WSM Love

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Charlene Ann

Blog Note: So sorry for being away for so long. Call it the winter funk or something. But I’m working it out. 

Just a couple of weeks ago when the West Side Market fire happened, I immediately was heartbroken and concerned. One of my favorite parts about going to the Market each week is getting to know some of the vendors. I remember going to WSM with my grandma when I was young and she knew them all by name and they knew her favorite things to purchase. That’s Cleveland for you though. So many of my friends have similar stories, growing up going to the Market and now as adults, going each week.

(image cleveland.about.com)

(image cleveland.about.com)

The building. The vendors. It’s a rich part of the Cleveland community. And you can still give back to help the vendors. Here’s a few ways:

1. Donate a few dollars to the fund that Michael and Lizzie Symon have started for the vendors (see guys – I told you I love that man).

2. Purchase one of these awesome CLE Clothing Co. t-shirt. 100% of proceeds will go to support the vendors and the Market.

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3. Shop at the West Side Market! WSM reopens on the 18th. Shop often and bring cash with you. I’ll be there at the opening on the 18th and back again the following Saturday to start back my weekend tradition.

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Good To Go

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Charlene Ann

I love chefs with a passion. To say that Anna Harouvis has passion is an understatement. Chef Anna has got to be one of the few people I know that deeply care about people, health and cooking. Her unique spin on food is shown at Good to Go Cafe, located in the IMG building downtown. Whether it’s salads, wraps or juices, Anna puts her passion into her food.

Chef Anna Rocks. End of Story.

Chef Anna Rocks. End of Story.

So, when I heard about Chef Anna’s juice cleanse from a number of my friends (including local chefs like Chris Hodgson and Rocco Whalen), I knew I wanted to give this one a spin. I know a lot of friends have had great success with juice cleanse and so I’m signing up and along with Anna, doing a weekend of her juice cleanse. This weekend (starting Saturday), I’ll start my three-day juice cleanse (I wanted to avoid doing it during the work week, in case hanger – hunger and anger – set in). I’m looking forward to trying the cleanse and will report back next week. Based on the reviews I’ve heard so far, I will be energized and feeling great (which, for someone who has thyroid issues, is totally wanted).

Juice, Juice, Juice

Juice, Juice, Juice

Learn more about the juice cleanse here. Not only are you helping to make yourself feel better, you are also supporting a local Cleveland chef.

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Currently Playing

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Charlene Ann

Dance parties still occur in my office on pretty much a daily basis (especially depending on my mood). One of my favorite moments of the past month has been when I was rocking out to some T. Swift at 8:30 a.m. one morning and a VP walked over and had the best, most confused look on his face. He’s since learned that my musical tastes tend to mirror that of a 14-year old girl.

But there’s more than just some Biebs, T. Swift and Carly Rae that’s been played lately. Here’s a few of my most recent favorites:

The Lumineers – Ho Hey
I’ve actually been listening to the entire CD lately, but when this song comes on Sirius in my car, I have a full on sing-along.

Justin Timberlake – Suit & Tie
Yes, it took time for me to start enjoy this song. But I had faith in JT and now I’m a fan of it.

Bruno Mars – Locked out of Heaven
Seriously, cannot get enough of Bruno Mars. Often on repeat and listened to when needing to bust through work.

Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait
I adore Mumford & Sons. That is all.

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors – What Would I Do Without You?
A friend tweeted about this song, I listened and immediately fell in love. I cannot wait for more music from this group.

And just because there’s not a ton of great pop music in here, I need at least one song.

One Direction – Kiss You
Pop perfection. Dance party music.

What are you currently listening to?

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A Girls Day Out

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Charlene Ann

It’s been an interesting week and I was definitely ready for the weekend. Plus I had a great Sunday afternoon planned with some great girls. Tierney, a coworker and friend, and I headed to the Hanna Theater to see Spank! The 50 Shades Parody. We both needed an afternoon of laughs and the Parody didn’t let us down.

