Mingle Monday Link-Up + Big Announcement

Holy smokes, what a whirlwind of a weekend!
In case you missed the scoop, hubs turned 30 on Friday, and I threw a big party to celebrate on Saturday!

We had tons of friends and family in town - all of his absolute favorites - and we party hardied all weekend! I'm so glad it went over well and Adam felt loved. All in all, a great weekend!

So, I am pumped that you stopped by to do a little mingling! I also have a BIG announcement that I need your help with, so be sure to read all the way to the very end!!

      
HOW TO MINGLE
 ** Only 3 easy rules - that's all I ask! **

1) Link-up your blog below.
2) You must share a link to Mingle Monday on your post or the Mingle Monday photo.
  3) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below and have FUN!   ** What was the best part of your weekend? **





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** BIG ANNOUNCEMENT **

I feel very honored to be a part of the blog community, and very blessed that my little blog has grown since the day of my first post. I want this blog to focus on paying it forward, so I have decided to re-do my sponsorship platform.

As of right now 100% of advertisement sponsorship proceeds will go to my charity of choice, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. There are dozens and dozens of Hope Lodges across the country that give cancer patients a free place to stay while out of town for cancer treatment. 

With just $10, you can get a month long ad and know that it is going to help real cancer patients and their families. And for $25 you get a prime ad spot AND an awesome "HOPE" tshirt to be mailed to you ASAP as my thanks to you!

This is your day to give back and also get some great exposure in return, so please help me raise money for this awesome organization by becoming a sponsor HERE!

Your generosity makes the world go round - thank you!

HUGE VIP Vacation Giveaway

Who is in need of a nice, relaxing vacation?
A little weekend getaway?

Just think about it... you've been working like a mad woman, running around the city getting ready for the holidays, and have had a packed holiday schedule. I'm sure you could just use a little getaway.

Leisurely enjoy a museum or two, swing by the world renown zoo to watch the penguins, and cap off your night by dinner at a swanky gourmet restaurant.

Well, thanks to Visit Omaha, you can do just that... for FREE!

That's right, the grand prize getaway winner will get to experience Omaha and fall in love with the city just like we did on our trip there this summer! Check out these fantastic prizes (giveaway package worth $300+!)....

·         4 tickets to the Durham Museum

·         4 tickets to the Henry Doorly Zoo 

·         4 tickets to Lauritzen Gardens 

·         2 Omaha shirts (men’s large & Women’s Medium)

·         1 - $100 Zin Room gift card 

So here's your chance to win, and all you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below! Giveaway closes at midnight CST on Tuesday, December 17th! The lucky winner will be announced next Wednesday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

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Need the perfect Christmas gift?
Check out my Cozy Couture Etsy shop for some cozy headwraps and great stocking stuffers!

SHOP HERE!

...

Giveaway Day - Starbucks + Boutique Giftcard and More!

Who wants awesome gift cards and cute gifts??

Well it's giveaway day here on the ol' blog, so I hope you're in the mood for getting some sweet stuff without having to do hardly anything. A total win-win.

Well, there is a $25 Starbucks gift card, $50 gift card, and a hand cream/soap/fall nail polish prize pack thanks to these lovely sponsors!!

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Bloglovin

Emmy is such a blast. This girl is spunky and full of personality - just take a look at her photo on her blog. WAY fun. She is full of inspiration and her sunny disposition easily comes through in everything she writes.

Do yourself a favor and go say hi to my friend Emmy. You won't be disappointed!

Blog // Twitter // Facebook

Okay, y'all. If you don't follow Amber's blog already, you need to hop to it! Amber is a little ball of energy and a very loyal blogger. I admire how professional and awesome she is at popping a quality post out every single day.

Her posts are always solid, she is a great blog friend to have, and you need to go say hi ASAP!

Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram 

Boutique Sui Numeris is a lovely clothing boutique based in Austin, TX. Everything in their store in handpicked quality clothing for every woman. They have a great range from unique vintage pieces to cute collections - little black dresses, anyone?

And for all those brides out there, they have a great collection or bridal and soiree pieces. 

