Another great summer weekend filled with food, fun, drinks and family has come and gone. Why do summer weekends go so fast?
I know, rhetorical question. But seriously, even though we got hit with some rain for what feels like he first weekend in forever, we still managed to enjoy our time in Cleveland by celebrating a birthday, enjoying some BBQ, celebrating Cleveland Pride, running and more.
We started Friday night with drinks and BBQ at Mabels to celebrate B’s brother’s birthday. Look at all that BBQ meat!
It was a great night out on E 4th street – it was hot and humid but the patios were getting full.
Saturday morning started with this little guy. And this guy. We of course had to watch the Olympics now that the track & field events have started!
When he went down for a nap, I hit the gym for 4 sweaty miles. It was already upper 80s and a bazillion percent humidity so I decided to stay inside and watch Mr. Robot while on the treadmill for a little. The gym was steamy also, but I’m glad I stayed inside and had my water bottle.
Then, it was time to head to Cleveland Pride! FW had the perfect onesie to celebrate.
The weather held up so we also ended up eating outside on the patio of Rebol, the new spot in Public Square. It was really good – I made my own bowl with their noodles and poke tuna.
That afternoon/evening it stormed on and off, so we took it easy. B picked up some dinner supplies at Gallucci’s – it was the Feast of the Assumption after all – and made us pizza for dinner. We finally broke out one of the “good bottles” of wine and enjoyed that as well. And some meat and cheese. A perfect Saturday night 🙂
Sunday morning, FW and I watched a little of the Olympics women’s marathon and then the three of us headed out to try out the new jogging stroller! We went to a nearby trail and logged 4.25 miles, taking turns holding the stroller at different times. I’m not going to lie, running with the stroller is hard! It was the first time B and I had run together since the race we did when I was 38 weeks pregnant, I’d it was great to be out there was him again.
We followed the run with some pastries and kombucha. Because that’s what I like to do on Sundays 🙂
That afternoon, we hit up the outlets for some shopping! We were there until they closed and then we picked up sushi for dinner. Yes, I have sushi just about every week now that I’m not pregnant any more. It’s great!
Some questions for you:
Are there any foods you eat once a week or so? Yes, we eat pizza and/or sushi at least once a week 😉
I seriously love weekends so much. I know – not surprising. Everyone does. But summer weekends where the weather’s perfect and you end up with equal parts fun, productivity, and relaxation? Those are THE best.
Friday night started with an Indians game with B and his company. His company outing included all you can eat and drink, plus grew seats at a fireworks game. AND we won!
Such an amazing sunset … No filter needed 🙂
Also, great fireworks!
After the game, we went out and met up with B’s friend from high school and his girlfriend who were in town. We ended up bar hopping until the bars closed. Yup – I may be getting older and may have been tired, but I guess I still got it!
Saturday morning, I met up with Mary for an easy run. I had done 8 miles Friday morning and had gone to bed late, so I was hoping to just get in 3-4 miles. Barely made it 5 miles. It was finally seasonal temps (70 degrees in the morning) but felt SO hot to me. Gotta get used to hot summer runs again!
Had to pause on the bridge to breathe heavily take a picture:
After our run, I met back up with B and we hit up the West Side Market for our groceries. We typically go there weekly but it had been a while — so glad we got to go back!
I was craving something refreshing after the run – a big thing fruit was just what I needed.
After the Market it was time to hit up the Flea. I love the Cleveland Flea – during the summer about once a month there is a giant flea market with food, drinks and stands of people selling antiques, clothing, jewelry, soaps, etc. It was the most perfect sunny day and we visited with Dave and Anson and Dave’s mom who was in town.
After the Flea, B and I checked out a few open houses with my friend Cuoghi. Yes, we’re sorta house hunting! And then it was time for ice cream. I love Mason’s Creamery- a cute ice cream shop in Ohio City and the owners are SO nice.
I couldn’t stop by Ohio City without a stop for some kombucha from Cleveland Tea Revival.
I was in the mood for pizza for dinner, so B and I hit up Gallucci’s for some supplies. I love Gallucci’s – look at all those great Italian canned/jarred goods!
And our great supplies:
So I made some sauce, and B made pizza.
Sunday was actually pretty laid back. B had plans to play golf so I took it easy – got in an easy workout (Sundays are my “stretch and strengthen” day on my half training schedule), did some meal prep, made some granola and got a pedicure. After a long winter and season of running – my toes are finally flip flop ready!
