cleveland's a plum

Winning with Orville Redenbacher and SmartPop!

2012-01-26T07:30:00.002-05:00

To continue with my partnership with the fine folks at Orville Redenbacher let's talk some more smart snacking and (spoiler alert!) if you stick with me there's a prize at the end.

Oh snacking, snacking smart, smart snacking, however you want to say it - let's just do it.

It's a SmartPop! collage taken last weekend with my smart models Allison and JV - fun with popcorn you guys, fun with popcorn.

I also recorded a video of Allison and JV throwing popcorn at each other and trying to catch it with their mouths but I deemed it inappropriate... for now.

Moving on... so did you know that popcorn is a whole grain? I personally had no clue, I suppose the fluffy white appearance threw me off, but in all reality eating just three cups of Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! provides a full serving of whole grain. Who knew?!?

SmartPop! is also low in fat, a good source of fiber and zero trans fats - all important factors if you're trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Do you know what else helps to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle? An awesome prize package including the following...

- A $75 Lululemon Gift Card for fitness apparel
- CamelBak 1 liter water bottle
- Resistance band
- Moleskin wellness journal
- Garmin heart rate monitor
- Two (2) boxes of Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! Pop Up Bowl Butter

This prize package, worth over $150, can be yours by entering one or all of the ways listed below.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite healthy snack
2. Tweet the following about the contest, "I want to win a smart snacking prize pack from @clevelandsaplum and #orville SmartPop! http://bit.ly/wX5NC0" and leave a comment on this post telling me you did so - you can tweet this message daily for multiple entries
3. Share a link (http://bit.ly/wX5NC0) to this contest on Facebook leaving a comment on this post telling me you did so

You have until 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 1st to enter the contest and don't forget to leave me your contact information in the comment if I don't already know how to get a hold of you.

I'll be announcing the winner a week from today on Thursday, February 2nd so good luck to all who enter!

[Disclosure: As previously mentioned I'm working with Orville Redenbacher to help me snack smarter through their SmartPop! popcorn. While I am being compensated for my time and blog energy, these opinion are my own.]

Jump Back Ball + This City on CSF Radio

2012-01-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

I have a couple of fabulously unrelated and random updates for you today.

First being PlayhouseSquare's 21st Annual Jumpback Ball taking place Saturday, February 25th. My loyal readers know how much I love this event as I try to attend every year that I can (here's my 2010 recap, 2011 recap). This year will be my 5th year attending and if you've ever been to Jump Back Ball you know why I keep going back year after year - the dressing up, the dancing, the drinks, the food, the State Theater!

The tickets to the event literally always sell out and this year is guaranteed to be no different as as of today there are approximately 60 tickets left so if you're on the fence about going stop that right now and buy your ticket to the event of the year. Another reason to buy today is that on Wednesday the tickets prices go up - so don't delay!

The second update for the day is that tonight Allison and I will be on the radio! The internet radio to be specific, the "This City" show on CSF Radio to be even more specific. We'll be live on air and in studio at 9:30pm tonight and you can bet your life we'll have had a cocktail or two in us for preparations sake.

I hope you tune in to hear us talk about all things Cleveland and perhaps all things inappropriate as I'm not 100% sure how it's going to go yet...

Click here to listen to This City live every Tuesday from 9 to 11pm.

Happy Tuesday, kids!

Adult slumber party + Allison's birthday party

2012-01-23T06:58:00.002-05:00

So yeah, I was a little quiet on the blog front last week, don't worry, I was just busy making one if the biggest life decisions I've had to make in years - no big deal.

But more on that later...

Let's chat about this past weekend shall we?

Thursday night CK and I dined in my neighborhood at Luxe Kitchen & Lounge and then headed to tremont to meet up with the Verdova's and Pagezell (<--- new nickname alert which equals AJP + Harzell) at Flying Monkey. It was a much need hangout and that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Friday night brought lots of snow and an unexpected "adult slumber party" with my house guests Allison and JV. We talked about work, life, loves, etc all while eating Noodlecat and ice cream sundaes from Sweet Moses.

JV just slidin', Allison just plankin' and playing in my kitchen and our sundaes, mmmmm.

We essentially acted like children all night and then Seanski came over and it got worse. Allison and I headed to bed early and then Seanski and JV decided to take video and pics of us sleeping - very 7th grade sleepover right? The next morning we headed to Latitude 41N for breakfast because we obviously need to hangout with each other a little more.

Saturday afternoon an ungodly amount of money was spent on the most random items at Target and I took in a viewing of Beauty and the Beast in 3D - it's better on the big screen, you guys.

Saturday night though was party time for Allison's 29th birthday at Market Garden Brewery in Ohio City - lots of friends were in attendance as well as lots of non-friends, aka the bar was PACKED. Allison is lucky I like her because me and some of the OHC establishments on Saturday nights just don't get along - Sunday thru Thursday? I love um - weekends? Not so much. Great for the neighborhood but not good for old farts like me.

I should probably back up though because before Allison's party me, Seanski and Matt had dinner at the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood's newest dining establishment Spice Kitchen + Bar (where I had my #holladays party if you remember). The place was GREAT, it was good to see the full space all put together and if you do one thing when you go there just listen to me and order the mushroom beignets - TRUST ME.

My sparkly nails for the evening clutching my bubbles and our delicious/tasty/creative food for our wonderful meal.

Some shots from Allison's party - lots of friends, lipgloss application with my malbec tongue and Lzone in a beard sandwich - she says ew, I say love.

