Crazy busy lately so here are some pictures of salad and Moose

The past few weeks, or months really, have been insane. Between end of summer trips, EH studying for a huge test next month, and oh, y'know - the little matter of starting a new job, it's just been crazy.

So yea, in case you missed it in that opening paragraph, I got a new job! I'm out of the life insurance business and now more into the marketing/promotional world of business. So far it's going great and it's fun to finally go into work every day and not only learn something new, but learn about something that actually interests me.

Which, surprise, life insurance did not. 

I'm also slowly starting to pick up some side projects that I'm pretty excited about. And with that, I've been trying to restructure how to keep myself organized. More on that coming soon! To tide you over and break up this wall of text, here are basically the only pictures I've managed to snag since I logged on here last.

Little Rock lovelies - have you tried any of the salads at Big Orange? Delicious. Though next time I won't mix in the red onion quite so much. 

This picture sums up how I've felt lately. 

I also couldn't resist and had to put a few fall items out. Someone get me a pumpkin spiced latte and I'll be set!

It's good to be back! Happy Fall Y'all!

Weekend Happenings

In my effort to stop the glorification of being busy, EH and I took full advantage of having a weekend with no big plans. 

To start the weekend off, last Thursday night we joined up with the Create Little Rock Group to do a tour of Diamond Bear Brewery.  Create Little Rock is a great young professionals group that hosts tons of fun events - this was our first but we are looking forward to participating in many more! And if you're local or non-local, just know that Diamond Bear Brewery has some of the greatest Arkansas brews you'll find.

Diamond Bear has not only their brewery, but they also offer a full service bar and restaurant. Plus a giant patio that is begging us to come hang out on a Sunday afternoon.

The tanks are all named after different music and television icons to make it easy for the workers to identify when a tank needs service or whatnot. This one was my favorite!

On Friday we headed to my IL's to have dinner for my MIL's birthday. This meant lots of face time with our nieces! I melt whenever EH holds this one. This one is an old soul, I'm telling you.

The rest of the weekend included sleeping in, watching our Razorbacks win another victory, and basically being lazy. Though I'm not seeking it out, this upcoming week is full of big changes - all for the good! Exciting stuff coming up and I can't wait to share!

Fabulous in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas  has a very dear spot in my heart since it is where I was born and spent a majority of my childhood growing up. Though it's been well over a decade since I have lived there, something about going back always feels like home. So when my best friend N decided to have her bachelorette party there, I was over the moon!

Friday afternoon another friend C met me right after I left work and we made the 5.5  hour drive to meet the rest of the group. 12 girls in all - some I had met and a few that were new faces.

Photo Courtesy of www.eatsblog.dallasnews.com

After getting cleaned up, we jumped into a couple of taxis and headed to The Woodshed Smokehouse which features almost any type of meat you want along with an impressive selection of beers and other cocktails. Even dogs are welcome on the huge patio! The only downside was the weather - it was misty and chilly and very few of us had the foresight to pack for the conditions. 

On Saturday after a quick stop to Target to pick up some warmer clothes, our group headed to Cowtown Cycle Party. I'll be completely honest - I was maybe just a little bit dreading this because I haven't really pedaled anything in forever and I worried about falling off and really just couldn't imagine what this was going to be like. Below is my "I'm smiling because I'm a little nervous but I don't want you to know that" face.

Well. It was amazing. We had the funniest driver, great music blaring, lots of beer (which made the pedaling SO much easier, who knew?), and it was contagious seeing people on the side of the street and in their cars and restaurants getting such a kick out of watching us slooowwwly pedal up the street. We stopped at a few different bars for people to take shots, danced while pedaling up and down the street and really just had a great time. I've been talking about it nonstop ever since!

I've always loved how we are brunette - ginger - blonde. Two of my favorites!

Our last stop! That's the Bachelorette out in front. Love these girls! If you are in the DFW area and decide to give it a whirl, ask for Roger (aka Raja!) - he was the best driver!

After another round of putting ourselves back together it was time for the lingerie shower. I'll spare the pictures for the sake of N (who is always a GREAT sport!) but my favorite were the masks.

 It was so much fun reconnecting with my best friends - I hate being so spread out but distance doesn't phase us once we're all reunited.

Our hotel lobby had a guitarist playing as we waited for our shuttle where we danced and sang along to some of our favorite songs.