We had big plans to go to the beach, but it was not as nice as Saturday and looked like it may storm all day (it didn’t actually rain until late afternoon), so we pretty much hung out indoors. Ah well. My toes are happy!
We didn’t end up having family dinner, so B made me something I had been craving for a while – fish. Anytime I can relax, enjoy my pedicure and enjoy a homecooked dinner – pretty much a perfect Sunday 🙂
How was your weekend?
What’s your favorite kind of fish?
When you get pedicures – what kind of color do you get? Pinks? reds? purples? Or something fun like green or blue?
PS – Happy birthday to one of my dearest friends from high school, Alisa 🙂 Can’t believe it’s been more than 4 years since we took the below picture!
I love weekends. I know- you do too. Weekends are great – no (or at least only a little) working, no waking up early (okay, maybe sometimes), just time with friends, family, and you can do whatever you want!
What do I like to do on weekends? Eat … drink/go out … eat good food …. work out … cook … see family and friends … repeat!
And this weekend was pretty much ALL OF THAT. So there. I won this weekend. And now onto a busy week and the beginning of May!
Friday night was super low key. We ordered some Flaming Ice Cube (RIP kalebouli :() and relaxed. We had to get up early on Saturday for our 10 mile race, so I was hoping to get to bed somewhat early.
Saturday morning started early – at least for a Saturday for me. We had the alarm set at 6 a.m. to get ready for and be at the race on time (side note – last year we got there late … which didn’t matter because it’s chip timed, but still not something we wanted to do every year). Started the day with my usual 1/4 bagel and PB2 and honey and off we went to the race!
It was a cold morning for this time of year – it was 40, cloudy and breezy and I had on a thick long sleeved shirt and vest and pants and gloves and was fine the whole time!
Feeling good post-race
The race wasn’t easy. B pushed me – I’m still sore today! – and made me run harder than I likely would’ve liked, but it worked out! I ended up with a PR from last year too – 1:28:39.16 was my final time!
It was nice to be done with our run and ready for the day by 10:30 a.m. We decided to do our usual Saturday morning activities – hit up the West Side Market and get some tea and coffee in Hingetown.
Tea for me and coffee for B!
In the afternoon, we hit up the driving range for the first time of the year. I don’t golf and I clearly wasn’t dressed properly, but it was fun to get in a few swings in the beautiful weather.
Then – Gallucci’s! My favorite Italian grocer has limited hours and B and I made sure to get there early enough to pick up supplies for dinner. We had decided on homemade pizza – best decision ever.
This is Gallucci’s. Yes, we also bought wine.
It was so nice out that we decided to go out and grab a few drinks before making dinner. Our typical go-to spot – Parnell’s.
And then dinner! B made the best pepperoni pizza ever and we even experimented with limoncello drinks. I made limoncello a few months ago and wanted to try it with prosecco and a little cranberry juice – so good!
Sunday my legs were sore so I decided to listen to my body and NOT work out. I did make B go for a walk with me – because, why not? It was a gorgeous day.
We decided to walk to brunch. And surprise – I ended up getting lunch food. I enjoyed a black bean chorizo chili. I love chorizo and beans – it was perfect! B’s biscuits looked pretty good too – but for some reason I really don’t like biscuits and gravy. But his hash brown was amazing!
B’s food … that hash brown was great!
My chili
After a leisurely walk back we ran a few errands and then it was time for the Cavs game. Spoiler – they beat the Celtics and are on to the next round of playoffs! Woohoo!
Sunday afternoon ended with some baking – butterscotch brown sugar cookies from one of my favorite bloggers, Two Peas and their Pod. They came out so good – soft, chewy and sweet.
And then Sunday dinner at B’s parents house. Another perfect ending to my weekend!
Only one question for you:
What was the best thing you ate this weekend? Besides those cookies and the pizza, probably the strawberry rhubarb crumble B’s mom made. Such a great Sunday dessert!
I’ll admit it – I like Valentine’s Day. I like any holiday that celebrates love – how can you not? I consider it a day to celebrate ALL love – love of your family, friends, significant others, etc. That’s how I was brought up (yes, my parents still send me a Valentine’s Day card and I send my brother one!) and I LOVE it.
