some rocky years but by Senior year we were back to normal. lSc is the one that forces me to Barre 3 classes, will totally drink a glass of wine with me whenever I need it, complain about my hometown and how there is nothing to do there(she went to high school in my town), or is there for a good laugh.I'm so excited for her and Mr. R and seriously might have screamed a little when I got the "We're ENGAGED" text.

 Now that you are all caught up, I thought I would share how I was asked to be a bridesmaid this past weekend. lSc sent us all invitations to meet at a building on UNC's campus and wait for all to arrive before meeting her at the Old Well. It was nice to catch up with friends as we headed her way, as well as meet her cousin AP. We excitedly made our way to the Old Well where lSc and her parents were waiting for us. After hugs, we all got monogramed boxes and were told to all open them at the same time. 

Inside the boxes were vintage handkerchiefs, a sweet card, pictures of us (mine included pictures of lSc and I at sorority functions, waiting in the cold for Carolina basketball, and a photo of when we climbed the Bell Tower), some idea of the dresses she likes, and then cards filled with information including the date of the wedding, information on our attire, our responsibilities, information on the groomsmen, and a sheet about us for those who don't know each other well. 

After taking some photos and lots of talking we made our way to TOPO (Top of the Hill) where we sipped on mimosas and had brunch, catching up and talking about the wedding. It was the perfect way to round out the celebrations. 

Since it was also the date of the Duke/Carolina game when we were leaving TOPO, we spotting the Travelocity Roaming Gnome on the elevator. Well, one of the bridesmaids, ES, talked about wanting to find him and take a picture so when we spotted him we went on a mini adventure around Franklin street to stop the Gnome and grab a picture. Here is a photo of all of us and the gnome.

After our impromptu adventure, we headed back towards campus and stopped in at the Yogurt Pump (aka YoPo) for a sweet treat before heading home.

It was a great Saturday (well until the Carolina-Duke game that night) but I loved spending it with some sweet friends. Now to plan a movie night to watch Bridesmaids together.

Have you ever been a bridesmaid?

If you are a bride, how did you ask your girls?

Whirlwind Wedding Weekend

Hey y'all,

I am still trying to get back on a normal schedule after my nice long, and busy weekend. This past Thursday I hopped on a plane (not to LAX) but to Illinois to be part of the celebration of my best friend from college jCm as she became Mrs. B! I was honored when J asked me to be her MOH and I was so happy to stand by her side on Saturday. I thought I should share a quick weekend update. *beware of picture overload

Thursday. The weekend started with an early wake up call to make a flight. Of course we started off the weekened with a little bridesmaid selfies before getting on the plane. And no we did not reenact any part of the film Bridesmaids. Luckily we all made it safely to IL with all our luggage and we were on our way to J's place.

We were greeted by this little guy. Meet Max. J&P rescued him and he is a little parrot since he loves being on people's shoulders.

After settling in we grabbed some lunch and then went off to get our nails done.

After nails it was time for some frozen custard and hanging out at the house before we went to see J & P's new place for their final walk through. Their new house is a great started home and I know they are so excited to move in. After the walk through us girls quickly got ready to go to dinner and drinks for J's bachelorette. It was a bit unconventional having dinner with the groom and all the family but we were able to take lots of photos! After a few drinks it was back to J's where we all crashed quickly since essentially we had been up since 4am with the time difference.

 

 Friday. After sleeping in, it was off to errands and grabbing some Panera before heading to the lake to get ready for some photos. We were able to get some of J's bridals done before the rain began but then it became light enough we got some more shots done!

One of the previews from the photographers

After photos would have been the rehearsal but the minister was stuck in Atlanta due to weather. So we all got ready and headed into the city for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory which was so delicious and the bridal party might have all gotten balloon animals. Yes we are all college grads but who doesn't need a balloon giraffe? Also I think the rest of the table thought we were crazy since at one point we were all close to rolling on the floor laughing so hard. I love these girls and am blessed to call them not only friends but sisters.

 

Saturday. THE BIG DAY! It had arrived. After spending so much time in the city the night before we all got up and ready to go run a few errands before heading over to the salon. We all got ready with only one minor trip to the gas station nearby for food. I mean everyone needs caffeine and chocolate the morning of their wedding, right? After hair we headed over to the venue to get ready and hang out.

 The time passed by so quickly and before you knew it it was time to get dressed and down to the ceremony!

THEY'RE MARRIED!

Then the bride and groom hopped on a boat and went up the lake to the clubhouse for the reception!

I was lucky my best guy friend came up from Atlanta to be my date and celebrate J so we all took some photos before heading to the reception.

