A Thanksgiving Weekend in CLE

December 2, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 1 Comment

Can you believe we’re already in December? Thanksgiving came and went last week and we’re finally getting into the holiday season. That means it’s been nonstop Christmas music playing here!

Here’s a look at what our long weekend entailed:

Wednesday, work let out around 3 p.m. so I picked up LM early and we headed to the library to run around for a bit. She has some molars coming in, so we didn’t get in much playing.

FW was in for a treat – he got picked up early by B’s brother, who was taking him to the movies. FW got to see Frozen 2 with his cousins, aunt and uncle. It was his first movie theater experience, and I think he loved it.

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Spring Weekends in the CLE Burbs

June 2, 2019June 3, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 1 Comment

Spring is definitely here in CLE! We had a beautiful weekend in the ‘burbs, filled with good food and pretty good weather. Friday night, B made us pizza. It had been forever since we had homemade pizza, and I was looking forward to it all week. I got to pick my toppings for my slices, too — it was pepperoni, eggplant, peppers and mushrooms. I love pizza with tons of veggies and also pepperoni on it!

After the kids went to bed, B and I stayed up somewhat late and watched Always Be My Maybe. It was just what I was looking for in my Friday night – a cute, funny romcom. I recommend it, especially if you already love Ali Wong.

Saturday morning FW got up early – like 5 something in the morning – so it was a long day. After breakfast, B went to Home Depot to get some stuff (it’s his second home these days) and then we went to our first event – a playdate with some friends who also have kids. FW had a blast playing on his favorite playground with LM and of course Celia, Maura and Maddie.

After the playground we headed home for lunch. B and FW hit up Home Depot (yes, again – 2x in one day!) while LM napped.. When he got back, it was time for our next adventure – Ruby’s birthday party! It was a party at a local ice cream shop, so I’m sure FW and LM had a good time. (we did too 🙂 )

After ice cream, we were going to try to watch soccer, but all the bars and restaurants nearby were overflowing and LOUD (aka not as kid-friendly as usual), so we just went home.

FW skinned his knees on our jog to the car, so he needed some extra care and wanted a special seat on the couch before dinner. Toddlers are a ton of work but tons of fun sometimes!

After FW and LM had dinner, it was off to bed semi-early and B and I had to figure out what we wanted. We had planned on going out after ice cream, but since it was too crowded, ended up not sure what to do for food. B was craving buffalo wings, so we ended up doing some takeout. I got a kids’ meal, which meant it came with a side (salad!) AND a drink.

Sunday morning, I got in a nice run – 6.3 solo miles. I had planned on taking out the jogging stroller, but B andFW and LM had breakfast and I got out semi-early (at least for a weekend). It was nice to still be out a little later than usual.

The day was somewhat productive. We did some meal prep, some cleaning, some playing, and some walking. It ended up being a nice day outside so B also got some outdoor chores in.

We ended the day with a jog around the block. FW ran pretty much the whole way!

And that was it. HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

Some questions for you:

Do you like pistachio ice cream?
Was the weather nice near you?

Living For Weekends

September 9, 2018September 9, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

Welp, last week was my first full week back at work after maternity leave. And I’m not gonna lie, it was a doozy. I put in more hours than I have in a while, and working late plus little sleep (yay toddler and 3 month old) made me SO pumped for the weekend! And thank goodness, it was a good weekend.

B and FW made dinner Friday night, which meant we were able to have homemade pizza on the porch!

Saturday started out with breakfast for FW and me. We both had eggs – his were in fun shapes.

Then, I took FW out for a run.

It was pretty much perfect running weatherweather- low 60s and cloudy. We got in a little more than 4 miles.

Also, when did FW get so old? He looks so old compared to LM!

For dinner B made homemade pasta, which is pretty much my favorite comfort food. He also grilled some scallops for the perfect meal.

It stayed perfect weather for an after dinner walk.

Sunday morning started with pancakes! B made us all breakfast.

The day included some catching up on work, chores (yay for laundry … and then more laundry after a blowout) and a trip to The Container Store.

The rest of the day was low key, especially since it was pouring rain and super windy all day long. We didn’t make it outside for a walk or run or anything. Instead, we watched football and did some reading.

But, we did make it to B’s family’s home for dinner. FW got to enjoy some time playing with his cousins.

AND how excited are you for this? I’m a little afraid on how it’s going to portray CLE, but excited to see what’s in store for one of my favorite podcasts.

