Shop Local: Support These Chicago Businesses This Holiday Season

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for our local businesses here in Chicago. To spread some cheer this holiday season, we reached out to a few of our fellow small business owners and neighborhood partners to find great gift ideas to share with our members.

As you make your holiday shopping list this year, consider shopping small and supporting these wonderful businesses owned and operated by fellow Chicagoans.

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1. Elmhurst Brewing Co.

Elmhurst Brewing Co., located at 171 N. Addison in Elmhurst, has the perfect gift ideas for the beer lover in your life, including:

  • Growler Club membership
  • Mug Club Membership
  • Beer-inspired scented candles in a 10oz logo Belgian glass
  • Holiday logo ornament for your tree
  • Logo flannels for cold weather
  • 3 new logo hat styles
  • “Santa’s Liquid Helper:” our Oak Aged Bock style lager, aged 12 months and sold in 750ml bottles with waxed bottles cap tops

Head to their website today to purchase your gift and support local!

Elmhurst Brewing Co mug and growler

2. The Harp & Fiddle

The Harp & Fiddle, located at 110 Main Street in Park Ridge, is a modern Irish pub offering everything from family dinners, dinner for two, take out alcohol and even groceries and essentials for pick-up and delivery!

As a special deal for FFC members, when you order takeout from The Harp & Fiddle in December using the Orange TOAST button on their website and code FFC2020 , you will receive an additional 10% off your order! Treat yourself or your family to a delicious meal from The Harp & Fiddle to help celebrate this holiday season.

3. Pumpkin Moon

Pumpkin Moon, located at 1028 North Blvd in Oak Park, is celebrating its 25th year in business and is your headquarters for fun stocking stuffers and special gifts alike!

From Silly Putty to Lite Brite, Sock Monkeys, 8-balls, Lava Lites, Spirograph and more, they have all the fun stuff to make your holiday extra special. Pumpkin Moon offers curbside delivery and will try to help with any special needs you have.

They do not have a shopping website, so they have made up some ready-to- go kids assortments in different price ranges: $5, $10, $15, $20. Gift Certificates are also available. One size fits all! 

Pumpkin Moon storefront

4. Scratch ‘n Sniff

Scratch ’n Sniff, located at 120 N. Marion St. in Oak Park, has you covered for gifts for your family, your home and your pet! With new items arriving weekly, Scratch ‘n Sniff carries Pendleton brand items, baskets of toys and winter weather gear for your pets, and fun gift items for the home, including puzzles and their specialty, glass Christmas ornaments in dozens of styles.

Gift Certificates are available as well as curbside pickup.

Scratch N Sniff storefront

5. Frame Chicago

Frame Chicago, located at 1701 N. Clybourn Ave, is a small, female and minority owned custom framing and engraving shop in Lincoln Park.

Create a one-of-a-kind gift with Frame Chicago this season by taking $40 off any custom framing order as a FFC member. This will be valid throughout the holiday season with an expiry date of December 31, 2020. 

To see examples of their work, head to @framechicago on Instagram.

6. Jaclyn Beattie Personal Styling

Start 2021 in style by enlisting the services of Jaclyn Beattie Personal Styling. Jaclyn is a professional wardrobe stylist specializing in cleaning out closets (organizing, donating, making a list of what’s missing, etc), personal shopping (from any store, both in person and online) and she designs custom clothing (taking measurements, picking out fabrics, creating garments that are truly your own). 

Over quarantine, Jaclyn also started designing and hand-making jewelry using high quality materials- brass, silver, matte gold and 14k gold filled components. She creates her jewelry locally in East Lakeview and can help with any custom jewelry orders as well.

For more information, visit Jaclyn’s website or shoot her an email at jaclyn@jaclynbeattie.com.

Jaclyn Beattie photo

7. Kie & Kate Couture

Kie & Kate Couture is a family run, female owned business in Elmhurst located at 559 S. Spring Road. This holiday season, shop their deal of the day, which features their most popular items each day where clients can take advantage of the daily deals to help finish off their holiday shopping!

Use Promo Code LOCALLOVE to receive 20% off Kie & Kate’s Deal of the Day.

Deals of the day for Kie and Kate

8. Wake ‘n Bacon

New Lakeview restaurant Wake ‘n Bacon, located at 420 W. Belmont Ave., boasts a menu of comfort food with Asian and Latin influences. Enjoy a healthy snack like their Halo Halo Chia Chia or Veggie Stir Fry. You can also take advantage of their CBD offerings by adding 25mg to any food or drink on the menu.

This holiday season, when you order online with promo code FFCLV, you’ll receive $5 off your order. Wake ‘n Bacon offers delivery, curbside, or pick-up options, so you can still enjoy brunch any day of the week, because you deserve it.

breakfast dish from Wake N Bacon

9. ChooChoo Chicago

ChooChoo Chicago, located at 615 W Oakdale Ave., provides a nurturing, loving, and home-like environment while supporting the academic and social-emotional development of children in our care through an explorative, play-based curriculum.

For those looking for a daycare/preschool program for your toddler in the East Lakeview neighborhood–ChooChoo Chicago currently has an active spot opening. If you are interested, reach out today and schedule your visit prior to December 18th in order to claim 10% off your first-month tuition!

Children reading storybooks

10. A Dog’s Best Friend

A Dog’s Best Friend is a 5 star pet care business in Lakeview that has been in business for over 17 years. A Dog’s Best Friend offers dog walking, pet sitting, cat care and pet events and employs experienced pet handlers, insured and bonded. A Dog’s Best Friend also produces fun interactive pet events helping businesses reach out to their communities. Reach out today via their website for all of your petcare needs!

11. Scout & Cellar

Local Chicagoan Catherine Hall is a wine consultant with Scout & Cellar. Clean crafted wine from grape to glass, try the Scout & Cellar difference. Order your wine online and have it shipped right to your door! Contact Catherine today to book a tasting.

Photo of a woman and man drinking champagne.

12. Olive Mediterranean Grill

Olive Mediterranean Grill at 1001 W. North Ave has been serving up Chicago’s favorite Mediterranean tastes and flavors that happen to be healthy since 2010.

This holiday season you can buy one plate and get the second one half off with all takeout orders placed between 10:30 AM – 09:00 PM.

