If you can believe it, I took a little bit of a break from the “scene” in August. I still managed to do and try some awesome things this month, but between weddings, having my parents visit and life in general, I didn’t attend the same volume of events as I normally do. Don’t worry, September is already shaping up to be quite busy and I will be back on track!
Dylan’s Candy Bar Chicago
Dylan’s Candy Bar– I was a kid in a candy store. Literally. I was so pumped to finally have the chance to check out the newly opened Dylan’s Candy Bar on Michigan Avenue. I had actually stumbled upon the original location in NYC about 8 years ago while walking around, so I already knew the concept of the store. It’s basically any candy lover’s paradise with all the different varieties and kinds of candy you can possibly imagine. But, at the event I found out that Dylan’s also has a cafe serving alcoholic drinks and food. Who knew? Not me! I tried the Nerdy Mojito, which is made from Bacardi rum, mint, lime, a splash of soda and is garnished with purple nerds and one red Swedish fish. Not only a delicious (and really strong) drink, but so fun with all the candy. The rest of the drink menu is awesome because candy is incorporated into all of the mixed drinks. What a unique, new concept I have never seen anywhere else. I can’t wait to go back and try more!
Cuisine For Cancer Chicago
Cuisine For Cancer– I was excited when I got an invite to this inaugural charity event at Morgan Manufacturing to support 10 local cancer charities in conjunction with 25 local restaurants. Not only great food to support a great cause, but the best part of Cuisine For Cancer was the event was a taco cook-off and we the attendees got to vote for our favorite. As you all know, I love the show Top Chef, and this truly felt like one of the events they do on the show where the chefs and their team are plating and serving to the guests. It was so fun to try out tacos from some of my favorite restaurants around the city (truth be told, there was only one station doing veggie tacos, so I had to scout out other restaurants that could make their taco vegetarian for me). In addition, we had the chance to enjoy absolutely stunning views of the city from the rooftop while enjoying amazing drinks made by Liquor Lab. All in all, it was a wonderful event to help support the local cancer community and beyond. I can’t wait for next year’s event.
Fit Foodie 5K Run
Fit Foodie 5K Run– I normally write about events that I have already attended, but I’m writing in advance of this particular event because I have a special treat for all of you. The weekend of September 11-13 here in Chicago, Cooking Light and Health are sponsoring a full weekend of fun events centered around the concept that healthy eating and delicious culinary experiences don’t have to be separate. I love it! Because I was selected as an ambassador for this fantastic weekend, I am able to give 20 of you free passes to the 5K run on Saturday, September 12th in Jackson Park (normally a $55 registration fee). All you have to do is go to this link and include the code FITFOODIEFRIEND and you will get free registration to the run and Finisher’s Village (which will have celebrity chef demos, fitness demos, beer and wine tastings, giveaways and more). A no-brainer, right?! And, all of the weekend events support the American Diabetes Association, so you know it is for a good cause too. A win-win all the way around! Let me know if you sign up with my code so I can keep an eye out for you at the race.
Derma e Travel Kit
Derma e Face Travel Kit – Being the world traveler that I am, I was pretty excited to try out this awesome beauty travel kit to help keep your skin hydrated, moisturized, fresh and radiant while on the road. I love that these products are all 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free. Definitely up my alley. The travel kit includes five products; skin, hair and nail oil (to restore natural glow and moisture), soothing eye gel (with antioxidants to help with puffy eyes), vitamin E intensive therapy hand creme (lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy), hydrating mist (to instantly replenish moisture to the skin) and hydrating facial wipes (to help remove makeup and oil while hydrating and softening the skin). I had the chance to use these products on my recent trip to Las Vegas and really liked them, especially the facial wipes and eye gel. Both definitely helped me look a little more refreshed and kept my skin from feeling overly dry. And of course all of these items are travel sized so you don’t have to worry about taking them through security. Try them out on your next trip.
Fix-It And Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic Cookbook
Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic Cookbook– With the fall quickly approaching and my need to get back into the kitchen preparing healthy meals, this cookbook is right up my alley. It’s funny, I’ve always wanted to have a slow cooker to make easy meals and to have something warm and ready to look forward to when I get home from work. Well, my magic book has arrived. This cookbook is full of fabulous recipes (550 to be exact) that are actually provided by fans and then are tried and tested from a select group of home cooks. What a fun concept! What’s awesome about this particular book is that it highlights vegan recipes and features a variety of dishes perfect for every season, not just winter. I’m excited to get back into the swing of preparing healthy meals at home and I know this cookbook is going to help me get there. Do any of you use a slow cooker? I’d love to hear and now we can swap recipes.
Please Note: While I was invited to these events and offered to try the products, all opinions are my own.