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March 17, 2011

Top o' the Mornin' to Ya!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, lads and lassies!
I hope you've dawned your green for today, or else you may be pretty sore from all the pinching! And BTW, green underoos don't count. Trust me, I've argued it.


{ So, who loves this holiday? }





Green beer, green food, Irish accents and pinching anti-green folks! Totally a legit and amazing holiday!

Who has amazing St. Patty's plans?
I've been told there is a massive parade close to my office, but unfortunately I have meetings all morning long... boo. That being said, I think there may be a post-work green beer in my not too distant future!

BF and I have a little date night planned, consisting of dinner and thrift store shopping for my Trashy Bday Bash party this weekend. BF and two of our good friends have birthdays within a week of each other, so they decided to do a big birthday blow-out... I can't wait!


.:: Outfit Inspiration ::.






It's a total toss up... I can't choose.


Can you tell the boys chose the theme? It's going to be pretty fun!

After thrift store shopping tonight, I may talk BF into helping me make some pretty green velvet cupcakes to bring over to our March Madness kick-off game tonight - Go K-state!



Mmmm... looks yummy right?


Anyway, I hope your day is full of lucky charms and leprechauns! I'll leave you with a little Irish blessing to make your day happy! :)





{ How are you celebrating today? }




March 16, 2011

Good For the Soul

Life can feel a little overwhelming at times.
Any of you in the same boat? Maybe you're stressed from work, worried about circumstances, or are bearing the burden of someone else.

My heart was heavy this morning, but I'm choosing to be happy.


Have you ever seen a bird with a french fry?
Pure bliss.

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{ SO much to be grateful for... }



+ usual 45 minute commute was only 20!! WOO!
+ hello sunshine! :)
+ my Zumba studio had a Groupon deal today...
guess who bought it?! THIS GIRL!
+ mellow office day - sans meetings/appointments is fab!
+ thankful for my co-worker lunch workout buddy
+ girls night tonight
+ looking forward to my Weight Watchers meeting
+ sweet FB message from BF
+ funny e-mails from my Daddio
+ THIS youtube video:






{ What little things are you thankful for? }



Wishing you a sunshine & ice cream kind of day...



Weekly Weigh-in: Week 5

From the very beginning of this weight loss journey, I promised to post about the high's and the low's.
Well, last week was definitely a low. With my brother visiting from out of town, it was a whirlwind of eating out, too many treats and minimal exercise...boo.

So, unfortunately there was no weight loss this last week, and I wasn't expecting there to be. A lack of meal planning and not consistently counting my WW points contributed to this week's gain.

{ Total Weight Loss = +1 lbs }





Nothing makes me more determined than to see my hard work undone by one too many slices of my homemade cake or lack of will power. Yes, it was a less productive weight loss week, but that won't stop me!!


Cheers to a better/more focused week!



March 15, 2011

Holy Cake Heaven!

Warning: if you are hungry or hate delicious cake, stop reading ASAP.
This cake recipe will completely blow your mind... and your diet. Which is my soul motivator for my lunch date with the eliptical machine today.

So my little broski, Kelly, has been in town since Sunday and I've enjoyed every ounce of time spent with him.

Well, last night was our usual Monday "family dinner". Like every Monday evening, BF, a handful of our best friends, and I meet at BF's house for an amazing dinner. Each week one person makes the main dish and everyone else brings a side.


{ Kelly and I in Hawaii on our family trip }


{ Sibling surfing lessons! }


By far one of the highlights of my week. Well last night BF made his famous AMAZING turkey chili, so Kell and I decided to take on a dessert. After our sibling brainstorm sesh, we went to one of my favorite go to experts... Pioneer Woman!

Now, if you haven't visited her amazing site, you are missing out. I have tried so many of her recipes and not one has been less than incredible. Not to mention her step by step food photos are amazing and oh-so-helpful!

