Wholesome

     Whole30...ever heard of it? Have any idea what it may be, entail? Is it hard? Is it safe? Does it work and is  it realistic? What is the point? Have you ever tried it before? Does it catch your attention right away? Well these are just a few questions I had when my sister-in-law, Katie, told me she was doing something called the "Whole30". 

Whole30 is a 30-day challenge (to your body) to reset your nutritional system and get rid of all the junk we don't really need. I was told it would take care of food cravings, boost metabolism, calm digestives, give you energy, improve your sleeping pattern, and give you an all around glow. As I list these off I see the common thread in all of them; it's because you are not only eating healthy you are eating wholeistically! The trigger that got me on the wagon? The fact that it is a 30-day challenge with in end, but has the intention and promise that it will change and effect your lifestyle afterwards. Whole30 is all about eating food that will do something to help your body... :)

Needless to say, I am on Day 4 of this challenge and I already have noticed some differences. I would have to say that the first 2 days were rough, mainly because it was all a mental thing. But guess what? There is so much that you can eat that is com-pliable and it is 100% natural and good for you (I am not talking all organic here...because even those packaged organic things are a no-go). Day 1 and 2 were hard because I craved grains, and dairy (2 no-nos, think of their ingredient list!). However, after day 2, I no longer am craving either...because it is no longer in my system. I also do not crave them because I know what they contain and what they can do to my body...mainly what it can't do though. 

I will be finishing up my challenge a few days into my family trip to North Carolina...thank goodness seafood is compliable. I will not be keeping a consistent track of my progress, struggles, successes, etc. There are other blogs distinctly dedicated to that found through the Whole30 website. I will however post recipes or things that I have found I enjoy. And please, by all means, shoot me a message/comment if you are interested. I'm one of those who hear testimonies and think: yea, but if it happens to me then I'll buy into it...so here goes something and testing and daring it to work for me. 

:) 

Until then, happy Thursday. I am still in Chicago and LOOOOOOVING it! 

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Windy City Reunited

    I am spending the week in Chicago visiting Drew and Katie!
I easily forget how wonderful it is that I have such a close relationship with Katie.
 I think that has also brought Drew and I closer together too.
 I am very excited to spend quality time with them...and of course explore the city more. :)

This is my 5th time coming to visit...I wan to be more than a tourist this time...

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**Pictures below are courtesy of D&K

 As much as I want to put off the vibe and dwell as a local; I cannot resist taking pictures (a ridiculous amount I think) or craning my neck. However, I told Katie that my plan was to spend my money strategically as a local and not like a tourist. No touristy spots; more one of a kind spots. I have been successful on that vibe thus far (my wallet thanks me). 
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 I am so happy for Drew & Katie; living life in the city as a young married couple, actively involved in their profession. I do miss them dearly, and continue to hope that one day they will be closer than 7 hours from me. :) With me now living in the country, it is great to get a 'city fix' when I go to visit them. While visiting was entertaining and exciting...I have a new respect for the calm life of Shenandoah. Where natural beauty is magnified and conversation is/should be cherished even more. Non the less; I look forward to my visits to the Windy City and seeing Drew & Katie.

Enjoying "The Bean" @ Millennium Park

Golden Valley

Oh happy Sunday!

After a pattern of storms in the area; I woke to a sunny day with puffy clouds in the sky.

 My mom, aunt, and I, decided to go out to Brunch at:

Golden Valley, MN.

I enjoy having brunch at Cafe's; especially Cafe's with their own original style and menu.

 I took the liberty of snapping some photos nonchalantly (to my best ability) with my iphone lol...prepare to have your mouth water.

I strongly recommend taking a visit to this place.

 They have a Bloddy Mary bar, Mimosas, and excellent coffee too. 

Although I have only tried the coffee; I am sure the others are good too. 

You can have these while you wait to be seated.

Only drawback: it is a bit loud in the Cafe.


Have a fabulous & hopefully sunny Sunday!