To Chop Or Not To Chop...

Okay, I can't take it any longer. I think I'm ready for a change.
My hair grows so quickly and I grew it back out to almost pre-wedding length, but I am getting the itch for something new and fresh.

Because I get up at 5AM for work, it's so tempting for me to sleep in 30 minutes later, spritz some dry shampoo into my blonde locks, and pretend like having a ponytail is totally chic and acceptable everyday. Well, I'm 28 years old and should probably look a wee bit more professional than whisking my frazzled hair into a pony just because it's long enough.

So I started thinking that a good chop could do the trick. When my hair is short it looks so much fuller, soft, healthy, and dries in 5 minutes flat. It's so easy and you always look put together. I mean, if you can do your hair in under 10 minutes, there is no excuse, right? So here is what I'm thinking at my appointment today...

My hair inspiration board on Pinterest is filling up quickly with these cute little stacked bobs. I could go for something flirty, layered, and sleek. And add a little pop of fresh blonde in there too.

What do you think? A fresh spring do?

To chop or not to chop, that is the question...

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Have 3 Minutes? This is a Must Watch...

I'm not sure if you've seen this brilliant experiment by Dove yet, but it will blow you away.

Dove hired an FBI-trained forensic artist to interview and draw several women. The artist couldn't see any of the women, and based the first drawings solely off of the description that each women gave of herself.

Next, the women were told get to know another woman in that group. And one by one, the artist brought up the woman's partner and based a second drawing off of their description of that woman. To see the two distinctly different photo side by side is incredible.

Take a look...

How incredible is it to see our own critical self-image verses through the eyes of the world.
We're too harsh on ourselves and our imperfections.


It's time to embrace true beauty.
It's time to thrive in our uniqueness.
It's time to encourage each other.


I think we all need this reminder, so please pass the message of truth on.

And remember, you ARE beautiful.
(and that's the truth.)




PS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK with my Mingle Monday Blog Hop link-up!

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Unique Adventuring

Lately I've had the urge to escape...
At first I wasn't really sure where, but I just need to get the heck out of dodge. I want to feel the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. The rush of exploring a new place. I love that feeling that adventuring brings so very much.

Well, my Daddy called this weekend and wants to plan a little vacacy with the fam + BF + a few friends to the Lake of the Ozarks! I am ridiculously excited and am counting down the days! Unforutnately... I'm still craving more adventure.

It finally occured to me where my new destination should be after watching my favorite movie, (500) Days of Summer. One of my favorite parts is that beautifully filmed scene where Summer and Tom are on the train laughing in the dining car as the sun is setting.


.:: Just thinking about that part gives me butterflies. ::.

So needless to say, BF and I are thinking we need to take a little trip this fall (or spring?)... by train!




Naturally, since fall is my absolute favorite season, I would love to adventure hand-in-hand then.

I can just see us together... grabbing coffee, playing board games, and watching the train pass the gorgeous gold and crimson leaves on the trees. Wouldn't that be such a fun memory?





{ We're thinking Chicago. }

Luckily enough, Chicago is only a 7 hour train ride (and super inexpenive). Adam's sister, Meredith, and her BF live in Madison and would be close enough to meet us in the city for a fun weekend.

We absolutely love spending time with them, and it would be so fun to experience the city together! Oh a girl can dream...




Of course, with a million more family and friend weddings this summer/fall, the dream trip is still in talk. Hopefully we can find some time that would work for all 4 of us! I'm too excited for it to potentially not happen! ;)


BF is probably reading this and shaking his head - haha!
(I tend to get really excited about little ideas.)


Anyway, here is one of my all-time favorite songs paired with (500) Days of Summer. You will catch a glimpse of that gorgeous train scene at the very beginning... *sigh*

I may have to watch the movie tonight...





So tell me, have any of you been on a train adventure? I am dying to hear your stories/advice!

Winter-Proof Your Skin

The trick-or-treaters have come and gone, and the final golden leaves are starting to fall off the trees outside my window. Whether we like it or not, winter is quickly approaching and the cold will take over.

The bad news? Hello chilly mornings and snow drifts.
The good news? We don't have to settle for scaly legs or a dull complexion!

