I went to America’s Mart in Atlanta this past weekend. It has become an annual trip for me. I meet up with my mom, sometimes my dad, and my mom’s best friends every year in Atlanta while my mom shops for her clients and I tag along. As a kid, my mom allowed me to go as long as I never complained about being tired, hungry, or bored. She let me keep coming back, so I must have followed “the rules.”
On this particular trip, I was on a specific mission. I’m the Decorations Chair for the Junior League of Columbia’s Holiday Market this year. I can’t believe I’m doing this big job, but I’m hopeful our committee can put together a gorgeous, fun, whimsical market! I had my eye on things like this. Love the colors!
I was fortunate enough to meet up with two of my favorite friends that I’ve met through blogging. They also happen to be sponsors of my blog. Sarah from The Monogram Chick is just about the cutest person I’ve ever met. She is also so creative and easy to work with. I was so happy that she emailed me to let me know she was also at the Mart this weekend, so we got to chat a couple of times. I love her!
I also stopped by the stationery temporaries to see the extremely talented Ashley Brooke Designs girls. Ashley and Betsy have been so much fun to work with over the past few years and I couldn’t believe I was going to finally meet them in person. They have done so much for my family and for me and I’ve even given their goodies to friends of mine as gifts. Ashley has an incredible eye and tons of talent. I’m so excited that they made their big America’s Mart debut this year!
Hayes came on the trip with me and I carried him around in the Baby Bjorn. I thought he seemed pretty comfortable because he slept most of the time, but then I saw this picture and couldn’t believe how crooked he was! We straightened up the Bjorn for the next day. Poor guy.
I had to get a special Market pass for Hayes. The pass said “Baby Pass” on it and I joked that someone was going to see it and ask if my name was “Baby Pass.” I wasn’t far off because in one of the showrooms, a man laughed and said “Oh, you have a baby and the name of your shop is ‘Baby Pass.'” I looked at him kind of confused at first and then I realized he was seeing the nametag and didn’t understand that the badge was just Hayes’s Market pass. So funny.
It was a fun little trip. I loved having an excuse to see my parents again this summer and I always love getting together with my mom’s friends. These friendships span 20-30 years and I love them like they’re family.
I also got to meet up with Callie and Lyndsey for dinner and we had a blast. My friendships with both of these girls have come to be so special to me. I got back to the hotel really late because we just didn’t realize how late it was and we just kept on talking. I’m so thankful for blogging and the friendships that I’ve made through it. I love the ideas that all of the commenters leave and the people I’ve come in contact with. It is such a wonderful piece of my life and I’m just so thankful for the opportunities and friendships that have come as a result of this little blog. A big huge thank you to everyone who reads!
Looks like a fabulous trip!!! I, too, am thankful for all of the friendships I’ve gained from my blog and reading other’s blogs. It’s such a great community!
I’ve always thought it would be so fun to go to market!
i love the mart! we had my wedding bands made there and always go there to buy our diamonds (not like we buy a lot….but still….) 🙂
it is such a fun place!!
So much fun! You look great!
I have always wanted to go to America’s Mart, but it seems so overwhelming! You should do a blog post with some tips! 🙂
What a fun trip! I can’t wait to see the posts this fall about the JL’s Holiday Market! I loved seeing your twitter updates from the Mart too ! Hayes looks so cute with his little pass! I’m looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks in Charlotte.
Looks like a great trip!! And I’m lucky to be able to read…thanks for writing 🙂
Oh my goodness…I may have just had a moment after looking at that wreath (is it a wreath?!?). My Christmas tree is full on glitterati with all of those colors. How fabulous!
Wow, that looks like so much fun. And, um, didn’t you just have a baby?! You look great!
So thankful for our friendship too! So glad we were able to meet up for dinner and can’t wait till the next time! Love you girlie! XOXO
I LOVE the Americas Mart 🙂 It is such a fun place to go. Glad you got to visit with friends too!
Hi Erin, delurking to say that you look great in those photos! Cannot believe you had a baby such a short time ago! chrs, Liv
I love the colors in the first picture…gorgeous! I can’t wait to see how the Holiday Market comes together. It’s always one of my favorite parts of the season. You’re going to do awesome in your new role!
You all look so wonderful! And Hayes is too cute! Glad you had a good trip! 🙂
I love the mart! I have never been to a great show like that though!
I love the picture of Hayes in the Baby Bjorn! I thought it was a doll in there! He’s so tiny. And you look amazing!
How fun! I’ve never been but looks like a blast. Love getting to see the pics of other bloggers that I’ve stumbled across too, it’s fun to put a name with a face 🙂 You look awesome, BTW!