Thursday, November 7, 2013

Veterans Day Deals

Veterans Day is about thanking those for their service. And I love when restaurants and retailers do just that! Coming from a military family and being a military spouse, plus an avid bargain shopper, I love to see what's offered!
 
I just wanted to share with you all a list of Veterans Day deals I've found. Enjoy!

Food specials can be found here. Some examples include:


Applebees Free Meal
On Monday, November 11th, veterans and active duty military can choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee’s favorite items, including a 7 oz. House Sirloin, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Three-Cheese Chicken & Sundried Tomato Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform.


California Pizza Kitchen
On Monday, November 11, all veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to get any pizza from our menu for free (dine-in only). Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service. Offer valid at participating CPK restaurants, excluding Guam, airport, stadium and university locations.


McCormick and Schmick’s Free Entree
Enjoy a complimentary entree on Sunday November 10th, 2013. All veterans must show official verification. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant. No to-go orders permitted.


Retail specials here:

Great Clips – On Monday, Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Massage Envy – Participating Massage Envy locations in the Washington DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia region are offering a complimentary 1-hour massage to active military, veterans and spouses on Monday, Nov. 11.
Toys“R”Us – At Toys“R”Us and Babies”R”Us, military members and their families can get 20% off one regular-priced item from Sunday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 16.

Under Armor – Veterans and active duty servicemembers get 15% off plus free shipping on all orders from now until Monday, Nov. 11.

Walgreens – Walgreens is offering 15% off eligible store items and 20% of Walgreens, Nice! And W brand products on Monday, Nov. 11. This discount is available to all veterans and active duty military personnel.

Enjoy and thank a Vet!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Conversations You Don't Want to Have With Your Hairdresser

I have been in need of a change as of lately. And the best way to do that is by dying my hair. I have no problem doing it myself, but I wanted something drastic, like going to red or ombre. So I took to a pro. Please note, not a pro  I normally go to. First mistake.....

Here's how the other night went down. Brace yourselves.

Hairdresser: Hi, what are you we doing today?
Me: I'd love to go red, like so (show pictures. Have you seen Savannah's hair? I'm obsessed!) or ombre (like Rachel Bilson!!).
Her: No.
Me: Ummm, no?
Her: No.
Me: Ok, well, I'd like some color, as I have these greys. And please don't cut it. I just want color.
Her: Ok.

15 minutes later she emerges. No clue what color I'm getting. This isn't a good sign.

Me: So, quick question. You can't get your hair colored when your pregnant right?
Her: Are you?
Me: No, not yet. But we're planning on it.
Her: It's not something you can plan.
Me: I get that, but we're doing IVF, so kind of can plan it, in a sense.
Her: Ah. Are you the problem?
Me: (floored), what? (What I wanted to say was ARE YOU SERIOUSLY ASKING ME THIS?, but I bit my tongue....)
Her: IVF. Is it you?
Me: It's both of us. We're doomed.
Her: His boys are lazy? He must do drugs.
Me: I'm pretty sure the military would frown upon that.....
Silence.

At this point, I'm not sure what to do. Do I leave? I'm covered in who knows what color hair dye. So I wait it out.

And wait.

And wait.

WAITING.

Now she returns. I have crap on my face. In my ears. All over. Does she get it? No. Do I when I'm itching like mad? Yes. Jerk.

As she washes my hair, I drift into my happy place. Thankfully.

Then I sit. And she cuts. Please see the first convo above. Jerk.

I emerge, $200 later, with I'm not even sure what color hair. C said it looked good, but he had to or I would have punched him.

For those with infertility issues, how do you address the "is it you" question. Do you smack her? Say shut the hell up? Or do you smile and just explain. I wanted to do all of the above.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Are You There Blog, It's Me, Megan...

I've been MIA for awhile and it has to do with me not knowing what to say. I know, the queen of randomness. But it happens.

