tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45392944711626313592024-03-13T06:45:38.359-07:00Summertime BeautyMeghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-5221734474030910812012-08-03T12:04:00.000-07:002012-08-03T12:04:21.810-07:00Catch Up TImeWell it has certainly been awhile. No excuses as to why, just haven't been into it. It was a strange winter/spring/now almost over summer. Lots of laughs, lots of tears, lots of everything.<br />
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So here's the cliff notes version: dated someone for 6 months & was dumped out of nowhere, have been managing at the restaurant & am ready for a change, still living with my bestie, have had our other bestie living with us for the summer (and now her bf for the remainder of the summer), have decided to go back to school for nursing but have no clue where, ready to move off the island at the end of the season but also have no clue where. Think that's the jist of it.<br />
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So here we go with life altering decisions round two...wait, didn't this happen just 2 years ago?Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-65499221796795948642012-01-20T11:18:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:33:42.458-08:00Friday FrenzyI know, I know...no post yesterday. But I have an excuse!<br /><br />I had a great day off and completely enjoyed every minute of it. I met one of my guy friends and we went for a long walk around downtown. We stopped and got coffees (and some jamo nips haha) and enjoyed the gorgeous day we were blessed with here. And then out of nowhere is started to snow! It was like a moment out of movie. It was gorgeous & sunny with small glittery snow flakes everywhere. Its those moments that make me feel so blessed to live here. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than watching the snowfall over the ocean during the wintertime.<br /><br />We then stopped in to see my roomate at work and had a few blue moons at the bar. The restaurant group that we work for owns three restaurants on the island and I was transferred to our newest one over the holidays. I love working there, but definitely miss all the fun people I used to work with. I love dropping by and catching up with everyone.<br /><br />Yesterday concluded with probably one of the best first dates I've ever had. Its obviously something very new so I don't want to jinx anything, but I had so much fun! We actually stayed in and had a casual night. We made waffles together and watched movies. It was such a breath of fresh air to hang out with a normal adult (that can be a rarity with the guys on this island).<br /><br />Great day all around.<br /><br />Now I'm off to do lots of laundry, run to the post office & bank, cook, and get ready for work....gotta love crazy Fridays!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-10444065072726712362012-01-18T09:45:00.000-08:002012-01-18T10:05:37.039-08:00Winter on the VineyardSo day one went pretty well...blogged, commented, cooked...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63-ECOvDJ_Y/TxcFbWRALuI/AAAAAAAAApw/wepbM3DNgkM/s1600/IMG00123-20120117-1316%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699029820852154082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63-ECOvDJ_Y/TxcFbWRALuI/AAAAAAAAApw/wepbM3DNgkM/s320/IMG00123-20120117-1316%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Yummy salmon with sauteed crimini mushroons, wilted spinach and aged balsamic<br /></span></em><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">Wintertime on the Vineyard holds a special place in my heart. I have always and will always love summer through and through, but when I moved here last fall I fell in love with the island through the interesting off-season. It becomes a completely different world than it is in the summer and my own little safe-haven.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">There are so many people that grow up summering here and believe that they know the real island. They don't. Not even close. June/July/August is such a busy time here. The population explodes and it becomes a whole new world. I had an amazing time this summer going to the beach, going out at night and working my butt off lol. But when the crowds and summer folk leave, the rest of us are still here and have the pleasure of enjoying the other 9 months in tranquility.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Don't get me wrong, you certainly have to be active in keeping yourself entertained throughout the winter. Planning vacations are a must! (<em>Miami vacation recap tomorrow!!</em>) Dinner nights with friends, game nights with friends...all a necessity.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">A lot of people also "wife-up" during the winter time haha. During the summer no one has any time to actually carry on a relationship. Also, there's so much fun to be had...who would want to?! But when the wind starts to blow and the temperatures drop, we all need someone to help keep us warm :) Its not like I sought the opportunity out last year, it just kinda happened. So we'll see what this winter has in store for me...</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Tonight my friends are having a game night that they're hoping to carry on every week. Hopefully my Wii bowling skills are up to par! Should be a fun night, and any excuse to get together & drink with friends is wonderful in my book.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Do you have any winter time rituals or activities that you fall back to every year?