my best birthday yet

'time and tide wait for no man,

but time always stands still for a woman

of 30.' --robert frost

'i don't think of it as turning 30.

it's my 10th anniversary of my 20th birthday.' 

--unknown

'you can be gorgeous at 30, 

charming at 40, and irresistable for the

rest of your life.' --coco channel

'after 30, the body has a mind of its own.'

--bette midler

'when you're a teenager, all you want

to do is buy beer. but once you hit 30, all you

want to do is get carded.'

--sarah jessica parker as carrie bradshaw

in 'sex in the city'

today is my 30th birthday!

i celebrated with family and friends

over the weekend, and it could not have

been a better (or more fun) way to say 'farewell' to 

my 20s. my parents and boyfriend surprised

me with a party (complete with family,

friends, coworkers, balloons, cupcakes, and 

wine--lots of wine). we had a wonderful

time, and i had no idea they had been

sneaking around all week while planning this!

unfortunately, my 'actual' birthday, as it

falls on a monday, will be spent at work.

but i plan to eat dessert after every meal and

treat myself to a lunch-time shopping adventure.

are you surprised? ;)

^^^ birthdays are the perfect excused to eat 

all the ice cream you want, right? this

vegan, jamocha chaga fudge ice cream from 

frankie and jo's is delicious! ^^^

turning 30 is surprisingly bittersweet.

new year, new me!

i am eager to enter this new decade and look

forward to what lies ahead: finishing

my editing certificate, launching a new

website, pursuing blog opportunities, and of course,

dedicating time to friends and family are

a just a few projects and goals in the works.

while my 20s were fun (a time of

exploration--career-wise and personally),

i think my 30s will be different. to say it will be

an exciting, yet peaceful decade may be

ignorant (or perhaps wishful thinking). 

i feel old, though i probably shouldn't 

say that; i don't mean to offend anyone. 

as a teenager, i imagined a much

different image of myself at age 30. 

perhaps i would be married, have a child

(or children), be well-established in my career, 

etc. well my life sure isn't that, but i am

okay with my current situation, too!

in fact, i feel grateful for where i am both

personally and professionally.

photos by sarah wolfe photography

dress: nordstrom, boots: zara,

blazer: anthropologie (thrifted via goodwill),

clutch: nordstrom rack

and now, onto the outfit!

when brainstorming outfits to wear

on my birthday, i knew i wanted to make a

statement. i picked up this dress at nordstrom

(with sequin polka dots) and love how

flirty and feminine it is. it was on major sale

at nordstrom, too! ankle boots, a blush pink

blazer, and velvet clutch complete

the look. a side of ice cream makes for a 

cute and seemingly festive accessory.

while i didn't wear this outfit to my

party over the weekend, the dress is perfect

for a holiday party or celebration.

it can be dressed up or down, and i look

forward to styling it next weekend with my

denim jacket and converse.

i hope you had a wonderful weekend,

and thank you for stopping by! excuse me

while i indulge in another piece of cake!

xoxo.

your (last minute) mother's day gift guide

  'mother's hold their children's hands 

for a short while, but their hearts forever.'

-unknown

the weekend could not come soon enough!

i am eager to relax, catch up on sleep, enjoy more tacos

(it is still acceptable to celebrate cinco de mayo, right?)

and, of course, to spoil my mom on her special day.

i may or may not need to finish up my mother's day 

shopping, as this week month has gotten away from me.

if you're like me, you may (unfortunately) have 

procrastinated in picking out the perfect gift for mom. however, 

i have rounded up a few last minute gift ideas that are 

budget-friendly and sure to make mom feel loved. after all, 

mother's day is her day!

for the fashionista:

1. alex and ani 'i love you mom' expandable wire bracelet

 my mom and i are avid collectors of alex and ani

bracelets. worn individually or layered with other

pieces, these bracelets are a fun, meaningful way to

to commemorate travel, life's adventures and celebrate those 

we are closest with.

2. ellen degeneres 'langston' ballet flat

these 'love' striped flats are perfect for spring. mom can 

style them with her white denim, floral dresses or 

favorite pencil skirt for a chic, polished look.

3. 'love love' code charm necklace

this unique necklace is only legible when the wearer

gives it a spin! it is 14k-gold plated and will have

mom thinking of you every time she wears it.

for her everyday use:

4. charlotte tilbury 'instant glow' palette

this all-in-one palette instantly adds radiance 

to mom's skin. the palette includes an eye brightener, 

eye enhance and smoke, face bronzer, cheek swish, 

cheek pop and face highlighter 

5. scalloped faux leather tote

a large bag is imperative during the work week.

mine is typically packed with my wallet, book, water bottle,

cosmetic bag and lunch for commuting to and from work.

this adorable scalloped tote is large enough

to store mom's essentials.