And don't even get me started on their accessories... to. die. for.

Go look around!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway open until Sunday, Monday September 23rd at 12 a.m. CST, and a winner will be announced during the Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Your chance to win is super high if you tweet everyday, so spread the word to anyone and everyone!! It's definitely not irony that the last several giveaway winners were daily giveaway tweeters! So get your social media on, girl.

Weekend Outlook + A Little Freebie

My goodness, it sure seems like those short weeks drag on forever!
I have been dying for Friday at 5 p.m. since Tuesday morning, so I am ready to get my weekend on! Lots of fun and a busy weekend ahead! Here's the weekend outlook...

Friday //
We decided to invite our friends over for an evening of fun drinks on the patio. It's so relaxing and wonderful out there with our fire pit table, adirondack chairs, and garden light. All we need to do is turn up some tunes and enjoy the company!

Did I mention our drink plan for the evening?

{via}

Galley Bay's Caribbean Sea Cocktail

2.5 oz. Malibu Rum

2.5 oz. Blue Curacao

2 oz. pineapple juice

1/2 oz. Sprite soda

Garnish with maraschino cherry

Well hubs and I are missing the spectacular drinks from Galley Bay Antigua - where we honeymooned!

So, I took it upon myself to send a message to the resort asking them for the recipe to our favorite drink... The Caribbean Sea. In under 30 minutes, they got back to me with their recipe, so we can't wait to whip up a batch for tonight!


Saturday //
A little morning zumba session with the girls, followed by some cleaning and crafting. Oh man, that sounds lovely. At some point in the day, we're going to have to force ourselves to pack for our Boston trip - we leave on Tuesday! Hoping to squeeze in a nice late afternoon stroll on our favorite neighborhood trail with the pup too!


Sunday //
I'll be hanging with my favorite 3rd grade girls at Sunday school bright and early. The rest of the day is packed! We have a 1-year-old birthday brunch celebration with the fam, and then we're jumping over to my parent's casa to celebrate my crazy little sister!

In my mind, Linds is going to be 12, but apparently she's turning 20? When did this happen?
Look out world!!

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

So anyway, that's what happening at the Evans Estates (doesn't that sound way fancier than it needs to? Haha!) this weekend.

In the meantime, I want to celebrate TGIF by happily offering a little freebie - 50% off all "group giveaway" and "side bar only" ad sponsorship! Yup, now a whopping total of $6 and $3.50 respectively... enjoy!

For 50% OFF until Sunday night, click HERE use promo code: FRIDAY

Here's what you might've missed this week:

+ week-long blog link-up

+ blog photoshoot photos

+ a MUST see

Have a cozy weekends, friends!

Giveaway: LaMaLu Boutique + Awesome Blogging E-Book

Well it's giveaway day here on the ol' blog, so I hope you're in the mood for getting some sweet stuff without having to do hardly anything. A total win-win.

So many awesome things up for grabs!! First off, we have a fantastic gift card to LaMaLu Boutique! This shop is full of adorable dresses, fun fashions, and tons of gorgeous jewelry and statement necklaces!

See, I told you. 
Gorgeous.

Shop // Facebook// Instagram // Bloglovin

Next up, we have the highly anticipated, blogger friendly e-book, "Blogging at the Next Level" by the adorable Alycia Crowley at the Crowley Party blog. I've read it, and you don't want to miss these incredible tips... promise!

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin // FB

And just for funsies, I am going to throw in a month long sponsor ad space on Life of Meg as a thank you! You guys are the best! Now go enter to win and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway open until Sunday, August 11th at 12 a.m., and a winner will be announced during the Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Your chance to win is super high if you tweet everyday, so spread the word to anyone and everyone!! It's definitely not irony that the last several giveaway winners were daily giveaway tweeters! So get your social media on, girl.


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

Mingle Monday Blog Hop + Awesome Ad Sale!

So glad you stopped by for some networking! Good for you for wanting to promote your blog and get your name out!!

Welp, today is the first day on the new job for me, so hopefully Monday isn't too shabby! Let's kick this Monday off right and get to mingling!

