You are about to find out what really gets me excited. Finding amazing new places in my own backyard. These are places I can spend time with my husband, friends, and family. Just thinking about them puts a smile on my face. You know when you can just envision the fun girls night out or the exciting date that you will have there and anticipation swells?

Acuqua Viva Winery in Sycamore Il. is just my jam, and I think it should be yours, too! Wine tastings and samplings. If you haven't been I am here to convince you to go. If it has been a while, there is plenty going on to try out.

Wine? Check. Amazing food? Check. Friendly and fun atmosphere? Check.

I am captivated by the location of Acquaviva in Sycamore because the best conversations seem to happen there. Double dates, large parties, girls night out, or the occasional glass of wine solo. This is my happy place.

They offer a wide variety of specials nightly most of which are filled with the freshest seafood and seasonal produce offerings. The best fish I have ever eaten was at their restaurant, and this includes places I have visited on the coast. It is delish.

Oysters Rockefeller - Tuesday night special (and date night with thehubs)

Here is a sampling of the specials at Acuqua

Raw Oyster Tuesday (hubby's five)

Nightly Seafood Specials

Ladies Night - $5 Martini Thursdays

Lunch Thursday and Friday

Sporting Event specials
Sangria. No need to say more.
Wine tastings and samplings
Seasonal specials using state garden on the Acquaviva Maple Park Property
Local Lamb - locally sourced and butchered onsite

Delicious and exciting flavored dishes severed up generously.

Tables are close enough to encourage conversation with the ones nearby, and this is a regular occurrence. I meet a new neighbor, exchange a story, and discuss the yummy things we delight in. . The conversation is interesting and something happens when I am in this space. It is hard to describe but it transports me. I am not in Sycamore, I am not in a restaurant, but I am fully present in the moment. My tablemates(s) are all that matters and I am fully vested. This is a place you just don't want to put out the electronics and detach, it doesn't feel right here.

Eating here means stretch pants when I get home, I just can't help myself it is just that good.

And speaking of good we should probably talk chocolate. I am not able to personally report on any desserts other than the chocolates. If chocolate is your jam than it is important that you save room for the sweet offerings. I am pretty sure I have almost lost my mind over a chocolate cake served warm. I don't think it can be done better.

Chocolate Truffle.  Heavenly and decadent! — Chocolate Truffle. Heavenly and decadent!

Time passes quickly, meals are served slowly, and wine is poured abundantly. Yes I must recommend you give it a try- over and over again. No need for an excuse, and if you need a dinner mate look no further {raising my hand}.

Enjoy, and if you have a favorite spot you love share it here!

In the first of the weekly Local Exposure series I am so excited to share with you the amazing designs and talent of Meagen Lee of Meagen Lee Floral. As soon s I saw her work I was swooning and knew I wanted to feature the unique, fresh approach she takes for her bridal clients. This chica knows flowers - I refuse to ramble on about how amazing she is, just look at the images of her work!

Amazing bridal bouquet of broaches from a bride's grandmother's collection.  Want to create your own?  Meagen suggests a bridal shower gift of a broach from each guest and she can create the custom bouquet. — Amazing bridal bouquet of broaches from a bride's grandmother's collection. Want to create your own?
Meagen suggests a bridal shower gift of a broach from each guest and she can create the custom bouquet.

A piece worth display after the wedding - I love the idea of taking treasures and creating something all your own

Her painstaking details go in to each of her designs and client consultations. When a bride books her for an event she dedicates the day to her wedding, ensuring that the bride receives personal attention throughout. It is this level of service that I was so impressed with - above and beyond the drop off of the bouquets and centerpieces her clients needs are focused on throughout the day.

These centerpiece designs are impressive and unique and span a range of styles and budgetary needs.

While Meagen's designs are custom and beautiful her service and style is very approachable. She will work with the each brides style and use her twelve years of experience to suggest the best options to fit season, style and budget.

These gorgeous bouquets are so incredibly beautiful and custom styled they make me want to be married again - three times over!Love the birds nest bouquet, the burlap and pine cone bouquet, and the peach bouquet that drips vintage charm. — These gorgeous bouquets are so incredibly beautiful and custom styled they make me want to be married again - three times over!
Love the birds nest bouquet, the burlap and pine cone bouquet, and the peach bouquet that drips vintage charm.

Unique design and unexpected use of even common floral elements are everywhere in her work. I was surprised around every corner the elements and details she used that could take something simple and create a totally new approach to its use.

The red roses she has adapted into unusual bouquets and centerpieces - these will turn heads!

Succulent and seashell bouquet - you can take this with you on your destination wedding, or just perfect for a lakeside event.  Please remember to invite me! — Succulent and seashell bouquet - you can take this with you on your destination wedding, or just perfect for a lakeside event. Please remember to invite me!

You can check out more of Meagen's work and book her through the following info - can't wait to see what you create together.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meagen.leefloral

call her: (815) 593-0393

or email: Flowersbymeagenlee@ gmail.com

Textures like crazy in this feathery woodland inspired bouquet - I see forest wedding all over this one!

I know you will enjoy working with Meagen Lee Floral as much as I did - now if I only had an excuse to buy myself some flowers!

[Local Exposure] Ristorante di Acquaviva, Sycamore IL.

[Local Exposure] by Preservation Heart Photography | Meagen Lee Floral - Kirkland, IL