Tuesday, May 10, 2011

17 and some great deals..

17 days until Chicago. I am BEYOND excited. This Texas gal is getting out of the Lone Star State!!!

Does anyone have any suggestions of where to eat dinner in Chicago? I will be in class most of the day, so at night my mom and I will be enjoying the town. I wish we could stay for longer, but I have to get back to work for the last few days of school.

I am still in mommy mode. When I won this contest I thought for a split second, "Who is going to watch Maddie?", but she has the best babysitter of all Jesus.

Thank you for all the supporting comments when the anonymous person tried to bring me down..... Well, it didn't work!! He/She didn't succeed.. They only made me stronger!


I want to share some GREAT finds:
-Check out this amazing Groupon deal for DiapersDirect.com. For just $25 you can get a voucher for $50 to use on all sorts of Drugstore type items such as diapers, wipes, feminine products, medicine, contraceptives and more! Just GO HERE!!!

-Have you tried McDonald’s frozen drinks yet? I haven't but I plan on going tomorrow!!! Click HERE to print $1.00 off 1 Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, Frappe or Real Fruit Smoothie. The coupon is good on any sized drink now through June 15th!




I have been asked lots of questions lately, and I would LOVE to answer them all. Please leave your questions in the comments section and I'll post the answers!

42 comments:

Kelli said...

My husband & I were just in Chicago last week! Where are you staying? If you're looking for a fun tourist spot, try Ed Debevics. Great pizza, try either Giordano's or Gino's East. The Water Tower Place has a Mezzanine level that has an awesome "food court," it's so completely not a cafeteria but is super delicious. Also, check out the Cheesecake Factory at the Hancock Building... FABULOUS! Have fun & enjoy yourself!

the workaholic momma said...

YAY! for Chicago!! Its a beautiful city and there is a fun little Italian restaraunt named Rosas thats tasty:) Thanks for the heads up on the deals too:)

Lindsey said...

Go to Greektown and get some divine Gyros. Or Little Italy for some great Italian at the Rosebud!

Katie @ HunnyBee Blog said...

That is so great Kellie! I am so glad you get to go and have this adventure. I've never been to Chicago so I have no clue where to go. Why would someone try to bring you down like that?! That is just terrible! Things are lookin up for ya! I think about you often! Hope you keep your spirits up and hope that the devil doesn't test you! Your an amazingly strong woman!!

Anonymous said...

in the post below of that beautiful family you photographed, where is that bridge? It looks like a great place to have a picnic!

thanks!

Unknown said...

Congrats on winning the contest, that is so wonderful that you won!!! You are such a strong person, and deserve this so much! You HAVE to go for deep dish pizza in Chicago, Giordanos or Lou Malnati's are two great places. Enjoy your trip!!

McLaughlin Family said...

You HAVE to get Chicago style pizza! It is a MUSSTTTT!!!

Unknown said...

My husband and I just were in Chicago for our anniversary! Fogo de Chaos's has the best food and service in the world, but you'll literally pay for it. Giordano's pizza is hands down the best I've ever had. Cheesecake factory is a must as well :) Scoozi has great thin crust pizza if that's your thing, but if you're going there, you MUST try their scampi and mozzarella wrapped prosciutto :) We basically did a food tour, so I hope that helps :)

Kimi Coopet said...

There are so many great place to eat there! My fave is Flat Top Grill http://www.flattopgrill.com/locations.html#Illinois We eat there every time we go! SOOO good & there is always left overs (unless you are super hungry) and even then I still take some home!

Bring your walking shoes though! It's fun to explore the HUGE city but not fun to drive around there!

Cassie said...

Pizzeria Uno
Chicago’s Pizzeria Uno – the restaurant responsible for the invention of deep-dish pizza.
29 East Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

I watched this on the Travel Channel Food Wars....I would recommend trying a Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza! They are the BEST! Hope you have a fantastic time!

More than anything, I am so glad that you are not letting 'ugly' people in this world bring you down! You are such a strong woman! Continue to keep your head held high Kellie! Be proud of what you are doing! You pictures, blocks, bows, they are all amazing!! Much love from Wisconsin! (Wish you had some extra time! Would love to meet up with you while you are in my neck of the woods and have you do a photoshoot of my family!!)

Cassie <3

Simply Shannon said...

