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HAPPY GOTCHA DAY! Clark has been in our lives for

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!

Clark has been in our lives for a full year now! It has been incredibly rewarding, testing, and FUN growing with this big boy in the big city. We love his noises and aloof personality. It’s been so great getting to know his goofy self as he grows older, more colorful, and much, much bigger 😂 Thanks to @felinescanines for rescuing us the best boy!

➡️ Swipe for the “before!” And #adoptdontshop

Side effects have included: • unexpected happy t

Side effects have included:
• unexpected happy tears
• explosive sense of joy and relief
• overwhelming appreciation for science

#getvaccienated #getbacktonormalcy

I posted a photo just like this one year ago. Jus

I posted a photo just like this one year ago.

Just a year. But what a year.

Despite living in Chicago for as long as we have, our uniquely awesome Lakeview home saw us in a whole new light. We added a member to our family, while also not getting to see our own. We endured a pandemic, demonstrations, riots, and peace all while trying to maintain our sanity and make a difference. We ordered in delicious food but hardly stepped foot in the neighborhood restaurants or bars. And we made lifelong friends who really never saw us without a mask.

We’ll never forget this place that saw SO much of us (like, 24/7/365, lol) and the only reason we are leaving is that we were ready for something to really call our own — our first “real” home in Edgewater!

But until then we are taking a brief layover at the in-laws until closing week. See you again soon, and permanently, Chicago!

I’ve reached that point where I bought myself so

I’ve reached that point where I bought myself some pizza earrings and did an entire dressed up photoshoot with them.

I’m fine. 🙃🍕

✨ Let your light shine ✨ It’s been really e

✨ Let your light shine ✨

It’s been really enlightening and, frankly, shocking to see all of the incredible strong women and friends I know open up about their eating disorders this week. So many of these people are business moguls or badass mothers or community heroes that many only see as the strong individuals that they are. But what happens when that person’s own foundation is crumbling because society says she needs to look a certain way or “bounce back?” I’ll tell you.

I struggled for years with an unhealthy relationship with food and obsession with exercise. I only saw my reflection as a girl with thicker thighs than my friends. And that is certainly not to say that my people did not have struggles of their own, but instead of looking forward to college social outings or parties, I was anxiously thinking about how many calories I’d be consuming and how hard I’d have to work the next day to cancel it out. For almost a full year I ate protein bars for breakfast and lunch – as in, one split in half for each meal so I wouldn’t consume as many calories. I had a safe word made up to text my now-husband if I was considering purging the food I ate so he could help talk me out of it. I would even make gallons of a stupid lemon dandelion tea cleanse concoctions and lie to my roommates that it was just a big batch of flavored water.

Those fluke GOOD days where I was feeling confident about myself or “didn’t care,” I’d go socialize, drink and inevitably eat a ton of bar food that night. And the next morning, while my amazing friends would laugh recapping our night, I would embarrassingly slip away to the gym to start the sweat. I hate to think about all of the laughs I missed out on those years because I was too concerned with f*cking CALORIES.

But, as I’ve seen across social media, there are so many warriors in this battle. And for many, the battle continues.

- continued in the comments -

I get it, working out at home can be ruff 🐾

I get it, working out at home can be ruff 🐾

It’s our brindled boy’s first birthday! 🎉

It’s our brindled boy’s first birthday! 🎉

While we don’t know what his first 3 months were like, we know now that he is a pretzel snatching, noise making, bed romping big boy who has filled our lives with laughter, howls, and hair 😂 We love you and love learning with you, Clark! 🐾

Double tap for birthday boops!

Hey Chicago, what do you say? Let’s go play in t

Hey Chicago, what do you say?
Let’s go play in the snow today ☃️🌨

I drew a fish. For fun! 🐠This is a Mandarin Dra

Things won’t be better right away, but they’re

Things won’t be better right away, but they’re already brighter than the darkness behind us.

Know what sparks the light in you. Then, use that

Know what sparks the light in you. Then, use that light to illuminate the world. ✨
- Oprah Winfrey

...also thank you to my class packed with inspirational people for letting me take this mid-exercise 😂

Yesterday was a loss for so many, but our family a

Yesterday was a loss for so many, but our family also is mourning the loss of our incredible uncle Ted. He was a guy unlike anyone I’ve ever met. A spit-fire, quick to let you know if you’ve put on weight or wear too much makeup. But one of the kindest souls all the same. After all his years of traveling, he told me the only way he would come to my wedding was if I got married in his backyard in Berea, Ohio 🤣

He is the man behind my family’s love for hockey, as he was the Athletic Trainer for the New Jersey Devils in the 90s. He gifted me a NJ Devils bib at my birth and my first jersey when I was a toddler. His home was full of hockey memorabilia with rows and rows of signed jerseys. “Take one of those home!” he’d say every visit. He had friends across every team across every country. At one point his name graced the mighty Stanley Cup and he would happily let anyone off the street try on his sparkling Stanley Cup ring.

My strongest memories of him are him recalling his days walking around the mall trying to talk to girls with the team or feeding his dog Jack (one of the pet portraits I did early this year) an entire can of green beans as he lit up a cigar. Now, he and Jack are reunited once again.

