Monthly Archives: December 2010

Christmas in Baltimore

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The last two years I have been in England for Christmas. This year, I got blessed in so many ways – one, my sister gave birth to 9 lb. 10 oz baby the day before I returned home. Little Xavi (pronounced Zavi) Andres was born on December 22nd, 2010. (Can you imagine being born in the year 2010?)

Plus, I acquired a new family. Xavi’s father’s family joined us for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner. Our families just melded in a way that seemed natural. It helps that we know most of the same people, we grew up in the same area and we’re all around the same age (our parents, his sister, him and my boyfriend). As hard as it is for Jock and I to have to flip flop Christmas between Portsmouth, England and Baltimore, Maryland, we’re lucky because both of our families make Christmas so special. I missed the McEwan’s of course, but it was so incredible to be with my family.

Oh, and this was probably my second white Christmas ever. Everything just felt special.

Brayden (my 6-year old nephew) and I saw Santa Claus and his sleigh flying toward the house before his bedtime. Santa even left him a special bell under his bed.

And, I can’t even say how great it was to see his excitement at getting a Wii.

Now, we’re back in Chicago waiting for Jock’s brother to come visit from New York. He was supposed to be here yesterday, but his flight got canceled due to snow (just like our first flight got canceled due to wind). Let’s hope the weather cooperates tomorrow morning.

Four Months in Chicago

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Life has moved so quickly here that I can’t believe we’ve already been in Chicago for CORRECTION: 4 months, not six. We’ve been in the United States for 6 months. It truly feels that we were meant to be here.

With working over 60 hours a week at two positions and building up my social media profile, as well as writing and finding other people jobs, life is full.

Jock and I have successfully filled the apartment with new pieces of furniture.

I have passed many milestones this move – first new television over 20″ and under 40″ wide (this one is 47″ and thin!), first new couch, new bed and stainless steel appliances. First time living in a high rise.  Somehow at 28, I feel a little behind, but oh well. I’ve lived my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We found our local – Jake Melnick’s. Love that place and can’t get enough of their Pulled Pork Nachos. I dream about swimming through BBQ sauce.

I bought my first pair of snow boots since I was at least 10 years old.

Also, I’m an aunt once again! Beautiful Xavi Andres was born today after just a few hours. When my sister sets her goals on something, there is no stopping her. Out he came with a full head of hair, and I can’t wait to see the little guy.

Heading home tomorrow for Christmas and have a car booked just in case the plane doesn’t want to take off due to snow. Come snow or ice, I will make it back to Baltimore.

Jock is still healing from his knee injury, but walks most days without a limp now. I still forget and sometimes knock it the wrong way.

Our little lives are coming together.

Also, you may have noticed that the new website is www.meaganadelelopez.com/blog – Lady Who Lunches still works, but I am slowly transitioning to my new image. Stay tuned for the makeover!

Read here for my latest opinion on Social Media and where I see it headed.

Winner of Shabby Apple Dress

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Congratulations to Ann Hurd who won the Shabby Apple dress!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered. I used this random name picker with ClassTools.net to pick the winner, and the lucky Ann Hurd came up. Stay tuned for more giveaways.

Ann, sounds like you preferred the Five to Nine black dress below. I will send you an email to confirm and to get your address!

Five to Nine Dress

Happy Holidays to all my readers.

Meagan

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!

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I was recently contacted by Shabby Apple – this incredible clothing boutique – to give one of my readers one of their dresses! I couldn’t think of a better Christmas gift to one of my faithful readers who have traveled this journey with me. I went through the boutique’s list and picked three of my favorite dresses. Whomever wins will be able to pick their favorite of the three!

Also, they are offering free shipping for the holidays. Enter HOLIDAY at checkout. (You can follow their blog here).

The three dresses I picked are below. Click on the photo to see different views of the dresses.

San Gabriel Dress

Five to Nine Dress

L'Amour

To Enter:

Leave a comment below with a way to get in touch with you AND/OR tweet this post by midnight on Sunday, December 19th!

Be sure to check back on Monday for the lucky winner.

That’s it! Just leave a comment, tweet and retweet to your heart’s content. (Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to interview a family member, not for the contest but just because it’s good for your soul.)

Good luck!

Interview with Your Fam – A Proposal

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I’d like to make a proposal.

Seeing as it’s the holiday season and the focus is about family, I’d like to stretch out to other bloggers and the world in general, and entice people to connect with one family member. This one family member is someone you’re curious about; someone whose story needs to be told. Someone you love and perhaps know a little bit about, but don’t know everything that you’d like to.

For readers of my blog, you may know that last year I did a series called “Interview with the Fam.” Somehow it didn’t occur to me that others would want to use this idea, until my friend Jessica Asch mentioned that that series had inspired her to begin interviewing her grandparents before they died, to get to the bottom of their love story and, in turn, find out more about where she comes from.

So, she (and Charlie O’Shea who wishes to help others tell their story once he retires) are my inspirations for putting this out to the world.

There are no requirements, but here are a few ideas:

1. Write down 5-10 questions that are pertinent to their life, that you have always wanted to ask, but didn’t know how and/or ask them to tell a story about their childhood.

2. Make the questions open ended. You don’t want them to be able to answer it in one or two words.

3. Dig deep. Make this important to you and it will make it important to them.

4. Record it on a voice recorder or get them to respond via email or letter so you have it. 

5. Post it! Share their stories with the world (unless you want to keep it private, then by all means)

Then, please post a link here once you’ve finished (whether it’s private or not). It will be so great to hear what your family members come up. Who knows, there may be a book out of it.