twisted tree

Week Seven {Casual Comfort}

2011-05-22T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hello beautiful blog readers!

I am going to cut this post a little short because it is storming like crazy and I'm afraid the lights are going to go out!

Today I decided to go for comfort for my "Beautiful Mess" vintage challenge...believe it or not, I am wearing vintage...

What I wore:

70's Vintage purple and white polka dot blouse/JessJamesJake Vintage

Levi's Demi Curve Water-less Jeans c/o Levi's Shape What's To Come contest!!!

Grey wedges/Fancy Biscuit blog sale

Well, the thunder just scared the crap out of me...so I am going to wrap this up!

Have a lovely Sunday!

xoxo~Meg

Week Six {A Day Full of Memories}...

2011-05-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

Hello lovelies, how was your weekend? Mine was busy...lots of cleaning, yard work and laundry! Today one of my fashion/blog inspirations got married!!! Congrats Elsie and Jeremy, I am so happy for you two...it was so awesome watching it unfold through the photos Rachel shared on twitter....it was almost as if I was there! Today was also my father's 62 birthday and it was 13 years ago today I lost my best friend Joe in a car accident...he was one of a kind that's for sure!

It's been really cold here in Missouri these last few days, so for today's "Beautiful Mess Challenge" I got my inspiration from another one of my fashion/blog idols...Kaelah Bee and wore a pair of tights with my dress!

What I wore:

Vintage flower mini dress/Pocket Vintage Clothing

Plum Cardigan/Express (circa 2005)

Black tights/Target (on sale $1.99)

Black heels/Target

Feather necklace/Violet Bella

Notice in the second to the last photo I look like I am kicking something off of my leg...I was in the middle of those sticky weeds and I had them all over my tights...it was really bugging me!

I really love this little dress, it can be dressed up with a pair of heels like I have on...or worn with a cute pair of flats. I am loving this challenge...and it is a challenge, me wearing anything but sweats and t-shirts is challenging!

I really hope you all have enjoyed these posts...because I enjoy sharing them with you! I hope you all have a lovely week!

xoxo~Meg

Week Five {Mom's Day Out}...

2011-05-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

First I want to wish all of you Moms and expecting Moms a very Happy Mother's Day...do you have any big plans? It's going to be pretty simple here, a cookout with my mom and sister and then church in the evening..Izzy is going to be dedicated tomorrow evening, so it may be another emotional day for me...but an awesome Mother's Day gift!

Today the hubs and I went to the lawn and garden center and bought our moms their gifts as well as some more bird seed for my front porch "aviary"...or as my sister calls it "The Bird Sanctuary"...what can I say, I love birds!

Today for my "Beautiful Mess" vintage challenge I went for a simple out and about look...

What I wore:

Vintage plaid blouse/I'm So Eccentric Vintage

White tank/Target

Red Skinny Belt/Kohl's

Cropped Jeans/American Eagle

Black Wedges/DSW

I felt very comfortable in this outfit, but I'll admit before we left for the garden center...I changed my shoes!

Well I am off to finish up some laundry...I hope that you all have a lovely afternoon/evening!

xoxo~Meg

Week Four {Windy in the Country}

2011-04-29T19:51:00.000-05:00

Hey there beautiful blog readers!

It was sooooo windy today and let me tell you...it's hard to look pretty when you are fighting 35 MPH winds...but my hubs got a few shots that will do...

I actually had my hair fixed, but by the time we got out to the farm and started shooting it was just a mess! This outfit is way out of my comfort zone...I felt like I was wearing a nightgown out in public...it showed a lot of leg!

What I wore:

Vintage flower mini dress/Pocket Vintage Clothing

Yellow cardigan/off my mom's back (literally)

Brown belt/Ebay

Gold belt/Red Velvet

I am really enjoying this challenge that Elsie gave me...it gives me the opportunity to dress up even when I have nowhere to go (like today)! Tomorrow is our little towns Prom and I am taking photos of my handsome nephew and his date, so I will be sure to post pics!

Have a wonderful weekend and please pray for those who were effected by the recent storms in the South and continue to pray for the people of Japan...their fight is far from over!

xoxo~Meg

Week Three {A Good Friday}...

2011-04-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

Last night my children were Baptized, it was the proudest moment I've experienced as a mother! It was a very emotional evening, lots of happy tears...and some sad tears as well, my 21 month old fell and got quite the road rash on her face and now she's sporting a pretty bad black eye, poor little girl! The kids did so good, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect night. Then on the way home my son started to tear up again and said "Mom, you know when I was being Baptized...I felt something!" I asked what it was, he said "I can't explain what it was, but it was good!" That moment was amazing, truly amazing...God is truly the God of wonders!

I didn't get any photos of the Baptism because the church was taking photos and recording it for all of us, so I will share when I get those, but I did take my weekly vintage outfit post before we left...

What I wore:

Vintage Handmade Skirt/Etsy

White tank/Target

White Cardigan/Target

Vintage Brown Belt/Ebay

Brown wedges/Target

1930's Yellow beaded necklace/Etsy

Tomorrow is Easter and I have a vintage dress all picked out, so you may get 2 outfit posts in one week...crazy!

I hope you all have a lovely Saturday and a Blessed and Happy Easter!

xoxo~Meg

My Little Beauty...

2011-04-21T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hey there!

Thanks for the sweet comments on my tattoo, it's taken me a few days to really get used to it...sometimes I look down and thing "What is that on my arm?"...but I'm kinda loving it now!!!

I almost forgot the share the photos from Ragan's Father/Daughter dance last week, she is such an amazing young lady and I can't get over how big she looks in these photos...

I see outfit posts in her future don't you?!?

This is Ragan and her Father before the big dance, she was so excited to go!

Her father dropped her off around 8:30 and she gave him a big hug and ran straight to her bedroom, I went in to see how it went and she was crying...when I asked her what was wrong she said "These are happy tears mom, I'm just so happy!" It was a pretty sweet moment!

Oh, and here are some photos from when we took the kids to the Planetarium and the WWII Museum...

Izzy wasn't a fan of the fireman boots, but she's still pretty darn cute!

Nash didn't like where I put him for this photo!

Yep, she's a future fashion blogger!!

Well, I need to get the kitchen cleaned up from dinner! I'll be posting this weeks outfit post this weekend!

xoxo~Meg

Tattoo...

2011-04-19T12:44:00.000-05:00

Hey there beautiful blog readers!

First I want to thank you all for your sweet comments on my outfit posts...I am having fun doing them believe it or not...I keep buying vintage here and there so I guess there will be a lot more posts to come!

My tattoo is finally healed, so I got creative and took a few self portraits to show it off...

I'm getting crazy here on the ol' blog...sharing more photos of myself than I ever have! I owe the confindence to Elsie of course for showing me how to feel pretty in my own skin!

I hope you all are having a lovely Tuesday!

xoxo~Meg

Week Two {Cold Day in the City}...

2011-04-16T19:19:00.000-05:00

Today we took the kids to the Planetarium inside of Union Station in Kansas City to see Big Birds One World One Sky...it was pretty cute if I do say so myself!

While we were there I thought it would be a good time to take my "Beautiful Mess" weekly vintage challenge photos....so here they are!

(My husband made me smile in this one that's why it's a little cheesy!)

What I wore:

Vintage late 70's chevron skirt/Etsy

White cardigan/Target

Yellow tank/American Eagle

Brown flats/DSW

It felt a little weird and cold wearing a skirt out...I haven't done it just because in a long time...but I felt good and I love this skirt...it's fun, colorful and very Springy!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, it's a little chilly here in Missouri, but that just gives me more excuses to wear cardigans! (0;

I'll be back later to share some photos of the kids and the photos I took of Union Station...oh, and Ragan's Father/Daughter Dance photos too!

xoxo~Meg

Week One {Playing it Safe}

2011-04-10T15:10:00.000-05:00

Hello Beautiful Readers!

I just got back from my girls night away to Springfield, we had a really good time...but I was so ready to get home to my husband and kids! We got our tattoos and then stayed around downtown Springfield for the rest of the evening...mainly people watching! The only way I can describe downtown Springfield is like a really small version of Las Vegas...remember, I am from a really small town!

Here is my new tattoo...

The 3 birds represent my children, the feather is for my favorite Bible verse Isaiah 40:31 and the little heart hidden in the feather is for my husband! I got it on my left inner bicep...honestly it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, now it just feels like a sunburn!

Before we went out I had my friend take my weekly vintage challenge photos (excuse the backdrop, we were in a small hotel room)...so here is what I wore:

I wore my 1960's black Carol Henry belted tunic from Etsy, white cardigan from Target, skinny jeans from American Eagle and platform sandals from Kohl's.

