post #40 - F5: Fall, Homecoming, TV, New Planner, & Sleep!

Friday Friday Friday - September 27!

Y'all. I'm slacking. It's been a week since my last post. Sorry. Work has consisted of some late nights and early mornings this week, so paired with birthday festivities for Jo, I just haven't had the energy to blog.

This week:

1. It's FALL!

Now I officially don't feel bad about apple candles and pumpkins everywhere.

{photo credit}

2. It's HOMECOMING!

This is my post every other Friday, but I really can't wait to spend the weekend in Clemson. Something about the homecoming game always just brings a little more excitement than usual.

3. TV IS BACK!

I couldn't be happier that some of my favorites are back in season! Has anyone else had a great week finally watching new episodes of New Girl, Mindy Project, Modern Family, the Middle, or the Voice? We love these shows. Still laughing over last weeks premiere of New Girl. Now once Scandal comes back next week, I'll be a happy girl.

4. My PLANNER

Remember the post I did about May Books here? Well, I still love my May Books. I use them everyday, several times. One contains my master to-do list, something not to be messed with. But once I started work, I realized that while I really loved the convenience of the May Book planner, it just wasn't practical for my job. I needed something big.

Come - the Erin Condren life planner. Yes, I'm a sucker for reviews. After reading 8329874328 blog posts about these planners, I had to order. It's an investment, right? Kind of. Mine officially starts Oct. 1, but really started yesterday because it gave a few bonus days. This bad boy is the size of a small textbook. I chose this design because it was a little more professional than some of the others, but still very pink. So far, I love it! I've already written 43432432 things in it. I'll keep ya posted.

