Hello from Tampa. We’ll play catchup tomorrow but I want to share a bit from my quick trip to Chicago for KIND.
I mentioned on Monday that I wasn’t flying directly home and Chicago was the mystery destination. New readers: during the school year I have the pleasure of working as a campus ambassador for KIND Healthy Snacks. Read this post for a little more info. If there are any long long time readers you might remember that I visited Chicago last summer to attend the 2014 KIND University Ambassador Summit. I was back again for my third year at the conference and, minus the myriad flight delays (thanks, American), it didn’t disappoint.
I arrived in Chicago in the late afternoon on Monday and once I got into the city (it took a while on the train from the airport) I immediately went to Whole Foods. Priorities. Traveling as a celiac isn’t a piece of gluten-free cake so I needed to stock up on some food. Side note: I might write an updated version of traveling with celiac, because, while it’s gotten better over the years, it’s still not easy.
Later that night I went to a welcome reception at The Plaza at Millennium Park. It was a beautiful evening and a great way to kickoff the conference. This was my fourth trip to Chicago but my FIRST time visiting The Bean. They need to clean that thing….
The next day started bright and early (for me) with a quick run along Lakeshore Drive. Bonus that I was on EST because I didn’t have to get up as early as normal. Running is the best way to see a city. I ran from the hotel to Navy Pier along the lake but ran back on some side streets. It was really buggy along the lake (not sure if that’s normal?). Lollapalooza is this weekend so a lot of the lake side parks were blocked off from pedestrians and cars. I had more time last year to explore the city, but I’m glad I got in at least some sightseeing.
Then it was time for the conference. I won’t sugarcoat it, it was a long day BUT it was filled with many amazing speakers and breakout sessions. I had the opportunity to listen to the founder and CEO of KIND, Daniel Lubetzky, speak for the second time. He seriously knows how to energize a crowd and I think everyone left on a high.
One of the best parts of the day was learning more about the KIND Movement. If you aren’t familiar, the basis of the KIND Movement is to spread kindness one small act at a time. Big or small, kindness should be celebrated and KIND makes it a priority to make a positive impact on the world. Check out these links for more information on KIND Causes and #kindawesome.
Oh, and this table rocked.
After quick goodbyes I rushed to the airport to find out my flight had been delayed for more than 2 hours. Oh the joys of flying. I was in town for literally 27 hours and spent 12 more traveling, so I was more than happy to step off the plane in Tampa and not have to leave town the next day.
Lastly, because I can’t talk about KIND without mentioning my current favorite bars….Caramel Almond & Sea Salt and Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt. Get on these, now.
Hahahaha, as I read this I was finished my favorite KIND bar (the almond, cashew, flax one). I like to freeze them in the freezer and then break my teeth eating them rock hard ;) Good stuff!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Italian Polenta Pizza
I freeze the chocolate ones sometimes! I don’t love when they break my teeth haha but they are delicious frozen.
I love Chicago! I haven’t been in years, but now that my friend is going to be starting school out there I am going to be visiting a lot more! I love that it is a big city, yet still has the midwestern feel to it. I can’t wait until I visit and can run along Navy Pier and Lake Michigan, it is so beautiful!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Strawberry & Blueberry Kale Nut Salad
You described exactly what I love about it…big city but wide sidewalks, clean and friendly people (at least they were to me!).
Caramel sea salt KIND bar is so good. It’s up there with the dark chocolate sea salt and peanut butter & jelly bars for me! Sounds like a fun trip!
Lauren recently posted…Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap {Weeks 5&6}
Dark chocolate sea salt is one of my top favorites too!
Welcome home to Florida!! I’m glad you had a great trip. American always has the worst flight delays. So annoying. I need to go to the bean when I visit Chicago again. I’ve been a few times and have never been there!!
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I always say I won’t fly American again but unfortunately they fly everywhere I need to go. I’m glad we stayed in an area close to the Bean this time! I don’t know the city well but I think I’m normally more north?
The struggle is too real with flying these days. I feel like every single flight I’ve had in the past two years has been delayed or included a baggage mishap of some sort. So glad you made it home safely!! I ran the Chicago marathon last year and fell in love. I’d definitely love to go back but be able to spend more time doing touristy type things – I hear the architecture boat tour is where it’s at. And favorite healthy snack bar… hmmmm I don’t think I really eat any, but I do love me some Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt KIND bars!
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YES. Seriously every flight is delayed. I just expect it now. I was just thinking how hot the Chicago Marathon must be. It was hot and there wasn’t much shade where I was.
