Weekend Wrap-Up

...It's Monday again. 

Is it just me, or do these weekends go by entirely too quickly? I mean I feel like I leave work on Friday, blink a few times, and then it's Monday morning again. Need a few more blinks, please.

It's been a while since I've wrapped up a weekend on here, but since this past one was a pretty full one, an it's currently monsoon-ing here in Dallas, I thought I'd give it a go!

Friday night kicked off with a GALsgiving!

What is a Galsgiving, you ask? Galsgiving is a bunch of women, a bunch of food, and a lot of yappin. :)

Lisa and her roomies (see the three of them nestled at the bottom of this here picture) invited all the women in their lives for a good old fashioned potluck dinner. Like, think a country Sunday morning lunch after church. That style. 

We ate - no, we FEASTED, we chatted, we met new people, we shared what we were thankful for, and we just....gathered. 

It was fun to meet new people, but also see some old faces you don't see very often!

And it's ALWAYS good to hug those faces you just don't get to see enough of.

Love this little hostess. Besties for a decade and still going strong! (Take note of the unintentional matching...we're just good like that).

Saturday morning, Amy and I woke up at the booty crack of dawn and headed to Canton's Trade Days. We attempted to go mid-morning on last month's trade days, but it was so packed I literally got there and turned around. 

So we drove there way early. Like in the dark way early. Like sometimes earlier than I even wake up for work early.

...that's early. 

We just had so much fun. We don't get sister time very often and so it's just so refreshing when we do! And shopping is also always a win!

Nevermind our lack of makeup. Again, it was early. 

BUT - lookie what I got! This was my one goal of the trip. We all know I love Christmas dishes, and last year I told you how my mom buys me one every year. WELL - this year? This year I wanted a plate with my future last name.

With the name of "Smith," you can imagine just how many example/display plates I have seen this name plastered on over the years. Like....a bajillion. But now that we're all betrothed and stuff, I bought me one. 

I love my new little name plate :)

OH - and speaking of my new little name, while I was at Canton I got pictures of my future husband dressed up like a penguin. At a 1-year-old's birthday party. 

I foresee a lot of fun in my future :)

Then Saturday night we had an Australian party. 

Say what now? 

Yes. An Australian party. 

Kristie's birthday fell while we were in Adelaide, AU (which is like the Napa of Australia). So naturally, we celebrated her birthday by touring a bunch of wineries (this is where I would put a link to that blog post but I'm like ridiculously delinquent on those puppies so you'll just have to read about it later). 

Anywho - so long story short, we had very limited suitcase space. Like. VERY limited. But we wanted to come home with Australian wine because... it was Australian wine. #helloduh

SO, to solve the space issue, we just decided we'd split the cost of the vino, share the suitcase space, and then share the wine back in the states. ..and because we are nice, we decided to share it with the men, too. 

And because we can't do anything without a theme (I mean, remember our Grease watch party?!), we basically brought a taste of Australia to America. 

And I got to bust out my Australian flag shorts. 

What was on the menu? Well....

Appetizers:

Shrimp on the Barbie
Cheese, Crackers, and Chutney
(the chutney we brought back from NZ!)

Main Meal:

Aussie Meat Pies and Chips

Dessert:

TIM TAMS! 
(like, you can totally order these off Amazon, people)

Aussie vino, meat pies, chips and tomato sauce. HOMEMADE. 
Okay the chips were frozen, but that's neither here nor there.

Matching Roo shirts and matching Ugg slippers!

 And the boys in their Rugby shirts :)

Then we forced kindly asked the boys to watch our Aussie slideshow. 

And then I wanted to go back to Australia really really badly. 

But Bailey was having none of that. 

After the slideshow it was time for the TIM TAM SLAM. 

So remember when I told you how to do a tim tam slam? Well I always did it with milk. And apparently that's how the children do it. Adults are supposed to do it with wine. 

So we did. 
Out of Waterford wine glasses. 
And it was hysterical. 

 Like I crack up just looking at this and reliving it. 
Then the boys did it and it was so anticlimactic it's not even worth sharing. 

