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.

{via}

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!




...

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.

{via}

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!



...

Mingle Monday Link-Up!

Beyond thrilled that you decided to stop by to get your blog some new readers! I hope you all continue to enjoy this blog hop, because as long as you do, I am thrilled to host! :)

Let's get to it, y'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 hobby or DIY project are you dying to start? **

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// Sponsor Spotlight //

Are you dying to see a gorgeous wedding?!

You absolutely have to check out Sharaya Mauck Photography blog to see her latest photos. They are just incredible - I am in love with the colors! Go click on her site for amazing photography ideas and high resolution images. 

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!! :)

PS - Been to Boston? Help! I need your travel tips HERE.


Happy Monday, sassy ladies!

Life Lately in Photos

Just in case you've been wondering what the heck has been going on in my neck of the woods lately...

I'll catch you up to speed! ;)

1// My latest obsession. Yup, I'm in trouble.

2// This incredible weather.

I'm all excited for fall and dark nail colors! Loving this "Midnight Cami" navy blue color.

3// Double dating it up.

Love these crazy kids and love nights at lovely Starlight Theatre!

4// Have I told you how much I love my job? 

Even a CPR training on a Saturday is fun with these guys.

5// Thankful.

Love my sweet little 3rd graders at Sunday School and how they share their love.

So proud of them making blankets for abused and neglected kiddos!

6// Love notes. 

Silly ones from my hubby hidden in random places make my whole day.

7// Fam Time.

The wonderful folks at Longhorn Steakhouse generously sent over a gift card for me to try out their new menu! We invited my parentals to join us, and loved absolutely everything that hit our taste buds! Plus, they now have a Flavorful Under 500 menu, so Longhorn Steakhouse is a win/win for everyone! Fantastic evening.

What have you been up to lately?

Mingle Monday Link-Up + Giveaway Winner!

Welcome back, lovelies!
I hope you had a fantastic little weekend, and I am just thrilled that you decided to stop by for some blog networking. Let' get your blog some extra exposure!

First thing's first, I want to say a HUGE thank you to the extremely encouraging and sweeter than sugar compliments from many of you regarding our kitchen renovation before and after photos. You guys sure know how to make a little gal's day, don't ya?! Thank you.

ALSO...
I need to announce the winner of last week's awesome LaMaLu Boutique gift card +  Life of Meg ad space sponsor giveaway! So drum roll please.... the winner is....

Kristin Twigg Darhower

**Kristin, 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...     **  What are your favorite beauty pampering products? ** 


____________________________________________________________________________________________

// 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!

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!! :)

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!

Our Kitchen Renovation: Before + After

I've been dying to show you guys the dramatic difference from frumpy 1970's kitchen, to a chic and welcoming space. It's by far my favorite room in the house since I enjoy cooking and baking frequently, and I am loving how it turned out.

Our kitchen inspiration was a light and fresh space full of colorful pops of green, yellow and turquoise. We chose to conserve our tight budget by painting our current cabinets and switching out the hardware, which added the extra light and modern feel we were going for. We painted the walls a nice neutral gray to provide a clean contrast to our fresh white cabinets. It also set the perfect canvas to play with colorful accessories!

Due to the limited space, we chose to maximize what area we had in clever ways. I can't tell you how good it felt to knock out a few unused cabinet nook and crannies.

AKA... goodbye outdated bread box and hello fabulous counter space!!

Need a good tip? I simply tried to explain to Adam that the more counter space we have means the more baked goods I'm able to whip up with the extra room. ;) Instant win.

How do you think we did?

And to wow you even more... here is a photo that was taken before Adam purchased the house almost 4 years ago. We've come a LONG way! 

We changed the little corner of dead space into a cute little coffee bar area and we love how it all came together! We took our sweet love print from our wedding to add some art deco and personalization.

I am typically not great at visualizing spaces or decorating, but I am pretty proud with the accessories that we chose. i love how the space reflects our personalities and contemporary style.

And of course, a HUGE thank you to my sweet daddy who dedicated hours and hours to re-wiring our electrical, installing our range hood, and dealing with our home's 1970's eccentricities! It was a wild ride.

Oh yeah, and his studly assistant was a pretty big help too!! Love you both!

I know a few of you have seen little glimpses on Instagram and asked where you can find certain items used, so I listed out the details below for you!

Project Materials //

Wall Color // Sherwin Williams Functional Gray

Trim & Cabinet Color // Sherwin Williams Dover White

Subway Glass Tile

Granite

Sink

Drawer Half Cup Pull

Door Handle

Accessories //

Baker's Rack

Retro Wall Clock

Green Apple

Lemons in Vase 

Scentsy Yellow Plug-In

Blue Glass Vases

Green Potted Grass

Yellow Stand Mixer

Votive Candle - sold out // similar one here

Printed Coffee Mugs - sold out // other Crate and Barrel mugs here

Lemon Towel - sold out // other Crate and Barrel towels here

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What do you guys think?!