Lunch At The Lodge

If you have ever wondered if Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman was as beautiful, sincere, funny, and charming in person as she is on TV I am here to tell you she is not. She is MORE than all of those things- she is an actual dream! She graciously opened her lodge to some ladies of the Thunder for one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten - no surprise there. I could just hear the intro music from her TV show on Food Network playing in the background as we arrived on the ranch. I have to say that driving down the dirt road my heart was beating nearly out of my chest. I can remember an exact conversation with my husband the day he put living in Oklahoma on my radar. It went a little something like this.

Jarell: "How do you feel about Oklahoma?"
Me: "To be honest I don't even know where that is on a map" - yes I understand that is embarrassing.
Me: Googles Bristol, VA  to Oklahoma City OK  - 967.9 miles/14 hours.
Me: 14 hours from home. Not thrilled about that
Me: WAIT! The Pioneer Woman is in Oklahoma
Me: Googles Oklahoma City, OK to Pawhuska, OK - 147.3 miles/2 hours 20 minutes
Me: I think Oklahoma would be great idea!!

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be in her home - eating lunch that she prepared - talking about our beloved Thunder basketball, all things BRAVO, and how browned butter makes the world go 'round.

It was a magical day with Ree and her sweet assistant Haley. We came, we ate, and we laughed hysterically. She showed us around the lodge, talked about her love for cooking and how her brand has evolved throughout the years. It was so inspiring to see that behind the camera she was mostly importantly mom and wife, a well-respected ranch assistant, and downright lovely. I may have blacked out at some point during the day, probably right after I forgot how to speak during the introductions - but I could have sworn that she invited us back for a sleepover? So Mrs. Drummond, I'm holding you to that one of these days ;)

Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!!

This is the moment all my food dreams came true and she asked me if I wanted to help plate dessert!! I may have fumbled my words when we first spoke at the beginning of the day but I know my way around a brownie sundae so let's just say I had this one in the bag :)  So thankful for my girlfriends who know what this moment meant to me and caught it on camera!! 

XO,
Elizabeth

Taco 'bout a F I E S T A!

I started dreaming about Jayden's first birthday when he was about 4 months old. I had so many different thoughts of what I wanted the day to be for him and our family.  His actual first birthday fell on a game day so we decided to celebrate during All-Star break. We also decided on a joint party with one of my dear girlfriends and her daughter Ava. Our kids are just 4 days apart and our husbands work together a n d were both off during the break so it was either go to two birthday parties in the same day OR have one together -- it was a no-brainer!

I pinterested my little tail off to find inspiration for a memorable and interactive party for our kiddos. I was browsing colorful and unique "gender neutral" first birthday ideas and came across a F i r s t  F i e s t a  post on www.theseblondewalls.com. I loved every single aspect of their Fiesta!  Truthfully, I used every idea I saw in the photos for inspiration. I loved how she made a Fiesta happen in "Winter." For some reason all the birthday party ideas I could find for February were centered around cold-weather activities. We don't have typical seasons in Oklahoma, so on party day it was a beautiful sunny 70 degrees and for that I am so thankful because we spent time a good about of time outside after the glorious cake smash. Kaila at These Blonde Walls had a beautiful outdoor venue for her son's fiesta with gorgeous table settings and personal touches throughout. After swooning over her hard work come to life - I couldn't wait to get started planning our own First Fiesta for Jayden and Ava.

It was an amazing day filled with laughter, good food, so much love and zero stress. I am beyond thankful for every person that spent the afternoon celebrating our littles. [especially for the help cleaning up]  We are beyond blessed to have so many people that were there or celebrating with us from a far. I could not have imagined a more perfect day!

Party details linked below --

Taco Bar was catered by myself and my hostess partner-in-crime. It was a delicious way to entertain our guests. Cookies made by Eileens Colossal Cookies and smash cakes were made by me. Fringe streamers, tissue paper flowers, and chalkboards were really fun projects that I took on. Truth be told, I can't pass up a good DIY opportunity. Post coming soon how to make a first birthday chalkboard. 

Invite:PetitePartyStudio/ Cupcake toppers:ChampagneConfettiCo ; WhateversHandmades/ Smash cake toppers :TenderLoveCardstock/ Cactus balloons: BrightSoSlight /  UNO balloons:Bargain Balloons/ Crepe paper:Amazon / Papel picado, Table Runners + Maracas:Amols Party Supply/ 

XO
Elizabeth.

Jayden Emory: O N E year

I blinked. They told me not to, but here we are and you are O N E. I tried my hardest and wasn't able to figure out how to freeze or even slow down time so I guess this was inevitable. I truly can't believe how fast the last 12 months have gone. You are so stinking handsome, smart, sweet, and goofy as can be. You are all the things this mama wished for and many more! I love every single moment we have shared in the last 12 months and I look forward to every one we will share in the future. I know I am not a perfect parent and thinking back on your first year of life there are many things I will do differently the second time around. But I can honestly say I have given you every ounce of love that I know how to...and then some. It has been a wild and crazy but incredibly fun ride so far, little dude.

Last weekend the weather was perfect and it was your birthday party weekend so we celebrated with an impromptu photo shoot in the back yard full of a few of your favorite things, some giant balloons, and cupcakes. Because...duh! I love you punkin. Here's to many many more!

These two....I just can't handle how much love this kid has for his dada

XO
Elizabeth