I haven't talked a lot on here about our infertility struggles. Mainly, because I just don't know how to begin. Do I just say, "Hi, I'm Megan and I can't have a baby?" Or, should I use more tact? Either way, it's a hard conversation to initiate.

With that being said, I'm having a hard time as of lately. I don't know if it's the fact that we've started IVF and the hormone shots are getting to me, or if I'm an emotional wreck just because, but I feel like a failure. Like, my one job as a woman is to have a child. That's what you're taught growing up. That's what separates us from the men. And yet, I can't do it. And it sucks.

My husband is totally supportive, which helps, but he doesn't quite get it. His thing i, if it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. He wants a baby, but he knows that, if in the end, we did all we could and it doesn't happen, then maybe it's not meant to be. He doesn't get this feeling that I'm failing, so the only one to blame is myself.

My question for you is this, for those suffering from infertility issues, how do you shake this feeling? Or does it never go away?

I'm hoping and praying like mad that this next round works and I don't have to even worry about it, but it's a constant struggle. 

Ok, end of rant.

On to happy things, like cats. Read this link and thank me later. http://theoatmeal.com/comics/kitty_pet

You're welcome.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

Ok, there is a slight change to the lyrics, but don't you want to sing Papa's Got a Brand New Bag now? Or is that just me? Anyway, I'm on the hunt for a new handbag. My current one has seen better days. I love bags. I'll wear the hell out of them. I'll use them until the strap breaks, the button pops off, they fall apart. I've never not destroyed one. I've also never owned a handbag that cost more than $40....

I have been saving all my play money to buy something I really want. And I want a really nice bag that won't break on me, that lasts a lifetime!

So of course I was thrilled that RueLaLa is having a handbag sale!

Ummmm....

Although I've been saving up, spending $1,000+ on a bag makes me gasp. I could never. Could you?!

So, off to Target I go. Sigh.

Where do you find your bags? And is a higher priced one worth it? 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Handmade Gift Exchange, 2013: Woodland Creatures

I'm so excited to be able to participate in another round of the handmade gift exchange hosted by Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous. I was paired up with Gabrielle from Oh Boy, Cato!

From browsing her blog and Pinterest page, I noticed she loves woodland creatures. So I thought these earrings would be fab!


Basically, I made fabric covered buttons into earrings. Because you know, that's my favorite craft in the book. :)

And, I threw in a few panda pins.


It was at this moment that the hubby informed me that pandas aren't woodland creatures. Sigh.

And some lipgloss that I made via my Whimseybox.

Hope you like them Gabrielle! And thanks to Linda for hosting!



Thursday, June 20, 2013

Whimseybox Review: Homemade Lip Gloss

I'm all about DIYing. My poor husband just sighs as another project starts and stares at our walls, shelves, tables trying to think of where it will go next. See what fun we  have!? :) When the Whimseybox arrived, I eagerly dove into it and began unveiling the contents. I was so excited that I literally couldn't wait until this morning to share my Whimseybox review with you all!

What is Whimseybox?
Whimseybox is the original subscription for DIY and craft lovers. Every month we ship our subscribers a box with craft projects along with a project idea. We are also an online community where anyone can discover, learn and share the best in DIY and craft.
whimseybox
The project? To create lip gloss. LOVE.

What I really love about the Whimseybox is that all the necessary instructions, tools and ingredients are right there. You don't have to go out and buy anything additional.
The only downside? Things weren't labeled. It's hard to see, but in the second small picture there are two bottles. One contains castor oil, the other, peppermint. I guessed (correctly, thankfully!), which was which, but at first it took me a moment to figure it out. Also, I don't work with castor oil or essential oils that often, so if you do, you probably could figure it sooner than I did.

The instructions were super easy to follow. Basically, you mix 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of beeswax (in the pouch) with a tablespoon of castor oil and five drops of peppermint oil. I may have gone overboard with the last step. Whoopsie. Then, you heat in a glass bowl over hot water and voila, lip gloss!
Total creation time? 40 minutes. And it probably would have been even less, but I got nervous about heating the glass bowl so my heat was really, really low for awhile.