Everyone wishes they had that one relative with all the crazy stories, and I’m lucky enough to have one of my own. We’ll miss ya, Ted! 🖤❤️

It’s obvious that this start to a new year is di

It’s obvious that this start to a new year is different than all others. People hoping to put their wellness at the forefront are are faced with closed gyms and studios.

Though the virtual atmosphere is different than that packed group fitness class, you can still do GREAT workouts at home. You’ll hear me say this a lot in my classes, but I can’t think of a better time for a beginner or returning veteran to take that first step: no fighting over space to work out, no awkward stares over sweat stains, no fumbling through moves, no pressure, no judgement.

Since getting my classes slashed in March, I’ve been hustling HARD putting together a library of over 25 pre-recorded workouts, with several added weekly. I know coming up with exercises to do at home with limited equipment is no fun – that’s where I come in. See for yourself at https://tinyurl.com/HPSFitness.

If you prefer the LIVE virtual setting, I’m incredibly lucky to teach 4 virtual classes weekly through @lifestart Their on-demand platform is only $14.99/month for unlimited classes and offers several free ones on Instagram. And of course, my juicy Yoga Sculpt class with @runn_chicago on Mondays at 5:30pm, which also has a virtual package AND in-studio equipment rental! I also run a Friends & Fam class Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon – message me if you’d like the link.

Many of us are in this state of limbo where our makeshift home offices are also our home gyms. No camera? No problem. I’m not the instructor with my face in the screen watching you work out — I’m doing it right along with you as if we ARE all together.

That’s a lot of information – but I hope it reinforces that I am passionate about what I do for others. I’ve been teaching for over 10 years and virtually for 10 months. And on top of all this screen time, I am also studying for my Personal Trainer Certification to take things to the next level. My 2021 resolution was to start taking client as early as spring 👀

So you decide: are you going to let 2021 be another 2020 or are you going to grab it and bench press it? 💪🏼

2020 ➡️ 2021.

Find shelter in the magic of the holiday season.🐾✨

The 2020 Pink Fam Christmas Card featuring our adorable adopted shelter pups!🎄

Breaking my norm, but I have to brag because today

Breaking my norm, but I have to brag because today I met my second 2020 goal: squatting 200lbs! 🏋🏼‍♀️ Two months after my first goal of running a marathon...what?!

And yet, I feel kind of ashamed typing that out because it makes me seem egotistical or pompous, but I hope you know me better than that. For years I have served others with my exercise knowledge and poured my energy into my classes while still forcing time for myself. So yeah, I’m hella proud.

I know my form isn’t great (too much pop at the top and not as much depth as I’d like), but frankly I was surprised every time I managed to get that weight back upright. I went to the gym after class today planning on some light lifting and was met at the rack with a fire in my belly (and later, my booty.) 🔥

“She said she would, so she freakin did.”

#chicagofitness #fitnessinstructor #squats #PR

Swipe to see his reaction when I told him it was F

Swipe to see his reaction when I told him it was Friday 👀🍁

#rescuedog #shepherdmix #labmix #pyreneesmix #adoptdontshop

Mask up. 😷 Tree up.🌲

Mask up. 😷 Tree up.🌲

“Behind each virtual class is an instructor who

“Behind each virtual class is an instructor who created a space in their house for you. They purchased lighting, rearranged their furniture, upgraded sound systems, found the perfect angle and gave you the same energy as if they were right in front of you in the same packed room.”

I know how hard it is to work out at home. I know the challenge of going from a home office right into a home gym. I know the exhaustion of closing your email window just to open your virtual class window. But I also know how hard YOU work. YOU have kept your mojo going despite having to completely flip your lifestyle with almost no notice. And now some of you are having to do that again. YOU hit those 'start' buttons despite the walls caving in around you. YOU do this – I am just the person on the screen singing your praises virtually since March 13th 👏🏼😳

Yet despite it being such an isolated time, I've met DOZENS of virtual faces across the nation that continue to open those fitness apps and hit 'start'. None of us would have guessed we'd still be working out with our screens in November, but here we are. And we're still here for you. My little home office gym will always be your little home office gym. 🌟

How it started ➡️ How it’s going: We just d

How it started ➡️ How it’s going:
We just don’t tell him that he’s gained 50lbs this quarantine 😳

#rescuedogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #shepherdmix #labmix #pyreneesmix #pupper #chicagodog #9monthsold

What a doggone week, my brain is fry’d. 🌭🍟

What a doggone week, my brain is fry’d.
🌭🍟😌

#supportlocalbusiness #supportrestaurants

The Chicago Fire Department: Here to put out the d

The Chicago Fire Department: Here to put out the dumpster fire that is 2020👩🏼‍🚒🚒🐶🔥

#HappyHalloween #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #fire #firetruck #firefighters #dumpsterfire #halloween #halloweencostume #CPD #puppiesofinstagram #dogcostume #chicago #chicagodogs

More often than not, I catch myself dancing during

More often than not, I catch myself dancing during my workouts. 💃🏼 I taught Zumba for 7 years and miss that insanely fun kind of cardio. But if there was ever a time we need to get up, destress, and bust a move, it’s now.