Some questions for you:

Did you have crazy rainy weather this weekend?
What kind of workout do you do if you can’t get outside?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

The Weekend We Got a Pool

August 5, 2018August 5, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Okay, the title is a bit misleading. Why? First, we didn’t get a REAL pool. Just a kiddie pool – but still a big one! Second, we didn’t just get it this weekend – we ordered it on Prime Day and are just finally using it because it’s been relatively cool the past few weekends!

With temps projected to be in the upper 80s to 90s this weekend, we knew it was finally time to blow it up and relax.

Here are a few highlights from the weekend:

Friday night included homemade pizza! B and FW made some pizza and we ended up eating it on the porch.

Saturday morning, B and FW went to get donuts and I stayed in bed (see aforementioned comment about feeling sick). When I did finally get up, I hung out with LM on the porch, made some cookies with FW and then we chilled in the pool.

Saturday night, we already had tickets to the Indians game, so B, FW and I went downtown to cheer on the Tribe (Grandma came over to babysit LM).

It was fun to hang out with just the three of us and I know FW enjoyed being the center of attention for a little bit.

Sunday was another pool day! This time, we invited Dave, Anson and their kids Celia and Maura over for some fun in the sun. We enjoyed lunch, pool time and some wagon rides.

Sunday ended – as usual – with dinner at B’s parents’ house. FW got in some good cousin time, playing games (including dominoes!).

Notice anything missing from our usual weekend activities? A run! I woke up feeling sick Saturday, do I played it pretty low key and only got in a few walls (which tired me out). Hopefully I’ll be feeling better soon!

Some questions for you:

Do you have a pool?
Do you have any weekend traditions?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Weekends with Sushi, Pizza, Running, Soccer and Then Some

July 15, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Well, what a weekend. For having nothing really planned, we got in a lot of fun! Friday night included sushi and a family walk. Yup, we keep things simple these days as a family of four. But I am LOVING sushi right now and can’t get enough of it now that I’m no longer pregnant!

Saturday morning started off with our first run as a family of four! B took LM in the stroller and I took FW in the stroller and the four of us went for a run around our neighborhood. We live about a half a mile from some paved trails and it makes running with a stroller so much easier.

It was semi-hot and I was tired afterwards. I don’t know how I bounced back so quickly after FW – it’s harder this time around for sure!

LM may be going through a growth spurt, because I spent the rest of the day feeding her on and off, while B did some work around the house and yard.

That night we got pizza! A weekend with pizza and sushi is a pretty good weekend 🙂

Sunday morning we took a walk around our neighborhood before it got too hot. And then it was time for the World Cup! My friend Stephanie was having people over to watch the game for a brunch at her place. There was so much good food – and soccer – and babies!

Sunday afternoon, after doing some more yard work and work around the house, FW hung out with his cousins for a little. They had been on a vacation in Spain and brought back matching soccer jerseys!

FW and I also got in a short walk – it was HOT but nice to walk around the lakes.

Per usual, Sunday night ended with dinner with B’s family. FW got in more cousin time and it was a nice end to a nice weekend.

Some questions for you:

What’s your favorite pizza topping?
Did you get n any runs or walks this weekend?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

A “Toasty” Weekend

July 1, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

We had a HOT weekend here in Cleveland – it was 95ish or so degrees both days and humid. Or as FW says, “toasty!” So, we had to find some ways to keep 2 kids entertained and stay cool.

Friday night started off with a walk to get some ice cream at a nearby ice cream shop. It’s about a mile walk there (FW didn’t make it the whole way there or back on foot).

FW enjoyed sharing ice cream with both of us.

Also, this little lady turned 1 month old!

Saturday morning tarted orly – B and his dad were going to chop down a tree in our backyard. It was starting to grow and invade our neighbors’ house so they asked us to do something about it.

FW joined in – he watched over the chopping with donuts:)

And made sure the ladder was safe to use.

Then, we took a little family walk. It was HOT out so we didn’t make it too far.

That afternoon, B had plans and was out of the house for a few hours. It was my first extended time alone with the two kids … and to be honest – it was hard! They got along for some time, but there were a few meltdowns from both of them at some points.

When B came home, I was READY to get out of the house. It was past dinnertime and FW (and B) were hungry. So, B went with the kids to pick up pizza, and I went for a short run. It was 90 and humid and I’m so out of shape from not running after giving birth, but it felt SO GOOD to be outside and moving!

And, my favorite local pizza – plus wine and soda! – for dinner.

Sunday morning, we watched some World Cup and went for a walk before it got too hot. We walked to some local lakes where FW likes to watch the fish.

The afternoon included trying to keep cool – hanging out in the AC, watching some World Cup inside, and relaxing on the porch. A perfect weekend for the summer!

