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35 years and one week exactly.

i got my martini lunch yesterday.

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i know….again with the sweater.
i just really like it. 
i do have other cardigans….i promise.

the martinis were half off.
BONUS.
we missed the fun glasses though.
they didn't have a caramel apple so i got a Pamatini…pomagranite and pineapple….very yummy.

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kimberlee treated me to lunch…a week after we originally planned.
which was perfect because we were both in much better moods than the week before.

we ate a lot.
we stayed longer than anyone else.
we laughed…we teared up…we LAUGHED.

then we hit the GAP and i tried on all the skinny jeans in my size.
because i have to find something to wear with my boots.

girlfriend time is THE best.
it's calming.
validating.
nurishing.
therapuetic.
it's refreshing.

i always….ALWAYS…feel better after time with my girlfriends.
you can't miss out on that.
i don't ever want to.

thanks for lunch and a wonderful day KIMberlee. 

deborah@applesinwonderland - girlfriend time is sooooo necessary. truly. and please keep rockin’ the sweater–i have it in the pink, grey, olive and cream. hello? and some days i rock it with a ruffled shirt. whatever makes you happy, i say. i also say, cheers to 35 and 1 week:)

Heather - My goodness you are beautiful. I always admire the colours you put together. And I NEED me a sweater like that!!!! Damn Target-less Canada.

Melinda - Please stop apologizing for your fantastic sweater….I love that you can even get such a cute sweater at Target and that it is great enough to wear over and over, that’s even better…thanks so much for the peek into your life through your blog..I love it.

Melanie - Skinny jeans? I WISH I could wear skinny jeans! At age 48 and being about 15 lbs overweight with flabby thighs…well, let’s just say that wouldn’t be too attractive in those “young”, tight pants!
That bracelet you have on – the one with the drop of water? I have the same one! Ordered from etsy with proceeds going to build wells in Africa, right?

aimee - i am with you on those cardigans! i swear, i have multiples too. when you find something you like, you know the rule… buy every color!
BEAUTIFUL pic of you!

Amy - I’m in love with my pink ruffle sweater from Target too… wore it yesterday πŸ™‚
Scroll down a tad…
http://thezellerzoo.blogspot.com/2010/10/38-weeks.html
Happy belated Birthday Meg… and thanks for always having something funny, insightful, encouraging, or just plain NORMAL to say almost every day. I love your blog!

danielle - your hair is FABULOUS!

Melanie - Sounds like a great day! I love the sweater so no worries there:)

Lisa - What a nice day, there is nothing like girlfriend time, I so agree! the sweater is darling πŸ˜‰

kat - I love spending time with my girlfriends too! That martini lunch sounded positively divine! Welcome to 35, I just turned 36 and am on the climb to 40…. Yikes!

shauna - i am glad you were born.
how else would i have found the rainbow cake???!
you make the world better.
you are real.
you are funny.
you love people.
you are a good mom.
yep, good call being born.

Kacey - I love the pink cardigan! Glad you finally got your bday lunch and girlfriend time. πŸ™‚

Kari - Food, drinks and a girlfriend – what a fun day! Don’t shame the cardigan… if we were friends I’d raid your closet. You always look so fricken cute! Your clothes, the jewelry … love it all!

Damaris - Happy happy Birthday. I can’t wait to be 35. I think my kids will be potty trained by then and I won’t have to change diapers. Sounds amazing.

Courtney Walsh - I have never had a martini. Or a martini lunch.
I think I need to do this for my 35th in December.
πŸ™‚ Thanks for the idea! Oh, and I have a gray cardigan with ruffles and I LOVE it. I would wear it everyday if it matched my yoga pants.

Kristin S - Oh, the pink cardi.
I say keep it coming.
But every time you post a pic with it, I have returners remorse. I bought and returned it to Target because I have a cardigan problem. Too many!

Nina - girlie…you look fabulous!! I’m late but happy birthday!!

Jen@thecottagenest - Target has a cute skinny jean called the Slouchy Skinny for about $30 that look really cute on even if you aren’t a stick thin girl!

Kimberlee J. - I told you should’ve put lipstick on. I am lipless.

Rach - I agree with you. I don’t get enough of it. I think as a mom it allows you to feel like yourself again… like an individual instead of a parent or a wife. Maybe with all the kids in school now you can make it more of a regular thing. πŸ™‚

Kristin - So true! I just had lunch with an old friend from college this week (toddler-free) and it was just what I needed. πŸ™‚ Glad you were able to enjoy your birthday lunch – even if it was a week later.

Tonya - I think our lunch is way overdue! Miss you lots. Phil read your post and said “she’s hilarious”. I could use a good dose of you in my life right now!

Valerie - You know what?…you crack me up. You’re so fun and it looks like you really enjoyed your 35+one week birthday lunch…good for you and good for girlfriends that care.

merlin - I have never had a martini.
I thought they had olives or am I waaaay out of date/style?
Lunch out, yeah for you. Would you recommend that I try a martini? and what kind?
Maybe you could do an entire post on martinis, you know, for educational purposes.

Amber - Happy belated birthday Meg! I’m so glad you got both the massage and the martini lunch. πŸ˜‰ and I am so in love with rufflie-type-things.

melanie - Your lunch looks amazing! I am quite fond of grapefruit martinis and fun glasses. What a nice way to spend the day. I wish my girlfriends lived closer, but it probably saves me from spending too much money and hangovers – ha!
I once had a pink ruffled cardigan that I wore to shreds. serious. my new cardi of the moment is a consignment find, a JCrew multicolor one. i’m wearing it right now.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I love pasta.
I love Kimberlee’s plaid shirt.
I love the Gap.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - 1. You look beautiful!
2. Ahem, Yay for martinis!
3. I love my friend Meg.

Jessica - old navy has some pretty cute skinny jeans right now. and they are cheaper than gap. i mean i love gap, but i do like a bargain too! happy hunting!

purejoy - you look delightful in your pink ruffly cardigan and your colorful chunky necklace. seriously, you look beautiful, 35!
skinny jeans… sigh. someday.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - happy 35 and one week. too funny. wish i was there. the margarita sounded yummy and i could use a pair of skinny jeans;) happy weekend girlie.

Heather - A good friend is such a beautiful treasure. So glad you’ve got a good friend in Kimberlee.

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Lovely lunch : ) Very relaxing!
Gemma x

brooke - looks like Bella Luna!!!

Karen Lehmann - is that the ruffle cardigan from TARGET? I think i have the same one in, I’ll call it, military green…i had to go up a size and it still seems short – i think thats the style – is yours short too? anyway I got it for a steal ($8?) and i really love it too…
I am ordering a few things from 31 bits this weekend and have been talking to them about having a party here. what a great cause. thank you for bringing it to our attention! πŸ™‚

angie - the sweater…. love it!!! i have it in black and want to go back and get the charcoal grey… it’s super cute!!!! glad you got your lunch!!! happy 35 to you : )

Laura - I need MEG TIME.
glad you got your lunch
and martini
and time with a girlfriend
my turn next…can I borrow that sweater???

Naomi - That photograph of you is beautiful.
35 looks good on you!

Nikki - Happy Birthday (again)….Cheers πŸ™‚
1… I like your pink cardi
2… Lunch looks devine
3… Off to check out Kimberlee’s blog πŸ™‚

Widge - mmmmmmm whatever you guys are eating looks sooooo good. yay for half price martini πŸ˜‰

Sophie - Happy Happy Birthday!

pam - Our 21 year old is CONSUMED by all things ruffle…she would say there is NOTHING wrong with embracing the ruffles. :o)

Trish - I love that sweater, you can wear it everyday if you want to!
Glad you were able to get your birthday lunch.
i just spent an hour reading Kimberlee’s blog. She’s great fun. And those amazing vintage soiree and barn sales that you all have there make me want to move to Kansas…..
hmmm, am I ready to give up Bush Alaska?

