spring dates.

I recently came across this list of 10 Creative Spring Date Ideas from Brit + Co. Usually I read these lists, think "that'd be fun," and move on never to touch it again. However, this list was different because literally every single idea would be a perfect date idea with your significant other or best friend in Cleveland!

Here is the breakdown:

1. Stargazing. Okkk this list starts off a little cheesy, but stick with me here. You KNOW Edgewater or North Coast Harbor would be great places to share a few snacks and watch the sunset/stars come out.

2. Road Trip. There are so many fun places to visit within a short drive from Cleveland. Here is a quick list of places to consider:

• Mentor Headlands Beach
• Geneva on the Lake  (wineries) 
• Marblehead 
• Niagara Falls  (more wineries) 
• Hocking Hills State Park 

3. Farmers' Market. I might be biased, but I think we have some of the best markets around. With plenty of locations ranging from Crocker Park to downtown to Shaker Square, you should have no trouble finding a market nearby to taste, smell and buy local food! And we couldn't mention the word "market" without paying homage to the best flea: Cleveland Flea starts April 11!

4. Go Hiking. Between the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks, this one is a no-brainer.

5. Happy Hour. Cleveland.com keeps a running list of the best Happy Hours in Cleveland. I use this resource all the time when I am looking for a new place to try. Spring is officially here, which means happy hours can move to the patio!

6. Volunteer.  There are quite few organizations that have regular volunteering opportunities including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Cleveland Animal Protective League  and the Boys and Girls Club. You can also check out Volunteer Match for more ideas. 

7. Frozen Yogurt. Menchie's is practically calling your name right now, requesting you put chocolate rocks and fruity pebbles on your banana soft serve. Anddd of course there are my all time favs for ice cream: Mason's Creamery, Sweet Moses and Mitchell's.

8. Amusement Park. I am not particularly keen on roller coasters, but I always have fun when I go to Cedar Point. It's just something about the atmosphere that screams summer (hehe see what I did there?)

9. Bonfires. Head to a campsite and pack your marshmallows.

10. Garden Together. The Cleveland Botanical Gardens are celebrating the season with their Big Spring exhibit. I can't wait to check it out!   

maple season.

Brandywine

It sure doesn't feel like it, but spring is just around the corner. I love living in a state with four seasons and despite how much we all complain about winter, it can be really fun (and beautiful). To take advantage of these last few snowy days, we spent some time outdoors this past weekend.

Saturday I went snowboarding at Brandywine with Chris, while my snow bunny bff, Brynne skied. We couldn't have asked for a sunnier day to spend on the slopes.

On Sunday, Chris' parents took us to Burton, Ohio where we had a yummy pancake breakfast for the start of the maple season. We walked around the square and spent some time in the cabin learning about how maple syrup is made. 

After leaving the cabin, we stopped at the West Woods Park which is part of the Geauga Park District. They had a really cool community art exhibit called "Frozen Artistry" featuring all types of local art and ice sculptures. This exhibit goes through April 19th. You can also rent snow shoes for free here! 

Last stop of the day was Lake Metroparks Farmpark. We got to see all types of animals (including lots of baby pigs, lambs and cows). Annnnnd I got to milk a cow! There is also a quilting show running through March 26th. 

Learning about Hydroponics in the Greenhouse

If you are interested in the maple festival activities, plan on making a trip out to Chardon, April 23-26th! Learn more here. 

Rewind.

Ugh. 

That's how I feel this Monday morning, on a 111-year record breaking cold, winter day. It is hard to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when you have ice forming on your eyelashes and frozen toes. Even though I am in a grumpy mood today, thinking back on the last two Valentine filled weekends makes me happy. Here is a quick rewind: 

Last weekend, we celebrated my friend Brynne's birthday by going to see the Cleveland Pops Orchestra Academy Awards for Music and enjoying a few sweet treats after at Coquette Patisserie.