So, I’m excited to introduce Fuego Fit — my own twist on a dance fitness class. Now, if you know me, I am by NO means a dancer, but rather what I deem a “stress reliever.”😂 I’m planning to bring back some Latin-inspired moves and fuse it with a little fitness and have some fun.

I completely understand “virtual burnout” but if you are interested, I’m doing my first class Thursday 10/29 at 5pm CST via Zoom (invite: https://tinyurl.com/fuego-fit-2020). It’s completely free, but donations are welcome via Venmo.

Yes, it will be a learning curve for all of us virtually, and no, you don’t need to have your video on! Message me or drop a comment if you want the information! 📩

📸: 2011 Go Red Zumbathon

I am a marathoner! On Saturday I completed the fi

I am a marathoner!

On Saturday I completed the first ever Virtual Chicago Marathon, in a mask, with no spectators, unseasonably warm weather, and a nasty spill halfway in. Not exactly the marathon I envisioned, but hey, it’s 2020.

To say it was challenging is an understatement, but with the support of my amazing family and friends and the incredible group I’ve met through the Chicago Area Runner’s Association this summer, I got it done. Something I vowed I couldn’t do years ago.

Now, if you excuse me, I’ll be wearing this medal for the next week 🥇🍾
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#runchi #chicagomarathon #mychicagomarathon #CARAruns #charityrunners #myfirstmarathon #marathon

She ready 🔥 2020 Chicago Marathon: Virtual Expe

She ready 🔥
2020 Chicago Marathon: Virtual Experience — 10/10/2020 6:30AM.

My first marathon, vastly different than the one I signed up for in December. Running for team @glasa_sports with @cararuns. You can still donate at tinyurl.com/HPforGLASA
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Route in the comments and I will post my tracker information tomorrow as well!

#mychicagomarathon #chicagomarathon #chicagorunner #runchi #running #myfirstmarathon #virtualmarathon #26point2nomatterwhat

You and me for three ✨ You are my light in the

You and me for three ✨

You are my light in the darkest of times and my warmth like that beautiful September day, and I’m so lucky to be yours.

Took our beautiful beast to the bar 😳🐾🍻

Took our beautiful beast to the bar 😳🐾🍻

7 1/2 months and 55lbs with no end in sight 😂
#rescuedogsofinstagram #muttsofinstagram #puppylove #shepherdmix #labmix #pyrneesmix

Spokane was a smokeshow this weekend 🌫 But fami

Spokane was a smokeshow this weekend 🌫
But family always shines through ☀️

Also, climate change is very real. Please vote 📨

Less than one month until the virtual Chicago Mara

Less than one month until the virtual Chicago Marathon! This weekend I run my first 20 mile run with the Chicago Area Runners Association, which has been instrumental in helping me prepare for October 10th. I guess I'm a runner now? 😲

And I am happy to announce that I am OVER my charity goal of $1,300 for GLASA, thanks to these incredible people: Angel C., Nick E., Alex H., Emily E., Chito & Linda P, Matt S., Jacki P., Maren G., Paige B., Tiffany N., Griff II, Maggie S., Cassie J., Corine M., Angela A., Alyssa G., Mary Jo & Jeff P., Lindsey Busbee, Barb & John S., Heather Haley, Katie R., Rose K., Rebekah & Brennan O., Veronica R., Erica B. & Chris P., Lisa W., James D., Beth C., and Ashley D!! Thank you all for reaching into your pockets to help out this incredible organization during this extremely challenging time. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed. 💛

With less than a month to go, I want to encourage anyone who may have been considering a donation to please donate during these last few weeks. If we could break $1,500, I'd be blown away.

Here's to 26.2 NO MATTER WHAT! 🏃‍♀️🔥 www.tinyurl.com/HPforGLASA
or lInk in bio!
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#chicagorunning #chicagorunner #chicagomarathon #runchi #charityrun #marathoner #linkinbio #26point2

Played our tail off in the lake this Labor Day 💦🐾

#rescuedog #shepherdmix #labmix #pyrneesmix #muttsofinstagram #chicagodogs #LDW #rescuepup #dogsofinstagram #pupper #chicago

Not sure who had more fun this weekend — us or t

Not sure who had more fun this weekend — us or the pups 👅🐾🍦

Easily the brightest part of our summer 🔆 Cong

Easily the brightest part of our summer 🔆

Congratulations to Katie and Dan for #BecummingReichardt on the most perfect day!

📢 THE RESULTS ARE IN! 📢 Our @embarkvet DNA

📢 THE RESULTS ARE IN! 📢

Our @embarkvet DNA 🧬 test came back for our brindled boy! And now we can finally answer the common question “what kind of dog is that?!”

➡️ Swipe to see much more colorful and fluffier current-day Clark and his results!

#adoptdontshop #rescuedog #rescuepup #shepherdmix #labmix #pyreneesmix #puppylove #Embark #DNAtest

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