After a pretty muggy and rainy week in Cleveland, we finally had some sunny weather and a beautiful weekend. Which meant we got to spend some time outside and enjoy some easy summer days.
The weekend started off with some playground time. FW loves swinging! And he’s started really moving – he was crawling all over the slides and other equipment.
After the playground, we decided to stop by the Tremont Walkabout, a local art walk.
FW liked the bubbles!
And since we were in the neighborhood, we grabbed some slices at Edison’s. There was much pepperoni on the pizza!
And right across the street from Edison’s is Tremont Scoops. So naturally, I had a scoop of their Buckeye Blitz ice cream. Peanut butter ice cream with chocolate chunks and mini buckeyes. Yummmmm
Saturday morning started early- we headed over to the house to do some things. We had plans to go out for breakfast, but were running late. So instead, we decided to walk to lunch. I had a half summer salad, half BLT and it came with a side of quinoa. It was great! AND FW slept the entire time while B and I ate.
Afterwards, it was time for my Ladies Craft Beer Society! For a refresher, once a month I get together with some lady friends and we all do a craft while drinking a craft beer. This month’s craft was sugar body scrubs, and our craft beer theme was summery, citrus beers. I can’t wait to try out the body scrub!
At night, B had plans to go to see the World Cup qualifying game that was playing downtown, so I was babysitting FW. We had some fun before he went to bed.
Sunday morning, B, FW and I took a walk. My hip/butt/something is still hurting so I’m trying to take it easy, but I wanted to go for a walk to see how it felt and get outside. After the walk, we decided to hit the beach!
FW wasn’t realllllly into it.
We then hit up one of my favorites, Boaz, for a quick lunch. Give me all of the baba and quinoa and picked turnips! YUM.
That night, we enjoyed spending time with B’s family for Sunday night dinner. And we ended our meal with ice cream sundaes – fitting for National Ice Cream Day!
Any weekend that includes ice cream twice is great in my book!
What a GREAT weekend! I would have to say that this may have been one of my most favorite weekends of the summer. The weather was perfect, the food was good, B and I had a nice long run AND my parents were in town. Can’t really think of a better way to spend the weekend, can you?
The weekend, in photos:
My parents came in Friday late afternoon and we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy dinner outside. The weather was great, so we picked up beer and burgers at Dynomite before heading to a comedy show.
Check out my dad’s shirt 🙂
My veggie burger. SO good. SO big. And yes, I ate it all (fries not pictured).
After the meal, we headed to Hilarities for a free comedy show. I had won tickets earlier in the week and we were able to see Alonzo Bodden. B and I had seen him at the Laugh Factory in LA and were looking forward to seeing him in Cleveland. Here’ s a clip from one of his shoes from this winter (not this weekend). He was great! My parents loved him!
Saturday morning started early with a 9 mile run with B. Honestly, I was NOT feeling it for the first 5 miles. Yes, 5 miles. But after a short water break at mile 5 I felt so much better and the last 4 were great! Who knows why – sometimes it takes me 2 … or 5 I suppose … miles for my legs to warm up.
I bought new shoes! I was super pumped to model them (pardon the cheesy pic).
Post-run, we met up with my parents and headed to Tremont to enjoy some lunch and then the West Side Market for some fresh produce. Of course we had to stop off for tea in the afternoon at our favorite place, Cleveland Tea Revival.
My mom and I both got some iced tea – ginger and peach. Yum!
Saturday night, we took my parents to Superior Pho. Since there were four of us, we got a feast! Not everything is pictured. We got a chicken cabbage salad, Bahn Mi, the spicy pho, egg rolls AND spring rolls.
I think my dad enjoyed his pho!
But of course we saved room for dessert. We took a post-dinner walk and got frozen yogurt at Lemonberry. Confession – you may not be able to see the froyo because I may have taken a little of every candy they had.
Saturday night after my parents left/went to bed, I decided to use up some of the blueberries we had and made these buttermilk blueberry scones again. Because Sunday mornings with blueberry scones for breakfast = amazing. You should probably make the recipe sometime – it’s very easy and really yummy!
Sunday after my parents got back on the road to NY (sadness!) B and I took a walk around downtown. It was a GORGEOUS morning! We stopped at my favorite fountain. I don’t know why but I LOVE this fountain – it’s a war memorial as well.
And then we walked to the harbor. It was SO pretty out! I’m glad we went for a walk – I get sad to see my parents go, and B knows this – I think that’s why he decided to take my mind off them leaving and instead get me a ginormous coffee (I will be drinking it for 3 days) and take me for a walk.
