Weekends with a Three Month Old

October 3, 2016October 2, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

FW is officially three months old. He’s no longer a newborn and I’m back to semi-routined lifestyle. It’s strange, new and yet I love every single minute of it. Especially the weekends, when FW, B and I can spend time together do what we love doing best – going for walks and runs, cooking, eating, and hanging out on patios. And that’s exactly what we did this weekend!

This weekend included ALL of the above. Including:

Friday night pizza and beer. The tradition never gets old. Especially with pumking – one of my favorite fall beers!

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It’s finally feeling like fall which means it’s sweater and sweatshirt weather here. FW likes the chilly weather and finally being able to wear this zip up! 20161001_164506

We started Saturday with a semi-picnic breakfast outside at Public Square. I love Bloom Bakery’s treats and their bagels are the best. img_20161001_090102

We also took a nice walk around downtown and the Flats. The family that wears grey sweatshirts together …

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And because it was Saturday, we hit up the market for some groceries. I planned out all our dinners for this week and am excited to try some new easy recipes! 20161001_143010

And when the weather cleared up, we hit up Parnell’s for a patio drink. 20161001_180739

We kept it simple for Saturday’s dinner – some bread, cheese and soup. 20161001_183442

There was also brunch. Which for me, means sweet (French toast) AND savory (runny eggs!).

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And a lovely fall family stroller run.

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And I was even productive. Got some work done (yup, now that I’m back at work there are some things to get done on weekends) AND some meal prep for the week. Lots of roasted veggies and some boobie/energy bites and bars for snacks.

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All in all it was a great weekend here – I’m not ready for reality to kick back in today!

Some questions for you:

Did you spend time outside this weekend? It felt like fall here!
Do you meal prep? What are some easy meals/snacks you can make in advance?

I’m linking up with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

What A Weekend – One Sentence Per Photo Style

August 22, 2016August 21, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 10 Comments

Annnnnd just like that, we’re back to Monday. Sigh. I’m feeling it after a pretty eventful but fun weekend. But because my brain is mush, this weekend update is going to be one sentence per photo style. Ready — go!

Weekends are made for patios – this time, Parnell’s.

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B’s take on Lidia’s eggy eggplant was so delicious. IMG_20160819_223754

My (and FW’s) first Shaker Woodworking Festival meant fair food and amazing wooden crafts, furniture, etc.

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Copycat!

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FW is learning to get used to my local kombucha fix. 20160820_173520

This is what our weekends look like now 🙂 IMG_20160819_194600

A visit from “Uncle” Wing. Screenshot_20160820-200854

Cheering on Team USA (yay for bronze) and watching one of my favorite events! 20160821_100201

A little Sunday morning run. 20160821_085929

Meeting an old friend for the first time.

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Sunday brunches with friends are a great way to start the day. 20160821_110341

Some of the brunch crew. 20160821_122704

Spending Sunday afternoon on a walk and then in the park.

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So naturally we played a little bocce. 20160821_141309

A new twist on Sunday family dinner – out at a restaurant!

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And that’s a wrap. Hope you had a great weekend! I’m linking up with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

Some questions for you:

Did you spend time outside this weekend? We finally got a break in the heat and it was great!
Did you watch the Olympics? What are your favorite events?

Weekends Are Made For Livin

April 27, 2015April 27, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

A super belated weekend update

March 12, 2015March 9, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

I know, I know. It’s THURSDAY for goodness sake and I’m just sharing you my weekend update now. But I was sick Sunday/Monday and of course had to get you my Training Tuesday post … anyway, here it is! Last weekend – which is super exciting to think about because this weekend is already almost here woohoo!

Friday evening B and I went out for wine, comedy and more drinks. I know – you’re probably super surprised because the past few Fridays B and I have been staying in. I’ve been in winter hibernation mode and more than happy to spend Friday night in with some wine and takeout and Netflix. But not this weekend – first, B and I started the night with a stop at Heinen’s for a few glasses of wine. Yup, wine at the grocery store = classy. Their new downtown location is just gorgeous though and it’s a great place to grab a drink and snack!

Out on Fri. night

Glass of wine while shopping!

Then it was time for the show. We saw Joey Diaz at Hilarities. He was really really good – a little raw (that’s his style) but super funny! I love going to comedy shows with B and it was a nice way to kick off the weekend.

[I was going to embed a Joey Diaz video here but realize that most of his stuff is … well… NSFW. So you’ll just have to google a video for yourself :)]

After the show, we hit up Parnells for a nightcap. While there, we met up with B’s aunt and uncle who were in town to see Dirty Dancing and spending the night at a hotel. We grabbed drinks with them before heading back to our apartment.

That doesn’t look like a Guinness!

