Holiday Gift Ideas?!?

So many of you know about direct sales companies.  Some of them drive me nuts.  Some I love. Some I am obsessed with, and NOT a healthy obsession.  At least for my checking account. :)

Here are my favorite 3.  I have shopped from many, but these are my repeats!

Stella and Dot.  My friend Maggie sells this stuff.  She is a stay at home mom, married to a Naval Officer.  She has definitely helped me find some great jewelry, and gotten me away from the same old stuff.   I probably purchase once a quarter, to change up my look.  It is amazing what one pair of earrings can do for you!  The jewelry is great quality, classy, and is great for gifts!!

via

Here is her website. http://www.stelladot.com/sites/meshenour

Rodan and Fields.  My friend Meghan sells this stuff.  I was hooked after a month.  I have always had some rough skin (curse of the Irish I tell you), and when I used the Unblemish Regimen, I couldn't go back.  I wished I had this stuff for my wedding.  I tell ya.  I have used Unblemish with some Redefine products, and am very happy.  It is one thing for folks to spend lots of money on shoes, clothes, purses-but this is your face!!  I feel so much more professional now that I have clear skin.  It was awful being a Senior Officer on a Navy ship with teenage breakouts.  Now I hardly ever wear makeup because I just don't need to cover up my face.  That, my friends, is awesome.

Here is her website. https://megquinn.myrandf.com/ContactMe

Young Living.  Ok, ok, ok, I sell it.  I just started.  Because I can't get enough of it.  I got hooked after I bought the Premium Starter Kit.  From diffusing the oils, to using topically, the results have been staggering.  I have three diffusers in our house (1 for our room, 1 for the living/dining area, 1 for the baby's room).  The oils you can diffuse can help with anything from restless sleep, to just having a clean/odor free home.  Take a look at my site for more info.  So much to say!!!

Here is my website. http://yldist.com/megangill/

What are your favorite direct sale sites?

Good Cheer, Family, and Friends

I can't believe Thanksgiving just passed, and here we are, last day of November!

This week was busy seeing family, eating...but not overdoing it!  I made two incredible pies for Thanksgiving..I love pumpkin and apple pies.  Something about them just scream comfort food!  My recipes are on my pinterest page if you are interested.  I have made the apple pie before.  I will never use another recipe.  This one is just too good!

Preggo Mego.  I can't wait to have this baby girl!

I spent Black Friday downtown with my girls at Berghoff and the Christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza.  If you live in Chicago, are visiting Chicago, etc-YOU MUST go to the market.  I got a little hot coco and some non alcoholic spiced wine.  So good!

BFFs for life:)  

Now I am just trying to finalize holiday shopping, gift wrapping/mailing, decorating, and getting our cards out.  All while trying to bake this baby.  She is 33 weeks, and I swear every day she gets more and more cramped.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Baby Moon?

I have heard baby moons are all the rage, but I refuse to travel this far into my pregnancy.  My last trip I had a TON of braxton hicks contractions, and it freaked me out.  A lot.

The hubs is on vacay for a while, so we are taking care of baby business as well as just enjoying time together.

We tried out XOCO on Clark Street, which was awesome, but we had to wait 35 minutes for food.  Kind of a long time.  Love the churros.  OMG.  So good.

We went and bought nursery furniture for our girly, because I was freaked out at hearing that our friends had to wait weeks to get theirs.  Yikes.

We went apple picking, and tried out a brewery while we were out there.  So nice!

Picking some gala and suncrisp apples!

We went to my college's homecoming game and tailgated with classmates of mine.  Incredible to catch up with a great group of folks.  I went back in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010.  I love this tradition. Oh the 3 in 1.

Foam fingah and the baby belly

Love these gals!

Mike and I.  He loved Grange Grove!

We had brunch at the house for a few of my girl friends that haven't seen the remodel yet.  Yay!

So now onto more house prep and adventures.  Let's hope my body holds up for it all.  #swollenfeetsuck

It Has Been A While..