</div></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-16896061839425679532012-01-17T08:33:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:50:21.424-08:00Soooo let's give this thing a whirlI was reminded over at <a href="http://one-twenty-five.tumblr.com/">One Twenty Five</a> that all it takes is 21 days to change/rebuild old & new habits. I've known for years that changing things in your daily routine is a day-by-day process, but it's interesting how easily I can forget this!<br /><br />I don't believe in New Years resolutions because although they start off with the best intentions, I find myself leaving them by the wayside pretty quickly. Looking at the year as a whole can seem extremely daunting, but breaking it up by segments of 21 days seems pretty doable in my book.<br /><br />Although I have a laundry list of things I would like to change in my life, I'm starting with two: blogging & cooking. I'm always reading through posts on here, but rarely comment or draft posts of my own. WTF mate? So for 21 days I would like to <em><strong>try</strong> </em>and write a post each day and comment on at least one other blog a day as well. (Finger's crossed my life isn't too boring for this goal lol). As far as the cooking...I would like to do just that. Actually cook at home in my own kitchen! Because I work in the restaurant industry, it is so much easier to eat things on the go or at work. And while I am fortunate enough to work at a restaurant that has an amazing menu, I hate seeing everything in my fridge end up in the garbage.<br /><br />So here we go ladies...<br /><br />Day 1: Draft personal blog post, check. Comment on another's blog post, check. Cook meals at home, (the day is still early but I have meals planned...so basically check haha).<br /><br />21 days from now is February 6th...here goes nothin'!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-48633887600423590262011-10-01T18:32:00.001-07:002011-10-01T18:47:20.574-07:00QuestionsIt seems that many of us face the same trials and tribulations throughout our daily lives. What do I want to be when I grow up? Where do I want to live? What kind of life do I want to live? Let's be honest, I've never been one to have all the answers. Frankly I've never really known who I was. But it isn't really that black and white, is it?<br /><br />Looking at older siblings I always felt I had to live up to their amazing standards. The sibling who always knew where she wanted to live and what she wanted to do...and of course succeeded in both areas. The sibling who seemed to sail through life dating the perfect person, marrying said person, having beautiful children, etc. And finally the free-will sibling who although never had a plan, seemed to fit perfectly into the 'go-with-the-flow' lifestyle. It always seemed to click for them, why not me? How did I grow up so lost?<br /><br />Then there are the friends that everything seems to work for. We all have them, let's be honest. They have problems of their own, but they always seem to resolve...easily.<br /><br />I've come to realize recently though, that while from the outside these people seem to have it all they are just as lost as I am. Who ever has life fully figured out? Things change every day and we as people change right along with them. This has been a hard concept for me to grasp over this past year. I've always been a planner. Climbing rung by rung on what I thought was the ladder to my happiness. I had a moment, almost two years ago at this point, where I thought, "Could this really be happening? Could everything I always wanted actually be within my reach? Could I really be this lucky?" Welllllll...we all know how that turned out.<br /><br />I was working towards my dream job, my dream wedding, and my dream life. Those were my dream aspirations then, but what about now? I am a completely different person than I was then. So how do I come up with completely different dreams?<br /><br />Its not that the old me has gone entirely out the window, but I have no boundaries now. I can live wherever and do whatever. On my own timeline. Im just left thinking...where is this timeline headed?<br /><br />How do you create goals and aspirations for yourself when you have no idea what you want out of life?Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-63622001217411590342011-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:15:04.044-07:00Master Cleanse- thoughts ladies??So as we approach fall (<em>let's face it, in my mind we're already there</em>), my body is starting to calm down from the craziness of my summer schedule. I've mentioned before that I didn't treat myself very well this summer-<em>crazy ridiculous hours at work, very little sleep, poor eating and drinking habits</em>-and that I wanted to take time to better myself this fall. What better way to start than by flushing out the old? Literally.
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<br />I've been doing some research on cleanses lately and I think I have decided to give it a go. I'm going to try out the master cleanse, aka the lemonade cleanse. I'm sure that you have all heard of it before. I'm planning on trying it out for 7 days. Let's be honest though, if I make it past 4 I will consider it a success :)
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<br />I've been feeling incredibly lethargic and run-down so I need something to restart my system. I want to start this season fresh, giving my body plenty of time to gear up for cold/flu season.
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<br />If any of you have either done a cleanse or this cleanse in particular, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts! I've heard that the first three days are the most difficult, but I would be grateful to hear any other words of wisdom that you may have. Please dish ladies!!
