Hellooooooooo Chicago!

Can I just say that Chicago now has a solid standing as my #2 favorite USA city? (Behind Nashville, of course). Oh my friends, we had the weekend trip of a lifetime! So much to see, do, eat, drink, and ESPECIALLY shop - it was like sensory overload for a solid three days! I don't think we could have possibly packed one more calorie-laden meal into the trip without us both going into a food coma, truthfully. But enough with the deets - you want pictures, right? Well I just so happened to have you more than covered in that department. Let the recap begin!

Our first view of that glorious Chicago skyline -from the back seat of the taxicab on our way to the hotel from the airport! (P.S. Southwest - mad props on the 1.5 hour flight.)

Forgive me for showing you my face without makeup, but let's focus on how excited we are to finally be in Chicago! We had seriously been talking about this trip for MONTHS, people.

See? This is his excited face.

First stop? Quartino for some seriously authentic Italian fare. I felt like we were actually in Italy (down to the slight European disregard for timeliness - we weren't quite used to eating dinner at 9:30 p.m.) We missed our reservation at the Signature Room by a nanosecond so this was a recommendation from friends AND a favorite of our slightly snobby concierge.

This lovely little piano bar happened to be next door to the restaurant, so naturally we stopped in for an after-dinner drink when we heard the alluring sounds of a piano coming from within. It had a slight speakeasy style and a fantastic entertainer that had the entire crowd singing "Piano Man" in unison at the top of their lungs. Myself included, natch.

After our impromptu singalong, we had one cocktail and then headed back to the hotel. Does that make us old and grand-tastic? Don't answer that. Hey, we had a big day ahead people!

Saturday! So here we are in Wrigleyville at the infamous Rockit Bar and Grill. You MUST put this on your list as a great place to pit stop before the Cubs game. Trust me.

Because they have this delightfully refreshing drink called the Chicago Sting, and yes, we got an entire pitcher of it. For all of you fellow Firefly lovers out there, meet your match.

Annnnnnnd we polished off one of these unbelievable burgers, along with two kinds of fries. And for the record, sweet potato fries KILL the truffle fries. They have brown sugar and cinnamon on top and are to DIE for. Worth every stinkin' calorie, in my opinion.

And the best part? This was our view! Hello Wrigley Field, nice to finally meet you.

Appropriately attired for our first Cubs game!

And having a little fun in the biggest merchandise gift store you've ever seen. I was so close to buying this glove - it came with a cup holder for your drink. Ingenious!

Why yes, Mr. Cubby Bear, I would love to take my picture with you. And bless your heart, you have got to be burning up in that thing!

A fun little find outside the stadium - a great place to people watch!

And we HAD to have another photo op!

No caption needed. :)

Cubs Spirit is everywhere - I love it.

Luckys - made legendary on one of our favorite shows, Man vs. Food!
(Travel Channel, check your local listings).

Before you hiss at me like my husband did for taking a picture of our men in uniform, let me just say that this was after the National Anthem, not during, and as you can see by the hands on the left, people were already beginning to clap and holler, so no disrespect was made. I just loved seeing them stand at attention, and thought it was appropriate for Memorial Day Weekend, and to remember what it was really about. Now boo and hiss if you must.

This is the rooftop seating above the restaurants across the street, which is actually brilliant on their part. A great example of "why didn't I think of that?"

The oldest scoreboard in history of the planet. There are people whose job is to actually fill in the score in those little bitty black spaces, can you imagine? I'm sure they aren't complaining - great place to watch the game, I guess.

Photo Op #2 - now in our seats inside the stadium. Where we stayed for about three innings. Don't judge - our view was obstructed by this gigantic concrete pole in our way and, well, it was really pretty outside and we're both not the biggest baseball fans so we went to one of the aforementioned rooftop bars and made the most of it. It counts because we could still hear the crowd, right?

I'd say that's a beautiful day for a baseball game if ever there was one.

Back on Michigan Avenue, I fell in love with this old church and then what to my wondering eyes should appear? A perfect little bride and groom stepping outside just as the bells started to ring!

(Sorry, no picture of that because I just sat there and stared. And started thinking what a logisitical nightmare it would be to find parking at one of the busiest intersections on the Magnficent Mile. Then scolded myself for putting my event planner hat on while on vacation.)

Now to the super fun stuff - SHOPPING! We wandered into the Water Tower and hit up some of the usual suspects, one of which was one of my favorite places to shop for Mr. T - Banana! I found a pair of pants I thought would look great on him, until we realized they were skinny jeans. So here he is modeling the "Posh" pose we have all come to know and love.

