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Five Friday Favorites

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Things have been so busy around here, but I wanted to share a glimpse of 5 things I’m absolutely loving as of late.

1. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty is one of my favorite fiction writers. When she first released Big Little Lies (which, it should be noted, is much better than the HBO adaptation) I was hooked on her suspenseful style of writing. This more recent novel is filled with the usual suspense and drama with a parental twist. I highly recommend reading it, especially if you’re already a fan of her work.

 

2. If I’m Being Honest with Katie Crenshaw

This podcast has been a refreshing take on taboo subjects. Each episode is an interview-style talk with someone with a story to tell, whether it be about a dad in prison for crimes against a minor, or being a psychic medium. Basically, super interesting subjects that are rarely discussed. Basically, I’m addicted.

 

3. Ninja Coffee Bar Single-Serve System

Y’all, despite my best efforts, I’ve never been one to brew coffee at home. I’ve had a Keurig, I’ve had a Starbucks Verismo and a traditional coffee maker with a pot. But none of those really did it for me. I was drinking too much coffee to justify the pods of the Keurig and Verismo, but not enough back-to-back coffee to justify the pot (and I despise reheated coffee!).

Last Fall I snagged one of these Ninja Coffee Bar Single-Serve Makers and I fell in love with brewing my coffee at home! It uses just regular ground coffee with a reusable filter. It has an option for different sizes, bold brewing, and iced coffee brewing! Complete with a milk frother. Best invention ever!

 

4. Russian Doll on Netflix

I binge-watched the first season in 24-hours. And I want more! Natasha Lyonne is incredible in everything, but she really knocks this role out of the park.

Stuck in a ‘groundhog-day’ type scenario, she continues to relive (and die) repeatedly on her 35th birthday. She goes on a mission to figure out why and how to stop it while encountering another person going through the same thing.

It’s not as twisted as it sounds, but it’s certainly super interesting. I am already very excited about season 2.

 

5. Weight Watchers

For those of you who have been here a while, you might remember I did WW after Remy was born and had a decent amount of success. Truthfully, the only thing that thwarted my success was getting pregnant again, this time with Mila. So now that I’m 8 months postpartum, I’m finally ready to really step up my game. My body is regulating itself hormonally, Meebs is sleeping a decent amount, and our lives are adjusting as well as is possible.

Last week was my first week of sticking to Weight Watchers and I lost 5.8 pounds! That’s the biggest loss I’ve ever had on the program! Many credits are due to the program, but I also worked my butt off at the gym earning ‘fitness points’ and tracked my ‘food points’ religiously.

I love this program so much because — 1. It doesn’t require weighing in every day, just once a week! and 2. I’m able to still enjoy life and be social! During the last week, I had a glass of wine at night a couple of times, which made it feel like ‘normal’ versus a ‘diet.’

 

Okay, technically this is number 6 and she’s all mine, but I’m definitely loving this kid a lot lately.

Mila has been so fun lately and I just can’t stop staring at her in amazement. She’s nearly crawling, always smiling, and loves to laugh at her brother. She’s such a wonderful addition to our family and I couldn’t be happier to be her Mama. ♥ ♥

What

are you

loving lately!?

Friday Favorites

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It’s been a week, y’all. I know I say that a lot, but we just can’t seem to catch a break with illnesses, and crazy work schedules, and whatnot… I’d like to say that I’m ready for the weekend. But that, too, is kinda busy.

But I’m going to share a few of my Friday Favorites from this week!

Favorite on Netflix: This week I binge-watched Seven Seconds, and I can’t say enough good things. But I also told my husband that it was really hard to watch, especially as a mom.

Still, go watch it. You won’t be disappointed.

Favorite read: This article from Scary Mommy really struck a chord with me this week. No, I’m not particularly depressed at the moment; but as someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression for most of their life in some way (mostly anxiety), this really hit home.

Favorite listen: I still can’t focus long enough to find new music to listen to (which is exactly why my cycling playlist is a hodge-podge of the most random music in the universe); but I am still obsessively listening to podcasts.

