December 30, 2011

New Year Wishes



Grab your sparkly shoes and cute outfits, ladies!
It's time to ring in the New Year the right way... surrounded by the people you love. I'm really looking forward to spending New Year's Eve with the love of my life and our friends celebrating how wonderful 2011 was.

I have a feeling that 2012 is going to be a very magical year, and I can't wait to see what comes my way!


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


"She had a cocktail in hand and confetti in her hair."

- Kate Spade



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


Whatever your plans are for NYE,
I wish you nothing but happiness, joy and love in the new year...



December 29, 2011

Wedding Woes: {Dress Help!}

Alrighty shopaholics... I need your help!
Adam and I are going to our good friends' wedding next weekend. I was going to recycle my black sheath dress that I got on sale last year from BCGB, but due to Adam being in the wedding... I need a dress for the rehearsal dinner too!

Now let me tell you, due to the hundreds of weddings we attended last year... I have plenty of bright, floral patterned dresses. But none of them will work for a winter wedding in freezing January.

Needless to say, I've been on a sale hunt. If I can find one at a decent price, I may wear the black dress to the rehearsal dinner and the new one to dance the night away in! But I need major help!

{ Here are my finds so far... }

#1



Ann Taylor Ruched Dress in Nocturne



#2


Banana Republic Large Polka Dot Dress


#3


Ann Taylor Colorblocked Belted Sheath Dress


#4


Express Pleated Wrap Dress


#5

(Sorry, the photo wouldn't behave!)

LOVE this eggplant color Max & Cleo one-shoulder dress, but $158?

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


Obviously, I would dress an options up with awesome jewelry, black tights and my chunky black booties that I love! But I am not completely sold on any of these options... anyone have any suggestions on where to shop cocktail dresses?!

I'm probably going to hit up TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack after work...


Help!



December 28, 2011

The Slim Down + Cute Gear

You've seen them everywhere.
Plastered across magazine headlines, endorsing products, and on TV. Successful slim downs of real people who look and feel really good!

I can't help but be inspired by the likes of Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Osborne! They look so awesome and healthy, and they sure as heck didn't get there by sitting around and eating Christmas cookies!

So if you're like me, and you're getting back on track after the holidays, consider jumping on MyFitnessPal! I absolutely love this free online program! It has a free app for smart phones, and adds major accountability to eating right and working out! I lost 4 lbs easily (before gaining back a few the last couple weeks), so I can do it! If you're joining, friend me: LifeofMeg



{ My healthy photo motivation? Erin Andrews. }


Now we all know we can't jump on the slim down bandwagon until we gain some motivation! Naturally, it's hard to get excited about working out, but it's amazing what cute workout clothes can do...


{ Current Crushes }

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


Lucy Novelty Propel Knee Pant - on sale $39!



Lululemon Energy Bra - $42



Lululemon Back On Track Tank - $64



GAP gFsat Colorblock Pants - $54



Casio Solar Running Watch - $14



Bondi Band Workout Headbands (They're SO cute!) - $8

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



So there you have it... my shopping list! One thing I've learned is to not wait until you've reached your goal weight to buy workout clothes - you've got to feel cute and comfortable NOW while you're on your way there!

I'm starting 30 Day Shred tonight for the first time, and I'm really nervous/excited! I may have to place my Bondi Band order super soon.

Adam and I have decided to make running dates for Saturdays/Sundays to help us get ready for our half marathon. I'm going to need something to keep my long hair out of my face. Has anyone tried these? I need a recommendation!


Know of any great workout shopping? Help a sister out!



December 27, 2011

I'm a BIG GIRL Now!

Alrighty friends, I'm back!
Thanks for all your sweet messages wondering where I was. I thoroughly enjoyed my time off for Christmas, and it was a much needed break from being so plugged in!

Did everyone have a good holiday? Did Santa come visit you?

Well, I had an awesome Christmas with my family. Adam and I drove down to Wichita to enjoy time before the holidays together at my parents house. He left right before Christmas Eve to head back to KC with his family.


