Wicker Park Bucktown Wellness Days at Chicago's Chop Shop Saturdays, April 13 & 20, 2019

Wicker Park Bucktown Wellness Days

bring dozens of health and lifestyle vendors to Chop Shop

Saturdays, April 13 & 20 during the Wicker Park Farmers Market

Events include on-site fitness classes, spa treatments,

product samples and more!

Dozens of health and lifestyle vendors come together for the Wicker Park Bucktown Wellness Days presented by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce on Saturdays, April 13 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free events will provide a one-stop shop for wellness resources, featuring vendors offering health and fitness demos and new self-care techniques.

There will also be a raffle for a 4-month gym membership to FFC on both days and an exclusive Wellness Days coupon book for all attendees, featuring special offers from Wicker Park and Bucktown businesses.

The Wicker Park Bucktown Wellness Days take place during the Wicker Park Farmers Market at Chop Shop (2033 W. North Ave) on Saturdays, April 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for all. For more information, visit www.wickerparkbucktown.com. Support for the Wellness Days is provided by Presenting Sponsor MedSpring Urgent Care and Event Sponsor HealthSource of Wicker Park.

Interactive events and experiences at the Wellness Days include: manicures from Dynamic Salon and Spa (April 13), cold nitrogen vapor facial samples from The CryoBar (April 13), KonMari folding and tidying demonstration with For the Love of Tidy (April 20), and short one-on- one coaching sessions with Co Pilot for Wellness (April 13) and Learn Alexander (April 20).
Additional Wellness Days vendors include: Advocate Health Care, Arc'Teryx Chicago, Athletico, Bar Method, Blade and Bloom, Bucktown Crossfit, CBD Kratom, Cortland
            
Smiles, Dermatology Physicians Group, FFC, HealthSource of Wicker Park, Juice+, Laura B Folkes, MedSpring Urgent Care, PNC Bank and Simply Smita.

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and Bucktown commercial districts, advancing the financial goals of neighborhood businesses through the creation of a dynamic economic climate, increasing the neighborhood's visibility and viability, and encouraging profitable relationships within the community. The Chamber administers Special Service Area (SSA) #33, guided by a volunteer Commission of SSA taxpayers who serve on active committees. 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and Bucktown commercial districts, advancing the financial goals of neighborhood businesses through the creation of a dynamic economic climate, increasing the neighborhood's visibility and viability, and encouraging profitable relationships within the community. The Chamber administers Special Service Area (SSA) #33, guided by a volunteer Commission of SSA taxpayers who serve on active committees. 

For more information, please visit www.wickerparkbucktown.com.

COMPLIMENTARY TREATMENTS DURING GRAND OPENING AT ELITE WELLNESS CENTER AND BYSTOL PEFORMANCE (BPC)

ELITE WELLNESS CENTER AND BYSTOL PEFORMANCE (BPC) TEAM UP TO HOST OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENING ON JULY 28, 2016

Introducing the Nation’s most comprehensive holistic wellness and personal training center

Located in Highland Park, IL!

Here at ChiIL Mama, I turn to holistic healing first, for my family and myself. If you live in the Chicago region and would like to find out more, Elite Wellness Center and Bystol Performance (BPC) have a wonderful open house coming up, including a chance to try out complimentary treatments.

When it comes to holistic healing, therapy, exercise science, and sports medicine, Elite Wellness Center and Bystol Performance (BPC) have teamed up to provide it all! These two health and wellness powerhouse business partners are pleased to launch the nation’s most comprehensive holistic wellness and personal training center located on Chicago’s North Shore at 1200 Old Skokie Valley Road in Highland Park, just off the Edens Expressway.

“Together, Elite and BPC are bringing a Wellness Revolution to the North Shore of Chicago,” says Randi Moxi, Brand Manager. “Recognizing there are several components to health and wellbeing, each facility’s team of experts will assess every person that walks through the doors to then develop customized treatment plans based on and designed around each body’s specific needs.”