Once our designated driver showed up we headed to one of my all time favorite restaurants - Grace. Please believe me if you pass through Fort Worth and need a great dinner spot, please stop in. You will not be disappointed!

I couldn't get enough pictures with our guest of honor! One of the most fun and genuine people I know.

After dinner it was more bar hopping, drinks, and the taxi ride home recapping the highlights of the weekend. I absolutely love these girls and I can't wait to reconnect in a few short weeks to celebrate N's wedding!

While the last few weeks have been fun, I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I'm really happy to be home with no plans in the foreseeable future. My DVR and the Mooser were starting to have separation anxiety I think!

High Five For Friday

Even though it's been a short week for us (we got back to work on Wednesday), I'm still happy that it's Friday! Here's a short recap and some plans for the upcoming weekend.

1 // One thing Texas has over Arkansas is the fact that they have Jack in the Box. EH and I ate our weight on both trips in 99 cent tacos. Which seems really kind of gross but worth it.

2 // After being at the beach, I'm loving that this week has been rainy and cooler. I wore my Hunter rain boots for the first time yesterday and it just felt right. Bring on fall!

3 // Moose must really like warm laundry, or he's not ready for me to pack everything up again for another weekend away.

4 // My best friend is on her way to my house to be picked up after work today - then we're making a getaway for our friend's bachelorette weekend. The weekend includes the usual drinks, dining out and dancing but we're also doing a fun booze cycle party! I'm really excited but also hesitant because in no way am I in shape and we're the ones powering our vehicle! Fingers crossed for me?

5 // The major downside of being away this weekend is I'm missing my sweet niece's 3rd birthday party. My SIL always goes all out and this year her theme is Candy Land! I asked EH to take lots of pictures though and I'll have to give her extra birthday hugs when I see her.

Have a great weekend y'all!

One Last Beaching

Summer is officially coming to a close but we still had time to squeeze in one last beach trip to South Padre Island in Texas. Or, Northern Mexico if you ask EH. First there was the overpacking.

Then the 12-14 hour drive depending on which map we referenced. Moose knows how to make himself comfortable.

 

After finally making it to meet my parents and the rest of the family, we made it an early night and woke up to explore the beach.

 

The weather was absolutely perfect for our entire trip - warm and sunny with a great breeze.

 

 

Even Moose, who has already braved rivers and lakes this summer, took right to playing in the waves.

 

 

In between frolicking in the waves Moose hung out with us under a towel tent EH set up to lay in the shade.

 

 

 

 

At night we enjoyed the amazing sunsets and island scenes.

 

 

On our last day we did some bay fishing where I caught a shark! It was a huge shock and while it was exciting, I hope to stick to the cute little catfish next time instead. You may be able to tell from the pictures and my expressions.

Luckily the deck hand was okay to pose the shark for me. I named him Steve.

 This was my only catch of the day but the rest of our group consistently pulled in red fish, catfish and a few other types. Our boat crew were hilarious and while I don't want to catch another shark anytime soon, it was a great experience.

After all of that excitement we finished up our trip with one last afternoon on the beach. 

 We wrapped up the trip with home cooked fish from our trip and deep conversations withe Mooser.

Where he promptly passed out  after all of the beach activities.

All in all it was a wonderful last getaway for the summer. Have you had any fun last minute summer plans?

Our Labor Day Weekend

Another summer is wrapping up! It feels like this one has flown by. We started our Labor Day weekend off by watching Guardians of the Galaxy - if you haven't seen it already please go ASAP! It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. And I might have cried. 

Later in the weekend we watched our beloved Razorbacks play against Auburn - they say games are won in the second half and that definitely was true for us since we were great in the first half and lacking in the second. But we're looking a lot better than previous years so I look forward to watching how we improve from here on out.

Finally, we made it to the lake for what is likely our last time for the season. Not going to the lake house in general, but definitely for getting out on the boat.

Our niece is getting more brave by the minute! Not only did she ride with EH all the way to the gas station, but later she rode behind the boat on the inner tube! It's so fun playing with her in the lake.

Even Moose has become acclimated to being on the boat and out on the water. 

 

So while I'm nowhere near as tan as I thought I would be, this summer has been an absolute fantastic one. Luckily we get to stretch the summer activities one more week - next weekend we're headed to the very southern part of Texas to spend a few days at the beach with my family. Hopefully I can soak up some more rays then!

 Did you do anything fun for Labor Day weekend? Any last minute summer plans?