If you were wondering if I was a good girl this year... well I was! I was absolutely shocked to have received this beauty from Santa...




This is something I definitely didn't ask for, but was very appreciated! I feel like such a big girl, especially because I've only had the same ancient TV that I got when I was in 7th grade. Seriously.

My shiny new addition is currently sitting on the world's smallest beat-up wicker table. It's GOT to go! Now all I want to do is go furniture shopping for a cool table for my pretty TV to sit on. This is my current inspiration...







I would love an over-sized table/console that can not only house my TV but pretty decor too! Naturally, I'm in love with all things Crate & Barrel/Pottery Barn, but that may be a little too pricey. There are a few local shops having good sales this week...


Anybody have any other suggestions?!



December 19, 2011

Mingle Monday Blog Hop

Good morning, friends!
Happy week before Christmas to you - who's excited?! One thing you may not know about me is Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. In fact, I would be happy if it was Christmas every day! :)

With a big snow storm rolling into Kansas City tonight and Wichita tomorrow, we may have a very beautiful white Christmas no matter where I'll be!

My little sister and one of her best friends are heading up to KC today to come spend time with metoday, and I'm sooo excited to see them! They're going to shop til they drop, then we're going to a Christmas party before they head out tomorrow morning to beat the snow storm.

I'm also looking forward a fabulous Christmas date with Adam tomorrow. Excited to go out to dinner at one of our new favorite places and then exchange presents. Bonus? It's going to be snowing big fluffy snowflakes... how romantic! :)

Anyway, enough about me, shall we get this party started? This will be the last Mingle Monday of 2011, and we will start up again in 2012! ...so let's go out with a BANG!

_____________________________________



{ Let's Mingle! }

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


Pretty Pretty Please...

If you could find it in your big heart to pass the Mingle word along... I will love you forever and ever and ever.

In all seriousness, I truly appreciate each one of you who take an extra minute to go the extra mile for me. I cannot thank you and your sweet generosity enough!

{ Many thanks! }




Mingle 240





_________________________________________________



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) Come back to [Life of Meg] and leave an encouraging review of the blogs you visited!!

5) Answer the weekly question...


** What are your holiday travel plans? Doing anything fun? **


_________________________________________________

** MINGLE FAIR -- all blog & runs (not commenting) will be removed. **







** Open until Friday at noon! Spread the word! **
_________________________________________________



Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



December 16, 2011

Haters Gonna Hate...

Naturally, I was planning to do a fluffy happy Friday post about my weekend, but I am fired up this morning... so let that be your fair warning. Very few things push my buttons, but when they do... well, look out world.

Let's just be clear before I get started... do I think Tim Tebow is the best player in the NFL? No. Am I his #1 fan? No. Am I a Christian? Yes.




...but do I think the harsh national criticism he's getting for being a Christian is ridiculous? Absolutely.

Let's be clear here, I'm not talking about ahtletic criticism... go right ahead and analyze his palying, I'm talking faith, I came across the most grotesque post about Tim Tebow's faith this morning. Absolutely classless. The title: Tom Tebow Becomes First Christian in NFL

The video was posted by a friend, with comments to follow saying Tebow is just a "gimmicky Christian" who "showboats his faith for exposure." And that folks, is when I lost it...

_____________________________

{ My Thoughts }


1) Critics = Exposure

- I get that many are sick of him being in the spotlight, but it's the critics and media who are overexposing and dramtizing this situattion.
- No stories = no exposure ...you do the math.
- He's an NFL player, his career is already in the spotlight, so why not just focus on the actual game and stop putting it on the front page of every paper.
- Why not just let him do whatever ritual he chooses, just like the rest of the players? Let the boys play, stop publicizing your hater media stance, and move on.


2) Tim Tebow is a class act.

