Between tanning, running on the beach, Broadway on the beach, aMMMMazing meals full of seafood, and so much more I have absolutely nothing to complain about.
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| Jon's Grampa & I |
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| Sister-in-law love |
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| The gang's all here! |
XOXO,
Maeg
Friday, March 30, 2012
Beach Fever
Between tanning, running on the beach, Broadway on the beach, aMMMMazing meals full of seafood, and so much more I have absolutely nothing to complain about.
XOXO,
Maeg
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Maxi Heaven
This vacation is an absolute blast! We have spent two wonderful days with our private pool and the beach right outside our front door. What could be better than soaking up the sun in your front yard? After a long, relaxing day of doing nothing but sleep and play outside the fiancee and I decided to have a night out at a great restaurant called Flying Fish and then a little shopping at the Tanger Outlets :) What I wore... (which by the way was the perfect/comfortable outfit with a tiny sunburn on my back).
Where: Night out, dinner & shopping with my fiancee
Maxi Dress: Forever 21
Necklace: Old
Earrings: Gift
Relic Watch: Gift
Bracelets: Steinmart
Turquoise Ring: Maurices
Sandals: Old
Isn't the ocean just to die for?
XOXO,
Maeg
Monday, March 26, 2012
Two Birds - One Stone
We arrived at the beach about 4pm Saturday evening and got ourselves settled in then decided it was time to go out for our first of many seafood meals! So we got cleaned up and this is what I wore. (I traveled down with little care for fashion and more care for comfort. I wore a graphic tee and a gaucho skirt from Old Navy). So it was nice to clean up once we were out of the car. And the funny thing is I never used to wear stripes or red, because I didn't like either. Now I killed two birds with one stone and I liked it!
Where: Dinner with the family at the beach :)
Shirt: Forever 21
Skinny Jeans: Ross
Sandals: Old Navy
Camel Belt: Old
Necklace: Banana Republic
Ring: My grandmothers
Earrings: Forever 21
Is there something you were once totally opposed to wearing and now you love it?
XOXO,
Maeg
Saturday, March 24, 2012
A "How To" On Packing
If you are anything like me when it comes to packing you would rather pull your hair out. Nothing used to stress me out more than getting ready to pack for a trip. I would procrastinate until the last possible minute and throw a bunch of random pieces in a bag. Terrible!
Now that I've grown up a little and care a little more I found a system that works well for me.
Watch the Weather. A week or two before my trip I'll start to watch the weather in the area I'm traveling to and get a sense of the temperature and what the precipitation is like. This way I don't have to waste time packing those "just in case" outfits to prepare myself for the the possibility of anything. I'll be prepared with the right clothing for the right weather.
Scope Out Inspiration & Make A Checklist. My favorite part! I find some quiet time at home and sit down with my computer, some magazines and a notepad and start scoping out outfit ideas. I visit various websites such as Pinterest and several fashion blogs I follow and I think of what I have to re-create some of these inspirations. I scribble down outfits on my notepad so it's easy to go and pull from my closet. While I'm creating my list I also make note of personal hygiene items, beach towel, sunscreen, etc. I need so I can gather my thoughts and have a checklist when I go to pack.
Plan Ahead. Don't wait until the day before you leave and end up standing in your closet in overwhelmed not knowing what the heck you need. The week of the trip do all the laundry and set all the clothes you've chosen aside so you don't wear them and then end up scrambling to clean them and pack them the night before.
Lay It Out. Lay out all the outfits separately so you can see them all. Try them on to make sure they meet the final approval and find add your accessories for each outfit. Once your happy with your choices pack them up together as outfits so you don't have issues remembering what you created once your on vacation. Go back to that checklist and add all your necessary items and viola! Your ready to go! All days before you leave :)
Don't forget your camera! You'll need lots of pictures to remember how great you looked!
Do you have any packing tips?
XOXO,
Maeg
Now that I've grown up a little and care a little more I found a system that works well for me.
 |
| What it usually looks like when I pack |
 |
Watch the Weather. A week or two before my trip I'll start to watch the weather in the area I'm traveling to and get a sense of the temperature and what the precipitation is like. This way I don't have to waste time packing those "just in case" outfits to prepare myself for the the possibility of anything. I'll be prepared with the right clothing for the right weather.
