weekender

On Friday night, Brandon and I went to our my favorite restaurant, O-Ku.  You can't really see my outfit too well, but it's a faux leather jacket (Express) over a gray/black romper (express), paired with Nine West Hideout pumps.  Luckily, we had 70 degree weather, so I didn't have to wear tights! Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait.

 The pendant is from F21.

 Our usual order (creatures of habit) consists of:  basil gimlets, rock shrimp (like "bang bang shrimp" at Bonefish, only better) + edamame, and three rolls.  We ate every last bite!

 

 



This was my first weekend since before Christmas that I didn't go out of town or have to work a hospital event! First on the list of things to do:  sleep in.  And I did just that.  Later on, Brandon helped me wash & vacuum my car.  Does that not just put you in the best mood?  Having a tidy car makes my whole life seem more organized. 

I enjoyed a cup of coffee with my dear friend, Ryan, afterwards.  Saturday night, Brandon and I went to a hockey game! We don't usually partake in watching this sport (this is South Carolina, afterall), but we enjoy going to one game a year.  Not going to lie, our favorite part is when there are fights -such great entertainment!  This time, it was "Pink in the Rink" night, in honor of breast cancer awareness.  All money raised that night is going to support local breast cancer research.  The rink was dyed pink, the players' jerseys were pink, and we also got to hear some amazing stories from breast cancer survivors!

Not much to say about Sunday ...it was a pretty typical day.  

Now for some random tidbits:

Here's an outfit I like to call "rainy day, hot/winter, don't know what to wear-outfit."  It was February and rainy, but yet 70 degrees, but my office is cold.  This is my solution.  Boots, summer dress with a black sweater over it, paired with a bright poppy rain jacket & pashmina scarf.  Random, but it works.

This candle is nothing short of amazing.  This is how I would describe the smell:

It's summertime, you've been at the beach all day & have sunkissed skin.  You step back inside your beach house & take a long, steamy shower.  Then, with comfy clothes on, lay on the sofa with the windows open so that the cool, salty air can fill the room.

THAT is how this candle smells.  Got it?

I bought mine at Ulta for buy-one get-one 50% off (linked here)!

Something else that is so wonderful it could be illegal.  Similar to the movie, Gone in 60 Seconds, except this whole box was gone in 24 hours.  oops.



Hope you all had happy weekends. Xo-M

bright is right

Boy...did J. Crew get it right! 

I'm dying over the turquoise and "bright plum" paired together. 

...and the coral lips ....and those pants

You're Invited {giveaway}

...to shop & be rewarded with these gorgeous earrings!

 Starting today, I will be hosting a Stella & Dot Jewelry trunk show.  Every purchase you make gives you one entry to win these beautiful Serenity Drop Earrings!! (They are a favorite of the ladies on Good Morning America and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!) 

To shop, visit Erin's Stella & Dot website.  Upon checkout, you will see a drop-down box where you can choose your trunk show hostess.  You must choose "Megan" to get your entry for the earrings giveaway!

No need to comment on this post to let me know you've purchased something (I mean, I would love for you to! -but it's not a necessity) because Erin will be notified as soon as you make a purchase & therefore, will keep track of all giveaway entries.

Also, if you purchase jewelry and then "like" Erin's Stella & Dot Facebook page, you will get an extra entry!!!

http://www.facebook.com/ErinsStellaJewels

 Here are some of my favorite items:

Pippa Necklace

Serenity Necklace

Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace

Sunset Bangle

Odyssey Ring

If you've been thinking of buying, now's the time.  I'm in love with those adorable earrings that are being given away! Don't forget to list me as the Trunk Show Hostess so that you get your entry for the giveaway!

Click here to shop!

Xo.

scenes from our vaca

Orlando was amazing.  It was just what I needed; simple & different than the norm.  I desperately needed a change of scenery for a while.  We stayed at a fabulous resort and enjoyed being a part of the Independent Jewelers Organization show that was taking place at the same time.  Brandon's parents are jewelers and own a store in Beaufort, so we were able to help them "work" while in Orlando.  This work meant spending a day in the buying room, looking at amazing jewelry on Sunday & picking out new items for their store.  (You can imagine how much I loved that!)  We were also able to pick out wedding bands ...well, I did at least.

Brandon's parents took us to Universal Studios on Monday, which meant I finally was able to see the "Harry Potter World."  It was really a neat thing to experience!  Also, while in Orlando, I had my FIRST spa day.  I've never splurged on a facial, surprisingly, and seemed to have picked a good place to start.  The facial I had was a dream --and now, I'm addicted!  I've already been scoping out the menus at the different spas in Charleston.  Local gals --got any great recommendations?

