Mingle Monday!

Yes, that's right, the Mingle Monday extravaganza is back! You're all totally pumped, aren't you? I knew it.

Anyway... WELCOME to Mingle Monday! I hope you all are ready for some fun, new friends, and lots of followers!

If you are new to my blog or Mingle Monday - Thanks for stopping by the party! Please click on the Mingle Monday tab located at the top of [Life of Meg] for details.


Just a few housekeeping rules...

________________________________________

1) Please include the NAME of your blog as well as the correct URL.

Example: [Life of Meg]
www.megnificentlife.blogspot.com


2) Unfortunately, any minglers lacking their blog's name and URL will not be able to be included in tomorrow's blog highlight list. So... please make sure it's included in your comment - this is here to help YOU! :)


3) Also, your blog grows the more readers that follow. In order to get your name out there, we all have to tell our favorite blog friends about Mingle Monday. The more bloggers the merrier!!


4) Remember, I will choose 3 mingler over-achievers (who post on their blog about Mingle Monday) to receive a feature review and recommendation of their blog in tomorrow's post.


5) In order to be entered you MUST comment again and leave the link to your blog's Mingle Monday post. Bueno? Bueno!


**Anyone who was awesome enough to participate in the Mingle Monday make-up last week will be highlighted this week - I didn't forget all of you wonderful people! xo
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{ Let's go! }




{ Mmm... coffee! }
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As always, Summer was running 15 minutes behind schedule. Her to do list for that Tuesday morning was so long that she didn't think she'd ever see the bottom.

Although she was pleasantly surprised that she pulled together a decently coordinated outfit and had time to curl her long mocha colored hair, she was absolutely in a funk. There was only one thing that could cure her... Mourt's Coffee.

She power walked the 3 blocks to the little hole-in-the-wall cafe and was greeted by a line that was almost out the door. While waiting she pulled out her BlackBerry and began tinkering away in order to make the line appear to move faster.

Finally, she was only 3 spots away from the counter. All the while she was catching up on her phone she was completely unaware that the handsome man in front of her kept stealing little looks and couldn't help but smile at her.

At last it was her turn to order her "usual" venti soy latte. Once the drink was order she went to pull out her little yellow change purse only to be interrupted by the barrista.

"Oh no ma'am, you don't have to worry about it. The man in front of you already paid for your coffee."

Summer was absolutely confused. As she shot the barrista a puzzled look, he just pointed toward the cafe door. As Summer twirled around she saw a tall man with a scruffy face and chocolate colored eyes smiling at her. He held up his coffee as to say, "Here's to you. You are stunning and I couldn't help myself."


________________________________________


...and...

{ GO! }



Happy Mingling!

Epic Weekend Ahead!

Could I be any more excited about this weekend
Ummmm... no. SO EXCITED! After last night's relaxing girly night I am relaxed, nails polished, house clean and now I'm ready to take on the world!


{ Epic Weekend Ahead! }




1) Date Night

Dressing up, dinner, dessert and drinks with my favorite buddy (xo!). Very ready to spend a care-free evening out on the town... always an amazing time w/ BF.


2) Saturday Morning Zumba

Officially hit the -10 lbs mark! Woooo! I think I'm addicted to this amazing class. Love, love, love getting my sweat on w/ my girlfriends!


3) Cousin Girly Day

Looking forward to browsing City Market in the sunshine. The day naturally couldn't be complete without a spontaneous adventure, puppy play date, local coffee shop visit and a girly movie!


4) WaterFest 2010

Friends + Sunday + Slip n Slide + Water Guns + Cookout + Pool = EPIC!


5) Hangin' w/ New Friends

Really excited to meet one of BFs bestest friends of all time. Looking forward to relaxing and enjoying everyone's company this weekend!




Wishing you an adventurous weekend!

True Life: I'm a Movie Star

Yep, it's true... I am well on my way to stardom! I spent all of yesterday afternoon filming several scenes outside (I live such a hard life). What movie you ask? Well, only the summer blockbuster! Duh.

Well, I appreciate any of you who actually thought I was cool enough to be in a REAL movie... however, we were just filming a super fun video at work, very similar to my very favorite Pink Glove Dance!


{ WHAT?! You don't know the PINK GLOVE DANCE?! }


Please do us all a favor and watch this video... it will totally make your day!





So anyway, a trillion million of my co-workers and I had a blast dancing ridiculously to "I've Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. Hope to show you the finished product soonish!

A big thank you to my Daddio who showed me the Pink Glove video a while back. It was totally my inspiration for our dance!
{ Love you, Daddy! }


Enjoy!


