I can’t even begin to tell you how blessed I feel with the momentum my blog is taking. Who knew my little passion project and creative outlet would grow into what it is today? And more so, that I would get access and invites to so many great events and things around Chicago! Love it.

The month of August was a very busy, but a very fun one for me. I thought it would be cool to do a recap of some of the highlights and let you in on some of the awesome things I have been up to:

Cleanse Culture Juices

Cleanse Culture Juice Cleanse– I have always been very intrigued by juice cleanses but never actually did one….until now (well, let me clarify, it was just a one day cleanse). The fine folks at Cleanse Culture offered to let me try out the cleanse and see what I thought. I loved the rainbow of juices that were delivered directly to my place and I will say that I actually enjoyed the flavor of all the juices (my favorite was the juice called Fat Blaster, made with pineapple, orange, grapefruit and Saigon cinnamon…almost tasted like a fall apple cider). To be honest, by about 5pm I was starving but I forged through since it was just a one day cleanse after all. I was told by Nicole, the CEO of Cleanse Culture, that it is actually easier to do the 3-day cleanse than just one day. Guess I’ll have to try that out next time. I think this would be the perfect thing to do when I get back from an international trip and want to detox to get back on track.

Shine & Dine Gala

Shine & Dine Gala – Benefiting the Step Up Women’s Network, proceeds from this annual gala benefit Step Up’s charitable programs, empowering teen girls in Chicago’s under resourced communities to become confident, college-bound and career focused. The event was held at the beautiful Bridgeport Arts Center with the city skyline in the background (I have actually attended this event in the past at Galleria Marchetti and really enjoyed the new spot at the Bridgeport Arts Center). The evening included lots of great food and drinks from some of the hottest restaurants in Chicago as well as a program honoring Catherine De Orio, the current host of Check, Please!. It was a great night, for a great cause with some great food! What’s not to like?

Bad Martha’s Beer Chicago Launch

Bad Martha’s Chicago Beer Launch– I was invited to the launch party of a new beer here in Chicago which also included a lobster boil dinner. Now, normally neither beer nor a lobster dinner (duh!) would draw me in to say yes to such an event, but this party was on a boat cruise on Lake Michigan. Ok, twist my arm! I have to say that it was such a fun evening and I’m so glad I went! It was a beautiful summer night (well, minus the one hour monsoon during dinner) and great to mingle with fellow food bloggers. Bad Martha’s beer (from Martha’s Vineyard) was actually pretty good, according to this non-beer drinking gal (me). My favorite was the Island IPA; two thumbs up if I am going to choose a beer to drink!

Reverie River North

Reverie Restaurant– A new hotspot restaurant and bar opened up in River North near the East Bank Club and I was invited to Reverie’s media preview event. It was a fun evening getting to sample some of the delicious fare they have to offer (my favorite was the carrot hummus and the cheesecake cone dessert) as well as some fun cocktail concoctions. The restaurant downstairs was pretty happening and the private event we were at upstairs was in a very cool space that I think would be fun for a night out on the town. There were big screen TV’s as well so it would be great as a place to watch some sporting events too. I am looking forward to going back to Reverie and trying out more of their menu. Definitely lots of vegetarian options!

Sunrise Yoga At The Terrace At The Trump

Sunrise yoga at The Terrace at the Trump- On the beautiful terrace overlooking the Chicago River flowing out into Lake Michigan, I had the honor of experiencing a private yoga class through the Trump Spa. It was the most perfect, 70 degree morning at 6am with a gentle breeze to help start my day off with the right intention. What an awesome yoga practice with the stunning backdrop of iconic Chicago landmarks. Namaste!

Hope you enjoyed my round-up of August. Let’s see what September has in store! It’s already off to a great start:)

Please Note: While I was invited to the various events and to try out products, all opinions are my own.