Cancer Sucks

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I'm not sure if many of you know much about my career, but I have the privilege of working with cancer patients and their families every single day. Although many are so thankful for the help and resources that I help seek out, it doesn't even come close to how blessed and humbled I feel to be able to help lift their spirits.

You also may not know that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2006.

I was a 19-year-old college freshman who instantly had to learn how to become a caregiver. To take care of her and my family. To have experienced my mom's cancer battle, and to have have been on the family member side, it has forever touched my heart and shaped my career path.

{Mom and my siblings on the last day of chemo}

I spent my college summers interning in both San Francisco and Dallas for the nation's top pediatric cancer organization. I spent my school year volunteering as the executive director for a campus fundraising event that annually raised $60,000+ for kids with cancer. But that wasn't enough.

I fell in love with helping people who have cancer even more.

A few years after college, I moved to Kansas City to accept my dream job, where I work now. Little did I know my heart would be shaped even more for cancer patients when my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer in May 2011.

 {Adam shaved his head for my dad while he was going through treatment}

Thankfully, both of my parents have reached remission and we are grateful for their health every single day. This morning, our staff was blessed to hear two amazing ladies, both moms to cancer surviving kiddos, speak during one of our trainings. They blew me away and reminded me, once again, why I do what I do. They gave me goose bumps and refocused my passion.

Wow.

Maybe you know of a friend or loved one going through their own battle? Please know that there is so much hope. Please know that we are working so hard to find that cure so that no baby, grandma, uncle, friend, cousin or sister ever has to fight this disease.

Cancer just sucks.

Perhaps you are inspired to do something more? Something bigger than yourself, but don't know where to start?

Join the fight.

Get involved.
Raise funds.
Love on someone.
Volunteer.
Donate your hair.
Knit a hat.
Anything.


Let's kick cancer together.

Spring Shopping Finds

Happy hump day, friends!
Is everyone hanging in there? Nobody's lost their mind yet. I'm getting pretty close, but the promise of an evening at home watching girly shows on my DVR is keeping me alive and functioning.

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So here's a little sad news, before we move on to bigger and better...

We lost our camera memory card.

Yes, I know...
Goodbye honeymoon photos!

We had it last week and I was just waiting on the new camera cord I ordered, and now we have no clue where the memory card is. I'm really hoping and praying we find it somewhere random, but I'm slowly coming to peace with it.

So no photos to share for now, but I ordered a new camera card, so new fresh photos arriving soon!

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Okay, in lieu of the photos I was going to share, I have been dying to show you the awesome deals and steals as of late. Keep in mind I really haven't let myself shop for anything besides wedding stuff (aside from honeymoon beach outfits) in AGES.

I had several great discounts saved up and gift cards, so I am thrilled to have purchased a few great springy things for little to nothing!

Boy, have I missed shopping.

 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

First off, Old Navy had a KILLER $10-15 dress sale a few weeks ago. Of course I went to browse over my lunch break and walked away with the top dresses.

Then if you shopped that weekend they gave you Old Navy Bucks to come back in the next week. So naturally I bought the bottom two dresses with that reward certificate and barely spent anything! Note that I bought the same dress in a different color/pattern (#2 and #3) because the first was so gosh darn cute and comfy!

The fourth dress is super stretchy, comes in solids and prints, and is ridiculously flattering and comfy. Plus I love that I can wear all of these pieces now, or in the fall/winter with tights, boots, and a cardy.

(Please note that I must be loving shades of blue right now... goodness!)

5 // 6

Also, while spending my Old Navy Bucks, I came across those super cute lemon sleep shorts and they were on sale ($6!) ! So naturally I had to buy a matching colored tank, which was also on sale. 

Hello new jammies!!

And they're yellow.

Swoon.

7 // 8

I also decided to hit up Target, since I had a gift card that was burning a hole through my pocket. I bought that adorable mint polka dot button down, as seen on my Instagram, and caught it on sale for $18.

 I loved it so much, that I went to 3 stores to finally find a size large. It's currently sold out, but other prints available.

And when I saw those precious tiered sea foam colored earrings on the sale rack for $4, I knew it was a match made in heaven.

