3 Things I've Bought to Improve My Life Lately

Instead of doing a “favorites” post this quarter, I thought I’d highlight some of the things that I’ve bought recently that have ACTUALLY made a difference in my daily life. Hope you enjoy! 

Hello Fresh- I’ve been wanting to try a meal delivery service for some time now. I’ve known many other people who’ve tried them and I wanted to see if it would help me get back some more time in my week by not having to think of meals and buy all of the ingredients at the grocery store. They have some introductory pricing available for new customers, so our plan for 3 meals for 2 people came to just $24 for the first week and about $30 each week for the next month. Regular price is around $60, so it’s nice to get to try it out at a lower rate before deciding whether to keep my subscription. I will be sure to share my thoughts on Hello Fresh on my Instagram! 

New vacuum- This is how you know you are officially old- you spend your Friday night buying a new vacuum at the store and then coming home to put it together and vacuuming your entire house. Our old vacuum had completely lost its suction and we did our best to clean it up and clear it out ourselves, but in reality, the vacuum was 6 years old. As I was shopping around for new ones, it was very clear that they’ve made some big design and functionality improvements since 2013! I ended up with this Shark rocket stick vacuum because it works well for both carpet and hardwood floors, has a detachable hand vacuum and was ultra light with a self-cleaning brushroll. SO MUCH EASIER to vacuum! 

New books- I’m really excited to be starting The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin this week and I also grabbed the classic 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey in my order as well. Check out my 2019 Reading List or my post on Four (More) Books to Read in 2019 for some more book recommendations. 

Tell me about something that you’ve bought lately that has improved your life in the comments below. Have you tried a meal delivery service? What household item can you replace to make your cleaning more efficient? What books are you reading right now?

Have a great week, 

Meghan

Hey, I’m Meghan

I love coffee, yoga pants, planners and color coordinating markers. Sound familiar? Yes! Let’s be internet BFFs. I am here sharing content on all things organization, productivity, goal getting and personal growth. Welcome!

My Favorite Podcasts

Do you need something new to listen to on your summer trip or next visit to the pool? I thought you might. Here’s some of the podcasts that I am loving lately to give you some new ideas for your summer listening leisure. (Though for the record, I’m usually listening to these in the car or on a walk instead of a pool).

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Hosted by author Gretchen Rubin and her sister, this podcast is all about happiness and good habits. Who doesn’t want more of that? This is a great listen when you want something light and easy to enjoy. Perfect for summer!

Goal Digger Podcast: This is a great one for any person who works and is looking for new ideas on how to do it better, more efficiently, or with more joy. That sounds boring, but Jenna is SO entertaining that I promise it doesn’t feel like work. Jenna is a photographer, online educator and influencer who is really good at being authentic and doesn’t shy away from sharing the details of her success.

The Marie Forleo Podcast: I fell in love with this podcast after a recent episode where show host Marie Forleo interviewed author Kate Northrup on “How to Do Less and Accomplish More”. It was really easy to listen to and digest and I got some practical tips I could use right away. Give that episode a listen!

RISE Podcast: If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know how much I love me some Rachel Hollis. She’s all about personal growth, taking action and making your dreams happen, no excuses. She covers a variety of topics from business to personal to life in her interviews, so there’s a little something for everyone here.

Detail Therapy with Amy Landino: She’s one of my favorite (if not actual favorite) YouTubers, so it was natural that I would love this podcast. Amy is passionate about going after the life you want and she interviews people from all walks of life and gets all of the details on how they’ve achieved personal success in their lives. Amy keeps it fun and spirited with her guests and I always come away with a few good nuggets.

Happy listening and I hope you soak up every little bit of summer this year! See you next week,

Meghan

Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

Favorites from My Wedding Registry

It’s wedding season and if you aren’t planning a wedding, you are likely invited to one, if not several. Whether you are stumped on what to put on a registry or what to buy off of a registry, I’ve got your back. Here are some of my favorite things that we put on our wedding registry.

Nice Luggage- I feel like this is one of those semi-expensive, adult-y things that I wouldn’t have bought myself but am SO HAPPY to have now. There’s something really nice about having quality pieces of luggage that are sturdy, roll easily and are built to last. This is the set we use.

If you are shopping for a couple that loves to travel, these packing cubes are awesome and literally saved me from packing catastrophes will we were in Ireland.

Rubber Kitchen Utensils- Okay, this one probably seems silly, but SINCERELY I didn’t know how much I needed these things in my life! The flexible material helps you get all of food out of the bowl, the pan, the jar- you name it! And I love it. We have this set with wooden handles that we keep out near the stove and then I also have this jar scraper and set of mini spatulas as well for baking and cooking.

Along those same lines, silicone baking mats were another amazing discovery from my registry. Makes clean up SO much faster!

Toasting Flutes and Bar Glasses- We aren’t the fancy kind of people that need a full 16 piece set of crystal glasses, but we did register for one set of beautiful toasting flutes that we bring out for special celebrations for the two of us. I am happy to say we’ve used them several times!

My husband really loves liquor decanters and he was very excited to receive this crystal set for our wedding. Don’t feel pressured to register for (or buy) a full dining set of crystal that will sit unused in a cabinet forever. Pick a few special pieces that you know you will use and go for those.

Good sheets- It’s amazing what a difference good sheets can make! And, for the record, my version of good sheets is not a 5,000 thread count Egyptian cotton set- it’s actually this really affordable set from Target. They have elastic panels sewn in to the corners to make fitting them over the corners of the mattress MUCH easier (can I get an AMEN to that?!?!) and they have a slight silky texture that feels really nice! Again, this was something that I wouldn’t necessarily have bought myself, but something I am so happy we do have now.