Buy One Get One Half Price Olive Deal

13. CarefulPeach

CarefulPeach at 1024 North Blvd in Oak Park offers a unique selection of brands of apothecary luxuries, handmade jewelry, accessories, table linens, fine tabletop pieces, stationery, gourmet foods, cooking accessories, home decor and more.

This December, join CarefulPeach for two free and exciting Virtual Wine Tastings on Facebook! Receive 10% off the purchase of 2 or more featured wines and 15% off a case of wine, mixed cases included. Wine can be purchased online, over the phone or at the shop for curbside or in-store pick up!

Wine bottle display at Careful Peach

14. JAYNE

JAYNE Boutique at 122 N. Marion Street in Oak Park aims to to bring an ageless shopping adventure featuring clothing, accessories, and footwear to their 4 brick and mortar locations throughout the Chicagoland suburbs.

During the week of December 7, FFC members will receive 20% off their JAYNE purchase in store or online using promo code FFCOAKPARK20. This promotion will continue for FFC members through December 13 and excludes Birkenstock, other exclusions may apply.

20% Off Flyer At ShopJayne.com

15. Roots Handmade Pizza – Second City and South Loop

Roots Handmade Pizza specializes in high quality, casual comfort food; Quad Cities style pizza, handmade mozzarella sticks, a plentiful salad program and all midwestern beers. The Second City location, 1610 N. Wells, opened in the fall of 2019 and hopes to become a staple in the Old Town neighborhood for many years to come.

Roots Second City and Roots South Loop would like to extend a 15% discount to FFC members through their app or website using the code FFCGC15 for orders over $50.

16. Athleta Shops on Fremont

Athleta Shops on Fremont, 901 W. Weed Street, is releasing their limited edition lace collection the week of December 7. Stop in to shop the collection, support our neighbors who work at Athleta, and enter the in-store raffle for your chance to win a $50 shop card.

Athleta will also have new markdowns in store and will be offering an additional 20% off sale the weekend of December 12.

17. Banana Republic North Ave Collection

Support our neighbors working at Banana Republic – North Ave Collection at 917 W. North Ave the week of December 7. Banana Republic will be having a storewide sale featuring their brand new Winter 2020 collection with special Deals of the Day.

They also offer buy online pick up in-store services and curbside pick-up, with 2 designated pick-up locations in the attached North Ave Collections garage.

18. VIVE Float Studio

VIVE Float Studio at 1513 N. Wells in Old Town specializes exclusively in Float + Cryo + Infrared + VAT + Halo Therapies. Their boutique total wellness center offers today’s most cutting-edge equipment dedicated solely to providing simultaneous mental and physical rest and recovery.  

This holiday season, give the gift of time, creating space for mental & physical restoration for the family and friends that have been there for you through 2020. Any one service is $55. This special is available December 9 – 25. The promotional benefits expire 12/31/21. So stock up on what they (or you) need to stay the best version of yourself all 12 months of 2021! The monetary value never expires.

VIVE promotional poster with holiday offer

19. Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli

Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli has two locations in Chicago: 1001 W. North Ave. in Lincoln Park and 515 N. Dearborn St. in River North. Corey’s began serving up NYC bagels to Chicagoans in 2000, and they’re offering a discount for FFC members throughout the month of January!

Please use the code FFC10 at checkout for your special discount on everything on the Corey’s NYC Bagel deli website.  

Corey's logo

20. Lively Athletics

Lively Athletics at 109 N. Oak Park Avenue is a sister-owned women’s athletic wear shop in Oak Park that’s been serving up athletic apparel and shoes since 2014.

As a special thank you to the FFC community, Lively Athletics is offering FFC members 15% off their online purchases now through 12/31/2020. Use the code “FFC” to apply the discount when shopping online!

Woman standing in athletic wear shop
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21. Cafecito

With four locations throughout Chicago (South Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park), Cafecito serves up the flavors of Latin America with their Cuban-inspired menu.

Get 10% off your total purchase when you mention this post to Cafecito staff. Enjoy!

cafecito meal

22. Roti

Roti, located at 1000 W North Ave in Lincoln Park, is ready to refuel you with their modern Mediterranean menu.

Support our neighbors who work at Roti by stopping in for pick-up or curbside takeout or ordering delivery from their website.

Salmon dish from Roti

23. 3rd Coast Cafe

3rd Coast Cafe, located at 1260 N. Dearborn, has been a local favorite in the Gold Coast for 35 years. All winter they will be offering 4 homemade soups daily to keep the chill away, cocktails to go, and amazing deals on mix and match 4/6 packs of wine and beer. Their dinner menu changes nightly and will post by 4 PM daily on their website.

Fun for the Holiday specials include: 

  • Order 2 of our double Lady J Margaritas and receive a complimentary order of Diablo Tacos!  (4 tacos, seasoned ground beef, onion, cilantro, cabbage, avocado and lime on flour tortilla with red salsa)
  • Order any bottle of wine and receive a complimentary 3rd Coast Cheese Pizza!

For FFC members, receive 10% off your online order at 3rdcoastcafe.com for the month of December using promo code FFC2020.

24. JEM Medspa

JEM Medspa, located at 210 N York St. in Elmhurst, is the ultimate place for relaxation and comfort. Patients can select from a wide range of services, including facials, injectables, microneedling, nonsurgical skin tightening, or microblading. Designed with a modern and minimalist feel, each detail is thoughtfully planned to help our patients relax.

Give the gift of joy this season with JEM Medspa ‘JOY boxes’ – filled with luxurious spa essentials or treat them with a gift card.  It’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

25. Good Eats Group

Included in the Good Eats Groups are local restaurants Burger Bar Chicago, Sono Wood Fired, Sociale and Cafe Press Chicago. Good Eats Group is celebrating its 10th year in business and is offering this coffee special as part of its holiday gift lineup.

For just $29.99 you can create the perfect gift by selecting either our exclusive custom blended coffees or our hand dried, hand blended teas. This package includes a jumbo 22 oz. ceramic mug waiting to be coddled by warm hands. Regular and Decaf options available. Shop now on their website.

26. Moody Tongue

Moody Tongue, located at 2515 S. Wabash, is a culinary brewery whosae beers are created with simplicity and balance in mind and can be enjoyed both on their own or paired with food.

