Grapes and Ale – Count Me In

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Charlene Ann

You know what this title means right? An event that features wine and beer – only two of my favorite things! (Fun fact: for my work bio, I needed to mention what gets me through or makes life easier….don’t think that wine wasn’t listed.)

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Our Lady of the Wayside has a great event planned this summer, at a favorite location – Progressive Field (or as I still call it, “The Jake”). Grapes & Ale is the hottest BBQ of the year, featuring wine and beer tastings, food and great live music! I saw the SkinnyGirl logo on their website and immediately was excited – a SkinnyGirl margarita and I always get along, especially in the summer. I love everything about a summer cookout – the food, the drinks, the conversations.

Established nearly 50 years ago, Our Lady of the Wayside supports children and adults with developmental disabilities through a family of services which include:

  • Supporting 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities
  • Managing nearly 60 homes in 30 communities throughout Cuyahoga and Lorain counties
  • Operating a transportation fleet of 80 vehicles
  • Becoming a major regional employer with 500 staff
  • Pioneering The Pathways Program, an innovative Day Program for adults with developmental disabilities

 

So if you are looking for a kick-off to a fun weekend (that may include Bruno Mars the next day like mine does), purchase your tickets today and follow along with the tweets at #GrapesandAle! You won’t want to miss this fun Friday night at the Jake for Our Lady of the Wayside!

Disclosure: Our Lady of the Wayside invited me to be their guest “tweeter” at this year’s event. In exchange, I received two tickets to attend and tweet away.

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A Perfect CLE Weekend? Yes, Please

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Charlene Ann

It’s been sorta insane at work with some extra hours every few days, but when you have coworkers/friends that make you moscow mules and make you laugh so hard that your stomach aches during a proofreading session, you really can’t complain.

And this weather really could not have been more perfect….in the middle of the work week it meant heading to a Tribe game with friends. Gorgeous weather, a few beers, great company and a Tribe win – this is what summer nights in CLE are made of.

This view doesn't suck.

This view doesn’t suck.

Besties/Roommates

Besties/Roommates

Good times.

Good times.

Thursday, after cocktails and dinner with a former coworker, I happened to catch this awesome Cleveland sunset. I love being just a block away from Lake Erie.

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Saturday night a group of friends and I headed out to the ‘burbs for dinner at Cork and Cleaver. It was all of our first time there and we were not disappointed. We had a great time just on the drive there so we knew dinner would be filled with laughs and good times. I ordered the gnocchi and seriously could not have had a better meal. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the drinks were delicious. Chef Adam spoiled us a little after seeing us struggle with what dessert to get and sent out this lineup:

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Food. Coma.

Sunday’s weather allowed for an epic Sunday Funday which started with Cleveland Flea in Hingetown. Kevin, Erin, Alex and I spent the morning wandering around, visiting a few of our favorite booths and I picked myself up a new CLE necklace which I’m so glad I talked myself into purchasing (let’s be honest though – it wasn’t that hard).

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Next up was a full day of being at Lago. The Lago patio is the perfect place to spend a day with friends, having drinks and just enjoying the weather (even if we all did get a little burned). From Lago we were off to Reddstone for a quick drink, then to Luxe for dinner and finally back to Lago for a glass or two of wine and more time hanging out. I couldn’t have asked for a better Sunday Funday.

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How did you enjoy the Cleveland weather and the long weekend?

Disclaimer: The Indians are a client of the agency I work for, hence those killer seats. I also assist Lago with their social media efforts but of course choose to hang out with those people. 

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The First Week

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Starting a new job can be kind of scary but I’ve got to say, with the support of awesome friends, as well as cool new coworkers, this week flew by and was actually really fun. In between starting a new job, the week was jam packed with plenty of other social activities.

Tuesday (after living through the tornado warnings on Monday night), Kimberly and I headed to catch up over dinner at the new Urban Farmer Cleveland. Located in the brand new Westin, Urban Farmer is a modern steakhouse, with a fabulous interior decor and warm, inviting staff. By the time Kimberly and I were done catching up we were barely able to leave our table. And we texted each other when we both got home with quotes like “I’m in food coma” “No, seriously, I can’t get up”.

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(Also, I see a staycation at the Westin in the near future. Those beds.)

Wednesday was another great Cleveland event – the Silver Spoon Awards. Benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, the Silver Spoon Awards feature all of the best from Cleveland Magazine. I can’t even tell you how many restaurants were represented because it felt like every time we turned a corner, we found another row of tables featuring some of our favorite Cleveland restaurants. The VIP lounge featured Chef Adam Bostwick, from Cork & Cleaver, who was named by Cleveland Magazine Best New Restaurant. Getting to hang out with friends, see my CBS Radio favorites and run into some of my favorite Cleveland chefs? All in all, not a bad way to spend the middle of the week.

