Latest Obsessions

So lately I have become "obsessed" with living more simply.  With spending less, and living more.

DH and I have been talking about things we want to do..from going to the gardens near our house, to just getting Chinese food.  All in all, we want to do more things, spending time together, but spend less money all around.  So..here are some of my tips and tricks in helping our cause.

I have been simplifying my wardrobe.  I started doing Project 333.  Yes.  I dove in.  But no blog posts?!  Why Megan, why?  It has been so easy to keep myself accountable with a maternity wardrobe, that honestly, it is easy.  I don't miss my old clothes, and I look good every day.  It takes seconds to figure out what I will wear after I check the weather.  Hello random Chicago summer.  I am slowly but surely building up my fall wardrobe.  Ok ok, I will post my pieces from my summer wardrobe so you can see what I am working with.  I didn't limit myself to 33 pieces, because a number is just a number.  It is all about being more frugal, having less crap around, and just looking good with what you have.  I LOVE it.

I have been a couponing, meal planning freak.  I just started getting the Sunday paper and clipping coupons for what we use.  I then plan on what stores are already having deals on that stuff, and doubling up my coupons.  It took some effort in the beginning.  I am not "that" good at it yet, but hope to be. I also downloaded an app to keep track of what is in my pantry.  Seemed like a lot of work, but all you have to do is scan the barcode.  I scanned my entire pantry in an hour last night.  This will make meal planning a breeze!

For the past two years, I have kept a "gift" box.  I keep track of gifts I buy for my family all year long.  I will find something someone will love, and buy it.  I don't care if it is January.  I keep it until Christmas.  I just found some great clearance toys at Target for my nieces.  Boom.  Holiday shopping almost done.  It feels good to pace it out, and just save money.  Especially when you have 8 nieces and nephews and your own little bambino on the way.

DH thinks all of my organization is nuts, until it comes in handy.  Which is usually daily:)

What are some of your daily tips and tricks to help organize your family?!

Shop My Closet!

Well folks, I have started to pare down my closet and sell some great items.  Some are new!  I just moved from Florida to Illinois, and need to just not be overtaken by "things".

Please pass this to anyone you know that may need some great dresses, or even new heels!

http://www.ebay.com/usr/gillmegan

Happy Shopping!

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.  

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

Fourth Of July

So folks, I had the chance to go to Virginia to visit my oldest brother for the weekend.  It was such a great trip!

Quick Recap:

• Hot Dog Stand.  Yep.  Chicago Dogs in VA.  So good.
• Pool time.  My left foot is burnt.  That is it?!
• BBQ.  Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon.  Yes. 
• I made two recipes: fruit pizzas and texas caviar. 
• Hung out with my Matron of Honor.  We went to Casanel and to the Cajun Experience
• Watched Identity Thief.  Omg.  Funny.
• Listened to a few random comedians: Kathleen Madigan, Bob Marley, and Gabriel Iglesias

Pizza Puffs! 

Pool Side.  Chirish.

Texas Caviar

Patriotic Fruit Pizzas.  Yummm. 

Wine Tasting!

My Weekend in Two Words: Laundry and Wine

Well..it has been a whirlwind since returning from my vacation.  Hence the hiatus.  Work has been crazy, and I think I just caught up on laundry. 

This past weekend I relaxed, and made it all about me.  I had to unwind, and take care of myself.  I had some happy hour cocktails and apps with a dear friend who did me a huge favor when I was gone..went to the spa to get a deep tissue massage and facial..treated myself to some chicken at Maggianos..read a good book..went to bed early..had brunch with same friend from Friday..and did more laundry.  Did I mention the laundry?  Geez.  I need to give away or sell some clothes.  Now. 

Mmmm. Magiannos. 

Out with the old..in with the new!

I Love To Play Dress Up

So this shouldn't sound as creepy as the title may sound.  But I love to dress up.  Wearing camo all day, I mean-really?!  I nice dress and a night out on the town is something every girl needs.  But how to keep down that cost?  Well I don't have any need to have crazy dresses just sit in my closet, so I Rent the Runway.  Check out some of my previous rentals here, here and here! 

