Our Cleveland Summer (so far) in Photos!

I love summer, despite the rain, we've been having a good time where ever we go. Not going to lie, I wish there were a few more sunny days but thankful that it's not snow!

Summer Cookin' Basil, Corn + Blueberry Pico de Gallo

My favorite summer fruit is blueberries. I love everything about them from the smell to the taste.

It's such a lovely fruit to use in desserts, smoothies and just to eat out of a bowl. Last week, blueberries were on sale so I snatched up several pints to take advantage of the deal.

I washed them right away in a vinegar and water bath, split the batch up - some to eat, some for later, and the rest to freeze. I love to eat frozen blueberries in the summer!

I'm also trying my hand at container gardening this summer. Tomatoes, banana peppers, and a handful of herbs are growing nicely in milk cartons on my front porch. Basil is one of the herbs I have plenty of and happen to really like the taste of it with blueberries. I started searching Yummly and Pinterest for ideas.

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | August 28 - September 1

This is the last official Summer Bucket List post for 2014!

*sniff* *sniff*

I guess the fun had to end sometime.  Now it is back to school and homework.  

At least there will be all of the amazing and fun fall activities!  Woo hoo! Cheers to fall!

So without delay...

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

9 Instagrams That Sum Up Summer in Northeast Ohio

As I fill out the forms to send RD off to preschool while my oldest prepares for the *choke* fourth grade I started to stall look back on this summer.  They will never be able to say that there are no pictures from their childhood.  They may not be printed but there are pictures.

9 Instagrams to Sum Up Our Summer in Northeast Ohio

The first of many gorgeous summer days.

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | August 21 - 27, 2014

I am so excited to share that this weekend, Moosh in Indy and her family will going around Cleveland with my family as part of Positively Cleveland's #ThisisCle campaign!  We will be heading to the eastside, the westside, and or course, downtown Cleveland.  I am so excited to show off our amazing city! 

So without delay...

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Take That Rain! Cedar Point is Cool Family Fun #iheartcp

I am a Cedar Point Blogger and was provided tickets for this sponsored post.  Opinions are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation.

This summer has been crazy! And, every time I plan something to do with the kids that involves a road trip and fun it rained.  

Luckily we got a re-do for Cedar Point and the sky was a brilliant blue and it was cool enough that we were not melting.  In fact, there was a wonderful breeze coming off the lake.  This time of year is usually sweltering but thanks to our cooler weather it makes for the perfect conditions to spend the day at Cedar Point with the kids.  No one complains about the heat, I am not getting sun burned, and if you go during the week - the lines are shorter.

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | August 14 - 20, 2014

I can't believe it has been a whole week since I posted last!  Finishing up an awesome weekend with my in laws, a birthday party, and heading into my soon to be NINE year olds birthday weekend has put my blogging world on hold.  Oh and that whole day job thing.  phew!  

So without delay...! 

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | August 7 - 13, 2014

This is an exciting week for Cleveland!  Gay Games 2014 will be in town and with it AHA! Cleveland - you know the kids and I will be trying to see as much as we can especially at the Festival Village!

If you missed it read my latest post on 6 Things That Won't Happen at a Lake Erie Crushers' Baseball Game - trust me it is a great place for a family night out!

The calendar is a list of fun things we would like to do in Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.  

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

6 Things That Won't Happen at a Lake Erie Crushers' Baseball Game

This is not a sponsored post. Tickets were purchased for both games.

You know how you want to go out with friends but are doubtful of the venue they pick but it doesn't matter because you know a good time would be had regardless simply because of the people going?  Except, the only relative that you trust to stay with the kids (so you can drink responsibility) can't babysit so you have to cancel and you think - maybe it is for the best?

And than, in an unexpected turn of events, the relative who usually watches the kids can babysit and you get to go!  You still question how fun the night will actually be and it turns out to be one of the best nights out you and your significant other has had in ages.  Ages!

Who knew date night would be such a roller coaster?  

Its not just date night but any time we want to go out for some good, wholesome fun we end up spending a small fortune.  Don't get me wrong, its usually money well spent but getting nickled and dimed at every turn tends to make you want to stay home.  

Staying home would just be silly and after joining friends for that Saturday night game we decided to all return with the kids.  My oldest has been to at least one Indian's game every summer for the last five years but this year I was just not seeing how we would go to a game.  Once the kids found out where we were going Saturday night and seeing their disappointment we knew it would be a must.  Once we found out that Monday was a markdown night the plan was set - lawn seats $1, home box tickets $3, and filed box tickets $5!  (psst...  the dates are on my Bucket List calendar)

Of course price is not the only reason to go!  

Six things you won't find at a Lake Erie Crushers baseball game:

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | July 30 - August 5, 2014

Seems like it was only a few months ago I was complaining about the cold in Cleveland and I am at it again!  It only seems to rain when we have plans!  I wrote about what we learned from our very soggy trip to Cedar Point and we are attempting it again this week, on the only day it is suppose to rain!  

Well, that day and it will rain on Saturday when we plan on going to Wildwater Kingdom.  I am starting to wonder if there is a conspiracy!  Just kidding.  Sort of.  

Regardless, there is plenty to do, wet or dry, in the city of Cleveland and the suburbs of Northeast Ohio! Check out my calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do in Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Retail Therapy: Mid-Summer Must Haves

This post contains affiliate links.