So life has been busy, not so busy, and everything in between.  I swear pregnancy makes you want to clean the house top to bottom one day not stopping, and just lie in bed for hours on others.  Baby girl is all over my sciatic nerve right now, which makes certain activities...interesting.  Walking the pups is a walk in the park, literally, or a pain in my ass.  Literally.

I have been finishing rooms in the house, pondering how to decorate a nursery, and cooking up a storm.  Trying new recipes has always been a fav of mine.  But I have been "killing" it lately.  Hehe.

I had a great weekend too.  Not just one of those, "I did a million things and let me instagram all about it" kind of weekends.  A weekend of just seeing girl friends, and spending all day Saturday and Sunday with my dear husband.  We did so much for each other, and just enjoyed each others company so much.  Have you ever had a weekend where you felt so much love? Yep.  That was this weekend.

Here are a few photos to tide you over.

I make some delicious enchiladas.  

Marianos had $5 bouquets.  Who turns that down?

Dinner at date night.  So good.  Thank you Cafe Touche!

Date night.  24 weeks.  

Friday night with my lovelies.  

Labor Day Weekend Recap

Well folks, I am finally back from my last trip of the year.  That is right.  Being 5.5 months pregnant, I won't take the risk to fly anymore, even though there are many events I want to go to.  It just isn't worth it.

I went out East, and spent time with friends and family.  My first stop was visiting one of my bffs and her husband and son.  My first time meeting the little dude.  He is a dead ringer for his dad, and just too cute.  We all went out on a grown up night, and got to catch up and she def talked to me about a lot of baby stuff.  So grateful, as I feel clueless and unprepared most days. We ate dinner at Bazins, which was excellent.  Then we found a tiny boutique that was moving, and I bought a bunch of stuff for the tiny human.  Made out like a bandit.  50% off everything. Woohoo!  We also went to Sweet City Desserts for a treat to go.  Such a wonderful day.  I left their house and went 30 mins west to my oldest brother's house.

Friday we went to Ford's Fish Shack for lunch.  So good.  I was in heaven.  We then went to Ritas for some ice, and then back home so we could get ready for some Friday Night Lights.  High School Football!  My niece, aka, mini-me's school was beating some serious butt until lightening made us evacuate the field.  Bummer.  We left after they called the game for weather.

Saturday I went to Alexandria to have brunch with my ILLINI ladies. I love and miss my college friends so much.  And it never ceases to amaze me that even 15 years after we have all met, we are close, and will drop anything/everything to help each other out.  We had brunch at Warehouse, which was incredible.  I will def come back whenever I am in VA.  It was that good.  We grabbed some cupcakes at Lavender Moon Cupcakery.  Highly recommend it.  I have had many a cupcake in my day, but this place was just wonderful.  After brunch I relaxed as the baby was wearing me out all day, and then had dinner and played Apples to Apples with the crazy family!

Post Cupcakes! And over 50 years of military experience.  Awesome ladies!

Sunday I drove to Annapolis for my friend's wedding.  What a whirlwind.  Brunch with my Navy gals, wedding ceremony, and reception.  Thank goodness I wore flats:)  I just can't get over how beautiful of a day it was.  I am so happy for my friend, and just find it amusing that our whole group found our "loves" so much later than most people.  Our husbands were worth the wait!

Alie, Me, Katie

Can't even describe how beautiful this is!!!

Love these ladies!

Me and Katie.  I met her 15 years ago, and we always pick up right where we left off!!

I flew back to Chicago Monday, and am glad to be home with the pups and my guy.  Now I just have to get my butt in gear and prep two more rooms in the house before baby comes!

My Heart is Full

I had an incredible week this week.  One of those weeks where you are able to catch up with old friends, new friends, and family.  It was just plain fun.

I was fortunate enough to see many friends this week. From high school buds to fellow ILLINI, to Navy peeps. My heart is full from the conversations, pictures of growing babies, new jobs,new houses, and living life.  