<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-86914348984251677552011-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:002011-08-26T17:57:26.705-07:00Fall Wish List Part I: Tory & JCrew<div align="center"><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/Dorese-High-Heel-Bootie/31118694,default,pd.html?dwvar_31118694_size=5&dwvar_31118694_color=278&start=17&cgid=newarrivals-shoes">Dorese High Heel Bootie</a></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvXJm6dMlZ8/Tlg_5oqMUiI/AAAAAAAAApo/WN2fvlwyctQ/s1600/TB_31118694_278.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645332392308396578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvXJm6dMlZ8/Tlg_5oqMUiI/AAAAAAAAApo/WN2fvlwyctQ/s320/TB_31118694_278.jpg" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/Jasmine-Shell/34111163,default,pd.html?dwvar_34111163_size=4&dwvar_34111163_color=650&start=21&cgid=newarrivals-clothing">Jasmine Shell</a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/Dowling-Tunic/31111197,default,pd.html?dwvar_31111197_color=115&start=13&cgid=newarrivals-clothing">Dowling Tunic</a></div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/outerwear/PRDOVR~49614/49614.jsp">Double-cloth Symphony Coat</a></div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KN8aNRP9HMg/Tlg88ISJFMI/AAAAAAAAApQ/JQOwzCa6QFg/s1600/serverCAFX1OTV.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645329136622310594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KN8aNRP9HMg/Tlg88ISJFMI/AAAAAAAAApQ/JQOwzCa6QFg/s320/serverCAFX1OTV.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~49093/49093.jsp">Sidenote Sweater</a></div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2iUVqd8S68/Tlg8crWfkOI/AAAAAAAAApI/YjSJjPMEq8M/s1600/serverCA43UQJY.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645328596279988450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2iUVqd8S68/Tlg8crWfkOI/AAAAAAAAApI/YjSJjPMEq8M/s320/serverCA43UQJY.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~49910/49910.jsp">September Sweater</a></div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRA-JQ0M-Ro/Tlg7gGOP1HI/AAAAAAAAApA/kkxwrV85dPc/s1600/serverCAG5159U.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645327555521139826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRA-JQ0M-Ro/Tlg7gGOP1HI/AAAAAAAAApA/kkxwrV85dPc/s320/serverCAG5159U.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><em>Enough said.</em></div></div></div></div>
<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-64109906928014656982011-08-22T14:24:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:51:03.823-07:00A Bedroom MakeoverAnyone remember when Miranda wanted to turn around her bedroom karma in satc and re-did her bedroom? Well ladies, fingers crossed it works in real life as well! It is high time for me to have a legit grown-up bedroom. One that might say: "My life is fully together and I have a bedroom to prove it! Yes, look around...it <em>is</em> fabulous." Never said I was no longer a dork :)
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<br /><div>Some ispiration I've found so far:</div>
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<br />Ideas and more inspiration would be<em> greatly</em> appreciated ladies! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-45452955661241424312011-08-21T18:12:00.000-07:002011-08-21T18:31:16.728-07:00Vacation Over...Time to Start LivingSo it's been a year since all of the shiznaz went down in my life. I'm coming up on my anniversary of moving to this gorgeous island, and it's obviously got me thinking about my life's direction. Do any of you ever feel so overwhelmed and empowered (at the same time) that you can do/be whatever you want in life?
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<br />Just me? Okay, great.
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<br /><em>Anyways...</em>I gave myself one year to be selfish and reckless. I think I did a pretty good job of that. For the most part, I did what I wanted and had a great time doing so. I will forever be a planner deep down though and need to know where this whole thing is going. I'm trying to take the time this fall to lay some foundations for my future. To most people these actions will seem pretty trivial, but hey I'm the one living this life over here.
