Yoga for ALL sizes in Chicago: Ganesha Yoga studio

Hey curvy active ladies in Chicago! Have you heard of Ganesha Yoga studio? It’s an amazing yoga space on Lincoln and Belmont-ish. Not only does it have size-inclusive classes ranging from all levels of yoga to Zumba to BollyGroove Cardio…but it has one of the greatest selections of yoga and active wear in sizes XS – 4X that I’ve ever seen!

Ganesha Yoga and Adventures in Fitness is the brainchild of co-owners Mindy Hanzlik and Jane Musgrave. They wanted to create a welcoming and supportive studio for men and women seeking to improve their lives through movement regardless of weight, ability, or size. Read more about their vision here.

They know that active bodies come in all sizes, and that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their workout space. So, one of the coolest classes that Ganesha offers is HeavyWeight Yoga® which is specifically designed with modified poses, slower pacing, and lots of encouragement to help inflexible, overweight or obese students realize all the benefits of yoga in a safe and non-intimidating environment. Another unique offering is Stiff Guy Yoga, which is for guys who are not necessarily “yoga guys,” but can benefit from the health benefits and strengthening that yoga can bring. Check out their full class schedule.

And…I mentioned the extended selection of yoga clothes and workout wear, right???

Left: Moving comfort Cozy Hoody and Bestie top, Lola Getts Capris, Recycled glass necklace from Bottled Up Designs 
Right:Hard Tail Double V Tank in pink tie dye over Grey cargo slouch pants from Hard Tail and a Moving Comfort Fiona Bra, with the Chic Wrap Hoodie from Moving Comfort. Sweatybands Headband – so cute!

Left: Moving Comfort Sweatshirt and burnout tee, Skirtsports Tough Girl skortpants, and Sweaty band
Right: Soul Flower Stacked Lotus Tank, Shining Shakti Pants in Hearts Ablaze, and Sandpiper Imports fair trade accessories.

I’m going to be going to their classes regularly, and can’t wait to share some of my fitness adventures with you. What are you waiting for??? Check Ganesha Yoga out now and come see me do my warrior pose!

Caught in the Snow in Kiyonna’s RSVP Lace Cocktail Dress

Look fabulous even in a snowstorm in this Kiyonna RSVP Lace Cocktail Dress! I wasn’t really prepared for the weather when I was out on Michigan Ave, but I took advantage of gorgeous snowfall by ducking into the courtyard of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. This was the perfect background for this dramatic dress! Black scalloped lace over a gorgeous plum berry base…with sheer lace 3/4 length sleeves…so elegant! And it’s super comfortable since it’s ponte knit and has a bit of a stretch. (Click on the images to see larger versions!)

Kiyonna RSVP Lace Cocktail Dress; Cole Haan black suede ankle strap pumps

For those of you who like more modest necklines, you’ll love this dress…the V-neck doesn’t come down too low…and the black ruching at the waist breaks the lines of the dress and adds some definition. 
This would be perfect for Valentines day too, don’t you think? Check out the RSVP Lace Cocktail Dress here. It comes in white and green too!

Winter Gear: Juno Active Parka is the warmest thing I’ve ever worn ever

This has been one of the most brutal winters ever here in Chicago…and I would have died…literally…DIED without my long line parka from Juno Active. Here’s a cold, hard fact: It doesn’t matter how cute you look in your flirty wool blend coat with a ruffle trim…if you lose your nose to frostbite, you will be wishing that you wrapped yourself in a nice warm parka like this one from Juno Active.

This parka runs big, so I recommend sizing down unless you want to wear super bulky sweaters underneath it. The pintucks at the center of the coat add a nice little detail around the two way zipper…and there’s some elastic in the side for shaping, but it’s not adjustable…so if you want more shape, add a belt!

It’s like wearing a big warm blanket…I’ve never felt so free from the weather! The detachable hood is nice too, in case you want to wear some of your cute winter hats for some flair. 🙂

This is my favorite bear hat that I bought at a street kiosk in New York City last year. 

Sometimes its hard to find winter gear in extended, plus sizes, but thankfully, Juno Active (formerly Junonia) has great parkas and winter staples available in sizes 1X-6X. Here are a few other options to keep you warm!

Reversible PerfectTemp Fleece Vest

Alpine Ski Pants

Solid 3-in-1 Alpine Ski Jacket

Seriously, if your winter coats are leaving you cold, invest in one of these Juno Active items…you will be cute, comfortable AND warm!

Relax and get pampered during your dentist appointment at Mitchell Dental Spa

Before I went to Mitchell Dental Spa, I thought that dentist visits couldn’t get more boring. I’ve never really been afraid or nervous at the dentist like a lot of people, but it was always just another thing on my to-do list. But my mind has been forever changed since visiting Mitchell Dental Spa, which pairs a complimentary spa treatment with your dental appointments. This is the most brilliant concept ever!

Dr. Margaret Mitchell is one of Chicago’s best known cosmetic dentists, and she believes that going to the dentist should be a relaxed and pleasant experience. So, she and her staff have built a full-service facility offering general and cosmetic dentistry right alongside massage, facials, and skin rejuvenation. Dental appointments include a complimentary 10 minute spa treatment, where clients can choose anything from a back massage to a lip hydration treatment. Or, you can book a separate 30-90 minute spa treatments for a little extra pampering. The spa treatments take place in their own separate room, away from the bustle of the front office.
When I visited the office, I booked a 30 minute Pumpkin and Yam facial with Dee Dee, who was so pleasant to work with and made my skin feel like a baby’s bottom. The secret, she said, was the enzymes in the pumpkin that clear away your dry and dead skin, revealing your new soft and hydrated face. They exclusively use Eminence, a handmade organic skin care line out of Hungary. I had never heard of this line before, and I’m a total convert! I love that it’s all natural and organic, not to mention extremely effective. 
The office is located right downtown in Water Tower Place, and has some nice views of the lake from each of the chairs. When you enter the office, you can partake in the “refreshment bar” that even serves champagne after 3pm! 
I have to say, I loved the entire concept. Not only will I be booking spa treatments there in the future, but I’ve switched to Dr. Mitchell for good!

Dazzle All Night in this Darling Soprano Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress via Gwynnie Bee

My Gwynnie Bee closet delivers once again! I was looking for an easy, comfortable dress that I could throw on and still look like a million bucks, and I found this Soprano Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress (GB girls find it here) and put it in my closet immediately. The shape is perfect for curvy girls, nipping you in at the waist and accentuating the bust.  The midnight blue color is beautiful on many different skin tones….and the pleated skirt skims perfectly over the hips and thighs. The deep v-neck is oh-so-sexy, but can also be played down with a cami or tank for more modest events. I went full-on glam, pairing this with my vintage fur capelet and some sparkly, completely impractical shoes.

Soprano Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress
 Soprano Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress via Gwynnie Bee; Fur capelet via Tilly Boutique (Chicago); Silver Rhinestone and Ribbon heels via Frederick’s of Hollywood.
Soprano Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress

Soprano Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress

Style Plus Curves blows out a candle
Love my vintage Marilyn Monroe makeup courtesy of Illamasqua at Bloomingdales!
Even though party season is on hiatus, definitely keep this dress in your Gwynnie Bee closet, since it is a perfect for tons of occasions. I’m absolutely buying this one to keep for myself!
And by the way…Happy New Year!!
xo