summer

Luau On The Lake // Giveaway

June 23, 2015 by Rachel 7 Comments

Summer in Cleveland is a festival-goers dream! And this year I’m excited to attend (again!) the 10th annual Luau on the Lake to benefit Shoes and Clothes for Kids, on July 25th at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island.

One of the major changes from last year is that there are now three different levels of tickets:

General Admission – $50 through June 26; $60 through July 20; $65 at the door – includes island buffet, beer, wine, soft drinks, and souvenir cup. Pre-mixed Island Cocktails available for purchase.

Big Kahuna – $60 through June 26; $75 through July 20 – includes all the above plus 3 Island Cocktail drink tickets, Hawaiian lei, VIP cup and tote, and half-hour early admission.

Tiki God – $125 per person or $200 per couple through July 10 – includes all of the above plus open bar (beer, wine, liquor, and Island Cocktails), appetizers, VIP tent with seating and port-o-lets, and one-hour early admission!

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrTxLOXtdoA]

Based on my experience last year, early admission is KEY! You have prime pick of your spot (BYOB — Bring Your Own Blanket/Chairs). An extra bonus of a VIP tent with seating and potties is also a huge bonus.

Regardless, all three ticket levels are supporting a great cause. If you aren’t aware of this awesome organization, know that their mission is to “provide a unique service for income-eligible families in Greater Cleveland by distributing new shoes, clothing, and items for infants and youths.” Hugely important in our community!

You can purchase tickets to Luau on the Lake online or you can enter to win two Big Kahuna tickets using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced within 24-hours of giveaway close. Entrants must intend to use the tickets and be 21 years or older.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was asked by Shoes and Clothes for Kids to help promote the Luau on the Lake. In exchange, I will receive 2 Big Kahuna tickets for myself and 2 Big Kahuna tickets to give away. All opinions herein are my own.

Zippity Zoo Doo // A (Late) Wrap Up!

June 16, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

A lot has been happening in life lately. I kind of alluded to the fact that things have been kind of crazy around here. More on that later (sorry).

But a week and a half ago I had a chance to kind of set all of that aside and went[ to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for the Cleveland Zoological Society’s annual Zippity Zoo Doo. The theme was Serengeti Sunset and besides being African-inspired, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I was greeted by valet and an owl! Talk about rolling out the red carpet! But really, the owl was adorable. And I did not expect live animals, but what a pleasant surprise! And that wasn’t the end! Once I met up with Jen from Why? CLE and her husband, we headed for a glass of wine and scoped out the hors d’oeuvres! I had stalked the menu prior to the event and as more than excited for the African-inspired menu.

I realized after chowing down that I was so excited I forgot to snap a couple of quick pics! Above (clockwise from left) is the event tent (which was MUCH larger than it appears in this picture), a grand display of the Lamb Tagine & Couscous and sliders, followed by a close-up of the delicious (and spicy!) South African Farmer’s Sausage Slider with Crunchy Slaw! Not pictured, but also delicious, were the Lobster BLT and the Peri Peri Chicken Kebabs. Seriously so good I ate too fast for a picture. Ha!

After we snacked and sipped we took a quick trip to the new Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter! The previous giraffe area had a single-file line type of walk-up where you can feed a single giraffe. The new setup features a large patio that allows visitors to walk right up to the giraffes (yep – multiples!). Sadly, the giraffes were in “hiding” while we visited, but we were still close enough to see the mama and baby!

We also had a chance to ride the carousel. In honor of Moosh, I rode “Nemo,” also known as the clown fish. I sent Moosh and Chad a picture while I was on it. Which apparently prompted Moosh to want to watch Finding Nemo! Ha!

We eventually ventured back down to our table for dinner. We met up with Alicia from Poise In Parma and sat down for an amazing dinner. While we ate, chatted, and laughed, the auction festivities were on a roll, including the highest table for the Giving Tree (the highest table as of 9pm received a ‘backstage’ visit at the giraffe encounter). Our table wasn’t quite in the running, but that’s OK because we were enjoying the food SO much!

The salad? Was. To. DIE.FOR! It’s unfortunate I ate so many hors d’oeuvres because I would’ve eaten way more of the salad (which was spinach, grilled pineapple, bell pepper, raisins, toasted coconut, and pineapple ginger dressing!). Next up? Smoked fennel crusted filet with golden fig chutney (yum!) and red snapper yassa. The wild rice and filet were delicious. For whatever reason, snapper just isn’t my thing. Ya know? By the time dessert came out I had to leave (I know – lame! It was only about 8:45, but my mom was coming into town from Kentucky and I wanted to be there when she arrived (and it’s about an hour drive home). On my way out they were serving dessert — French cheesecake with raspberry drizzle. Umm. It was hard not to sit my butt back in my chair and indulge, but I left without dessert (I heard it was delicious). And I’m secretly still dreaming about the “what if” I stayed to eat it. Ha!

The only thing that would have made this night more perfect is if Chad would have been able to make it with me. But I had a blast with the gals. Thank you, ladies, for hanging out with this ‘single lady’!

Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Zoological Society to help promote Zippity Zoo Doo. In exchange, I received one complimentary ticket to the event. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Zippity Zoo Doo // Explore Locally

May 31, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

Long before I became a mom I enjoyed visiting the zoo. In fact, when I was a student in Buffalo and Syracuse, I would go to the zoo by myself. Just to explore. It’s one of those places that I find comfort in. And for the past several years we have been members of our local zoo, the Akron Zoo. One of the perks of being a member is getting discount and free admission to other zoos across the country.

We just so happen to have TWO wonderful zoos in our backyard. The other of which is the Cleveland Zoological Society!

I’m honored to be attending the Cleveland Zoological Society‘s 42nd annual Zippity Zoo Doo, Friday, June 5th, to benefit the mission and educational programs of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The theme of this years event is Serengeti Sunrise, where guests will enjoy an African inspired seated-dinner (think Smoked Fennel Crusted Filet and Red Snapper Yasa, just to name a couple of items), along with themed cocktails and hors d’oeurves (think Lobster BLT and Peri Peri Chicken Kebabs! Yum!).

Guests will not only be able to bid on a wide array of silent auction items, but they will also have the opportunity to visit the Zoo’s herd of Masai giraffe at the new Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter. In addition to the Wild Side silent auction, guests will be asked to help raise $50,000 for education scholarships by filling The Giving Tree. By 9pm, the table with the highest combined contribution will win an immediate behind-the-scenes experience with the giraffe herd.

What an awesome night this is going to be! All of this excitement PLUS live music under the stars at a highly-rated Cleveland fundraiser?! I cannot wait. Tickets for Zippity Zoo Doo are still on sale. Individual donation levels start at $250 and table champion levels start at $3,500. Click here for more details. And see you at the Serengeti Sunset.

Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Zoological Society to help promote Zippity Zoo Doo. In exchange, I will receive one complimentary ticket to the event. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I wanna go running. //

May 27, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

It was only a matter of time before Moosh proclaimed that he wanted to go running. I merely suggested going running on Memorial Day, and next thing I knew he was all “Mommy! I wanna go running! I wanna go running!”

Of course I didn’t anticipate him actually running. On days when I don’t take him in the jogging stroller he’ll ask Chad, “Mommy runs? Mommy runs?” as if that’s the only place I would be without him. So after pushing him in the stroller while I ran for a few miles, I let him “run.”

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwH81UT2HrM&feature=em-upload_owner]Of course it’s more fun to countdown every few yards… “THREE! TWO! ONE! GO!” all in one giant breath. And then he’s off.

I’m crossing my fingers that this isn’t a phase and that one day I’ll have a little mini-me running beside me for miles. 🙂

long weekend, big plans!

May 22, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

We have been busy busy bees as of late. But we’ve also managed to sneak in weekend naps and late PJ mornings on the weekends as much as possible.

This weekend, however, may be the exact opposite. There are so many exciting things going on and I’m going to try and squeeze in as many as possible! If you’re in Northeast Ohio, I hope you’ll check some of these out! Maybe I’ll even see you there?!

For The Fitness Fanatics //

Community Yoga // lululemon athletica Akron Showroom // Free // Saturday, 9 am – 10 am
A free all-levels class for the local yogis! Arrive a few minutes early, bring a mat and some water!
SUP Yoga // Portage Lakes, Release Yoga // $33 // Saturday, 9 am – 10:30 am
This is the second year that Release Yoga has offered a weekly SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga class! What a fun and unique way to get a workout in! Pre-registration is required here.

Northcoast 5k // Kent // $30 // Saturday, 9:30 am
If you’re looking to fit in a fun run this weekend, head to Kent and squeeze in a quick 5k! Awards take place post-race at the Water Street Tavern where finishers enjoy a free beer (21 and over, of course!), a $2 happy hour until 9 pm, and admission into the NPC Northcoast Championship Fitness Show, which is taking place on KSU’s campus! Register here!

For The Locavores + Craft Show Lovers //

Crafty Mart // Thirsty Dog Brewing Company // Free // Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm
Head down to Akron’s own favorite brewery for live music, crafty finds from incredible vendors, food, and brews! These events bring everything wonderful about Akron to one central location and one time! If you haven’t been, I highly recommend stopping by! More information can be found via the Facebook event page!

Sunday Market // Hingetown, Cleveland // Free // Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
The Cleveland Flea Hingetown Market is back! And the focus is brunch! I’m incredibly excited to visit one of my favorite little places, Hingetown, for the second year of their Sunday Markets!

For the All-American //

Vicious Cycle, a Lynyrd Skynyrd Cover Band // Lock 3, Akron // Free // Friday, 7 pm
The Friday night concert series at Lock 3 is back and if rocking out with a lot of other people is your thing, then this is for you. Bonus? Free parking and lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance.
Marc’s Great American Rib Cook Off // Jacob’s Pavilion, Cleveland // $8 // Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12 pm – 11 pm, Monday, 12 pm – 8 pm
Lots of options for BBQ, beer, and music. Kids 12 and under are free! You can find more info here.

