Doc B's Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty

We usually think of plants as an afterthought in our meals – a slice of lettuce on our burger or a side salad with our steak. Who knew plants would take over the dining scene? Jay-Z, Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson and Ellen DeGeneres have all embraced this vegan diet and we can't wait to see what the buzz is about.

The MDPR team is getting the "leaf-down" on the plant-based diet on February 20 from One Part Plant founder Jessica Murnane when Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty. Jessica will be co-hosting with Citizen Stone owner Alexis Cozzini who has been raving to us about her switch to a plant-based diet. We couldn’t help but be interested when we saw the delicious meals she was cooking up on Instagram.

Doc B’s Executive Chef executive chef Ed McIntosh is creating several 100% plant-based menu items for the dinner that they plan to add to their regular menu in the spring, as well as giving some of their most popular dishes a planty twist. We're looking forward to their tangled noodle salad with tofu!

The new menu items will include a house-made guacamole with herbed vegetable chips, rosemary and lentil wild rice pilaf, grilled baby artichokes with a roasted red pepper puree and more.

Ready to make the dive into plantland? Follow along at #GetPlanty. Tickets for Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen’s “Planty” event are $40 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite (http://www.eventbrite.com/getplanty). 

RSVP early to get in on the action as tickets are expected to sell fast! 

#AlliumGoesPink

As September comes to an end each year, we look forward to watching businesses throughout the city get into the spirit of October. And we're not just talking about the spirit of fall, Halloween and all things spooky. While we love the influx of pumpkins, the spirit we're referring to is that of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We love the bright shade of pink that paints the town all month long.

There are always a slew of creative and inspiring events around the city that promote the message of breast cancer awareness, but one that particularly has our attention this year is #AlliumGoesPink.

As part of the 'Think Pink' movement to support breast cancer research, Allium restaurant at the Four Seasons Chicago is offering specialty menu items in a pretty shade of pink. Throughout the month of October, Allium is serving a 'Pink A'Peel' Martini for $14, with 50% of the proceeds benefiting the Lynn Sage Foundation. A pink cupcake will also be added to Allium's menu for $4, 100% of which will go to the same organization. 

To kick off this powerful initiative, Allium is hosting an #AlliumGoesPink launch event this Thursday, October 3rd from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Guests can look forward to Laurent Perrier Rosé, the 'Pink A'Peel' cocktail, small bites and mini manicures courtesy of our spa. Allium is simply asking that guests provide a $35 donation at the event to be awarded to the Lynn Sage Foundation.

Getting pampered while supporting this most-deserving cause? Sounds like a win-win to us!

How are you doing your part to spread the pink love this month? Tweet us at @monikadixonpr or comment below to let us know!

By Emily Cleary, MDPR Social Media Director

Work Out With Public!

With #EXPOSURE2013 coming to an end on Saturday, some of you may be looking for ways to keep up your workout routine this fall.

We're excited to announce that our go-to trainer Alex Vasileski is now offering personal training at Public Hotel! (1301 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast)

This is a great option for those of you who don't like working out in crowded gyms. Alex's 60 minute sessions get you one-on-one attention to help you reach your fitness goals all in the privacy of the hotel's gym. It's one of our favorites in the city and it has an awesome view. We couldn't think of a better place to workout!

To schedule a training session with Alex, contact Public's front desk or concierge.

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Writer

Trust us, if anybody understands how hard it is to find time to workout, it's us. Between work, evening events, meetings, never-ending emails and family time, fitness easily falls to the wayside. It seems like mornings are the best time to try to squeeze in a quick sweat sesh, but then there's the whole waking up at the crack of dawn thing...

This was how we felt until we first tried A Mind and Body Total Fitness' free Tai Chi workout class in partnership with the Langham Chicago's Chuan Spa. Whereas trying to fit in a morning workout previously caused us stress, Tai Chi offered a calming solution to our problem. Not only did we leave feeling that we had gotten an effective workout, but we felt centered, relaxed and ready to tackle another crazy day.