All in all, I'd totally do another Whimseybox!

If you have a DIY lover in your life, or if you love a good DIY, I'd highly recommend it. You can pay $15 a month (add an extra $5 for shipping to Canada) or $45 for 3 months, $90 for 6 months or $165 for 12 months. You can cancel anytime with the month to month subscription via the website.
Have you tried Whimseybox? I'd love to hear your Whimseybox review if you have! And what do you think of the idea of a DIY subscription box? Would you try it?

To sign up for Whimseybox, click here!

Monday, June 17, 2013

A Veggie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

It's that time of year again, CSA time!

We are doing a half share this year, because frankly, it was WAY too much food before. I'm still completely overwhelmed with veggies (who ever thought a vegetarian would say that?!), but not nearly as overwhelmed as the previous year.

We're paired up with One Straw Farm and I'll tell ya, they grow some delicious stuff.

Here's our recent hauls.

Week One:

Swiss Chard
Kale
Green Leaf Lettuce
Red Leaf Lettuce
Radishes
Strawberries
Garlic Scapes
 
I keep calling the scapes, snapes, because you know, I love me some Harry Potter. :)
What is a scape you ask? I hadn't a clue either.
 
This is from our CSA person. " Scapes are the early sprouts of garlic -- you will get the heads later on. I like to coat the scapes with olive oil and a little kosher salt and toss them on the grill until they just soften for a mild, soft early summer taste of roasted garlic."
Nom.
 
To get through week one, we made a lot of salads. Since I was saladed out for awhile, I then proceeded to throw the kale, strawberries, some blueberries, plain Greek yogurt, honey and orange juice in a blender and serve and enjoy. I loved it. Chad did not. It scared him. Wuss.
 
I also bought some asparagus, from the same farm. It just wasn't included in the CSA, but we put it to use.
 

 


This is a concoction of asparagus, Swiss chard, Parmesan cheese (nom),  lemon and garlic. It was divine.

 
We've yet to eat the scapes. I informed him we must do so ASAP. 
 
Week Two:
 
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Green Leaf Lettuce
Purple Radish
Nevada Lettuce (akin to Romaine)
Turnips
Kale
Broccoli
Strawberries
 
Looks like I'm making more smoothies!
 
And thankfully, Chad LOVES broccoli, so I know that will get eaten. 
Also, I've never had a turnip. They make me nervous. This will be new.
 
What recipes can you suggest for kale, as I have an endless supply? And what did you pick up at the farmers market or in your CSA this week that you're excited about?

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday's Favorite Things

Since I haven't been blogging much lately (I have no excuse other than laziness), I thought I'd give myself a reason to blog. I'm going to write about my favorite things come Friday. So behold, my Friday's Favorite Things!

One, I'm obsessed with these shorts. I think the length is just right (did I just admit my age), oye.


These Lilly Pulitzer Buttercup Shorts scream Megan, don't they?! Available 00-14. And only $74! I can see them being a staple this summer.

Two, this necklace.

Be still my  heart.

This Primary Spheres Bib Necklace wants to find it's way to my jewelry box. Would it be weird if I received a Mother's Day gift from the cats? Probably. Sigh.

Lastly, I'm dying for a new bag. This Vince Camuto Grace Cross Body is dying to come home with me.


Sounds like a match made in heaven.

What are your favorite things at the moment?

The Big Wedding Invite

I love going to the movies! Seriously! I love the whole idea of sitting in the theater, eating popcorn, enjoying the show. My husband on the other hand, hates it. He'd much rather watch a movie at home, from the comfort of our couch, where he can pause, rewind, or stop whenever his heart desires. Clearly we have differing opinions.