If you can get a reservation at the Culinary Institute, you'll enjoy amazing food! The students prepare fabulous, beautiful meals and if you ask they'll let you take photos in the kitchen. I don't have the phone number.

Unknown said...

I'm from Chicago...my husband and I (both elementary teachers) LOVE Grand Lux Cafe!

Unknown said...

Hi Kellie,

I've been following your blog and am from Chicago. If you like pizza- look for Uno's, Giordanno's, Gino's East, or Connie's. They're all fantastic for pizza. Chicago also has great Italian places like Maggiano's and Buca di Beppo. It really depends on if you'll be in the city or one of the burbs, but there's great places to eat all over the place.

Kim said...

Girl I was having such a rough day! People tried to bring me down but I held my head high and didnt let them win!

I'm reminded that I'm standing the SOLID rock and even though the storm comes I know Jesus is right there with me. Know that this is his promise and keep that head held high!

You're Awesome!!

Danielle and Ross said...

Wow....there are sooooo many places to choose from. If you like pizza, I suggest Giordanos. Its really good! You can go to their website to see if they have a location that will be close to you.

http://www.giordanos.com/index.html

livieandhermommies said...

CARSONS for Ribs is fantastic - Ed DeBevics is downtown - burgers, fries, sandwiches - plus counter top dancing wait staff!
Pizza - Lou Malnottis for traditional - Pizzeria Uno for deep dish ( I am not a fan of Ginos East cause they use a cornmeal crust)
Italian - Lou Malnottis THE BEST!!!

Kason's Mommy said...

Im from Chicago! You must try Ed Debevics, eat some AMAZING Chicago Style Pizza, and go to Portillios. Best Cheeseburgers, beef sandwiches, hot dogs on the PLANET and not to mention their amazing Chocolate Cake that melts in your mouth. :)

Have Fun!

Colleen said...

Definitely check out Ed Debevicks! It's very fun! There is a Hard Rock Cafe here and also try pizza! Pizzeria UNO is really good! Enjoy Chicago! It is a great city!

Ashley Reed said...

Wanted to share this blog with you I saw it on tv and thought of you and your story.

http://www.laneeslegacy.blogspot.com/

CocaKid said...

I agree with those who say The Cheesecake Factory is a must. YUM! Also a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile is a small Mexican Restaurant called Su Casa(49 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611) Very Good as well. Have Fun!

Unknown said...

Go to hot choclate.. It is to die for. The food is so yummy. The dessert is so good to. Have fun:)

Tiffany said...

If you're looking for a wonderful view of the Chicago skyline, awesome flights of wine (if you like vino), and a GREAT atmosphere- go to The Tasting Room. http://www.thetastingroomchicago.com/main.html

Or, if you're looking for a great meal- I would suggest getting reservations- go to Francesca's. Yes, there are a few locations, but the food is yummy. http://www.miafrancesca.com/ Don't miss the pistachio ice cream dessert in cream puffs and chocolate.

Congrats again on getting to attend this workshop. I've been following your blog for a few months- You are so strong! Keep taking photos. If you haven't seen this blog- check it out. I think you will really like it. http://shuttersisters.com/

Mrs. Holzer said...

I <3 the Cheese cake factory us in michigan are in chicago OFTEN! I love it there what hotel are you staying at?

Anonymous said...

chicago gem: http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html

i think the ahogada torta is their specialty... yum!

Janelle said...

I live in Chicago but wouldn't recommend Cheesecake Factory, only because it is a chain--I just feel that if you are going to spend time in this fabulous city (and it IS a fabulous city!), you need to eat things that Chicago does best. That being said, whoever suggested Portillo's couldn't be more right---they have THE best italian beef, hot dogs and the chocolate cake is amazing! Francesca's is also great for italian--they change their menu every 2 weeks and the pasta is always great no matter the variation. The Rick Bayless restaurants (Topolabambo and Frontera Grill) are super delicious but will require reservations. If you like sushi, there is an awesome restaurant near the loop called Sunda--it is featured on a show on one of the food networks called the Food Buddha if you are familiar. It would also need reservations.
Have such a wonderful time in my city Kellie--you so deserve it :)

Unknown said...

Yes, I would say Ed Debevics or Gino's East and I love the Cheesecake Factory and we Love Carsons.
Have a great time!!!!!

The Kingerys said...

Giordano's Famous Chicago Style Pizza and Lou Malnati's pizza are both amazing! They both serve deep dish pizza.

joshbeth said...

