Baggage Claim

Packed and ready. Texas, here I come!

I am madly obsessed with these lip-glosses, and Bec makes fun of their quilted tops. She says they are Chanel wannabe’s. I however, do not care and am willing to safe a buck or two. I have an entire Revlon rainbow in my bag.

Trina Turk is a favorite designer of mine, so when I saw a dress of hers online earlier this summer, I knew I couldn’t let it go. I had one of my favorite stores in Huntsville order it for me, and it’s just been waiting to make its debut!

I searched long and hard to find the perfect shoes for my rehearsal dinner dress, and finally, Diane von Furstenburg to the rescue!

Amanda and Judd came to visit me in Huntsville this past April, and while they were here, Amanda introduced me to some of her new favorite products. When she showed me her designer deodorant, I thought it was the most ridiculous splurge I had ever seen… until I bought my own.

Actually, THIS dress will not be making it into my bags. I thought it was cute when I saw it in the store, BUT, it was Lilly Pulitzer. I do not own, nor will I ever own a dress by Lilly Pulitzer, so in my defense, I convinced myself it didn’t really look like the preppy pastel designer’s work. I was frantically calling the state of Alabama and searching the city of Huntsville for a perfect size 4, when a realization occurred to me, “Am I really going through all this trouble for a Lilly Pulitzer??”. H to tha NO. Done. I called the game on account of Rebecca Taylor. I guess Mary-Kate Olsen was right. Never say “never” when it comes to fashion.

I recently read in a magazine that Kate Middleton had Westminster Abby filled with her favorite Jo Malone fragrances, so naturally, I BBM’d Bec to tell her the good news. And of course, her response, “Well, my god, the wedding cost 12 million, what’s a little Jo Malone?” And people are STILL wondering where I get my sass.

Nectarine Blossom and Honey just came out when I went to Chicago last year, and I just had to lather up. It’s been my savior of a scent since, and I can’t wait to try her latest addition, Wild Bluebell!

Photo snag! I’m giving this magazine clipping to the lady doing our make-up on the day of the wedding. I thought Cammy Cam rocked the red carpet at her premier of Bad Teacher with her light eyes.

And last, but not least, because I absolutely cannot forget this item, my bridesmaid dress.

Email to Amanda this morning.

In every interview I have had in the past two years, there is one question commonly asked for me to answer. “What would your friends say about you?” and as I gather my thoughts and start explaining the fact I have no sisters, so my friends are my sisters, we are very close, and we always make each other a priority and challenge each other to be a better person, tears start to form in my eyes and I quickly make an effort to gather myself, and all this time, I am thinking of you. I’m thinking of you because you are the friend who holds me accountable, encourages me to walk everyday with Christ, to love others unconditionally and to always go above and beyond for those in my life. You have taught me so many lessons during our five years of friendship that have encouraged me to be a better person and friend. You’ve taught me these things not through your words, but through your actions. You were the friend driving to the drugstore when I was sick and away from home freshman year, you were the friend picking me up for class, so I wouldn’t have to search an hour for a parking spot in C Zone, you were the friend who would always answer their phone when I needed guidance and understanding, and you were the friend who I could always count on being there for anything I ever needed. All these things, and the list goes on, made me realize you were someone special and I wanted to have the same love and care you had for me for my family and friends. You are someone very dear to me, and you’re in my everyday life. The things you have taught me, and the things I have learned during our friendship are lessons and experiences God is continuously reminding me of. Thank you for being my sister.

XO, Chas

Cabo! Wabo!

After all, it all began in Mary Lane Hall. I found my friend for life on an August day in 2006. Looking back, I could have never predicted the blessing God gave me on that elevator ride to the second floor. She was from a big city, a plane ride away, and her words of kindness immediately revealed the Christ in her. So, this week, I will be boarding a plane to spend a few days in Dallas to celebrate her wedding weekend. She’s one of the most important and special people I have in my life, and I love her dearly.

So, with the days quickly approaching, I have a gathered a few items to help Amanda set sail on her new adventure in STYLE!

Chains and whips excited me. Yes, I promise they do, and I do realize this might be a bit misleading for lingerie, but I thought this set the perfect scene for a relaxing honeymoon in Mexico. I found this blue and green tunic at Neimans, and Dallas being the home of Neiman Marcus, I couldn’t let it go. O-Lay to Natori!

Recently, my Mom has asked me to stop wearing loads blush. But when I’m applying, I just get carried away. I love my NARS and think everyone should be as passionate about it as Muah.

Shuh-shay-DOE done done it. Love this brand, and I never go to the beach without an SPF lip balm.

A new product for me, but the guy at Sephora talked me into it. Genius idea he said, “powder SPF with a beautiful wand that directly applies, here allow me to assist…”

There’s no one better to give decorating advice when you’re changing your address. We’re going straight to the top.

Us at the Spanish Steps in 2009.

