A Wine Wrap-Up

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Charlene Ann

And just like that, Locavore is over. But what a fun evening it was.

 

The food was delicious. The wine was divine. I didn’t cry (too much). I had lovely friends around me. And a fantastic emcee for the evening that provided laughs, educated the audience and may be my new best friend (KIDDING!).

Thank you ladies for joining! Heart! image: WhyCLE

The BFF was charming (as always), making new friends, sharing some funny stories, calling me Charlemagne one too many times and inspiring others along the way.

Mark Zinni is the best. Seriously.

True friendship right here.

Of course, the fight to end MS doesn’t end after an event like this. There’s still money to be raised and more research to do. Every year there are advancements made in the fight against this disease (when The BFF was diagnosed, his only option was to have injections for his medication; today he can take an oral med). Some of the research is being done in Cleveland’s own backyard.

There are plenty of ways to get involved with the MS Society. The MS Walk, Pedal to the Point or volunteering.

Get out and give. Find an organization that you are passionate about.

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Hello Fall

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Charlene Ann

After a lovely Labor Day weekend which included time with The BFF, family and friends, shopping and needed relaxing, I’m totally ready for Fall. Bring on cooler weather, football, tailgates, clam bakes, bonfires and boots.

But before that, in prep for Locavore this Friday, The BFF had an appearance on FOX8 with our emcee, Mark Zinni. With these two, my Sunday morning had to be off to a good start. Including walking into the studio, with a Venti Starbucks, and Mark asking “Oh is that for Adam? He says you are his handler.” Only my best friend.

Also overheard in the studio: “Our guest wants to play with the green screen.”

Which, of course, happened.

Tickets are still available for Locavore – this Friday! And no, my speech isn’t done yet….

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Friday Night Football

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I went to a small private high school in a suburb of Cleveland. Seriously small. As in a graduating class of 65 small. But I loved every minute of it. I loved my class, met The BFF there and had the opportunity to be play on the first girls soccer team for the school.

That said, my favorite time of the school year was without a doubt Fall. Nothing made me happier than Friday night football. Let me rewind. My first two years at my little private high school, we had not such a great football field with no lights. I mean that – none. That meant Saturday afternoon football games. Not nearly as exciting. So once those stadium lights went in after years of capital campaigning for the school for a new field, I was beyond thrilled. Friday night football was what we did. Post-class, there was typically a run to the old Westgate Mall (located directly behind our school), face painting and sign making and heading over to the field to watch our boys in Red and White.

That first game with lights is by far one of my favorite memories. A pig roast started the evening off, I was part of the “elite” choir that was able to sing the National Anthem (to a stadium packed with friends, family and alumni) and we sat on the field after the game to watch fireworks. The perfect start to my senior year, obvi.

I still love our CLE High School Football scene. I always try to go to at least one game at my high school (remember – small which means we all still know each other, which means 75% of us are at least at the Homecoming game). There’s nothing quite like a Friday night under the lights.

(Don’t think I wasn’t going to post this after I saw it. Kudos to FOX8 Cleveland for having one of the best Friday night football shows in town.)

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A Night at Hodge’s Cleveland

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Charlene Ann

What do you do when your week isn’t off to the best start? Well, luckily I already had plans with some lovely ladies at my favorite restaurant Downtown. Jen, Kimberly and I had made plans weeks ago – literally. Between all of our schedules, we had to plan a couple weeks in advance. Nadine was the obvious perfect choice for our 4th person for a girls evening out.

Kelly Ann hates this picture but I don’t care. I love these girls. Jen, Kimberly, KA, me and Nadine.

What do you get when you put four bloggers at a table together? (And Kelly Ann came to join us post-work!) Well, lots of laughter, serious story-telling, advice giving and lots more laughter (oh and a lot of food and wine…). Like I said, the week wasn’t off to the start I wanted but within 15 minutes of sitting outside on the Hodge’s patio with these ladies, my mood was instantly lifted.

Hodge’s is my favorite Cleveland restaurant. The original reason we chose Hodge’s was a. it’s downtown b. it’s Navy Week (which may have caused inappropriate yelling/whistles down Euclid Avenue) and c. The 2 for $40 deal every Tuesday. An app, two entrees and a bottle of wine for $40. It’s an unbelievable deal and you really cannot go wrong with that menu.

Heart you KA!

The balls are our favorite!

