Soft Pink Pleats

I'm baack! Now that I'm back home for break, I figured I'd start up my blog again! It's too crazy keeping up with it at school. But I think I'm going to have to get used to that if I want to keep blogging... Haha. But I'm really excited to get back to it. Enjoy!

The student ward I attended up at BYU-Idaho started at 8:20am each Sunday. Growing up, the earliest time our wards had ever started at was 9am, and that's not tooo terrible. You can sleep in until 8, shove food in your mouth, rush to get ready until you look decent (enough), and then hopefully get to church on time. (That just sounds awful, doesn't it? Haha. I'm always late to church. We're all imperfect, yes, but I recognize it's a bad habit--and I'm working on it!) When I came home I figured out when the singles ward started, and I nearly cried when someone told me it starts at 11:30. What a wonderful time to have church. I'm super happy about it!

So yesterday was Fast Sunday, and I decided to fast for job opportunities. I've applied to a few places, and I'm really crossing my fingers in hope that things will work out! Anyway, the typical Fast Sunday goes as follows: sleep in as long as you possibly can, get up and get ready, try not to think about your little sister eating chocolate-chip waffles in the kitchen, and (again) try not to be late to church. So yesterday I was laying in bed wide awake, not wanting to get up and face my growling stomach just yet. Then I got a knock on my door. My mom came in and said, "I've got some treasures for you!" She was carrying two skirts she got the other day at T.J.Maxx. My mom is awesome. When she finds modest skirts or dresses for a good price, she doesn't hesitate to buy them. She has always been one to endorse her daughters in being modest in any way that she can, and this is one way she does it! It's so very hard to come by modest clothing these days. Thankfully, my mom grabs them when she can! That being said, I wore one of the new, modest skirts to church yesterday.

t-shirt: Target
skirt: T.J.Maxx
shoes: Target

I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to post this outfit, but I kept thinking I need to get this started up again. I also had a positive push from my dear boyfriend (thanks babe! Haha). So, here I am! I actually do like this outfit. When I think of the colors, though, all I see is my sister Savanah's wedding! Haha. We wore cream and blush pink. It was so pretty. When I picked this skirt to wear I knew I'd have to downplay the top. It is my personal opinion that you shouldn't have things get too busy when planning an outfit, especially when dressing up. For instance: you don't pair a ruffled top with a ruffled skirt. That just doesn't work! Because this skirt has pleats, I needed to calm it down on the top half of the outfit. So I went with a plain, white t-shirt. I also decided on a white t-shirt because it doesn't drown out the soft pink color, it just makes it pop! And the shoes are just fun. They go well with the rest of the outfit because their individual colors. And I think that cognac brown can go so well with a lot of bright and fun colors!

The accessories:

earrings: Kohl's
necklace: Forever 21

Once I had the outfit on, I didn't want to play it up any more. It was turning out to be a simple, pretty look. I didn't want to take away from that! So I chose simple accessories. I love gold accessories. And I thought these two went very well with the light pink and the cognac brown. So I chose my go-to Forever 21 necklace, and some simple gold studs from Kohl's. And that was it! Nice and simple Sunday dress yesterday.

Aside from my outfit, I love being home! I really miss college though. I miss my sister and her husband, my amazing boyfriend, my roommates, and even Idaho! Haha. Who would have guessed that, huh?! Haha. I love it up there, it's beautiful and so fun! But being home it really nice, too. I've missed the beach, the sun, my best friends, and my family. It'll be great to take a little rest before I'm back up in the fall and I jump right back into the craziness all over again... Until then, I'll be here!

Love, Megs. :)

From Sand to Snow

Heey! It's been awhile since I've posted on here, huh? Haha. Needless to say, my life has been a liiittle crazy over the last few months. But it's been SO great...! Here's a little update:

To start off, I just want to say that I completely L O V E Brigham Young University Idaho. I've been happier than ever since being here, and it is seriously because of this school and every single thing it has to offer. The town, the people, the education, the devotionals, the spirit, my friends, my roommates, my boyfriend, my family--EVERYTHING. I've had so many wonderful experiences, it would be an understatement just to say that my life has changed over the past 5 months. I've grown so much, and that's completely due to the good times I've had and the challenges I've gone through since being up here at BYU Idaho.

