foodie

Giveaway // 17th Annual Red & White On Thursday Night — 2014 !!

January 9, 2014 by Rachel 7 Comments

The 17th Annual Red & White On Thursday Night is coming up on January 23rd and Chad + I cannot wait!!

We went to the event at Quaker Station for the food & wine tasting event, presented by Akron General and benefiting The Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio and we enjoyed every. single. bite. and sip. and second of that night!

It was our first real night out after Ari was born.

And I am SO happy to be going to the 17th Annual event in just a couple of weeks!!

Plus I’ll be giving away TWO tickets for a lucky reader and their guest!

Here are the details on the event:

Sip and Sample at the 17th Annual Red & White On Thursday Night event: Akron’s premier wine and food tasting event. Presented by Akron General, this strolling wine and food affair benefits the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio and will take place on Thursday January 23, 2014at Quaker Station at The University of Akron from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

More than 750 guests will enjoy food from the area’s finest restaurants and tastings from international wineries. In addition, highlights of the event include a wine bottle raffle, silent and live auctions and much more.

General Admission (pre-sale): $85

General Admission at the door: $95

VIP Lounge (pre-sale): $125 (includes general admission to event)

VIP Lounge (at the door): $135 (includes general admission to event)

Join us in the exclusive VIP Lounge where the University Catering chef will be on hand pairing delicious food and wine tastings. Specialty cocktails courtesy of Brown-Forman and more await you in the VIP Lounge!

General Admission includes a hearty sampling of award-winning restaurants cuisine, plus a selection of delicious wine from international vintners.

Event proceeds will support local programs and services for the nearly 1.3 million Northeast Ohioans with arthritis and fund critical arthritis research conducted at local institutions in Northeastern Ohio.

Purchase tickets at http://RedandWhite-2014.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Courtney Winnen at 216-285-2829.

And here’s what *I* can tell you from my experience last year:

The wine is a-plenty! I expected it to be a small amount of wine vendors serving teeny sips of wine, but there were hundreds of wines to taste!

And it looks like some of our favorite restaurants will be returning to the event this year, plus some new ones!

Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar is set to open this winter in Downtown Akron and I’m SO excited to see what flavors they have in store! It will be great to check them out.

And of course, Saffron Patch in the Valley (yummmm! Kashmiri Naan + tandoori chicken!), The Lockview (grilled cheesus I love me some cheese!), Sushi on the Roll (sushi burrito please?? :), & Chad’s personal fave — Chocolates By Erin.

OK, enough with the babbling about food + wine (which I could do all day!).

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget below! And see you there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Winner will be announced within 24-hours of giveaway close. I was not compensated for this post, but did receive two complimentary tickets to the event. All opinions herein are my own. **

Blogger Date at Charles Scott Salon //

December 6, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

Last week I met up with Charlene (aka @cacoughlin) from Life In The CLE and Jess (aka @Mojamala2) of the Tambura Runner last week for a blogger friends mani-pedi date at Charles Scott Salon in Rocky River!

We each had manis and then met up in the massage chairs for our pedis! The girls at Charles Scott Salon treated us so well. The environment there is so welcoming, so inviting, and SO serene! I love that it’s such a chill place. And I love that my manicurist, Rae, had a full-sleeve tattoo down her left arm. It made me feel right at home. 🙂

And yeah I know that they’re supposed to treat clients well and supposed to make us feel comfortable, but the girls who work there are awesome. They aren’t stuffy and they aren’t pushy or too talky. Just AWESOME.

Jess opted for red nails, Charlene for grey, and I decided on hunter green — toes AND fingers!

I’ve yet to check out their location in Crocker Park because I’m already so attached to the Rocky River location — plus it’s where my stylist, Allie, works!

After our manis and pedis we grabbed a bite to eat at The Wine Bar, Rocky River. I know I should venture out and go to other places in Rocky River, but their food is SO good!

We ate, we had a glass of wine, we chatted and it was totally worth it. From the start of the night it was clear that we all needed a night out — a night away from reality! 🙂

Thankfully I am ‘forced’ to go back in just a couple weeks because I’ll ‘require’ a haircut! Ha! The joys of having a pixie cut!

Disclaimer: All 3 of us are brand ambassadors for Charles Scott Salon and as such, receive a discount for services provided. All opinions are my own.

another CLE Flea weekend!

November 27, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

Northeast Ohio is lucky enough to have an amazing group of local crafters and vendors that offer a pretty incredible array of food, woodworking, gifts, and other things you can find on pinterest but don’t have the time or abilities to make yourself. 🙂

And since this, usually outdoor, market happens only once a month, I generally make it a point to go. This weekends Cleveland Flea was holiday themed and held indoors (thank goodness).