I loved our little Aussie party :)

Then Sunday I was supposed to go to a baby shower, but the 24-hour stomach bug got me. So I stayed in, snuggled with Char, and watched Hallmark Christmas movies. Getting sick in November/December isn't half bad when you have Hallmark to help you out. 

And that was my weekend!

Happy Monday everyone! And if it wasn't too happy - well, it's almost over.:)

Until next time,
Katy

50th Anniversary - CMA Awards

Y'all. I have been looking forward to this night for QUITE some time. I mean, I love the CMAs in general, but this year? This year was the 50th anniversary! 

Jeff thought we already went to this last year. I kindly informed him that the award show we went to was the 50th anniversary of the ACMs. Very different. 

He didn't seem to think so. He also didn't seem to care. 

Okay, so in case you wanted to watch with me (because I'm sure you all wanted to subject yourselves to that), I took the same documentation approach I did last year: to just write as I go.

So let's begin. 

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Um, the opening. 

I was getting misty-eyed from the get-go, and the chills were so present you would have thought I was in a dad gum meat locker... but by the end? By the end I was sobbing.

(I'm also writing this on the first commercial break because SO much happened in the beginning I couldn't keep up). 

Okay back to the opener. We kicked off the night with tons of historical acceptance speeches, and then the medley. We had Vince Gill and Merle Haggard's youngest son, we had Carrie singing "Stand By Your Man," we had Alabama, we had Charlie Daniels and the Devil Went Down to Georgia, we had Reba singing Fancy, we were told "Don't Rock the Jukebox," and THEN...

...and then all those people brought out Randy Travis, sang Forever and Ever Amen, and Randy sang the very last "amen." And I was ugly crying. Breaks my heart guys. That sweet man has fought one heck of a road to recovery to sing one word. Life is just so fragile. And so special. I really don't think there was a dry eye in that arena. Such a sweet moment. 

And when I say "ugly crying," I'm not kidding. I'm pretty sure Jeff was rethinking forever and ever (amen). But what can I say? I'm a sensitive human. I feel all the feels.

So I love Carrie and Brad as hosts. They've been doing this for over five years and it still hasn't gotten old to me. They're just funny. And good together. I mean they brought out Tim and Faith Barbies, put them on a pink Barbie "tour bus" and sang:

"Let's make love on this bus, I wanna feel your plastic touch."

 I mean it's just funny. 

And with every award show, we have the presenters. And this year, the fantastic...fabulous...freakin' flexible five presented single of the year. 

And Aly Raisman just popped on over from practice and threw a skirt on top. 

Like...what? I mean I guess the girl is just stickin with what she knows.

Single of the Year - Thomas Rhett!

Awww Thomas, you're like a small child and it's your first win for single of the year. Or maybe like ever since your career just started. But you go boy!! 

Also, I love when people thank Jesus. Thank Jesus. Thank your spouse. And shed some tears. We viewers eat it up. 

Wait. Why does Carrie look like a rosegarden? Or an old lady quilt? 

Like I appreciate that her outfits are "through the decades," but still. (wide eyed emoji)

Performance: Kelsea Ballerini - Peter Pan

Helloooo Travis Wall. I see you. And I'm glad I see you, cause Kelsea is on the struggle bus. Nerves? Sinus infection? Still emotional about Randy? Not sure, but c'mon girl. 

But Travis Wall flying around in the sky behind her? Yes please. I see you Peter Pan. 

Song of the Year - Humble and Kind

TIMMY!!! We love Timmy!! And his writer is actually the one who got the award but that's fine, I support writers. But what's not fine is when Olivia Newton John gave her the award whilst wearing a suit. C'mon Sandra Dee.

Performance: Jason Aldean + Brooks and Dunn
....so three men strumming guitar in unison. 

OUTFIT CHANGE - She looks like a chandelier and I love it. 

Maren Morris - please lead my Sunday morning choir. I will hallelujah with you until the cows come home. Speaking of, this just in, a text from Kristie: "can you have a trombone at your wedding? I'm feeling it." 