Scope Out Inspiration & Make A Checklist. My favorite part! I find some quiet time at home and sit down with my computer, some magazines and a notepad and start scoping out outfit ideas. I visit various websites such as Pinterest and several fashion blogs I follow and I think of what I have to re-create some of these inspirations. I scribble down outfits on my notepad so it's easy to go and pull from my closet. While I'm creating my list I also make note of personal hygiene items, beach towel, sunscreen, etc. I need so I can gather my thoughts and have a checklist when I go to pack.
Plan Ahead. Don't wait until the day before you leave and end up standing in your closet in overwhelmed not knowing what the heck you need. The week of the trip do all the laundry and set all the clothes you've chosen aside so you don't wear them and then end up scrambling to clean them and pack them the night before.
Lay It Out. Lay out all the outfits separately so you can see them all. Try them on to make sure they meet the final approval and find add your accessories for each outfit. Once your happy with your choices pack them up together as outfits so you don't have issues remembering what you created once your on vacation. Go back to that checklist and add all your necessary items and viola! Your ready to go! All days before you leave :)
Don't forget your camera! You'll need lots of pictures to remember how great you looked!
Do you have any packing tips?
XOXO,
Maeg
Friday, March 23, 2012
Fab Finds Friday!
So here are my finds!
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| Nude Woven Shirt: Forever 21 $17.80 |
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| Fuschia Blazer: Forever 21 $27.80 |
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| Camel/Black Maxi: Forever 21 $13.80 |
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| Cream/Taupe Dress: Forever 21 $14.50 |
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| Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 $10.50 |
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| Gold Hoops: Forever 21 $1.50 |
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| Peach/Gold Earrings: Forever 21 $4.80 |
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| My Fav Fab Find! Nude Wedges: Charming Charlie $29.97 |
Does shopping give you a warm tingly feeling inside like it does for me?
XOXO,
Maeg
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Just Fabulous!
Now to the important stuff...
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| Just a few from my collection... |
Black Pumps: Gift
Nude Wedges: Charming Charlie
Gray Pumps: Belks
Shoes are my guilty pleasure. I adore them! Especially a great set of pumps. I found a website that has now become a favorite of mine! Want to know why? Because they are fabulous and have prices that I just can't beat and they mainly focus on SHOES! That's why!
Visit http://www.justfab.com/index.cfm They are exactly what they say they are... Just Fabulous! After you become a member (which is FREE) they ask a few questions about your personal style. From then on you receive a monthly "personalized boutique" where they handpick shoes that fit your style best. That's not all! Every item is $39.95, free shipping always, fashion advice from consultants, and a reward system with occasional freebies!
The even more exciting part... you get 20-50% off your first order from them for shoes or handbags. (The percentage changes on deals they are having each day) Holla!
I ordered some beauties called the Paulette! I think I'm in love. Definitely one of my Fab Finds of the week that I couldn't resist, but had to share a day eary :) Besides they won't be shipped in until late this weekend and I'll be at the beach next week so I won't be able to take a pic to share.
What is your guilty pleasure?
XOXO,
Maeg
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Simple, Healthy, Tasty... Nuf' Said.
Remember that extra chicken breast I cooked when I made Chick Parmesan - Tuscan Style? Well it was put to use the next day!
I was running late after work so Jon whipped us up a quick and simple meal for the evening before we had to rush back to town for our small group meeting.
Simple, healthy, and tasty. Just the way I like it.
Jon and I have been running when we get home from work and it feels great. The weather is so amazing here now that it brings a whole new attitude out in us.
PS. I can't wait to share my Fab Finds this Friday! I had a little bit of a shopping spree last night :) eeekkk!
XOXO,
Maeg
I was running late after work so Jon whipped us up a quick and simple meal for the evening before we had to rush back to town for our small group meeting.
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| Slice the chicken and layer it up |
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| Add your cheese |
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| Add your dressing |
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| And enjoy! |
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| Thanks to my hunny :) |
PS. I can't wait to share my Fab Finds this Friday! I had a little bit of a shopping spree last night :) eeekkk!
