A new year with lots of new fun opportunities! January already started off with a bang. Here are some of the fun events and products I tried out during the month:

First Look For Charity – Chicago Auto Show

Chicago Auto Show’s First Look For Charity Preview Event– I was honored to have the opportunity through the Chicago Food Bloggers group to attend the First Look For Charity media preview event for the second year in a row. The First Look For Charity black-tie gala is an annual event the night before the Chicago Auto Show opens. The event (this year on February 13) supports 18 local charities, raises over $2 million dollars each year and is a night of fun, awesome drinks and unbelievable food from Chicago’s hottest restaurants. At the media preview event, we had the opportunity to taste some of the delicious offerings that will be served at this year’s gala, and let me tell you….YUM! If you have ever considered going, trust me, it’s a night well worth it and for a really great cause (and just so you know, is the one night in Chicago with the single highest number of tuxedo rentals)! Click here for more info.

Brunch Sampling At The Winchester

Winchester Restaurant– Brunch is hands-down one of my absolute favorite meals.  I kind of wish I could have it every single day, but I guess the novelty would wear off then, right? At any rate, I loved checking out the brunch offerings at the adorable Wicker Park spot called The Winchester. I absolutely loved the light, airy feel of the restaurant, but more so, the delicious food that I was drooling over. My heart was singing a happy tune just by looking at all the vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu. It is so nice to have real options where chefs have remembered all their veggie friends when developing menus. If you go for brunch, the chilaquiles were my absolute favorite and I’m already strategizing on how to go back this weekend for more! I definitely want to go back for dinner and drinks sometime soon too as the dinner menu looks equally as awesome.

Sol Republic Tracks Air Headphones– I spent A LOT of time on airplanes between October and December last year (don’t worry, not complaining, especially since it was all mostly fun travel). I had the chance to try out the Sol Republic Tracks Air headphones on a few flights and absolutely loved them (I had plugged them into my phone since I was not wireless and bluetooth enabled on my flight). Even though my flight had lots of crying babies and people talking loudly, most of that was drowned out while using the headphones. I also tried out the wireless function while I was at home one day cleaning up around my place and let me tell you, these headphones are awesome. The quality of the music and being able to control so much from the headphones makes for an awesome listening experience no matter what you are doing.  If you are in the market for some great headphones, definitely check out Sol Republic. They also have a 100 day guarantee, so you have nothing to lose by trying them out.

Florentine Restaurant At The JW Marriott Chicago

The Florentine Happy Hour– I always love finding a great deal. And if that great deal includes pizza, seriously, sign me up. So, here’s an insider tip for you local Chicago folk: every weekday from 4-6pm at the downtown JW Marriott, The Florentine restaurant serves up an awesome happy hour deal where by purchasing at least one alcoholic cocktail for the table, you get a free pizza. Score! What a better way to finish up the work day than with some co-workers or friends, a drink (or a few!) and delicious pizza? I had the chance to try out a few vegetarian pizzas and one of my favorites was the shaved brussel sprouts and taleggio cheese pizza. If you make it to the happy hour, keep your eyes peeled for me because I plan on coming back for that pizza frequently!

West Side Story At Drury Lane Theatre Oak Brook

West Side Story– I have always loved going to Broadway musicals, so the invite to the opening night of West Side Story at The Drury Lane Theatre was a no-brainer. I was sincerely blown away by the talent and the entire production of the show. In addition, the beautiful theater really has no bad seats in the house. If you choose, you can purchase a special dinner package if you want to make a full evening out of it. Either way, I highly recommend getting tickets for this awesome classic show, especially for those of you who live in the suburbs and don’t want to make the trek to downtown Chicago for a night out. West Side Story is playing at Drury Lane through March 29, 2015.

Tabanero Hot Sauce

Tabanero Hot Sauce– Having recently been on two back-to-back trips to Mexico, I’m definitely going through authentic, spicy food withdrawal. Since Mexican cuisine is some of my favorite, there is never any shortage of salsa and hot sauce in my home. I had the chance to try out Tabanero hot sauce recently and loved so many things about it: the spicy flavor, the fact that it is 100% all natural and has no vinegar or cheap fillers and it is actually made in Tabasco, Mexico! How’s that for the real deal? Check out Tabanero to switch up your normal hot sauce routine, I’m glad I did.

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