Hiatus

If you have wondered if the Meggs fell off the face of the planet, I can assure you that we're still alive & kicking. Unfortunately, life takes over & fun activities (like blogging) shift to the bottom of the to-do list. I have been frantically jetting around the southeast being an unfabulous auditor & Drew has been working 7 days a week to make a church's sound system top notch. Amidst the chaos of joining the working world (by the way, I have a whole new appreciation for working moms - where do they find the time?!?), we have ventured into a new savings plan. We have always been HUGE Dave Ramsey fans, but we have now made it to Baby Step #2 (look it up - it will change your life). Due to our crazy couponing, diligent budgeting and stellar self-discipline, we will be paying off the balance to one of our student loans next month. To say we're excited is an understatement. We're just one more step closer to living a financially free life. We aren't financially perfect, but we feel we're on track to a sound financial future. For the next few weeks, we hope to share some tips & ideas we have found along the way. Our goal is to share some things we learn in this first 6 months of marriage to hopefully help other newlyweds in setting and reaching goals. Stay tuned to learn a few fun tips from two Tennessee Transplants!

A Family Affair

Since we returned from our lavish honeymoon in Jamaica, we decided we needed a hobby that fits our newlywed budget. So, we have been hitting the pavement. Problem - the TJ Maxx tennis shoes I had were not doing the job. After researching the best running shoes and finding sales online, we hopped in the car for the local sporting goods store. Drew already had these beauties...

so we decided Nike should be a family affair. Drew found these fun shoes [that we're on SALE] and he definitely worked husband magic - they are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

We're loving our afternoon jogs around our complex and proper running gear has made such a difference. Who wouldn't love a hobby that fits in the budget and provides stress relief? Now we just need to train hard so we can run the Country Music Marathon in our fun hometown next year!

We're back

The Meggs took a blogging hiatus to get married (!) and settle into our life together, but we’re excited to get back to sharing our story with our family and friends. Hopefully we will have wedding pictures soon to share with those of you who could not be with us during our special weekend. In the meantime, we would love to share parts of our new “home” with everyone who cannot journey to Nashville soon. Bear in mind, this is a 2 week work-in-progress and we're hoping you will give us input on making our small space "creative" on a "creative" budget.

Cool jars in the entry way filled with what Drew calls the "bird stuff"


Welcome to our blank-walled dining room. Picking up some decor from mom this weekend!

Pantry - so nice to have the additional cabinet space

All our favorite kitchen gadgets in one space!

Living Room

Wish we could find a fun way to display the suitcases & this chair - both are awesome pieces



Mantle filled with special things, but still needs some TLC

As much as you'll see of the Meggs bathroom, unless you come visit

Fabulous headboard we found for a STEAL!

Drew's fish Lyle. Yes, I'm aware a fish lives on my wall.

Now, we need your input on how to make our apartment a neat space. Go!

Tis the season to be married

As promised, we're updating everyone on the past few weekends of fun events.

Sadly, this is the only picture we have with the bride & groom. The wedding was at the home of Eudora Welty in downtown Jackson. We loved Jackson! The city is old and full of Southern charm. Since most of our weekend revolved around the wedding, we didn't explore as much as we would have liked. But we did make it to a fun restaurant in the Fondren District called Que Sara for brunch.

We are suckers for a great patio and as you can see, Que Sara had an awesome one. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and scrumptious food. We highly recommend checking out Fondren if you are ever in Jackson.

The wedding party (plus significant others) hit up Hal & Mal's in downtown Jackson. Awesome restaurant with an even better atmosphere. The groom, Drew and other groomsmen went to college together in Nashville, so they all especially enjoyed the live music. Also another neat place to visit in Jackson - wish we could go back!

The next weekend, Drew played tour guide for Lacey, one of my close college friends, and me when we visited Nashville. Lacey ran the Country Music Half Marathon! She wants Drew and me to run with her next year...we'll see about that. Sadly, we have NO PICTURES from the entire weekend! What were we thinking?!? We did attend the Street Festival in Historic Downtown Franklin after my brave friend finished running 13.1 miles. We picked up some cool stuff for our future home. Drew found a print from a local Nashville photographer that captured Belmont's campus during the 2008 Presidential Debate hosted on campus. We're framing it for the apartment since Drew was a student there when the debate happened. Love how the small things make your apartment homey!