That's right, friends, now is the time to combat the cold and start to winterizing your beauty routine. I hope these proven products and helpful tips will keep you glowing until spring!





{ Face }

For gorgeous ladies, facial skin care is a given! Per usual, everyone has different skin types and needs, but most dermatologists recommend a specially rich formula for these chilly winter months. These two below are absolute favorites of mine and my girlfriends. Deeply moisturizing without being oily (darn acne-prone skin!), these are great buy!


Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - $24



Aveeno Positively Ageless Night Cream - $17



{ Lips }

One of my biggest winter battles is fighting the element-induced chapped lips. How am I supposed to have smoochable lips when they are peeling and cracked? Check out these miracle workers... love.


Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer - $3



Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm (Sephora) - $7



{ Hands }

Once I discovered this amazing Aveda product, I have not found anything close that can compare. The hand cream is so thick and luscious that all you need is a dime-sized amount. It seems pricey for a 4.2 oz bottle, but it will last you for months! Best part? It moisturizes for hours. Happy hand-holding!


Aveda Hand Relief Lotion - $19



{ Body }

This miracle in a jar was recently discovered (last week!) on my fabulous trip to San Francisco. My cousin urged me to try it, and I have to admit that I was hesitant. I dolloped on the delicious smelling cream after my shower and woke up o the softest skin ever. Ever. It was so amazing that I went to The Body Shop the very same day to buy my own!


The Body Shop Body Butter - $20



{ Other Tips }

It's easy to forget that the best way to keep our skin smooth and supple is my moisturizing from the inside out.

It's super important to be sure to get your 8 glasses of water in per day and have a diet enhanced by healthy oils (flax seed and olive oil are excellent!)... Who knew?


It wouldn't be too hard to want to carry this cute bottle around! With an easy flip-top lid, cute color and a handle...
...it's on my Christmas list for sure!

KOR One Hydration Vessle - $29




Mmmm... I love flax seed sprinkled into my yogurt or cereal.
Don't be afraid, it's so good for you!

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Well, now that I've listed my all-time favorite and proven products, I am dying to hear about your cold weather stand-bys! This is what blogging girlfriends are for, right?


{ What are your winter beauty tips and treats? }


Happy Almost Weekend!

Hair Crush: Reese Witherspoon

I am heading to the salon after work to get my hair cut. It's been a few months since I've let my stylist scissor up my long locks, so I'm kind of nervous...

Naturally (in normal Meg fashion), I had no idea what I wanted. I thrive off of the daily unknown. I love the spontaneity. Today was to be no exception. I woke up and accepted my indecisiveness, open to whatever my hair goddess (yes, my stylist is a goddess! Miracle worker!) would recommend for me...


...And then I came across this photo...





Done. Decision made. Hello fabulous hair.

Girl Power!

How on earth did I MISS this?
Glamour magazine did an incredible photo shoot that turned today's biggest celebrities into our beloved American icons. Behold our power women...




Alexis Bledel as Rosie the Riveter



Hayden Panettiere as Amelia Earhart



Emma Roberts as Audrey Hepburn



Emma Stone as Carrie Bradshaw



Elisha Cuthbert as Brandi Chastain



Alicia Keys as Michelle Obama



Camilla Belle as Mary Tyler Moore



{ Absolutely LOVE It! }



Which one is your favorite?






PS- Don't forget MINGLE MONDAY!

Blondified!

I don't know about you guys, but there are very few things that can relax me, make me feel gorgeous, and that I love more than a trip to the salon!


gossip magazines + lovely hand massages + yummy Aveda products
great company + wonderful beauty tips + girl talk
= relaxed blonder me!

{ Mmmm... }





Plus, I've FINALLY found the perfect stylist!

Not only did she read my mind, she also created the most beautiful bright, long, blond locks that I had been missing! As if that wasn't awesome enough... I basically went to one of the best metro salons and paid half price!

This morning I woke up feeling great and confident {love that feeling!}! I wasn't sure if anyone would notice, but everyone kept asking me if I got a haircut, lost weight, or if I was wearing a new outfit.


{ Now THAT is how you know your stylist did good! }

HECK YES!


Now that I am blondified and beach ready, I need to find my perfect summer dress... right? RIGHT!


Over and out!