I hate that summer is ending.  Hate it!  I am trying to ring every moment out of the dog days and while daydreaming on a dreary day I came up with some new mid-summer must haves:

• Beach sandals
• Sunglasses
• Beach hat
• Sunscreen
• Nail polish

Mid-Summer Must Haves

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | July 17 - 24, 2014

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | July 10 - 16, 2014

Half way through July and I bet you are wondering what we have been doing!

I have been slacking with my calendar b-u-t I have been spending some much needed quality time with family from out of town and of course, staycation last week! Take a look at the fun we had going to the Great Lakes Science Center for LEGO Adventure, seeing Walking with Dinosaurs Live, and soon I will post about our Cedar Point adventure.

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | July 3 - 9, 2014

Happy 4th of July! (a little early)

Nothing like parades, fireworks, picnics, and family to celebrate!  The kids and I do the same thing every year - The Star-Spangled Spectacular on Public Square with the Cleveland Orchestra and Lakewood's parade and fireworks.  The only thing that changes is if we watch them from my sister's house or actually walk to the park.  So, instead of reinventing the wheel I am sharing two of my favorite bloggers and where they recommend going to see fireworks and the like in Northeast Ohio.  If you don't follow them already you should!

Looking for a new place to get great ice cream or want to share your favorite - check out 5 Reasons to Visit Mitchell's Homemade in Northeast Ohio.

Have a Happy 4th!

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Hey Ohio (& beyond)! @CedarPoint #july4thweekend military love + great discounts! #july4th http://t.co/pX134CIx0R pic.twitter.com/ms8oKaQhsI
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) July 3, 2014

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | June 26 - July 2, 2014

Can you believe it is the end of June!

Oh, how this summer is simply flying by!  If you missed it, please take a look at our afternoon at MOCA with Chamberfest and Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream.  MOCA has two new exhibits opening this weekend, Someday is Now: The Art of Corita Kent and Hans Op de Beeck: Staging Silence (2). This Friday sounds like a blast for the whole family - opening night party featuring a family art studio and live music by Replife aka Daniel Gray-Kontar on Toby’s Plaza.

I am sorry I won't be able to attend but I promised the kids we'd see Frozen at Lakewood Park.  Yep, Frozen, in the park, and dozens of kids singing at the top of their lungs.  Can't wait!  If only they allowed adult beverages.

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Northeast Ohio Bucket List | June 19 - 25, 2014

I love summer!  I love the festivals, the parades, and all of the fun activities that involve getting out and enjoying Northeast Ohio!  

This weekend is jammed pack with family friendly, budget conscious, and tons o' fun activities!  Besides the fun, I have a giveaway for tickets to THIS SATURDAY'S Chamberfest 2014 + MOCA: Triple Scoop Family Concert at the Cleveland Museum of Modern Art at 11:00 AM.  Tickets are only $5 but I was given four to give to one lucky winner!  Did I mention Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream is scooping up fun afterward?

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Second Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Art

For Mother's Day this year I got to spend the day with my oldest, basking in art, light, and sunshine.

Check out museums in Northeast Ohio - #AtoZChallenge

6 Recipes for Summer

I have been thinking a lot about summer lately.  Easy dinners, iced tea, and picnics by the beach are pretty much all I can think about especially while slaving over a hot stove.  Alright, maybe I never s-l-a-v-e over a stove but coming up with dinner ideas is hard work.

How people come up with new recipes, daily, is beyond my grasp.

So, with that in mind I thought I would recap some old recipes that would work well for the summer.

Simple Syrup is a summer staple in our house.

I don't like sweet tea but the Husband does and in a fit of not wanting to make two pitchers of ice tea one day several summers ago I remembered that I use to work in restaurants and I now keep this in the fridge all summer long.

Love for Living by Lake Erie #AtoZchallenge

A list of A to Z in Northeast Ohio would be incomplete without some mention of Lake Erie.  It is a large part of what makes Northeast Ohio special to locals.

I know that when planning your dream vacation, the Lake Erie shoreline is not in the top ten (or one hundred places) to visit but having lived my whole life with the eleventh largest lake within walking distance makes me a bit biased and it is one lovely lake.

Beach is not a word that comes to mind when you think of Ohio and no, we do not have white sandy beaches that stretch for miles on end.  We do have beaches - from Catawba Island to Geneva on the Lake plus the dozens of places in between there is plenty of sand and sun in Ohio.  Sometimes it is bright a sunny and other times it just feels good to be outside.

I will be the first to admit that Lake Erie does not necessarily have the best water conditions, especially closer to the the city but there is Ohio Nowcast.  It is a free website that monitors water quality of nine popular beaches and where the Cuyahoga River runs through Brecksville, Ohio.

Kids Kickin' It at the Memphis @Kiddie_Park #atozchallenge

I feel like summer is whispering in our ears, kindling that need to be in the sun - that need to be kicking it at Kiddie Park and having some fun.

The Memphis Kiddie Park was founded in 1952 at a time when kiddie parks were popular.  Now, it is the only one of three that had opened in that time period and one of handful nationwide that is still successful. You can guess that I had gone here as a kid and it has been surreal bringing my children to Kiddie Park.

Post by Memphis Kiddie Park.

We have gone at least once a year over the last four years.  My son, has had an issue with loud noises since he was a toddler so he did not really enjoy the rides until he was about five.  My little girl however has been begging to get on the rollercoaster since could toddle and point.

Baby Girl's first rollercoaster ride - age 2