I rented two dresses when I went home on vacation, and I loved them both. 

Love!

LBD!

Birthdays and Ballgames!

So my Chicago trip continues onto Birthdays and Ballgames!  You can read about part 2 here!

I took my guy to Hot Dougs for his birthday.  Lame?  Of course not?!  Who doesn't want some encased meats for their big day.  I had two hot dogs..yes, cheated on my diet.  But then again, I was in Chicago.  The 4 pounds gained was worth it.  I had a pear, wine, and fresh herb pork sausage hot dog with fig peach mayonnaise and jalapeno Havarti cheese.  Soo good.  Sooo sooo good.  We had to go again because this place shuts its doors for good in October.  Mike and I went a few years ago, so we had to go again!



Cheesing.  Waiting in line. 



Yum. 

For dinner I took him to Gather.  The food was incredible.  The service even better.  I had some great halibut..and really want to go back!  We had some time to kill before we met up with some friends for drinks, so I convinced him to go to a bistro for dessert.  We had some profiteroles with some Bordeaux.  So good.  Seriously, the night was a real treat.  After missing his birthday for a few years, it was the least I could do!  We then met some girl friends of mine at a bar.  Great end to a great night! 



Love these girls!

 

 

The next day, we met up with a group of friends from near and far to go to the Cubs game.  Cubs vs the Marlins.  Such a fun time sharing the game with my friends from high school and college.  The college girls flew in from VA to spend the weekend with me.  The high school gals came in from a far as well.  So blessed to have these girls in my life!

 

Go Cubs!



 

Jacksonville Weekend @ Home

My fiancé came to visit this weekend, and we had an amazing time!  The logistics were hairy because I was at sea, but luckily a friend of mine picked up Mike at the airport while we were entering port.  He then brought Mike to the ship, and we all took off to Seven Bridges Brewery.  I love their food and beer..especially any kind of mac and cheese they make.  Yumm.

The next morning, I took my guy to Mimi's Café for breakfast.  I love their muffins and mimosas.  I mean, who doesn't?  Then I dropped him off at the apartment so I could get a manicure and groceries.  I figured he wouldn't want to endure the "girly" part of the day, so he relaxed at home with Bella.  I may or may not be addicted to gel/no-chip manicures, since my job is a bit unforgiving on the hands.  The nails were almost out of standards with the Navy, so I had to get them trimmed down.  I then made him this for lunch, and we relaxed at home doing some much needed wedding planning.  After the relaxing afternoon planning fest, we went and got dolled up for date night.  I took him to Matthew's, and it was everything I expected and more!  We ordered foie gras, escargot, for appetizers, and I ordered gnocchi for my entrée, he ordered the grouper.  We shared a Mexican chocolate souffle.  I was so impressed by the ambiance, the service, and above all, the food. 

Sunday, we woke up late, and I made this.  I love this recipe, turns out he doesn't like baked oatmeal.  Lesson learned.  I will continue to make it for me, and make an alternative for him.  We then went to lunch at the North Beach Fish Camp.  I had some amazing Fish Tacos.  I can't wait to go back.  The location was great, and the food was even better.  We killed some time walking around, and then hit up the jetty's where we took  Engagement photos.  I can't wait to see how they turned out!  We went home, and I make him his favorite dinner.  I made him meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and steamed green beans.  I will post the meatloaf recipe soon!  We relaxed, and watched We're the Millers.  Hilarious.   

Monday, I had to work in the am:(  Luckily it was a quick pop in, and left to take him to sushi at Bento, and then to the airport. 

I am so happy we had a bit of a staycation this weekend.  We were able to enjoy time together, eat great food, and just have fun! 

Mimis Café.  Yum. 



Rent the Runway.  Dress for Date night!

Blueberry Oatmeal in the making

Oatmeal baby

Cocktails at North Beach Fish Camp



Amazing Fish Tacos!

Beach walk..

Sunday night dinner.  Yum!

Cleaning Out the Closet Sale!!

Hello ladies!  I am in desparate need to clean out my closet.  New Year, new me?!