The public is invited to experience the revolution in health, wellness, revitalization and sports therapy at their official Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening event on July 28 from 5-8 p.m. Guests must RSVP to obtain entry and to schedule complimentary services – subject to availability. Offering more holistic and personal training services under one roof than any other center in the county, Elite and BPC invites the community to join their team of practitioners, along with the Highwood and Northbrook Chambers of Commerce at 5 p.m. for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. From there, attendees can tour the facility, enjoy pre-scheduled complimentary services and celebrate along with their friends from Cos Bar, Bronzed Organic Spray Tanning, SVET Russian Media, Tesla, and more. All will be invited to enjoy light bites and wine too!

Attendees must RSVP at https://discovereliteandbpc.eventbrite.com to obtain entry and schedule complimentary services.

Complimentary services including Full Body Cryotherapy, Cryofacial Toning, Mini Acupuncture Sessions, Chair Massages and IonCleanses from Elite Wellness, After Workout Make-Overs from CosBar, and Organic Spray Tans from Bronzed will be provided by booking in advance by calling 847-748-8804. Appointments will only be given to guests that RSVP. Space and services are limited and subject to availability. Additionally, Tesla Motors is staying open late so that guests may tour the Tesla facilities after attending the Celebration at Elite and BPC! 

David Ashford, World’s Fastest Master Hurdler and World Record Champion credits Elite and BPC’s connectivity and complete offerings for his ranking and success. “Everything you need to succeed is available at Elite and BPC,” says Ashford. “From the infrared sauna that has been key for my flexibility, to the chiropractic team’s maneuverings, and all the training tools from power sleds to the performance turf, they offer everything under one roof. With double the impact and professionalism in one building, this unique facility is the only place you need for training and recovery purposes. They cater to every age and status so you’ll find 7-90 year old athletes, moms, kids with special needs and more all focused and concentrated on pursuing their own individual goals. Elite and BPC offer a quality of life and the instant you walk through the door, you want to be a part of the action. I would not have gotten my world indoor record without the Elite and BPC Team!”

ABOUT ELITE WELLNESS – HIGHLAND PARK

Elite Wellness-Highland Park is one of the most comprehensive holistic wellness centers in the country, offering top of the line non-invasive technologies to achieve optimal wellness. With an in-house Holistic Practitioner, Health Coach, Board Certified Chiropractor, Soft Tissue and Rehab Specialist, Strength Trainer, they have a complete wellness team at the ready.

Elite's list of services includes: acupuncture, active release therapy, aroma touch massage, ARP wave therapy, chiropractic, corrective exercise training, craniosacral therapy, cupping, DMS deep muscle stimulator, dry needling, functional rehabilitation, functional health coach, kinesiology tape, massage therapy, myofascial release, Normatech recovery system, PEMF pulse electro magnetic field, Physical Therapy, Rolfing, Selective Functional Movement Screening, Shockwave therapy, Sports Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vitamin and Mineral Balance and Zen Shiatsu Massage.

For more information, call 847-748-8804 or visit www.elitestw.com.

ABOUT BYSTOL PERFORMANCE CENTER (BPC)

Bystol Performance Center is the personal training counterpart to Elite's one of a kind brand offering private personal training by some of the most sought after trainers in the world in a vast and awe inspiring facility that features the most state of the art equipment collection in the Chicagoland area.

BPC delivers athletic-based scholastic and adult training program, expert coaching and the latest in sports therapy in one facility housing a 14,000 square foot state-of-the-art weight room, 50 years of pro turf and the most innovative strength and therapy equipment available. BPC boasts a diverse list of clientele ranging from professional (NFL, NHL, NBA), Olympic, Collegiate and High School athletes to individuals of varied fitness, health and lifestyle aspirations. BPC helps their clients reach their goals through their expertise and extensive education in the field of exercise science and sports medicine.

Whether the goal is to become a professional athlete, or to improve upon health and body composition, BPC is the answer. For more information please visitwww.lifestyle.bpcstrong.com or call 847/881-2840.

Rock Healthy Habits The Girl Scout Way With Free Downloads And The #TogetherCounts Campaign #HealthyHabits #Sponsored #GirlScouts

Check Out 

The Together Counts Campaign 

Via The Girl Scouts 

of the Nation’s Capital 

Here at ChiIL Mama, our family has 3 generations of Girl Scouts. My mom was a scout back in the 40's, when the only kind of Girl Scout cookies were Trefoils. I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout in the 70's, and now my 12 year old daughter has been a Brownie, Junior and now a Cadet over the past 6 years. That's why we were more than happy to be asked to join with The Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital to promote their Together Counts Campaign. 

