Pre-Christmas Five on Friday

Happy Friday, friends!  Is everyone all shopped and wrapped for Christmas?  I have the "shop" part down, but this weekend will be all about the wrapping.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?  Oh well, it'll be a fun Saturday of quoting every Christmas movie and cutting wrapping paper unevenly.  Before the weekend, I thought it'd be fun to share all the good things we've been up to:

1. Kickball: Last weekend, one of my closest friends hosted a kickball tournament to benefit Toys for Tots.  She gathered together 8 teams and everyone got points for runs scored, wins, but also donated dollars and toys.  Altogether, 1500 toys were collected and nearly $4000!  Great job, Stafford!

2. Star Wars: Who else has seen The Last Jedi?  We were surprised that we could get opening weekend Friday tickets with no problem the night before, and I really liked the movie.  Personally, I liked The Force Awakens better, but the combination of action, that dry Star Wars humor, new characters (porgs and crystal critters!!), and old favorites was very good!

3. Early Christmas: Each year, Mike and I do our own Christmas to each other early so that we don't have to bring our presents all the way up to New England and back.  He bought me the best gift, a new camera!  For the last 7 years, I've been using a Canon T1i with a lens from my old film Rebel from the early 2000s.  He chose a Canon 80D, and I could not be more excited!  I'm working on figuring out all the fun new features right now.  Any photographers have any suggestions for me?

4. Christmas lights: Remember our outdoor lights that I was so proud of on Wednesday?  Wellllll, we won our neighborhood lights contest!!

5. Christmas cookies: Last night, we were at our neighbors' house for a cookie swap.  They made these amazing chicken enchiladas, and a bunch of us from our street traded cookies.  I made frosted sugar cookies, mint chocolate chip cookies, and toffee... and I just realized that I don't have any of those recipes on this blog.  I need to change that!

I hope everyone enjoys the last weekend before Christmas!

Friday Threes

I am loving all these "retro" blog post topics floating around, so while I spend my Thursday night boarding up our house and prepping for Hurricane Irma, I thought this would be a fun way to waste a little time (while watching FOOTBALL!!!)...

Three favorite foods
Kraft white cheddar mac & cheese
veal parmesan
any type of dip and chips

Three things I'd never give up
golf
cable
snapchat

Three favorite cocktails
Vodka cranberry - my go to
Pineapple Habanero Margarita from Mex 1
Sweet Tea Mojito from the Ryder Cup Bar

Three favorite movies
13 Going on 30
You've Got Mail
Star Wars

Three favorite simple pleasures in life
cat videos
my cats
sleep

Three things that are always in my car 
Home Team dry rub... weird, I know, but we go there every week and I hate asking for extra spice everytime
nail polish
about 10 empty water bottles

Three things I always have with me
phone
sunglasses
...and Mike says my self-confidence haha!

Three things I regret doing / not doing
Hmmm... Googled this one and love this Buzzfeed article

Three most recent places I traveled to
Rhode Island
Cleveland
Cooperstown, NY

Three most often used makeup products
Maybelline Instant Rewind Eraser
Maybelline MegaPlush Mascara
Covergirl Contouring Blush

Three things that make me cry
engagement videos
watching other people cry
military homecoming videos

Three things that make me smile / laugh
cat videos
Mike laughing at 30 Rock... even when watching the same episode for the 101st time
SNL

Three places I want to visit inside the US
Palm Springs
Miami
Seattle

Three places I want to visit outside the US
Cuba
Thailand
Iceland

Three blessings in my life
My husband
My parents
My sight

Weekending

Short and sweet with this weekend's update.  It's been a busy one, so much so that I took a look at my phone last night and noticed I had barely taken any photos to share today.  The weather in Charleston has been fantastic, and we've spent as much time outside as possible.  Linking up with Biana today!

Friday: After work, we played golf before heading to our neighborhood park for Food Truck Friday and movie night.  We split some Thai and Southern food before grabbing beers and kettle corn to watch Rogue One.

