Every year we get together for a favorite things party with our college BFFs. We are a great representation of the diversity that was Texas Tech greek life. Blonde. Blonde. Blonde. Blonde. Blonde. Our token brunette was a late addition to the crew and married in to the sisterhood by locking down Mike Mourton, Jeni’s husband’s twin brother. We make look similar, but we represent the whole damn enneagram, all sorts of careers and as much as we vibe, our personalities are all so different.
Here is how it works: Each person brings a $40 or less favorite thing for everyone. So you bring 5 of the same item.
Jeni and I got there early because we had some matters to discuss, and drinks to drink.
JV’s gift: Jenny V is our kindergarten teacher friend. She is sweet as can be but will also cut you. She has two daughters and her house is always perfectly clean and pristine because her husband is an animal on an organized mission at all times.
Notepad (similar)
Al’s gift: Allison has two kids, is a principal at an elementary school and she don’t play. It’s hardened her up much like a prison guard would become after years of dealing with the deals. When she is with us though, it’s all laughs and jokes and asking awkward questions like only Al can. “D, how do you take youuurrr…..”
Simple Joys Remember that Chewbacca viral video lady? She is a parent at Al’s elementary school and she wrote this book.
Erin’s gift: Our little brown haired bundle of emotion and gratitude. She is full of feels and loves warm emotional displays of sap. As a mom to 3 boys, wild Mourton boys, she is both really good at self care and relating to anyone who is a mm from a mental breakdown. She’s a good girl to have in your corner and probably Style Duplicated’s biggest cheerleader!
Jeni’s gift: Y’all know this girl by now, right? 3 kids, the style duplicated girl that isn’t an insane oversharer? Yeah, that’s her.
statement ring (similar)
slipper socks (similar)
Paige’s gift: How could this not be my favorite thing. I’ve never had so many people wanting to smell me. Gather round everyone, take a sniff. They all have told me they love it just as much and JM and I do!
Dayme’s Gift: Interior designer that is working on both of our new builds. She has three kids and is just happily along for the ride. She says “oh shoot!” a lot because a lot of stuff goes awry. We get lots of snap chats of funny disasters and spills and chaos of her day to day life.
Full disclosure: Everyone always thought Zach and I were the perfect couple with the perfect marriage. We didn’t really fight, but we also didn’t talk or connect or have much between us after 15 years. It feels like death by a million needle stabs, not so much a dramatic gun shot. We are reevaluating everything and changing what we think we should and I cried a ton at this dinner, which is beyond out of character for me. These girls were so there for me and let me vent and it means the world to have support like this when everything falls apart.
LOOOOVE everyone of these gifts. Great ideas!
I greatly appreciate your transparency and your realness that even though life looks pretty damn perfect.. it’s not always that way. I’m thinking of you and praying for your marriage. I know no matter what happens, you will do what is best for the two of you and your beautiful kiddos. Just know.. this loyal blog/ig follower is supporting you from afar… all the way. #youdoyou
Thank you Lindsay! So sweet!! I feel the love and support, therapy has unearthed some mind blowing issues that we are getting really close again working through. I’m terrified, but willing to do whatever I need to!
I love that you all get together and do this- and I adore all of these gifts! I ordered the Bum Bum cream but since it is a “gift” from my hubs, I am not opening until Christmas. I too applaud your OPENNESS concerning your marriage. It’s even more awesome that you have such a great support group that you can depend on. All marriages have these ups and downs and I am glad that y’all are working thru it. I will pray for y’all!
Thank you!! The marriage thing is rough, but has brought Zach and I so close as we work through some serious things together and separately. Therapy for the win!
An amazing resource that is AVAILABLE to handle Every aspecT of this Life is AcCepting jesus in your heart!!!
Amen Jen!