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baby fix

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we got the rare opportunity to babysit for mr. levi.
rare because he has lots of family close by so he can always be watched by someone related.

but we got him.  
and it was so much fun for me and my girls to play dress up and baby with levi.

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sean started calling him Pee-vo.
 

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about three months ago i drew a baby for annie.
she went nuts for it.
she asks me every time i sit down near her projects to "make a baby".
sometimes she shouts and jumps "MAKE A BABY!!! MAKE A BABY!"  
(and i look at craig with "can we?" in my eyes….ha!!)

so i drew another baby and then annie colored it in.
that is baby levi…with a sippy cup and a book.

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annie fed him all his cereal and all his applesauce.


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babies love waffle.

i think everyone loves waffle….big dorky fur ball.

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i could squeeze this kid all day long!

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annie got out our board books and read to him her favorites.
shirts are not required for story time around here.

jess….ANYTIME.
we are always able to babysit.
if we are home…the answer is always yes.
      

   

***excellent and wonderful questions yesterday!
wow….i will have fun answering those!  thanks so much!!
 

loapksgh - [url=”http://www.wholesalejerseysleague.com/nba-jerseys?zenid=5078963f2a1df93f92cc8e3f31f6777f”]nfl jerseys league[/url]

Melanie - Did you notice that Waffle is actually LAUGHING in the picture with the baby?? Too cute!
~Melanie
http://www.comfyhouse.blogspot.com

Kelly - love that cutie Levi! So fun when blogs “collide”. Great high chair!! Kelly

Alicia - Those are some sweet baby cheeks! Love it!

Melanie - I could eat him up! I love all those rolls.

alyssa - love annie’s tan lines. classic!

Jess Mead - Cute! Cute! Cute!

Juli - Seriously, what a sweet, mushy, chunka baby. How did you keep from kissing him long enough to hold the camera? Squeeze, kiss, run cheek against hair, smell…repeat.

Kara Janzen - Oh my! I’m so jealous you got to spend a day with Levi! Lucky you! Wish we were closer so we could see that precious boy more often! Hope your family is all doing well! Love keeping up with you on your blog.

ann - What a darling baby! Love those cute little chubby feet!! I can see how your family loves him and why!

katie - looks like another baby would fit right in πŸ˜‰

Vera - Levi is scrumptious!!
Okay, this might be a sign that I blog-stalk you too much… I saw that picture of the globes that you just posted in the Pottery Barn catalog last night and thought of you!

Rachel / cREaTe - laughing at the “can we” eyes. πŸ™‚ ha ha love it. and levi is a little heartbreaker!!!!!

Sarah - Hi Meg! I am new to your blog but LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Found out about it through Matthew Meads Flea Market Issue (he is local to us in NH and I adore him)…I am a mom of 4 ranging in age 13-2 and we are going to be stealing some of your ideas for our very old, but charming New Englander.
Just wanted you to know this 36 year old Mom is finding much inspiration out of your blog and has passed it along to many friends. I have been pouring my early morning coffee and sitting down to you every few days πŸ™‚
Sarah

Stefanie - had no idea you and Jess are friends, so when I popped over to read your post, I was like “its Levi Mac!” πŸ™‚ Too funny. He is stinkin’ adorable.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Cutie patootie!

Kacey - Levi is adorable! I miss babies in my house!

shelley c - Levi is sooo cute! I’m hoping he and Miss Mercy meet up at KSU in the future! πŸ™‚

Lanny Stanard - Hey when did Annie get tattoo’s ? hugs!

sara's art house - What a cutie! I love Annie’s little outfit.

RLG - I want another one, too (conspiratorial smile). Levi looks so happy with your family. Must make his mama feel good to have so many to love on him. xoxo

Jodi - I want a baby Levi too. He’s just too precious.

Lynn - Oh wow, is he adorable! Thanks for sharing that, it put a big smile on my face. πŸ™‚

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - awwww!!
On Monday I was looking thru your September ’08 archives (cause I’ve been meaning to post your Best Ever Chocolate Recipe for 2 days now!), so of course I came across Cora’s photo shoot again.
I think she was just about the age Levi is now, and they look so much alike!!
So special that you got to hang out with him πŸ™‚

Tere - oooooooohhhhhhh, I want a baby too. But I already have 4. And I’m divorced. And I’m 44. Odds aren’t in my favor πŸ™‚
BUT enough about me, great pictures. Levi is a doll baby. You could just squeeze him! And nice drawings on your belly Annie πŸ™‚

Amanda - WELL, maybe we should get our boxing gloves out and we’ll just have to have a little match for the next time Levi’s fam can’t watch him!! Haha, just kidding! Looks like he got lots of love at your house!

Chris - OMG that baby is adorable. Great pics!!

Robyn - I keep up with her blog since I heard about Cora…I continue to read her blog because Levi is SO DARN CUTE! My youngest is almost 9, but he was chunk-syle, like Levi….I just want to grab that baby and eat his chubby legs, you guys are so lucky to get to have him around πŸ™‚
I always enjoy your blog, although I probably shouldn’t be reading while pretending to work πŸ™‚
Robyn from Texas

sarah - How FUN!
Super adorable. I love how much annie seems to adore him πŸ™‚
and his excitement over waffle.

amy jupin - too cute for words.
the rolls, the chub, the grins…
officially glad john is on travel this week!

jenni@talkinghairdryer - The “make a baby” chant had me cracking up!

purejoy - so adorable. i think waffles likes babies too. your dorky dog smiles all the time.
my ovaries ache. and i thought they were all dried up like discarded craisins.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - He’s a doll and I loved the little baby you drew for Annie. I haven’t held a baby in so long. There seriously is a chemical reaction that happens when you smell them in and feel their soft chubby skin. I’m almost getting my fix just reading your post. Loved it!

kat - Levi is so cute! I have enjoyed seeing him grow over the last few months on Jess’ blog. Your kids look adorable playing with him. I think it’s hilarious that Waffle always seems to be smiling when he has his picture taken. Love all of it!

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe - So sweet!! We had some good friends that used to live in the area when our eldest was just a baby. – Their kids are older and they absolutely loved to have him come over so they could fawn over him. Even though my sweetie is now 5, our friends will still refer to him as ‘baby’ Owen because that’s just how they remember him. πŸ™‚

Chaos-Jamie - I saw that baby drawing and thought “Dang, she is talented. She draws just like her mom used to…” HA! Glad you clarified.

katie - i love that dof of yours!!! he is sso stinkin cute!! so is mr. levi,,,, he is so squishy!!!

Celia - Oh my goodness. This baby is so cute…. I think we’ll start trying for #2….. hahahaha! Adorable!

angie128 - I. Love. That. Dog.
And he totally smiles for the pictures. Which completely cracks me up.

Rebecca - what kind of dog is waffle? love him! the hubs and i have been discussing adding another dog so our sweet Jazz can have a friend.

Julie - He is very cute! It’s not me who needs a baby fix every-now-and-then ~ my kids do! They want another sibling and they’re not going to get one, so yes, they need a baby fix every now and then. Mr. Levi would do just fine ~ he seems so cute and content!!! Sweet baby!

cindy mandernach - that wicker high chair is amazing!!!!!! is it antique??? he is a really cute baby and it looks like he won EVERYONE over..

Michelle - Australia - I saw the pic of Levi and thought Jess had posted some more Levi pics. Isn’t he A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E??? And then I realised Levi was on your website and not on The Macs. Lovely to see him and it looks like you ALL had a wonderful time.

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - So cute and very squeezable!!! Waffle looks like he’s smiling for the camera πŸ™‚
Gemma x

Kat - PPS How old is Levi?

