iNeed a Playdate: favorites iNeed a Playdate a Blog for Northeast Ohio Moms
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts

3.06.2014

3 Days of Doodles



I love to doodle.


I even like to color.

It may be the only way I was able to stay awake in school and now in meetings.

There was a study w-a-y back in 2009 that said that, "subjects given a doodling task while listening to a dull phone message had a 29 percent improved recall compared to their non-doodling counterparts." (source)

I don't need an excuse for doodling.

I even used a doodle in a post not that long ago.

I feel like I have discovered a whole world of other doodlers this week and it has inspired me to doodle more.

I was writing in my planner one thing I was thankful for a day; without success.

I am not saying I will doodle all that more often but maybe the days that words escape me I will doodle it instead.



Do you doodle? 


The Prompts: 4.) I love this idea of an art journal, try it (or have your child try it) and share your creation!

3.05.2014

Northeast Ohio Bucket List for March 7 - 17, 2014

All events are added at my own discretion. I received complimentary tickets to the  Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo and the kids and I will be attending Disney Live!, Piston Power Show and I-X Center Amusement Park as their guests. 
Opinions are my own. If you would like to be added to this list or to become a sponsor feel free to contact me.

Seems like Cleveland is finally waking up from the deep freeze!  I keep saying this but I keep hoping that it will just stop snowing!  I promise to spend nearly every weekend at the beach or pool in the hopes of warming up after this winter.

Our calendar is at the end with all of what we would like to do in March if we had unlimited time and money.  Some are free most not but be sure to call all events prior to attending - I won't be held accountable for changes because I am at their mercy as much as you.

If you like this post, please share and if you go to any I'd love to hear about it either here, on Facebook, twitter or g+.  Don't forget to check out the giveaways at the end!

Northeast Ohio Highlights for March 7 - 17, 2014 from our Bucket List: 




3.04.2014

I Have a Voice for Blogging

Source  /  By Alejandro Escamilla

"You have a face for radio."


I think about that sometimes when I am blogging.

I write to be creative and because I was not as good as I needed to be at drawing and photography.  Goodness knows I can't sing to save my life

I tried.

My talent was in commercial art but before Photoshop.  I am positive if Photoshop was a class when I was in high-school, I would have gone down a whole other career path.

I was told that I write like I speak.  I disagree but only by a little.  I am nicer when I write than in person.  I think my voice as a writer is thoughtful but I do tend to rush a bit.  In real life I tend to say the wrong things but with the right intention.  I guess I do write like I speak.

2.28.2014

Northeast Ohio Bucket List for March 1 - 8, 2014

All events are added at my own discretion. I received complimentary tickets to the  Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo and the kids and I will be attending Disney Live! as their guests. Opinions are my own. If you would like to be added to this list or to become a sponsor feel free to contact me.

March is looking good folks!  I decided to break up my monthly post into a weekly post since there is so much going on.  Plus, I may have gotten a late start...

There is a whole lot on the calendar at the end but here are the top items on our bucket list.  Mind you, everything on our list is what we want to do and not what we will do but we do try.  Be sure to call all events prior to attending - I won't be held accountable for changes because I am at their mercy as much as you.

If you like this post, please share and if you go to any I'd love to hear about it either here, on Facebook, twitter or g+.  Don't forget to check out the giveaways at the end!

Northeast Ohio Bucket List for March 1 - 8, 2014




2.27.2014

Learning to Grieve, again.


When I look back at the last few weeks I am in awe of how much has changed. It seems like it was just yesterday I said, “See you on Sunday, Mom,” and today there are no more Sundays with her. No more moments, no more arguments, no more quite talks about nothing special and no more time. I’ve learned to miss her.

I have learned that losing a parent does not prepare you for losing another and no matter how many times I thought that it would be the end, I was not prepared for it to actually happen. I never thought it would.  I am learning to grieve, again.