I'll admit I played it safe this week, but I promise to look more "vintage" next week!

Well, I am off to spend some time with my family! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and an even better week!

xoxo~Meg

What I've Got to Work With...

2011-04-06T10:21:00.000-05:00

First off...I would like to welcome all of my new readers, thanks for joining me in my journey!

WOW! Monday was such an amazing day for me, when I first saw that my "Makeover Story" was live on Elsie's blog all I could think about was what people were going to say...I read every single comment (86 to be exact) and with each and every one my heart filled with happiness and encouragement! Thank you so much for all of your kind words, I have never felt more beautiful!

As you all read...Elsie challenged me to wear at least one piece of vintage a week and take pictures and post them in a weekly outfit post...well, there's no backing out now is there, not with all of you checking in on me! Eeep!

I thought I would start this challenge off with a peek of what I have to work with in these "outfit posts"...so these are some of the vintage pieces you will be seeing me in...

Geez, for a girl who doesn't wear dresses I sure have a lot!

I plan on taking my photos on Friday's (so my hubby can be my photographer) and posting them on Sunday's! It's too bad Elsie can't come up here and style me every week, huh? (o;

This is a HUGE challenge for me...if you've been a reader of my blog for awhile you know that I DO NOT like my photo to be taken...but my husband is not going to let me back out on this one. I know in the long run it will give me the confidence I need to rock my vintage clothes without worrying about what others will say or think!

I would love for you to join in and if you do please leave me a link to your posts so I can check them out....we can all take this challenge together...deal?!?

Well, I need to start on some house work while the little one is napping!

Thank you again....you are all so amazing and I am blessed to have you as a reader!

xoxo~Meg

The Big News!

2011-04-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

My goodness it's seems like forever since I've blogged...but here I am and I can now tell all of you my BIG news I've been so excited about!

Last month I got a direct message on twitter from Elsie from A Beautiful Mess telling me that Red Velvet wanted to have me participate in one of their Makeover Stories this Spring...as you can imagine I was over the moon excited and a little nervous about having photos taken and posted of not only my face, but my whole body and in a dress no less! She had me send her an email with my dress and shoe size as well as some inspiration photos, she was wanting to keep the makeover set in the 50's/60's era, which was perfect because that's the style of dresses I've been buying and looking at on Etsy lately. If you read Elsie's blog you know how crazy the past few weeks had been so it took awhile for her to get back to me with all of the details and then I got the email I'd been waiting for...so last Wednesday my friend and I took a 122 mile road trip down to Springfield to shoot my very own Makeover Story!

It was such an amazing experience, and pretty surreal as well! Elsie and Emma were such sweethearts and I even got to meet Elsie's future Mister Jeremy (super nice as well)! We started off searching for a couple of dresses to not only fit, but stayed in the 50-60s theme of things...I was overwhelmed by the sea of dresses filling this beautiful shop, so thank goodness Elsie and my friend Mary were there to help pick some out for me to try!

Photos I took at the shop!

After finding the perfect dresses, hair and makeup, we went around town to take some photos...here are a couple of my favorites...

This blue dress is my favorite!!!

After the photo shoot Elsie, my friend Mary and I sat down to finish my interview and talk about my makeover and eat a yummy cupcake made by Emma...Elsie then gave me a challenge, she challenged me to at least once a week get dressed up in my vintage clothes and do my own photo shoot and post them on my blog...she said not only will it give me a reason to wear all of the clothing I have hanging in my closet, but it will also help give me that little boost of confidence I need so much! Well, I accepted her challenge and I guess you guys will be seeing a lot more of me around here...eep!

Elsie said after reading this comment on one of her past Makeover Stories, she new I would be perfect...that a lot of women would relate to my story...

"WOW! She is gorgeous! I would love to rock vintage dresses, but when i look in the mirror i don't see a girl that looks good in really anything! one of my "goals" is to wear more dresses this Spring/Summer, to embrace my femininity and don't worry what other people think...but I am having some trouble with that! i am not a size 6, heck i am not even a size 12...but i so want to be comfortable in my own skin. i always tell my husband (who thinks i am beautiful no matter what) that i would love to go on one of those makeover shows were they teach you how to dress for your body type, do you hair in a way that you wouldn't have ever thought and when you look in the mirror...you see what everyone else has seen for years, they just helped you find it!"

Thank you so much Elsie for an amazing and memorable experience...it meant the world to me!

You can read my story and see the rest of the photos HERE on Elsie's blog...please be kind in the comments...this was a huge step for me, I'm not used to being the one in front of the lens! (O;

Have a lovely day!

xoxo~Meg

My Vintage Girls!

2011-03-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

Hey there beautiful blog readers...how have you been???

The other day I bought Ragan a cute slip skirt from Ms. Tips Vintage on Etsy and yesterday it came in the mail...not only does she have great clothes for women and children, but she has AMAZING customer service and super fast shipping! When I got my package out of the mailbox I thought to myself..."Man, this skirt must be larger than I thought!" When I opened it not only was the adorable skirt in it, but a cute thermal shirt for Ragan and 2 cute outfits for Izzy...I was shocked....pleasantly of course! I wish I would have taken a picture of the packaging, because it's almost as cute as the clothes! Thank you so much Tammy (aka Ms. Tips) you pretty much rock and made a crappy day, good!

Since shopping Etsy, I can honestly say I haven't had one negative experience...the customer service is always so wonderful and personal and you just can't get that at most shopping centers and stores!

Here are my little vintage girls showing off their new outfits....

Izzy isn't a fan of clothes...so these were the best of the bunch! (o;

This was my first Ms. Tips purchase...

which I wear a lot and LOVE!

I hope you all are having an amazing week so far!

xoxo~Meg

Well, it's Wednesday!

2011-03-09T14:15:00.001-06:00

Hello there lovely blog readers!

Wow, has this week been one of those weeks...I still haven't gotten the go ahead about the exciting news, I keep refreshing my inbox like every 10 minutes thinking I would get that email I've been anxiously awaiting...patience, but trust me if I hear something I won't be able to stop talking about it! This, to me would be an amazing experience that is so needed to give me that much needed boost...to all of you it may not be as exciting...but I still want to share it with you!

My baby isn't sleeping well, she wakes up in the middle of the night screaming and when I go to check on her she is shaking like a leaf...nightmares I guess, then Monday morning I got a call from the school and was told the I needed to pick up my oldest daughter...she had thrown up in computer class, yay! That's the life of a stay at home mom for ya!

This morning I made the reservations for my girls weekend to Springfield...so it is now official and I can't wait! I will now have an excuse to sport some of my new vintage dresses that I've been itching to wear...I guess I just don't think that Izzy cares what I look like while I am pouring her a sippy of milk or changing her poopy diapers, so I haven't had the chance to wear them...t-shirts and sweat pants are the fashion statement I make throughout the week!

Here is my latest purchase...

*shop*

(This isn't me in the photo, the dress is just mine.)

This one took some borrowed confidence from some fellow tweeps to actually purchase...I wasn't sure if I was too old to wear a mini dress and not look silly...but I listened to these lovely ladies and went for it! I even bought a cute pair of boots today for $24 to wear with it! Maybe, just maybe I will do an outfit post someday...maybe! Oh, and I got bangs that I still need to show off...now that I look at this photo, it kind of looks like this girls hair, hummm.

Well, I should get some housework done while Izzy is napping and the kids are at school! See you soon!

Oh, and if you have a twitter account feel free to find me @megstwistedtree, I am lurking around there more than I am here lately...it's portable and more mommy friendly than the computer! (o;

xoxo~Meg

Hello?

2011-03-04T14:03:00.000-06:00

My goodness it seems like forever since I've blogged! My computer's CPU fan went out at exactly 5:57 P.M. on Tuesday, March 1st...do you know what happened at 6:00 P.M. that evening??? Yep, you got it...the RVA Spring Dress Line that I was anxiously awaiting launched...And who didn't get the chance to snag one of their amazing dresses....this girl! )o: I was so bummed! But...I did get the most exciting news that has completely made my whole entire Spring...but, I am not sure if I'm supposed to say anything yet, so my lips are sealed until I get the go ahead! Ever since I got this awesome news I have been shaking with excitement...It is pretty AMAZING!!!!!

My friend and I have started making our plans for our girls weekend to Springfield, MO...we head that way next month! I can't wait to get my tattoo, I know exactly what I want and where I want it placed...then we are going to do some shopping and of course the Red Velvet Shop is on my list, shopping for pretty vintage dresses and eating yummy goodies made by Emma and getting a new tattoo...you can't really beat a day like that!

