Dating in Chicago: Relationship Expert Anita Chlipala Shows You How to Find Love in 2015

In honor of Valentine’s Day, The Chicago Lifestyle is introducing you to one of Chicago’s coolest ladies – Dating and Relationship Expert Anita Chlipala. Conveniently located downtown on 70 E. Lake St, Anita’s business – Relationship Reality 312 – has helped countless Chicagoans find and keep love.

Are you single and trying to find the right people to date? Have you lost hope in Chicago’s dating scene? Or, are you in a relationship but could use some professional guidance? Anita will give you hope – and the tools for success – in an approachable, down-to-earth way. “Just as you would get professional help or training for your job, it makes sense to get help while pursuing one of the greatest parts of your life – your relationship,” explains Anita. While some people may be scared of scheduling an appointment to ask for help, the process doesn’t have to be scary – Anita says many of the sessions involve fun and laughter.

Anita, who is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, runs a research-based practice. Meaning, any advice or guidance she gives is backed up by what’s worked through years of research in the field. Understanding that no two individuals or couples are exactly alike, she’ll start with a phone consultation to determine whether they are a good fit for her coaching. Once in person, Anita helps an individual or couple identify their goals, and she may recommend several sessions to dig further to achieve the goals set out.

What kinds of challenges and goals do her clients bring in? For singles, it’s developing the mental preparation to find the right mate – understanding who they should be looking for, how to find them, and how to make it stick. For couples, challenges often include not feeling connected or committed. Through the process, clients will understand what’s blocking them from getting what they want, and how to change their approach.

Anita sets the record straight – “Many people think finding relationships and keeping them strong is easy. You can’t expect a perfect relationship, and you have to work hard at it. I’m here to help set expectations and shift your attitude and thoughts on dating.”

What’s the scoop on dating in Chicago? Anita offers great advice – “Don’t wait for summer. Be proactive – have a mindset to put yourself out there and go get it. Be an active participant rather than waiting for someone to approach you. Take advantage of networking and meetup events, charity events, and parties.”

Coaching and therapy aren’t all she offers – Anita is an advice columnist (for Patti Stanger of The Millionaire Matchmaker!) and she hosts workshops, events, and Girls’ Nights In. You’re already talking about men with your friends – why not get some real advice in the process? Gather at least three of your friends and contact Anita to host your next Girls’ Night In – bring the wine and cheese, and bring your questions. You’ll have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire ahead of time to get the most tailored advice.

Now you know about one of Chicago’s great resources – in the Valentine’s spirit, contact Anita to make your dating life stellar in 2015!

{Image courtesy of Relationship Reality 312}

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BlendAbout: Social Dining – The New Way to Mix and Mingle? (Part 3)

In the third part of our feature on social dining we explore BlendAbout, an organization that brings people together for group dining experiences. If you’re traveling to a new city and don’t want to dine alone or simply want to meet new people over a great meal in Chicago, BlendAbout is your answer.

Founder Kate Spivak was inspired to start BlendAbout after a cross-country move – one that brought her to a new city where she had to build a new network of friends from scratch. “Outside of the online dating world, there was no service to connect people for networking or friendship,” explains Kate. After launching three years ago, BlendAbout is now available in most major cities across the U.S.

How does BlendAbout work? The website, blendabout.com, invites users to sign up for a meal as one of four to six guests. While some meals are pre-created, users can generate their own meals by picking a restaurant they’d like to visit, setting a theme (such as networking, dating, sports, politics or travel), and defining a date and time. BlendAbout takes care of the reservations, and other users can sign up to join the meal. Reservations are confirmed when at least four people “take a seat at the table.”

BlendAbout

There’s no requirement to go by yourself, however. You can invite friends or other contacts to join BlendAbout and register their own seat at the table. Because the process is so simple, it’s a great way to meet people, either within the dating world or beyond. Social networking capabilities allow you to see other “Blenders” in your area and tag someone to your wish list. The service charges a small monthly subscription fee, and then you pay individually for your meal at the restaurant. While a virtual medium is used to set up the meals, BlendAbout gets you out there interacting with people in real life, not just behind a computer or phone screen.

