Bey's Nash Bash

This weekend, I got to cross another city off of my Southern Bucket List and celebrate the final summer of my friend Bianca as a single lady. You might recall, B is one of my very best friends, and she came to Atlanta to visit (and see Beyoncé) for my birthday last summer. We have known each other since probably sophomore year of college-our ex boyfriends were roommates- (as the charming lady at the Benefit Brow Bar in Chicago once pointed out, we dumped them and kept each other) but we became really close when we graduated and started working together. They say absence make the heart grow fonder and it's true: after 18 months in the South, I miss this girl every day.

My heart lives in Chicago with these ladies (Sarah, Danielle, B, and Diane, the Fuby). Former co-workers, permanent boos- Furby included. She works hard for the money. Getting to spend a few days with them was long overdue. It was so nice to catch up with people I've known for what seems like forever. I like Atlanta, but it feels really good to be with your people sometimes. 

Of course we had to have a tourist day. We stopped at Third Man Records, which is Jack White's label. It's based in Detroit, but has a studio in Nashville. Totally worth visiting, but plan about five minutes because that's how long it takes to see. Still- so much fun.

B loves her country music, and it was her weekend after all, so we also hit up the Music City Walk of Fame. It was...interesting. It's much cleaner than Hollywood Boulevard, so that's a plus. And hello, who doesn't want to celebrate Dolly Parton? I had Jolene stuck in my head for the rest of the day. I do have a bone to pick with whomever thought it was acceptable to give Kid Rock a place right next to Peter Frampton, though. I mean, have several seats, ok? Who are you kidding?

We did some more touristing and went into the Country Music Hall of Fame...gift shop. None of us really felt compelled to spend the money on the actual tour. I think someday I'll go back and do it but it was the final day of a bachelorette fest and we were feeling pretty lazy. So, #YOLO.

Can anyone enlighten me as to why there is an exact replica of the Parthenon by Vanderbilt? B, Maria (pictured middle) and I all studied abroad during our time at Loyola #GORAMBLERS and have been lucky enough to see the Parthenon in person, so I can accurately state that this thing really is alarmingly similar. Except it's in way better shape and there's no scaffolding. But seriously, 10 points to anyone who can explain why this exists. 

Of course no bachelorette party is complete without several visits to bars, phallic paraphernalia, and Single Ladies dance moves. Beyoncé came to visit, clearly, and we had a photoshoot with her in the hallway of the hotel. Normal behavior for almost married adult women (I think), right? And if that wasn't enough, B and I happened to have matching (ish) Bey tanks- "I woke up like dis" and "Feyoncé", respectively. Oh the things you can find on Etsy. 

 

 And finally- fancy dinner with the whole gang. Per always, I'm the one with the crazy eyes. Green eyes+ flash= terror. It was a great way to kick off the Summer, and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone in August at the wedding event of the year. Congrats Bey & Jay! And thank you to Kelly and Justine for planning such a great weekend!