Give an interactive gift to those spending more time quarantining at home this holiday season! Renowned brewmaster, Jared Rouben, is offering a limited number of private virtual tasting experiences. Enjoy a variety of beer styles while learning more about the culinary processes, ingredients and techniques which underpin Moody Tongue’s ‘culinary brewing’ philosophy. Please note: they are only able to offer a limited number of tastings; we recommend reaching out ASAP to reserve one of these special experiences. 

  1. Private Culinary Beer Virtual Tasting ($145)
  2. Private Barrel Aged Beer Virtual Tasting ($215)
  3. Private Virtual Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour ($475)

Post written by FFC Contributor Natalie Casper.

The 5 Best Indoor/Outdoor Spots in Gold Coast

April is weird. Between the whole ‘in like a lion, out like a lamb’ thing the month before and the old adage ‘April showers brings May flowers’, after… the weather can get confusing – especially here in Chicago. One minute you’re wearing a spring dress and wishing you hadn’t worn a scarf and the next, it’s snowing. Again.

It’s also around the time when the first 55-degree, no-wind sunny day will reveal the die-hard Midwesterners in shorts, because it’s basically summer! To add insult to injury, the volatile weather means most restaurants won’t be willing to lug the outdoor furniture out of storage, and waiting patiently for patio season can seem like purgatory. But don’t worry – we’ve got you! We pulled together a list of the best indoor/outdoor spots in Gold Coast to help get you through that weird limbo land and prepare for the sweet Summertime Chi ahead.

I|O at the Godfrey – 1501 N Kingsbury St.

Seeing as I|O most likely means “indoor | outdoor”, it’s safe to say these guys know a thing or two when it comes to all-season social hotspots. One of the first locales with a retractable roof, the Godfrey could be considered a trendsetter in finally figuring out how to take advantage of the crazy weather swings we see here in the Midwest. I|O has a great food menu as well as a hoppin’ nightlife scene – so whether you want a midday meal or a night out, this should definitely be one of your go-tos!

Related: Looking for happy hour spots instead? Check out our favorites in West Loop

Bar Cargo – 605 N Wells St.

Bar Cargo is a really cool pizza joint that has a great atmosphere inside AND an epic covered patio when the weather permits. Owner Anthony Stefani fell in love with Roman-style pizza on a family vacation and has since brought a complex (and delicious) 96-hour dough rise process to the Windy City – along with a “Castelli Forni” stone oven from Italy, in which they bake their pies. Even if it’s not nice enough to sit outside, the fast-paced and boisterous atmosphere makes it a great place for a bite to eat!

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The J.Parker – 1816 N Clark St.

The J.Parker is the rooftop bar in Hotel Lincoln – and we all know what happened to President Lincoln. But who was J Parker? Fun fact: Officer John Parker was designated as President Lincoln’s guard the night he was assassinated… and decided to leave his post at intermission.

Don’t worry – this J.Parker’s got your back – because rain or shine, summer or winter, you can expect to enjoy some of the best views of Chicago while sipping a drink or two at this rooftop bar with a retractable roof. Just be sure to get there early, because seating is first come, first served!

Utopian Tailgate – 1608 N Wells St.

Why relegate tailgate season to a few months of the year when it could last all year long and take place across 10,000 square feet above Second City?! Welcome to Utopian Tailgate, where you can eat, drink, be merry and play life-size Jenga to your heart’s content. In addition to the indoor space with neon colors, nostalgic drinks and upscale tailgate fare, there is also a huge outdoor area with heating lamps – so you can still catch those skyline views even if the temps aren’t cooperating.

Related: Ready to hit the town? Here are our favorite bars in Boystown

Joy District – 112 W. Hubbard St.

A quick walk from the Gold Coast area, Joy District is another indoor-outdoor gem to enjoy the electric energy of the city even if it’s not summer quite yet. Mosey from the indoor area, full of bright colors, pop art and nooks and crannies perfect for catching up with friends, to the outdoor area, which allows you to take advantage of the beautiful skyline views with a cocktail in hand. In the cooler months, you can also rent a gigantic igloo to keep warm when you need a little something more than a heat lamp. Joy District also features a rotating list of DJs Thursday through Sunday.

Post written by FFC Contributor Megan Zink.

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Need A New Show To Watch or Book To Read? See Our Recommendations To Fit Any Mood

If you’re anything like me, you alternate between thinking “there’s nothing to do” and “there’s too much media to consume” as we #stayhome and endure the weeks of our shelter-in-place order. After I plowed through season three of Ozark in…one day…I was left feeling like I’ve watched, read and listened to it all; there was nothing left on Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, HBO or Showtime to entertain me. 

Of course, that will never be the case, but I needed some new content ideas to sprinkle in with re-runs of The Office, so I started asking friends, family and total strangers what they were enjoying during quarantine. If you’re struggling to locate your next binge-watch or book to read, below is a list of documentaries, movies, TV shows, books and podcasts to help entertain you, no matter what kind of content you’re in the mood to consume.

If you miss sports:

Documentary: Hoop Dreams – Streaming on HBO. This 1994 documentary follows two Chicago teens and their dreams of becoming professional basketball players.

TV Show: Friday Night Lights – Streaming on Hulu. This NBC drama is set in the small town of Dillon, TX where high school football is a way of life. 

Book: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. This non-fiction novel tells the story of the University of Washington rowing team and their journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. 

Podcast: 30 for 30. From the makers of the 30 for 30 film series, this ESPN podcast is streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

If you want to feel inspired:

Docuseries: Pick of the Litter – Streaming on Disney+. Love dogs? This docuseries follows puppies through their training for the Guide Dogs For The Blind program. 

TV Show: Super Soul Sunday – Available to stream on the OWN App with a cable subscription. Now in its ninth season, Oprah Winfrey sits down with thought leaders and creators across many industries to discuss spirituality, creativity, fulfillment and more. 

Book: Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear. Clear’s book both inspires self-improvement and provides an action plan so you can start practicing tips and tricks for building better habits immediately. 

Podcast: School of Greatness. In this podcast, host Lewis Howes interviews guests about everything from business and entrepreneurship to relationships and health. 

If you want to learn something new:

Docuseries: The Imagineering Story – Streaming on Disney+. If you’ve ever visited Disneyland or Walt Disney World, this docuseries takes you behind the scenes to show how the “Happiest Place On Earth” was created. 

