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Latchkey Kids – A Safe Summer With Guardian Alarm

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GUARDIAN ALARM BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN

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.

In addition to the huge yard, we have a park and playground adjacent to our house! Approximately 90% of our outdoor moments are spent running on that playground, chasing one another around, and swinging from the monkey bars. How lucky are we, right!?

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).

But I also need to allow my oldest to go to the playground with friends (and their parents). And Guardian Alarm makes it incredibly convenient. Ari has his own 4-digit code to unlock the deadbolt; so I can be tending to the girls inside or working, and he can let himself in to get a snack or use the bathroom. I feel so much better about letting him be a pseudo-latchkey kid (which, let me tell you, does not come naturally to me, despite being free to roam the neighborhood myself as a kid).

I try to ease some of my helicopter-parenting-tendencies with the help of the Guardian Alarm camera (which I conveniently have pointed towards the area of the yard where our children play the most). So whilst I’m working in my office, I can glance at my phone and have a clear view of where they are (newsflash: these days it’s almost always on the trampoline).

Truthfully, I was really nervous about this Summer. I was afraid that I would need to be outdoors with my kids 24/7; but, in reality, Guardian Alarm has provided me with even more peace of mind than I imagined. Sure, it’s about keeping our family safe from intruders; but it’s also about giving myself a chance to breathe because I know they are okay.

What’s one way

you give your children

a little freedom

during the Summer?

 

Explore Ohio // Family-Friendly Summer Fun at Pinecrest

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY PINECREST BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

 

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.

And we are VERY excited to check out all of the family-friendly events taking place at Pinecrest in Orange Village!

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.

Weekday events like this Tuesday’s Pinecrest Play Days with NEO Parent are just as easy to come by. My crew and I will be there to kick off the season with their inaugural event, which is conveniently themed Summer Camp Out. The event will feature crafts, games, prizes, snacks, balloon art, temporary glitter tattoos, and more. It’s sure to be a fantastic way to keep the kids busy and entertained!

Other family-friendly events include:

  • Outdoor Movie Nights (Weekly, Wednesday’s at 8:00 PM — to include Ralph Breaks The Internet, Frozen, and more!)
  • North Union Farmer’s Market (Weekly, Saturday’s from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
  • Free Outdoor Yoga Classes (Weekly, Wednesday’s at 6:30 PM)

See below for a full schedule of Summer events!

Bonus Pro-Tip: While you’re there, treat yo’self (and your kids) to an extra special treat from Duck Donuts, Condado Tacos, or Pinstripes for Brunch! You won’t regret it.

What event

are you most excited

to attend?

 

Taking A Moment To Find Myself // My 3rd Postpartum Journey

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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 as I was driving down the highway completely alone, blasting music from my college days, I realized… I needed this. I honestly cannot tell you the last time I went further than Target (which is about a half mile) in the car without a child.

And then to have a meal completely alone? It just sealed the deal for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my children. But the weight of always being “on” has really taken a toll lately. It took me until Sunday to realize just how much I missed being with my most authentic self. And in those moments of screaming singing Thursday songs at the top of my lungs, I made a vow to make myself a priority. Starting now.

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.

 

Travel Tips // Getting Peace of Mind with Guardian Alarm

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This post is sponsored by Guardian Alarm but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Well hello, spring! I feel like we’re finally pulling out of our season of hibernation and are about to enter the season of travel.

This Easter weekend we’ll be taking our first trip away from our new home since our big move in December. In anticipation of this trip, Chad and I decided it was time to get some peace of mind by having Guardian Alarm come out and install a security monitoring system.

Years ago (which seemed like another lifetime) I heard several stories from people who had just had a break-in. It was heartbreaking on so many levels. What was most rattling was that these people — often times parents with small children — no longer felt safe in their own homes. From that moment on, security has been a top priority. I never want to feel like my safe haven has been violated by a stranger.

When I contacted Guardian Alarm, they walked me through how the process would work — from beginning to end. We discussed areas of the home that I really needed to secure like all three doors, securing the hallway to alert us to potential intruders, and a camera to keep an eye on things.

I definitely want to protect my kids from potential intruders, but I also want to make our lives easier with home automation. So we decided to get the keyless entry deadbolt, a lamp module, and also a combination fire alarm/CO2 detector.

The installation process was so easy and wonderful. Our installer, Megan, walked me through the entire process step-by-step. I had so many questions about which was the ‘right’ way to secure our home. She took the time to answer all of the questions in depth. We even decided to separate the CO2 detector from the fire alarm (at her suggestion) so that we could assure our home would be it’s safest.

Thanks to Megan, the placement of the CO2 detector will immediately recognize as soon as there is a danger or threat to our family — and the monitored system will notify emergency services. It’s amazing.

But most importantly, when we travel this weekend I won’t worry about the fact that we have a very high-profile location. This house sat vacant for many years and I often hear people say “Oh you’re the people who bought that house! We always talked about buying it! It’s such a great location!” And they’re right. We’re right next to our sons’ elementary school.

Unfortunately, this means that there is a good amount of foot traffic, both for the school and the playground. There is a parking lot near the edge of our property. And we’ve noticed that people certainly like to cut through the drive. I plan on using the lamp dimmer switch to remotely turn off and on our living room light at key times during the day and evening and I’ll check in on the property with the camera just for a little bit of extra peace of mind.

Honestly, I can’t imagine entering into this busy season of life (with all of the travel, sports, and other various activities) without having a Guardian Alarm system to keep us all safe.

 

How do you

keep peace of mind

when you travel?

Maplewood Boutique Fashion Show 2019

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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??

7 Ohio Breweries to Visit on National Beer Day

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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!

HiHo Brewing Company  //

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.

They run a small kitchen, which currently features meat and cheese boards, salads, and bread options (like a brewery pretzel and pepperoni roll) from the local Brimfield Bread Oven.

Soon enough they will have a full-service wood-fired pizza oven to round out their food offerings.

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.

They previously had partnered with local-legends of Diamond Deli to serve kitchen-fare, but have since spun off with their own homemade sandwiches and wraps. Truthfully, they are on par with the Diamond Deli sandwiches (and are well worth a visit to the brewery if beer isn’t your thing).

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.

If you head to the taproom you’ll be able to get a delicious flight of beers and try a variety of local food options (from Barrio to Burning River Bagels), making each visit different from the last.

Bonus? Their patio is super inclusive for those of us with babies and fur babies!

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).

They have two other locations — one in Amherst and one in Hudson — this brewpub is super accessible and a great way to dabble in craft beers for the first time.

Bonus? Their food menu is pretty good, too (try the smokehouse wings and the smoked turkey spinach salad — you won’t be sorry!).

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.

For those non-word nerds, there’s still plenty for you to enjoy — including, but not limited to, a wide array of award-winning craft brews and a patio that makes other breweries envious.

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.

Established in 1992, the brewery exploded on the craft beer market. The original location has had to expand several times but is continuing to call Middleburg Heights home.

With the addition of their Canton location last year, you’re now able to enjoy Fat Heads Brewery whether you’re a “northerner” or a “southerner” in Cleveland!

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.

While you’re there, try out some of their signature flatbreads like the Royal Scotch Egg or The Castro. And if you are feeling adventurous, visit their brewery and cannery for a behind-the-scenes look at the process (which just so happens to be housed in an old roller rink).

Bonus? You can book your next event in their roller rink/cannery! Such a cool setting.

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.