Kat - He is so cute my ovaries hurt!
Our baby is now 20 months and usually I am pregnant already with the next bub, so it is very strange to not be having another πŸ™
We have four and are already run off our feet.
Plus my baby still does not sleep through the night at 20 months, so I am completely exhausted every day.
Otherwise I “may” consider just one more πŸ˜‰
Looks like he was enjoyed by your entire family. (even Waffle!)
Cute, cute, cute!
Ps what was Craig’s answer to the “can we?” question?

Nikki - Levi is so cute! My kids love babysitting their little cousins… it’s nice to have litlle ones around the house… BUT it’s also nice to hand them back tired and over stimulated πŸ˜‰

Dana@Bungalow'56 - Megan,
I always forget how much the older kids love having a baby around. We haven’t been around an itty bitty one for a long time and my seven year old is missing out. I will be off to find some poor mother off the street who looks haggard and undoubtedly needs a rest. ~The Bungalow’s to the rescue~ Thanks for the post, this has really got me thinking.
Dana

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block party

my kids have been waiting all summer for this day.
they couldn't wait to put up the barricades and block off our street.
all the kids on our block rode their bikes in the street all day.
they love that freedom.

we partied on friday instead of the 4th and thank goodness we did.
it's been raining all day long here.
 

i have a ton of pictures…
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russ and jennifer bring out the bonzai falls.
it's the kid's favorite part of the day.
they were on it for about four straight hours.
 
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we call this the firecracker walk.
the kids go around the circle and when the music stops we draw a number
and if it's the number they are on
 they get to pick a prize from miss amy's bucket of kids firecrackers.

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finally her number was called.  
so funny.
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water balloon toss.

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the men of the block working the grills.
the one is red is quite handsome i must say….especially his hat.
 

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we had PLENTY to eat.
i ate way too much.
it was all really good….rhonda's salsa was SO good…i need her to make me a huge bowl.

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um……..gross.

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the other miss amy made sidewalk chalk paint.
the street was so pretty.
i am going to make some more of that here too.

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there was a weird app on russ's phone that makes you look fat…..whatever.

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it was a great party.
annie wanted to go to bed before the big fireworks.
i went in and laid down with her…when i woke up she was asleep and the big fireworks were done.
     

i missed them too.

after we cleaned everything up in the dark at midnight we had our annual adult water balloon fight.
it's a tradition.
this year was very tame.
i think because russ and cory went in early.
next party….we are gunnin' for both of you…the cooler is getting dumped on them and not amy.

way to go neighbors.
our block party was super-great…..like we used to say in cheer.

(miss amy #1 ….blogged it here)
(miss amy #2 ….blogged it here)

Denise - Your oldest son has the best smile! Looks like y’all had a great time.
Denise

Carol - Your block party looks absolutely amazing! Where I live, no one ever comes out of their homes. It must be nice to have an entire block participate in something. I’d like to know how to make the sidewalk chalk paint, too!!

Aaron Greenwood - I totally love your neighborhood.
can I join??
It looks AMAZING!!!
you lucky girl……

Amber - oh i used to have block parties but now that i am in a new home i don’t know the neighbors yet. πŸ˜‰ p.s. lauren is so pretty! i love her style.

hattie - Looks like sooooo much fun! I want to live on y’all block!

Martina - WOW! Really great party! πŸ™‚

Jessica @ One Shiny Star - I love your neighborhood! Neighborhoods like that don’t exist where I’m from… just really packed suburbia, or really empty rural areas. lol. Looks like fun!

Musings Of A Gem - Hey Meg!
I love your block parties…love the community you live in..seems so welcoming : )
Hope you all had a great 4th of July : )
Gemma X

Courtney - That looks like so much fun. Your kids will have memories they can tell their kids.

Rachel @ Pencil Shavings - Ooh, I must know what sidewalk chalk paint is!

Melanie - Looks like you had a great time. I love Annie’s face in that photo where her number was called. She always looks so happy!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - The pic of Annie’s expression when she won is just priceless!
And, that Lauren- she just gets more and more beautiful!
I’m ready to move to your neighborhood now!
But, I don’t think I can convince my Superman to move πŸ™

Jill - How fun! We’re very blessed to have great neighbors too, sure makes summer fun!

Kathryn Goertzen - What great fun! One question though . . . they let you close off First Street???

the inadvertent farmer - It is on the 4th of July that I miss living in a close knit neighborhood as opposed to a farm in the boonies!
Great post…Americana at its best! Kim

Dana@Bungalow'56 - We had a great Canada Day too. I couldn’t stop myself and posted way too many pictures. That water slide looks like the BEST! You live in such a wonderful community. Makes me a little jealous. But in a good way.
Dana

Juli - Oh man, that looks SO fun! I called my hubby into the room prefacing it with, “you know that family I’m always telling you about in Kansas?”
His response: “Yeah, I am pretty sure I know which you’re referring to since you talk about them near daily. I think I know all their kids names too!”
I showed him the photos and he said that this is what he’s been trying to tell me all along, that life is better in the Midwest. He grew up in a little town- Caledonia, IL.

amy j. - Great pictures! I love the one of Lawson and Annie on the Bonzai! Remind me to stay away from Russ and his phone. Or maybe I can pretend that you used that app on the pictures of me here? πŸ™‚ That’s it. I’m not that fat in real life, am I?

Lisa - I enjoyed all the pictures from your block party…that looks so fun. I would love to live in your neighborhood, I think I’d fit right in…Although I love CA and my house here, I sometimes dream of moving to a Mid-Western or East Coast small town and living in a neighborhood filled w/ old homes.
p.s. Lauren is such a beautiful girl!

Margo - I am so jealous of your block parties! Some of my friends used to live on your block and they told me all about them – more neighborhoods need to have those parties!

Holly - That looks like a lot of fun!

Stefanie - Are there any houses for sale on your block?!?

Juli - Wonderful post! Found myself wishing there were more photos of your neighbors’ houses. They look so homey and inviting, and many of them seem to have a wonderful front porch. Would you take some photos of them, pretty please?

Lisa K - I can pretty much delete the rest of the blogs from the list in my sidebar. I just need my daily dose of your sweetness, your great pictures, your happy colorful life. I’m putting my house on the market and moving to Kansas now πŸ™‚

Bec - The neighborhood I grew up in was shaped like a horseshoe and had a huge field behind it so our block parties were massive. Now there aren’t any kids left and the block parties have stopped. Hopefully someday my husband and I can find a neighborhood that’s willing to party πŸ™‚

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe - F U N!!! can I come live in your ‘hood? πŸ™‚

Jessica - i want to live on your block!

Michelle Whitlow - How fun!!! I love block parties. They seemed to be much more common when I lived in MI but I haven’t really seen anything like that here in GA. Maybe I need to start a new tradition down here!

Krista - Looks like it was a blast! Love the photo of airborne Annie coming down the water slide! Also, saw your patriotic plaid dress on Amy’s blog– love, love love it!

Sana - yes, i’m coming over, too. i’ll bring my famous tuna salad.

shelly @familyblt - Looks like sososo much fun! Your neighbors look like lots of fun!

tami - You guys looked like you had a ball! Summertime fun!

Monica - Please send directions to your neighborhood. I’m moving there immediately!!
How much fun! πŸ™‚

mindi jo - Love your blog! This is my first time commenting, but I just had to when I saw on miss amy #1’s blog that we wore the same dress to celebrate the 4th! Great taste πŸ™‚ Looks like a great time. I’ll have to get some of that sidewalk paint for my girls!

Jill Loy - That rocks! Thank you for sharing. We are going to have to make that chalk paint very soon!

Kimberlee J. - What fun! Both of my girls were asleep by 8:15!

Mansi - Food looked gr8..what did you cook?