Online Class: MasterClass – Purchase a pass on MasterClass website. What do Serena Williams, Gordon Ramsey and Anna Wintour have in common? They all recorded sessions with MasterClass, an educational platform where students can access lectures and tutorials from experts in various fields. 

Related: Looking for more ways to learn? Check out Coursera and Lynda

Book: Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed With Early Achievement by Rich Karlgaard. The publisher of Forbes takes you through stories of successful entrepreneurs who got their starts later in life, intertwined with psychological studies about the benefits of finding your way as an adult. 

Podcast: Stuff You Should Know – Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you’re interested in history, science, pop culture and everything in between, there’s an episode of this podcast for you. 

If you want to escape reality:

Movie: Midsommar – Streaming on Amazon Prime. A couple travels to Sweden for a rural town’s Midsommar Festival, but what begins as a countryside retreat quickly turns into a violent competition. 

TV Show: How To Fix A Drug Scandal – Streaming on Netflix. The latest from Netflix, this 4-part series follows the true story of two chemists at a state drug lab who tampered with evidence in cases involving drug-related criminal charges. 

Book: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Set in Chicago, this science-fiction thriller follows Jason Dessen, a man who continuously wakes up in alternate universes. 

Podcast: Rabbits. The host of this podcast goes in search of a missing friend and finds herself in a decades-old alternate reality game known as Rabbits. 

If you want to be spooked:

Movie: The Invisible Man – Available for rent on Amazon Prime. Elisabeth Moss stars in this modern re-telling of the famed HG Wells novel. 

TV Show: The Haunting of Hill House – Streaming on Netflix. With a possible season 2 dropping this year, you’ll want to start this ghost story about siblings that grew up in the most famous haunted house in the country. 

Book: The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup. In this psychological thriller, a killer is terrorizing Copenhagen, leaving behind “chestnut man” dolls at every murder scene that leaves detectives wondering how and why these murders are connected. 

Podcast: Up and Vanished. In season one of this podcast, host Payne Lindsey investigates the disappearance of Texas high school teacher Tara Grinstead. 

Post written by FFC Contributor Natalie Casper.

Best Post-Workout Food Spots in Old Town for Any Situation

There’s a statistic somewhere along the lines of “30% gym, 70% kitchen.” In other words, it’s great to be fit and work out in the gym, but the majority of being healthy has to do with nutrition. Food and workouts go together like peanut butter and jelly (really preoccupied by food if you can’t tell!).

While we should all be mindful of this advice, sometimes there’s just nothing like a post-workout mimosa. We put together a list of best food spots in Chicago’s Old Town for any situation you find yourself in – whether it’s a post-workout brunch session or a bite on the fly while commuting to work.

Please note: for any specific dietary questions or information, you should always consult a dietitian or your healthcare provider.

When you want to refuel:

As any fitness enthusiast or trainer will tell you, it’s extremely important to properly refuel after a workout. During a workout, levels of glycogen are depleted, and the protein in your muscles gets broken down too. Therefore, it’s important to restore those levels with carbs and protein. Chipotle (located at Wells and North) is an excellent nearby option for this – you can get a burrito and load it with steak, chicken or another protein of your choice, or you can get a salad for an extra dose of light and healthy veggies. Skip the dressing and load up on mild pico de gallo salsa (or if you’re a little more adventurous, one of the spicier ones).

Related: Brunching in Lakeview? Check out our favorite spots!

When you want to brunch:

Sometimes you just want a mimosa after a hard sweat and that’s okay, because you’ve put in the work for it! 80 Proof on Wells is a brunch-lover’s dream. This multi-level restaurant turns into three floors of morning meal mecca and features items like seafood towers, a dessert corner, a waffle bar (made to order), a carving station, benedict & omelet station, crepe station, full Bloody Mary bar (like, an entire circular bar in the middle of the room dedicated to Bloody Marys) and a donut wall. Maybe don’t do this every weekend – but once in a while couldn’t hurt!

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When you want to reward yourself:

For those times when you’re craving a treat, head over to Insomnia Cookies (located at Wells and Evergreen) to unleash your inner Cookie Monster. They have crowd favorites like Snickerdoodle, Classic with M&Ms, Double Chocolate Chunk – and they also have a vegan/gluten free chocolate chip option!

Deluxe cookie offerings include Triple Chocolate, S’mores and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, which, if you’re refueling after a workout might be your best option due to the (small amount and albeit sugary) protein source. But hey, you gotta restock that glycogen somehow, right?!

When you need to caffeinate:

Intelligentsia, located within Plum Market, is just a hop, skip and a jump away from FFC Old Town on Wells Street and is great for a post-workout pick-me-up. Founded in Chicago by two San Francisco transplants, the brand focuses heavily on Direct Trade practices and ensures the highest quality, responsible practices and sustainable business models for farmers. You can feel good about this coffee after a feel-good workout!

Related: Need more coffee shop recs? Here are our favorites in South Loop

When you’ve got to make it to the office… 15 minutes ago:

Sometimes the only time you can fit in a workout is the 35 minutes between waking up late and an 8:30 AM conference call that has already been rescheduled twice. As you’ve probably picked up from the beginning of this article, eating after a workout is a very important piece of the health and nutrition puzzle. Additionally, there’s a reason they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it gets you ready to take on everything that comes your way.

It may not be the most ideal solution, but Dunkin Donuts is around the corner from FFC Old Town (located at Clark and Division) and offers a few breakfast sandwich options beyond the sprinkle and icing-covered variety. The veggie egg white sandwich includes spinach, red/green bell peppers and onions, along with 17 grams of protein.

When you need balance:

Got a little time to spare? Great, because you’re going to want to hang out all day at the 3 Arts Club Café (located inside Restoration Hardware at Goethe and Dearborn). You’ll achieve a zen-like state as you lounge in the airy and greenery-filled atrium – and you’ll also find balance between the coffee shop, wine bar and restaurant. Recharge, refuel and relax = the perfect post-workout formula! This is a great spot to get some work done or finish that book – but it’s also another ideal post-workout brunch spot (if the 3 floors of indulgence thing isn’t quite your scene).

Post written by FFC Contributor Megan Zink.

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How To Support Chicago Businesses While Practicing Self-Care

Real talk: how is this quarantine affecting your mental health? I’m an introvert who, on a normal day, loves being home and would choose a quiet, solitary night over just about anything else. But my brain is not pleased with my increase in screen time, nor is my body happy with my new (and not improved) sleep and eating schedule. 