ChiIL Mama's daughter, Sage, as a Brownie

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is a proud member of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network and we're pleased to partner up with Together Counts/Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital for this sponsored post. We have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Most people instantly think cookies, like the iconic Thin Mints, when they hear the name Girl Scouts. But Girl Scouts also provide STEM training, multicultural and cultural events, and camping. Sure the cookies are pretty great, but Girl Scouts troops are also pretty awesome at encouraging girls to develop leadership skills and healthy, balanced living.

In partnership with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, Girl Scouts developed three "healthy habits" booklets to easily incorporate energy balance into meetings, outings, events and adventures. The free booklets help guide girls as they learn to lead active, healthy lifestyles. 

Through the use of these free resources for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, Girl Scout volunteers and families can guide girls in fun, easy ways to achieve "energy balance." 

My daughter's Cadets troop just did both the Get Moving! with Healthy Habits workbook and the WOW! Wonders of Water with Healthy Habits. We highly recommend both. Check out these fabulous resources right here as a free download.

• Between Earth and Sky with Healthy Habits - girls learn about the many plants, trees, and animals that flourish in nature, and also build important leadership skills.

• WOW! Wonders of Water with Healthy Habits - girls discover the many forms and paths that water takes and how to protect it. They also learn how to engage in teamwork, speak effectively to convey a message, and inspire others

• Get Moving! with Healthy Habits - girls learn how to use their energy to protect Earth’s energy and build important leadership skills.

The Together Counts™ campaign is a nationwide program by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation to inspire active and healthy living via physical activity and nutrition, a fundamental underpinning of efforts to reduce obesity. The principle behind the program is called Energy Balance, which just means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we expend. 

Achieving Energy Balance outdoors is easier than ever during the warm summer months. It's a pretty easy concept to follow Energy In is the calories you get from eating and drinking. Energy Out is the calories you burn from physical activities.

*Health and fitness have been part of Girl Scouting since girls ran foot races in 1912!*

Camp Out
Camping is essential to Girl Scouts mission. It is about the outdoors, and developing a deep appreciation for nature. Girls enjoy camping with their troop or attending a Girl Scout day and evening or resident sleep-away camp. From high adventure with kayaking, archery and rock climbing to traditional camps with crafts, singing, hiking and cooking over an open fire, Girl Scout camps give girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults. 

Find your local council to enroll girls in camp programs.
Girl Scouts’ leadership program is girl-led. And Girl Scouts sure do a lot with guidance from caring adult mentors! From national badge programs to council-wide events, each council offers a variety of exciting program opportunities for girls of all ages.

Help Out

I've been a volunteer for my daughter's troop for the past 6 years. Volunteers are supported with program level and subject training courses online and in classroom settings. There is a lot of peer-to-peer support and mentoring, and quality publications to support the delivery of high quality programs. 

Get Social With Girl Scouts Social Media, Free Downloads & Handy Links Below:

• Healthy Habits booklets download: Here you’ll be able to download three free booklets for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors.  Girl Scout volunteers and families can guide girls in fun, easy ways to achieve "energy balance." 
• Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Twitter: On Twitter, GSNC shares council information including awards, resources, highlights from council events and volunteering opportunities. 
• Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Facebook: Similar to Twitter, the GSNC Facebook page shares photo albums of troop activities, news from around the region, and partner content from Together Counts. 
• Together Counts Website –The website is consumer friendly—aimed at parents and educators and provides resources, tips, recipes and more.
• Together Counts Blog – The Together Counts blog is the main source of all consumer-friendly news including HWCF campaigns, announcements and content from HWCF partners around the topic of healthy eating habits and incorporating more physical activity. 
• Together Counts Twitter – On Twitter, Together Counts shares everything from digital assets (video, infographics) to industry or conference news related to food in addition to campaign and partner news.
• Together Counts Pinterest – Together Counts’ resource for sharing recipe inspiration from across the network, family activity ideas and pins from partners that relate to family eating and activity including Girl Scouts, Healthy Dining Finders, etc.

