So today is Gulley’s fortieth birthday. And while I normally refrain from all manner of big birthday shout-outs on the blog it feels like my best friend turning forty is a reason to forgo my policy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GULLEY!!!! I’m so glad you were born.
I love you more than my luggage for several reasons:
1. You’ve saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars in therapy.
2. You make me laugh every day. Sometimes multiple times a day.
3. No one does a better impression of Tony DiMera from Days of Our Lives.
4. You don’t question me when I make bold statements like “I HATE CHINESE FOOD”. You just go with it even if you saw me eating Chinese food last week.
5. I love that we both call each other to recap any event we’ve attended less than five minutes after we’ve left.
6. You’ve known me (good, bad, and ugly) for over twenty years and love me anyway.
7. You are kind to everyone and inspire me to be a better person.
8. You love Caroline like she’s your own.
9. Your ability to bring any conversation back to an episode of Friends and the fact that I totally know what you’re talking about.
10. That we both appreciate stupid things like the way Siri screws up a text, the man in the purple bandana at the pool, and spontaneously ordering Dillon Panthers QB-1 shirts on a Saturday night.
I hope forty is the best year yet. Like the card I saw yesterday said, “We’ll be friends until we’re old and senile. And then we’ll be new friends.”
Also, here’s a random fact. Gulley and I didn’t meet until her freshman year and my sophomore year in college. But we were delivered by the same doctor at the same hospital in Houston, Texas.
We like to think that means we were meant to be.
And now for some fashion since that’s probably why you’re here.
Love this. Love the navy.
I don’t think I could actually wear this but I could if I were in my twenties. Of course Nena was just here and she told me short dresses are vulgar and no one should show their knees because they’re an unattractive body part.
So keep that in mind.
I saw these skirts at Gap the other day and really liked them. I have a version of this skirt from about five years ago and still wear it all the time in the summer. It’s the perfect thing to throw on.
4. lakehouse grass striped dress
This is a little Betty Draper and I like it.
These were in Anthropologie. They’re the pant version of the Sanctuary shorts that I adore. And they’re also much cuter in person.
6. rainyday mac
Maybe it’s because it’s been raining here all week (GLORY HALLELUJAH) but I’ve been thinking about rain coats and I always love the ones from Boden. Especially when they’re on sale.
I think this is so pretty. I’m assuming you know you’d have to wear a cami under it. But I love this lightweight knit stuff.
8. tortoise monogram cuff bracelet
I’m so in love with these bracelets.
I’m such a fan of Noonday Collection. I think this necklace is my favorite right now.
10. tooled western leather belt
Love these western tooled belts from the Junk Gypsies and really like the belt buckle.
And that’s it for today. I’m off to celebrate with Gulley and lots of cake.
Y’all have a great Friday.
you and Gulley look so much alike. You were definitely meant to be.
Steel Magnolias .. the BEST friends movie. Thank God for friends.
Squee!! I could totally be one of your BFFs because I too can totally relate anything back to Friends…it’s a gift! Ha! Happy Birthday to Gulley!
Happy birthday, Gulley! I love your comment about Chinese food…yeah, a good friend just rolls with it!
Happy Birthday Gulley! I love your sense of humor and how you always think certain things I say are funny. Love you!
Happy Birthday Gulley!
Happy Birthday Gulley! Your friendship reminds me so much of mine and my BFF. What a treasure they are!
Is “I love you more than my luggage,” something Ree made up and others have appropriated, or is it from a movie or something? Just curious.
from the movie Steel Magnolias
What? WHAT!!?? You haven’t seen Steel Magnolias?!!??? Holy Moly — are you in for a treat. Rent it now. Happy Birthday Gulley! You have the best gift anyone could have. A best friend for life aka BFF.
Happy birthday, Gulley!!
Love this post!! Not just the awesome fashion as always it made me want to call my best girlfriends and appreciate them like heck! Happy Birthday Gulley!!! Have an awesome weekend ladies!
I was reading this other blog “Bourbon and Pearls” crazy funny gal. Anyways, she lives in Scotland and they went on vacation to the south of France (oh yes I’ve added that Grand Dame Hotel to my list), I’m getting to the point, ok here it is. She said all the English and American tourists were in stripes. She had a stripe dress on from J. Crew and she said she has decided to retire that dress and all of her other stripes because of overload. Just so everyone knows the South of France is being overrun with Stripes!
Oh sorry, and Happy Birthday Gulley. I think its so cool you guys are still friends after all these years and can spend time together.
