Hi, my name is Megan, and I feel like when you meet you, you already know me.

I put it all out there, wear my heart on my sleeve, and just pretty much show who I am up front. Sure, I have many, many layers the further you get, but I also feel like I am just a straight shooter.

This is me. All of me. I’m not afraid of showing you. I’m not afraid of talking about my challenges, my triumphs, my struggles, my gains, my past, my dreams, my indecision, my insecurities.

I’m just open. I’ve become even more open after my divorce. No topic is off the table for discussion. Seriously, ask my friends. Wait, don’t. Haha. They know too much.

Yet, after I lay it all out and talk through the things that are on my mind, I sometimes begin to question and feel insecure.

Like, geez. I just laid it all out there. I sound like the craziest/neediest/most insecure person ever. What is wrong with me? Am I the only one?

I have found though, that the more I lay it all out there, other people start opening up around me and sharing. Showing me things that are close to their heart.

 

For me, it’s easy to tell you what is on my heart. I want to share it.

Most don’t, apparently. It’s can be hard for them to peel away their outer shell and show their most hidden feelings.

Yet, when we all start sharing, we begin to see that we are not alone! We are not crazy! I am not the only person who has felt this!

And isn’t that just amazing to feel sometimes?

Recently, I called my sister and shared with her some of my insecurities and was like, “What is wrong with me?” She then went on to share that she has felt the same things at some point. Yet, when she was going through them we weren’t as close as we are now, and she just never told me about them.

Oh, I’m not crazy.

Maybe the only thing I am is a crazy oversharer who is not afraid to be open.

This is all just an affirmation to myself that it is okay to be just the way I am. I am honest and vulnerable. That is okay. I shouldn’t change. I shouldn’t be ashamed. I should just be the way I am.

Isn’t this is a funny lesson we have to learn over and over? Hopefully, the more we learn, the more we realize that when we are most honest and true to ourselves, the bigger the blessing we are to those around us.

So go on, be honest with yourself and be real with the world out there. They will appreciate it.

PS – I have literally kept this article open on my browser for over a week now because I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I just like to reread it occasionally. Don’t be fooled by the title. It’s not just about when things are going wrong. It is just an article with so much perspective.

As I write this post, I am settled into my blue metallic table in the comfiest mid-century modern thrifted chairs occasionally glancing out the window to a snowy, snowy Presidents Day (no work for me!!) with some good ole Jason Aldean playing in the background. Because I oddly like (nay, love) country music now…after decidingly wanting hate it for years. Yet here I am grooving along to it in preparation for seeing Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, and A Thousand Horses in concert on Friday.

I’m really enjoying this moment right here, so I thought I would just set the scene and share it with you. It comes with a very, very inner-happy-peaceful Megan too, who had an amazing weekend spending time with friends and being so happy to spend Valentine’s Day by myself, doing what I want and being so grateful for all the love in my life. Love is not just a significant other. It is so, so much more.

Ok, that got a little off track and contemplative but I just feel so good and happy!! I hope you do too.

Anyways, back to the real point of this post…STITCH FIX! Ah, I love Stitch Fix. I am actually going a little crazy this month because I am deciding to skip getting a fix this month to help save on the budget. Other things are taking priority so no more clothes this month. Sigh. Instead, we will reminisce on how AWESOME the January 2016 Stitch Fix was!

If you’re new around these parts, stitch fix is a personal stylist company that hand picks 5 items based on your style and size. You get assigned your own stylist, and she gets to know your style based on your pinterest fashion board, style profile, and feedback you leave on your previous fixes. In turn she hand picks out pieces she think will make you look – and feel – great and sends them to you along with styling advice and a personal note. Love that part so much!

41Hawthorn Joan Faux Leather Panel Detail Sweater

This sweater is totally rocking. I love it. Yes, it is 95% because of the faux leather detail on the sleeves. It just makes me feel styling and edgy, plus it’s comfortable, and I know I will reach for it all the time. Plus, it’s nice to have some more solids in my multi-colored, vastly patterned wardrobe. Welcome home sweater, welcome home.

Kept

RD Style Angus Split Back Mixed Material Sweater

First, the color – right?! Blue is my jam. I think it works great with my hair and complexion and bright colors just make me feel good when wearing. Plus, the back is just so fun and different. You can’t see it in these pictures but there is a little split back part above the buttons. You can wear a cami under it for more conservative settings (like work) and not wear one when going out on weekends!

Kept

Margaret M Emer Jacquard Print Tall Straight Leg Pant

Ok, so fail here on the no picture. These were so pretty but ultimately they fit me funny. They were a little too short….but I strategically scheduled this fix to be when I was visiting my friend in Richmond who is also hooked on Stitch Fix and my size as well. She tried these on and they were perfect on her. So she got to keep them!

