Spreading love, light, and gratitude with SOUL

Between the anniversary of 9/11, the hurricane craziness, and life in general, I hope everyone keeps spreading love, light, and gratitude.. Kindness is free and can change someone's life for the better. 💛 

I am not an athlete. I have never considered myself one nor will I ever be one. Okay, maybe I am a dancer though? Who knows? Who cares, but that doesn't matter. 
In July, in the midst of stress between my final quarter of college, working two different internships, work, life, friends, family (the list goes on), I was in search of a workout and motivator to be a better, healthier self. 

Being all about collaboration over competition and attracted high energy workouts, I decided to try out SoulCycle.

Little did I know, the first class was a SOULSURVIVOR (aka the 1-hour class when it's usually 45 minutes), but this didn't matter and I thought anything is possible! The fantastic Gunner and fellow riders made it fly by with sweat, positivity, and inspiration to be the best we can be and live in the moment. 
After that one Sunday morning, I kept coming back and thinking about SOUL.

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 I found it. I love every minute of it.

Whether it be Brent putting up with me during #BestWeekEver and the epic #ThrowbackThursdays, Joshua W. for bringing the Britney Battles and getting to share your incredible milestones with you, and Katie for bringing the stage to the studio and defying gravity with #KatiesKrew. This is just the beginning of my SOUL journey. I couldn't be more grateful for my experience throughout this past year and for the amazing people I have met through this community.
Today I completed my 15th ride. My goal is to get to 50 by the end of 2017.

Yes, I know it is just the beginning, and wherever I end up, I am excited to bring the SOUL on my journey.
💛✌🏻

See you on the bikes! 

What's the Scoop in the Windy City? An Ice Cream Special Report..

Today is National Ice Cream Day! Yay! Did you know that it is an actual holiday though in the U.S.A? After a joint resolution in Congress, S.J. Res. 298  signed by President Ronald Reagan, on July 2, 1984 declared July as National Ice Cream Month and July 15 as National Ice Cream Day (So cool, right? ) 

Across the U.S, we may have TONS and TONS of options of discounts and complimentary offers upon us which are great,  my hometown of Chicago is so fortunate to have delicious treat locations. Here are some of my favorites in NO PARTICULAR ORDER ;-) xo L 

1) Annette's Italian Ice

Annette's may be known for its Italian Ice, but Lincoln Park's Hidden Gem off of Armitage is also home to many different flavors of Ice Cream & Fro Yo from simply Vanilla to Raspberry Chip Cheesecake! 924 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

2. George's Ice Cream & Sweets

Right on Clark in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood is the colorful sweet shop featuring Madison, Wisconsin's finest Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream known for its delicious crazy titled flavors from Halley's Comet & Kitty Kitty Bang Bang! 5306 N Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

3. Cone Chicago Gourmet Ice Cream

Located in the West Loop neighborhood, (which is definitely the best Loop) Cone Chicago brings the combination of Irish Flair & Family Tradition Alive since opening their doors in 2013. They also offer GrubHub and UberEats specials! 1047 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60607

4. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Chicago

From Wizard of Oz to Fifties Nostalgia, the themed decor of this Chicago Ice Cream shop changes with the seasons! With over 32 flavors of Chocolate Shoppe Premium Ice Cream, there is definitely a flavor for all to enjoy. 5337 W Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60646

Photo Credit: Instagram @CheatDayEats

Photo Credit: Instagram @CheatDayEats

5. Dairy Star Ice Cream of Lincolnwood

Can I get a dipped cone, please? At Dairy Star, there is whatever topping or dip to have from Oreo to Birthday Cake to Blue Raspberry! Known for its delicious soft serve, shakes, and slushies in the 60712 ! 3472 W. Devon St. Lincolnwood, IL 60712