JenChicago » Health and Beauty

Product Review: Shake Weight

JenChicago — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:26:04 +0000

Ahh… the Shake Weight. I remember the first time I saw the commercial. I thought it was a joke. Nope. And though its been the butt of numerous jokes and skits, like this one on Saturday Night Live, it still had me curious… Could I REALLY have “guns” like Angela Bassett in “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” in as little as 6 minutes a day? Hmm…

I had to find out.

As you see in my video review, I like/love my Shake Weight. I mean, it does what it should if used correctly. It starts burning really quickly with the non-stop motion so your muscles never get a break. BUT… don’t get it twisted. No one is going to go from “flab to fab” simply by using Shake Weight. Duh- you know that. So that said- I think it’s a great one for the ladies to add to their “exercise toys” arsenal.

Don’t cry, Guys. They make Shake Weight For Men now, with adjustable resistance.

PS: If there is a product, you think I should review, tweet me.

@Dance_OutLoud party for @BeBrightPink this Friday

JenChicago — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:03:09 +0000

I met Stacy Bennet of @Dance_OutLoud on Twitter. Probably because I’m always tweeting about my affinity and love for dancing. We have that in common.

What is sadly different about us, however, is that Stacy lost her mom and 3 aunts to ovarian cancer and I wasn’t even sure what “ovarian cancer” was until I met her. They call it a “silent killer” because the symptoms are subtle at first and hard to control once it hits an advanced stage.

The good news is that instead of wallowing in fear and self-pity, Stacy, decided to to something positive about it- especially since early detection is the key.

Dance Out Loud is a movement and event benefitting Bright Pink, an organization that empowers young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer by providing them with education and support. The high-spirited event will be held Friday, November 11 at Brownstone Tavern in Chicago. Tickets to the events include an open bar, endless appetizers, costumes, prizes, an event shirt (C9 by Champion) and of course, DANCING to your favorite 80s and 90s tunes!

If you need more information, Dance Out Loud is really responsive on Twitter and Facebook- and I know Bright Pink would welcome your donation even if you can’t make it to the event.

As for me- that costume contest is as good as won.

By me- that is.

PS: Stay in “The Loop” with the #Chicagolicious newsletter!

Movember is Moustache Season in Chicago

JenChicago — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:11:19 +0000

Chicago is known for its moustaches. Actually, we just won America’s most moustache-friendly city, from the American Mustache Institute (AMI). I mean- it really doesn’t get any mo’ official than that, right? So when the month of November rolls around- you can bet we’re gonna bring it. The fuzz. The facial hair. The Sharpie substitute that we ladies draw on our fingers. See image.

In any case- Moustached Americans in Chicago are joining forces during the month of November, for Movember. Currently in its 5th year- men are encouraged to grow a moustache in an effort to raise awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer, specifically. One of the most notable men participating is Lance Armstrong- who is known world-wide for overcoming his battle with prostate cancer.

Moth men and women, appropriately named “Mo’ Bros” and “Mo’ Sistas” are encouraged to participate by raising funds and awareness for men’s health at www.Movember.com. If you’d like to support MY moustache growth (and who wouldn’t) click here for my Mo’ Sista Page.

Watch the attached video as I discuss, Movember, Chicago and the upcoming “Mo’ Party” on December first with Chicago’s Movember rep, Aaron Brost.

PS: Stay in “The Loop” by signing up for our #Chicagolicios newsletter- packed with… cool stuff.

One-a-day vitamins, twice a day?

JenChicago — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:44:07 +0000

I think “one-a-day” vitamins should be called “two-a-day” or they should make the gummies bigger.

Workout Wednesday

JenChicago — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:14:15 +0000

Just thought Wednesday would be a great day to share one of my favorite workout DVDs, Bryan Kest’s Power Yoga. The price has gone way down since the time I bought my DVD- you can scoop it up for about $6.

Happy workout!