5. SLEEP

Sunday is nap day. I couldn't be any more excited. I don't know if this is a valid 5th thing, but it's pretty much all I'm thinking about right now, so there you have it.

~~~

Coming up on the blog sometime soon is a yummy and light key lime pie recipe. I know it's out of season - don't care. It's Jordan's favorite, so I made it for his birthday last week. It's too yummy not to share! And everyone loves a lowfat pie, duh.

Not coming up sometime soon? That Saluda's restaurant review. I was so hungry and happy to be spending time with Jordan, I forgot to take pics of anything. But it was delicious. Guess that means we'll have to go back again soon!

Oh, and his birthday gift for those of you who were wondering? Gym shorts, and dress shirt, and a super soft and fluffy Nap Robe from Brookstone. He loves it!

Follow along with Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook! (and Bloglovin) (and Google Friend Connect) (and Instagram). Ciao!

post #39 - F5: Jordan's Birthday, Shopping, Fall Wreath, Mint Blazer, & Thursday Night Football

Happy Friday for September 20!

Happy Friday Bloggy friends! Hope your weeks have been marvelous!

Headed to work early today (no doubt with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand - it's FRIDAY!), but I don't even mind because I'm so excited for this weekend! 

1. Jo's Birthday!

Although his birthday is actually on Monday, we both have busy weeks ahead and will be celebrating on Saturday. We're going to one of our favorite Cola restaurants (Saluda's - expect a full review next week!) and I can't wait to give him his gift! We normally do pretty small gifts for birthday and Christmas (read, under $100). I didn't go as all-out or creative as I normally do this year, but it's something I know he's been wanting and I hope he loves! Stay tuned to see what I got him (I'm too afraid to post it, in the off chance he looks at my blog today!) My mouth is already watering at the thought of one my favorite steaks in town!

{this hottie's about to be 26!}

2. Shopping!

I'm heading to Greenville today with a few girlfriends for a Saturday morning shopping trip! ;-) Can't wait to score some amazeballs finds and spend time with some of my favorite ladies!

3. Fall Wreath

I think everyone and their brother sister made a fall wreath last weekend. I wanted something that was more football-y and less fall-y, so I could keep it up until Clemson goes to the National Championship in January. I kid, I kid. Kind of. We actually might make it there, y'all! I keep telling my USC co-worker I'll send him a postcard from Pasadena. Anyways, here's my little wreath - I think it's cozy, simple and festive!

{not the greatest angle, but you get the picture}

4. I Can't Stop Wearing This Blazer

How much is too much? It's mint, so I feel like I can't get away with wearing it as frequently as I would a basic black, navy, or gray. But I've accidentally been wearing it ABOUT once a week to work. And it's wool, so I feel like this trend isn't stopping any time soon. Whoopsie.

{shockingly, I don't wear it paired with the rest of this outfit. do people actually pair this stuff together in real life? it's not happening in columbia, sc!}

5. Thursday Night College Football

Last night, Clemson had our first of two Thursday night games this season. The game was away, but I can't quite decide if I love having Thursday night games or hate it? I do know that I have trouble staying awake until the end! Homegirl's gotta work in the morning! Last night was not our best game, but a win is a win - we'll take it!

Don't forget to follow along on Bloglovin, GFC, and Facebook! As always, I just love reading your comments, and try to always write you back! Thanks for reading!

Xo - Morgan

post #38: Weekend Review {Cafe Strudel}

Weekend Review + Big News in MM Blogland!

Happy Monday pretties! Hope y'all had a relaxing and fun weekend. I sure did!

Friday night, Jo and I enjoyed a new experience together - Delhi Palace, an Indian buffet! The food was a little spicier than what I'm used to, but was really good and definitely something different. Once I got adjusted, I really enjoyed the meal.

Saturday we woke up and headed to Cafe Strudel for brunch. Cafe Strudel has the best outdoor porch for a weekend brunch. This was the first time we've dined outside, but it sure was perfect! The weather was to die for, and we had the best service. Several of the employees came out to fuss over Milly, which she always loves! Do you blame them?

I had the smoked salmon bagel on a sun-dried tomato bagel, which comes with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and tomato. I omitted the onion. It was mmmm mmm good.

Jo had the Hangover Hashbrowns. Complete with cheese, tomatoes, banana peppers, onions, egg, and lots of potato goodness, this dish (usually my go-to) doesn't disappoint. 