My recent favorite podcast and episode is Five Women, an episode of This American Life.

Favorite sip: I’m absolutely loving the Dunkin Donuts Girl Scout Cookie flavors that are out right now — especially the samoa flavor!

I’m not an obsessive Girl Scout cookie fan, but I always, always, buy the Samoa’s. I just feel like there aren’t any other cookies like it on the market. So why not indulge just a little bit more with these delicious coffee flavors, right?!

Favorite eat: I admitted earlier this week that we have been eating a lot of freezer food, so my pregnant mind has been wandering a lot about an upcoming date night we have planned. I can’t wait to eat a grown up meal!

But I did recently take the kids for a ‘splurge’ meal (aka, not a freezer meal) at Retro Dog. I just can’t get enough of their amazing hot dogs and fresh cut French fries!

Favorite link: Shameless plug, but I recently wrote my first article for the Cleveland Plus Blog and it went live last week! Check it out here.

#SorryNotSorry

Favorite place: We’ve been spending a lot of our free time (ha!) at Café O’Play. Their Spring season pass has been an awesome way to get out of the house for just a couple of hours, and we’ve been taking full advantage of it!

What are some of your favorites

from this week?!

Northeast Ohio Holiday Gift Guide //

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Hi. My name is Rachel and I LOVE Ohio. Like, I really, truly, have a passion for my home state. We produce amazing people, products, and industry. I always try to buy as local as possible, but it’s especially important for me at this time of year. There are just so many local options from amazing creators right here in Northeast Ohio.

Not sure where to start knocking off your holiday gifts? I’ve rounded up my favorite local ideas below!

 

Pope’s Kitchen Bloody Mary Mix. 

I am a recent convert to the Bloody Mary. The spicy aroma has always been something that has reminded me of my grandmother. But Pope’s Kitchen puts a fresh, local, and extra spicy spin on the traditional bloody mary. When I was pregnant with Remy I used to just drink the mix straight up (I had a craving for spicy!).

Find it in any local Market District or order online here ($12/32 oz.).

Coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters.

Want fresh, locally-roasted coffee? Look no further than S. High Street in Akron! Their love for their coffee and the roasting process is evident in each pour over they serve.

Their coffees are available online for purchase to ship directly to your loved ones, or you can go right into their store on South High Street (and then head over to The Nightlight to catch a flick!). (from $12/10 oz.)

Middlebury Butter from Akron Honey Company. 

Akron Honey is a family operated, artisan honey company, and they have recently opened up a brick and mortar store at the Northside Marketplace in Downtown Akron. I’ve personally tasted all of their honey, but the Middlebury Butter remains my favorite. I put it on everything — bread, apples, you name it!

It can currently be found at a variety of pop up markets (like the Cleveland Flea, Crafty Mart, etc) and their store in Northside Marketplace.

The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500. 

Vitamix is the leader in culinary blenders and food processors — and they are also a local Ohio company, with their headquarters located in Olmsted Falls!

Their products are produced, manufactured, and distributed here locally — and for those of us in Northeast Ohio, that means we’re lucky enough to get the first peak at new products! This past year I received the A3500 and was able to get rid of my old Vitamix. Let me tell you, this new version is incredible and so easy to use!

You can pick one up in their local store in Solon or online here (A3500 $549.99).

A Family Membership to the Akron Zoo.

With the slogan “You’ve never been this close,” the folks at the Akron Zoo truly mean it! The zoo itself is the perfect size to take children of all ages for a few hours or an all day excursion. The recently renovated exhibits are absolutely stunning! And members are able to get discount admission on events ranging from Brew at the Zoo to Wild Lights!

Order a family membership online here or pick one up on-location in Akron (Family Membership, $80/year).

Tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

The CVSR, operated wholly by volunteers, leaves either the Rockside Station in Independence or the Northside Station in Akron. You can hop on with a round-trip ticket or bike one way and take it one way back! Besides just regular train rides, the CVSR offers a variety of special events, such as The Polar Express and Ales On Rails!

