A Blog Swap

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Charlene Ann

As a part of today’s Ohio Blogging Association‘s All State Blog Swap, I’m happy to introduce you to Renee from The Brewer’s Daughter. On this day, bloggers from around the great state of Ohio are guest posting on one another blogs as a way to help to get one another in our blogging community. For a full listing of blog swap participants, please visit Poise in Parma today. Now onto Renee.

The summer solstice is June 21st, but it’s coming up on Memorial Day, and temperatures on the North Coast have already climbed into the 80s–our unofficial start to summer! This means it’s patio season in Cleveland–my favorite time of the year. Tired of being locked indoors by cold and rain–though not a particularly snowy winter– folks in Northeast Ohio are literally coming out of the woodwork to enjoy the many patios at restaurants and bars across the region. It seems nearly every venue’s got one.

Personally, I love the outdoor settings in my hometown of Chagrin Falls: longtime favorite Gamekeeper’s Tavern; the newer Burntwood Tavern; standby Rick’s Cafe has made room for outdoor dining; and even the local Eagles Club has gotten in on the patio act.

In Cleveland, the Market Garden Brewery has a beautiful beer garden; on East 4th Street the Greenhouse Tavern has a great rooftop patio–and everyone else there has tables out on the brick walk for watching the world go by. Meanwhile, Shaker Square and University Circle are home to some great outdoor drinking and dining–as are Little Italy’s sidewalk cafes. The Winking Lizard’s newest Independence restaurant has a fabulous patio with views of the CLE. The Gordon Square district has some great patio spots like Luxe and XYZ Tavern, and then there’s Ohio City’s Momocho… and Tremont’s Southside–just a couple of my faves.

And let’s not forget our many coastal outdoor hotspots such as Pickle Bill’s and all the restaurants on the Lake Erie Islands!  Whew! There are so many great patios across the 216 and beyond–which one is your favorite?

Cheers!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

I Love Comic Sans

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Charlene Ann

When Dan Gilbert wrote that letter a couple years ago about that one guy leaving the city and the Cavs, I immediately fell in love. His passion and dedication to this city is infectious. He really and truly loves this city and wants to see it succeed.

Enter the Horseshoe Cleveland Casino. What an investment. And what a testament to Dan’s dedication to the city.

News Net 5

As his son, Nick Gilbert would say, “What’s Not to Like?”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

You Do What?

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Charlene Ann

A lot of my friends and family have no idea what I do throughout my work day. Yes, they see commercials or print ads for my clients and know that I had a part in making those things happen, but day to day – many of them don’t know. Except that I’m in a lot of meetings, attached to my iPhone in case a client calls/emails and work late nights, early mornings and weekends.

Yes, there’s Mad Men. But advertising/PR life today is a little different today. (For one, I am never that dressed up for work.) And the show The Pitch actually does a not bad job of portraying it. There have a been a few episodes so far. I had issues with the first few only showing the creative teams brainstorming and no account team members helping with strategy and direction but the last episode highlighted that more people are involved than an art director and copywriter. There are those of us that have the day-to-day contact with the client. That have to help sell in the idea. Listen to what the client wants (and is willing to pay for) and make sure we are delivering. Not to mention, we also have to do billing once a month. :-/

Yes, it’s long nights. Yes, sometimes there are disagreements. Yes, sometimes you have writer’s block and can’t put your finger on what the strategy needs to be. But then you get it. And there’s laughter. And insight. And more than anything – and the thing I adore about my job – teamwork.

Over the last couple of week’s my team has gone through this. More than once, we’ve said (or tweeted) that we should be on the show The Pitch. The best part though – at the end of the day (or weeks), I’m insanely proud of the work we do, and the people I get to not only call coworkers, but also friends.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Longer Days, Please

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Charlene Ann

The days the last week or so have not been long enough. I’ve been working nonstop with my team to prepare for a meeting and I’m super proud of the work we’ve been putting together.

But in the middle of all this work, there has been some fun had. Including a wonderful happy hour with these two lovely coworkers and friends:

Kelly, Caroline and I…and wine

Yes, too much wine was had but the conversation was fantastic, the laughs were great and the hangover for all three of us was a little rough (let’s just say the work Cinco de Mayo party was too much for me and I went home at like 6pm…on a Friday).

In the midst of working the weekend, I had one very important date on my calendar.

Over the last couple of week’s my friend Josh has been sending me some sneaky Facebook messages. Asking about where to eat and stay in The CLE. Little did my friend (Josh’s wife) Amanda know, Josh was preparing quite the first anniversary celebration for her in Cleveland. Of course, Amanda tweeted me on Saturday asking what my weekend plans were. She didn’t know she already had plans to see me on Sunday. Surprise! Amanda is one of my favorite people from college and I wish we lived closer together cause we just get one another. We had a fantastic brunch at Hodge’s Cleveland (don’t act surprised that I was back there). Amanda even went so far as to say it was one of the best brunches she’s had since NYC.

Let’s not wait so long to see each other again, k?