Anywho, I have listed some items on Ebay for sale.  Mostly cute date night/work clothes. 

My Ebay handle is http://www.ebay.com/usr/gillmegan

Happy Shopping!!

Chicago Christmas!!

This is the final post..ok, not final, I have a recipe post from the trip!

The 22nd, I went over to my future-in-laws house to bake holiday treats.  I wanted to spend quality time with them while my guy was at work.  I made the best dessert.  Recipe to come!
We talked, drank some wine, and went to dinner.  It was a great day! 

The 23rd, we met with a wedding planner to get some ideas rolling.  Then I met with one of my bffs, and we headed to the South Side for a friend get together.  All of the girls from high school gathered, ate Mexican food, had a blast with the littles!!

The 24th, my friend's momma gave me a ride back up North, and we made many pit stops along the way.  The first one was to our fav bakery, Wolfs!  If you are ever near Evergreen Park, IL or Beverly, you have to stop there!!!  My guy and I made stops that day to his Aunt and Uncles house, and then to my middle brothers house.  We had so much fun visiting with family, eating, and playing with my nieces!

The 25th, we had breakfast, and then went to his parents house.  His mom made such a great Polish feast.  I was so spoiled that day!!

Magners with Meghan!

Middle Brother and I on Christmas Eve!

Me and my guy!

Mistletoe!

I heart Weekends!

I had the weekend off, and Friday I spent the day at the spa after work.

Saturday was amazing.  I cleaned the house, did laundry from the week at sea, and then got a haircut.  I have needed one for a while, and I was glad I went.  I did it, I donated my hair again.  I got 12 inches cut off, and I think it looks great!  After the hair cut, I wandered around the mall, and then watched a free concert.  Who knew Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were performing in the parking lot outside my balcony?!?  Awesome.  I hung out with my neighbors and Bella, and we enjoyed the 45 minute set. After the concert, I took Bella to a day at the Dog Park put on by Chase Bank, Petco, and my apartment building.  She played with the pups and got tuckered out!  I then relaxed at home, made some great dinner, and read some magazines.

Sunday, I watched the Breakfast Club, got ready for the week, and then got a visit from one of my BFFs from Chicago!  We walked around the neighborhood, and had dinner at Seasons 52, where it was nice to catch up!

I truly miss Chicago, and am trying to embrace Jax as much as possible. 

Concert!

Bella listening to the music!

Meghan and Megan



Me! New haircut.

Spa Day!

Friday I returned from some time at sea, and I was just plain sore and tired.  My first stop was to the spa.  Normally, I would have gone home, gone grocery shopping, etc..but I just couldn't.

I stopped at Natural Body Spa in Jax.  It was such a great experience.  I have gone here a few times for different services, but on Friday, I did the whole shebang.  I got a facial, and a deep tissue massage, and it was worth every penny.  I used Naturopathica pumpkin purifying enzyme peel.  It was amazing. 

If you have a rough week, and need some pampering and are in the Jax area, stop here.  I can't wait to go back!!!

Conscious Box

I bought a Groupon recently for Conscious Box.  I have loved receiving these boxes once a month, and the goodies that are inside.  I try the trial samples, and then make a list of what I like, and what I don't like.  I can buy most of the items at Whole Foods or other health food stores, as most of the items are organic, etc.

Some of my favorite items are:
Life Tree Dish Soap
Good Boy Organics snacks.  They are gluten free, and delicious!
Crum Creek healthy foods
Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen  I tried the strawberry and kiwi...so good!
KPax energy.  I have never taken anything for energy that has worked as well as these supplements!

I will continue to update this post as I try more amazing samples!

What are some of your favorite healthy/organic items?

Something to think about...

My friend posted this on FB about a week ago.  Take a look at this website! 

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/10/a-wondrous-gif-shows-the-most-popular-baby-names-for-girls-since-1960/280709/

This site shows in an interactive map the most popular baby names each year from 1960 to today.  Wow!

