My First 5k

This past weekend I participated in my first 5K-- The Chicago Monster Dash! I had a blast and wanted to share some tips for completing your first 5K.

1.  Train: I did not train nearly as hard as I should have in running, but I recently joined a gym doing group fitness classes that helped increase my endurance. I told myself before the race that if I can do an intense cardio workout without stopping for an hour, I can run this thing!

2.  Sign up for a race that has a fun element: I love the race options these days-- dressing up in funny costumes, obstacles in the mud, and being doused with colors! These give the workouts something extra special to look forward to, as opposed to fearing the run itself.

Our Toy Story Theme

Beth- our team captain!

3. Have Fun! Enjoy the encouraging atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment when you are done! There is nothing more rewarding.

Exhaustion but satisfaction at the finish line

Chicken Soup for the Soul

It seems like everyone around me- co-workers, friends, etc. have been sick with allergies, the cold, and the flu. There’s no better choice than chicken soup when one is not feeling 100%. Homemade chicken soup really is easy enough to make—no need for Ramen! 

Here is a basic recipe that I used for reference, but you can also add your own vegetables and spices to taste. I added a few seasonings and some peppercorns.

It’s really easy to cook a large pot, and is very helpful when you’re feeling too sickly to eat anything else. You can also freeze individual portions for future sick days.

There's no place like Chicago

It is certainly getting chillier out in the city and it’s time to switch the summer dresses for boots, scarves and blazers for the fall season.  That doesn’t mean you need to stay under a heated blanket and spend your weekends hibernating with movie marathons just yet.  There are plenty of great festivals and parks to venture out to during the fall season, so don’t allow yourself to be lame and complain about the weather—because it’s beautiful out!  

The cutest park I’ve seen in Chicago has got to be Oz Park located in Lincoln Park. Close to the Armitage Purple/Brown Line stop, The Scarecrow greets guests from the southwest corner. 

If he only had a brain!

Make a day out of packing a picnic and strolling in the park. Find Dorthy with her ruby red slippers. 

Yes, that's Toto's paw next to Dorthy!

I won’t ruin the entire experience providing photos of each of the characters—spend a fall afternoon visiting Oz Park yourself!

NYC-themed party

I’ve had the pleasure of rooming with Katie for the past 2 years in Chicago—together we’ve lived in the South Loop and in our current apartment in Lakeview.  She’s decided to take an amazing offer with Alexander Wang in New York City!  You may recall Katie's first NYC experience.  Of course that only meant I had to throw a fabulous surprise going away party.  

Chicago Roomie Love

I wish I took more photos that evening, but being a hostess with the mostest does keep you busy :)

Welcome to the first of my new page-- DIY posts!  Below are some ideas for an NYC-Themed party:

•  Décor:  A city of Lights - Place white Christmas lights throughout the party area.  The plain white or icicle ones work best-- if you go with color it's just too Christmas-y. 

Shout out to party guest Gianni for providing white lights and helping with set-up!

• Food:  New York Cheesecake – I ended up buying one because I was super busy that week, but here is a great quick and easy recipe that I intended to make:

Ingredients:
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
8 oz softened cream cheese
Vanilla wafers
Foil cupcake liners

Beat all ingredients except wafers until smooth.  Place one wafer inside each foil cup and fill half full with batter.  Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cool in refrigerator.  Top with chocolate chips, fruit, almost anything!

• Drinks:  Manhattans—I even bought a shaker, and each drink included maraschino cherries and a lemon garnish.  

Thanks to all who made it out that night!  Best of Luck to Katie!!!You will be missed!