Hello! My name is Meghan, or Meg, and to those dearest to me, Meggie. I am a wife to my best friend, Matt, who makes me laugh every day and helps me not take life so seriously; I am a recovering perfectionist and worry wart…but don’t let that scare you away! I am also a mommy to an active and tender-hearted boy, Brennan (born January 16, 2009), and a sweet-as-can-be baby girl, Kensington (born July 29, 2011). Last but not least, I am a puppy mommy to the cutest black Labrador Retriever ever! A perfect day always includes doing something with my honey, my monkey, my pumpkin', and my angel puppy.
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, which offers one explanation for the title of my blog. I have a fond affinity towards Hatch green chiles, Mexican food, salsa…anything spicy hot. Not mild. Hot. Most of the food I cook is too spicy for Matt and because of this, and other unmentionables, Matt calls me his “spicy girl”. As for “magnolia”, the second half of the blog title, my family had a magnolia tree in the backyard of the house we lived in until I was 6. During its blooming season, I would wake up to the fragrant aroma of a magnolia blossom cut and set by my bedside during the middle of the night by my Daddy. So magnolias have high sentimental value to me. Furthermore, even though raised in the Southwest, the deep South, with its hospitality, manners, and culture, are embedded in my Momma’s side of the family. So Matt also calls me his “southern belle”, the magnolia being a fitting symbol of such an archetype. I guess I’m a prim and proper sassy gal.
I graduated from Wheaton College in 2001 with a degree in Christian Education with an emphasis on intercultural studies, which is a passion of mine. That is also where I met the love of my life. After graduating, we both moved to Austin (hands-down the best city in Texas), and we have been married for nine years.
I am currently on the biggest adventure of my life stepping into the realm of mommyhood--and I have NO idea what I'm doing! I love dogs. I love my dog. Chocolate is high on my list of favorites; I eat it with no self-control. If I have chocolate in the house, I convince myself I should eat it all in one sitting to get rid of it faster so I’m not tempted to eat more later. Along with chocolate comes a love for food all the way around, cooking and baking. I am a foodie! I love to travel and study other cultures, something I consider a gift instilled in me by my grandmother, Gaga. Scrapbooking is a creative outlet, and so is blogging. I love to read, and my aim (when I have a bit more time on my hands) is to become an avid reader.
Before becoming a stay-at-home momma, I worked in an accounting/operations position. It's quite the opposite spectrum from my Christian Education degree. Although I despised math in high school, somehow it started magically clicking in my brain in my early twenties. You'll find me writing about a whole assortment of topics, sharing pieces of my life with you as I navigate through my ordinary life that I hope will be lived extraordinarily through all of life's challenges and joys.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you around!