Saturday morning started early – for me at least. I like sleeping in on the weekends. We had plans to meet up with B’s sister Mary and her friend for a 6 mile run at 8 a.m. It was in the 20s for the run, which was so warm! The sidewalks weren’t that clear, however, so it was a little icy. I can’t wait until clear roads and great running weather!

After the run, B and I hit up the West Side Market for some groceries for the week. We grabbed some Cleveland Bagel Co. bagels and tea at Cleveland Tea Revival and then it was time to head to Columbus!

bagel on my lap in the car.

my favorite tea shop.

B’s cousin’s birthday was Sunday and we had planned to take a day trip down to see him, go to the movies, and get dinner for his celebration. We ended up getting to do all of those, which was fun – we hadn’t seen them since Christmas!

B, me and the birthday boy!

Sunday I woke up to sunny skies and “warm” weather – I was so excited to spend the day outside, going out to brunch, on a walk in the park, you name it. Sadly, my body had other plans in mind – I woke up with a slight fever, headache and achy body; so instead of enjoying the warm weather, I spent the day on the couch. I rarely get a day with fewer than 12,000 steps (I haven’t since I got the Fitbit in January) but got in a measly 700-something. I did end up watching 3 episodes of Walking Dead and several episodes of my new favorite Netflix show, the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. If you haven’t started watching this, you must:

And that was pretty much a look at last weekend. Besides spending all day Sunday inside and on the couch it was a pretty fun time! And now – looking forward to THIS weekend!

Some questions for you:

When was the last time you were sick? I had a few colds earlier this year but this was my first fever/body aches in a loong time!
What’s your favorite TV series to binge watch?

Weekend Update: Getting My Fill of Fall

October 14, 2013October 13, 2013 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

I will start by saying I’m not one of those girls who says that her favorite season is fall. I’ve mentioned this before – but I do not look forward to wearing scarves, sweaters or the leaves falling. That being said – I do love spending a weekend outdoors in the CLE and fall just happens to be a pretty fabulous season to do so. Here are some highlights from our awesome weekend:

We started Friday with an Art Walk through Tremont. After a delicious dinner at Bac we scoped out some artwork (of course stopping at our favorite gallery, Paul Duda) before wine at Press with Dave and Anson.

Bac meal

We went all the way out to Burton, Ohio to ride on a trailer and enjoy the fall colors.

B on the trailer

While we were there we checked out the Apple Butter Festival!

Oh yeah, that apple butter was great!

And I tried to keep my cool as we walked around and saw SO many Amish people.

Look! Amish family!

Making some apple butter

Checking out the fall foliage and checking out the farmland out east.

Farms! Fall Colors!

We also stumbled upon Oxtoberfest! Meaning we shared a roasted ox sandwich. (sorry, not pictured)

And it was Oxtoberfest!

Log cabin!

We stopped by Patterson’s Fruit Farm to check out the pumpkins and fall baked goods.

We also found pumpkins.

And go for a nice fall hike.

Perfect weather for a hike!

And pick some apples!

didn’t realize B was taking a picture here

There were still some apples left!

We made it back to Cleveland in time to enjoy a few Guiness and Pumpkings at our favorite bar, Parnell’s Pub, and watch the BC game (they lost against Clemson). Then it was time for patio drinks and a nice dinner.

It’s mid October and everyone’s out on the patio. SO amazing!

patio drinks

The only picture of my meal. Halibut at Lola!

Oh yeah, and my legs are feeling great after last weekend’s half marathon (recap, here) so I enjoyed three runs this weekend – 2 outside and 1 inside while watching the Pilot of Gossip Girl! Three runs in three days makes me a happy girl 🙂

Fri/Sat/Sun

Hopefully you had an awesome fall weekend as well!

Some questions for you: (answer in the comments!)

Where you like, when does patio season typically end? Or is it year-round?
Have you ever tried ox?
Have you ever seen Amish people?
Do you have a favorite local bar near you?
If you like pumpkin beer, what’s your favorite? Pumpking by far!
If you run, do you prefer outdoor or indoor running?

Friday Five: Five Things I’m Smiling About

July 26, 2013July 26, 2013 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

Phew – TGIF! This is one of those busy weeks where I really feel grateful that it’s finally Friday. Not that it’s been a bad week- quite the opposite. It’s actually been a GREAT week filled with stuff I love. Here are 5 things that were awesome this week and what kept me so busy (and smiling):

1. Learning About Some New Businesses With My DCA City Advocates: Tuesday was a great DCA City Advocates meeting! for those of you that may recall, the DCA CA program is a civic engagement group I’m involved with. It’s a program that fosters civic engagement among individuals who love living in, working in, or just visiting Cleveland. This month’s meeting we got to meet and hear from the winners of the recent 5th Street Arcades grant competition:

Sushi 86– This is actually my go-to downtown sushi restaurant. B and I had a stint where we were going there once a week anyway, so I’m excited that they can get some funds to increase their space and start offering sushi-making classes, meetings and so on.
Soulcraft Woodshop– This is a furniture gallery that will showcase and of course sell work by the woodshop’s local designers and furniture makers.
Bright Green– This is an organic and natural products store – they feature products for children (like organic baby blankets), candles, tea, home supplies and more. Many of their products are actually made on the west side!
POUR Cleveland– This hand-crafted coffee shop hasn’t opened yet, but I’m SO excited for it to arrive. They will be working with Counter Culture coffee shop, where one of my good family friends works in North Carolina. They will also have tastings and classes, plus pastries.

