She had more energy than anybody I’d ever met. She was in love with the world. She was warm and loud and impulsive. She was a real people-pleaser. She worried way too much what people thought of her, wore her heart on her sleeve, expected too much from people, and got hurt too easily. She kept other people’s secrets like a champ, but told her own too fast. She expected the world not to cheat her and was always surprised when it did. She had more ideas than she had time to finish. She loved to talk about wild things she wanted to do in the future. She worried a lot about whether she was good enough. She was beautiful when she was free. --Rob Sheffield

Saw this on A Big Little Life and just had to repost. I wish to be free from people who disappoint me, who hurt me, and put me down. Easier said than done! It makes me really appreciate the handful of folks in my life who are special and amazing and encouraging. Anyone else struggling with this one?

xo,

SugarMeg

Tribute

What a beautiful tribute to honor Sandy Hook's victims. I still can't wrap my head around all that happened Friday. I am always blown away at how brave people are who step up to protect others. Our prayers are with the families, the community, and for our country. I pray that steps will be implemented to prevent something so horrific from happening again. I fear it will happen again, though. I fear it will be worse. I know I need to just trust that God has a plan and that all those sweet souls are resting in peace with their Lord and Savior, but it still chills me to think that it could happen to anyone, anywhere. It makes me scared to even think about bringing a child into this scary world. I couldn't even imagine. We spent alot of time reflecting this past weekend and just being thankful that we will be home to NC soon to see our families. I wish we could just demand a better world to live in. It makes me think, though, what am I doing to make it better? I guess it starts with leading by example and doing the right thing. Going out of our way to help others and to be day a maker. Generally speaking, maybe we're not doing a bad job here, but I always think we can be doing more. I'm taking this holiday season to try harder. Maybe even coming up with a monthly game plan of ways we can give back in the new year. Let me know your ideas, if you have any.

xo,

SugarMeg

Friday Frills: Crushing.

Emerald green is the new Pantone color of 2013. It's also my birthstone, so it has a special place in my heart. This cocktail ring is gorrrrgggggeeeous and I want it.

This is possibly the cutest child ever. A pair of leggings matched with a furry vest is basically my go-to outfit these days, there's no doubt if we ever have a little girl, you can expect her to be this presh. This is a mommy-daughter look I can get on board with. 

 Our only bathroom in this house is light pink. Steven said I needed to assess the situation and he agreed that wallpaper could be cool. I want this. Gold & Cream. Delicious!

I'm also in need of a chalkboard in our kitchen. Then I'll need to practice my chalkboard designs so I can create something just as festive as this:

This bag. So great.

Moon & Lola has a necklace similar to this one & it's at the top of my wishlist right now. There's a real cute boutique here in Amarillo who had a pop up sale so I hope my hubs snagged it when he could!

I'm already dreaming up our master bedroom design. Definitely lusting after a velvet peacock blue/teal headboard:

  Or, perhaps peacock blue walls? 

Decisions! 

xo,

SugarMeg

our new house!

I fully intended to share a few pics of our new house to you guys a little sooner!! We've been a bit caught up in life with our new pup, making new friends in Amarillo, and settling into our home:) Oh yeah, and prepping for Christmas and our 4th annual Chili Cookoff!! Busy Busy! We could not have found a more perfect house for the two of us here. We're in a charming neighborhood (with trees and brick streets!), close to downtown. The home was built in 1939 so it's full of character, but the previous owner did a gorgeous job of remodeling many parts! My favorite being the kitchen! It's full of storage and the cabinetry is beautiful. And I love my gas range! We also have a great yard and even a small studio apartment in the back. Our realtor made a connection for us and we have a renter named Ellie. So, here we go:

Here's the view from the front entrance. I spy a cute Finley!

Def in need of a pretty mirror & an area rug.

Hi, Steven:)

 Here's the dining area:

and for Christmas:

 

Our kitchen!!:

I LOVE having my husband on saturday mornings bc he cooks my breakfast! (he used to work a shift job so a weekend together in town together was rare!)