Fun2Fun Banta Back Strap Blouse

I loved the back detail on this shirt! However, the pattern was not really my style plus it didn’t fit me great (it wasn’t very stretchy and was just a little too tight in the chest area). It was a little too handkerchief/country looking for me but someone else fell in love with it on the Stitch Fix Facebook group where you can sell your items to other Stitch Fix lovers. So off it went to a good home.

Sold

Mavi Freida Skinny Jean

I honestly don’t know how they do it, but Stitch Fix has delivered me THREE pairs of amazing jeans. I can’t tell you how hard it is for me to find jeans that fit well, don’t sag, and are long enough. Enter pair number three. I asked for a dark rinse and these didn’t completely deliver n that aspect but oh my goodness the softness, the stretch, and the fit sold me on first try-on. Plus, all my friend kept telling me when I was trying on the clothes was “Keep the jeans, Megan. Keep the jeans.” Well, I did. And have basically worn them constantly. And have persuaded way more people than one should to touch them because of how soft they are.

Kept

Whew! All caught up on my back-log of Stitch Fixes….just in time to put myself in a Stitch Fix drought. Boo! Maybe March I will get another one? It all depends.

Want to see more? Check out my other reviews!

my february 2015 stitch fix review

my march 2015 stitch fix review

my april 2015 stitch fix review

my may 2015 stitch fix review

my june 2015 stitch fix review

my july 2015 stitch fix review

my august 2015 stitch fix review

my september 2015 stitch fix review

my october 2015 stitch fix review

my november 2015 stitch fix review

my December 2015 stitch fix review

Leave a Note
  • Lauren Reardon

    Can you please give me the name of the Facebook group where you sell your stitchfix items? I have some to sell that I have never worn! Thanks in advance!ReplyCancel

    • Megan

      Hi Lauren! I am in the Stitch Fix B/S/T and discussion group. You can search for other groups according to size as well. They are a great option! I’ve had some good luck selling things there!ReplyCancel

  • Paula@SweetPea

    You are rocking this fix! I love both of the sweaters that you kept and also the jeans. The faux leather on the black sweater really makes it special. You were smart to schedule a fix when you were visiting your friend and it’s great that she could wear the pants. I’ve got a fix coming next week and asked for white jeans. I hope that I get lucky and that they fit.ReplyCancel

    • Megan

      Ooo I bet they will deliver on the white jeans! I’ve seen some great Kut from the Kloth ones floating around in people’s fixes. I am really happy with my last fix…which makes me want another one so badly but I must refrain. I will live vicariously through yours instead!ReplyCancel

  • Michele @ A Storybook Life

    Great Fix! What are the grey pants that you’re wearing with the mixed material button-back sweater? They look great — and if they’re SF, I’d love to request them!ReplyCancel

    • Megan

      Thank you! They are Stitch Fix. They are Liverpool pants from my November fix that is linked above! They are AWESOME!ReplyCancel

Pretty much the end of the world happened. I accidentally found out who Ben picks in The Bachelor this season. It might have been the cry that was heard around the world when it happened.

I usually do everything possible to avoid spoilers. I love the anticipation and waiting game of finding out what will happen at the end.

That got me thinking…why do I hate spoilers for TV but all I want are spoilers in life. All I want to know is what is going to happen. How is this going to end? What is the verdict going to be?

I don’t want to wait. I don’t have patience. I want to know NOW.

But that is not how life works. Nor really should it. I enjoy the not knowing in the TV world. The savoring each second of the show. The focusing on the now. I enjoy the entire episode, not just the end.

So yes, a silly concept and example (although, come on, best season of The Bachelor ever, right?! I think every woman in America is in love with Ben!) it helped me put a little perspective on my life.

Enjoy the moment Megan. Stop trying to figure out what’s going to happen. Accept the adventure that is right now.

PS – Fun Megan life fact. I almost applied for The Bachelor this season. I had my video script all planned out but just decided the timing wasn’t right in my life. Just thought that was a fun tidbit to share. Ha! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Leave a Note
  • Paula@SweetPea

    I don’t watch The Bachelor but of course know all about it. I would have loved it if you’d been on it and I definitely would have watched.ReplyCancel

  • Meg

    I used to purposely seek out “Bachelor” spoilers through Reality Steve, etc., but now I also avoid them like the plague! It’s much more fun to be surprised, I think… even if, during the “After the Rose,” we get the dismal news that they’ve already broken up. Ha!

    Ben is very handsome and seems like a really nice guy, but I don’t find him as intriguing as some of our previous “Bachelors.” Still, I love this show — can’t quit it!ReplyCancel

    • Megan

      You used to seek them out! Ahhh! I’m so opposite of that! And how you feel about Ben! 😉 Haha. He’s my favorite bachelor yet!! But I go for nice and not mysterious. Such a good show.ReplyCancel

Let the week of loooove begin, right?! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner everyone is all decked out in pink and red and hopped up on sugar planning a night with that special someone in their life.

And there is nothing wrong with that. I am the biggest fan of love!