Not sure when your recipient would like to go? The CVSR offers gift certificates in denominations ranging from $15 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 800-468-4070 x 1.

Shirts from The Social Dept.

We have a lot of options when it comes to local t-shirts here in Northeast Ohio. My favorites, by far, come from the Social Department. Located in my town of Cuyahoga Falls, they offer an eclectic variety of Midwest apparel.

Their sizes range from kids to adults, so no one will be left out! My personal faves are this Cleveland Indians shirt (which I bought for my husband last year) and this Go Local Sports Team shirt (which I should totally have because, sports!).

You can visit them in store at their Front Street location in Cuyahoga Falls, Tuesday through Sunday, or you can order online here  with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve if you order by December 18th (Prices range from $22+ but gift certificates available in $10+).

Growler of the Month Club at HiHo Brewing Co. 

Located right next door to The Social Department, HiHo Brewing Company is a welcomed addition to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls this last year. And their beers are incredible, too! Former teachers turned craft brewers, Ali and Jon, have turned this spot into one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular breweries!

They offer a range of beer, from blond ales to stouts, and tapas style food options. Don’t know what you want? Try a flight!

Open Wednesday through Sunday, you can purchase the gift of their Growler A Month Club or just a plain old gift card! (Growler of the month: $180 – includes growler and punch card for 12 fills; gift cards available in all denominations).

The Gift of Play from Café O’Play in Stow.

Café O’Play, located in Stow right off of Route 8, is a safe and fun indoor play place for kids ages crawlers through tweens! They offer climbing activities for young and old, as well as a special toddler-only zone for a safe-space for those who are just past the crawling stage, 7-days a week.

In addition to being a safe place to play, owners John and Carolyn make sure that parents feel like they have a partner in this parenting journey. Sure, it’s not all fun and games, but they make it easy for the kids to have fun while the adults can (kind of) sit back and relax a bit on the café side!

You can purchase gift cards in person or online here (gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100).

There are so many more options that I could go into — soap from Saint Augustine and Suds; tickets to Playhouse Square; hot sauce from Not Yo’ Daddy’s; just to name a few!

Not from Northeast Ohio and still not sure what all of the fuss is about?!? Well how about this for a reason — Cleveland was recently ranked #14 in the 21 places you need to visit by none other than National Geographic! So get your butt to Northeast Ohio and see exactly why I’m freaking out about where I live all of the time!

 

Holiday Gift Guide // For Her

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I can’t believe it’s nearly here! You know what I’m talking about — the most wonderful time of the year! Ya know, Christmas hasn’t always been my favorite holiday (I’m more of a Thanksgiving gal), but having kids has changed me in that way. I absolutely love Christmas because they love it so much.

And I have to say, because of them, I’ve gotten much better at gift-giving! And even though this holiday is all about the kids, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite items — FOR HER!

The Instant Pot.

My husband bought me an Instant Pot, which is an electric pressure cooker and slow cooker, two Christmases ago. It was an effort to make me more comfortable at cooking — and doing so quickly since we’re such a busy family.

And I absolutely LOVE it. Some of my favorite recipes are made in the Instant Pot and I’ve discovered even more through the huge IP community online.

Book of the Month Subscription.

I discovered Book of the Month last year and I haven’t turned back. I’ve had this continuous goal, year after year, to read more. But things come up; I never make it to the library; and I definitely haven’t seen the inside of a bookstore in years. BOTM makes it easy. You sign up as a member by entering your shipping information and choosing your favorite genres. The membership costs are $14.99 a month for one hardcover book, and you can add on additional books for $9.99 each.

The best part is that BOTM uses ‘judges’ who suggest books to you based on your preferences. The books I’ve received were items I probably would have passed over at the store, but I have enjoyed them so much!

You can give the gift of a subscription on their website.

Day Designer Planner.

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE my Day Designer daily planner — I talk about it all of the time! And what a better gift right before the New Year, right?!