If you love going to the movies and if you are especially excited to see The Big Wedding with Robert DeNiro, Katherine Heigl, Meryl (were on a first name basis) and Susan, then you are in luck!

Fantabulously Frugal shared an invite for two tickets for the price of one to go see it! LOVE!


To get your tickets, click here!

Enjoy!


I'm taking my bestie, how about you?

Thanks, Lisa!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Going Au Natural

I've had some events happen this past week that have put a lot into perspective such as my eating habits, caffeine consumption and lack of exercise. As traumatic of an event as it was, it was good to be able to re-evaluate my decisions and change for the better.

So, I've been going to the gym. Granted, I've gone twice so far, but it's a start. :)

I've given up caffeine. This by far has been the hardest. I never realized how much I adored coffee. Seriously. And I'm sure it's all mental, but I am having the hardest time waking up without a cup. I have to really train myself to realize that I can wake up and have energy without caffeine. I miss you coffee, I really do.

Sugar. This one has been hard. I'm actually watching my sugar intake and trying not to eat anything super sugary like I had before. Like, no sodas. Can I give it up 100%? No clue. I'm going to try, but ate a S'mores the other night, so I may start this tomorrow.

I'm really hoping to go all organic eventually, but for the mean time, I'm taking it step by step.

Eating crap is so much easier. Why is that?

Have you ever given up sugar and caffeine? Does it get easier? And do you feel a lot better?

Friday, April 12, 2013

Can you Crate Train a Cat?

I love my cat Raven. I really do. He's such a spitfire. But, I'll tell ya, he's also a jerk.

Tiger was the best cat in the world.  He was such a lover. You could practically do anything to him, squeeze him with all your might, pull his tail (not me, kids have done this) and he'd still be your BFF. I miss him tremendously. And Spaz is Spaz. Bless his heart.

However, with both Tiger and Spaz, I never had to worry about them eating or destroying my house. Cords could dangle. They didn't care. I could buy flowers and place them everywhere and they'd just stare at them, realize they weren't a juicy steak and then leave them alone.

Speaking of flowers, I love them. I want to display them in my house. Yet, Raven has decided that they are a part of his diet and has proceeded to eat everything in sight.

Case in point? My hydrangeas are now locked in my bathroom. Why? Because they contain cyanide and cyanide is bad. And another reason? Someone thinks they taste delish. Nom nom nom. Jerk.

He once at an azalea before I realized they too are poisonous. I didn't sleep that night, as I monitored his breathing, his digestion, etc. Needless to say he was a ok, I however, was exhausted. Again, jerk.

The hubby and I grew basil. Note the key word grew....
We also grew parsley. I'll tell ya, cats LOVE parsley. Who knew.

Oh, and his newest thing? Thyme. Ugh.

In an effort to be clever, C put red pepper flakes all over the parsley plant to "Raven proof it". Guess what? He loves red pepper flakes. Go figure.

Here's what we've had to do to save our plants....


Although now he's figured out how to pull it open.

So, my question is, can you crate train a cat?


We can try.

Friday, April 5, 2013

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

I haven't done one of these for awhile for no reason other than I've been lazy. So, without further ado, I'm back to blogging (hopefully!) and what better way to get back into the swing of things to do a MilSpouse Friday Fill-In!


The questions are:


1. What’s one thing in the past month you would have changed?

Honestly, my attitude. I've been very negative this past month and need to start having a positive outlook!


2. What was your favorite thing that happened in March? 

We started our IVF! Big things were happening!


3. What are you looking forward to in April?

Finding out if the ET took! Fingers crossed! Oh, and warm weather. It's COLD.


4. What is your favorite thing about Spring?

The birds all come out. The flowers bloom. The sun shines. I love it! And I really love that I don't have to wear a jacket!


5. What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?

Anything sweet. (Said as I'm currently eating a bag of gummy bears.....)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Dress Me Up

I'm such a tomboy. I love pants. I will roll around on the floor and  I totally don't sit like a lady. That's why I have such a hard time wearing dresses.