They each told us about their business plans, why they chose downtown Cleveland, challenges of being entrepreneurs, and so on. If you’re in Cleveland I definitely recommend checking out the 5th Street Arcade at some time and seeing all the new shops!

Informal interviews with the winners

2. Half Marathon Training and Running with Friends: Okay, so I finally started training for the half marathon I’m running in October. Yes, I’ve been running like 25-30 or even more miles a week so I know I’m in fine running shape, but I haven’t been following any sort of schedule or doing any long runs so it I guess it’s time to actually get back in training mode. Training means that for the time being my weekly mileage will be cut down (the first few weeks are pretty lame in terms of mileage and I won’t be running every day) but I will be focusing on some speedwork with tempo runs, and also allowing my body to heal during rest days. Imagine that! And don’t worry, the longer runs will come soon enough so I better enjoy the lack of intense time-commitment while it lasts. AND not only did I decide to start half marathon training, but I ran with friends twice this week! That’s right, I ran with people before work on Wednesday AND Friday. This is a new thing for me – but I enjoyed it. Cari and I ran Wed. morning – she had 2 miles on her schedule, so I ran 2 without her and 2 with her. Friday, I ran with Nicole, who I met through Bridge Builders. She’s training for a marathon and I hope to keep running with her as she trains and maybe even get in some longer runs with her.

3. My PB2 Arrived! Not only did I run out of PB2 a few weeks ago, but I also ran out of regular JIF peanut butter and am down to the last spoonful of our Smucker’s Crunchy supplies. Can you imagine that? Thank goodness, Amazon came through and my supply of PB2 came earlier than I anticipated. AND I ordered even more than last time – so hopefully I’m all set for a few weeks.

<3 this stuff. Seriously addicted.

4. Patio Drinks @ Parnell’s: I love Parnell’s downtown. It’s one of those low key bars where I always feel welcome. There’s no need to dress to impress, and there’s almost always room on their patio. And it’s more than likely you’ll get a bartender with an Irish accent. #Justsaying. Anyway, this week I enjoyed patio beverages with Laura, Chris and Victoria, my old DCA City Advocate cohort. We haven’t all been together in a few months and we definitely need to start getting together more regularly – we used to see each other more than once a month! Not only was the company and beverages good, but I also got to meet a Twitter friend I’ve had for more than 5 years but never met in person. Being a social media person, I’ve gotten used to the fact that there are some people I know all about but have never met in real life, and vice versa — but meeting in real life is still super awesome!

Patio Drinks @ Parnell’s Pub Downtown – Barrels as tables!

I’ve been following @koskim since early 2008. Long before most had heard of Twitter. Good to finally have met her IRL today 5.5 years later.

— Alessandro (@azrael) July 25, 2013

5. Volunteering @ the National Senior Games: The National Senior Games are in town! What’s this you ask? It’s like the Olympics – it’s a multi-sport event but actually boasts MORE athletes! And just like the Olympics, it’s always held in a new city – and this year it’s in Cleveland! So right now we are hosting some insane number of athletes (like nearly 11,000), all ages 50+, and their families. Pretty cool huh? Tonight I’m volunteering at the Celebration of Athletes, which happens to be hosted by Olympian Scott Hamilton! I’m so happy to be not only volunteering with a few of my fellow DCA buddies, but also to help out (even if it’s just a tiny bit) with such a cool event that brings visitors to Cleveland.

Scott Hamilton (center) will be at the event tonight. Pretty cool huh? He was an Olympic figure skater. And clearly also in Blades of Glory.

Hope you had a fabulous Friday as well! Some questions to ponder (leave your answers in the comments if you can!):

Are you a fan of Olympic figure skating? Honestly, not really. I don’t NOT like it, but it’s not my favorite winter sport. I LOVE watching the luge and bobsled races.
Are you on Twitter? How long have you been on there? YES! Obviously. I’ve been on apparently for more than 5 years.
Do you have “Twitter friends” or friends that you haven’t met in real life?
What is your peanut butter supply like?
Do you prefer running with friends? Solo? Both!