Peggyrice@gmail.com - Looks like so much fun! Love the firecracker walk.

april - Did I see peanut butter pie?? lols…I won a raffle at our citys 4th of July carnival…won a fly pen and leap frog….your pics were great!! Block parties are the best!!!But where were you in all the pics??? lols

Heather Lea - looks like one fun neighborhood, makes me almost wish we knew our neighbors…..almost.

leslie - oh man that food looked so good…especially some strawberry layered stuff wrapped in plastic…

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Dude! That is awesome.
That’s it. I’m coming over. Then moving to Kansas.
Wait.. I mean, moving to Kansas, then coming over.
I’ll bring cake. Promise.
K? K. πŸ™‚

amy d - how is it that the person who fills all the water balloons always gets the cooler dumped on them????
that picture of lawson and annie is HILARIOUS!!!!!!! craig and i laughed for ever about it!
miley and talby…umm, wow that was a super smooch!
I heart our awesome block!

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Pam’s Cheesecake

i have this friend Pam.
she took me to africa with her….we text everyday…she makes so much good food it’s unreal.
she made this cheesecake for a party at my house.
i can’t even describe it.

words can’t describe how i feel about this cheesecake.
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she
created it.
she worked with ingredients from scratch…for years…and CREATED it.
i mean seriously…who does that?

PAM does.
and she agreed to let me blog it.
with pictures.
you are such lucky readers!

here goes…

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you need these goodies.
4 packages of cream cheese.
i told you it was good.
Β 
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put fudge stripe cookies in a big ziploc bag.
and smash them up.
Β 

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add melted butter and sugar to the cookies in the bag.
Β 

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and smoosh it all into a spring form pan.

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microwave the cream cheese 1 – 2 minutes.
then blend it in your mixer.
Β 

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with all the other ingredients too.

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is that not the prettiest thing you have ever seen?!

you bake it for 45 – 50 minutes at 350.
take it out of your oven (try not to cry about the perfection you about to enjoy…)
leave it in the pan.
let it cool.
then put it in the refrigerator or freezer….you could even leave it overnight.

but that is crazy talk…who would wait a whole day to eat this?!
Β 

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then pam taught me how to make homemade whipped cream.

it is so easy.

you put whipping cream in a mixing bowl…and mix it.
that is it.
um…..DUH.
why didn’t i know that?!
Β Β 


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pam, the way you cook and bake is an art form.
you are awesome.
i love this cheesecake.
Β 
Β 

Please leave pam some love on her blog today.
she deserves it.

love you pam!
Β 

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Sally - Quick question – what size pan do you use? 8″? 9″?
Also, what size sour cream – 8oz or 16oz – this picture you posted looks like 16oz but the recipe says a small tub.
Thank you SO Much!

qasb - sorry but can u give me the exact measurements? ounces?

Katie - What are the specific ingredient amounts or is this not meant to be a shared recipe? I’m confused?

Melia - I am curious as to the measurements of all the ingredients, and what exactly is needed. It looks so delicious, but I want to make sure I have everything correct!

ginny - what size springform pan? i have a box with 3 of them in it. please and thank you!!!

Ola - I’m sorry but could you list the ingredients somewhere, I am not from the States so I might need to substitute some and I also don’t know the amount πŸ™‚ Thanks! This looks delicious and I want to try it for our anniversary.

TonyaElise - Question for your friend Pam: I LOVE this cheesecake! But every time I make it, it cracks when it cools. I was wondering if hers cracked too, or if she knew a secret to keep it from cracking down the middle. Crack or no crack, still the BEST cheesecake EVER! Thank so much for sharing the recipe!

Amanda - Found this from Joy’s Hope, and I am upset that I have no reason to make cheesecake in the near future!

Jessica - Okay, Meg (and Pam), I made this two weeks ago and my husband and friends think I am amazing now that I know how to make cheesecake. THIS cheesecake. Even my MIL was impressed. It was so easy. I am so glad my first cheesecake was this one.
I will be laminating the recipe (actually have to print a new one b/c one of our friends read it and wrote on it, “YES!!! Make for C.J.” Ha ha. Or maybe I’ll just leave it as is. Thanks to both of you for sharing and making me look good. πŸ™‚

teresa - i made it for father’s day…it was yummy beautiful!

Alaina - Meg~ When you say a small sour cream, do you mean the regular 16 oz size (can’t see the size in the pic), or the 8 oz? I’m in the middle of making this recipe and am a little confused. Hope to hear soon. It looks so divine! Thanks for sharing.

Em @ Bunch of Scrap - Back to report that I made the cheesecake, it sat overnight… I about died not being able to eat it right away but we FINALLY got to try it last nigt…. OMG you are right! The BEST ever! My hubby wants it as his birthday cake now! Thank you Pam for perfecting this over the YEARS… wow, YUMMY!

Michelle Whitlow - I made this recipes. SO YUM!!! And my daughter is in love with it πŸ™‚

got2havefaith - fudge striped cookies as the crust…she is a GENIUS!

Cassie - it’s baking in the over RIGHT NOW. πŸ™‚
so excited! i’m bringing it to a b-day party tomorrow.
love you.
love pam.
and i love this cheesecake, too. πŸ™‚

Elise - Between you and Julie, y’all are trying to make us all fat{er, in my case}. That looks so good…Seriously gonna have to try this!!
Elise

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Holy yowza.
ps – Matt Seracen made me cry last night.

Julie - wants.
now.

amy d - YUM!!! hoping this will be served at a upcoming block party!
(hint, hint πŸ™‚

amy jupin - oh holy hell.
this looks good.
i will be making this soon!

kristine - oh and btw you mentioned that you text everyday, and wasn’t getting a phone with texting on your bday list of things to do?!??! hooray for you!

kristine - what i love about pam is that she **let her hair down** to frost it (or whatever a topping on cheesecake is called). she’s adorable and her blog is hilarious and beautifully filled with baked goods. thanks for sharing and btw she got a lot of hits via you. nice props πŸ™‚

Tracy Fisher - OMG (yes, I got that from my 13 yr. old)… I can’t wait to make this. Yum! By the way, do you know what I made up for my texting friends? LGTFAGOWAG (…it means Let’s Get Together For A Glass Of Wine And Giggles). Don’t tell my 13 yr. old!
Tracy
p.s. you should write a cookbook! I’d buy it in a heart beat πŸ™‚

The Lady of the House - Nummy Num! Num! Thanks Pam! & Meg πŸ™‚

{beth} - this looks AMAZING! …and I am not even a cheesecake person.

ann - You should really be arrested for posting that. That looks deadly good!

emily b - Umm, I need some of that right now… but I need to pack and do laundry… baking a cheesecake probably won’t be a part of trip preparations… I’m in a quandry!
Oh, flash of brilliance! I WILL make it when we get home, and that will be my happy thought as we make the somewhat depressing drive home from the mountains next week.
Thank you for sharing!

Logan - Oh dear mercy……That is beautiful and it is those Fudge Stripe cookies that caught my eye first!!! My grandmother is the only person I have ever known that bought Fudge Stripe cookies and it was such a treat to have them at her house. I am going to make this as soon as I buy a spring form pan. Amazing!!!

Karina - I could just about swim in freshly whipped cream. I add a little icing sugar and vanilla. Do be careful not to over-whip it, or you’ll end up with butter. (Yummy butter, but still no longer whipped cream.)
Someone mentioned having cheesecake as their wedding cake. My husband is lucky I didn’t marry a cheesecake – I love it almost that much.
Do I take it your ban on sugar is over? LOL.

Jocelyn Stott - Making…this…soon. YUM! And yes, homemade whipped cream is the only way to go.