Lately though, I've decided to venture outside of my comfort zone and wear a dress a week. The only problem is, I have yet to begin this task. I've just been saying it. :)

Since my shopping hiatus is almost over, why not welcome the after Lenten season with dresses, galore!


I love this ASOS Knitted Dress, Like, I want it immediately. However, is it office appropriate? Could I wear tights and boots with it? I'm horrible at these things. This is why pants are easy....

More officey is this Gap Sateen Dress. I think it's lovely and springy.


Totally work appropriate for sure! Ok, that could work....

Is this ASOS Midi Dress too much for the office?

 I love the colors!

I'm horrible at what is appropriate and what isn't.

I also hate shaving my legs? Too much info? Sorry.

Do you think I'll actually start wearing dresses or continue to throw on pants and go about my day?

Here's to laziness!!! ;)

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Age Old Question

Am I too old for reversible denim? Here me out.

These jeans are adorable. ADORABLE. And they scream Megan.


I'm drawn to the juniors section at Target. Often I have to remind myself I'm in my 30s. But I love everything. Perhaps it's me trying to hang on to my youth. Or, maybe, it's because I must own these jeans.


See?


How great are these? And only $34.99! That's $34.99 for two pairs of pants. Woo!

Am I too old for them? Please say no.

Actually, please be honest. I can take it.

Would you wear reversible denim or am I stuck in my teenage ways?



Thursday, February 28, 2013

Crazy Prints

Everything in my closest is basic. Sigh.I have such a hard time figuring out what colors go with what. I pair everything with black, white or ivory. I get nervous pairing pattern on pattern. Or, get this, I get the scared to even do black and brown, when I know it's the new trend!

Sometimes I walk into a store and think, "I never in a million years would have thought to pair those colors together!", but then I'm a big fat chicken and can't bring myself to do it.

Like this.

I own a blouse pretty similar to this Alice & Olivia one. It's in the same color palette. I never would have thought to pair it with crazy pants! I'm in love with this! Would I do it? Absolutely not. Do I wish I could? Totally.

I think this is the prettiest dress I've seen in a long time, but am terrified of the pattern!


How do you break out of a fashion rut? And, if you like pattern, what suggestions do you have so I don't look like a crazy person when I try them?

Monday, February 18, 2013

A Few of My Favorite Things....

Since I gave up shopping for Lent I'm dying to buy the following items. However, if they are still around after 40 days and 40 nights, then perhaps I may treat myself for being so successful! That defeats the purpose, right?!

I've never loved anything as much as this Coach Leather Legacy Mini Tanner.


Swoon.

The lemon. It's divine. I'm in love.

This Ark & Co blazer needs to find it's way into my home. STAT. Can I change my Lenten sacrifice? Giving up shopping sucks. :(

This  ASOS Midi Spring Skirt screams warm weather! I want. But I don't want to wait. Le sigh.


Should anyone just happen to order them for me, it's not cheating right? If that's the case, I'm so sending this list to the hubs. :).

What did you give up for Lent? And, have you ever given up shopping? Does it get better as time goes on?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

#vdaymugswap Happy Heart Day!

I love blogging for two reasons. One, it's a great way to get my thoughts out in the open and two, I get to meet some awesome friends! I participated in Caroline and Alissa's #Vdaymugswap and was paired up with Nay. She's simply lovely!


As I said before, Nay is simply lovely. She packed my goodies so pretty, while I just threw them in a box. Eek. Also, I'm a bad blogger because I forgot to take a picture of what I sent her, but again, she's fab and she shows you here! Phew!

So, without further ado Nay got me....

A gorgeous mug that I'm absolutely in love with, some socks which I'm wearing today, a notepad and pens which I have already used and some lollipops which are kitten approved!
Thanks Nay! I love everything! And I'm so glad we got to meet!