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<br /><li>I really want my apartment to be a place that I am proud of. I love gawking at amazing interior design and would love to have a home that reflects who I am. </li>
<br /><li>I want to take the time to take care of myself. I've worked like crazy this summer and my health has definitely been placed on the back burner. (More like in a tupperware in the way back forgotten corner of the fridge to be exact). Time to really invest in my well being.</li>
<br /><li>$avings...enough said.</li>
<br /><li>I want to work on the relationships in my life. It's easy to take these for granted when schedules get hectic, but I want the people in my life to know how much they mean to me. I am truly blessed to be surrounded with amazing people and I want to nurture those friendships.</li></ol>
<br /><p>So there you have it, my bucket list for fall. <em>I can do it, I can do it, I can do it</em>.</p>
<br /><p>Its funny how your goals can change so much over the years. I've really enjoyed sinking into my mid-twenties and really wouldn't trade this time for anything. Just a few years ago I would have been packing up to go back to college. As much as I loved that time in my life, I'm happy to be where I am now. </p>
<br /><p>Cheers to another year!</p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-74798985433889275772011-08-06T08:44:00.000-07:002011-08-06T08:56:09.081-07:00Terry Stack BeltsI stumbled upon a fabulous new belt designer while purusing downtown a few weeks ago. The company is called <a href="http://www.terrystack.com/">Terry Stack</a>. They produce a really great line of interchangeable belts and buckles. AND...the belts are velcro! Sounds crazy, I know. But you don't actually see the velcro phew!<br /><br />I purchased the 1 1/8" Cognac Ostrich Belt:<br /><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 106px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637770601639827010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAiAp41bCq4/Tj1iffPh1kI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/3SOls3oDZdA/s320/ostrich-belt-strap.jpg" /></div>With the 1 1/8" Casual Gold Sailboat Buckle:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637771055718064258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VbvGbcaE_I/Tj1i560N4II/AAAAAAAAAoY/A4WiUKNIebE/s320/sail-boats-gold.jpg" /><br /><br /><p>I'm definitely eyeing the crab though as my next buckle purchase though!</p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637771294600211730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeW2cVASxCc/Tj1jH0uKLRI/AAAAAAAAAog/iHjmgr_gnBQ/s320/Crab%252520%2528A%2529.jpg" /></p>The belt made it's debut last night when I went on a dinner date. Let's just say everything about the night received rave reviews! Happy shopping ladies!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-33689992794550017572011-08-04T11:34:00.000-07:002011-08-04T11:50:29.733-07:00A Second Chance...at Whatever I WantWhere to begin....well, where exactly did I leave off? Oh yes, just about one year ago....<br /><br />A whole year seems like an awful lot to catch you up on, so let's try the cliff notes version shall we?<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Engagement ended- quit job, moved to an island...</li><br /><li>Life dreams semi-fell apart</li><br /><li>Bartended/managed at a mexican cantina </li><br /><li>Learned how to make a MEAN mojito :)</li><br /><li>Met some amazing people</li><br /><li>Found a killer townhouse with my bestie from college</li><br /><li>Have spent the year like we were in college again</li><br /><li>Became an aunt again...then a Godmother</li><br /><li>Learned that I am pretty amazing and I won't settle for anything. Ever again.</li></ul><br /><p>I've missed the blog world very much. I've missed the real world very much to be honest. I've been living on an island where reality can seem jaded. I love Martha's Vineyard more than anything and consider this place the safest rehab spot I could have chosen. If you have never been here, you are seriously missing out! (And if you're looking for a vaca, I love house guests!)</p><br /><p>It is very strange to be given a second chance at a life that you could have never had. I can't imagine not knowing the people I have met over the past year, or having the experiences that I have had. And it all could of never happened! How insane is that to think about?! I've been given the opportunity to be selfish...and it's amazing.</p><br /><p>Everything does happen for a reason. Today I can honestly say that I can't even imagine being married right now. If that was meant to be my life, it would be. I am not going to pretend that it has been easy; but it has certainly been worth it. </p><br /><p>I hope to be able to share all of the daily nuances that occur on this Rock with you. Hopefully you all enjoy, and welcome me back with open arms!</p><br /><p>I'm raising my glass of Veuve to you ladies...here we go again!</p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-18208624648383359472010-09-14T06:19:00.000-07:002010-09-14T06:25:18.053-07:00Tuesday Randoms<ul><li>I'm officially moved out of my apartment and am living out of suitcases...we'll see how this goes</li><li>I only have three more days of my grown-up job left (yay!)</li><li>I'm excited to spend time with family this weekend before I leave the mainland</li><li>I'm going to miss waking up and seeing my niece every morning</li><li>I booked my ferry reservation yesterday...no turning back now!