Take a look at this article.  It just made my heart happy.  I am always a sucker for spending time with people, especially when they stop by Chicago.  No matter how brief of a trip, I try to make it like home, and make the most of the trip for them.  So if we are friends, and you live far away, and you stop by Chicago for a visit, I promise I will do everything I can to make time for you!!  

When Close Friends Live Far Away

Catch Up!

Its been busy the past two weeks.  Between trying to see friends, keeping up with small house projects, and morning sickness (back with a vengeance), its been nuts!

I have hosted a brunch at my house, ventured downtown a few nights for dinner with the girls, spent time with family to see my cute nieces from NYC, and spruced up some items around the house.

Making a house a home is no joke!  We installed all new lights, address signs, did more gardening, etc.  Now we just have to finish the office, and start on the baby's room while I still feel great!!

Summer nights on the Chicago River.  I love this city!

Dinner at Siena Tavern. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it! I had the linguine with lobster.  

Note to Old Me

Dear Old Me...
Me that was 25.  Just diagnosed with Endometriosis.  Me who had to go through hell just to get a doctor to take her seriously. Who went through 6 months of pure pain/hell/tough times at work just to get a diagnosis.  Who had two surgeries the following year, and countless medicated therapies to get where you are today.  Who met one of your best friends along the way.

Today, 33 year old me, you are pregnant.  After 8 years of hell.  Weight gain, weight loss, crazy medications.  Yes, you should be rejoicing.  You look at the pregnancy test.  Not the first one, but the first, and the second- and just cry.  Cry because you can't believe it is real.  Cry because it is real.  Cry because after all the pain, suffering, breakups because the old boyfriends couldn't deal with the pain from your treatments.  Cry because you have an amazing husband who is by your side every day.  Cry with joy when your husband gets home from work, so you can tell him the good news. Cry when you hear the baby's first heartbeat.

Old me...please be considerate to those who have similar issues.  Have compassion.  Have love.  Do not shoulder away from your pregnant friends.  Yes, you are 25 and single, but they still need you. Whether it is to go out to lunch, or maybe help one day with something at the house.   All of the things I know now, I wish I knew back when I was the old me.  I guess that is why they always say "older and wiser".

Today me, continue to love.  Continue to understand.  Continue to grow.  Continue to learn.

Keep learning how to be a good wife, sister, friend, and now, mother.  Keep forging healthy relationships.  Keep learning from the past.  Never let other people's expectations let you down.  You are your own person, and you need to do what is best for you, and your family.

Go Cubs Go!

I went to my first Cub game of the season this week.  The Cubs got their butts whooped, but I had a great time catching up with my girls.

A little bit of Goose Island, some girl time, Chicago baseball, and a live band to dance the night way from afterwards was a great way to spend the day!

Cubby Blue.  Great beer only available at the Wrigleyville location.

Let me take a selfie.  

Cheering on the Cubbies!

I love the friendly confines.  

Weekend Roundup

I don't normally share my weekends on here..maybe because life has been boring around here lately? Just kidding.  Life has been non stop since I moved home.

Friday my hubs and I met a cousin out for drinks.  Perfect spring day.  Then we had dinner, headed home, and just relaxed.

Original Photo in on my instagram.  Check it out!
Shirt, Jcrew
Necklace Kenneth J Lane

Saturday, I went to my 15 year high school reunion.  I went to an all girls, Catholic High School, and loved meeting up with everyone.  Especially the nuns!

Diva Pic

Say Cheese Class of 2000!

Me with some of my favs.  Been bffs since the first day of high school!

Dress I wore

Sunday I just did usual housekeeping.  Laundry, errands, and relaxed with the in laws.  My MIL made this recipe.  It is sooo good.  Highly recommend it!

Hope you had a great weekend!!