We were sold after with those three facts and were happily ready for the evening. But a certain chef surprised us and spoiled us rotten the entire night (Thank you Chris!) Plate after plate (glass of wine after glass of wine), the entire evening was perfect. And seriously that steak and halibut needs to be on the menu ASAP. If you haven’t visited Hodge’s Cleveland yet, get there now. Between the fabulous food, the awesome atmosphere and the exceptional service, you can’t go wrong with this Cleveland restaurant.

Hanger Steak – best in the city!

You should have heard the noises coming from our table after we each took a bite of this.

So this is only about half of the plates….

Thank you to those lovely ladies for a great night and to Chris for a fantastic evening of food, wine and conversation.

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Opinions Needed

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I’m getting anxious peeps. I’ve had my hair essentially the same for about 4 months now. Which totally is a lifetime for me. I rarely keep my hair color the same color this long, let alone a cut.

Here’s what I like: being blonde is who I am. (No, really. I’m naturally blonde.) I like my ability to be able to throw my hair into a messy ponytail or top knot depending on how insane my day is (which happens probably….oh three to four days a week). My hair is back to it’s natural curl, which on the weekends I will often throw in a little product and let it go.

Here’s what I don’t like: it takes me forever to straighten my hair. I do this daily. It’s about a 20 minute process (which thank goodness no on sees me in the morning. Cause a dance party to Call Me Maybe may occur while I’m straightening.) I sometimes miss my shorter hair for that reason alone.

Overall, I get bored easily. And I feel that coming on. I’ve picked a few cuts that I like but can’t decide if I can go there. So I need opinions. Bring ’em on!

This is my most favorite cut ever. And Posh is my icon. So imagine this, without the tattoo (at least for right now….yes, I want another tatt….badly.)

Another fave…

I can’t stand her but I like the bangs…

So, am I going shorter? Darker for the fall? Different color, same length? Someone help!!

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A Day Off

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Charlene Ann

Blog-keeping first: Congrats to Sarah on winning two tickets to Locavore! Please email me your name and the name of the guest you are bringing with you – looking forward to the evening and hope you are too! Tickets are still available so I hope you consider joining us for this awesome event/cause!

What do you do on a day off in The CLE? (Yep – I took a day off and mostly spent it away from work….I had to send a few emails though!)

Well after fighting off a hangover, caused by well vodka, I spent my Friday with one of my favorite girl friends, shopping for a dress for Locavore. And surprisingly, we found one pretty quickly that I fall in love with a little more every time I walk by it. We shopped most of the morning, and spent a lovely early afternoon in Tremont, visiting boutiques and settling in for a fantastic lunch and conversation.

image – CoolCleveland.com

Photo – Tremont Lofts

Friday made me think of how I am to have such fantastic friends. Ever have one of those friends you can talk to for hours and still have more to talk about? Is it not one of the biggest and best blessings you can ask for?

That evening, clefoodgoddess and I visited Hodge’s for dinner prior to heading to the Social Suite for the Indians game. Unfortunately, this year just hasn’t been the same for me in the Social Suite. I was bummed when I walked in and saw that there were Yankees fans (from New York) in the Suite. Here’s why – it’s the Indians Social Suite. For fans who are active on Twitter, Facebook and blogger world. I hope that in the future, more active Tweeps, Facebookers and bloggers have the opportunity to attend the Suite.

But in the grand scheme of things, not much really mattered when I woke to the news this weekend that Cleveland and the world has lost an incredible woman. And the thing is, you may have never heard of her. Want to see a woman of grace and faith? Check this blog out – I’ve never in my life (growing up in a Christian home and school) seen a person more full of faith and more courageous – despite receiving news of a devastating disease. So thank you Kat – you touched my life and hundreds, and possibly even thousands, more than you will ever know.

Note: I was invited by the Cleveland Indians to attend the Social Suite for the game on Friday. Opinions are my own. 

Additional Note: I’m blogging for the MS Society event, Locavore and was invited to give away two tickets to the event. Again, all opinions are mine but I’m a fan of this non-profit in The CLE! 

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Happiness

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Charlene Ann

(A bit of blog-keeping. Don’t forget you have until 11:59 p.m. to enter to win two tickets to Locavore. Enter today and join some wonderful chefs, Clevelanders and The BFF in raising money and awareness for the National MS Society). 

