Fayetteville Foamfest: A History
If there’s one thing I seem to enjoy more the older I get, it’s traditions. Annual events. Something to look forward to same time, every year.
The best example of this is Fayetteville Foamfest – a beer festival. (When I first heard about it, I thought it was a literal FOAM fest, because I did go to one of those in PCB ….) We first attended in 2013 and have gone every year since. We hype it up. We talk about it all year. “The most wonderful time of the year,” they say. We regale previous year stories. We get more people excited to attend. And it is always so.much.freakin.fun.
As our 6th year in a row attending, I wanted to compile pictures from all of the years. If you love beer, and you feel left out after this post, we’d love for you to join us next year!!
Also, shoutout to Josh for being the only one who has been to all 6 years outside of myself and Husband. It wouldn’t be the same without ya, Josh!
[2013: the year we almost froze to death (yes, in MAY) + didn’t yet know how to get our money’s worth of beer]
[2014: the year Josh broke up with the Egyptian’s girlfriend]
[2015: the year we left Stephen in Fayetteville –
if you’ve been around our group at all, you’ve undoubtedly heard this story … multiple times … and from multiple perspectives ((I’ll tell you the true version!!))]
[2016: the year of the hats + the invention of “power hour”]
[2017: the year we danced our hearts out + ate all the pizza ((except Alex))]
[2018: the year we made it to Dickson + dipped, a lot]
Whatever happens, we’ll always have Foamfest.
xo xo
30 Before 30: Q1 Progress Update
As I’ve shared previously, I’m working towards completing a list of 30 things before I turn 30. I’m already 3 months into the challenge, so thought it was time to share an update. Unfortunately I’ve only checked off 3 things so far … but have made progress on several others!
I’ll plan to do this every quarter so I can hold myself accountable!!
Start a new adventure.I’ve worked for Walmart for 6.5 years, as my first job out of college. I’ve officially accepted a position at Clorox, and couldn’t be more excited/anxious/thrilled to start this new adventure.- Make a complex meal 100% from scratch.
Hike Pinnacle Mountain + eat a Hubcap burger at Cotham’s.Unfortunately, I didn’t get to eat at Cotham’s since the original location burned down last year. However, I did hike Pinnacle – and it was a doozy! The challenge was worth it, as the views were stunning, and we’re already planning another hike up in the Fall.
- Successfully do a one-armed push-up.
- See a critically acclaimed show.
- Volunteer 30 hours. (4 hours complete!)
- Buy all my friends a round, randomly.
- Play video games with husband for a night, complete with pizza + beer.
- Intentionally choose to stay by myself one night in a hotel. Obviously I’ve stayed by myself before, but for work or when husband was away – not intentionally.
- Learn a song on the guitar.
- Be in a play.
- Learn to play blackjack.
- Make a signature cocktail.
- Make a YouTube video that gets over 1k views.
- Start my book. This is one husband has been pushing me to do for years.
Win at least 1 trivia night.This one was totally out of the blue, but glad it happened the way it did. We won the poolside Hollywood Trivia on our family vacation in Mexico. Go Team Guacamole!- Write 30 handwritten letters. (14 complete!)
- Take a dance class.
- Go to a movie solo.
- Run 30 miles. This one I’ve actually decided to update. We got a Peloton, so I’m now focused on riding instead of running. New goal: Ride 300 miles. (70 complete!)
- Dye my hair pink. Again, something I’ve always wanted to do. It could just be a few strands, and it could wash out after a day. Either way, I think 29 is the best time to do it.
- Do 5 things that truly scare me. (1 complete – Ride a snowmobile) I really was truly terrified to do this, but so glad I did it!
- Give an amount of money that is significant to me and is significant to someone in need, but do it in such a way no one would ever know it was me who gave it and expect nothing in return.
- Travel to a state I’ve never been to.
- Take a personal day, for no reason at all.
- Challenge myself with a new hobby.
- See someone in concert I’ve been dying to see.
- Find an artist whose perspective of the world I appreciate and buy a piece of his or her work.
- Take a spontaneous trip.
- Plan a huge 30th birthday bash.