#hallelujah 

This just in, a text from Ryan: "If church was more like what Maren Morris just did, there'd be more butts in the pews." 

#amen

Okay, I love how after every commercial we get an old video from historical awards. I am EATING UP the fiftieth anniversary, y'all. 

Jennifer Garner is presenting! I heart Jennifer Garner. Honey, I'm glad you're here. And she and Brad were BFFs as kid. I mean she didn't say that exactly, but that's what I interpreted. 

New Artist of the Year - Maren Morris. 

And Kelsea didn't look happy with the outcome. Also, why was Cole Swindell up for this category. In the words of my future husband: "hasn't that guy been around for like five years?" Yes. Yes he has. 

Performance: Garth Brooks and Tricia Yearwood 

A married person medley. Musical people who marry each other are lucky. Not everyone gets to sing together...well, and sound good. Ya know what? I bet they sing to each other whilst doing the big wiggle. 

YEP. No doubt. 

Performance: My girl, Carrie. Too bad I hate this song. There are very few songs of hers I dislike, but I just can't get on board with Dirty Laundry. Okay fine, and I miss her crotch-high boots from last year. 

But I'm still rooting for her in Entertainer of the Year. 

Album of the Year - Eric Church

Ehhhh not my first pick. I kind of just wanted Faith (who was presenting) to give it to Carrie since there's alleged bad blood there. #youngerblondewithpipesandlegs

Little Big Town Performance: Katy's involuntary bathroom break. 

Outfit Change - Carrie as Batman 

But not gonna lie - I was digging this outfit. 

Performance: Miranda Lambert: Vice

I hate this song too. But I will give it to Miranda - she sounds solid every single performance. She may not have Carrie/Faith/Reba/Tricia pipes, but girl knows what she can do and she does it well. Let's all strive to be Mirandas in life. 

Also, this just happened. Me and Kristie gossiping like we are in the inner Nashville circle. 

Oh hi there Matthew. 

#awrightawrightawright

Performance: Timmy

Humble and Kind. Can this be playing in everyone's head from now until November 8th? Words to live by. If I saw Tim McGraw, I would hug him. #andsqueezehisbicep

So Elvira is like one of my favorite songs (Brad and the Oak Ridge Boys just did a little diddy). I think it's because of the base line (giddyup bahumda bahumda bow wow). 

...you just said that out loud, didn't you? :)

Performance: Alan Jackson and George Strait- Remember When + Troubadour

As IF we're emotionally stable... Because we're not. Just in case you wondered. And with historical acceptance speeches playing in the musical interludes? And then "the king" walked out. Guys. Not enough tissues in Texas.
...for like just me.

Vocal Due of the Year - Brothers Osbourne

Me: "NOOO." 

Nothing against Brothers O, I just really wish Joey and Rory would have won. #heartstrings

OH - hey so Brad wanted to get in on the floral foliage too. It's like a three-piece peony.
Not sure what decade this is...but I'm diggin Carrie's dress. I neeeeeeed it. #gimmeallthered

Peeps. It's 8:54. And I'm fading. I'm getting old. Why can't these shows start at like 4p? 

(cracks neck, rolls shoulders, refills wine)

Okay, I'm back. Let's do this. 

Performance: Keith Urban - Blue Ain't Your Color

#AUSSIESUNITE

I do like this song, but it's slow. And again. It's 8:54. There should be a rule that if you perform after the halfway mark, you do an upbeat performance.

Vocal Group of the Year - Little Big Town

Also, they said there was going to be a Dolly tribute tonight.
...I think I found it. 

Like I'm not sure who she is, but I now feel like I know her quite well.

Performance: Beyonce + Dixie Chicks

You didn't sing Goodbye Earl, so I no longer am interested. I mean the Beyonce song was good. But Justin and Chris last year were much better. Also, I couldn't give this performance my full attention (and therefore feedback), because Jeff made me bake him some cookies. #sigh

Pinnacle Award - Kenny. I wholeheartedly support that. I've seen him twice in concert. He's so good. And so smoking hot (with a hat on).