*source*

My husband did (sort of) fix my computer, but it's still acting kind of wonky...but it works for what I need to do at the moment and that's blog and tell all of my readers and friends thank you for sticking around even when I haven't had much to say, thank you for always leaving me sweet comments and thank you for being YOU!

Have a lovely weekend!

xoxo~Meg

I Want, I Want!

2011-02-27T10:31:00.000-06:00

Hello lovelies!

I am sorry I've been absent lately...I've been busy, but I've missed you! I'm also sorry if I haven't visited your blog....my computer is upstairs and with an 18 month old it's hard to sit down and read all of the blogs I follow, so I try to check them out on my phone, but for some reason my phone won't let me scroll through my dashboard on blogger??? I try to keep up with most of your posts through Twitter when you link them...speaking of Twitter, thank goodness I follow RVA and Elsie because I would have missed out on their launch of their new Spring dress line that is scheduled to be available on March 1, 2001 at 6:00PM CST!

I am so excited for this line to launch...especially with my new love for dresses! I think they are all pretty amazing, but I have my favorites...

This pretty little gingham number!

And my absolute favorite is this dress...

The pretty kites adorning this lovely day dress were designed by Elsie herself...I think she should design more fabric, don't you?

The Spring dress line was inspired by Elsie's love for 60's fashion...you can check them all out in the above photo or click on Elsie's name anywhere in this post for her blog where she showcases each piece and also shows you different ways to wear them...they are all pretty amazing! She has also created a Q&A post HERE that answers a lot of the question regarding her dress line...my major question was "Will these beauties come in my size?" Well, the answer is yes and no...

"Q: What sizes are you offering?

A: This season we produced dresses in Small-Large. You can use a tape measure to find your bust,waist, hip measurement (in inches) to see what size you wear. There are three designs that are 'tent dress style', meaning they have an open waist and hips and are meant to be worn belted and they can fit a slightly larger range of sizes. Those dresses are The Kite Day Dress, The Lemon Pie Dress and The Piano Lesson Dress. These three dresses are also the dresses that *will* work for expecting moms (and would be SO cute!)."

If you are a "curvy" gal like myself...than the "tent style dresses" may work for you...depending on how large your bust is...in my case, I think I can pull off a Large in the "Kite Day Dress", which luckily is the dress I have my eye on...so, do you want to know what I will be doing at precisely 6:00PM on Tuesday evening...sitting here, in front of this computer patiently waiting for these dresses to become available for purchase! Wish me luck!

Have an amazing Sunday my friends!

xoxo~Meg

Check it out!

2011-02-19T13:33:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!

How is your Saturday so far...it's rainy here, but at least it's not snowing!

I'm popping in today to show off my new blog design that the incredible Lindsay from Scenic Glory made for me for my photography blog...it's absolutely perfect! It's so delicate and she totally went beyond my expectations with the design...I'm telling you, just give this amazing woman a simple idea and she will knock it out of the park with pure...PERFECTION! ♥

So go ahead and check it out HERE and then head on over to Lindsay's blog and say hello!

Have an awesome weekend!

xoxo~Meg

Chevron L♥ve!

2011-02-18T13:03:00.000-06:00

Now I've never been the kind of girl to follow trends...(I couldn't even imagine myself in some of the latest), so when I find something in the fashion world that grabs my attention I just go with it, whether it's "trendy" or not! Lately, in my obsession with Spring and therefore Spring clothing, I've really been loving chevron patterned fabrics...so of course I go to Etsy to search for my obsession! Here are a few little pretties I've come across...

I love this skirt from Lotus Vintage NY

This great bag from Purple Deer Vintage

Loving and wanting this dress from Nest Egg Vintage

I'll take this dress too...just in case you are taking notes!

Doesn't this just scream Spring??

A chevron cardigan...yes please!

I did buy this beauty the other day to feed my obsession a bit...

...found at Mi Scusi Handmade...she is hemming it up for me (free of charge) a bit so it hits just above my knees...I love the colors in it!

What is your latest fashion obsession??

xoxo~Meg

Moon Shot!

2011-02-16T20:57:00.000-06:00

You guys were expecting to see a butt shot weren't you?? Tisk, tisk!

No but (he he) really I wanted to share some photos I took this evening of the moon...

There is more detail on the settings and what not over on my photography blog..check it out HERE!

Have an amazing night/day!

xoxo~Meg

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T06:55:00.000-06:00

I hope you get to spend it with someone you LOVE!

xoxo~Meg

Date Night!

2011-02-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Lovelies!

How was your week?? Tonight my sweet husband is taking me out this evening for our Valentines Day date to P.F. Chang's China Bistro, I've never eaten there before so I'm excited to try something new! I will be wearing one of my new vintage dresses I'd purchased last week, the weather is actually warming up here in Missouri, so I won't be freezing while we walk around the Plaza...bonus!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

xoxo~Meg

Hump Day!

2011-02-09T13:57:00.000-06:00

Hello my beautiful blog readers...how is your hump day going so far? Here in good ol' Missouri it's snowing...again and that means another snow day for my kiddos! It's a good thing we haven't already made Summer vacation plans...it looks like they may be making up these lost days until June!

Yesterday my husband and I took Izzy for her 18 month check up...all is well with the Toots, she's healthy, happy and...a genius (I added that part)! After the doctor we did a little thrifting and I found a pair of knee high boots for $3.00, some pretty doilies and Gabe found a vintage 1980 Star Wars vinyl record...he was pretty pumped...

The boots are just a teeny bit tight, but if I don't wear heavy socks they will be just fine and for three bucks, I'll deal with the pain!

I am going to use these to make a wall hanging like the one the Lisa from goodknits.com made using yarn and an embroidery hoop...you can see hers HERE, it's such a clever idea!

Here is Gabes pride and joy of yesterday (besides Izzy of course) and yes that is a stuffed ET sitting next to it, it was mine when I was little...he's looking a little rough!

This morning while watching the snow fall I noticed we had a lot more birds than we normally do on our front porch...

BIRDS!

Alfred Hitchcock has nothing on me!

I also captured a photo of a Blue Jay, which is hard because they don't come around too often...

and these love birds swinging on the porch swing...

I think she's playing hard to get!

I sent Ragan out to get the mail and was so surprised to already find my custom camera bag strap I ordered from Eclectic Whatnot...

Doesn't it go perfectly with my camera bag...I love it, love it, love it!

Ruthanne, the talented lady behind Eclectic Whatnot creates the prettiest, ruffled camera strap sleeves as well as skirts, aprons and now these beauties...

The Imperfectly Pleated Scarf

Which I love, love, love! Her shop is a must see, must purchase kind of shop...and her blog is pretty awesome as well, full of beautiful photos and inspiration...pop on in and say hello HERE!

Well, my office is cold and I think I may need another cup of coffee to warm up so I am going to wrap up this post...see you later lovelies!

xoxo~Meg

The Vintage Family...

2011-02-07T21:08:00.000-06:00

This morning was the launching of the new Red Velvet Shop and of course I was pretty anxious to see if they had any vintage pretties just for me...

After going back an forth with pre-buyers remorse and feeling guilty buying something else for myself...my husband (and a couple of my tweeps) convinced me that I needed to buy it...so I did! If you haven't already, you really should check out the new Red Velvet Shop, it's full of the most lovely vintage pieces of all sizes (bonus)! This wasn't the only dress I had my eye on, but I didn't want to go overboard! Check out their lookbook HERE...even if you aren't shopping, the photos are stunning and totally worth a peek!

I love that I have a husband that shares the love of vintage with me...he has been searching for a suit from the 70's for awhile now and this evening he found one that he had to have on Etsy...

*source*

Yes, it is a tuxedo and he does plan on wearing it on more than just special occasions...he said he can't wait to wear it to work someday and just casually walk in to the office like nothings different, sporting these vintage duds! He is still on the lookout for a regular 3 piece suit, but he said this will work for now!

I said that we should just dress the whole family in vintage clothing...I can just picture Nash wearing plaid polyester pants paired with a butterfly collar shirt, Ragan wearing a pretty vintage dress and Izzy showing off in her little vintage ruffles...they would look pretty cute!!

Do any of you have a favorite vintage shop, whether online or close to wear you live?? We don't have many around here...you have to travel an hour or so to get to one! I can't wait to visit the Red Velvet Shop in person this Spring, I am sure I will be buying more then as well!

Have a great evening/morning!

xoxo~Meg

Acceptance...

2011-02-07T09:26:00.000-06:00

Last night my children, Ragan and Nash, accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and asked Him to come into their hearts forever...it was the proudest moment of my life!

