Monthly Archives: March 2014

Grab this Giveaway! Jillian Michaels’ Maximize Your Life

Posted on by

7

 

jillian michaels

One of world’s leading health and wellness expert is coming to town and maybe she won’t make you do squats while you listen to her story…or maybe she will.  We have always been big fit fans of good ol’ Mz. Michaels.   She may have started on “The Biggest Loser” but has since moved on to develop her own health and fitness empire.  Sure, you could find her on Youtube or reruns, but wouldn’t it be awesome to hear her words of wisdom for real change in your life? Jillian Michaels’ “Maximize Your Life” Tour will be stopping by the Rialto Square Theatre on April 9th at Joliet, IL so mark you calendar!   During the show, you will “learn how to harness your potential, kick-start your goals and live an exceptional life – sharing her keys to health, success and happiness.  No hype, no false promises: Just results.  And if Jillian is known for anything, it’s results.  Dang, have ya’ll tried her “yoga” (aka yoga disguised as strength training)?

You can buy tickets here starting @ $25 bucks!

 

OR you could WIN them just by commenting on our blog with your favorite Jillian Michaels’ quote. We love “It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort” during those really tough days.

The winner will get a pair of tickets waiting for them at will call.

So what’ll be? Are you tough enough to comment?

 

 

Advertisement

Brunch Bunch at Public House Chicago

Posted on by

2

13430905654_86eb6350e5_o

Sigh…there is nothing better than a weekend brunch.  That’s only 1 reason (although a compelling one) why we gleefully accepted an invite from Chicago Food Bloggers to network at Public House, a spot we’ve been clamoring to check out.  We rushed out, delayed as always, to River North to meet blogger pals and try the new morning grub.

Downloads5

Public House did not disappoint.  The space had rich wood undertones and felt roomy.  Our group was treated to a buffet style breakfast where we could snag whatever breakfast treats we liked.  It was slightly meat and sweets heavy, but the manager gladly accommodated a request for a savory veggie option, a modified meatless breakfast sammich with arugula, scrambled eggs, tomatoes and shaved red onions on a toasted sourdough boulet.

13430547235_ccca9380a7_o

The presentation of the sweet breakfast options made us drool.  The healthier option, a parfait pint (we got pint sized version of the pint) was layered with fresh berries, greek yogurt and crunchy granola.  The doughnut french toast also featured berries but we found it a little too deep fried for our tastes.  Our top contender, however, was a warm gooey sticky bun with the perfect balance of a soft bun, drizzled vanilla icing and nuts.  Our waitress was kind enough to sneak us another one after the buffet had been ravaged.

13430891194_370ca53251_o

13432265114_1988697e60_o

13430514415_b7d17e940b_o

We were happy to stuff our mouths full of sticky bun and listen contently while  our energetic table mates debated about the next hot foodie trends.

13430680053_84bd37a563_o

Thanks to Public House for hosting us!  Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes our next on our Public House hit list :).

13432087425_e2e1b25fba_o

Eye Spy Some Fab Peepers at Chicago Lashes

Posted on by

2

Chicago winter and beauty aren’t usually synonymous.  When your constantly bundled up in 12 layers and your razor is gathering dust, it doesn’t seem like there’s a need to primp too much.  But what about your face!?  People are still seeing your ruddy cheeks as you walk down the icy streets.  So what better way to perk yourself up from never ending winter than a beauty treatment for your frozen facade?

If there is one thing that can immediately add drama to your face, it’s luscious lashes.  We snooped out Chicago Lashes recently at their 1950s themed customer appreciation party to get the story on lash extensions.  This cute boutique lash studio is decorated with pin up style Rita Hayworth photos and has several private beauty rooms.

IMG_20140222_184229

If there is one sure thing, it’s that Chicago Lashes knows how to party.  Guests were treated to snacks including some traditional Filipino egg rolls and desserts.  A roaming Elvis impersonator loved Monica tender and gave her a yellow silky scarf which refused to take it back.  We were mesmerized by Mister Danny, the magician, with his multiplying foam bunnies that appeared and disappeared in your hand. (You know how bunnies are in winter…wink).

IMG_20140222_182648

Ooo and the lashes…

Chicago Lashes founder, Jennifer sported a feathery pair with red accents that we were coveting.  She explained that she opened Chicago Lashes in 2009 with the idea that there are so many salons that do it all, so why not specialize in providing glamorous lashes at prices more affordable to the average woman.  We’ve never gotten eyelash extensions done professionally so we definitely needed some tips.  Lash extensions are supposed to last 6-8 weeks.  Once you get them done, you should attempt to keep them dry (no Ryan Gosling movie fests, ladies) and you can use an eyelash brush to separate them and keep them purty.