I have learned that the days after someone’s death is not when the mourning happens. The days leading up to the wake and the funeral are full of planning, lists and comforting others. You find yourself sharing details that you may not want to share just so they are not trapped inside your own mind to fester. You find yourself sharing parts of you that you don’t normally share in the hopes that you don’t come off to mechanical and cold. You find yourself going through the motions but not really feeling anything.

2.21.2014

Hey Northeast Ohio! What are Your Plans this Weekend?

There is so much going on in Northeast Ohio this weekend! 

A tweet was just not enough space some of the great things that are going on this weekend.  Still not to late to get tickets or drop by!  (call first, like life there are no guarantees)

2.19.2014

Wordless Wednesday: Fun at the Great Lakes Science Center




PST...Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock Hall is FREE to everyone this Saturday, thanks to The Cleveland Foundation! Plan your visit here: http://bit.ly/1f9DONJ

2.03.2014

5 Facts About @MonstersHockey That Will Impress Your Mom #sponsored

5 Facts About @MonstersHockey That Will Impress Your Mom #sponsored
The family attended a Monsters game as their guests to facilitate this post. I have not been paid for my opinions.

This past Saturday the family and I (plus other area bloggers) were invited to attend a Monsters Hockey game as their guests.


The kids have never been to a game and I have not been for y-e-a-r-s so I was not sure what to expect.  I was secretly hoping that one of the kids would be so inspired that they would beg me for skates. They did not but what I found was a fantastic and affordable night out that the whole family can enjoy.

On our way to meeting our hosts the kids got their hair spray painted and there were make your own sign booths as well as opportunities to hit hockey pucks. We also came across booths for their charity works and fundraising campaigns. There was a lot to see even before we made it to our seats.

I would also like to add that everyone that we encountered was absolutely wonderful from the ticket takers to the security guards to the people showing us around.

When we first arrived we started to use the bridge from the parking garage to the arena but we were meeting my brother and it just looked easier to walk around to the main, Time Warner, entrance.  As it turns out it was way less crowded and so easy to get in with the FlashSeat tickets but when we were leaving, I started to go over the wrong bridge and would you believe a security guard remembered us and pointed us to the right bridge to get to our car!  I was so impressed.  And, let's face it, thankful that I was not dragging three kids all the way round the stadium.

I dare say, even my mom would be impressed with what a great experience we had at the game and it is because of that I present:

5 Facts About @MonstersHockey That Will Impress Your Mom #sponsored

1. Monsters Family Value Pack

2.02.2014

On the Line: Weekly Favorites Issue 4


Favorites from the Blog World


All About Those Cute Conversation Hearts
A brief history plus some cute crafts

Valentine’s Day Breakfast Mini Pizzas
Look how good these are!



Marriage, Divorce and 'Parenthood:' Come ON, Joel and Julia
I have never seen this show but her version is hysterical.

My Eyes! My Eyes!
The reason I will never have LASIK.

1.28.2014

I Love February in Northeast Ohio! #HappyinCle Events


All events are added at my own discretion but Western Reserve Historical Society has given me a family membership to facilitate reviews. I received complimentary tickets to the Great Big Home and Garden Show and the kids and I will be attending the Monster's game as their guests as well as Monster Jam. Opinions are my own. If you would like to be added to this list or to become a sponsor feel free to contact me.


I am so looking forward to the end of the cold spell, winter to give way to spring, and the smell of fresh cut grass. Until that day arrives I can at least try to find something fun and affordable to do with the kids - inside!

I for one am looking forward to the Great Big Home and Garden Show, without the kids and the kids are looking forward to the Monster's hockey game this Saturday.  We can plan the rest of the month as we go but be sure we will be out and about and maybe back at the Western Reserve Historical Museum.

Below is a list of events the kids and I would like to attend this month and our top picks.  Some are free, most are not, but all are guaranteed** to make you happy (and for some warm) in Cleveland!

