5 Things

I can hardly contain myself as I sit here counting down the minutes until the clock reaches 5 p.m.
It was a short week for me, but those always tend to seem so long after you've been on vacation. This weekend is chalked full of some exciting new adventures and old favorites.

Here's a few thoughts for the anticipated fun...


1// The doctor always prescribes BabyCakes as the answer for long, dwindling Friday afternoons. You better believed I nabbed that carrot cake cupcake the second my co-workers were able to pry the container from my hands. ;)

2// When the Kansas City Ballet announced their 2014-2015 season my jaw almost hit the floor. The first performance of the year is Alice in Wonderland. My sister and I can't wait for a sushi + cocktail happy hour and then off the the Kauffman Center to witness the athleticism and crazy fun costumes first hand. 

I started dancing at age three and I love every single dance medium. So to get to see a professional ballet creatively interpret such a beloved classic will be a real treat. I don't think I slept a wink last night... I am so excited!

{via}

3 // So apparently I have been the worst roommate ever lately. Adam said that the last two nights I have been a total crazy, thrashing about and rolling myself up in all of the covers (sorry bud!). 

And then he said last night I woke him up in my sleep (is that possible?) to ask him what he was dreaming about. He told me about some cray cray dream about a bonfire and throwing chairs into. The next thing he knows is that I mumbled a bunch of weird incoherent things before rolling over and then I didn't move the rest of the night. 

I recollect nothing. 

(tell me I'm not alone!)

4 // This is the first weekend in about a month that is completely open for us to spend time together. We decided that a day date to the Louisburg Cider Mill sounded perfect. 

It's our little tradition where we dunk our cider donuts in their freshly made hot cinnamon apple cider. After our apple overload, we do a little moseying through the gift shop and of course have to people watch while we pass the pumpkin patch. I. Can't. Wait.

5 // I just wanted to say thank for sticking with me lately. It's easy to come down on yourself as a blogger when you aren't posting 5-7 times a week, but I am glad you stick with me! 

Now that I have plenty of time after my first big craft show, family vacay, etc. I have lots of great things planned. Thanks for your patience and every single one of your comments. They really do make my whole day!

What fun weekend adventures await you?

Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

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Day Tripping: Sunflower Fields + Apple Picking

This past weekend was so full of goodness, I had my fingers and toes crossed that it would never end. After on-and-off work trips, my hubs was finally home on Saturday night and we hit the ground running.

Thank goodness I have the world's coolest, most in-the-know sister-in-law, because she had some awesome suggestions for our impromptu day trip.

We piled in the car and indulged in my favorite hipster tunes as we drove west to catch Grinter's Sunflower Field outside of Lawrence before the sun went down. As soon as we pulled up my heart skipped a beat. 

It was breathtaking.

Sunflowers as far as the eye can see and they are only in full bloom for about 2 weeks. Pair those gorgeous buds with cotton candy skies, and a thunderstorm getting ready to roll through the plains, and you have the best photos! 

I feel like if you added some floppy eared puppies, that's what heaven looks like.

We also decided to swing by Fieldstone Orchard and Farm to do some organic apple and Asian pear picking. Don't  you worry, we sampled as we picked along the rows, so I am shocked there was any fruit left on the trees after our wake. 

The farm owners were so sweet and welcoming, and we had such a fun time listening to their stories. Can't wait to head back out on more trips as the apple season continues! 

After the outdoorsy pallooza wrapped up before sunset, we met my in-laws for dinner at Merchants Pub & Plate. 

The food was spectacular and they had over 30 craft beers on tap, so you know this place is a keeper. My fave? Autumn Ale from Breckenridge Brewery. Delicious!

We majorly snoozed in on Monday morning due to the all-night thunderstorm. I woke up, scrounged around for breakfast to discover we had fresh blueberries to use up. 

So all of a sudden an amazing Blueberry Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake was born, and we all took a big bite and said hallelujah. I mean, you can't really beat a melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon crumb topping and juicy berries, right? Amen and amen.

After the rain cleared up on our super lazy Labor Day, I was dying to get outside and take Beast for a walk. I just love how it smells after it rains, and how everything is extra green. I absolutely love the trail by our house - it's extra easy to get lost in the glow of outside!

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

How was your long weekend? 

Did you take any day trips or go on any fun local adventures?

Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

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Have a Sassy Weekend!

Today simply makes me happy.