After brunch, we went walking (and Milly swimming!) along the River Walk to work off our hearty food choices. I spent the rest of Saturday afternoon running errands and getting started on our fall wreath. Here's the first sneak preview...

{had so much fun dressing this baby up! post-stain}

We spent Saturday night eating cheese fondue and grilling. We watched silly movies, played trivia games, had some drinky drinks, and just goofed around. See Instagram for evidence. It was great to have a carefree date night.

My big news is that Makeshift Margaritas is getting a makeover! I have hated my blog template pretty much since I've started blogging. I want my readers to want to look at my blog, and if I don't want to look at it, I'm pretty sure y'all don't either. That being said, after reading all of your comments on Friday, I bit the bullet this weekend and really researched designers. I found Sophie and Rory on Etsy and was instantly sold. It was seriously a fraction of all the other designers I'd been considering, and her work was gorgeous. 

So, stay posted in the next few months for my new design! I can't wait to see what Laura has up her sleeve. If she figures out my "classic, but modern," "nothing busy, but really fun!," and equally puzzling hopes for this design, she will truly deserve an award. 

Now, time for another cup of coffee.

Xo - Morgan

Not following along yet? Use Facebook, Bloglovin, and Instagram to stay posted!

post #37 - F5: Lazy Weekends, Fall Decor, Boots, Target, and a New Blog Design!

It's Friday? Five Things for September 13.

Hey there, pretty blog friends! Hope you've had a super week!

5 highlights of this week...

1. Lazy Weekends

Last week, I backed out of going to the Clemson game and stayed home with the pup. I started Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market with a girlfriend. Milly naturally made friends with the biggest horse dog there, we enjoyed mimosas, and I got some peaches, kale, goat cheese, and crab + avocado ravioli.

{nice and tired when we left.}

{my "single for the day" lunch - lavender goat cheese, pretzels, and cookie butter! mmm}

I watched the Georgia/South Carolina game with Jo's mom and called it a night. The next morning, I headed to the Panthers opening game in Charlotte with some coworkers. A fun time was had by all!

2. Fall Decor

I finally put out some fall decorations! I picked up the glass leaf plates at TJ Maxx over the weekend and love the touch they add to the table. And pumpkin candles...*insert sigh of happiness

{our kitchen table is ready for fall!}

{pumpkin spice candles make me a happy girl!}

3. Boots

Is it time for these yet? I'm quick to put on my cowboy boots - in fact, I wore them to our first football game against Georgia. But, when are we officially allowed to start wearing our riding boots? I got a pair of brown Nine West riding boots last year for Christmas that I love, but this year I'm in the market for some black ones. Is it just me, or are decent looking black ones harder to find? Let me know if you have any suggestions. Until then, I'll just keep dreaming about these.

{stuart weitzman 50/50 stretch over the knee boot}

4. My Target Haul!

After Christina posted an Instagram picture of her Pumpkin Spice M&Ms, I knew I'd be heading to Target to pick some up. Naturally, I didn't leave with just M&Ms. I tried to find the new Essie shades I talked about here and here, but of course they were sold out. I think I found the next best thing in Sally Hansen's Insta Dry - "Gone Grey." I also found some great smelling citronella candles for 70% off!

{clear organizer for work, sharpie pens, pumpkin spice m&ms, nail polish, & candles. + lots of diet coke, not pictured ;-)}

5. Blog Designs!

My little blog is still growing! It's been so exciting to keep gaining followers each day on BlogLovin, Google Friend Connect, and Facebook. (Not following yet? What are you waiting for!) The only thing that's been getting me down is my blog design. Right now, I'm using a freebie - I can't quite decide when the right time is to bite the bullet and purchase a paid design. Here's where I need your advice, experienced bloggers - at what point did you purchase a blog design? A certain number of followers? Page views? Are you happy with your designer? Could you justify the cost?

6. A Little Humor For Today

I had to add a 6th this week. This link is too. funny. Dying. Like, tears might be escaping. 

Thanks for following along with my little old life! Your comments just make my day ;-) And if you're not following along yet, I'd sure love to have you along for the ride!

Xo - Morgan

post #36: Turbulence

Turbulence

The color - Not the kind-of-fun thing that happens on a plane sometimes.

Pantone has named this color one of Fall 2013's top colors. I can't say I'm disappointed, since I wear this color pretty frequently, especially for work.