** nothing is guaranteed in this post - call before going.

February's Top Picks

1.24.2014

Hosting a Chili Cook-Off in 5 Easy Steps with Printables

Hosting a Chili Cook Off in 5 Easy Steps with printables
This post contains affiliate links

For the last six years, I have helped organize a chili cook-off in my office.  It is always around Valentine's Day and the proceeds go to charity. 

Hosting a Chili Cook Off in 5 Easy Steps with printables

This is my pet project every year.  The first year that I suggested it we had no idea if it would work but eight people brought in chili and it has grown every year.

Check out new chili cook-off printables - invite, scorecard, award, and crockpot tags!

This event goes so smoothly every year that I wanted to share it - in five easy steps!  I even have some handy printables for you to use or use as inspiration.

1.23.2014

Say What! 8 Things I've Said to My Kids This Week (that I betcha you didn't say to yours)


8 Things I've Said to My Kids This Week (that I betcha you didn't say to yours)


1.  You can poop in a pull up or on the potty but p-l-e-a-s-e just poop.


2.  Yes, you can have ice cream for breakfast (but only because you can see the laxative in the cereal bowl and we are out of yogurt)


3.  I’m sorry the evil witch turned you into a girl, but I like you as my girl.


4.  If Jesus hung on the cross for three hours you can spend an hour at mass. Besides, we are late that is even less time we will be there.


5.  I’d prefer you don’t call anyone dumb-ass but if you must, you can only say it at home.


6.  No, that is not inappropriate that is Cupid and Bacchus. You can tell by the grapes...


7.  I’m sorry but you won’t be allowed to marry your brother and I’m married to your dad.


8.  No, I don’t remember what I said while I was sleeping.


What have you said to your kids this week?



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1.19.2014

On the Line: Weekly Favorites Issue 3


Top 5 Favorite Blog Posts from Favorite Bloggers


Drunk. Southern Tale of Loss, I Mean Lost
Under age drinking in the land Faulkner (and a lesson on trusting Steve).

Dude Mom Life. Things Moms of Boys Say: Bathroom Edition.
I think the title says it all but to be certain you understand there is a lot of references to pee.

Delicious Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Cheese and potatoes!  Yum!

Edible Eggless Cookie Dough
I think it is all in the title and the pictures are mouth watering.

{52 Weeks of Money Saving Tips} Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
I have said for a few years that I would do this but keep putting it off... 

Top 5 Favorite Pins













And, in cased you missed these this week....


27. I Won’t Cover (or pull) My Grey Hairs.
I don't have many but they are mine.

You Won't See This Guilty Pleasures List on Buzzfeed
Four of my favorite places in Cleveland plus one that is not.




A fun and educational afternoon.


Spending an Afternoon with the Kids at the Western Historical Society


There is something about spending a Saturday afternoon exploring a museum, especially with kids who are experiencing things for the first time. Thanks to the Western Reserve Historical Society for providing us a family membership to facilitate this post we spent an amazing afternoon learning about history of cars, fashion and our fair city of Cleveland, Ohio.


We started our journey through the museum in the Setting the World in Motion exhibit.  I loved seeing the old planes and cars and was fascinated my the history of the air races but just off this exhibit is where the Euclid Beach Carousal project is being housed.


The grand Carousel operated at Euclid Beach Park from 1910 until closing day, September 28, 1969 - well before I was even a glimmer in my parents eyes.  I have heard stories from both of my parents about how glorious Euclid Beach was in its hay day but now Cleveland’s Euclid Beach Park Carousel Society plans to rebuild the mechanism and return it to operation in a new enclosure at the Western Reserve Historical Society History Center.  There is no set final date other than 2014 but it will be an amazing thing to ride when it is open.


From the carousal we ventured to the lower level at into REVolution: The Automobile in America. Over 50 different cars tell the history of automobiles in America from 1890 to the 21th century.  It is fascinating to see how cars evolved.


