A Holly Jolly Ornament Swap!

Now that we've trick-or-treated and gobble gobbled, it's time to spread some holiday cheer, don't you think? Well that's what Rachel, over at Simple Little Joys, and I are thinking!

Rach (the world's most adorable blog BFF) and I brainstormed a few weeks back about how we could do something holly and jolly! Our main goal? To build blog friendships and extend joy during the happiest time of the year.

So, being the genius that she is, Rach had the amazing idea to organize a Christmas tree ornament swap! And who on earth hates Christmas ornament holly jolliness? Nobody... that's who.

So join us! Sign-up to be a swap buddy and we'll get you all taken care of! Read on below to find out how!

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    .:: Swap Sign-Up ::.
Sign-up, get matched w/ a buddy, share your tree style, and then shop for your buddy's Christmas ornament. Swap via mail and then... voila!


1) Interested? 

Must be a [Life of Meg] follower AND a {Simple Little Joys} follower to be eligible. (And yes... we do check every entry!)

2) Leave a comment on this post that includes your first name and e-mail address.
Once the sign-up closes on Sunday December 2nd, we will match each
one of you up with a buddy!

3) We will send your buddy's e-mail address to you via your provided e-mail address. You then can exchange mailing addresses and information.

4) Shop for the perfect ornament to send! Mail it to your buddy on or before December 10th.

5) Wait for your ornament surprise to arrive!

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.:: Pretty Please ::.

Spread the word about our Holly Jolly Ornament Swap! 

We want as many people as possible to join us in this cozy, holiday cheer! The picture above 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! 

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So who's totally excited?!

I know I am! Rach is too (trust me on that one... she's so Christmassy, she could be Santa's favorite elf)! I can't wait to get matched with a buddy and find the world's cutest eye-dazzler for their tree. This will be so fun!

She and I hope this swap will be a cute way for all of us to spread some holiday magic, so thanks in advance for joining us!

Wishing you a festive Starbucks latte-filled kind of day!
(yes, extra whipped cream and chocolate shavings is a given.)

Soak Up the Sun - Blog Gift Swap!

Get ready for some fun, my summer-loving friends!
After hosting several blog gift swaps throughout the year, I've decided it's time for a fresh summer-themed extravaganza! Did I grab your attention yet?

I have really enjoyed all of your feedback about how much you loved getting adorable little gifts in the mail from you swap partner, so we're going to keep this little tradition rolling! I mean, who doesn't LOVE getting real mail, not to mention a whole package!

{ I knew you would be excited!! }

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.:: Soak Up the Sun - Blog Gift Swap ::. Sign-up, get matched w/ a buddy, shop for your favorite summer 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 Summer Faves  
- Treats:
Crystal Light, fruit leather, pistachios, healthy snacks

- Colors:
Yellow, yellow, and yellow! Coral, turquoise, and orange are amazing too!

- Accessories:
Scarves, fedoras, beach hats, running socks, running visor, chunky earrings, truquoise jewelry, coral jewelry, simple stud earrings, sunglasses.
- Home Luxuries:
Fruity/Beachy/Vanilla scented candles, Scentsy bars, modern/simple frames, Crate and Barrel type decor.

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

- Girly things:
Nail polish (summer colors!), soft pink or peach lip gloss, shimmery neutral palette eye shadow, lip balm, face masks, bubble bath, cute bobby pins, coconut scented body lotion, self tanner.

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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 summer goodies {price max: $20} and send your buddy's gift by Monday, June 25th.  ___________________________________________________

.:: Pretty Please ::.

Spread the word about the [Life of Meg] Soak Up the Sun 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/2012/06/summer-blog-swap.html"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/LifeofMeg/soakupthesun.jpg"/></a></center>


** Sign-up closes on Wednesday, June 20th @ Noon (CST)! **

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So, who's totally excited?!

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

I hope you will help me spread the summertime cheer! It's one of my absolute favorite seasons to eat fresh, be active, enjoy outdoors, and strut my warm weather fashions, so let's kick it off right!



Happy Summer!!

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PS - Want to gain new followers?! Need some blog exposure?

