I'm out frolicking on the beach and soaking in our last full day, so no Mingle Monday Blog Link-Up today!
I have so many fun things to share after we get back, so I will catch you then!
Aloooohhaaa!
Meg
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
December 29, 2014
December 21, 2014
Mingle Monday Blog Link-Up!
We are less than a day away from our Hawaiian Christmas adventure, and I can hardly sit still.
I am so excited! We spent the weekend soaking in all things that we traditionally love to do during Christmastime. I saw The Nutcracker, lunched with out of town friends who were back in the city, and celebrated an early Christmas with my side of the fam.
Now I have crammed way too much into one teeny weeny suitcase (or so it seemed) and have successfully been able to zip it up with a little sitting on top and yanking the zipper... wink wink! Bring on the island life!
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend filled with fun holiday traditions and good company. Thanks for dropping by for a little networking today! If you could find it in your heart to give a little Mingle Monday shout out, I would love more blog friends to join us!
HOW TO MINGLE
_________________________________________________________
In case you missed it on the blog...
Wishing you a lovely Christmas week full of memories and gratitude!
December 19, 2014
Wishing You a Magical Weekend!
This morning I woke up thinking it was Saturday.
Ugh, what a cruel trick when I was all snuggled in my jammers under piles of cozy blankets.
Well, praise the Great Lion of Judah, the weekend is finally here. The countdown to 5 o'clock is on and I can't wait for fun weekend plans and a whole lot of relaxing. Here's what's happening...
Friday //
Tonight, my dear friend Karen and I have a lady date! We are planning to order a boat of sushi, grab some drinks, and hit the gorgeous Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts for a magical performance of The Nutcracker by the Kansas City Ballet. We bought these tickets MONTHS ago and have been counting down ever since.
Saturday //
I am going to sleep in and then grab coffee with my friend Kate, who is in town from Princeton, NJ where she is being an Ivy League smarty pants. Looking forward to catching up over good food and coffee, and of course snuggling Miss Piper Grace, her sweet little babe.
On Saturday night I am hitting the town with my hunky hubby for a date night out on the town. Good grief, I love that man and can't wait to hang!
Sunday //
Our church, Heartland Community Church, isn't holding any services so that groups can serve other instead (love this!). So we will be packing away meals for families in need that morning, and then we are going to hop over to my parents house for a festive early Christmas with everyone before we leave for Hawaii with Adam's side of the fam!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
In case you missed it on the blog...
+ week long blog link-up
+ 5 reasons to work out this week (that have nothing to do with the scale)
+ my chewy ginger molasses cookies recipe
+ an inside look at our Christmas in Hawaii
Let's catch up for Mingle Monday and share our adventures, okay?
See you there, brave ones.
A Very Hawaiian Christmas
Mele Kalikimaka, y'all!
I can't believe I haven't told you about our impending holiday adventure!
The Evans family is heading to Maui for a very tropical Christmas!
I can hardly handle the anticipation. Here's a little glimpse into the excitement...
While the 6 of us (my MIL, FIL, SIL, BIL, hubby, and me) are in Maui, we've planned some pretty epic adventures with lots of exploring to be had.
I am counting down the minutes until we get to drive the Road to Hana around Maui's north edge. The terrain changes from volcano black sand beaches to bamboo forrests and rainbow eucalyptus trees along the windy road that takes all day to conquer. At the end is the Sever Sacred Pools that are crystal clear pebble lined natural pools overlooking a lush forest and beach.
Along the way there are mile markers, tons of places to hike and explore, gorgeous waterfalls, and famous fresh fruit and banana bread stands. Holy heck, I am so ready!
________________________________________________
I can't believe I haven't told you about our impending holiday adventure!
The Evans family is heading to Maui for a very tropical Christmas!
I can hardly handle the anticipation. Here's a little glimpse into the excitement...
We are looking forward to staying at the gorgeous West Maui Resort & Spa in Ka'anapali. I've been there once before and it was the most incredible place I've ever stayed. The hotel itself is a mini
paradise!