After a walk through at Speakeasy (after we left MKT Garden) was deemed way too much for me, Seanski and Matt we headed to XYZ the Tavern for a late night slice and night cap - the perfect way to end a fun night out.

Sunday the draw to Latitude 41n for breakfast was strong (again) so MOB and I talked wedding stuff and then I headed home to well, just be home - it was just what the doctor ordered.

Happy Monday, kids!

Smart snacking with Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop!

2012-01-18T06:58:00.003-05:00

Smart snacking.

Is that even a possibility?

Historically speaking "smart snacking" hasn't been the highest priority on my snack list as I'd rather stick my spoon in a pint of ice cream rather than munch on celery sticks.

Historically speaking (x2) I've also always been the opposite of skinny so perhaps "smart snacking" needs to become a part of my lifestyle, especially if I want to drop some serious lbs in time for a trip to the beach in May.

It's time to get serious, kids.

Step one, controlling what goes into my mouth (insert dirty joke here).

That's where my new blog partnership with Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! popcorn comes in. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be sharing with you all some tips and tricks for snacking smarter with into the new year and if you follow along I promise there will be some prizes.

I mean, I even have a reality TV star getting involved!

BERNIE! (before and after)

For all you Biggest Loser fans out there I know you're familiar with Season 5 at home winner Bernie Salazar who has partnered the wonderful folks at Orville Redenbacher to preach on about being healthy, snacking smart, staying fit and keeping those New Year's resolutions.

This is where you come in, dear readers.

Have any burning healthy eating, fitness, diet questions? Any desire to find out smart snacking tips from a bona fide health and fitness nut? Curious to know what really goes on on the Biggest Loser ranch?

Well Bernie is your man.

Simply leave a comment on this post with your questions for Bernie and he will record a custom video response just for my readers answering your questions that I'll be posting at a later date. You have until the end of this week to get your questions submitted to Bernie so don't delay.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some SmartPop! to eat.

[Disclosure: I'm working with Orville Redenbacher to help me snack smarter through their line of SmartPop! popcorn. While I am being compensated for my time and blog energy, these opinions are all my own.]

Drinking wine in Bay Village and yacht rockin' for Seanski's 30th

2012-01-16T06:56:00.001-05:00

Hello snow, how ya doin'? How ya been?

Can't say I missed ya but if you only stick around for the next 7 weeks tops I won't hate you - you're presence this weekend sure did make everything a little prettier though. So for now, for now, we're friends, welcome back.

This past snowy weekend in Cleveland was a good one with a stereotypical "girl's night out" over wine with some of my oldest friends (not newest, right poo poo?).

Muffin, poo poo, Beaver, Jill and I headed to a new (to me) restaurant/bar in Bay Village called Vento La Trattoria and Wine Bar. This restaurant, essentially across the street from Huntington Beach, was A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E. You walk in the space and it screams date night. The mood lighting, dark wood and general coziness just makes you want to pop open a bottle of malbec.

And we may or may not have opened about 4 bottles of malbec.

We all got together to celebrate our friend poo poo's birthday who was home visiting from Chicago and with poo poo being one of my favorite people EVER anytime we all get to hangout (blizzard or not) makes me happy.

My gorgeous friends poo poo and Muffin.

Saturday brought lots of errands and shopping on the east side of Cleveland with CK including a lunch stop at Michael Symon's B Spot Burgers and a visit to my cousin Peter's store Pat O'Brien's Fine Wines for some wine and bubbles stock up.

Saturday also brought Seanski's 30th Birthday bash at the Harbor Inn. The party was yacht themed based on Seanski's love of boating, the location of Harbor Inn and the irony of dressing up like one is on a boat in the middle of January. It was a party and a half filled with lots of friends, fun and most importantly DANCING. Seanski wouldn't have the #seanski30 party any other way.

Ahoy Matey! That's Captain Paul and Captain Bob to you.

Nick, CK, Shibani and Allison being adorable - Moe posing in her yacht-wear and winter boots, naturally - and of course we had rotating video screens for the party with the #seanski30 hashtag and all.

My favorite costume of the night came from Ms. Lzone herself - shark attack!! The side shot may be my favorite due to an inappropriately placed fin...

When one is about to be eaten by a shark I'm told this the look they make - pure terror. I'm quite the actress - Dear Hollywood, call me.

Lots of friends, including the birthday boy himself, um, eating a pearl necklace?

Oh, Seanski how you crack me up. I hope you had as much fun at your 30th birthday party as I and the rest of your guests did. The snow could never keep us way!

Happy Monday, kids.

my favorite videos of the week

2012-01-13T06:58:00.001-05:00

Your front row seat for entertainment magazines.

These "Sh*t ________ Say" videos have been making the rounds on the internet for a couple of weeks now and while I've giggled at a few of them none compare to the two I'm about to post.

See below for Sh*t Nobody Says - hilarious, brilliant and so so so so so true.

If you're a closeted (or out) Real Housewives of (fill in the blank city) fan you'll very much appreciate the following video. See below for Sh*t Real Housewives Say - spot on.

Happy Friday (the 13th), kids!!

Ginko + Seanski's 30th birthday!!

2012-01-12T09:52:00.007-05:00

Sometimes there isn't anything better then a rainy Wednesday night out in Tremont with friends.

AJP, Colleen, KJ and I like to get together for sushi every few months because well, sushi is awesome.

