Spring Stories

Ok, so guess I'm not as "back" as I thought. I've been SUPER busy, and most of the time I don't feel like blogging after a long day at work. Not to mention I should work on school work some nights, but I normally don't! :)  I just can't look at a computer anymore!

I actually have more to tell through pictures than I do words... so here it goes! :)

So the first warm day in March, Will took me to the driving range. It was a Sunday afternoon and we had nothing else to do and it was just to pretty to stay in! We went to Goodwill where I got a 7 iron (whatever that means) for $1.00 and then met some friends at the driving range. I had NEVER hit a golf ball before far enough to go past a windmill in putt-putt. This was quite comical. At least I dressed the part! Will is just too much cuteness in his golf shoes and ball cap! :)

So about once a quarter Bekah comes for a visit! The occasion for a girls night usually revolves around a holiday. Bekah lives in Jersey now with her airforce hubby and cute as a button 2 year old! (Bekah is on the left!) Lynsey and I see each other frequently, we still live about 5 mintues from each other and get together to walk, workout, gossip.. whatever. It's always nice to see them and get some good food (this time Mexican) while we catch up! These are some of my longest and best friends. They get me through everything...

On March 22, William and I celebrated our one year anniversary! It really wasn't anything special. We both took the day off, we went to a movie (Admission), and then went to dinner at Fatz, where we had our first date! That night we came home and watched an episode of The Bible mini-series that we got into during the Easter season. Seriously, low-key! He did however get me some lovely goodies! Two pair of monogrammed earrings (which I don't have a pic of ) and some flowers for my office! Tulips! My favorite! We actually had a photo shoot done by my manager for our anniversary and maybe soon I will update you on those pics! They really turned out phenomenal!

So weekend before last we had a whirlwind weekend. We had something EVERY day/night! It was great! We started out that Friday night at my college watching a play, it was culture, and free.
I wore these bracelets!

And then we ate sushi. Which is apparently something I like now! I don't eat seafood, but raw fish is my style... can't explain it! Other than if it weren't for Will I would have never have tried it!

That Saturday we went to the University of South Carolina spring game! With the perks of Will's job we got to enjoy it from the club level, in a box shaded from sun and crowd! Food was included! Best way to take in a game by far, wish we had that luxury during regular season games!

After the game we decided to bite the bullet and go buy...

A GRILL!!! 

I could not be more excited to have a grill this spring/summer! Our first meal was filet's. Yea we went all out! But they were SOOOOOO good! I can even work it myself, so when Will isn't there and I want a grilled turkey burger, I can make that happen! 

 

On Sunday of that weekend we went to see one of our favorites... Chris Young! For FREE actually! Thanks to my  new job perks! He sang "our song" which is, She's Got this Thing About Her. It was so sweet to hear our song live... I might have shed a small tear! 

That was Sunday and on Monday Will surprised me with tickets to see this lady on Wednesday!

It was AMAZING!!! She is always amazing, but sharing my love's first Carrie concert experience was great!! We had great seats to the side of the stage! I actually got to see her walk backstage before the concert! Hunter Hayes is currently touring with her and honestly I wished I could have packed his little cuteness in a box and taken him home! He is precious! Anyways! It was a great date night and a wonderful surprise! We are so blessed to be able to afford to go to events and still pay the bills! My life wouldn't be the same if I wasn't able to attend live music!

I think you are now up to date! & so am I! I sometimes forget that why is blog is so I can remember and look back on fun times. I have pictures on Facebook and my phone, but sometimes it helps to make this a living scrapbook of memories in my life. These are definitely moments I don't want to forget, ever.

For now have a lovely day ladies!
-MG

I'm Back... I Think!

Is anyone still out there?? Hello? Hello? Can you hear me now?

I know, I know.. I've been gone for almost a year. Life got busy, what can I say? I guess a man walked into my life and my blog walked out! I was so busy trying to be in a relationship I didn't have time to blog about the relationship! Here's what has been going on with me in the past year!

> Boyfriend
> Graduate School
> New Job

Yea, I guess that's like a total life overhaul in the past year! :) Let me elaborate!