We can't wait to hike up Haleakala volcano to see the deserted crater and watch the sunrise. Then bike our way down until we run into the famous bakery + donut shop at the bottom! ;)
Along the way there are mile markers, tons of places to hike and explore, gorgeous waterfalls, and famous fresh fruit and banana bread stands. Holy heck, I am so ready!
Other highlights will include a boating/snorkeling trip, a visit to the luscious lavender farm, attend a luau, and hopefully spotting a few humpback whales along the way. We can't wait to relax daily on the beaches, sip tropical drinks, and spend time together.
At first I was so excited to go on such an incredible trip, but thought it might feel weird to do Christmas in Hawaii. The more I think about it, what better way to celebrate the birth of Jesus and God's gift to us than by surrounded and in awe of His amazing creation! So thankful for this gift.
Have you ever been to Maui?
What were your favorite must-do things?
December 18, 2014
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ever since I posted a few photos on my Instagram, I've received tons of messages and e-mails asking when I will be posting my Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies recipe.
Well, today's your lucky day, my friends! Ever since I found this recipe from Six Sisters and tinkered with it a bit, I knew this would be a staple in my Christmas cookie repertoire. I took these little babies to a cookie exchange and they got rave reviews... can you imagine my excitement?
All the flavors of Christmas without the hard as a brick typical molasses cookie crunch. The edges are slightly toasted and the middles are so soft, chewy and melt right in your mouth. Give this recipe a try and I know you will be glad you did!
Well, today's your lucky day, my friends! Ever since I found this recipe from Six Sisters and tinkered with it a bit, I knew this would be a staple in my Christmas cookie repertoire. I took these little babies to a cookie exchange and they got rave reviews... can you imagine my excitement?
All the flavors of Christmas without the hard as a brick typical molasses cookie crunch. The edges are slightly toasted and the middles are so soft, chewy and melt right in your mouth. Give this recipe a try and I know you will be glad you did!
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
________________________________________________
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
2) Using your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and the sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Now beat in the egg until just combined and slowly stir in the water and molasses until well blended on low speed.
3) Begin slowly adding the flour mixture to the other combined ingredients until the dough is blended together well. Roll dough into golf ball sized balls and roll in the decorative sugar. Place dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat (non-stick silicone baking sheet) about 2 inches apart.
4) Bake for 8-10 minutes making sure you don't overbake. Cookies will not quite seem set but will continue to bake on the sheet after removed from the oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack.
3) Begin slowly adding the flour mixture to the other combined ingredients until the dough is blended together well. Roll dough into golf ball sized balls and roll in the decorative sugar. Place dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat (non-stick silicone baking sheet) about 2 inches apart.
4) Bake for 8-10 minutes making sure you don't overbake. Cookies will not quite seem set but will continue to bake on the sheet after removed from the oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack.
Bon Appetit!
December 16, 2014
5 Reasons to Work Out This Week (that have nothing to do with the scale)
If any of you are like me, it's quite hard to stay motivated to work out and eat healthy in the winter, especially around the holidays. For me, it's way easier to through my measly will-power out the window for that second Christmas cookies, or snooze my morning alarm to skip my workout.
Thankfully, my dear friend Mariah Secrest-Comer is here to lend us a hand and some renewed motivation! Mariah and I used to work together at the American Cancer Society where she would offer her personal training skills by leading lunchtime yoga. No she is the owner of Elevate Fitness, which specializes in personal training (in select locations), virtual coaching, and educational articles for busy professionals like you and me!
Hello. My name is Mariah, and I am a Pinterest addict. (The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?) - recipes, DIY projects, hairstyles, my dream homes, etc. and, of course, fitspiration!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve done your share of browsing “inspirational” snippets on Pinterest (or your social media drug of choice), only to find that they provide rush of motivation that lasts only as long as it takes to scroll down to the next pin showcasing Triple Mocha Fudge Lava Cupcakes. (Abs or chocolate…that is the question.)