Last night we headed to Ginko in Tremont, a spot none of us had been to yet and one that I personally have been dying to try. There was a slight mix up with our reservation but the management did right by us buy being very apologetic and then giving us complimentary glasses of champagne. They must have known how to get right to my heart of hearts - bubbles.

After the small snafu everything was perfect, especially the sushi - OMG. It was the best I've had in years. You're going to pay a premium for that best taste (half price sushi at the rock it's not) but it's so worth it. Great atmosphere too.

Colleen and AJP drinking their miso soup and my glorious/delicious/awesome lobster dish prepared with tempura fresh mango, avocado, 1/2 a lobster, greens and a ginger dressing. I may or may not have dreamed about it's tastiness last night.

I'll definitely be back to Ginko. After dinner we all headed to 806 Wine and Martini Bar for an after dinner drink where more friends like Seanski, Nugget and Ahmed met us.

Considering this is Seanski's 30th birthday week, and today being his actually birthday, the celebration needed to continue.

The celebration just happened to included an AJP + Seanski scarf attack - totally normal, totally.

It also included thumb wars. What Seanski? You're not happy about turning 30 today? Get used to it, baby.

In all seriousness, I want to wish my main Seanski nothing but a wonderful year and entire 30's decade - welcome to the club my friend - HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!! xoxo

Crop + Disney on Ice + Lolita = I never thought I'd ever type those phrases together

2012-01-10T06:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks everyone for all the kind words about my blog design, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Let's chat about this past weekend though because that also gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

The weekend started off right with dinner at Crop Bar and Bistro for JV's fabulous birthday. I had yet to dine at Crop since they moved to Ohio City from the Warehouse District and their space is breath taking to say the least. Their food has always been good, but they kicked it up a notch.

I was truly impressed with everything, their drinks, food and friendly service. Especially the gals who let our original bar group of eight have a table in the restaurant. They must have really liked us too because we got complimentary crab cakes, and a couple extra birthday desserts for JV as you can see below.

The beautiful birthday girl JV posing with all her desserts and Allison.

Those desserts, OH MY GOODNESS. That waffle and tart cherry one? I'm still dreaming about it. I quite frankly can't wait to go back for more because they are killing it over at Crop.

After dinner Allison, JV, Shibani and Nick walked over to Bier Markt for more fun, more friends joining us and bottles and bottles of my favorite beer ever Kasteel Rouge.

Allison and I at Bier Markt drinking Kasteel Rouge, I'm positive I also got her hooked.

Saturday was a low key day filled with cleaning, laundry, work, Just Dancing and babysitting CK's little one. Quite the opposite of Friday night, but just as good.

Sunday brought a matinee of Disney on Ice Dare to Dream (aka Princesses everywhere) with CK and his little one. I'm not sure who had more fun, me or the 4-year-old because I was singing along to every song and "wahooed" when Ariel skated out in the finale.

Sunday also brought CK wining and dining me with Stoli Doli's from The Treehouse and bottle of red and gourmet food at Lolita - dates? duck meatballs? strip steak? braised lamb gnocchi? bottle of true grit? YES PLEASE.

Sadly Jaffurs Syrah isn't on the menu anymore, but this Parducci Petite Sirah hit the spot.

Wined and dined indeed.

Happy Tuesday, kids!

It's new blog design day at Cleveland's a Plum!

2012-01-08T10:30:00.004-05:00

Notice anything new around here?

Like, perhaps, a new blog design?!?

It only took approximately one full year to get this design launched. No joke.

I first emailed Ashley of Little Leaf Design on January 24, 2011 (yup, almost a full year ago) inquiring about a new design. Let it be stated for the record though it was ALL on me.

I'm pretty much the worst client. And I should know better considering I work on the account side of a marketing firm and know what it feels like for a client to go mute. The good thing is I also know you can always buy more design rounds for when you decided to start over - whoops.

Thank goodness Ashley is the most patient lady I know because my mind changes approximately ever 5 minutes.

She's also a good designer and a wiz with the design install so if you're looking to spice up your design don't hesitate to reach out to Ashley at Little Leaf!

I'm super happy with the change, it's a lot cleaner than it was before and a whole lot less pink. I still have some things to work on, like my "about", "highlights" and "contact" page up in the navigation but it's a start, right?

Happy Sunday, kids!

Marzetti Simply Dressed Salad Dressings Taste Good

2012-01-06T06:58:00.003-05:00

For those of you who follow me on instagram you know I've been cooking up a storm lately.

It's becoming a true passion for me. Partly because I like to challenge myself with new recipes, another part is because I like to see what I can "whip up" but mostly because I really REALLY like to eat...

The recipes loaded with cheese, heavy cream, bacon and any other fatty ingredient you can add obviously aren't the best for my waist line but things like greens are, which is exactly what I'm going to be focusing on them for the foreseeable future.

Good thing I was given the opportunity to try out some new salad dressings, the line of Marzetti Simply Dressed Refrigerated Salad Dressings to be exact.

When I headed to the grocery store to pick out a dressing to try I couldn't pick just one because they all sounded so good. From the start I really like their packaging, the fact that they are made with olive oil, sea salt and fresh ingredients and not preservatives or artificial flavors.

There's classic varieties like Blue Cheese, Ranch, Caesar, Thousand Island, Balsamic and Greek Feta, but also more unique varieties like Champagne, Strawberry Poppyseed and Ginger Sesame.

The ones that caught my attention to purchase were the Simply Dressed Coleslaw and the Simply Dressed Light Raspberry Acai which I happily took home with some fixings to make me a healthy(ish) dinner to remember. Let's talk about what I made, shall we?