Judging by the overwhelming turnout to this week's #TaiChiTuesday class, we're guessing that we're not the only one's with this sentiment. Over 50 people filled the Langham plaza (many of them first-timers) to try out a new type of workout. It's safe to say that they were not disappointed. 

Debi Lilly was one of those Tai Chi first-timers, and her comments on social media following the workout were an accurate representation of the response that many had to Alex's class.

"Was beyond fab. Feeling it in my legs big time..."

Viktoria Ivanchyk said, "Great way to start Tuesday morning. Thanks Alex for great workout!" 

We only hope that Alex continues to spread the knowledge about and appreciation for Tai Chi each week through #TaiChiTuesdays. To experience it for yourself, join in next week at 8:00am at the Langham Plaza. 

Want more info about Tai Chi? Tweet Alex at @mindbodychi to learn more!

By Emily Cleary, MDPR Social Media Director 

Pantry Pampering - Hair

Lemon, coffee, chocolate and honey are just a few ingredients you can use to create natural spa products perfect for rejuvenating your body and spirit. Try out a few of these home remedies the next time you are looking for a bit of pampering without shelling out big bucks for expensive treatments.

Hair

Lighter

Get natural looking highlights by combining lemon juice and sunshine. Lemon juice is very acidic, which lightens the pigment in your hair which is then magnified by the sun. Remember to use conditioner after the treatment because the acid can dry out your hair.

Combine one cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the mix over your hair until damp and then spend about 30-60 minutes in the sun. Finish by rinsing out the mixture in the shower and applying conditioner.

Darker

While this may sound unconventional, washing your hair with coffee will pull out natural, deep tones in your hair.

Prepare 2 cups of coffee as if you were to drink it. Shampoo your hair and then work the coffee through your hair, starting from the roots. Continue to rinse and reapply the coffee until you have used all 2 cups. Leave the last bit of coffee in your hair for 3-4 hours and then rinse. After a couple times repeating this process, you should notice dark brown and red highlights begin to show.


Condition

Soften the texture of your hair by treating it with coconut oil. This is perfect if you have frizzy or long hair and struggle to keep it looking smooth and shining. Coconut oil is also an antimicrobial, which boosts scalp health to prevent dandruff.

Massage a small amount of coconut oil through your hair, starting from the roots and working to the ends. Let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse. For an even greater effect, apply the oil and cover with a shower cup. Let it sit overnight and rinse in the morning.

Repair

If the chlorine from spending hot summer days lounging at the pool has dried out your hair, try washing with a baking soda mixture the next time you get home from a long day pool side.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water in a spray bottle (you may want to adjust this depending on the length of your hair). Apply the mixture, starting from the roots, and let sit for 1-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then consider applying a vinegar rinse to magnify the effect.

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Did we miss any? Tweet your home fixes to us (@monikadixonpr) or share them below! Next week, we'll be dishing about at-home remedies that treat your face and body!

By Rebecca Taylor, MDPR Team Member

We all know the feeling. It’s Sunday night and you’re lying in bed staring at the ceiling. You glance at the clock, which reads 12:00 AM, but that’s ok because there’s still time to get a (semi) full night’s rest before the alarm rings at 6:00 AM. But your mind is running with all the tasks that have to be completed in the upcoming week. You toss and turn to alleviate the anxiety, but there is still a pit at the bottom of your stomach preventing you from finding any peace of mind. The clock now reads 12:45 AM. You are getting frustrated. Not only are you fretting about work, but now the pressure to fall asleep before 1:00 AM is mounting. You decide to cut your losses and read the book that has been sitting on your nightstand for well over two months. You drift off while reading only to wake again at 2:30 AM. You are dreading the day ahead, knowing that any hope of having a productive start to the week is now a pipe dream. You stare at the ceiling some more, studying the hypnotic rotations of the ceiling fan…


You are startled awake. It’s 6:00 AM and the alarm is blaring. It’s time to start the day even though you have only had three hours of sleep.

