When You Have a Good Weekend You Start Monday Tired

July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Happy Monday! Can you believe the weekend is over? I’m SO tired after celebrating a bachelorette. I can NOT hang like I used to. I was out until 1:30 a.m. Saturday/Sunday … but I digress. Here’s a look at how the overall weekend looked:

Friday night I ended up missing out on some of the bachelorette activities and stayed in with the fam. We ordered sushi and had dinner on the porch, which was an excellent decision for a beautiful night. Full disclosure – the kids had grilled cheese and tofu nuggets. BUT LM ended up also eating some of the rice and seaweed salad!

Saturday morning, B was out golfing, so we did some playing inside on our own.

But when B got home, we rode our bikes (I ran) to the playground, and then to the farmers market!

Later that afternoon, I realized both LM and I were in dresses – so naturally we had to grab a pic.

But then it was time to head out for the bachelorette!

We celebrated by having drinks, dinner, more drinks, dancing and more. Is there any better way to celebrate your future sister-in-law?

We stayed out LATE. I was out until 1:30 a.m., which was earlier than most of the crew. #feelingOld

But, I have 2 kids who wake up when the sun’s up most days, and staying out so late meant not as much sleep as usual. Thankfully, B let me sleep in and I got up just before the family went out for breakfast. B had planned to take the kids to pancakes while I slept, but I have serious FOMO and had to join them. So, I ran to meet them there.

And then did a little run on the way home, putting me at 4ish for the day. Not bad considering I was out partying late!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and hanging out. I even got in a nap when both kids were napping = win! But still — I need more sleep than that. Here’s to hoping for a restful week!

Questions for you:

How late is late for you if you’re going out? 11pm is past my bedtime…1:30 a.m. was LATE!
What’s your go-to sushi order?

When March Comes In Like A Lion

March 4, 2018March 4, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

Well, March is here but it doesn’t really feel like we’re just a few weeks away from spring. The weather is COLD and we had a snow storm hit us Thursday night/Friday morning (so much that schools were even closed and daycare had a 2 hour delay).

So, Friday night and much of this weekend, instead of doing fun, outdoor, springy activities, we acted just like it was winter again.

Friday night, we hung out in the house with some takeout vegetarian Ethiopian food.

We also hung in and watched a movie. Well, most of a movie – we may have fallen asleep part of the way through the movie The House. Have you seen it?

Saturday morning started early with bagels!

And then, we walked to a nearby farmer’s market. They have a big farmer’s market about a mile away from our house in the summer, and a smaller one in the summer.

We bought some veggies and eggs and meat and jelly and treats. And FW pet a rooster!

After the market, we walked to a nearby bookstore.

I can’t believe we’ve lived here for a few months and haven’t been here before. It was amazing.

That afternoon included some errands, and some reading. I finished this book, which I really enjoyed!

Then, Dave and Anson came over with their kids. FW had fun running around with Celia for a while, and then they joined us for dinner.

Sunday morning, B, FW and I headed to Burton, Ohio – aka Pancaketown!

Burton is called Pancaketown, USA because every spring, they have a bazillion maple trees, which they all tap for maple syrup. These silver boxes on all these trees are maple taps.

Then, in March, a ton of places host pancake breakfast fundraisers, which they of course serve with their own maple syrup.

It was a great decision, since FW loves pancakes. It was his first time trying blueberry pancakes and he ate them right up. Especially the blueberry part.

That afternoon, the weather was chilly but still sunny, so we opted to take a walk around our neighborhood. We decided to walk to the library, where FW could run around and play.

We ended our day at B’s parents’ house and had a good dinner and dessert – cream puffs! FW enjoyed those.

Some questions for you:

Do you like cream puffs?
What kind of pancakes do you like? The pancake breakfast had buttermilk, buckwheat and blueberry.

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Chinese New Year, Doughnuts, Grandparents, Oh My!

February 18, 2018February 19, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

This was definitely one of those weekends that felt like 3 weekends in one. We did quite a bit of fun things, that it felt like we packed a few different weekends in – which was fine with me!