The BIG move happens in 7 days!

Praise You in this storm...

Honestly, Drew and I had planned a follow-up post about our Jackson trip, but recent events have changed everything. Our sweet hometown was hit by the tragic tornado that swept through Alabama last week. The disaster site is less than a mile from where I live with my parents until the move. We begin the process of officially moving to Nashville in two short weeks and while we are excited that I will become an official Nashville resident, our hearts are not prepared for being away from our town in this time of need. We are so blessed compared to other cities such as Tuscaloosa and Pleasant Grove, who both had loss of lives. The Lord will provide through this tragedy. He has a plan for this devastation. Drew and I may live in Tennessee soon, but our home will always be our small town in Alabama.

Relief efforts are in full swing for all the communities involved. Last night, Casting Crowns graciously donated their talent to a free concert that raised over $20,000 for relief efforts. Drew and I were completely overwhelmed to witness 6,000+ people gather to worship and donate. What a demonstration of the power of Christ!

Please, please donate your time or money to help families across the state that are facing the long road to recovery. Pray every day that our Lord is glorified through this process. Thank emergency workers such as the National Guard, policemen and women, firefighters, relief organizations and churches that will provide much needed help in the coming weeks. Reflect on the blessings in your life. Most of all, remember that God calls us to love our neighbors and care for those who cannot care for themselves.

TPC

As many of you know, Drew and I were not only high school sweethearts, but also church sweethearts. We have the privilege of being a part of the same body of believers in our hometown. The past 8 years of our dating/engaged relationship involved many, many church events. As we begin the transition to our new Tennessee home, we are excited to join a new church as well. I'm the Nashville newbie, since Drew spent four years there for college. Thankfully, he found an awesome church during his college time. We have decided that this will be our newlywed church home as well. Man, the Lord provides! I still remember the first time Drew took me to The People's Church. I was blown away! I love our hometown church and part of me is not ready to let go; but, the more Drew and I talk about newlywed life, the more excited I get about transitioning to another "new home." Check out The People's Church here.



P.S. Drew wanted me to mention that Jim Caviezel (aka - Jesus in The Passion) and Matthew West have both dropped-in on a service in the past few months. We're not name droppers or anything, right?

We're goin' to Jackson, Look out Jackson town

So, I'm not sure if the Johnny/June Cash song is about Jackson, TN, or Jackson, MS, but it seems fitting because Drew and I are hitting I-20 this weekend for a Jackson, MS wedding. Drew's good friend is taking the plunge and Drew is a groomsman. Since he will be busy Friday and Saturday "practicing" for our big day, I'll have plenty of time to wander around the capital city of our neighboring state. I have a LOT of thank you notes to write, so my plan is to knock those suckers out (who are we kidding, we all knew Drew wouldn't be lending a hand on that task).


Instead of sitting in the local Starbucks, I decided I'm hitting up the local culture to add some flavor. Plus, I love exploring a new city. I just wish Drew could be my tag-along/drag-along.

Here's the list:

Mississippi Museum of Art

Looks like they have some Warhol and O'Keefe in their collection, so I'm hoping to find a comfy place to sit, be inspired and write.

Mynelle Gardens

Pretty day, camellias, and thank you's...how Southern

Fondren District

Just the shopping adventure this eclectic heart needs - (after finishing all the thank you's)

Drew took one look at my list and was (almost) thankful he will be occupied with the wedding. Any suggestions on cute lunch spots for one? Or maybe other places of interest not listed on the tourism website?