 

 
Getting a full night’s sleep is something many busy professionals struggle with, but there are ways to alter your routine. Before you commit to habit-forming sleep aids, take this quiz to determine how your quality of sleep compares to others. Follow the results with these helpful tips for a good night’s sleep, which can lead to more productivity during the day.

• Maintain a stable sleep schedule. While there is no magic number for the appropriate amount of sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends getting as close to eight hours of sleep each night. Try going to bed and waking up around the same time every day, even on the weekends.

• Establish a bedtime routine. Many people find it helpful to read with soft lighting or take a bath before falling asleep. You can also develop a schedule that includes picking out your clothes for the next day, writing in a journal or drinking a glass of milk.

• Create a sleep-conducive environment. Design your sleep environment so that it is cool, dark, quiet and free from any distractions. This may include covering your windows with thick curtains, installing a ceiling fan or wearing earplugs to block out unwanted noise. Keep in mind that some people need white noise to fall asleep, which can be found through humidifiers and other sleep devices.

• Find the right mattress and pillows. Take time to find the appropriate mattress and pillows for your sleep patterns. You may even want to consider consulting with a sleep specialist to determine the firmness that is best for you.

• Avoid eating before going to sleep. Finish eating and drinking two to three hours before going to bed, especially a larger meal. This will prevent discomfort, such as heartburn, and frequent bathroom trips while you are trying to fall asleep.

• Exercise regularly. Even a small amount of physical activity is better than none, but don’t try to fit it in at the expense of a full night’s rest. Develop the best routine for you. While some find that exercising at night makes them more tired, which prepares them for bedtime, others find that exercising at night is too stimulating and keeps them awake.

• Avoid nicotine products. Nicotine is a stimulant, which will keep you up at night. This is another reason to quit smoking!

• Avoid caffeine before you go to sleep. Caffeine is also a stimulant and is found in many products, including chocolate, coffee, tea and soda. It can remain in your system for up to five hours, but some people can feel the effects for 12 hours.

• Avoid consuming alcohol before going to sleep. Alcohol disrupts sleep, causing frequent wakings during the night.

• Avoid screen time before going to sleep. Watching TV or spending time on the computer or cell phone before going to bed disrupts your circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Turn off these devices at least two hours before going to bed.

 

With these tips, you should be sleeping like a baby on a regular basis! Sweet dreams. 

Let us know if these suggestions help you catch up on that beauty sleep...tweet us at @monikadixonpr. Just not during the two hours leading up to your shut eye (see last tip)!

 

By Rebecca Taylor, MDPR Team Member 

Fitness at Your Fingertips

Looking for a way to track your progress, chart your runs or create individualized workouts? There's an iPhone app for that. Whether you consider yourself a fitness guru or you need a crane to lift you off the couch and take you to the gym, you possess the common knowledge that regular activity is essential. Especially when busy schedules get in the way, making the most of your limited time at the gym is crucial. Lucky for you, there are several resources that can make working out easier for everyone, and they're literally at our fingertips.  In fact, there are a countless number of apps that help you make the most of your workout. While no app can replace the motivation from a personal trainer, MDPR - with the help of A Mind and Body Total Fitness Founder Alex Vasileski - has done some research and chose a few of our favorite apps for every type of fitness lover.

1. Weightloss: Lose it! (free) 

Receiving first place in the United States Surgeon General Healthy Apps Challenge, Lose it! is a comprehensive app that allows users to track food intake and activity level for a customized weight loss plan. The app allows you to earn badges after reaching goals, back up your records and share food and recipes with your friends. Other features include sharing progress on social media and connecting with other fitness apps so you don’t have to spend time inputting data.

2. Running: RunKeeper Pro ($9.99)

Probably one of the most recognized fitness apps, RunKeeper Pro offers a variety of features to chart and monitor your runs, including an easy-to-view interface, which is perfect for a quick glance while jogging. An accurate built in GPS can help you keep track your pace, distance, time and calories for each run, which is saved so you can monitor your progress over time. You can also add your own playlists or choose one of three that the app provides to accompany your workouts.