- I am not about to pass judgement on his faith. To each his own. But I am also not going to sit here and criticize what he believes in and how he shows it. That's between him and the Big Man.
- There are a handful of professional athletes that are nice Christian guys/gals... including Tim Tebow. Yes, he is more outspoken than others... some choose to live their faith quieter. Is there one way to do things? Absolutely not.


3) Role Model

- I think he is a moral man who isn't afraid to speak up about choosing to remain celebate until married, giving God the glory in everything, and humbly thanking people.
- He is highly visible in his community helping people who are less fortunate than him, and I respect him as a person for loving on people.
- What a great athlete for kids to look up to.

_____________________________


So there you have it. On that note I have said all I need to, and I'm ready to officially *step down* from my Friday morning soap box.

Like I said, very rarely do I let myself get upset and vocalize it, but judgemental criticism and close-midedness really hurt my heart. I can't stand bullying or unjust jabs, and I think I have UDS ("Underdog Defensiveness Syndrome")...

As always, I respect your views and opinions, and I ask that you respect mine. If you have something uplifting to add, please do, but if you would like to join the critics, please do so on your own blog post.

Over and out...



December 15, 2011

Absolutely LOVING...

Who is ready for some Friday?
I have both arms and a leg raised! I tell you what, I couldn't be more excited for a relaxing weekend at home. I'm already making quite the list of things I'm looking forward to!

If you are new to my humble little blog, I can't thank you enough for stopping by! I hope that you will leave a comment and introduce yourself so that I can say hi! :)

Well, due to the complete randomness that is my little blonde brain today, I just have to share these things that I'm completely loving right now. I'm telling you, life is so happy right now that if I don't share, I could possibly turn into to a combustion of glitter and ice cream cones!!

Wow, I think I've had too much coffee...





{ Absolutely LOVING... }

_______________________________________________


1) ... the The Luckiest in Love ornament swap!
I was lucky enough to get paired up with the amazing Rebekah from @ Life with the Edwards, so sent me THE most perfect ornaments...


{ Please excuse the sucky phone pic! They're gorgeous in person! }


2) ...the recent Etsy opportunity God has given me.
Not only can I create beautiful items as my hobby, but to also make a small profit to help with holiday expenses is so wonderful. So blessed that my Cozy Couture Etsy shop has taken off. For your chance to win one, go visit this awesome giveaway at The Luckiest in Love. Giveaway ends Friday!





3) ...MyFitnessPal!
If you haven't heard about this free online tool (also has free phone apps!), it's seriously amazing if you're trying to lose or maintain your weight and healthy living.
I love the accountability it provides since it operates like a healthy living facebook where friends can see your food diary, weight loss, and cheer you on! Don't worry, your actual weight is kept private! :) I've already lost 3 lbs, so find me on there! Username: LifeofMeg


4) ...that sweet, sweet man of mine.
I can't believe this will be our third Christmas together. I feel so mucky to have found the one my soul adores, and my goal is to live and enjoy this beautiful present time.

Looking forward to next Tuesday and the sweet Christmas date he planned for us to exchange gifts and enjoy each other. Isn't the restaurant he's taking me to so cool!?





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



What are you loving today?!




December 14, 2011

Christmas Cookies: How to Decorate Like a Pro

Good morning (or should I say afternoon?) lovely ladies!
Can you believe it's Wednesday already? How crazy, but I'm certainly not complaining! In order to brighten your hump day, I wanted to let you know that I'm doing a Cozy Couture custom headwrap giveaway at The Luckiest in Love blog today! Go visit my sweet friend Laura to win your own!

In other news, I have been craving a baking extravaganza lately. And I'm not referring to popping something in the oven real quick, I'm talking all day Christmas cookie pallooza of sorts!

After my amazing, crafty aunt loaded me up with the coolest cookie cutters/edible glitter/frosting tips for my birthday, I'm ready to get to it!




Well, I think i may have found my perfect opportunity! Adam is going out of town on Sunday with one of our best friends, Sean, so I invited Sean's girlfriend (coincidentally my good friend) Ally over for a fun day full of frosting and sprinkles!