Saturday: I had a work event in the morning, which Mike helped me with.  We had a great time, and afterwards he kept the kindness going by taking a few blog photos for me that I can't wait to share later this week.  Below is a little behind-the-scenes that Mike snapped when I was too busy planning our next adventure for pizza and beer.  After photos, we did a little brewery hopping: Coast and Frothy Beard.  Coast had our favorite truck that afternoon, Dough Boyz, and Frothy Beard now has Zombie Bob's Pizza in-house - delicious.

Sunday: Early afternoon golf was followed by a Riverdogs baseball game - pirate night - with friends. I had the best ballpark snack: homemade local doughnut is cream sandwich.  We got home just before the most beautiful sunset, which we enjoyed on our porch with a couple glasses of wine.  In case you didn't see my Instagram last night, I wanted to share that I am really excited to be featured on Wayfair this week in a post all about porch swings.  Four other bloggers and I share our inspiration for our swings and how we use them with our families.

28 Birthday Things

Happy Monday, y'all!  Today is a pretty good Monday for me because it's my birthday!  In the spirit of this (national) holiday, I thought I'd share 28 random facts about myself:

1 || I have the same birthday as Gwen Stefani, Ashlee Simpson, Tommy Lee, Seann William Scott, Kevin Richardson, and Dave Winfield (Baseball Hall of Famer).

2 || Snapchat and Instagram are my favorite social media channels... although I don't post to either nearly enough.

3 || I'm currently reading Amy Schumer's book.

4 || She taught me that it's okay to be an introvert, and I love her for it.

5 || I've only ever owned cats, and until Ruxin and Shadow, they were all named after baseball players.

6 || Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.

7 || Water, beer, and lattes are the only things I drink.

8 || I don't have a favorite color.

9 || Ask me if I've seen a certain movie?  There's about an 80% chance I haven't.

10 || However, ask me about 13 Going On 30 - I can quote any line #seenit100times #embarrassing

11 || I met my husband at my 21st birthday party in college.  If you asked me then which one he would be, I would have been very confused.... and probably wrong!

12 || I am an outlet shopper all the way.

13 || I've never missed a Baseball Hall of Fame Induction in my life.

14 || I always hated spicy food growing up, but now, the spicier the better.  Carolina Reaper, I'm coming for you!

15 || My teams: Yankees, Cubs, Panthers, and Eagles.

16 || My life bucket list: own a Wrangler, a pickup truck, visit every MLB stadium, and move South.

17 || Half of my life bucket list is now complete since I inherited a pickup from my uncle.

18 || I grew up in Rhode Island.

19 || I've only ever successfully completed two New Year's Resolutions: sending birthday cards to all friends and family last year and wearing makeup everyday this year.

20 || I've played golf since I was 5, and I'm a 3 handicap.

21 || This time last year, I had never seen a Star Wars movie, but now I'm seen the first six three times through, and we saw Episode VII three times in the theater.

22 || I have a killer sweet tooth.

23 || Manicures and pedicures are my favorite splurge.

24 || I hate when my nails are naked.

25 || I am always hungry.  If I say, "I'm full," I really just mean I'm tired of eating what I'm currently eating.

26 || I'm still driving the same car I had when I was 15 - Jeepy the Jeep Liberty (original, right?).

27 || Mike does 100% of the dishes in our house, and I do 100% of the laundry.  We split cooking about 50/50.

28 || I share my birthday with Mean Girls Day!

April Showers...

Happy Monday and April 25th!  As a Rhode Islander, we celebrate April 25th as if it were Christmas or VJ Day (yeah, we still have that one on the calendar, too).

I cannot believe we are already into the last week of April!  It might not be the rainiest month for us in the Lowcountry, but we did have a nice little stretch of storms last Friday.  There's a sentiment here that every Charlestonian needs two pairs of rain boots: one for your house and one for your car.  I remember laughing when I first heard this, but they're right.  That rain can come out of nowhere and with the low elevation, holy rapid flooding!  I've rounded up a few of my favorite rainy day items for you today as we wait for those May flowers:

The essentials: trench coat, rain boots, and umbrella.  This waterproof bag is always with me on rainy days, too.  The material is great and I love the zippered top.

When there's not too much rain, how cute as these rain shoes?

Gotta brighten up those rainy days with this scarf (how awesome are these Lilly state-inspired scarves?) and a bucket hat.

