Chicago Bound - Any Recommendations?

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I'm movin' and shakin', party people!

That's right, in August I am being sent to a 4-day work conference in Chicagoland and I couldn't be more excited to get out of dodge with my co-workers. And due to working for such a great organization, they're letting me stick around for several days so Adam can join me for a mini vacay.

We've spent the last 6 month or so adulting (aka: saving that moola), so this will be a fun getaway to let loose and indulge in a little urban adventure. I've had such a travel bug lately, so I couldn't be more thankful to have the time to explore.

The last time I was in Chicago was about 5 years ago before we were married. We took the train from KC to meet up with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law for a fun long weekend, and it was such a blast. Just look... we were babies.






So anyway, I am thrilled to go see the best of what Chicago has to offer. I'd like to revisit some of my favorite places from last trip - Millenium Park, Bucktown, Navy Pier, etc. - as well as discover some new hidden gems.

Luckily, my good blog friend Jess at 26 and Not Counting just spent the last weekend in Chicago, and judging by her Instagram photos I know she will have some incredible suggestions. That girl knows how to find the best of the best, and maybe you do too!

So I'd love to ask for any fun recommendations for...

Fun things to do? 
Places to stay (preferably any hotel, since we have points)? 
Restaurants? 
Rooftop drink spots?
Shops? 
Day trips? 
Seasonal activities? 

As always, I have already started my Chicago Trip board over on my Pinterest page... my favorite way to plan a trip. Can't wait to add your suggestions!


Thanks in advance!

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Nashville - Any Recommendations?

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The countdown is officially on.

Next month, the hubs and I are all taking off for a nice long weekend in Nashville. Call it a belated anniversary trip, or simply just an epic need to quench my adventure cravings, but I can hardly contain myself! 

I really wanted to take my first transatlantic flight to visit my sister who is studying in Europe, but the timing sadly didn't quite work out. However, I've been pathetically living vicariously through her travel photos via #sissygram on my Instagram - her photos are gorgeous!

So anyway, I've got the travel bug and I'm ready to go explore the East Side, become besties with Taylor, and indulge my inner fat kid at the local feed scene (read: donuts). My good friend Jules told us about the Nashville Escape Game, and it's already made the list! So. stinking. pumped.

We don't know the city that well, though, so I'd love to ask: Do you have any recommendations of fun things to do? Places to stay? Restaurants? Shops? Day trips or hikes? We would LOVE to hear! 

Thanks in advance for your awesome tips!

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TV Addicts, Help!

"Hi, my name is Meg, and I'm addicted to good TV."
"Hiiii, Meg."

{So glad I finally got that off my chest.}

I wish I could say it wasn't true, but I would be full of fluff.
Hubs and I have managed to put on our jammers and binge watch our way through some of the best TV seasons known to man, and now we've reached a wall, which is where you come in to play.

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Our insanely gross list is as follows...

Breaking Bad
Homeland
Scandal
Friday Night Lights
Girls (me)
Orange Is The New Black (me)
Downton Abbey (me)
Walking Dead (A)
Justified (A)
Sons of Anarchy (A)
Newsroom
Modern Family
Park & Rec
The Office
New Girl
House of Cards
Mad Men (me)
etc.

// Where the heck do we go from here? //

Suggestions?

While I wait for you replies, 
I'll be searching for a TV Addicts Anonymous group to attend...




PS - Don't miss out on the WEEK-LONG "Mingle Monday" link-up! Get some exposure for your blog HERE!

PPS - Don't forget to check out my awesome giveaway! Deadline is Thursday!


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Minneapolis - Recommendations Needed!

I'm off to lovely, tropical Minnesota this weekend where the projected high is a whopping 10 degrees. My cousin, Tracy, says I'm the only one brave enough to visit Minneapolis in the dead of January. 

Good thing crazy is my middle name.

Regardless of the chilly temps, I couldn't be more excited for long talks over coffee, snuggling 6-month-old Norah, baking cookies, and new adventures with my favorite documentary loving friend.

I also really want to check off snow shoeing on my bucket list, so we'll see if we can make that happen. 

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So tell me, have you been to Minneapolis/St. Paul before? 

I'd love the scoop on the best of the best that the city has to offer.

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

Perhaps you know a cozy cafe that we have to try or some great local restaurants/shopping?


Side note...
Anyone who replies will automatically be entered to win a 2 week cruise to the Bahamas, a van full of puppies wearing pink berets, and Starbucks skinny mochas for life.

{or just a really nice thank you e-mail?}





PS - I am FINALLY hip and with it (or so I like to pretend) and now Life of Meg is on Facebook! Jump on over there to keep up with me on the go!