Usually I wear this as a suit, a sweater, or a skirt. Or a pair of heels. I wouldn't mind adding a few more pieces in this trendy but timeless color - here are some of my favorites:

{J. Crew Contrast Knit Blazer}

{Banana Republic Sheer Scattered Sequin Tank}

{Loft Polka Dot Tie Neck Dress}

{Essie Cashmere Bathrobe}

{Halogen Geo Stitch Infinity Scarf in Gray Castlerock}

Do you have any favorite turbulence pieces? I'd love to hear about them!

Are you following along yet on Facebook, Bloglovin, and Instagram? If not, why wait!

Xo - Morgan

post #35 - F5: Blueberry Moscow Mules, Vested Interest, Milly, J.Crew Shoes, & J.Crew Collection

Friday Five for September 6!

Do you ever have weeks that feel a little like a marathon? This week was like that for me. I've been traveling for work and feel like I haven't quite had a chance to sit down in a spot other than a car. We decided to wait to head to Clemson until tomorrow morning, even though it's a 12:30 game - I need a bit of time to get my life in order (and decide what to wear to the game, duh). 

5 Things I'm Loving This Week?

1. Blueberry Moscow Mules

Kind of dying to try this drink. Regular Moscow Mules are so good but BLUEBERRY? Drooling.

{recipe & photo credit here}

2. This New Essie Shade {Vested Interest}

How fast can I purchase this? Today at lunchtime? Perhaps?

{photo credit here}

3. This Little Pumpkin

We all know that I'm unreasonably obsessed with my dog. Nothing new here.

4. These Shoes

Obsessed. So obsessed.

{buy them here}

5. For that matter, all of the current JCrew Collection items 

I have been swooning over some of this stuff and really just can't stop. Examples:

{Rory Boots, found here}

{Collection Valentina Calf Hair D'Orsay Pumps, found here}

Okay, even though I have absolutely nowhere to wear this, if I ever got it I may never take it off. Work, dinner, bed, repeat?

{Collection Dauphine Gown in Watercolor Floral, found here}

Kind of need this. Pleasepleaseplease Santa?

{Collection Icon Trench, found here}

Hope you all have wonderful weekends!
Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin!

Xo - Morgan

post #34: Liebster Award Post

Liebster Award Post!

So, as I mentioned in my last post, a few lovely ladies have let me know that they've nominated me for Liebster Awards! Let me explain. This is a peer award that new bloggers can give to other new bloggers with less than 200 followers. It allows people to find your blog and find out some fun new things about you. So, a huge thank you to Carolina Belle, Go Go Mountain Girl, and From Mississippi With Love for nominating me! It's so much fun to make new blog friends!

Here are my short and sweet answers to their questions:

Carolina Belle's Questions

1.  Who is your favorite designer and why?

• I guess JCrew does't count as a designer, but I've found their clothes to be very practical for work and play. As for actual designers, I love Milly (my dog's name), Trina Turk, and Kate Spade's colorful and fun outfits!

2.  What is your favorite weeknight meal?

• We make lots of chicken tacos. I also love spaghetti bakes, lettuce wraps (post here!), london broil, and shrimp and grits.

3.  What is your favorite "current" song?

• Blurred Lines - I can't help it!

4. What website do you visit (almost) daily?

• I love Yahoo because I can get both my actual news and pop/quirky news. And Facebook/Gmail, of course. 

5.  Chocolate vs Vanilla (or any other flavor)?

• Chocolate, always!

6.  What is your most recommended wine?

• For a cheap bubbly wine, I love Contadino (post here!) - only about $5 a bottle at Trader Joes! It really depends on the food for what kind of wine I choose.

7.  Lipstick, Lipgloss, or Lip stain?

• Gloss - stick & stain intimidate me!

8.  Favorite Pinterest idea - please link.

• Pumpkin Poppers - click here to see pin

9.  Most prized possession?

• My engagement and wedding rings. Dogs don't count, right?

10.  The thing you look forward to every week?

• Weekends!

11.  Favorite vacation location?

• Clemson & an all inclusive beach resort (honeymoon style!). 

Go Go Mountain Girl's Questions

1. If there was a movie made based on your life, who would play you and why?

• Probably Lucy Hale - I'm obsessed with Pretty Little Liars!

2. What was the last thing you Googled?

• Free Redbox Codes. Yep, admitting it. You're crazy if you don't use these!

3. What is one of your guilty pleasures?

• Vanilla Ice Cream with flavored balsamic poured on top. Haven't tried it? It's the best.

4. What is something you know now that you wish you knew "then?"

• Large chocolate peanut butter milkshakes with cheese tots from Sonic at 3am with girlfriends every weekend weren't as completely necessary as we thought in college.

5. What do you consider to be one of your greatest accomplishments?

• Graduating from law school