First, the love life is amazing! I am so lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, caring man in my life. Sometimes I pinch myself to make sure it's real! We have been dating a little over a year now and everyday is full of laughs and making memories. I honestly don't know how I could have handled the changes I have had in my life without him standing beside me. He is my rock. He knows me, he wants what is best for me and he puts my needs and wants above his own. We have been through a lot in just our short time as a couple, ie. job changes (for the better), parental disapproval (my parents), and just learning how to live and learn as young professionals (budgets!).
I know that we are soul-mates... there are so many a-ha moments where I know that God made him for me! It's crazy to think he pursued me, and for four years I let him not be a part of my life because I was with someone else. It is simply a testament that God's timing is perfect.

Second new adventure has been graduate school. And let me just say this... I'm nearly nine months in and I'm over it! Obviously this must be why God allows women to only carry children for the same amount of time, because after 9 months, you really are over it! I have learned a lot, met some great people and it has put me in a new place in my life academically and professionally. For that I am thankful, but I'm tired of constantly thinking I should be doing school work instead of off having fun doing something else! August 4, 2013 at 2pm can't come fast enough!!

Finally, I have a new job!! I kicked that corporate crap to the curb. Or rather it kicked me. But nonetheless I am loving life in my new job. I'm working for a nonprofit that acts as match.com between colleges/universities and the entertainment industry. I am in the education/volunteer management area and so I am working with our foundation which provides scholarships and working with our over 300 volunteers across the country! LOVE IT!

Somethings that haven't changed and probably never will:

>Still loving Lilly Pulitzer. May she rest in peace! So sad to hear of her passing last week, but I'm sure heaven just got a little brighter!

> Still obsessed with country music. Headed to a Chris Young concert this weekend. I really just can't get enough. Will & I are thinking about going to Nashville over Labor Day weekend! Hope we can! He's never been, I really need him to experience it!

> Still fat. Yep. I'm back to the weight I was after college. In a year I have put on 20lbs ish, but since the beginning of April I have really started watching what I'm eating. Haven't lost but about a pound, been working out 3-4 days a week, but I think my PCOS is what is keeping me from loosing weight. I need to do some research to see if there are alternatives to drugs to help with that because the metformin is kicking my stomach! :/

So that's what's new and not new in my world! Please comment if you are still following and up to reading what I post.. otherwise I might just go back on my blogger hiatus. Have a fabulous weekend!

If I do another post, it will be about 2 new boutiques that have surfaced in my town! Got some cute cute pinterest-esk dresses! :)

This Post is Brought to you by the letter "W"

Hello Lovely Ladies

I’m so sorry I have taken yet another blog hiatus. I have had a manic May!! The last 3 weekends were filled with directing a wedding, being in a wedding, and directing a wedding reception. But alas the wedding trilogy is over for a while.

I LOVE weddings, if you know anything about me you know that! But I tell ya.. I’m afraid I’ll get burned out before it’s my turn! So I’m kinda taking a step back from being involved in other people’s for awhile. With graduate school starting in August, I doubt that I will have much time after that to participate/work with weddings. Hate it because it’s great extra money, but I can’t juggle a full time job, school, babysitting, church, an amazing relationship, family time AND weddings… something has to go.

Anyways, I really have enjoyed my wedding weekends, especially with “W.” It’s been great to FINALLY have a DATE to functions after 4 years of NOT! And bonus that he actually LIKES dressing up in a suit and putting me on his arm! ;) Bless it. Last weekend, we made our relationship “Facebook Official” b/c goodness knows it’s not so until the internet says it is! ;)  I love our dating relationship. We spend most evenings together, most of the time being “boring” as we say. That generally consists of some type of dining (sometimes with the parental units), talking, watching TV and just laughing our heads off! This man can make me laugh when nobody else can, & he makes me laugh at myself. There is never a dull moment!

