A great day in Dayton means visiting some of the quirky new businesses popping up, leisurely taking in the gorgeous architecture spawned in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and maybe even hopping on some of the best bike trails in the country. Oh, and did we mention eating? Lots of that, too.

8 am: Every weekend in the summer there’s something to see or do in Dayton, with so many festivals popping up every other weekend. We’d start out at RiverScape, a park at the edge of downtown built along the Great Miami River. In 1913 the river spilled over and caused catastrophe, but now the banks of the Miami are a much-loved place for yoga and Zumba, relaxing in the grass and serious running (you know who you are)…read more here.

• MOVED! – We officially moved out of our rental on October 28th
• NEW HOME! – we bought our first home in the OD and we affectionately call it Little Green Lantern (aka LGL, Green Lantern, The Lantern) because it is little, green and looks like a lantern. I’m also a fan of the superhero :)
• CAT! – Hugo our adorable round faced feline family member has been with us for almost a full year. He is our Christmas Cat and we got him on December 23rd which is the date we use as his birthday. They told us he was 3 years old but we suspect a little younger as he can be quite playful and has become very loyal companion. I absolutely love cats and Kyle is also a huge fan (fun fact: his aim chat handle used to KyleKat9 because his name is Kyle, he was 9 years old and he loved cats, awwww). I can’t promise I won’t go overboard with the cat-dates (updates about my cat…get it!?) but I can promise you that Hugo is the most adorable catIN THE UNIVERSE(proof below). He is super loving, follows us all over the house, likes to watch TV and has dog like qualities (will sit for treats, loves pats on the head and comes when called) so dog lovers there is something for to enjoy as well!

• NEW CLUBS! – so some of you may know this already but I’m a fan of clubs. I’m a fan of being in clubs and I’m a fan of making clubs. You could say I’m a bit like this guy

My clubs

Gem City Reruns – is a club dedicated to watching old series reruns for the first time at the same time and chatting about them at our our g+ community (and yes, I’m still trying to make g+ a thing…seriously guys, it’s really cool over there!)

Movies at the Moment (M@M) – is a club dedicated to watching 3 films from 1 director each week and then discussing. This will be club that I co-manage with Kyle. We (mostly me) are even batting around the idea of doing a podcast. This is bit of an intellectual pursuit for us as we will be watching films as art. If you are into that sort of thing feel free to follow at g+ (of course) and our tumblr.

New Myspace – not really a club but sort of because the new myspace is like a music club. I’m not sure how I totally feel about it yet. I’m not super obsessed with music or discography and it definitely seems like it is for serious music fans. It’s definitely a place to discover new music so I’m trying it out. If anyone else is on it leave your username in the comments and connect with me.

• READING! Building Stories
• WATCHING! Battlestar Galatica
• GAMING! The Walking Dead Video game

I’ve got a few more updates but I want to share full posts on each update so I’ll post later about them. What updates do you have?

I haven’t featured a SoOh Sighting in while so I’m happy to start it back up again with one of the most amazing spectacles of Ohio greatness! The video above truly makes me want to start a campaign called “Only in Ohio” in which wonderfully epic (and nerdy) things like this are showcased. O H…

P.S. Yeah, I know that Columbus is not technically considered Southern Ohio but I couldn’t NOT post this, come on!

There is loads to do this weekend in Dayton and here’s what I’m looking forward too:

• First Friday – always fun
• Zoot presents The Hobbit – a theater company that focuses on puppetry and masks doing The Hobbit…yes, please
• Midwest Outdoor Experience – I’m usually indoorsy but I’ll make an exception because it looks awesome
• Balloon Glow at Carillon Park – First of all, it’s FREE. Second of all, it sounds so romantic, I’m all aglow:

At sunset, watch five hot air balloons light up the sky…

I’m sure there is more* and if you know of anything else going on, please share in the comments!

* Dayton Music Fest – My friend invited me to check out Ruckus Roboticus at the Trolley Stop this weekend and I realized it’s apart of Dayton Music Fest. Dayton Music Fest shines a spotlight on Dayton’s indie music scene and there’s a lot of bands playing, so take a look at the schedule and see some shows

P.S. The photo above is of Brim’s amazing penny counter and I helped make it happen. Go check it out for yourself and get your hat on!

@iloveSoOh tweets to:

@5chw4r7z (go to for Cincinnati & blogging & photography)

@omarjpeters (go to for city planning & fun)

#Dayton, you just keeping getting on those lists!
http://t.co/Bqwz4Mzk

@iloveSoOh tweets about events:

@DaytonArt is having their #Oktoberfest this weekend! 
Here's my previous post http://t.co/DabnmwbZ 
This year will also be a blast!