Ok...here are a handful of iPhone pics from the trip:

OPI Affair in Times Square Manicure -- First trip to Nordstrom!  (lots of firsts)

On the left is a display of some of Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry! I got to hold it, too.  -- Pool at our resort is on the right.

Brandon brought back the shirt around the waist  -- "It's soo fluffy!!" (Please tell me you recognize this quote!)

Laying out at the pool in between spa treatments  -- Brandon and I were getting dizzy on the carousal!

Thank you all for your votes in that wedding contest.  I've decided to surrender!  I hate asking people for favors more than anything & felt ridiculous posting it over and over on Facebook/Twitter/Blogger.  We gave it a good go at it, but the other finalists seem to have some secret that I'm unaware of & could rack up thousands of votes in a few short days.  I've got a wonderful photographer picked out in Charleston & couldn't be happier with our vendor choices so far!

Also-- check the blog tomorrow for something exciting!
Xo.

11 Things

I was reading pretty Leslie's blog, A Blonde Ambition and saw this cute tag.  I've decided to play along!

Here are the rules:

~you must post the rules

~post 11 fun facts about yourself

~answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you & then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged

~tag 11 people and link them in your post

~let them know you have tagged them

11 Fun Facts

1. I hate olives.

2. I’ve only lived on the South Carolina coast (Myrtle Beach area, Beaufort, and Charleston) aside from a 1.5 year move to Florida when I was four.

3. I would love to start a wedding planning business. Either that, or become a dermatologist. Or stick with the job I have now because I truly love it. Wherever the wind blows me!

4. One time I voluntarily stood up at mass during catholic school and recited the “Hail Holy Queen” prayer to my priest and the rest of the congregation. I was about eight years old. My priest gave me a pearl rosary a week later –I suppose I scored brownie points!

5. Speaking of --I was a pretty daring kid. I also performed a roller blading routine to the song, “All Star” by Smashmouth to my middle school. It was pretty amazing, I have to say. Practiced in the driveway for weeks.

Ok, ok.

6. I also requested to have the band stop performing at a dinner music show so that I could get on stage to sing “Feed My Lambs” to a couple hundred people. I was six. Let’s just say that I’m not a singer.

7. I can’t French braid.

8. I don't chew ice.

9. My all time favorite movie is “The Devil Wears Prada.” I watch the first 45 minutes, then turn it off. Then watch the first 45 minutes again, then turn it off. That’s the best part of the movie.

10. My favorite foods are crab cakes, sushi, and she crab soup. Oh and French fries/ranch dressing!

11. Brandon and I dream about moving to the Florida keys and being beach bums for a year. It could happen.

11 Questions

1. If you could raid any celebrity's closet, who would it be and why?

There’s no way I could pick just one. First, I’d have to say Rachel Zoe, if I could fit into her tiny clothes (well- they are sort of baggy, so I might be okay!). I love Zoe Saldana’s style. Kate Middleton’s feminine frocks are high on my list, as well. I also love Jen Anniston’s classic style. Oh my gosh, I just thought of my number one: Olivia Palermo. That’s it!

2. If you were a shoe, what would you look like?

I would be this beauty:

Simple & classic, but a punch of fun (a la the trademark red sole)

3. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Gum smackers. Interrupters & people who use their mouth more than their ears.

4. Favorite song of all-time?

I’m not sure anything can top “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John.

5. Are you a dog person or a cat person? And why?

Dog person! I want a chocolate lab or a golden retriever so badly. Brandon and I are going to wait until we get married & buy a house with a back yard before we get one. 

6. You're queen for a day. How do you spend your royal 24 hours?

At the spa. Preferably after I’ve flown to NYC on my PJ (private jet, for all of you commoners), while drinking champagne & eating white chocolate covered strawberries. Let’s say this spa is at The Plaza. I will spend the rest of the morning in a white, plush robe with my initials on it, QM (Queen Meg), while reading cheesy gossip magazines. Then, I’ll be chauffeured to Saks & Bendel’s, where the sales associates will treat me to whatever items I’d like for no cost (I am royalty, after all). I suppose my hubby, King Brandon could then join me for a harbour cruise on my yacht while we enjoy unlimited Starbucks orders and Georgetown Cupcakes.  We will later be accompanied by a private jeweler, who will adorn me in diamonds, and a private chef who will whip up a delicious meal!