This past weekend I finally got to meet his mom, on Mother’s Day no less. We went to The Palmetto Club, which is a social club here in Columbia (kinda like a country club minus the pool and golf course). We had brunch, omelets, shrimp and grits and mimosas. How much more southern can you get than that? We had a great time, and his mom is just too sweet. Hopefully we will be seeing more of her and eventually, once my life slows down, I’ll get to meet his dad! We are with my parents a good bit, so it’s weird not to get to spend as much time with his, but I have a feeling there will be time! J

Ok, I guess I’ve talked enough about “W.” So hard not too! It’s the most exciting thing I’ve had going on in a while & I’m the happiest I’ve been. Ever.  It’s a great feeling! Here are a couple of pics from a wedding a mother’s day!

Other than weddings and “W,” not much is new. My mom did get me some Smashbox photo finish primer. That junk is the shiz. I highly recommend it, although I think I’m the last one to jump on the Smashbox train. Ulta (the Home Depot for women) has it.

Source: smashbox.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I would try to update on the fashion realms of my life, however, I have bought NO new clothes b/c the ones I had from last summer don’t fit b/c I have gained back all the weight I lost. I’m not happy with this, but “W” and I have had some heart to hearts about it & I know I need to make a change in my diet and exercise routine. He loves me just as I am, but he wants me to be healthy and since I am pre-diabetic, he wants me to make this change soon. He is also a pre-diabetic but controls it with diet and exercise. God must have known I needed help in this area. ;) SO, after Memorial Day (because who wants to be on a diet on a holiday weekend!) I will be in the gym after work for atleast 45min and there will be a major food overhaul.  I WILL be a size 4/6 by the time I start grad school!! Thankfully I have him to encourage me, push me, be there for me when I want a cupcake and praise me for my successes.

Alright ladies, have a great week. I’m in and out of the blog world. No worries, I am alive and well and living a happy life for the first time in a while. Life. Is. Good.

12 things women should know & have by 30

Hello Lovelies!

I hope all is well in your blog world since I haven't done much catching up in the past week. I'll catch you in in a few sentences on my life. Busy. Lots of wedding directing, planning, attending, and enjoying! :) This weekend is the first of my wedding weekend trilogy! This is the one that I am just directing the ceremony at my church, but it means rehearsal Friday night and most of the day Saturday!

All is well with W. I have to say this is the HAPPIEST I have been in I can't tell you when. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and it's going to all be a dream! My parents seem to like him, he had them in stitches laughing so hard last night after dinner. :) It's a good feeling when "all is right."

Anyways, I was crusing the Today Show.com this morning and ran across this article!
I really want to read this book because let's face it come July I am on the downhill side of my 20s and inching oh so close to the big 3-0! YIKES! Anyways, there were a few fashion forwards in this article that struck my attention as must share and inform! I definately agree with ALL these items being staples in your closet!

1. Skinny black jeans. You need a pair. Dress them up for the office or down for day.

Source: loft.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

2. A crisp, white button-down shirt. It suggests clean, cool confidence in the workplace, but unbutton two buttons and it’s the ultimate in sex appeal for night.

Source: canvas.landsend.com via Mimi on Pinterest

3. A go-to dress. It doesn’t have to be a little black dress. It’s even better sometimes if it’s not, because color makes a bolder statement. But it should fit perfectly and make you feel beautiful.

Source: francescascollections.com via Morgan on Pinterest

4. A classic black pump. It has to have at least a four-inch heel to boost your height and confidence. (Okay, fine. A three-inch heel if you must.)

Source: mail.iinet.net.au via Andrea on Pinterest

5. A bright mini. My own favorite is red with a flared hem. It’s great to have one that’s a really bright color because it makes you stand out in a crowd. You can wear it for day—just pair it with an oversize men’s white sweater—or nighttime, with a silk camisole.

Source: simplydarling.tumblr.com via Morgan on Pinterest

6. A bold piece of jewelry. Think: necklace, bangle, large ring, large earrings. I have a big necklace that I keep in my drawer at work, and it dresses up any outfit. A statement piece allows your personal style to shine, especially if the rest of your outfit is conservative.

Source: handpicked.net via Morgan on Pinterest

7. A fitted blazer. A great-fitting blazer is a girl’s most invaluable staple. Pop the collar, roll the sleeves, or add a cool brooch to make it your own.