6. glint metallic lightweight wrap

this lightweight, blush wrap (with a 1" fringe)

is trendy yet practical for layering up on those

chilly spring days. the metallic sheen adds a bit of glam

and can be worn over a denim jacket or with

all mom's favorite sweaters and dresses!

for the beauty lover:

7. give your mom a brighter smile with a customized teeth 

whitening kit from smile brilliant

i began using smile brilliant's teeth whitening trays 

before the holidays. past whitening systems have been

harsh and increased the sensitivity of my teeth.

smile brilliant is different! each kit includes whitening and

desensitizing gel. you can see my full review, including before

and after photos here. smile brilliant is graciously

offering $25 off your kit with the code 'diaryofthisgirl25.'

8. philosophy's 'amazing grace' gift set

i received my first amazing grace perfume as a gift 

earlier this year. the scent is fresh, feminine and 

will seemingly appeal to a variety of wearers (as giving

perfume can often feel risky). 

for the fit mom:

9. fitbit 'flex 2' wireless activity and sleep wristband

does your mom enjoy keeping active?

utilizing a fitbit is an excellent way to track daily 

steps, active minutes, water intake, sleep and more! this sleek, 

modern wristband can be worn to the office or at the gym.

10. brooks 'ghost 9' running shoes

it is no secret that i love brooks running shoes!

i have now gone through a few pairs and greatly

appreciate the support they offer my (aching) feet after

a run. the 'ghost 9' is available in a variety

of colors, depending on your mom's preference. keep

mom comfortable stride after stride.

11. bose 'soundsport' in-ear bluetooth headphones

i have to admit, i was initially skeptical of 

wireless, bluetooth headphones. what can i say, i

am a creature of habit. however, i received wireless

headphones as a christmas gift, and i will never go back!

they're incredibly convenient when on a walk, 

at the gym or to simply wear while doing chores at home.

the sound quality is far better than that of other

headphones i have used in the past.

have you finished your mother's day shopping?

how do you typically celebrate?

a very happy mother's day to my mom as well

as the other mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers

godmothers and dog mothers! 

xoxo.

a mother-daughter date in the city

mother's day is just around the corner.

whether you're a mother, stepmother, godmother, grandmother,

(i think dog-mothers count, too, right?) -- it's almost

your day! and in response to my younger brother, fyi: mother's 

day is this coming sunday, may 14th ;)

how do you typically celebrate? 

i am still searching for the perfect card, which usually

features a dachshund, as our family adores

our wiener dog and all things wiener dog-related.

additionally, i picked out a few small gifts i think 

my mom will enjoy. however, nothing compares

to having professional photos taken together; karya worked her

usual magic and captured our mother-daughter date

in the city earlier this week. 

disclosure: today i'm partnering with endless knot, a local seattle

boutique. they graciously dressed my mom and me for an afternoon in the city!

as per usual, all opinions are my own.

a day in the city requires new dresses!

my mom and i were fortunate to be outfitted by seattle

boutique, endless knot. located in belltown, endless knot is

a small, contemporary boutique that offers clothing, shoes, 

jewelry and other fashion accessories for women. many of the

 pieces are made in america by female business owners 

(designers include weston wear, salaam and prairie 

underground). upon entering the store, i was overwhelmed

by the gorgeous colors and prints, all of which

i wanted to bring home with me!

aztec-inspired prints, florals and ruffles

are prominent this spring, and our dresses showcase

these trends without feeling overly 'trendy.' while i am

more than willing to explore various fashion trends and styles,

my mom prefers items that are classic and versatile --

pieces she can wear to work, but also when traveling,

spending time with family and friends, and of 

course, when shopping with her favorite daughter. 

we were fortunate the weather cooperated and 

allowed us to wander the downtown area sans raincoats.

during our date, we also enjoyed cupcakes and

peeking into numerous storefronts, followed by dinner

at mexico cantina y cocina in pacific place. 

what can i say, i just can't say 'no' to tacos!

i feel very blessed to have a mom (and dad!) 

who continue to love and support me. 

during my recent job transition, i cannot tell you 

how many times i called my parents -- often feeling utterly

discouraged. my mom offered words of 

encouragement, saying 'you'll find something, megan.

just be patient.' as per usual, my mom was right.

living a mere twenty minutes from one another 

helps greatly, too (particularly when dad is out of town 

and mom calls to invite me to happy hour). 

i am eager to celebrate, and subsequently spoil, 

my mom this weekend, as she repeatedly puts the needs

of my brother and me before her own; this weekend, 

mom, it's all about you!