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is a proud member of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network and we're pleased to partner up with Together Counts/Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital for this sponsored post. We have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Jabra Pulse Fitness and Best Buy Boost Your Resolution Resolve @BestBuy #JabraHeadphonesBBY #ad

Feeling like Jabba the Hutt, Star Wars' giant space slug known as "The Bloated One", as you start in on your New Year's Resolution to lose weight and get in shape? Then get to Best Buy and get Jabra the headphones! 

Disclaimer:  ChiIL Mama is elated to be one of Best Buy's WOLF Bloggers. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.  As always, our opinions are our own.

I just rejoined a local gym in the fall, and I know sticking to a weekly work out schedule is tough. I couldn't do it without my headphones and music, so I was intrigued to hear about Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds. This is some serious technology that goes way beyond ear buds with immersive Dolby® Digital sound and more. 

If that little voice in your head temps you with junk food and desserts, Jabra's will replace it with real-time voice coaching! And the in-ear biometric heart rate monitor makes sure you don't over do it, while working out at your maximum for efficient training and weight loss. 

Take training to the next level and get the ultimate wireless workout with Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless, new earbuds.  Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless is an all-in-one training solution that combines an in-ear biometric heart rate monitor, immersive Dolby® Digital sound and real-time voice coaching. It’s US Military grade durability certifications will inspire runners, cyclists, and exercisers of all types to beat their best performance.

With a built-in intelligent app - Jabra Sport Life - exercisers will also get the most out of their Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds, helping them plan, track and evaluate each workout. It has never been so easy to test fitness levels and aerobic capacity, adjust heart rate zone levels to optimize training, and set goals based on distance, time or calories burned. Compatible with smartphones with BT capabilities

 Product: Jabra Pulse SKU 8954664

 

For more information check out Jabra on Bestbuy.com.

Disclaimer:  Once again, ChiIL Mama is elated to be one of Best Buy's WOLF Bloggers. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.  As always, our opinions are our own.

WIN A Pretty Muddy 5K Entry $69.50 Value Each (2 Available) #PrettyChi #fitness

WIN a $69.50 Pretty Muddy Women's Mud Run Entry for Milwaukee WI, Chicago IL, or Richmond, VA (2 available)!

Here at ChiIL Mama, it's been our great pleasure to be part of The Team Pretty Muddy Blogger Network for all 3 years of their existence now. Last summer I was in their first Family Wave EVER, right here in the Chicago region with my two kids and a friend of ours who is the daughter of a breast cancer survivor who ran in an earlier Pretty Muddy wave with a group of survivors.  We had a BLAST and highly recommend it!!

Click here for our full photo filled (& mud filled) recap.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is elated to be partnering again with Pretty Muddy for the 3rd year. Thanks to Pretty Muddy for providing our giveaway tickets. As always, all opinions, photos, and experiences are our own.

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN!

We're giving away TWO entries to Pretty Muddy to 2 of our lucky readers. ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and do something great for your body and spirit. Mud runs are FUN!  Pretty Muddy also donates to cancer research, so you can do some social good by running as well.

Entries open nation wide and can be used in ANY upcoming 2014 Pretty Muddy races. Enter through midnight Tuesday, July 29th. Spread the word via social media for additional entries. Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for more great giveaways, interviews, news, reviews, original content & photo/video filled features. 

UPCOMING MUD RUNS:

August 2nd Milwaukee, WI
August 16th Chicago, IL
September 20th Richmond, VA


Super Grrrrrrrrls, Sage & Leah.




Team ChiIL Mama Vs. MUD.  Bring it!! Dugan, Sage & Leah are ready.




Go at your own pace. Walk-run-slither-crawl... Stay and play or do fun obstacles as many times as you want. Everyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal!

Kids 13 and under (female or male) are just $25 and run in the Family Wave at 1pm

Pretty Muddy is a 5k adventurous obstacle course mud run for any woman who wants to get outside, spend time with friends and have fun.

– 5k Course (3.1 miles, run or walk)
– Women Only (sorry, guys)
– Mud (lots of it!)
– Architectural Obstacles (much better than shabby hay bales and shaky plywood)
– Pretty Epic Finish Line Party (Entertainment, music, drinks & celebration galore)

Click here for more info and to register today.