Rent the Runway

Since I was gearing up to go to the wedding in Annapolis, I decided to "Rent the Runway" instead of buying a new dress.  I have so many dresses from J Crew and Banana Republic that just sit in my closet after one wear.  Some of you may ask "why?!?"  Well, being in the Navy, I don't have a lot of use for daily dress wear, but I do wear them for date night, ladies night out, and weddings. 

My good friend used www.renttherunway.com many times, and had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. 

I did it, and was nothing but impressed!  I received the box from UPS, and opened it with my SIL.  I had three dresses in a garment bag, and a box with the jewelry I rented.  It all looked amazing.  I rented the primary dress in a size 10 and size 12.  Then, I ordered another dress, just in case those two didn't work out.  I also ordered a necklace to make the outfit whole. 

I loved the way it all turned out.  The size 10 was perfect, and the necklace really went well with the dress.  If I had bought the dress and the necklace, I would have spent over $720 for something I would never wear again.  Instead, I spent $100, and no dry cleaning bill!  Oh yeah, did I forget that?  You send the dresses, other items, etc back in a UPS bag, and they do all the dirty work. 

Let's just say, I can't wait to rent the runway again!  Let me know if any of you ladies need an invite or recommendations!

Oscar Wild dinner dress with the Crystal Cluster necklace.

Anthropologie

I don't normally shop at this store, but I have found that some of their recent clothes are just amazing!

I bought this shirt, and absolutely love it!  I bought the copper color, as I often wear blue or black.  Had to branch out in the color spectrum!

I also bought this cardigan.  I am in love.  I have a black one from Jcrew, and I am glad I just branched out.  I bought this one in burgundy.  The material alone makes this purchase worth it. 

I don't normally blog about fashion, either...but I had to blog about these two finds.  I need to branch out in my wardrobe.  Too bad cammies all day every day kind of puts a stop to that!

Pics of me wearing my new finds to come!!

Coconut Mahi Mahi

So one of my fav "cheat" dinners is always picking up something quick at the local market.  By cheat I mean.."kind of cook".   We only have 1 Whole Foods in Jax.  I know.  Tragic.  No Trader Joes either.  I swear.  The madness.

But..there is a Fresh Market.  I went there, and found some of my favorite things, like coconut crusted mahi mahi.  Amazing fish.  Just bake it and serve.  I always pair it up with a salad, and this time I bought quinoa salad and a lemon orzo salad.  First time ever trying quinoa, and it wasn't bad, but not my favorite.  Maybe it was the salad, maybe it was the quinoa.  I won't give up just yet.  The lemon orzo salad.  OMG.  To die for.  For old times sake, I paired it up with Carolina Honey tea from Argo Tea in Chicago.  Oh...Argo.  I lived about a block away from one of their locations, and I always did my Masters coursework there.  Reading about National Security and Policy is much better over Pom Tea or Carolina Honey. 

Perfect portions.

With the Argo Tea.  Yum.

100 Days..

That is right folks.  We have less than 100 days ahead of us on this journey.  I obviously can't say where/when I will be coming home, but I am excited.

So many things to do!  Finish up deployment strong..stay safe, bring everyone home.  The things that not everyone always has at the forefront, but need to be. 

We just got done with another amazing port call, and all we could talk about is "home".  The sights, smells, who is waiting for us..all of it!

Will write more soon.  Busy/lazy Sunday ahead of me.  Must catch up on magazines that I have received in care packages...

Virginia is for...

Lovers so they say.  Back in the good old commonwealth.  Glad to be here after a rough couple of days!  I got food poisoning the day of my graduation.  Walked the stage white as a ghost, and disappeared for a while so I could recover.  Drove to Virginia from Rhode Island in the middle of the night so I wouldn't get stuck in traffic.  Crazy right?  I made it in less than 12 hours, stopping a lot because of the food poisoning.  I prayed it was a hangover.  No such luck.  I finally feel better this morning, 3 days later.  I can't wait to get my hands on some good seafood, and see some friends. 

I am staying with some dear friends, so this way I am definitely making the most of my stay.  This is going to be a great visit.  School, friends, beaches, some drinks, and some of my favorite haunts.