PS- Look out for the janitor man! He CRACKS ME UP!

Mingle Monday Make-up!

How on earth could I let a whole Monday go by without a mingle party??? Shame on me! I choose to blame the issue on my neighbors (who I am actively stealing internet from), if they could only get their router working I'd be golden! Jerks.

Anyway... WELCOME to Mingle Monday! I hope you all are ready for some fun, new friends, and lots of followers!

If you are new to my blog or Mingle Monday - Thanks for joining us! Please click on the Mingle Monday tab located at the top of [Life of Meg] for details.


Just a few housekeeping rules...

________________________________________

1) Please include the NAME of your blog as well as the correct URL.

Example: [Life of Meg]
www.megnificentlife.blogspot.com


2) Unfortunately, any minglers lacking their blog's name and URL will not be able to be included in tomorrow's blog highlight list. So... please make sure it's included in your comment - this is here to help YOU! :)


3) Also, your blog grows the more readers that follow. In order to get your name out there, we all have to tell our favorite blog friends about Mingle Monday. The more bloggers the merrier!!

4) Remember, I will choose 3 mingler over-achievers (who post on their blog about Mingle Monday) to receive a feature review and recommendation of their blog in tomorrow's post.

In order to be entered you MUST comment again and leave the link to your blog's Mingle Monday post. Bueno? Bueno!
________________________________________



{ Time for Mingle Monday Make-up Sesh! }





{ Here we go! }
________________________________________

Every Friday evening of pay day, Marcie would always swing by her local grocery store on her way home from the subway to get a food overhaul... and a lottery ticket.

Although Marcie loved her non-profit career and was very good at still living like a poor college student (even after 4 years after graduating from UC Berkeley), her 300 square foot "luxury" studio in San Francisco was feeling a bit snug and clothes a bit worn.

Some days she daydreamed about living by the marina, taking taxis instead of the subway, lavish dinner dates at all the hot spots and buying that cute puppy she saw in the pet store window. One of these days...

It was a normal Friday evening for Marcie. Worn out and exhausted, she fought the subway crowds until her 18th St. stop. "Almost home!" she thought. She contemplated by-passing the grocery store for 3 blocks, but decided that applesauce and string cheese wouldn't cut it for dinner. Upon checking out with her grocery bag in hand, she stopped by the lottery ticket counter.

That evening, Marcie was finally able to relax with a big bowl of pasta and a smooth glass of wine. Around 10 p.m. or so, Marcie switched the channel over to News 4 to listen to the broadcast as she cleaned up her dinner mess. 20 minutes went by before she heard the word "lottery" louyd and clear.

She wiped the suds off of her pink fingernails and scrambled for her ticket. Although she knew there was no way she'd ever win, she still checked it.


"And this week'slottery numbers are 24-03-17-21-13!" the anchor said. "Hopefully there is a lucky winner out there who will be taking home that $36 million jackpot!"


Marcie was shocked. Could that really be right?


"24... 03... 17... 21... 13," she read outloud in disbelief.


"Oh my gooodness."


________________________________________


...and...

{ GO! }



Happy Mingling!

Hello Weekend Adventures!

Now, did you really think you could keep me away for long? Of course not... I'm b-a-c-k!

I was a little stressed/overwhelmed with work and life earlier this week, so I thought I would take a nice break for a few days. BUT I realized that [Life of Meg] is my comfort, my creative outlet and the safe place that I love, so I couldn't help but miss it and miss all of you!

{ Anyway... on to weekend fun! }



So many wonderful things to look forward to...


+ going to bed early
+ DIY pedicure w/ a new sassy OPI shade
+ grocery shopping
+ trying out new yummy recipes
+ boating at the lake w/ BF & co.
+ quality time, sunshine and great company
+ dinner outing at a new restaurant
+ sunday morning breakfast date
+ world cup finals
+ lazy sunday nap + chill time
+ evening church
+ kickball w/ the gang


Absolutely looking forward to the first weekend in a while that is totally chill, flexible plans and absolutely relaxing. Excited to spend quality time with some of my favorite people...


{ Mmmm, weekend I like you already! }



What's on your fun agenda this weekend?

Taking a Break

That's today's theme for sure. I just don't know. I think I am going to take a break from blogging for a while. I have a lot on my mind and I'm exhausted in every sense of the word. It could be a few days, it could be a few weeks... I just don't know.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a beautiful week! I hope you live every minute to it's fullest potential and don't leave a second unclaimed. Today is your time to live! Life is far too precious for regrets and maybes.