Sunday afternoon I got in an easy workout (I’m trying to be REALLY good and not run too many miles and days in a row and stay injury free this year!) while B golfed with his family.
After a little work, B and I spent the evening at Blossom! This is my second time this summer going and we this time we sat on the lawn, enjoyed some wine and cheese AND Beatles music. I LOVE the Beatles – they remind me of car trips with my family growing up (The Long And Winding Road has multiple meanings for me – I swear it always came on as we were driving through the long and winding roads of upstate NY) and hearing the Cleveland Orchestra play the songs was awesome. And it was another beautiful night, so we packed a picnic dinner of a great salad, wine and cheese. I had an AMAZING time and seriously almost cried of happiness. Yes, it was that good.
I can’t get enough of the amazing weather we’ve been having. Can’t summer just stay forever?
So this weekend was just what I needed after last week. And now I’m off to start a crazy week – this week entails some travel for work, some super early morning meetings and even an event for a board I’m on. Yes, I’ll be counting down until Labor Day!
Some questions for you:
Do you have a favorite comic? Do you go to comedy shows?
Did you get in a run this weekend?
Just got new running shoes! What shoes are you running in these days? Loving my new sneakers!
What’s your go-to Vietnamese food item? I can never decide between pho or bun!
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 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!
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?
I’m officially off to celebrate the holidays and get some rest after a few super crazy busy weeks – but before I jet off to New York, I wanted to share with you a few other ways I’ve been celebrating the holiday time in Cleveland.
The Tremont Santa Shuffle
This past weekend, B, a few friends, and I participated in the Santa Shuffle – the annual running of the Santas and bar crawl in Tremont. What a great event! It was my first year doing it (B had to convince me – I told him a 1-mile fun run wasn’t a race and I’d rather run a real Santa Race) and I think we’ll definitely be participating again in the future. Now that I live downtown, I hardly make it to the neighboring areas, including Tremont – so it was great to check out a ton of the local bars, enjoy a few cocktails with some Santas, and dress up in our holiday best.
Decorating!
I love everything about Christmas decorations. And now, with Pinterest, I have even more decorating ideas (that I don’t actually do) at my fingertips. B and I aren’t allowed a real tree in our apartment, and since I head to NY so soon, we decided just to put up a few decorations this year. SO, when B’s parents invited us over for their annual tree decorating evening, I immediately said yes. Decorating a tree, plus tons of yummy appetizers for our dinner? I was in. And this is my first year in B’s Christmas family photo – check it out:
Playing Dress Up
Just because you don’t have an ugly sweater party to go to this year (or you’re missing it because of your travel schedules), doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find an excuse to parade around in it one Saturday … whether it’s in a bar crawl, or just for when you’re sitting around your fire, it’s one great way to get in the mood for the holiday spirit.
Holiday Happy Hours, Parties and Tweetups
The past few weeks have included a holiday happy hour/bar crawl through Ohio City with B’s coworkers, more than a handful of holiday themed happy hours and parties, and even a recent tweetup. There may be too many to share details with you, but here are a few shots of my faves.
Cari and me at the Channel 5 Meet & Tweet at Hodges
BC alumni at our holiday party at one of my fave restaurants – TAZA!
Enjoying A Surprise Lunchtime Performance
Last week, B decided to meet me for lunch and we headed over to the Ameritrust Rotunda on E 9th and Euclid to check out not only the gorgeous building, but also some holiday music. Are you around tomorrow for lunch? If so, I encourage you to check out what they’re calling Circle In The City. B and I caught a great Christmas Brass Quintet featuring musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra. Not only was the music great, but it was so cool to see the inside of a building I walk by nearly every day. It’s beautiful – definitely a hidden Cleveland gem! They also had food trucks outside on 9th and Euclid serving up some food for those visiting.
Holiday Traditions
For the past few years, B and I make sure to take the time to enjoy a quiet meal on our couch and watch Love Actually. This year has been so much busier than usual that we almost didn’t get there – but B made sure we did! Even after a night of a holiday happy hour and a different holiday party (we made both!), he found time to make us pepperoni bread and queue up LoveActually.
Despite all the hustle and bustle, and nonstop rush and craziness of this time of year – I love it more and more each year! What’s your favorite thing about the holidays? Do you have any holiday traditions you just can’t miss?
I Crashed The Web 