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is elated to be partnering again with Pretty Muddy for the 3rd year. Thanks to Pretty Muddy for providing our giveaway tickets. As always, all opinions, photos, and experiences are our own.

ChiIL Mama's Got The Scoop On FREE Park Days In Michigan #Travel #Camping

DNR waives fees for recreation activities during Summer Kickoff, June 7-8 

Here at ChiIL Mama we LOVE city living, but we also dig the great outdoors, camping and active sports like archery, zip lining, canoeing and kayaking!  When we want to relax and recharge, we go where the trees are taller than the buildings. And that generally means one of our beautiful, neighboring states.  They're close enough for a weekend getaway and chock full of outdoorsy fun.  Here's a few ideas from Michigan's DNR to get you started.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the 2014 Summer Kickoff, with a variety of recreation activities across the state. During Summer Kickoff, fees will be waived for some of the state’s most popular outdoor activities, making it a great time to grab a fishing pole, ride an ORV or enjoy a day in the outdoors at a state park. The DNR Summer Kickoff includes: 

• June 7-8 is Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees are waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
  
• June 7-8 is Free ORV Weekend, when ORV license and permit fees are waived for off-road vehicles. Anyone (resident or nonresident) may ride an ORV for free, but all ORV laws still apply. Find a trail at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.
  
• June 8 is free entry to all 102 Michigan state parks; no Recreation Passport required. Pack a picnic, bring some sand toys and make a day of it. This is the only day of the year when there is no vehicle entry fee for the state parks. Camping fees still apply for overnight visitors. Find a park near you at www.michigan.gov/stateparks.  

In addition to waiving fees for recreation activities, the DNR will offer more than 50 fun outdoor programs and events throughout Michigan during Summer Kickoff, including: 

• National Trails Day - Saturday, June 7. Take a Walk in the Park with Blue Cross Blue Shield and the DNR in honor of National Trails Day. With events taking place statewide, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a scenic walk with friends, family and neighbors. All events are part of the MI Big Green Gym campaign. Learn more at www.mibiggreengym.org.
   
• Michigan Boating Week - June 7-14. This weeklong campaign offers many opportunities to get started with boating or get back into it. Michigan Boating Week also aims to educate boaters about how to become stewards of the water. This is a partnership between the DNR, the Michigan State Waterways Commission and the Michigan Boating Industries Association. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/boating. 

The DNR calendar lists hundreds of events throughout the summer, most of which are free for Michigan residents with a Recreation Passport. Be sure to check out all the event listings at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($31 annual, $9 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.  

Get Your Family Fit With ibitz and Best Buy #ibitzatBestBuy #ad #fitness #healthyliving

My husband and I had the lofty goal to lose weight last year... a lot of weight. Instead we both gained. It was a long, cold, winter in Chicago! Now that spring is here, our family's made a pact to work out together, and we're starting off bit by bit with ibitz Wireless Activity Monitors from Best Buy, for adults and kids.  They come in loads of playful colors for both the kids' & adult versions, and stay in place on shoes or waist.

ibitz™ by GeoPalz® wireless pedometer 

Disclaimer:  The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

The new ibitz Kid and Adult Wireless Pedometers, are physical activity based devices and apps that wirelessly sync to your iOS Bluetooth 4.0® (BLE) phone or tablet and allow adults and children their own unique experience with personalized apps. 

The ibitz Unity for adults tracks steps, distance, weight (added manually), height, overall physical activity, even BMI, and allows them to incorporate their family and friends. Now you are able to form groups and post your progress on social media.  Accountability is good and there's strength in numbers. 

I'm enjoying my ibitz because I finally feel like I'm making progress, a little bit at a time, even when I don't have an hour for the gym each day. ibitz counts it all, and every bit adds up.  I was excited to discover I walked OVER 6 miles, just covering the C2E2 Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place Convention Center.  And my treadmill desk helps, too, so I can slim down my in box while slimming down elsewhere as well. Look out National Restaurant Association Convention, this week end... I'm going to walk off all those tasty samples and ibitz will prove it!

My 5th grade daughter, the competitive gymnast, works out with her team 12 hours a week, so she's golden on the workout front. She knows the value of conditioning and is enjoying the way iBitz Kids rewards her for her workouts in fun, tangible ways.  

