Confessional Friday

Friday the 13th? Oh my 'lanta!
You know what that means, right? Absolutely anything can go today. I got to the office and there are only a few people here and it's quiet. Quiet. Happy Friday the 13th indeed!

Well, once again I'm linking up with Leslie's weekly Confessional Friday: Link-Up over at A Blonde Ambition... you know you need to confess too! ;)

1) I confess that... I have slept on my couch the last 3 nights. Yup, 3.
I washed my bed linens earlier in the week and decided to indulge my laziness by letting them sit ON my bed without putting them on yet. Oh my. Tides will be a'changin' tonight, but it's been so wonderful allowing myself to be a tad bit lazy this week.

2) I confess that... I am totally loving this wedding planning thing. I seriously dreaded the idea of ever planning, but I do have the world's best planner/fiance helping out so much! Last night he said, "I've found the church, venue, and catering already... why don't you help me out here!" as he was teasing and tickling me. What a jokester...

3) I confess that... I can't wait to have some quality girl time this weekend! My best friends from home are coming up with their husbands, so we're having a girly coffee/shopping date while the boys golf. So blessed by my best friends, and my heart is so happy when they're near. Can't wait to take couples vacays once Adam and I are married! Come on March 9th!!

{ Adam and I with Sarah on her wedding day }

{ With Court on her big day }

4) I confess that... I walked out of Zumba last night. Usually, my Zumba instructor (and owner of the studio) teaches on Tuesday/Thursday, but he had a sub last night. Now, I am not the type to walk out of a movie or give up, but the class was so low-impact that I thought I would get a better workout at the gym. And I did! Perhaps I will be calling to confirm no subs before attending a class from now on!

5) I confess that... I am back on the Weight Watchers band wagon! The program works so well for me and I really enjoy and respond to accountability and quality nutrition counseling. I had my first meeting on Wednesday, and I feel great!

Can't wait to weigh in next week and slowly get back down to my normal weight after my weight gain last year (steroid treatments for 3 months for my FM)! It feels good to continue on my healthy lifestyle change, and do something to keep me on the road to a better me!

6) I confess that... I am both excited and a little terrified to go wedding dress shopping next weekend. I have an irrational fear that I won't find anything flattering and pretty, even though I know my perfect dress is out there.

Also crossing my fingers that they can tailor it well 7-8 months from now if I keep slowly losing weight like I have been over the last few months!

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So glad I got those confessions off my chest... phew!

I can't say this enough... THANK YOU for all of your wonderful, beyond sweet congratulations messages on our engagement. It was so fun to see all of your shared excitement on Twitter, blog comments, and e-mails. Love to each one of you!
Welp, wishing you a lovely weekend! Stay tuned for the Mingle Monday blog hop right here next week!

Have a glitter and ice cream filled weekend! Oh, puppy dogs too! Lots of puppy dogs.

 

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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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PPS - Need extremely budget-friendly advertising options for your blog or small business?

Get some exposure and traffic by becoming a Life of Meg sponsor! Sponsorships start at $10... not too shabby! Check it out - it only takes a minute to get your spot!

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Save the Date: Wedding Venue Sneak Peek

Alrighty... it's official!
As of yesterday, we secured our wedding date and our beautiful first choice venue!! Both Adam and I couldn't be more relieved or excited to have that much done so quickly!!

So, I will officially be a married lady on March 9th, 2013! Ahhh!

Because I'm so excited, I figured I could give you all a sneak peek of our venue. The Hawthorne House reminds me of a beautiful southern estate with a white picket fence all the way around several acres lush acres. No matter what time of year it is, all the photos are stunning!

We will be getting married at the adorable picturesque chapel on the estate, and then hop over the adorable bridge to our plantation style house reception.

I am in love with the white wrap around porch, hanging plants, the light and airy Emerson Room (where the reception will be held), and the cute little gazebo in the front of the big lawn!

Take a look at a few weddings that have been done there...

{photos} 

{photos}

So I have a few questions for all your engaged or married ladies out there. After we have found our venue, these questions still remain...

+ how did you choose a quality photographer/florist/DJ/cake?
+ did you meet/interview a bunch of them?
+ what about wedding make-up and hairstylist?


Any help or advice would greatly be appreciated! I love having such great blog friends who constantly offer encouragement and sound tips, so thank you in advance!!

Meet the Ladies

Happy Tuesday, my blog friends!
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to introduce you to a handful of special ladies... my fabulous, beautiful, amazing sponsors!!

There are each so very sweet, great writers and have a lot to share with you! In order to give you a glimpse of what they're all about, I put together a little meet and greet below! Go tell these gals hello... I promise you'll make their day!