Anyway, we tried her decadent Strawberry Shortcake Cake last night and it was complete and utter sprintime heaven. Dense layers of strawberry infused moisture-rich shortcake, topped with creamy creamcheese frosting pallooza.

Have a special birthday or holiday coming up? Bake this sucker and wait to here to Mmmmm's and Oh la la's! So. stinking. good.

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Strawberry Shortcake Cake
{ Pioneer Woman }



{via}



Ingredients

Cake
1 & 1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons corn starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 whole Large Eggs
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla


Icing

1/2 pound cream Cheese, room temperature
2 sticks unsalted butter
1 & 1/2 pound powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound strawberries

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Preparation Instructions



IMPORTANT: Be sure to use a cake pan that’s at least 2 inches deep! Before baking, the batter should not fill the pan more than halfway.

Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and corn starch.
Cream 9 tablespoons butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well each time. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until combined. Add sifted dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just barely combined.

Pour into greased and floured 8-inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, or until no longer jiggly like my bottom. Remove from cake pan as soon as you pull it out of the oven, and place on a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.

Stem strawberries and slice them in half from bottom to top. Place into a bowl and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons sugar. Stir together and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, mash the strawberries in two batches. Sprinkle each half with 1 tablespoons sugar and allow to sit for another 30 minutes.

Make icing: combine cream cheese, 2 sticks butter, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and dash of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until very light and fluffy.

Slice cake in half through the middle. Spread strawberries evenly over each half (cut side up), pouring on all the juices. Place cake halves into the freezer for five minutes, just to make icing easier.

Remove from freezer. Use a little less than 1/3 of the icing to spread over the top of the strawberries on the bottom layer. Place the second layer on top. Add half of the remaining icing to the top spreading evenly, then spread the remaining 1/3 cup around the sides.


{via}


Leave plain OR garnish with strawberry halves.

IMPORTANT: Cake is best when served slightly cool. The butter content in the icing will cause it to soften at room temperature. For best results, store in the fridge!

____________________________________________



Looks amazing right?!
Well it is. I know the recipe looks long, but I promise it is super easy, especially with the step by step picture how-to's!

This is the perfect springtime cake, and I highly recommend it. I wish I could have shown you the looks on our friends' faces last night... that alone would sell itself.

Kelly and I had a blast being creative together - he's such a fun brother! :) I'm planning to file this recipe away to break out on Easter!


{ Who else LOVES Pioneer Woman? What's your fave recipe? }



Bon Appetit!





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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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March 14, 2011

Mingle Monday is HERE!!!

Did you think I forgot about you, my loves?
Not possible. Well, the good news is I finally escaped to post Mingle Monday! It's been a pretty crazy day already, so I'm excited for some blog hoppin'!

Having a crazy day too? Grab an afternoon snack, put those achey feet up on your desk, and take a nice relaxing break!


{ Let's Mingle! }


_________________________________________

Pretty please pay it forward by using the button below in one of your posts today! That would seriously make me smile today :)


Mingle 240



_________________________________________________



How To Mingle:



1) Must be a [Life of Meg] follower to participate.

2) Scroll down to the bottom of this post and click on the link to enter your blog.

3) Go visit 2 other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!

4) Come back to [Life of Meg] and leave an encouraging review of the blogs you visited!!

5) Answer the weekly question...

** What is your favorite home cooked meal? **


_________________________________________________

** MINGLE FAIR -- all blog & runs (not commenting) will be removed. **






** Open until Wednesday at midnight (CST) **
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PS- Have and ETSY shop or looking to advertise?
I currently have a select few spots available for monthly advertising! Hurry, hurry, hurry - they're going fast! :)


Have a fab day!



March 11, 2011

Cheers to Spring!

Happy Friday, yo!
Who is ready for one heck of a fabulous weekend?! Mmmhhmm, me too! It's been cold, rainy and miserable the past few weeks, which is why i planned a little weekend fun for tonight!