photos by karya schanilec photography

on megan:

dress, purse, bangle and rings: c/o endless knot,

loafers: bc footwear (similar here), bracelets: alex and ani

on mom (erin):

dress and bangle: c/o endless knot, sandals: kohl's,

denim jacket: eddie bauer, crossbody bag: monsac 

despite celebrating mother's day earlier this week,

 my dad, brother and i have a special afternoon

and evening planned for mom. it may or may not include 

cheeseburgers and a leisurely bike ride; don't worry, 

bailey (our dachshund), you will be a part of the celebration, too!

xoxo.

a birthday weekend

^^^ a few photos from my iPhone as of late ^^^

this past weekend, i celebrated my 28th birthday!

i took an extra day off from work, slept in, had my hair cut, and 

indulged in far too many donuts, cookies, and several pieces of chocolate cake;

any semblance of healthy eating went out the window (as it should, right?!). 

my coworkers spoiled me with dessert, gorgeous spring flowers,

and a canvas painting that is decorated with the handprints of each of

the toddlers in my class (it's pictured above, and i cannot stop smiling

each time i look at it). being a toddler teacher can be difficult at times, but 

incredibly rewarding, too! i often wish they would listen better, clean up 

after themselves, and walk in the classroom, but i couldn't be happier to spend each 

day with them. i absolutely love the painting they made for me :) 

27, you've been good to me! 

i started a new job, spent a great deal of time with friends and family, 

traveled to tennessee, california, and hawaii, 

and pursued my passions for both writing and fashion on this little blog.

as far as other less exciting // unsubstantial milestones, 

i discovered a love for smoothies (green juice no longer tastes like grass!)

and stopped biting my nails. sometimes you have to celebrate and recognize

the small accomplishments, right? 

thank you to everyone who helped me to celebrate my birthday this year;

you sure know how to make a girl feel loved!

and 28, i can't wait to see what's in store.

xoxo. 

let's talk lipstick

up until a year or two ago, i rarely wore lipstick;

however, if you told that to my ever-growing collection, it would laugh at you (!!!). 

my lips are naturally rather dark, and i think i was afraid 

of drawing more attention to them. blush and eye shadow and long lashes?

yes, please! lipstick was seemingly intimidating. 

my opinion has changed, and now, i can't seem to get enough. 

i have several drugstore and department brands that i'm drawn to, 

and choosing a lipstick color is an important part of my makeup process!

^^^ bite beauty is one of my favorite lipstick brands, available at sephora! ^^^

above are three lipsticks i recently received as part of the influenster program.

by bite beauty, these are the amuse bouche lipsticks in gazpacho (left), beetroot (center)

and pepper (right). i'm wearing the color beetroot in these photos.

i love how easy these are to apply, as the colors are creamy and incredibly pigmented. 

i had to use a makeup remover wipe (or two) to remove the beetroot color at the end of the day.

it stayed on beautifully, despite eating and drinking! 

another plus? these lipsticks are ever-so-lightly scented and smell a bit fruity. 

photos by elizabeth kathryn photography

blouse: nordstrom, jeans: american eagle (similar here), flats: thrifted (via goodwill), 

bag: dooney & bourke (hand me down from my mom!), ring: gift, lipstick: c/o bite beauty amuse bouche lipstick in 'beetroot' (exact here)

i feel very 'hippie chic' in these jeans and love how soft and stretchy the denim is. 

american eagle jeans fit me better than most other brands, 

and for the price, i'll take it! this exact pair is no longer available (i found them

in the clearance section a few weeks back), but i linked a similar light wash, 

that is also a high waisted pant, above. i've been wearing these

vintage, pointed toe flats, from my local goodwill, on repeat with the warmer weather. 

whenever i'm out thrifting, i always check the shoe section!

how has your week been? mine is absolutely crawling by, 

but i think it's because the coming weekend is my birthday, 

and all i can think about is sleeping in and eating far too much cake, 

ice cream and cupcakes (!!!) #treatyoself

happy wednesday, everyone!

xoxo. 

aloha!

my family and i spent the week after christmas 

in kona, hawaii. we swam, explored different beaches, 

ate deliciously fresh fish, and greatly enjoyed the sunshine together!

^^^ pu'uhonua o honaunau national historic park -

while my dad and brother snorkeled here, mom and i read and

walked around the tide pools on the lava. ^^^

^^^ on our way to the beach one afternoon, 

we were all craving a treat. we made a stop at this adorable

antique shop after seeing the sign 'antiques + ice cream.' 

i can't even tell you how often i ate coffee ice cream while on vacation;

coffee ice cream is prevalent in hawaii ^^^

^^^ cheers to 2016! we rang in the new year from the beach. 

we enjoyed dinner at the restaurant, lava lava beach club. 

the view could not have been more perfect! ^^^

^^^ and this guy - always on the hunt for geckos (mostly

as a means of tormenting me). brother + sister love, i suppose? ^^^

'do you wanna build a snowman?'

