Save the last dance for me... :)

This past weekend was a whirlwind of excitement, fun, and a little bit of sadness. It was very bittersweet for me because it was the last dance that I will attend with my cadet at VMI. I feel very blessed to have been able to go to seven of the nine dances. I remember my first trip to VMI during Christian's fourth class year like it was yesterday! It was my first time in Lexington, I had NO idea where I was going, it was pouring rain, the streets were flooding, my friend and I actually drove on a one way street (twice lol). Luckily since the population of Lexington is mostly college students and elderly folks so no one was on the road. It was foggy on the mountains and we were lost going in a circle for about 15 minutes. As frustrating it was getting there, the look on C's face when I surprised him was priceless, his first words "What!?! What are you doing here?" lol. Fast forward to his third class year and that is when I attended my first dance. VMI hosts two dances a year homecoming and mid-winter formal (and ring figure for the second class men.) Homecoming has always been one of my favorites, it's fun and laid back. They past three dances have been SO much fun and I wouldn't trade any of those memories for the world! Looking back at the pictures, it's amazing by how much time has passed when it doesn't feel like it at all!

Having to spend a decent amount of money on gas, hotel rooms, food, etc... I am so happy that I never spent more than $30 on each dress!  The first one I found at H&M for $29.95, the second one was at Target on clearance for $7 (I was so excited haha), and the last dress was at a Ross in Richmond for $30! The top dresses I have actually worn to several other events so I look at it like I definitely got my money's worth! :) 

Since I saved money from those dresses I was able to splurge a little on my ring figure dress! This is one of the events at VMI that I will NEVER forget! It was SO fun and you seriously to get feel like a princess (plus I had to get a mini tiara to seal the deal ;) 

Christian even got me a mini replica of his ring! 

(Taken by Bella Photography in West Palm Beach) 

The last dance of the year takes place in February... This past weekend we got to celebrate our last dance, -early- Valentines Day, and our 30 month anniversary (I know, gag ;) Mid-Winter Formal is a bit classier than homecoming. Homecoming the girls wear shorter, fun dresses as opposed to Mid-Winter wear you wear a longer, gown type dress.

From saying "yes" to the dress to saying goodbye after a phenomenal weekend, each dance has been one for the books! 

I have learned so much from each of these experiences and lessons that I will take with me for wherever I go. For example,

• BE ON TIME! (I'm still working on this one!)

• Stuff happens, go with the flow and don't get too frustrated when it occurs! Two days before ring figure my dress zipper broke and I was sewn into my dress in the VMI ladies restroom (shout out to Chelsea for doing this for me!) 

• Take lots of pictures! No matter what you are doing. I want to remember this stuff for the rest of my life, plus I want to be able to show my future children (don't worry, future son when you go to VMI you will take plenty of pictures too ;) 

• Involve yourself with activities and events. Not only have I met some of the most wonderful people through these events but I have learned to put myself out there to do more - not just with VMI but with other events too! 

• Don't wait until the last minute to do something... I had to get my purple dress altered for MWF and I waited until 1 week beforehand to do so... Luckily it was finished the day before I left!

• Finally, enjoy every moment of your life. There will be hard times, good times, discouraging times, and the most exciting times so learn to take some things with a grain of salt and move on & bring a camera with you! 

I wouldn't trade these moments for the world. I appreciate the fact that even though Christian has NO rhythm whatsoever, he still got on the dance floor with me and tried his best. 

Thanks for reading! 

Love always,

Meg :) 

P.S. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

February!

Wow, I cannot believe that it is already February! January passed by so quickly which has it's pros and cons. Pros: spring break is that much closer. Cons: I still have another month of school before spring break ;)

February is one of my favorite months. It's not AS cold as January, Mid-Winter formal weekend starts on the 7th and finally either the most hated or most loved holiday... VALENTINES DAY!!! I for one, love it! Little kids get to make cards to bring to school (I for one remember enjoying all the cards with the heart shaped lollipops... That was my favorite!), couples send each other flowers, cards, chocolate, etc... and those who are single get to enjoy extra bottles of something to drown their sorrows (totally kidding lol). Plus, you get to see all the funny pictures/ecards/cards that people make!

I was in Target the other day (huge surprise there ;) and I was looking in the "seasonal section" and let me tell you, people are starting to step up their creativity game! 

Y'all can probably guess which one I am giving to Christian, naturally the Duck Dynasty one. :)

For those who know how I am, I love to do DIY projects, crafts, etc... Care packages are probably the number one item that I love to make. Yesterday, Christian's rats broke out of the ratline at VMI so I wanted to put something together for them. So, naturally I went to Target... I'm sure everyone knows about "The Dollar Spot" as soon as you walk in and they almost always have holiday themed items for sale ranging from $1-$3. It's cute and inexpensive... What's not to love?! My idea for their packages was inspired when I was at Kroger the other day and they had a table with all of their valentines day stuff set up, there was one particular item that caught my eye. It was a vase with a bouquet of candy instead of flowers! However, it was like $20 and so I thought to myself, I could make that for half the price! I found all of my supplies at Target and started putting it together. 

The containers were perfect! VMI colors are red, white, and yellow so the red/white worked well plus it was only $1 for each! Next I picked out some foam for the bottom to hold the wooden dowels. 

Next I just took my hot glue gun and glued the candy to the dowels and made bows with yellow ribbon.   

I picked out some candy/fruit snacks, granola bars, and gum (this is a privilege after you break out to be able to chew gum!) and some pencils, pens, and a highlighter for the upcoming semester. 

For a more personalized touch, I already had these stickers at my house so I just spelled out their last name on each of the containers! 

Lastly, I just put them together and it worked out nicely! 

Overall, I spent less than $25 on everything to make two and had some extras left over so I made one for Christian too! 

It was a lot of fun putting them together! I hope everyone has a fun and blessed February! I am certainly looking forward to what it holds for me. 

Love always,

Meg :)

P.S. Y'all are probably sick of all the fitness posts... 

(If y'all couldn't tell I am totally into e-cards!!)

But Planet Fitness just opened up a new location near my house and they put in a lot new equipment in it. One was the stair master cardio machine. If you have access to using one, I highly recommend it! The first time I climbed it, I seriously thought I was dying haha. About half way through I almost puked (TMI???) but I guess that's a sign a of a good workout?! Anyway, it's a really great calorie burner for those who are interested! I posted a video of me using it on my IG account! (cause I have to let all of my social media know that I'm working out ;) 

http://instagram.com/p/jsnoVGNeTA/

Have a happy Monday tomorrow!!! :)