Advice Needed - DSLR Camera Shopping

So, my birth month is rapidly approaching (yes, I said month!), and the hubs has been asking for my birthday/Christmas wish list. Of course there are a few trinkets and such on there, but I've really had my eye on a DSLR camera!

Or a puppy.
(but that got vetoed.)

Ever since I've started this humble little blog, I've been dying to learn how to capture beautiful photos of my own and share them. If I got a DSLR, I would have a blast learning the ins and outs of a big girl camera.

But first I have to know which one to go for.
This is where you come in...

1 //  What DSLR camera do you recommend and why?
2 //  Do I need to add specific lenses to my wish list too?
3 //  What about editing software? Any faves?
4 //  How did you learn to use it? Tips/tricks?


I would love to have a camera that could beautifully photograph food as well as everyday photos.
Any help, advice, or recommendation are gladly welcomed!

{eeek!}

Boston - Recommendations Needed!

The countdown is officially on.

In t-minus three weeks, the hubs, in-laws, and I are all taking off for a nice long Boston/Cape Cod vacay, and I can hardly contain myself. In fact, I am so excited thinking about the endless possibilities that I just might pee my turquoise cropped pants!

A big reason is because we will get to see my awesome sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and it's been to stinking long. Meredith and Kyle moved to Beantown this spring there and we can't wait for our largely anticipated reunion.

Have I ever told y'all that I hit the in-law jackpot?
Well, I totally did. Absolutely love 'em.

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Anywho, this little blonde has never been to lovely, historical Boston (or the Cape!) and I am dying to see anything and everything! Mere and Kyle are awesome tour guides, but they're going to be at work during the daytime, so we'll need to keep ourselves occupied.

On my radar...

+ Flour Bakery + Cafe
+ Freedom Trail
+ Charles River Esplanade
+ Kane's Donuts
+ Harvard Yard
+ Sam Adams Brewery Tour
+ Kick Ass Cupcakes // Georgetown Cupcakes // Cakeology


And I wish we could catch a baseball game, but we're only going to be there a few days before we jet off to Cape Cod. My list is just too long

So, long story short... I need your help!


Restaurants? Shopping? Sights? 
You name it - I want to see it all!

I'd love to hear your recommendations! And... GO!





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Omaha: Any Advice?

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The hubs and I are getting the heck out of dodge for a long weekend trip to Omaha next week. Work has been crazy for both of us, so this will be a nice little getaway to reconnect, refresh, and spend time together!

We are (hopefully) counting on all of you for great recommendations on the best places to dine, shop, and adventure. The zoo is a must-see for us already, but the rest of our trip is wide open and ready to be planned!

We are staying at the beautiful boutique Magnolia Hotel nestled right in the Old Market area. We've heard incredible things about Magnolia, and they even serve cookies and milk upon your arrival. Excited.

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So what are the Omaha must-sees?!

Charleston Recommendations Needed

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I'm looking for some expert advice on where to wine, dine, and shop in Charleston, South Carolina, and I knew you guys could help a sister out!

My bestie, Lindsey, is heading there in two weeks for an all-expenses paid trip, thanks to her awesome Scentsy business. So, I promised Linds that I would consult my knowledgeable panel of experts (that's you!).

Where should she go?
What are the must visit spots?


PS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers with my Mingle Monday Blog Hop link-up!

Chicago: Any Advice?!

Well hey there, friends!
I sure hope all of you are off to a happy morning... I know mine is on the up and up! So, in 4 weeks, BF and I are taking a train trip up to Chicago to spend time with his sister and her fiance for a long weekend!

As per the usual, I am totally jazzed about finally taking my dream train trip, spend time with BF {our 2 year anniversary is a few days before}, and see the city with Meredith and Kyle! It will be such a great weekend for the 4 of us to spend together!



{ Looks gorgeous! }

This is where I need your expert advice! I know a bunch of you have probably been there to visit - or heck! - you may even live there! So I need your help on finding the best of chicago! I mean come on... the only thing on my list right now is visiting THE Sprinkles Cupcakes - haha! :)


Restaurants? Shopping? Sights?
You name it - We want to see it all!

We get into Chicago a little earlier than Mer/Kyle, so we would love to find a great restaurant for our anniversary dinner that night. Not anything too expensive or fancy - our style would be somewhere quaint, with a romantic/sweet atmosphere, and great food. I'd love to hear your recommendations!


{ Thanks in advance for any advice! }


Crazy blessed to have such wonderful blog friends!










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