7. What's the most delicious thing you've ever eaten?

I'd be lying if I said Nutella doesn't come pretty darn close! ;)

8. What scares you the most?

Snakes. Stepping on one. Being attacked by a hundred snakes at the same time. Seeing a snake in my home. Running over a snake and it getting caught in my tire well. You name it.

9. Which celebrity do you wish would drift off into obscurity?

Lindsay Lohan. I’m so tired of hearing about her problems!

10. You're 16 years old again. What advice would you give your younger self?

To enjoy my last few years at home with Mom & Dad. I'd say....Don't  worry about not being allowed to stay out after midnight. Don't be mad at Dad for not letting you drive on the interstate until 17 years of age. To live life to the fullest because it goes by quicker than you think.  Finally, I'd tell myself to savor the moments I have with my family because their love is the most important thing in life.

11. What's your Starbucks order?

Nonfat Caramel Brule Latte.

Amaze.

Now it’s my turn to tag eleven people:

I’ve decided to tag you! If you’re reading this, please play along and let me know if you do in the comment section! I’d love to read your responses.

I’m also lazy, I suppose, and am keeping the same eleven questions (Leslie did a great job picking them out so why change them?!).

Ready, set, go!

Xo.

hello, sweethearts

Happy Valentine's Day, sweethearts!

Tonight, Brandon and I will be celebrating the holiday (as well as the 8-year anniversary of our first date!) over dinner at 82 Queen. 

Pretty flowers to start off my day!

Later on, we'll join some dear friends at a small concert (two concerts, two nights in a row!)

Speaking of last night's Darius Rucker Big Band Concert... it was beyond fabulous! Here's a little teaser:

**Photo courtesy of Travis Dew Photography

...and here we are:

Enjoy this day, loves!

Xo.

there are always perks.

Our office has been hard at work planning the Darius Rucker Big Band Concert for months.

Well, the time has finally come!  Tonight, Brandon & I will be at this intimate concert showcasing the songs of Frank Sinatra.  Did you know that Darius sang these songs at Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday party? (...at the request of Mr. Sinatra, himself!)

Darius is so good to our children's hospital & we're thankful for this amazing, unique way to raise money!

If you're local to Charleston and have purchased tickets to this event, you're in for a real treat!

A little back track on the weekend...

My mom and I went to visit my Poppop on Saturday and Sunday.

I wore this:

and got to spend time at a tea party with these pretty ladies

(my mom & my little cousin)

Hope you enjoyed your weekend!  I've got a busy week ahead...  this concert tonight, Brandon and I have Valentine's plans tomorrow night, big day at work on Wednesday, then on Friday, B and I are heading south to Orlando.  Woo wee!

Happy Monday!

Xo.

Friday Five

{1}

Tory has added a strap to the ever-so-loved Robinson Tote.  It's heavily on my radar.  Love the clay color with the orange lining.  Can't go wrong with the bright orange exterior either.  The shoulder strap doesn't always have to be used, but is ideal for hopping about town!

(Bloomingdales -$575)

{2}

a few samples from the wedding florist after a brainstorming session yesterday (kind of wilted from sitting in my car all afternoon -oops!)

{3}

Brandon insisted that I take a photo of this.

What's in your purse?

What's in mine you ask?  Oh, well, you know... just the day's accumulations: a clarisonic, some Ole Henriksen Facial Cream, a bottle of wine, a flower vase, scissors, Rite Aid prescription bag, Camelback water bottle -just to name a few.  To all the folks who ask why I carry such a big purse... 

this is why.

{4}

Obsessed with this print by Nicole Cohen.

For only $50, you can frame this 8x10 with a large, white mat --sure to be a masterpiece in any room!

(I neeeeeed one.)

{5}

whipped up a "green monster" smoothie with a couple handfuls of spinach, a banana, about five strawberries, ice, nonfat vanilla yogurt, and a tiny splash of fruit juice. 

'twas delish & super filling! (you can't taste the spinach. promise)

Happy Weekend!! Xo.

going to the chapel and we're...

gonna get married!

I will become a Mrs. on...

(drum roll please)

April 27, 2013

in this beautiful church.

(St. Mary of the Annunciation --the oldest catholic church in the Carolinas & Georgia.  Picture taken on my iPhone.)

Then we will have a reception at this amazing venue

 (The Pavilion at Patriots Point)

Thanks for helping us make this decision!  This way, I'm getting the later afternoon wedding that I've always wanted and a gorgeous reception to immediately follow.  More details to come soon!

Xo.

come find me...

I'm guest blogging at Fried Pink Tomato today!

Visit Jaime's awesome blog for a few little thoughts on spring fashion by yours truly.

(She and I both have a terrible case of spring fever!)