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With a couple great drinks (with names like Whips and Creme and The Playroom), we settled in for an afternoon of laughs. Kelly Ann and her guest won my blog giveaway and seemed to enjoy the show just as much as we did. One of our favorite parts? The fact that the actors interacted with a few lucky audience members. Needless to say, we were happy we weren’t in the first few rows.

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If you are looking for an afternoon out with friends, especially with your girlfriends, grab your friends and head to the Hanna. Playhouse Square never disappoints! Thanks again for another great day!

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New Year, New Inspiration

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Charlene Ann

A little blog-keeping – thanks to everyone who entered to win a Girl’s Day Out with Playhouse Square. Congrats to Kelly Ann who won with one of her tweet entries! KA – I’ll be in touch regarding details. 

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I thought that with the New Year life would slow down a little bit but it’s been the exact opposite. While I like a busy schedule, this past month has been a little out of control. Happy Hours with clients and friends, helping a friend out with their business, volunteering and co-chairing the Marketing Committee with BvBCLE, and preparing for the 2013 ADDYs has kept my schedule jam packed.

But last week when I had the chance to see the legendary DVF (creator of the wrap dress which will celebrate 40 years this year) at the Clinic as part of the Cleveland Clinic Ideas for Tomorrow series, I had to take it. My coworkers Erin and Tierney and I rushed out of work to head to the Clinic and secure our seats. Needless to say DVF was amazing. Convinced by the Clinic, she’s designed new client gowns which feature the Clinic logo.

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I think the thing that I appreciated the most about DVF was the fact that she said you really can have it all – and she’s proof.  As we walked away, all three of us were energized and couldn’t stop talking about her. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the event:

“Fear is not an option.”
“You go through ups and downs in your career.”
“Be the woman you want to be.” (DVF’s mission is to empower other woman)
“Great design is all about function – otherwise it’s irrelevant.”
“Aging proves you have had life experiences.”
“The most important relationship you can have is with yourself.”
“The truth is you can have it all. It’s just about juggling.”

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A Girls Day Out with Playhouse Square

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Charlene Ann

Sometimes you just need a day/night out with your girlfriends. Whether it’s a night at a favorite restaurant, a movie night or a night on the town dancing, it’s just needed occasionally.

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And well, Playhouse Square is planning their own girls night out. Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody is playing at Playhouse Square (Hanna Theater) this January (17th-27th).

spotlight_Spank

Spank! is a hilarious, unauthorized musical satire that brings the book (50 Shades of Grey) to life in one laugh-filled, high-energy show. Called the sexiest, funniest and most exciting show of the year, I know I’m excited to see the show. Plus, you can stay after and get a photo with the “devil” himself and meet the rest of the cast.

Not sold yet? Check this out:

Playhouse Square has invited myself, Kimberly, Jen and Amanda to host a girls afternoon out and we want to bring you along! The winner (and a friend) will join us for pre-show cocktails, the show (at 3pm) and, of course, meet the cast after.

So how to enter?
1. Leave a comment telling me what’s is your favorite thing to do/place to go for a girls day/night out.
2. Follow Playhouse Square on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you did so.
3. Like Playhouse Square on Faceboook and leave a comment telling me you did so.
4. Tweet: I want a girls day out with @cacoughlin and @playhousesquare and you can too. http://wp.me/p1o7Bm-sp
Leave a comment telling me you did so. You can tweet once a day for an entry.

The winner will be selected on Tuesday, January 15th at midnight. Enter often and be sure to check out more shows coming to Playhouse Square this year!

Want to increase your chances of winning? Check out Clue into Cleveland and Why CLE!

Disclosure: I was invited to attend SPANK! as part of a Girls Day Out by Playhouse Square. I will receive 2 tickets and a drink ticket but all opinions are my own! 

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Friday Night Football

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Charlene Ann

Okay, not quite. But it’s time to kick-off the 2013 season of BvBCLE. You may remember last year when I participated in the first BvBCLE game. BvB not only helps to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, but it bring together young professionals throughout Northeast Ohio. I made so many great new friends through this event, got to hang out with a coworker that also participated and enjoyed some awesome happy hours with these peeps.