BlendAbout is a great service for anyone who doesn’t want to dine by themselves, who wants to meet new people, or simply to try a new restaurant. While many users are business travelers or residents in a new city, others have unique reasons. For example, a woman wanted to try a hot new restaurant she knew her husband wouldn’t be able to eat at due to his diet. BlendAbout was her solution to find others who would enjoy the same spot. Feedback from users has been that it’s simple to use, guests are friendly and nice, and it’s not an awkward introduction like a dating service might incur. The group setting takes the pressure off, as there are no pre-conceived notions on what the meal should be like.

BlendAbout

Founder Kate has attended meals as a guest and is lucky that she’s met some of her best friends through BlendAbout. “I didn’t know what to expect when I started BlendAbout, but I’ve met such a range of amazing people.” The BlendAbout team encourages Chicagoans to try out the service and enjoy meeting new people over a great meal. Who knows, you may get lucky and meet a new best friend!

{Images Courtesy of BlendAbout. Credit (Cover Photo): Nader Khouri}

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Restaurant Spotlight: Big Eating at Bottlefork

The favorite Rockit Ranch Productions presents the comfortably sharp Bottlefork Bar and Kitchen. Among all the wonderful restaurants that River North has to offer, Bottlefork stands tall as one of the best. Just as perfectly highlighted in the “Our Story” of their website, “…Bottlefork is a representation of the seamless partnership of the food and beverage coming together to create the perfect marriage of food and drink.” Bottlefork serves a similar audience as their next-door neighbor, Bub City, but with a completely different and uniquely special atmosphere. The restaurant is dimly lit with beautiful wood tones that highlight the bottled drinks effortlessly.

Beginning with the drinks, the options are nearly endless but the “Bottlefork Original Cocktails” are always a safe and yummy place to start. “Big Salty Tears”, sounds like an odd pairing of ingredients (Lustau Palo Cortado & East India Solera Sherries, Rittenhouse Rye, Lemon, Maple, Orange Flower Water & Egg) but is certainly worth being adventurous.

Bottlefork Drinks

Next, for the appetizer, every table in the restaurant at dinnertime seems to order the ““Bag” of crisps and egg” with good reason. In essence, the bag of crisps is a brown paper bag of potato chips accompanied to the table by a small dish of a poached egg. The waiters drop the egg in the bag at the table and shake it up to make a delicious pairing of the chips and egg. Other great appetizers are the Popcorn Sweetbreads or the Deviled Eggs, which have a nice modern twist.

Bottlefork Appetizers

The best part, the entrée at Bottlefork, is referred to as ”shareables” with the idea that each party chooses a few plates to enjoy together family style. A strong recommendation is the Potato Gnocchi with Spring Mushrooms, Stinging Nettles and Fresh Goat Cheese. This is the perfect size to compliment other dishes because it offers enough bites for everyone to get a good sense of the unique flavor and despite being shared, the potato is still nice and filling. Even for those who don’t care for mushrooms the combination of the stinging nettles and goat cheese helps to give them a new and different pleasing flavor.

Bottlefork Shareables

Lastly, when it comes to everyone’s favorite course, Bottlefork doesn’t fail to impress: dessert is truly the best part. Guests have the opportunity to choose from the creamery or desserts in a glass. From the creamery, the Pretzel Caramel Sundae is a favorite. That delectable sweet and salty mix that comes from caramel popcorn, salted caramel, or M&M’s on popcorn, is delivered perfectly in the Pretzel Caramel Sundae.

Visit Bottlefork Bar and Kitchen soon to create your own wonderful experience and find your favorite dishes- you won’t be disappointed.

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10 Ways to Have Fun in Chicago This Winter – On the Cheap

Set a New Year’s resolution to save money this year? While Chicago abounds with expensive meals out, days of pricey sightseeing and nights on the town, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself through the cold months on the cheap.