6. What is one thing not many people know about you?

• I play a very limited amount of guitar

7. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about your life, would you? What would it be?

• Yes - new car! And maybe have another dog.

8. What is your favorite Disney movie?

• Hard question!! Love so many of them. Maybe Lion King?

9. What is something you've never done, but would like to try?

• Skydiving

10. Where is your favorite place to be?

• See above vacation spots!

11. What is your favorite blog post you've written?

• I had fun writing my Friday Five post about Orange Appetizers and loved all the feedback I got from it!

From Mississippi With Love's Questions

1. You're 8 years old, what do you want to be when you grow up?

• Probably an actress or singer. Or doctor. Or princess.

2. What is your favorite movie?

• Goodness, I love so many movies! The Hangover, Step Brothers, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?

3. If you had all the money in the world, what would be your 1 fashion splurge?

• A big, big timeless Louis Vuitton tote. If I ever start making a lawt of money or win the lottery, this will be my present to myself.

4. Name something interesting about your hometown/the town where you currently live.

• We're South Carolina's capital and are right in between two of my favorite cities - Charleston and Greenville! 

5. What's the best gift you've ever given or received?

• My brother and I gave my parents a mini Asheville vacation a few years ago (a hotel room, Biltmore tickets, and a gift card to a restaurant) for Christmas and they were SO surprised! It was so much fun.

6. Who is your role model?

• Olivia Pope

7. The song you wish they'd never play on the radio again

• Hmmm, I can't think of anything right now

8. You get to trade places with someone for a day, who do you choose?

• Kate Middleton

9. What's the best thing you've ever eaten?

• Yum, we had some awesome food on our honeymoon! I'm a sucker for perfectly cooked scallops.

10. Who is the person you text most often?

• My husband! Lots of pictures of our dog. And then probably my parents. I also have some very frequent group texts/emails with some of my bffs.

Some blogs I've been loving lately that I'd like to nominate are:
Home Sweet Ruby
The Reedy Review
Happily Ever Parker
Line Up & Wait
Dixie on my Mind

My questions for them:
1. Favorite cooking or baking ingredient?
2. Favorite TV show?
3. Pick one: Pinterest or Instagram?
4. Favorite nail polish shade for fall?
5. Favorite memory from this summer?
6. Thanksgiving or Easter?
7. Dream car?
8. Favorite kitchen gadget?
9. What's the one makeup item you can't live without?
10. Dream job?

Sorry for this long, long post! Hope this teaches y'all a little more about me!

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin, Instagram, & Facebook to stay up to date!

post #33: Weekend Review {Clemson v. Georgia}

Weekend Review: Tigers > Bulldogs

Happy Tuesday everyone! I don't know about y'all, but this was possibly the best long weekend ever! We started by heading to Clemson Friday after work. When we got there, we ate pizza with Jo's family and watched GameDay set up across the street.

We woke up Saturday morning excited and ready! We also got in some morning Elmo reading with the sweetest Tiger cheerleader.

We walked down to GameDay for a little while. Even though I'm no fan of the Bulldogs, we got to see the baby pup that Lee Corso pulled up during his picks. Talk about precious! I could do some serious snuggling with a baby bulldog.

We hung out at the condo, played cornhole, ate, drank, ate, drank, and ate some more.

{our niece is the cutest.}

Oh, and did I mention that we beat Georgia? And my phone died. So I have no more pictures after the afternoon. But the game was one of the most fun that I can remember, and it was a weekend we won't be forgetting any time soon. Now, no one (in South Carolina at least!) can wait to see how the Gamecocks handle the Bulldogs next weekend ;-)

We came home Sunday and watched Oz the Great and Powerful and Pitch Perfect. I thought Oz was so cute (I've always been a big Wizard of Oz fan!) and Pitch Perfect was just as funny the second time around.

Brace yourself for this - after taking Milly to the park and walking for a few hours Monday morning, Jordan and I went CAR SHOPPING! We haven't purchased anything yet, but we're getting close. Those who know me well know that I'm still *gasp* in my first car. My Toyota Rav 4 has done me well in our 10 years together, but it's time to move on to bigger and better things. I'll keep y'all posted! (P.S. - She's for sale! Is anyone looking for a 2000 baby SUV with 178,000 miles on it? ;-))

Tomorrow will be my Liebster Award post! Get ready!

Stay up to date on Makeshift Margaritas by following on Facebook, Bloglovin, & Instagram!

Xo - Morgan