Kev and I had a truly gut-busting time at Brookwood Village Mall yesterday. We ate waaaay too much food court food, and hung out with folks that made us laugh until our cheeks hurt!
Ree and I had talked about getting together at 5:45, and since we got to the mall at 4:45, we had some time to kill…and some pretzels to eat.
When it came time to find Ree, we walked over to Books-A-Million, and met up with her in a cave-like room below the store. I started to tell her how many people were waiting for her upstairs, but since she mentioned she was already nervous, I figured I probably shouldn’t go there. It was packed! Like, seriously, over-300-people-and-do-we-all-know-where-the-emergency-exits-are-in-case-of-emergency packed! (Large crowds make me nervous, so that’s always where my brain goes first- ha!)
Her presentation started at 6pm, so we were about to head out the door when Ree and one of the store managers (Hi Christine!) said, “why don’t you just come up the elevator with us?”
Well, in addition to my fear of large crowds, I’m also a little shy when it comes to riding in elevators- but it was just one floor, and like I said, it was reeeeally crowded the other way- so riding up the elevator seemed like a pretty good choice. That was until we stepped out of the elevator and realized it opened up right where Ree was going to speak! (insert anxiety here)
(photos by Mary Kathryn Mathews)
The crowd looked even bigger from Ree’s side of the ropes, and boy were we surprised when she took the mic and said, “I’m here with my friends Kevin and Layla from The Lettered Cottage“. I’m positive we both turned eight shades of red and I immediately clung to Kev with all my might!
Thankfully, that heart-racing moment only lasted a few seconds though, and listening to Ree’s presentation from the safety of my hubby’s back was so fun!
(photo by Mary Kathryn Mathews)
Her talk was entertaining and informative, and she even sang a song!
I think Kevin took that last pic of her right after she showed this slide on the screen behind her and said, “Oops! How did that one get in there?”
After her presentation, Ree went on to sign books….lots and lots of books…
…and we had waaaay too much fun hanging out some fellow bloggers and blog readers that were there. This was one of my favorite moments of the day…
Those gals (and so many other precious peeps we met there yesterday) were absolute day-makers, and spending time and sharing stories with them was like sunshine for my soul. I kept thinking, I really need to get out of the house more often- ha!
Towards the end of the night, Ree signed (Kevin’s mom) Katie’s cookbooks…
…and there was more giggling. At me…
At her…
…and then we really got had a good laugh when we realized she had started to sign Katie’s book , “Love to Miss Feature” because she was saying, “I love it when you feature Miss Katie on your blog“…
It sounds like you had a fun day out!
Holy SMOKES Batman, that’s my face on TLC! Had such a blast meeting you both last night- I truly went straight to crazy-Bieber-type-excitement mode when I saw you getting out of the elevator with Ree. The Pioneer Woman AND Lettered Cottage? Good gravy it was almost too much……haha
This was EXACTLY the same way that I felt Mary Kathryn! It was a great night filled with lots of laughter. I’m elated that I got to actually meet all of you I read so much about last night! Thanks Layla and Kevin for continuing to share with all of us and inspiring me to dream and create beautiful spaces!
We had a great time meeting you, Kevin, and Ree! Thanks for taking the time to take pictures and chat with us!
p.s. My account of the evening is on my blog, complete with pics of you getting off of the elevator and hanging out by the book display. I even captured some video of Ree’s song!
She is such a sweetheart.
We were numbers 134 and 135 and didn’t get out of there until a little after 9…my friend and I honestly considered asking if y’all wanted us to bring you food, coffee, doughnuts, a pillow?
We had a great time and it was wonderful to meet Ree– wish we had gotten to meet you guys!
thrilled that you had such a fun time!
Layla, where’d you get that cute bag? 🙂
I was looking at the bag too – cause I have the exact same one! It is a ‘Sparrow True’ purse and I love it. Got it at Winners up here in Canada, so imagine my surprise to see you with the same one Layla! Guess we have the same taste…good taste! LOL Looks like you all had fun at the signing, thanks for sharing the evening with us.