{ The Ladies }

Miss Rachel @ Simple Little Joys

Blog // Twitter

"Welcome to my little corner of the Internet, {simple.little.joys}! This is where I talk about nothing and everything all at the same time...stop by and say hello! I'm a nurse living in the best small town ever, Oxford, MS. You'll see a few DIY and recipe posts here and there, a little bit of my weight loss journey, and a lot of day to day life! I'd love to have you come visit and stay a while."

Miss Rachel (what a popular name! :) @ Life in the Moment

Blog // Twitter

"I'm Rachel from Life in the Moment. I'm a 28 year old Wisconsin native living in the wilds of Arizona. My blog is just that, my life in the moment. I blog about a whole mess of things! Teaching is my love and passion, I'm a sucker for funny kid stories. Around these parts, expect to find: fashion, food (mostly veggies), DIY, my friends and family, funny stories, youtube videos,excessive use of exclamation points, and Jesus! Stop by for a little bit of this and that and experience a moment in my life."

Miss Katie @ aKonthego

Blog // Twitter

"My blog is all about the life my husband and I lead. We have moved around from Minnesota to Louisiana to New Mexico and back to Minnesota. In that time we have also been traveling a lot. All of our moves and travels have taught us many lessons including how to live life to the fullest every day. I write about tips and tricks for living a full life given the circumstances any person is in. People should stop by aKonthego for inspiration and ideas. They'll get inspired to grab their own life by the horns and take control. The biggest message I like to convey is that no matter who you are or what life you are currently leading it is always possible to get what you want out of that life. It's always possible to live more fully and to have YOUR definition of a full life."

Miss Keely @ Hairbows and Butter

Blog // Twitter

"Hair Bows and Butter is a fun blog that features recipes and Inspiration. If you are looking for some great desserts you should definitely be stopping by. There's a new cupcake recipe every Tuesday! I share with you some of my favorite music, pictures that inspire me and recipes that I have created/adapted to my liking. If you're looking for a good time and if you're a fan of all things delicious, pretty and inspiring then you should definitely swing by!"

Miss Carina @ A Punk, A Pumpkin, and A Peanut

Blog // Twitter // Etsy

"Hello! I'm Carina, crafty mama to three little rascals, lover of all things vintage, a foodie, and unashamedly addicted to iced coffee. I love to talk about pretty much everything - thrifting, adoption, adventure, good food, and faith. My hope for my blog is that it is a place of encouragement, fun and a few good laughs. I also host a weekly link up called {thankful} - come join us!"

 

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Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Advertise your blog, Etsy shop, or small business at a really great low price (starts at $10/month), please check out my sponsor page! Spots open now and going fast!

Also, don't miss out on the week long Mingle Monday blog hop! Find great new blogs, gain followers, and get yourself some exposure!

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Well, my goodness! I have been away for far too long!!
I can't even begin to tell each one of you how much I appreciate your kind wishes, comments, e-mails, and tweets over this past week's amazing engagement! It truly feels like such a fairytale.

We are definitely floating on cloud 9! Since I had last week off, we've already had time to pick our venue and date! I can't wait for this spring... details coming later this week!! Missed out on the amazing proposal story? Here it is!

And I am flattered beyond belief to have a handful of new, amazing followers! Thank you all so much for stopping by Life of Meg!

Please introduce yourself - I'd love to personally say hello! :)

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{ Time to Mingle! }

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Pretty Pretty Please...

Could you find it in your heart to spread the word? Jump on Twitter! Add it to your blog post! Smoke signals? Okay, okay... we're getting carried away, but PLEASE spread the word! The more people = more potential followers/visitors for you, especially if everyone did it!
In all seriousness, I truly appreciate each one of you who take a minute minute to go the extra mile each week! I cannot thank you for your sweet generosity enough! Let's add to this party!

{ Many thanks! }






<center><a <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>href</SPAN>=http://www.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>megnificentlife</SPAN>.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>blogspot</SPAN>.com/”><<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>img</SPAN> border="0" <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>src</SPAN>=" http://i1117.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>photobucket</SPAN>.com/albums/k591/<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>LifeofMeg</SPAN>/<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>MingleMonday</SPAN>.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>jpg</SPAN>"/></a></center>

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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 other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!

4) Answer the weekly question...

** What is an original wedding idea that you saw and fell in love with
at another person's wedding? **

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Can't wait to catch up with all of you after being MIA for a week! Hope you're doing well!

