Olivia Eats (and Bikes) Around Chicago

It's great to see Chicago through another newbie's eyes! Today I'm excited to share a guest post written by my friend Olivia. I'm so grateful she agreed to contribute. Not only does her Instagram directly translate into my never-ending "must eat soon" list, she has planned what sounds like a really fun day of food and activity. I can't wait to put her itinerary to good use once we get back! 

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As a professional dancer and food lover, I have found that the two passions do not necessarily compliment one another. Embarking upon my new "adult" life in Chicago, I have come to the conclusion that it is my duty to make the two work for me. Luckily I have found a third passion, biking.

Okay, now I'm going to start gushing over this awesome city. The new bike share program, Divvy Bikes, is perhaps the best thing to happen to Chicagoans since the recent donut boom. (Ya, I'm talking to you Glazed and Infused.) Biking around the city allows us to "burn a few" in order to enjoy the amazing food this city has to offer, sans guilt. So here it is, a day of eating and biking in Chica-yummmmm.

First step, find the closest Divvy station and rent a bike for 24 hours for just $7. Or better yet, use your own!

By the Addison brown line you will find a cozy little restaurant called Endgrain. I already tempted you with donuts so I feel obligated to get you a donut for breakfast. The new kid on the block is the "doughscuit" a donut biscuit hybrid. Thank me later. Treat yourself to one of these and a coffee for just $5. If you need a little more substance try one of their breakfast sammies on a buttermilk biscuit. If you want something lighter, check out their baked egg dish, complete with squash blossoms and chèvre.

After breakfast hop on your bike and head south. At Damen and Milwaukee you will find yourself in Wicker Park. Here you can spend some time in one trendy shop after another. My personal favorite, Rudy's Roundup, is a kitschy gift shop with vintage flair.

After a three and a half mile bike ride and some shopping you are sure to have worked up an appetite. You can find my favorite salad in the heart of Wicker Park at Antique Taco, a vintage taqueria. The Antique Taco salad is perhaps one of the most well rounded meals I've found; light yet filling. Antique Taco also keeps it seasonal by adding the freshest daily produce. My last Antique Taco salad was crowned with plump strawberries that complimented the bitterness of the kale and rounded out the salty peanuts and cojita cheese. You will not be disappointed. If you are still hungry, get an order of their killer tacos. The beer battered fish are a personal favorite.

The last stop on my foodie tour is downtown. After you are finished in Wicker Park head east. You could spend the rest of your day shopping on Michigan or perhaps take a stroll around Lincoln Park Zoo. Another personal favorite to check out, The Chicago History Museum. The options are endless.

At Clark and Grand, Restaurant Beatrix awaits you. This menu is dripping with fresh ingredients. They have everything from turkey 'neatloaf' to chia seed pudding. Also, for all of you running away from the gluten monster you will find safety at Beatrix. The gluten free options are outstanding, in fact, the entire dessert menu is gluten free. Yes, you heard me. For dinner I suggest the turkey neatloaf. It's like mama's cookin' minus the guilt. Hydrate that bike ridin' bod with one of their fresh squeezed juices. Blueberry basil, anyone?

You've worked hard today, don't you think you deserve a treat? Check out their pastry case that accompanies the coffee bar. Although not everything is gluten free, it is all delicious. I suggest the oatmeal butterscotch cookie. Did I mention it is the size of your face? Perhaps it is one to split...or not.

Hopefully, this can serve as a guide to eating in this wonderful city of food without feeling like a bloated, grumpy tourist. The fresh ingredients so many restaurants use should be celebrated and balanced with an active way of life. So get out there, Chicago, and enjoy.

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Like what you read? Find more from @olive_eats on Instagram and Twitter. 

Y is for Yoga in the Park

Now that spring has finally arrived in Chicago, I'm remembering how many great opportunities arise when the weather is warm.

One of my favorite FREE things to do is work up a sweat under the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

"Y" is for Yoga in Millennium Park.