They may be a bit snug, but I still think he could rock them!

And then on to my personal favorite - my beloved H & M. Yes, I'll pause for your moment of silence to the greatest clothing store on the planet. And yes, I did some damage. Luckily that damage cost me less than $100 for four summer-rific items! Score. That means I can buy that VS swimsuit(s) I've been eyeing for our ucpoming beach trip. Yesssssssss (fist pump).

On to dinner at Tavern on Rush - a lovely place to nosh but I seriously cannot get used to this eating after 9 p.m. business. Not good for my 30 year old slowing metabolism, or for the skinny jeans I happened to be wearing that night, which didn't make me feel quite so skinny. I had filet oscar (can't pass up fresh crabmeat) and Craig had the New York strip, which was about as long as his forearm. We were both ready to be wheeled out on stretchers afterward. Note for the next trip: make early reservations! I don't care if I AM a granny.

I did love these flower arrangements in the bar at Tavern. Again, it's hard to take the event planner hat off when you encounter floral inspiration like this!

To cap off our night, we decided to go to the Signature Room Lounge on the 96th floor, instead of the restaurant on the 95th (pictured above). The line was forever long but well worth the view.

See what I mean? This was taken right behind us. Isn't she pretty at night?

And this mother of all views was taken just before we left. Stunning!

We are smiling but do not be deceived - our stomachs are VERY mad at us.

The absolute best location for a hotel - shout out to the Westin on Michigan. when I say I was ONE BLOCK from the Magnificent Mile and shops galore, I'm not kidding. I literally gasped when the cabbie pulled up in front and proceeded to squeal with delight like I was on My Super Sweet Sixteen or something. We seriously couldn't have had it better.

Well-rested on Sunday and refreshed from a stroll along the Riverwalk on Lakeshore Drive - we were ready for our last item on the checklist - the Boat Tour! (This was a suggestion from our waiter at RL, aka a restaurant owned by Ralph Lauren, which my sweet friend Callen recommended, which was where I had a divine Bellini and melt-in-your-mouth quiche for brunch, and also where I spotted Ali Larter. I so love a celebrity sighting. And it made me realize we had chosen quite well.)

We went through Shoreline and docked right by Navy Pier. It was a packed 60-minute tour, and we had not a moment to spare before we had to catch a cab to the airport from our flight home, but I'm glad we went. It gave a great history of the Chicago fire (which was actually caused by the fireman on duty working a double shift and mistaking the smoke in the distance as leftover from a fire the day before - by the time he caught it, the fire had leapt the Illinois River and was burning buildings to the ground). And that is your history lesson for the day.

Lovely shot of the Sears Tower

Can't get any closer to the skyline than that!

Final Photo Op of the Trip - and looking like I need to work on my posture, I might add.

So there you have it - Chicago in all it's photographic glory! I was telling Mr. T on one of our strolls after dinner that if I had to do it all over again, I could definitely see myself living there. Sometimes I wonder how my life would have turned out had I ventured out further than Birmingham for college, and really culture shocked myself by moving north and seeing what I was made of. I doubt I'll ever live in a city that big now - I'm rather comfortable where I am - but a part of me wonders what it would have been like to have that kind of experience in my 20's. One thing I do know - the entire city comes to life once the weather warms up and universally celebrates the warmer temps (I was there in February for work and it couldn't have been more different - people look so much more miserable when they're cold). Or maybe it was because I had my favorite traveling companion with me this time. Who knows - but one thing I know for certain - we will DEFINITEY be back! Love ya, Chicago!

Who's getting CARRIED away?

Today is the day, my little blogettes! I've honestly never been more excited about a movie premiere in all my living life! I'm making myself wait until Monday to see the movie with some girlfriends, and letmejusttellya, the anticipation is killing me!

I truly can't think of a better way to kick off this long Memorial Day weekend, can you?

And in case you've forgotten, Mr. T and I will be spending it here...

Ohhhhh, Chicago! I love you so. I've got visions of Wrigley field and deep dish pizza dancing in my head. The Hubs and I have literally been counting down the dates. And the weather? Oh, it just so happens to be spectacular. So, don't be jealous. Or actually, be a little jealous if you want. :)

Monday I plan to park it by the pool (hmmm, guess I've got to find a pool connection now that I've lost my apartment pool privileges) and get caught up on my UsWeekly's before I stock up on candy to sneak into the movie theater and take in Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda in all their high-fashion glory. Ah, it's the little things in life that make me happy.

