play ball.

When asked what your favorite holiday is, most first answers are not Easter. This holiday often falls behind Christmas, Thanksgiving and even Halloween for lots of people. And while I would agree, I love the fact that Easter feels so fresh and bright. Plus I love ham.

Easter was filled with brunch food and colorful eggs (for childhood tradition's sake). My mom also recently started dyeing eggs with onion skins the way her parents used to. I think they look so beautiful! If you want to try that next year, let my girl Martha show you how. 

My sister and dad made this homemade baguette. So I #putaneggonit

Friday is a big day in Cleveland. This year the Indians home opener was made even more exciting by the $26 million renovation that took place over the winter. I had the opportunity to get a sneak preview thanks to Engage Cleveland. 

The renovations were geared towards creating a more social environment within the stadium and changing up the fan experience. This included a brand new, two-story bar deemed "The Corner" complete with a lounging area, fire pit and automatic beer dispensers.

It wouldn't be a baseball game without a good hot dog, ballpark mustard, nachos and beer...right? Someone was thinking the same thing because these renovations included bringing in restaurant favs from the various Cleveland neighborhoods: Barrio, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Sweet Moses, Melt and Dynomite Burgers all in one spot. HEAVEN. 

This new area will be accessible by purchasing a specially priced $13 ticket which includes admission to the game and your first beer or beverage! While these "seats" are standing room only, there are plenty of different areas to explore and places to set down your drink and nachos. Not a bad deal. I cannot wait for summer nights spent at Progressive Field with this kind of view.

in like a lamb.

This morning when I looked at my phone to check the weather, I saw three little lines underneath a cloud. What does that even mean?? Well upon further investigation (read twitter and local news channels) I figured it out. That little symbol means fog and fog means spring is unofficially here. That's an indicator right? I am going to go with yes. 

I am SO happy March rolled in with some warmer temps, sun, misty rain and fog. I love this time of the year. It is a good thing. This past weekend, we squeezed in the last bit of winter fun and said BUH BYE to cold weather...

Snowboarding at Peek'n Peak

Edgewater winter sunsets

Sweet Moses Hot Chocolate

In the spirit of spring and all things new, I stopped by the downtown Heinen's on my way home from work this week. This grocery store did not disappoint. It is bright and colorful with the most ingenious layout. Leave it to Cleveland to turn a historic landmark into something everyone can enjoy on a weekly basis!!

Seating area under the rotunda

Have you been to the new Heinen's yet? I think I need to explore more...a task I will happily accept. Welcome to the unofficial start to spring everyone!

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. 

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 :) 

one tank trip.

As much as I love Cleveland, I also love traveling. There is nothing like getting to roam around a new city and experience life somewhere else. This past week, Chris and I made what my parents have always referred to as a "One Tank Trip" to Toronto! Here are some highlights.

Anchor Bar in Buffalo 

Home of the Original Buffalo Wings.

Chinatown and Bubble Tea

They make the General Tso's HOT HOT HOT!

My Bubble Tea was Earl Grey, Milky Honey and Tapioca. So weird, but cool.

Sunsets in the Park
Evening stroll through Queen's Park. 

Boat tour to the Toronto Islands
Travel tip: Always check groupon when you travel. It can be a great source of ideas and fun discounts on things to do. 

St. Lawrence Market (Top 25 World's Best Food Markets by Food&Wine) 
I realize I am probably biased, but I still think West Side Market is better. Especially the beautiful interior architecture of our market!

Hammocks in Dundas Square 
We happened upon an awesome promotional event that had tons of hammocks set up in the famous Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. It was nice to take a break from walking, sip on some free iced tea and take in the city.

Coconut Cream filled Coconut Bun and a Cappuccino on Elm Street
This one is pretty self explanatory. YUM.

Shopping at Eaton Centre
...and some World Cup action. 

A Scenic Stop in Niagara Falls 

Sorry USA, the Canada side just does it better. 

Our "one tank trip" to Toronto was definitely a success. I am curious though, what one tank trips from Cleveland would you recommend? Share in the comments below!

 

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!