Simply Dressed Broccoli Coleslaw with Almonds, Dried Cranberries and Rice Noodles

Right by where one can purchase the dressings are all the lettuce bags and once I saw the Coleslaw version I knew I had to make some broccoli slaw. I prefer broccoli slaw over traditional cabbage slaw because sometimes my stomach and cabbage don't get along... if you know what I mean.

Grab a bag of broccoli slaw, a bottle of the dressing, some dried cranberries, sliced almonds and rice noodles. For the record I already had the cranberries, almonds and rice noodles in my pantry so I threw them in hoping everything tasted good together - thankfully it was delicious.

The Simply Dressed Coleslaw dressing was glorious, you could taste the apple cider vinegar which gave it a great tart yet sweet taste making it a perfect accompaniment to this slaw. Plus is takes approximately 2 whole minutes to make - it's a great side.

Mixed Green Salad with Chicken, Blackberries, Raspberries and Gorgonzola with Simply Dressed Light Raspberry Acai Dressing

Words don't begin to express how glorious this salad was, it was so good in fact that I ate it two days in a row for dinner because I still had all the ingredients.

To make it I marinaded some chicken tender breasts in Soy Vey Island Teriyaki and cooked them accordingly. Next, and this isn't rocket science, I took lettuce out of a bag and put raspberries, blackberries and crumbled gorgonzola cheese on it. Finally drizzle the Simply Dressed Light Raspberry Acai Dressing over and viola!!

I'm positive I could drink this dressing it's so good. Also, I know it isn't berry season but these berries were so sweet and delicious and I was expecting them to be mediocre at best - a pleasant surprise.

The moral of the story is Marzetti Simply Dressed Salad Dressings are GOOD, check them out at your local grocery soon!

Disclaimer: I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Simply Dressed review. They provided me with product to test myself and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

How I spent my holiday vacation: Part Two - #holladays!

2012-01-05T06:57:00.002-05:00

I love the Holla Days, you guys.

"Holla Days" being the shortened name for the party Lzone and I have been throwing for the past three years: The New Year's Eve Eve Holla Days Festival of Awesomeness Party. It's exactly what the name says, a party thrown on the day before New Year's Eve - 12/30.

As mentioned, Lzone and I have been hosting the #holladays party for the last three years (2009 and 2010) but I'm confident to say that this past year was the best yet.

This year we were blessed with a unique, stunning and new restaurant venue that for every party we have moving forward we are going to remember how lucky we were to be able to score this place before it opened.

Spice Kitchen + Bar is the soon to open Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood restaurant from the team behind the popular Spice of Life Catering Company with a focus on local sourced food and drink.

The restaurant staff including, Ben, Jackie, Jess and Amelia were so gracious and helpful to my friends and I the night of our party that I'm counting down the days till they open to the public for dinner on Tuesday January 17th.

If it wasn't for the on point customer service, tasty drinks and scrumptious food from Spice I'm not sure our #holladays party would have been as successful or as fun as it was.

And man was it fun - so many friends, so much prosecco, so much sparkle. And now I'll just show you the pictures to prove it, natch.

A hint of the Spice Kitchen + Bar menu and one of the flatbreads and popcorns that were served to our guests.

The hostesses with the mostesses - me and Lzone. The top is the first picture we took and the bottom is the last picture of the night. I'd say we held up ok after 983 bottles of Prosecco, right?

Lots of friends: Ashley + Julie + Erin /// Jamie + the Cleveland Foodie herself, Michelle /// Christie + Zone sissy Jenna /// Erin + Moe + MOB

More friends: Bean + Allison + Greg /// the newly engaged duo Dean + Alana /// Heather + more Alana /// Danny + Gina + Kayla

Party people: Marissa + Carla + Craig + CK + Patrick /// AJP + JV + Ben + Charity

The Beautiful Ladies (plus one metro): Michelle + Heather + Alana + Cortney /// Shibani + Hartzell + JV + AJP

My favorite shot of the night, Seanksi being carried by Hartzell. We may or may not have been politely asked to leave right.... about.... here....

WHAT A NIGHT. Thanks again to all who came out to party and if we are judging by the 38 people checked into Spice on foursquare at one point in the night I'd say the #holladays party was trending.

Don't forget to save the date for next year's 4th annual party on 12/30/12!

How I spent my holiday vacation: Part One

2012-01-03T06:58:00.005-05:00

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd, I'm back.

Happy 2012 and happy 4 year blogiversary to Cleveland's a Plum!!

When I started this here blog on January 1, 2008 never, ever, EVER did I think you'd be able to view my posting archives for all of 2008, let alone 2009, 2010, 2011 and now 2012...

This is crazy to me.

I've met so many people (who are now my great friends) all thanks to this blog and I even if I stopped posting tomorrow (don't worry, I'm not) I wouldn't have a single regret. And for this I thank you all for reading - here's to another fabulous year - xoxo.

During my much anticipated holiday vacation I had a lot of fun with family and friends only some of which I'm going to share here because let's be honest I really don't need to upload 100+ pictures from my week of fun - how about the cliff notes version?

The holiday festivities started out with the bang on the eve of Christmas Eve with the first soon to be annual event: The Cousins Party! My cousins Anthony and Mara hosted at their home in North Canton and my cousins (from my Dad's side of the family) traveled from all over the county to attend. We ate delicious food, drank till our heads were fuzzy and even mapped out our family tree on a cocktail napkin because we could. It was awesome.