Also, if you are interested in advertising your blog, Etsy shop, or small business at a really great low price (starts at $10/month), please check out my sponsor page! I have some spots left for July - so let's get you some exposure!

Wishing you a beyond lovely work week!

 

PS - Are you on Twitter? Follow me on the go!! :)

Meg's Getting Married!!!

That's right! This little blondie is getting hitched!!
Adam completely surprised me by proposing on Saturday evening in the world's most amazing way - under the stars and fireworks! So romantic and perfect. I apologize for no Mingle Monday yesterday, and to delay the story for all of you who found out via Twitter on Sunday - I have been soaking in every minute since then!

Want to see the world's prettiest ring?

 Here it is... what a dream!!

{ Magnified pic of the engagement ring + wedding band that my sister took. }

{ The next morning after Adam proposed - so sparkly! }

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{ Our Engagement Story }

It all began by sharing in our 4th of July tradition by going to his family's cabin overlooking a beautiful pond with family and friends. A small group of us go up and stay the whole weekend, but on Saturday evening they always invite extended family and nearby friends to come up for an evening. Lots of great cooking out, conversations, and fireworks over the pond.

We spent Saturday during the day hanging out and setting up for the big party. Adam told me that there were two surprise guests coming, but wouldn't told me who it was. Around 4 p.m. I see my best friend, Lo, and her fiance Brian walking up the driveway, and my heart almost lept out of my chest. I ran out of the cabin and practically tackled her while tears streamed down my face. Lo lives in Oklahoma City, we met way back in college, and I cherish every time I get to see her. Living in two different cities is hard, but we've remained besties throughout the years and miles. Best surprise ever.

Adam later told me he was worried about Lo's arrival giving me a hint that something odd was going on, but I just thought he wanted to plan a sweet surprise for me. It's very much like Adam to plan such a touching thing, so never in my wildest dreams did I have a clue what was to come.

Our family and friends began to arrive around dinner time and we all had a blast hanging out. My parents and sister drove up from Wichita, Adam's extended family arrived, and the majority of our close friends were there. It was the best time! Due to setting up for the party, I really didn't see Adam much in the afternoon since we were all busy. He was helping give people directions, and driving out to find any friends or fam that were lost along the way.

Around 10:30 p.m. we all set up chairs on the deck and got cozied in for the big firework show, led by our favorite pyromaniac friends. I told Adam I saved him a seat, but he asked me to go over to where he was for a second, as he said:

"It's been a really long a busy day and I've missed seeing you. I could use a more quiet place where we can watch the fireworks from... I just kind of need a break."

Yes, I know what you're all thinking... HELLO red flag. Yup, still had no idea.

So we began walking down the stairs and around the pond under the stars, as we arrived at the red bench on the edge of the water. Along the way, we passed Adam's sister and her fiance sitting by the pond, so I was still thinking nothing of it. Little did I know... they were our sneaky photographers!

As we talked about our day and caught up, we watched the fireworks exploding over the water. We talked for quite some time until the guys yelled out that it was the last firework finale - minutes of fireworks exploding back to back. Here's how it all went down (I have goosebumps still!)...
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Adam: I love you.

Meg: I love you too!

Adam: No... I love you. These last 3 years have been the most amazing 3 years of my life, and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without you.

** Slides off the bench and onto his knee in front of me. We're both crying, and this is when I realize he is proposing to me! **

Adam: Megan Porter, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?

Meg: YES!!!!
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At this point I jumped up to give Adam the world's biggest hug and kiss as he says, "Crap! I just dropped the ring!" - haha!

He felt around, opened the box, and slipped that gorgeous ring onto my finger. I couldn't see it since we were in the dark under the stars, but I said... "Well, it sure feels beautiful!" ...and we both laughed!

We couldn't contain our joy as Adam's sister, Meredith, and her fiance ran over and were the first to tackle us in the biggest hugs. We ran all the way back to the deck where all of the sudden 40 of our closest friends and family started yelling and cheering. The hugs and congrats were all so wonderful and heartfelt.

And then someone asked me what my ring looked like... I had no idea!
I screamed out loud as soon as I saw it... "This is my RING?! AHHH!!!"

I love it. It's more than I could have ever dreamed about or hoped for. That man knows me so well, and I feel so spoiled and blessed!! We're getting married!!!

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So here we are now!

I will have many more photos to share when I get them from our friends and fam, but in the meanwhile, we couldn't feel more blessed and loved by everyone. I can't believe I get to marry the man of my dreams, my very best friend, and he pulled of the world's most romantic and sweet proposal. Still in shock when I look at my finger!!

As you can imagine, these last few days have been wonderful and overwhelming, but as of right now, we are looking forward to any early spring wedding... yeehaw!