As a fitness professional, I try to strike a balance between image and mindset. I think we’d be lying if we said that women aren’t hardwired to want to look our best. When we’re proud of the way we look, we portray that confidence to the world! We can do anything with the right shade of lipstick and that dress that fits just right.
But on the other hand, I can tell you with assurance that those who focus exclusively on the mirror usually have the most trouble staying on track and, ironically, may shortchange their long-term results. It’s easy to feel motivated for a hot second when you have a swimsuit to debut at your upcoming beach vacation.
It’s another thing to be rushing between your triple-booked meetings in the dead of winter, buried under three layers in a freezing cubicle and scrounging up leftover office cookies because you didn’t have lunch. Somehow your abs aren’t really a top priority anymore. So if the fitspo has worn off, shift your mindset and dig into these exercise benefits to boost your mojo.
1// Better Rapport
Oxford University found that the endorphin levels of study participants who exercised together were higher than those who exercised alone. They concluded that this effect could spill over to a stronger network at the office when you set aside time to move your muscles with coworkers. Suggest lunchtime yoga for the group instead of a heavy lunch—you’ll find each other more likeable after! (To learn more, pick up the December issue of Self magazine.)
2// Increased Romance
Couples who keep their stress under check through exercise are scientifically proven to be kinder and more patient with their partners on the days that they work out according to a 2008 study by Neff and Karney (more info HERE). Not to mention the boost in physical intimacy when both couples are active! Lower stress plus higher circulation and endorphin levels equals a good thing! (wink, wink!)
3// Easier Concentration
Your ability to ace that tough project may lie in how often you lace up your running shoes. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen in your brain, which helps feed your toughest mental to-do’s!
4// More Confidence
You don’t need to fit into your high-school sized jeans in order to get a confidence boost from exercise. In as little as one gym session, you’ll walk out with your head held a little higher.
5// Better Sleep
Sleep and exercise are direct correlates. Do well with one and you’re more likely to improve the other! And it becomes a virtuous cycle. Those who sleep better (i.e. longer) experience fewer cravings due to optimization of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
One good turn deserves another! I challenge you for one whole week to judge the worth of your workout not by how you look, but by how you feel.
And the ironic thing is you'll be more likely to get those crave-worthy curves you once focused on--this time as a fringe benefit!
Thanks for letting me stop by, Meg!
________________________________________________
Thankfully, my dear friend Mariah Secrest-Comer is here to lend us a hand and some renewed motivation! Mariah and I used to work together at the American Cancer Society where she would offer her personal training skills by leading lunchtime yoga. No she is the owner of Elevate Fitness, which specializes in personal training (in select locations), virtual coaching, and educational articles for busy professionals like you and me!
Her blog is full of helpful tips and coaching (check it out!), and she currently has a FREE "Slim and Social Guide to Happy Hour" available for download! Check it out - full of tips, charts, and resource lists for having fun night out on the town without undoing your fitness progress!
So without further adieu...
So without further adieu...
________________________________________________________
Hello. My name is Mariah, and I am a Pinterest addict. (The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?) - recipes, DIY projects, hairstyles, my dream homes, etc. and, of course, fitspiration!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve done your share of browsing “inspirational” snippets on Pinterest (or your social media drug of choice), only to find that they provide rush of motivation that lasts only as long as it takes to scroll down to the next pin showcasing Triple Mocha Fudge Lava Cupcakes. (Abs or chocolate…that is the question.)
As a fitness professional, I try to strike a balance between image and mindset. I think we’d be lying if we said that women aren’t hardwired to want to look our best. When we’re proud of the way we look, we portray that confidence to the world! We can do anything with the right shade of lipstick and that dress that fits just right.
But on the other hand, I can tell you with assurance that those who focus exclusively on the mirror usually have the most trouble staying on track and, ironically, may shortchange their long-term results. It’s easy to feel motivated for a hot second when you have a swimsuit to debut at your upcoming beach vacation.