That being said, I’m not one of those people who expects to celebrate myself all weekend long – with Christmas in late December and my birthday being in late January, there’s hardly a reason for me to expect any gifts, a big celebration, etc. BUT I do enjoy celebrating in other ways … like good food, good company, good drinks and well – goodness all around! Luckily, that’s how the weekend turned out.
Friday night was cold and snowy, so B and I decided to stay in, watch the Interview, and get takeout Vietnamese to eat with our new chopsticks we’d bought in Vietnam.
Saturday morning I woke up somewhat early to get in a little treadmill and elliptical action at the gym. I had thought about doing the Chili Bowl 5k (last year, B and I ran it after doing a 9 mile training run) but the weather was cold, super windy (20+mph winds), and snowy so I was happy to stay inside and run while B slept. And of course the elliptical and treadmill helped me work up a hunger for brunch! That’s right, B and I went to Phuel for brunch – I got my favorite (granola, fruit, yogurt and honey) and B got his standard order – banana chocolate chip pancakes.
B and his pancakes. He’s probably thinking “Please take the picture so I can eat these soon”
Glorious homemade granola. Not quite as good as my mom’s recipe – but the closest thing here 🙂
After brunch it was time to get in some of our weekly shopping at the West Side Market. We picked up some treats too – a cannoli for the night’s dessert. We had plans to cook a homemade Italian dinner and I of course wanted my favorite Italian dessert.
So many types of cannoli!
After the Market, B stopped in Hingetown for a coffee/tea stop. I decided to try a new tea at Cleveland Tea Revival – not my standard Ginger or Ginger Turmeric – and I wasn’t disappointed. Their Shark Week Tea may be a new favorite of mine.
Shark Week tea. I just googled what that meant and whoops! I’ll still drink it.
We also were able to stop off at Gallucci’s to pick up some supplies for dinner. I wish I had taken a photo of my cart – Gallucci’s is like Target to me. I go there with the full intent to buy 3-4 things and come out with 10+ items.
I
For dinner, B and I prepared an Italian feast together. My favorite way to spend the night! We prepared homemade pasta, sauce and chicken cutlets. With some bubbly and cheese and meat as an appetizer and I was in heaven.
love me some cheese!!!
Pasta making experts.
Prosecco and crystal. Because why not?
I love going out to dinner – don’t get me wrong, but there’s just something about spending the time making a meal together – B and I made the pasta and chicken together, so instead of having a 1-2 hour meal at a restaurant, it turned into a whole evening activity. And it was delicious!
Dinner.
The pistachio cannoli from the West Side Market – and homemade limoncello
Sunday was another COLD day. And I’m talking super cold – I woke up to -1 degree temps with 15mph winds meaning it “felt like -25”. So of course B and I decided it would be a great day for a “Lazy Sunday.” Which for me meant doing as very little as possible – but enough so that I wouldn’t get bored. I decided to play it safe and run inside again, bringing this week’s mileage to 36!
After the workout, I wanted to do some meal prep for the week. I roasted a chicken (usually B’s job), sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and acorn squash.
A bit of meal prep
Then it was time for dinner with B’s family. We were celebrating my niece’s birthday (can’t believe she’s SIX!).
my contribution to the dinner – salad!
The gorgeous red velvet birthday cake B’s mom made
blowing out the candles!
We go over there almost every week, but this week was special not only for the birthday but it was also a goodbye dinner for B’s brother. He’s is traveling abroad to Germany so we had a big family meal before he leaves this week. I’m so jealous – I loved studying abroad and hope he has as much fun as I did!
A throwback to my days in Ecuador – at a futbol game!
Some questions for you:
Love or hate Valentine’s Day?
Did you study abroad? If not, where do you wish you would have visited?
Okay, I know I’ve said it enough. And the picture above probably says it all anyway. But seriously – it may have been 60 degrees yesterday (and it was amazing – I went for a run in shorts) – but don’t let the weather fool you – the holidays are here. So you missed the Holiday Flea, Winterfest and the Public Square tree lighting ceremony? Don’t worry, there’s still so much more to do in Cleveland to get you in the holiday spirit! I know quite a few people have shared their favorite holiday activities – here are 5 things that I’m looking forward to:
1. Checking out the holiday decor and lights downtown
I LOVE living downtown – it seems like suddenly overnight the festive lights, trees, and even store windows popped up, all to get us in the holiday spirit. Want to feel the holiday spirit? Start in Playhouse Square (and see a show while you’re there! Spoiler alert – check out #3) at Euclid and 14thish and take the E line trolley until you arrive at Public Square. All along Euclid you’ll see various stores with lights, flower pots overflowing with wintry decor, and more. And when you get to Public Square, get ready to be in awe of all the lights – it’s gorgeous! And don’t forget to check out the big tree, as well as the Holidays at Higbee displays. Not had enough? Head into Tower City to check out Bruce the Talking Spruce, as well as the holiday shows in the food court featuring the Toy Soldier and Fairy Godmother (and more – the whole Tower City list of events is here).