3. Strength Training: FitnessBuddy ($1.99)
This is a great app for those of you who are looking to turn your iPhone into a personal trainer. Choose from 45 preset workouts or create your own with 1,000+ exercises the app stores for your fitness convenience. You can also add your own exercises that are not included with the app for a perfectly tailored fitness routine. Because you can browse exercises based on muscle group, it’s ideal for people who are looking to tone specific areas of their bodies. Once you have created your workouts, Fitness Buddy will store all the information in a calendar to help you track your progress and will create a workout playlist with the app’s music-player.

4. Circuit Training: NikeTraining Club (free) 

While this app is geared toward women, its customized workout features are perfect for anyone looking to get in shape. Like Fitness Buddy, Nike Training Club has a large database of exercises that target each muscle group, which you can group together to create a workout personalized to your fitness level. A short video even demonstrates how to correctly complete the exercise. The app times your workouts and signals you when to move on, a useful feature when you want to incorporate cardio. And, when you have achieved one of your goals, the app rewards you by unlocking badges, such as “Contender” and “Destroyer."

5. Flexibility: YOGA Free (free) 

There are not too many apps available that focus on flexibility, but YOGA Free provides more than 250 poses to complement your fitness routine. This app lets you customize your session from a variety of instructional images or choose from preset routines with the “My Programs” feature. You can also track your progress with a calendar and purchase additional packs after you become more seasoned with the exercises.  And, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the app has only a few buttons, which makes it easy to navigate.

It’s not too late to start working on that bikini body, so experiment with these apps to make your workouts more fun, effective and convenient. And don't forget to share your favorite fitness apps and workout tips with us at @monikadixonpr.

By Rebecca Taylor, MDPR Team Member

Get Jimmy With It.

Junks out. Jimmy’s in. Get Jimmy with it.

Between attending meetings, planning events, pitching stories and creating social media content, we’re dependent upon quick n’ healthy hunger fixes. 

Little did we know the granola, grain and nut-based bars we turned to in a pinch were not as nutritious as we were led to believe, and contained ingredients that sounded more like chemistry lab components than food products. Thanks to Chicagoan Jim Simon, founder of Jimmybars, we found a solution to our dilemma – bars that are high in protein and fiber, low in sugar and contain ingredients we actually recognize.

In 2009, after coming to the (frustrating) conclusion that most ‘health’ bars were terrible tasting and made of artificial ingredients, Jim and his sister Annette sought out to create a truly nutritious ‘grab-n-go’ snack or meal replacement.  Jimmybar was born!

What sets them apart? Jimmybars are filling due to their real and simple ingredients – so basic that even children can appreciate them.  You’ll understand what we mean when you read about the four cleverly named flavors below.

 How ‘Bout Dem Apples

This delicious bar is made with apples, almonds, dates, organic brown crisp rice, almond butter, walnuts, gluten-free oats, cinnamon, honey and vanilla.  In addition to being both gluten and dairy-free, this treat is also low in sodium and free of trans fats.

  No Bluffin’ Banana Muffin'

Made with bananas, dates, almonds, walnuts and organic crisp brown rice, this bar is sure to satisfy your muffin cravings. But don’t fear a resulting muffin top, as it’s dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan.

 Peanut Butter Clutter

 

Packed with protein, this bar is made from peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, dates, honey and organic crisp brown rice. Unlike many competing bars, it is gluten and dairy-free as well as ALL NATURAL.

 

 

Super Hip Chocolate Chip

A guilt-free fix for your chocolate cravings!  Packed with non-dairy chocolate chips, peanuts, dates, almonds, almond butter, walnuts and organic crisp brown rice, it’s vegan, gluten and dairy-free.

 

What’s not to love?

What makes Jimmybar most impressive, however, is that they support local industries; the wholesome ingredients are purchased directly from Chicago-based companies. And who doesn’t love an extra laugh?  Seriously, read the names of the bars—they’re pretty witty!  
 