The reception was a lot of fun and I only cried during the father/daughter dance and I made it through my speech without any major hiccups. We danced the night away and eventually stole the bride for some photos out on the deck (the guys had our cameras/phones so the quality is not the best)

Sunday. Waking up really early after 5 hours of sleep is not fun.  mKh, aAc and I all got ready to go and hopped in the car to the airport by 7am. We were lucky to be on the same flight again so it was time to get through baggage check and security (all while keeping our bouquets in tack) and off to wait for our flight. We had the sweetest stewards/stewardesses who all loved the bouquets and thankfully found a small overhead bin so they were safe in flight. GO SOUTHWEST! We made it back to NC by 12:30 and by 1pm I was home and it was time to work on some more unpacking of my new place. The rest of Sunday was pretty lazy. A trip to the grocery store. Target. and washing hairspray out of my hair concluded the night with me in bed by 9pm.

How was your weekend?

What Happened in April

Hey y'all,

I thought I would share a few things that happened in April since I have been pretty MIA over here. Also, beware that this is not in any particular order time-wise. Enjoy a peek into my crazy life.

I ran a 5K for Girls on the Run. Yes, as you can see it was actually 3.47 miles instead of 3.1 so it was a tough course on a particularly sunny day. I kept under a 12 min pace though and considering my training was all over and it was very hilly I am proud of that.

Tried on bridesmaid dresses for Jenn's wedding in August! No this is not the dress, I will reveal that later in the summer.

I attended my sorority's Formal. It was at a local country club. It was fun getting all dressed up for a nice dinner and yes, I bowed out of the dancing portion. I mean, who wants to dance with their advisor? I did receive a beautiful bouquet from the girls as a thank you. I am so blessed to serve with them and see the sisterhood grow!

At Formal with my Grandlittle, kBm!

I made the best barbeque thanks to Skinnytaste.com. You can find the recipe here along with the recipe for the BBQ sauce.

Yes, more bridesmaid dress trips. This is not the one either but it is similar. I must say it is hard trying on dresses without the bride since she is out of state but lots of pictures where texted and a bit of Facetime helped.

My grandlittle, kBm is now an alum member too!

 This past Wednesday was Senior Chapter and a great group of young women transitioned from active members to alumnae. Their words of advice to the current actives was wonderful and I agreed. It goes by fast but PBX is Your's For A Lifetime!

Also, last week I received a copy of Lilly thanks to Turner Publishing. I am so excited to learn more about the woman behind the iconic fashion brand. I started this Thursday evening and was very engrossed for the 30 minutes I read. Now I just need to find time this weekend to knock it out.

What have you been up to this month?

*Also I cut my hair short this weekend! Please excuse the bad selfie!

#summershorthair

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Hey y'all,

I thought I would compile a list of ten things I am loving today. I know that sometimes we get so bogged down it is great to have a reminder of all the good things.

I'm loving...

...today is the start of Spring! Bring out the sundresses, sandals, Claritin and open the windows to enjoy fresh air and sun.

...speaking about Spring today's weather is beautiful! It is currently 59 degrees outside and I just want to go lay on the quad and enjoy the day.

...lunch dates with Katie Perk. I loved that I was able to catch up with this sweet girl. We enjoyed some McAllister's sweet tea and talked about all things movies, books, tv shows and life. I call that a great lunch hour.

...Divergent the film comes out tomorrow (well technically tonight at 8pm). I am currently trying to find time that my roommate and I can find to go see the film together.

...bridesmaid dress shopping for jCm is today! I am so excited to be Jenn's MOH and today myself and the other bridesmaids are going to check out some dresses.

...it's Big/Little week! While my family is not expecting a new addition it was still fun to go to chapter and enjoy the serenading boys while the little's got flowers from their bigs.

...these PJ pants from Old Navy are my favorite and some of them are on sale! I am trying really hard not to buy them all but they are the best!

...The NCAA tournament is underway! Do you have your bracket ready? Who are your final four?

...starting a new book. I started Love Starts with Elle the other day and I think I will be finishing it up shortly. I loved Once Upon a Prince and A March Bride, so I think this book will keep me occupied before I can find Princess Ever After at the library.  

...getting to see my baby sister kDi Saturday, possibly. My baby sister went home for her spring break last week and my parent's sent her back with a book and some Vera Bradley accessories my Mom grabbed at the Outlet that matched the duffel I got for my birthday. I think matching travel accessories are the best and while I have no travel plans in the future I am ready to have my set all together.

What are you loving today?