Performance: Chris Stapleton (and wife Stapleton) and Dwight Yoakam

Performance: Luke Bryan

Is it just me, or are all of his songs starting to sound alike...? Like, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to lose interest in his music. (insert monkey covering eyes emoji)

Lee Greenwood singing God Bless the USA. Why couldn't that have been a whole performance in itself? 

I think I missed a Carrie outfit but Jeff is really over this show and won't let me rewind.

Performance: FGL and Timmy McGraw. 

I have a serious crush on Tim McGraw. It's ever-growing. He just gets better with age. And then he came on stage and I bout melted.

Then I hear "I'm better looking..." and pan my phone to the right and see this. 

Sigh. Yep. Timmy vs. Jeffrey. Close call. (wide eyed emoji)

Female Vocalist of the Year - Carrie Underwood

Oh wait. She's crying. I'm crying. 

I have issues. I'm too invested.

Or invested just enough. 

I just seriously love seeing people follow their passions and get emotionally overwhelmed when it works out. All the feels. 

Okay, I just researched it. Miranda has won Female Vocalist the past SIX years. No wonder Carrie cried. Sweet girl hasn't won ANY CMAs since 2008. And I totally went back and rewatched. Miranda was so happy for her. 

MOVING ON. The DOLLY TRIBUTE.

Jennifer Nettles and Penatonix - Jolene

REBA IS SINGING 9 TO 5. 

No better person to sing this one. 

Kacey Musgraves - Here You Come Again

Martina and Carrie and Kacey and Reba and Jennifer - I Will Always Love You

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That was good. I'm so glad they didn't leave it to one person. And I'm so glad they let Reba end it. But this is when I feel bad for Miranda. If you don't have mutant lungs, you don't get invited to the party. 

Male Vocalist of the Year - Hairy Man Stapleton!

Remember last year when we didn't really know who he was and we weren't really sure if he had eyes? 

Well now we do (and he does). And we're a fan. You won a prize, so make another album. K thanks. 

So if you aren't watching live, we are TEN MINUTES BEHIND and still have a performance and an award to go. I mean, my inner granny is wailing. It's a school night, y'all. 

Oh we're back. Last leg, people!

Performance: Brad Paisley - Today

My current favorite song. And with videos of old acceptance speeches all the way up to tonight's acceptance speeches? The perfect ending song. So many chills. And Kimberly is so dang proud of him. I want to be in the Paisley family. 

This just in - the Cleveland Indians just tied up the World Series, Jeff's iPad died, and he just freaked out and ran to his bedroom to finish watching. #byefelicia

Aaaaaaand T-Swifty is back. To present the biggest award of the night!!

And the Entertainer of the Year goes to.......

((drumroll please))

GARTH BROOKS!! 

I mean Carrie's face broke my heart a little bit (girl has been trying to get this award for like ten years..), but Garth's concert blew my socks of last year (maybe these things are a year in arrears..?) so I'm way happy for him. 

You know what else I'm happy about? 

 I can go to bed. 

Happy 50th Anniversay, CMAs!!

...aaaand goodnight. 

2nd Annual Falliday Scarf Exchange

Scarves are the universal "hug" for the female population during the fall season.

They make us happy, they always fit, and you can never have too many. 

Okay, that last part isn't true - I'm sure we all have at least 5 scarves in our closet that we don't wear. BUT, alas, every single season - we want more.

Last year I started a "tradition" of a Falliday Scarf Exchange. I'd seen several other people do it, and then after I posted about mine, a few people told me they had one of their own and it made my fall-lovin' heart so dang happy. 

So, to support the true definition of "tradition" - I had another one!

Like I mentioned last year, scarf exchanges are perfect for the following reasons: 

1) They're one size fits all - no one has to worry about sizes

2) You can find a really great deal on a really great scarf (we set a $25 max limit)

3) Scarves are the love language of fall  - there is rarely a scarf that is met and isn't liked

4) They get you in the mood for fall! ...even when it's still in the 90s the night of your party...