      
HOW TO MINGLE
 
1) Must be a Life of Meg follower to participate.   2) Click on the link below to enter your blog.   3) Go visit other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!   4) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below...     **  What are your favorite healthy snacks? ** 
This girl needs to get back on the wagon!!

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// Sponsor Spotlight //

Hop on over to visit Sharaya Mauck Photography? Her blog is absolutely fantastic and full of GORGEOUS photos! Whether you are looking for ideas for your local family, engagement or wedding photography sessions - Sharaya is so creative!!

And if you are a local Kansas Citian, there is no better photogrpaher in the whole city... promise!!

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // FB // Instagram

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// FLASH SALE! //

Snag your ad space sponsorship on Life of Meg starting at only $5 for a whole month!!
Hurry, hurry hurry... spots are going fast!


Click HERE to get yours!

** ALSO **

Personal blog RTs for your blog on Twitter all day for everyone who tweets about Mingle Monday! I'm always happy to send extra traffic your way for being so kind!! :)

Want to keep up with me on the go?
Go check out my social media buttons on the right sidebar to stay in the loop!

Mingle Monday Blog Hop + Giveaway Winner

Thanks for joining me today to kick your week off the right way! So thrilled that you stopped by for some Mingle Monday networking action. May it bring you lots of fun new visitors and great blogs to read!

First thing's first, I need to announce the winner of last week's $15 Sephora giftcard + Life of Meg ad space sponsor giveaway. So drum roll please.... the winner is....

Cindy Gaarder!

**Cindy, I sent you an e-mail with instructions on how to claim your prize. Congrats!! **

      
HOW TO MINGLE
 
1) Must be a Life of Meg follower to participate.   2) Click on the link below to enter your blog.   3) Go visit other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!   4) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below...     **  What are your biggest pet peeves? ** 
It drives me bananas to hear someone burp.  Majorly gross!!!


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// Sponsor Spotlight //

Have you dropped by to see the STUNNING photos from Sharaya Mauck Photography? Um yeah, you need to see her fantastic photography blog! From weddings to lifestyle photography, she's done everything and does it well.

Did you know Sharaya was our photographer of choice for engagement and wedding photos?
Go check 'em out!

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // FB // Instagram

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// FLASH SALE! //

Snag your ad space sponsorship on Life of Meg starting at only $5 for a whole month!!
Hurry, hurry hurry... spots are going fast!


Click HERE to get yours!

** ALSO **

Personal blog RTs for your blog on Twitter all day for everyone who tweets about Mingle Monday! I'm always happy to send extra traffic your way for being so kind!! :)

Want to keep up with me on the go?
Go check out my social media buttons on the right sidebar to stay in the loop!

Giveaway Day!!

Who is ready to take a quick second to win some awesome loot?

Well the lovely Sarah from Venus Trapped in Mars has generously offered a $15 Sephora giftcard to one of you lucky gal pals! And to make the deal that much sweeter, I am happy to offer one of you one month of Life of Meg premier ad space sponsorship!

That's right, you will get to go on a mini shopping spree all while your blog is being promoted to the blogosphere by moi.

Sound good?
That's what I thought.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // FB // Instagram // BlogLovin

Sarah's fabulous blog is such a FUN place! I mean even her About Me page is colorful and exudes so much personality! We have way to much in common. Even the way she describes herself makes me 110% sure we'd get along a-okay...

"I'm like the ESPN for women, just wrapped in a sparkly package with tons of glitter and fabulosity!"

Good grief, I mean what's not to love? 

Please go say hi to Miss Sarah, check out Venus Trapped in Mars, and say thanks for offering such a fantastic sponsor giveaway, Don't forget to enter via Rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway open until Sunday, and your chance to win is high! Spread the word to anyone and everyone... it's good juju with the Sephora gods... trust me.


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

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Good morning, sunshine!

So glad you decided to stop by for a little Mingle Monday action. There are so many great blogs for you to discover, and what a perfect way for you to promote and grow your blog.

Who's ready to get started?