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Low Cost Fun in Chicago

1. Trek across Northerly Island by snowshoe

Bring your camera to capture great views of the city while getting a winter workout in. At only $5 for snowshoe or cross-country ski rentals, you can explore this expansive park near the Planetarium. Check here for a calendar of days the program is running. Note that there must be three inches of snow to participate – so check their Facebook page or call 312-745-2910 for up-to-date information on access.

2. See what the Soho House hype is about for the cost of a latte

Curious about West Loop’s new glamorous social club, the Soho House (113 – 125 N. Green St.)? While much of the club is designated for members or hotel guests only, the coffee shop and bar in the stunningly decorated lobby (The Allis) and the two restaurants (Chicken Shop and Pizza East) are open to the public. One of our favorite stops in the neighborhood, we recommend finding a lovely sun-lit table in the lobby and ordering a latte or freshly-concocted Bloody Mary to soak up the Soho House atmosphere.

3. Enjoy a homemade meal in a cozy flower shop

The Flower Flat in Lakeview (620 W. Addison) is a former flower shop offering a unique café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served; dinner only on Friday nights. Take advantage of Friday night’s rotating $19 prix fixe menu featuring dishes such as red wine marinara spaghetti with mozzarella meatballs and peppered shrimp on creamy polenta.

4. Visit the tropics for free at the conservatories

Surround yourself with gorgeous flowers, plants and streams when you step inside the heated haven of Lincoln Park Conservatory. Located just south of Fullerton, the Conservatory features four rooms: the Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House (which hosts annual flower shows). Access is free.

Head further west to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 North Central Park Ave.), which is an expansive tropical setting featuring six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls. Admission is also free, however donations are recommended.

5. Turn your favorite walk into a bike ride with Divvy

Missing your outdoor workouts? Cover more ground and work up some body heat while biking around town. The Divvy rental bike system is available year-round and you can check out a bike for a $7 24-hour pass or kick start unlimited rides with a year-long membership for $75. Because the intent of the bike program is to offer transportation from one point to another, rides must be 30 minutes or less. If you decide to ride for longer, slight overtime charges will be applied. The program offers 3000 bikes across the city found at 300 docking stations, so you are guaranteed to find one near where you want to go.

6. Dine at last year’s hot restaurants

Missed a few restaurant openings last year? Head in now that lines have subsided to comfort hits such as Leghorn Chicken’s new location on 600 W. Ohio St. ($7 for a Nashville Hot chicken sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit), or Shake Shack (66 E. Ohio St.) where you can devour a classic ShackBurger for only $5.19. Dine on endless tacos, burger and po’ boys at Big & Little’s, located at 860 N. Orleans and 1034 W. Belmont. This favorite Chicago diner was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and continues to draw regulars back for more delicious eats.

Or, make it fancy and head to Enolo Wine Café in River North (450 N. Clark St.) for a $13 “Tall, Dark and Handsome” flight of 3 glasses of red wine or a $4.50 tasty bruschetta (top picks include Prosciutto, Fig Jam and Mascarpone, or Bacon Jam, Torched Burrata, Arugula and Tomato).

7. Take advantage of free museum days

Chicago has so many options to get your cultural fix. From Degas at the Art Institute to dinosaurs at the Field Museum, Illinois residents can enjoy some of Chicago’s best museums for free on select days (bring your driver’s license to show proof of residency). Choose Chicago put together a list of specific dates museums open up to residents for free.

8. Conquer a new workout for free

Many fitness studios offer a trial workout for free for new customers. Tackle your New Year’s resolutions by finding your new favorite workout. TITLE Boxing Club offers a free first boxing experience, and Power Sculpt Fitness offers a free trial class (check out Cycle & Sculpt or Tabata Express).