The full 2018 line is out now and available in full-size and mini! I always get the full size (because my purse is basically a diaper bag these days), but the mini is the perfect size for smaller bags!

I wish I could have one in every design and style for 2018!

Essential Oil Diffuser.

We use essential oils in a multitude of ways, but my personal favorite is diffusing them. Different oils work in different ways, but we use them in the kids rooms and in our bedroom. For the kids we diffuse ‘sniffle stopper’ blends or, our personal favorite ‘calm the child‘ blend, whenever they need it. Which, let’s face it, is every night.

This diffuser also acts as a night light in several different shades (Ari’s favorite is the ‘white blue,’ which is his way of saying ‘light blue.’). But this particular diffuser is super inexpensive and works amazing! Perfect for the Mama or Wife in your life (Hello, relaxation!).

A Netflix Gift Card.

Netflix is LIFE! I mean it. Between zoning out in front of the TV for an hour after the kids go to bed, to playing the Magic School Bus for the kids for just 30 minutes of peace and quiet(ish), Netflix is seriously a sanity saver.

You don’t need to buy a subscription for the lady in your life, just buy her a Netflix gift card! You’re basically buying her sanity. Remember that.

A Meal Subscription Box.

When all else fails, make dinnertime easy for her. I’ve tried quite a few of the meal subscription boxes and I have to say that I’ve loved them all!

It takes the guesswork out of meals. The ingredients are all right there, the directions are clear, and they literally bring it to your doorstep. Sign. me. UP. There are so many different options to choose from — Blue Apron, Plated, Home Chef, Hello Fresh, Sun Basket, and more. All of them offer something that she can’t afford to lose — time!

More than anything, if she’s anything like me, she’ll appreciate some time to herself, some peace and quiet, and a nice meal with a glass of wine. Honestly. But if you want to go above and beyond, try one of these — for sure!

What item would you like to receive this holiday season?! 

Explore Ohio // Cuyahoga Falls { AND A GIVEAWAY! }

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Before moving to the Akron, Ohio area, I’d heard about one of its suburbs, Cuyahoga Falls. I assumed it was this tiny place. Because, honestly, it just sounds like a tiny little peaceful place. But it isn’t tiny by any means! But it is peaceful and has so many wonderful things to do and see!

If you’re following along with my “Explore Ohio” series, you’ll know that we briefly considered moving elsewhere like Upstate New York and even have looked at real estate in Dayton, OH; but I’m so happy that we are raising our children here in beautiful Cuyahoga Falls!

I urge you to come visit my beautiful town! And while you’re here, check out some of my favorite places:

HiHo Brewing Company. Two former teachers took a leap of faith and started a brewery in their hometown from the ground up. I fell in love with HiHo the first time I walked in. The huge space is super inviting for people of all ages — there are board games, couches, and a tasty selection of food. Also? Beer, obviously. A delicious rotation of craft beers, brewed on-site.

The Blue Door Café. A hidden foodie gem, just North of Akron, exists on the corner of State Road and Broad Boulevard, and can easily be missed. There is no signage, but always a packed parking lot. The only ‘advertising’ they need is the signature blue door. Incredible pastries and brunch dishes are served from classically-trained French pastry chefs. People literally flock to the Blue Door from all over (I’m looking at you, Cleveland friends! I see your check-ins from FB and Foursquare 😉 ).

The Social Dept. Located right next door to HiHo, this t-shirt company offers on-site screen-printed regional shirts, onesies, and even beer growlers! I just bought Chad this Cleveland Indians shirt for his birthday!

Hale Farm and Village. Located in the middle of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this historic village preserves aspects of our past and brings them to workshops and families who visit the working farm. They even allow rentals for weddings! How cool would it be to have your wedding here!?