Awwww Layla, you are so stinkin cute! How fun this day was!!!! Wow, I felt as if I was there with ya from the pictures! I can’t imagine how fun it must have been! Thank You for sharing with us!!
And tell me – what is is like to have the ultra flat tummy that you have? OMG – in my dreams! 🙂
Hugs!
Lori
Thanks so much, Layla – your photos are great – it’s almost as good as being there. Very nice to see you and PW together !
Totally random question that is completely unrelated… WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR PURSE? That thing is gorgeous!!
I love Ree and her ree-cipes. They are so delicious and she is a hoot and a holler!!
Happy Easter Kevin and Layla! 🙂 xoxo
I wanna know too…girl, talk about the BAG!
Ree’s book signings are a blast. My friends and I attended the one in Tulsa at Cain’s Ballroom. It was jampacked crowded. But, we enjoyed lots of food and music while we waited. I never did get her autograph, couldn’t stay up that late, lol. So now we are going to find another one close by. Looks like you had fun, too.
I can’t wait to meet her in Seattle.
Love your blog and decorating ideas and projects! Loved to see you on HGTV. Hugs!
I’m sooo jealous that I live so far away!! I just recently “found” Ree’s blog and was an instant fan, I also bought her previous cookbook (I know I need to catch up) Looks like you two hit it off in person wonderfully…I totally feel that we are all friends, but just haven’t (and probably never will) met. Thanks for sharing this fun day with us!!
Looks like a fabulous day!! So happy for you!
Layla: Love your purse! Please tell me more about it.
Layla—-Seeing you and Kevin AND having my picture made with you guys was like such an added bonus! You guys were the opening act for the group!! How can you two be cuter in person? I didn’t think it was possible! SO glad you made an appearance!!!
XOXO
Rebecca in Birmingham
What fun! You and Kevin are so adorable, Layla! And like others…where did you get that gorgeous bag?
I was there too! I was #11 and couldn’t get to you to speak. When I saw you get off the elevator I said the same thing as PP, Lettered Cottage!! And Ree was so sweet to everyone. Thanks for the post and pics!
It looks like you had a wonderful day. I know this makes me sound old but on cloudy days I go mall walking with my friend at Brookwood mall. Too bad I didn’t have the motivation to go yesterday.
(I like to joke that my five month old daughter brings the average age of the mall walkers WAY down.)
I saw you guys last night! And I was the idiot that waved to Kevin like he was a long-lost relative I haven’t seen in 25 years. He’s so sweet….he waved back like he knew me. Do other perfect strangers ever do that or is it just me?
You girls look so cute, getting in the elevator! Oh I wish I could’ve been there! It sounds like a blast!
I am in a few of these pictures. I am the girl in the gray shirt with the braided up-do first in line to get my book signed. Ree was the sweetest person!! Her power point presentation was hilarious! Can you e-mail me a copy of the picture of me getting my book signed? Thanks!
Ashlei
Your purse is super cute too! Where did you get it?
Thanks, Janna! I got it at TJ Maxx about a month ago! 😀
Janna,
I got my bag at Claire’s of all places a couple of years ago.
Ashlei
Looks like everyone had such a wonderful time…What a thrill for those lucky people to have met the great “Pioneer Woman”….she seems like a fun loving person!
It was so fun meeting you and Ree @ the book signing,(don’t mean to leave Kev out, didn’t get to speak to him), but MAN at all the people! I have to admit that I was a little awe struck but I am so glad I plucked my courage up and spoke to you. You were so gracious and absolutely more gorgeous in person! It’s funny that you feel shy too because I felt so at ease once we started talking. Enjoyed the night and the post. Thanks guys!
We had such a great time last night. I was so upset that I didn’t get any pictures of everyone getting off the elevator (since I was right in front of it), so I’m thrilled to see these pictures. My daughter was very excited to see a picture of her in here too! Great to meet you both…such nice genuine people! (The night was well worth being number 220!)