My sissy (in from Boston), Marissa (in from Chicago), Mara (our hostess) and Dina - Anthony (our host), Steven (in from Florida), Jay (in from Lexington) and CK - and sissy posing with the beautiful tree!

Christmas eve my Mom, sissy and CK all headed over to good family friends the Loukas' for a wonderful holiday visit and most importantly to snuggle with my godson Bobby - the most adorable baby out there, fact.

"Hi. I'm Bobby and my Nouna (godmother in Greek) is obsessed with me"

The rest of Christmas eve was spent at my Thea Eros and Uncle Nick's house as well as my cousin Pete and Suzanne's house - there's nothing like party hopping for the holidays, nothing.

Sissy, my cousin Kristen, my Yiayia Lambo, me and my cousin Marissa at my Thea Eros and Uncle Nick's. I love my family!

My cousins Elenie, Alexandra and Kosta with sissy at Peter and Suzanne's where the lamb chops and champagne cocktails were a plenty.

Christmas Day was spent at my Tiajo and Uncle David's where more than one dance party erupted, more than one elevator ride was taken and more than one fashion show was put on - kids, I love them.

My not so little anymore cousins Nicolette, Grayson and Jenna at the Christmas dinner table crowns and all.

The day after Christmas was spent with friends that if I never started this blog I wouldn't have - ANG, Maris (both in from Chicago) and Pam - thank god for the plum, right?

We dined at my neighborhood favorite Luxe Kitchen + Lounge where we became obsessed with the Cerelia martini. We bar hopped to XYZ the Tavern where Seanski joined us, then to Velvet Tango Room and a night cap at Market Garden Brewery. With Maris being a first time Cleveland visitor I think we successfully showed her a good night on the town.

Our new favorite drink, me and ANG (our faces and bracelets) and Maris and ANG with a blurry Seanski attempting a photo bomb.

Fun times had by all in Canton/Cleveland!

I think that's it for now... all of the New Year's Eve Eve #holladays festivities will have to wait until the next post - and man will that be one for the record books.

Happy Tuesday, kids.

bring on the holiday vacation

2011-12-22T22:20:00.004-05:00

Check out these Italian wines for your holiday shopping.

The plum is officially on vacation, you guys.

For the first time since summer of '08 (when I went to Aruba) I have an entire week off of work in a row and I couldn't be more excited.

It's not that I haven't taken my fair share of vacation over the last couple of years it's that I've simply been the queen of the long weekend - well not anymore, as I don't have to head back to the office until January 3rd!

Now what to do, what to do, what to do with my days off...

Obviously there's Christmas and New Years but the rest of the time I plan on drinking bubbles, seeing at least 9 movies, spending time with my friends and family and sleeping.

It's going to be awesome, so on that note I'm stepping away from the computer and getting ready for my Cleveland staycation - bring it.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah!

MOB's engaged + STL with CK

2011-12-20T06:54:00.003-05:00

Even after a holiday season filled weekend I'm still in denial that Christmas is on Sunday - where did the time go?

If time is my issue then this past weekend was the perfect holiday primer as I traveled to St. Louis for a weekend with CK and his wonderful family...

... but more on that later because something HUGE, MASSIVE, AMAZING, WONDERFUL happen Friday afternoon before I boarded a plane to STL.

MOB AND PETE GOT ENGAGED!!!!

Foxxy, MOB, me and Beaver are all super excited!!! I promise Pete is too, but maybe not so much in this picture. It may or may not have been all my screaming with joy that scared him :)

MOB is one of, if not "my best friend" (right Beaver?) and to say that I was excited after patiently waiting for Pete to pop the question would be the understatement of the year. I'm so genuinely happy for my friend I'm not sure I can put it in words.

So just like I did when I walked into the Public House before heading to the airport on Friday for a celebratory shot + cocktails I'll just scream, cry and jump up and down for 5 minutes.

As a slightly buzzed up passenger post PH I made my way to CLE to board my flight to STL for, as I previously mentioned, for a fun filled holiday celebration with CK and his family. We ate + drank + caroled + visited + danced + open presents and generally had a good time. And I can't thank CK's family enough for their hospitality and general awesomeness.

CK's sister + brother-in-law Maggie and Chuck and CK's other sister Caroline and her boyfriend Parker caroling the night away.

CK demonstrating one of his iPhone capable Christmas presents and Parker, CK and Jessica taking a break from a rousing game of front yard soccer with a child sized glitter soccer ball - it was magical.

At the end of the weekend I left STL feeling happy and loved which is all that you can ask for after spending a weekend with your boyfriend's* family, right?

Say it with me now, "Awwwwwwwwwwww".

Happy Tuesday, kids!

*Disclosure: I'm 100% positive this is the first time in 1.5+ years of dating that I officially referred to CK as my boyfriend on this blog.

Bash on the Bridge

2011-12-16T06:54:00.003-05:00

Congratulations go out to KaKaty for winning the $25 Key Possibilities MasterCard courtesy of KeyBank rewards week - there's still time to take advantage of rewards today and through the weekend so be sure to check out www.keyrewardsweek.com for updates.
____________________________________________________________________

Anyone who reads this blog knows my love of all things ABC and XYZ the Taverns, and the Bash on the Bridge at Viaduct Lounge is exactly why.

It's pretty self explanatory, right?

So head on over to ABC, XYZ, Viaduct Lounge or any Erie Island Coffee locations to pick up your invitation.

Hope to see you next Wednesday for some holiday cheer!