^^^ for our last night, we said goodbye to kona and drove up to kamuela.

we checked into our favorite place, the hapuna beach prince hotel.

the hotel (particularly the pool area) is stunning and 

sits above our favorite beach, hapuna! ^^^

the waves, white sand, and warm sunshine was just what 

this girl needed to recharge for the new year. 

i feel incredibly grateful to have spent the week relaxing with my family.

now, can i go back?! 

xoxo. 

holiday date ideas

photo by victoria west photography

the holiday season is such a busy time! 

for the past week, i've been running around like a maniac; 

trying to get from one store to the next, or to a particular brunch

or party or get-together, while fitting in appointments - and there's 

always more i could be doing in my classroom.

it's easy to get bogged down with to-do lists, shopping

and other details. we lose sight of what the holidays are truly about:

spending time with the people who matter most! 

as a way of staying connected, and out of the holiday shopping frenzy,

will and i are trying to dedicate more time to one another.

we're both incredibly busy, so it's not always realistic to set aside an entire day

together. however, we love taking time to do something here 

and there, while cherishing the larger chunks of time we have together! 

i've compiled a list of our favorite holiday traditions, as well 

as other events and places we hope to visit this christmas season!

1) ride the carousal in westlake center, followed by hot chocolate (of course!).

2) attend wild lights at the woodland park zoo. admire the beautiful displays 

of animal shaped lights. don't forget to visit santa and his reindeer, too!

3) stop by gingerbread lane at the sheraton hotel in seattle. 

with the upcoming release of star wars, the theme of the houses is

'may the holidays be with you.'

4) enjoy the holiday music, such as 'home for the holidays' 

by the seattle men's chorus at benaroya hall.

5) the holidays wouldn't be complete without a red and green sprinkle

donut from top pot. they're our favorite! or maybe my favorite. 

willie doesn't usually object to donuts (thankfully!). 

6) bundle up and take a walk together. admire the christmas 

lights and other holiday displays! 

7) love holiday movie classics? watch 'it's a wonderful life'

at the grand illusion cinema.

8) the annual christmas ships parade takes place in 

december. you can sign up to ride onboard with the choir on lake washington, 

or watch the decorated ships from afar! 

9) the nutcracker is new this year! george balanchine

has created an incredible performance at mccaw hall. tickets can 

be purchased from december 16-28th.

10) visit the festival of trees at the fairmont olympic hotel.

each tree has a unique theme and is beautifully decorated! 

proceeds from the event are donated to the seattle children's autism 

center and uncompensated care at seattle children's hospital. 

11) enjoy snow showers inside the atrium of pacific place

while completing your holiday shopping! there

is also live music from 12:00-2:00 and 5:00-7:00 on weekends.

12) snuggle up, turn on the hallmark channel, 

grab your popcorn and eggnog, and enjoy a christmas movie together! 

happy holidays, everyone!

xoxo.

thankful, very thankful

^^^ i love this one! ^^^

photos by victoria west photography

i know thanksgiving was last week, but in the spirit of the holidays, 

i wanted to take a break from the outfits, the gift guides,

and my usual posting, to thank this guy! 

he tolerates my complaining, messy habits, shopping trips, 

perpetual need for blog photos, and occasional (okay, frequent) toddler-like behavior.

i know we hear this all the time, but i truly cannot

imagine my life without him!

willie // will // babe // louis,

i love you. i cannot wait to spend another holiday season

together - get ready for some christmas-inspired dates!

xoxo.

p.s. will's jacket is from banana republic, mine is stitchfix

and booties are off broadway shoes (similar here)

seattle street food festival (day 2!)

^^^ i had to try the bbq, as the pulled pork was sold out on saturday! ^^^

^^^ truffle ice cream for dessert! or first dessert.. ^^^

^^^ and of course, i had to try the donuts! ^^^

will and i had a blast exploring the seattle street food festival.

 in fact, we had such a great time, that 

we visited both saturday and sunday! 

i'm full just thinking about all the delicious treats we consumed. 

the festival, which took place last weekend, 

supports local small and micro businesses throughout the seattle area. 

we loved sampling different types of food, drinks, 

and looking at all the gorgeous, handmade crafts!

i so wish some of those pieces had come home with me,

especially the above black and white clutch (!!!).

seattle street food festival, you were good to us! 

to see which foods were our favorite on saturday, 

check out my post here.

xoxo.