Hi pies!

So far, I’ve been having an awesome time in Chicago. I’m glad Katy and I were on the same page with calling it an early night, though, because I’m pooped! Who would’ve thought a one-hour time difference would cause such jetlag? 😛

For dinner tonight a bunch of us headed to Raw for some raw and vegan eats. The 2-mile walk there definitely worked up my appetite!

We were greeted with a bunch of foodie samples and an introduction on what Raw was all about. Raw is not just about creating delicious raw meals, but they also have the mission of Raising Awareness Worldwide: “feeding people food the way food was meant to be prepared.”

Mingling ensued…

As well as plenty of delicious eats.

SO GOOD! This non-vegan was definitely impressed.

Katy and I decided on sharing the raw sushi platter.

I made a mess 😕

We also split a whole lemon cheesecake since the sample just wasn’t enough!

Raw or not…this was one bangin’ dessert.

While I don’t see myself becoming a strictly raw-foodist, it was great to taste and learn more about a whole new way of eating and living.

After dinner we headed to the YumUniverse launch party. YumUniverse is a new website that features “plant-based recipes and resources for a yummy, healthy life.”

It was a fun event. There were a bunch of tables set up with food and drink samples, but the lines were all pretty long. We ended up just hanging out for a bit (and drinking water out of jars…you know, the norm :P).

Katy, Tina, and Gabriela. Love!

I also got to practice on my future camera. Christmas can’t come soon enough!

All in all it was a great night with great company. I can’t wait to get the rest of the weekend started!

Time to hit the hay – busy day ahead! Goodnight darlings. xoxo G

• Have you ever eaten at raw eatery/restaurant? What did you think?

Hi dolls! I’ve arrived safe and sound in Chicago After quite the long day of traveling, Katy and I checked into our lovely hotel room.

Rewind to earlier today, where Gabriela and I grabbed lunch at O’Hare while waiting for Katy to arrive; A veggie sub from Quizno’s for her and a turkey sandwich + fruit for moi (see Gabriela? I can speak French too ;)).

Not the most satisfying of meals, but I have a feeling there are some great eats ahead this weekend to make up for it.

I also sipped on some iced coffee. Travel days require that extra caffeine boost, you know?

Snackage included a Vega Bar that Gabriela gave me. At first I was skeptical (I may or may not have thought it was going to taste like grass), but it was delicious!

We spent some down time at the airport blogging, writing Operation Beautiful notes, and enjoying the first of our souvenirs from the Windy City.

…I think I drew Gabriela into my lollipop obsession. Oops!

Once Katy arrived, we all hopped on the blue line and headed for the hotel. A train-ride photo shoot ensued, obv 😉

 

 

Katy and I are going to spend the next hour or so relaxing…and I’m going to track down some water for some major chugging-action. Traveling in the summer heat can be quite exhausting!

Plans for tonight include dinner with a bunch of sassy ladies, followed by a fun event! Look for a recap later tonight

Buhbye for now, lovebugs! xoxo G

 

• Have you ever been to Chicago? Any must-see’s you suggest I visit?
• What’s your favorite part about traveling? Least favorite?