However you choose to spend your long weekend, I hope you spend it surrounded by family and friends!

life lately // a wrap up

May 15, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

Life has been crazy pants over the last month or so. But isn’t that kind of always the case when you’re working and raising a toddler and taking care of family responsibilities and training for races and trying to actually fit in some fun, too?

Moosh started a new session of tumbling at the YMCA. The class is PACKED, which makes me mega anxious. But it turns out his ‘girlfriend’ we met on Valentine’s Day at Café O’Play — Veronique — is in his tumbling class. These two are SO cute! They are a week apart in age; plus they are both pretty much exactly the same size (aka — tiny).

We took a short trip to Louisville, Kentucky to visit with Mimi and Poppy. And we jam-packed it with fun and adventures! The first of which was to the Zoo. Here is my review of the zoo in Louisville: dirty; packed; but we still had fun. Moosh wanted to walk everywhere, which was exhausting for us, but we were hoping it would wear him out so he would take a nap (newsflash: he didn’t.)

The zoo did have some cool Lego thing going on though. Moosh wasn’t nearly as interested in the Legos as we were. Ha! Some day, kid, you’ll realize how freaking cool it was.

Chad, my parents, Moosh, and I went to the Louisville version of the Cleveland Flea — which is appropriately named The Flea Off Market. It was like an early version of the Cleveland Flea. It was cute and crowded and full of local finds, foods and brews — which is pretty much my paradise. So while I was sad we were out of town for the Cleveland Flea, it was exciting to experience something similar as an out-of-towner!

I had the chicken and waffles from something that is not considered a food truck — it was a food wagon. And it was DELICIOUS. And I tried a (new-to-me) brew from Bluegrass Brewing Company — a red IPA! Perfection.

And Moosh ate the crap out of some plantains. This kid loves the most random fruits and veggies! My dad had this delicious cuban food. He loved it; I thought it was spicy-ish. I’ll stick to my chicken and waffles.

We took a family-friendly betting trip to Churchill Downs — just one week after the Kentucky Derby. My thoughts? Churchill Downs is huge; there were a ton of people (even for an “off” day); the horses are beautiful; and betting has never been my thang. It was still cool to experience all of it. Moosh ‘bet’ on the “orange horse,” aka the horse with the rider who was wearing orange.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6No4I_CHZY]It’s a good thing the chicken and waffles were small because we had a date night at an Ethiopian Restaurant, Queen of Sheba, — a first for us! I would be lying if I didn’t say I was skeptical. Sure, it sounded great; but my dad referred to it as a “hole in the wall.” Then recanted and said “Well, it’s not a hole in the wall…” and I was like…. Yay [sarcasm]. But when we showed up I immediately felt at ease.

The food was incredible. I mean that in the most serious way. I told Chad that I wish we had eaten at this restaurant for every meal while we were there. The meals come “family style” on the same big plate… really it’s a platter, not a plate. And there isn’t any silverware. You eat with your hands and the injera, the Ethiopian bread, serves as your utensil. Mine was the Shifta Chicken (the meal on the bottom) and Chad had the Gored-Gored (the spicy beef dish on top).

Moosh played HARD at the playgrounds in Kentucky. And he came back with the bruises to prove it. I seriously wonder if our sitter thinks we beat him. (PS. We did not. Dude just doesn’t know how small and fragile he is. Ha!)

Mother’s Day consisted of a long drive home. Which was accompanied by Moosh sleeping — HOORAY! The perfect gift. 🙂

But we did at least watch some Monsters Inc before we hit the road… <3 Chad happened to snap this photo of us. Too cute!

I took another canvas painting class! I’ve taken several (ie. SEVEN) Wine + Canvas classes. This time I used Paint Nite in Akron. I have to say, it seemed to be a bit more lively and fun; but the teaching of technique was severely lacking. However, I still love the outcome!

We celebrated Chad’s birthday with a low-key night. A quick trip to Café O’Play, then dinner at Aladdin’s new space in Portage Crossings, followed by cake and presents at home.

I think we try not to get each other “things” because if we needed something (or wanted something) we would get it. We try to celebrate with experiences that last a lifetime. So I got Chad tickets to see Joe Machi at Hilarities at Pickwick and Frolic. If you’re not familiar with Joe Machi, he was on Last Comic Standing and placed 4th. The dude is funny in just our sort of way — dry humor. However, he is not attractive like my boy Tommy Jonaghin. Sigh. I love that man (sorry Chad). Regardless of his level of attractiveness, it’s going to be fun. Too bad we have to wait until July to see the show!

I cooked another Blue Apron meal. I feel like this needs to be documented every time. Because it doesn’t happen often. Technically, I cooked the meal pictured on the top — Baked Empanadas de Picadillo with Arugula, Queso Fresco, & Pickled Onion Salad! Chad made the meal on the bottom — Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple and Avocado salsa.

Basically, life has been busy, but perfectly lovely. When I look at this blog post and all of our pictures, it fills my heart up completely!