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July 15, 2013

Mingle Monday Link-Up + Giveaway Winner

Thanks for joining me today to kick your week off the right way! So thrilled that you stopped by for some Mingle Monday networking action. May it bring you lots of fun new visitors and great blogs to read!

First thing's first, I need to announce the winner of last week's awesome $25 Amazon gift card + Life of Meg ad space sponsor giveaway. So drum roll please.... the winner is....

Breanna Friedrich!

**Breanna, I sent you an e-mail with instructions on how to claim your prize. Congrats!! **


 
    

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...
 
 
**  Top 3 things that never fail to brighten your day? ** 



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// Sponsor Spotlight //


You HAVE to stop by Sharaya Mauck Photography blog if you haven't yet!! From weddings to lifestyle photography, she's done everything and does it well. She even did our engagement and wedding photos - we LOVE her!

Wanna see our photos?
Go check 'em out!




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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!! :)


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!



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July 12, 2013

5 Things

Do you ever feel like your weeks seem infinitely longer after a vacation?

Yup, that's this week.

I spent 4 glorious days disconnected from all social media, lounging around, and eating way too much junk food. So as you can imagine, jumping back into a full-blown craz-cray work week was quite the shock to my system.

Needless to say, I am beyond ready for a leisurely weekend... hollatchagirl!




1//  Holy Remodel!
Beyond excited to show you progress on out kitchen makeover. Making HUGE progress! Despite the super sexy 1970's mustard yellow counter tops still in place, the freshly painted cabinets/walls and new hardware have our place looking snazzy! Next up... granite, sink and back splash! Photos coming next week... stay tuned.


2//  Sneaky Girl
While hubs was out of town on business, I spent every single evening painting our guest bathroom (which would've been our weekend project). Poor guy has been working so hard, so i wanted to surprise him with a relaxing weekend. Needless to say, he was pumped (or as pumped as someone can be after traveling all day and finally getting home at 1:30 a.m.). Wife points for the win!

3//  I. Need. Sleep.
I don't know why, but every time he's out of town I stay up until midnight or later doing the most ridiculous things (like painting our dimly-lit guest bathroom). This weekend will be full of naps, naps and more naps. These dark circles sure don't lie.


4//  Cultural Weekend Adventures
Tonight we are catching the latest installment of the Starlight Music Theater season... FLASHDANCE!
Never seen the movie. Have no clue what it's about, but I've heard that everyone you look is Broadway singers in the world's tightest spandex. Good thing we have close-up orchestra seats! ;)

Heading out to the KC City Market farmer's market tomorrow morning with the parents. I fully plan on indulging in some locally brewed coffee, fresh wild flowers, tons of produce, and perhaps I will browse the delicious homemade goods that the sweet Amish folks tempt me with.


5// A Million Trillion Thank Yous

I had so many overly kind comments, e-mails, and tweets about Wednesdays post, Embracing Imperfection. Those words came from my heart, and it's such a blessing to know I am not the only one out there who struggles with this. Beyond thankful that it provided encouragement to those of you in the same boat - xoxox!


In Case You Missed It...



What are you kids up to this weekend?


Make it a good one!

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July 10, 2013

Embracing Imperfection

My whole life I've grown up with innate people-pleasing tendencies. For whatever reason, the universe just seems to align for me when everyone is getting along, conflict is absent, disappointment doesn't exist, and everything is peachy keen with ice cream on top.

Drama makes me cringe. Conflict completely tugs at my soul until it's resolved. 
I'm a tender-hearted softy whose feelings get hurt easily, and who desperately wants to make people smile. 

In the depth of my heart I know three things to be true. I want to feel accepted. I want to feel loved. I want to feel wanted. 

Don't we all?



It wasn't until college that I realized that people pleasing is a slippery slope and learned some good lessons...

Sometimes people, who you thought were your friends, change and you drift apart... and coming to terms with the fact that it's actually for the better. That standing up for what you believe doesn't always go over well with the cool crowd. That being true to yourself doesn't mean you're being selfish, it means you're being true to yourself. 

And most importantly... I learned to embrace my imperfections.