If Yoga isn't your thing, don't worry. Every Saturday from June 8th through August 31st you have choices. There's something for everybody. Millennium Park Workouts include Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba. Each class lasts an hour and is completely free of charge.

Tai Chi at 7am
Yoga at 8am
Pilates at 9am
Zumba at 10am

Needless to say, I'm counting the days.

What are you most looking forward to (or already enjoying) as the weather warms up?

Running Toward Spring

Back in December I ran the Rudolph Ramble 10K and it was the best run of my life. It was a distance record for me, I felt great while running (despite the chilly temps) and it gave me confidence that I might actually be a runner.

Obviously I followed the victory up by taking a day off. The day turned into a couple of days, which turned into a couple of weeks. Before I knew it it was the middle of February and I hadn't run at all. My poor shoes stayed in the tub for days.

(For the record - we have a separate shower.)

I knew I wanted to get back out there. I sleep better, feel better, look better when I'm active. Now that Spring is here, running is back on my radar. So I registered for the Soldier Field 10 mile race on May 25th. Not only does the distance intimidate and excite me, I get to finish on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field! Plus, setting a "reach" goal like this will, hopefully, motivate me.

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But in order to prepare I've started signing up for races like a mad woman. On April 28th I'm running the The Race That's Good For Life with Erin from Eri-thon. I think I've realized that the only thing that keeps me out on the street is knowing I have a finish line to cross and T-shirt to collect.

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And to ensure the shoes don't end up in the tub for days again, I signed up for the The Color Run on June 16th. It's not a timed race, but I saw so many color run-esque aftermaths on my routes last summer I had to be part of one this year. It was a FOMO decision.

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Then, because I'm seriously considering a half marathon at some point this year I figured I should add the Esprit de She 10K on July 18th. If I'm still running and smiling by this point then a half in the Fall just might be added to the list. There I said it. I'm putting it out there.

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But it's going to take some WORK! I'm so bummed that after such a short break, my training seems to be back at square one. I'm kicking myself for taking those weeks off. But I know I trained and accomplished it last year and I can do it again!

What about you, are you a runner? 

What races are on your calendar this Spring?

Four Felt Antlers and Frozen Toes

I don't know who's idea it was to sign up to run 5 miles on a Sunday morning in Chicago in December. (it was mine) But whoever it was, that chick is crazy.

Even during an unseasonably warm winter, Chicago is freakin' cold.


On the fourth day of Christmas I nearly collected our 4 styrofoam antlers and totally bailed on the race to grab coffee instead.

Seriously. I was this. close.



Thankfully, Heather didn't jump on my suggestion. Thankfully, she's a lot tougher than I am. Thankfully, we braved the near freezing temps and waited for the race to be over before going to grab coffee.

Because had we bailed we would have missed the reindeer.




We would have missed the frozen toes and antler photo ops.


We would have missed our chance to take a picture with Santa.


And most importantly, we would have missed out on crossing that finish line.


And let me tell you, last time my end-of-race enthusiasm was fake. But this time it was genuine!

This was the best I've felt running 8K/ 5 miles ever. Repeat: ever. Frozen toes (that eventually thawed) and all, this run felt great! I didn't even get winded until I saw the finish line. Why does my body do that, by the way - poop out when the end is in sight?

We finished in just under 54 minutes. And since this is my first 8K, that makes it a personal record.

It turns out waiting in the cold for the race to start was the toughest part of the whole deal!


The Rudolph Ramble was a great way to spend a Sunday morning and an even better excuse to lay lazily on the couch for the remainder of the afternoon. I'm pretty excited to make this a brand new holiday tradition.

But next year - I'm bringing warmer clothes to wait in!

Are you adding any new traditions to your holiday repertoire this year?

5K: Check

I did it!

On Saturday, I ran my very first 5K.

Team Smart Savvy Style: Angie, Me, Erin and Heather
Last monthish Heather of Smart Savvy Style fame invited a few bloggers and other friends to participate in the Traffick Free 5K.