Kids don't want books for Christmas

2011-12-15T06:57:00.003-05:00

So last night I finally got around to watching the Jimmy Kimmel video that has been making the rounds on Twitter and Facebook the last couple of days and holy crap is it hilarious.

The premise is Jimmy Kimmel asked viewers to intentionally give their children terrible Christmas presents and video tape their reactions and it's pure comedy gold I tell ya.

If you haven't watched it yet, do yourself a favor and do so...

Fabulous, right?

Anyways, after watching this for the first time I couldn't help but recall Christmas of 1990, when I was a wee 10-year-old. That year I asked my family for many normal 10-year-old girl presents one of which was the very general category of, "books".

Adults LOVE to give books, but this wasn't a piece of information I was privy too in 1990.

I'm blessed with a big family, with lots of wonderful people giving me gifts, and after the first few books being received from my Dad's side of the family on Christmas Eve I was OK. Upon the second stop on Christmas Eve to my Mom's side of the family when the books continued to pile up I was getting annoyed, but not too much, because the next day was Christmas and "Santa" wouldn't let me down.

Christmas morning I got a lot more books (shocking) and I was sad, but grateful, and not a breaking point... yet.

That is until got to my Tiajo's house for Christmas dinner and present exchange and all my hopes and dreams of fun toys were flushed down the toilet as I unwrapped, you guessed it, MORE BOOKS.

I'm pretty sure one of them was a Children's Bible and around that point I completely lost it.

I had a full out 3-year-old-esque temper tantrum crying and screaming (like the chubby little boy around the 3:40 mark of the video) because all she got for Christmas was "stupid books".

I essentially was gifted enough reading material that not only could I have stocked my own library but I potentially could still be reading through all of them 20+ years later.

My family still laughs about this. Rightly so.

So what was your worst/awful/terrible/awkward holiday present you've ever received?

An almost wordless wednesday weekend recap

2011-12-14T06:52:00.000-05:00

Have you entered to win a $25 Key Possibilities MasterCard yet? Comment on this post to do so!
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Happy 30th Birthday Salami Rose!! - at Buckeye Beer Engine with Michael

Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland 2011 - at 78th St Studios

The awesomeness that is a tree and wolf themed salt and pepper shaker holder - at Brobel's Boner Jamz

Jon and Lulu dominating the ugly Christmas sweaters - at Brobel's Boner Jamz

Lots more happened this weekend including Lava Lounge, XYZ the Tavern, shopping on the eastside like a crazy person and (gasp!) eating at a chain restaurant but I'll just let you guys imagine that.

Happy Wednesday, kids.

Key Rewards Week Day One: FREE STARBUCKS, and a giveaway

2011-12-12T07:05:00.004-05:00

It's Monday in Cleveland, it's the busy holiday season, end of 2011 and everyone needs/deserves a free Starbucks coffee.

Yes, you read that right - FREE STARBUCKS, FOR EVERYONE.

If you're in Cleveland today, Monday December 12th, head to any (or all) of the following Starbucks to receive free coffee/lattes/espresso/frappucino, etc.

+ W 6th St - 1374 W 6th St, Cleveland, OH
+ Hanna Building - 1400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH
+ Cleveland Clinic - 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH
+ Cedar & Fairmount - 12405 Cedar Rd, Cleveland, OH
+ Chagrin & Green - 22841 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, OH
+ Rocky River - 19555 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH
+ Westgate Mall - 20646 Center Ridge Rd, Fairview, OH

So exactly why are you able to get free Starbucks today?

It's courtesy of Cleveland's own KeyBank who today is kicking off Key Rewards Week, a.k.a. a week chock full of daily giveaways - today being Starbucks for all!

You can check KeyRewardsWeek.com daily to see what KeyBank is offering up and all I can say is I promise you it's going to be a good week.

Key even gave my little blog a fun holiday present to share... a $25 Key Possibilities MasterCard Gift Card - so who wants it?

Anyone can enter to win a $25 Key Possibilities MasterCard Gift Card by doing one or all of the following:
1. Leave a comment on this post telling me what you want for Christmas/Hanukkah/etc
2. Tweet the following, leaving me a comment on this post telling me you did so - "It's #KeyRewardsWeek and I want to win a $25 Key Possibilities MasterCard from @clevelandsaplum http://bit.ly/tADZYg"
3. Facebook share this giveaway leaving me a comment on this post telling me you did so

Don't forget to leave me your email/twitter handle so I can get a hold of you if I don't already know how to. You have until 11:59pm this Thursday, December 15th to enter and I'll announce the randomly chosen winner in a post Friday, December 16th.

Good luck to all who enter and don't forget to head out to the aforementioned Cleveland area Starbucks today and get your coffee on courtesy of #KeyRewardsWeek.

Happy Monday, kids!

{Disclosure: I was provided with a $25 Key Possibilities MasterCard of my own in return for this post but as a very happy KeyBank customer since I was 18 years old my opinions are my own plus, hello, free Starbucks offers need to be shared with the masses...}

bazaar bizarre cleveland 2011

2011-12-09T09:57:00.005-05:00

Many titles to help enhance your lifestyle.

Lot's of fun holiday stuff going on this upcoming weekend, including one spectacular craft and gift show right in my neighborhood!

The 8th annual Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is Northeast Ohio's favorite and largest indie craft/gift fair with over 100 local vendors selling their wares and it's happening THIS WEEKEND.

Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland
78th Street Studios - map here
Saturday December 10th from 10am to 9pm
Sunday December 11th from 10am to 6pm

And while you're there be sure to check out my lady friends from Chartreuse's new line of brightly hued greeting cards!

