I’d say my fitness journey throughout my life has been sort of wax-on, wax-off. There were times when I was really dedicated and into a great groove, and then I would have those times that I just could not motivate myself. I know most people go through this.

The thing I’ve come to learn about exercise is that it truly is a journey; there’s not really a destination per se. It’s about constantly evolving and pushing yourself outside your own boundaries and limits, but also having fun and finding enjoyment in what you are doing.

For me, in order to stick to something rather than it being the next exercise fad I abandon (hello Insanity), finding a supportive community and like-minded individuals who encourage me along my own personal fitness path is exactly what I need to stay motivated and accountable. And, let’s be honest, I need to find something close to my home because if it’s too far, I’m just not going to go. I’m happy to report that I’ve found the perfect place. It’s called Studio Three.

Studio Three Chicago

Studio Three is a beautiful, boutique fitness destination in the heart of River North in Chicago. There are three levels, where each floor is a dedicated space for yoga, cycling or interval training. What I absolutely love is that I can mix up my workouts and be trained by the most elite fitness instructors in Chicago. It’s called #winning in my book.

Interval Studio photo credit: Studio Three

Peloton Cycling Studio photo credit: Studio Three

Yoga Studio photo credit: Studio Three

Studio Three Class Options

Inside Studio Three

Not only that, Studio Three has the best service I have ever experienced at a fitness studio. For example, there is a staff member present in the cycling studio throughout the entire class for any potential issues you may have; you grabbed the wrong weights for the arm workout segment, you accidentally drop your towel on the floor mid class, you can’t clip out of your bike at the end of class (ahem, I may or may not be speaking from experience on these).

I could go on and on about all the ways I love Studio Three, but honestly, the most important for me is that I absolutely love the great network of people it has brought into my life. I have made so many new friends who I see regularly at classes, I’m always encouraging anyone that will listen to come join me at a class and I’ve also become great friends with many of the instructors and staff members at Studio Three. For that, I’m eternally grateful.

Studio Three Instructors photo credit: Studio Three

Peloton Cycling With Friends

Yoga Class At Studio Three

And just so you know, I’ve been going consistently at least a few times every week since Studio Three opened in November of 2015. No fad exercise regimen here; dedication at its best. I heart you Studio Three.

Please Note: This post is in partnership with Studio Three. All opinions are my own.

When I saw the invite for VIP tickets to the traveling show Cavalia Odysseo, I was intrigued, but not exactly sure what it really was. I felt like I had heard of the show before, but clearly did not know much about it. After watching the trailer and reading up a bit on it, I was definitely in.

Cavalia is a live performance with 65 horses and 48 artists performing on a stage bigger than the United Center’s ice rink. I kind of describe it like Cirque du Soleil with horses and let me just tell you, it’s truly a feast for the eyes.

Our VIP tickets included an open bar, wonderful dinner buffet, dessert buffet during intermission and a behind-the scenes visit to the horse stables and stage after the show. Learning more about the entire production of the show and meeting some of the horses really made it that much more amazing and special to me. I can’t even imagine how they put the 2,000 seat stadium together under the big top white tent, transport all the gear and equipment (in addition to the horses and everything they need) and make everything one, seamless, unbelievable experience.

Not only was the show spectacular, the service and staff were top-notch. It’s yet again one of those things that words just do no justice. Cavalia is only something that can be experienced. With that, use the code SOCIAL to get 15% off your tickets. It’s worth every single penny. The show is running in Chicago until May 14, so you have a little less than two weeks. Go!

Here are some pictures from my experience (no photography was allowed during the show, so all my pictures are from before, during intermission and after):

Cavalia Odysseo Chicago

Cavalia Dinner Buffet

Cavalia Inside VIP Tent

Beautiful Art Work Throughout Tent Area

Cavalia Before Show Begins

Cavalia Dessert Buffet

Meeting A Horse After Show

Up Close and Personal With A Horse

Beautifully Braided Hair On A Horse

Cavalia Outside Tent After Show

Seriously, if you get the chance, I highly recommend seeing this amazing show. Let me know if you go!