Happiness is this for me:

Taken while sitting in Shoreway traffic one morning (one very rare morning where there was traffic). Looking to my right, this just made me unbelievably happy.

Taken while on the Nautica, cruising along with some co-workers (who have fast become fantastic friends), on a Thursday afternoon at the end of a fabulous summer.

How can you not love this city?

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A Locavore Giveaway!

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Charlene Ann

We’re only a few weeks away from the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s event, Locavore. Wine is ready to be poured, silent auction items are ready, chefs are prepping, The BFF has his speech ready. Then there’s me –  I have no idea what I’m going to say and nothing to wear.

But nonetheless, I’m so excited for this fundraiser. To see my best friend being honored for his positive attitude and being an inspiration to so many people…well it just makes my heart happy!

Beside seeing The BFF, what else can you expect at this event? A night of fine wine, beer, music and dancing. Plus you are able to taste food from this fantastic list of chefs (the list is still growing!)

Tickets are currently on sale with two ticket options available. The $95 level includes bubbles, which I can’t wait for. For $75, you will be able to drink wine, beer and have food from all of these fantastic chefs. Be sure to purchase a ticket soon – not only is it a fun night, it’s also a way to support the mission of the National MS Society. The resources that are available to those with MS, as well as family, friends and caregivers, have helped to assist the thousands of Ohioans who daily live with MS. If you don’t know a lot about MS, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn more and find other ways to get involved and GIVE BACK!

Personally, this kid is my favorite short track speedskater. EVER.

And to thank all of my lovely blog readers for listening/reading my stories about The BFF, and in some cases, crying alongside me, I’m giving away two tickets to this event! Here’s what you need to do to win (be sure to leave separate comments for more opportunities to win):

1. Leave me a comment below letting me know what you look forward to the most when attending a fundraiser in The CLE.

2. Tweet the following: “I want to support the @NMSSOhioBuckeye at Locavore with @cacoughlin and you can too! http://bit.ly/TVVs9S”

You can tweet once per day, just leave a comment letting me know you did so!

3. Follow the National MS Society Ohio Buckeye Chapter on Facebook and be sure to leave a comment letting me know you did.

4. Follow the National MS Society Ohio Buckeye Chapter on Twitter – again leaving me a comment letting me know you did.

You have until Monday evening at 11:59pm to enter so enter now and enter often!

Disclosure: I am participating on the committee for Locavore. I’m also presenting the Individual of Inspiration Award to The BFF. I’ve offered to give away two tickets to the event. As always, opinions are my own but this is a non-profit that means a lot to me! 

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Here We Go Brownies

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Charlene Ann

Here we go!

We are literally weeks away from home opener and as usual, I’m totes excited! I cannot wait for this season and based on what I saw in preseason, I feel like this season really is going to be better.

As usual, I’m starting to prep my wardrobe for the upcoming season. Since I never know what player will stay or go, I’ve decided against purchasing a jersey this season (yes, I own about 5 jerseys that I can’t wear because the player was here for a season or two and then gone). I do have my go-to: Joe Thomas which I’m sure I’ll bust out for a few games.

I love the local t-shirt shops that have unique and fun Browns (and Cleveland) shirts and they are my go-to’s for the season. Plus check out these awesome bracelets my friends are selling (let me know if you are interested in some – only 2 for $4!).

Email me if you’d like a couple for the upcoming season!

C.L.E. Clothing Co. – My Go-To Shirt every season.

Hoodie is a MUST for later season games (C.L.E. Clothing Co.)

Phil Dawson – Our Go-To, Obvi. Fresh Brewed Tees is fab!

Love GV Art!

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Quite the Summer

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Charlene Ann

It’s been quite the summer in The CLE for me. It’s been non-stop, full of laughter, time with my girls and other great friends, visiting all of my Cleveland favorite locations and enjoying one or two…or multiple…glasses of wine, bubbles or vodka.

Let’s just review:

This happened. And we may have been called rambunctious by Chris…ooops…

Spending time with this lovely lady this summer has been a highlight.

Team Blonde dominated but we all won.

Just hanging out with Joe Haden. No Big Deal.

I love the Olympics.

We’re a little bit country.

That said….I cannot wait for Fall. The weather. The Browns. Clam Bakes. Tailgating. Bonfires. Boots. Sweaters.

I die.

What are you looking forward to the most about Fall in The CLE?

 

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