BONUS: Read 30 books. (8 complete!)
Next quarterly update: Aug. 1 – I better start checking things off the list!
xo xo
life lately
[eating this || amazing pancake flight (+ gin hibiscus mimosa) at prelude]
[enjoying this || a relaxing afternoon with a new book + farmers market flowers]
[celebrating this || kicking off our patio/landscaping projects!]
[loving this || a fun evening taste testing + learning about napa and sonoma wines!]
[traveling for this || weekend trip to hike, drink beer + eat delicious food]
xo xo
life lately
[enjoying this || quality girls time for galentine’s day + NWAFW]
[eating this || monte ne chicken – aka unlimited home-cooked deliciousness in middle of nowhere arkansas, and enjoying some really great laughs with literally everyone]
[loving this || my new job + a trip to the Burt’s Bees HQ in Durham AND some seriously amazing food]
[savoring this || a fun day date at the adult movie theater with husband <3]
[traveling for this || a wonderful LR weekend to see family, including my beautiful 97-year-old Mimi!]
xo xo
Aldermans Go Global: Mexico Family Vacation
[champagne toast – WE’RE FINALLY HEREEE!]
[first night mexican fiesta]
A D A Y I N T H E L I F E ….
[step 1: coffee on the balcony]
[step 2: drinks by the pool/in the pool (yes, this was still before noon)]
[step 3: hammock relaxation time]
R E P E A T .
[fun afternoon on the beach + a beautiful butterfly release ceremony husband and I were a part of]
[catamaran ride to isla mujeres – so much fun!]
[loving the coconut water … and this adorable mother/daughter pic!]
[hibachi, sushi + silent dance party!! tori and I were the only ones willing to make a fool of ourselves dancing to our own beat – I would highly recommend this if you ever get the chance!]
[S P A D A Y … ahhhhh]
[family pictures on the beach, kardashian style]
[final night dinner – don’t make us leave!]
[so thankful for marrying into such an amazing family
definitely a family vacation to remember!]
xo xo
You might also enjoy: Aldermans Go Global: St. Lucia
life lately [off work edition]
I’ve never had time off work longer than 2-3 days just hanging out at home. Until now. This past week I was off before starting my new job, and I have loved it so much more than I thought I would! I thought I’d be wishing I was somewhere else or too bored or too anxious with to-do lists, but not the case. Of course the week went by too fast, but it was a perfect blend of relaxation, play and a little work.
Enjoy my week in pictures … 
[goodbye happy hour with some of my favorite WM coworkers at The Hive]
[arguably my favorite part of the week was coffee in bed + morning TV shows]
[yummy lunch + coffee dates with wonderful people]
[a day of serious junk room/closet/bathroom cleaning and organizing – UGH, it was the worst. thanks to mom for the help though … and of course, I feel SO much better now that it’s done.]
[spent one entire day of pure relaxation – finishing a book, bingeing TV (starting with the beloved HSM) + a massage]
[celebrated national margarita day with margs + games at the new dave and busters – this photo seriously cracks me up]
[friday in fayetteville for a hair appointment then maxine’s + hugo’s with the family – couldn’t have ended the week more perfectly!]
xo xo
life lately
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y T O M E 
{celebrating this || birthday, birthday, birthday! huge shoutout to my amazing family, friends + coworkers}
{eating this || two amazing meals in fayetteville – nomad’s + khana indian grill}
{relaxing like this || ahhhhh}
{enjoying this || a fun, freezing day drinking beer with friends}
xo xo
Weekend Picturebook: Lake Tahoe
The BEST weekend with LITERALLY everyone.
T H U R S D A Y 
[first stop: truckee! the cutest little town ever.
lunch: bar of america with the best jalapeño poppers on the planet, wine: pour house wine shop]
[first night in the hot tub – complete with snow angels…]
F R I D A Y
[my birthday!]
[could we have asked for better views to wake up to?! all the heart eyes.]
[snowmobiling with these two was so fun! it was seriously a winter wonderland]
[and here’s the rest of our crew skiing/snowboarding at squaw valley!]