 

...and sadly, #4 has been true both years I've done this. Here's to hoping one day I can remove that one from the list! But probably not. #texas 

#5 should be that I love any reason to buy festive dishes and host a party. Because I do. And I get it from my mama. 

Thanks to the busyness of the fall season, this shindig usually falls on a Thursday night. So this year I implemented a little potluck action and it worked out nicely! But because I'm me, I told them to bring their dishes in tupperware so I could use my pretty fall dishes. They get me. And they still love me. :)

 

The food table! And that foot on the right is Emily eagerly awaiting me to take my pictures so she could eat. #friendofabloggerproblems

 

 

I normally end up with entirely too much food, so this year I tried to scale back. And I still had too much food! There's just so much talking and not enough eating. :)

 

But I've been grubbin on the leftovers all weekend, so no complaints here. 

 

We had Turkey and Swiss Hawaiian King Sammiches, along with my Mama's cheese biscuits (a party staple growing up)...

 

 

Emily brought Salsa Dip and Lauren brought corn dip. Because we love all the chipping and dipping. If you see all the GF indicators, it's because sweet Em was diagnosed with Celiac last year, so we gotta make sure she has enough to eat! :)

 

 

Kristie and I picked up some chutney in New Zealand, so I knew I wanted to have a cracker, cheese and chutney situation. We still aren't entirely sure what chutney is, but we seriously love it. It's like a "preserve" - but from the other side of the world. That's the conclusion we came to.

And for desserts we had pumpkin paleo chocolate chip cookies (courtesy of Lisa), and then I made a cinnamon pound cake loaf, which is one of my favorite fall indulgences and the reason I'm constantly fighting a muffin top. #thestruggleisreal

After eating and catching up, it was time for the exchange! And I thought our gifts were pleasantly and colorfully wrapped this year. As in, I didn't wrap mine in foil this time.

 

 

Since last year's exchange was pretty tame - lots of instant satisfaction and very little stealing - we tried to have more action this year. And we are getting better! There was a lot of scheming, mirror-looking, and trash-talking. So it naturally was a feel-good party, you see...

I actually was obsessed with several of the scarves, and honestly wanted to steal them all. 

So this year, I decided to share the links of some of the ones I could find (sadly I couldn't find all of them), and share some other favorites under $25.

BP Plaid Scarf // BP Check Square Scarf  // BP Check Scarf

 

 Neutral Geo Scarf // Grey and Cream Stripe Scarf // White & Black Plaid Scarf

 

PS - That center grey and cream (and brown) scarf won the award for softest scarf of the night! I mean I could have slept in it.  

There were also scarves from Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, and Forever 21 (like - scarves that I want but can't order online because I can't find them), so make sure you stop in next time you pass one of those stores. Are you getting the message I'm sending here? I seriously wanted them all.

 

And this is where Jeff would tell me I have entirely too many already and it still feels like summer outside. Men just don't understand. 

 

After everyone was scarved and satisfied, we played a round of fishbowl and then people headed home. Only after taking a party favor! 

 

This was a new idea I had for the party this year, and it came to fruition thanks to Mama Reeves. She baked mini-loaves of her apple nut bread, pumpkin bread, and some GF brownies for Emmy girl. 

 

 

Next year I think I want to add a banner. Like an etsy one. That says "Falliday Scarf Exchange." I mean, why not? 

 

Bottom line - I couldn't have done it without this lady right here. Not only did she bake my party favors, but she un-decorated her own house so I could borrow some of her fall decor for my food table. And then she helped me make it all pretty. I'm a party-planner-in-training, but I've got a looooooong way to go to meet this one's skillset!

 

 

So Falliday Scarf Party #2 - a sweet seasonal success. 

 

You should probably have one, too :) 

 

To see the First Annual Scarf Exchange, click here!

 

Happy Monday (and Happy Halloween), y'all! While all you parents will be chasing your precious dressed up kiddos around neighborhoods, I'll be chillin on the couch watching Dancing with the Stars. And still eatin' on that cinnamon loaf.

 

Until next time,
Katy