Hello Halloween!

*Dakota's first Halloween*

Halloween is in full swing around these parts. Yesterday we bought enough bags of candy to feed a small army. I purposefully waited until just days before because if it is in the house, I will eat it. Hello, no self control! This morning we woke up extra early to be a part of a costume contest at our grocery store. We did it last year and it was such a blast. Dakota was a papoose last year and won second place only next to an adorable little lion. Which is okay with us, he was too.cute! This year she won again, but I think that all babies under 2 win! :) Hey, we aren't complaining! She walked away with two cute little Rudolph + Rudolph's girlfriend stuffed animals. We've been sewing things, hanging up orange lights, drinking apple cider and watching Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. So fun. 

Is Halloween coming to life around your house? xo, Meghan

Songbird Saturday #8

Today's playlist is brought to you by: Eddie Vedder. I have to admit, for years and years, I hated Pearl Jam solely on the fact that I thought Kurt Cobain hated him. (I'll save me love affair with Kurt for another time) Anyway, I enjoyed a few Pearl Jam songs here and there, Yellow Ledbetter, but only in secret and few and far between out of respect for Kurt. I am slightly obsessed. It wasn't until I read, then later saw, Into the Wild that I decided to give the front man a chance. This soundtrack is awesome. I love love love this movie, but I really love the soundtrack. I find myself listening to it more when the weather is colder and I want to be inspired. This is one of the few movies I can watch constantly and always be refreshed and inspired by it. If you haven't seen the movie yet, I highly suggest you do!  He has put out two? solo records since then, and I've herd a few songs off of each, and I'm not disappointed. I like Eddie Vedder, I'm sorry Kurt!

xo, Meghan

What we wore: Headed to the city (Featuring Dakota Moon!)

On Mama: Sweater, Thrifted-originally Old Navy//Shorts, Target//Tights, Forever 21//White shirt, stolen from Bean//Shoes, Thrifted//Necklace, Birthday gift♥//Owl Ring, Claires//Cat + Mustache Pin, Boy Girl Party

On Dakota: Striped shirt, Target//Black Pants, TjMaxx//Sweater, Carter's from Babies'R'Us//Boots, Target

Dakota only made a small cameo apperence in these photos because A, she can't sit still long enough to get a decent picture! and B, we were getting ready to head out of town and I needed to get some last minute baby snugs. I was so thankful that last weeks temperatures were cool enough for tights and sweaters without having a heat stroke! The weather in Atlanta was pretty low in the mornings but was just delightful as the day went on.

Shorts (of any kind) + tights is my go to thing to wear when it's fall. The possibilities are basically endless, it's comfortable (I am all about comfort being a mama) and it's easy to dress up or down. Oh, isn't that Boy Girl Party pin adorable? I should do a post sometime solely on the stuff of hers I have. I have almost every one of those pins plus lots of stationary. I can't bring myself to use it though, it's just too cute!

Sometime soon I'll try to do a proper Mama/Baby post! It was fun! xo Meghan 

Fridays are for:

I apologize, last Friday I had planned to post my favorite things from that week, but we were out of town, and couldn't get internet service, in Atlanta....shame. Anyway, I'd like to show you some lovely things inspiring me this Friday!

Do you ever get the itch? The itch that stops you dead in your tracks. It can come from spending time on pinterest, browsing blogs or looking at magazines. The absolute dire need to put down whatever it is you're doing and redecorate. I have that itch! I'm in the mood, especially with this cooler weather, to cozy-fy my home and make it warm and inviting. A few spaces I'm loving:

This kitchen! *swoon* Mine is blues + reds also, and I just think that color combo is so charming!

This picture display has me dreaming up ideas. The possibilities are endless!

This wonderful 'up-do' of a mid century piece!

this wall of pretties is...., well, pretty!

and for the one day future baby, miss or mister-the salmon could easily be swapped for a more gender neutral color.

this entire living room shut.up!

One day I will have a fridge just like that! And um, hello scalloped + stripe-y goodness!