Courtney Walsh - I confess I only recently made homemade whipped cream too! I used whipping cream, sugar and vanilla for mine. it is ridiculous. This looks amazing!! Wish it was gluten free! lol πŸ™‚

tara pollard pakosta - cannot wait to try this out!
what a GREAT friend!
tara

Tam - fudge stripe cookies for a crust-genius! I can’t wait to try it, thanks for sharing the recipe.

Sandy - You had me at the fudge stripe cookies!
I think I’ll make this and surprise everyone at my nephew’s graduation party on Sunday. Yum.

`Kelly - Oh my word. That just made me day.

Amy Aspiras - Looks SO light and fluffy….and that crust…genius! Thanks for sharing.

shelly - Thanks for sharing, looks delish!

Staci - Oh mannnnn….this is going to be the death of me πŸ™‚ Fudge-striped cookies….cheesecake….TOGETHER….yup, I’m dead πŸ™ Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚ Gonna go show Pam some love now πŸ™‚

Sharla - Thanks for sharing!

Janine - Sounds like a good recipe for New York style cheesecake. I will have to try this one. My dad and my friend make an amazing cheesecake like this, and while not checking the measurements this is pretty much their recipes. I love the cookie crust idea instead of regular old graham crackers. Did she bake it in a water bath? Oh and here’s a tip – try vanilla extract and lemon zest for a different flavor. OMG so yummy. You can also just let the cream cheese come to room temp instead of microwaving it but maybe the microwaving makes it smoother. I’ll have to try that. Thanks for a new variation on an old classic!

Tess S. - this looks so good. soooo good!
extra tip for whipped cream… add a little sugar and vanilla extract. YUM!

Carrie - SO glad you learned the art of homemade whipped cream. It is so so good. I hope my friends don’t read this today – they think it is amazing that I make homemade whipped cream. Now they will know how easy it is. πŸ™‚

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - What are you doing to me Meg and Pam?? I want cheesecake so bad now it hurts!!!

Micah - Oh my goodness. I can’t WAIT to try this!!! I love how you used fat free sour cream – to counter act all the other fat? Ha!

Kimberlee J. - I was trying to figure out what to make for family coming to town this weekend—I think this it!

Shana - i love you too pam!

Casey - I don’t care for cheesecake normally, but this looks divine! Might just have to add it to my list.

Lisa - mmm now this does look good. Im wondering… 4 blocks of cream cheese equates to how many grams? We cant buy it in blocks over here, its tubs all the way.
xxx

pam - We made your Restaurant Margaritas and we just about died they were so amazing. Your taste buds hit it dead on with the Margaritas….we’ll try this and see. :o)

Amy Lynne - Ya, well, I think I’ll be making this today! We LOVE cheesecake. In fact we had cheesecake for our wedding cake!

Jill - Oh boy, I’m reading this and it’s 7:30 in the morning, and I really want to make it RIGHT NOW!

Michelle - Amazing. Truly amazing. We live in Australia. Think Pam would mind whipping (pun fully intended!) one up and sending it to us? Oh yes, it might not travel well in the post πŸ™‚ Seriously, it looks divine. Thanks for sharing.

Jeannette - This looks so yummy, ever at 6:45 in the morning!!! Is there really a timeframe on when you can eat dessert, I think not :o)
thanks Pam for letting Meg share this with everyone, now I am off to Wally World to buy the ingredients. Hmmmm maybe I better wait until my 4 year old gets up.

Gemma - OMG Megan I can’t believe you didn’t know how to make whipping cream…you’re S0 FUNNY!
Cheese cake looks yummy btw : )
Gemma X
http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/

Julie - I LOVE cheesecake. It is my favorite dessert. If this is the BEST cheesecake EVER in the history of cheesecake, then I HAVE to try it! Thanks Pam and Meg for sharing!!

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chicago

my friend turned 40.
that meant it was time for a road trip.
girls weekend.
beautiful hotel…shopping….laughing….talking for four days straight.
wine and martinis…desserts and coffee…amazing food.
the flea market…ikea…michigan ave.
and more coffee and more wine and more laughing.
make-overs…friend photo sessions…late night movie cuddled up in our cozy beds.
 

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this was the view from our room…on michigan avenue.
that white round building is crate and barrel.  
four stories of it.
my favorite.
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my favorite "room" at crate and barrel.

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i love that picture pam.  :)
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the flowers were gorgeous!!
and they were every where we looked.
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our hotel was the middle building…we were just at the part where it angles in.

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people 50 most beautiful was out and we were on the hunt for it the whole drive
but it was found at a news stand.
(we don't have news stands in kansas….exciting stuff for country girls)
         


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pam and i got makeovers…and i bought "grown up" skin care since i am a grown up.
pam looked fabulous!
it's amazing how good we girls feel with new lipstick…isn't it?! 

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M Burger…across from our hotel.
very yummy.
super nice staff.
mmmmmm.

Meg
these are two from MY photo session…in our room by the window.

it was fun.
we were each laughing so hard…it's HARD to get your picture taken.
i don't like it.
i have a new sympathy for all of you when i stick the camera in your face.
 

Meg2
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girl time.
it is neccessary for me to recharge…relax…feel renewed.
i come home and i feel like a new woman.
ready to be a good mom.
ready to be a good wife.
my cup is full.


we didn't even listen to music but maybe 30 minutes on our 20+ hours in the car.
just talking.
about dreams, hopes, concerns, fears and everything in between.
there was not one possible topic we did not discuss at great length.

oh…and we went running on lake shore drive!
so cool.

happy 4oth jana.

La Tempete - Looks like you had a great time! Gotta love Girls’ Weekends (they need capital letters, those words IMO) ;p

susie whyte - how fun! love the walgreens shot. that is so cute!

Jen - What a fun trip! Meg, you are beautiful, inside and out! πŸ™‚

Kristi - You are BEAUTIFUL! And I love your hair!! I sooooo need a change! I’m a hot roller, big hair girl. I need to break away! Thanks for posting about your fun weekend, it looked divine! πŸ™‚
Kristi

Lucy - I was scrolling down the photos, and when I saw that first portrait of you I thought “wow… that woman is so beautiful.”
So jealous of that trip, too πŸ™‚ Someday, someday. When we’re not all drowned in work. Ah, that would be lovely.

Rach - I love your outings. So fun! And ha ha ha… I just bought grown up moisturizer for the first time too and I am 37… eek.
Glad you ladies had so much fun.

Queen Bee - I am so envious. I envision girl’s trips like that in my future. They make life happier.
But I have to disagree on the Barefoot Moscato. I dislike Barefoot but love Moscato. Barefoot is too sweet… but then again, I was having it with a meal. As a stand alone, I’d probably like it and should try it again.
The second picture of you is beautiful. I adore it.

Meg - meg, what hotel did you stay at? i’m planning a long weekend get away in chicago with the hubs and that room looks gorgeous!

kristine - so fun. i miss chicago! and i love that you said your cup is full! how great for you and how inspiring to both make it happen AND recognize when it does! xo

Marie - Waouhhhhhhh , comment ne pas rΓͺver des Etats unis avec un tel reportage photos!!!

Kellie Dugan - That is the hairstyle for you! Now, can you find mine? I need something that makes me look 10 yrs younger? Or is it the combonation of the hair and the running? Would walking on a treadmill work?:) I am so proud of you! You inspire me. I am glad you and your girls had a great trip. I so need one!!!!!! I can’t wait to get my “4” shirt. My baby is turning 4????? Where did the time go?