Now for those of us who'd rather sit inside and watch the rain (and our rain chain): rain candle, a good book, a fresh mani (butler, please or sugar daddy), and a few rain drops only on your phone case.

There you have it!  The only thing I've found that I do not have in this list is some good waterproof makeup.  I have my favorite mascara and setting spray, but if y'all have any other suggestions for water resistance makeup or other favorite rain attire, I'd love to hear about it!

Weekend Snapshot

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope y'all had a great weekend. I apologize for not having much for you today. I'll leave you with a few photos of foodventures from the weekend. Make sure you check back tomorrow for an exciting collaboration!

 PS - Panthers to the Super Bowl!!! #KeepPounding

A Merry Christmas, I Wish You!

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Christmas might as well be today, if you're a Star Wars fan!  Mike and I have our tickets to see Episode VII this weekend, and I think we will somehow bust through I-VI again before Sunday.  Have any of you noticed how there's a Star Wars EVERYTHING this year?  This is the last weekend before Christmas, and if you still need something for your favorite Star Wars fan, I rounded up some of my favorite gifts from both sides.  You know there will be something with this theme in Mike's stocking this year...

Death Star waffle iron /// cookie cutters /// Darth Vader shower head /// light saber car charger /// bracelet beads /// ugly Christmas sweater /// Chewbacca koozie /// Han Solo ice cube tray /// Darth Vader toaster /// R2D2 measuring cups /// Yoda lawn ornament

If none of these items appeal to you, you can always get an R2-3PO or Toby-One action figure!

A few of my favorite things

Cue Julie Andrews and her bright copper kettles... As you might have noticed, there's a bit of a common theme this week around my little blog.  I am officially feeling the Christmas spirit.  If you didn't see my post yesterday with my wish list for Santa, here's the link.  In cnjunction this year, I decided to share a few of my own current favorite things, in case you might be looking for additions to add to your list to Santa.  

Marlow from Sole Society: I purchased this bag in oxblood last month, and unfortunately, that one is no longer available, but grey color is also fantastic.  I use this bag for work, blogging events, and just to go shopping.  It has a ton of pockets and fits my DSLR so perfectly.

Bath & Body Works candles: Their scents are amazing!  Lately, we've been burning Winter Candy Apple, Cinnamon Caramel Swirl, Champagne Toast, and I love that even after the candle is blown out, the candle is still fragrant for hours.

Urban Decay Naked Smoky: I recently won Pamela's Sephora giveaway, and I picked up this and a few other splurges for myself.  This has not disappointed and I just love all the smoky neutrals.

Starbucks: Like every other blogger out there, I have all the heart eyes for red cups and holiday drinks, but this year, I am also loving these adorable little ornaments (hearts and confetti).  Plus, Starbucks gift cards are always my gifts of choice for sweet neighbors who take in our packages while we're gone and the maintenance staff here at our apartment.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga: Mike and I are so excited for The Force Awakens and recently we purchased the first 7 movies on Blu-Ray, and we're on our second way through.  This would be the perfect gift for any Star Wars geek.

LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins: Anyone in your life will love these slippers.  They are ridiculously comfortable and even come in a men's version.  Plus, they have a rubber outsole, so totally acceptable to wear them out and about!

Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace: I got one of these in white pearl this fall, and I wear it with everything!  What's a better combination than Kendra Scott + statement necklace + a tassel?  It comes in over 30 colors, too.

Ghiradelli Dark Peppermint Bark: Stocking stuffer alert!  This stuff is my favorite candy of the holiday season.

Essie 2015 Holiday Gift Set: I love these sets that Essie puts our every year, and the colors they chose this year are great.  Cocktail Bling is my favorite gray, and every holiday outfit needs a red polish like A-List.

S'well bottle: I've had one of these for a few months and cannot get enough of it.  It really does keep my drinks cold all day.  We also gave these away at my event a couple of weeks back, and everyone loved them.  I was so excited to be gifted an extra, and that gave me the start of a great idea...

And now, that brings me to the best part of this post: a giveaway!