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What are your main sources of inspiration? Hope you have an inspiring Friday!
xo, Meghan

Funny Story

Before I tell you this story let me *preface* by saying that for Dakota's first birthday, her friend (coincidentally named Dakota) gave her a Dora ball pit. Similar to this one. She loves it so much. She's been known to carry all her favorite toys in their, and even take her food/snacks in there to eat.

For weeks now, Dakota has been doing this thing where whenever she needs a diaper change, she tells me herself. She either goes and gets a diaper from an easily reachable bin in her room, or she tugs at her "panties" and we know it's time for a change. Sometimes, she even lifts up her shirt and bangs on her belly, as if a 15 month old knew that's the source of it all. You're thinking yeah right. But it's true! Last Saturday we were getting ready to go somewhere and I wanted to give her a bath. This girl.loves.baths. Anyway, as the water was warming up all she had left on was a diaper. When I took off the diaper, she sprinted into her room. Normally she does like to run free, but I had never seen her so excited before. I didn't go into her room until probably a minute later, and do you know what I saw?  This girl was in her ball pit, squatting, and going potty. At first I was shocked! I called Bean to hurry and come in there and get her out, but my enthusiasm (okay, horror) startled her because she quickly jumped up and got out. The ball pit is clean now, but I still can't bring myself to bring it back inside. At first, the disbelief of it all had me questioning my child. Why would she do this? But the more I think about it, every child probably potties somewhere, in or on something. And I should be proud that she is so aware so early about these bodily functions. I shouldn't 'grossed-out' at something that everyone does, all the time. I should be proud of my girl, because she is one step closer to going on a big girl potty! 

I'm so curious, do you know/have a baby that has done anything remotely similar to this? Am I crazy to think she has an interest in potty training so early? Hope you have a great Thursday!

xo, Meghan

Daddy, Daughter date night

I think that I mentioned last week that Bean surprised Dakota with a coupon for a daddy/daughter date night at Chickfila; her favoriteee place. Just imagine me on the verge of tears at this sweet gesture. From what I understand, they treated them super fancy, and even took them out for a limo ride! Picture this: tiny baby dancing in the middle of a limo to Lady Gaga. Hysterical.

I snapped a few photos of my two sweets dressed to the nines before they left:

*I think she offered to take her car*

xo, Meghan

I am alive!

Eeeek! It's been 3 days since I've even seen a computer, 4 since I've been on one. I feel like a caveman. Kidding! It was nice to take a trip and actually enjoy the trip without being distracted with all that the internet has to offer. We got home late last night, and I was so exhausted that I just crawled into bed. Since it was late and past Dakota's bedtime, she just stayed another night with my mom. Did I mention how nice it is to have family live 20 minutes away? Today Dakota and I spent the day hanging out, playing and me getting lots of  her love! I swear, it seems like she's so much bigger. Was I only gone 4 days? It was nice to be able to put all of the trip stuff away and hang out with my girl. We even got to put up some Halloween-ish decorations up outside (can't believe it's only a week away today! eep!) I plan on tonight ending with a cup of hot chocolate, some crafting, and an episode (or three!!!) of Friday Night Lights. Perfect way to come home, if you ask me! Hope your weekend was lovely.

xo, Meghan

PS, check out DS participating in an awesome giveaway over at A is for Amperstand. I'm so thankful that both myself and DS decided to sponsor Amy this month, she is such a doll. 

Adventure Time!

We're going on an adventurrrre! (In my best flapjack voice possible!) Today Bean, Jared, and myself are taking a road trip, to Atlanta! As a late birthday present. I'm so excited, and it's safe to say everyone else is too. Bean and I took a road trip to ATL a few years ago for Spring Break, but since then, we haven't been back. Last time we visited everything from the World of Coke to the Georgia Aquarium and all the space between. And this little trip won't be any different.

I planned this entire trip around these two ideas: one + two. I've been known to throw a 'scavenger hunt' or some type of handmade/adventure into every birthday Bean has, but never fixed on an entire place. (Oh, except Disney World!) When I saw these two great ideas, I knew it was something I wanted to recreate. I'll show you the booklet when we get back, but I've compiled lots of different places to find in order to make sure we see all that Atlanta has to offer. I.am.SO.excited! Did I say that already? While we are there, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for an I-Zone. I bought 6 packs of film for a camera I don't own!

