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!


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

- Kate Spade


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

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?

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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!

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 }

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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

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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!

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?!

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!

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{ Let's Mingle! }
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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! }








<center><a href="http://megnificentlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/LifeofMeg/MingleMonday2.jpg" border="0" alt="Mingle 240" /></a></center>
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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? **


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







** Open until Friday at noon! Spread the word! **
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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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?

{Giveaway}: Thoughtfully Designed

Calling all brides!!!
You can't miss this awesome giveaway! Miss Laura, author of The Luckiest in Love blog, is offering a $20 credit from her Thoughtfully Designed Etsy shop.

Oh gal pals, you have GOT to see her stuff! I know when my special day comes, I am going to be ordering hotel guest door hangers and bouquet charms out the wazoo! Here's a sneak peak...










{ How To Enter }
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For one entry each, please leave separate comments if you do the following:


+ Visit Thoughtfully Designed, and leave a comment here
on what you would use your $20 credit to buy.

+ Add Thoughtfully Designed as a favorite on Etsy.

+ Like the Thoughtfully Designed facebook page

+ Follow Laura's blog - The Luckiest in Love

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Winner of the $20 Thoughtfully Designed Etsy credit will be announced this Friday morning! A big thanks, once again, to Laura for offering her beautiful talents! Excited to see who wins!


Good Luck Dolls!





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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!
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It's A Wrap: Holiday Edition

My oh my, how's everyone doing today?
I was all snuggled in my bed with my fluffy puppy this morning, when I woke up to a text from BF saying it snowed! What a great way to wake up! :)

Luckily KC just got a light dusting, but it made my work commute about 90 minutes... gee whiz! Good thing I had my Christmas music to keep me company, eh?

So, like most of you, I have Christmas on my mind and can barely believe it's less than 3 weeks away! I made a point to purchase Christmas presents early, so almost everyone is checked off my list! Now all I have to do is the wrapping...




Never before have I purchased everything in enough time to add personal touches to the wrapping, so this is my year! I am loving the brown paper and twine themed gift wrapping this year! Here are a few photos that I'm using for inspiration...








Now if only I had these things to help me out... I mean how cool would it be to have a gift wrap ROOM!?


{ Buy HERE }




Here are some of the DIY wrapping how-to's that I will be visiting:


- Martha Stewart: Christmas Workshop


- Real Simple: 21 Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

- BHG: Christmas Crafts & Decor


What holiday wrapping trends are you loving?





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