   
HOW TO MINGLE
 
1) Must be a Life of Meg follower to participate.   2) Click on the link below to enter your blog.   3) Go visit other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!   4) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below...     **  What would your dream job be, if you could do anything? ** 


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// Sponsor Spotlight //

A BIG thank you to lovely Sharaya, from Sharaya Mauck Photography, for sponsoring Mingle Monday!

You guys, she takes the world's most stunning photos, and we loved having her as our engagement and wedding photographer! By far the best decision we made. Go check her amazing photos out and say hello!!

Did I mention she is absolutely gorgeous and the sweetest thing since cupcakes?

Yup, I said cupcakes.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // FB // Instagram

** ALSO **

Personal blog shout outs and RTs for your blog on Twitter all day for everyone who tweets about Mingle Monday! I'm always happy to send extra traffic your way for being so kind!! :)

Want to keep up with me on the go?

Go check out my social media buttons on the right sidebar to stay in the loop!


PS - Check back in tomorrow - it's GIVEAWAY time!! :)

PPS - BIG announcement coming on Wednesday!! Stay tuned!

Bring on the Lawn Games + Merriment!

After a long 15 months, the time has finally arrived for my dear best friend to get hitched.

Yup, Adam and I are headed out of town tonight to journey down to tiny Okeene, Oklahoma for a weekend of fun, friends, and celebration. I am excited beyond belief to see Lo and Brian tie the knot! Can you tell?

These two have worked insanely hard to build a gorgeous gazebo in her parents backyard, pave an aisle, and landscape. With that rich in spirit backyard feel, they have handcrafted lawn games for guests to play....

...including a lifesize Jenga set.
Ahhh-mazing.

Meet the soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong...




Aren't they such a gorgeous couple? I still can't get over these stunning photos captured by her photography cousin, Annie Nicole.

Let me just tell you, Lo is going to a stunning bride in her amazing vintage accessories and STUNNING dress. Eek! Butterflies in my tummy just thinking about the big day.

Don't you worry, I'll have lots to share {photos!} when I'm back at it next week!

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Today's featured sponsor is Kelli from She Learns As She Goes...

Blog // Twitter // FB // Instagram

:: Five Fun Facts ::

1. I'm super introverted and a bit of a dork.
2. I LOVE playing board games. My husband and I own over 60 games and have weekly game nights with friends.
3. I believe that everything happens for a reason - even the bad stuff can be used for good.
4. My husband and I, along with his brother, run a popular comedy channel on YouTube called Blimey Cow and we release new videos every Monday!
5. I love being captivated by a good story. My favorites are science fiction (the more epic and outer spacey, the better!) and historical/period pieces.

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...and Kaitlyn from Crazy Life of Kaitlyn.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest

:: Meg Note ::

Kaitlyn wasn't able to share five fun facts, but you should definitely stop by and say hello!


Happy [early] weekend, lovelies!



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

Bling Your Ring Ring

I don't know about you all, but I am ready to say buh-bye to winter and usher in Spring with wide open arms!

After suffering through gloomy cold days on end, I'm definitely in the mood for all things bold and colorful this spring. My trusty companion (iPhone) is no different. I think it's time for a little phone makeover, and  I am absolutely loving these fun and playful printed cases...

 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Are you lovelies in the mood for spring and colorful accessories?

Where can I find more cute cases?!

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Today's featured sponsor is Katie from The Small Change Project. 

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // FB // Vimeo

:: Five Fun Facts ::

1. I'm 100% Norwegian

2. My husband and I shared the same middle name spelled the same way. Instead of taking his name when we got married we made our shared middle name our last name.

3. I've lived in 3 states and 5 houses in the last 3 1/2 years. 

4. I have a dog named Watson that has traveled with us to 12 states so far. 

5. My husband and I are middle school sweethearts. 

              ___________________________________________________________________

...and Robin Charmagne from and Robin Charmagne the Blog.

Blog // Twitter // FB // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin

:: Five Fun Facts ::

1. I'm a twin.

2. Huge sci-fi fan.

3. Magazine junkie.

4. All my cars have been the same color... red!

5. 27 years in my sorority.