9. Eat and drink on the cheap with local happy hour specials

Warm, cozy bars draw you in from the cold for fun and camaraderie. Keep bar tabs low by heading in for the happy hour specials. Get your coworkers or friends to tag along to split a few appetizers. The Lobby Lounge in the JW Marriott (151 W. Adams St.) offers $5 wine specials and $5 appetizers such as pizza flatbreads and chicken bites from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

McCormick & Schmick’s on Rush and Chestnut has a great priced happy hour menu in the early evening hours each day of the week tempting you with items ranging from $2.99 (Garlic Rosemary Fries) to $5.99 (American Kobe Style Carpaccio and Baja Fish Tacos).

If you’re craving a Hawaiian island menu, head to Roy’s (720 N. State St.) for Aloha Hour every night from 4:30 – 7 p.m. to enjoy $6 cocktails such as Cucumber Martinis and $6 bar bites such as Red Curry Chicken Samosas and Tempura-Crusted Ahi Rolls.

10. Collect extra cash by selling clothes at consignment shops

Make a few extra bucks to fund your social life as you clear up space in your closet. Donate clean items in great condition that you no longer want to consignment shops such as Second Time Around (823 W. Armitage). Earn on average 30 – 40% of the original value of an item, or 50% for new items with tags still on. Second Time Around is looking for designer clothing and accessories that you no longer need and can sell to someone else who would enjoy them.

Le Thrift Consignment (1821 W. Chicago Ave.) is currently accepting winter hand bags, clothing, jewelry and accessories for similar prices, no appointment necessary.

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Find Your Path in 2015 with The Detoxitarian’s Desire Map Workshop

Please welcome Marcy E. Cruice, HHC, “The Detoxitarian” and Licensed Desire Map Facilitator, for a Guest Post this week.

At the core of everything we do and every decision we make is a desire. A desire to feel good, to feel happy. Likely, we are striving for something that we hope will give us that “good” feeling. But, let’s be real, good and happy are pretty vague. What does good feel like? What does happy feel like?

We tend to seek out the things that we hope will make us feel good, it’s human nature. And, sometimes it works. But what about when it doesn’t? What if we could get really clear on the feelings we want most and start generating those feelings right now instead of waiting and hoping for them?

This is exactly the conversation that Marcy E. Cruice, a Chicago-based, licensed Desire Map Facilitator is starting. She attributes her recent personal and professional transformation to her discovery of The Desire Map and the uncovering of her core desired feelings. From accepting love to the birth of her online coaching program, THE DETOXITARIAN™, The Desire Map was a complete game-changer. It provided her with the clarity and insight to rearrange her perspective, her expectations, her decision-making process and her relationship with her feelings and she is excited and ready to share this experience with you so you can start to create a life that you love!

Beginning in January, Marcy will be hosting workshops and retreats based on The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte that will guide you through the process of getting clear about how you want to feel: in your work, your relationships, your home, in your body. By exploring the five major areas of your life, you will be given the opportunity to examine how you are currently feeling and how you want to feel. You will uncover your core desired feelings, the feelings you most want to feel. You will: be supported and provide support, connect with a new tribe of like-minded men and women, experience an indescribable energy and accountability, play with words, create, expand.

If there is anyone capable of guiding you through this transformation, it’s Marcy. She is inspiring, passionate, fun to be around and maintains an incredible balance between emotion and logic. She is from Logan Square and works independently as a health and lifestyle coach. She is passionate about living deliberately and works with her clients to assess their health and lifestyle goals, remove the blocks and to commit to progress.

Through her unique and self-created approach, Marcy has led her clients to lose weight, increase energy, kick nasty illness, transform relationships and careers, discover clarity, learn how to grocery shop and meal plan, ask the tough questions, identify and eliminate food allergies, remove toxins and decrease cancer risk. She hosts workshops and events; provides corporate wellness and business consulting; leads grocery shopping tours; speaks; runs online programs and books clubs, and more! As an extension of THE DETOXITARIAN™, she recently became licensed as one of the first Desire Map facilitators because “the clarity that desire mapping uncovers almost immediately removes a set of mental toxins that undoubtedly are causing us stress and holding us back.” She will be the first to host these exclusive workshops in Chicago!