Love to all of you. Thank you SO much for sharing in our joy!

Thankful.

Today wraps up the week for me... I'm taking a week of vacation (starting tomorrow) and couldn't be more excited! I never do this! I stayed up late last night and woke up with a huge smile on my face. Today is my Friday.

On my way to work I just feel so excited and joyful. My goodness, I have so much to be thankful for today (and everyday)!

{ Thankful. }

+ Very excited and honored that Adam's amazing sister, Meredith, invited me to a very special event tonight... her first wedding dress fitting! She is going to look like a beautiful angel, I just know it! Mani/pedi date with her and her mama may be a prerequisite - love it!

+ It's date night! After Adam spending last week in Canada on business, and a crazy work week for both of us, it will be so good to catch up on life. Looking forward to hanging with my studly man. :)

+ Could I be more blessed to hve such wonderful blog friends? Seriously, you guys, you make my heart so happy! Love your comments. Love your encouragement. Love your faithful participation and visiting. And my sponsors - whew! Those gals are FABULOUS!

+ Puppy kisses. Woke up with a cold fluffy puppy nose almost touching mine. That's right, Bella Beast and I were sharing a pillow and practically spooning... she cracks me up!

+ Looking forward to a weekend with friends and family at the cabin. Good food. Yard games. Good conversations. And the boys almost blowing up the house with the firework display... haha. Boys.

+ Little sis is driving back to KC with me on Sunday for a week-long sister extravaganza. There may or may not be Magic Mike viewing, pool sun time, lat enight chats, or ridiculous sillyness involved...

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

What makes your heart happy today?





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There Goes a Fighter...

As I was driving to work this morning, I was thinking of my brave Aunt Debra. This woman is tough. She is fighting her second battle with cancer after tumors reappeared recently. She's hanging in there through the yucky chemo side effects and hair loss, but she's been on my heart and constantly in my prayers.

As many of you know, I am the daughter of two very strong cancer survivors. They are my herat. I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer when I was 19, and my brother's best friend died of a brain tumor when I was in 4th grade. We've had countless family friends go through battles in between. To say cancer has touched my life in many tough ways would be quite the understatement.

These tough life happenings helped mold. Changed my outlook on life. Made me want to give back in a big way. 3 years ago, I landed my dream job working with cancer patients, survivors and physicians every single day. I love offering hope and help to broken people, and I could not be more thankful for my journey here.

All of this being said, you can imagine my excitement when "The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes came on the radio this morning at the same time I was thinking about my aunt. Now THAT is the cancer fighting mantra to have... so I sent it to my Aunt this YouTube video to my aunt this afternoon...

"Give em hell, turn their heads
Gonna live life 'til we're dead.
Give me scars, give me pain.
Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me...
There goes the fighter, there goes the fighter."

My aunt Debra is very good at sending e-mails to update us on how treatment is going. Her e-mail from today said she was driving to her first new round of chemotherapy feeling deeply saddened and blue, when all of a sudden she drove past a billboard reading:


 ONWARD BRAVELY.

In that moment after reading the sign, she said she threw out all negative thoughts for the beauty that optimism has to offer. She swapped out the crummy day for sunshine, and by golly... there goes a fighter. Onward bravely.
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Offer courage and spread some hope to those fighting battles all around you.


Go be love, my friends...

Mingle Monday Weekly Blog Hop!

Welcome back to big girl world, lovelies!
Those Monday mornings sure like to sneak up on us don't they? Well, don't you worry, I know it's going to be a great week and breeze right by!

My weekend was jam-packed with fun! I had a fondue night on Friday, pool time Saturday, Theater in the Park (Legally Blonde was amazing!) that night, and Sunday Funday pool time and relaxing with friends after church yesterday.

One of the best parts about this weekend? Last night! Adam finally got back from a week long business trip to Canada. Unfortunately, we couldn't call/text/e-mail since he was in a rural international area, so we definitely missed each other. He stopped by to visit me on his way home late last night, which was extra sweet.

I am so flattered and blessed by some super sweet new blog friends/followers! If this is your first Mingle Monday... welcome! So very humbled that you stopped by to say hi today!

Please introduce yourself - I'd love to personally say hello! :)

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{ Time to Mingle! } .::::...::::...::::...::::..::::.


Pretty Pretty Please...

Could you find it in your heart to spread the word? Jump on Twitter! Add it to your blog post! Smoke signals? Okay, okay... we're getting carried away, but PLEASE spread the word! The more people = more potential followers/visitors for you, especially if everyone did it!
In all seriousness, I truly appreciate each one of you who take a minute minute to go the extra mile each week! I cannot thank you for your sweet generosity enough! Let's add to this party!