We started off Friday night with a Chinese New Year dinner. One of our friends had organized a dinner to celebrate the Year of the Dog at a local Chinese restaurant and it was great. She ordered a bunch of things off the menu for us and it was so much fun to try out some new dishes!

I loved the sweet dish that ended the meal – it was like candied sweet potato!

The dinner was next to an Asian bakery, so we did have to stop off and get a pastry after dinner – we opted for the coconut tart. Even FW liked it.

Saturday morning started off with a family run! B pushed FW in the stroller, while I tried to keep up with them. Running is getting pretty hard for me these days, but I was glad we were able to get out as a family and go for a run.

After our run, we had plans to have some brunch with Dave and his two kids. FW is friends with Celia and used to go to the same school as her before we moved, so he was super excited to see her.

B made us some amazing avocado toasts.

And Dave brought over local doughnuts from near his house – Jack Frost! Look at all that frosting.

And the kids all played for a while. They all get along, which is great.

That afternoon, since it was still so nice out, B, FW and I went for a walk. We walked to a nearby coffee shop and chocolatier. FW (and I) like their chocolate if you can’t tell!

And later in the afternoon, my parents got into town. They were in town for two nights – FW loves spending time with them. And I’m so lucky to have them visit.

We had to keep up our weekly streak and got pizza for dinner.

Sunday morning started with brunch! We walked to a nearby diner-ish type place for food.

My mom and I spit two entrees – eggs Benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes. Their lemon ricotta pancakes are the best.

We went for another walk in the afternoon and FW took a nap.

We also got in some FaceTime with my brother, who lives in Berlin .

Sunday night included the usual- dinner with B’s family. FW enjoyed some time with his cousins.

It was a pretty good weekend, but as usual, not enough time with my parents. I’m hoping that when baby #2 is born, they’ll be able to spend more than a day with us and we can enjoy some warm weather activities!

Some questions for you:

Do you like chocolate cake?
Did you get in some good outdoor time this weekend?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Another Wintry Weekend In the CLE

February 11, 2018February 11, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

Is anyone else sick of this winter? It has been cold and icy and snowy here for weeks and I’m so ready for warm weather and sunshine and a clear sidewalk to walk and run on!

Okay – enough complaining I suppose. Because despite the weather, it was still a good weekend spent with B and FW. I was sick most of the weekend, so it was pretty laid back and low key.

We of course had to start the weekend by celebrating National Pizza Day with my favorite pizza- Marottas!

Saturday, B made FW and I some pancakes to kick off breakfast. Fun fact- I never used to like pancakes or sweet stuff for breakfast- I was much more of a savory breakfast food lover – until pregnancy.

We spent some time later that afternoon at the West Side Market; we used to shop there all the time when we lived downtown, but now we only make it there maybe once every other month or so.

And of course we had to visit Rising Star for some coffee and chocolate milk (tea for me from Cleveland Tea Revival).

After the Market it was time to hit up the Great Big Home and Garden Show! I had won tickets in an online giveaway from Cleveland Magazine and it was a great way for us to get in some running around time and get Francis moving even with the cold weather.

Saturday night, B made us dinner – spaghetti, meatballs and homemade sauce.

Sunday morning we decided it was warm enough and finally not snowing/icing/raining/sleeting/etc. to go for a walk, so we walked to brunch!

FW got tired of walking, so B carried him. He then fell asleep in the carrier

We split some eggs and a lemon crepe. FW was suspicious of the crepe until I told him it was like a cookie 🙂

Sunday afternoon after our walk was pretty lazy. I got in some rest, some baking and some peanut butter making.

I realize I can’t remember the last time I bought any nut butter at the store! I got my Vitamix about a year ago and it has been the only way we’ve been doing peanut or almond butter. I LOVE having it and need to use it more!

Sunday night included dinner with B’s family and that was about it. We watched the Olympics with them for a little bit – it was the first time I’ve watched any of the events! I need to start getting into them.

Some questions for you:

Are you watching the Olympics?
What type of nut butter(s) do you like?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

When Your Birthday is on a Tuesday – You Celebrate all Weekend!

January 21, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

It’s not every weekend that you can look back and think, wow that was fun. Luckily for me, this was one of those weekends. My birthday is Tuesday so we decided to spend some time on Saturday to celebrate. The celebration included pretty much all of my favorite things – good food, some relaxation and a run.

