Boston or Bust In Photos

I'm finally back from a lovely family vacation, and I think I left my brain in Massachusetts.

The week after a long vacation is always a bit chaotic, but at least I have beautiful photos and memories to relive our amazing trip! Adam's sister and her husband live in Boston, so we trekked northeast with Adam's parents for a fun getaway.

We left on Tuesday night after work, spent one and a half days in Boston seeing the city, before we roadtripped out to the cape coast. There was so much to do and see in both places that we only got a little taste, but we can't wait to head out again.

Today... Boston.
Tomorrow... Cape Cod.

Get excited.

On Tuesday before we left, I ran to my favorite downtown nail boutique, Polished, for a sparkly polish change and a solid 30 minutes just enjoying my massage chair.

Indulged in a few of my favorite things for the flight out.

We had to stop by the famous Flour Bakery + Cafe in Back Bay to see what all the fuss was about.

And we found out.

We got their delicious granola bar to nibble on while we sipped on our coffees. It was so good that we went back to Flour the next day to get a few to take to Cape Cod with us.

We decided to take fuzzy photos (not on purpose) while being "those tourists" on a big City View bus tour. Not part of our original plan, but when you only have 3 hours to see all of Boston, this was a really fun way to see many sites and get a good general history.

Enjoyed the views of the Boston skyline. 

Toodled around North End for a delicious Italian lunch. All of the places there are so adorable!

After dinner along the quaint harbor at 75 on Liberty Wharf (check out these photos of the amazing view!), we met the gang at Top of the Hub for some bubbly, desserts, and great atmosphere. The lights from the top of the city were gorgeous, and the hot cookie with chantilly cream dessert was to die for (and I'm a cookie snob!).

The next morning we hit up the infamous Fenway Park for a VIP tour! Meredith and I thought every Sox hat should have sequins.

Hubs was in baseball heaven, and his face was all lit up like a little kid on Christmas morning.

Don't miss out on the HUGE group giveaway, now until midnight on Sunday! We have a $25 Starbucks gift card, $50 Boutique Sui gift card, and a pampering kit full of lotions and fall nail polishes. Come and get it!

Coming up tomorrow... the gorgeous and relaxing Cape Cod!

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



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Warm Fall Locks

My roots are thanking the high heavens that I have a color appointment today!

After a late spring and all summer of bright strands, I am craving a warmer fall look to change things up a bit.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Barbie blonde look, but have my eye on a warmer, rich buttery color. With my pale skin tone and light eyes, bright blonde works well, but I am just loving these mulit-tonal honey blonde shades.

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What do you think?

Craving a change for fall too?





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

PPS - Don't miss out on the HUGE group giveaway, now until midnight on Sunday! We have a $25 Starbucks gift card, $50 Boutique Sui gift card, and a pampering kit full of lotions and fall nail polishes. Come and get it!
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Mingle Monday Link-Up: Belated!

For goodness sake...

It's been a whirlwind blur since we got back from Boston/Cape Cod late last night (more on that later)! I apologize for taking off last week without being able to post a little "to be continued post" last week!

Also, I had planned to auto post Mingle Monday early this morning - BUT we didn't have electricity due to a big storm last night... but I appreciate your patience!

Coming up this week...

+ fall hair inspiration
+ Boston in photos
+ Group giveaway (awesome prizes!)
+ Cape Cod in photos

      
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...     ** If you could host a big bash, what would you throw a party for and what would your theme be? **



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PS - Don't miss out on the HUGE group giveaway, now until midnight on Sunday!
We have a $25 Starbucks gift card, $50 Boutique Sui gift card, and a pampering kit full of lotions and fall nail polishes. Come and get it!

Personal blog 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!! :)

Happy Monday, sassy ones!

Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Ah, sorry!
The morning got away from me, but happy Monday! Enjoy mingling and networking today, and I can't say thanks enough for continually showing up and spreading the word about Mingle Monday.

You guys are hands down the best.

      
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 your favorite TV show of all time? **



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** ALSO **

Personal blog 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!! :)

Happy Monday, sassy ones!

Weekend Outlook + A Little Freebie

My goodness, it sure seems like those short weeks drag on forever!
I have been dying for Friday at 5 p.m. since Tuesday morning, so I am ready to get my weekend on! Lots of fun and a busy weekend ahead! Here's the weekend outlook...

Friday //
We decided to invite our friends over for an evening of fun drinks on the patio. It's so relaxing and wonderful out there with our fire pit table, adirondack chairs, and garden light. All we need to do is turn up some tunes and enjoy the company!

Did I mention our drink plan for the evening?

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Galley Bay's Caribbean Sea Cocktail

2.5 oz. Malibu Rum

2.5 oz. Blue Curacao

2 oz. pineapple juice

1/2 oz. Sprite soda

Garnish with maraschino cherry

Well hubs and I are missing the spectacular drinks from Galley Bay Antigua - where we honeymooned!