XOXO,
Maeg
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tangle & Mangled
As I have posted before, I have a thing for jewelry. When you have a thing for jewelry, you have issues with storage, when you have issues with storage, well you can't find a dang thing and everything's tangled.
Fortunately they make wonderful accessories to organize your precious belongings.
Check out this beauty I found from Etsy. Not only is it fantastic, but it's elegant looking. The only thing it doesn't seem to have much room for is your rings. It only holds 6 rings depending on their size. Have no fear! That's what these are for.
I've posted once before about a neat organization system I found on Pinterest. I actually had a friend put this into use. Instead of using a peg board she used a cork board and had a friend paint it. You could also decorate the frame if you wanted to. To hang her jewelry she used basic push pins. You can find some cute decorative pins online anywhere. And Viola!
I do think it is extremely important to be able to have all your jewelry visible and organized in order to accessorize. My jewelry and I have a love/hate relationship momentarily. I have yet to find an organization system that works well for me, but I am working on it. Actually my fiancee is working on it. He is building me something... I'll share when it's completed :)
How do you organize your fashion accessories?
XOXO,
Maeg
Fortunately they make wonderful accessories to organize your precious belongings.
Check out this beauty I found from Etsy. Not only is it fantastic, but it's elegant looking. The only thing it doesn't seem to have much room for is your rings. It only holds 6 rings depending on their size. Have no fear! That's what these are for.
I've posted once before about a neat organization system I found on Pinterest. I actually had a friend put this into use. Instead of using a peg board she used a cork board and had a friend paint it. You could also decorate the frame if you wanted to. To hang her jewelry she used basic push pins. You can find some cute decorative pins online anywhere. And Viola!
 |
| Photo is blurry because it was taken with a mobile phone |
I do think it is extremely important to be able to have all your jewelry visible and organized in order to accessorize. My jewelry and I have a love/hate relationship momentarily. I have yet to find an organization system that works well for me, but I am working on it. Actually my fiancee is working on it. He is building me something... I'll share when it's completed :)
How do you organize your fashion accessories?
XOXO,
Maeg
Monday, March 19, 2012
Breakfast
This post today is a share from my lovely, inspiring momma.
In the past year not only has she re certified as a personal trainer, but she has become a vegetarian and found a whole new way of eating. When I say whole I put the emphasis on whole. She eats a "whole food diet". I'll feature more articles in the future diving deeper into the theory of whole food eating. But for now... Breakfast!
Enjoy the read :)
Breakfast - the most important meal of the day.
No it really is. If I could only eat one meal a day it would be breakfast but I am fortunate enough not to have to make that choice. Breakfast should be your highest caloric meal of the day. It should be full of complex carbohydrates with protein and fat. This will jump start your metabolism, give you ample energy to rev up for the day and set the stage for maximum fat burning through out the day.
Fresh fruit, yogurt , sprouted grains and even beans are an awesome way to start the day. Take time to eat your breakfast and enjoy it. I often start off with a "green" drink... Green Goodness from Boathouse Farms w/greek yogurt,veggie based protein powder, vital greens powder and some frozen fruit.... all blended and sipped post work out. An hour or two later I eat a balanced breakfast.... I love a black bean burger on spinach with a scoop of cottage cheese and a cutie. Or sprouted grain English muffin with 1 egg, avocado and some pico de gallo. Sometimes I eat left overs from the prior nights dinner.
Subscribe to the "rule breakfast like a king", "lunch like a prince" and "dinner like a pauper" if you are trying to loose weight.
This week try to put emphasis on breakfast...
Happy healthy eating.... Anne
If you are interested in hearing more, check out her Facebook page dedicated to "Whole Foods".
XOXO,
Maeg
In the past year not only has she re certified as a personal trainer, but she has become a vegetarian and found a whole new way of eating. When I say whole I put the emphasis on whole. She eats a "whole food diet". I'll feature more articles in the future diving deeper into the theory of whole food eating. But for now... Breakfast!