Last week my son came to Gabe and I and told us the he wanted to be Baptized...we asked him if he knew what that meant and without hesitation he said "It's when I show everyone how much I love Jesus!" His sister quickly followed in his footsteps and told us that she has wanted to for years, but just forgot to tell me...I guess all that matters is that she did! So last night after church we sat down with the Sunday school teacher and talked and prayed about their decision...we wanted to make sure that they know why we get Baptized and that it's not a "get in to Heaven free" card...that there are rules to follow! I told them that when I was a little girl I saw my sister get Baptized, when they submerged her in to water it scared me to death...so I didn't want to get Baptized, but I still wanted Jesus Christ to come into my heart...so my Grandmother prayed with me and we asked Him to come into my heart and that's when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior! It was 20 years later I finally "took the plunge" and was Baptized at the age of 27! I told them this story because I wanted my children to make this decision in their own time, not the feel pressure from myself or the church...well, they have made up their minds and in a couple of months they will be "taking the plunge" as well! I told them that this was the most important desision they will ever make...that nobody can ever take that moment away from them...and in these times, that's a pretty awesome feeling!

I hope everyone has a lovely day!

xoxo~Meg

It's a start!

2011-02-06T14:20:00.000-06:00

Remember when I said that I was going to wear more dresses this Spring/Summer?? Well, last week while I was cooped up in the house due to inclement weather, I did a little in home shopping on Etsy and purchased a few vintage dresses and the prettiest cardigan...

This is going to be my Valentines Day dress...I can't wait to wear it out on our date next Saturday evening...I think I may hem it up a little, what do you think?

I just love this dress, it's so cute and perfect for Spring...now I have to find some cute boots and a red belt and I am all set!

This dress was $10 bucks, you can't beat that! I thought pairing it with a pretty cardigan for Spring would be pretty!

I actually bought this cardigan a couple weeks ago...I love it and the customer service is amazing...she's actually keeping her eye open for more pretty dresses for me!!

dress 1/dress 2/dress 3/cardigan

Well, it's a start...I hope to keep it growing and actually have places to wear these this Spring/Summer!!

What's in your Spring/Summer wardrobe?

xoxo~Meg

My new "look"....

2011-02-01T16:01:00.000-06:00

This is me with no makeup on sporting my new glasses!

I was amazed how clear everything is now, even the font of this blog post looks so much more crisp...huh, I guess my vision was a little worse than I thought it was!

We are experiencing Snowpocalypse 2011 here....we already have over a foot of snow and they are saying that it's not going to let up until tomorrow early morning! The snow drifts in some places are 5 feet, I can't open my back door and the front is looking like it may be getting that way! I tried to go out and take some photos, but I could only snap shots through the window! This is just crazy....needless to say, we are staying home for a few days!

See that tiny Finch climbing it's way up the snow drift? Poor little fellow!

Stay warm and safe!!

xoxo~Meg

It Was a Perfect Day!!!

2011-01-29T22:26:00.000-06:00

Hello there you amazing blog readers of mine...how was your day???

I had the most perfect day with my husband today...the weather was beautiful! We took a trip to Fort Scott, Kansas and explored a lot of thrift shops and flea markets...so many in fact that my hair smelled like a basement when we were done! I found a couple Pyrex dishes and some pretty vintage pins for my shop! I also found some cute vintage toys...some that really took me back to when I was a kid, I will take pics of them later and show all of you!

If you want to see my day in photos click HERE and check them out on my photography blog! I would show them here, but I thought it would easier to just have you clickity-click the link and see them! :o) Sooooo, go ahead...clickity-click!!!

Well, I should get to bed...my eyes are hurting from staring at this computer screen for the last 3 hours...I sure do wish my glasses would get here, I think that will make a difference!

Have a lovely night/morning everyone!

xoxo~Meg

Hello Spring...Where are you?

2011-01-26T20:55:00.000-06:00

I know I am not the only one who longs for Spring to arrive...I am tired of the snow, cold weather, sick kids and having to wear a coat! Spring is one of my favorite seasons next to Fall...I love the very beginning when the trees start to sprout their new leaves and the flowers start to bud...when the birds start making their nests to lay their eggs they've carried for what seems like so long! I love when you can still wear jeans, t-shirts and a light cardigan and feel comfortable...that's the best time!

I told my husband that I wanted to wear more dresses this Spring and Summer...I haven't bought or worn a dress since my wedding dress! I made a dress last year out of vintage fabric reclaimed from old curtains that I never wore...I guess I need to break that out this Spring! I also saw this dress on Elsie's blog...

That I fell in love with at first site...it is now sitting in my shopping cart at ModCloth.com...wouldn't it look pretty paired with a cardigan?? I am still on the fence about it though...you know when you picture yourself in something and in your mind you look great, but then when you actually put it on you look awful...ya, that's what I'm afriad of! We will see...I may just go for it!

This Spring I am going away for the weekend with a girlfriend of mine and getting a new tattoo...yes, I said tattoo! I already have 3,but they are all over 15 years old and I've been wanting to get something to represent my children and to cover up one of my old tattoos that is starting to look like a worm...I have an idea, but I'm still looking for inspiration, well besides my children of course...

This is about where it will be placed!

Well, I should go check on the kids, I have a sick boy...again!

Take care!

Meg

Do YOU want some vintage goodies???

2011-01-25T08:04:00.000-06:00

Well if you do, then you should head over to Breeanna's blog "A Brilliant Melody" for a chance to win a pretty black vintage purse and a choice of a vintage book, it ends on the 29th...

And then just stay awhile, because she has such a cute blog!

Also, Cakies is having a giveaway that ends on Thursday for a $50 gift certificate to one of her lovely sponsors shops, Ms. Tips!

Here is a sample of her vintage pretties...

Okay...go already, geez!!

xoxo~Meg

Debbie Downer...

2011-01-24T14:09:00.000-06:00

First...I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and thank you to everyone who commented on my last post...it's nice to know that I am not the only one and that I DO have so many amazing friends...even if they live hundreds of miles away!

*source*

Today has been one of those days...trying to get the kids off to school after they've been out forever due to snow days...then I needed to get my license plates renewed and I couldn't find our personal property tax receipt and while I was looking for it Izzy decided she didn't want to be in the office any longer and started to throw a fit...then she threw up all over my jeans, good times! After sitting at the DMV for 30 minutes with a grumpy baby trying to wiggle out of my arms I decided to treat myself to a cheeseburger...I guess I wasn't meant to eat one because I took a bite and found a piece of plastic between the cheese and burger and I was already 10 miles from the resturant, oh well! When I got home I checked the mail to NOT find my new camera bag waiting for me (but I did get my Skyline Fever shirts & a book I ordered, so that helped) I came upstairs to track it and found that it had been sent to the wrong post office and was then marked "missent"...what the heck does that even mean??? Maybe I will get it tomorrow...oh, and I am still waiting on my Dreamy Diana Lens that I ordered two and a half weeks ago!

On a positive note...I signed up for a photography eClass taught by Kent Weakley on "Night Photography"...it starts this week and I am pretty excited about it! My goal is to read, study and keep pursuing my passion for photography until one day I can actually call myself "a photographer"! You can keep up with my journey through photography and see my latest photos HERE on my other blog, "Just a Mom with a Camera"! This is where I will be posting photos I've shot while taking this class as well.

I hope all of you are having a great Monday...really, I do!

xoxo~Meg

Just Sayin'...

2011-01-22T10:52:00.002-06:00

Why is it that I seem to connect with people in the blog community more than people in my own community? I've made so many friends, friends that in reality I may NEVER meet! I love that I can say that I am "friends" with women from all over the world...from small towns, to huge cities...from Texas to Malaysia! I think that is pretty amazing, don't you?

I've always had very few friends, a couple a girls whom I've known for decades that I still talk to on the phone every once in awhile...but I've noticed that we are drifting apart year after year. When I read some peoples blogs I feel very connected to them...I am amazed how many people feel the same as I do, how many people live the same life as me, how much we have in common...I have to admit, I don't have many friends here in the "real world", but have have hundreds in the "blog world" and I am just fine with that!

This is a pretty random post, but I just want all of the people who read this blog to know that I think you are pretty amazing and thank you for coming back each day...I really appreciate you!

I took another photo of my hair that shows the red a little better...it almost looks purple in the light!

P.S. I do need glasses, I found out that I have astigmatism in both eyes and the beginning of a cataract in the left...so my next self photo will be me with glasses...I guess I'll be one of the cool kids!

xoxo~Meg

I'm Cheeky...I Guess!

2011-01-20T20:10:00.001-06:00

Thanks to everyone who gave me their opinions on which camera bag I should buy, but after really thinking about it and going back and forth, I decided this was the bag was for me...

Now I want those boots! HA!