I was there last night too! If I had seen you in the crowd of what seemed like a million, I would have been double starstruck 🙂
Sounds like a great day! I went to a book signing last year, around this time, and her talk was what inspired me to begin blogging! I need to get her new cookbook!
You guys are too CUTE! 🙂 I would be super pumped about you and Kevin getting out of the elevator too! 🙂 Oh, and this sounds weird (maybe?), but you have such great legs. I know… it sounds a little creepy, doesn’t it? But seriously, I used to wear shorts like that when I was younger (and 30 pounds lighter), but I don’t feel confident enough to go shorter than capris these days. Anyway, you always look so pretty! 🙂
Your outfit is super cute.
Wow, that sounds like a blast! Ree, Layla & Kev – all in one place!! I’m jealous of all those people lucky enough to be there.
Thats so precious!!!! 🙂
Looks like you guys had an absolutely wonderful time! You are so cute! 🙂
Happy Friday!
I think you two are adorable!
I was nice to meet you and Kevin! Thanks for the conversation and photo opportunity. I haven’t had the time to brag about it on my blog but I will soon! Thanks again!
From the sound of everyone’s comments us that couldn’t go really missed out 🙁 Wish I could have gotten off work to drive up. Thanks for sharing your day with all of us.
Oh, and I agree with everyone else, cute purse!!!
That looked like such a great time! I am so jealous I was not there.
poopy! 🙁
Maybe next time!
xoxo
How FUNNNNNNN!!!!! Loved the pictures and all the goofyness 🙂 Looks like you guys had a blast !
Looks like a fun time! I was so sad when I missed her in Pittsburgh. 🙁 I loved seeing your day together!
how fun!!!! and you look SUPER cute – i LOVE your stripey shorts!!!! 🙂
You look absolutely adorable!!! I’ve never checked out the Pioneer Woman (I know, where have I been?) but after reading this post I definitely will. Thanks for sharing (and thanks for mentioning the shyness…I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that).
This was just one of your cutest blog posts! Your personality just shines thru. I bet you would make friends with an ant at a picnic, tho!!!!
Ree’s smile is just infectious!
Two lovely ladies…………………..(and lovely Kev, as well)
And, I would have known The Marlboro Man’s tushie, anywhere………nice little buns!!!!! That Ree is a pill!!!!! 🙂
All of you????? Just precious!!!!!!!
Layla……………..”this” is why we love y’all!!!!!! You’re just REAL!
Two lovely ladies!
(and Kevin too)
Layla:
You cost me money today!!!!
After reading your blog – I mosy-ied over to Ree’s blog – and then I saw this darling bird neckace that Ree bought on ETSY. So I did a bit of sleuthing, found the gal on ETSY and then found this beautiful bracelet I just had to have. LOL.
Before I knew it – I had the thing bought and paid for and had a terrific conversation with the artist of the jewelry.
Happy Easter to me.
Happy Easter to me.
I told Honey that the Easter Bunny paid us a visit!!!!! (and it was your fault). hee hee
Layla, I’ve been saving this post in my Reader so I could come over and comment when I had the right amount of time … Never have I been more thrilled to see a horrible picture of myself on the Internet! Never thought I’d see my picture on TLC, but now that it’s happened, I don’t even care that it’s not flattering. 😉 Had SO much fun with you, MK and Shaunna … having that brief time with you was such a blessing. You are exactly as warm and endearing in person as you are here on TLC. Hope to spend more time with you one day! 🙂 Happy Easter to you and Kevin!
How lovely!
Aw looks like you had such a great time with Ree!
Laura
This was my first book signing & I absolutely loved every minute of it! Ree was a delight; so down to earth. I so enjoyed meeting you & Kev also. You are wonderful to take time & meet your fans & pose for pics. I’ll remember this night for a long time. 🙂
This was my first book signing & I absolutely loved every minute of it! Ree was a delight; so down to earth. I so enjoyed meeting you & Kev also. You are wonderful to take time & meet your fans & pose for pics. I’ll remember this night forever. 🙂
It looks as though you had a wonderful time. I would have loved to have been there and meet all of you.