</li><li>Does anyone know how to blog from your blackberry? Tips would be extremely appreciated</li><li>I'm nervous to be the newbie again! I feel like I'm going away to college again, yet I will be the only new person</li><li>I'll be training as a bar tender when I get to the vineyard and also have an interview to be a brand rep for <a href="http://jackwills.com/">Jack Wills</a>...lots of new things in my future!</li><li>Each day is still hard. I thought it would get easier, but it is still so new that it is just getting worse. Each day things become more real. I'm hoping that I will be able to heal over the next few months</li><li>I hope that people like me! (I sound like a first grader, nbd)</li></ul><p>Happy Tuesday everyone!</p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-7014300979087515552010-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:002010-09-02T07:50:25.237-07:00Something NewAs I'm sure many of you know, I am a lover of anything monogrammed. When I first became engaged it seemed as though everything I saw came with a monogram and I wanted to buy it all! I of course knew that it was bad luck to wear my new initials around before the wedding, and what was the point in ordering something with my old ones when they would expire shortly? Well ladies, I made a big step (in my mind) this week and ordered something monogrammed.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512328060695013250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yRedEGMAdKg/TH-5Kmck54I/AAAAAAAAAnc/7u9n72nWLgI/s320/IMG00006-20100902-1028%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>L.L. Bean was offering free shipping this week; how could I pass that up?! So my new bag arrived today and is all ready for the vineyard. Two weeks from today is my last day at work... I'm ready for it to be here now!</p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-40225821586261885662010-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:002010-08-30T10:35:19.473-07:00Mixed BagHi Ladies, hope that you all enjoyed a fabulous weekend. It was insanely warm & humid here this weekend (which I can't complain too much about, considering fall is right around the corner). I helped to host a bridal shower on Saturday for the wedding that I am a bridesmaid for in October. I spent both Friday and Saturday night at my parent's home (the bridal shower was in my hometown) and it was nice to relax and veg with family and our dog George.<br /><br />Yesterday I started packing. To say this was no easy feet would be the understatement of a lifetime. A) I never thought I would be moving out of my amazing apartment (especially not without Kevin), B) I am moving to the Vineyard during that wierd is it still warm or cold weather- who ever knows how to pack for that?!, and C) I really can't bring a lot with me considering I'll be crashing on a friends couch and then from there who knows. As my friends and family know, I'm a planner. I've grown to be one even more so over the past few years. I like to know what I'm doing, where I'm going, and be appropriately prepared for everything. These next few months are going to be the exact flip-flop of that. I am SERIOUSLY stepping outside of my comfort zone, yet I really am excited about it.<br /><br />I keep going back and forth with my emotions towards this whole situation and am currently working through the bitter phase. Ugh, this sucks! lol It really does. If any of you have been through something like this, please shed some wisdom on how to get through it. I honestly would never wish this pain upon anyone, and pray that no one I know ever has to go through this.<br /><br />Half-way through Monday and one day closer to the Vineyard...Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-1314725735705996002010-08-26T04:36:00.001-07:002010-08-26T04:45:36.888-07:00Ready to Make a Move1.) Thank you all so much for your kind supportive words over this past week. You have no idea how amazing it is to know that you are not alone in a situation like this.<br /><br />2.) This is going to take time. Some days will be horrible, others will be okay. I have to accept that time is the only way to make it through this.<br /><br />3.) I'm ready for a change<br /><br />A few of you may remember when I almost moved to Martha's Vineyard with my best friend Meaghan a few years ago. It didn't end up happening because I knew the strain that it would cause on my relationship. So I decided to stay in NH and start our life together. I'm finally taking the leap. I haven't been happy in my job for a while and this has made it even worse. I need some time to breath, to be mindless, to have fun. I handed in my letter of resignation on Tuesday and have felt amazing ever since. My last day at work will be September 17th (giving them plenty of time to find a replacement, and guaranteeing that I'm leaving on good terms). That weekend my cousin is getting married in Chatham, MA on the Cape and from there I'll head to the Vineyard.<br /><br />This is honestly the most spontaneous thing I have ever done! (And to be quite honest, can it even be called spontaneous when I'm planning it out a month in advance? lol) I am a planner and like to know how everything is going to play out. I have no clue what the next few months will hold, and I'm kind of excited for that. It will give Kevin and I the space that we each need to figure out what we want. I told him the other night that if he wants me, he will come to the Vineyard and get me.<br /><br />I finally joined the big girl world yesterday and upgraded to a blackberry so I will have no excuse not to document all of my ups and downs along the way with you all (we were sharing his laptop so itll take a little while before I purchase a new one for myself).<br /><br />Excited/nervous/anxious/what the hell am I doing?!