One of the things I miss the most in this strange, new reality is visiting all of my favorite neighborhood haunts for coffee, gifts and flowers. Chicago neighborhoods wouldn’t be the same without the rich number of locally owned businesses, and I am so proud to work for a company that has been owned and operated by Chicagoans since 1984 (#ChicagoFromDayOne). As the marketing manager for FFC, I spend the majority of my days on the internet, and during this quarantine, I’ve come across some pretty cool ways that local Chicagoans are both supporting the community and practicing self-care.

If you’re looking for ways to unplug, spread some joy, eat a meal you didn’t have to cook or entertain your children, here are a few of my favorite options. Bonus: almost all of the businesses listed here are small, local businesses owned by Chicagoans, so you’d be helping out another human as you take better care of yourself. 

Note: The suggestions below were up to date at the time of this writing. As things continue to change in this fluid environment, please stay tuned to these businesses’ websites or social media accounts for more information on their current offerings.

If you’re looking to exercise your brain:

Volumes Books: Local Wicker Park bookcafe is offering free shipping through April! If you’ve been waiting for a new release, hop over to the Volumes website to place your order. 

Open Books: Get ready to find some amazing, gently used books at this West Loop store. Online ordering is a go on their website, with free shipping on orders over $10. 

Martha Mae: Get your creative juices flowing with a new art project! Paint sets, calligraphy items, journals and more are available for online order with free shipping. 

Komoda: Looking for puzzles? Shop Komoda is offering curbside pick up or delivery on online orders.

Related: If you’re looking to exercise your body, tune in to one of our free, live classes on Facebook!

If you’re looking to add a little cheer to your home:

Fig and Fern: New shop Fig & Fern is offering curbside pick-up on any orders. Search for a new plant, a curated gift box, candles and other locally made goods on their website.

Scratch Goods: While their storefront and mask bar is closed, Scratch Goods is still processing online orders for all your skincare needs. For every $50 you spend, you get $5 to use on a future purchase, no limits. 

Flowerlife Inc: Local Bucktown flower shop is creating floral arrangements to help bring some joy to your household. There are no minimums for orders and they will deliver your arrangement for free to your doorstep (local delivery only)!

Chicago Candle Company: Order a new candle from this Pilsen-based shop and receive free shipping!

Aya Pastry: Treat your household to something sweet from Aya Pastry. Aya is delivering orders twice a day to local neighborhoods and is offering everything from freshly baked bread to boxes of cookies. 

If you’re tired of eating mac & cheese: 

Real Good Stuff Co: Real Good continues to offer its juice cleanses for delivery if you’re looking for a reset. Plus, they’ve come out with a new Farmer’s Grocery Box with fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients so you can skip a trip to the store. 

Sweetgreen: Did someone say free delivery? Place an order on sweetgreen’s mobile app, and you’ll have a healthy salad at your doorstep in no time. 

Left Coast: Left Coast is offering delivery on their menu of acai bowls, breakfast hashes and so much more. 

Protein Bar: Need some more protein in your diet these days? Protein Bar is offering pick-up and delivery from their Lincoln Park and Northwestern locations. Local Foods: Looking for meal kits? This local Lincoln Park grocer is offering ingredient kits for everything from taco meals to salted chocolate chip cookies.

Related: For a pretty comprehensive list of all Chicago restaurants still offering pick-up or delivery, check out Dining At A Distance!

If you need to entertain your kids:

Waterlemon: Does your child have a birthday coming up? Chicago suburban company Waterlemon has created Birthday Bash Boxes so you can create the perfect at-home birthday party for your family. 

Red Balloon Company: Worried about the upcoming holiday? Local children’s shop Red Balloon is curating Easter basket ideas with online ordering. 

Play2Day: Chicago childcare provider Play2Day is hosting daily Instagram Live educational classes, activities, sing-a-longs and more. 

Chicago Children’s Museum: Chicago Children’s Museum is sharing tons of at-home crafts for kids of all ages. 

Rainbow Art Walk: Have your children create rainbow artwork to hang in your window, and then head out on a neighborhood walk for a rainbow hunt!

Post written by FFC Contributor Natalie Casper.

FFC Featured Playlist – Omar Romero

Omar Romero is a group fitness instructor at FFC South Loop and FFC Union Station. His focus is on HIIT, strength training and obstacle course races. He is a local from Chicago where serves as a technology consultant by day.

Check out Omar’s playlist on our Spotify channel.

10 Hidden Lunch Spots Near Chicago’s Loop

The Chicago Loop has a certain reputation. ‘Buttoned up,’ ‘fast-paced’ – even ‘post-5 PM ghost town’ – are all ways you might describe it. And things do move quickly; restaurants efficiently take your order in line or better yet, let you order ahead so you can power walk your way to a lunch that is a step above a sad desk salad and still make it back for your conference call or meeting.

What if lunch could be a little more interesting? An excuse to be transported somewhere away from the concrete jungle? We’ve rounded up a list of some of our favorite hidden lunch spots around the Loop to help you add a little variety to your midday meal.

*Disclaimer: hours may vary from what is posted here, so be sure to call ahead if you have any doubts.

Artopolis Bakery – 306 S. Halsted Street

Greektown may be more of a “Greek street” nowadays, but there are still a few gems that are a quick walk from the Loop. The Artopolis Bakery offers all kinds of soups, sandwiches and salads as well as some breakfast items, specialty coffee and amazing pastries. Don’t miss the baklava if you can help it! Oh – they also offer gourmet gift items, too, if you need something unique in a pinch. The Artopolis Bakery opens every day at 8:30 AM; closing times vary by day but are usually around 9 – 11 PM.

Berghoff Café  – 17 W. Adams Street

Take a quick trip to Bavaria on your lunch break and head over to the Berghoff Café any time Monday – Friday between 11 AM and 2 PM, or 11:30 AM – 9 PM on Saturday (it’s closed Sunday). The café is downstairs, underneath the original Berghoff restaurant. Not only does the menu offer just as many German options (bratwurst, schnitzel) as upstairs, but you can also find soups, salads, sandwiches and other lunch-focused items if you’re not quite in the mood for Bavarian food.