Lights around the Theatre District
storefront window in the Higbee building
2. Enjoying a holiday performance from the Cleveland Orchestra
Did you know that the world famous Cleveland Orchestra and their chorus perform a series of holiday concerts each year? The concerts feature a variety of holiday music in the beautifully decorated Severance Hall. I’m lucky to be married into an Ignatius High School family – the Orchestra performs a private show for Ignatius alums and their family and I look forward to the event each year!
Here’s a sneak peak – disclaimer, I found this video on YouTube, it’s not mine:
3. Seeing a show in the Theatre district
Seeing A Christmas Carol at the Ohio Theater at Playhouse Square has become a tradition for B and me. This Great Lakes Theater production runs through December 22, and no matter how many times I watch it (or even A Muppet Christmas Carol), it never gets old. Interested in seeing the show? If you call 216-241-6000 or go to http://www.greatlakestheater.org/tickets/shows/a-christmas-carol to order tickets, enter GLT as your promo code for a discount!
Wine @ Gallucci’s!
4. Feasting on local treats (going to Gallucci’s and the West Side Market)
OK, OK I know you can do this any time of year – but there’s just something SO magical about the West Side Market and Gallucci’s during the holidays. Stands are decorated in the Market, holiday food comes out, and the smell of the Italian food at Gallucci’s just seems more memorable (maybe it’s the fact that I grew up with an Italian mother and those cooking smells likely got stronger during the holidays?). Anyway, one of my favorite traditions that B and I have is going to the Market and Gallucci’s, buying supplies to make pepperoni bread and sauce, and then making the meal, decorating our apartment, and watching Love Actually. Try it. I dare you not to feel in the holiday spirit after doing that!
5. Local shopping
Let’s face it – the holidays wouldn’t be the same without shopping. This year, I’m buying a lot of stuff locally – if possible. The Holiday Flea was awesome, and there are so many other upcoming opportunities to get your holiday (or personal) shopping done:
Ohio City Festival (Dec. 7): Ohio City Festival is THIS weekend! So get your gift list ready and visit local shops like the Cleveland Bazaar and Made in the 216. If that doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, there’s also photos with Santa, Christmas tree sales, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts for children, a photobooth, carolers, and mulled Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Company.
Holiday CircleFest (Dec. 8): Keep the festivities going all weekend long and stop by University Circle on Sunday the 8th for the Holiday CircleFest! In addition to shopping, the event in University Circle will feature horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculpting, live music, a gingerbread house competition – and more!
Pop Up Shaker (Thurs/Sat/Sun through Dec. 15): Pop Up Shaker started last week along Chagrin Boulevard and I can’t wait to check it out! (Yes I do LEAVE downtown sometimes. See numbers 2 and 4 above) This festive winter pop up combines crafting, food, and shopping and will take place Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through the 15th.
Tremont Holiday BrewHaHa(Dec. 13-15): In addition to stopping by the BrewHaHa weekend in Tremont for the famous Santa Shuffle (where the picture of B and me at the beginning of this post is from), I can’t wait to check out the Pop Up Shop and Party on Dec. 13. AND there’s even a Tremont Holiday ArtWalk!
And now, some questions for you:
What holiday traditions do you have? Love Actually and holiday decorating. And pepperoni bread. And seeing A Christmas Carol. Use the discount code I shared and see it yourself!
Quick! What are five things you are looking forward to about the holidays?
I had such a great weekend – from a homemade Italian meal (thanks to Gallucci’s) Friday night, to Marine Week festivities (including checking out their live invasion of Lake Erie) and a Saturday night on the rooftop, to a Sunday Indians game with friends (thanks to Cari for the photos and Devin for taking/asking people to take them) and then Fathers’ Day celebrations. It was so much fun, but I’m still too tired to write about it. So instead? A semi-wordless Wednesday post with a photo collage instead.
I Crashed The Web 