Travel: Chicago, Part 3

After surviving the sky ledge, we hit up Chick-fil-A for lunch & then did some site-seeing until our architectural river cruise on the Chicago's First Lady.

We did not pre-purchase tickets for our cruise, but for those considering this cruise, it might be a good idea to do so.  Our hotel concierge was able to get us tickets to what we were told was a “sold out” tour, so that made us feel special, anyways :)

The cruise itself is highly recommended & well worth the $40. The 90 minute cruise was filled with history, not only about the sky scrapers that line the river, but also about Chicago & we learned how to differentiate between architectural styles.  Also, the river cruise is great way to see the city!

We knew we couldn't leave Chicago without authentic deep dish pizza, so after a recommendation given to us by our waiter at RPM the night before, we headed to Gino’s East.  We did not have reservations, so we were a bit concerned about the wait times, but again, our lovely hotel concierge got us priority seating!  Upon arrival at Gino’s, we walked by the line outside & got seated right away!

Gino's has such a cool atmosphere - a must visit if you're in Chicago!

After we chowed down until our hearts were content, we caught a cab & high-tailed it down to Navy Pier to ride the Ferris Wheel. 

It wasn't running when we were there the day before, due to the weather, so we were desperate to get a ride before we left (and we heard a rumor that it’s going to be taken down soon – if that’s actually true or not, I have no idea).  Just as we were starting our upswing, a beautiful fireworks display started.  You guys – it was magical!!

Picture this – it’s night time – you have the Chicago skyline on your right, and on your left, a lovely fireworks show over Lake Michigan.  It was the perfect finale to close our weekend in Chicago.

We ended the evening at Buckingham Fountain.  We went for the light & music show but since they had an event going on at Grant Park, there was no show.  Oh well, you can’t win them all!































We had such a lovely girl's weekend in Chicago; I hope I've inspired you to spend some time in windy city.  You won't regret it!


Read about Day 1, here.
Read about Day 2 {part 1} here. 

Five.

Today, we celebrate 5 years of marriage & 11 years of being boyfriend/girlfriend/best friends.

I’m not exactly sure how all those years fly by so dang quickly, but sometimes I can’t remember what life was like before Zac.

He.is.my.everything.  And I’m not just saying that, I truly mean that.

He continues to look past all my flaws & loves me anyways.  He doesn't seem to notice my blemishes; my unruly, frizzy hair never phases him, and in his mind, my love handles don't exist.  He knows I worry too much, but he loves me anyways.  He never turns down my crazy ideas, and is always willing to bring them to life, even if he knows they suck.  Even in my very worst moments, he loves me anyways.

Zac is a man of God, and encourages me to be a better Christian.  He is passionate about everything he does.  His will-power & determination is unmatched.  I’m positive there’s nothing he can’t do.

I don’t deserve his unconditional love, but I am so, so grateful for it.

Cheers babe – to 5 years, and to the next 55 ahead.  I love doing life with you!

Fall Home Tour

Fall is definitely upon us... the Midwest decided to cool down this week & you can't go one day without seeing someone post about a pumpkin spice latte on Instagram.

Along with all things pumpkin, cozy scarves, & boots; fall is also my favorite time of the year to decorate!

I could spend hours looking through home decor magazines & Pinterest.

It's fun to be inspired, but let's be real... 85% of us don't have homes that are picture perfect.

We have mismatched wood tones.  We have ugly heat registers.  We have carpeting that needs to be replaced...

So when Katie reached out to me with the idea of "The Everyday Home Tour" showcasing a "real person's" fall home decor, I loved her idea.

Here's the concept -- a practical Fall Home Tour with some everyday bloggers -- ones you can actually relate to.  So, we're sharing a few peeks into what a more typical home looks like, instead of all these fancy-schamncy homes you see in the magazines, blogland, & Pinterest.

I only have one storage bin of actual fall decor, so a majority of my fall decor is recycled items from around my house, just re-purposed for the season.

Let's start in our living room:

Since I don't have a fireplace, this side table acts as my mantel.  

The acorn banner is from Target's dollar spot & the old window is from a local antique shop.

Zac & I gathered acorns to fill mason jars from my grandma.  I scoured Goodwill for two books whose spines matched my color scheme & threw a framed wedding photo on top -- we got married in October... gee, maybe that's why I love fall so much? :) 

The pumpkin with lights is from Taylor Creek a few years ago, the chalkboard sign is from Hobby Lobby, & the crock (full of pinecones) is from my grandma.  Pinecones c/o the woods ;)  I jazzed them up with some spray adhesive & glitter.  The books & cross were items I already had from around the house.

The vase is from Big Lots ages ago, the canvas is a photo I took, and the LOVE blocks are photos from our wedding, from an Etsy shop called Waste Not Recycled Art.  The pumpkins I've had a very long time, and honestly can't remember where they're from.

This basket was from our wedding; it held our wedding programs at church.

I added some candy corn to a mason jar, threw a tea light in there, & tied a ribbon around the top.  Instant fall decoration to spice up our ladder.

On our TV stand, I added some leaf garland from Taylor Creek & arranged some pinecones. 

On our end table sits a cute pumpkin from Target's dollar spot -- love this little guy!

A few years ago, my mom, sister & I crafted these pumpkins out of dryer vents.  

I didn't do much in the kitchen, except add this wire pumpkin to our table.  I think this is from Kohl's.

In each bathroom, I added just a few fall inspired touches:

I framed a fall printable, found here.  And I made another little candy corn candle to sit on top of the toilet.

In our other bathroom, I added this ceramic leaf to hold my daily jewelry (bought at a rummage sale) & placed a metal pumpkin candle on the counter.

That rounds out my tour!  Simple, cheap, but kinda cute -- just the way I like it :)

Make sure to visit Katie's blog: Tomorrow with a Smile, for more fall decor inspiration!

If you've posted your fall decor, please link it in the comment section, or tag your photos on Instagram with #TheEverydayHomeTour  -- I'd love to check it out!

Happy decorating :)


Linking up with:
LollyJane | Adventures of Mel | Snap! | Live Laugh Rowe | Bowdabra Blog