MQ's Wedding Video

Partners in Crime

The One and Only

Happy Birthday, to my forever friend…

We were driving down I-85. It was a hot and humid Sunday afternoon in July, a typical summer day in the South. Chasley and I were headed south towards Birmingham to shop. If you have been around the two of us for more than 10 minutes, you know that we are usually laughing. Laughing and talking LOUDLY that is. Not this afternoon. As Colbie Caillat’s “I Never Told You” is playing over and over again, tears are running down my beet red cheeks. Do you have a friend who always sticks with you? Even when you’re a mess? Someone who encourages you? Someone who will just be sad with you? Through the ups and downs of the past year, Chasley has not once left my side. She is constant. She is loyal. Just last week we were chatting about running and boys and the cute new dress she snagged at Unclaimed. One day we will be talking about the latest Polident cream for our dentures. I will probably call Chasley and tell her that my roomate at Hillsprings nursing home is driving me crazy. When I break my hip for the first time, I know that Chas will be at my bedside with fresh flowers. Yep, we will be friends forever.

Chasley, I am so thankful for the friend that you are. You encourage me by the way you love people. You constantly put others before yourself. You have one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. I am proud to call you my friend. I consider your family my own. Happy Birthday. May 23 be your best year yet.

Proverbs 31: 30-31 “Charm is deceptive; and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

I love you,
Em

Gwynies Got It

Easy on the Eyes

Cupcake Cafe. Bec and I weren't going to leave NYC without a taste of Manhattan's finest confections. We even took one back to the man at our hotel who loaded our luggage. It was his birthday, so we left him a note saying, "from your Alabama girls!".

My mom's on a mad search for these plates for my wedding.

THEY are timeless.

Henri Matisse. One of my new favorites.

There's nothing better than a good afternoon of dress-up.

Make or Break

Powerful. It kind of reminds me of Pink's "Please Don't Leave Me". Very humbling.

Ballin' Birthday

Bec: We the bomb.

C: Numba ONE Sista!!!

Bec: Unreal!!!!

C: AHHHHH!! How cool is it that you get to experience all this. You work for the #1 ranked Football Team in America!! I’m jealous. I’ve decided you’re the Erin Andrews of AU!!

Bec: I wish I was that purdy!!!

C: Girl, you are. She better be thankful she has that long blonde hair.

Bec: What choo doin?

C: About to run. Hey, have you decided what you are doing for AM’s B-Day?

Bec: I reckon she wants to bowl.

C: Oh! That’ll be fun!

Bec: Gah, who wants to bowl? Nasty.

Bec: I'm thinking about going to Charleston for the weekend. You in?

C: OMG! I wish, but I've already committed to something. Thanks though, that sounds like SO much fun!

Bec: We'll do it after football season. Hey, AM’s B-Day is the 15^th at the Arena. I’m going to rent a room and then pass out tickets to the Women’s BBall Game.

C: Bec, that is the coolest party ever! How’d you talk her out of bowling?

Bec: She didn’t have a choice. I told her how it was going to be. Lost my deposit at the Bowling Alley.

C: I’ll be in Tuscaloosa for the Game, but I think I can stay in AU through Monday, so I can be there. Yayayaaa! Leave me a list of things I can be doing for you on Monday for the party!

Castle of Cheerios

If you have children someday

When they point to the pictures

Please tell them my name

Tell them how the crowds went wild

First loves are enchanting, magical, pure, exciting, innocent, hopeful, beautiful and never forgotten. I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you, and bring on all the pretenders, because I’m not afraid. I had the time of my life with you.

Long Time Coming

My favorite part of the movie. He always knew she was a princess.

Jumping the Gun

Car ride with Dad,

Me: "I hope you're saving, because to be honest, something is about to happen, I just know it. The year 2011 is around the corner, perfect set up for a wedding in 2012, I hope you're preparing because I am."

Genius Topsy Arrangement

place setting perfection

Out of Control Calligraphy.

Bridesmaids Luncheon.

Sylvia

the cutest bride ever.

i found these on a photographer's, who I once met, website. he is good looking, and as i was talking to him, daryl shouted from across the tent, chas! have you convinced him to take your picture yet?! check him out. rob ingram.

wowzee.

Want the braid.

Monique.

Bridesmaid Attire.

These girls mean LIFE to me. They are so uniquely different, which is why I could never put them in the same dress.

There's just something about bringing the inside out.

My mother in the backseat:

"Chas, HUSH! People are going to think you're crazy if they hear you talk like that."

Writing Meg Ryan

I miss...

