Hello, and welcome to Refined + Rugged!

My lifestyle blog is dedicated to living simply, beautifully, and even a little adventurously wherever you are– metropolitan contiguity or removed rural recreation destination!

I’m Megan. I’m mom to two beautiful boys. I am married to an incredible man. My full time day job is teaching language arts. Writing, wearing, and weekend escaping– these are some of my favorite things. My family and I call the Wasatch mountains home by way of Oregon, Utah and most recently Virginia. I earned my Master’s Degree in American Studies at The George Washington University in 2010. Then shifted gears to raise our children, and now I’ve found my calling in the classroom.

I am a classic type A extrovert. Exuberant, garrulous, and up for any adventure or wordplay!

A little bit about some of my passions. I love the art of expression through dress. I truly think that dress is art– wearable, workable, moveable art. I love to look at someone who has it going on in the style department! Sometimes the formula can be as simple as a striped shirt and perfectly ripped skinny jeans. Sometimes what we all need is a red lip to brighten the mood. Sometimes it means an embellished accessory or bright pop of color.

Another of my passions is family dinner. After our children were born, I realized that making Greek salads (while delicious) three times a week was not going to cut it in the dinner department. I had a rotating menu of pad thai, teriyaki chicken, and said salad which we were pretty much burnt out on. Every week it was a struggle to think-up and add new meals to my repertoire.

Through some rigorous research by my brother-in-law (he’s an economist with mad skills) and some cajoling from my sister (she’s always been a Goddess in the kitchen), we were introduced to The Six O’Clock Scramble. This meal planning service features five recipes a week of quick, simple, and delicious food for all busy parent types. We subscribed over three years ago and haven’t looked back.

I enjoy sharing meals and meal planning with all of my friends! I think breaking bread– no matter what the combination or compilation of people you lump into that term FAMILY– is one of the most joyful expressions of human togetherness.

Finally, I have a passion for learning. I love to read, think, and write. Science Friday posts are all about encouraging my boys, and children in general, to not be afraid to ask questions and explore the world around them. I love to experience learning in the great, wide expanse of the natural world and in the quiet, tiny moments right before bedtime. I love a good book, and I love a good laugh.

I’m currently experimenting with a year long challenge to shop my closet rather than spending more money in the marketplace. I’m updating my blog weekly. Come along and enjoy this adventure!

XX, Megan