Whoa, you ready for this one? I was busy, busy, busy in February! For being a short month (plus the extra day for Leap Day), I sure did do a whole lot. Check it out:

Eddie The Eagle Advance Screening With Hugh Jackman

Eddie The Eagle Movie Advance Screening– Little did I know when I received passes to an advance screening of the movie Eddie The Eagle, that it was going to be a red carpet premiere with actors Hugh Jackman, Taron Egerton and the film’s director, Dexter Fletcher present! I had a mini freak out session over this one. How incredibly cool to have the actors there and speak about the movie and then watch them transformed into characters on the big screen? I’ve been to the Sundance Film Festival before and this screening of Eddie The Eagle was like a gazillion times better than any screening I saw at Sundance. Maybe because Hugh Jackman is one fine looking dude?! Whatever the reason, Eddie The Eagle was an awesome movie and opened this past week on February 26th. It’s a great feel good movie with a reminder that you can be whatever you want in life no matter what others say. I definitely recommend it. And, I obviously recommend it even more if Hugh Jackman is there to watch it with you.

Radish Dish- Photo Credit: Rachel Bires

Radish– I had the opportunity to collaborate with Radish, the speedy delivery service that gets healthy meals to your door in minutes. It was so much fun working with Chef David Yusefzadeh (formerly of Eataly) and coming up with a dish that represented who I am and some of my favorite foods. He ultimately created a dish named “Chow-Fun” (which is a play on the Peruvian word chaufa) which was a vegetarian dish with brown rice, tofu, pickled onions, scrambled egg, scallions, basil, cilantro and lemon juice. Not only was the dish absolutely delicious, it was a huge hit. I was so honored to be highlighted for the evening and have one of my favorite international dishes shared and served to others. Definitely make sure you download the Radish app and don’t forget to use the code vegtourist to get $10 off your first meal!

Latinicity Brunch

Latinicity Brunch– I love the concept of Latinicity (a gourmet Latin food dining hall) and now I love it even more since they started their brunch service. Not only that, I think it is an awesome deal: for $17 you can get all-you-can-eat plus unlimited soft drinks OR for $25 you can get all-you-can-eat and two alcoholic beverages. I don’t think I need to spell out which option I went with. Let’s just say I had a lovely brunch of chilaquiles, corn empanadas, vegetarian sushi, guacamole and chips as well as the most unique and delicious mimosa made with pear juice and lavender. I absolutely loved it all and can’t wait to go back again. I think this is such a fun way to try out a bunch of options for a great price. Get to Latinicity next weekend for brunch, I promise you will love it:)

SoulCycle With Friends

SoulCycle– A new studio just opened on Southport and I had the chance to go with 15 friends. What a blast it was and we rocked that class. If you don’t know what SoulCycle is, it’s a high-energy spin class by candlelight with awesome reminders to focus on yourself. This is far from any average spin class at a regular gym…it’s kind of like a dance party on a bike, where your legs never stop moving. Let’s just say that even though I go to other spin classes at least 2-3 times per week, I was still sore after this one. I like changing things up and trying out new things. If you are looking for something fun to mix your regular fitness routine, definitely give SoulCycle a shot and the new Southport studio is beautiful.

Lush Wine & Spirits

Lush Wine & Spirits– When I was heading to the West Town location of Lush Wine & Spirits, I was expecting a cool place to buy some wine and have a glass or two. Little did I know that I would be completely blown away and basically wrong about my assumption. While I was correct that you can choose from a huge selection of wine to buy and/or drink by the glass, little did I know there is so much more to do at the adorable place. This location also serves up some delicious food to go with that wine and has a great area to just sit back and relax while you indulge. Who knew? Not me! Not only that, Lush Wine & Spirits has free wine tastings from 2-5pm on Sundays and various wine tasting classes. I can definitely see myself going here on a weekend evening for a fun night out at a cool wine shop but social spot as well. I like finding these unique gems in the city. Meet me there for a glass (or two) of wine?

Marigold Maison Restaurant

Marigold Maison Restaurant-Nestled in Chicago’s Northshore is Marigold Maison, a warm, inviting Indian restaurant. Being Indian, you know I’m always on the lookout for new spots I’ve never been to before. It was so fun trying out all kinds of dishes on the very expansive menu of Marigold Maison. I loved that they had typical Bombay street food like pani puri, which you don’t usually find on all Indian restaurant menus. And, I don’t normally care too much for Indian desserts, but the gajar ka halva (shredded carrots, ghee, condensed milk, sugar and pistachios) was hands down one of the best I have ever had. Maybe even better than some I have had in India? Well, let’s not get crazy now, but seriously, that gajar ka halva was on par with that from the Motherland and was truly delicious. It mean, it’s healthy cause it’s made out of carrots, right?! Let’s go get the “healthy” dessert together.

Fun At The Tickled Pink Event

Tickled Pink Event– As I wrote in last month’s recap, I was honored to be one of the influencers for the Tickled Pink event. This year’s event was a HUGE success and I have to say, a total blast! I had no clue that over 2,000 people attend this event each year! Everything was fantastic from the delicious food, fun cocktails, great entertainment and more so, a sense of community to work towards a mission of preventing breast and ovarian cancer. So many people in attendance have dedicated their time and energy to this mission and it was really awesome to be a part of that. I really hope to get more of you to join me next year at this event because it was such a great time for such a great cause. Stay tuned and let’s go have fun in the name of a giving back as well!

Randolph Street Market

Randolph Street Market– Last summer I wrote about the awesome Randolph Street Market that I went to while it was outdoors. I just had the chance to experience the indoor version of Randolph Street Market and who would have thought I would like the indoor one better? Definitely not this girl who loves the outdoors! I had a great time sipping on some champagne while listening to the awesome DJ and doing a little shopping. The market has so many items from antiques to jewelry to clothes to artwork and you name it! There are also several food and drink vendors on-site with things from tamales to empanadas to mixed drinks to brownies. You can’t go wrong. The market is once a month and if you are looking to do something unique and fun, I definitely recommend checking it out. What is there to say no to?

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