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Grape Falls + Craft Brews

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When I started my job at the Akron YMCA nearly 4 years ago, I was unaware of how much it would change me. I’ve always had a heart for my community, but I was never quite sure how to channel that energy into real change. To my surprise and excitement, I found a way to make a difference with the Riverfront YMCA.

In fact, my absolute favorite part of being involved with the YMCA is the outpouring of love, support, and funding for (and from) the local community through programs like our annual campaign.

Did you know that the YMCA offers income-based scholarships for any family, adult, or senior that wishes to participate in their programs? That’s right — you will not be turned away, regardless of your ability to pay the fee in question.

The biggest fundraiser that our Riverfront Family YMCA branch hosts each year to support this cause is Grape Falls + Craft Brews.

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The Kimpton Schofield Hotel Cleveland + Jeni’s Ice Cream // A Match Made In Staycation Heaven

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I’ve been dreaming of one thing for the last 7 years. And last night that dream became a reality. I had my first every staycation, completely alone! 

Sunday afternoon I headed up to Downtown Cleveland to stay at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel to celebrate two things — freedom and National Ice Cream Day!

The Kimpton Schofield Hotel, located directly in the heart of the action on Euclide Avenue, just launched a partnership with local (and now national!) ice cream icon, Jeni’s Ice Cream! And personally, I am HERE FOR IT.

My Mom-Staycation began the moment valet took my keys. At that moment “mom” was off the clock! Moments after unpacking in my room, room service arrived with two pints of Jeni’s Ice Cream and an ice-cold bottle of Prosecco.

A few sips of prosecco and a few spoonfuls of Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean were just the welcome I needed. I breathed a collective sigh of relief from all of the motherhood stressors of the last 7 years. It’s amazing how taking time for self-care can change your entire mood, am I right?!

After enjoying my welcome amenities, I stood in awe of the city views from my room windows. Across the street was the iconic Downtown Heinen’s, located in the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building. It was breathtaking to see my favorite city from this angle.

Later, I dined at the incredible on-site restaurant, Parkers Downtown. Yes, I had a solo reservation; and, no, I had no qualms about it.

To start, I ordered a glass of their dryest red. To some, dining alone (or, heck!, even having a glass of wine alone) in a restaurant would be intimidating. But for the first time in a while, I was able to enjoy my dining experience. No kids, no extra chatter, just quiet.

Everything on the menu sounded incredible and I definitely ordered more than I could possibly eat by myself! I ordered the artisan cheese board, loaded fries (with goat cheese and bacon), and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwith (with kimchi and aioli on a brioche bun). Y’all! It was INCREDIBLE. All of it! I tried my best to dine as slowly as possible (a small luxury for those of us with kids), but I am guessing I only lasted about 20 minutes before throwing in the towel and bringing the rest back to my room as leftovers.

Nonetheless, my experience was perfection. The service was so thoughtful, the meal was beyond delicious, and everything was overall exceptional. I look forward to trying out their brunch and happy hour in the future.

My post-dinner excursion included a walk down Euclid Avenue and a loop down East 4th before heading back to my room to revisit those Jeni’s Ice Cream pints! Honestly, as nice as it was to be ‘away’ from everyone and everything, my room at the Kimpton Schofield was so relaxing and inviting with its cozy bed and original artwork, I didn’t want to leave!

SO many thanks to the Kimpton Schofield team for hosting me for an amazing staycation!

What’s your favorite

staycation activity?

 

Summer Lovin’ // our summer in photos

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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!

Oh — and we got a puppy. Because obviously, I make the best decisions. Ha! Her name is Lady and she’s a 12-week old terrier mix we adopted from a local shelter. The kids adore her and I am desperately trying to break her of her nipping habit.

But in addition to the puppy, we’ve been keeping busy with all things fun. From going to the library, to hitting up the splash pad, and everything in between.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not trying to keep my kids “busy” all Summer long. We have LOTS of downtime, too. We have quiet time at least once a day (whether it be in the form of naps or iPad or books).

But those spaces in between? That’s where the memories are made. They might not remember the details, but they’ll remember the fun. They’ll remember the fun of their first trip to Waterworks; they’ll remember the milkshakes and the popcorn; they’ll remember they caught goldfish (and named them Goldie + Jonathan).

And I’ll remember their smiles and contagious laughter. And it will be enough to get us through until the next Summer. ♥ ♥

What are you doing

 

to make the most

 

of your 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.

 

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??