Oh, HI! I didn’t mean to take a 10-ish day break from writing, but I have THE BEST excuse…
… we’ve been doing ALL THINGS SUMMER!















What are you doing
to make the most
Oh, HI! I didn’t mean to take a 10-ish day break from writing, but I have THE BEST excuse…
… we’ve been doing ALL THINGS SUMMER!
It’s officially Summer! Can you believe it?! Since school let out, there’s been some chatter amongst a large group of work-at-home moms of which I am in a group on Facebook. We are… struggling. Our kids can be extra demanding without the structure of a school day, and we’re all just doing our best to make it through and (fingers crossed) get a little bit of work done throughout days.
Thankfully, our new home as a huge yard with lots of room to run and play, so I’m doing my best trying to balance our days between being outdoors and finding a time where at least I can be inside getting some work done.
Well, I consider myself extra lucky because, thanks to Guardian Home Security, I’m able to quickly walk out my back door and with a swipe of my hand, my deadbolt is locked until I put my passcode in upon return. Easy peasy! There are no bulky keys needed to bring with me (or keep track of) on the playground. And I can use my phone and the Total Connect App to unlock the deadbolt as we approach upon our return (very convenient for when it’s starting to rain and I need to get my crew indoors ASAP).
Summer may not ‘officially’ start for another couple of weeks, but our local schools have been out for a couple of weeks now and we are in full-swing Summer mode!
I purposefully adjusted my Summer work schedule to maximize the time that the kids and I can spend time doing things we enjoy the most — like visiting museums, hitting up the library, and exploring local events.
If you haven’t yet been to Pinecrest, you’re truly missing out. Between the shops and restaurants, it’s also an amazing community of vendors and Cleveland supporters. And the family-friendly Summer event schedule is jam-packed with incredible opportunities to visit, explore, and open doors to adventure!
If you visit today, there is a Give Gifted Summer Marketplace taking place in Pinecrest’s Central Park and it features small-shop vendors like Little Red Bird Custom Cookies and Art of Sucre (whose kid doesn’t love cut-out cookies and fancy cotton candy?!). And every Sunday through the Summer they will feature a free concert series called “Simple Summer Sundays,” which sounds like a great way to wrap-up the weekend.
Other family-friendly events include:
See below for a full schedule of Summer events!
I needed this Mother’s Day in ways that I cannot even convey to you. Just Saturday, I was a broken down mother — exhausted from the grind, full of self-doubt and self-pity. But late Saturday evening, I purchased a pass to Balance + Brews at Royal Docks in Canton.
Balance + Brews is a group of local yoga teachers that do pop up classes in craft breweries throughout Northeast Ohio. I’ve been meaning to show up for a class for years, but there was always a reason I couldn’t make it. In fact, this time I almost self-sabotaged — I almost decided not to go because I was afraid of going alone. But I bought the ticket anyway. I committed.
And then to have a meal completely alone? It just sealed the deal for me.
So to all of the mama’s out there who are struggling to find their new identity, I see you. If you can, go ahead and take a drive, blast that music, and remember who you are.
And Happy (Belated) Mother’s Day.
by Rachel 8 Comments
I am zero percent fashion blogger, but I must say I thoroughly enjoyed @maplewoodboutique’s Spring/Summer Fashion Show on Sunday!
All of the outfits were super cute (SO many jumpers! ?) and I was obsessed with every single accessory (I’m looking at you, amazing purse that I had to physically stop myself from purchasing — but only ‘cause I’m still in the diaper bag season of life, y’all).
EXTRA bonus?? Incredible brunch fare from the @squarescullery and donuts + cronuts from Crest Bakery.
It was so great getting out of the house for a few hours and enjoying the company of friends while supporting our local female-run businesses.
We sipped, we brunched, and we shopped! The Trailhead at Cascade Lofts is GORGEOUS! The event space is incredible and if you’re looking for a local place to have a wedding or shower, this is IT!
How was your weekend?! What Cleveland or Akron spot did you visit??
Did you know that this Sunday, April 7th, is National Beer Day? Well, I for one am here for it, friends! Anyway, to celebrate my love of hops and local breweries is something I can get excited for. And here in Northeast Ohio, we have so many incredible craft brewers and micro-breweries! I’ve rounded up a list of my favorites. Perhaps you should give one (or two) a visit this Sunday!
This is the local fave of many. Homebrewers turned pro-brewers, Ali and Jon have transformed the local craft beer market. They offer a wide variety of rotating taps as well as local craft soda from local brand Norka.
Bonus? They are offering Yoga On Tap this Sunday, April 7th at 10:45 am. For $15, you’ll receive a 60-minute yoga class led by the instructors from the Yoga Lounge in Hudson plus a post-flow beer (or coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters).
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
R. Shea Brewing //
In my humble brewery snob opinion, this is by far the best brewery around — and it is severely underrated. Ronald Shea is another home-brewer turned pro-brewer, operating out of a little spot on Merriman Road in the Valley of Akron.
Ronald is currently documenting his journey at opening a second location in Downtown Akron on Facebook. As a previous employee of this area of Akron, I can tell you that this would be an incredible addition to the area. In the meantime, check out their taproom in the Valley and tell my favorite bartender, David, Rachel says hello.
Bonus? Compared to almost every other craft brewery, they are the most reasonably priced. They also offer a “sandwich of the week” for just $5.
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
Sibling Revelry //
This gorgeous and open brewery, located in Westlake, not only is home to some incredible beers (such as Cherry Wit, Siblime, and Quiet Hero), but they frequently partner with food trucks so that they can deliver what they do best — make beer.
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
The Brew Kettle //
Want to try and make your own beer? There’s no better place to do it than the Brew Kettle in Strongsville. Not into brewing your own beer? Well, the good news is that they have their own lineup of awesome beers (I’m looking at you White Rajah).
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
Akronym Brewing //
This relatively new brewery is nestled into the bottom of the building that houses the parking deck for the library and the Akron Art Museum. It may seem like a strange location, but it’s honestly perfect and absolutely beautiful.
It’s definitely not huge inside the brewery, but it is a really contemporary space. Also, the name Akronym and the story of the brewery (go read it here) speaks to my nerdy soul in a serious way.
Bonus? The brewery regularly partners with Akron Yoga and Wellness for classes and they offer food via Any Thyme Any Plate (a delicious food truck) for brunch on the weekends.
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
Fat Heads Brewery and Saloon //
I feel like this should come with a disclaimer, but Head Hunter from Fat Heads is one of my favorite beers of all time. And the only thing better than a bottle of Head Hunter is getting it on tap at the brewery itself.
Bonus? Catch the Balance + Brews team at the Middleburg Heights location monthly for a yoga class and post-flow brew!
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
Royal Docks Brewing Co. //
Part craft brewery, part British pub, this cozy spot is perfect for the craft beer foodie! Stop in for a Backyard Crusher or a Dare IPA and get to know the staff of this ‘neighborhood’ pub.
Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website
Wherever you find yourself on National Beer Day, make sure you bring a friend, relax and unwind, enjoy the flight, and always drink responsibly.