I still have a little remaining on my Target gift card, so I have my eye on this cute little dress or this flowy bright number. Good grief, I love me some gift cards and amazing discounts. Getting so much more for your money is the best feeling!


What good spring fashion deals have you indulged in?

 




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

Charleston Recommendations Needed

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I'm looking for some expert advice on where to wine, dine, and shop in Charleston, South Carolina, and I knew you guys could help a sister out!

My bestie, Lindsey, is heading there in two weeks for an all-expenses paid trip, thanks to her awesome Scentsy business. So, I promised Linds that I would consult my knowledgeable panel of experts (that's you!).

Where should she go?
What are the must visit spots?


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

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Congratulations! You survived the weekend!

I'm back from bestie's bachelorette weekend, and I had a blast! Also, I finally have a camera cord (thank you, Amazon Prime!), so TONS of photos coming your way this week (wedding, honeymoon, life, trips, etc.).

Thanks so much for dropping by for a little blog networking of sorts.I've been getting the kindest messages from sweet readers saying how much they love and value Mingle Monday and making new friends in the blogosphere.

That makes my heart happy.

So yes, thank you to each one of you for making Mondays so much better by sharing this link-up and leaving kind comments on other blogs. You make people smile, and that's irreplaceable!


    
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 concert are you DYING to see?  ** 




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Here are some MUST visit blogs for you...

Katie @ The Small Change Project 
Kaitlyn @ Crazy Life of Kaitlyn   Kelli @ She Learns as She Goes

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

// Click HERE //
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- new sponsors only -

Use promo code: MINGLE

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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!

Hello Shenanigans!

Look out Oklahoma City... here I come!

That's right, I am working a half day today and then hitting the road for a girls weekend. My dear sweet bestie, Lo, is getting married in a few weeks, so we need to have one last hur-rah for her as a single lady!

I met Lo my sophomore year at Oklahoma State, and we've been completely inseparable since then. No matter if she was living in Japan or I was in San Francisco, we never missed a beat.

She is the world's most dependable best friend through thick and then. She never forgets to call, always makes time for me, dries my tears, and gives the best hugs. Not to mention, she's a total riot and has the best "farm stories" this city girl has ever heard! :)

Pretty sure this weekend is going to be one insanely fun adventure fueled by lots of vino. And giggling.
As you can imagine, I should have some stellar stories and photos for you come next week (if I ever get that damn camera cord!).

Time to par-tay!

{via}

On an unrelated note, I can only imagine what kind of trouble Adam will be getting into while his wife is out gallivanting with her favorite Okies. Lord help him.

Luckily, it's still March Madness, so he can't get into that much trouble, right?

My guess is our house will be full of boys drinking microbrews, yelling at the TV (Go Wichita State!), scratching themselves, and burping...

...or whatever boys do...

As long as I don't come home to a 2 day old pan or nachos on the counter, we'll be golden.

I kid. I made him sound like a total frat boy. Not true. In fact, hubs is a completely amazing, super responsible, classy guy. And one good looking stud *whistle whistle* (did I embarrass you, hunny?)!

Knowing Adam, he will probably play some Xbox, watch bball with the dudes, snuggle our pup, and knock out some laundry like a total boss.

I'm one lucky gal.

And if you don't believe me, I have evidence...

First off, I would like to point out that I said I was hungry for dinner already... at 4 p.m.

Good grief!

Secondly, (is secondly a word?) please disregard our pet name "wubbers". We both can't figure out how or when this started, but I think it was derived from "lover" and then spiraled out of control from there.

Thirdly, (sure why not?) I would like you to take a moment and look at the gourmet dinner he surprised me with. I cam home to a super clean house, goat cheese and veggie stuffed chicken in the oven, and wine chilling. Way better than that lame homemade pizza I suggested.

You better believe he earned some major hubby points.

Have a beyond amazing weekend...

Catch ya next week for some Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

5 Things...

It's been a crazy busy week with minimal blogging (and still no camera cord to upload SO many photos! ugh.), but I have just a few random thoughts for today...

{via}

1) I cannot get enough of nesting.
Who am I? Seriously. I had no idea that once I had my own home, I would just want to constantly think of DIY projects and make it cozier. I tackled this one and this one last week, and it's changed our lives... or at least I like to think so! ;) Have any must DIY ideas for me?