Enjoy the read :)
Breakfast - the most important meal of the day.
No it really is. If I could only eat one meal a day it would be breakfast but I am fortunate enough not to have to make that choice. Breakfast should be your highest caloric meal of the day. It should be full of complex carbohydrates with protein and fat. This will jump start your metabolism, give you ample energy to rev up for the day and set the stage for maximum fat burning through out the day.
Fresh fruit, yogurt , sprouted grains and even beans are an awesome way to start the day. Take time to eat your breakfast and enjoy it. I often start off with a "green" drink... Green Goodness from Boathouse Farms w/greek yogurt,veggie based protein powder, vital greens powder and some frozen fruit.... all blended and sipped post work out. An hour or two later I eat a balanced breakfast.... I love a black bean burger on spinach with a scoop of cottage cheese and a cutie. Or sprouted grain English muffin with 1 egg, avocado and some pico de gallo. Sometimes I eat left overs from the prior nights dinner.
Subscribe to the "rule breakfast like a king", "lunch like a prince" and "dinner like a pauper" if you are trying to loose weight.
This week try to put emphasis on breakfast...
Happy healthy eating.... Anne
If you are interested in hearing more, check out her Facebook page dedicated to "Whole Foods".
XOXO,
Maeg
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Table For 8 Please
Sorry I'm behind on posting today... The house was a wreck and I spent 3 hours cleaning it! But I'm DUNZO! Anyways...
My Pops and I built this table for my fiance, Jon. It was his Christmas present last year and then he asked me to marry him a month later so now it's going to be mine too. Yay :)
He has a large dining room and he was borrowing his sisters table that was far too tiny and didn't fit the "feel" of the room at all. I found this table idea online once from a catalog and fell in love with it and then I saw it posted months later on Pinterest and I new I had to have it.
The bench seat on one side and the large, rustic wood makes it a statement piece perfect for all types of rooms. I would have preferred a darker stain on it to go with the deep red dining room walls, but there was really no way to tell how it would look until it was finished and I was afraid to go too dark. Jon and I plan on re-staining it darker this summer.
I did enjoy distressing the wood which included beating each piece with a chain and crowbar :) What an awesome stress reliever.
The fantastic thing about this table is that it has leaves built into it so it can become smaller. We always keep the leaves in because it fits the large room better, but if I needed to make it small for company to come over and have room or for a smaller group around the table I can adjust it easily.
Ever since my dad and I made this table we have had orders from friends and family wanting one too. If you are interested in a table like this and would like more information feel free to email me at bitsnpieceswithmaegen@gmail.com
What is your favorite "crafty" project you've accomplished?
XOXO,
Maeg
My Pops and I built this table for my fiance, Jon. It was his Christmas present last year and then he asked me to marry him a month later so now it's going to be mine too. Yay :)
The bench seat on one side and the large, rustic wood makes it a statement piece perfect for all types of rooms. I would have preferred a darker stain on it to go with the deep red dining room walls, but there was really no way to tell how it would look until it was finished and I was afraid to go too dark. Jon and I plan on re-staining it darker this summer.
I did enjoy distressing the wood which included beating each piece with a chain and crowbar :) What an awesome stress reliever.
Ever since my dad and I made this table we have had orders from friends and family wanting one too. If you are interested in a table like this and would like more information feel free to email me at bitsnpieceswithmaegen@gmail.com
What is your favorite "crafty" project you've accomplished?
XOXO,
Maeg
Friday, March 16, 2012
Fab Finds Friday!
I have decided to dedicate my Friday posts to my "Fab Finds" of the week. I subscribe to a lot of my favorite stores email newsletters and check the paper habitually for coupons. I like deals :) Who doesn't?
So this week...
I didn't have time to do much shopping this week so that's my Fab Finds for now :)
Do you have any Fab Finds?
XOXO,
Maeg
So this week...