Wow you’ve been busy! Looks like you had a lot of fun in Chicago. I’m not sure if it’s the same for a lake, but I know that in the summer there are TONS of bus by the river in Pittsburgh. I always have to run with sunglasses on because they’re everywhere! That’s the only downside of running by water. I totally agree that running is the best way to see a city! I did that when I visited Europe this summer..the only difficulty is not having a phone to rely on and hoping that I wouldn’t get lost!
A Chicagoan (?) explained to me about the bugs and the lake. Good call with the sunglasses. I regret not running when I went to Europe a few years ago but I can’t imagine trying to navigate the streets there without getting lost!
I live in chicago!! I wish i knew before you were coming I always like to meet new bloggers
x,Abril
I would have loved to meet up. Next time I’m there I plan to stay for more than a few hours :)
What a whirlwind trip! I have certainly been to Chicago – came here three years ago and still haven’t left ;) And yes, the lakefront is definitely always buggy this time of year, particularly in the morning. Those little critters love the water!
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted…Thursday Things
That’s what I figured about the lake. I was waving my hands in front of my face for my entire run. A hat and sunglasses would have helped.
What a fun gig to have during college!! That sounds like such an awesome opportunity! LOVE Chicago!!! (I also loathe flying American, sorry for your delays!)
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Working for KIND has been the best addition to my college experience. Why is American the worst with delays?! I’m glad someone understands my pain.
I have always wanted to go to Chicago! I might be going in the fall :) Also…I would love to hear more about your journey with Celiac and how you got diagnosed/when/how you adapted to that and everything. I know nothing about it and think it would be interesting to read about. Sorry you have to go through that but it seems like you make the best of it and eat a ton of delicious food regardless!
I think the fall would be the ideal time to visit! It was hot but not unbearable for me. These are some posts I have about Celiac but I’m due for some newer ones :) https://myhealthyishlife.com/celiac-disease/
Short but sweet trip. Glad you were able to get there & home safe. Sounds like a very informative yet fun conference.
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Thank you :) Every year they have packed yet fun days for us. I feel very lucky to be apart of such a great company.
Sounds like an awesome trip!! I’ve never been to Chicago but I would love to go there soon
Liz recently posted…Staying on Track with Journal Menu
I don’t know much about it but I would suggest going in the late summer/fall (I hear winters are brutal).
I usually get the honey oat KIND bar, but the sea salt caramel sounds really good! I will have to keep an eye out for it at the store. I love to go to the Field Museum, but the Shedd is really cool too.
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I love that flavor too! That’s my favorite flavor of the granola. I hope next time I’m in Chicago for more than 27 hours haha. Even 48 would have been nice for exploring.
I love running when I travel. It is such a nice way to switch things up and that photo of Chicago is beautiful! I am a huge fan of “The Perfect Bar”….So good! Looks like a fun trip and cool fact to learn that you are an Ambassador! xoxo
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I feel like I get a better understanding of the city when I can explore it on foot, preferably by running. It’s also cool to see where the locals run.
I love that white/off-white blouse in that first picture of you on this post. You are a beauty, Emily! With the flats too? You’re stylish! I’ve never tried KKIND bars, but one of these days, I need to give it a shot! They’re always on campus handing out samples, so I should pick on dup some time. Do you recommend any of the chocolate flavors?
My favorite healthy snack bar is probably Clif right now! Though, I am not sure if they are actually healthy, haha.
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Thank you! It’s actually sheer so I have to wear a white cami underneath it. It’s one of my go-to outfits! Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt is the BEST flavor. Let me know if you try it!
I love the sea salt caramel KIND bar, too, but haven’t tried the pumpkin bar yet. I need to get on that!
And I absolutely love KIND’s mission. It sounds like such a cool company to be a part of! And how awesome that they have a conference for you all!?
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Cheese-Stuffed Salsa Chicken with Mexican Risotto
The conference is an added bonus of working for KIND! I love meeting all the other ambassadors and hearing what they do at their schools.
i like chicago ive been 2x and am going back in october. im hoping the weather is nice while im there. you remind me of why i like it but MAN i like the popcorn which they claim all over is GF and i have never had a problem with (other than overeating) and i think if it wasnt i would cry ! i do like Kind but the last few ive gotten on amazon have been sorta hard so i have also been trying and liking luna bars which recently started producing protein rich GF bars. i do like Kind granola as well. and honestly never really thought of the name “kind” and what might be behind it ! conferences are such long days but always good to get the swag : ) any GF food tips for chicago ?