[post-snowmobiling bloody mary]
[birthday dinner at bridgetender tavern + a robust discussion on my 30 before 30 (another blog post to come soon)]
S A T U R D A Y 
[shopping in truckee – yes, I came home with both of these purchases (and more!!)]
[met the crew for lunch at Squaw – ate some of the best pizza + tried on literally a million hats]
[final night – dancing + drinks on the patio!]
[sunset in the hot tub …
and not thinking about how rough it will be to come home!]
xo xo
You might also enjoy: Weekend Picturebook: NYC
2017: my year in pictures
J A N U A R Y
birthday celebrations in Vegas
F E B R U A R Y
the best tour guides + the best pizza in Chicago
M A R C H
feeling fancy at NWA fashion week + the first of many trips to minneapolis
A P R I L
the month of amazing concerts – radiohead + blink 182
M A Y
always one of my favorite months of the year – mother’s day + weddings + anniversaries + beer festivals
J U N E
BEST VACATION EVER #HotarmansItalianCahoots, Part 1 + Part 2
J U L Y
someone turned 30 (not me) + fun family reunion in portland
A U G U S T
a mother-daughter trip to pioneer woman’s ranch + my favorite puppy turned 5
S E P T E M B E R
labor day weekend NYC fun + polo in the ozarks
O C T O B E R
a work trip to virginia with some pretty sweet views + won halloween (again)
N O V E M B E R
the best girls weekend in LA
D E C E M B E R
celebrating the season’s best with my favorite people
xo xo
[a catalog – my year in pictures] 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Christmas + NYE Picturebook
[the start of Christmas break means Mom’s birthday – fun celebration at Midici!]
[Christmas Eve with this wonderful family + a new baking favorite: salted caramel cookies]
[Christmas morning love]
[celebrating Christmas evening with another wonderful family]
B I G C E D A R
[a few days of rest and relaxation at this amazing place]
N Y E
[the best Hotarman-masquerade house party ever]
[Cheers to 2018!]
xo xo
life lately
[celebrating this || husband’s 30th, sister’s 50th + puppy’s 5th!]
[eating this || amazing pizza in portland at our family reunion weekend]
[enjoying this || a fun summer work event at crystal bridges #TeamAwesomePowers]
[drinking this || delish blueberry beer at trivia night]
[loving this || a super fun mother-daughter trip to Pawhuska, Oklahoma to see Pioneer Woman Mercantile + the lodge where they film the show!]
[relaxing with this || coffee, a book + a sweater (!!!) on our front porch]
xo xo
Weekend Picturebook: Portland
[A weekend in Portland for a family reunion]
The rest of the family is spending the week in Bend, OR, (which sounded amazing) but we could only come for a long weekend so we rendezvoused in the city for a few days!
[Gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains on our flight in]
[First stop: a brewery, of course! Breakside Brewery was amazing – awesome building, great indoor/outdoor seating and this blood orange IPA was so delicious]
[Incredible meal at The Waiting Room – hush puppies, fried chicken + creamed corn with jalapeños!]
[Early morning walk for coffee + Trader Joe’s in 59 degree weather – I forgot what that felt like! And it was incredible!!]
[The downtown food truck scene was so cool. There were so many unique options to choose from! We chose gyros and again, it was amazing]
[This place has my heart. I could have spent all day in here! I only spent 20 minutes and left with 4 books and a coffee mug, so I can only imagine …]
[Gorgeous morning hike up to the International Rose Test Garden – perfect weather and beautiful flowers]
[10:30am – time for … ice cream? We had been scoping out this popular place and the lines were ridiculously long, so we decided to try it first thing Sunday morning for a little treat. I’m so glad we did because it was definitely some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had and there was no line! Pictured: sea salt with caramel ribbons + coffee]
[Sunday morning farmer’s market was a hit – splash pad for the kids + delicious food for the adults. Unfortunately this was the only picture I got, but it’s okay because these pupusas were out of this world!! I literally watched the lady hand make them out of this tent. I truly feel like I know what real pupusas are now]
[30th Annual Oregon Brewers Festival on the waterfront – lots of beer and lots of fun!] 