Source: bloomingdales.com via Courtney on Pinterest

8. A colorful clutch. This one’s especially crucial if you have a closet full of blacks or neutrals. A splash of color will liven up the simplest outfit—not to mention your mood.

9. Black opaque tights. They’re so warm and practical, and they instantly make a dress look professional.

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

10. A lace tank. Wear it underneath your V-neck during the day or peeking out from under a jacket in the evening.

Source: shopgarageonline.com via J on Pinterest

11. Ballet flats. They’re feminine and comfortable, and you can wear them anywhere and always look pulled together. I personally love a blue ballet flat.

Source: theaveragegirlsguide.com via Ashley on Pinterest

12. A soft, luxurious white T-shirt. It has to be a great-quality one that feels good on your skin. You can wear it with everything else in your wardrobe. And if you find one you really love, buy three.

Source: youaretheriver.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Alright ladies, there are your 12 Closet Staples for LIFE! :) I have quiet a few to add to my wardrobe and some to replace! Hope this jumpstarts your summer shopping or helps you build your professional wardrobe! Have a terrific Tuesday! :)

Food & Fashion! Oh, How Pintersting!

Well, now that I have officially returned to the blog realm (thanks for the welcome back) I guess I have to update at least a couple times a week! :)

Let's see, it's Wednesday so I guess I could link up with Oh, How Pinteresting! But first I must share! The new "interest," and I cooked dinner together last night. It was so much fun! We He made NY Strip, and I made the mashed taters (from scratch, not out of a bag! yay me!) and green beans (fresh not a can or frozen! yay me again!). I also made banana pudding but we were both too stuffed to eat it last night, but I don't worry that it WON'T get consummed! I've made 3 banana pudding's in the last month... addiction much? I blame it on an abundance of banana's laying around! ;)

Here is a pic of our dinner!

Anyways, I was thinking that the new "interest" will probably be sticking around for a while so maybe I should give him a pseudo name on the blog. So let's go with 'W'! :) Original.. I know.

I thought I'd share my banana pudding recipe since I've gotton so good at making it! It's so simple and delish!

1 box of Fat Free/Sugar Free Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 can of Fat Free Eagle Brand (Condensed) Milk
1 Large tub of Fat Free or Sugar Free Cool Whip
1 1/2 Cups of Water
2Tbsp of Lemon juice
1 Box of Vanilla Wafers
3-4 Bananas

First mix the Pudding and water in bowl. Stir. Add in can of Condensed Milk. Stir. Chill for 5 min.
While that is chill'n cut up your bananas and place in a bowl with about 2tbsp of lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
Next layer a 13x9 Pyrex dish with Vanilla wafers, covering the bottom. Now place banana's (doors & windows) with the Vanilla Wafers.
Take the pudding mixture out of the fridge and add in most of the container of cool whip. Save enough to cover the top when complete.
Now layer in the pudding mixture over banana's and wafers.
Make another layer of wafers and banana's and top with the rest of the pudding mixture.
Finally top with Cool whip & ENJOY! Yummy! It's a no fail! Promise! :)

Here are some things I'm finding Pintersting...

Cute summery dress that with a cardigan could totally slide in the office!

Source: eshakti.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Love all the pastels & it's my 2 fav. colors!

Source: east-coasting-it.tumblr.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I'd def. wear my Jack's not heels but LOVE the color combo! Those shorts are HOT!

Source: mixmatchfashion.com via Morgan on Pinterest

This needs to become a part of my jewlery collection stat!

Source: handpicked.net via Morgan on Pinterest

Too true. #lifestory

Source: someecards.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Rejoice! For I have Returned! :)

Hello Ladies!!

I am BACK!! So sorry for the unexcused absense. #nevergetperfectattendance

Anyways, I hope life has been treating you all well. I've done a little catching up on a few of my favorite blogs, but still have a few to read up on! :)

My life has been CRAZY busy the last 3 weeks ish. Let me fill you in with the Clift Notes version!