Happy Valentine's Day all!


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

#Pinterest Fail

This was my first time having an epic Pinterest fail. Usually I can hit Pinterest up for any recipe and I look like Rachael Ray! Not this time. Le sigh.

This was the illustrious recipe I was trying to re-create.
Source: healthyfoodguide.com.au via MegS on

They look totally different, please note.

It was supposed to be soup. Supposed to be is the key word here, folks. Mine looks like porridge. (Truth, I've never had, nor seen porridge, this was the only reference I could think of).

The recipe consists of:

Instructions

Step 1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until softened. Add potato and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add cauliflower and stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until tender.
Step 2 Meanwhile, fry or grill bacon until crisp.
Step 3 Purée soup in blender (or use a stick blender). When thick and creamy, gently reheat. Add blue cheese and stir through until cheese has melted. Season with pepper, to taste. Garnish with blue cheese, if desired.
Step 4 Spread toast with onion jam and top with bacon. Cut into triangles and serve with soup.

Original ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup full-fat milk
1/2 cup cream
120g blue cheese

What we did

  • Removed the butter, milk and cream
  • Reduced the cheese and salt
  • Increased the cauliflower and stock, and added potato

Traditional version (per serve)

Total energy 1940kJ
Total fat 40g (25g saturated fat)

HFG version (per serve)

Total energy 940kJ (225cal)
Total fat 7.9g (3.6g saturated fat)

Not too shabby, right? And easy enough to make.

For some reason, I got it all wrong. Mine was bland and very cauliflowery. Is that a word? It is now.

I made the hubby some bacon sandwiches to go with, and made caramlized onions, because I haven't a clue what the heck onion jam is. He ended up crumbling the crispy bacon in the soup, because he said it tasted better. Bless his heart.



I wish I could say nom. But I can't. Sad.

Have you ever had a Pinterest fail? Or have you ever had cauliflower blue cheese soup that you loved? If so, I need that recipe, please!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Cadbury Kitten

Remember the Cadbury Bunny auditions?

How funny, right?!

Last night Raven gave us his best bunny impression. He just needs ears and he's got this audition in the bag!

Meow!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Dear Husband

Dear Hubby,

Here's some gifts I'd like for Valentine's Day.

Love, Wifey

Think he'll get the hint??

Here's a post I wrote over at Fantabulously Frugal with a list of my fave Valentine's finds. Enjoy!

With Valentine’s Day being right around the corner, why not direct your sweetie to Etsy to find you the perfect gift(s)? Here’s some of my faves that I couldn’t wait to share with you all! I want any and all these awesome Valentine finds. Enjoy!
Valentine's Day Card 

Of course no Valentine’s Day is complete without an adorable card. This I’ll Always Choose You card is just darling. It’s blank inside, so your sweetie can write you a darling little love note. :)

My husband drinks a boatload of coffee each day. If he were to give me anything telling me that he loved me more than coffee I’d be really impressed.

I love you more than coffee  















 



Each bag is hand stamped in crimson ink with our special coffee
stain heart image, the saying “I love you more than coffee” and
tied in a soft cotton twine. LOVE.
 
heart pullover












I love love love clothes. What girl doesn’t, right?! 
And I love sweatshirts. Especially super soft ones that
are adorable and I can throw on with a pair of jeans.
I need this heart pullover
(Honey, if you are reading this, I’d like a medium, m’kay!?)

 Adorable.

small: 0-4 (21-1/2″ length)
medium: 4-6
large: 8-10
xlarge: 12-14









this garment is preshrunk, wicked soft, has a heathered look and is lightweight. cuffs and hem are banded and fitted, neck is a slight scoop neck. how does it fit? true to size, but size up if you want the full souchy, oversized look.

And, for $36, it’s totally affordable.

And lastly, how precious is this heart ring?!
Do you turn to Etsy for Valentine finds? What has captured your heart?

the heart ring