Let Go(d)

Hello rough week! Both the Meggs-to-be have been running frantically with our crazy schedules. Drew was given the opportunity to do some audio work with a close friend at his church in our sweet hometown of Cullman. Audio is Drew's passion and he is extremely talented. I'm so thankful when opportunities arise that allow him to join his passion for audio with his passion for Christ! Best part - he was asked to repeat his performance for their very busy Easter services! This weekend/week has been especially stressful for me. I'm trying to finish grad school in the midst of moving, wedding planning and life in general. Unfortunately, I have struggled in one of my classes all semester. I had a make-or-break test on Monday and my feeling toward the test was more of a break. But, then I saw this picture on a website I like. It spoke volumes to me. I sometimes forget how much the Lord provides for Drew and me continually. He didn't provide jobs, a home and a church (more to come on that later) to fail us now. I need to Let Go(d). Drew reminded me of this last night during our nightly long-distance phone call -oh how the Lord reinforced that conversation with that image. This time in our lives involves so much transition and trusting in the Lord and His providence. So, as we await my grade on the scary test I took, pray that we'll remember to trust and remember to Let Go(d).

Meet Dave

This is our friend Dave. When I say friend, I mean the man Drew insists we listen to on talk radio...all the time. We also attended an event he did in Nashville. And he lives down the street from the family of a Nashville friend. And his studio/Financial Peace Plaza are a mile from our apartment. We know a lot about Dave. He has his critics, but he has been great for us. We are starting our marriage with a clear financial plan. We have goals - both short and long term. We have a written budget. Did I mention we're only 23? Our favorite thing about Dave is his span. His advice is timeless and is applicable at any age. We're not saying we're fanatics who are completely ditching Starbucks, eating-out, and cable; but we do like knowing how our money will be spent and being on the same page for that spending. So now that we have introduced our friend Dave, you know you want to check him out here. Then you can come visit us and we'll drive you by Financial Peace Plaza because we are nerds like that.

Decor dilemma

Drew and I have been extremely blessed with generous wedding showers. So generous that we were gifted a FULL 12 place settings of our Wedgwood White china. Although Drew was excited, he just didn't understand my zeal for the pristine white plates and the dainty tea cups.

I. Am. Obsessed.

BUT, here is the issue. Our newlywed nest will be snug. Snug is the nice way to say that our 1 bedroom-1 bath apartment is small. This leaves my hubby-to-be and me with a decor dilemma. My obsessed self can't stand the thought of leaving this beautiful china packed away at our parents' homes. So, we're exploring inexpensive, newlywed budget-friendly options to display these lovelies.

1st option I found from IKEA. Super cute and fairly affordable. Any opinions? We were a little alarmed about the disclaimer listed on the website about the glass panels shattering with a "knock."

Then I came across this cabinet on Etsy. A little large, but absolutely beautiful...plus it has storage! Drawback: Drew doesn't want our home filled with "old stuff" and this falls in the "old stuff" category. I love the vintage, this-piece-has-a-story feel. Alas, one of many kinks you must weather in marriage.

We would appreciate any suggestions!

Greetings Family & Friends

Since Drew & I (Jill) will officially call Nashville home in a short 4 weeks, we decided we needed an avenue to keep friends and family updated on our life there. We are excited to be newlyweds in such a fun city. Thankfully, we both have jobs that are close to our newlywed nest. I'm excited because we'll be a short drive from Downtown Historic Franklin, Publix, Whole Foods, TJ Maxx and Cool Springs Galleria. Drew is excited because our proximity to work and shopping cuts down on our fuel bill (but let's be honest, probably increases other bills). Welcome to our humble abode.

I will be the first of the Meggs-to-be to call our newlywed nest home. Drew follows shortly after the wedding in June. Over the past few months, we have collected "stuff" American Pickers style for our future home (stay tuned for pics after the move). Plus, we have lots to add to our collection from our amazing showers! For the next 4 weeks, I'll be finishing-up grad school while Drew works hard making/saving what I like to call married money. We have a few big events happening during the coming months - namely friends' weddings, a half-marathon (cheering on a friend, we aren't running!), my grad school GRADUATION, and a potential trip to Seattle. We'll be sharing details of those with you as well. Thanks for following our Tennessee Transplant journey!