Mrs. Avery’s show and tell

6^th grade notes from A.J. Petty

Slumber parties at Mary Jeanne’s lake house

Coach Wright’s basketball practices during Thanksgiving Break

Game Days at Carter Gym

Mr. Day’s SGA Class

Ryan Tyler’s Youth Trips

Grey’s Anatomy premieres at John Price’s

Riding back roads in ski masks while Cooper drove my car loaded with my best girlfriends

Living on the ADPi Hall

Creekside and all the blessings it brought

my Zip Code being 35769

But one thing in life, I am not willing to miss are the people that God has given me, and there is a certain someone I am terrified of loosing, so I’m sending them a letter expressing my love and thankfulness. I look back on the countless times I had the opportunity to express my gratefulness of their presence in my life, but the words were avoided, and I’ve learned that most of the time in life, we don’t realize what we have until it’s gone, but I guess that is the beauty of it all, and I am hoping my words aren’t too late. Please check your InBox.

To my Parents,

My aunt taught me to never start a “Thank You” note with “Thank You”, but sometimes, that’s all there is to say…

Mom and Dad,

Thank you for striving to love each other as Christ has loved you. Thank you for being loyal to each other. Thank you for sacrificing your wants, so that the other’s needs could be met. Thank you for staying true to your vows and yearning to raise me in a Christian home.Thank you for never asking me to leave the room so you could argue. Thank you for never making a rule of 50/50, because sometimes it’s 0/100. Thank you for giving me a place of peace to call home. Thank you for setting the example of a faithful marriage based on honor and respect, so that one-day, I could put my observations into actions. Thank you for being patient with one another. Thank you for allowing me to sleep with you when I didn't feel like being alone. Thank you for family hugs. Thank you for following Christ on the straight and narrow even though at times it might seem long and un-ending. Thank you for thinking of me as you live your lives together in this world that is full of Satan’s lies.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Happy Halloween

My Mom told me quit crying because I was going to wake my Dad. She said I was acting like my Aunt. My need to breathe was over-powering my need to explain. I couldn’t get the words out. Em was worried I was upset with her or that a phone conversation had turned south as I was driving north on Clemons Road. She found me in the driveway. I was too scared to tell my secret…

Me-Tube

I'm sorry, B. I might have missed you this past Monday because I was visiting my Grandparents. I just didn't think Lymon Evans would appreciate your Chanel's and Jimmy Choo's as much as I do, but I did make a strong suggestion, but the Cowboy's won the TV time. So, I promise I'll be at the premiere of your latest movie. I'm SUPER stoked!

This week would have marked the eight year anniversary of the Lachey's. PLEASE get back together. Jess, we know you aren't truly happy, and you can never get over your first love, the first cut is the deepest, and Nick, Vanessa, she's your typical pretty, brunette, bronze and petite. Haven't you seen, there is a lot more of Jessica to love nowadays...

If you haven't experienced this, you're missing out on the winning side of life.

I first met Austin at my cousin's Fiesta Party. He was the live entertainment, and I am pretty sure I hit on him, HA! He let me sing "I Never Told You" with him, and it kind of became "our song". He's a Scottsboro native who every time I talk to him, makes me realize to never stop chasing my dream. He's SO cool!

Mr. Freeze

Last Sunday, my pastor challenged his congregation to give up a daily spending habit in order to financially help our widows and orphans at Life’s Journey. He used his morning breakfast routine as an example, but for me, I was led to really think about how I daily spend my money. I don’t eat out everyday, I don’t shop everyday, so of course in my mind I was thinking, perfect! I have to sacrifice nothing! This is great, but God quickly made me realize I do in fact have a daily habit. I could not live without music. While I bathe, drive, cook, clean, I am listening to music. I buy music everyday, it helps me on my runs, and I always need something new to keep my mind off the strain of the Jones Valley hills. So, freezing my iTunes account will be a strenuous sacrifice, but before my decision went into effect, I had to buy T. Swift’s Speak Now album, one last Ka-Ching.

Personal Takes

Last Kiss,

“So I’ll watch your life in pictures… and feel you forget me… and keep up with our old friends just to ask them how you are.”

I was in the bathroom putting on my make-up when I first heard this song. I started crying because “I don’t know how to be something you miss.”

Better than Revenge,

“She’s better known for what she does on the mattress.”

Trust me, the good girl ALWAYS wins, and my vintage dresses are way better than your Express sale rack returns.

Enchanted,

“All I can see, is that it was enchanting to meet you”

From afar, I observed him and thought, 'oh, if only'. He was royalty in my book, but when the calling, asking and inviting came, I realized I wanted what I had already said good-bye to.

Mean,

“You can take me down with just one blow.”

I once met my match.

Dear John,

“My mother accused me of losing my mind.”

Lynette Bellomy flipped her lid and thought about having ‘Hardcore Dior’ take charge of the matter.

Back to December,

“How’s life, tell me how’s your family? I haven’t seen them in a while.”

I see this scenario in my head every other day. Preparing myself.

Walls of Jericho

…. two men and one girl, five and a half hours of exploring Jackson County… ONE GREAT NATURE OF AN AFTERNOON!