weekend recap

Friday after work, Jake and I packed up and headed back to my hometown. It’s been over a month since I’ve seen my family… I’m a sucker for my family. We stayed the night Friday night. I basically just chatted with my mom the whole time, trying to plan out Thanksgiving and catching up on gossip. More than anything, attempting to figure out our plan for Black Friday.

Saturday morning, Jake and I got back in the car and headed down to our alma mater – The University of Illinois (GO ILLINI!). It was the infamous game – Illini VS. Michigan – OR as we Illini say… “MUCK FICHIGAN.” These infamous shirts paint the streets at U of I :)

{ via }

Our team has been playing inconsistent, so it’s no shock that we lost. Regardless of the outcome of the game, we had fun watching the game and being on campus. After all, U of I’s football field (aka: Memorial Stadium) is where Jake and I met 6+ years ago <3

There were ABSOLUTELY gorgeous skies that night….

I’ve only been out of college for a few short years, but MAN let me tell you how much campus has changed!! Massive high rise apartment buildings keep popping up everywhere. For example, that little brown building… yea that’s where Jake lived for his junior and seniors years. That massive 40 story building next to it wasn’t there. It was an old Burger King that had just shut down his senior/my junior year. Poor little building is dwarfed…

{ lucky 7 <3 }

After the game, we made a pit spot back in my hometown to pick up our bags then headed back home to Chicago.

Sunday, we as usual devoted most of the day to the NFL <3 My bears walked away with a GREAT victory over the Lions – YAY!!

Hope you had just as great of a weekend as I did.

Until next time
<3 jenna

labor day weekend recap

Finally, a 3.5 day weekend that actually felt like a 3.5 day weekend!! I have to say, not working on a Monday is one of the greatest things ever. Starting your week on a Tuesday is just a great feeling :)

What did everyone do over their holiday weekend? Anyone take my advice on going out on a boat? The water seemed a little choppy, so if you did go out let me know how it was!!

As for me? I had a really mellow weekend.

Friday. I got off work early then went to get my hair did. Planned to go to the Chicago Jazz Fest, however it was unGodly disgusting outside and humid beyond belief. Decided to stay indoors for the night.

Saturday. A HUGE day – college football season begins!!! Of course, Jake and I being huge football fans and U of I alum, we spent all day long watching non-stop football! Back in college, I was an Illini football recruiter, so it’s extra exciting to watch some of the recruits I helped bring in play!

{ courtesy of fightingillini.com }

The Illini took on Arkansas State for our home opener. Though we started out looking a bit rough and sloppy, we pulled ourselves together for the second half. Illini came away victorious with a final score of 33-15. Next week, we take on South Dakota State (had no idea they have a football team)!

Sunday. Ran some errands in the morning. Currently trying to finish all the decor in our place :) Finally think I have just about everything I need (pictures to come soon!). Came home and made some delish choco chip cookies – YUM!

In the afternoon, Jake and I met up with his parents and his aunt and uncle (who came in from Minneapolis). We showed them our new place, then hit up Navy Pier for dinner and drinks.

After margaritas and dinner at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, we took a stroll down the pier and landed at the Land Shark beer garden. Live bands play just about every night. On Thursday’s, there’s karaoke :) Definitely a fun time!

Monday. Labor Day. Went running (first time in a long time) first thing in the morning. Man that felt great! I haven’t really run much since I ran a half-marathon back in late April / early May. I really want to get back running so I can sign up for another half :)

We had plans to go with friends to the Lincoln Park Zoo, but that fell through due to the crazy weather and wind. Instead, we tried to figure out how to decorate/finish our place and relaxed!

Overall, a great weekend! Looking forward to this week and having a friendly visitor :)

Until next time
<3 jenna