Xo.

these are a few of my favorite things {part 1)

well hello there, dolls.

My name is Megan and I'm addicted to makeup & skincare.  Sometimes I place an order from Sephora just to receive my three free samples because I LOVE trying new products.  I'm totally a sucker for the whole Birchbox concept, but no- not a subscriber. 

These are a few of my favorite makeup and skincare products ...as in, I simply cannot go through existence without them.  This is part one of, well, I don't know how many.

1.  Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
Simply put: This is my all time favorite foundation.  It does not make me oily, it does not make me dry.  It looks natural, yet lasts all day.  Magic in a bottle, I tell you.

2.  Tarte Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder with PM20

This is a translucent finishing powder that sets your foundation/concealer, yet doesn't look cakey.  Another product that controls oil, yet doesn't make my skin dry.  This product does NOT leave my vanity drawer.

1.  Ole Henriksen Express the Truth 

This is an antioxidant moisturizer that uses Vitamin C and African red tea to help to calm and soothe the skin as well as fight off environmental aggressors and free radical damage. Plus it's a wrinkle repairing & fighting cream! It's super hydrating, so I use this as my night cream. When I got very little sleep during our Radiothon event, I used this moisturizer to take my skin from dull, to bright and revitalized. Sounds cheesy, but it's true.

2 & 3.  Clinique All About Eyes Rich and Clinique All About Eyes

I use the rich formula at night and the regular formula for day.  It keeps my under-eye area completely moisturized and de-puffed.  Definitely a staple for me!

more to come.
soon!
Xo.

join the fun...

...by clicking here!

Xo.

let's catch up

...with OOTDs first.

Banana Republic Sweater, J. Crew skirt, Tory Burch Revas

F21 Blouse, GAP Jeans

Banana Republic Blouse, Express Pencil Skirt, Banana Republic Heels

Oh!  I had my hair cut shorter and added some layers.  My hair is so much thicker than it used to be due to my supplementation of Biotin and a prenatal vitamin each day.  So the blunt, straight across cut was just no longer working for me.  It was giving me a triangle head.  Woo, glad that's fixed! 

It's also lighter. 

I so wanted to try being a brunette, but for me....blonde is more fun.

When I was deciding whether to be darker with low-lights or lighter with high-lights, my stylist said, "Are you a blonde bride or a brunette bride?"  (Oh come on, all unmarried gals envision their wedding day and know what color their hair is going to be under that veil.)  Without a doubt, I said "I'm a blonde bride."

And that was the end of the story.

Speaking of marriage, look at this conversation I had with my FH (Future Husband) while he was on his business trip last week.

 He is so. trained.

(sorry Brandon --I know he's reading!)

He always complains when I turn on The Bachelor each week, but lookie here... he watched it at his own will!  I KNEW he secretly loved it all along.

 On another note, here's another reason to love Chick-fil-A.

That place gets at least one weekly visit from us --usually before shag (dance) class each Tuesday night (We are creatures of habit). 

My cousin Chrissy told me about the new Chicken Tortilla Soup they are offering.  In my attempt to make wiser food choices, I opted for the soup instead of fries.

Well, I'm so glad that I did because it was absolutely delicious!  It doesn't exactly look like anything spectacular, but it's super creamy & filling.

I asked for the nutrition facts, and sure enough, the employee printed it off their register. (Did you know that they can do this for ANY menu item?  It's a new feature.  I'm in the know.)

Will you just look at these nutrition facts?

Ok.  It does have 2 grams of saturated fat (that's animal fats = not good fats = don't eat this). 

No trans fats (that's the hydrogenated oil fat. you know, the fats that are put in foods to preserve them.  think about the pictures you've seen of McDonalds fries that look brand new but are 6 years old.  that's because they were cooked in hydrogenated oil, or trans fat. so, DON'T eat trans fats or it will just sit in your body & not digest)  

It also has 3 grams of unsaturated fats, but these are the good ones (good for the brain!).

woo- got on a little fat tantrum there for a moment. my health minor comes out in phases.

And although I hate to see the amount of cholesterol and sodium that is in this soup, it does have some very positive things!

14 grams of dietary fiber!  That is fabulous.  You need fiber to keep your digestion moving and to feel full quicker -so ultimately, fiber helps you lose weight.  Most people don't get near enough fiber in their daily diet.

This soup also has 19 grams of protein.  Again- this will fill you up & keep you satisified!

It's tasty, too :)

Got to wrap things up...

Brandon and I are about to leave to look at The Harbour Club, the main contender we have for our rehearsal dinner.

 

 

 images via

Xo.