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| Bowl: Michaels, Was $11 My Buy $5 Vanilla Potpourri: Michaels, Was $15 My Buy $9 |
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| Glass Bowl Used For My Bracelets Michaels, Was $18 My Buy $10 |
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| Cobalt Blue Skinny Belt Stein Mart, Was $26 My Buy $6 (On sale + 20% coupon) |
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| Moroccan Bracelets Stein Mart, Was $15 My Buy $8 (Sale + 25% coupon) |
I didn't have time to do much shopping this week so that's my Fab Finds for now :)
Do you have any Fab Finds?
XOXO,
Maeg
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Cotton Ball Jar Perhaps?
I found this idea on Pinterest some time ago and I wanted to try it. I finally had a day where I got in a crafty mood and I had some free time. I checked out a thrift shop just down the street from my fiance's business and found a jar I was interested in for $1.00. Then I went to Advanced Auto Parts and bought Caliper Spray Paint. I should have gone to Michael's to buy Frosted Spray Paint, but I didn't want to go all the way across town. This paint worked great, but you can't see through it because it is thick. The frosted spray paint would obviously have a different effect.
Step 1: I washed the glass container and dried it well.
Step 2: I used rubber bands and wrapped them around the jar to create the design I wanted. (Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this step. I was too excited to paint)!
Step 3: Then I sprayed the entire jar, coating it well, and let it sit outside in the sun for 10 minutes to dry.
Step 4: After 10 minutes take the rubber bands off. I had to use a tooth pick to scrap off the access paint pieces, but it worked like a charm and didn't scratch the paint.
If I did anything differently it would be to cover the top somehow so paint doesn't get inside the jar. It didn't happen too badly on this jar, but I could see it in a few places.
This jar is now sitting in my bathroom full of cottonballs :) I'm very pleased with my first experiment!
If you have done something like this or have attempted to please share some photos or your story with me. I'd love to hear/see how it went for you!
XOXO,
Maeg
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| Silver Caliper Paint $7.98 |
Step 1: I washed the glass container and dried it well.
Step 2: I used rubber bands and wrapped them around the jar to create the design I wanted. (Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this step. I was too excited to paint)!
Step 3: Then I sprayed the entire jar, coating it well, and let it sit outside in the sun for 10 minutes to dry.
 |
| The finished project |
Step 4: After 10 minutes take the rubber bands off. I had to use a tooth pick to scrap off the access paint pieces, but it worked like a charm and didn't scratch the paint.
If I did anything differently it would be to cover the top somehow so paint doesn't get inside the jar. It didn't happen too badly on this jar, but I could see it in a few places.
This jar is now sitting in my bathroom full of cottonballs :) I'm very pleased with my first experiment!
If you have done something like this or have attempted to please share some photos or your story with me. I'd love to hear/see how it went for you!
XOXO,
Maeg
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Just A Southern Girl
I wanted to do a quick share and post my wedding boots I found from Watsonatta Western World in Boone, North Carolina!
I have bought several pairs of boots from them before and I L-O-V-E them! My favorite brand is Ariat because they are the most comfortable boot I've ever owned. These boots are Lane and they are my first pair.
I'm still breaking them in before the wedding by wearing them around the house, but they are fantastic! They even have a built in arch that adds great support. So hopefully I will feel like I'm walking on a could on our wedding day :) I'll be doing that anyway regardless!
What are your favorite pair of boots?
XOXO,
Maeg
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| "Something Blue & New" |
I have bought several pairs of boots from them before and I L-O-V-E them! My favorite brand is Ariat because they are the most comfortable boot I've ever owned. These boots are Lane and they are my first pair.
I'm still breaking them in before the wedding by wearing them around the house, but they are fantastic! They even have a built in arch that adds great support. So hopefully I will feel like I'm walking on a could on our wedding day :) I'll be doing that anyway regardless!
What are your favorite pair of boots?
XOXO,
Maeg
Chicken Parmesan - Tuscan Style
Cooking is an art form. Not everyone sees it this way, but I do. I enjoy being in the kitchen whipping up something tasty. I like to smell what I am cooking/baking, taste it, adjust recipes, and ingredients. Its all great fun!
Last night was a quick and easy meal to whip up because I spent most of my late afternoon/evening outside in the GAWGOUS weather doing much needed yard maintenance.