/huge weight off my shoulders...'nuff said.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-42325824408955294932010-08-19T05:32:00.000-07:002010-08-19T05:38:39.148-07:00Yes, I know that it has been ages since I've posted...but it might be even longer until my next post. I've hit the biggest speed bump of my life this week, and I'm taking it one day at a time. Kevin and I have ended our engagement, cancelled our wedding, and are on a break. He's going through some personal struggles, and is not ready to be a husband. He needs to find himself and figure his life out before moving forward with 'ours'. I don't know if this means that we will have a wedding one day, or if we won't. I never saw this coming or expected anything like this so I am still in a state of shock.<br /><br />Who knows what the future holds right now. But I am taking this time to be selfish and find my true self as well. I don't know what that means right now or where that will take me at this point.<br /><br />I am still reading all of your wonderful posts (except for the bridal blogs which I needed to stop following for my own sanity) and will hopefully document this new chapter in my life here with you all.<br /><br />I have no answers and no clue right now, so please be patient. Literally taking it day by day...Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-12806350164499924032010-07-23T10:59:00.000-07:002010-07-23T11:06:44.978-07:00Breaking OutI am on such a rush/high right now, that I just needed to share it with you all. I have all of these ideas and feelings rushing around in my mind right now about my future, but it can be hard to vocalize them sometimes. I was asked today about what I was basically looking to get out of an opportunity, and I'm proud to say that I put it all out there on the line.<br /><br />I lived life for so long trying to fit the mold along the golden path, and I realized many years ago that that is just not me. I left college after my first semester of junior year. I think its honestly the best thing I could have done. I know that I am young, but I do have a lot of experience under my belt and a lot of ideas to put out there on the table. I also have a lot of love to give in many retrospects. It felt so great to fully respond saying that I'm looking for something to be passsionate about. I hopefully conveyed my drive and force appropriately.<br /><br />And you know what? Even if this opportunity does not end up working out, I am so proud of myself for finally breaking out of the perfect shell and showing/sharing what I believe in.<br /><br />Happy Friday everyone!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-81354480963969792922010-07-15T13:52:00.000-07:002010-07-15T14:09:54.335-07:00How have I not posted about this yet?!Over the past week and a half two major things have been checked off of the bridal to-do list: bridesmaids dresses and my dress!! I've been monitoring JCrew for a while because although I absolutely loved the dress I picked out for my bmaids, I did not love the price. But luckily last week it went on sale and all of the girls were able to snatch it up with in a 24-hour span!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494239457777733346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yRedEGMAdKg/TD91rVfGzuI/AAAAAAAAAnE/XLqFDBV8lr0/s320/jcrew+bridesmaid.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br />I am so excited about both the style and color of this dress! I know that pale grey seems to be very 'in' right now, but I am not going the traditional route and pairing it with yellow. I've already purchased their jewelry and while I can't share it with you here (in fear of them spying it early) I can tell you that the necklace is ocean blue colored beads. Since it will be right on the seacoast I think that the pop of blue against the grey will be perfect. It will also coordinate nicely with the groomsman who will be in black tuxes with ocean blue bow ties :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Now...on to my dress! Like I said a few posts ago, I finally got up enough nerve to go try on wedding dresses. It was so much fun and I honestly don't know why I waited so long. I had gone with one of my sisters and we found a dress that we both fell in love with. I was ready to make the purchase that day! I of course wanted my mom's approval as well as my other sister's so we scheduled another appointment. I was seriously ready to buy that dress and call it a day. It was the San Patrick Bahamas dress:<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494240839320544002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yRedEGMAdKg/TD927wIlIwI/AAAAAAAAAnM/0m_7zwXQj88/s320/bahamas.jpg" border="0" />Hook, line & sinker, this was my dress. Or so I thought. When we got to the bridal boutique (my mom, other sister, and one of my bmaids were there as well) I thought it would be fun to try on more...why not?! The first one I tried on absolutely floored me. And everyone else! It is so different from the above dress, but still so beautiful. I had the hardest time decided between the two. We were honestly in there for three hours going back and forth!</p><p> But in the end I decided on the other dress- it is slightly more modern, coordinates better with the bmaid's dress, and has that definite 'wow' factor. It fit like a glove and was in perfect condition so we were able to buy it off the rack that day! Luckily they are holding it for me at the store, otherwise I would be tempted to wear it around our apartment all day. I am so in love with it! I know that my fiance doesn't look at this blog normally, but I'm still nervous about posting it. It's also a San Patrick dress. So if you'd like a sneak pic, shoot me your email address and I'll send it to you. Otherwise you'll have to let the anticipation build for another 10 months!