Each bar's packaging reads, “Jimmybar! is made by a small dedicated staff of underpaid yet eager entrepreneurs who always put product over profit.  We source our own ingredients, go out of our way to use organic/locally grown product and will never use sugar or unhealthy additives.  Eat us as a snack, meal replacement, pre workout bite or just because someone has been begging you to start eating healthier! Cheers, Jim.”  
 

We admire and appreciate this down-to-earth, humorous approach to healthy eating.  

Maintaining the approachability of the brand, Jim even encourages customers to post pictures of their Jimmybar experience on the Jimmybar Facebookpage!


Hungry?  Click here to find the Jimmybar carrier nearest to you!  Or, order them online.
 

Superfoods that make you glow!

Why fuss with expensive juice cleanses, exfoliating scrubs or complicated fad diets for that sought after sun-kissed glow? All you need is to stock up on a few superfoods from your local farmer’s market to achieve a fresh, healthy look. While many popular diets focus on one nutrient, such as protein, gluten or dairy, they also deprive your body of other crucial nutrients it needs to thrive. Especially during summer when you spend a lot of time outside in the draining sun and heat, it’s important to fill your body with nutrient-rich foods. That’s where superfoods come in. Because they are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols, they can boost your immune system, lower inflammation, increase serotonin and enhance sexuality in addition to preventing chronic disease and prolonging life. After conducting some research, here are the top 10 superfoods that the we found to help aid in achieving that striking summer glow.

1. Blueberries
Add half a cup of blueberries to your yogurt or cereal for breakfast every morning to help protect yourself against pre-mature aging. These berries are packed with potassium and vitamin C, which will also help boost your immune system.

Try this Mixed Berry Salad with Mint for a refreshing dessert.

2. Spinach
Despite our childhood fears of this leafy, green vegetable, it’s the key to sparkling eyes. Trade in your traditional iceberg lettuce for this powerhouse full of vitamins B, C and E as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Serve this Spinach and Strawberry Salad instead of traditional romaine lettuce at your next dinner party.

3. Oysters
In addition to its reputation as an aphrodisiac, oysters are loaded with zinc, which helps with skin cell renewal and maintaining healthy hair, nails and eyes.

Serve Oysters Rockefeller for a classic take on this misunderstood superfood.

 4. Tomatoes
Here is another anti-aging superfood that will keep you looking fresh. Tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, an antioxidant that gives them their red color and is thought to prevent against some cancers.

Make this recipe for a Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado as a healthy lunch alternative.

5. Dark Chocolate
For those of you always looking for an excuse to sneak in a chocolate snack, this is the superfood for you. Dark chocolate will keep your skin hydrated and protect it from sun damage while satisfying your three o’clock sweet craving. But before you rush down to the vending machine, it’s important to know that chocolate above 60 percent cacao is the best.

It’s best to eat dark chocolate raw so you don’t cook off the powerful nutrients.

6. Yogurt
Mix yogurt with fresh fruit and granola for a healthy snack or even dessert. This calcium rich superfood will help maintain upright posture, strong nails and teeth.

Here are some ideas to help you incorporate yogurt into your diet.

7. Walnuts
Smooth skin, shiny hair, bright eyes and strong bones are only some of the benefits you will receive from eating a handful of walnuts. Eat them a la carte or in a salad for a huge helping of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

Walnuts can be used as substitutes in many recipes. Here are some recipes you may want to try.

8. Sweet Potatoes
Whether it’s in the form of fries or pie, or served mashed or baked, this superfood is full of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps prevent aging as well as improve vision, immunity and overall health.

Check out this recipe for Tangy Sweet Potatoes for your next holiday dinner.

9. Kiwis
Large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants will keep your skin glowing and firm. Kiwis will help prevent wrinkles and are great for strong bones and teeth. They also help prevent cancer and heart disease.

Make Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips at your next barbeque.