Love is definitely not limited to just your man or woman. No way. I have felt SO MUCH love in the past year from my family and the best girl friends anyone could ever wish for.

Some of those lovely ladies also happen to be my co-workers (I’m so lucky!), and we occasionally like to have a party together. It started when we jumped on the paint night idea but didn’t want to pay for it at a studio. Thankfully, one of our friends is a gifted artist so she volunteered to help guide us. So we all went out and bought our art supplies, got plenty of food and drinks, and had our own paint night party!

These have continued to happen and it was feeling like it was time for another one…but this time we decided to throw it in the afternoon and have it be a full blown Galentine’s Day party!

That’s right: All girls + lots of food + drinks + painting + Dirty Cupid (like Dirty Santa!) = Galentine’s Day Party!

We decided to start at noon and bring lots of yummy appetizers to graze on. This will allow us to party together while also freeing up the night for anyone who has plans with their man.

I’m planning on bringing a broccoli casserole that I made for Christmas (so good with a little different twist on broccoli casserole) and cookies that are so good I should probably just quit my job and start selling these cookies. I swear. I don’t usually like cookies after they’ve cooled out of the over but THESE. They are dangerous. #itsjustthetruth #imbeinghumbleipromise

Now, on to the best part(y) – decorating for a girly party!!

One of the greatest things about planning a Galentine’s Day Party is that you can go ALL OUT on all the girly decorations and your friends will just eat it right up!

First of all you can start with the most adorable, yet grown-up Galentine’s Day party invitations – Minted even has online ones. Plus, you can add matching stickers because let’s be real, we are all kids at heart still and who doesn’t love stickers? Or you can just add an extra touch to the envelope and seal it with the sticker. Whatever works for you.

 

Now it’s time to move onto getting your house ready. If you have a color theme, start by grabbing everything you already own in your house in those colors and bring them to the main party room. It’s amazing how using what you have can be a great basis for your party.

Then, you can add some extra special details like a photo backdrop…because it’s a bunch of girls. We’re going to be taking an excessive amount of pictures.

We all know that food will be a big focus of the event so you can to pretty that table up.

Add bunting to personalize it and cute place cards to label things. Also, don’t be afraid to use anything chalkboard you have to help with presentation. Plus, cake platters can do just about anything for decorating and don’t have to just hold a cake. They add a nice elevation to the table.

 

To inject a little color into the presentation grab a personalized table runner in your party’s color and throw it on there. Plus, you can use it over and over again.

As a bonus, you can always make little treat bags with your favorite fabric to give out to your guests. And darn it, put a sticker on that bag! I told you you needed the stickers!

Now that you’ve got it all planned out, let your hair down (or put it in a messy bun) and get dolled up (or wear those yoga pants) because you have a fun party planned with your besties. Heck, I feel like it would even be fun and nostalgic to hang a “Girls Rule, Boys Drool” sign on the door as people enter. I’m pretty sure you can make that happen on Minted too.

Do you throw a Galentine’s Day party? Any ideas that has made yours special?

This post is in collaboration with Minted, who provided me with store credit for this post. All opinions are my own.

PS – Check out one of my favorite and most popular projects. I even showed it off on live TV!

 

Leave a Note
  • Paula@SweetPea

    A Galentine’s Day party sounds like so much fun. You found some great ideas for decorating from Minted. I love their stuff so much.

    I hope you’ll share you cookie and broccoli casserole recipes.ReplyCancel

All the fairy tales tell you love conquers all. That if you find that person and fall deeply, madly in love you will be happy for the rest of your life.

Yes, yes, we know that fairy tales are aptly named because they are these illusions high in the clouds that aren’t real life. We stress that to young daughters as their starry eyes fill with dreams of being Cinderella.

Even if people stop believing in the fairy tales, I still think that many of them still believe that love conquers all (as taught in the fairy tales).

Yes, I believe love is the strongest emotion there is and that love can cause huge change.

I used to be one of those people; one of the love conquers all believers. I thought love was enough. I found a man who I was deeply, deeply in love with. I married him and settled in for my happily ever after.

Screeeeeeeeech.

That’s what happened to my happily ever after. At least with that man.

The love wasn’t enough to take us through all the years of ups and downs in life. That love story didn’t conquer all. That happily ever after chapter was over.

Yet, I still get my happily ever after though. It’s called becoming 100% happily ever happy with yourself. That’s who you can rely on throughout your entire life.

Isn’t that kind of enlightening and freeing? You have control over your happily ever after. You can make your own happily ever after with or without a significant other.

I will even go farther to say that you will more likely have a happily ever after with a significant other that will stand the test of time if you really, truly find your peace, happiness, fulfillment, and happily ever after for yourself, by yourself, and through yourself.

The strongest relationships come from two complete people deciding to commit, make the effort, and become life long learning partners.

That means you too can have a guaranteed happily ever after because it is with yourself. A guarantee for perpetual happiness and love your entire life. Now they should make that into a fairy tale.

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