So Saturday after tumbling class, #BabyAri and I drove up to meet Allison from Fashionably Cleveland at the Cleveland Flea on St. Clair. Parking was an absolute nightmare. If it wasn’t for the promise of fun local finds and good company, I wouldn’t have even bothered to find a spot. Unfortunately when we got inside, my anxiety shot through the roof!

Don’t get me wrong — I am so grateful for the organizers of the Flea. They are doing something wonderful and it’s bringing our community together. But? Each month it’s getting increasingly difficult to do any actual shopping because there are too many people and not enough space. The setting inside was intimate, but the crowds were not. I was baby-wearing with the Mei Tai, but that didn’t make me any less anxious about people running into me & Ari.

I saw plenty of people navigating the crowds with strollers, but that was impossible. I could see it on their faces.

The only spot we found a bit of space + air was the food and wine area. Allison and I sipped on some mulled wine while Ari was able to get out of the carrier to move around and dance a bit (seriously — kid absolutely LOVES to dance!). I bought some Brewnuts, which are teeny tiny donuts made from local craft breweries seasonal offerings, and I had every single intention of eating them. But as soon as I grabbed one from the bag, Ari took it from my hands and ate it. Like, gone. Next one? I got a bite. That’s it.

They were really good though. Really good. And Baby Ari approved for sure!

After we snacked we did some more browsing. I bought a couple of Christmas presents (which I can’t mention for fear those people are reading 😉 and had them gift wrapped before we left. But I honestly just couldn’t even focus on shopping. I couldn’t relax enough to browse, search and buy things I don’t really need, but do love.

Luckily events like the Cleveland Flea are on the rise! Akron is having it’s 5th Annual Crafty Mart this weekend. Plus an ongoing Pop Up Shop! I’m hoping that these events are much more laid back. I already know that I can count on some awesome vendors being there.

Oh – and post-Christmas?? I’ll be sure to post my Flea finds! 😉

** Images borrowed from the #ShopTheFlea hashtag on Instagram & the Flea’s Facebook page. **

birthday weekend round up //

October 9, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

Guys – I had THE best birthday weekend! I rang in my 29th year in a fantastic way. The weekend started with going to see Sweeney Todd at the Hanna Theater in Cleveland. I’m a fanatic for musical theater of all kinds. I hadn’t seen Sweeney Todd live before (only the movie) and it did not disappoint!

We even took full advantage of the “featured drink”, which was actually suuuuper strong (gee, thanks, Buckeye Vodka!). But the Barber’s Revenge was yummy, nonetheless.

// Sidenote: If you’re interested in seeing Sweeney Todd at the Hannah Theater, purchase tickets online using the discount code PR6 for $10 off each A Level ticket you purchase!! //

After the performance, we decided to take full advantage of our sitter situation and grab a late bite to eat at Momocho! We’ve been dying to try it but never had the chance. Crab guacamole, tamales, and a blood orange marg?? Sign. Me. UP.

After a few drinks and arriving back home at 1:30, my 9 am massage I’d had scheduled for 2 months seemed like a huuuuge mistake. Especially considering I had to get my new drivers license before my freakin’ massage. Oy! So yeah, I crawled my butt out of bed, got my new license, grabbed a free birthday Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, and went to get my massage.

Once I was there, I realized how freaking worth it it was to wake up early. Cause y’all? Massages are totally WORTH it! Post-massage I headed to Peace Love & Little Donuts in Westpark to try a maple bacon donut (totally worth the weight watchers points!) before heading to Charles Scott Salon for my big haircut!

That’s right, I chopped (well technically Allie at Charles Scott Salon chopped) over 12 inches of my crazy long hair off! I’ve had dreams of getting a pixie cut for ages. About a week ago I completely committed to the idea of getting a pixie cut. I figured the worst thing that could happen was that I would hate it. Right??

Well, I freaking LOVE it. So far I’ve washed my hair every single day and not had to dry it or flat iron it or, really, do anything with it! Plus there will be headbands GALORE! Ha!

I spent the rest of my birthday in pajamas on the couch, scratching my (nearly hairless) head, sipping red wine and eating fun cheeses. That was seriously my request for dinner. Chad said “What do you want?” and I replied with “red wine and cheese please!” And so I did.

Sunday I took Ari to a yoga class at Yoga Bliss Akron, where he played with a couple of other tots while mama got her vinyasa on. Then Ari and I headed home for some naps, snuggling and all around Sunday laziness.