And trust me, this wasn't an overnight quick fix. In fact, it's still an everyday demon for me to battle off doubts and insecurities that tend to creep in. But in my weakest moments, I know that I am done apologizing for who God made me to be.

I choose to be vulnerable. 
I choose to be transparent. 
I choose to be me... imperfections and all.


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


I am the girl who double and triple checks the locks each night out of paranoia.

I am the girl with the lead foot who is incapable of going the speed limit.

I am the wife that totally intends on cooking a nice dinner after work until Chipotle sounds insanely easier on my drive home.

I am not the girl who gets song lyrics right... or even close... ever. 

I am the girl whose eyes well up with tears on my way home when working with cancer patients all day has taken a toll on my heart.

I am the girl who orders whole wheat crust on my pepperoni pizza to make myself think I'm eating healthy.

I am not the girl who succumbs to blogging drama or pressure.

I am the girl who dreads setting my alarm to teach early morning Sunday school, and then instantly feels guilty after spending the morning with adorable 3rd graders.

I am not the wife who can successfully finish a load of laundry from start to finish (darn folding!).

I am the sappy wife who misses her husband the second he leaves. Every. Single. Time.

I am the girl who knows every Disney movie by heart, and would kick your arse at Disney Scene It.

I am the girl who fully intends on arriving on time, but always seems to find myself 5 minutes late.

I am the girl who is completely romanced by life's littlest blessings.
.

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


The world is full of people trying to tell you who you need to be and how you need to get there. But you know what? Nobody knows who you are and what you stand for more than you

So. 
Be. 
You.

Be confident.
Use your gifts.
Let yourself shine.
No apologies.


After all, life is too short to be anything but your beautiful self, darlin'.


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PS - Check out on the awesome $25 Amazon gift card and ad space giveaway! 
Click HERE!

PPS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK at my 
Mingle Monday Link-Up!

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...

July 9, 2013

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Yes, you read that right... FREE Amazon gift card.

Can't get any better than that, right?

Well it's giveaway day here on the ol' blog, so I hope you're in the mood for getting some sweet stuff without having to do hardly anything. A total win-win.

Well, there is a $25 Amazon gift card up for grabs, and you've got to meet the person who made this possible...




Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Bloglovin


Lacey is definitely the girl next door that everyone wants to be friends with. She is super girly, sweet, fun, creative, and quite simply...lovely. Her blog is an eclectic little bungalow of gorgeous photos, beautiful inspiration, beauty tips, and just a fun place to get lost.

Whether she's sharing her latest shopping finds or recapping her insanely gorgeous dream wedding, this blog is a fun must read. Do yourself a favor... stop by and say hello to Lacey. She'd love it and it will definitely make your heart happy. 

Promise.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway open until Sunday, June 15th at 12 a.m., and a winner will be announced during the Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Your chance to win is super high if you tweet everyday, so spread the word to anyone and everyone!! It's definitely not irony that the last several giveaway winners were daily giveaway tweeters! So get your social media on, girl.


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



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July 8, 2013

Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Welcome back from a lovely long holiday weekend!

I had a fantastic time lounging around, exploring outside, playing games  and kayaking around at the over the last 5 days. Adam might have had to drag me out by my legs to get me to leave.

Absolutely love that place. 

Anyway, thrilled that you decided to stop by, pick up some new readers for your blog, and find some new incredible reads. I hope you all are still enjoying this little link-up - 3 years going strong thanks to you all!


 
    

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 summer movies are on your must-see list? **





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// Sponsor Spotlight //


A big thanks to Sharaya Mauck Photography for sponsoring Mingle Monday! Do yourself a favor by stopping by her amazing blog if you haven't yet. Such a darling blog and tons of incredible photos.

PS - Such a great place to stop and get family/wedding/engagement photo inspiration too!



____________________________________________________________________________________


** 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!! :)


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! And make sure you follow via Bloglovin' now that Google Friend Connect has disappeared! :(



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PS - Check out on the awesome $25 Amazon gift card and ad space giveaway! 
Click HERE!

_________________________________________________________________

July 3, 2013

Hello Americana!

Who's ready for fireworks, cut off shorts, and not working?!

Yeah... ME too!

