Masthead header

Category Archives: things i love

summer in the backyard

summer is flying by way too fast.
i have been spending lots of time tending to my flowers because i looooove my flowers!
and kittys.
and dogs.
and chickens.

i am not ready for school to start (and early mornings and games and more games)
nope.
i just want to chill here at home and do summer for like…6 more months.
is that so much to ask?!

Tam - Gorgeous pics!

teyonce - sometimes I am taken back by just how good an eye you have, you set up the perfect shots and get the best results! I always love your posts (all of them of course) but when you post just streams of pictures I find myself going back, happy to look at them all again. i forget how talented my friend is!

Nina Newswanger - Your photos are beautiful!!

KATHY - Beautiful pictures….can’t blame you for wanting to chill 🙂

Kathi - Beautiful pictures! I love your kittens 🙂

Kerri - Wow – your flowers look gorgeous! The heat has been so hard on mine; has really taken a toll on everything (I am in Ellsworth County, Kansas). Sweet kitties, too.

Jill - Love, love, love your patio and yard pictures! Say, will you do a post about your chickens sometime with the details of your coop, your feeders, etc? I’ve always wondered how you have it set up inside the coop.

Tina - Your flowers are so pretty!! And I’m totally with you, I do NOT want summer to end. My 5 kids went back today. Sad face. But on a positive note, at least I won’t get a million calls at work today wanting me to referee a fight from home. LOL.

Angela - Co-sign on not ready for school to start! Your flowers are gorgeous!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

the Gathering at Round Top

way back in May we held the first “Gathering at Round Top”.
we hosted a creative retreat for 12 wonderful women.
it was even better than i had hoped it would be!
tara steele & stephanie ackerman invited me to be a part of their plan and it took me no time at all to say YES!


we stayed all together at The Vintage Round Top.
this was a really great space! there were so many unique features that were beautiful all together.
if you are looking for a place to stay in Round Top – this is it!



tara prepared all the meals for this group.
she was fantastic!
i am still thinking about that cheese dish… it was addictive.


we went to tara’s restaurant called Royer’s Pie Haven.
this was THE CUTEST little place!
i wanted to stay all day and eat all the pies.
and you can order their pies online and she’ll mail them to your house!
it’s basically the best mail you could ever get.

we got to go to Junk Gypsy too!
stephanie and i were very excited about seeing this person.
it did not disappoint!  Sooooo fun, colorful and jam packed with awesomeness!

tara taught a pie making workshop!
i wasn’t sure about the flavor of the junk berry but then i tried it – WHOA.
it was SOOOO GOOD!

these pies were works of art!
so of course we all needed pictures of them…

stephanie taught a stitching workshop that i loved!
but i have no photos of what we made unfortunately.
it was really sweet but hard to explain.
stephanie is such a good teacher! she is funny and encourages everyone to be themselves.

i taught how to make a wreath with a chalkboard in the middle.
the ladies had a lot of fun picking out their fabrics.
so many choices!

we really enjoyed our meal at Royer’s Round Top Cafe!
this place was super quirky and F U N!
i had the pork tenderloin and announced it was officially the best meal i had ever eaten.
EVER!

look at all those pies!!!


we went out junking because… that’s what you do in Round Top!
we weren’t there during Antique Week(s) so it wasn’t crowded or crazy.
but someday i do want to go back for that!


and we did so much more than this too!
but you just have to experience it sometime to understand that part.

i was a little unsure about being somewhere other than the Craft House for a retreat but as soon as i got there all my fears were gone.
we had such great ladies and so much fun getting to know each other!

thanks to all these women who made our long weekend super amazing!
i hope we all see each other again someday!
i can’t wait to go back to Round Top!


ps:  i road tripped all by myself down to Texas and it was soooo nice!
i listened to Up & Vanished podcast the entire way there AND the entire way back.
that was 18 hours!
it was the perfect entertainment and i was TOTALLY into it!

Candace Barbee - Will there be opportunity for another one of these retreats? Thanks, Candace

April - That looks like such a fun time and a great place! Women have been bonding over making pies and crafts (sewing) for years. What a fun and inspirational idea.

Paige Hull - It was such a pleasure meeting you in Round Top. I loved getting a chance to watch some of the retreat and see you, Tara and Stephanie in action. You ladies rock!! We hope to host you again very soon!!

Jennifer Greeley - Road trips are the best. I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Texas. Hope you can make it back again soon!

Kimberlee - That house is gorgeous! I want to move in and have a Junkberry Pie standing order on Saturdays.

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

so many projects!

life is moving along over here.
we have so many projects happening at once that i have shouted “we cannot do one more thing until we finish this list!” and then had to tell myself the same thing in my head 10 times a day.
i see all the weeds in the flower beds – “nope.  look away! they will be there next week/month!”
i see the junk drawers in the laundry room – “SHUT IT.  that mess will wait.  It is not on the list”
i walk by the fabric i bought for curtains back in december – “NOOOO! stick to the list!”
sheesh.
so i must push through… and not deviate from the crazy long list.
and i cannot wait to be done!


this rug!
i love it so much!
although… do not leave it out in a huge week long rain storm… it will fade a lot.
boo.

my mom found me this super great vintage floral rocking chair and it is IN the living room now.  🙂
it’s my new favorite thing.
behind it you can see the box where the baby chicks were living for a few weeks.

they are out in the coop now – too stinky to keep inside for long.
we got 3 barred rock and one buff orphington.
we’ll see if they are all girls… fingers crossed!
we aren’t allowed to have roosters according to the city rules.
and also roosters are loud!  no thank you.

over the last few months we have been to SO MANY volleyball tournaments.
sometimes siblings come, sometimes other family, sometimes it’s just me or just craig.
we were in Kansas City for a three day tournament last weekend.
i have never seen anything like that – 70 something courts??? CRAZY!

between games we got to do a little antique shopping in the West Bottoms in KC.
it was faaaaabulous.
this is me trying to get craig to appreciate this cabinet and want to buy it for me.
he didn’t bite.    #sadface

it was a really great place to find junky treasures.
i could’ve shopped five times as long as i got to… no one else was as excited as me about the antiques.
can you believe i didn’t buy that rainbow afgan?  or the jesus paint-by-number?? I have a collection of jesus pictures!? what is wrong with me?  it’s amazing!

i’m jealous that sean can do that eyebrow thing!

annie is such a great baker!
she made this cake just because she wanted to – and it was soooooo good!

waffle finally got a much needed haircut.
He loooooves not having all that hair – runs around all happy and funny after the haircut.
and i am happy to not have hairballs floating all around the house.

our first sunset of 2017 out in the firepit.
so happy to have so many more this summer!

i got some new rugs – i ordered from home depot because they have free shipping and you can return anything to the store.
this one was a total win!

one of the projects we are working on… (craig i mean) was putting in new flooring in the basement!
it was all carpet down here before.
and now it’s this awesomeness!
time to bring on the fun details like pillows, art work,  furniture etc!
we watch movies down there with the projector – like a movie theater – kinda.
way to go mr. duerksen!

i found this table & 6 chairs on craigslist for $200.
it looks exactly like our current craigslist table but it has two big leaves to seat lots more people.

i sanded, primed with KILZ2, painted with Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White and sealed it with Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish.
three of the chairs weren’t worth saving but three of them were.  🙂
but we already had six from the first CL table purchase.

and now we can have more than just our family at the table!
finally!

you can see the pics from the first CL table -click here…. there was also a hutch and two buffets in the deal!
and to see what we did with them – click here!
the house looks a lot different now but that shows the first steps.  🙂
craigslist is the BEST!

Kari D. - What did you use for the flooring in the basement? Love the color!

Emily - How do you keep your vintage fabric furniture from smelling……”vintage”?

Kristin S - OH, and pedestal is a life changer. You can fit so many more people around the table!

Your posts make me want to move to Kansas.

Tiffany - You guys did a great job on the flooring!

Caroline - Oh how fun it would be to go antiquing with you! Are you also using the R&F eyelash stuff??? Or do you just have great lashes naturally? 🙂

Lori - Love your photos! Waffle in a hoodie- ha!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

girl power

today i have three special women to share about!
these women inspire me and are great examples of following their passions in life.



ashley campbell
is one of my favorite people!
she is incredibly thoughtful & kind.
she is encouraging to everyone she meets.
she is a creative genius – it’s true!
and WOW does that girl know how to rock the camera!!
her style – the lighting, the editing, the sharpness – she is sooooo good!
And lucky for all of us… she started SnapShop to teach the rest of us about photography too!

she teaches how to use your DSLR camera and/or your phone’s camera – all online!
you can learn anything you wanted to know – at your own pace, in your own house.
there are so many great courses on her site!
(she even interviewed me for one of them… )


i think you need her classes.
who doesn’t want to take better photos?!

Registration includes access to all SnapShop content (used by over 3000 students since 2009), including: 

  • SnapShop DSLR Course (a $200 value)
  • SnapShop Phone Course (a $50 value)
  • Interviews & tips with leading photographers & bloggers
  • Course discussions
  • Additional lessons posted monthly by Ashley Ann and guests!

right now you can get $10 off your registration with the code Meg10.
click over to the SnapShop site and get started!



my friend wrote a book about friendships and it came out today!
Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker
1. how beautiful is that cover?? talk about perfect colors!
2. i love that she wrote a book on this subject because seriously… friendships are wonderful & amazing but not always – right???
3. when i met lisa-jo i was just supposed to get a ride to my hotel with her but she insisted i eat with them and spend the rest of the day with her group!  she is good at this friendship thing.  i can definitely learn from her and maybe you can too!



And another book came out today too…. but a different kind!
Simply Tuesday Adult Coloring Book by Emily Freeman
This is to go alongside Emily’s book Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World.
what a fun idea emily!!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

listen & watch

i have three things for you today.
two for listening and one to watch.
🙂
enjoy!

————————————————————————————————————————————


M
AKING OPRAH

I absolutely loved this whole series of podcasts!
I miss the oprah show!  or at least i miss that time period in tv… and maybe in my life too.
I came home from school and watched oprah – pretty much every week day.
I was home with babies for years and years and every day at 4:00 “who’s on oprah?”
it was part of life!
I even got to go to an oprah show when we lived in chicago!  🙂
I loved hearing so much about the early years and behind the scenes in these podcasts.
if you enjoyed the oprah show – you’ll love this!
and i liked all three bonus episodes too.

————————————————————————————————————————————


GLEASON
we watched this documentary and i couldn’t stop thinking about it.
it will stick with you.
plot: After he is diagnosed with ALS, former professional football player Steve Gleason begins making a video diary for his unborn son, as he, his wife, and their friends and family work to raise money for ALS patients as his disease progresses.
it’s not an easy movie to watch.
but i am glad we did.

————————————————————————————————————————————

 


This American Life Podcast – Switched at Birth

I have listened to lots of these the past month or so.
It’s been around for years and years but i never checked into it.
So i started current and have been working my way back.  This particular one was so interesting!  I made craig have a whole conversation with me about it and he hadn’t even listened to it.  I just needed to talk about it!  It is wild!

 

 

Ronda - Yes, podcasts are how I survive my commute everyday. Totally adding Making Oprah to my lists. I second the Mike Rowe’s the way I see it as it is like 10-15 minutes and man is his voice mesmerizing. And if you aren’t listening to the The Popcast with Knox and Jamie then you need to go and do that immediately as they are the best and are like two best friends in your living room that keep you laughing.

Emily - I love podcasts and listen on my runs and any time I’m the driver on a road trip.
This American Life has been a favorite for years! One of our very favorite episodes is House on Loon Lake. Fun, creepy, nostalgic….I think you would LOVE it.
Stuff You Should Know is also fun and quick….and you feel kinda smarter after you listen.
This Is Criminal is a true crime podcast without being too dark.
Of course there’s Serial season 1 (NOT Season 2) which got lots of people into podcasts for a good reason…it’s excellent!
Checkout Radiotopia for lots of great podcasts.
Thanks for the share on the Oprah podcast, I listened the other day while I folded laundry and pulled weeds. I am so productive when I have a good story to listen to!

Cassandra Heck - YES! The switched at birth podcast was very interesting!! Have you listened to Mike Rowe’s The Way I Heard It? Short little random history stories, good stuff. 🙂

Shelly Reil - Just got done watching Gleason. Thanks for the suggestion! I watched it with my son and it wrecked both of us. My great uncle passed away from ALS probably 15 years ago (?) And now his son is battling it. It is so debilitating to everyone involved.

Renee - Love these posts because I’m always looking for new stuff! Keep ’em coming 😊

Christine - I LOVE podcasts too. I could listen to them none stop if I allowed myself. I too have listened to This American Life. Right now I am hooked on Good Job Brain. Hubby and I will talk about the podcasts we’ve listened to that were particularly good. Have a great day. Love your blog, have followed you for years!

Kimberlee - I listened to Making Oprah this Spring too and LOVED it!

Whitni Frasier - Hey Megan,
I sent you an email through the link on your website. I had a few questions about how you started your business. I know you’re very busy but if you ever get a minute I would really be so thankful for some wisdom from you. My email address is Whitni.Frasier@gmail.com

Thanks so much and have a great week!

Elz - That podcast episode drove me crazy. The mom just kept her mouth shut for decades and seemed so ambivalent to the daughter she raised. My girls and I were going crazy about it. WHY? Huh? Wow? What?!

I’m a podcast nerd, I listen to so many. It’s a great way to learn all sorts of stuff.

Kelly Sites - I’m OBSESSED with Podcasts. It’s my treat to myself for when I’m working out, and it really makes me GO to the gym, and stay longer, because I want to listen to Podcasts. I have many favs, but I’m so super excited to listen to the Oprah one you mentioned. I LIVED for Oprah back in the day. And like you, every day at 4:00 was my time.

Podcasts I’ve loved:
The Simple Show- episode 64 A year off the internet

Smartest Person in the Room- all episodes on behind the scenes Hollywood (so fun)

The PopCast with Knox and Jamie- die laughing every single time….all of them are awesome.

Up and Vanished- great true crime (edge of your seat)

Embedded (great stuff)

ENJOY (and keep sharing great stuff like this)

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

let’s create in Round Top!!!

I am SUPER excited to invite you to the next event we have planned!
Stephanie Ackerman & Tara Royer Steele & I are hosting The Gathering Retreat in Round Top, Texas – May 10 – 13.
We want YOU to come & get creative with us, shop for all the great texas “junk” and eat the best food!

I have wanted to spend time in Round Top FOR-EVVVV-ER!
This is going to be a seriously FUN time ladies!
The Gathering Retreat is all inclusive… meals, lodging & supplies for the creative workshops are included.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.  – it is less than 3 months away!  🙂

Stephanie, Tara & I each love bringing women together to celebrate their gifts.
God has made all of us to create and made a million different ways to do it.
Using our creativity we can worship Him!
Through painting or sewing, drawing or cooking, writing or photography – we can bring Him glory!
We know that it can often be hard to make time for yourself to be creative.
But we also know that we when make it a priority – we are filled up.
Our hope with this retreat is to remind you of the super fantasic, creative woman God made you to be.
We want you to have a time away that is inspiring, relaxing and uplifting.


This retreat will be held at The Vintage Round Top.
This place is amaaaaazing!
We get to stay here and be creative all day in this beautiful space – this is so special!
I am giddy about it!


You will spend lots of time in creative workshops with me & stephanie.
We enjoy working together so very much!
There will be many, MANY hours of  messy, colorful creating together!
All your supplies for these workshops are included in your registration.


Tara Royer Steele is going to make sure we are filled up with home cookin’ from morning till night.
She is also going to teach a pie baking class for us!  YUMMMM!
There will be meals at the house but also get to visit Royer’s Pie Haven & Royer’s Round Top Cafe too.
Would you just look at this menu?!!!  And this is only about half of the options!
I can’t wait to try ALL the pie!!!
Be sure to bring your stretchy pants  🙂


You know I love to go junking… and I am over the moon about getting to do that here!
My heart gets beating a little faster when I think of all the chippy painted goodness we could find.
Round Top is known for having really good antiquing and I’m ready to see for myself!


IMPORTANT FACTS:

1. Registration is open in my shop right now!  🙂

– First payment of $250 is today.
This payment is non-refundable but will go towards your total registration cost.

– Second payment of $500 is due on March 15, 2017

– Third payment of $500 is due on April 15, 2017

2. The house sleeps 15 – many queen & king beds meaning most will have to share beds.

3. If you will be flying please fly into IAH airport – Houston, TX.

4. Airfare & travel expenses are not included but we will take you to/from the airport on 5/10 & 5/13 if you need it.

5. Leave any questions you have in the comments and I will try to answer them.   🙂

Ashley - Would the price of airfare in the expenses be different if you live in Texas and can drive?

meg duerksen - Yes…Most likely you will have to share a bedroom.

Shetly - Do I have to share bedroom ?

Amy - I’m so excited! I have been wanting to go to craft weekend for years — and this is just a few hours drive away so I couldn’t pass up on this opportunity! I don’t know anyone else going, but trying to find a friend or two who wants to join me. If not, I’m still so thrilled to come! (Boy, that was a lot of exclamation points … can you tell I’m exicted?!)

Shay - Oh my word! I can’t believe this! I grew up 20 minutes from Round Top and ate at Royers Rounf Top Cafe many times. I remember the family well. I’m sure Tara and I would know some of the same people! I would die to come to this weekend and would sign up in a heartbeat, especially since now I knelt live 2 hours away. However, there is no way, humanly speaking, that this girl can afford it! God would have to work a miracle. Maybe I’ll start praying…😄

Michelle - Are there many spots left available? I want to sign up but need to discuss with my husband before committing but don’t want to miss out.

Katie Skiff - LOVE!! I was lucky to go to Round Top this summer, but I would go back with you anytime!!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

Gal-entine’s Fun Finds

i’m not a huge valentine’s day fan.
but i know that i’m in the minority.
i’m not anti-love.
i am just lazy.
and since we don’t celebrate it much over here… i have no ideas for what to give your man.
but i am an excellent shopper for me or my friends!
so here are a bunch of red & pink themed gift ideas for ladies in your life – for valentine’s or anything.
or for yourself!
send the link to your husband or boyfriend if you’d like.