Molly - Oh this looks like so much fun. I can’t wait till I can escape for a weekend with friends like this! Its def necessary!
Molly
http://www.mypeaceoflove.com

Beka - How wonderful!
I am SO going to do that 21 years from now with my best friend. That would be awesome:)

melissa - Chicago is SO MUCH FUN!!!
I love Chicago!
I love American Girl–even though my first daughter is only 1 year old!
I love Tiramasu!
I love Tulips!
I love wine!
I loved this post!!!!
Melissa

Micah - I never thought turning 40 could be so fun!!! This looks like a blast! I turn 30 this year. I wonder if I could talk my girls into going with me πŸ˜€

Tracy - We just got back from a weekend away with our new “teenagers”… We took our daughters to this amazing resort in Washington state (Alderbrook Resort). We will be blogging about it later this week on http://www.liveitupalittle.blogspot.com (and my own personal blog http://www.lifeisjustplainfun.blogspot.com). After reading your story I am inspired to grab the older girls (us… 40’s) and get away… especially to a hotel with beds with crisp white linens and soft white towels and robes…. and a good burger joint next door! We should have just joined you guys!!! πŸ™‚ Thanks for reminding me to make myself a priority once in awhile. Tracy (www.tfisherart.com)

tami reed - Im all for girl get a ways! Have one coming up next week!

Jana - It was the best.

Jennifer - Looks like you had perfect weather! What fun! And the pictures of you were gorgeous. πŸ™‚

Karen Gerstenberger - You look beautiful, happy and relaxed! What a great birthday (and Mother’s Day) gift!

Nina Diane - just sounds like so much fun. And Meg, you just look beautiful. I think I commented before on your new haircut but again, it looks fabulous!!

Julie - Looks like a lot of fun! The pics of you are great! You look recharged and beautiful!

virginia - meg you look so pretty!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh wow! I LOVE Chicago – where my BFF lived until just recently. Great city!
Your photos are amazing, beautiful!!!

Sharla - Looks like fun! And those tulips are amazing. . . .

jennifer - GOOD FOR YOU! You all look so cute – love, LOVE your hair!

Nicole Q. - I am so jealous . . . I’m in need of that exact trip!!! So glad you had a smashing good time!!!!!!

Kelly - ooh … what a great girl trip!
http://www.kellyloves.wordpress.coom

Meaghan - Great photos! You made me miss Chicago so much (used to live near there and go all the time). I love how they have flowers right in the middle of the big city! Glad you had a great time with your friends, they are so important.

Just Barb - Looks like so much fun. We were in Chicago two weeks ago, and I was so impressed with the flowers. You’re right: they were everywhere.

Elisa - you are beautiful

sharron - Your new hair looks so chic and you just look so fresh!!!
Love it!!!
The weekend also looked fabulous!!!
Yall will LOVE Origins..it is the best and smells so good too!!!
Thanks for sharing the sights and food..tee hee of Chicago!!

kristin - oh, i’m happy for you guys. i don’t know what i would do without my yearly girl weekend full of all this goodness.
i recognize chicago and it looks so cozy.

ann - Wow looks like so much fun! I’ve never done anything like that. You are lucky to have such fun friends! Your pictures are awesome. Makes me feel like I came along! Your new “do” is so adorable. Thanks for sharing.

Gemma - Looks like you had an AMAZING time! A girly weekend sounds wonderful…the pictures of you are beautiful btw : )
Gemma http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/
X

Christina - What a great time! I just had a similar trip…and now the reality is sinking back in. I have a hard time adjusting back to regular life!
And you should NOT hate to have your picture taken…you are so beautiful!
I just started using grown up skin care products, too. haha I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m kind of upset that it’s working…that means I needed it. πŸ™‚

AshleyAnn - Someday my feet will walk the streets of Chicago…looks like a perfect weekend. Great shot of you…

Jonelle - Megan, you are (still) so beautiful!!

peta - my word you packed some things in to that trip!! what a great time. girls weekends seem a distant memory – i should organise one!
origins skincare is delightful, and i love your photo session photos!

Melissa Gruber - what a fun trip and great pictures…it makes me miss chicago and my dear friend who lives there…hoping to make a visit this fall.

Carol S. - FABULOUS PHOTOS! I fondly recall MY (hometown) Chicago girls weekend 7 (gasp) years ago! We laughed so hard. It was in the fall and we all bought boots after we saw everyone downtown in stylish leather boots. Still have ’em. Deep sigh…you’re a happy looking bunch and so blessed to be able to getaway together. Enjoy!

Sara - Looks like a perfect girly weekend! I had one with my mom and sis a couple of weekends ago. So refreshing.
Chicago has the best flowers and landscaping, in my humble opinion. But I live here, so I’m partial! I love driving into work when the tulips are in bloom. Never get tired of it.
Next time you are in town, check out Block 37 (State and Randolph..across from Fields…err..Macys). Tons of great stuff (Anthro, L’Occitane, Zara, etc.) and very little traffic (yet). It’s like a little treasure.

Melanie - Sounds like you had a great trip. Beautiful pictures too.

Tasha - I was just in the city a week ago! Took some of the same pics as you…tulips and by the river…glad to see you enjoyed it!

Christy Henderson - Looks like a great trip! Love the pizza & moscato shot! Good times! And a great photo of you!

Jaimie - looks sooo fun! i LOVE chicago!

Kristi - that looks like so much fun!
and those pictures of you are great!
lucky you!

Jill J - This looks like SO MUCH FUN! I totally want to do this with my girlfriends.
And you look gorgeous!

DreamGirlLisa - That picture of you is so cute! What a fun weekend, I am so jealous, I need a weekend like that in a big way…right now I’d be happy for even an evening out w/ my two besties. I forgot to let you know I linked to your blog…it’s very positive, hope it’s ok πŸ™‚

smileymom - Awww… this post made me cry! (In a good way… kind of….) You are so lucky to have such great girlfriends and to do things like that with them. I know you know that. I’ve always wanted girlfriends to do that kind of stuff with. And I LOVE your hair! And your pictures are fabulous. What a great time.

Laura Phelps - I knew it.
Should have had YOU plan my 40th.

Carla - Great pictures of you. LOVE your hair! Looks like a fun time with your friends. Good idea for my 40th (coming soon).

Ashley Chandler - What fun! I love Origins Cheeks and Balances; I bet you will too. And your eyes are amazing. I can see a bit of you in each of your children (some more than others).

Kimberlee J. - Loved every picture. I almost feel like I got to go along. Can’t wait to hear more stories from your time away.
Funny… I just read “other Jost’s” and realized who T was talking about. πŸ™‚
LOVE the pics of you, too. So glad you did that b.c. I was getting ready to tell you that I was coming to your house to do a photo shoot of you!

Messy@Bungalow'56 - This made me want a girl’s weekend in the worst way. Two years ago i went to Vegas for shopping and more shopping, but your weekend looked a bit less glitzy and more relaxing.
thanks for sharing,
Dana
Can’t wait to see what you’re doing with the house.

Rebekah - LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!!

Cassie - so fun!!! you girls r beautiful! πŸ™‚

Naomi - That looks like the perfect break.
I was in Chicago in January of last year (which might not seem like much but I’m from Ireland!) so all my photos from my time are snow-filled and we’re all wrapped up in many layers!
Glad to got to recharge πŸ™‚

Taryn - Ok, as i look at pics of you, Meg, (which i don’t get to see very often)i swear you have hardly aged since high school….beautiful! Side note…..i’m not much of a wine drinker, wish i was, just have never really loved the taste….until one evening at Olive Garden when we tried a Moscato…..i’m a true lover! This summer with the other Josts, let’s add that to the fun!:)

Emily@remodelingthislife - You look beautiful. I know it’s been a bit since you got the haircut, but I tend to get feeling like when someone gets so many comments they all blend in so why bother. But I guess I am bothering today. To tell you you look really lovely and looks like you had a great time.

Christy - What an awesome time! Looks & sounds like everyone enjoyed themselves.
Love the pics & the new do. Super cute.

Trish O - I was in Chicago on a Girls Weekend last weekend too. how funny.

