My First CMA Awards: Freakin' Out, Fails, & Finding My Sparkle (Plus Tan Tips!)

You guys. YOU GUYS. I'm still like, pinching myself. Seriously. If you saw my stories, you know I was absolutely freakin' out about the CMA Awards. Like, IM FREAKIN OUT! was my actual internal monologue for like, a week leading up to it. And now that it's all said and done, I'm still just floating on a cloud. It was such a wild, amazing, overwhelming, beautiful experience and I just had to sit down and spill all the tea with you here, bc you're my besties and you get it. This is gonna be a long one, so grab a snack!

First off, let's talk about the whole 'how did this even happen' thing. Tbh, it all still feels a little surreal. When the invitation came in, I literally thought it was a prank. Like, me? Little old Lo from Utah, going to the CMA Awards? The Country Music Awards?! I grew up listening to country music with my mom, and it always felt like this super glamorous, far-off world. So to actually be invited to attend, with Tanner by my side, was just... I don't even have words. My mom was so excited for me, and that made it even more special. She's always been my biggest cheerleader, and I just knew she was gonna be watching every second. It made me feel so grateful for everything she did for me and how she raised me. :,)

The Dress Drama is REAL, You Guys

Okay, so you know me. I'm not exactly a 'red carpet gown' kind of girl. My usual uniform is leggings and a comfy sweatshirt, maybe a cute matching set if I'm feeling fancy. So the thought of having to find a gown that felt like me, but also felt appropriate for such a huge event, was giving me major anxiety. I tried on probably a million dresses. No, seriously, a million. Tanner was a saint through it all, just sitting there, offering his very helpful (and sometimes brutally honest) opinions. Bless his heart. I'd come out in something I thought was kinda cute, and he'd be like, 'Hmm, it's giving... prom?' And I'd be like, 'UGH, I H8 THAT ABOUT MYSELF HAHAH!'

I wanted something that felt elegant but still had a little sparkle, you know? Something that made me feel confident but not like I was trying too hard to be someone I'm not. I went back and forth on colors, on styles, on everything. Curse my freakin indecisiveness! There was one dress that was absolutely stunning, but it was just a little too much. Like, it wore me, instead of me wearing it. And I knew, deep down, that I needed to feel comfortable and authentic, especially for my first big red-carpet type event.

Finally, I found the one. It was a beautiful, shimmery, kinda champagne-y color, with just the right amount of sparkle. It wasn't too over the top, but it still felt special. When I put it on, I just knew. It felt good. It felt like Lo. And that, to me, is the most important thing. It's so easy to get caught up in what you think you should wear or what's 'on trend,' but honestly, if you don't feel good in it, it's not the right thing. So, if you're ever stressing about an outfit for a big event, my advice is always to go with what makes you feel like your best self. Even if Tanner thinks it's 'giving prom' hahah.

The Pre-Red Carpet Prep: Tan Time!

Okay, now for the real talk. You know I'm all about feeling good in my own skin, but also, let's be real, a little glow never hurt anyone! Especially when you know you're gonna be under those bright lights and cameras. So, leading up to the CMAs, my number one priority (after the dress, of course) was getting my tan on! I'm not about that sun-damaged life, so self-tanner is my ride or die. Always has been, always will be.

I swear, a good self-tan just makes me feel instantly more confident. It evens out my skin tone, gives me that little bit of warmth, and just makes everything look a little more put together. It's like a secret weapon, honestly. I've tried so many different brands over the years, and I have my favorites, but I'm always on the hunt for new ones! So seriously, drop your absolute faves in the comments, bc I need to know! I'm always down to try something new, especially if it means no streaks and a natural glow.

For the CMAs, I did my usual routine: exfoliate like crazy, moisturize the dry spots, and then apply my self-tanner with a mitt. I usually do it the night before, so it has plenty of time to develop. And then I just pray to the tan gods that it's even and not orange. Ngl, there have been some close calls in the past hahah. But this time, it was perfect. I felt like I had that perfect sun-kissed glow without actually having to bake in the sun, which is a win-win in my book.

Red Carpet Ready (ish) & The Big Night!

The day of the awards was a whirlwind. Hair, makeup, getting into the dress, trying not to spill anything on myself (a constant struggle). Tanner was looking so handsome in his suit, and it was just so fun to get all dressed up together. We don't get to do that very often with three little ones at home! It felt like a fancy date night, but like, on steroids.

Walking onto that red carpet was... wild. There were so many people, so many cameras, so much energy. I felt a little bit like a deer in headlights, tbh. I'm used to filming videos in my house, not posing for professional photographers! But Tanner was right there, holding my hand, making me laugh, and just being his usual supportive self. He's seriously the best hype man a girl could ask for. We just tried to soak it all in and enjoy every single second. I kept thinking, 'Stella, Ozzy, Cherry, your mom is at the CMAs!' It was just so surreal.

Inside the show, it was just... magic. The performances were incredible, the energy in the room was electric, and it was just so cool to be surrounded by so much talent. I kept looking at Tanner and just smiling, like, 'Can you believe we're here?' We were singing along to all the songs, clapping, just having the best time. It was one of those nights where you just feel so grateful for everything, for the opportunities, for the people you love, for the music that brings everyone together.

I'm so glad we got to experience it together. It's definitely a memory I'll cherish forever. And I hope you guys got to catch a glimpse of us on TV! I know I was probably making some weird faces, but hey, that's just me! Hahah.

Coming Home to My Girls

As amazing as the CMAs were, you know where my heart truly is. Coming home to Stella, Ozzy, and baby Cherry was the absolute best part. Seeing their little faces light up, getting those big hugs, hearing their sweet little voices – that's my real red carpet. That's my real award. They don't care if I was at a fancy event or if I had a perfect tan; they just care that I'm home. And honestly, that's all that matters to me.

So yeah, the CMA Awards were a dream come true. A little bit stressful, a lot glamorous, and totally unforgettable. But nothing, and I mean nothing, beats coming home to my family. That's my heaven on earth fr. Thanks for letting me share all of this with you guys. It means the world to me to have you along for the ride. ILY!! ❤