It’s another thing to be rushing between your triple-booked meetings in the dead of winter, buried under three layers in a freezing cubicle and scrounging up leftover office cookies because you didn’t have lunch. Somehow your abs aren’t really a top priority anymore. So if the fitspo has worn off, shift your mindset and dig into these exercise benefits to boost your mojo.
1// Better Rapport
Oxford University found that the endorphin levels of study participants who exercised together were higher than those who exercised alone. They concluded that this effect could spill over to a stronger network at the office when you set aside time to move your muscles with coworkers. Suggest lunchtime yoga for the group instead of a heavy lunch—you’ll find each other more likeable after! (To learn more, pick up the December issue of Self magazine.)
2// Increased Romance
Couples who keep their stress under check through exercise are scientifically proven to be kinder and more patient with their partners on the days that they work out according to a 2008 study by Neff and Karney (more info HERE). Not to mention the boost in physical intimacy when both couples are active! Lower stress plus higher circulation and endorphin levels equals a good thing! (wink, wink!)
3// Easier Concentration
Your ability to ace that tough project may lie in how often you lace up your running shoes. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen in your brain, which helps feed your toughest mental to-do’s!
4// More Confidence
You don’t need to fit into your high-school sized jeans in order to get a confidence boost from exercise. In as little as one gym session, you’ll walk out with your head held a little higher.
5// Better Sleep
Sleep and exercise are direct correlates. Do well with one and you’re more likely to improve the other! And it becomes a virtuous cycle. Those who sleep better (i.e. longer) experience fewer cravings due to optimization of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
One good turn deserves another! I challenge you for one whole week to judge the worth of your workout not by how you look, but by how you feel.
And the ironic thing is you'll be more likely to get those crave-worthy curves you once focused on--this time as a fringe benefit!
Thanks for letting me stop by, Meg!
____________________________________________
Pretty awesome motivation right?
I think so - thanks Mariah for sharing these tips!
Definitely go download Mariah's "Slim & Social Happy Hour Guide" and visit her blog for more awesome coaching!
December 14, 2014
Mingle Monday Blog Link-Up!
How was your weekend, y'all?
After how crazy busy last week was, I gladly welcomed a much more relaxed weekend with open arms. We went to a musical, spent time with family, went to Zumba, ate at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, and did a lot of lounging. Let me just tell you... it was heaven.
Last week all of you were a part of a record breaking Mingle Monday with more participants than we've ever had. I can't thank each and every one of you who posted, tweeted, and sent up smoke signals inviting friends to join us. Please keep it up - it means the world! Let's get to some blog networking action going shall we?
Coming up this week...
+ my chewy ginger molasses cookies recipe
+ an inside scoop on our upcoming Christmas adventure (!!!)
+ a guest post from my favorite health/wellness guru
+ so much more!
HOW TO MINGLE
_________________________________________________________
I am so excited to be well-rested and full of motivation.
A better me means back to inspired posts & blog happiness.
I can't wait!
A better me means back to inspired posts & blog happiness.
I can't wait!
December 12, 2014
Pamper Yo'Self Giveaway Winner!
And now for the moment you all have been waiting for...
One lucky person was drawn at random to win the Pamper Yo'Self Giveaway brought to you by Thistle & Finn! Can I get a drum roll, please? And the winner is...
________________________________________________
One lucky person was drawn at random to win the Pamper Yo'Self Giveaway brought to you by Thistle & Finn! Can I get a drum roll, please? And the winner is...
Cindy Gaarder!
Congrats, lady! I will e-mail you about how to claim your prize.
Thanks all for entering! Don't forget that you still have a special 20% off promo code at Thistle & Finn! Just type in "MEG20" at checkout to receive the awesome discount and FREE SHIPPING!
Shop 'til you drop!
December 8, 2014
Mingle Monday Blog Link-Up!
Welcome back to the work week, my friends!
I don't know if you're feeling the post-weekend strain, but I made sure to grab an extra dose of caffeine this morning to make it through the day... wowza.
It was a great weekend filled with festive holiday activities, 3 Christmas parties, and lots of work for my first every Cozy Couture Handmade retail sale. I'm exhausted!