That's right, yours truly has a secret love of social planning. Don't get me wrong, I love staying in with friends and watching movies, but my cabin/spring fever has set in and I have to get out!



Did I mention it's a balmy 66 degrees today?
Spring is on the way!

It's absolutely gorgeous weather and it's Friday - so heck! - we're celebrating with a progressive dinner all around this gorgeous city!

_____________________________

{ The Fun Itinerary }

_____________________________



+ Drinks/Appetizers

Headed to a local hole-in-the-wall mellow little bar/restaurant for some Friday happy hour therapy.


+ Dinner

Ready for some good soul food in a swanky KC district. Did I mention this place has amazing microbrew? BF is excited.


+ Dessert(s)

We have options, people! I mean why limit dessert to just one stop? Frozen custard? French pasteries? Yes to all, please!


+ More drinks?

Oh lordy. Don't you worry, I was totally talking about soda... ;)


_____________________________



Sounds fun, right? I've been outfit idea shopping in my head, and I believe I have a red dress, leggings and my new fedora in the not-so-distant future! ;)

No worries (Mom), we're going to be responsible! The keywords tonight are food + friends + fun. Just looking for a mellow good time with my favorite people! I promise that pictures will be coming your way next week!! ;)


{ What's on your fun itinerary this evening? }



Cheers!




March 10, 2011

Dinner Date... Help!



Bonjour lovelies!
This little blog post installment is coming to you live from my fabulous Droid phone (thank you, Verizon!). I am heading to the state capitol today with a mafia of staff and volunteers to lobby for smoke-free laws to be passed and advocating for cancer patients' needs. Should be a great and very productive time!

After a long day of lobbying, I will be looking forward to a date with my favorite hunk (seriously underrated word by the way). I've been missing that boy so much, so I'm pretty excited to have a low-key evening at my place. We love cooking together, so I'm looking forward to the most amazing dinner ever.

The only problem is... I have no idea what to make!!

This is where you come in! I need a decently healthy meat dish, side, and perhaps a yummy dessert? Pretty please help me out... recipes, recommendations, and links appreciated!


Gotta wow my Love, right?! ;)



March 9, 2011

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 4

It's about that time again...
I weighed myself this morning and I was super happy with the weight loss! Finally back on track after a not so stellar weigh-in last week... *phew*

I got my butt to the gym about 4 times and paid much more attention to what I was eating and portion size. I'm definitely feeling a lot better now that I have my act together, and I'm that much closer to my goal

{ Total Weight Loss = 2.2 lbs! }





For those of you doing Weight Watchers too, don't the meetings make such a difference?! I am so glad I went last week. It definitely helps re-motivate me, and I have that accountability that I don't have if I'm just doing everything myself.

Are you trying to lose weight? How are you doing?? Hang in there, friends! Everyday is a new day and you can definitely do it!


28.6 lbs to go!




March 8, 2011

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.

____________________________________

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!! :)



March 7, 2011

Mingle Monday - Let's Get Hoppin'!

Welcome to the most happenin' hop in town!
After such an amazing weekend full of quality relaxation time with my favorite people, I was dreading my Monday work day just a bit.

Luckily, we all have Mingle Monday to lift our spirits and add a little pizazz to our day! May your Mingle Monday send many new and excited followers your way!


{ Let's Mingle! }


_________________________________________

Pretty please pay it forward by using the button below in one of your posts today! That would seriously make me smile today :)


Mingle 240



_________________________________________________



How To Mingle:



1) Must be a [Life of Meg] follower to participate.

2) Scroll down to the bottom of this post and click on the link to enter your blog.

3) Go visit 2 other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!

4) Come back to [Life of Meg] and leave an encouraging review of the blogs you visited!!

5) Answer the weekly question...

** Check out the poll over on the top right side ---> **

Please let me know what you would like to see more of or if you have any ideas you'd like me to post about. This blog is all about you!