I hope you get a chance to stop by this weekend and shop local.

Happy Friday, kids.

cleveland wins again!

2011-12-08T06:55:00.001-05:00

The fabulous Bridget Callahan brought the following video to my attention on Facebook yesterday.

The story goes that Yahoo Music created a list called, The Most Epically Awful Videos of 2011: Even Worse Than Rebecca Black - well this list apparently has a Cleveland connection in that the #1 epically awful music video goes to Cleveland based metal band Alternate Reality.

This video, titled "The King that Never Was" was filmed at Squire's Castle and would actually be the best video on the planet if it was created as a spoof but alas, these musicians really do live in an alternate reality.

It has the makings of acting and costumes like you'd find in a soft porn late night on Cinemax, Dungeons & Dragons super fans, every cliche metal stereotype and then it's all tied together with horrendous sounding "music".

All that being said, it's awesome and around the 2 min mark, when they actually start the music I laughed out loud and snorted.

Repeatedly.

So watch it, you must.

cleveland bloggers love vitamix

2011-12-07T06:58:00.002-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of being invited to a little blogger get together on behalf of Vitamix, the Cleveland based high performance blender company, at their new factory outlet store in North Olmsted.

Personally I don't own a blender (yet), but as an avid home "chef", I would now consider doing very inappropriate things to get a Vitamix of my own after watching the chef/recipe demos. I seriously don't think there's anything a Vitamix can't do (mixing and blending wise) in the kitchen.

Chef Rocco Whalen of Tremont's Fahrenheit and Vitamix Chef/Author Bev Shaffer doing their blender demo thang.

Chef Rocco dominated a couple Asian themed dressings/vinaigrettes to pair with greens and seared tuna and Chef Bev blew my mind with a berry kiss sorbet and chocolate fondue made right in the Vitamix - no heat required and it was ridiculously good.

In fact, I'm still thinking about that chocolate fondue.

If only I had a Vitamix of my own....

I did have a chance to win my very own reconditioned 5200 machine at the demo, but alas, luck strikes Alana again (brat) and she won the grand prize. It's ok though, all the other jealous Cleveland bloggers still love her.

Allison, Heather, me, Alana and Shannon with our Vitamix goodies and then Alana gloating with her prize - no, I'm not bitter at all, why would you ask? :)

If you're looking to purchase a Vitamix of your own or for a gift be sure to stop by the factory outlet store this holiday season to order new machines, purchase reconditioned ones and see lots of product demonstrations.

The store is open 7 days a week and is located at 4720 Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, OH 44070, right around the corner from hhgregg.

If you're not local be sure to check out the Vitamix website for product and ordering information.

The get together was educational, super fun, very tasty and I can't thank Vitamix enough for inviting me.

{I was invited to this event by Vitamix and was given lots of tasty treats and a fabulous goodie-bag. The opinions stated in this post are mine all mine}

It's a holiday celebraish

2011-12-06T06:56:00.002-05:00

I know I feel like I say it all the time, but I had a great weekend, you guys!

Especially once my leaky windows/hardie board siding was fixed....

The black mess? It's moisture rotting and where all the water was getting stuck and going into my house.... sexy right? Thankfully after two days of work everything is fixed up and pretty all over again. I have to wait for the spring to fix the back windows but I consider this a small victory.

Friday was spent triple dating it up in the newly opened Market Garden Brewery basement with me/CK, Moe/Mark and Janet/Adam, plus a special guest appearance by MOB/Pete. We ate, drank bubbles and enjoyed the new room which was totally nice, open spaced, beautiful walls with a cozy fireplace - I approve.

I told you the walls were cool. Additionally, you'll see the top picture where I was catching Mark and Moe deep in conversation and the bottom picture when they realized that I was photographing them - they are great actors.

After MGB a few of us walked over to ABC the Tavern to meet up with lots more friends enjoy some cocktails and catch up with frowns and vince the polack. ABC is the bomb, I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Saturday morning CK and I headed over to the other side of the alphabet, XYZ the Tavern, for breakfast. We got to catch up with owners Randy and Linda and grub on delicious veggie omelets and wraps. If you haven't made it out to Saturday and Sunday breakfast/brunch at XYZ you're missing out - go!

Saturday afternoon was spent making a version of jalapeno poppers (they are delish) with cream cheese, bacon and a crescent roll to take over to the 5th Annual Seidenwand Holiday Celebraish in Lakewood.

The Seidenwand's, Cubby and Martha respectively, sure know how to throw a party - food, drinks, hospitality, fun and lest not forget the highlight of it all.... the white elephant gift exchange. Lots of fun was had around the gift exchange this year and I may or may not have snorted laughing more times than I could keep track of.

Let's just get to the pictures, shall we?

Some of my favorite ladies: Martha, Babs, Court, the Klutz and Muffin + a couple of crowd shots pre-gift exchange.

Biondi and Tony really liked playing Santa for the exchange making people sit on their laps for present time - totally normal... just ask Ahmed, Amy and AJP.

This is the type of excitement one gets when opening an at home Blizzard maker from DQ - I'm not sure who was more excited, Hartzell or Biondi.

Muffin couldn't have picked a more perfect gift, a cat in a denim pocket t-shirt, brilliant... Babs, that mustache looks good on you... Martha, does that calculator need batteries?... Tara knows that everyone loves an *NSYNC Barbie.