Don't forget to enter my Pamper Yo'self Giveaway featuring amazing products by Thistle & Finn!! The big giveaway ends tomorrow, so make sure you get a few entries in! Thanks so much for stopping by for some awesome blog networking action. I hope you find lots of great creative spaces and people that inspire you to continue doing what you love.
HOW TO MINGLE
_________________________________________________________
One more reminder to drop by and check out the Pamper Yo'self Giveaway!
Have a wonderful caffeine laced day! #cheers
Have a wonderful caffeine laced day! #cheers
December 4, 2014
Big Announcement + Sneak Peek!
I couldn't be more thrilled to announce my brand new endeavor.
My Cozy Couture Handmade shop on Etsy is now moving to retail! That's right folks, RETAIL!
(Read: What the heck am I doing?)
Here in Kansas City, we have "Warehouse Weekends", which is a monthly shopping event just west of downtown. It happens the first weekend of every month where cool old warehouse buildings come alive with vendors selling unique home decor, antiques, handmade items, and LOTS of great finds.
So of course I was completely humbled and excited when the lovely Geri Wurth, owner of Top Hat Mercantile, invited me to join her esteemed West Bottoms vendor team and sell my headwraps and handmade products.
And guess what? The big sale starts TOMORROW! Here's a sneak peek...
________________________________________________
(Read: What the heck am I doing?)
Here in Kansas City, we have "Warehouse Weekends", which is a monthly shopping event just west of downtown. It happens the first weekend of every month where cool old warehouse buildings come alive with vendors selling unique home decor, antiques, handmade items, and LOTS of great finds.
So of course I was completely humbled and excited when the lovely Geri Wurth, owner of Top Hat Mercantile, invited me to join her esteemed West Bottoms vendor team and sell my headwraps and handmade products.
And guess what? The big sale starts TOMORROW! Here's a sneak peek...
So in case any of my lovely KC gal pals want to drop by and check it out, I would love to see you! I will be on-site with the vendor team working the event for the Saturday afternoon portion, so please come say hi!
I've been down setting up my space the last few nights and let me tell you, this holiday sale is going to be incredible. They have completely transformed this space into a creative wonderland. Everyone at Top Hat is so talented (and so gosh darn friendly!) - I already have my eye on some favorite finds to purchase ASAP!
In case you aren't in the KC area, please check-out my extensive handmade items up on my Etsy shop. Everything is handcrafted with love by your truly, so I would love to send something special your way! I will be posting lots of holiday baby items soon - stay tuned!
If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift, the headwraps usually sell out during the month of December - so go check them out! I LOVE making these cozy accessories! :)
A very special thanks to the many of you who have supported and encouraged what I love to do, and I can't thank you enough for your many purchases, well wishes, and love. You make my world go 'round!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Hope to see YOU this Saturday or drop by to shop anytime Friday (9-7 PM), Saturday (9-7 PM) & Sunday (11-3 PM):
_____________________
Top Hat Mercantile
1285 Hickory St.
KC, MO 64102
_____________________
xoxoxox!
December 1, 2014
Mingle Monday Blog Link-Up + Giveaway Alert!
Did everyone have a fantastic Turkey Day o' Thanks?
Hope you had a fun-filled holiday weekend with lots of family and pumpkin pie!
I am so thrilled you decided to stop by the ol' blog for a little blogger networking. Not only can I promise you a great link-up featuring creative bloggers and addictive blogs to read, I can also sweeten the deal by mentioning my Pamper Yo'self Giveaway featuring amazing products by Thistle & Finn!!
That's right, after you link up your blog, be sure to check out this awesome giveaway! I know you will love it, because they are all products I can't get enough of!
Lots of great things coming your way this week (including Pacific Northwest Trip - Part 2), so stay tuned!
HOW TO MINGLE
_________________________________________________________
Don't forget to drop by and check out the Pamper Yo'self Giveaway!
Wishing you a butt-kicking work week!
Wishing you a butt-kicking work week!