Our Wedding in Photos

I've been dying to get another huge sneak peek of our wedding photos, so when our photographer, Sharaya Mauck, sent some over yesterday, I about died. She did such a great job capturing happy memories of an amazing day.

Most of these are pre-ceremony, which means there will be more coming your way in the next few weeks!

Here's your peek so far...

My most favorite day.

Which photos are your faves?

I can't decide!!

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

Our wedding featured in Brides Magazine

Photographer: Sharaya Mauck Photography || Ceremony/Reception Venue: Hawthorne House 

Day of Wedding Coordinator: Lindsay Howe of Simple Elegance|| Gown: Enzoani Diana 

Shoes: J.Crew || Hair: Par Exsalonce || Makeup: Mandy McKenna || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom || Rings: Shane Co. || Groom and Groomsmen's Attire: Tip Top Tux || Invitations & Paper Goods: Amber Travis || Florist: Found in Nature || Ceremony Music: Sheree Peterson Lutz and Allison Peterson of Uptown Violins || Reception Music: Howe Weddings and Events || Cake: Iced Art 

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Boy oh boy, that lovely weekend just flew by, didn't it?

Well, don't you worry, Mingle Monday is here to lift your spirits a bit. Add some sunshine to your Monday. You can't go wrong.

I can't thank you enough for choosing to stop by and get more connected. Building a community of great blog friends is so fun, and I hope you guys are seeing lots of new friends as a result of this blog hop!
Anyway, let's get to mingling, shall we?

      
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's the weirdest non-celeb baby name you've ever heard? ** 


____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

// Click HERE //

** 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!

Dash of Honesty + Weekend Wishes

{via}
It's been one heck of a long week. I've had to be up around 5:45 a.m. for wicked early oncology board meetings or consultations every single morning this week.

Work is nuts.
Life is complicated.
To say I am completely pooped would be understatement.

As a matter of fact, I was so tired and worn down yesterday that I just went home and cried. Like that ugly sobbing cry that takes over your whole body. And you know what? It felt good. (God bless my poor sweet, patient husband.)

Thankfully there are many wonderful things to look forward to this weekend...

+ birthday dinner at an Elvis impersonating dive bar tonight
+ breakfast date
+ long walks with pup and hubs
+ sleep
+ organizing our home
+ crafty/homey DIY projects
+ teaching my 3rd grade Sunday school girls (they're pure sunshine!)
+ yoga pants
+ trying out a healthy banana bread recipe
+ getting my sanity back

Yup. It's gonna be a good one.


Happy weekend, pretties!

Antsy for Order

So, life lately has just been slightly chaotic.

We've been going, going, going every weekend this past month, and almost every night this week. Work for me has been super stinking busy (and stressful at times), and by the time we get home each night we're too exhausted to do much besides eat and sleep, let alone clean/organize our house.

It's to the point where tolerating it isn't cutting it anymore. You know, when the normal out of place items start to be a HUGE deal. Where you about lose it every time you open the hall closet (avalanche!).

Ever been in that spot before?

Just me?

So this weekend, I am about to go nutzo on The Evans estate.

{via}

Well, I am majorly looking forward to getting our house (and life?) in order this weekend. And for the first time in a LONG time, I'm motivated and just ready.

Plus, I think it's about time to unpack my boxes of things that are collecting dust in our basement storage since I moved in after our wedding... 6 weeks ago. Ya think?

My OCD inspiration...

+ food pantry tips and tricks

+ spring cleaning printable check list

+ closet organization

+ kitchen cabinet storage

+ super cheap idea that I love

+ amazing tidy fridge

And once everything has a spot, I am ready to tackle some home decor and DIY projects...

+ indoor herb garden

+ gorgeous patio lighting

+ cute mantle inspiration

+ entry way idea

+ front porch spring decor

So ready to get organized, have a fresh home, and pretty it up a bit! We are hosting a baby shower for our dear friends this weekend, so it will be nice to enjoy a clean house, pretty decor, and a super cute patio when our friends are over

Spring cleaning.

So ready.

Who's with me?

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Welcome back from the weekend!

I hope you all had a fantastic few days of relaxation and fun. We had an awesome time in Oklahoma for my best friend's beautiful wedding, and now we're all partied out. I think we may be going to bed at 9:30p.m. all week...

Anyway, let's get to mingling, shall we?