10. Wild Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids found in wild, not farm-raised salmon will help keep your skin feeling supple and moisturized. Selenium, a nutrient that will protect your skin against the sun, and vitamin D, a nutrient that will help keep your bones strong, are also found in salmon.

Experiment with these recipes the next time you decide to enjoy salmon.

Making any recipes? Eating any superfoods? Be sure to share pics with us on Instagram and Twitter at @monikadixonpr using #MDPRInsider!

By Rebecca Taylor, MDPR Team Member

Breaking a Sweat for Bright Pink

If you’re newly introduced to MDPR, #EXPOSURE2013 might just be one intimidating #hashtag to you. But if you’re an MDPR regular, you know that it refers to the weekly summer beach workouts with Alex Vasileski of A Mind and Body Total Fitness. We’ll break it down…



Each week the MDPR team, Alex and our growing band of devoted #EXPOSURE2013 exercisers gather at Ohio Street Beach at 9:30am to sweat it out for a new cause. The $10 participation donation directly benefits that week’s featured charity. Someone devoted to the cause serves as a host and shares the inspiring mission, and of course, joins in the endorphin-pumping workout.

This coming Saturday is an extra special session because our very own Monika Dixon is hosting on behalf of Bright Pink, a Chicago-based organization committed to empowering and educating women on the importance of breast and ovarian health. With the help of friends Eva Pawlus & Yana Nirshberg  (who are members of Monika’s Bright Pink Fab Fest 2013 team in September), Monika and the MDPR team will be giving it their all on Saturday to raise awareness for Bright Pink.

Not really a fitness person? No worries! None of us are experts, trust us. (Or better yet, come see for yourself!) We won’t promise it’ll be easy, and you might even be a little sore on Sunday. But you know what they say…no pain, no gain.

It’s a small price to pay for giving back while having some fun in the Chicago sun! Now that’s what we call #summertimechi.

-By Emily Cleary, MDPR Social Media Director

Welcome to MDPR INSIDER!

Through social media campaigns, event planning and other integrated marketing communications, the MDPR team works eagerly to provide clients the most creative and individualized public relations strategies. Please join us in debuting our new blog, MDPR Insider, where we aim to provide readers a glimpse inside the exhilarating world of public relations and give our clients, followers, friends, collaborators and supporters an outlet to view our work and share our inspirations for this exciting industry. 

Each day we will compose a blog post covering a different subject from a comprehensive list, encompassing everything from public relations and social media trends to the hottest fashions and tips for a healthy lifestyle.

Discover useful tips to help jumpstart your week with our Monday posts about social media and public relations news as well as blogging and graphic design advice. We will also discuss some of our favorite photography and design apps that we use everyday to create aesthetically pleasing graphics and collages for our clients.

Tuesday posts will cover topics dealing with health, fitness and nutrition. Each week, we will provide posts ranging from discussions on our favorite healthy recipes and tips to enhance your workouts and overall health to content on the best restaurants and places to workout in Chicago. We will also have information about farmer's markets and other wellness events in the area.

Celebrate the middle of the week by starting to organize your weekend plans with our Wednesday posts about what's happening in the Chicago area. The posts will include the most anticipated events and other activities we love participating in when we are out of the office. We will also have a section on the complicated, yet crucial rules of social etiquette, so you can be sure to impress at your next social gathering.

 

Learn how you can market your business with social media and public relations advice from our Thursday posts where we will offer suggestions on small changes you can make to increase brand awareness. We will also include informative articles written by other professionals who are knowledgeable about promoting businesses and organizations.

Indulge yourself at the end of the week and get ready for a night out with some light reading on the most popular fashion and beauty trends. On Friday, we will talk about how to create a flawless look using some of our favorite products and beauty tips directly from the experts. We will also cover the hottest fashions from local boutiques and stores, brands and collections that we love, including an "outfit of the day" and our wish list.   

We have been anxiously anticipating the launch of MDPR Insider and hope that you have found the content fun, enlightening and informative. We thank you for visiting and are looking forward to your return for future posts.  

By Rebecca Taylor, MDPR Team Member