So, I took it upon myself to send a message to the resort asking them for the recipe to our favorite drink... The Caribbean Sea. In under 30 minutes, they got back to me with their recipe, so we can't wait to whip up a batch for tonight!


Saturday //
A little morning zumba session with the girls, followed by some cleaning and crafting. Oh man, that sounds lovely. At some point in the day, we're going to have to force ourselves to pack for our Boston trip - we leave on Tuesday! Hoping to squeeze in a nice late afternoon stroll on our favorite neighborhood trail with the pup too!


Sunday //
I'll be hanging with my favorite 3rd grade girls at Sunday school bright and early. The rest of the day is packed! We have a 1-year-old birthday brunch celebration with the fam, and then we're jumping over to my parent's casa to celebrate my crazy little sister!

In my mind, Linds is going to be 12, but apparently she's turning 20? When did this happen?
Look out world!!

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

So anyway, that's what happening at the Evans Estates (doesn't that sound way fancier than it needs to? Haha!) this weekend.

In the meantime, I want to celebrate TGIF by happily offering a little freebie - 50% off all "group giveaway" and "side bar only" ad sponsorship! Yup, now a whopping total of $6 and $3.50 respectively... enjoy!

For 50% OFF until Sunday night, click HERE use promo code: FRIDAY

Here's what you might've missed this week:

+ week-long blog link-up

+ blog photoshoot photos

+ a MUST see

Have a cozy weekends, friends!

A MUST WATCH

My dear sweet friend, Ally, posted this on Facebook today.
I didn't even make it to the 30 second mark before a wave of conviction set it.

You've got to see this...




Wow.

What a battle. Especially in the days of smart phones and social media at our fingertips.
I so desperately needed to be reminded that being present is far more beautiful and memorable than any Instagram photo ever will be.

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Are you in the same boat too?



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

Blog Photoshoot Sneak Peek

I had the pleasure of working with my favorite photographer, Sharaya Mauck, on some updated headshots for my humble little blog. Sweet Sharaya sent them over to me this weekend and I am absolutely loving how they turned out!

What do you think?

Sharaya did such a wonderful job catching my giggly personality! Thanks, lady!

Did you know she shot both our engagement photos and our wedding? Hands down the BEST wedding decision we made. If you are in the Kansas City and looking for the world's best... Sharaya Mauck Photography, bar none.

Our wedding is even featured over on WedLoft blog today - go check it out!

Will you help me pick a favorite?
Which ones should I go with? Help!




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

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Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Happy Labor Day, everyone!!

I'm writing from my remote cabin location, and knew I couldn't disappoint you all by skipping out on Mingle Monday!

Hope your long weekend has been wonderful and on-so-relaxing!

     
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 your favorite special indulgence? **

{ Mine is a massage, facial, or shopping extravaganza! }



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// Sponsor Spotlight //

Meet Sharaya from Sharaya Mauck Photography blog. She's my go to photographer for everything, whether personal family photos to sassy blog headshots. I can't wait to show you what we've been working on lately... photos coming soon! In the meantime, go check her out!

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

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** ALSO **

Personal blog 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!! :)

Happy holida Monday, dolls!

Vacationing

Greetings from the beautiful family cabin.

Our little piece of heaven.

The rustic little cabin is tucked away in southeastern Kansas, and has been in Adam's family for decades. We love eating breakfast out on the patio, playing cards and reading on the screened in porch, and sitting on the dock with our feet dipped into cool pond water.

Can't get enough of it.

So, Adam and I packed up the Jeep, grabbed the pup, and hit the road this morning for a much needed weekend away. As we drove I could feel the stress rolling off my shoulders and good times waiting for us.

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I'm craving rejuvenation, peace and quiet this weekend.

Can't wait to enjoy a few of my faves...

watching the stars + s'mores + sitting by the campfire + sleeping in late

lazy mornings + sipping coffee in my PJs + going on long hikes

pie at Carolyn's Essenhaus + my favorite kitchen store

movie date + spending time with Adam + cooking

crochet projects + fresh air + me time

Happy adventuring to you too, sweet ones!

On The List

It may be the weather, the fact that my 4-day weekend is around the corner, or that September means vacation time, but I am just one happy girl. So many things on my list that have made me smile.

Just a few obsessions that I absolutely cannot get enough of lately...

1// Fall Cooking + Baking

Have you seen my Pinterest boards lately? I am dying to bake anything and everything Autumn themed. Focus on seasonal fruits and veggies, and make my delicious homemade gooey cinnamon rolls. Soon enough!


2// Great Deals

As I said earlier, September marks our big trip out to the East coast to see my sis/bro-in-law. Both Boston and Cape Cod are promising cool evenings, so I've been on the hunt to find a cute flattering jacket to tote around with me.

Well, I should've know LOFT would have exactly what I was looking for! I found this awesome khaki jacket with a super flattering cinched waist... and for 40% off, I knew it had my name written all over it. Getting better at buying quality wardrobe staples!


