Guest Postin'

Today you can also find me on Jenny's lovely blog, Jenny in Ohio.  She asked me to post for her while she's on an awesome vacation and I was so flattered.  Thanks for having me, Jenny!

Weekend Recap

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This weekend was good, but not as good as it was supposed to be.  I spent a serious amount of time by the pool, drinking beers and eating food - which in itself, is pretty freaking awesome.  We hung out with family and friends and laughed a lot.  Some highlights include ::

• Lebowski Fest - we made it out to see my sister-in-law's boyfriend's band play (what a mouthful) while we gawked at festival goers in their bathrobes and such.  I had no idea this festival existed but I have to say it was all really great - especially that stamp we got on our arms with a picture of the dude that simply said, "abide".
• Poolside all day Saturday - my in-law's pool totally rules.  It's sure been nice to spend my time in there these past 5 days. 
• Dinner with awesome people
• Poolside all day Sunday
• Hang out session with pooches + m-i-l
• Breaking Bad season premiere!

All in all it was a good weekend.  But did you notice something big was left out of it? I jinxed the house by writing the Friday post, I swear.  Something really annoying happened when the loan was with the auditors in the final stage - literally hours before we were set to close.  Imagine my dismay - the tears, my hopes crushed.  I have no idea when we'll move in and it kills me.  So for now I'm just trying to hold my head up high and enjoy as much of that pool as I can (I think I'm succeeding in that).  Wish us luck :(

How were your weekends? Any of you Chicagoans go to Pitchfork?  Hope everyone is doing well!

Have an amazing weekend!

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Holy donkeys, we're going to be this couple by days end!  I can't hardly believe it!  Perhaps because it's been a long time coming. Perhaps it's because we have been sweating it for the last few weeks and thought it might not even happen at all.  But patience has paid off and we are finally closing this evening.  So now it's FINALLY time to let the fun begin and the stress can melt away.

These past few days have been good for the soul.  We've been staying with family which is always nice. We've been fed, pampered and have really felt the love.  My days have been spent poolside, which couldn't be a better way to de-stress from the most stressful point in my life ever.  Seriously - this has all been like the few weeks leading up to your wedding...times ten.  

This weekend our plans consist of moving, settling and drinking.  Sounds good, right? What's on your plates?

Last, a BIG HUGE THANK YOU to my special guest bloggers!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of your posts.  You guys are the best.

Have an amazing weekend, everyone!

*PS - I decided to pass on my weekly Friday's Fancies post this week because of all the madness, but I'll hopefully have a great one for you next time!

Guest post - Johanna of 101 Things I Love

Chicago, I love you…

Hi! My name is Johanna of 101 things i love. I was thrilled and honored when Meagan asked me to guest post during her move. {we’re sad to see her go!} I’ve been a long time fan of Mo Pie, Please and wanted to send her off with some warm fuzzies illustrating what makes her old home so great in hopes that she’ll visit often! 

I’ve been a Chicagoan all my life. Born in the ‘burbs, graduating to a full time fan for over a decade. And no matter where my travels take me, and I’ve seen many-a-cool city, I always return home appreciating the awesome city I live in that much more! Here are a few reasons why…

• Architecture: Skyscrapers, gargoyles, pillars and bridges. This city is a photographer’s dream to shoot with so many styles represented on every block. My favorite shot was taken on my birthday last year outside the new Modern Wing @ the Art Institute. Peruse the art and stay for a glass of wine. It’s the perfect, outdoor spot to take in the scenery not to mention our awesome skyline.
• Culinary Scene: If there is one thing I live for – it’s trying out new restaurants and cuisines. Two of my favorite Chicago eateries are part of this collage. Mon Ami Gabi and Tank Sushi. If you’re a fan of French food and the bistro scene, than Mon Ami Gabi is a must. The atmosphere is  unique in that the cold weather lends to an authentic bistro style bar and cozy booth area and the warm weather {my favorite!} lends to a great outdoor area complete with twinkling lights and a great wine selection. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tank Sushi is one of the more creative sushi venues out there, in my opinion. Three pages of some of the most unique rolls and the freshest nigri you could ask for. It’s also situated in my favorite neighborhood…Lincoln Square which we’ll get to next!
• Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square has become a fast favorite for me. Its quaint boutiques and antique shops sandwiched between an amazing German beer hall make it not only a great date spot but a great neighborhood for the stroller crowd. They even have their own May and Oktober fests!
• Retail Therapy: If I could have my way, I would make money shopping for a living. And there’s no better area to get my retail on then in Bucktown; particularly the shops on Damen. From Marc Jacobs to Akira to BCBG, the hours fly by and leave my credit cards worse for the wear.
• Music Scene: Undoubtedly, Chicago’s music scene is one of the most unique and diverse. You can hear Ray LaMontagne in a park staring up at skyscrapers or be amongst just a few 100 other music lovers in a small venue like the Aragon Ballroom or The Vic {my personal favorite} and hear the likes of Wilco to Spoon. No matter what your musical influence, you’ll also appreciate and grow to love Chicago’s blues scene including the legendary Kingston Mines.

There you have it – my favorite Chicago nuggets. And to Meagan: thank you for having me. Chicago and I will miss you but we wish you all the best on your new journey. I know we’ll all be following you as you turn the page and start a new chapter in your book. Cheers!

Guest post :: Jillian of Cornflake Dreams

when i moved to chicago four years ago i was fortunate enough to get a job working in the marketing department at an architecture firm in the heart of downtown. the position quickly opened my eyes to the overwhelming amount of beautiful architecture in the city. 