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** MINGLE FAIR -- all blog & runs (not commenting) will be removed. **






** Open until Wednesday at midnight (CST) **
_________________________________________________



PS- Have and ETSY shop or looking to advertise?
I currently have a select few spots available for monthly advertising! Hurry, hurry, hurry - they're going fast! :)


Have a blessed day, lovelies!



March 5, 2011

Ad Space Available - 20% Off



Mention this post and receive a complimentary 20% off a monthly sponsorship rate!

Please e-mail me ASAP if you are interested. Monthly advertising space fills up quickly and the top spot is now available!



March 4, 2011

Bon Weekend!

Congratulations my dears!
You have successfully scraped by and have {finally} made it to the weekend! It is time for some relaxation and fun, and this girl is ready for it - hello weekend! Praise sweet little 8 lb. baby Jesus!


{ Can I get a Hallelujah? }





Like I said yesterday, it's been a rough week, but so many things have made my heart smile and I'm really looking forward to this mellow weekend!


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


{One}
BF recently got back from a work conference in Sedona. Well, last night he gave me the most beautiful pair of turquoise and opal earrings. He said he saw them and thought they would bring out my pretty blue eyes... *Melt my heart!!* Love him.

{Two}
It is one mellow, awesome day in the office. There are a minimal amount of people in today, which just means I get to be very low-key and blast my Celine Dion power ballads throughout the hallway. You think I'm kidding...

{Three}
I love my co-workers. I really do. I could not be more blessed to work with such wonderful, caring people. Working an event this afternoon and then we're all going out for a girly din-din tonight - can't wait!

{Four}
Looking forward to movie/PJ pallooza later tonight! On the ballot of movie selections is The Romantics. Has anyone seen it? I'm dying to.

{Five}
Thunderstorms all afternoon - my fave!

{Six}
Bella Beast + our favorite walking friend, Karen, are planning to pick-up our beloved weekend tradition of a 3 mile walk to Starbucks, followed by gigging and girly chats. Weather, cooperate with me now!

{Seven}
I love Sundays. Lazy mornings, lots of reading and relaxing. Evening church with BF and date night!

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


It's going to be a sweet, sweet few days! Looking forward to a weekend full of the simplest joys. Perhaps a little Matt Wertz {Love him!} as my anthem? Oh-so-good for my soul!





What's on your list, dolls? I bet you have many adventures planned!



Wishing you a chocolate cake & puppy kisses
kind of weekend,


March 3, 2011

In Need of an Escape...

I don't think it's possible to be any more stressed out that I am this week. I am convinced this is the work week from Hades, and I am just barely hanging on by a thread. Anyone in the same boat?

It's just one of those weeks where everything that could go wrong kind of does and you feel up to your ears in deadlines. But if you're in the same boat I'm in, take heart my friends, we're almost done!

Dreams of escaping on a fabulous vacation are relieving my stress today. I really don't care where I go, just anywhere but here...









If you could escape...
where would be your ideal destination?



Off to the gym for some lunch time stress relief!

*muah!*



March 2, 2011

Weekly Weigh-in: Week 3

Ihave been dreading this post all day!
From the beginning of this journey I knew I would have good weeks and bad weeks and I wanted to be completely honest with my weekly weigh-in... no matter what. This past week was not one of my better weeks. BUT the thing I have to remember is just to learn and keep moving forward! I know I can do this!

Well last weekend my girlfriends were in town for my bestie's birthday. Naturally we went out to eat for almost every meal, had drinks and desserts, and I didn't make time to workout. So today the scale reflects that. The good news is I didn't go completely overboard. With exercise thrown in the mix with all of my extra treats I could have done it, but I'm learning! :)

{ Total Weight Loss = 0 lbs }






I hit the gym hard at lunch and my eating has been substantially back on track. Tonight I am attending my first Weight Watchers meeting and I think that will be a great tool for accountability and helpful tips. So bummer there was no weight loss, but here's to a much better week!

29.2 lbs to go!




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