I just thought this bag would be more practical, as far as camera bags go and as much as I love Jo Totes designs & color choices, I came to the conclusion that the Cheeky Lime Bag had more room for all of my lenses and other camera equipment! Plus it goes beautifully with my camera strap cover from Eclectic Whatnot!

Don't you think???

Well, I've spent all of my birthday money, besides the new bag...I bought a couple cute shirts from Skyline Fever (which is having a sale that ends tomorrow!)...a few more filters for my camera...and the books "On Camera Flash" by Neil van Neikerk and "Expressive Photography" by The Shutter Sisters, which is beautifully written...and some groceries! Yep, I am pretty blessed!

I've been having awful headaches lately, so tomorrow I have an appointment with the eye doctor...so I may be sporting glasses soon! I've had issues with my eyes in the past, but nothing that glasses could fix...only spinal taps and lots of medication...so hopefully glasses will do the trick this time!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

xoxo~Meg

P.S. I've lost 10 lbs...only 40 more to go!

Opinions Needed...

2011-01-18T21:09:00.001-06:00

First, I want to thank everyone for all of the sweet birthday wishes! I spent my day with a feverish son and a grumpy baby, then I was treated to Taco Bell for dinner while we watched "Lemony Snicket"...but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way! My sweet husband did surprise me with two dozen long stem roses...swoon!

Okay, so I need your opinion...

I am going to buy a new camera bag with my birthday money and I want to know which one you like the best (for me)...

1. Jo Totes - Rose Marigold Bag
Elegant and Sassy - Wish list item, but I will have to wait until they are back in stock...boo!

2. Cheeky Lime Classic Bag
Cute and Cheeky - Free Shipping & The Misters favorite!
ETA: This one will match my new camera strap cover from Eclectic Whatnot...just throwing that out there!

3. *Emera Classic Canvas Camera Tote
Simple and Chic - A little pricey though!!!!

I also love the Kelly Moore Bags & ONA Bags {ONA bags are crazy expensive, but absolutely beautiful!}

Okay, you're up...which one do YOU like?? I hope to order it sometime this week!

Thanks for your help!

xoxo~Meg

It's My Birthday!

2011-01-18T06:13:00.003-06:00

Well, after a whole weekend of being spoiled the actual day of my birth has arrived! I am 34 years old today...I remember when I thought 34 was OLD, now I realize age is only a number...it doesn't define who you are, what you can do and what you can still accomplish...

Thanks to everyone who gave their input on the computer question from the last post and the compliments on my new hair color...I really appreciate it!

Oh, and thanks MOM for fighting a blizzard...a new doctor that had never delivered a baby before and the pain of me being a footling breech with no pain meds 34 years ago...I love you mom, you are now and will always be, my hero!

xoxo~Meg

New Hair & an Award!

2011-01-16T12:36:00.000-06:00

Okay it's not a drastic change in hair color, but it is different (for me)....

You can really see the red in the sunlight (when we have it here in Missouri)...I love it, how about you???

My computer is still dead (thrown away actually), but my husband did fix our old computer for me until we can buy a new one....here's a question for you guys:

What computer do you recommend we buy if I am wanting to us it for photo editing and other multi-media things? I know the obvious is Mac, but does anyone use any other brand??? My husband refuses to buy another HP (which is what I am using right now)! I would love to hear your suggestions!!!

Also, I wanted to thank Ashleigh from the blog "Love Stoned" (cute name) for awarding me The Stylish Blogger Award...

I will follow the rules in my next post, but I wanted to thank her for the award, it made my morning!!

I hear the baby crying, so I should go see what's going on downstairs.

Have an awesome day!

xoxo~Meg

I am pretty lucky!

2011-01-15T09:27:00.001-06:00

Yesterday started out kind of rough, my computer caught fire and now i have to blog from my phone (not as fun) until we get a new computer next month...boo! After all that craziness i went to get my hair done, and i'm happy to say that i am an offical red(ish)head and i love it! I took pics, but since the computer crapped out i can't share pics, but i promise i will!

When i got home from the salon my awesome hubby had fed the kids, started laundry and to put a big ol' cherry on top he surprised me with my birthday gifts early...a new Canon Speedlite 430 EXII Flash, Canon Compact Printer with paper & a Digital Field Guide for the flash! He said it was my birthday weekend and he isn't going to let me help with the house work this weekend as well...man, i am so blessed to have such an amazing husband!

We are going out for dinner this evening and just enjoying the night away from everything!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xoxo~Meg

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

I spoke to soon...

2011-01-14T09:12:00.002-06:00

My computer is officially DEAD, so until we get a new one i won't be posting as much! I hope all of you have a great weekend!
Meg

It's been a pretty good week...

2011-01-13T11:32:00.000-06:00

...despite the extremely COLD weather, snow and school closings, I have to say it's been great!

I sold 4 items from my shop...bought myself the Dreamy Diana Lens that was on my birthday wish list...and tomorrow I am going to be a new red(ish)head...then to top it all off I get to spend a wonderful evening with my amazing hubby on Saturday to celebrate my birthday!

Yep, life is good...if I do say so myself!

xoxo~Meg

I've started another blog...

2011-01-07T11:13:00.000-06:00

I have always had a passion for photography, I love taking photos of my family, children and nature...in 2011 I am going to pursue my passion, read books, take courses and keep on clicking until I get where I want to be, but I will always think of myself not as a photographer, just a mom with a camera! I hope to update this new blog weekly with new photos I've taken throughout 2011...we will see how that goes!

This is not just a goal for me, it's something that I 've been in love with for quite sometime. I'm not saying that this is going to be my profession, just my passion! On my new blog I will share photos I've taken, photos that inspire me and as much information as I can find on the art of photography. Come on over and check it out...

just a mom with a camera...

Have an amazing weekend!

xoxo~Meg

Let it begin...with little changes!

2011-01-05T17:06:00.001-06:00

13 more days before I turn 34...and before my birthday and my date with my hubby, I am getting my hair colored...RED!

This is what I am going for...

Emma Stone

Elsie Flannigan

I've tried to get it close to these colors twice already, but have had no luck, so I am going to an old friend of mine who's been a hair stylist for 15 years and she is gonna hook a sister up! She's already warned me that it's going to take some "stripping" of old color, but I'm so ready for a change!

Speaking of getting hooked up, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a couple more items on my wishlist...*wink-wink hubs*

But I did order this lovely....

and it should be on my doorstep this week!!!

I also ordered this gorgeous necklace by Violet Bella...

I just love feathers , they are so delicate.

♥____________________________________________♥

I haven't made any goals for 2011, I am just going to take one day at a time and see where that takes me, but I am trying to lose weight...to be completely honest I need to lose 50 lbs to be at my ideal weight for my height! It's going to be tough, I'm NOT going to like it one bit, but I know that I need to do this, not just for me and my health, but for my children!

Last night I watched "The Biggest Loser" for the first time, I've always heard about it from others and of course seen the commercials on television, but last night was the first time I actually tuned in...talk about inspiration, some of those contestants need to lose a whole "ME" to get to their ideal weight, so why should I make excuses just trying lose a first grader?

This is where YOU come in...

I'm asking for a small favor of my readers and friends...could you help encourage me, be my Bob & Jillian...WRITE IN ALL CAPS if you feel like it! I have a very supportive husband and sister, but not to sound pathetic...I have few "real" friends to turn to for support and encouraging words! Just pop in every once in awhile and leave me a little "boost"...I'm a not fishing for compliments by any means...just a simple "You can do it!" will do just fine! If you have my email and would rather send a more personal message, that would be amazing too!

I know I don't post as often as I used to, but I want you all to know that when I get that email from Blogger saying someone has left you a comment...that makes my day, really!

You guys are pretty awesome...just thought you should know that!

xoxo~Meg

SALE

2011-01-05T13:46:00.000-06:00

I am having a huge sale in my Etsy shop...some items up to $10.00 off original price!

Check out the SALE section of the shop...HERE!

I hope you are having a great week!

xoxo~Meg

Birthday wish list...

2011-01-02T00:30:00.003-06:00

In 16 more days I will be celebrating my 34th birthday...34, really?

I remember when I was a teenager I couldn't wait to get older...and to be honest, I still have that same attitude!

For my birthday my sweet hubby is taking me out to dinner, I can't wait...we are going to my favorite restaurant McCormick & Schmicks and hopefully, if the weather permits, we will enjoy a walk around the Plaza before we have to head home and relieve my mom of babysitting duties!

So in lieu of my upcoming birthday, I've been browsing Amazon, Etsy and a couple other places like a mad woman and here is what's on my birthday wish list...

I just love this shirt from New Duds, I've never been to Vermont personally, but there is something about this shirt that is screaming my name...maybe it's the vintage look it has.