Chicago Eyelashes header image

As we were some of the first ladies to arrive, we both got a coupon for a free set of flare lashes.  Always lucky Monica also won personal training session with JLM Women’s Fitness and a full set of eyelash extensions.  Lash reviews and plenty of lashful selfies are coming your way as soon as it warms up enough for us to want to go back outside to redeem our winnings!!  Do any of you have a go to lash studio in Chicago?  Lash extensions..love them, hate them?  Tell us what you think!

IMG_20140222_185138

Riding Spinners and They Don’t Stop: Our First Spinning Class

Posted on by

3

image

Equinox cycling class

Mid February, right around V-day, we spent a little time giving love to ourselves by trying a new workout.  Kate has always been a little hesitant about indoor cycling, a.k.a spinning, while Monica was fascinated with this high-energy fitness style. We picked the perfect opportunity to jump in and test the spin cycle when Cheeky Chicago planned a Valentine’s studio cycling event with Equinox Lincoln Park.  We made it to class just in time to get on our bikes and chose the back row to avoid the front row spotlight.

Big tip: If it’s your first time, flag the instructor down to help you adjust your bike and show you the how to work the darn thing.  Bike seats and handles are adjustable and move up/down, forward/back….very helpful for the vertically gifted or challenged.  Kate’s bike seat was not quite locked and took a dip midway through cycling which was very unexpected and uncomfortable  indeed.  

The tools that you use throughout your ride include a red knob to up or lower the resistance of your bike and increase intensity in addition to a screen to track your rpm and mileage.  And the one thing we were wondering throughout about cycling…is it possible to get a more comfy plushy seat?

The instructor started us off with a warm up of moderate pedaling and then led the class in an interval format as bubbly pop music played in the background.  She was unashamed to throw Beiber and Usher in the mix to get us moving.  After we were slightly sweaty, the resistance was added and we worked in a hill format.  We both popped up off the bike seats and pedaled while standing, making it a killer quad and glute experience.

image (1)

After pedaling full steam ahead for 45 minutes, we were treated to KIND bars and Juice Rx Gingerade (lemon, ginger and Vermont maple syrup) as other guests learned foam rolling tips from Equinox trainers. We also scored one week passes to Equinox for ourselves and our readers. Comment below to receive a one week pass!

Lincoln Park Equinox has creative variations of Studio Cycling, Barre classes, Tabata and not to be missed Yoga with Allison English!  For the March schedule, click here.

Feel like spinning your wheels a little more for a good cause?

Get your spin on to help stop violence in Chicago. Ride Spin to Break the Cycle on March 8th at the House of Blues for 1, 2, or 3 hours!

 

LUNA FEST Recap

Posted on by

2

IMG_8989 (1)

At LUNAFEST in Chicago

Thursday night, we mosied on over to check out 13th Annual LUNAFEST, benefiting the Step Up Woman’s Network and the Breast Cancer Fund, at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in the heart of River North. Surprisingly, we found parking right next to Glazed and Infused (darn it was closed) and ran in a little late to find food lines off the chain!  Our trusty friend, Melissa gave us the run down.  Apparently, LYFE Kitchen had the best veggie goods but their table was all out of food.  Sadness.

We squeezed our way over to the RA Sushi table and managed to grab a small plate of garlic chili edamame and then stood in the cheese line which ended with…no cheese.  The lights flickered and we made our way over to prep for the films and finally scarfed down the SkinnyPop popcorn provided on our seats (yay food!!).  After a couple of amazing speeches from leaders in the Step Up Women’s Network, the short films began!

20140227_193356

Although all of them were unique and inspiring in their own way, we certainly had our VIP picks.

Kate:  I adored “Flying Anne“.  We are often encouraged to celebrate differences but are not always sure how to put this into practice.  The main character of this short film has Tourette Syndrome and is learning how to manage in the sometimes unforgiving world of elementary school.  Touching and inspiring, it’s a reminder that girls are so much more than their labels.

Monica:  “Running Dry” made me smile brightly despite the harsh life circumstances such as the economic crises in Athens, Greece.  The lead actress struggled financially and still gave her few precious euros to meet other people’s needs as she walked through the city.  At the end, even though she had no more cash, she was full of grins and gratification.

After the show ended, we managed to grab tiny chocolate raspberry chia parfaits from LYFE Kitchen and then were treated with the pick of the litter of a 3 pack of LUNA Bars.  Perhaps we dug a little for the Chocolate Dipped Coconut…perhaps.

IMG_20140227_213024

Missed LUNAFEST?  You can still catch the tour in several cities and archived LUNAFEST films are available here.