First of all, 3 weeks ago my gma fell and broke her hip, she is 82. She had to have surgery and be in rehab for 2 weeks. All is well, she has recovered, but not completely bounced back! So, when she fell my mom went to Myrtle Beach to be with  her in the hospital/rehab etc. leaving me and my dad and the dog to fend for ourselves. We survived. :) But it was a lot of back and forth between my house and theirs, tending to the dog, attempting to make dinner, spending the night there some, etc. Craziness. Oh yea on top of working, babysitting, etc etc.

This past weekend, we went down to Myrtle to get my gma to her other residence in Greenville, SC. That is about a 5hr. drive if you don't have to stop every hour to let someone get up and walk around. Our drive would have been about 9hrs. from point A to B. However, we are lucky enough to have a gracious friend who offered to loan us his private plane and pilot to transport gma to Greenville. It was the scariest, coolest, most awesome adventure ever! :) We went from Myrtle, to Greenville, to Raleigh (guy who loaned us the plane had a buiness deal to do) and then back to Myrtle in about 5 hours! So crazy! Here are a few pics!



KingAire 90

 

Movie Star status? Yep.

  

My gma, me and my dad made the voyage!






















I held her hand on the take off and landing...I think she thought I needed to, but I was totally doing it for her!




Back at the Beach....




Pilot, our friend Bucky, me & my dad!



It was a fun adventure and definately spoiled me... commerical airlines what? I don't think so! :) Definately a once in a lifetime opportunity.. unless you are buddy buddy with a pilot or millionaire. :)

So besides jet-setting and mainting a couple households I've been seeing someone new. We've been talking since the day my gma fell actually. So about 3 weeks. We've been on several dates and walked the dam a couple times. He's a great guy and I'm really enjoying getting to know him. I'm not to the point where I can create a pseudo name for him on the blog so at this point he shall remain annonymous. I'll let you know if and when something changes! :)

So I've made a couple Lilly purchases as of late.. a couple is STILL not enough! I'm craving it! I need to find some in a consignment store pronto before I go crazy! I REALLY want a new dress! I wish I was better at ebay and felt comfortable enough to purchase a few items from there. If any of you have tips on using ebay holla. 

This clutch, which I got as a "gift with purchase!"

Source: lillypulitzer.com via Clare Marie on Pinterest

Said Purchase.. new Wristlet!

Source: lillypulitzer.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I adore this coffee mug! My daily dose of crack... both coffee & Lilly! I have the matching phone cover too! :)

Source: lillypulitzer.com via Kayla on Pinterest

All that Lilly & I still do not have enough to satisfy! #intervention

Have a great Tuesday! Glad to be back!!

Hiatus

Hello Ladies!

It seems that I am on a bit of a blog Hiatus! I have not written or read in oh say about 2 weeks-ish. SO Sorry! Just been super super busy busy! Here are some highlights as of late:

- Obsessed with Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl" song & video! For reals. Now if some of my friends would take her advice..we'd have a winner! :)

- Been super busy working, babysitting and wedding consulting! HOLY MOLY! I have weddings April 28, May 5 & May 12. Do NOT come to me about wedding stuff after that, I will be fried!

- Last weekend went to a 5yr old bday party. It was a dress up diva party. I was slightly extremely envious!

- There may be exciting news after this weekend. Don't want to give away too much, in case it doesn't happen. It has nothing to do with a boy and it is not about me.

- I'm on a quest for some "gently used" Lilly Pulitzer items. Size 8 in most cases. If it's a dress it needs to have sleeves. Or atleast something I put a cardigan over to wear to the office. If you know where I can find some or have some you want to weed out of your closet, I'm interested! :)

- Anybody else going to watch the Pretty Little Liars season finale & Switched at Birth Season Finale next week? I'm obsessed.

- Also, still really into Idol. Love Skylar, Jessica and Colton. Apparently Jermaine had some sketch history and has been asked to leave the show.. that will be revealed tonight.

- I've started working with Middle Schoolers at church. Not sure if I've bitten off more than I can chew or not yet. They are mostly sweet though! :)

- No news on the boy front. Moving on...

- Don't forget to wear your green Friday (if you have to work) & Saturday! :D

Have a lovely day!! Miss you all dearly! :) I'll be back with more inspirational/motivational fluff in a few days.. or weeks.. or whenver! :)