Chicken Parmesan - Tuscan Style
My recipe serves 2. Cook time: 40mins
Ingredients:
2 Boneless chicken breasts
1 Egg
Bread crumbs of any flavor. I prefer roasted garlic for added flavor.
Pasta Sauce
Shredded Mozzerella or 2 slices of provolone cheese (your preference)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Clean chicken breasts, whip up your egg in a large bowl and spread out a small portion of bread crumbs on a plate. (I don't always use measurements when I'm cooking.)
Step 3: Place chicken breasts in egg and then onto the plate with bread crumbs. Cover completely on both sides.
Step 4: Bake for 35 minutes uncovered.
Step 5: Remove from oven and add a layer of pasta sauce and then sprinkle cheese over the sauce. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered.
Add some sides...
And the finished project!
It was quite tasty. Would have enjoyed some steamed broccoli, but we were out :(
Hope you enjoy!
XOXO,
Maeg
Last night was a quick and easy meal to whip up because I spent most of my late afternoon/evening outside in the GAWGOUS weather doing much needed yard maintenance.
 | |
| My idea of yard work... |
Chicken Parmesan - Tuscan Style
My recipe serves 2. Cook time: 40mins
Ingredients:
2 Boneless chicken breasts
1 Egg
Bread crumbs of any flavor. I prefer roasted garlic for added flavor.
Pasta Sauce
Shredded Mozzerella or 2 slices of provolone cheese (your preference)
 |
| I added Mexican style cheese to show you can really use any cheese. |
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Clean chicken breasts, whip up your egg in a large bowl and spread out a small portion of bread crumbs on a plate. (I don't always use measurements when I'm cooking.)
Step 3: Place chicken breasts in egg and then onto the plate with bread crumbs. Cover completely on both sides.
Step 4: Bake for 35 minutes uncovered.
Step 5: Remove from oven and add a layer of pasta sauce and then sprinkle cheese over the sauce. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered.
 | ||
| The 3rd chick breast is in there because I was cooking it to slice over our salads this week. |
 |
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| I chose a side of our favorite rice |
 | ||
And the finished project!
 |
| Photo props on this one to my fiance, Jon. |
It was quite tasty. Would have enjoyed some steamed broccoli, but we were out :(
Hope you enjoy!
XOXO,
Maeg
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Shower Us With Love
Jon and I were blessed enough to have our first engagement shower thrown for us
this past Saturday.
This gangly crew is actually from my side. They have supported me for a longgggg time and they welcomed Jon in with bright smiles and open arms. We are both so blessed to have such wonderful friends and supporters behind us all the way!
It was such a beautiful shower with our wedding color accents in place. Along with finger goodies and sweet chocolates, we played a few silly games that had us in pain from laughter. Jon and the hosts' husband were such sports listening to all of us girls giddy with wedding talk!
To say that we had a blast would be an understatement. Jon and I got in the car afterwards and rubbed our cheeks because we were so sore from smiling and laughing the entire time. Then we discussed where we were going to put all of our awesome gifts! Place mat settings, hand-woven napkins, marble cheese cutting board, bake ware, stone goblets... my oh my! Thanks to our friends and family for an awesome time!
XOXO,
Maeg
 | ||||
| Our wonderful group, minus a few who skipped out on the picture. |
This gangly crew is actually from my side. They have supported me for a longgggg time and they welcomed Jon in with bright smiles and open arms. We are both so blessed to have such wonderful friends and supporters behind us all the way!
It was such a beautiful shower with our wedding color accents in place. Along with finger goodies and sweet chocolates, we played a few silly games that had us in pain from laughter. Jon and the hosts' husband were such sports listening to all of us girls giddy with wedding talk!
 | |
| The host and her hubby in the middle, my fiance and I, and then there's my mother... enjoying the punch bowl :) |
To say that we had a blast would be an understatement. Jon and I got in the car afterwards and rubbed our cheeks because we were so sore from smiling and laughing the entire time. Then we discussed where we were going to put all of our awesome gifts! Place mat settings, hand-woven napkins, marble cheese cutting board, bake ware, stone goblets... my oh my! Thanks to our friends and family for an awesome time!
XOXO,
Maeg
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