@iloveSoOh tweets questions:

Do you say #couch or #sofa?

questions…

Is there a reason why people don't use 

acrylic paint pens to do their nails? 

Should I find out the hard way...? 
#nailpolish

questions…

@FifthStBrewpub when will the Brewpub 

have its grand opening?

& questions…

I want to watch all of the Treehouse of Horrors
from #TheSimpsons. How can I make that happen? 
#treehouseofhorror

@iloveSoOh tweets constructive criticism:

@Daytonlibrary do librarians do anything 
at the library anymore? Patrons check out books
& pull their reserved books. 
What's going on?

@iloveSoOh tweets about other places:

Some of my favorite things are @casenews, @clemarket, 
@inthecircle and @heinens #incleveland
Went to Hueston Woods State Park and blogged 
about it http://t.co/FlZPX8nV #Ohio #statepark

I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting Jesy and Tracy of Sew Dayton through Activated Spaces Pop-up Shop Project and they are both super talented and creative. Prior to running Sew Dayton, they both had a presence in Dayton through running their own individual shops; JKessel Designs and The Custom Dress Shop. By the time they opened in September, Sew Dayton already felt right at home in the Oregon District. Sew Dayton is a fun and unique shop that is a great addition to the eclectic mix of shops here. I personally look forward to taking one of their sewing classes and I will be visiting them often to check out all the new items they create in the months to come. I was eager to learn more about their work and life here in Southern Ohio and I’m so glad they had the time to share on my blog.

Tell me a little about your shop and what you sell.

Tracy: Fabric, vintage sewing, classes, private lessons and custom sewing work.

Jesy: Sew Dayton is a fun shop full of beautiful vintage and trendy fabrics. We focus on customer service, the shopping experience and getting to know our customers. We provide custom orders, classes, fabrics you can not purchase in Dayton and a spot to come in and get your questions answered.

What is your process when you create items for your shop?

Tracy: I have had so many custom orders I have not made any thing for our shop yet.  When I do I will be making sewn cards, tube scarfs and sample dresses.

Jesy: I always try to come up with unique and fun items. I mostly sell accessories and there are a lot of people out there doing the same thing. I work to make them cute but professional. I worked in corporate for a long time and know how fun it is to have something completely different but with a pop of my own personality, and still have it office acceptable. I love to create custom orders also. Getting to work with someone to help their idea come to light. It always put a smile on my face.

You are apart of the Activated Spaces Pop-up Project. Can you tell me how your experience has been working with them?

Tracy: It is wonderful, everyone is helpful and we are so grateful to have this opportunity.

Jesy: Working with Activated Spaces has been a blessing. With their help and support we have been able to accomplish what most people dream of, opening our own business. Getting answers and suggestions has been easy and fruitful. They really want us to succeed and it’s important to us to show Activated Spaces they made a good choice in selecting us for this program. It’s been an overwhelming experience but in a good way. It’s awesome to know you have someone to lean on when something comes up.

How much of what you sell is influenced by the Southern Ohio area?

Tracy: Just about everything in our shop was customer suggestions.  Fabric you can only get online or out of town, vintage textiles and my custom orders the customer gets to be the designer.

Jesy: It’s about 50% influenced by Southern Ohio and 50% my personality. I love my hometown and try to incorporate the colors and different personalities of our area. We are a unique group of people and we deserve to have stuff that reflects it.

What part of Southern Ohio do you live in and how long have you been here?

Tracy: Kettering and I have been home for 12 years now.

Jesy: I live in Belmont. I have lived in the Dayton area for most of my life, occasionally moving with my family when I was younger, however we always re-rooted ourselves back into Dayton or Kettering. It’s home.

What are your top 3 favorite places to eat in Southern Ohio?

Tracy: This is not fair!  I have so many! Thai9, 5th st Delin and El Meson

Jesy: Siam Pad Thai on Wilmington Pike, their Thai and sushi is amazing! Priced right and the customer service is top notch. I suggest them to everyone.

5th Street Deli – Oh my.. everything on their menu is delicious!!

Christopher’s Restaurant in Kettering, I have been eating there for more years than I would like to admit. The atmosphere, employees and food is what always brings me back for more!

What are your top 3 favorite go to events in Southern Ohio?

Tracy: Riverscape, Dayton Art Institute, Yellow Cab

Jesy: Urban Nights, the energy downtown is nothing like anything else. Everyone comes out to celebrate Dayton. It’s awesome that we have such a supportive community.

SideShow, a great way to see what the local artists are creating or a chance to meet some of the amazing new emerging artists in Dayton.