<br /></p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-50402896735701291832010-07-14T11:15:00.000-07:002010-07-14T11:21:19.596-07:00List of complete ramblings and wants...While sitting at my desk the other day, I started to write a list of random thoughts floating through my mind that needed to get out on paper. I'm sure that most of this won't make any sense or mean anything to you....but enjoy.<br /><br /><div align="center">Stumped.</div><div align="center">Want to enjoy the Seacoast summer:</div><div align="center">images of tanned legs & feet, </div><div align="center">beach wavy hair,</div><div align="center">summer dresses & flip flops</div><div align="center">Freckles.</div><div align="center">Laughter.</div><div align="center">Lending a helping hand.</div><div align="center">Out & about.</div><div align="center">Adirondack chairs.</div><div align="center">Being completely real and feeling free.</div><div align="center">Clean, crisp colors.</div><div align="center">Living in the moment.</div><div align="center">Letting my creativity flow and seeing where it actually takes me.</div><div align="center">Bliss.</div><div align="center">Happiness.</div><div align="center">Want the feeling I have on the Vineyard - that life is good.</div><div align="center">Drinks on the decks.</div><div align="center">Real friends.</div><div align="center">Putting as much effort into my relationships as I am expecting to get out of them.</div><div align="center">Love the life you live.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><em>Happy Wednesday all...</em></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-14035441770126640222010-07-07T06:26:00.000-07:002010-07-07T06:30:08.692-07:00Traveling in style<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yRedEGMAdKg/TDSBE2hgqLI/AAAAAAAAAm8/2NE1umR3c30/s1600/seacoasttrolley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491155766027004082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yRedEGMAdKg/TDSBE2hgqLI/AAAAAAAAAm8/2NE1umR3c30/s320/seacoasttrolley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Since Kevin and I are going for a New England style wedding, what better way to portray that message than through transportation? Instead of renting limos or fancy cars, we've decided to rent a local trolley. Trolley services/tours can be found everywhere on the seacoast during the summer. I love the look of trolleys and think that we could get some really great bridal party shots through the windows. Its something different and I think that people will love it. </div><div> </div><div>What do you think?</div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-41683458281403284862010-07-06T09:03:00.000-07:002010-07-06T09:31:42.569-07:00What to do when you don't have a clue...I know that I have been slacking on the blog posts lately, but I've been stuck in a bit of a rut. I love reading about everyone's wonderful day-to-day happenings, but in reality we all go through stormy times. It can feel pretty lonely thinking that you are going through this by yourself, but in reality most people deal with personal difficulties all the time. So I'm going to come right out and say it: I have depression and anxiety issues. They came to a head my junior year in college and I've learned to live with the fact that I will be dealing with them my entire life. It's the hand I was dealt and there's no getting around it.<br /><br />There are certainly times when things are at their worst and others when things are at their best. Well, lets just say that right now is not exactly a 'high point' for me. I left a cushy job after almost three years for something that I truly believed I was meant to do. Things were switched around quickly, and I was then shuffled into something else. Something else, that at the moment, I am currently hating. I've only been in this position for three months and cannot believe that I am already considering trying to find something else. I hate that I might have a random blimp on my resume that will haunt me down the road, but I also hate this feeling of not being happy. I was reading <a href="http://murphysnewlaw.blogspot.com/2010/06/food-for-thought-life-advice.html">this</a> a few weeks ago, and it really struck a cord with me. Especially # 14:<br /><br /><em>Let your passion shape your profession. You know that thing your dad says? “If work wasn’t hard, they wouldn’t pay you to do it.” Please. There are professional rock stars, astronauts, puppy trainers, and bloggers.</em><br /><em></em><br />I'm too young to be wasting away my time. The catch though- what would I rather be doing with my time? I haven't got a clue. I tried making a list of qualities I would want in an ideal job, but they aren't pointing to one specific thing. The listed included things like helping others, having a creative outlet, not being at a desk from 9-5, interacting with others, having fun, taking pride in my position, possibly traveling, etc.<br /><br />After working out some of the medical effects of this low point, I still haven't dealt with the underlying cause of just plain being unhappy. I'm young enough that I feel like its okay to be selfish and try something new for the fact of having fun, but I'm still at a loss.<br /><br />When you've hit a crossroads in your life, how were you able to deal with it? What steps did you take to improve things? I'm in need of some serious advice here ladies. Thanks.