Bienmesabe Arepa Bar – 29 E. Adams Street

Bienmesabe offers a taste of Venezuela just a hop, skip and jump away from the main area of the Loop. Categorizing itself as an arepa bar (an arepa is a fluffy tortilla-like vehicle for delicious toppings), you can pick your proteins, sauces and fillings and make as many different combinations as your heart desires. Bienmesabe is open every day at 11 AM (closed on Sundays).

Bombacigno’s – 558 W. Van Buren Street

This cash-only Italian joint is as authentic as they come. When you walk through the door you might think you’ve traveled back in time, with the regulars wearing neckties and discussing Da Bears over a juicy chicken parmesan sandwich. Grab a seat on one of the vinyl swivel barstools at the counter (which I’m pretty sure at one point or another was a legitimate bar).

Blink and you might miss your window of opportunity because this spot is only open from 11 AM – 2 PM Monday – Friday, but it is absolutely worth planning ahead for. One of the favorites? The caprese salad with chicken. They even put delectable pesto angel hair pasta on top!

Related: Healthy and Delicious Lunch Spots in Boystown

Boxcar Betty’s – 500 W. Madison Street

Boxcar Betty’s is a chicken sandwich spot that landed in Chicago at Ogilvy after starting in Charleston, SC and will definitely transport you to the south. BBs proudly uses cage and antibiotic-free chickens for all of their sandwiches as well as a Pimiento cheese-stuffed Portobello mushroom cap for those who are looking for a meat-free option (tip: you can ask for your chicken fried or grilled).

Choose from one of their predetermined sandwiches (I particularly love the Not So Waffle with bacon jam, maple syrup and Pimiento cheese), build your own or opt for a salad instead. Boxcar Betty’s opens at 10 AM Monday through Wednesday, 7 AM on Thursday and Friday, and is closed Saturday and Sunday.

HMart – 711 W. Jackson Boulevard

Previously, you could only find Asian-centric HMart grocery stores in the suburbs, so it was headlining news when the first HMart came to Chicago. Yes, it’s a grocery store, but HMart also houses a café for coffee, teas and pastries, as well as a ‘food court’ of sorts. Options can vary from store to store – the city HMart features SDG Dubu Tofu & Korean BBQ, Izakaya Yume Sushi and a few others. Stop by SDG for hot pot dishes perfect for colder weather, and Izakaya for maki rolls, poke bowls and other items. Regardless of which stall you visit, try to go outside of the peak 12 – 1 PM hour, when it can get REALLY busy!

·      SDG Dubu Tofu & Korean BBQ is open from 11 AM – 10 PM, Monday – Friday

·      Izakaya Yume Sushi is open from 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Monday – Friday

Lou Mitchell’s – 565 W. Jackson Boulevard

Got a hankerin’ for breakfast? You’re in luck at Lou Mitchell’s because you can get breakfast all day long! This cash-only spot should be a go-to – and not just for the beloved greasy spoon options like omelets, short stacks and black coffee refills. If you watch any show like Chicago PD or Chicago Fire, you’re bound to recognize the interior.

Aside from the food and the quirky retro décor, great additional touches include donut holes while you’re waiting, a cup of ice cream and orange slice/prunes with each meal and Milk Duds as a parting gift for kids. Be sure to plan ahead for your visit to this landmark at the start of historic Route 66. Lou Mitchell’s is open 6 AM – 3 PM Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM Saturday and 7 AM – 3 PM Sunday.

Related: Trying to pack your lunch instead of dining out? Try one of these healthy lunch ideas

Oasis Café – 21 N. Wabash Avenue

Take a quick trip to the Middle East and Eastern Africa without ever leaving the Loop. Oasis Café is quite literally a hidden gem – nestled within the famous Jeweler’s Mall on Wabash, you have to walk through rows of working jewelers to reach the café in the back – which is a little thrilling and adventurous in itself. Cash is preferred and specials change daily.

A crowd favorite is the Wabash Mix – available on Mondays and *we think* Wednesdays – which is basically a burrito made of philo dough stuffed with Moroccan chicken, carrots, green peppers and onions, served with hummus, falafel and foul (an Egyptian bean dish). It sounds weird, but trust us, it’s definitely worth a trip! The café is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 5:30 PM, and 11 AM – 4 PM on Saturday. Like most other places, it’s closed Sunday.

The Ruin Daily – 328 S. Jefferson Street

Fun fact: you’ll find this sandwich joint on Van Buren (near Jefferson) and supposedly, the name Ruin Daily comes from President Martin Van Buren’s nickname, ‘Marty Van Ruin,’ for his alleged fault in the Panic of 1837 and following economic depression. Despite this rather bleak outlook, the food is anything but depressing.

Classic sandwiches take on unique attributes with picks such as the Buffalo Cauliflower (which is basically exactly what it sounds like) and the Gym Shoe, landing somewhere in between a Greek gyro and a Chicago staple beef sandwich. One of the best parts about it, though, is the indoor/outdoor seating for warmer weather. It can be tough to find an oasis in the Loop, but Ruin Daily’s got you covered! Hours are 8 AM – 9 PM Monday through Friday – it’s closed Saturday and Sunday.

Venice Café – 500 W. Monroe Street

Another ‘blink and you might miss it’ hidden gem, Venice Café is a lunch spot you better hustle to, because it closes every day at 3 PM (it opens at 7 AM, Monday through Friday; it’s closed Saturday and Sunday).

Soups, salads and sandwiches are all standard fare here, but if you’ve gathered any clues from the name, they’re known for their Italian dishes. Pizza, pasta and calzones, oh my! Specials are constantly rotating, and there is a daily calzone special as well.

Post written by FFC Contributor Megan Zink. 

FFC Featured Playlist – Liz Silberman

Liz Silberman is the Membership Director at FFC Boystown and has been with FFC since 2018. She’s lived in the Chicago area forever and has a deep connection to Chicago and the Chicago music scene, as her father was a session player in many Chicago bands, and her husband records and produces local Chicago artists at Ridgeway Recording. She truly believes Chicago is the best city in the world for music (and of course fitness!) and is so excited to share this Chicago playlist with everyone!

Check out Liz’s playlist on our Spotify channel.

5 Coffee Shops in Lincoln Park To Help You Escape Chicago Winter

Chicago is essentially a city of two seasons – winter…and anything that isn’t winter. Okay, okay, we have a lot more to offer than that, but we definitely have a bit of a bad rap when it comes to the colder months. 