Click HERE to visit my weekly Mingle Monday blog hop! Open all week long! :)

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World's BEST Date Night!

That's right, it's THURSDAY!!
...which means it's date night with my hunky man friend (he would chuckle and shake his head at me if/when he reads this)! So he text me a little while ago and said he has something planned out... isn't that adorable? I sure thought so.

So, after we eat dinner at my house and make the Christmas cookies that I need to bring to my work party tomorrow, we're doing this...




Christmas light touring!!! Bonus? It's supposed to snow tonight! :)
BF is planning for us to pile in his mini cooper, stop by Starbucks to get peppermint cocoas, and then go holly jollying around town!

He even mapped out which parts of town have the coolest light displays, and it's going to be such a great time! Christmas in KC is SO pretty...






Bella Beast even got invited to ride along with us, so it's going to be a pretty snuggly night! Looking forward to making memories and enjoying doing holiday festivities together! We'll cap off the great evening by making these yummy treats for tomorrow' party...







What seasonal must-do's are on your holiday list?

It's A Wrap: Holiday Edition

My oh my, how's everyone doing today?
I was all snuggled in my bed with my fluffy puppy this morning, when I woke up to a text from BF saying it snowed! What a great way to wake up! :)

Luckily KC just got a light dusting, but it made my work commute about 90 minutes... gee whiz! Good thing I had my Christmas music to keep me company, eh?

So, like most of you, I have Christmas on my mind and can barely believe it's less than 3 weeks away! I made a point to purchase Christmas presents early, so almost everyone is checked off my list! Now all I have to do is the wrapping...




Never before have I purchased everything in enough time to add personal touches to the wrapping, so this is my year! I am loving the brown paper and twine themed gift wrapping this year! Here are a few photos that I'm using for inspiration...








Now if only I had these things to help me out... I mean how cool would it be to have a gift wrap ROOM!?


{ Buy HERE }




Here are some of the DIY wrapping how-to's that I will be visiting:


- Martha Stewart: Christmas Workshop


- Real Simple: 21 Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

- BHG: Christmas Crafts & Decor


What holiday wrapping trends are you loving?





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PS - In case you missed the Mingle Monday blog hop yesterday, go check it out! Get your blog some exposure and find some other great blogs!
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Oh Lent.. You Frustrate Me

Caio Bellas! Salutations from soggy Kansas City!
I wanted to first thank all of you for being so wonderful. If you are a [Life of Meg] newbie, I am so thrilled that you're here!!

I truly feel so blessed and excited to have each and every one of you join me on my humble little blog everyday!

Now that everyone feels warm and fuzzy, let's get down to business!


{ Let's talk lent. }




For those of you who participate in the Lenten season every year, I must tell you that I am a little stumped as to what to give up this time. I truly want it to be something challenging to me. To give you an idea of what I have sacrificed before, let me give you a little recap...

Last year I gave up any and all desserts. And let me just tell you, I went nuts on Easter!


"Yes, as a matter of fact I will have a 17th cookie. Thanks for asking!"

Other past lent choices were no coffee, chocolate, meat, etc. So, I guess here I am wondering what to give up.

The more I have asked friends/family, the more I've realized that I don't necessarily have to give up something for lent, but I can actually take something on for lent.

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So, I thought about it for quite awhile and have come up with a list of potential things to choose to take on for lent:

- Community volunteering once a week
- 25 push-ups and 60 sit ups every night
- Running 50 miles over lent
- Reading 30 minutes before bed
- Doing 2 loads of laundry during the week
- At least a 30 minute devotional before bed

...and so many more!

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So my question is:

{ What are you giving up/taking on for Lent? }


Thanks in advance for your ideas/inspiration!! :)

Let the Magic Begin!

Why Good Mornin'!!
I woke up so unbelievably happy this morning. Why you ask? Well my alarm went off and I reached my hand out of my super cozy bed, grabbed my phone, and found a message from my super sweet co-worker friend that read:


"No work... SNOW DAY!! :)"




Instant smile.