~~This amazing~~ ~~camera strap cover~~ ~~from~~ ~~Eclectic Whatnot~~~~...I LOVE these colors!~~

♥ I GOT IT!!! ♥

I would take this one too...

It's called the Josie Geller...how cute!

This bag, I love this color...it's one of my favs!

I really want this lens for my camera...The Dreamy Diana Lens from Photojojo.com!

The next two things on my list kind of go hand and hand...

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash

and

this book to help me use it correctly!

After reading this blog post by Lisa at goodknits.com...I was inspired to want to take photos using this type of flash!

Well, that's my list...I know I probably won't get any of these amazing things, but it's always nice to wish isn't it?

Have a great Sunday!!

xoxo~Meg

We partied like it was 2011...

2011-01-01T11:15:00.000-06:00

Happy 2011 everyone!

A new year...crazy isn't it? This month I will turn 34, now that's crazy! Last night we stayed home and played video games with the kids, we bought the PS3 Move System (it's like the Wii on steroids) we had a lot of fun and played until about 10:00PM. Gabe and I didn't make it to midnight, the kids on the other hand...I think they did because they were pretty tired this morning!

They were playing the game EyePet...you get to play with a virtual pet the looks like it's right in your living room...pretty cool!

Gabe looks like a grumpy leprechaun in this photo!

She wasn't a fan of the party hats...I barely got this photo before she ripped it off of her head!

My New Years Princess!

Love the ears!

She didn't even like the hat on my head!

I hope everyone had a great evening!

May 2011 bring you love, peace, happiness and joy!

xoxo~Meg

Well hello there 2011!!

2010-12-31T08:54:00.000-06:00

Wow, this year flew by...I guess what they say is true, the older you get the faster time goes by! Alot has happened this year, I've made new friends, reconnected with old friends, lost loved ones, gained loved ones!

It's been a roller coaster of emotions, but I've enjoyed the ride!

I hope that 2011 brings me just as much adventure, experience, love, and friendship as 2010 has! I am not setting any goals for myself right now, I want to make sure I make the right ones...goals I can and will achieve! But I will say this...I hope to be as real and honest as I was in 2010, I'm not going to change who I am, if anything I'll be a better person...this is what your gonna get in 2011...take it or leave it!

I hope the everyone has a Safe and Happy New Year!!

See you in 2011!

xoxo~Meg

*All images were found on weheartit.com*

A Little Bit of Our Christmas...

2010-12-30T13:46:00.000-06:00

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas...we sure did!

I took tons of pics with my new camera lens that my amazing husband got me, then he took me to buy some new filters on Monday!! I know, I know...I am a pretty lucky gal!

Here are a few of the photos I took...

Nash asked Santa for a Guinness Book of World Records...so he got it!

My dad and step mom got Ragan an American Girl doll...she named her Claire!

Of course Izzy loved her Princess Liea potato head!

We had a great day, we played Apples to Apples (which is super fun) and watched movies! The next day we had Christmas with Gabe's family...it was great seeing everyone and spending time just hanging out!

Oh, I forgot to post photos of the kids in their Christmas program outfits, so here you go...

Don't they look great!!!

Ragan had to strike a pose and Nash, well he is just so handsome!

My sweet friend Kristie sent me the most beautiful necklace for Christmas, it's hard to see the detail in the photo, but it has 3 owls perched on a branch...she said they represent my children...

I love it, it's perfect!

Thank you Kristie, you are one of a kind and I am blessed to call you my friend!

Well, Izzy is calling (so to speak) so I should wrap this post up!

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year...let's make it a good one!

xoxo~Meg

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T06:38:00.007-06:00

I just wanted to pop in and wish all of my readers and pop in's a very Merry Christmas!

Today will be filled with family, friends, gifts, games, smiles, laughter and lots of yummy food!

I will be sporting this shirt...

While we watch this movie...

And enjoying every minute I have with my family!

♥~Meg

Oh...My...Good Knits!!

2010-12-23T13:38:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to pop in and share my latest purchase from Etsy...the most beautifully made slouch hat from GoodKnits!

You know it has to be a great purchase if I actually took a photo of myself wearing it!! HA!

The lovely woman behind this amazing hat is Lisa...you can check out her blog here...it is one of my daily must reads, full of beautiful photos of her children and her creations!

Here are a couple more hats that I just might have to get soon...

*hint...hint...hubby*

Click on photos for the link to these hats!

Thank you Lisa for making me a stylish mommy this winter and thank you for the extra birthday goodies you sent along with the hat...that was so sweet!!

xoxo~Meg

Flashback Friday!

2010-12-17T07:59:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2008, we just got finished decorating the Christmas tree (with care)...Izzy was in the photo too, we just didn't know it yet!

Come on and flashback with me over at Christopher and Tia, link up and join the fun!!

xoxo~Meg

Gingerbread Houses, Lights, Snow and Fires...

2010-12-14T10:30:00.000-06:00

Saturday night we took the kids to Crown Center to see Santa and eat at Fritz's...what we didn't know was that the whole city must have had the same idea as we did! The line for Santa was so long and Izzy wasn't going to be patient so we decided to try our luck at Fritz's, eat and then go back...the line at Fritz's was pretty long itself (we waited 30 minutes to eat burgers and fries) but the kids loved it, your food is brought to you by a train! We checked out the gingerbread house display, and enjoyed the lights around the city, even though the kids didn't get to see Santa, they had a pretty good time...

We drove through Mission Hills (where the big houses are) and I snapped a couple photos...I didn't want people thinking I was a stalker.

Despite the kids not getting to Santa, it was a great night spent with my family...I told the kids we would just send Santa an email!

Last night was a crazy night in this small town...my neighbors house was set on fire by 3 men to distract the police and fire department while they robbed our little Dollar General Store. My neighbor wasn't home (thank God) at the time, so I had to call her at work and tell her that her house was on fire...not something I've ever had to do before. So now there is tape around my neighbors house because it's now considered a crime scene. I guess even in a small town you have to be careful, I remember when no one locked their doors and left their keys in their vehicles at night, times they are a changing!

I hope you all have a lovely week, mine is going to be busy...the kids have their Christmas program on Thursday and then Gabe is leaving for Alabama on Friday for the weekend to watch a college football game with his buddies...this will be the first time we have been apart for more than a few hours since we got married. )o;

xoxo~Meg

Flashback Friday!

2010-12-10T09:08:00.000-06:00

1983 Christmas Pageant

I was the angel in white...

Have a great Friday and weekend!

xoxo~Meg

Wish List...

2010-12-09T09:43:00.000-06:00

Being a stay at home mother and a homebody I do a lot of browsing on the Internet for gift ideas and such...being a mom your idea of Christmas wish lists usually consist of what you think your children would love...toys, games, clothes, etc...But, I thought I would (just for fun) make a wish list of my own for Christmas, here is what I would love to find under the tree from Santa this year...

The Bad-Ass Bowler Camera Bag from Photojojo Store, but really I would love anything from this shop!

This Indie Owl Necklace from the amazing Laura from Violet Bella!

These moccasins from Darlingtonia Moccasin Company, don't they look comfy?

This lovely slouch hat from the talented Lisa from Goodknits, she also makes the cutest crochet doily ornaments for your Christmas tree!

What's on your Christmas wish list?

xoxo~Meg

Please Excuse Me...

2010-12-08T08:05:00.000-06:00

I've been a little sickly lately! Somehow, I got the flu...I say somehow because I don't really go anywhere to get exposed and I am the only one in my family that has been sick. It was a rough couple of days, but I am finally feeling alive again!

I started feeling awful Monday morning, and I must say I have the BEST husband ever...he came home from work to take care of me...and Izzy. Yesterday my mom came up to watch Izzy while I rested a little more and then made us a casserole for dinner. I ate for the first time since Sunday evening...I guess the flu is a good diet huh?

Well I hope you all are having a wonderful week, it's half over already...geez!

This weekend we are hoping to take the kids to the Plaza to see the lights and then take them to Union Station to the Dinosaurs Unearthed Exhibit...I just pray that I am the only one who gets this awful bug!

Take care and be well!

xoxo~Meg

P.S. Apparently my Blogoversary was last week...so Happy 1 Year of Blogging to me!

Happy Birthday to Kristie!

2010-12-04T08:22:00.000-06:00

I wanted to pop in and wish my sweet friend Kristie a very Happy Birthday...I hope all of your wishes come true!

Love ya girl!

xoxo~Meg

Hello December!