I adore this girl.

And now kids, I’m off to break in my heels for tomorrow’s presentation (yes, I bought a new outfit – don’t judge) and practice. Enjoy this lovely weather in Cleveland get ready for the Casino opening!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Call Me

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Charlene Ann

About two weeks ago, I heard this song on the radio and immediately loved it.

And now I can’t stop listening to it. I’ve made my whole account team listen to it (multiple times) and had a serious dance party to it while driving down 77 South to Akron on Saturday.

Take a listen and tell me you don’t love it.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A BvBCLE Update

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Charlene Ann

Yes, I’m a little sore. But I’m having the time of my life practicing for the upcoming Blondes vs. Brunettes football game. This Sunday our team got together some some laughs and to learn a few plays along the way.

And guess what – we’re looking pretty damn good. I hope those Brunettes were taking notes while they were waiting for their practice.

Here’s a little bit more information about Alzheimer’s Disease – the disease we’re raising funds for:

Also – for all my graphic design friends – interested in designing our jerseys for the game this year? Check out the rules here and get involved!

Disclosure: I’m participating in BvBCLE as a member of the Blondes Team as well as an official blogger. All opinions are my own. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Prayers for a Clevelander

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Charlene Ann

If you live in Cleveland, you probably know Stefani Schaefer as the fun-loving, sweet and down-to-earth morning anchor on FOX8 News. I feel very fortunate to know Stefani (as well as many others at FOX8 News) (p.s. she’s as gorgeous and nice in person as she is on TV).

Stefani Schaefer

Unfortunately, Stefani and her family are going through a very difficult time. Roger, her loving husband, experienced a serious accident at a construction site on April 27th. He’s suffered brain trauma and bleeding and is in need of lots of prayers, love and thoughts his way.

Cleveland Magazine

If you believe in prayer/positive thoughts, I encourage you to join in with thousands of Clevelanders and send Roger and Stef, as well as their adorable children positive prayers and thoughts. For more updates, visit Stefani’s fan page on Facebook.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

For the Love…

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Charlene Ann

…of Latte Art.

Yes, a real event and latte’s are involved. As a big time coffee drinker, I’m very excited to be attending the upcoming For the Love of Latte Art event this Saturday at Tri-C’s Hospitality Center.

What is this event you may be asking? Well, it’s an event put on by CLE Brews – self-proclaimed coffee geeks who want to strengthen our region’s coffee community. Which I am all about. The Team includes Caruso’s Coffee, Erie Island Coffee Company, Phoenix Coffee Company, Red Cedar Coffee and Yelp.com.

The event this Saturday will include skill building seminars as well as a latte art throwdown – a little head to head barista action being judged by some of Cleveland’s finest (Cara from Yelp.com, Danielle DeBoe from Room Service and Dredger’s Union and Matt Danko from The Greenhouse Tavern.)

The best part? All proceeds from the event are going to ASOBARGI Coop  through a partnership with the Cafe Femenino Foundation. Their goal is to work within the communities to help support women coffee growers in Guatemala.

Want to join me? Register here, learn more about the efforts of the CLE Brews Crew, and let’s have a latte together on Saturday!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

RIP MCA

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I feel super fortunate to have had the opportunity to see the Beastie Boys inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Beastie Boys defined my teen years and my generation, overall.

Getty Images

I was heartbroken when I heard the news about Adam Yauch aka: MCA. Unlike so many celebrities who die of alcoholism or overdosing on either prescription or non-prescription drugs, MCA had no choice. Cancer took his life. He lived a short life, but one we should all aspire to. He changed a generation. He changed music. And he fought for those who couldn’t.

It’s another reminder that life is short.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Food and Friends

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I’ve been dying to go to visit Hodge’s Cleveland since it opened. Between seeing all of the pictures and tweets, I knew I was going to love it.

First things first – Hodge’s was recently opened up by Chris Hodgeson. You may remember Chris from The Great Food Truck Race where he, his sister and his girlfriend competed against other food trucks in a race across America. While Chris came in second, he was first in our hearts here in Cleveland.

As part of my extended birthday celebration, Mo, Emily and I went to Hodge’s for a fantastic dinner. And we were SPOILED. I mean honestly, spoiled. Chris was there and was bringing out app after app, sitting and chatting with us and suggesting entrees. From a fantastic cheese tart (thank you Scott!) to gnudi to Hodge’s pork & beans, our first course(s) were amazing. We each decided on a different entree and I went with the one that I hadn’t stopped hearing about via Twitter – french onion ravioli. Yes. As amazing as it sounds. And the Hodge’s mojito – made my night. I love a good mojito and that one is one of the best I’ve had (so much so that I had it again a week later).

The service was great, the atmosphere is one of the best in the city and the ownership is top notch.

And I’m not just saying this because Chris is such a nice person, but Hodge’s is one of the best Cleveland restaurants around right now. Yes, it’s only been open a few weeks and usually it takes awhile to get around the kinks, but I really could go there every week…oh wait, I have been there the last two…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments