The Cutest Floppy Hat on the Block + My Weekend

Thanks to the minds behind Facebook's advertisements, I saw an ad for the most precious website!

Marley Lilly Monogramming and Personalization has the cutest monogrammed items.  

(We Southerners love anything monogrammed.)

Here's what I have my eyes on:

This can be purchased for $30 here.

 

I love to wear big, floppy hats. They turn beach attire into instant chic! 

Oh, the monogrammed hat comes in black, too!

There are also more hats on the website that are outlined in bright, Lilly-esque colors. 

***

This weekend was beautiful! 

 

My photo shoot on Friday went really well! A local photographer needed just one shot for a project, so it was very quick.  I'll post photos once I get them back from him.  Brandon went with me and was such a wonderful supporter/chauffeur/purse holder.

After that, Brandon and I went to Red's for dinner.  We sat on the porch underneath an outdoor heater.  I was so hungry, so we got nachos for an appetizer.  I obviously didn't pace myself very well because by the time my entree came, I was completely full. Oh well.

I started feeling really bad after dinner.  The cold has been going around school/the office and I thought I may have been getting it.  I felt light-headed, congested, and just plain exhausted!  So instead of going out, we stayed in with a Redbox movie.  We also made white chocolate croissants which were amazing.

My family came into town on Saturday to celebrate my dad's birthday. The day went by so quickly but it was so much fun! We went to mass at the cathedral and then to dinner at Folly Beach.  

Today was another beautiful 70 degree day! I went shopping in Mt. Pleasant to stock up on a few unnecessary items. 

OOTD:

...and a picture of the Cooper River Bridge as I was heading to Mt. Pleasant:

So pretty! 

Hope you all had a great weekend!

xo.

Biotin and Plans for Tonight

I just have to share my thoughts on this super-vitamin.

A while back, I started taking Biotin in combination with my One-a-Day Multivitamin because I heard that it is great for the hair, skin, and nails. 

I've been wanting to talk to you all about this vitamin sooner, but I wanted to give you all an honest review and wait 30 days to see if I could tell any results.  

So now, one month later,  I can't tell you how much I recommend adding this vitamin to your daily intake! 

Here are some general benefits, according to mitamins.com:

• Boosts the health of bones, blood, and nerves
• Metabolizes fats, sugars, and carbohydrates
• Maintains the health of the mind, memory, and emotional well-being
• Plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, which may reduce fatigue caused by metabolism problems
• Promotes hair growth.  It also strengthens hair by increasing elasticity and thickening the hair cuticle. The vitamin aids in shine and maintains color of the hair.
• May help treat acne and eczema
• Strengthens and promotes the growth of nails, as well as preventing brittle nails.

I can't say much about the internal benefits, but I have noticed a big difference in my hair and nails! 

 

I have a lot of new hair growth around my scalp, plus my hair feels a bit stronger.  

In the past, I could NEVER grow out my nails.  I might be able to get a few nails sort of lengthy, but they would break less than a week later.  Now, my nails are long and strong! It's crazy to me.  Okay, they are long for me. My nail length would be considered short to some people, I'm sure! I think what I love most is that each nail is the same length and they are so strong and healthy.

My nails used to always be very short.  I found an older picture of my nails for a visual.

Before:

After:

Personally, I like the shorter look of nails, but it's so fun to have my nails long for once!

***
I have a photoshoot at sunset this evening.

Wish me luck!

After that, Brandon and I are going to one of our favorite waterfront restaurants.  Red's is on Shem Creek and is such a fun, laid back spot.  The restaurant is half indoors, half outdoors.  They have a super fun, outdoor bar area where you can bring your dog! They have live music, too.  The best part is, while you're eating and mingling, your view is the salt water and pretty boats!

I blogged about Red's here!

Happy Friday, everyone!

xo.
M

Blog Award!

 

Big thanks to Alison at Life and Times of Alison and Justin for giving me a Versatile Blogger award! It has made my day!

Alison's blog is super cute. She and her hubby have the most precious yellow lab! What a cute family! Thank you again, Alison!  

Rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Answer 10 questions
3. Pass it along to blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award

The 10 Questions   
1. Why did you create this blog?
I created this blog in July '10 because I had become obsessed with reading other people's blogs! I knew I wanted to start one, but felt that I didn't have much to blog about.  One day, I just bit the bullet and "My Two Cents ...before I spend it" was born!  It has been such a wonderful networking tool, as well as very therapeutic for me!

 2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?
  I mostly follow fashion, beauty and healthy living blogs. I love browsing through blogs about wedding planning because I used to aspire to be a wedding planner! I seriously have owned a big stack of wedding books since I was 15.  

3. Favorite make-up brand?
I own a modge podge of different make up brands.  I love Nars bronzer/blush, Lancome foundation, Amazing Cosmetics concealer, Urban Decay eye shadows ...etc.
 
4. Favorite clothing brand?
I have many favorites! Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer , Milly, Tibi, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Gap ...oh, this could go on and on.  This girl likes to shop. 

5. Indispensable makeup product?
My three most necessary products are tinted moisturizer, bronzer, and mascara.

6. Favorite color?
My favorite color in general is purple. It makes me feel cheerful! As far as clothes go, my favorite color to wear is black. 

.7. Favorite perfume?

Chanel Mademoiselle.

8. Favorite movie?
Question number seven was much easier than this! I enjoy many movies, but I don't have one favorite.  Hmm, I will say that a movie that I will NEVER get tired of is The Devil Wears Prada .  

9. What country would you like to visit?
Italy. I'm dying to see Florence and Gargano.  

Florence

Gargano

 I'd also love to go to the Maldives!

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?

Definitely blush because my eyes look so different with and without mascara!

I pass this on to:

Pink Champagne 

Hanging with the Hewitts 

Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers 

XO.

megan

Fondue and My Surprises!

Brandon and I went to a 70s themed fondue restaurant last night. We had a gift certificate and wanted to put it to good use! From the outside, this place doesn't look very appealing.  Heck, even in the inside it doesn't look very appealing ...just old.  I guess that's the theme they're going for, though.  Most importantly, the food there is amazing.  

We started off with a cheese appetizer. The waiter mixes it right in front of you.  This cheddar fondue consisted of Worcestershire, beer, dried mustard, garlic, cheddar cheese, salt & pepper.  We had bread, carrots, broccoli, apples, and celery to dip in it.

(I preferred the broccoli)

 Next came the salads. I started eating it and then realized I didn't take a photo.  I will spare you guys the  photo because the half-eaten salad doesn't look too appetizing!

Then the main course came.  You can choose to cook your meat in a garlic chicken broth or in peanut oil. We obviously chose the chicken broth for the healthier option.  The broth was so amazing, I could have eaten it with a spoon! 

Brandon had filet mignon and shrimp ...I had chicken and shrimp.

(oh, and mushrooms too!)

They give you a variety of sauces, too.  Here we have BBQ (we didn't touch this), green goddess dip, honey mustard, sweet and sour, and horseradish.

B cooking his shrimp in the broth!

 My favorite part of the main course was cooking my mushrooms, then putting the green goddess dip inside of them. So amazing!

I forgot to take a picture of the dessert before we touched it.  I credit that to my utter excitement for chocolate.  But here are the final results...

Even Brandon, who does not like sweets, was scraping the bottom of the fondue pot! We dipped fruit, cake, and pretzels in the chocolate.

***

A couple other updates...

Yes, I did find a gown at the Foxy Lady on Sunday.  I don't have it with me because it had to be ordered.  If it's okay with you all, I'm going to keep the looks of the gown a secret until the pageant passes. I will say that it is very elegant, a darker color, and I feel like a million bucks in it! 

***

I've mentioned that Brandon's parents own a store a few times.  They travel pretty often to go to jewelry shows and other store-related functions.  They went to a gift market in Atlanta last weekend. They brought me back such a cute little gift! You all know of Lolita glasses, right?

Lolita, herself!

The 41-year-old mother of two began painting whimsical, personalized martini glasses, adding her own drink recipes on the bottom, in her Atlanta basement in 2001. Six years later, Designs by Lolita glassware and accessories have sold more than 4 million units and the recently remarried artist, now living in Uxbridge, is toasting her tenacity.

 via

lolitaglasses.com

Anyway, Brandon's parents met Lolita! They brought me back this little gem...

I don't want to use it because I don't want the autograph to rub off!

It was such a cute surprise!

They also had the opportunity to meet Louis van Amstel from Dancing with the Stars! They were placing an order for Tervis Tumblers, which are the BEST cups in the world.  Tervis was celebrating 65 years in business and Louis was the highlight.  The company was giving away Tervis Tumblers with his face on them and they got one for me when they met him.  Brandon's mom said she told him all about the South Carolina shag dance!

That's all for today.

Happy Hump Day, beauties.

megXO

Sunday Plans

Hello lovely ladies!

I am in Myrtle Beach without my laptop, but I did want to quickly check in with you all so that you don't think I've abandoned you!  I'm at my grandparent's house for a night-long visit ...so thanks, Memie, for letting me use your computer!

I came to the beach, not only to visit with my brother and grandparents, but also because I've got special plans here tomorrow.  I've mentioned in a previous post that I am going to compete in the Miss Charleston USA pageant.  That's why I'm so excited that there is a pageant launch at one of my favorite pageant apparel stores, The Foxy Lady.

Tomorrow, I'll get to take a look (with about one hundred other fine ladies) at the newest pageant gowns in the store.  Talk about a kid in a candy store.