Fort Lauderdale

Since the North was under a deep freeze and snow storm from hell, I traveled to Fort Lauderdale with my bff before I drove to Chicago.

I was pretty excited to just relax after my last day on the ship.  I literally stepped off the ship and got on the road, and arrived to drinks at our hotel.  We then went to have drinks at the Blue Martini. After some delicious beverages, we had dinner at Seasons 52. I love Seasons 52.  So much.  Especially dessert.

The next day, we relaxed, and then had lunch at the Royal Pig Pub. So amazing.  Worth the trip.  My bff went to a wedding, and I just relaxed at the hotel.

The last day, we went out and about on the beach front.  We had some drinks at McSorleys, and then lunch at Primanti Brothers.  Yes.  A NYC bar and a Pittsburgh deli in Ft. Lauderdale.  I thought the same thing.  But yes.  Yes.

We had dinner at Coconuts our last night, and it was worth the wait.  We drank a glass...er bottle..of prosecco while we waited.  Incredible meal, key lime pie, and company.  Couldn't ask for more!

First Night.  Love the necklace.  Got it at Versona.

Blue Martinia

Royal Pig Pub.  Yummm.

View from our balcony.

Suns Out.  Another Outfit from Versona.

Great artwork next to a tattoo parlor.  No worries, came out of there unscathed. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I had a great weekend out and about in the city I love.

I had a date night Friday with the husband.  Our fav sushi place, and a movie.  Couldn't be better.

Saturday I went downtown with my friends, met up with family, and spent most of the day downtown.  I ended up in my own neighborhood, and just relaxed!

Sunday, I stayed in my neighborhood with family and neighbors and had a great time.  I normally go to the South Side Irish parade, but decided on a change of pace this year..

Makes me so incredibly happy to be home!

Daley Plaza

Obligatory Selfie

What are your St. Patrick's Day Traditions?

Neighborhood Highlights: San Marco

So I feel like I never get out and about in Jacksonville.  Mostly because every chance I get, I fly to Chicago.  Can't blame me!!

So for my big 33, I had a friend meet me up at Taverna in San Marco.  It was December, 79 degrees outside, and pure heaven.  We sat outdoors, and just soaked up the weather, and amazing food.
Must try their caprese salad.  Best I have ever had.

Friends since 2000.  College life, ship life, real life.  Love her!

Complimentary Prosecco for my birthday.  Yesss! 

We then went out to Painting with a Twist.  We didn't do the "twist", aka, drink while painting.  My work would have been a disaster, albeit fun.

Starry Night ala Jacksonville

Finished Products

Can't wait to display this at my new house!

You may remember that I had an incredible date night with Mike last year at Matthews.  Such a great "fancy, shmancy" date spot.  Must for anniversary dinner.  Dress up, eat escargot.  Win. Win.

Rent the Runway baby!

Wedding Wednesday: Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner

We had a fantastic Rehearsal at Assumption Church, and an amazing dinner at Maggianos.  I swear, there is always so. much. food!

It was such a blast to hang out with my family and friends, get caught up and prepare for such an amazing step in our lives!

Liz and Me.  Love this gal!

So there was a cardiac convention in town.  Had to pose with these guys!

Bridesmaids and I at Maggianos!

Me and my love

Great Menu courtesy of my awesome in laws!

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Party Nails/Lunch

I am not in Chicago much, so I asked my wedding planner for some ideas for a good nail spa to go to the Friday before the wedding.  My bridesmaids (sans MOH as she was midflight), my SIL Anne, and my mini me Sarah got our nails done at Polish and Pour in downtown Chicago.  We had a great time just relaxing and getting pampered.  We cracked up when another, far more obnoxious party came in for the same thing.  That is when I realized I needed to up my game;)

We ate lunch at D4, where I am fairly certain I have never had better sweet potato fries in my entire life.  That is saying a lot.

A perfect start to a perfect weekend!

My mini me and me!

Ellen and Meghan

Me and Tara

Anne and Me