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And we’re ready to get more people involved. Our kick-off party will be held next Friday at Around the Corner and we want to see a lot of people out there! For $20, it’s all you can eat and drink from 8-1opm, get to meet Team Blonde and Team Brunette members, meet the event co-chairs, join a committee and sign up to participate! Sounds like a great time right?

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Come out and join us and make sure to cheer on Team Blonde – we’re ready to win our second game and take on the battle against Alzheimer’s!

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2012: A Look Back

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I loved 2012. Seriously. This year was really really good to me. I started a new job, met some incredible people, made some new friends that I know I’ll have for a lifetime and got to attend some amazing events. Looking back at this year there are so many moments that stick out for me. Here are the highlights though:

January:
ChefandCharlene
Started the new job
Had a blast at The Greenhouse Tavern’s watch party for Iron Chef America

February:
MoandC
Jumped Back at Jump Back Ball for Playhouse Square

March:
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Spent plenty of time with Shaunte (an old friend from HS who I can talk to for hours and hours and hours)
Met lots of bloggers at the ONE Styling event, including Kimberly

April:
RockHallNight
Turned 29
Went to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Attended TEDxCLE

May:

Funday Monday's View
Saw Come Fly Away at Playhouse (which ranks in my top 10 favorite performances I’ve seen there)
Relaxed and took time off of work

June:
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Participated in BvBCLE – where Team Blonde won!
Went to Summer Solstice at the Art Museum again (and can’t believe I almost didn’t go!)

July:

I love the Olympics.

Ran into Joe Haden again at Barley House
Celebrated the Olympics with my usual Olympic Party

August:

One of my favorite summer nights of 2012.

Enjoyed dinners and happy hours out with friends
Got spoiled rotten by my favorite chef in town 

September:

True friendship right here.

Honored The BFF as the Individual of Inspiration for the MS Society
Tailgated with Kimberly – her first time!

October:

Of course we took a pic with Elvis....what?!

Celebrated the West Side Market (Part 1)
Attended more events and fundraisers than I could have imaged
Started a brunch tradition with friends

November:

Jess and I, an interview on TV20 with Leah, the ladies, and Erin and I outside of the office
Really celebrated The West Side Market with the Centennial Celebration
Saw Madonna – Live at the Q
Met Michael Symon multiple times and more or less lost my mind over it

December:
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Enjoyed all that Cleveland has to offer in Winter
Spent time with loved ones
Participated in #26Acts

 

What an awesome year. Just looking back at the posts and the pictures is a reminder of how blessed I am. I have great family members, friends, a job, a roof over my head and my health. What were the highlights of your year?

 

Here’s to 2013!
2013-champagne-1

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Oops…

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Charlene Ann

So it’s sort of been awhile since I’ve posted…you know, holidays and what not. This month has been crazy busy and has included some great nights out with friends including:

A fun filled work party with an after-party at Bar Cento

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A Christmas Celebration with a few favorites, which also included celebrating The BFF’s Birthday

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A tweetup with WEWS at Hodge’s

A random night out which included stops at Burntwood Tavern (the salmon was delicious), Bar Louie, Velvet Tango Room and Market Garden.

This holiday season was filled with many more pictures, nights out, great conversations and friends than I could include in a post. What were some of the highlights of your holiday season?

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#26Acts – I’m In, Are You?

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Charlene Ann

It’s no lie, I’ve been seriously shaken up by Friday’s shooting in Newtown. I’ve watched news coverage, read articles and really can’t turn away from the news and the stories coming out. Whether it’s a teacher who’s saving their students life, or the child that ran down the hall with his friends, right next to the gunman, I just can’t imagine what that town in going through.

When I saw Ann Curry tweet about giving back and participating in 26 random acts of kindness for Newtown, I knew I wanted to participate. Whether it’s buying a strangers cup of coffee, buying lunch for a coworker, leaving gift cards, paying for someone’s gas or sending cards, there are tons of ways to get involved.

If you do good, you’ll feel good. – Ann Curry

Over the next few days, think about those children – what can you do to honor their memory? For me, I want to participate an act of kindness in honor of each of them. What ideas do you have? How can you give back this holiday season?

Follow on Twitter – #26acts, #20acts, #26actsofkindness

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