Even though there's been a few ups and downs, I wouldn't trade anything that has happened to me for anything in the world. I just started my 2nd semester up here and it's been soo (crazycrazycrazy) good! I'm grateful to have some pretty amazing people in my life right now that help me along and keep me positive! So, life has been pretty great. :)

The first few weeks of school were awesome. It came with the easiness of being a freshman--no worries, right? Sure...! Classes weren't too difficult, the weather was still nice (what, nice weather in Idaho? what? mid 60's were way nice), I loved my ward, and my roommates and I got along super well! It was great. But then it started to get cold. Like, COLD. I remember walking to class when it was 8 degrees outside... Walking to class early in the morning is the only time I angrily ask myself this question... "what are you doing here, Megan?" Just yesterday it was -2 degrees out on my way to my 8am class. While my nose and ears turn to ice, I still ask myself that question. "WHY?" Hahaha. I try to find the humor in things--with the help of my wonderfully optimistic boyfriend, I've been getting so so much better.

So most of the time it's not alll doom and gloom. Beside the fact that the wintry weather is absolutely freezing, there's a few benefits: it gets warmer when it snows, everything is gorgeous, and (my favorite part) you get to wear cute wintry clothing all the time.

Example:

Jacket: Aeropostale
Scarf: Forever 21
Boots: Sorel
Beanie: Forever 21

I've come to really love beanies. And scarves. And boots and boot socks. They are life savers. Now, if only someone could find some way to keep our noses warm without looking completely ridiculous. Hahaha.

I wasn't too sure about adjusting to the cold here in Idaho. I had heard so many different things about the weather here. It's way hot during the summer months, and it's way cold every other season--basically. Being a "California girl", you would think I wouldn't be too excited for the cold or the snow. BUT, little do people know that I actually love cold weather. I really only like hot weather when there is a large body of water nearby so I can keep cool in the heat. Other than that, I absolutely love bundling up. My favorite outfit of all time is and always will involve these items: a big sweatshirt, yoga pants, sweat pants (preferably "man pants", just men's sweat pants. If you've never tried them, do.), tube socks, slippers, or ugg boots. The signature hobo look is by far the most comfortable "outfit" I know of, and I love it. No shame! So I'm grateful Idaho provides me with the opportunity to wear this outfit almost on a nightly basis. I'm 100% okay with that.

I've been doing alright transitioning from sand to snow... I guess.

I posted this to Facebook after the first big snowfall of the semester: I wanted to go to the store, but then I check to see how much snow was on my car... NOPE! Hahaha. ;)

The worst part of living in a snowy state is when you see all of your wonderful friends at home posting pictures of the sun setting behind the ocean on the coast back home... THAT, my friends, is h a r d. But it really makes me appreciate where I call home. And also really makes me appreciate where I live now, as well. I love the snow, and I'm happy to call Idaho home for the few months I've lived here. Idaho is packed to the brim with so much beauty, people never really realize it! I've really come to love it here.

My boyfriend Greg and I went to Mesa Falls (in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho) the weekend before the first snowfall. We got suuper lucky; it was such a nice day!

I hope I didn't ramble too much, I haven't done this in a while! Haha. And there are no promises as to when I will post next, sorrry. I'm a busy little college student trying to manage good grades in school, church callings, and a social life. Just watch Facebook for more posts or updates!

Love, Megs. :)

Black & LuLaRoe

Black.

The color is a bit harsh, but it looks good on soo many people. I am and always have been a fan of black. It used to be because of that middle school phase I went through; black eyeliner(and lots of it), black shoes, black shirts, black jackets, and more little black details. No, I was never 'emo' or 'goth', I just thought black was a cool color. Anyways, that's beside the point... Hahaha. I just love black!

Black is very classy. You can always wear it with anything, and it's so fun to style. But I have to say, and I've said this for a few years now, black and silver is my all time favorite combination... It's simply stunning when they are paired together.

dress: LuLaRoe
shoes: Forever 21

This is my LuLaRoe dress. I'll talk about LuLaRoe in a bit, first I want to talk about my outfit:

Winter is coming aaand I am excited--I can wear dark colors once again! I love rainy, foggy, and overcast days. Fall and winter are my absolute favorite seasons. Black is a very flattering color on everyone. It's sleek and slimming. (Keep this in mind when looking for a nice outfit for any occasion!) Accessorizing a black dress is really fun. You can work with colors, or go with neutrals. I tend to go with neutrals, unless I feel like making a statement with a pop of color. Neutrals are my favorite! Especially the color grey, which is why I love silver so much. Throwing the shoes, necklace, bracelet, and earrings made this whole outfit turn out great!

Try playing around with the color black! Whether it's a black blouse or a black dress, play it up with some color, or silver or gold! Picture this dress I'm wearing with a turquoise necklace and earring, or some pink pumps along with a pink statement necklace. The possibilities are endless!

necklace: Target
earrings: Icing
bracelet: Icing

Let's talk about LuLaRoe.

You can read their story here, it's quite motivational! I love this clothing line. I found out about them through social media, through friends who had their dresses, and knowing of people who were consultants. Their consultants sell their dresses at dress parties they throw in their own home or at a hosts house, or you can buy them online at their website. I advise going to a dress party because trying on the dresses makes all the difference.