Happy Long Weekend!!!

Top Two Tuesday: Bachelorette Style

For your viewing pleasure, I've decided to dedicate this post to the top two gentleman who I believe are the frontrunners for this season's Bachelorette. AKA the best show on this summer. And let's just be honest, I think the pickings were rather slim this go-around. I mean, there were only about three that I didn't think were complete tools. A weatherman and an entertainment wrestler - really, ABC? A guy who scrapbooks? I would totally run the other way at 90 mph. And my personal favorite - the guy who said "I loved those boots you wore on the show" to which Ali replies "Um, I think you've got the wrong gal." Classic. (And don't EVEN get me started on Shooter. Blech.)

First we have my guy Ty from - you guessed it - Tennessee! Way to represent, buddy! That southern accent had Ali swooning, and he strums a guitar way better than slimy jerk Wes from Jillian's season. "Some say looooooove, it don't come eaaaaaaaaaaaaa-syyyyyyyyyy." If he had sung that one more time, I might puke. I mean I love my musicians and all, but that little tune he thought was a new #1 was just ridic.

Ah, what a gentleman - he actually gave her a coat in a chivalrous, sweet way that didn't give me the ibby-jibbies. AND he just so happens to be from just down the road in Franklin, TN. Hmmm, I have a few friends in mind I'd like to set him up with if it doesn't work out with Miss Ali...

Now for my Numero Dos: Ohhhhh, Roberto! The guys called him Rico Suave, but I just call him Mr. Right. For Ali, that is. I've got my Mr. Right, thankyouverymuch. And just so you know, he puts ALL these fellas to shame. But Roberto was was so charming, so memorable (hello, I want to learn how to salsa dance!), so sheepish in an "aw shucks" kind of way - and from Charleston to boot! Me likey.

See? She likes him. She really likes him! Their body language is very telling, don't you think?

So my friends, those are my top two. Agree? Disagree? Your turn to name yours!

(Oh, and Reality Steve totally says Roberto makes it to the top two, and his track record is 100%. Just sayin.)

Who's Ready?

Cause I am. Ah, the beloved Bachelorette. Thank you, TV gods, for creating lovely, mindless, brain-numbing reality TV for Monday nights. Because after Mondays like today, I kind of like not thinking about anything but how much I love Ali's outfits once I'm off the clock.

Let the zone out begin!

Summer on a Cone

An, the Dairy Queen Dip Cone. The true sign that summer is about to commence.



Pure, simple chocolate-covered deliciousness.
And now I want one. Yes, I am a 30 year old kid at heart.

And for you Nashville ladies, try one from Bobbie's Dairy Dip on Charlotte. Then tell me how much you love me for changing your life.

Happy (Almost) Summer, friends!

For the Love of Flats

With our fast-approaching weekend trip to Chi-Town on the brain, (which sidenote, OMG, I just discovered H&M is walking distance from our hotel - I can already taste the bargains!) I've been lured to my favorite online friend Piperlime several times this week with visions of comfortable yet fabulously cute flats dancing in my shoe-obsessed head. Me materialistic? Noooooooooo...

Now let me just say that as a girl standing at all of 5' 2" (and with a mister who is a tall and hunky 6'1"), I was probably the last person to get on the Flats bandwagon. But after one day of walking around without my 3-4" stilettos/wedges/platforms/insanely uncomfortable and impractical shoes that had become de rigeur for me, I slipped my lovely Target flats off and realized that when my feet didn't pulsate with pain per usual, I just might be on to something.

So here are the top contenders. Care to cast your vote?

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

And don't even tell me to get all three - I'm already tempted! Even though all three pairs are under $65, I'm supposed to be saving up for the H&M extravaganza! Right? Let's all nod in unison, riiiiiiiiiight.

10 days and counting...

Until pure entertainment bliss arrives in the form of SATC2 in theaters near you.

To say I can't wait would be the understatement of the century.

Would you judge me if I ordered my tickets today?

Guest Post for The Almost-Married Miss Kriss

In honor of Miss Kriss's wedding week, she asked several guest bloggers to feature a recap from their wedding. And guess who today's guest is? ME!

I'd like to thank my parents for always believing in me, my husband for being my rock...oh wait, sorry. I got carried away. I've just always wanted to give an acceptance speech.

Here's a sneak peek...


Anyway, make like a baby and head on out (or over, as the case may be) to read all about it...or ok, I'll make it simple, just go check it out here. Then come back here and leave me some blog love to let me know if you liked it! And even if you didn't, lie to me and say you did.