2010-12-01T08:05:00.000-06:00

Wow, December 1st already? This year has just flew by for me, how about you? It's going to be a busy month around this house, we have lots of Christmas dinners to attend and I am "hosting" 2 of them...oh no, does that mean I have to cook another turkey?? Oh, and speaking of turkey, here is mine from Thanksgiving...

Personally, I think it turned out okay...no complaints, no food born illnesses, no deaths (besides the turkey)...so I call that one good!

We had a great Thanksgiving celebration, it was small, just my mom and step-dad, sister and brother-in-law and my 2 nephews...we watched Zombieland (I know, a great family movie) then played a little Wii, all in all it was a great night!

Friday morning the kids, Gabe and I decorated our home for Christmas while we watched Elf, A Christmas Story, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and then topped it off with the new Christmas Carol with Jim Carey...here is a little peek into our home...

This apron was my Grandma's!

Our little vintage Elf on the Shelf...

We had to minimize our decor this year due to little hands, so that meant only one tree this year!

Have you started decorating for the Holidays yet?

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

xoxo~Meg

Happy Thanksgiving...A little early!

2010-11-24T08:59:00.000-06:00

I wanted to pop in and wish all of my blog readers (who celebrate) a Happy Thanksgiving!

I am in charge of the turkey this year...{yikes}...so I will be pretty busy tomorrow, wish me luck...this is my first attempt at a turkey!

*source*

I am thankful for GOD, my family, friends and of course all of YOU!

Enjoy!

xoxo~Meg

WTF?

2010-11-19T09:11:00.000-06:00

Have you ever browsed Etsy and found something for sale on there and thought to yourself "WTF?" I found this blog today called Regretsy-Where DIY Meets WTF! I sat here for an hour looking at the blog, it's awesome and seriously made me laugh out loud...not just LOL!

There is some pretty crude photos and language on there, but if that doesn't bother you, it's a must read!

Check it out HERE if you need a good laugh!

Have a great Friday!

xoxo~Meg

Done & Done!

2010-11-18T12:56:00.000-06:00

I am so happy...I am officially done with my Christmas shopping! Living in a small town, I take advantage of online shopping...Etsy, Ebay and Amazon are my go to stores!

Here is a glimpse of what Christmas morning will look around our house...

I had never heard of these dolls before...Monster High...there are all different "monsters", I think this one is a zombie...man, they are hard to find this year and when you do, be ready to lay down the doe!!!

Nash asked for Mr. Potatohead, but I thought these things looked pretty cool!

Remember Fashion Plates from the late 70's early 80's...I found these on Amazon for Ragan, not as good as the original, but they will do.

And what's Christmas morning without a little Star Wars??

I got this little vintage guy from Brockway Betty on Etsy...

And this is what is on my Christmas wish list...

along with a few more filters!

Are you finished with your Christmas shopping? Where do you usually shop, online or are you one of those crazy people who go the whole "Black Friday" thing? I'm not much for crowds, so online has always been the way to go for me!

Take care and have a great weekend!

xoxo~Meg

♥♥!

2010-11-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

Two years ago today I married the most amazing man!

Thank you Gabe, you have changed my life...I fall more in love with you everyday and most of the time I don't think I deserve you! You love Ragan and Nash as if they are you own, you are such a sweet daddy to Izzy, you put up with my sarcastic sense of humor that can get sometimes annoying (I'm sure), you always tell me how beautiful I am when I am feeling fat and ugly, you always make me laugh and never make me cry...you are an amazing man, friend, husband and father and I am the luckiest girl in the world! I love you with all my heart!!

Happy Anniversary!

♥ Your Wife

Can't wait for this weekend!

2010-11-11T18:42:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I've been MIA lately (trust me, I've still been lurking around in the blog world) I've just not had much to blog about lately, I felt as if I was trying to find things to blog about...my life is pretty boring and it's far from being adventurous and exciting, I want to keep it real and just blog when I have something to blog about.

This weekend Gabe and I are going out for dinner at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant on the Plaza in Kansas City for our upcoming anniversary on the 15th...

I hope the weather will stay nice, it's been beautiful all week here, but today it got cold and rainy...it will just be nice to have a romantic evening alone with my husband. The Plaza is such a pretty place to walk around, there are beautiful fountains and great shopping.

Tomorrow I am getting my hair cut and colored...I am still not sure if I want to be a redhead yet, I guess we will just have to wait and see. Ragan is going to the Ringling Brothers Circus with her 3rd Grade class and then we are eating dinner at Gabe's parents house...that's a busy enough weekend for me!

(I haven't been to the Circus since I was Ragan's age...sigh!)

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xoxo~Meg

Crafts for Poor People

2010-11-05T09:19:00.002-05:00

The other day while i was browsing Etsy (shocker) I noticed an article about this book...

Found Here

"Simple Times - Crafts for Poor People"

You have to read this description of the book from the site!

"America's most delightfully unconventional hostess and the bestselling author of I Like You delivers a new book that will forever change the world of crafting. According to Amy Sedaris, it's often been said that ugly people craft and attractive people have sex. In her new book, SIMPLE TIMES, she sets the record straight. Demonstrating that crafting is one of life's more pleasurable and constructive leisure activities, Sedaris shows that anyone with a couple of hours to kill and access to pipe cleaners can join the elite society of crafters.

You will discover how to make popular crafts, such as: crab-claw roach clips, tinfoil balls, and crepe-paper moccasins, and learn how to: get inspired (Spend time at a Renaissance Fair; Buy fruit, let it get old, and see what shapes it turns into); remember which kind of glue to use with which material (Tacky with Furry, Gummy with Gritty, Paste with Prickly, and always Gloppy with Sandy); create your own craft room and avoid the most common crafting accidents (sawdust fires, feather asphyxia, pine cone lodged in throat); and cook your own edible crafts, from a Crafty Candle Salad to Sugar Skulls, and many more recipes.

PLUS whole chapters full of more crafting ideas (Pompom Ringworms! Seashell Toilet Seat Covers!) that will inspire you to create your own hastily constructed obscure d'arts; and much, much more!"

The description alone sold me!

If you don't know who Amy Sedaris is, she is the woman behind the character Jerri Blank from the television show and movie "Strangers With Candy" where she plays a runaway returning to high school as a Freshman at the age of 46...the show also stared my celebrity crush Stephen Colbert who plays the schools History teacher, Charles Noblet...

{Love you Stephen}

I haven't bought the book yet, but I think I am putting on my list!

The reviews I have read on the book are basically saying that this book isn't for the reader expecting a serious, Martha Stewart-esque tome that will teach you how to create extravagant centerpieces for your perfectionist sister's wedding, if that's what you are looking for than you shouldn't buy this book, but if you are looking for an entertaining book with some "interesting" crafty ideas with humor maybe it's the book for you!

Here is a one review of the book that's not so positive:

"I am a non-professional, but serious, crafter. I have never seen such a trashy book on the subject. It was devoid of any useful information and was extremely offensive and crude. There were no "creative ideas" useful for a serious crafter. It was "simple nonsense" and should only be sold in the "crude comedy" section of books. I will not even give this book to my library. It's a sham to be among other craft publications."

There you go!

Hey sometimes we have to make fun of ourselves and what we do or like to do, make life interesting...don't take yourself too seriously!

~Enjoy the little things~

November Already?

2010-11-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

Happy November 1st everyone!

I can't believe it's already November, I guess I should start my Christmas shopping huh? This month Gabe and I will be celebrating 2 years as man and wife (in 2 weeks to be exact)!

Did everyone have a great Halloween? The kids all got into their costumes early so that we could show the Great Grandparents, it was Gabe's Grandfather's birthday and we all surprised him with a little get together over at Gabe's Aunt's new house!

Then we took the kids to Safety Night uptown for some trick or treating...

My little grumpy monkey, I couldn't get a shot of her with the hood on, so you are just going to have to imagine her with ears!

Obi One Kenobi, looks like he just cut Darth Vader's head off!

Pretty Asian Princess!

This is my friends daughter with Ragan, she's Alice!

The kids had a great time, got tons of candy (not good for mommy) and pooped out early!

I'm not feeling well, so Gabe stayed home today to help me with Izzy, who also isn't feeling well...let's just hope we all get to feeling better...I have a dentist appointment tomorrow...man, I would hate to have to miss that! (did you catch the sarcasm)!

Have a great evening!

xoxo~Meg

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T10:03:00.000-05:00

Have a BOOtiful Day!

xoxo~Meg

Good Grief Charlie Brown...

2010-10-28T09:45:00.001-05:00

Check out who I got to kiss goodbye this morning...

It was "wear you costume to work" day at Gabe's job today...if you can't tell, he went as Charlie "Chuck" Brown, the E! True Hollywood Story version...childhood actor turned bad!

This was taken early this morning so excuse the lighting and grumpy expression on his face!