But first, Friday night included some takeout. Chipotle actually! FW was actually wearing his taco shirt, so it was pretty appropriate as he ate his quesadilla (one of the few foods he enjoys on occasion).

Saturday morning started with a group run! I haven’t run in a group in forever, but it was the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon kickoff training run, and as an ambassador, I knew I had to be there and see some of my fellow ambassadors.

B and FW came too and he pushed FW in the Bob for the hilly course. Unfortunately, FW ended up crying literally the entire run. So, we decided to cut it short and ended up running about a 5k (the group ran 4 miles) and stopped when we got back o the course start.

This picture accurately displays how we both felt after the crying run.

We spent the afternoon cuddling, hanging out and reading plenty of books. And taking a few selfies.

We had some plans to go out to celebrate my birthday that afternoon, and B had arranged secretly for babysitters not only during the day, but also for the night. Meaning, we spent the night in a hotel – it was our first night that the both of us spent away from FW since he had been born!

We started the afternoon with a movie. We were originally going to go to the Cavs game, but didn’t get tickets in time, and it turned out not to be the best game, so I’m pretty happy we went to the movies. I really enjoyed The Post.

After the movie, it was time for dinner. We ate at Parkers, and had a really good meal. Our appetizer was pretty amazing- we had the grilled octopus, which I highly recommend.

I had the lamb shank for my appetizer. I love lamb and hardly ever get it (or make it), so it was a nice treat.

We opted to go on a walk for dessert and hit up Corbo’s, which has a new bakery in Playhouse Square. I had some tiramisu gelato. B and I also shared some cookies.

Then, it was time for the surprise – the night in the hotel! The Kimpton has some pretty nice hotel rooms with fun decor. We still went to bed pretty early (10:30 p.m.), but I somehow managed to sleep to 8:45 a.m.! I haven’t had that much sleep since before FW was born – it was pretty amazing and unexpected.

We finished our date with FW with brunch. B and I did what I love to do most – split sweet and savory. We split the crab cakes eggs benedict and pancakes.

We then went to pick up FW, who was at his grandparents house and spent the afternoon together. It was fun to reunite with him after spending the time away!

The afternoon was low key. It included some books (FW’s new favorite is the Pout Pout Fish, thanks to our friends Joey and Lulu!), some playing and some cleaning.

And Sunday dinner at B’s parents’ house included birthday celebrations! My nephew and I both have January birthdays so we celebrated with ice cream cake – my favorite (I give B the chocolate and take his vanilla).

Some questions for you:

Do you like chocolate ice cream?
What do you do if your birthday is in the middle of the week?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Three-Day Weekends Are Better Than Two-Day Ones

January 14, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

This is the OMG IT’S A THREE-DAY WEEKEND?! face.

Okay, maybe not – this was his face when we went out to breakfast, because that’s how our weekend started. With pancakes! I got the lemon ricotta pancake because it’s truly the best. It’s custardy and I pretty much am in love with anyone and everything lemon that’s sweet. I also don’t typically put butter or syrup on them either, because they’re just so good.

Friday started out with 58 degrees and rain (and a run in short sleeves!) – and then it ended up with sleet and then snow. The weather actually got so bad that my Friday night plans had to change. I was originally supposed to have a girls night with my sisters-in-law and go to the art museum to see their new Jazz Age exhibit, but due to the weather, the museum closed early!

Luckily, our dinner plans didn’t fall through and we were able to have some french food at L’Albtross. We started with cheese …

And after our main course, ended with dessert!

Saturday was pretty good too. The day included some surprise chocolates from B — Mitchell’s has some great chocolates near me, and I love their pretzels and chocolate covered ginger.

The day also included a 2+ hour car nap for FW!

While he napped, I baked some zucchini breakfast cookies for FW to hopefully enjoy. They weren’t that sweet, but I’m hoping FW will want to eat them for breakfast.

After the nap, we headed to the art museum to finally catch the Jazz Age exhibit. Since the museum was closed early Fri. night, we were able to exchange our tickets and go Saturday. All of us ladies couldn’t all schedule the same time, but

I was able to go with B and FW – and Katie – instead.