Do you consider yourself a fan of the frigid weather or are you a self-proclaimed “snowbird,” leaping at the chance to migrate to warmer climates? Either way, it can’t hurt to have a list of invigorating coffee shops handy when you’re looking for an escape. Prepare yourself for winter in the Windy City and check out this ‘jet-setting java’ list of 5 coffee shops in Lincoln Park that inspire both faraway places and domestic destinations.

Bourgeois Pig Café – 738 W Fullerton Ave

This old-world style coffeehouse is conveniently located on Fullerton off of Halsted and oozes character. It resides in a house with rustic brick walls, warm wood furniture, ornate décor and lots of books. 

Once you’ve gotten over your time travel shock after stepping back into historical Europe, peruse the great selection of coffee and teas. Don’t skimp on the vegetarian sandwiches or the rest of the food options, which pay homage to the theme with literary names. Continue the trend and grab a book from their lending library to read while you sip!

Café Umbria – 2545 W Armitage Ave

Despite this being a Seattle import, you’ll feel like you took a quick flight to Italy when you step into Café Umbria. The origin of this brand goes back to Perugia, Italy, when Ornello Bizzarri built a roastery. Three generations and a move to America later, Emanuele Bizzarri continues to roast coffee for his shops across the country. 

The café on Armitage (one of two in Chicago) is unique in the fact that it took over a former ‘car barn’ and incorporates shipping containers used for coffee into the design. Since it’s 9,000 square feet, it’s no surprise it houses a roastery AND a coffee lab in addition to the café. 

Related: Looking for coffee spots closer to work? Check out our picks for the Loop!

Maison Marcel – 2008 N Halsted (Alley)

Welp… Maison Marcel’s website literally says this new Lincoln Park coffee window was “inspired by walking down the streets of Paris with a café on every corner”…so I guess my work here is done.

Just kidding! I’d never miss a chance to wax poetic about colorful coffee windows hidden down secret alleyways, and this is precisely why you need to hurry over to this Parisian pick-me-up hot spot. While it might not be the ideal place to post up for the long haul (it is just a window, after all), it will definitely bring a bright spot to your day. The whimsy involved in wandering down an alleyway to be met with a splashy floral mural and warm coffee can’t be beat. Maison Marcel features tons of café and specialty drinks, as well as drool-worthy pastries. Oui oui!

Philz Coffee – 2323 N Lincoln Ave 

A newcomer to the coffee scene in Chicago, Philz is a beloved import from San Francisco and the same themes of love, sustainability and marching to the beat of your own drum can be observed here. According to their site, Philz proclaims you won’t find the typical ‘latte’, ‘cappuccino’ or ‘espresso’ – rather they take the time to learn each customers’ preferences with special blends that are made for each individual cup. Order a ‘Philz Way’ and you’ll be rewarded with coffee that is medium sweet with cream, while countless others ensure your day is better – which is their mission.

Philz roasts their own coffee in Oakland, CA and has a number of custom blends involving mixes from 2 to up to 7 different beans. They also practice sustainable sourcing within a rigorous set of guidelines and give back to organizations like Food4Farmers and World Coffee Research!

Related: Check out our favorite healthy restaurants in Lincoln Park

Werewolf Coffee – 1765 N Elston Ave 

Okay, Werewolf is 100% a Chicago brand (they’re the child of local restaurant parent brand DMK) – but when you walk in, you’ll definitely feel like you are somewhere else, such as funky Austin, TX. Where might one get this idea, you ask? Well, in addition to the industrial-forward design, there’s a big ‘ole truck that serves as the focal point (and the main counter). 

It’s reminiscent of the food trucks that, while now seem ubiquitous, actually can thank Austin for their popularity (they essentially were born from taco trucks at construction sites and grew rapidly over the past 10 years). This version inside Werewolf is a repurposed Wonder Bread truck and is definitely worth a field trip! If that doesn’t entice you, maybe this will – their specialty drinks sometimes include edible glitter.

Post written by FFC Contributor Megan Zink. 

FFC Featured Playlist – Rachel Gitlevich

This month, we’re featuring Rachel Gitlevich’s workout playlist! Rachel is a personal trainer at FFC Old Town. She loves helping people feel empowered in their mind, body and soul. Outside of the gym you can find her spending time outdoors, practicing yoga and attending live music events.

Check out Rachel’s playlist on our Spotify channel.

Boystown’s Best Cafes for a Cup of Joe

Despite the crazy fact that only two U.S. states actually produce coffee (Hawaii and California, in case you were wondering), you can bet U.S. citizens drink a LOT of coffee. An average of 3.1 cups per day, in fact! We’ve rounded up a list of all the best coffee spots you should check out in Chicago’s Boystown below. Happy caffeinating!

Aje Café – 2942 N Clark St

Okay, maybe we just wanted to include Aje Café because of its stellar sandwich list, but rest assured, they DO serve coffee and their drinks are delicious. With a cozy vibe, free wifi for customers (they just kindly ask that you make a purchase) and a plethora of places to sit, this spot is ideal for your morning coffee or your afternoon pick-me-up.

Aje Café is locally owned and a great way to support small businesses. Additionally, they love to highlight art from local creatives, which never hurts if you’re looking for a place to work and get your creative juices flowing!

Related: Looking for lunch spots in Boystown?

Maison Parisienne – 3307 N Clark St

Sometimes you just need a quick getaway (especially when it comes to winter in Chicago, eek!). Look no further than Maison Parisienne for a jaunt across the Atlantic. With chic vibes and traditional French faire, you can be sure to find something that will pair well with your caffeine fix. Plus, this shop is eco-conscious and uses compostable and biodegradable cups, lids, water cups and straws.

If you happen to stop by in the warmer weather, you can sip your cappuccino on ‘La Terrasse’ – a spacious outdoor garden in the middle of Lakeview. Fun fact: you can also rent La Terrasse for events – birthday parties, baby showers or even reunions!

Osmium Coffee Bar – 1117 W Belmont Ave

Dark Matter Coffee has been a staple of the Chicago coffee scene since 2007. They built their foundation on the ethos of sustainability and social responsibility; they work with aligned organizations and directly with farmers in El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico to cut out the middle man and support fair business practices.