Some questions for you:

Did you get out and run in the heat this weekend?
Do you have AC?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.

Nonna and Grandpa Come to Visit

April 29, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Despite having an awful weather weekend (40s and rain), it was a GREAT weekend. Why? Because my parents (Nonna and Grandpa to FW) came to visit.

Friday, they got in earlyish, so they were able to join me for daycare pickup! We picked up FW and then got some pizza from our favorite place, Marotta’s.

FW even ate a whole slice!

Then it was time for some reading and relaxing before they put him to bed. I love how when my parents come to visit, they take the lead on most diaper changes and bedtime.

Saturday morning, we hit up the Zoo and Rainforest! It was cruddy and cold and wet, so we spent most of the time indoors.

FW probably watched this baby orangutan for at least 5 minutes. It was playing around with its mom and swinging around.

We then met up with B for lunch at a local deli/diner. I got some GREAT matzo ball soup and a HUGE corned beef sandwich.

This was the half sandwich. There was like 5 lb of meat on here.

That afternoon, while FW napped, my mom and I got pedicures!

Then, it was time for more reading.

Sunday was pretty low key. We enjoyed some breakfast at Luna with my parents before they got on the road back to NY.

My go-to at Luna…love their yogurt and granola!

And then in the afternoon, we did some work on the house (it’s never ending!). By we, I mean B did, while I entertained FW.

Oh, and FW took a nap in HIS BED, which never happens so I was pretty happy with that. He loves napping in the stroller and in the car, but barely in his bed (especially since he can just get up and get out of it, which is what he did at first).

AND while FW slept, the CAVS won! I’m hoping we get another great series in this year with a better ending than last season. Who’s with me?

That night we enjoyed dinner with B’s family. FW got in some good cousin time, as usual. I love that he loves hanging out with them!

Some questions for you:

Was it cold near you again? Or did it feel like spring?
Do you like matzo ball soup?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Brrr, Where Is Spring?

April 8, 2018April 8, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

Okay, winter – I’m done with you. Really – I’m done and ready for warmer weather and less SNOW.

We had snow again this week – not so much – and even though we had a clear, mostly sunny weekend, it was still COLD. Like, 32 degrees high kind of cold. BRR! Still, it was a jam packed weekend with tons of stuff to do … but we bundled up, that’s for sure.

Thursday night, B and I went out! We went to see the comic, Gary Gulman, with one of my coworker/friends who is moving. We first grabbed sushi and mochi and then got to the show.

Gary Gulman is great. I’d seen him before and he did a few of my favorite sets, including this one:

Friday night, after I did a little shopping with some of my sisters-in-law, B and I ordered some pizza and spent the night in. I was pooped after our late night out Thursday, and the lack of sleep I’ve had lately. (Thank you third trimester and toddler!)

Saturday included some brunch at one of our favorite locales, Luna. FW enjoyed some scone and bites of eggs. I love their yogurt and granola.

Saturday we also went to our first Indians game of the season! Even though we are sharing season tickets and had plans to go to Sunday’s game, we had snagged club seats. B, FW and I went with B’s brother and our nephew.

Sunday was jam packed with stuff to do. As in, I left the house a little before 10 a.m. and didn’t get home until 9:30 p.m.!

We started off the day with a bridal shower for my friend Cuoghi.

Me and the beautiful bride-to-be.

After the bridal shower brunch, it was time for another Indians game! This one was a COLD one – even colder than the day before, not only because we were sitting in the shade, but because of the temps. They even announced that it was the coldest game ever played at the field in history!

Thank goodness we ended up with a walk-off home run to win, 3-1.

We were bundled up.

After the game, it was time to head over to B’s family’s house for Sunday dinner. We were celebrating his grandma’s 89th birthday! And we enjoyed some wedding cake samples from B’s sister, who is getting married this summer.

Not bad for a busy weekend? Not a lot of exercise or movement, but a lot going on!

Some questions for you:

Do you like baseball?
Have you ever planned a bridal shower?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Weekends With a Toddler When You’re Pregnant

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

Okay, so the title of this post is misleading. Weekends with a toddler when you’re pregnant are pretty much just regular weekends with a toddler. Sure, I’d like to be resting more (and I’m starting to feel the third trimester fatigue coming in!), but with a toddler, you can’t help but run around. And as tiring as it is, it’s fun entertaining them, too!

The weekend included:

Some Mexican food and TV to kick off Friday night. We are way behind in Walking Dead, so we had to watch an episode of that.