I have the day off.
I slept past 9 o'clock.
And I'm still in my PJs watching the Katy Perry documentary.

The weekend has begun, my friends.

{via}

I can't wait for my sweet hardworking hubby to get home tonight. We have minimal plans this weekend, and I am so ready to just spend time with him and our friends while we relax.

A few fun fall things on my radar that I would LOVE to do...

+ visit Louisburg Cider Mill for cider and donuts
+ go to the orchard for apple picking
+ pick a new trail to adventure on with the pup


What are you up to this weekend? 
I hope you soak in the fabulous fall weather with your favorite people!

In case you missed it this week...

+ week-long blog hop

+ weekend in photos

+ the world's BEST pumpkin bread recipe

+ advice needed on buying a DSLR camera

Hugs and smooches, you sassy peeps!

World's BEST Pumpkin Bread

I have a lovely memory way back when I was in elementary school.

My brother and I would walk home from school and race down the street to see who could touch the front door first. The best days, were the ones when we were greeted by the smell of spicy pumpkin bread that had just come out of the oven.

I've tried every single pumpkin bread recipe I could get my hands on, but none of them live up to the recipe my mom has sworn by for decades.

Lucky for you, I have asked her to dust off her Women of Great Eats Junior League cookbook and share with you the best of the best. If you try any pumpkin bread recipe this fall, make it this one.
Your family will beg for you to make this deliciously moist, flavorful fall bread again and again... and that's a promise.

{via}

World's BEST Pumpkin Bread Recipe

via Women of Great Taste

Ingredients:

- 3.5 cups flour

- 1.5 teaspoons salt

- 2 teaspoons baking soda

- 3 cups sugar

- 1 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1 can (16 oz) pumpkin

- 1 cup vegetable oil (sub unsweetened applesauce for lower fat)

- 2/3 cup water

- 4 eggs

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini loaf pans (5 x 3 x 2 inch).

2) Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl until combined.

3) Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended.

4) Place batter in prepared pans (approximately half full) and bake for 1 hour. 

- I recommend checking loaves around 45 minutes with a toothpick. When toothpick comes out clean, the loves are ready to be moved to a cooking rack

Bon Appetit!

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



...

Warm Fall Locks

My roots are thanking the high heavens that I have a color appointment today!

After a late spring and all summer of bright strands, I am craving a warmer fall look to change things up a bit.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Barbie blonde look, but have my eye on a warmer, rich buttery color. With my pale skin tone and light eyes, bright blonde works well, but I am just loving these mulit-tonal honey blonde shades.

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What do you think?

Craving a change for fall too?





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

PPS - Don't miss out on the HUGE group giveaway, now until midnight on Sunday! We have a $25 Starbucks gift card, $50 Boutique Sui gift card, and a pampering kit full of lotions and fall nail polishes. Come and get it!
...

The Perfect Fall Bucket List

M y goodness, I've been pretty MIA lately, haven't I?
With October being the busiest month of the work year for me (hello breast cancer awareness!), I've been exausted. I get home and all I want to do is unplug... and possibly go to bed even if it's 8:30 p.m. Hollaatchaworkingirl!

But you know what? Today is already rather lovely.
Traffic was light. The office is quiet and almost empty. And I turned on my beloved Christmas music today (yes, I'm out of control). It's my favorite season, and I love this.

I'm in a good mood today.

It's my favorite season, and I'm loving the arrival of fall! You should see Kansas City this time of year. Breathtaking trees in every warm shade, slightly chilly weather, and lots of fun to be discovered in the city. I'm ready to break out the cozy fall sweaters and find some fall adventures with my love and friends.

{via}

This weekend is welcomed with open arms. This is our first weekend where we don't have a darn thing planned... and we love it.

I was daydreaming about my perfect autumn weekend and fun date ideas on the way into work this morning. I came up with so many fun things I'd love to do... hence, this amazing list of adventures was created!

 { My Perfect Fall Bucket List }

+ roast marshmallows on the patio

+ sip pumpkin beer

+ make caramel apples

+ host a fall party

+ visit the vineyard on a live music friday night

+ fancy coffee date

+ explore the nature trails on a hike

+ volunteer together

+ football watch party w/ themed snacks

+ go on a picnic at the park

+ visit the apple cider mill (again!)