2) Where the *beep* is spring?
Mother Nature keeps teasing me with a glimmer of sunshine and daffodils, before dumping a foot of snow on my crushed Spring dreams.

I am beyond ready for 60+ degree weather and frolicking outside. Picnics. Dog walks. Farmer's market. I want all Spring, all the time.


3) I hate writing thank you notes.
It takes all that I have to squeeze out 5 wedding thank yous a day, and that's like pulling teeth. Why on earth is something so easy as thanking our friends and family for their overwhelming generosity so hard to get motivated for? Good. Grief.


4) Back on the healthy living train.
...and full steam ahead! It's insane how much time I have to workout and meal plan now that I'm not going to taste testings and floral meetings. Completely in love with free time! Feel free to find me on MyFitnessPal so we can do this healthy living thing together.

I've also renewed my Zumba class pass and plan to shake what my mama gave me at least twice a week now! On top of that, I finally bought running shoes yesterday (thank you for an amazing deal Nordstrom Rack!). And they're neon. Look out KC, you won't be able to miss me!


5) I want another puppy.
Yup. Adam made the mistake of promising that we could get a puppy as early as April. guess who was online looking at all the shelters on April 1st? This girl.

We would love an adorable French bulldog or possible a King Charles Cavalier puppy. I mean, how cute would a bundle of cuddling puppies be? Beast needs a sibling, so I'm all over this. Sending puppy photos to hubs every single day.

And that's what you get when your promise things, Adam Evans! ;)

Don't worry, I know I've sworn it to you several times, but photos are coming.
Lots and lots of photos.

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Thanks for dropping by today!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend - we sure had a good time. In fact, I'm currently eating a massive salad to get back on track after the tempting candy-fest that was yesterday.

Lots of exciting things coming your way this week, including tons of photos if the camera cord I ordered ever comes in!

If you're new to Mingle Monday, welcome from the bottom of my heart! This is a fun, positive blog hop that begins on Monday and lasts ALL WEEK! That's right, all week. So link-up, visit some great blogs, and have fun welcoming people who will be heading your way!

A Huge Thank You...

...in advance for spreading the word! Blog post, Twitter, smoke signals... you name it, I love it! The more this continues to grow, the greater your chances to gain some wonderful new followers and find great blogs!

{ Many thanks! }

   

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 in the comments section below...     ** Favorite Easter treat... go! ** 

____________________________________________________________________________________________    

Here are some MUST visit blogs for you...

Katie @ The Small Change Project

Casey @ Poodleism
Kaitlyn @ Crazy Life of Kaitlyn

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

{ Click here! }



** ALSO **

Personal blog shout outs and RTs 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!

The Heart of Life is Good

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"Pain throws your heart to the ground, Love turns the whole thing around.
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood, But I know the heart of life is good."

- John Mayer

Today was one of those days where I woke up and realized just how blessed I am.
My alarm was set for 7:10 (the usual), and for some reason I woke up at 6:10 a.m. on the dot. Wide awake. I couldn't figure out why I all of the sudden woke up... until I remembered that I had a meeting across town at 7:30 a.m.

Pretty sure my uber punctual guardian angel woke me up on that one.

I breezed through getting ready and Adam offered to do all of the things I usually do in the mornings (since I leave after him) with a smile on his face. Then an "I love you" and kiss goodbye. What a blessing.

The sun was coming up as my car was full of great soulful music that a new friend gifted me. My heart was full and I think joy and thankfulness washed over me. Despite seeing lots of pain and brokenness that friends/family are facing in different ways, I remember this truth of hope...

The heart of life is good.
God is good.

I went to grab a coffee and I thought about the fact that not everyone feels the way I do today. I had an overwhelming urge to spread the joy in any way I could, and picked up the tab of the lady behind me in the drive-thru.

I don't say this to brag about my intentions, I just hope that she was simply able to see a little joy and sunshine this morning. And I hope that when she too feels that, she can pass on the love to someone else who might need it.

Because heaven knows we could all use a little dose of sunshine every once in a while.
As I drove off, I let the words of the songs wash over me, smiled, and thought about so many things to be grateful for today and everyday. Good days and bad.

