post #59 - Life Lately

The past few weekends have been so much fun! 

Two weekends ago, I headed to Charlotte for one of my besties' surprise birthday party. Her boyfriend pulled it off flawlessly, and she was actually surprised!

{beautiful birthday girl + host}

{christmas photo, perhaps?}

{favorite friends celebrating meg's 25th}

{theme of the evening}

{loves}

{little mexicans!}

The next week/weekend, we went to Seabrook Island for Thanksgiving. It was great getting to spend some time with Jordan's family! We were also able to get a little puppy/beach time in, and we took our Christmas card pictures (stay tuned!).

{isn't he the best uncle?}

{beach playtime}

{my pup is the cutest.}

{chilly beach day}

After that, we headed to watch the Clemson/South Carolina game with friends. There was only one happy camper when the day was over...our Auburn graduate! I still can't believe that game!

When we came home on Sunday, we went to get our Christmas tree. See the tree behind me in this picture? It's now in our living room - so. huge. Maybe next year, a 10 ft. tree won't be necessary. Oops! (Let's be serious...we love it!)

{not sure if this choice is a great idea...}

So, that's what I've been up to lately! See y'all on Friday!

post #46 - F5: Breast Cancer Awareness, Healthy Food, Sangria, Clemson, & No-Reply Bloggers

Happy Friday!!! What 5 things are making you smile this week?

1. Breast Cancer Awareness

On Tuesday, I joined the main ladies in Jordan's life for a great event held here in Columbia - Women's Night Out. This event raises money and awareness for breast cancer. The night started with a silent auction and raffle. To make the raffle more exciting, everyone started with about 20 tickets (there were close to 30 different prizes, so you could distribute your tickets any way you wanted). Then, it was time for a delicious dinner. There was a fashion show with some beautiful cancer survivors and guest speakers - sisters who were separated at birth and later were brought together, and who both (along with their biological mother) suffered from breast cancer. I had such a fun night - although the figures are scary, it's so great to see so many strong women coming together for such a great cause. 

{i'm already looking forward to next year!}

2. Healthy Food

This dish has quickly become one of our very favorites - sauteed spinach, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice tossed with spaghetti squash. This week, we added a marinated portobello mushroom cap for some extra tastiness!

3. Fall Sangria

I'm thinking about making Sangria for the game this weekend. Is this a terrible idea for an 8:00 game? Someone talk me out of this. I am surely going to regret it and fall asleep before the game. (just kidding. that wouldn't happen). I found this recipe for Apple Cider Sangria (with hot sauce, I'm intrigued!)... I'm also considering this Pomegranate Sangria and Honeycrisp Apple Sangria. 

I definitely have my go-to recipes (is it a recipe if you combine by heart?) for the summer time, but do y'all have a fall sangria that is just to die for? I'd love to know, if so!

4. Date Night in Clemson

Tonight, we're hoping to head to Clemson a little early so that we can go out to eat and enjoy the Tigertown atmosphere. Weeknights are so tiring, so I'm really looking forward to a little down time! 

{florida state game, 2009. is it bad that neither one of these outfits has retired from our game day rotations?}

5. No Reply Comment Bloggers

This doesn't make me smile. This makes me frown, a lot!! Your comments make me so happy, and I try to respond to every single one! However, yesterday over half of my comments were from no-reply bloggers! I was so sad - I love email chatting with all of you! 

Are you a no-reply comment blogger? I found this tutorial - it's a quick fix, and you can finally start chatting with your bloggy friends!

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! Throw some prayers up for no rain, the perfect level of Sangria-induced-happiness to be great at cornhole, and a huge Tiger win!

Dying to stay up to date on my weekend shenanigans? Follow along on Instagram. Just want to see the recap next week? Stay posted on Bloglovin, GFC, or Facebook!

post #44 - Weekend Review, Clemson v. Boston College

Happy Tuesday! Hope y'all had a great weekend. 

We spent Saturday in sunny Clemson. I knew going into Saturday that it was a high of 80 - unfortunately, I envisioned a breezy, beautiful 80; it ended up as a sweaty, feels-like-100-degrees kind of day. Our Tigers pulled it out, but it wasn't pretty.