Chocolate Triomphe & Macaroons

Valentine's Day weekend was spent with Chris making pizzas (more on this in a later post), watching movies and eating ice cream. Sunday we visited with both our families for a relaxing day. 

Chocolates complete this holiday

Lazy Saturday mornings are the key to my heart

Pinterest inspired breakfast, not a complete fail. (definitely didn't turn out like this)

Mitchell's Tart Lemon Yogurt with Homemade Blackberry Ribbon

As you can see, I have a fully belly from this weekend. I'd like to think it is in preparation for tomorrow: Mardi Gras! Stay warm everyone! 

hearts and pink.

I can already hear a chorus of boo's at the title of this post. For many of you, Valentine's Day is the epitome of all things cliche and commercial. Target has fully embraced its trademark color by scattering red xoxo's, pink hearts, glitter and chocolate throughout the entire store. Mushy advertisements are everywhere. You may start to feel like you are being suffocated by a big, plush teddy bear. I get it.

However, despite my accurate description of Valentine's Day, I love this holiday. I've always loved Valentine's Day too...not just the years I had a little sweetheart in my life. Single on Valentine's Day and still embraced every tacky decoration. 

What. It sounds crazy, but I think it's time for a mini history lesson. The holiday has some very murky beginnings. For starters, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three saints named Valentine, all martyrs in the name of love. It was a pagan holiday for a bit and then became more mainstream in the Middle Ages. Why? Because the French and English thought, "Hey it seems like Feb 14th is the first day of mating season for birds, we should celebrate." By the 18th century, everyone started exchanging little tokens of appreciation to their friends and lovers across all social classes. Now over a billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year.* 

Oh, was that not the romantic, fluffy history you were expecting for such a romantic, fluffy holiday? It wasn't and that's why I love it. Valentine's Day history is the perfect representation of love. It can be confusing and messy at times, but at the end of the day it is important to let people know you care. Valentine's day isn't just for couples. It's for you to tell your mom you love her, your friend you care about him and your coworker you appreciate her. It doesn't have to be big and extravagant, just enough to say "I thought about you."

So without further adieu here is a list of some ways that you can make the most of this holiday in CLE with whomever you care about: 

1. Cleveland Valentine Weekend Itinerary (who doesn't love a good itinerary,..)
2. Me, Myself and I on V Day.
3. Laugh with your bestie. 
4. On a budget this year.
5. See a show with the fam.
6. Stroll through the Metroparks
7. Enjoy the view
8. Cleveland events in Feb 
9. Snowy Dates
10. Love like a local
11. Healthy dates
12. Romantic Cleveland Restaurants 
13. For Yourself
14. DIY Stay in
15. For every situation
16. Even more things to do

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Don't forget to make those reservations and buy your tickets soon! 

*Fact check History Channel not me... 

colorful weekend.

Happy Monday! Hope you all enjoyed this past weekend and the beautiful weather we had. There is no question, this time of year is definitely the most colorful. I spent some time exploring the outdoors in Hocking Hills. I have to say, it is the BEST for fall. I highly recommend a squeezing in a quick weekend camping trip before the cooler temps come. It is beautiful! This was my first trip there. Here are some pictures in case you are still skeptical.

Ash Caves

Now do you believe me?? Hocking Hills was also named 22 Stunning Under-The-Radar-Destinations to add to your bucket list!  I really can't do much more convincing than that. Here's some more information to get you started on your trip planning :) 

life on a lake.

One of my favorite parts of living in Cleveland is being so close to the Great Lakes. While I love visiting the beach, I am happy residing in an area that doesn't require me to hurricane proof my building. It is also nice to feel a cooler breeze off Lake Erie on hot days. Ahhhhh, yes.

The weather has been perfect this past week that I made sure to spend extra time lakeside.

We stopped at Grumpy's in Tremont for brunch.

I ordered the potato pancakes with sauteed apples and sour cream because how different is that?!

 A long walk around Edgewater was a nice way to digest our hearty meals.