.:: Thankful ::.

+ my wonderful family who I love more than life itself
+ a puppy dog nose resting on the pillow next to me this morning
+ dear friends, new and old
+ belly laughing the night before
+ a selfless, kind husband who makes me feel beautiful at any size, makeup or no makeup
+ beautiful spring weather
+ the promise of new adventure in the air
+ a weekend to relax and restore
+ the precious gift of sacrificial love and life to celebrate this weekend


Today I am overwhelmed and humbled. Although life can get tough and painful at times, there is peace in knowing that there is always hope. Just keep going, because there are great things for you on the horizon, I just know it.

Maybe you need a little encouragement today?
Take heart my friends.


May you experience the true joy, hope, and love this Easter weekend...

How To Make Easy Gourmet Brownies From a Mix

Do you ever have those freak out moments? You know, when the phone rings and a few friends are just going to stop by.

In a panic your mind quickly drifts to two things (or at least mine does)...

1) Do we have wine?
2) I don't have anything fancy for them to eat.

And then in a moment of sheer joy (or complete chaos), you happen to find that store bought brownie mix. You know, the one collecting dust in the back of your cabinet. You bought that mix with the intent of getting yourself out of a jam, such as this, but for some reason it just seems boring.

Thankfully over time, I've learned a quick and easy way to jazz up that good old box of Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge brownies so they look like Ina Garten whipped them up.

And trust me, as soon as your destroy the evidence and serve them up in a cute pan, they'll think you slaved for hours....

Ha!
Major win, my friends.

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

Yes, it's that simple, and the brownies turn out AMAZING! I made this this weekend and I had 3 people ask for the recipe (hehehe).

All you need is a few things on hand to turn drab into fab in no time flat!

I think it would be fun to scratch the PB swirl and add crushed up Oreos, or maybe marshmallow + nuts (Rocky Road anyone?) for a different gourmet take.

Happy baking, ladies!

{Brownie Pic 1}

{Brownie Pic 2}

Healthy Cinnamon Almond Flax Granola

I'm addicted to not working.
In fact, after weeks off for our wedding festivities, I asked Adam if I could be a stay at home wife. I'm sure you can imagine his response...

Prior to the big day, I decided to add on 3 more vacation days after our honeymoon just to relax and unwind, and good Lord Almighty, I am so thankful that I did!

After months of wedding planning taking up every ounce of free time, I was more than ready to get back into doing the things I love, but have neglected.

Working out.
Crafting.
Baking.

So I bet you can't guess what I did during my days off?

I totally hit up Pinterest for some inspiration, and boy did I find it!
First project? Making homemade, healthy granola. I used a few different recipes for ideas and then just totally went for it on my own.

It turned out amazing.

For the many following on Instagram who saw the final product photo and asked for my recipe, here you go! You seriously can't go wrong winging it either. Well, unless you fly off the deep end and add weird things like pickles and sardines.

Nevermind.
Who on earth would do that?

Okay, I've lost it. Time to shut my yapper and pass along the yumminess!

{ Healthy Cinnamon Almond Flax Granola }

Ingredients:

4 cups steel cut oatmeal
1/2 cup sliced almonds
5 tablespoons flax seed
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cinnamon
(I have a cinnamon addiction problem, so feel free to lessen to your taste!)
1/4 cup canola oil (can sub applesauce)
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup golden raisins.


Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2) Combine oats, almonds, flax seed, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.

Mmm... so good and toasty!

3) Warm oil and honey in a small saucepan over the stove, stirring frequently. Add vanilla.

4) Once the mixture has liquified, poor over the dry oat ingredients. Gently still all together until blended. Don't be afraid to use your hands to help the process!

5) Spread the granola out on a cookie sheet with edges (jelly roll pans are great!). Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to be sure of even toasting.

6) After you remove the granola from the oven, allow to cool and then add raisins.

7) Store granola in a sealed air-tight Tupperware. It will keep for a week at room temperature, or 3 weeks in the fridge.

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

I'm telling you, if you sprinkle a little granola over Greek yogurt and fresh berries, it's pure heaven.
Pure. Heaven.


Bon Appetit!