Osmium is one of six Dark Matter locations in Chicago (fun fact: a number of FFC clubs actually carry Dark Matter coffee!) and a great destination for your coffee needs. Dark Matter roasts their own beans (lots of floral notes) and has been pioneering a barrel-aging program that lends a unique flavor to the drinks. Try a barrel-aged agave latte for extra complexity!

Pick Me Up Café – 3408 N Clark Street

Pick Me Up Café has been supplying Chicago with delicious drinks and food since 1997 and was one of the first locations in the area to offer vegan/vegetarian-centric dishes! Another unique attribute? You can get your java in frozen form: try the Cappuccino or Mocha shakes.

If you’re looking for a little pizzazz in your pick-me-up, try one of their seasonal concoctions. Some recent offerings include a latte spiked with Jameson and a chai latte spiked with spiced rum. Another bonus? Breakfast all day!

The Coffee & Tea Exchange – 3311 N Broadway

Are you starting to pick up a theme here? When it comes to good coffee, Boystown is one of the best for historically rich java. The Coffee & Tea Exchange dates back to 1975, when Steve (the original owner) roasted his beans right in the shop and displayed them in barrels to help inspire and educate customers on different types of coffee from around the world.

While they may love selling the beans (wholesale, in bulk or even in gift boxes), you can definitely get a good ole cup of joe to-go, too. Want something a little fancier than your basic black? Don’t worry – they have an extensive specialty drink menu. Past creations have even included riffs on your favorite FRIENDS/Central Perk drinks!

Related: The Best Bars on Halsted

Whatever time of day you’re looking for a java jolt, you’ll definitely be able to hit the spot at one of these best coffee shops in Boystown. From lunchtime coffee cafes to breakfast-all-days, this should be all the convincing you need to keep this list handy!

Post written by FFC Contributor Megan Zink. 

FFC Featured Playlist – Victor Virgilio

Victor Virgilio

This month, we’re featuring Victor Virgilio’s workout playlist! Victor is the Operations Manager for FFC Park Ridge. After working in hotel management, Victor decided to follow his passion and work in the health and wellness industry. He has now been with FFC for 5 years, working at Gold Coast, Old Town and West Loop before landing at Park Ridge.

Check out Victor’s playlist on our Spotify channel.

Coffee Shops for Any Occasion in Chicago’s South Loop

Coffee can be many things for many people. A ritual. A means of productivity. A necessary evil. Whatever it is for you, we want to help you find the best coffee for any occasion. Here are a few of our favorite coffee shops in Chicago’s South Loop!

When you want a coffee date: Eleven City Diner – 1112 S Wabash Ave

While you can most likely grab a quick cup to-go, you’ll want to stay and soak up this upscale, reimagined diner/delicatessen in all its glory. From matzoh ball soup and the famed Rubin’s Reuben to melts, plate dinners and of course, breakfast all day – you’ll surely find something that pairs well with your coffee.

Related: Looking for an evening date spot in the South Loop? Check out our favorite bars in the neighborhood.

When you want a sweet treat: Petite Vanille – 800 S Michigan Ave

Petite Vanille is the younger, smaller sibling of the Chicagoland Vanille Patisserie collection and is situated inside Grant Park Bistro, within the classy newcomer Hotel Essex (redone inside the building that used to house the Essex Inn). It’s also an excellent spot to grab a cup of something warm (or cold, we won’t judge) when you’re in the area. Just try not to drool on the many display cases of macarons, cakes and scones during your visit!

When you want to feel creative: Café Press Chicago – 800 S Clark St

Café Press Chicago is a quirky, cool coffee shop that pays homage to Printer’s Row – the area of the city that was primarily home to printing and publishing businesses in the late 1800s (especially thanks to the construction of the Dearborn Station). If you leave this spot hungry, it’s your own fault. In addition to delicious coffee courtesy of local Chicagoland Sparrow Coffee Roastery, they also have an extensive food menu.

When you want to impress your coworkers: Stan’s Donuts – 26 E Roosevelt Rd

Fun fact: the original Stan’s is actually in LA – but when Rich Labriola (of the Chicago Labriola Baking Company) saw Stan on a travel show, he knew he had to coax him to the Midwest.

While their focus happens to be donuts (woo your coworkers with a baker’s dozen and don’t miss out on the vegan and gluten-free options for added options), the coffee is something to be held sacred too – it is the fruit of a partnership between Stan’s and local Chicago roastery Passion House Coffee Roasters.

When you want some Chicago culture: Bridgeport Coffee – 3101 S Morgan St

Bridgeport Coffee has four locations in total and is decidedly Chicagoan. President and founder Mike Pilkington began Bridgeport Coffee in 2004 after a long time spent in the restaurant industry. Bridgeport believes in knowing where your coffee is coming from and has a direct relationship with their growers.

Their original location, at 31st and Morgan, resides in a former pharmacy and has all the historical charm you could expect. Bridgeport also offers office coffee service and distributes at Whole Foods and other Chicago establishments!

Related: Is your office in the Loop? We’ve got you covered with more great coffee spots! 

Fun fact: coffee may even help you get the most out of your next workout – an article on Time.com states that drinking coffee before a workout can allow you to power through it more easily and with less pain. The article also states that caffeine may help muscles burn more fat during a workout!

Check out the article for yourself and consider it all the more reason to hit up one of these great locations (and then pay a visit to one of our FFC locations throughout Chicago!).

Post written by FFC contributor Megan Zink.

FFC Featured Playlist – Natalie Casper

Looking for new workout tunes? Look no further! This month’s playlist comes to us from Natalie Casper. Natalie is the new Marketing Manager for FFC, and she is so excited to be a part of the FFC Family. You’ll be able to find Natalie in the clubs attending HIIT, spin and yoga classes–be sure to say hello!

Natalie Casper on spin bike

FFC Featured Playlist – Neale Baldyga

In honor of National Relaxation Day in August, FFC Gold Coast massage therapist Neale Baldyga has curated an awesome playlist for you.

Neal says, ‘Hi, I’m Neale and music is my life. I work as a massage therapist at FFC Gold Coast. I DJ, drum, and facilitate sound healing events throughout Chicago.

Music has a limitless potential to help people create the feeling that they want for any particular workout. It can inspire you to dig deeper or to end in relaxation.”

His go-to workout song? “Truly an impossible task. Rock would be my go-to genre.” Email him at nbaldyga@ffc.com for more playlists or to set up a consultation!