Staci - I’m so jealous πŸ™‚ I need a Girl’s Weekend very sooon!!! My hubby has been gone since last Thursday…gets home tonight…and I will be a super happy girl πŸ™‚ It’s always so good to get away and JUST TALK GIRL TALK!!!!! Especially when the getaway is in Chicago πŸ™‚ I’m glad you are rejuvenated! That pic of you is just beautiful πŸ˜‰

Sarah@Clover Lane - You look SO good in those pictures!
I love all the pics…especially the food ones…those of course are my favorites.

Erin from Skoots and Cuddles - glad you had a wonderful trip. although i live just outside chicago and it always feels like a vacation when i make that 1/2 drive!

katy - Looks like fun and I want to let you know that I love your new haircut! I know you called it a mom-cut, but I think it makes you look younger! πŸ™‚

shelly - Looks like a blast—love the new do!!! I think we stayed at the same hotel last fall when we had a girl’s weekend! Love the flowers–crate and barrel is awesome (did you go into CB2?)

Julie - oh my word, i love this!!! and…tiramisu??? my favorite. what a great weekend.

Dana Banana - Looks like so much fun! The pics of you are adorable.

jeanne - Sounds like an amazing weekend!!!

sarah - Looks like so much fun!!
And those two pictures of you are beautiful.
You are definitely rockin that HOT mama hair! πŸ™‚

Cheryl @ a pretty cool life. - Best city in the world! πŸ™‚
Which flea market did you go to??

Nancy M - Moscato is my favorite wine, so sweet and yummy β™₯

Courtney Walsh - awww, so fun!! πŸ™‚ Love it! Every time I read about one of your girls’ weekends I get so jealous and intend to plan one for myself…but I never do! Maybe this time I will follow through! πŸ™‚
Great pics!!

Bec - I haven’t been able to go to Chicago for years now that I live a little farther away- I miss it! My mom and I used to go in once a year for make overs just so we’d have an excuse to buy new make up!

Amanda - no way is Jana 40!!! Hmmm, so 2011 is the year for turning 30 (for some of us) – maybe we should take a Chicago trip! Looks like TONS of fun!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - You and your sassy new cut…lookin’ spiffy:) Love all the pics. The one of all of you on the surveilance video cracked me up!

alyssa - what a fun thing to do. I love Chicago.

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sorry for my absence…

but chicago jenny is here.
and we are talking.
and talking.

and talking.

we got to go out last night….it was so fun!
we ate steak.  and saw the valentine's day movie.  and TALKED.
tonight we are hanging out at home.
and making that cheesecake i ate last week.

she's a bad influence on me.
HA!

these are my favorite pics of us.
ever.
they are from 2007.

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back when i used to get french manicures.
and i need to get rid of that sweater…i still have it.
it wasn't that nice to begin with.

i love to laugh that hard.  
like seriously LOVE laughing.
 

i'll be back on monday.
i have SO MUCH to share with you about africa, sugar, and something very cool.

have a fabulous weekend! 


  

Juli - You are really beautiful when you laugh. You’re pretty otherwise but especially beautiful when you laugh.

Toddler Boy clothing - SOoo lucky! I’m jealous have a fantastic time out there!

Lacy Brauner - I get together with Houston Tracy once a week, bc Suburb Lacy needs a good laugh and adult conversation! haha!

Lisa - I love your photos as a blog…I am INSPIRED! Thank you.

Kimberlee J. - I forgot Jenny was there! So fun!

chasity - sounds like a perfectly wonderful way to spend the weekend~

Kim - Hi Meg!
I’ve followed your blog for awhile. I’m a SAHM and I started reading your blog when I was a few months along with my second child, who just turned one. I love how you don’t filter out the not so pretty stuff. The not so perfect pictures, The day to day events (good or bad ) of raising children etc. You just write a really genuine blog.
I love your coloful personality and the home you created. Its warm and inviting and shows off the spirit of your family.

Julie - Enjoy your girl time! I’m linking you to a blog happy award. Thanks for inspiring me with photography, blogging, and parenting!
Julie
http://www.juliejohnsonblog.blogspot.com

Jenn - Hope you guys had a fantastic weekend together!

Staci Danford - That looks like total girl fun!!
Staci

Sarah @ Clover Lane - Can’t wait to hear.

RLG - My friend who makes me laugh like that lives in Alaska (I’m in VA). I love laughing, too. The kind that makes your tummy hurt. Tears rolling. Good stuff. xoxo

mrs mediocrity - laughing is the best, you have to make sure to do it every day. I have a friend like that, when we get together, all we do is laugh. People always look at us like we are nuts, but we don’t care, we are having fun!

Christina - Nothing better than time with a great girlfriend! So fun.

Immyyas - Now that is a laugh that you just wanna laugh right along with! So wonderful to have great friends!

candace - that second picture looks like it may quite possibly be capturing a snort. laughing until you cry is the best!

Joni - You sure do know how to leave us wanting more….
“Africa, sugar and something really cool!”
I’ll be back for sure to see what that is all about!
I’m so glad you had fun with your friend…talking and laughing are GOOD for the soul!
xoxo
joni

Christy - Your pics made me smile. SOunds like you are having a blast & hopefully creating new pics & memories! Enjoy!

Kate - Oh, have a great time!!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I spent my day with South Bend Sarah and we had a rollicking time, too. What would we do without ’em?

Sarah @ For the Love of Naps - Girlfriend time is good for the soul…especially when there is talking, cheesecake, wine, and laughter involved! Happy Saturday night!

Courtney Walsh - awww, Kansas Meg, have fun with Chicago Jenny!! Looks like a blast! πŸ™‚

susan - You are so right! Nothing is better than a good old belly laugh!

Julie Carson - Just cracked myself up reading the above comment! VD MOVIE!!!

purejoy - have a great weekend laughing. and i’ll want to hear whether or not you recommend the VD movie.
have fun!

Anonymous - (been reading your blog for about a year… love all your beautiful photos of your family) That cheesecake looked so yummy. You should post the recipe πŸ˜‰

linda lou - did you like Valentine’s day and would I take my husband to it?? cute photos of you and jenny. sorry I didn’t win the doll but i did help the bid!!
linda lou

Georgia - Have fun!!!!! x

DreamGirlLisa - We all need girlfriend time…glad you are getting some this weekend. Have fun, and can’t wait to hear your latest news!

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it was worth it….

IMG_2722
sometimes the best thing to help a really hard situation is
talking with your girlfriends late into the night
and sugar.

i made it 6 weeks.
i only had one (BIG) piece.
but it was worth it.

and i am sugar free again. 

Whitney - Oh my goodness! I can’t blame you, I wouldn’t be able to resist! I went 3 days last week with no sugar at all except natural sugars. No chocolate was torture, and I am back to sugar again. I made your mint chocolate brownies even though it wasn’t Christmas (my mom always made them too, but she wasn’t around to get her recipe and yours was practically identical!) I also made your apple puff pancake-delicious too! Without sugar- have you lost weight, feel any different, have more energy, etc? How do you do it??? Congrats!!!

tara pollard pakosta - 6 WEEKS IS a LONG time!
wow!!!!!! good for yoU!
but that looks delish!
tara

Staci Danford - Well man it looks worth it.. YUMMY… I felt like I needed to lick my fork just seeing it.
Staci

Amber - Is that cheesecake? It looks like it was worth it! Six weeks without sugar is a big feat. I think you need to allow yourself a little treat now and again. πŸ™‚ I don’t think I could last even a week without sugar.

Hannah - Sometimes you just have to. This looks delicious!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Please share the recipe!
Looks delish!

DreamGirlLisa - Whatever that is, it looks like it was worth it. You lasted longer than me πŸ™‚

Bethany - I just have to say that I love your blog! I have been a secret stalker for a while and I finally decided to let you know how much I enjoy it! I am a new mom and you inspire me everyday to be a fun, God-filled mother. Thank you!