As we wander we found several car design students sketching and drawing the cars on display.  The kids were in aware of their ability as was I.

The plan was to end our trip in the Kidzibits Family Education Space but the girls and I took some time to look at the Dior and More - For the Love of Fashion while my son was held captive by the trains.  The trains are really amazing.  It is not a huge display, but the details are wonderful.


The kids spent the remainder of our time there in the education space playing with the blocks, the "paper dolls," exploring the way people use to live and how we live now.



There was more hands on learning in this area than I expected it to be.  The pictures on their website does not do it justice but neither do I mine, I was to busy playing to take pictures.


Western Reserve Historical Society is open Tuesday - Sunday but will be open on Martin Luther King Day and free for all.  
  

1.15.2014

You Won't See This Guilty Pleasures List on Buzzfeed



Guilty pleasure.  


I can think of many things I am guilty of, in fact writing this and neglecting my family would be one but I am not sure I would call it a guilty pleasure.  So, I did what everyone in this age does and googled the definition:


Then there is Urban Dictionary's definition:


I am not sure which of the two is better.  One seems innocent and the other seems down right dirty.  For the sake of this post I will keep my guilty pleasures on the PG side.

My Top 5 Guilty Pleasures



1.  People watching at the Market.  

Most days, when I am shopping at our Market, I am actively avoiding the tourist.  And, by tourist I mean those who don't come very often and have to look at absolutely. everything.  Drives me nuts.

But then there are the days that I take the kids up to the balcony, sit back and just watch.  It is relatively quiet when you are above all of the chaos and it reminds me to be still.



2. Grandma Freda’s Cupcakes.

Actually now, they are called Grandma Campbell’s Cupcakes but when they first opened their stand at the West Side Market (same as above) the husband and I have been making ourselves fat on them.  My favorite is the chai but they only make that one seasonally.  This past year they opened a shop in our city that has not just their cupcakes but also all of the other sweets they sell.  It is very dangerous to have it so close to us.


red wine soaked strawberries + raspberry powder + dark chocolate, wine, and my favorite paperback 

3. Wine, chocolate and a good book - alone.

With a schedule like ours, I don't get to be alone often but when I do and I want to splurge I head to Lilly's in Tremont.




4. A great pedicure.

I happened upon Addictions because of a Groupon and it is by far one of the best places I've gone for a pedicure and especially my hair.  I love them.  If you want to check it out - email me!  I have a referral card with a great discount I will happily give you.



5. Doctor Who.

What can I say, I am a fan.  My son and I sat breathlessly to see who the next Doctor would be and we were glued to the boob tube for the 50th special and the Christmas special, too.  We are fans and I love that I can share it with my kid.

What are your guilty pleasures? 


1.12.2014

On the Line: Weekly Favorites Issue 2


Top 5 Favorite Blog Posts from Favorite Bloggers

2014 Foodie Resolutions

If I made resolutions this would be what I would make.

Captain and Coke Float

Sheer genius and I am embarrassed I never thought of it!

15 Things You Should Give Up to be a Happy Parent

Being it is a new year and all it is always good to remind ourselves of the simple things.

How To Make Ice Cubes – An Old Family Recipe

I love this post and I refer to it every so often in the hopes that I will be inspired.  My favorite line is  - "you will remind yourself that wine really is essential to all good family recipes."

Writer’s Workshop: 6 Things We Forgot How To Do

Other then bathing - I agree with all of this list of the things we don't do.  Explaining how to dial a rotary phone was one of my highlights from last year.

Top 5 Favorite Pins












And, in cased you missed these this week....


1.07.2014

Dinner in 5 Ingredients - Crockpot Pork Stir-fry Recipe



Holy crap!  It is crazy cold in OHIO!  Yes, I know - winter and all! but... holy cow!  I am spoiled.  Where I live this is not typical of winter.  Something about where my city sits on the lake that allows for the worse of winter weather to go over, yada yada yada.  Not this year!