Best friends are better than the biggest house, most expensive jewelry or the fastest car!! Best friends are forever if you take care of each other. I wouldn’t trade mine in for anything finer!!!
Wishing you the Best Birthday Ever!
Hugs and Love.
So, did you make her a birthday flan or a cake that’s supposed to be shaped like a bunny with her face on it? Happy birthday, Gulley!
I always love your fashion finds, but this time I’m not sure I’m ready for another twist-a-bead fashion wave. Isn’t it a rule that if you wore it last time it was popular, you shouldn’t wear it again? I think that means I’m out on this one.
Happy Birthday, Gulley!
Happy Birthday, my sweet girl! I love you so much. Today I am celebrating you and thanking God for you. Also, today I celebrate you, Big Mama, as her best friend and the blessing that you are to all of us each day. It was such a great gift that God blessed us with another daughter those 22 years ago! My cup runneth over!!!!
Happy Birthday Gulley! Enjoy your VERY special day! May God continue to bless you and Mel and your friendship.
And Nena, wise Nena. She is precious. And a riot.
Have a great weekend.
My husband always tells me if you can find one or two good and honest friends in life you’ve done well. Looks like you’ve done well. God bless!
Happy birthday, Gulley!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share where you ordered DP QB-1 shirts!! I just started season 2 on netflix and I can’t figure out what took me so long to watch this dang show. Eric and Tammy make me laugh soooo hard!!!
Happy Birthday Gulley!
Happy Birthday to your sweet friend! She sounds like such a lovely person!
Have a great weekend, Melanie!
Happy Birthday Gulley! You guys are beautiful!
I love when you talk about your friendship with Gulley. Seriously, love.
I know I haven’t commented as much lately….but, Lo, I am with you always. Even until the end of your posts.
And now I have to go check out where to buy QB-1 shirts.
Happy birthday Gulley!!!
Happy Birthday to Gulley!
Happy Birthday Gulley! How wonderful it is to have best friends! I totally think you and Gulley should come to Iowa on your book tour. Also, I loved the fact you both bought QB 1 shirts. LOVE! I wanted to email you the other day as I am near the end of watching season 1 of Friday Night Lights. I may or may not have had tears in my eyes during the season of Street coaching Matt in the dark on the football field, throwing passes to Smash and Riggins. Also, when Matt threw the game winning pass in the mud and rain of the cow pasture game to go to State, I certainly did not almost fall off the treadmill from silent cheering.
Happy Birthday to your best bud! I’m betting Gulley feels pretty lucky to have you in her life & loves many many things about you as well. Love your blog! Always makes me feel happy & a bit more “normal”.
P.S. I work for Holly Mathis’ hubs…& love her blog as well. That’s how I came across YOUR blog when she paid you a visit not so long ago. You would LOVE what she’s done with our office! It’s incredible & really stands out in our little town by far as the best one. Have a blessed weekend, Big Mama!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GULLEY!!! Everyone needs a friend like you all have in each other. Thanks for telling me about Junk Gypsies. It’s one of my new faves on HGTV. And since I watch a lot of stuff on that channel, that’s saying something
I think of you, Big Mama, each time I watch it. 
Have a great weekend.
Happy Birthday Gulley!!! I feel like I have known you forever even though I have only met Melanie twice (and she probably doesn’t even remember!!). Your friendship makes me jealous with a Godly jealousy
Would you believe me if I told you that where I live, I’ve seen a woman wearing the fish net top without a cami? Just strategically placed buttons. I know. You’re jealous.
And because I’m tired, I thought that Gap skirt was a tired peasant skirt.
And happy birthday to Gulley! Welcome to your 40s. It’s not too bad…especially with your best friend by your side.
I happened upon this on Angie Smith’s blog: http://angiesmithonline.com/2012/05/abby-ellie-talk-to-siri-about-jesus/ and immediately thought of you, given your deep love for Siri.
I wish I had a best friend relationship like you two! What a great blessing. A girl really needs a best girlfriend….now where is mine??
Hope you girls celebrated Gulley’s 40th in grand style! And Melanie, thanks for posting so many fashions Made in the USA!
Happy Birthday Gulley!
Happy, happy to Gulley! Hope it’s forty and fabulous for her. Great pics this week for the fashionistas in us — cute stuff.
BTW, if you follow your Aggies to the Plains of Auburn this fall, please let me know. I’d love to buy you a Toomer’s lemonade. War Eagle! and SEC all the way, baby! Jill