Lots of love,

Fabulous 4th Recipes and Decor

No festive 4th of July shin-dig can be complete without amazing decorations and delicious food! Check out some of my favorite festive finds...




Red Velvet Cake a la Bon Appetit Magazine




Pottery Barn




Country Living




Martha Stewart




Southern Living




Pottery Barn




Patriotic Flag Cake a la Martha Stewart

__________________________________________________


I know, I know.. now you're drooling, right?

{ Me too! }

__________________________________________________



I can't wait to road trip to the big OKC to see my besties! Lots of BBQs, baking, and fun to be had... look out!


What are your fabulous 4th plans?
Have any cute patriotic decor or recipes?

Team Jacob Unite!

Tonight's the night! That's right, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is finally out and you'd better believe I'm going to be sitting elbow to elbow with 3,000 frantic, screaming middle school girls... can't wait!

{ Team Jacob UNITE! }


{ ...and you're welcome for the photos. }

Get It, Shakira!

My Zumba instructor played the official World Cup song, "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)", song last night in class. I went crazy! Not sure if I have ever danced that hard in all my life.


{ Waka Waka = Downloaded! }






Can't wait to run to this song today... check it out and BUST A MOVE!


Do you love this song too? Wooo World Cup!

Sweet Blog Treats

If you missed out on yesterday's amazing Mingle Monday party, don't you worry! I have a list of all of the best blogs in town right here!

Thank to all of you who stopped by, hopefully picked up some new followers and made my day. I love Mingle Monday! Here are some delicious new blog treats for you to discover...

{ enjoy! }



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{ This Week's Winners! }


1) Karen @ The Kimchee Chronicles

- You HAVE to stop by and check her out! Always hilarious, completely girly and fun, this is a daily read for me. LOVE Karen's Flirty Fridays posts!


2) Mei @ Diary of a Fair Weather Diver

- What a fun new blog to discover! Complete with fabulous movie and book reviews! Go stop by and tell Mei how fun her blog is!


3) Kat @ Between You and Me and the Kat's Whiskers

- Cute, cute, cute! I just love the pretty design and layout of Kat's blog! New to the blogging scene - go give her some love!
_______________________________________________


{ Looking for a new FABULOUS read? }


- Chocoholic @ Diary of a Chocoholic
- Tiffany @ The Apple Doesn't Fall Far
- Sarah @ A Girl in the Sunshine
- Christy@ 25 Before 25
- Aubrey Rose @ My Simple Everyday
- Breanna @ Sweet Silver Lining
- Megan @ Stories From Meg
- Mrs. Ayers @ The Ayers Travel Adventures
- Casey @ Poodleism
- Nikki Jo @ A Single Girl in the City
- Caro @ Caro's Ramblings
- Jen @ Casa de Cowan
- Jenna @ Sweetest Surprise

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If you were new to Mingle Mondays this week - what did you think?


I hope all of you really look forward to Mondays as much as I do! I love reading the story, seeing your excited comments, and more than anything...
helping YOU out!




{ This is all about YOU, my sweets! }







**Please note that all 3 weekly winners were chosen at random. Please try back next week for your chance to win and be highlighted!

**Also, if you were not listed you may have left out your blog NAME and/or URL. Next time be sure to double check, because I would love to have you on the list!

**If you think there may have been a mistake, PLEASE let me know! :)

Ice Cream = Protein... right?

Would you like to know how my weekend went? Well, it went a little something like this...



Macaroni & Cheese + Gelato + Hamburger + Angel Food Cake
Homemade Pizza + Strawberry Rhubarb Pie + Bagel
Vanilla Soy Latte + Brunch + Frozen Yogurt
Mexican Food + Haagen Dazs

{ O. M. G. }





Holy crap... best weekend ever.

I thought the food frenzy was going to wind down yesterday... nope! We went out with our kickball team for a post-game treat at a
{ delicious } frozen yogurt store. So naturally after healthy frozen yogurt you have to load up on the Mexican food...


...and so we did!


If that wasn't enough, BF and ran to the grocery store afterward to grab ingredients to pre-make the main dish for "family dinner" Mondays. Of course we couldn't leave without a pint of vanilla bean FIVE Haagen Dazs ice cream and chocolate shell topping.


__________________________________________

If you haven't tried FIVE, you'd better run to the store STAT!
And I mean literally run... this stuff is so deliciously addictive, you'll need to start working it off now.

__________________________________________




Here's to working out!



PS- If you haven't dropped by Mingle Monday yet - you'd better get to the party and gain some new followers! :)

Mingle Monday!