The free Star Spangled Spectacular with the Cleveland Orchestra in Public Square was a great way to kick off the weekend.  (lots of prepositions in that sentence geez louise, grammar police)
 

The fourth was spent at the boat and pool time by the lake.

The sunset views were stunning.

Hope you all had a fun and safe July 4th!

miniature summer.

Remember on the last day of fifth grade when the bell rang and you couldn't get out of school fast enough to start summer? The next few months would be filled with hot, sunny days, drippy popsicles, cookouts and baseball games. It feels like those carefree summers were left behind after starting high school. High school meant non stop sport practices (volleyball: you were the bane of my existence) and summer jobs (bleh).

Strangely enough, I felt a little like my fifth grade self at college graduation. One whole month with limited responsibilities, no work and few plans. It was the best feeling knowing I have a miniature summer this year. I intend on squeezing in all the popsicles and pool time I can before entering the real world at the beginning of July.

Tribe Time
 To kick off the summer, I have attended two baseball games for our Indians. One concluded with fireworks and the other with awesome dugout seats thanks to my friend, Alicia! So American.

Boat Rides
Whether it was on the Goodtime III or Chris' family boat, I've been spending some time in and around Lake Erie.

Don't forget to make a trip to the lake this summer. Mentor Headlands is my favorite spot, but Edgewater Beach is also hosting weekly happy hour events! 

Exploring
I found Rito's a fun Italian Deli and Bakery in addition to discovering Chuppa's Marketplace in Parma. They have delicious fresh squeezed orange juice. It was refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

4. Alfresco Dining
Alfresco Dining definitely didn't happen in 5th grade but whatever. It's my grown up favorite summertime activity. We stopped in Little Italy for an outside meal at Angelo's Nido Italian Restaurant (try the stuffed rigatoni).

5. Walks in the Park 
Wade Oval is looking extra perfect this time of year.

So is Shaker Lakes Park

 
Bonus: Brunch 
Ok, fine yes I brunch all year religiously. However, I had to include this because I was finally able to try Fire Food & Drink brunch in Shaker Square. I love the patio and can definitely see myself going back for a sticky bun and coffee on a lazy weekend morning.

If you have a favorite summertime activity let me know in the comments below so I can try it!

my life lately.

Hello, it certainly has been awhile. Blogging and second semester of senior year are not working well together apparently.

Don't that that fool you though. I've still been on the move eating, drinking, and sightseeing my way through Cleveland. So put on your snow boots on because there is a lot of recapping to do: 

 1. Cleveland Orchestra
My mom, dad and Leslie came up to Cleveland for a Friday night to take Chris and I to the orchestra. We stopped in Little Italy for a bite to eat before enjoying the Beethoven & Mozart music at Severance Hall.

2. Snow Days
We have had a few snow days which were utilized for Netflix watching and Meyer lemon biscotti baking. Oh and the occasional berry french toast.Yes, Chris made the spaghetti dinner below. (WHAT?)

3. On the Rise 
Looking for the best bakery in Cleveland? Of course you are. Don't even pretend you weren't.
Well it's called On the Rise and its conveniently (dangerously) located 5 minutes from my apartment on Fairmont. Almond croissants, pain au chocolate, cinnamon swirl bread...all baked fresh daily with the best ingredients around. If you are visiting on a weekend, prepare to wait for a few minutes. This place has its regulars and you will see why. Although waiting in line isn't when you can smell fresh baked bread and feel the warm steamy air with a little hint of coffee.

 
4. Snowboards and Sore Bums
Yeah. You read that right. I did go snowboarding a few times. I also fell more than a few times. However, visiting Peak-n-Peak was a blast and it's a perfect place for beginners (like myself).

5. Jazz Hands Everyone
It is hard not to feel a little cabin fever this time of the year. Chicago definitely helped warm things up a little with the jazzy music and sassy numbers (the worst attempt at humor). While it wasn't the best show I've seen, the music was great and it was nice to get dressed up and spend some time at the Playhouse.

More posts coming soon! I have them all lined up so stay tuned. Happy winter everyone!