I said this was going to be a quick post, and that it will be.  I don't want to spend too much time on blogger when I could be visiting.  But here are some glamourous vintage pageant photos that I just had to post!

(...in honor of my plans tomorrow, of course)

megXO

Pi-Yo

So I tried a new class at the gym last night. I say "new," when really, I've been to it multiple times in the past.  It just feels brand new because they have really revved up the choreography.  It was much harder than I remembered! Either that, or I'm out of shape. Let's go with the first option.

Introducing...  Pi-Yo

(I've heard it called different names at different gyms)

This website explains the class very well:

PiYo™ is the perfect blend of Pilates, Yoga, sports stretch, dance stretch, and athletics that will help you burn calories and build muscle! It's about way more than just flexibility.The dynamic blend of movement increases strength, balance, and agility, while being easy on the mind and the joints. This workout provides an incredible mind/body experience that will help you lose weight and completely transform your body!

Strength is the FOCUS and Balance is the KEY. Transform your body and exhilarate your mind at the same time. From beginner to advanced, each full body workout is designed for all levels. Plus, there are modifications that allow you to keep going when things get tough. Activate your body and stimulate your muscles! Get amazing results and transform your body! This workout is revolutionary and there’s no doubt you’ll get results!

Photos via

If you remember a few months back, I blogged about how I fell in love with yoga.  I was practicing for a few hours a week, for about four months.  

Then the holidays came...

...and that was the end of my yoga adventure.

I told you all that my NY resolution was to get back in the gym (so original, right?).  I've been doing a good job of it too! I owe the ease of getting back into the gym to the classes at my gym.  

I love the Les Mills classes -Body Step, Body Pump.  I always love the way I feel after spin because it's so difficult.  This Pi-Yo class was very challenging, too, and will be added to my weekly list of classes to take!

My core is very sore this morning. I love the yoga/pilates blend and can definitely feel the effects of my good workout last night! I did hear that some instructors focus more on yoga and some focus more on the pilates aspect.  While I prefer the way my instructor teaches (more pilates-based), both would be totally beneficial! 

Have any of you taken a Pi-Yo class?  If not, you should!

meganXO

What's in the Bag?

I give you my bag of choice:

It's a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 in Damier Ebene Canvas. I recently tied on a $5 fake Hermès scarf to switch things up a bit!

 ...and the insides:

All of the lip glosses/make up items somehow fit inside that red bag. I seriously wouldn't remember to take my vitamins if it wasn't for that weekly pill keeper. Either that, or some days I would take my vitamins two or three times!

 

This is a Barbie notebook that I use for writing to-do lists.  The book is my current read/rental from the library!

The wallet is a Michael Kors that I got for Christmas.  The hairspray is an absolute necessity because you never know when you might need to tame those fly-aways! The black and white case is to house my camera. As for the random napkin, it is a place-keeper in my Barbie notebook.  In case you can't see, it says "Give me a nice tiara and I can save the world!" Brandon's mom gave those cocktail napkins to me and I think they are just so cute ...and so me! 

You should all participate in this tag if you haven't already! I'd love to know what you all have got going on inside your handbags!

xo.

Megan

OOTD Catch-Ups, Wasabi, and a Cold Boat Ride!

  Hello beauties! I thought I would catch you all up on some OOTDs.  (Sorry for the bad resolution!)

Jacket: Express, Dress: Francesca's, Scarf: Banana Republic, Boots: Banana Republic

 

Jacket: Express, Dress: ? I cut out tag, but purchased at Saks, Booties: Nine West

Blazer: Gap, Scarf: Banana Republic, Jeans: Express, Boots: Banana Republic

Jacket: Gap, Top: Missoni, Leggings: Cache, Booties: Nine West

***

Last night, a group of us went out for Brandon's roommate's birthday.  

We went to dinner at a sushi restaurant downtown called Wasabi.  

A few sushi rolls & dishes of soy sauce later, we went out to our favorite late night spot, Midtown. 

Here are some photos. (I'm trying to get better about taking more photos!)

oh, wait-

Before you see this photo, I have to give you a little disclaimer because I'm almost embarrassed to post it! Brandon and his buddy decided to grow out a mustache for the night to be funny. 

(I don't find much humor in it, but maybe I would if he wasn't my boyfriend!)

  So when you see the photo below, realize you're going to see Brandon with an ugly mustache! 

It's being shaved off  today...

Thank you, Jesus.

***

Today, we met my Dad at the boat landing as he was finishing a bass tournament. Dad took my brother, his friend, and I on a boat ride after the fish weigh-in.  The boat goes up to almost 90mph!  Of course Dad didn't drive that fast (with me in there, at least), but the high speed and cold weather made for one freezing ride.  I had to wear a motor cycle helmet to help keep warm! 

***

Well, that's all I've got for right now.  

I am planning on doing a "What's in my bag?" post tonight or tomorrow!

xo.

mSm