[Unfortunately this is the only family photo we got while in town and doesn’t even include the whole gang. (Adorable nephew is cut out purposefully, but he was the cutest part!!)]
I’m so thankful we got to spend even just a few days together exploring this city! It was a wonderful weekend getaway with a wonderful family.
xo xo
You might also enjoy: our last family reunion 5 years ago in Hot Springs
life lately
[watching this || PLL SERIES FINALE #HalebForever]
[rocking out to this || silversun pickups + third eye blind on a super fun wednesday night]
[dying over this || a ROOFTOP bar in little ol’ bentonville!]
[loving this || a beautiful saturday with beautiful people]
[eating this || the best tacos ever]
[celebrating/crying over this || our best friends moving to Kansas City this weekend. we are so sad, yet so happy for their new adventures … and of course, we will visit all the time!! #Hotarmans4Ever]
xo xo
Weekend Picturebook: A Little Rock Wedding
S A T U R D A Y
[a beautiful day for margaritas, guac + tacos at The Fold]
[and for sunning with a few beers at Rebel Kettle Brewing]
[wedding time! gorgeous wedding for cousin Olivia + Sam at Trapnall Hall]
[love my handsome dates!]
[and the southern food was ridiculously on point – fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, crawfish + mashed potatoes and a mini mason jar layered with collard greens, beans + corn bread]
[the only pic with the bride + other cousin Blair at the end of the night, which reminded me of another pic 10 years earlier …]
[girls trip to NYC – can’t believe this was 10 YEARS AGO!]
S U N D A Y B R U N C H
Before we headed home, we had one more stop – brunch + beer.
Y’all. Lost Forty Brunch was the best brunch we have ever had in our entire lives. I can’t even begin to describe how incredible every single thing was. I’ll let the pictures do the talking, and let you do the drooling.
[our brunch “appetizer” – fried green tomatoes (yes, again) with jalapeño pimento cheese + skillet cinnamon roll. I’m not a huge cinnamon roll fan, but this was out of this world]
[my dish – biscuits + gravy, which again, were the best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had. next time I will get a dozen of these biscuits and bring them home with me]
[husband’s dish – a skillet with all kinds of delicious goodness inside]
[WE LOVE YOU LOST FORTY! and yes, of course we got a growler to take home]
xo xo
You might also enjoy: Weekend Picturebook: Chicago, Weekend Picturebook: Hermann, Missouri
life lately
{rockin’ out to this || blink 182 concert}
{making this || amazing pasta from chrissy teigen’s cookbook}
{obsessing over this || “I’d rather be watching Gilmore Girls” sweatshirt}
{enjoying this || rooftop bars + a week in NYC for work}
{eating this || crawfish on crawfish on crawfish}
{drinking this in || fayetteville foamfest – our favorite event of the year}
{celebrating this || our amazing mothers on mother’s day + every day}
xo xo
life lately
{enjoying this || time at HOME after a lot of traveling}
{loving this || Husband’s first pedicure!}
{eating this || delicious Italian night at a friend’s house – complete with lots of wine + lots of laughs}
{celebrating this || girl’s birthday at bentonville’s very own speakeasy}
{traveling to this || an AMAZING radiohead concert in Kansas City – with a side of BBQ}
and not pictured: a wonderful few days with my aunt + friend catching up on life, eating great food, drinking cheap wine and seeing a thought-provoking play
xo xo
life lately
{loving this || BEST TRIP EVER to Vegas with an amazing group of people #WhatHappensInVegasStaysInVegas}
{learning this || nude figure drawing class with mom… let’s just say I decided I’d rather be the model, ha!}
{celebrating this || my birthday in style! thanks, work family!}
{planning this || summer trip to Italy!}
{enjoying this || lady gaga concert aka super bowl 51}
xo xo
Picturebook: Christmas in DC
C H R I S T M A S D A Y
{Woke up (suuuuper) early and hopped on a plane to Baltimore to spend Christmas with Husband’s dad, stepmom, sister and her husband. We hadn’t spent Christmas with them in a very, very long time so it was extra special. We ate, drank, played ridiculous games and stayed up laughing until 4am.}
M O N D A Y
{Woke up (suuuuper) late (did I mention we stayed up until 4am…which means we had been awake for 24 hours…) then shopped and explored Georgetown, which of course was adorable}
T U E S D A Y
[first day in DC]