Ah well, its not like I will be moving so here is another crockpot recipe I worked out over my holiday - Crockpot Stir-fry!

Seems sacrilegious to make stir-fry in a crockpot but, it is fantastic!  And only five ingredients!  I used a pork tenderloin in mine but chicken would be just as good.

Crockpot Pork Stir-fry

1.01.2014

Love to Hate My Crockpot: Creamy Southwest Chicken Recipe


If there is one kitchen appliance I truly have a love/hate relationship with would be the crockpot. 


I like the idea of a crock pot – slow cooking, dinner ready when you get home and all that except, I am gone ten hours a day and every recipe only needs between six and eight hours.  This means I either burn whatever it is I am making or it is so moist that it falls apart and not in a good way.

When I do crockpot cooking is when I want to make two (or more) meals at once. For instance, making beef stew is a two day deal for me. I start it in the morning and let it simmer for a good day and a half. The result is a tender, full flavored, hearty beef stew but that also means I still need to make something for dinner that night.

That is when I love my crockpot - making a no fuss dinner for tonight while making dinner for the rest of the week.


When I feel productive, I will start after breakfast on Sunday to make a few meals to have ready to eat during the week.  While the meat is browning, the veggies are roasting or whatever else I'm making is getting started, I add my ingredients to the crockpot for dinner. By the time dinner for the week is simmering, what's in the crockpot is well on its way to being dinner for tonight. 

While searching for inspiration for dinner I found it from my friend Amie at My Retro Kitchen and her recipe for Creamy Salsa Chicken in the Slow Cooker.



Chicken, salsa, corn, black beans and cream cheese - what’s not to love! Mine is pretty much the same as her recipe but I used a southwest seasoning (hence the name) to season the chicken and added a can of Ro-Tel (tomatoes and peppers) to the pot.  I also served it over cilantro and lime rice.

Creamy Southwest Chicken 

  • Chicken breasts
  • Southwest seasoning
  • Ro-tel
  • Salsa
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Cream cheese
Everything but the cream cheese goes in the crockpot for a few hours. When the chicken is done add the brick of cream cheese and turn the crockpot to warm until it is melted.  For exact measurements check out Amie's recipe here.

Cilantro & Lime Rice

  • 2 cups rice (white or brown)
  • sea salt (to your liking)
  • 2 cups fresh cilantro
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice
  1. Make rice as directed. 
  2. Combine cilantro, lime juice and sea salt in a bowl (this also can be blended in a blender with a few tablespoons of olive oil for a creamier texture) and stir into the cooked rice. Fluff with a fork when ready to serve.  

Thanks, Amie! Not only did you help get me out of a cooking rut but your pictures are fantastic! Just promise not to tell the husband, he thinks I am a culinary genius now. shhh….

How do you use your crockpot?

12.29.2013

GLOW at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens


We were provided complimentary admission to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. 

One of our new holiday traditions is GLOW at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and it is in its last week.


Last year, the kids and I got a sneak peek as well as as an opportunity to judge the gingerbread house competition. This year we waited till after Christmas to go and it was incredible!

Amazing gingerbread house displays and Christmas trees from local garden clubs, the kids and I did not miss out on the fun but instead it felt like we extended the Christmas cheer.

GLOW is only open until January 5, 2014 (closed Monday and New Year's Day) and you don't want to miss out on this wonderful winter exhibit.







Street Pianos

I adore these little guys in the spiny desert of Madagascar.  


12.27.2013

Winter Winds Blow Fun into Northeast Ohio this January! #HappyinCLE



Brrr!  January is cold in Northeast Ohio but there is plenty of indoor (and outdoor) fun for the family.  Some are free, most are not but all are guaranteed** to make you happy in Cleveland!

** nothing is guaranteed in this post - call before going.


Top Pick's for January 2014


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