Wedding Photos Are Here!

Yup, you read that right.

The lovely Sharaya Mauck, from Sharayamauck Photography, decided to send over a handful of images before she left for her tropical vacay. What a treat!

Even though there are only a few, I am loving the way they turned out... so us.
Oh! Can you tell that Adam and I were cracking up at each other the whole time?

What a bunch of goof balls...

Little can you tell that it's POURING down rain and the thunder claps are so loud the hair on my arms stood on end. As a matter of fact, that may be why we're completely cracking up.

What. a. day.
Once Miss Sharaya gets back from sipping pina coladas and tanning beachside (jealous!), I should have much more to share - decor, behind the scenes, first look, ceremony, first dance, etc.!


Peace, love, and puppy dogs...





Sharayamauck Photography
e-mail // sharayamauck@gmail.com
phone // 913.461.1948

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

It feels so good to be back!!

Happy Monday, beauties - I hope your weekend was beyond stellar and oh-so-relaxing. Hubs and I sort of putzed around the house, saw friends, nested a bit (I'm obsessed!), and just enjoyed being together and our new home.

You would be so proud of me, be-tee-dub... I took SO many photos to document.

The problem?

I can't find my camera cord to save my life.
BUT, I have SO many great things coming atcha this week, so stay tuned, okay?

If it's your first time stopping by for Mingle Monday, let me just extend a warm and fuzzy welcome your way. I hope you find lots of great new blogs to keep up with and followers to boot! For my Mingle veterans, thanks for being here and for being you.

Y'all make my whole day... happy mingling!

A Huge Thank You...

...in advance for spreading the word! Blog post, Twitter, smoke signals... you name it, I love it! The more this continues to grow, the greater your chances to gain some wonderful new followers and find great blogs!

{ Many thanks! }

   

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 in the comments section below...     ** Are you a cat person or a dog person? If so, why do you love 'em? **      (I have new puppy fever!! Beast needs a new sibling, don't ya think?)





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Here are some MUST visit blogs for you...

Katie @ The Small Change Project

Leslie @ A Body That Won't Break

Casey @ Poodleism

Kaitlyn @ Crazy Life of Kaitlyn

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

{ Click here! }



** ALSO **

Personal blog shout outs and RTs 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!

I'm Baaaaaack!!!

HOLY SMOKES!

It's been f-or-e-v-e-r. How are you, dear friends? Everyone hanging in there?
It sure feels good to be back to real life (and blog world!) after an insanely amazing wedding and honeymoon vacation. I cannot wait to show you photos from the big day, but don't have them back quite yet!

In the meantime, here's a few to share (thanks to the help of a few friends)...

So our wedding was incredible. The food was great, the wine was flowing, people were breaking it down on the dance floor, and it was a blast. The best part? Being completely and utterly overwhelmed by the love and blessings of our dear family and friends. What an unbelievable feeling.

Our sweet little cake.

The venue being set-up in the morning.

The candy bar, which was a total hit.

Pretty mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Getting beautified.

Besties since elementary school.

Our first dance as husband and wife.

So that's a little quick photo teaser for ya! More coming soon (wedding, honeymoon, new house!), so stay tuned.

In other news...

I was so thrilled to cut off 8 inches of my hair yesterday! I am just loving my short, swishy new do, and feel so sassy. What do you think?

 Do you see the sass?

I'm telling you, this haircut has made me a whole new woman!

And most importantly of all...

Today is my very sweet hubby's 29th birthday.
I woke up extra early to make him some tasty homemade birthday waffles and give him his presents. He looks like a happy camper, doesn't he?

That smile.
Swoon.

And yes, that is a candle in his waffle...

(I'm cheesy and sentimental like that - haha)

My goodness, I didn't know it was possible to love someone so much. I didn't realize I could be more in love with him today than on our wedding day, and I know it will be even more tomorrow than today.

I am blessed by such a wonderful, selfless, funny, thoughtful, affectionate, caring, handsome (and I could go on for days) man.

Love you, bud.

Looking forward to seeing all of our friends and fam for dinner and dessert at our house (!!) tonight. Don't worry, lots of pics will be coming!


Missed y'all.
Like so so much.
xo