Yay for reliving the wedding day! And thank you, Kristin, for giving me a firm kick in the tail and finally being my motiviation to post my reception photos. It only took me four months to do it!

Spin Pins: Discuss

So who has seen these new commercials for spin pins by Goody?

Consider me intrigued. I mean, ONE of these spin pins does the work of 20 bobby pins, people! That is just genius. Soooooo I just bought some online. Annnnnnd I went ahead and got the simple style pack because you could get three other fun hair goodies for the low price of $14.99 plus shipping. Wow, did that sound like a commercial or what?





Anyway, let's let the photos speak for themselves....they make it look so easy! I'm always up for a messy bun. Or a pouffy ponytail. Or a modern updo. (And let's be clear, that does not mean prom hair circa 1997 with a french twist and heavily-hairsprayed curling iron tendrils).

And with the summer heat coming, I'm all about getting my hair up and off my sweaty neck. So I just bought it and I'm not looking back. You know you want one too.

Gimmick? Maybe. Worth $15 if these babies work? Totally.

Just look - the options are endless!






And on a completely unrelated note, guess who just got the new Laura Bush book? That's right, my sweet Mr. T brought it home as a nice little surprise for me last night. It really is the little things, isn't it? Anyway, something about our former First Lady just exudes such grace, class and elegance, and I for one want to know more about her. And it just so happens she's coming to our great city of Nashville next week for a book signing. Maybe I'll ask her if she uses the volume pouf pin to get that great volume in her hair...

Friday Fun: A Little About Lil

I don't know about you guys, but the term "TGIF" has never been more meaningful to me than it is today. Let's see, this time last week I was in the lovely Vanderbilt ER getting treated for yet another allergic reaction, with my throat swollen up to the size of a pin needle. But that's another story.

Then, the grandfather of all floods hit our beloved city of Nashville, and turned this place upside down - literally. It has been absolutely surreal to see such an outpouring of love and support every time I turn on the news or open my morning copy of The Tennesseean, not to mention all the great local blogettes who are giving mad props to the Music City by doing their own little recaps. In fact, it's not just the local gals who are supporting the effort - it's gals from afar as well, such as one of my new favorites, Nola Girl. She featured a fantastic post on Thursday that really made me proud. Check it out here. I have truly been amazed with the way everyone has come together and rallied for the cause. Like my Facebook status says, I have never been more proud to be a Nashvillian. Needless to say, it has been a long week - and even longer for those who are sorting through what's left of their homes - and I think we all deserve one heck of a weekend.

Also - my church, CrossPoint, has been on the frontlines every single day this week doing volunteering out the wazoo, and was even featured on Anderson Cooper's segment on CNN last night. Talk about cool. I was so proud of my CrossPoint peeps for getting recognized for all their hard work and can't wait to join them for a bit tomorrow. Pastor Pete has been doing some great blog posts this week on how so many have pitched in to help - check them out here. Mr. T and I plan to join in the effort tomorrow, and I can't wait to get my feet wet, no pun intended.

So now for some fun...Nola Girl tagged me with a little award this morning, and all I have to do is tell you lovely people seven random facts about myself. Easy-breezy, huh?




Now I typically don't take part in these little ditties because they start to kind of feel like a chain letter or mass forward (i.e send on to five people or you'll have bad luck for five years) but because I do love this gal so much, and because I'm feeling rather restless on this Friday afternoon knowing there are SO many things I could be doing to help out my community and instead I'm stuck waiting on the 5:00 bell to chime so I can have a date night with my husband, I decided what the hey. So here's a little bit about me:


1. I'm a NOLA girl myself, actually! I was born there in 1980 and lived there for all of six weeks before my parents adopted me and moved me to Alabama, but I still claim it as my own. Something about the spirit of New Orleans is just so alluring. The music, the food, the people - I love it all. And everytime I take a walk in the Garden District, I feel right at home.





2. When I was 10 years old, I auditioned and got the part to play Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and seriously thought I was on the road to Hollywood. I would be lying if I said it didn't go to my head a little. I loved being involved with our local community theater group, and had absolutely zero stage fright as a kid, which is crazy to think of now, considering I get all clammy and shaky and nervous if I have to speak in front of more than five people. Ah, to be a kid again.




3. If I could look like anyone in the whole wide world, it would hands-down-without-a-doubt be Penelope Cruz. I can speak un pocito espanol, so I already have that going for me.