First Friday, I love First Friday! Unfortunately I probably wont be able to get out and visit the shops like I did before, but getting to know the shop owners and seeing what was new in their store was always my favorite!

What are your top 3 favorite places to shop/thrift in Southern Ohio?

Tracy: American, Valley, Village

Jesy: Definitely number one would be Clash Consignments on Fifth Street! The best clothing, art and vintage items! The prices are amazing and the clothing/goodies are perfect for anyone!

Peace on Fifth, their selection of items from around the world is fantastic! The Chocolate!!! I LOVE the chocolate! and that they are trying to educate everyone of the importance of buying slave free and fair trade. The information that you can get from shop owner, London is invaluable. Her passion shines through every interaction.

PRESS, if you love coffee.. you HAVE to check out PRESS. This is one of my indulgences every week. The coffee is so perfect you will not have to add a single thing to it. Top Notch coffee shop!

Anything else you would like to share about yourself, your shop or Southern Ohio?

Tracy: People get our shops address confused and go to the UDs Brown Street looking for us, we are on a tiny side street in the Oregon District next to The Record Gallery, The color of Energy Art Gallery and Thai 9. Even though our hours are 11 -7 Tuesday-Saturday we are there sewing much more than that and are currently setting up our fall class schedule. I am a third generation seamstress and I worked at a local fabric store for 8 years. I do not know everything although love to learn and look things up.  I mainly sew garment construction as I love a pretty dress. I stitch all size clothing. I can stitch some home decor too. I love that Dayton is making things happen. People are getting out and putting such pride in their communities. We are really proud to be apart of that. Jesy and I love to get out and meet other people. We want our shop to be recognized as being fun and friendly as well as educational.

Jesy: Southern Ohio is filled with amazing artisans, small businesses and talented individuals. I am proud to be a part of this amazing community of Daytonians and creative minds. Southern Ohio I think will be making a statement for other states to follow soon. We really are setting the bar for what community is about.

Many thanks to Jesy and Tracy for talking about their work and lives. They are proof that unique shops can open in downtown Dayton and be successful. Come check them out on Brown St and also visit all the other cool shops in the Oregon District!

I think to some degree our taste in design is influenced by the homes we grew up in as kids. With that in mind, I thought it would be very revealing (and fun) to have my Mom take the quiz. Her style was determined to be french eclectic. French eclectic mixes French country side and Parisian style and feels fairly traditional. I like many of the elements but I find much of it to be too fussy in my place. I like things with cleaner lines than what french eclectic has to offer but I still have a desire to bring some of it into my place to make it feel like the home I once grew up in and love so much. What a dilemma…or is it?

I’m in the market for a new couch so I’ve been searching online quite a bit and I discovered modern tufted furniture! Modern tufted furniture is a perfect mix of old and new for me. It will fit in with rustic interiors, feels french and has clean lines. Check out some of my favorites below:

“Chester Tufted Upholstered Sofa” (in Performance Velvet Lagoon) from West Elm | $1,099

“Rockefeller Sofa” from Jayson Home | $1,516

“Hutton” from Room&Board | $1,199

“André” from Room&Board | $1,799

The Chester in gorgeous teal, I’m mean “Lagoon”, is by far my favorite. It has the perfect balance of traditional and modern. See how the arms almost start to curve into fussy traditional arms but then say “Uh-un, oh no, let’s just keep it simple”. All of them are swoon worthy in my mind but I’m especially drawn to the couches, er I mean sofas. I actually took the sofa vs. couch debate to twitter and there was a three way tie with davenport emerging as an underdog. So what say you, what do you call it; a sofa, a couch or a davenport? Also, what do you think of the tufted furniture?

irst and foremost, there has been a lot of love going on here lately and now Dayton is getting a turn! I had the opportunity to first hear about the Fifth Street Brew Pub, located at 1600 E Fifth St., at Pecha Kucha. A bunch of St. Anne’s Hill neighbors decided to pool their money, buy and renovate a run-down abandoned eyesore on the corner of a Fifth Street in their neighborhood. They initially tried to put it back on the market but after no takers prevailed they looked into creating a co-op brew pub. They had great success early on drumming up interest and in only 10 days they had 250 members signed up. They are now working on making the brew pub a reality.

These community-minded beer lovers want to beautify the neighborhood, provide jobs and create a friendly restaurant and pub for all to enjoy. They are still accepting membership for only $100 and you can learn more at www.FifthStreet.coop (how cute is it that co-op is in their domain name!).  If you know of any other cool projects like this going on elsewhere, please share in the comments. People all over Ohio are pioneering new ways to live local and I’m excited to spread the word about them.

…we are one of only four co-op brewpubs in the country… | Brian Young

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