3// Al Fresco

I'm obsessed with being outside. I've been making myself wake up early just to feel the wind in my hair as Beast and I go for a nice morning run. Dying to open the windows and let fresh air sweep through our little abode. Granted, I would prefer the temperature to stop creeping up into the 90s, but cooler breezes and lots of evening on the deck our coming our way soon.


4// DIY Projects

With fall baking comes fall fever, which simply means that I'm ready to break out autumn decor, make a nice monogram burlap wreath, and take on some easy home projects. Not to mention getting my Cozy Couture Etsy shop back up and going. Ready to knock out some crocheted chevron baby blankies like the one I'm working on now!


5// Thoughtful Hubs

Yesterday was an emotionally hard and exhausting day at work. Came home to flowers and one of my favorite chocolate bars. Someone give this guy a medal!


6// New Toms

Yup, I've got my eyes on this pair, this pair, these wedges, and this pair. If I can meet my workout goal several weeks in a row, I'm totally going to treat myself... to one pair. Don't think I could get away with 4 pairs on the debit statement ;)



What exciting things have made your list lately?






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




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Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Is anyone else already having one of those Mondays?
Me too.

So, let's just skip the fluff and go straight into something that cheers me up... linking up for Mingle Monday!

     
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 are your fun Labor Day plans? **

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// Sponsor Spotlight //

So, I just got some spectacular headshots done with this talented lady!

Meet Sharaya from Sharaya Mauck Photography blog. A sneak peak of one of my new shots is up on her blog as we speak! Can't WAIT to show you more next week, but in the meantime, go check her blog out! Love her!!

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

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** ALSO **

Personal blog 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!! :)

Happy Monday, lovelies!

This Guy.

Meet Adam, my husband. 

Encourager. 

Comedian. 

Lover of life. 

Fancy beer expert. 

Selfless servant.

Adventurer. 

Mini Cooper driver.

Great hug giver. 

Always thoughtful.

Ridiculously good looking.

Sports lover.

Sweeter than sugar.

My life line.

Needless to say... I'm one lucky gal.

I've barely kept my head above water this week as several 13 hour days have seemed a little overwhelming at times. The hubs had offered to give up his entire evening so that we could serve side by side. And even when we arrived home, Adam took care of me any way he could and did it so joyfully. 

The redeeming thing on long weeks  is that I am so thankful that I love my job and these incredible cancer patients and families a ridiculous amount. My work hours are generally pretty structured, but I love this place so much that I found myself rounding up friends and family to serve meals. To share smiles. To offer hope. 

Although the intent is trying to bless these sweet people, they end up blessing me more than anything. They are the ones that make long days worth it. Hearing their laughter during a delicious dinner served by a group of us if music for the soul. 

I'm the one who is blessed. And I am beyond thankful for a husband who encourages and supports me as I do what I love doing. He makes me want to be a better person every single day.

You can imagine how much my heart beamed when I saw an unexpected love note via Twitter yesterday. How fitting too... we met on that day 4 years ago. 

Wow. 

Who knew marriage could be this cool?  

Who knew you could fall deeper in love day after day? 

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

This brand new song from Ben Rector's latest album (absolutely incredible, folks!) nails it. 
Love it.

"But when I'm with you

I'm no longer wondering,

And when I'm with you

I swear I can breathe

And when I'm with you

I know who I am and who I want to be

Who I want to be"

- Ben Rector // When I'm With You

Wishing you love and laughter this weekend, loves!

Boston - Recommendations Needed!

The countdown is officially on.

In t-minus three weeks, the hubs, in-laws, and I are all taking off for a nice long Boston/Cape Cod vacay, and I can hardly contain myself. In fact, I am so excited thinking about the endless possibilities that I just might pee my turquoise cropped pants!

A big reason is because we will get to see my awesome sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and it's been to stinking long. Meredith and Kyle moved to Beantown this spring there and we can't wait for our largely anticipated reunion.

Have I ever told y'all that I hit the in-law jackpot?
Well, I totally did. Absolutely love 'em.

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Anywho, this little blonde has never been to lovely, historical Boston (or the Cape!) and I am dying to see anything and everything! Mere and Kyle are awesome tour guides, but they're going to be at work during the daytime, so we'll need to keep ourselves occupied.

On my radar...

+ Flour Bakery + Cafe
+ Freedom Trail
+ Charles River Esplanade
+ Kane's Donuts
+ Harvard Yard
+ Sam Adams Brewery Tour
+ Kick Ass Cupcakes // Georgetown Cupcakes // Cakeology


And I wish we could catch a baseball game, but we're only going to be there a few days before we jet off to Cape Cod. My list is just too long

So, long story short... I need your help!


Restaurants? Shopping? Sights? 
You name it - I want to see it all!

I'd love to hear your recommendations! And... GO!





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



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