🙂

and as always… everything is available on Amazon Prime so it’s not to late to order for Valentine’s!

.

 


Gigantic Donut Pool Floatie

USB Leather Tassel with Lightning Cable for iPhone & iPad – can be on a key ring or attached to your purse


very fun bright red Retro Toaster

 

.

very cute Polka Dot Backpacks

 

.
 these are three different adult coloring books that i am loving right now –
Sweeter Than Honey coloring book by Lindsay Letters
Whatever is Lovely coloring book by Waterbrook
Color at Home coloring book by Young House Love

.120 Colored Pencils to color all the pages of your coloring book
 Pink Colored Pencil Carrying Case to hold all your pretty pencils!


i love this Macbook Pro polka dot hard case cover

and this Keyboard cover for Macbook in red is the finishing touch!

.


it’s always fun to add some color in the kitchen – try with this pink enamel coated colander

.
 this Ribbed Knit Infinity Scarf comes in over 20 colors… i choose the valentine hues.

.
a Popcorn Maker for movie nights at home

how adorable is this Rainbow Cloud Washi Tape and Dispenser?!

.

i love you mug

. red Keurig K250 Coffee Maker

.


Nail Polish Gift Set of 15 different colors/shades
this is ALWAYS a fun gift to give or receive!

.
Beats Solo Headphones
 i mean… they say Happy Valentine’s Day perfectly to me!

.

i just love this heart shaped waffle maker!!
what could be sweeter on valentine’s day?!
it’s the perfect breakfast (or lunch or diner!) for your loved ones.

.

Rain Boots in great colors and patterns (i am loving the green!!)

.
Rainbow Jenga game (but not jenga brand)
i would play this game more often because it is so colorful  🙂


a 5 Speed Blender that is available in 21 different colors!
the FitBit Blaze in Pink & Gold – smart fitness watch  (other colors available)

.

red & pink pajama onesie
 i would wear this for a week straight if i didn’t have to go so many ball games!
maybe it could just be my thing… the mom in the onesie at the games… like a mascot – but not.
red IS one of our school colors.

.

YES to Grapefruit body wash

.

Pedi Perfect for super soft feet!
i have shared this several times on my gift lists but it’s for a good reason!
it’s AMAZING!

.


Maybelline New York the Blushed Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
Maybelline Rock the Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
Maybelline New York 24K Nudes Eye Shadow Palette

.
 Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara

 

.
Sock It To Me Heart Socks

a hard boiled egg cooker – seems silly until you have one!
this thing is one of my FAVORITE gadgets!
it takes up very little cabinet space… it’s quick and efficient and i don’t screw up eggs anymore.
perfect hard boiled eggs every time!

.

a very pretty journal by katie Daisy to write all your feelings of love inside.

.
 fabulous bright pink Boho Weekender Shoulder Bag

.
Rainbow Colored Silicone Whisks – i have these at home and at the Craft House!

.

Raspberry Rose Pantone Universal Thermos Cup

 

.
**********************************************************************************

i almost always add books to my gift lists.
i added books about LOVE or relationships for this post…. all great stuff here!

TOP ROW:  Love Does by Bob Goff  /  You and Me Forever by Lisa Chan
Looking for Lovely by Annie Downs  /  Crazy Love by Francis Chan

MIDDLE ROW:  For Women Only by Shaunti Feldman  /  Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall
The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp  /  Hope Heals by Katherine & Jay Wolf

BOTTOM ROW:  For the Love by Jen Hatmaker  /  You’re Going to Be Okay by Holly Gerth
She Reads Truth by Raechel Meyers & Amanda Bible Williams /  Power of the Praying Wife by Stormie OMartian

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
may there be heart shaped waffles & onesie pajamas in your future!


i think you should Pin this pic…

🙂

Lori - Your gift guides are always super fun!

Karyn - I LOVE your amazon gift ideas! You have saved me time and money! Keep posting them!

Cathy - I always love your creative gift lists…and I always find something on them that my girls love!

Sandy - Although this list looks great, I found myself visiting your R & F post over and over and over. So……. I ordered my ❤ gift today! ……my hubby spoils me!! 😀

Kimberlee Jost - I love your lists because then I have some idea of what to surprise YOU with. 😉

Kathie - Yet another great list!! I can even use a few of these for ideas to get my hubby!! 🙂

Sharon - I love your gift lists. I find myself referring back to them over and over. Thanks for sharing.

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top