Perfection!

get fit! // fitness update

September 26, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

Weight Watchers //

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve started WW on a really strong note… but I’ve actually slacked near the end of each of the last two weeks. I’ve been out of town on fun adventures. Fun adventures = food, drinks, and slacking on the tracking! I didn’t even weigh myself last week. So when I weighed myself this morning, it was 2 weeks since my last weigh in.

And given the carbs, the beer, the oh-so-amazing food… I gained a pound since my last weigh in. It’s not ideal. And even though I’m a bit blah about the whole thing, I know why and I’m taking steps to change it.

It doesn’t help that I’ve been fairly sick for the last couple of weeks. In fact, this semi-gluten intolerant mama has had to eat more than her fair share of bread/crackers because she’s been throwing up (thank you, antibiotic. ugh). Oh yeah — and I’m on an antibiotic for my freakin’ double-ear infection and sinus infection. Ugh.

After a day at home, some chicken soup, and lots of sleep, I felt a teeny bit better. After a few days on the super aggressive antibiotics, I gave them up for a homeopathic method. I was down for a couple of hours each time I took it (twice a day)… it got to the point where people kept asking me if I was pregnant!! Ha! [PS. I’m NOT.]

Workouts //

I’ve been working out as much as I have been able to. I was tempted to work out when I was super sick — desperate to fit in a run — but I avoided my urge. I rested. And I rested some more. And it worked. I’m already feeling better!

I did manage to fit in 3 (short) runs and a power yoga class, but it never feels like ‘enough’. Ya know??

Food //

I haven’t been eating crap. In fact, I’ve still been avoiding it. I’ve been focused on eating local foods. But sometimes those local food makers are so. flippin’. dangerous! And so so good. So indulgence is “necessary.” Or too hard to resist.

When I say “indulged” I really mean: 1) split a fried chicken + mac entree with my sister on a girls (plus Ari) night out; 2) nibbled on a soft pretzel with Ari [he ate most of it]; 3) we bought a lot of ‘occasional’ treats, sampled them, and put the rest in the freezer.

Looking ahead //

The root of my issue is really mental. Alright, alright… hold your laughter! Not in that way! 🙂

I’ve just had issues balancing life (go figure). I desire a good night of sleep, spending meaningful time for my husband, and having enough energy to work out. But that doesn’t always happen. I did end up running while I was in Columbus. Which was a feat in itself considering my sister and I spent the night before playing board games and drinking Columbus Brewing Co Bodhi. But we ran. And pushed Babycakes in the jogging stroller (ugh!).

But this week I’m purposefully taking it easy. I’m recovering from sickness PLUS I have the Akron Marathon Relay Saturday. (PS. I’m SUPER nervous for that race!)

I’m still working to get to my goal. I just need to continue to find that balance between work/life/workouts. I’m too used to the pre-baby/pre-marriage state of mind… you know, the one where I could get up at 2:30am, workout, and not worry about anyone else? Well I still have that same motivation, it’s just not a reality to apply it. At least not 100%. And that should be OK; that should be enough.

We’ll see what this week has in store! 🙂

Happy (my) Friday!

September 12, 2013 by Rachel 1 Comment

I’ve been crazy busy for the past couple of weeks. Between getting lots of extra OT hours at work, fitting in workouts, and spending loads of time with my two favorite guys, I’ve been completely neglecting my to-do list. I know that I will never have a completed list

And that’s OK.

Regardless of how much I have unchecked on my ‘to-do’ list, I’m beyond excited that today is my Friday. Cause even though this weekend is slated to be a busy one, I’m pumped about it.

Tomorrow I’m going to go to a yoga class before Ari + I drive to Columbus — just Mama + Babycakes! 🙂 I figure we’ll spend the day walking around downtown, hitting up some favorite spots [like Pistacia Vera + Jeni’s Ice Cream] on the way, before grabbing lunch with Mimi. Yep — my mom will be meeting us there! And once my sister and her fiance get out of work, we’ll meet up with them.

And Saturday the three of us are going to run the Pretty Muddy Columbus Women’s 5k! I’m so excited! It will be my first ‘obstacle’ run. So I guess I’m a little nervous, too. I hope to meet up with Heather from Mile 26 & More while we’re both at the race. We, very briefly, crossed paths at Charles Scott Salon for the Elle Magazine and Wella Cosmetics event. But we didn’t officially meet. So it MUST happen this weekend. 🙂

After the race, I’m going to ‘race’ back home to Akron to relax. You know, after only a short 3 hour drive. I’ll need to relax a bit because Sunday I’m going to run the Hereos Run 5-miler race in Westpark. That will be my last race pre-Akron Marathon Relay. My leg of the relay is 4.8 miles, so this will be a good ‘test’ before the big day. 🙂

#HappyFriday!