KJ and timmybennett are quite the pimp and ho... AJP really REALLY cherishes her photo of Fitchko... Hatchel, um, um... Cubby loves Playboy, omg is that the Kardashian issue?

After the party MOB and I made it to the Public House in West Park for a drink and to hangout with friends because there isn't much better then a PH last call.

Sunday was a funday with CK and his little one at Crocker Park with lunch at Aladdin's, a "train-ride", a viewing of Arthur Christmas (so cute) and Menchie's. Couldn't get more wholesome than that.

The evening was pretty wholesome as well in that I circled back to 1988 and playing Super Mario Bros 3 for days on end - thanks to my trusty wii I was able to download it and pretend I was in the 4th/5th grade all over again.

Yup, I still know where the secret worlds are.

And thus concludes a another weekend in the CLE.

Happy Tuesday, kids!

Windows schmindos

2011-12-01T06:54:00.001-05:00

It's happening, you guys.

Someone has agreed to fix my poorly installed windows that have been leaking since spring.

No more sitting at my office when it's raining stressing about how I know water is pouring into my kitchen, no more 9x13 pyrex pans sitting on the window sills waiting to catch water, no more cracks.

I'M SO HAPPY.

It took 4 separate contractors to come out and blow me off, but finally, FINALLY I have a start date.

That being said, I probably shouldn't hold my breathe, it's not Friday.... yet.

You all should probably cross your fingers for me that the project moves seamlessly and we can somehow figure out how to get to my second level back windows without having to tear down a fence.

You all should probs cross your toes while you're at it too.

Ah, the miracle of home ownership....

I need a drink.

I'm not made for lawn care

2011-11-29T06:55:00.006-05:00

Growing up my family didn't even own a lawn mower, let alone know how to use one, as we always had landscapers take care of our yard.

My mom would do all flower planting, but lawn cutting, raking, edging, mulching, etc was taken care of by a very talented team of sun kissed men.

That being said when I moved into my house just over a year ago I didn't have much of a knowledge base of what I needed to do to take care of my little city backyard.

Like, I had to cut grass? On my own?

Hiring someone wasn't an option as my backyard is totally enclosed and no one can get to it without going through my house, so I purchased a push lawnmower, a rake, and an edger/trimmer thingy.

I am woman here me roar.

9 times out of 10 I live by the above statement, if a man can do it I can do it - but after a summer of failing miserably at taking care of my lawn and hating every minute of attempting to cut it I'm admitting that lawn care is NOT my thing.

My backyard after not cutting the grass for about six weeks this fall... I told you I didn't like to cut the grass. It's not much, but it's a pain, I promise you.

So after successfully ruining all my grass due to not cutting it for so long my Mom gave me a great idea while we were cleaning up my yard yesterday in preparation for this upcoming winter - STONE PAVERS.

Who needs grass when you can just have nice pretty stone everywhere? Spring project anyone?

That being said I need to not get ahead of myself here, I need to be thankful that I finally did a whole bunch of things yesterday that no one tells you about when you buy a house, aka cleaning garages, cutting down bushes, organizing closets, covering patio furniture, putting shit away, digging up plants, etc.

I'm happy I can call my house officially winterized! Now if only someone would agree to fix my poorly installed windows....

Happy Tuesday, kids!

this is how you do thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-28T06:57:00.003-05:00

Things I did over Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Saw Paul Simon at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron with my Mom, Sissy, Jason, CK, MOB, Muffin and Jesse. Paul and his band were really REALLY good - awesome set list and venue but my only complaint was the crowd was pretty stiff... I just wanted to dance, you guys.

2. Participated in my first ever Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (against my own will) at my old high school Canton Central Catholic. My whole family ran/walked it and literally dragging my mother across the finish line may or may not have been the highlight of my day.

3. Ate my face off at my cousin Cathi and Greg's house on Thanksgiving day. The Medifast police would NOT have been happy with my calorie consumption to say the least.

Jason, sissy, yours truly and CK all dressed up for turkey day!

The adorable nameplates my cousin Jenna handmade, the dining room table, my very full plate and the spread that keeps going.

4. Ate my face off at my cousin Cathi and Greg's house on Black Friday, the Medifast police are still looking for my willpower, but the ATV riding made everything better.

Me all cocky and ready for my ride but then me holding on to CK for dear life...

5. Dinner and movie + movie + movie night equaled catching Ryan Gosling in Drive with CK, sissy, Jason, my Mom and C-Rossi, a dinner at Sylvester's North End Grille in Canton and then a viewing of the Last Waltz AND Home Alone 2 (I was so sleeping by then) in Tia Jo's theater room.

6. Breakfast at John's Bar with my Yiayia, Nouna, Mom, sissy and Jason, a viewing of The Muppets and a little shopping.

Sissy and Jason all ready for the Muppet Show Tonight!

7. Dinner and bubbles with lots of old friends at 91 Wood Fired Oven on Saturday night in North Canton, continued debauchery at Biscuit and Oakes's, The Basement and my Mom's house for my sissy's 10 year high school reunion after party where this was just hanging out in the kitchen.

Jessie, me and Biscuit being photo bombed by Oakes + douche bag Kevin being a douche bag with a skull on his shirt, Keter-O, Oakes, Worm and Glen.

8. Took in a showing of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One with MOB to round out my third movie in three days. Have I mentioned how much I love going to the movies? Because I do.

And I think that's it.... now why do I feel like I'm forgetting something.

Meh, who cares, I have a vacation day on Monday as well so the looooooooooong holiday weekend continues.

Have a good one, kids.