Down the hall we have a guest room/office. My big green campaign desk actually fits and we have bookshelves to style. We're also having blinds installed because we're lacking privacy. Our master bedroom will be the project starting in January and then we'll paint the pink bathroom and update some things in our guest room. 

 

Finley LOVES our backyard!

Well, I'm off to prep for our party!

xo,

SugarMeg

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope your day is filled with the things that matter the most! Family, friends, and gratitude. In addition to that, hopefully you'll get your fill of turkey and all the fixins, football, and maybe the Macy's parade :) We're experiencing our first Thanksgiving far away and apart from all of our family, but we're thankful for technology that allows us to see them! We're so thankful for many things. Amongst this huge change, I can say that we're beyond thankful for a beautiful new home and welcoming friends! It feels so good to be settled in here! Pictures are actually hung and the boxes are all unpacked! My dad was a Godsend this week and I'm forever grateful. I love our new house. Absolutely love it!! Steven and I are reaquainted and I feel like the happiest girl in the world! We're very much blessed. Not just today, but every day. I'm thankful for a day to stay in my christmas jammies until noon&  just celebrate everything! I'm off to send my dad back to NC and then I'll be attempting Steven's grandma Pat's buttermilk pie recipe. No pressure! Have a wonderful day!

Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for YOU!

xo,

SugarMeg

Cozy Reflection & Gratitude

Yesterday was a big sad day. The movers came and loaded up every last box and I officially left the key behind to our first house. Not only that, yesterday was Steven's birthday and he's halfway across the country, so I couldn't see him. I tried to make him feel special, but I have a feeling I'll be making it up to him next week, given all his presents are in boxes on a moving truck. I said farewell to my sweet neighbors I glanced back to a completely empty home. I may or may not have bawled like a baby. As I made the drive back to my parent's house, it hit me hard that we will really be Texans, living across the country from everything we know and love. Change is hard.

Life ain't always easy. It's not always a picnic. I'm pretty good about focusing on the positive, especially on here and other forms of social media, so contrary to what some people may think about me, I know that life is not always rainbows and butterflies. My life has been a chaotic mess, mostly in suitcases or boxes for the last few months and I've been husbandless for about 7 weeks, to boot. We bought and sold a house in record time (*NOTE-add your realtors to your top 5 favorites in your cell phone so you don't go over on cell phone minutes like I did, leading to an expensive bill), and we've been writing checks left and right. Temporary unemployment adds on a whole new feeling of restlessness and boredom, but I know I'm kicking butt & taking care of everything that needs to get done with the house. Yet, I feel a little bit unfullfilled. Or lonely. Frustration has gotten the best of us on lots of days. And I KNOW it could be way worse.

 But why am I complaining?! That was certainly a bitter dose of honesty and venting, but as I take today to be cozy and unwind from the last week of travel and packing, I can't help but be so grateful of my family, friends, good food, and love & laughter that has filled this season in my life. I've been able to actually focus on what matters. God matters. Family matters. Positive thinking matters. Prayer matters. REAL friends matter. Good health matters. Goals matter. Pretty little moments in the day-to-day that make me happy, matter. In the end, love matters.

My family and friends have certainly given me so many reasons to miss them and I get sad knowing how far away I'll be, missing out on normal things with them. I know technology is amazing and phone dates will happen and maybe we'll even Skype. I appreciate all my loved ones and all the hugs and tears and farewells over the last few weeks. You are all amazing. Through the sadness and stress though, I'm letting go of the negative. Letting go of the naysayers. Letting go of a few things that I needed to move past. 

Thank goodness for fresh starts and new beginnings.

With that said, I'm soooo excited to see Steven in a few days and I'm so eager to unpack our new house! I'm ready to get back to work and find a new routine. I'm extremely thankful and I believe I'm one lucky gal. Gratitude keeps me moving on and moving forward. It's almost time to celebrate with my very best friend. YAY! Until then, I'll be hitting the pavement with my dad (who is the absolute best, btw). We'll be enjoying some sweet tunes as we trek to Texas over the next few days. He's a total life saver and I can't even deal with the fact that he won't just move to Texas, too. 