{tailgating}

After a terrible first half, I ended up meeting up with two of my besties from college. The boys went back into the game while we stayed out at the tailgate, drank wine, and caught up.

I've really been cherishing time spent with friends lately! It's so funny how you take the time spent with your friends while you're in school for granted. I was lucky to have such great groups of friends, both in undergrad and law school. Now that law school is over and most of my friends have moved to other cities, it's been an adjustment not being able to run across town to grab something from someone's apartment - or better yet, walk down the hall. Luckily, between football games, girls and/or couples nights, and frequent visits between us, I've been lucky to get to see my bffs fairly often! And, lets be honest, most days involve group texts/emails.

I can't help but think ahead to this weekend! Clemson is arguably playing it's biggest game that I can remember on Saturday. We have an 8:00 home game, complete with ESPN GameDay (yes, again!!) and a day full of tailgating, followed by a stressful football game.

Now the question is - what to wear?!

Follow along on Facebook, Bloglovin, Instagram, or GFC!!

post #43 - F5: Banana Milkshakes, Black Bean Chicken Soup, The Blacklist, Renaming Posts, & The Little Things

Happy Friday, y'all! So glad the weekend has {almost} arrived!! 5 things for this Friday...

Banana "Milkshakes"

No recipe or picture needed. All you need to do is peel a few bananas (I used 3), freeze them, and blend them with 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter and a can of low-fat coconut milk (I used Trader Joe's). This might be my new favorite treat, and it's not terribly unhealthy, right?

Black Bean Chicken Soup

Tuesday was really cold here in Columbia. That's not something you hear often, since Columbia, SC is quite possibly the hottest place on the planet. Or, at least in South Carolina. I was so excited to come home (after a day of getting shots, fainting at the doctor's office [a story for another day] and windy weather) to the smell of delicious soup cooking in the crock pot. I saw this recipe for chicken & black bean soup on my friend Paige's blog (check it out here) and decided to give it a try. The greek yogurt and avocado were the perfect toppings to this hearty, delicious soup. We added some extra chicken (because what are you supposed to do with that 3rd chicken breast when cooking for 2?) and the leftovers were just as tasty. Highly. recommend. Fall is officially here people.

The Blacklist

Have you seen this show? If not, set your DVR right now. Best new show of the season, without a doubt!! I won't give any spoilers, but for those of you who like intense shows (Scandal fans out there?) it's just what the doctor ordered for a new fall TV show. Oh, and Elizabeth Keen is a badass crazy character. (P.S. There is no good substitution for the word badass. I tried kind of.)

Renaming My Blog Posts

I usually put a good bit of thought into the content of my blog posts. But the title? That's the tricky part. I can never think of something creative. And there are only so many "Friday Five" titles I can use. Our Life in the Queen City titles her posts by Post #s. I am totally copycatting this idea. So, enjoy post #43 my friends! (Don't worry, you can still search by tag!)

The Little Things

This week, some little things have made me super happy. Things like getting a haircut (3 whole inches, wowie!) catching up with my old roommate over a (free!) wine tasting, wearing a sweater for the first time that i got on sale last spring, going to a nice-ish dinner at Cellar on Greene with my handsome hubby, having our next door neighbors show up at our door with an entire smoked chicken, etc. etc. Sometimes, I get so caught up in big things that I forget to appreciate all of the little things that are happening every day!

{photo}

I love this quote.

We're headed to Clemson tomorrow morning for our 3:30 game against Boston College. Is it time for Florida State yet? I'm also still counting the minutes until I receive the first draft of my new blog design! Any day now. Any day.

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to follow along on Facebook. BlogLovin. Instagram. GFC. Whatever keeps you reading!
Xo - Morgan

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 #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

post #32 - F5: Beer, Dips, Sundresses, Cornhole, & Friends!

Five on Friday, First Week of Football Edition!

Y'all. This has been such a busy week! I have blogged exactly 0 times since last Friday. I've been slammed at work (yup, week 2, but glad to be busy) and have been getting prepared for the fun weekend ahead! The Clemson Tigers have their first home game this weekend against the Georgia Bulldogs. ESPN GameDay will be in TigerTown and I'll be up bright and early, celebrating hard!