So naturally I sent a text to BF, Mom and Dad, and all my fave friends. This girl has a snow day and I am ready to do something FUN to celebrate! WOOP WOOP!

With a predicted 15-20 inches of snow, I might be here awhile! I thought I would share my snow day plans with you via these fabulous photos.










.:: Right now I am... ::.

+ in my PJs
+ snuggling with Bella Beast
+ getting ready to watch The Bachelor (Go DVR!)



.:: I am looking forward to... ::.

+ trekking to BF's house
+ making cinnamon rolls for him and his roomies
+ hanging with my friends all day
+ watching movies



.:: Today I want to... ::.

+ start my new crochet project
(did you see those headwraps up there? ;) yay!)
+ drink yummy hot chocolate
+ play in the snow
+ relax
+ enjoy my magical snow day


I am even so excited right now I can't go back to sleep, which make my little puppy monster happy! Just snuggling together in my bed!


{ Did anyone else get a snow day?! }


Have a Magical Day!





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PS- Looking for new followers or fun new blogs? Don't forget that the Mingle Monday blog hop is open until Wednesday at midnight.
Stop by and get your blog some exposure!
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Happy Gobble Gobble Fest

Greetings friends, both old and new! I'm so glad you've joined me this morning - ya'll just make me so happy! I'm pretty excited to head to lunch today with BF and his sister (in from out of town). Should be a fun day and then I'm off to my parents house for the weekend!

Well in lieu of Thanksgiving, I have prepared a fantastic poem I found to share with all of you. It just made me giggle, so I had to share!



{ Thanksgiving Day Wishes }



T’was the night of Thanksgiving,
But I just couldn’t sleep.
I tried counting backwards,
I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned,
The dark meat and white.
But I fought the temptation,
With all of my might.

Tossing and turning,
with anticipation.
The thought of a snack
Became infatuation.

So I raced to the kitchen,
Flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge,
Full of goodies galore.


I gobbled up turkey,
And buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots,
Beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling,
So plump and so round.
‘til all of a sudden,
I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling,
Floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding,
And a handful of pie.

But I managed to yell
As I soared past the trees
Happy eating to all,
Pass the cranberries, please!!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize
And May your Thanksgiving dinner...

Stay off of your thighs!




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All fun and games aside, God has blessed me so very much and I am so grateful. I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving:


- my fabulous family
- my sweet BF/best friend
- my faithful friends
- my wonderful dream job
- my little puppy
- a nice place to live
- a wonderful church home
- a car to drive
- being healthy and happy
- to live in a wonderful country
where I can freely wish you all...


...the happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours!

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I am also so thankful for each one of you and for this blog that makes me so happy. More than my blog, I can't you enough for being such wonderful blog friends! You are truly encoruaging and amazing... I am always so in awe and inspired by all of you!


Peace, Thankfulness & Pumpkin Pie!

Who Wants FREE Christmas Cards?

Yes, friends... FREE!
If you haven't heard about the amazing promotion that Shutterfly is doing for bloggers, you need to check it out! Bloggers can apply to get 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly (details at the end of the post).

I have loved Shutterfly for years now! They always have the most up-to-date and cutest Christmas cards on their site. After stopping by for a visit (which is when I learned of their awesome giveaway), I fell in love with the adorable designs below...






...which one is your fave?

Plus, you can't send out fun Christmas cards without cute matching address labels!

If holiday cards aren't you thing, Shutterfly even has create-your-own-calendar templates, gift labels, and adorable photo gifts! Personalize anything you can imagine for friends and family this holiday season!

I want to throw an awesome Christmas party just so that I can use one of these super cute invites...






{ LOVE! }

I hope you'll visit Shutterfly.com to see their whole holiday collections... I know I will!

For details on how you can receive 50 FREE holiday cards, click HERE!

Happy Shopping!





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PS- Looking for new followers or fun new blogs? Don't forget that the Mingle Monday blog hop is open until Wednesday at midnight.
Stop by and get your blog some exposure!
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**Don't Forget to SIGN-UP for the cozy Mitten Mixer mitten swap!**



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