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Made another New 102/Tim on the Town Photo Gallery - ha! Image c/o New 102 Cleveland

Made another New 102/Tim on the Town Photo Gallery – ha! Image c/o New 102 Cleveland

And apparently I was more emotional than I thought this week – Grey’s Anatomy had me in a full out sob fest this week. It was the final episode with Cristina Yang…yes I’m emotionally involved in this show (helloooo, I’ve watched all ten seasons so far). I’m convinced Shona Rhimes is one of the best TV drama creator/writer/producers. She totally gets female friendships and I think that’s why I love the Cristina/Meredith relationship – they don’t always get along, but they get each other and they are each other’s person.

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This scene….just stop…the final “Dance it out”…I can’t even. (The song is from season 1…the memories).

Overall, not a bad week! What was the best CLE event you went to this week?

Disclaimer: I was invited by Urban Farmer Cleveland to check out the new restaurant during their friends and family opening. I attended the Silver Spoon Awards with my friend Jen from New 102 – who was the media sponsor for the event. But, as always, all opinions are my own. 

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Now Playing: Some Singer Songwriters

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Charlene Ann

I’ve been feeling singer songwriters lately and cannot get enough of some of these songs:

What are you listening to these days?

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A New Chapter

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Charlene Ann

 

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I saw this quote from The Champagne Diet on Instagram (who doesn’t love that handle, by the way) and thought it was perfect timing. Cause, it’s more or less a new chapter these days for this girl. After a great stint at my current agency, I am heading to a new smaller creative shop in Ohio City. The agency has always been one of my favorites when it comes to creative and new ideas so when the opportunity presented itself to become an Account Director with them, I had to take it.

There’s more that comes with the new chapter like: spending time with quality friends, realizing those that are important and deserve my time/energy, working out with friends, continuing our brunch tradition and staying involved in the CLE. Cause afterall, this is where my heart is.

And before beginning the new work chapter on Monday, Freedom Week 2014 will include lunches with friends, maybe a day Indians game, catching up on my DVR and reading, dinner with one of my best friends, pedis and bubbles with a close friend and a night out with my other best friend. All in all – the perfect few days off.

Because every once and awhile, a gal just needs to reinvent herself.

p.s. huge thanks to my awesome mentor who helped me through the decision making process (I can’t speak highly enough of how Stacey always pushes me and encourages me) and a big thanks to Jessica and Reshae for being supportive, questioning me and encouraging. Lots of love to these ladies!

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Cleveland Dazzles

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Charlene Ann

In true Cleveland fashion, Playhouse Square hosted the event of the year so far. If you are going to have the world’s largest outdoor chandelier, you sorta need to make it a big deal and that they did.

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All week I was pumped for a Friday out with good friends and watching Cleveland make history and light up the city like only Playhouse Square can do. Kevin and I rolled VIP at both the Labatt Royale party and the Cleveland Magazine party celebrating the new addition to the District. Beers, “dazzlers”, double-fisting, dancing to Hot Chelle Rae, making new friends as we awaited for the chandelier to “light it up” all made for a fun-filled night.

Double Fisting and rolling VIP

Double Fisting and rolling VIP

Light It Up!

Light It Up!

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image c/o New 102 Cleveland (Jen & Tim Show)

image c/o New 102 Cleveland (Jen & Tim Show)

Over 20,000 Clevelanders joined in, celebrating the new look to the District. Cleveland is lucky to have Playhouse Square and the new GE Chandelier allows the feeling of the theaters to come outside. Were you there when the lights turned on?

Disclaimer: I was invited to participate in promoting #DazzleCLE and in return received a “Dazzle Swag Bag”. All opinions are my own, as always. 

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A Bike Race for a Cause

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Charlene Ann

As many of you know, I was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago with thyroid cancer. It wasn’t a fun experience but I lucked out with not having to go through chemo or radiation like some friends who have had cancer. I think everyone has a “cancer story” even though we don’t want to.

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This summer, the Cleveland Clinic is hosting the first ever VeloSano bike race – but it’s obviously more than a bike race. It’s a movement to help end cancer. Think about that….a world where you don’t need to worry about a loved one, a friend or a coworker being diagnosed with cancer. Or yourself.

image c/o New 102 Cleveland (www.new102.com)

image c/o New 102 Cleveland (www.new102.com)

While I won’t be participating in VeloSano this year, my friend Tim Richards from New 102 Cleveland will be (they seriously cover Cleveland like no other station). Tim is going to be blogging about his experience training for the 48 mile race and sharing about why he is riding. I know I’ll be donating….will you consider donating? Every dollar raised stays in this community, providing needed research at the Cleveland Clinic.