+ make pumpking pancakes & have a lazy morning

+ trip to the pumpkin patch

+ cozy day movie marathon

+ go apple picking

+ take a day trip

+ bake fall pies

+ play catch with the football

+ visit the zoo

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

Well now I can barely contain my excitement!! I have a feeling that we'll knock some items off of the bucket list this weekend, and I can't wait to share the fun with all of you next week!

I have a feeling like my Pinterest will probably explode form ideas this weekend, and I will wear google out by searching for some local fun... I can't wait!

{ What's on your fall bucket list, friends? }

Have a fun-filled autumn weekend!

Fall Frenzy Gift Swap + Giveaway

Time to brighten up this week with some cheer!
I've absolutely LOVED hosting several blog gift swaps throughout this last year, o I thought it was time for another one to celebrate fall... my favorite season!

Nothing makes me happier than getting a sweet letter or care package from a friend, which is why this is so fun! If you haven't signed up for a gift swap before, scroll down for more details!

On top of all this, I am hosting a fun giveaway!
I will personally send a super fun fall themed care package to the person who spreads the word the most. How easy is that?

After all... I've had my eye on some yummy fall sweets, autumn scented candles, Crate and Barrel fall kitchen towels and more! The giveaway winner will get these EXTRA treats from me! :)


Who wants to join me for the Fall Frenzy gift swap + giveaway?

{ I knew you would be excited!! }

.:: Gift Swap ::.

sign-up - get paired with a buddy - shop/send - receive your buddy's gift

______________________________

1) Interested? Must be a [Life of Meg] follower to be elligible.


2) Leave a comment below that includes your first name and e-mail address.


3) Also in your comment leave at least 5-10 "favorites" of yours.


4) I will send your buddy's e-mail address to you via your provided e-mail address. You then can exchange mailing address information once you're in contact.


5) Shop for your fall goodies {price approx: $20} and send your buddy's gift by Friday, October 6th.



** Sign-up closes on Tuesday, October 2nd @ Noon (CST)! **    

______________________________


Comment Example:

  Meg - [Life of Meg] megnificentlife {at} gmail {dot} com www.megnificentlife.blogspot.com  
- Candy/Snacks:
Dark chocolate anything, coffee, caramels, toffee, candy corn

- Colors:
Brown, orange, coral, navy, yellow, turquoise

- Accessories:
Scarves, cabby hats, cute socks, running accessories, dangly earrings
- Home Decor:
Vanilla or pumpkin scented candles, pumpkins or acorns, classy fall decor, small square frames

- Fun faves:
Cute cupcake liners, starbucks or target giftcards, holiday dish towels, thank you cards, stationary, magazines - SELF, Shape, People, US, Martha Stewart, Real Simple

- Girly things:
Nail polish (fall colors!), soft pink or peach lip gloss, lotions, lip balm, face masks, bubble bath, cute hair accessories

___________________________________________________  

.:: Giveaway ::.

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway! All you have to do is spread the word and follow me on Twitter/Life of Meg and you can win!!   ** Must be participating in the gift swap to be elligible for the giveaway **
a Rafflecopter giveaway


So, who's excited and ready to kick this fall party off?!

I can't wait to match you guys up and hear about all of the fun/girly fall-themed surprises you get in the mail! Autumn is by far my favorite season for baking, watching football, doing craft projects and so much more.

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

Thanks for being here to help me spread some seasonal cheer!

Fall Baking + Randomness + A Holiday Deal!

I am sure all of you thought I fell off the face of the planet... which wouldn't be far from the truth. This week is our massive city-wide breast cancer walk, so naturally I've been swamped! No worries, I'm here for a brain break.

Luckily, I've been keeping up with a lot of you from a far (aka: my cell phone browser), and it's been a week of fun posts! Hope you all are doing really well.

As I sit here in my office while downing my delicious oatmeal and coffee, I have a lot of crazy random in my head, so you have been properly warned!





1) Happy Girl

Is it ridiculous that I woke up with a huge smile on my face because it's date night? Yes, I realize that I have a solid 7-8 hours before this commences, but I am so excited! On the agenda tonight? Running with my buddy, yummy dinner, redbox, and puppy snuggling. We love nights in sometimes! :)


2) Best. Decor. Ever.
I found this little gem on youtube and seriously can't get enough of it! It's hilarious! So naturally I sent it both to Dad and BF so that they can turn their houses into Halloween pallooza... have you seen this?!





...or in case you were looking to sync your lighting to "Party Rock"...



...hilarious, right?