{ Many thanks! }







<center><a <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>href</SPAN>=http://www.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>megnificentlife</SPAN>.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>blogspot</SPAN>.com/”><<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>img</SPAN> border="0" <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>src</SPAN>=" http://i1117.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>photobucket</SPAN>.com/albums/k591/<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>LifeofMeg</SPAN>/<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>MingleMonday</SPAN>.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>jpg</SPAN>"/></a></center>

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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 other blogs saying hello from Mingle Monday!

4) Answer the weekly question...

** What's your go to appetizer recipe(s)?  **

(Can you tell I have a dinner party tonight and no appetizer idea! :)

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Looking forward to jumping over to your blog to see what's going on!!

Since many of you requested this... I am now offering extremely affordable sponsorship opportunities - starting at $10!

If you are interested in advertising your blog, Etsy shop, or small business at a really great low price, please check out my sponsor page! I have some spots left for July - so let's get you some exposure!

 

Have an awesome work week, dolls!

 

PS - Are you on Twitter? Follow me on the go!! :)

Confessional Friday

Who is ready for some weekend??
Good Lord Almighty, I am ready for a chill weekend, lots of plans with girlfriends, and some pool/tan/beach reads time!! What are you all up to this weekend?!

Well, once again I'm linking up with Leslie's weekly Confessional Friday: Link-Up over at A Blonde Ambition... you know you need to confess too! ;)

1) I confess that... I I had to go two whole days without a full shower. Yes, two... doctor's orders - yuck!! On Tuesday, I had two suspicious looking spots on my skin, so they did a biopsy. Due to the biopsy locations being on my chest/leg, I wasn't able to get my bandages wet for two days. Let's just say I was thankful for my beloved Tresemme Dry Shampoo and creative showering... haha.

Wow, didn't know I would start off with such a TMI punch, eh?

2) I confess that... I am missing my other half an insane amount while he is on a business trip in Canada. For the last 3 years, the only time I haven't talked to him every single day was when he was in Europe for a week, so this whole not being able to text/e-mail/call is driving me bananas.

BUT... sometimes it's a good thing to really miss each other. It makes the coming home so fantastic. Come on, Monday!!

 

3) I confess that... I am slightly overindulgent on my dance TV shows. Like WAY overindulgent. My must watch list includes So You Think You Can Dance, Breaking Point, and Dance Moms... yowza. Is anyone obsessed with any of these shows? SYTYCD is by far my fave.

Watch this incredible dance from last season... I'm in love.

PS- I watched this amazing dance doumentary last night. A Must See.

4) I confess that... I am insanely sore from last night's Zumba sweat sesh. In fact, when I woke up this morning I think my moans and groans scared Bella Beast, my poor puppy!

That was the first workout I've had in well over a week (my doctor put me on couch arrest to recover from Bursitis in my hip/knee). I love being back to good workouts. Any fellow Zumba lovers out there?!

5) I confess that... I am over-the-top excited for a fondue party tonight with my girlfriends at my friend's new casa. And we're not talking just the delicious chocolate, this is the full blown dinner extravaganza.

Homemade specialty martinis may or may not be included...

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6) I confess that... I am a total teeny bopper. Yesterday, while at Tar-jay, I purchased the last installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. I began reading the books in high school (and love the movie!), and find myself identifying with Bridgette - care-free, independent poster child! I was so excited to read Sisterhood Everlasting, I stayed up way too lat last night. Must. Have. Coffee.

{pic}

7) I confess that... tomorrow I am totally having a "me" day, and I don't feel bad one bit. I am going to do everything I love that makes me feel good. Zumba workout. Pool time. Girly movie... and perhaps some shopping before meeting up with friends for Theater in the Park KC...

Legally Blonde the Musical!
I heart Elle.

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So glad I got those confessions off my chest... phew!

And one more thing... a HUGE thank you for just being you. All of my wonderful blog friends/readers mean so much to me, and just the fact that you would stop by or leave a comment completely makes my day. And I LOVE chatting it up with you on Twitter - so fun! I am so blessed, y'all.

Hope your weekend is beyond stellar! Catch ya Monday for some blog hop action right here!

Now, go show that weekend who's boss!

 

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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! :)

_______________________________________________________

PPS - Need extremely budget-friendly advertising options for your blog or small business?

Get some exposure and traffic by becoming a Life of Meg sponsor! Sponsorships start at $10... not too shabby! Check it out - it only takes a minute to get your spot!

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