Traffick Free is such a great organization working for such an important cause, so I figured this was the perfect chance to cross a little something-something off my day zero list.

I laced up my running shoes and got to training.


Unfortunately this picture is not an accurate portrayal of how I felt while running the 5K.

For most of it, I was pretty uncomfortable. Actually, I was borderline miserable.

It was hot, humid, too sunny for this pasty-white girl, and there was a severe shortage of water. It hurt.


That is why I am so incredibly thankful for this girl.

She was an inspiration from the beginning until the end. She fought to keep me positive, cheered me on, and ran at my pace even though she's way further along in her training than I am.

I seriously believe that without Angie, I never would have crossed that finish line.

Before that day, Angie and I were co-workers building a friendship. Saturday was the first day we were ever in the same room together for crying out loud. For her to support me the way she did is an incredible testament to her character and her heart.

I am totally fortunate to have found such a wonderful new friend. Thank you, Angie. You are totally my favorite.

Out and Out Bribery - With a Bit of Random Running Rambling

I mentioned on twitter, Facebook, the blog, and to anyone who would listen that I started running again last week.

My friend Angie suggested that setting goals is what is keeping her running. I realized she was right. So, I took my friend Heather up on her offer and signed up for my first 5K. Knowing that I've registered will be good incentive to keep training. 

On August 25th I'm running (and maybe walking a little) the Traffick Free 5K. It will definitely be an early morning, but I'm actually pretty excited.
I'm so excited in fact, on Saturday afternoon (my first "off day" this week) I actually thought to myself, "I'd really like to go out for a run today."

WHAT?!?

I'm fully aware though, that I won't be so excited to get my buns off the couch and run every day. With that in mind, I've promised myself a few little goodies to keep running interesting.

Seriously, let's just call it what it is - out and out bribery.

Running Bribes by aforeignland

After several recommendations, I'm planning a trip to Fleet Feet sometime soon. The only other time I've been fitted for running shoes was at Fleet Feet in St. Louis, so I'm looking forward to the experience again.

It's like I told the hubby tonight, "I'm getting old." Truth is, if I'm going to be running I need to invest in some good shoes. I've got to protect these old bones.

I'm hoping the shoes that are perfect for my feet are as adorable as these neon pink Nikes. *crossing my fingers and toes*

Thanks to Cait from Pretty and Fun for suggesting the ear buds! Looking forward to adding those to my gear. Speaking of Cait, she's running the Chicago Marathon for the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation. Have you sponsored her yet?

If you're a runner in Chicago (or somewhere else), you really should run the Traffick Free 5K on August 25th with me! What do you think?

The registration fee is discounted until the 11th but even if you register after, the money is going to such a great cause, it's worth a little bit extra. To learn more about Traffick Free and register for the run, visit their website.

Any tips for preparing for my first 5K?

Happy Thoughts (18)

Trying Something New

Last night I took my first Nia class.  It's billed as, "a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness."  Think Yoga meets modern dance and throw in a healthy dose of introspection.  I'm definitely interested in trying it again!  If I can work up a sweat while dancing I consider that to be a well spent evening.  Throw in a couple of friends and I call it victory.

"Grilling Out"

Where I'm from, cooking outside is called bar-b-queing.  I've quickly learned since moving below the Mason/Dixon Line that this is an inaccurate use of the word "bar-b-que."  Barbecue is a specific preparation that is NOT THE SAME as grilling over coals outside.  Last weekend we had two very yummy opportunities to grill-out with friends.  No barbecue sauce involved.

Twin boys & Birthday Parties & Puppet Shows

I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party for my very favorite set of twins in the whole wide world.  Max and Sam just turned one. To celebrate the occasion, their incredibly talented aunt & uncle put on a puppet show!  Obviously, Max & Sam were delighted and it was nearly impossible to contain the cuteness.