Let the new adventure begin:) 

Peace out, Reedhaven. You were so good to us.

I'm majorly looking forward to:

&

Have you had any major changes lately?

xo,

SugarMeg

Bringing Home Puppy

The official countown is on for my return to Texas! And with that said, soon thereafter, we will be picking up our new puppy, Finley! As we prepare for a new responsibility I came across a few necessities we'll need before his arrival. Our minds are getting right with reading up on some dog training & information books and soon we'll be picking up a few things to make the transition go smoothly! My list here isn't quite everything, but I thought it was a fun start. (Not pictured : Wire crate, food, grooming tools, leash..)

1. Bowtie & Collar 2. Jet Crate 3. Red Coat 4. Dog Bed 5. Pup Tote Bag 6. Supplies from PetSmart

He sure is a handsome boy, right!? I'm a little biased, but he's stolen our hearts already and we haven't even met him! Almost 7 weeks old, our little fur ball is developing an outgoing personality. I get to meet him next week on my second roadtrip out to Texas, accompanied by my dad! We'll be riding through Oklahoma to get to Texas, so we'll be stopping to meet the breeders. I'm sure it may be pure torture not to take him right then and there! We need a couple of weeks to unpack our house and prep, so I'm telling myself it'll be a good thing! 

We are SO excited to bring him back to NC for Christmas, though!! He's going to get so spoiled :)

Any first time puppy parenting suggestions? Let me hear it!

xo,

SugarMeg

Things that make my heart go pitter patter:

I'm feeling slightly less than glamorous these days, in an empty house 1200 miles away from my hubby, but these images sure have cheered me up a little:

Zac Posen, When I grow up, I want to be a mermaid. Thank you for showing me how it's done.

The hair. That bow. The cozy sweater. So cute.

amazeballs. no, really.

perhaps I can DIY this?

just plain good.

Happy Weekend, dears.

xo,

SugarMeg

RADIO. SILENCE.

Dear internet frands,

hi·a·tus

   [hahy-ey-tuhs]  Show IPA

noun, plural hi·a·tus·es, hi·a·tus.

1.

a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series,action, etc.

Ummm wow. This whole situation that is my life at the moment has really distracted me from any sort of normal routine. I especially haven't cared to even attempt to open my laptop with how crazy my computer has been acting. Hopefully the problem will soon be solved and I can regroup! I've been here, there, and everywhere so I apologize for leaving all of you hanging on the MV trip update. Trying to recover some images. I'm sure you were on the edge of your seats. Anyway, quite a few changes and happenings have taken over my life right now. 

First, we are under contract on both houses!! Buying and selling as been a huge undertaking!! Inspections are finally done. Our closing dates are quickly approaching and I could NOT be MORE thrilled!! Isn't our TX home presh?!

As if that wasn't exciting enough, we're getting a puppy!

It's my pleasure to introduce you to Finley and my babydaddy, Cooper! (hopefully he'll end up looking quite like his daddy) He'll be all ours early December. I'm in love already. 

 The last couple of weeks for me have been nonstop on the go. 

Steven got to visit me for a weekend (decked out in boots and a belt buckle, nonetheless) and we were so honored to be a part of Adam & Rosanna's wedding weekend. We love them dearly and are so excited for them!

I got to meet this sweet dollbaby! Congratulations to Carly and Eric. Emilia Claire is beautiful!

Mom is looking FAB as always and the nursery was so very cute.

 I went for a visit to Beaufort with my parents:

 Had a girls night out!

Ventured down to Charleston to help prep for Bessy's wedding, which is coming up this weekend. We got our DIY on to the max.

 Olive helped :)

I couldn't leave lowcountry without paying a visit to the most special spot in the world to me--Where Steven popped the question and we got engaged :) 

From Charleston, I headed up to Huntersville to spend some time with Stephanie & sweet Norah Ray. She's grown so much and has the cutest personality!

I've loved all these adventures so very much, but I cannot tell you how pumped I am to get back to Texas to be home with the hubs. 3 more weeks. The countdown is on.

xo,

SugarMeg