He has fake tattoos all over and he's wearing an earring which you can't really see, I will take better pics when he gets home!

I hope you all have a great Thursday, the kids are out of school early today and are off tomorrow for parent teacher conferences...it's going to be a busy weekend for the Cantrell house!

xoxo~Meg

We Have a WINNER!

2010-10-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

Comment #6 With Love, Jamie!

She wrote...

Cute giveaway!! Of course I follow your blog :)

I love fall so much! Some of my favorite things? Scarves, pumpkin patches, pumpkin coffees, pumpkin ice cream, crisp air...ahh, I love it all!

xo, Jamie

Congrats Jamie, email your info {name & address} to me at megcantrell2008(at)yahoo(dot)com

and I will ship your giveaway goodies off to you!!

Thanks everyone who entered, you are all amazing!

x♥x♥~Meg

Hey YOU...

2010-10-26T20:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, YOU...

to enter my giveaway!!!

Go ahead, all the cool kids are doing it!

x♥x♥~Meg

Vintage Memories...

2010-10-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

I am sure that you all know that I love anything and everything vintage, I collect just about anything vintage and/or antique including photos and memorabilia...most of what I own are from my own family. Here are some things that I thought I would share with all of you...

This is my Grandpa and Grandma Ragan when they were first "courting", and the small photo is my Grandma's school photo, I've been told I look like her! Wasn't my Grandpa handsome (he had huge eyebrows) but handsome all the same!

This is my Great Grandma and Grandpa Tuiet...look how tiny her waist was!

This is my Great Grandpa Ragan and his family!

This was taken when they put the first light poles in Bates County, my Great Grandpa Petty was the guy in the white shirt on the buggy, those were his horses.

I found this picture postcard of Italy in my Grandma's dresser...

Here is the back...

This is my Great Great Grandpa and Grandma Moles and this was his discharge paper from the Civil War in 1865...

This is the original Western Union Telegram notifying my Great Grandmother of her son's passing while touring in India during WW2.

Well there you have it, my family history in photos, sorry some of the photos are sideways, I am not sure what Blogger is doing with my photos lately!

Thanks for looking!

xoxo~Meg

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, I'll pick a winner on Wednesday...you can enter HERE!

♥ Happy Birthday Mom! ♥

2010-10-23T16:16:00.000-05:00

Today is my mom's 61st Birthday (shhhh, don't tell her I told you her age)!

I love you more than words can say, you are my hero and my inspiration!

Also, 20 years ago today my brother, Brian passed away...I can't believe it's been that long, I miss him everyday!

I ♥ you Big Brother!

xoxo~Meg

Friday Facts...

2010-10-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

FACT: I am having a GIVEAWAY...you can check it out HERE!

FACT: I hope you have a great weekend!

FACT: You all are amazing!

xoxo~Meg

The "Boy I Had A Lot to Say" Giveaway!

2010-10-20T14:47:00.004-05:00

This giveaway is now closed...thanks!

I haven't had a giveaway in awhile and just noticed that this will be my 304th post (Geez, I sure do "talk" a lot!) , so what better way to "celebrate", than to have one!

So what is it I am giving away you ask??
Well, let me just show you...

-Speech Bubble Chalkboard from Playing Grown Up!

-The softest skein of fleece Puffin yarn!

-Cute packing tope!

-Cute Kawaii stickers (they are "sailor" themed)!

-Pocket size Kawaii notebook!

-Crafty magnets from Pure Vintage Gold!

-Gnome Postcards (sorry Kristie) from Isabells-Umbrella!

-Quilited Keychain by FP Wear.

-Little felted strawberry from Shenanigans

-Pretty paper butterflies from The Gilded Bee!

-Alice in Wonderland Cheser cat knit hair bow by Me!

So how do you win all of these goodies??

1. Be a follower of this blog and leave a comment telling me what you love about Fall.

2. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to your blog post.

I will draw a winner on Wednesday, October 27th!

Thanks for reading all of my ramblings and sticking around, you guys rock!

xoxo~Meg

P.S. I started a second blog...you can check it out HERE and follow along (if you want to) and let me know what you think!

Hummmm....

2010-10-20T13:54:00.002-05:00

I have a surprise for you all soon...dun, dun, dun!

Stay tuned!

xoxo~Meg

Birthday Weekend and Some Crafting!

2010-10-18T05:31:00.001-05:00

This weekend we celebrated Ragan's birthday...it was a 3 day event!

On Friday we ordered Chinese and watched "How to Train Your Dragon", it was such a cute movie! After the movie we sent Ragan on a little treasure hunt in search for one of her presents...

She found it...a brand new bike!

Then on Saturday we all went to Deanna Rose Farmstead in Kansas for some farm fun...

Ragan and her friend Emma!

Ragan and Nash

The goats LOVED Izzy, they followed her around the whole time we were in there with them.

After the farm we ate some yummy burgers at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, then we went to the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens just up the road...

{Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil!}

Our little nature walk turned into a 4 mile hike...I wasn't expecting to walk that far and flip-flops aren't the best for hiking rocky trails...ouch!

Some pretty flowers along the way...

We had to climb a pretty steep hill to get this photo...that's why Nash doesn't look very happy in this picture!

I love my trees...

I thought this one looked a little like a heart...

This afternoon for lunch we cooked some hotdogs on the grill, ate lots of cake and she opened more presents from her Grammie and Papa...then we watched "Coraline" and for dinner I made potato soup, yum!

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

After I finished cleaning the kitchen I started on my "Cute Ghosts" from Merry May Handmade Virtual Craft Night!

Here they are...

I haven't embroidered since I was a kid so they are a little rough looking, but I still think they are pretty cute!

I think I am going to make a few more!

How was your weekend?

xoxo~Meg

Happy Birthday Ragan!

2010-10-17T09:17:00.000-05:00

Nine years ago today....(well, I was still in labor at this time...she wasn't officially born until 4:22 this afternoon) Ragan Lynn came into this world already acting like she was bigger than she was, holding her head up right away and stubborn as ever!

Happy 9th Birthday my sweet Princess, I am so proud of the young lady you have grown into...I love you so!

Enjoy your special day!

xoxo~MOM

BOO!

2010-10-14T08:27:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this video of my little Toots taken last October, she was 2 months old!

BOO!

I can't believe that was over a year ago, she is getting so big and saying a little more than BOO...just a little!

I also found a couple more tutorial links for Fall/Halloween crafts...

Fall bunting tutorial found here at Funky Polkadot Giraffe!

Potholes & Pantyhose has some fun DIY's in her Arts and Crap section, love the name...everything from Upcycled Scarfs to Mod Furniture made from Barnwood...check it out!

Well, it is cold and my feet are freezing so I am going to snuggle under my blanket with the Toots and get warm...Have a lovely Thursday!

xoxo~Meg

twisted tree

Week Seven {Casual Comfort}

Week Six {A Day Full of Memories}...

Week Five {Mom's Day Out}...

Week Four {Windy in the Country}

Week Three {A Good Friday}...

My Little Beauty...

Tattoo...

Week Two {Cold Day in the City}...

Week One {Playing it Safe}

What I've Got to Work With...

The Big News!

My Vintage Girls!

Well, it's Wednesday!

Hello?

I Want, I Want!

Check it out!

Chevron L♥ve!

Moon Shot!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Date Night!

Hump Day!

The Vintage Family...

Acceptance...

It's a start!

My new "look"....

It Was a Perfect Day!!!

Hello Spring...Where are you?

Do YOU want some vintage goodies???

Debbie Downer...

Just Sayin'...

I'm Cheeky...I Guess!

Opinions Needed...

It's My Birthday!

New Hair & an Award!

I am pretty lucky!

I spoke to soon...

It's been a pretty good week...

I've started another blog...

Let it begin...with little changes!

**SALE**

Birthday wish list...

We partied like it was 2011...

Well hello there 2011!!

A Little Bit of Our Christmas...

Merry Christmas!

Oh...My...Good Knits!!

Flashback Friday!

Gingerbread Houses, Lights, Snow and Fires...

Flashback Friday!

Wish List...

Please Excuse Me...

Happy Birthday to Kristie!

Hello December!

Happy Thanksgiving...A little early!

WTF?

Done & Done!

♥♥!

Can't wait for this weekend!

Crafts for Poor People

November Already?

Happy Halloween

Good Grief Charlie Brown...

We Have a WINNER!

Hey YOU...

Vintage Memories...

♥ Happy Birthday Mom! ♥

Friday Facts...

The "Boy I Had A Lot to Say" Giveaway!

Hummmm....

Birthday Weekend and Some Crafting!

Happy Birthday Ragan!

BOO!

SALE