{We had so much fun walking around the National Mall and exploring the monuments. My favorite was the Washington Monument behind us. How great is this candid picture?!}
{Stopped for lunch at the famous Old Ebbitts Grill – seriously one of the best reubens I’ve ever had}
{Quick stop at Arlington Cemetery on our way out of the city – it was absolutely gorgeous and I would love to go back and spend more time walking around}
{The boys and their cigars after an amazing fondue dinner at home}
W E D N E S D A Y
[second day in DC]
{The perfect start to the day – Mari’s famous huevos rancheros! We seriously talk about these all the time because they’re so delicious.}
{Holocaust Museum – the museum and this quote in particular were very moving and convicting, a must-see museum in DC}
{Smithsonian Museum of American History – very packed, but very cool. We even saw the Hope Diamond!}
{STRANGER THINGS BAR! You would not believe the line to get in to this place, but it was totally worth it!}
{Dinner at Founding Farmers was incredible! Pictured: Shrimp & Grits with andouille and bacon (more like gumbo), Not Pictured: the best cornbread and fried green tomatoes I’ve ever had, and husband’s chicken and waffles he claimed were the best he’s ever had}
T H U R S D A Y
{Visited the new MGM Grand Casino – played slots, lost money, drank beer, oh and ran into Sarah Jessica Parker selling shoes – no big deal!!!!!}
{Spent the evening exploring Annapolis, which was seriously the cutest town ever. Then stopped in a wine bar and had the most fresh crab tostadas with tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice. It was so good we had to order another round!}
{We then stumbled upon this cute little underground gastropub for our last supper – not pictured, but seriously delicious … pig wings!!}
What a trip! I’m not sure how we got so lucky with such amazing family on both sides, but we sure are thankful. It will be a Christmas we never forget!
xo xo
life lately
{enjoying this || breakfast with the best team everrrr}
{relaxing with this || big poodle by the fire}
{dying over this || meeting harry connick jr. backstage at his show – he’s soooo dreamy}
{making this || beautiful wreaths with beautiful friends}
{eating this || chrissy teigen’s delish chicken noodle soup}
{celebrating this || mom’s birthday at the hip hop nutcracker!}
{planning for this || christmas in DC!}
We have a busy couple of days ahead with several fun Christmases, then we head to DC for the week to see more family. Wishing you all a merry and blessed Christmas!
xo xo
life lately
{darkening this || my hair for the winter}
{dying over this || gorgeous views a la runyon canyon in los angeles}
{FINALLY doing this || screenshot from our mannequin challenge, thanksgiving edition}
{loving this || a very thankful turkey day with our amazing families}
{bingeing this || GILMORE GIRLS REVIVAL, DUH!!! of course we spent all day bingeing, eating, drinking coffee, eating, discussing, crying, laughing, eating. remember when we did something similar a few years ago?}
xo xo
P.S. Team Jess!
halloween + an 80’s movie update
I love Halloween. Really I just love dressing up for anything specific – give me a theme and I’m there. Or as my favorite fictional mother says,
“I’ll do just about anything if I can buy an outfit!” – Lorelai Gilmore
This year, we decided to dress up as characters from our favorite TV show of the year – Stranger Things. It’s about a 12-year-old boy who goes missing and his friends are determined to find him. Also a lot of weird sh*t starts happening in the town. It’s creepy, but not too creepy, and it’s set in the 80s – giving major homage to Stand by Me, E.T., The Goonies and many more.
Go watch it on Netflix now. Seriously, I promise you it’s worth it. And after you see our costumes, you’ll be even more intrigued.
{husband as dustin}
{me as eleven, looking creepy AF || my own mother didn’t recognize me in that blonde wig…}
{I will forever cherish this polaroid of us || also, we won best couple costume}
{convinced some friends to be “the wall” and joyce byers}
{and two random, but amazing polaroids from the night, for good measure}
Since we’re talking 80’s, I thought this would be a good time for an update on my 80’s Watchlist. I’ve been making headway on the girly movies:
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (1985) – LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this movie. I want to be SJP and dance all day.