Chicago is FULL of gorgeous buildings with their own rich histories. The Wrigley Building, The Spertus, The John Hancock Center, aqua, The Carbine & Carbon building (hard rock hotel), and The Rookery are a few of my favorites.

Architecture Aside---Chicago has stolen my heart with the abundance of green space. i adore summer trips to the beach and navy pier, concerts in downtown millennium park, and neighborhood farmers markets. the city in the summer with all of it's diversity and history really is second to none (i had to throw in chicago's fancy new tourist slogan). 

thank you to meagan for inviting me to guest post. the city of the big shoulders will miss you but now you can play tourist when you visit! stop by cornflake dreams anytime for even more fashion, design and travel inspiration from a chicago girl. 

if you have visited chicago what are your favorite things about the city? 

xo, 

jillian

*a small disclaimer to keep meagan from getting upset she is moving} remember:: chicago has seemingly endless winters (even blizzards!), michigan avenue pedestrian traffic that will give you walker-rage. and crazy drivers who love their horn... remember the good. and look forward to your new beautiful home!

Guest post :: Danielle of Breakfast at Toast

Hi. Danielle at Breakfast at Toast here! I am so excited that Meagan asked me to guest post on her blog today! Thank you, Meagan!



I moved from LA to Chicago on August 1st, 2010. I met Meagan in May {and in case you were wondering... yes, she is as sweet as you would imagine her to be.}. Since she is leaving Chicago I have decided to do a little ode to some of the most beautiful sites in this very beautiful city.

 the ferris wheel at navy pier

 view from the ferris wheel. gorgeous!

 view from the water

 love how the water + sky reflect off the buildings

an authentic midwest farmer's market. there's nothing like it.

{at least not for this california girl}

 the beloved bean {aka cloud gate}

the pup is doing lots of this

because it won't be long before he looks like this

he couldn't get over the shock + horror of the snow

i took it a little better than he did.

I also wanted to take a moment to mention Sun Savvy. Early this month I had a mole removed and wrote a story about it on my blog. Alison of Long Distance Loving left a comment, I emailed her, we chatted and Sun Savvy was born. I would love it if you would all stop by, read a little about us + sign our pledge for sun safety!

Meagan, you will be missed in Chicago but I am so excited for this next chapter of your life. I know we will keep in touch and am looking forward to reading about the move on your blog! For more of my adventures in Chicago {+ some in LA, too} and daily posts on fashion, decor + everything that inspires me, please visit Breakfast at Toast.

xo

D

Guest post :: Ashley of Ashley Nicole Catherine

Good morning, everyone!  Today kicks off "Ode to Chicago" week.  Be sure to stop back by this week for all the guest bloggers who have kindly put together their own posts dedicated to Chicago and all it has to offer.  I want to say thank you to everyone for helping me out while we get settled in our new home!  

hi, everyone! this is ashley of fashion and style blog ashley nicole catherine. as you know, meagan is moving this week (we'll miss her!) and asked me to share what i would miss about chicago if moved to another city. well, hands down, one of the best things about chicago is the boutiques! the shopping here is amazing, but my favorite places to shop are the independent boutiques unique to chicago.

two of my favorites are mint julep in lakeview and handle with care in old town. both carry a range items at different price points and lots of designers i love like shoshanna and trina turk. mint julep has great affordable accessories and you're sure to find an amazing dress at handle with care!

thanks for having me, meagan! chicago will miss you!

Thanks so much Ashley!

Weekend Recap + Goodbye, Chicago!

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The time has come...we're packing up our lives and headed south for a new adventure.  After living in boxes for the last few weeks, we've reached our breaking point!  I can't wait to see what lies ahead for us Badgers, and I'm so blessed to have you all along for the ride.

Chicago, you've sort of treated me well.  You introduced me to some amazing people, including my husband.  You scratched that big city itch I've had my whole life.  You allowed me to finish college at a pretty rad school.  But you also treated me in ways to be expected. Money, money, money.  That's all you think about.  How can I take her money.  You know I'm right.  Oh and those winters can kiss those dreams of making me miserable goodbye. Chicago, the time has come to say farewell.

In other news, our weekend was a decent one.  Nothing too eventful but good nonetheless.  Some highlights include ::

• Friday night dinner + games with awesome friends
• Brunch at Revolution
• Record shopping
• Breaking Bad (holy cliffhanger!)
• Packing, donating, packing, beer, packing
• Unexpected girls hangout at this lovely brand new Logan Square establishment*
• Natural Born Killers (just a great movie to watch right before bed after you've had cheese)

See? None too eventful.  But that don't matter, cause this week will be enough to make up for it.  Eesh, wish us luck!

How were your weekends? I'd love to hear!

I've decided to take some blogger time off this week to do some adjusting to our new lives.  But never fear, awesome Chicago bloggers are here! All week, as a matter of fact.  So get excited!

* I will miss Logan Square terribly.  Especially in summer.  But not in winter.

The Fanciest of Fridays

Friday's Fancies by Meaganpie featuring a tie front dress

CALYPSO ST BARTH tie front dress, $169
Missoni Mare bikini bathing suit, £159
Chloé open back shoes, $409
Madewell striped handbag, $58
Chloé oversized round sunglasses, $330
Madewell summer sun hat, $38

Today's Friday's Fancies has me dreaming of the beach - of the perfect escape from the stresses of life.  I'm craving an incredible vacation much like this one, chock full of cocktails and sunshine (with spf 1,000 of course).  Alas, I'll be in town this weekend and not at the beach.  But a girl can dream, right?  And speaking of dreaming, can someone please buy me a pair of the Chloe open back shoes? In a 7? Please and thank you.