Please Note: While I was offered the VIP experience, all opinions are my own.

You know I always enjoy trying something new, especially if it’s vegetarian and healthy! Cue in Chickapea Pasta that is gluten-free, vegan, organic, GMO-free and is packed with protein. What I really appreciate about Chickapea Pasta is that when you read the ingredients, it’s literally just two; organic chickpea flour and organic red lentil flour. That’s it. How nice not to see a bunch of chemicals or weird additives.

Chickapea Pasta

Chickapea Pasta Ingredients

I’ve been hearing more and more about pastas made from various kinds of lentils, but I’ve actually never tried any until now. I have to say that I was really impressed and liked how filling this pasta is. I made this vegetarian pasta dish after an evening yoga class and I was shocked at how full I was from such a small amount. Being vegetarian, this huge for me, since regular pasta just doesn’t do the trick and I always find myself hungry an hour later. I’m literally hooked on Chickapea Pasta.

My Vegetarian Pasta Creation

Here’s the recipe for the simple dish I created:

Vegetarian Pasta Dish

• 1 cup Chickapea Pasta
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup organic marinara sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• optional- grated parmesan to top pasta

– In large skillet, heat oil and add garlic and onions to saute. Once translucent, add green pepper and zucchini and continue to saute on medium heat. Turn heat down to low and add spinach until all water is evaporated. Add marinara sauce, oregano and black pepper and simmer on low heat.

-Bring water to a boil and prepare Chickapea Pasta as noted on box. I personally like my pasta cooked a little well done, so I boiled my pasta for 10 minutes.

-Add drained and rinsed pasta to vegetable sauce and simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes. Add any additional seasonings to taste such as crushed red pepper or garlic powder.

-Top with grated parmesan if desired.

Chickapea Pasta Served With Garlic Bread

As you can see, this recipe was super simple and I was able to sneak in quite a few vegetables to make it extra healthy and low-fat. You can keep this dish vegan by omitting the parmesan, but I enjoyed the little added extra treat on top.

Chickapea Pasta Dish Topped With Parmesan

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Please Note: While this post is in partnership with Chickapea Pasta, all opinions are my own.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I have been collaborating with Hyatt Centric to showcase my favorite things to see/eat/do around Chicago. It has been so fun to share some of my favorite gems around the city and see my followers take my recommendations!

This past week, I had the honor of attending an exclusive performance by musical artist Flo Rida at the Hyatt Centric’s newest location right off Michigan Avenue. It was a fun way to promote the newly converted property (called The Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile) along with local radio station 103.5 KISS FM.

Flo Rida Concert

Unless you already know me, you probably don’t know that I am a HUGE Flo Rida fan. I absolutely love his catchy songs and have actually been requesting them quite consistently over the past two years at my Flywheel and Peloton cycling classes (just ask my favorite teacher Erin about this). So, you can imagine that I literally let out a scream when the Hyatt Centric team emailed me and not only asked me to attend Flo Rida’s performance, but also come up on stage with famed DJs Fred and Angi from 103.5 KISS FM and announce this year’s Hyatt Centric Explorer Contest winners. It was truly a “pinch-me” kind of moment.

On Stage To Announce Contest Winners With Fred And Angi From 103.5 KISS FM

The absolute cherry on top was that I was able to bring Erin as my guest for what turned out to be one of the best nights EVER. I jokingly told Erin that it was payback for all those times she obliged (maybe begrudgingly) and played all my Flo Rida song requests at class. She’s an amazing friend and I feel like my world came full circle to have her by my side as we danced and sang in the front row at Flo Rida’s awesome performance.

Here’s my Instastory from Instagram that evening. Just a little snippet of a truly special night that I will never, ever forget. Thank you Hyatt Centric!