Naturally, I needed to do my research in order to decorate like a pro, because let's face it... I can't give my co-workers and friends crappy cookies! I didn't have to search very long before I found this little gem of a blog.





{ Bake at 350: Decorating Tips & Tricks }
_____________________________________


1) Start early.

Cookie decorating is really more fun if you break it up into chunks. Do one of the following to make life easier:

- make the dough ahead and freeze (thaw in the fridge overnight)
- bake the cookies and freeze (thaw at room temperature for a few hours)
- bake the cookies the day before decorating
- make the icing a day (or so) before decorating (if you are doing fine detail work, you'll want to make this the same day you are using)


2) Read up on your decorating techniques!

+ How to use royal icing

+ How to use the flood technique

** These were SO helpful! Can't wait try them out!

_____________________________________



Are you looking for some yummy creative recipes to try? These made our list...





+ Royal Icing Sugar Cookies




+ Gingerbread Dudes & Gals




+ Martha Stewart Christmas Cookies


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



What on your Christmas must-bake list?





________________________________________

PS - In case you missed the Mingle Monday blog hop yesterday, go check it out (open until Friday!)! Get your blog some exposure and find some other great blogs!
________________________________________

December 12, 2011

Mingle Monday Blog Hop + Giveaway Winner!!

Howdy gals! Did you survive the weekend?
I'm so glad you could stop by for a visit this morning to a little mingling with moi! I love your willingness to spread the word about Mingle Mondays via blog/twitter - you all are the best!

In other news, I had an awesome weekend full of dinner parties on the Country Club Plaza, Christmas shopping, naps, dates, and coziness! Shockingly, my house is clean, my laundry is done, healthy meals are made, and my gym bag is packed. Umm... winning!

I also, spent the several hours working on the world's cutest orders for my Etsy store, Cozy Couture custom headwraps!





I even made a custom blinged out headwrap for a good friend of mine (Please excuse the crappy cell phone photo)! ADORABLE, right? I may have to make myself a blinged out one! I can't thank all of you enough for your orders and support! SO SWEET!

_____________________________________

One more thing...

the WINNER of last week's Thoughtfully Designed giveaway is...

{ AMANDA!!! }

* Amanda, to redeem your giveaway prize, please e-mail me at:
megnificentlife {at} gmail {dot} com

_____________________________________




{ Let's Mingle! }


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


Pretty Pretty Please...

If you could find it in your big heart to pass the Mingle word along... I will love you forever and ever and ever.

In all seriousness, I truly appreciate each one of you who take an extra minute to go the extra mile for me. I cannot thank you and your sweet generosity enough!

{ Many thanks! }



Mingle 240




_________________________________________________



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) Come back to [Life of Meg] and leave an encouraging review of the blogs you visited!!

5) Answer the weekly question...


** What are your favorite holiday traditions? **


_________________________________________________

** MINGLE FAIR -- all blog & runs (not commenting) will be removed. **





** Open until Friday at noon! Spread the word! **
_________________________________________________



Have an awesome week!



December 8, 2011

World's BEST Date Night!

That's right, it's THURSDAY!!
...which means it's date night with my hunky man friend (he would chuckle and shake his head at me if/when he reads this)! So he text me a little while ago and said he has something planned out... isn't that adorable? I sure thought so.

So, after we eat dinner at my house and make the Christmas cookies that I need to bring to my work party tomorrow, we're doing this...




Christmas light touring!!! Bonus? It's supposed to snow tonight! :)
BF is planning for us to pile in his mini cooper, stop by Starbucks to get peppermint cocoas, and then go holly jollying around town!

He even mapped out which parts of town have the coolest light displays, and it's going to be such a great time! Christmas in KC is SO pretty...






Bella Beast even got invited to ride along with us, so it's going to be a pretty snuggly night! Looking forward to making memories and enjoying doing holiday festivities together! We'll cap off the great evening by making these yummy treats for tomorrow' party...







What seasonal must-do's are on your holiday list?







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