I went to a dress party in Oceanside a few weeks ago, and bought this dress and a pencil skirt. There were buckets full of dresses, skirts, leggings, and tunics. It's so fun to shuffle through the buckets and find the patterns you like in your size! I found out that this is the only dress that looks good on my figure--this is why I advise you try to go to a dress party. It's also fun to try them on and go out and show your family or friends your favorite styles!

Another huge plus to LuLaRoe is the fact that they are SO comfortable! I could literally sleep in this dress... I kid you not. Their tunics and leggings are a dream as well. I love it. I love it all.

So go check them out! Their styles differ frequently because their inventory sells out almost yearly. But checking them out is definitely worth it. I know I'll be back to a party or online for more soon. (Once I get money...Ha!)

Love, Megs. :)

Also: I'm going to try to keep up with my blog at college, I start next week(woot woot!), but we'll see how that goes. Let me know if you want more or anything specific on fashion or modesty in particular. :)

Cardigan & Maxi

Sometimes I find myself grabbing at items in my closet that don't quite go together. Sometimes I just do not care, and go with what I feel is my creative touch...and I actually liked the outcome this time! Hahaha.

I wanted to wear this new maxi skirt I got, but I also wanted to wear a cardigan of some sort. (It was just one of those days where I want to feel cozy and cute.) I was unsure as to how it would look; wearing a long cardigan with a maxi skirt or a skirt in general is difficult to style and sometimes doesn't look too great.

Let me know what you guys think of this... I loved it!...haha. :)

shirt: Merona (Target)
cardigan: H&M
skirt: Ross
shoes: American Eagle

I fell in love with this skirt when I found it at Ross in Vegas. I went shopping with my sister, Savanah, because she needed some shorts. I was NOT planning on getting anything...but then I saw this skirt, and it was like $10. Soo I got it! It was a sweet deal! I can't resist!

The cardigan is also so so much fun. I love pairing it with jeans and a t-shirt for a simple casual look. I love the floral print too. :)

I hope this stirred up some new ideas on how to style your cardigans and maxi skirts! I know it got me thinking.
Remember to stay modest my lovely friends!

Love, Megs. :)

Why Should We Be Modest?

The other day I came across this really awesome post on this blog, millennialmormons.com. I reallly loved what they had to say about modesty and WHY we make an effort to be modest as members of the LDS church.

Check it out. :)

The New Millennial Mormon Modesty Argument-

http://www.millennialmormons.com/new-millennial-mormon-modesty-argument/

They talk about modesty and the effect it has on men and women. But they also talk about how being modest is more importantly a part of keeping our covenants we've made with the Lord.

Being modest isn't something the modern fashion industry is currently into; within the last few years we've been reintroduce to certain styles that are a bit revealing and interesting--to say the least.

For girls: skinny jeans, crop tops, short/mini skirts, cutoff shorts(Daisy Duke style shorts), bandeau tops, and shirts with cut-outs. (there's probably more, as well)

For guys: skinny jeans, low-riding pants(thankfully some are catching on that it is not attractive), the tank top, the muscle t-shirt, and short shorts. (there's probably more, as well)

As the times have changed, we see the types of fashion changing as well. It's a bit interesting looking around Forever 21 at their styles they have these days. I LOVE Forever 21. You can find so many cute and modest things there, and SO many immodest and interesting clothes as well... It's hard to get around those things these days. For men and women shorts have gotten shorter, tops have gotten higher & lower, and the over all styles are changing more each year.

In our desire to be modest, it's sometimes overlooked because these new distracting styles placed before us today. It's hard to find modest clothes and still look 'cute'! But it's worth it BECAUSE we want to live our lives to please Christ and Heavenly Father--they've given us all that we have, it's the least we could do! Striving to be modest isn't easy, but we are promised blessings in return if we live worthy of our covenants.

I believe we should be modest to keep the sacred covenants we've made with the Lord, and so we are not a distraction to those around us.

I hope you all ready the blog post from the Millennial Mormons, I thought it was great!

Stay true to your selves, and remember what your purpose is here on earth!

Love this!

Love, Megs. :)

Stripes

Thrift stores are amazing, truly sent from above... In my eyes at least! Haha. I'm only kidding. But I'm partially serious...

I still marvel at the fact that I found this skirt at a thrift store in my town. So many people ask where I've gotten it, and I so wish I could tell them! The only thing I have to say to them is this: go thrift store shopping! I am a firm believer in thrift store shopping--oooobviously. :)

shirt: Madonna (it's my sisters)
skirt: Bali Emerald Design (THRIFT STORE)
shoes: Mossimo Supply Co. (Target)

>>>so I think I look like a red-head. I wish I was, that would be so awesome.