Who would you ride for?

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Now Playing: Phantogram

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Congrats to the winner of the Dazzle the District Giveaway! Please email me with your address to claim your swag bag. And don’t forget – the lighting of the GE Chandelier is only a couple days away!
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I love my friends Kevin and Erin and the fact that they are the perfect people to request new music from. Thanks for getting me hooked on this one:

 

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Mimosas and Musicals

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Charlene Ann

This weekend was what I wish every weekend was like. Spent with great girl friends, relaxing, bubbles, deep conversations about change and new chapters and of course, lots of laughs.

Friday evening, post-shopping, I spent the night relaxing and cleaning my house after a pretty emotionally draining week (more coming on this in the near future). After wine and watching Grey’s Anatomy and sobbing through the episode, I was especially ready for hanging out with some of my favorite ladies this weekend.

To start Saturday off, I hosted a Stella & Dot party with the lovely Jenna. A mimosa and yogurt bar was the perfect combo for all of the ladies while looking at the lovely necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Oh, and did you know Stella & Dot sells bags now? They are pretty much adorable and all of us loved them. This was the perfect opportunity to get together some of my friends to just catch up and relax.

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Post a quick nap on Saturday afternoon, Jessica and I had a great girls night out planned – Green Day’s American Idiot was in town at Playhouse Square! I’ve been excited about this since it was announced last year. Little known fact about me, in addition to my pop music, I am in love with Green Day (like since the Dookie days). I had a crush on Billie Joe for the longest time and when I saw them perform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions a couple of years ago, I fell more in love. I’d love to go to one of their concerts.

Love this girl!

Love this girl!


(this stage…)

I could see where Green Day’s American Idiot may not be for everyone but personally, I loved it. It could also be because I feel like the American Idiot album is one that really defines a generation. I’ve listened to Green Day’s album a million times probably and never realized that it really and truly does tell a story. The cast was absolutely unbelievable and I swear the one cast member looked just like Tre Cool. The cast members voices really told the story of their characters as they effortlessly weaved in and out of Green Day songs. And the live band on stage. Just jaw dropping. Both Jessica and I walked out in awe of the show and the cast. I would love to see the show again because I’m sure I missed something during the show.

Sunday was the usual Funday with brunch with friends at Latitude 41N. Delicious. I love Sunday mimosas. Okay, who are we kidding, I love mimosas all the time.
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What great Cleveland event or location did you take in this weekend?

p.s. don’t forget, this Friday is Dazzle the District and I have a giveaway happening!

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Time to Dazzle

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Charlene Ann

If you follow my Twitter feed, you know how excited I am for the upcoming Dazzle the District event at Playhouse Square. If you’ve been downtown at all over the last few months, you’ve been watching Playhouse Square transform with new signs, lights and very soon a chandelier. That’s right, I said chandelier. What? Your city doesn’t have a 20 foot tall chandelier in the middle of an intersection?

Last weekend, I took advantage of the sun to check out all that’s been going on in the Playhouse Square District and let me tell you, it’s going to be amazing when it’s all complete next week.

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The GE Chandelier will Dazzle the District on May 2nd in a free event for the community. That’s right, free. Local restaurants and bars will have food and drinks for a “Taste of Playhouse Square”, there will be music by Hot Chelle Rae starting at 8:30 on the University Hospitals Main Stage, along with the chance to mingle, dance and laugh with all of your friends. And of course, the main event will be the lighting of the GE Chandelier at 9pm. You won’t want to miss it when the District beings to sparkle!

Going to the event? Make sure to tweet using hashtags: #DazzleCLE and #ThisisCLE.

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Now that you are excited, (you are, right?!) who wants to win some Dazzle swag from Playhouse Square? It’s simple and you have plenty of ways to win:

1. Tweet: “I want to #DazzleCLE with @playhousesquare and @cacoughlin on May 2nd! ” and leave a comment letting me know you did.
2. Follow @PlayhouseSquare (again leaving me a comment that you did).
3. Tell me what your favorite Playhouse Square memory is.

A winner will be randomly selected on April 29th at midnight.

Get ready to sparkle CLE!

Disclaimer: Playhouse Square invited me to share information about Dazzle the District as well as host a giveaway. In return, I, too, will receive some Dazzle Swag. All opinions are my own.

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