The exhibit was great! It had so many cool parts and pieces – jewelry, textiles, cars, dresses, and more.

After the art museum, we went to Little Italy for some pizza and dessert.

It was a cold night but we had to walk to get some pastries, too!

Chocolate cannoli and rainbow cookies. My favorite!

Sunday morning started off with some ME time! B and FW went outside to brave the cold and get in some sleighing, while I stayed home. I was able to get in a short run and walk.

I was also able to start some cookies (and do some laundry, but that’s not as exciting 🙂 ) – so that means I baked TWICE this weekend!

We finished off Sunday with a trip to visit our friends’ new baby girl (she is so sweet!!!). I brought some of the cookies over and B made some homemade chicken soup to bring as well.

And then it was time for a Polish-inspired dinner with B’s family, where FW enjoyed playing with his cousins. Pretty much perfect comfort food for a COLD weekend!

FW’s daycare is closed tomorrow, so I’m spending the day with him. Thus, the three-day weekend! Some questions for you:

Any tips for keeping a toddler entertained when it’s cold and snowy/icy outside?
Do you like Polish food?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Where Did Fall Go?

November 12, 2017 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Okay, where the heck did fall go? I feel like we went from summer to winter in a week. And I’m not okay with that.

For example, here was the temperature when I woke up to go for a run Saturday morning.

Granted, it was earlier than I typically wake up on Saturdays but still – feels like 11? BRR! Still, I bundled up in two jackets (yes, 2), some running tights (Skirt Sports Go the Distance Tights were perfect!) and made it out the door.

Part of the way through my run I was greeted with this beautiful sunrise, so I can’t really complain.

And when I got home, B and FW were just getting up. B made FW and I pancakes, so it was a pretty good start to my Saturday!

Shortly after breakfast, we bundled up (it was now closer to 26 degrees – much warmer!) and went for a walk.

Then, it was time for the activity that ended up taking most of my Saturday, a benefit for the Carmelite nuns. The event includes some holiday shopping, AND a fashion show!

Two of my sisters-in-law participated in the fashion show – how fun 🙂

The event went much longer than I thought, so by the time I got home and B and FW got home, it was pretty much dinner time! We ordered some local thin crust pizza. YUM.

And because my event fell through, the evening ended with watching some more of Season 2 of Stranger Things! I love the show.

Sunday morning, we decided to go on a literal bagel run! B, FW and I ran to the local bagel shop with FW. It was not nearly as cold as it had been on Saturday, but we still bundled up FW. Doesn’t he look so excited to be on the run?

We got some DELICIOUS doughy bagels. These bagels are probably the closest to NY bagels I’ve found in CLE.

That afternoon, I had Lulu’s baby shower! Her baby girl is coming in January and she had a beautiful shower with great decor, friends and games.

I even won one of the games!

That night ended with spaghetti and meatballs with B’s family. One of my favorite meals and perfect for a cold night!

So that was it! Another delicious, fun, but COLD weekend. Here’s to a good week!

Questions for you:

Did the weather get cold near you yet?
Do you like baby shower games?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.

WIAW: Pancakes for Brinner!

November 16, 2016November 15, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

YAY for Wednesday! We’re halfway to Friday again. That means it’s a good day to share my eats and see what you are all up to and eating as well. Yup, it’s another What I Ate Wednesday!

Wednesday started with a coffee meeting. I had my first Starbucks holiday cup – I can’t believe it’s already that time of year! A decaf coconut milk latte was just what I needed to start my day.

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Breakfast was made for me by B – some egg whites, spinach and vegetables. It’s so good to be eating eggs and veggies again!

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Lunch was leftovers. Leftover salmon, roasted cauliflower, mashed cauliflower and roasted zucchini. 20161110_132114

Snacks during the day included some energy bites and mixed nuts.

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While I prepped dinner, I also enjoyed some sliced pear. 20161110_183455

Dinner was pancakes! I made some buttermilk pancakes and topped them with an apple butter and cinnamon apple compote. Yup, that’s FW in the background. He was just chilling while we ate dinner which was a nice change! img_20161110_191401