Winter Desire Map workshops take place on January 17-18 and February 7-8. Sign up before the spots are filled!

Marcy Cruice

Desire Map Workshop

Marcy Cruice

To learn more, visit marcyecruice.com. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for updates and announcements and random doses of desire.

{Photos courtesy of Marcy E. Cruice and Sylvia G. Photography}

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Help Make Chicago’s Very Own Foodseum a Reality

If you love food, live to eat and seek out every gourmet experience you can find, prepare to be delighted by the upcoming launch of Chicago’s very own museum dedicated to food, the Foodseum. You’ll be immersed in the history and culture that make up the food we eat each day (and even some foods you’ve never tried). While the physical space isn’t slated to open until 2018, the organization is raising funds through Kickstarter to set up a series of pop-up exhibits to keep us satisfied until the opening.

Inspired by a childhood of living abroad and traveling across Europe, Executive Director Kyle Joseph founded the idea for Foodseum. “I had the opportunity to dive into many cultures – I met people in each culture who shared themselves through food,” says Kyle. While many countries across the world form identities, cultures and day-to-day interactions centered on food, in the United States there isn’t as thorough an understanding of where our food comes from.

To fill this gap, Foodseum aims to reconnect people to where their food comes from – in a fun environment. Everything from advertising techniques to the farm-to-table journey will be explored in Foodseum’s exhibits. Kyle explains, “The goal is to engage all five senses – you’ll be able to smell, touch and even taste in the museum,” which is planned to include demonstrations and restaurant service. Expect to learn more about chocolate, cheese, coffee and so many more of the items we savor each day. You’ll be exposed to foods you may have never heard of, as well.

Kyle smartly considers Chicago the food capital of the United States. He and his team have experienced a big welcome in a culture where many agree. Because Chicago is such a great city for tourism and museum visitors, it’s the right place to build the Foodseum. Partnerships with other museums, culinary schools, architecture firms and chefs have offered ideas on how to make this the best experience possible. Several well-known chefs in Chicago have been invited to make up the Culinary Advisory Board, which includes curating recipes to share with the museum’s visitors. Showing the connection between established local food culture and the new museum will make Foodseum a mainstay in the city’s cultural and culinary world.

To satiate the palates of intrigued Chicagoans, Foodseum is working toward a pop-up exhibit featuring our classic fare, hot dogs and encased meats. To make this possible, they’re running a Kickstarter campaign – consider contributing this week as it’s only open until December 25. Contributors toward the goal of $30,000 will receive special rewards, ranging from an annual membership to the Foodseum to your very own “Foodcation” experience – a weekend full of foodie surprises with local celebrities and chefs.

“Everyone’s help will make this a reality,” explains Kyle, who is enthusiastic about sharing his passion with Chicago’s residents and visitors. Contribute to the fundraising campaign today and stay tuned for more on upcoming exhibits and the official Foodseum opening.

{Image courtesy of Vienna Beef}

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New and Exciting Fitness Classes to Help You Change Up Your Workout

Around this time of year, everyone has holiday parties, birthdays, or something they want to look good for. Whether it’s just to improve allover health or to be able to wear that sparkly holiday dress and heels, everyone has a reason to want to get fit. Instead of doing the same old thing at the gym, running on the treadmill and trying to exhaust yourself only to lose a few measly pounds, here are some classes that help you to not only look better but also feel better. With their positive reinforcement, great attitudes and top trainers, these classes are great ways to change up your workout.

1. Core Fusion Extreme – Exhale Chicago

This new and exciting class at Exhale Chicago helps to rev up your metabolism and build your strength as you move through 6 power stations. The hour long class is comprised of high intensity interval training followed by active recovery. This class not only helps you abolish fat, but makes you feel powerful and empowered in the process. The trainers and instructors in the class are always there to push you through positive reinforcement and helping you become a stronger you. For more information on this and other classes as well as other services offered at Exhale Chicago call 312-753-6500 or visit www.chicago.exhalespa.com.