I'm off to cross my t's and dot my i's making sure I've got everything ready to go. Happy Thursday!
xo, Meghan

Style Muse: Zooey Deschanel

Myself along with countless other ladies, maybe even a few gents, adore Zooey Deschanel. She is one part nerdy, two parts classy, and unlimited parts adorable! She's just got it. You know, that girl that everyone loves, and secretly longs to emulate. She's not only insanely talented in both music + movies, and now tv, she's insanely adorable. ^see above. This girl knows how to dress. She's one of my many style muses, and if you couldn't tell, I just adore her! Not to mention, she's married to Ben Gibbard, what a lucky gal. Or rather, what a lucky guy!

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Do you love her as much as I do? What do you like about her style? I pick, um, everything. 

xo, Meghan

Dressing for a cause

This little gem is not only adorable, but it's stirring up a lot of buzz for all the right reasons. This Frocktober dress is a representation of all the lovely ladies standing up for research finding a cure for ovarian cancer. I think that the whole idea is just brilliant, and I want to be a part. The sweet Miss Kaelah and the stylin' Miss Jen both styled this dress and have me coveting one! Even if you don't want to dress the part, make a donation and learn more about how you can help. 

Wanna be even more of a help? Check out these ideas and be a part of the bigger picture! I'm particularly fond of the frock swap and the morning/afternoon teas myself. Anyone want to team up with me? :)

xo, Meghan

Havana Pumpkin Festival!

This past Saturday we headed over to Havana, a charming, small town on the outskirts of Tallahassee for their annual Pumpkin Festival. Despite it being warmer then I would have liked, and lots of bodies, it was fun! It is an antique town. The main street is lined with brick storefronts, cobblestone paths, and hand painted displays. Like I said, it's so charming!

Before I had Dakota, Bean and I would go up their often on Fridays and browse all the shops. Making sure we ran our fingers across everything, and took it all in. Saturday was no different! Dakota was perfectly well-behaved and hardly made a peep unless we were outside. And to top the day off, I spotted 3 Pugs and countless Boston Terriers! (In case you didn't already know, those are my dream dogs!) Angela sent me a picture of two buggies full of Pugs, kind of bummed I didn't see that though! All in all, it was such a fun day! Hopefully we're adding it to our ever growing list of Fall Traditions ♥

xo Meghan

Rediscovered Art.

{see the rest here}

So I have recently found my stash of cards as I used to call them. I probably have 30 or so, and they're just sitting in a box. 5 of my favorites are matted, but not framed. I used them in my AP Portfolio art class in high school, otherwise, those probably wouldn't be partially framed either. I don't think I have enough leisure time to mat and frame them, a. because I don't have a paper cutter, and b. because I don't want 30+ frames in my house. 

My question for you is: how should I display these? Should they all be randomly distributed throughout the house? Because that's how the 5 that are "framed" are displayed now. But I really enjoy looking at these, so I want to be able to see them often. Should they all be on some mass collaboration? HELP! It's been years and I haven't done anything with them, boo.

Hope you have a great Monday and feel inspired!

xo Meghan

Are you a fan of lovely dresses? A fan of FREE dresses? A fan of lovely, free dresses? Do you see what I'm getting at here? Then this is some news for you! The sweet Venessa at The Velvet Bird is giving away one of her gorgeous dresses to one lucky gal! I am over the moon. I've already instructed Bean that I need one of these dresses for Christmas. Really I need all of them, but I suppose one shall have to do. You should head on over to her blog, as if you don't already read it!, and enter to win.

Lola Sings the Blues

Lola Braves the High Seas

Lola Throws a Party  in pumpkin plaid

If I won, I'd pick one of the dresses above. Although I've made Bean promise he'd get me the Lola Sings the Blues for Christmas. Fingers-crossed for all who enter. Even if you, or I don't win, you should get a dress from her anyway. They're all so beautiful!

xo Meghan