4. Even though I don't like to admit it, I'm stubborn as a mule. My dad made fun of me for it ever since I was a little girl, then my friends figured it out, and now my husband even realizes it. Sometime it takes me 24 hours to apologize for something for which I know I'm in the wrong. It's my biggest character flaw. I suppose I could have worse ones...

5. I'm allergic to pine nuts (hence the aforementioned visit to the ER last week). I discovered it when I was sixteen after diving into a pesto pizza my parents brought home for dinner, and have had reactions at Emeril's restaurant, on a first date, and a friend's bridal shower. The most recent one happened to be when I was alone, which was a pretty scary experience. So now, I carry one of these bad boys on me at all times. Which isn't fun when I want to carry a cute little clutch for the evening. But I've seen it firsthand - it saves lives, people!

6. I cry every single time I watch Extreme Home Makeover. And occasionally during commercials. And some country music videos. What, I have a very empathetic heart.

7. I hate to say it, but I kind of can't stand cats. Actually, I don't know if I can't stand them or I'm deathly afraid of them, but the sight of them completely freaks me out. I'm sorry for all you feline fans out there, but something about those little stinkers just scares the heck out of me. It's nothing personal, I promise. It's just that all they do is just sneak around and stare at you and pounce when you're least expecting it. Um, no thank you. They say the world is divided into cat people and dog people. I am wholeheartedly the latter. And speaking of, I'm on a mission to get one of these little guys very, very soon....

So there you have it. I hope you aren't completely bored to pieces. And I hope you all enjoy one well-deserved weekend! Oh, and don't forget to call your mama!

8 x 8: My Turn!

OK friends, let's loosen up and have some fun, shall we? VABelle tagged me in a little game. We'll call it 8 x 8.

Here are the rules:
1)Go to your photos files and select the 8th photo folder.
2) Select the 8th photo in that folder.
3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.
4) Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same.

And without further adieu, here is mine:

Ok, what had HAPPENED was... So this was actually taken in September of 2008, which was about five months after Mr. T and I had been dating. We drove to Charlotte, NC for the first Virginia Tech football game of the season against East Carolina (the Turmans are all die hard fans and wouldn't miss a chance to see the Hokies play in the Bank of America Stadium). Oh, and it was also the first time I met Mr. T's two older brothers, the second and third guys from the left. Being a good sport and a supportive girlfriend, I donned my trusty Virginia Tech tee shirt (which hurt my heart a little bit not to wear my traditional crimson and white) and had fun tailgating with my future in-laws. When the time came for a photo op to document the occasion, the CUTEST little East Carolina fan who was no less than 60 years old was walking by and popped into our picture, waving his baseball cap in the air in a "my team is better than yours" kind of way. Someone snapped the photo at JUST the right time to see everyone gettting a good laugh. Notice Mr. T is the one on the end with a "thumbs down" gesture, booing the poor guy, bless his little heart.

Ah, the first day of football season. You can't get here fast enough.

I'm foregoing the tagging part, but if you do play along, let me know in the comment section! It's an easy post and a super-fun way to share a story with your own little blogettes. :)

Hello, Cinco de Mayo!

Can I get a woo hoo, 'cause it's Wednesday! And not just any Wednesday, but Cinco de Mayo Wednesday at that! I do so love this day. And since I am SUCH a superfan of Mexican fare, I believe a true Mexican fiesta can easily be comprised of three things:


1. Chicken Enchiladas




2. Chunky Guacamole



3. And a marvelous margarita (all recipes courtesy of my guy Tyler Florence at Food Network)

So since I just made it super-duper easy for you to make your own little Mexican feast on this day of Mexican Independence, I'd like to turn your attention to what this day REALLY reminds me of. And that is this gorgeous guy:

Known to you, my little blogettes, as Mr. T.

For it was two years ago today that my life was about to change, because two years ago today (May 5, 2008) was the day before I met this most amazing man. On a blind date. At Jackson's. Where I had zero expectations I was about to meet my future husband. But where I laughed for a solid three hours. And where I walked out thinking, "Holy wow, he just might be the one." Annnnnnnnnd it turned out to be the last first date I would ever go on. Seriously, I had my suspicions the nano-second he sent me a text saying "First table on your left. Tan shirt. Can I take your drink order?" (Man, I wish I had saved that thing - it makes me smile every single time I think about it.) Now here we are two years later as Mr. and Mrs. T, and I couldn't feel more blissfully happy that he is the one I get to go on this crazy wedded journey with. Which is why I feel the need to bear hug him like this on occasion. He's just so easy to love.

Isn't it funny how life can change in two years time? Happy (dating) anniversary, honey!