2. The Vixen Workout Chicago

This is an intense hip-hop cardio fitness class which is inspired by your favorite artists as well as the Miami night life scene. This is the only women’s dance workout which delivers easy to learn combinations, providing a unique experience. With their full body workout, each vixen workout has a fun atmosphere. It combines intense muscle toning movements hidden by choreography as well as loud music and lots of fun. Check out The Vixen Workout on their website for location information as the classes change venues around Chicago weekly.

3. X-It Interval Training

X-Sport X-It Interval Training

This is an hour long high intensity class, held at X-Sport Fitness, that is very adaptable to each person that joins. Through the use of heart rate monitors, each participant is able to reach and maintain their maximum heart rate of 85%. This allows your body to burn calories and fat for up to 36 hours after the class. About every 3 weeks the class changes so each person is always on their toes. At X-Sport Fitness the top personal trainers are handpicked and certified to run the X-It Interval Training Program. The class is in a group setting but still personalized to every participant with the heart rate monitors and workout modifications. There are several X-It Classes throughout the week that can fit your schedule either during the day, afternoon or night. X-It Training is available at several X-Sport locations throughout the Chicagoland area. To find more information on X-It Interval Training or to go in and try a free class visit www.xsportfitness.com/xit.

Whether you are looking for something new to do during the week or a complete lifestyle change, these three classes are great ways to start.

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Learn about Truffles, Cheese and More at Mariano’s La Tavola Italiana

You already love Mariano’s for its extensive selection, great service and gourmet inspiration. Now you can love Mariano’s even more as they tempt you with seven days of classes, demonstrations, tastings and more, December 7 – 14, 2014. Called La Tavola Italiana, the event is designed to kick off Mariano’s partnership with the Italian Trade Agency.

Experience the essence of truffles, modern mixology secrets and the origination of olive oil at events occurring through the 14^th at Mariano’s Bucktown and Ravenswood locations. Top events include:

Bucktown (2112 N. Ashland Ave.)

Arancini making with Chef Rich Mancini of Hell’s Kitchen (Monday, 12/8 at 6:30 p.m.)
All About Wine seminar with Sommelier Christopher Rowell (Tuesday, 12/9 at 5:30 p.m.)
Eggplant Parmigiana and Cannoli making with Chef Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno (Wednesday, 12/10 at 6:30 p.m.)
Modern Mixology Seminar: Seasonal Creative Cocktails (Wednesday, 12/10 at 6:30 p.m.)
Italian Vegetarian Recipes with Chef Sean Pharr (Thursday, 12/11 at 6:30 p.m.)
Cannoli Cake Demo (Friday, 12/12 at 4 p.m.)

Click here for full event listing, prices and RSVP links. Advance RSVP recommended.

Ravenswood (1800 W. Lawrence Ave.)

Learn about the World of Salumi and Salami (Monday, 12/8 at 6 p.m.)
All About Truffles with Giacomo Marinello (Tuesday, 12/9 at 6:30 p.m.)
Pastry Class with Chef Sarah Koechling of Formento’s (Wednesday, 12/10 at 6:30 p.m.)
Dishin’ with the Dietitian for the Holidays (Wednesday, 12/10 at 6:30 p.m.)
Wine and Food Pairing Session with Master of Wine Serafin Alvarado (Thursday, 12/11 at 6:30 p.m.)
Revolution Brewing: Tap Overthrow (Friday, 12/12 at 5:30 p.m.)

Click here for full event listing, prices and RSVP links. Advance RSVP recommended.

The event kicked off on December 7 and one of the first classes was “All About Truffles” with Italian Chef Giacomo Marinello. Chef Marinello taught us the history of truffles and treated us to an incredible dish of truffle risotto.

Grown naturally in Italy and France, truffles are found by either pigs or dogs. While there are many different varieties, most truffles are either black, with a milder flavor, or white, with a more intense flavor. The right combination of soil composition, temperature and rain is what allows truffles to grow, which are typically found under trees. Made up of nearly 90% water, truffles have an incredible scent and flavor that makes them a delicacy. They have a very short shelf life, barely over a week, making truffles a challenge to secure in their true form. Many derivatives including butter, salt, cream and sauce allow us to enjoy the truffle flavor year-round.