The Gorge Metropark. So much hiking, ya’ll! I was unprepared for my first hiking excursion here. In my defense, we were supposed to go to the zoo, but we went to the Gorge instead. And I was wearing ballet flats and a dress. Lesson learned! Winding trails, waterfalls on the Cuyahoga, views of whitewater kayak races just up the river, rock climbing kiddos… it’s got it all! Even ice skating during the winter months!

Retro Dog. Old-school diner and drive-in hot dog restaurant. But not just any hot dogs — these Buffalo-natives serve Sahlen’s hot dogs with a funky-fresh twist! Toppings galore, white-hots, loaded fries, crazy burgers, and custard! This is a big favorite in our family — even Remy can (and will) throw down a whole footlong hot dog on the reg!

Blossom Music Center. If you’ve grown up in Northeast Ohio (or even Central Ohio!), you’ve likely seen a concert or two at Blossom. This outdoor amphitheater is a super popular outdoor music venue for all types of music. It’s even the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra! (Personal note: This is where I saw my very first concert when I was four… Whitney Houston, ya’ll. Such a cool experience!).

Sarah’s Vineyard and Winery. Located across the street from Blossom Music Center, this gorgeous vineyard offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as an array of delicious wines! Like many other local spots, it’s very family friendly! So bring the kiddos and a picnic!

The Riverfront Family YMCA. Okay, okay. I’m a tad-bit bias. I love my local branch of the YMCA, but I also work there. We have an amazing gymnastics program, an awesome 2-,3-, and 5-day preschool, and so many fitness classes! Come catch me there, Monday through Friday! 🙂

Darby’s on 59. We lived in the Falls for years without knowing that this place existed. This tiny little gem is located on route 59, across from the Cuyahoga River. They have an adorable outdoor patio and delicious food. I can easily live off of their calamari and sliders for the rest of my life and be happy!


Metropolis Popcorn. Located on the pedestrian-only portion of Front Street, Metropolis Popcorn offers 50-flavors of Ohio-grown popped-corn! Some traditional flavors, some crazy-pants flavors, but all delicious!

Burntwood Tavern. Admittedly, there are a few of these around Northeast Ohio. But ours is the best. Know how I know? It’s located overlooking the Cuyahoga River. Bonus? They have amazing food and an even better Happy Hour menu. And I can’t forget about the live music every Thursday and Friday night! How awesome is that!?

Honestly, I had to cut my list short because I could just go on and on and on! I haven’t even begun to mention places like The Office Bistro, Craft Beer Bar, or any of the numerous parks and wading pools (one of which is literally in our backyard!).

And now my favorite part of this series — a GIVEAWAY! I’m hosting a Giveaway for a $25 Gift Card to Burntwood Tavern (which can be used at any of their locations — Chagrin Falls, Solon, Rocky River, Brecksville, Lyndhurst, Crocker Park, Fairlawn, Belden Village, and right here in Cuyahoga Falls!). Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

This giveaway and blog post is a partnership with Nakturnal. As always, all opinions herein are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

What I’m Loving Wednesday //

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It’s still Spring break around here and we’re keeping busy with activities and naps galore! But I feel like I’ve had too many awesome experiences to ignore as of late!

So I’m sharing what’s good — here’s what I’m loving lately:

  • The brand new podcast S-Town, from the people who bring you Serial and This American Life. I’m only one episode in and I’m already hooked. Totally hooked!

  • The new mid-year Day Designer came out last week and I’m beyond in love with the designs. I’ve tried every planner out there — you name it, I’ve tried it. But the Day Designer is, by far, my favorite.

  • I’m in love with all of the doormat tutorials I’ve seen lately. I think I’ve found my next craft project! Let’s just add it to the list, ya’ll.

  • I’m feeling particularly inspired by OohBother’s 72-Hour Cleanse. Perhaps even so inspired that I’ll actually do it (I’m thinking this weekend….). Thoughts??

  • The @InTheCLE twitter feed! I’m going to be the featured tweeter starting this Sunday! It’s my third time tweeting for In The CLE and I’m super excited — you should totally follow along.

That’s pretty much the extent of my excitement for now! What are you loving this Wednesday!?