3) A Fall Must Bake

Remember these super scrumptious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe from last year? They are such a solid hit that I actually get requests to make more. I just made a batch last night, and I'm already 2 down. Granted I had zero self-control in the presence of pumpkin greatness, but BF is pretty excited to sample while visiting tonight!


4) Party Pooper

Unfortunately, due to the craziness that is the breast cancer walk this weekend, I have turned down two Halloween party invites. Silly work. My master plan is just to throw some costume together for family dinner on Monday and pass out candy to the little tykes that stop by Adam's casa for a visit. I'm so lame. What are you guys doing?


5) Bring on the parentals!

Mom and Dad are coming up to KC for a weekend visit, and I couldn't be more excited to see them! Naturally, my mom being a breast cancer survivor, they are coming up to participate in the big walk. Those two are just too fun to hang out with, and I know it's going to be a relaxing and fun post-walk weekend!

If you would like to consider giving up your $5 afternoon latte or $10 takeout to donate to finding a cure for breast cancer, click here to visit my team donation page!


6) Need Extra Holiday Money?

Have an Etsy shop? Side business? Know somebody who does? I would love to help you increase your sales for the holiday season! For a limited time, I am offering 30% off my already low monthly sponsorship rates! Monthly sponsors get prime ad space, detailed intro post, and exclusive opportunities to offer giveaways!

Please send me an e-mail at megnificentlife@gmail.com if you are interested and would like more information. I'd love to help you out!

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Wow, that was a lot of spontaneous brain blurbs, wasn't it? Let it sink in, my friends. So thankful that I have such great blog friends, like you, who let me get out all the craziness in my head.

I am just loving all of your comments, tweets, and e-mail - you totally make my day!

Fall + Weekend = Happiness

Today is officially the first day of fall...
{ahhhh!!} ...and I couldn't be more excited [obviously]!! Autumn is by far my favorite season on the year for oh-so-many fabulous reasons. Everything about it makes my heart happy!

Time to break out the pretty patterned tights, courderoys, and scarves! I have SO many yummy things waiting in my "Fall Baking" board on Pinterest... I may have to go to town in the kitchen this weekend!


{Side note}
I made the most amazing Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches on Wednesday! Soft/chewy pb cookies filled with a pb butter cream... they blew my mind!

They were a HUGE crowd-pleaser with my Bible study/BF/guy friends! Stay tuned - recipe coming this afternoon!





.:: Looking Forward To ::.

ok state football games + our colorado trip + fall decor + halloween
pumpkin spice lattes + cozy warm cashmere + brown riding boots
pumpkin patch trips + fall decorating + hosting a fall party
chicago trip + my 25th birthday + yummy seasonal beers
our anniversary + pretty leaves + running outside
thanksgiving + apple picking + doggy park trips
patterned pretty tights + gorgeous weather

.:::.:::.:::.:::.

Well, I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home. While I'll be missing my favorite buddy, I have a soccer team to cheer on, lots of outings planned, girl time to be had, and a baby shower to attend! Pretty jazzed about it!


{ What are you up to this weekend, loves?}


Wishing you a happy one!

Lovely Labor Day Wishes

Happy labor day weekend, dolls!
I'm pretty jazzed to celebrate a long weekend and just relax. Do youg guys have anything fun? Trips? Parties? Well, we have a jam-packed weekend with out-of-town friends visiting.

I am praying for some low-key time, and naturally brunch + mimosas are a given... yum!





{ Labor Day Weekend }

+ getting my car fixed... stupid flat tire!
+ mini chill date night tonight
{ Adam gets back from his week-long work trip! }
+ sleeping in, which is much needed
+ blogging!! :)
+ walk & puppy park for some exercise tomorrow
+ wedding (yes, another one!) on Saturday night
{ ...but it's in a barn, so that's fun }
+ sunday brunch with my cousin
+ royals baseball game Sunday afternoon
+ bbq at BF's parents' house
+ tailgating before the LA v. Sporting KC soccer game on Labor Day!

{ Sounds like the weekend will be a success! }

.::.::.::.::.::.


Well, we are getting off at 3 p.m. today {thank you upper managemenet for the surprise}, so I'm pretty pumped. We also had a silent auction at work and I won 3 spray tan sessions - AWESOME. The winning bid? $12. Yup... $90 value for $12.

Guess what I'm doing after work?! ;)


{ So, tell me, what are you up to this weekend? }


Enjoy you're Labor Day weekend! I have many recipes to post over the next 3 days, so stay tuned!