Holiday Beauty Secret: spray tan at Aniko

JenChicago — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:42:06 +0000

I guess it’s not so much a secret… as it is something that a lot of gals (guys too!) don’t think about when they want to look better instantly for that last-minute holiday party, Girls’ Night or (hubba-hubba) hot date. The spray tan from Aniko is done by hand (not machine) and at this price, it can jazz up your dress way more than that bracelet you bought. I got naked (practically) so y’all could see what it’s really all about. #awkward

To book your own spray tan for (only) $25 at Aniko Salon and Spa (South Loop), call 312.431.1573.

Amazon Review: Bamboo Tea Box

JenChicago — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:50:12 +0000

This was my second tea chest to order off of Amazon. First one was WAY too short. [[ASIN:B002EVOXN8 Mark Feldstein TBX6T 6-Compartment Wooden Tea Chest with 8 Bigelow Tea Blends]] I am surprised at how hard it is to find a tea chest tall enough for a variety of teas. Tea-Box-Makers of the world… Please make the boxes taller than 4 inches!

Here’s the link, if you want to check it out yourself!

EA Sports: Active 2

JenChicago — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:14:34 +0000

I just returned from a promotional tour with fitness expert, Andrea Metcalf, as she promoted her upcoming book, Naked Fitness, due out in December. Because fitness and exercise should be fun, EA Sports joined us at Hotel Arista in Naperville and brought a game. It’s not sure out until December- which means you have the perfect excuse to procrastinate on Christmas shopping until then.

PS: Thanks to Catherine @EASactivegirl for being my trainer, Beth Rosen for holding the camera and Jean Pickering for cheering.

Diamonds in the Rough 2010 (invitation)

JenChicago — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:56:36 +0000

The Aparecio Foundation is a nonprofit organization, designed to accelerate the academic achievement for low-income,
high-potential, minority women throughout Chicago.

www.apareciofoundation.org

…The benefit will highlight a spectacular runway show, a variety of silent auction and raffle packages, signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, seasonal desserts, an evening of music, deluxe gift bag giveaways, an exclusive VIP package, and much more.

Tickets:
$ 60 main floor and evening events
$175 VIP package

*VIP tickets will include a private champagne and gourmet chocolate cocktail hour on DIRTT showrooms deck overlooking downtown Chicago, a professional portrait session with photographer and ultimate gift bag

Purchase tickets at www.apareciofoundation.org

The Aparecio Foundation is honored to include Natalie Martinez (NBC), Melissa Maynard (Factio Magazine), Gina Ferraro (Nude Hippo and NBC), Lindsay Hays (Grace PR), Theresa Carter (The Local Tourist), Marti Goyal (Aniko Salon and Spa), Audarshia Townsend (312 Dining Diva), Jessica Marie (CHEW Chicago), Lora Michael (Lora Michael Cosmetic Artistry), Cassandra Gaddo (Today’s Chicago Woman), Mabel Guzman, Maxine Hughes, Julie Darling (The Darling Company), Candace Jordan (CandidCandace.com), Irene Michaels (I on the Scene), Jen Knoedl (Jen Chicago), Sarah Raskey (The Giving Gallery), Ashley Bush (La Costa Theatre) as members of the host committee for Diamonds in the Rough.

We look forward to you joining us for a truly exceptional evening.

What’s Shakin’ Chicago? #001

JenChicago — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:22:00 +0000

Today on “What’s Shakin’ Chicago?…

I’m on the Season 5 premiere episode of 24/7 Chicago (NBC)! Find the full segment here!
Aniko Salon & Spa is hosting Redken’s 50th Anniversary Cut-A-Thon benefiting City of Hope. The event will be on Thursday, September 30 from 10am-3pm, walk-ins only
Broadway in Chicago presents Rock of Ages, but only until October 3!
Let’s start a weekly, or so, dance party! I’m gonna go for it, starting THIS Friday, noon in Daley Plaza!