How do you spell BBQ? Bar-b-que or Barbecue? Please discuss...

Happy Thoughts (17)

Visitors

Summer time always brings lots of out of town family and friends to Chattanooga. This one has been no different!  Over the past three weekends we've had several sets of visitors crashing at our pad.  I do love to show people around the city and practice a little hospitality.

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Cicadas

It isn't very often that you'll hear me saying something nice about Chattanooga when comparing it to my home town.  So, perhaps you should mark today on your calendar.  After spending less than 24 hours in St. Louis this past weekend, I got more than my fill of the cicada plague.  They are loud, ugly and pretty freakin' creepy.  And they are all the heck over St. Louis.  I am beyond happy to report that to my knowledge they are few and far between in Chattanooga.  And I sure hope it stays that way!

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Literary Crack

I finally read Suzanne Collins book The Hunger Games.  It would probably be an understatement to say I'm hooked considering I picked up the second book of the trilogy about 12 hours after finishing the first.  (a girl has to sleep)  I found the first book to be an ideal summer indulgence.  It's a super quick read with a unique premise, engaging characters and just the right amount of "dark" to keep my nose buried deep in its pages.  PLUS, there is a movie currently being filmed and scheduled to be released around my birthday in the Spring! Happy Birthday to me.

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Yoga

Now that our teaching schedule is back down to only 4 classes a week for the summer, my body and mind have enough energy to take other classes than ours.  Last week I hopped into a few Yoga classes for the first time in months.  Man do I love a good Yoga (or Yogurt as the hubby calls them) session.  I am convinced that laying on your back in silence and solitude for 5 minutes (Savasana) is the ULTIMATE in exercise.

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Plenty to Keep Me Busy

Seems like the last few weeks have FLOWN by.  There's been more than enough stuff to keep each hour of each day filled to the brim. Not that I think you're counting the hours until I post, but I sure appreciate you continuing to be patient with my less than regular appearances around here.

What's been keeping YOU busy lately???

A Slippery Slope

About three weeks ago, my body started aching.  The pain was kinda dull and constant.  It woke me up at night.  It made me feel ooooooooooooold. (you remember the birthday drama, of course?)

Knowing that my class schedule has doubled in the past few weeks and I've started training for a 10K, I wondered if the aches and pains were somehow connected to my physical activity level.  There were also moments where my inner drama queen took over and I imagined that I had some sort of debilitating disease that was going to require House and his team to save my life.  I have an active imagination. Back off.

Now, before I go any further with this story... I want to address a little something.  I'm fully aware that once SOME of you finish reading this post, you're going to roll your eyes. You're going to think that this "problem" really isn't a "problem" at all.  Please, I beg you though, don't judge or roll your eyes too quickly.  This post may not win me a popularity contest, but it's a snapshot of what's going on in my life.  So, please, be kind.

Ok, back to the story.  After a week of aches and pains and interrupted sleep I went to my doctor.  He asked about 5 bajillion questions, gave me a simple physical and took some blood tests.  In the end he suggested that I needed to start eating more.  He explained that the aches and pains were probably a result of my body eating my muscles because it had run out of other fuel. Now, let me say that this was a surprise to me.  I mean, I eat.  And I eat a lot. I've been called a human vacuum cleaner.  I'm not kidding you when I say, I eat a LOT.

Turns out though, I don't eat enough protein.  That coupled with my high metabolism has led to an ouch filled couple weeks.

Enter: protein shakes, clif bars, even more greek yogurt and an hard boiled egg a day.

Plus for the past week and a half I've been recording every thing that goes into my tummy.  I'm counting protein, calories, carbs and fats.  And it is ANNOYING.  Like absolutely annoying.  And a tad bit addictive.  Here's the thing, I've got a lot of issues.  (I wanted to put a "link" on that "issues" but I think this blog speaks for itself) I mean, even my issues have issues, you know.  It's just that of all my issues, eating issues or body image issues have never been included.