I am beyond excited for 5 o'clock to roll around, so that we can grab our posse and get the heck out of this city! We're cabin bound and ready for a stellar long weekend celebrating freedom with friends and fam.

The cabin has been in Adam's family for decades and has many special memories... Adam proposed there at this time last year!




I am still in the process of trying to snag a last minute Americana inspired top by the time we leave, so I may need to swing by old navy to check out this striped tankthis star tee, or this fun top. I mean, I can't leave town without my USA gear, right?

Did you find any cute patriotic outfits?
Help a sister out.

Anyway, the next 4 days will be filled with sleeping in, lawn games, kayaking, morning walks, peaceful sunsets over the lake, watching the boys blow things up, adult beverages, yummy food, and of course... our annual Cabin Olympics.

Guaranteed fantastic (aka: ridiculous) photos coming your way next week!

What are your plans for the long holiday weekend?
Wishing you all a very safe and wonderful 4th of July!


Land of the free because of the brave!


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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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July 1, 2013

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Good grief... this didn't auto-post like I had planned!

Sorry y'all!

So let's get this belated Mingle Monday action going, shall we? Thanks for being here, being you, and making life fun... you guys are 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...
 
 
**  How will you be celebrating the 4th of July? **





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// Sponsor Spotlight //


A big thanks to Sharaya Mauck Photography for sponsoring Mingle Monday! Do yourself a favor by stopping by her amazing blog!

She is one creative, adorable gal who happens to take STUNNING photos!!
See, I told you she's cute, and her little dog Nikon is presh!



____________________________________________________________________________________


** 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!! :)


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! And make sure you follow via Bloglovin' now that Google Friend Connect has disappeared! :(



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June 29, 2013

Dad's Famous Chewy Pudding Chip Cookies

If you are like me and adore super chewy cookies, this recipe is for you! So moist, so delicious... you just have to indulge in two (or six)!




A few weeks back, I stopped by to visit my parents, and low and behold I found my dad in the kitchen. Baking. Cookies.

Who the heck is this guy?

Well, my dad is a rock star in the kitchen and loves cooking with mom. But this time, we was all by his lonesome making delicious pudding cookies to bring my grandpa for Father's Day - how cute is that?!

He found an incredible recipe that is easily interchangeable so you can swap different flavors out. He did butterscotch chip cookies (grandpa's fave), and I was blown away (and I'm picky, y'all!). So this past week when we had family staying with us, I knew it was the perfect time to test out the chocolate peanut butter chip variety.

They were gone within 36 hours. I made 2.5 dozen.
A hit!

Try them. So easy and you will put smiles on so many faces when they smell them baking!

{ Dad's Famous Pudding Chip Cookies }



Ingredients

- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 package butterscotch jello pudding (3.4 oz) **
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 12 ounces butterscotch chips **
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)


** Can swap out pudding and chip flavors. Read below for fun combination ideas!


Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2) In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking soda.

3) With stand mixer, cream butter, sugars, pudding mix and vanilla. Add the eggs and mix thoroughly.

4) Slowly stir in the flour mixture. Fold in chips and nuts.

5) Drop dough on cookie sheet (I recommend using a Silpat silicone baking mat) by rounded tablespoons.

6) Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes before moving to cooling rack.


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


Like I said before, there are so many great ways to get creative and try out new flavor combos. Here are just a few ideas for you to get funky with...

butterscotch pudding + butterscotch chips
vanilla pudding + chocolate chips
fudge pudding + dark chocolate chips
chocolate pudding + peanut butter chips (as shown in my photo)
lemon pudding + white chocolate chips
cheesecake pudding + raspberry vanilla chips
chocolate pudding + andes mint chips
coconut pudding + chocolate chips


The options are endless, so have a blast!

Bon Appetit!


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June 27, 2013

Omaha Getaway in Photos

As promised, I have tons of photos from our long weekend getaway to Omaha!

I have to say, we had a spectacular time together exploring a new city. It's just so nice to completely detach and spend time with my best friend after crazy weeks, minimal alone time together, and adjusting to new work schedules.

BUT... We had a blast acting like complete little kids at the zoo, and being old fogies when we went to be at 10 p.m. the first night (ha!).