All About Truffles

Chef Giacomo Marinello

Truffle Risotto

Learn about truffles and much more at Mariano’s La Tavola Italiana all week long!

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Red Bull Art of Can – Chicago Edition

Whether you drink Red Bull or not, you were still able to “get your wings” at the recent Red Bull Art Of Can Exhibit.

Innovative artists from across the nation were asked to “conceptualize and create pieces using only Red Bull cans as their primary material.” More than 300 submissions were made but only thirty of the sculptures made it into the public display in Millennium Park.

Judges of the crafts included Noelle Allen, head of the sculpture department at Dominican University in Chicago; Rachel Handler, senior managing editor of Chicago Sun Times Splash Magazine; Angela Bryant, owner of Abyant Gallery; Matt Eaton, curator and director of Red Bull House of Art in Detroit; Michelle Grabner, curator for the prestigious 2014 Whitney Biennial; and Hebru Brantley, a Chicago based and world renowned multimedia artist.

The nationwide artists flew to Chicago from Texas, Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Colorado, Kansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, and New York to show off their “People’s Choice Award” sculptures during the ten day exhibition. Seven out of the 30 artists were from Chicago.

The exhibit blew up around the social media world for the week with videos and pictures and the trending #ArtOfCan hashtag. The biggest crowd pleasing sculpture was “Heaven Help Me,” which formed a set of angel wings that people began to stand in front of to have their photo taken in order to “get their wings.” Clever.

Red Bull Art of Can

Another incredible piece was the giant sculpture of a bull that actually had to be displayed outside of the exhibit tent because it was so big. Made out of the original Red Bull cans (Sugar-Free and Low-Calorie have different designs), this display was the most eye catching piece that drew people to go inside and check out what else the exhibit had to offer.

After ten days of photos, fun and free energy drinks, the exhibit ended on Sunday with a parade of Red Bull Mini Coopers up Michigan Ave. and throughout the loop.

For more information join the Red Bull #ArtOfCan conversation with @redbullCHI or click here to vote for your favorite piece.

Red Bull Art of Can

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Exhale Chicago: Revive Your Mind and Body

Throughout Chicago there are plenty of gyms and spas to go to, however, Exhale Chicago in the Gold Coast is different than your ordinary workout or spa facility. With their mantra, “revive. restore. exhale.” Exhale Chicago takes the mind body experience to a whole new level.

What sets Exhale apart from any other spa or gym is that they are care all about the mind and body balance; they believe that connection is important.

Through their spa services, fitness classes and nutrition/wellness coaching, Exhale Chicago sets the bar for living a healthy lifestyle. They bring an experience that “offers unparalleled, transformational mind and body programs within an inspiring yet relaxing sanctuary.”

Exhale Chicago

The spa services that are provided at Exhale include but are not limited to facials and skin care regimens as well as acupuncture and specific massage packages to fit your needs. From body detox programs, the nail salon and body waxing, exhale Chicago takes you on a relaxing journey.

Exhale also offers fitness classes which include a brand new class – Core Fusion Extreme. Core Fusion Extreme is a program that amplifies your strength while moving through power stations. These power stations consist of high intensity interval training paired with brief moments of active recovery. This class not only helps you abolish fat, but makes you feel powerful and empowered in the process. The trainers and instructors in the class are always there to push you through positive reinforcement and helping you become a stronger you.

There are several other classes at Exhale including Thai stretching and yoga. You can purchase a single class or a package up to twenty classes at this facility. Not only are fitness packages offered, but there are also combination packages including bridal boot camp, nutrition and wellness, skincare revolution, a day of restoration, and mind and body memberships.

For more information on pricing and membership packages, you can contact Exhale Chicago at 312-753-6500 or visit them at 945 North State Street Chicago, IL 60610.

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