The ibitz for kids wireless pedometer syncs to a rewards platform app so it's completely customizable to age and interests. Parents can set goals and rewards such as play time, screen time, or an adventure with a parent.  Now you are also able to earn coins and content on Disney's Club Penguin™!

My 7th grade son plays team ultimate frisbee, but he's more of an honors student, art geek than an athlete. So ibitz has been great for him to see how much daily gym class, ultimate and walking to and from the city bus to school adds up. The ibitz PowerKey-Kids box states that it's great for kids, tweens and teens and it's true! With an age suggestion of 5+, we were afraid it would skew a bit young, but my kids are digging it!

ibitz clips on shoes & hips and stays there till you take it off:

iBitz Wireless Activity Monitor challenges your child to keep the GeoBotz character healthy with physical activity, nutritious food and plenty of water. 

The ibitz, by GeoPalz wireless pedometers, makes investing in a healthy future fun, intelligent, and affordable.

*Please note: This devise is NOT Android Compatible

Power-Key For Kids Features: 

*available in 7 kid-friendly colors (We got funky, fun neon orange!)

*free iOS app* syncs device wirelessly (Easy set up.)

*syncs via Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE)

*tracks activity

*set goals and rewards

*water-resistant

*durable clip for hip and shoe (Metal clip that stays tight.)

*stores 30 days of activity earn parent directed rewards earn coins and content on Disney’s Club Penguin (This site is one of our long time favorites and highly recommended for the 5-10 year old set!)

Available at Best Buy:

iBitz - Adult Unity Wireless Activity Monitor – Reg retail $49.99           

iBitz - Kids PowerKey Wireless Activity Monitor – Reg retail $34.99

Disclaimer:  Once again, the reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

ChiIL Mama's Pretty Muddy Chicago Photo Recap #PrettyChi #fitness #PrettyMuddy

ChiIL Mama got down n dirty Sunday, at the 2nd annual Pretty Muddy Mud Run!   This year they added a fam friendly final wave which could include women, men & children (ages 6+) and TEAM ChiIL Mama included my son, Du-Jay (12), daughter Sagezilla (10), and her friend, Leah (also 10) whose mom ran the 5K in the first morning wave (women only 14+).   Come chiIL out vicariously with our photo filled recap. 



This was the first mud run ever, for all 4 of us and we had a BLAST!   All the kids were already clamoring to do it again next year as soon as the course ended.   I broke out my good pro cam for before and afters, but just ran with my Galaxy 4s (a smart choice!).   The slide show above is my good Canon.   I'll be publishing a full slideshow of my phone pixs shortly.   In the mean time, click here to get a sneak peek at our Instagram page, or on My Facebook or FB ChiIL Mama Page  and Twitter feed.

Sagezilla and Leah Vs. Mud... let the games begin!

We made ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama bandanas and bags for our 4 team members and the kids got a kick out of all the compliments we got on them.

The run itself was the high point, with crazy fun obstacles including an inflatable water slide into a mud pit, a giant rope net climbing wall called "social networking", a mud volley ball pit you had to commando crawl through, a bubble tunnel and more.

We did indeed get PRETTY MUDDY.










It was cool to see a great turn out of Chicago bloggers.  It was also super impressive to see oncology nurses running alongside current patients and to hear about all the fabulous fundraising going on.   A friend of ours was excited to run the first wave with a group of young breast cancer survivors.   

Pretty Muddy says:  A BIG special thank you to our Chicago partner Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Area, and our national partner Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation!

If you are looking for more great photographs from the event, they will be available on Wednesday, September 11^th.  Please log onto Oz Sports Photography and choose the Pretty Muddy Chicago gallery! Be sure to check out #PrettyChi on Instagram for some awesome participant photos too!

The mood was festive and fun, with live music, dancing, frozen yogurt & other tasty food for sale, free beer/flavored waters/granola bars, and outdoor games like corn hole.

What was the deal with all the brave n crazy dudes wearing white shirts to a MUD RUN.  Was I the only one who wanted to slap 'em on the back?

Seen on the Scene #PrettyChi:

We dig the t-shirt "My Wife Gets Down And Dirty"

Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   ChiIL Mama's got the latest scoop on fun in Chi, IL and beyond.