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-16999859091339994452010-06-30T05:10:00.000-07:002010-06-30T05:17:56.147-07:00Dress UpdateFirst off, I want to say a big THANK YOU!!!! to <a href="http://thebelovedwife.blogspot.com/">Kari</a> for sending me some encouragement to try on wedding dresses now. I went last night, and am so happy that I did. I think I found the one!!<br /><br />Only one of my sisters was able to make it so the two of us were able to go through the racks like mad women. I must have tried on at least 20 dresses. It honestly is like playing dress-up all over again! At first, every dress I tried on was nice but they just weren't wowing me. I was really nervous that I wouldn't find one that I absolutely loved.<br /><br />It was one of the last dresses I tried on, and let me just say- I totally had that 'wow' moment. The fact that I didn't want to take it off was definitely a good sign. My sister kept reiterating that the dress just screamed 'me'. I'm getting excited all over again just thinking about it!<br /><br />I made another appointment for the 10th to go back with my mom, my other sister and possibly some bmaids. I just hope that they love it as much as I do!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-62476155511371869632010-06-18T13:06:00.000-07:002010-06-18T13:13:37.880-07:00We made it!!We made it through the week people!! Only a few more hours and it is officialy the weekend! This week has actually gone by relatively quickly, so there's really nothing to complain about. But no matter how awsome a work week has been, a non-work weekend will <em>always</em> trump it :)<br /><div></div><br /><div>What's on the schedule for this weekend you ask?</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484208387658790674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yRedEGMAdKg/TBvSeNSetxI/AAAAAAAAAm0/0P6Pze8r8NI/s320/Breakfast_at_Tiffany_party_photo.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>Hopefully lots of dancing! We have wedding number 2 this weekend and I'm hoping that it will be just as fun as all of the others. Kevin's cousin is getting married on Saturday and it'll be nice to cut-loose and dance the night away with his (and my soon to be) family.</p><p><em>Ahh if only we all could pull off the chic sheet look so effortlessly...</em></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Happy (almost) weekend everyone!!</span></p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-25708548871881387932010-06-16T05:08:00.000-07:002010-06-16T05:23:00.899-07:00Wedding Dress ConundrumSo here's the question on the table: now or later? I know that for many brides one of the first things on their list is to buy their dress. Me being me you would have thought it would be purchased by now. Truth be told, I've only gone to try on dresses <a href="http://summertimebeauty.blogspot.com/2009/10/please-dont-let-this-be-bad-sign.html">once</a> in 10 months that I've been engaged (<a href="http://summertimebeauty.blogspot.com/2009/10/please-dont-let-this-be-bad-sign.html"><em>and we all know how poorly that went</em></a>). I knew in the beginning that I had time on my side so there were no worries. Well folks, we're now 11 months out (<em>thank you reminder email from the knot on Monday :)</em>)and it feels like the last thing I want to do right now. Manly because every bride wants to feel gorgeous & svelt on their wedding day. Let's just say there's nun o' that going on over here.<br /><br />I'm worried that if I go shopping and choose a dress based on how I look now, I'll miss out on something spectacular that will look great on me in a few months. Am I crazy?<br /><br />I've started running every day which has helped to shed a few pounds, but I have more than just a few pounds to go. I had a shock to my system when I entered college and I've never fully gotten back to where I want to be. I know that its insane to try and reach a goal of high school weight, but I want to reach of goal of just plain feeling great.<br /><br />So should I just bite the bullet and start trying things on now? Or is it okay to wait until say August (8 months out)?Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539294471162631359.post-83917947701633819932010-06-15T05:30:00.000-07:002010-06-15T05:40:49.595-07:00"The List"As promised, here is "the list". Not everything is definite, it will depend on if I have time to get to it (or if it fits in the budget). It is also broken down into sections (can you tell I plan things for a living? lol). I would love to hear any and all advice from you out there!<br /><br />Ceremony:<br /><ul><li>Programs</li><li>Something to hold the programs</li><li>Flowers for program table</li><li>Pomander balls on pews</li><li>Vases with hydrangeas mimicking centerpieces on the altar intermixed with candles</li></ul><p>Cocktail Hour:</p><ul><li>Family wedding photos</li><li>Oars as guestbook </li><li>Flowers for guestbook & gift tables</li><li>Card box</li><li>Flowers for bar & cocktail rounds</li><li>Framed seating chart</li><li>Monogrammed cocktail napkins</li><li>Moss covered M & K for doors into cocktail area</li></ul><p>Reception:</p><ul><li>Hydrangea vases on tables, fabric covered stands, votives & holders</li><li>Table numbers</li><li>Menu Cards</li><li>Cake stand</li><li>Flowers for cake topper</li><li>Favors</li></ul><p>Etc:</p><ul><li>Flowers for MOB & MOG</li><li>Pomander ball for flower girl</li><li>Ring bearer pillow</li><li>Boutonnieres</li><li>Bouquets for Bride & Bmaids</li><li>Bow ties for Groom, Groomsmen, FOB & FOG</li><li>Invitations, Save the Dates, etc.</li></ul><p>Wish me luck!!</p>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623566634287803756noreply@blogger.com1