Erika - Way to go girl! I’m not even thinking about attempting that at this point!! Just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. And it’s extra fun that you’re in KS, my home too. πŸ™‚

Melanie - Good for you. I can’t believe that you made it 6 weeks. I would be crazy without sugar. I wish I could get off of it but I love it.

H-Mama @ Family Team - Sometimes nothing will do like a lil’ sugar & friend therapy. πŸ˜‰
(((hugs)))

vicki - Well now listen…if your gonna do it….do it RIGHT! Yummmmmmm.

pam - if those leftovers were in MY fridge i’d have had another piece. YUM.
your self control is awesome! way to go!

Jessie - I hope that pic was the small piece you gave your friend, because that was sooo not a BIG piece!! πŸ˜‰

amanda - Congrats on the no sugar for 6 weeks – wow! I’m beginning today. Going good so far (11:45 AM – ha!) Since going off – are you feeling any better, lose any weight? My husband is an athlete – no sugar in 5+ years! He says he doesn’t crave it – completely uninterested. If only … πŸ™‚

amy jupin - you make me smile. and giggle. and smile some more.

Jodi - 6 weeks is amazing!!! Sometimes we need to take that babystep back before we can make GIANT leaps forward!
Keep up the great work!

jeanne - You have to have some every once in a while. I bet it was worth it. How is running going? I wanted to go this morning but there is a little snow.

katy - WOW, don’t know if I could give it up…sugar is in (probably) everything I eat. I’m actually more of a salty girl though, I can outdo myself on salt!!!!!!!!!
Yes, girlfriends and sweets (I believe they go hand in hand) are AWESOME!

Tara - WOW – that looks soooooo delish!
You are amazing.
6 weeks.
oh my goodness.
I don’t think I can go 6 hours.
~Tara

Dianne - Wow! 6 weeks…I’m in awe! You have will power like my husband. I have none…

Julie - Six weeks?! Way to go! You’ve inspired me to start right NOW. I’d love to know how you’ve done it. Any tips? How are you feeling? I’ve done the vegetarian thing, am now vegan…so I know I can do it. I just need to think of sugar as crack. πŸ™‚
Julie

purejoy - ohmystars! who would have the willpower to refuse that??
i would like to hear the answers to leslie’s questions. how has being sugar-free changed you?

Christy - Oh my! I don’t blame you that looks so yummy

Sarah @ Clover Lane - What, WHAT???? πŸ™‚
I’m kidding…I think a 6 week detox allows you to be able to be moderate…a treat once in awhile isn’t going to kill anyone.
I’m not there yet…only 16 days. If I relapse now, it will be the end of me.

candace - It’s all about balance. You rock!

jenjen - I can’t believe you’ve lasted 6 weeks. I can’t even go one day – lol! You are amazing!
XOOX
Jen

Immyyas - Ummm yeah that SO looks worth it!!! πŸ™‚

Chalk Inscriptions - It is always worth it! I go out once a week with a random friend at the Cheesecake Factory. Every week is dessert week! And no….I don’t diet. I chase after 4 kids.

Lisa Currie -Gurney - NOTHING DOES A HEART BETTER THEN SUGAR & GIRLFRIENDS. JUST SPENT 3 HOURS AT STARBUCKS WITH ONE OF MY VERY CLOSEST. AND, THEY HAD TO “KICK” US OUT.
HUGS FROM MAINE

Kelly - Mmmmmm…yummm….

Kacey - 6 weeks? Way to go – you must be so proud of yourself!

Kacey - 6 weeks – WOW! What an accomplishment! And you’re going back? Yay for you!

dianereeves - 6 weeks…that is an accomplishment.
We have dessert days at our house…Thursdays and Sundays…that means we eat sweets with no guilt twice a week.
My husband is pretty disciplined with the twice a week thing…and we are with our kids too. Me, on the other hand, I like to add a few extra dessert days in my week. Sometimes a girls just needs some chocolate or cheesecake or brownies.

Laura Phelps - I don’t think there is any sugar in that.
At least, that is what I am choosing to believe.
That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it.
(good for you)

Amanda Mc - I’m a firm believer in letting yourself have a treat every now and then! 6 weeks is a LONG time! Glad you enjoyed something sweet πŸ™‚

Christa - Whatever it was, it looks delish! And was probably worth the slip, no?

Suzanne Gallagher - By the looks of that scrumptious piece, I think I would have to have given in for the day as well. Tomorrow is another day and you will start off wonderfully again! Best wishes!

mel - That is awesome! You are allowed to have a slip up πŸ™‚ And, I am so impressed that you are going sugar free again! For the past 10+ years, I give up all candy & dessert for lent. It is only 40 days, but it is so hard! Good for you for being sugar free for so long!

Amnah - Ha! You might have now stored enough sugar to last another 6 weeks. That looks soooo good.

Kimberlee J. - I think I’ve been eating enough sugar for both of us. I’m glad you went for it…maybe now I can put the brakes on.

Becca Parker - Totally worth it!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - YEP I hear ya girl:) We splurged today too and it was definitely worth it. Now back on the wagon again!

annalea - been there before and yes, it is totally worth it.

Karina - I can’t imagine giving up sugar for six days, let alone six weeks! I hope having a big chunk of it helped you deal with whatever it is. whatever, right??

angela - I use to throw in the towel when I gave in to something. But then I went to Weight Watchers (years ago) and learned there is grace in eating too. Tomorrow is a new day.

Stephanie - Oh my, is that cheesecake? Looks yummy!

Julie K. - Good for you!! That’s called GRACE. πŸ™‚ xo

Trish - yummy! By the way I LOVED your polka dot entry… you are a fun gal!

Courtney Walsh - You did good! πŸ™‚ And I did the same thing. I gave myself one piece of banana cake then went back to no sugar. I really believe it’s all about balance and when you decide to go for the sugar again, to do it not out of some emotional reason (usually in my case, that’s anger) but because you simply want to eat a piece of banana cake.
I gave up sugar and gained 3 lbs. How’s that for annoying?

meredith - Well done, Meg. Balance in all things is a happy way to live. Virginia Woolf once said “One can not love well, live well or sleep well, unless one has also eaten well”. Hope whatever the situation is seems a little more manageable and less burdonsome for you. Girlfriends and sugar….what a God given combination! Meredy xo.

elizabeth - That’s probably the best way to do it so you don’t go completely bonkers. Because no sugar at all is just not sustainable, right? I was inspired enough by your denial of sugar to go on a sugar strike myself and got through the past week. Today I indulged in a chocolate cake (that I think I got the recipe for on your blog!). It was delicious but I’m back tomorrow. I hope I can do at least six weeks — way to go!!!

your cool friend Cheryl - I always give up candy for Lent and I can tell you 6 weeks is a looong time! Good job πŸ™‚

Holly - six weeks is great! You deserved a sweet treat!

Brooke Whitis - I think you did great. It is such a challenge to do. I did the same thing when my husband was deployed. Helped me to focus on the Lord. I had to. I was dying without it πŸ™‚ And without him. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS on six weeks. I know you will make it just the same…

Staci - Oh man!!! SIX weeks!! Good for you Girl!!! For Lent, I am going to give up sweets ;( Will be the longest 40 days…but I figure if Jesus can die on the cross for me….I can do this for him πŸ™‚ Sad comparison really πŸ™ Did you lose any wait while doing the no sugar thing??? And did you honestly feel better??? Please tell me yes πŸ˜‰

Leslie - So are you able to tell a difference in the way you feel since being off sugar? Are you thinking more clearly? Do you have more energy? Is it worth giving it up? Not that I think I could do it….although I did kick the diet coke habit so who knows? πŸ™‚

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