To spread the wealth around a bit, I've decided to share a few of these favorites with y'all.  One lucky reader will receive all of these gifts: a silver lining S'well bottle, Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette, Winter Candy Apple Bath & Body Works candle, and Ghiradelli chocolate.

I thought this would be a fun way to thank all of you for following along over the past couple of years.  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Four on Friday

We've all heard of "Five" on Friday, so why not a Four on Friday?!  Thanks to Shelby for this fun idea.  I love reading these on other blogs, so let me know if you do one, too!

Four of my nicknames

Meg

Megs

Meggum

Bear

Four jobs I've had

Golf cart washer

Substitute teacher

Software documentation writer

Program Director

Four movies I've watched more than once

13 Going On 30

Love, Actually

The Parent Trap (the Lindsay Lohan version)

Taken

Four things in my purse

Two planners: blog and real life

Fiber One bar (low blood sugar, yo)

Chapstick

Tide To-go

Four books I'd recommend

Bossypants, Tina Fey

Angels and Demons, Dan Brown

The DaVinci Code, Dan Brown

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Four places I've lived

Westerly, RI

Mondorf Les Baines, Luxembourg

Paris, France

East Hartford, CT

(and now Charleston!)

Four places I have visited

San Francisco

3 Disneys: CA, FL, and Paris

Belgium

Amsterdam

Four places to visit on my travel bucket list

Australia

Hawaii

Italy

Russia

Four things I don't eat

Mushrooms

Mayonnaise

Salmon

Hazelnuts (being allergic to Nutella is the worst)

Four shows I watch 

(I chose favorites that are on tv right now - check them out!)

Modern Family

SNL

Archer

PLL

via

Four things I'm looking forward to in 2015

Our first full married year

Honeymoon in May

Exploring more of Charleston

Becoming healthier

Linking up with That Friday Blog Hop and Oh Hey, Friday!

Sweet Sixteen + Ten

Hey y'all, it's my BIRTHDAY!!! You guessed it, I'm 26 today!  25 was a pretty fantastic year with the move and the wedding, so 26 has pretty darn big shoes to fill.  I can already tell this year is going to have some pretty big ups and downs, but I'm ready.  And in case you were wondering, Mean Girls did come out when I was 16 :)

Blogger Bliss: June

What's your Bliss? What are you loving this month that you just can't live without?

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Join Heather and me for Bliss! On the last Wednesday of each month, we host a link up to showcase your "favorites" of the month. Not sure what to write about? It can be anything from a favorite product, to a favorite moment, or a favorite new blogger, to even a new favorite quote! Include as few or as many "favorites" and don't forget to take photos!

Ask yourself, did it bring you #bloggerbliss this month? If you said yes, then we want to read about it!

Don't have time to write a whole post or don't have a blog and are just a blogger at heart? Hashtag a photo #bloggerbliss on Instagram and simply link to that photo on the day of the link up!  Our hope is that Bliss and #bloggerbliss will help ladies across the country find new and fun ways to make their next month even better! 

Over the past month, my Bliss has been everything leading up to my South Carolina move as well as my last few weeks with friends, family, and work:

Maleficent: Mike and I went to see it when it came up and oh my gosh, it was AMAZING!!

Golf at 3 new courses: Remember that bucket list I made last month?  Well, I did that before I knew I wouldn't be spending the summer in CT.  However, we did get one of the goals down - playing 3 new golf courses before I left, well, actually 4 if you count the course where Mike caddied for me in the Connecticut Women's Open!

Gillette Ridge, Wampanoag, Panther Valley, and Blue Fox Run

Liz's wedding: My bestie got married two weeks ago!  I can't wait to share tons of photos soon!

Travelers Championship: My last week of work in CT was when the PGA Tour was in town.  It's so much fun every year and I'm so glad I could be a part of it one more time!  To see even more photos, check out my work blog!

Alec Baldwin was at my office!

My fantastic staff

Goodbye stuff: I had to say goodbye to a lot of people over the last month.  Here are a few last photos I took before I left.  I'm so lucky to have all of these people in my life!

My last Rhode Island breakfast at my favorite place

I love Cheryl's care packages!  Thanks, Mike!

A new Pandora charm [the dog] and Alex&Ani from my coworkers

Thanks so much for linking up with us!