I lived in Chicago for a year and LOVED it! I am dying to go back and show it to my hubby! =) Ed Debevics is A LOT of fun! The Chicago style pizza is amazing and a MUST have! Have a lot of fun in Chicago!

Parker and Camdyn's Mommy said...

You HAVE to stop by Portillos! Best Chicago dogs!!! They also have the best chocolate shakes I have ever had in my life and amazing chocolate cake. Just thinking about it makes me want to drive the 4 hours to get some! ;)

Megan @ Chicago Girl said...

I live in Chicago. You can check out food under my blog, or send me an email!

My fav pizza is Baraccos, but it is on the South Side. Giordanos, Ginos, and Connies are great too!

Steak houses are wonderful..especially Ditkas and the Chicago Cut.

If you want a real "gem", try the Billy Goat Tavern on Michigan Ave. It has some character, and is even the subject of an SNL skit.

Hope this helps!!

Kristy said...

I live near Chicago...I would definitely recommend pizza. There is a pizza place called D'Agostinos Pizza. They have a couple places around Chicago. This year they have expanded, and are now the official pizza of the Chicago Cubs. The pizza there is AMAZING. They also have really great sandwiches, and if you go you HAVE to get cookie and ice cream in bowl...I'd recommend sharing it though cuz it's huge. :-) Have fun! It's a great city!! Here's there website...http://www.dagsdelivers.com/zgrid/themes/753/portal/index.jsp

Anonymous said...

Go to the Navy Pier...lot of good restaurants there!!

Kristy said...

My brother lives in Chicago, and we live not far from there. I would definitely recommend getting pizza! The best place is D'Agostinos Pizza. The pizza there is AMAZING! This year they became the official pizza of the Chicago Cubs. They have a couple places in Chicgo and one in Park Ridge, which is right by O'Hare airport. They also have really good sandwiches. Their philly cheesesteak was voted best in Chicago last year! Also, if you go, I would recommend getting a cookie and ice cream in bowl for dessert! :-) I'd definitely share it cuz it's huge, but soooo delicious! Have fun in Chicago...it's a great city!
Here's the website to D'Agostinos...http://www.dagsdelivers.com/zgrid/themes/753/portal/index.jsp

mommyof3 said...

I have tried McDonald's frozen strawberry lemonade and it is very yummy! Especially now that it's getting hot out here in Indiana. My son wants McDonald's ALL the time, so when I'm thirsty but don't want to eat that's what I get :) It's very good, but I would mix the drink more. Once the strawberry is gone there's no sweetness to it. I've never been to Chi-Town so I have no suggestions. I hope you have a blast!

Colleen said...

When you go to Chicago you have to get popcorn... I'm not sure the name, but it's popular up there. Cheese and Caramel. Weird I know, but it is so flippin delicious!

Ms. Heather said...

Giordano's has the best pizza I have ever had. I lived there for about 15 years and every time I go back I enjoy their stuffed pizza!

Melissa said...

For breakfast you have to try The Bongo Room! It is amazing! Check out their menu online, your mouth will water!

Anonymous said...

Garrett's popcorn, Portillos hotdogs, Giordano's pizza, Signature Room is on the 95th floor of the Hancock tower, and although its expensive, they also have just a bar area where you can go get a drink and enjoy an amazing view of Navy Pier and downtown Chicago http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/

If you have any free time, the double decker bus tour does a good job of taking you all around the city and pointing out the "important" things. :) James is my friend on facebook, and he can show you some of my pictures in my album from Chicago if you're interested. :)

A Boring Girl said...

Weeber Grill!! Everything is cooked on a weber grill. Can't think of the addy but I am sure you can google. Also giordanos like everyone else said best pizza ever! Also I am a new follower. You have a great heart!

Kate said...

GOOP (the Gwyneth Paltrow newsletter) for today is all about Chicago, including restaurant and shop recommendations. I immediately thought of you when I saw it. I'll forward it to you.

Maria said...

Chicago is such a lovely place! I hope you have an amazing visit. PS Go to ARIA! It's a fabulous restaurant. They serve very interesting, extraordinary foods. Have some passionfruit creme brulee for me!

Anonymous said...

Cité Restaurant, Chicago. It is amazing. Amazing view. Amazing food. If you get the chance...you and your mom will LOVE IT!

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