So I was down in Oceanside this past weekend, and I totally stole one of my sister Erin's shirts. For those of you who have siblings, you know that their wardrobe means a lot to you. When my older sisters left, YES I missed them so so much. But I missed their clothes as well;) hahaha.

I love love love dressing stripes! They are so fun to play with. Personally, I think every color looks great with stripes! I love putting bright bold colors with stripes for summer, it always gives it a super playful and fun look.

Accessorizing with stripes is SO FUN as well! Playing around with different colored accessories with your outfit is way fun, and stripes just make it look 100x better!

necklace: Forever 21
rings:
thumb- small shop in Gettysburg, PA
middle- Bella's Consignments in Orcutt
ring finger- CTR ring, from CTR Ring Shop

Summer is the best. You get to dress in bright and light colors and enjoy the summer heat--I love it! But MAN I seriously cannot wait for fall! I'll be spending fall and winter up at BYU Idaho so I'm more than eager to get some snow and the constant cold weather. I love love love looovveeee sweaters and dark colors for the fall and winter look, and I    can    not    wait to experience it daily!:D

SO EXCITED!

I can't believe I actually leave in ONE MONTH. I'm so beyond excited to start college and get busy. Life is just around the corner and I'm ready and excited to embrace it:) I'm so blessed to be where I'm at today. My heart is happy and full!

Have an amazing week guys, I hope the world treats you well.

Love, Megs :)

Discovering Photography

 Almost everyone who knows me knows that I'm a photographer.

I kept asking for a camera when I was about 12, and got one the Christmas after I turned 13--I think. It was so small, it broke. So I got a point-and-shoot. Then I needed to experience more, so I got a bigger camera, but still not the complete package; my parents wanted to see if this whole investment was worth it... And it turned out to be, thankfully;) And then, I finally realized I wanted to go somewhere with photography, and I was able to get a Canon t3i.

Best. Decision. Ever.

I used to take pictures like this(with my point-and-shoot):

Ignore the text, I was  o b s e s s e d  with doing that when I was like 13. Hahaha.

THEN I progressed to these...(my next camera was a step up from a point-and-shoot):

So at this point I wandered, not knowing how to excel from here. I'd wonder every now and then where this new hobby of mine came from.
A couple of years ago, I was visiting my family down in San Diego when I was about 16. One day, my family and I took a trip to see my great grandpa, who was sick with pneumonia and was 90 years old. We walked into their home, which I had been in countless times, and I suddenly noticed the pictures on the walls. My great grandpa took a trip to Spain in his later years, and had photographed some beautiful pictures from the trip. I walked around the house, looking at all of the pictures. It hit me then--this is where I got my talent of photography, I had inherited it from my great grandpa!
This moment was a huuuuuuuge moment for me... I finally figured it out, where this new hobby of mine had come from. It ingrained a new passion inside of me. It gave me reason, responsibility, and drive to move further in photography. I was, and still am, so grateful to have that link with my great grandpa.

In September of 2012, my great grandpa Judd passed away. As all people know, the passing of a family member is always a sad and hard thing to deal with. But knowing that I had photography as a connection with my great grandpa really strengthened my love and appreciation for him, even though he had left this earth. The last time we visited him was a couple months before he passed away. He was holding my hand and he told me to never give up on photography. This struck a chord, and it's stayed with me ever since. In that moment I knew that my great grandpa recognized a little photographer waiting to grow and experience life through the lens. I won't forget that visit with him that day, and I won't ever forget the new passion for photography my great grandpa has given me.
My favorite type of photography is landscape; you have to place yourself just right to get that perfect picture. You have to go out in nature and explore, and go beyond your typical limits. Photography for me is an outlet, a way to get away from the world and focus on one of the best things in this life: this WORLD given to us by our Father in Heaven. I think of the Lords creation, this earth, each time I get out and view this beautiful world we call home. I think of my sweet great grandpa for instilling within me this passion and love for viewing the world in such a different and beautiful way.

With my newest camera, a Canon t3i:

The Lord has blessed every single one of us with talents and passions, even thought we may not know of them yet. I know that through prayer and action we can discover them. If you're having a hard time figuring it out, ask Heavenly Father to help you figure out your personal talents and gifts He has given you. He's blessed me and my life with this talent, and I thank Him for that often.

When I look back at how far I've come, I remember how long it has taken me to get where I am today--and I'm still working on it. Talents only progress when you work by trial and error. But the important part is trying. When you reach goals you've made, it's the best feeling ever.

So keep moving, and keep a thankful heart in all that you do!

Love, Megs. :)