Without further delay... WELCOME to Mingle Monday! I hope you all are ready for some fun, new friends, and lots of followers!

If you are new to my blog or Mingle Monday - Thanks for joining us! Please click on the Mingle Monday tab located at the top of [Life of Meg] for details.


Just a few housekeeping rules...

________________________________________

1) Please include the NAME of your blog as well as the correct URL.

Example: [Life of Meg]
www.megnificentlife.blogspot.com


2) Unfortunately, any minglers lacking their blog's name and URL will not be able to be included in tomorrow's blog highlight list. So... please make sure it's included in your comment - this is here to help YOU! :)


3) Also, your blog grows the more readers that follow. In order to get your name out there, we all have to tell our favorite blog friends about Mingle Monday. The more bloggers the merrier!!

4) Remember, I will choose 3 mingler over-achievers (who post on their blog about Mingle Monday) to receive a feature review and recommendation of their blog in tomorrow's post.

In order to be entered you MUST comment again and leave the link to your blog's Mingle Monday post. Bueno? Bueno!
________________________________________



{ Let Mingle Monday commence! }





{ Here we go! }
________________________________________

After weeks and weeks of late work nights and never-ending case loads at the firm, Amy was completely burnt out. Young, ambitious, and dying to make a name for herself, she thrived off of the challenge, but she had reached her max. Amy loved living within the Boston metropolis, and lawyer life was great, but she was feeling restless... trapped. She knew it was time to get away.

Usually Amy was the responisble planner type, weighing her pros and cons while analyzing every last detail, but not today. This was her day to be free. She decided to call in sick bright and early that Thursday morning, packed up her Louis Vuitton luggage that she spent her Christmas bonus on, and was off to the airport.

With her long chestnut locks cascading out of her floral head scarf, she decided to go for it. There were millions of fabulous destinations to choose, but she felt like being wild, spontaneous Amy today. Walking up to the ticket counter, she took a deep breath and finally worked up the courage to say...

________________________________________


...and...

{ GO! }



Happy Mingling!

Merry Weekend To You!

Hello weekend... take me away!
First off, I can't tell you how HAPPY I am that it's Friday (...can I get an "Amen"?!). Second, super happy I have so many lovely things to look forward to...




dinner + puppies + girly cousin time
literally counting down the minutes until USA wins tomorrow's game!
{ USA USA USA USA USA! }
zumba in the a.m. - must work off my yummy Mexican lunch
cooking + baking + new recipes
soooo excited for our lovely family dinner plans tomorrow
seeing my family friend who's in town visiting from Michigan
kickball Sunday with the church gang
QT w/ BF

{ Spec-freakin'-tacular! }



What are you looking forward to this weekend?!


PS- To all those who asked... Toy Story 3 = AMAZINGNESS! Go see it!! :)

Shout Out

I cannot even begin to tell all of you fabulous readers {new and old} how much you brighten my day! Thanks for sticking with [Life of Meg] and being such wonderful, active, comment-happy friends!

{ You guys rock! }




I have to give a big SHOUT OUT to several super sweet people who I need to thank for the following awards - I'm flattered beyond belief!


A big thank you to A Chocoholic's Diary!




My dear friend, Amanda @ Don & Amanda - thank you lovey!

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In order to accept, I am required to answer 7 questions and then pass the award on to 7 people. So, I will combine and pass!

___________________________________________



1) I LOVE YELLOW. Like woah.

2) I lived in lovely San Francisco for 4 months and now I miss it everyday!

3) Nothing is sweeter than a bouquet of fresh flowers.

4) I'm passionate about my job and LOVE helping cancer pateints and families every single day!

5) Completely obsessed with (500) Days of Summer. If you haven't seen it, we can't be friends... GO SEE IT!

6) Drink of choice: Soy Coffee Frappucino

7) I've never karaoked before, but when I do I would love to sing "Walking in Memphis" - love that song!

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And now for the pass along...

I am going to use the beautiful blogger award and give it to these 7 lovely bloggers. You all inspire me and are more than deserving of a fabulous award:


- 25 Before 25-
- Honeycomb Creative Co.
- A Girl in the Sunshine
- Lovely Happenings
- Lucky in Love
- Newlywed Adventures
- The Kimchee Chronicles


Also, I missed Miss Tiffany during Mingle Monday, so please show her some love... go visit her at The Apple Doesn't Fall Far. Adorable blog - cutest layout I've seen in a long time and her photos are gorgeous!


Hope this added sunshine to each of your day!