Tag: chicago

Life + Style Personal Style

Curated Gifts: Chicago Small Business Edition

one // two // three // four 

Growing up with family all in the small business industry, I hold an appreciation for the hustle and heart that belongs to locals that do everything they can to create a product or service that brings joy to their customers. That part of me will always favor small businesses and as much as I love Nordstrom like the next person, these past handful of years I’ve chosen to shop with more intention to support local business as much as possible when buying gifts. And as you know – I love Chicago. It feels like home (kinda a big statement since I was raised in the South…where it’s warm year round ha) and I have loved every single person that runs the small businesses I’ve shopped at in this beautiful city I get to call home. Whether you are local or not, here are some of my favorite small businesses  in Chicago. I think you’ll be able to find something for everyone on this list! Again – I don’t do any affiliate links (except for the Caraway Pans, found here in my curated kitchen post if you use the link – you’ll get an automatic discount in cart) so this is all just to share with you – I don’t make a commission on anything else!

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November 19, 2021 TAGS: , , , , , , , , , BY: May
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Life + Style Personal

32 Small Candle Companies to Support (Chicago Local, Female + BIPOC Owned!)

I’ve rounded up 32 different candle brands for you to support this season as you purchase gifts for yourself or someone special. These candles are all tried by yours truly because I’m that scent-obsessed. Plus, now more than ever small businesses are looking for our support so if you think a candle would be the perfect little gift, consider ordering from one of these small businesses. They’re such a special way to make even the smallest moments a little more special.

Do you ever associate a scent to a memory? I definitely do and each scent reminds me of a different season in my life – just like how people associate songs or homemade meals with memories. I always light a candle when I end the workday to make that transition from work mode to relax mode a little more official. 

A few of my candle criteria’s:
 
  1. The scents have to layer well and not be super intrusive – I’m a big fan of the woodsy scents but like them to not be super overpowering.
  2. Preferably no paraffin wax – all of these should be soy or coconut wax-based.
  3. Doubles as decor! Must be aesthetically pleasing (yes, I said it.).
  4. As many local + female + BIPOC-owned businesses as possible.
 
You might have noticed a little color palette going on here. I love having a neutral space so everything here are in shades of black, white, and grey with some gold accents here and there to match. 
 
Some of the businesses give back to the community so by supporting them, you’re also supporting their community. Aside from the locals and the women/ BIPOC-owned picks, I did include my tried and true cult favorites like Le Labo, Byredo, and Diptyque  at the end because they are classics for a reason. If you could find these at your local boutiques or small shops – even better! I know Alice & Wonder here in Chicago carries the Canceled Plans candles. Happy shopping and cheers to your space smelling amazing everyday! *Note – I get no kickback or commission from any links in this post. Just wanted to share these with you all! 
 
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November 19, 2020 TAGS: , , , , , BY: May
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Life + Style

How Chicago Locals Make Nutrition Happen: Mary Kesinger, Author of Run My World

 

Nutrition Happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.

While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:

 

May’s note: They say you want to surround yourself with people that make you a better person and I’d say you’ll probably want to include Mary K on that list. When she told me one of her goals for the year was to publish a book, I knew it was only a matter of time. She’s a true triple threat: author, fitness trainer, tech marketer…..aka all-around boss. Mary takes a no bullsh*t approach to life and is one of the most driven people I know. Having friends like Mary pushes me to be clear about my goals, intentions, and what excuses I need to drop to get there.  This is what genuine connection and friendships looks like: being able to empower each other to their fullest potential. You can find her on Instagram at @itsmaryk

Name: Mary Kesinger

Hometown: Jacksonville, IL

Business/ Occupation: Tech marketing, writer, fitness trainer

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June 18, 2018 TAGS: , , , BY: May
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Life + Style

How Chicago Locals Make Nutrition Happen: Teddy Heidt, The Gauge Collective

 

Nutrition Happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.

While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:

 

*May’s note: Teddy is the founder of the Gauge Collective (a digital marketing company) where he works collectively with digital freelancers to help small businesses build an effective social strategy. As a dietitian in digital marketing myself, I’ve loved what he’s been able to do in bringing a brand’s story to life. Teddy is well loved in the Chicago community and the MOST fun. We’re inspired here by his entrepreneurial spirit AND he keeps it 1000% relatable about his approach to health.  You can find him on Instagram at @teddyheidt.  

 

Name: Teddy Heidt

Hometown: Royal Oak, MI (Chicago resident for 5+ years)

Business: Founder and Creative Officer, The Gauge Collective

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June 6, 2018 TAGS: , , , BY: May
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Life + Style

How Chicago Locals Make Nutrition Happen: Sayre Masters, Lead Cycle Instructor – Studio Three Chicago

 

Nutrition happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.

While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:

 

 

*Mays note: I started taking Sayre’s Peloton cycling classes shortly after I joined as a member at Studio Three almost 2 years ago now – and I think I’ve been in over a hundred of her classes since! Trust me when I say after your first Sayre class, you would be attending religiously too – the energy is insane. If you find yourself in town for class, make sure you check out the schedule and book a class here. You can’t find a studio as local as Studio Three in Chicago and trust me, you don’t want to miss Sayre’s famous playlists (nor will you regret when she tells you to turn the resistance up one [or five] more points….TRUST!) 

Name: Sayre Masters

Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Business/ Occupation: Lead Cycle Instructor – Studio Three, Chicago

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April 2, 2018 TAGS: , , , , , BY: May
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Life + Style

How Chicago Locals Make Nutrition Happen: Jessica Foust, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Farmer’s Fridge

 

Nutrition happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.

While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:

 

*May’s note: I met Chef Jess at a Farmer’s Fridge lunch this past winter and and immediately knew I wanted her to be a part of this series. Dietitians often wear many hats and Jess is a prime example of someone in the industry with an unconventional (and amazing!) path in nutrition. Also, I’m big fan of Farmer’s Fridge – I wrote about them in a post here. They’re a company that sells salads in automated fridges through the Chicago area. The salads and meals are packed into reusable jars daily with fresh ingredients – I love that they are a company with high standards for changing the way people eat on the go. I’m telling you now that you should keep this humble company on your radar – I have a feeling these fridges will completely change the way we see “fast food” in the next few years! Check it out if you’re in Chicago – you can find the locations here. (ps don’t leave the fridge without also grabbing a few of the chocolate trail mixes – TRUST!) 

Name: Jessica Foust

Hometown: Reno, NV (Biggest Little City in the World)

Occupation: Chef, Registered Dietitian, Inventor, Dreamer

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March 26, 2018 TAGS: , , , BY: May
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