PS - Don't forget to check out my Fall Frenzy blog gift swap! It's seriously going to be a total blast, so don't miss out! :)

Fall Frenzy - Blog Gift Swap!

Get ready for some fun, my fall loving friends!
After hosting the Mitten Mixer mitten swap in December, the Be My Valentine gift swap in February, I figured it was time for us to have a little fall fun to get us in the autumn spirit!


Who wants to join me for the Fall Frenzy blog gift swap?

{ I knew you would be excited!! }




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.:: Fall Frenzy::.

Sign-up, get matched w/ a buddy, shop for your favorite fall must-haves, and swap via mail!


1) Interested? Must be a [Life of Meg] follower to be elligible.


2) Leave a comment below that includes your first name and e-mail address.


3) Also in your comment leave at least 5-10 "favorites" of yours.

______________________________


Example: Meg's Fall Faves

- Candy/Snacks:
Dark chocolate anything, coffee, caramels, toffee, candy corn

- Colors:
Brown, orange, coral, navy, yellow

- Accessories:
Scarves, fedoras, baseball hats, cute socks, "pearl" or "diamond" stud earrings, stackable bangles, rings, dangly earings, simple necklaces, chunky statement jewelry

- Home Decor:
Votives, fake acorns, leaves, vanilla or pumpkin scented candles, pumpkins, classy fall decor, small square frames

- Fun faves:
Oklahoma State anything, cute cupcake liners, starbucks giftcards, holiday dish towels, thank you cards, stationary, magazines - People, US, Martha Stewart, Real Simple

- Girly things:
Nail polish (fall colors!), soft pink or peach lip gloss, brown palette eye shadow, lip balm, face masks, bubble bath, cute bobby pins

______________________________

4) I will send your buddy's e-mail address to you via your provided e-mail address. You then can exchange mailing address information once you're in contact.


5) Shop for your fall goodies {price max: $20} and send your buddy's gift by September 16th.


Sign-up closes on Tuesday, September 13th @ Noon (CST)!

___________________________________________________
.:: Pretty Please ::.

Spread the word about the [Life of Meg] Fall Frenzy blog gift swap! We want as many people as possible to join us in spreading the fun! The picture above or the button below is for your use in a post or on your sidebar. Please add a link directly to this blog post so that your friends can easily join us in the fun!




<center><a href="http://megnificentlife.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-frenzy-blog-gift-swap.html"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/LifeofMeg/leaves_small2.jpg"/></a></center>
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So, who's totally excited?!

I know I am! I already have a vision of the adorable/fun/girly fall must-haves that I want to buy/send to the buddy I get matched up with!

I hope you will help me spread the fall cheer! It's my absolute favorite season to bake in, watch football, be outside, and enjoy - let's kick it off right!


Happy September!!

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!

I'm Alive!

Hello sweet blog friends! I promise that I AM ALIVE! After a good 3-4 days of being ridiculously ill and doing nothing but sleep and watch awful daytime TV, I have rallied from my tissues and cough drops just in time...

{ I made it to San Francisco! }



For those of you sweet enough to send me kind e-mails wondering if I was okay, I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much! I am such a lucky girl to have such wonderful, active blog friends - ya'll are the best!

So now that I've ventured back to this lovely city by the bay, where will my adventures take me today? I woke up to the sound of the Powell-Hyde cable car right outside my window, and now I'm exited! What to do, what to do?


+ H&M shopping is most definitely a given!




+ Perhaps a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Co. to watch them hand fold fortune cookies? I can even add my own fortune!




+ Maybe a stroll to the Embarcadero Ferry Building?




+ I foresee a Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae in my future - yum!




+ A trip to the piers to watch my favorite sea lions blub around - they make me giggle!




+ Tonight's adventure is the Museum of Modern Art and then dinner on the rooftop terrace... so amazing!




We've already done so much in the last day! A wonderful tour of Anchor Brewery (Anchor Steam is my favorite beer!), shopping extravaganzas at REI and CB2, and lots of relaxing in our posh hotel (photos to come!).

We ended the evening by watching SF Giants fans yelling and high-fiving everyone they passed on the street below after winning game 1 of the world series. SF was wild last night!




No matter what today holds, I know it will be such a blast being back in my old stomping grounds
just adventuring with my cousins!


Wishing you an adventurous day!