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) – How adorable is a young Patrick Dempsey?! I also adored this movie. Can’t believe I hadn’t seen it until now.
Heathers (1988) – Okay, I know this is a cult classic, but someone should have warned me how dark it is!! Didn’t love it, but enjoyed seeing Winona Ryder and Christian Slater in their hay day.
Love Potion No. 9 (1993) – This movie was so cheesy and adorable and right up my alley. Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan are so dreamy.
Teen Witch (1989) – Watched this one in honor of Halloween and again, LOVED. Please watch this scene. It’s hilarious, and awesome, and so 80s. TOP THAT.
xo xo
Picturebook: Fall Party!
I think we can all agree – Fall is the BEST season of all. If you don’t agree, you can just stop reading now.
(Just kidding. Kind of.)
For the first time, I decided to host a party celebrating all the best things of the season – red wine, pumpkin-flavored everything, scarves, boots, and the perfect weather.
And boy, did we have it all!!
See a few pictures below. Unfortunately I didn’t get quite enough for my liking … but I do have a couple of hilarious videos/snaps to show if you ask next time you see me.
{party outfit goal: basic white girl – fall edition}
{drink table, including my signature drink: apple cider mimosas (delish!)}
{This was SUCH an easy appetizer/dessert – wrap butter-soaked apples, apple pie spice + brown sugar mixture, and pecans in crescent rolls. Cook for 8-10 minutes.}
{These were our contributions – apple pie bites (recipe above), baked brie with fig, pumpkin cheesecake bars + pumpkin salsa from fresh market (which was seriously a hit!) This doesn’t show all the amaaaazing food our friends brought. Thanks, friends!}
{Love these beautiful friends! Unfortunately didn’t get any other pics with the 20+ people who were there, but I love them too!}
{late night games: drenga + fingers}
{final pic of the night with husband <3}
[not pictured: shenanigans on our back patio, including boys + cigars, a hilarious 30 minutes trying to open a champagne bottle with a knife then a shoe, and stories that made us laugh ‘ till we cried.]
xo xo
life lately [special edition]
It’s been almost a month since my last blog post. I’ve been busy, but not too busy. I’ve been enjoying life and husband and family and friends, and for some reason haven’t felt like blogging.
And that’s why I love this. I have no requirement or burden to blog every week. I blog for me, and if I need time to rejuvenate and not pick up a computer after work, so be it.
I love all my readers, and hopefully they’ve missed my posts at least a little. And while it was nice to step away a bit and enjoy the fall season moving in, I’m excited to be back with several posts on the tip of my fingers.
But first, let me catch you up a little on my life lately …
{loving this || wednesday over water at crystal bridges, presidential style!}
{drinking this || first PSL of the season!}
{dining in this || blindfolds… for dining in the dark at river grille – we ate alpaca! eek!}
{eating this || italian sausage tortellini soup – the best fall recipe!}
{overly excited about this || fixing our walls after our puppy ate them. you can just call us chip and joanna}
{buying this || amazing sunflowers + arkansas black apples at the farmers market}
{enjoying this || tailgating + a birthday night out in fayetteville}
{bingeing this || SUITS! love me some mike + harvey}
Other eventful happenings …
– a hand infection from my rose bushes that caused 2 dr. visits, 1 allergic reaction, 5 medications + countless sleepless nights
– a new KING bed! pictures and blog post to come
– FALL PARTY! celebrating the best season of all with apple cider mimosas, lots of brie + champagne soaked clothes. of course I have photos and of course I will do a post about it soon.
xo xo
life lately
{savoring this || dinner al fresco with the family}
L A B O R D A Y W E E K E N D
F R I D A Y
{loving this || light night party at crystal bridges}
S A T U R D A Y
{cheering at this || the first razorback game of the season}
{listening to this || collective soul + goo goo dolls}
{dressing up like this || for a 30th birthday party}
{rocking out to this || rock of ages at arkansas public theatre}
xo xo
m.davis xoxo 