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

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

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Hey y'all!

So glad you decided to stop by and link-up! I have the world's most amazing readers, and I can't wait to introduce them to you. So link-up, spread the word, and go visit some great new blogs!

BIG NEWS - I have completely re-done all of my blog sponsorships and pricing. 

I spent a month doing research on how to maximize sponsors' exposure, offer budget friendly prices, and help you grow your blog. I encourage you to check it out!

And I want to extend a $4 discount to you (on any sponsor spot!), and invite you to see what sponsoring can do for you! There are awesome opportunities as low as $10, and with that discount, how can you refuse a great sponsor spot for only $6!!!

If you choose to sponsor, please use promo code: WELCOME


    
HOW TO MINGLE
 
1) Must be a Life of Meg follower to participate. 2) Click on the link below to enter your blog. 3) Go visit other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday! 4) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below...  ** What was the last great movie you went to?  ** 




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Want to know how you can get you blog highlighted during Mingle Monday?

// Click HERE //
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$4 OFF all sponsor ads!

Use promo code: WELCOME

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** ALSO **

Personal blog shout outs and RTs for your blog on Twitter all day for everyone who tweets about Mingle Monday! I'm always happy to send extra traffic your way for being so kind!! :)

Want to keep up with me on the go?
Go check out my social media buttons on the right sidebar to stay in the loop!

Meet the Ladies: {March}

Looking for some great new blogs to discover?

Well boy howdy, do I have to introduce you to some very special blog ladies! These gal pals have rocking blogs full of great photos, fun stories, and posts that will real you in.. trust me.

You definitely need to take a second and go say hello!
Never underestimate how you can boost someone's day by a sweet comment.
So, let me introduce you to some of blog land's finest! Just for giggles, I asked them to share some of their deepest, darkest guilty pleasures...

Enjoy!

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest

Guilty Pleasures?

My guilty pleasures of course my boyfriend. Haha. Haha but really. We are long distance so when ever we see each other there's a lot of kisses, hugs, cuddles. Then I love me some movies. I love all types my movies take up 3 drawers in my college room. I also love me ice cream.

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // FB

Guilty Pleasures?

I'm addicted to TV - again! After months of being too busy to watch TV, I'm enjoying lots of time off work where I watch reality TV on E!, entire seasons of Glee, and the entire series (so far) of Bunheads. I can't get enough of the quick wit and the ridiculous lives that people live.

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // FB

Guilty Pleasures?

Right now my guilty pleasure is watching episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show on Hulu.

I used to watch it as a kid and now I love seeing the styles of fashion and comedy again. It's even more fun 
since I live in Minnesota where the show was filmed. I love escaping to her life for an hour each night. 

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // FB

Guilty Pleasures?

Where do I start? Well, honestly, they all have men's names... Edward Cullen, Ben & Jerry, Chuck Bass... perhaps a little Jack Daniels at times. :) Non guilty pleasures? Spoiling my little poodle baby with all my heart!

Blog // Photography // Instagram  // FB

Guilty Pleasures?

I would have to say a bag of hot cheetos, anything on Bravo (especially Vanderpump Rules as of late), and really hot bubble baths would have to be on that list. And Starbucks. That's a guilty pleasure I indulge myself in daily.

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // FB

Guilty Pleasures?

TV show The Vampire Diaries. It's so ridiculous - but I soak up every second of it. Oooo steamy vampire men! And I'm slightly addicted to the game Tiny Tower on my iPad. 

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // FB

Guilty Pleasures? Edy's slow churned butter pecan ice cream, all the Real Housewives Franchises, Beyond the Rack, room service.


I bet you can relate to some of these guilty pleasures. I mean, I absolutely cannot - in any way, shape or form - relate to their love of trashy reality TV, Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia FroYo, or completely spoiling my dog.

Does anyone believe me?

Okay.. I'm the world's worse liar. This blonde has some crazy vices! :)

Thanks for stopping  by, lovies!
Go show these girls some blog love, mmkay?