So. stinkin. excited. for:

1. Beer

I've been on a fall beer kick already. Last weekend, I tried Pumpking for the first time at the recommendation of one of my bffs. While it was expensive ($7 for a double bottle, holy yikes), it was extra delicious. I also picked up a few Fat Tire Pumpkicks at the recommendation of the beer guy at Publix. It's lighter than some seasonal beers, and has hints of cranberry and spices. Yumyumyum. Give it a try, I bet you'll love it. We'll start with a few "nice" beers, but quickly move to Bud Light. You win some, you lose some.

[photo credit here]

2. Buffalo Chicken Dip & Funfetti Dip

Yep, after all of the fun appetizers that I posted last week, I settled on two things I've made before. I decided this game was not a time for experiments (some serious, serious tailgating is expected to occur), so I went back to old faithful.

[photo credit & recipe here]

[photo credit & recipe here]

3. Sundresses

There is no better purchase than a wonderful orange gameday dress. Fact.

{lilly pulitzer callista dress} [buy it here]

I die. But really, I die. This dress. Gimme.

{milly gustavia cotton & silk halter dress} [buy it here]

{french connection maxi pleat dress} [buy it here]

4. Cornhole

Self explaining. Nothing like a little game before the game. Can anyone explain why this game is so addicting? This was Jordan's big Christmas gift last year and I know these boards will get lots of use this weekend.

5. Friends
Ready to SQUEEZE these people! We usually spend Saturdays tailgate hopping to see everyone. I'm also thankful for a night game so it will be a little easier to make our rounds.

...and of course, can't wait to play with the cutest Tiger tailgater...my niece!

We'll come home Sunday and take it easy on Monday. I think we'll need some Labor Day recovery. Hope you're as excited about your weekend plans as I am!

In other news, two sweet bloggers, Carolina Belle & From Mississippi With Love have nominated me for a Liebster Award! This is a fun blog post where you answer some random questions about yourself. It's a way for new bloggers who are just getting started to let others find out a little more about you and discover other new blogs! I'll be doing this post next week, so get ready for my silly answers! Hints - when I was little I wanted to be a singer (and actress and doctor and probably a princess). And is my favorite current song still allowed to be Blurred Lines after what Miley pulled? It's just so catchy...

This week I passed 100 followers on my Facebook page! Yay! Are you following Makeshift Margaritas yet? Follow on Bloglovin or Instagram, too!

Happy weekend!!
xo - morgan

post #31 - F5: Orange Football Foods for Foodies

Friday Five - Football Foods for Foodies! Bonus - they're orange!

Is anyone else so excited for two things today? 1) It's FRIDAY! and 2) Next week is the start of COLLEGE FOOTBALL! Even though the South Carolina Gamecocks have their home opener next Thursday in the city where I live, I don't know about y'all, but I am counting the seconds until I'm cheering on my Clemson Tigers next weekend! I can already taste the cold beer and feel the love of thousands of my best friends in a sea of orange. It's gonna be a rowdy, rowdy day. Bulldogs, woof.

One of the best (and worst) things about football season is loads and loads of food! I've been scouring Pinterest for tailgate recipes. This year, I'll have access to a kitchen before and during tailgates, which will make tailgating food so much easier!

Instead of writing about my favorite things this week, I thought it would be better to chat about what some of my favorite upcoming things are sure to be...these yummy football foods! I can't wait to try some of these fun orange appetizers...do you have any favorites that no tailgate is complete without?

1. Palmetto Cheese Pinwheels

[find the picture & recipe here]

I've had these before. And they were awesome. I ate about 6 or 20. I can't wait to try my hand at making them myself!

2. Pumpkin Poppers

[find the picture & recipe here]

Picturing these for a breakfast tailgate before a noon game. Paired with a mimosa or 3 perhaps?

3. Buffalo Chicken Bites

[find the picture & recipe here]

Buffalo Chicken Dip? In a pre-made bite? Sold.

4. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

[find the picture & recipe here]

The perfect little party popper.

5. Pumpkin Pie Dip

[find the picture & recipe here]

Ever since I saw Christina post this on Carolina Charm, I've been dying to make it. It screams fall, and is so festive! 

Want to stay updated? Don't forget to follow MM on Facebook, BlogLovin, and Instagram!

P.S. You didn't think I'd leave out the BEST orange tailgate essential, did you?

[photo credit here]

post #15 - F5: Upstate SC, Mac, Blood Orange Mimosas, Lilly, 50 Rules for Dads, & MM Readers!

Fabulous Friday Favorites!

Happy weekend, ladies (and boys, if you're out there in blog world)! I hope your week has been not-too-hectic and you're looking forward to a fun weekend! My week has been slightly crazy, with an intense practice test (from 9-4 on a Friday, gross!) happening as you're probably reading this. But, I'm looking forward to an awesome weekend, filled with some of my favorite things and people! 

1. Upstate South Carolina!

This weekend, Jo and I are heading to the Upstate...and I couldn't be more excited! We are heading to two of my favorite places on earth...Greenville and Clemson. We'll be staying Friday night with one of my college BFFs and her hubby. On Saturday (before the crack of dawn) we're heading to a sale in NC while the boys are playing golf. Afterwards, Jo and I are going down the road to Clemson to spend the evening with his dad and stepmom in their new home-away-from-home condo! They've been making lots of improvements and we can't wait to see this awesome addition to our tailgating fun this year. Oh, and I'm squeezing 13 hours worth of video lectures in there somewhere, but who's counting? (Ain't no rest for the wicked, y'all) Not going to pretend I wouldn't rather study in Clemson than Columbia. ;-)

(Favorite Place #1 - Greenville, SC) [photo credit]

(Favorite Place #2 - Clemson, SC) [photo credit]

2. Baby Mac!

Sometime over the course of the weekend, we'll be stopping to visit our new step-nephew! Last weekend, Jo's stepsister and stepbrother in law welcomed a beautiful new baby boy, Stewart McLaurin. They'll be calling him Mac - he is just precious! We are so excited for them and can't wait to meet and snuggle Mac this weekend! Being an aunt is the best!

(I mean...come on. He's pretty much the cutest.)

3. Blood Orange Mimosas

Making these on Saturday morning as we wait in line for our sale, with the Blood Orange Bitters I picked up a few weeks ago. If I'm waking up before the sunrise on a Saturday, I'd better have a Starbucks or cocktail (or both) in hand. Channing, these are coming for you!

[photo credit]

4. Lilly Notepad

Need a good and cheap gift for a friend? I've been writing out things that I'm having trouble learning on this notepad, and it makes hearsay seem slightly more exciting, if that's possible. (Trust me...that stuff is NOT as exciting as it seems on TV). These are so cute, and only $7! I got mine at Pink Sorbet, or you can find them here!

5. This List - 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters

A classmate posted a link to the 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters (click here to read the post). I thought this was too sweet not to share. We don't have a child yet, and aren't planning on one any time soon, but this list made my heart melt. Share this with your men!

6. My Readers!!!

I had to add an extra this week. This one is for y'all! This week, I reached over 2,000 page views. I know that many bloggers get that on a single post and that this isn't a big deal for most. But, since I've only been blogging a little over a month, I'm getting excited about the little things. Thanks to my followers and those who keep coming back! And I promise that when I'm not studying for the bar, my posts will be much happier and more interesting ;-). Here's to looking forward to DIYing, house decorating, and the return of a real social life...

(although, I kind of hope this guy's not reading!)

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook & Google Blogger. You can follow on the right using your Gmail account - it's easy! I've also added a link to follow me on Instagram...if you do, you might even sneak a peek at some of our "secret sale" finds over the weekend! ;-)

Also, I LOVE reading your comments, so keep them coming!

Cheers!

MBC

As always, thanks for the fun link up, girls!

A. Liz Adventures

Carolina Charm

hello! happiness

The Good Life Blog

Did you miss my post about skinny lettuce wraps? If so, check it out here!