Saturday was a busy day! It included a birthday party at the aquarium, which FW loved. He loves fish and enjoyed seeing them and turtles swimming around.

And then it was time to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. I don’t have any pictures from the parade because I was busy getting our car battery jumped because our car was dead (whoops), so instead, here’s a photo of me and my coworkers looking festive.

For dinner, we opted for pizza. It was a toss up between pizza and reubens but I couldn’t figure out how to get us takeout ruebens and I love pizza so pizza won. And I’m Italian (and 0% Irish) so there’s that.

And then bath time 🙂

Sunday the day started off with pancakes, followed by some house cleaning. B made the pancakes and honestly did most of the cleaning, too.

I was hosting our Ladies Craft Beer Society meeting! We actually had a beer sponsor – Brew Dog, a beer based in Scotland, but just opened a brewery in Columbus, Ohio, sent us some of their Pink IPA to try out. In honor of International Women’s Day, they rebranded their Punk IPA to be called “Pink IPA” and are donating 20% (the pay gap in he UK) of all proceeds towards organizations that work towards women and fight inequality. Pretty cool, huh? They happen to be a client of my agency (but not my client), and that’s how they heard about our club.

The theme of our monthly meeting was homemade body wash. I was seeking a craft that was easy (I’m not the most skilled crafter), something that could be done if I had FW in my lap, and also useful. I haven’t used the body wash yet, but I’m hoping it turns out okay! Here is the recap of the meeting that I shared on the LCBS blog: https://theladiescraftbeersociety.com/2018/03/19/lcbs-notes-homemade-body-wash.

All you need to make your own body wash! Plus a few essential oils to add additional benefits plus scent

To prep for the meeting, I bought all the supplies a few days in advance, and even made my body wash ahead of time – I figured it’d be easier if I could show people what the finished product looked like and if I didn’t have to craft during the meeting (and could instead focus on hosting! and FW).

I also made some Buckeyes, buffalo chicken dip, and put together this sweet and salty cheese, fruit and treat board (inspired by Two Peas in a Pod).

It was a ton of fun! Nearly everyone from LCBS showed up and made body wash. And of course, it was fun to try out the Pink IPA – it was a hit! and celebrate our femininity 🙂

What did the weekend not include? Much activity. I had a pretty active week, so I tried to take it easy this weekend due to some pregnancy things. Hopefully no more to come on that (hopefully there won’t be anything else to say!) and I’ll be able to report some activity again next week!

Some questions for you:

Do you like IPAs? Yes! They’re some of my favorite types of beer!
Do you do any monthly meet ups? Like a book club or craft (beer) club?
Are you Irish?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

A Weekend of Celebrations

March 11, 2018March 12, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

This weekend – though cold and snowy – was a fun-filled weekend of celebrations. From my sister-in-law’s swearing in as a U.S. citizen to my friend Nicole’s baby shower, we had a a few fun reasons.

Friday started with the swearing in ceremony. More than 50 people were sworn in as citizens in the ceremony, including my sister-in-law, who is from Finland. It was a pretty cool ceremony to be able to see, and it was amazing to feel part of so many people’s emotional journeys.

The ceremony lasted a little over two hours, and B and I had taken the day off, so afterwards, we went out to lunch – just the two of us. We don’t get to do that often, and it was nice to have a relaxed grown up meal and drinks (or a sip for me).

We were planning on going to the movies after lunch, but we were both so full and in a semi-food coma, we decided to go for a walk instead. We visited the Towpath for a 4+ mile walk in the snow. The path was paved, so it was at least pretty.

We then spent some time reading and warming up in a coffee shop. These are all things we used to do all the time before FW, so it was nice to get out and do them once again.

Then, it was time for the first celebration- off to a bar for my sister-in-law’s celebration in honor of her new citizenship! We hung out for about an hour with FW before it was time to head out.

AND we picked up my favorite local pizza on the way!

Even FW ended up having a few bites (he is picky and hasn’t been liking pizza).

Saturday ended up being a pretty low-key, yet productive day. It included some cleaning, reading, piano playing, and baking.

baking – buckeyes!

And a quick stop to our favorite local chocolate shop for some goodies before dinner. Fun fact- chocolate covered pretzels are pretty much my FAVORITE.

For dinner, B made us homemade pasta with potatoes. I made the pesto. It came out SO good!

FW had grilled cheese – but also a peanut butter macaron for dessert! It was his first macaron and he wouldn’t put it down.

Sunday morning started with my friend Nicole’s baby shower! She’s due a little before me with her first and it was fun to celebrate with her. Isn’t she adorable?