If you are planning your wedding this summer or attending one, hopefully this list helps you pick out the perfect gift. Happy wedding season!

Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

Spring Faves 2019

Happy spring, everyone! Every season has its perks, but spring always feels like such a huge shift in energy after the winter. The grass is greener, the sun is brighter and everyone is talking about home improvement projects and spring cleaning. As I get fresh motivation from the change of the seasons, here’s what I’ve been loving this spring (PLUS my favorite quote at the moment!):

Renew and Refresh Candle- This is hands down, my favorite Bath and Body Works candle of all time. This scent came back this season after being MIA for a few years, and I basically threw a parade in its honor. It’s light and airy and the PERFECT scent for a spring afternoon with the windows open. I’m not kidding when I say you NEED this. (It’s not online right now, but it is in stores.)

Lemon Water- My husband turned me on to this one, and I can’t stop drinking it. I’m really good about drinking water in general, but as I’ve tried to cut way down on my soda habit, sometimes I’m craving something with more flavor and lemon totally does the trick for me. If lemon isn’t your thing, this Pin has tons of other fruit recipes to try. I wouldn’t have thought that fruit would flavor the water as much as it actually does, so give it a try!

Pedicures- It’s the time of year for fresh feet! I went with some family to get pedicures on Mother’s Day and it was the PERFECT time to go. Sandal season is upon us and pedicures just feel so good! I don’t regularly get pedicures, but it is nice to treat myself to one at the start of spring and summer. I got a gel polish so that I can make this pedi last as long as possible.

Peachy-gold Eye Shadow- Even though I’m a stick-to-what-you-know kind of girl, I tried a new eye shadow color recently and I’ve been LOVING IT! I got this Tarte palette back last year when I was planning my wedding, but only recently started playing around with it. I’ve worn the color Encourage every day this spring and I'm really digging the soft, peachy gold color for spring and summer.

Mint Crossbody Bag- I got this beauty a few months ago and have worn it every day since! The color is so cute and fresh, and the soft leather material is really nice. Your phone fits perfectly into the front pouch and there’s a ton of room inside for cards and lip balm, etc. Who needs to lug around a huge bag in the spring and summer? No thanks. Especially when this one is so cute! As I write this, the bag is 30% off and less than $20. Great deal!

“I aspire to be a woman who wakes up and loves what she does everyday, travels often, spiritually secured and financially stable.”

— Boss Babe, Inc.

Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

Winter Favorites 2019

Let’s be honest, winter gets a bad rap. The season is associated with gray skies, cold weather, and cold and flu season. As a tried-and-true  Midwesterner, I have to say tho- it’s not all that bad! As a matter of fact, as I write this, it’s all sunny and blue skies over here. As with everything else, weather is what you make of it. Here’s a few of the fun things I’m digging right now to brighten up my winter.

Mentha Lip Balm

This is my favorite lip balm ever. I use it year-round, but it’s especially nice in the winter when your lips constantly feel like dry sandpaper. I buy mine at Bath and Body Works, but you can also get it directly from C.O. Bigelow.

Eddie Bauer Blanket

This thing is so big and soft and comfy and yes, I basically live in it. I have many other blankets, but this one is far and away my favorite to snuggle up with every night. We found this at a Home Goods store, but you can also buy it direct from Eddie Bauer.

Rae Dunn Work/Relax Mug Set

LOVING THIS NEW MUG SET! I bought mine off of Amazon, but I know Rae Dunn is commonly sold at TJ Maxx and Home Goods as well. I love the textured ceramic material and they are really heavy-duty,

Long Open Cardigan

Winter is also known as cardigan season. I’ve been loving open cardigans like this one that I can easily layer over lighter shirts to keep me warm in the cold temps of my office or the actual outdoors. They work great with leggings, too, which is the basic qualifier for an item to be in my wardrobe.

Smoothie Recipes

Apparently my body is trying to cling to the summer months because I’ve had a HUGE craving for smoothies recently. They’re really easy to make and to customize to your preferences. Pinterest has a ton of recipes like this one for you .

Sunglasses

You have to shield your eyes in the winter too, people! I picked up some new sunglasses from Maurices and I feel like they trick my brain into thinking it’s warmer outside than it really is. Check out their online selection of sunglasses.

Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

Holiday 2019 Faves

Currently craving: Anything minty! I am on a big mint kick this year. I burned lots of minty candles from Bath and Body Works, like Peppermint Marshmallow, Twisted Peppermint and Vanilla Balsam (not online right now, but check your store) and ate my weight in candy canes. #notsorry

Mug: I got this beauty in a family women’s gift exchange and I got very excited when I got it out of the Christmas bin. Even when I’m sipping it a work, I feel festive! Target doesn’t have this one anymore, but they have a huge selection of new ones to pick from.

Reading: The Bravest You by Adam Kirk Smith

It’s Magic: Every year, I swear that my Christmas tree is the best one we’ve ever had. But this year, guys, I swear we really did it. I’m in love. Don’t Christmas lights just make everything look freaking magical?

Quote Of the Month: “What if we ended each year as intentionally as we began it?” - Rachel Hollis

Hey, I’m Meghan

Welcome to Morning Coffee, a place where I’ll be writing every week- about my life and my goals, my house, things I love, resources I have and tools I use. It’s not only a place where I can feel joy in sharing my thoughts with the world, but hopefully a place where someone else, maybe you, can find entertainment, inspiration or camaraderie. Let’s be internet friends over a good cup of coffee, yeah