But if I'm being honest, there was a little zing when I saw that number on the scale at my appointment. (I don't weigh myself typically) It felt good to see my weight where it is. And now, even though I'm aching, I find myself considering NOT eating things I should.  Mainly this is because I don't want to get online and figure out what the nutritional information is and record it... but also because I don't want my daily food journal to look less than healthy.  Luckily, I lurve to eat too much to let that "considering" last too long.  My appetite has won the battle every time so far.  But I wonder, if I had to do this long term would that continue? Would the battles continue to be won by my appetite?  This last week has been a clear picture to me just how easily one can allow their diet to become a ToTAL preoccupation.  It has been very, very tempting to let it start to control me.  It has been very, very scary to experience how easy it would be to give in to the temptation to eat less in the name of "skinny."  Even in my case where it would be unhealthy skinny.

Thankfully, I can say though, that I'm really ReALLY grateful that this food journaling thing is only going to have to last a couple of weeks.  I'm hopeful that once I adjust how I eat, the aches and pains will go away.  I look forward to food becoming a joy again instead of a "problem."  Because, let's be honest, my analyst ReALLY doesn't need another problem to sort through.

Happy Thoughts (14)

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Maybe Getting "Old" Wouldn't be ALL Bad

A sweet friend pointed out why I may be freaking out about getting older.  We just finished reading Water For Elephants.  I'm telling you, that book is about the worst picture of getting older that one could ever find.  (Once I see the movie, I'll share my opinion on both it and the book.  So, stay tuned.)

Anyway, when I see pictures like this, I wonder if getting older might not be ALL bad.

Beautiful Weather means Playing in the Park

Pizza (and doughnuts) in the park with a few of my favorite people in the world was a delightful way to spend a Saturday evening!

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Catching Up Over Tiramisu

My cousin just recently moved to Nashville.  Since that's just a hop, skip and a jump from Chattanooga, I got to have dinner with her one night last week.  We had so much fun together I completely forgot to take the lens cap off my camera.  Suffice it to say, it's a trip I'll be making frequently this summer!

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Training for a 10K

I've got my eye on the Riverbend 10K in June.  (a bit overzealous??)  The fun part is that the handsome hubby is getting in on the training!  Woo Hoo.

Steaks on the Grill that Smell so Good they 

Draw the Neighbor's Attention

What made you Happy this Weekend?

Happy Thoughts (13)

Dog Farts

Twice - TWO times - last week Spike was dead asleep, let out an audible fart that woke him up and then barked at whatever it was that had just disturbed him.

Juvenile humor? Perhaps.  Funny as all get out? Undoubtedly.

An Empty Google Reader

My blog backlog had gotten out of control!  On Wednesday night after reading as many posts as I could, I clicked "mark all items as read" and started with a clean slate.  I cannot tell you how freeing it felt.  Why on Earth did I wait so long to do that?  From now on, I intend to use that sanity saving button at the end of my reading each day and I pledge not to feel guilty about it.

The Weather

Today I was able to run at 11am - that's smack dab in the middle of the day, people - and it was glorious.  The sun was shining, there was a breeze and I wasn't blinded by sweat in my eyes the minute I stepped out of the car due to heat and humidity.  I'm not going to call it perfection, but I'm not going to stop you if that's what you want to call it.

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Inspiration

"Freedom is actually a bigger game than power. Power is about what you can control. Freedom is about what you can unleash." -Harriet Rubin

I read this lovely quote (which accompanied an even lovelier picture) on Everton Terrace early this morning.  It just kind of started my day off right.  Don't you love when that happens?  You simply must go over and visit Jeanette's blog if you haven't already.  Her she read, she saw... feature is pure brilliance.

Manure

During my run today, their were grounds people out spreading manure. Manure is kind of a necessary evil, isn't it?  As I experienced the smell I found myself identifying with the plants.  Sometimes you gotta push through some shit to get to the light.

Here's hoping your weekend is nothing but light!