      
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 is the #1 sporting event you would love to see in your lifetime?  ** 




____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

// Click HERE //
______________________________________________________


$4 OFF all sponsor ads!

Use promo code: WELCOME

______________________________________________________

** 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!

Greetings From the Road!

Happy Friday, all!

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm on the road heading for my bestie's wedding. I wish you all the very best weekend! Anyone have any fun plans?

Just in case you might be playing blog catch up this week, here's what you missed...

Easiest quiche recipe ever
My week-long blog hop
The world's cutest phone cases
A must watch
Weekend adventures

In case you missed it, I completely re-did all sponsor spots! If youve been wanting to try it out, I'm happily offering $4 off all sponsor spots(limited time only). Check it out!

Enjoy your weekend, homies!! Xo

Bring on the Lawn Games + Merriment!

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

Blog // Twitter // FB // Instagram

:: Five Fun Facts ::

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

_____________________________________________________________________

...and Kaitlyn from Crazy Life of Kaitlyn.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest

:: Meg Note ::

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


Happy [early] weekend, lovelies!



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

Have 3 Minutes? This is a Must Watch...

I'm not sure if you've seen this brilliant experiment by Dove yet, but it will blow you away.

Dove hired an FBI-trained forensic artist to interview and draw several women. The artist couldn't see any of the women, and based the first drawings solely off of the description that each women gave of herself.

Next, the women were told get to know another woman in that group. And one by one, the artist brought up the woman's partner and based a second drawing off of their description of that woman. To see the two distinctly different photo side by side is incredible.

Take a look...

How incredible is it to see our own critical self-image verses through the eyes of the world.
We're too harsh on ourselves and our imperfections.


It's time to embrace true beauty.
It's time to thrive in our uniqueness.
It's time to encourage each other.


I think we all need this reminder, so please pass the message of truth on.

And remember, you ARE beautiful.
(and that's the truth.)




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

__________________________________________________________________

Bling Your Ring Ring

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

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

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

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

Where can I find more cute cases?!

___________________________________________________________________

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

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

:: Five Fun Facts ::

1. I'm 100% Norwegian

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

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

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

5. My husband and I are middle school sweethearts. 

              ___________________________________________________________________

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

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

:: Five Fun Facts ::

1. I'm a twin.

2. Huge sci-fi fan.

3. Magazine junkie.

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

5. 27 years in my sorority.

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

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

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Hey y'all!

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

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

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

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

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


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




____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

// Click HERE //
______________________________________________________


$4 OFF all sponsor ads!

Use promo code: WELCOME

______________________________________________________

** 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!

Easy Ham, Cheese & Spinach Quiche

This delicious quiche has been a family go to  for years, and is always a crowd pleaser.

Seconds.
Thirds.
Trust me, it will go fast!

I thought a lazy Sunday afternoon was the perfect time to whip something tasty up for brunch. When this recipe popped into my mind, I knew it would be perfect. We've been enjoying delicious slices of this gooey, cheesy pie all afternoon!

________________________________________________________________

Ingredients:
3 eggs
2 cups diced monterrey jack cheese
2 cups diced cured ham
2-3 cups spinach
1 package crescent roll dough

salt/pepper to taste


Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2) Press crescent roll dough into pie pan fully lining the bottom and sides.

3) Microwave spinach in a bowl for 30 second (or until wilted). Once wilted pat the spinach dry with paper towels.

4) In a medium bowl whisk eggs until well combined and fluffy. Add in cheese, ham, spinach, and a dash of pepper.

5) Poor egg mixture into pie pan and back for 45 - 55 minutes, or until middle doesn't jiggle when pan is shaken. Allow to cool for 5 minutes or so and serve hot.


Bon Appetit!

Girls Night + Happy Weekend

{via}

Yup. Tonight is girls' night at the Evans casa.

The boys are all hitting up the KC Royals game, so I've taken it upon myself to invite 15 of my dearest friends (and their pups!) over for a night of yoga pants, wine, and shenanigans. Will take photos (sneak peeks on Instagram), but remember... what happens at girls night, stays at girls night!

Should be a good time.

Just in case you missed them this week....

 + week-long blog hop

+ charleston recommendations needed

+ spring shopping finds

 + cancer sucks

Wishing you a lovely weekend full of ice cream cones, sunshine, and sleeping in!

Catch ya Monday for the Mingle Monday Blog Hop...

 

Cancer Sucks

{via}

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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!

_______________________________________________________________________

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!