// Friday Afternoon

We stayed at The Magnolia Hotel in Old Market and it was so cozy and chic! We enjoyed the free breakfast spread, happy hour every afternoon, and milk and cookies before bed. :)

Once we got unpacked we explored Old Market's shops and grabbed some lunch and a drink at Upstream Brewery. Then we felt like being spontaneous, so we hopped across the river to catch an afternoon showing of The Internship (so hilarious, and made me want to work at Google).





// Friday Evening

Later that evening we enjoyed Mexican food and fancy margs (Pomegranate Marg was so insanely tasty... dangerous!) at the swanky upscale Roja Mexican Grill + Margarita Bar.

Naturally, since we were in the neighborhood... we just had to go try some of the famous ice cream at Ted & Wally's. I chose the Mexican Fried Ice Cream and it was so cinnamon-y (yes, it's a word) and delicious. It tasted just like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, my fave childhood breakfast cereal.

Well, we walked the few short blocks back to the Magnolia to find the cookies and milk happy hour and full swing. They practically had to twist our arms to get us to participate, but we reluctantly obliged by taking two cookies off their hands.... haha. ;)

And then we fell into a deep sugar coma. At 10 p.m.




This sign completely cracked me up...
 FREE PUPPIES!!




// Saturday Morning + Afternoon

Zoo Day!! We woke up insanely excited. We rolled out of bed extra early so that we could get to the world renown Henry Doorly Zoo while it was still cool and quiet. After 10:30 a.m., the zoo was packed full of crazy kiddos and strollers everywhere!

My real camera was malfunctioning during our trip, so I had to use my cell phone. But I have to say I am stinking impressed to see how great my iPhone captured our fun zoo moments!




 The polar bear swimming was so fun to watch (we stayed for a half hour!), and we loved seeing the newly born lion cubs (which are already 3x bigger than our Bella Beast)


We got a kick out of the gorilla who would walk up to the window and pose for the cameras! What a stud.


Our zoo pass included their awesome aquarium. We must've stayed at the penguin exhibit for a solid hour laughing at them waddling around and swam diving into the icy water. And the jellies. Oh, I loved watching the jellies - so pretty!

Love this guy. What a fun adventuring partner!!

// Saturday Evening

We needed a way to beat the heat after we finished our epic zoo visit, so we decided to cruise around and explore new neighborhoods. We happened to stumble by The French Bulldog eatery while exploring and we're so glad we stopped in!

They had the greatest wine selection and an amazing cheese plate that we devoured. Major yum!

Later in the evening we enjoyed some patio time before lounging around in our room after a long action-packed day.






// Sunday

On our last day, we had an al fresco brunch before heading to the Pedestian Bridge for a nice long walk. We hung out in two states at once, which was pretty sweet. We're total nerds! :)

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and we had so much fun telling stories, recapping our trip, and already dreaming about where we want to travel to next.

That man is fun to do life with... blessed.





All together, a fantastic trip! Thanks to the city of Omaha and all of you for the awesome recommendations - we loved your advice!


Stay tuned... amazing cookie recipe coming this afternoon!

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June 24, 2013

Mingle Monday Blog Hop!

Hey All!
I am back from my nice long weekend vacay and ready for some mingling with all of you! I have tons of photos and stories to share this week, so I hope you'll stop back by!

A huge thanks to each one of you for being here! May you discover great new blogs and gain some wonderful readers for your blog too!

 
    

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...
 
 
**  Favorite Drink of Summer? **

For me, lemonade, hands down!
Spiked lemonade? Even better! ;)



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// Sponsor Spotlight //


Hop on over to visit Sharaya Mauck Photography!! Archives and archives of stunning engagement, bridal, wedding and family photos!! I mean, absolutely just stunning photography, which is easy to see in this multiple award winning photographer's blog.

Don't miss out! You know you want to take a peek!

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// FLASH SALE - LAST WEEK! //

Snag your ad space sponsorship on Life of Meg starting at only $5 for a whole month!!
Hurry, hurry hurry... spots are going fast!


Click HERE to get yours!


** 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!! :)


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!



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