Holiday Happenings!

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Charlene Ann

I think I have finally fully recovered from last weekend. Pretty sure my liver was beyond pissed off at me last weekend after continuing to enjoy the holiday season with coworkers who have become family, friends and my best friend.

Friday night, after finalizing a few work projects, it was time to celebrate the year with my coworkers. I’ve already mentioned that this crew has become family, but when we celebrated the holiday season together, it was obvious how close we really are. Laughs were had, bourbon was poured and we celebrated the end of a fantastic year and prepared for an exciting 2015. This truly is the best group of people I’ve worked with.

Love these ladies!

Love these ladies!

Saturday, after fighting a hangover that lasted until 1pm, I had a great group of friends over to enjoy holiday drinks and food (thank you Pinterest) and continue the weekend of laughter. I’m so lucky to count this group of people as friends – some who have been in my life since high school.

Yes, Kim bought me a wine glass that holds a whole bottle of wine.

Yes, Kim bought me a wine glass that holds a whole bottle of wine.

I've known this girl since I was 14...what?!

I’ve known this girl since I was 14…what?!

Speaking of high school, late Saturday night my best friend Shaunte texted me requesting that I plan on attending the Browns game Sunday with her, sitting in club seats. Of course, I didn’t say no but when the alarm went off on Sunday I wasn’t sure it was going to happen.

We know how to tailgate.

We know how to tailgate.

 

Cue Barley House and the tailgate that 92.3 The Fan throws with Pumpkinhead. A few shots of Fireball and we were ready to go. Yes, the game may not have ended how we all wanted, but it was the perfect time with this girl – who may know me better than anyone.

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Hanging with the guys from 92.3 The Fan. NBD.

Hanging with the guys from 92.3 The Fan. NBD.

She's one of the biggest blessings in my life.

She’s one of the biggest blessings in my life.

And to wrap the weekend up? A Cavs game with Kim to celebrate her birthday? Well, why not?

Coworkers who become friends.

Coworkers who become friends are the best. 

And now the countdown begins to the end of the year!

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Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells…Time to Run!

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Another great Cleveland event is just a couple of weeks away. The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for the Arthritis Foundation will be held on December 13th at Legacy Village, beginning at 9am. A fun event for the whole family, it allows you to a. get in the holiday spirit and b. raise money for a worthy cause. The 5k Run/Walk welcomes both competitive and non-competitive runners, as well as a 1-Mile Family Fun Run Option.

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The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948.

Want a peek into what you can expect?

Excited to ring in the holiday season while giving back? The people at The Arthritis Foundation are offering $5 off registration to readers. Just enter blogCLE (case sensitive) when you go register. Register here today and if you let me know that you’ve registered, I will donate to you. Just leave a comment in this post.

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Sure, I bet you thought your city had a great light display, but Cleveland sure put on a show Saturday night.

image c/o Downtown Cleveland Alliance

image c/o Downtown Cleveland Alliance. Look at that crowd!

I mean, we didn’t just have an hour or two hour event. It was all day and took over Euclid Avenue. From Public Square all the way to the new location of Playhouse Square, the streets of Cleveland were filled with holiday cheer. Monina, Tara and I kicked off the holiday season in style, with laughs, running into friends in the middle of Euclid Avenue and seeing the city light up in a variety of ways.

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As usual, Downtown Cleveland did not disappoint with the opportunity to have Cleveland’s out in a safe environment to celebrate the holidays with the lighting of the tree. Food trucks lined Huron Ext., the #ThisisCLE sign was available for plenty of picture taking, Spazmatics were on stage (along with Mark Nolan and Cavs Nicole), Tower City had plenty of holiday activities and the Cleveland Bazaar was out in the Arcade. You’d be hard pressed to find a better holiday celebration.

image c/o Downtown Cleveland Alliance

image c/o Downtown Cleveland Alliance

But wait…we don’t just light trees in Cleveland. We also had to light up our outdoor chandelier as part of the celebration too!

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This was just another show of how Cleveland is rising up. Our city is on fire. People are coming Downtown and spending money in the city. I don’t know why but every time we have an event like this, I feel more excited about the progress our city is making and that I’m here to experience it.

image c/o Events in CLE

image c/o Events in CLE

Cleveland…you just keep reminding me that you are a true love of my life.

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Thankfulness

Posted on November 29, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Feeling especially thankful for the following (in no particular order):

1. My health (screw you thyroid cancer, screw you).

2. A warm home, filled now with holiday cheer (though it took longer than usual this year).

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3. Friends who are by your side no matter what you are going through. Be it a tough work week, health issues or just personal issues.

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4. Texts from friends that remind you that they care (especially one that I received on Friday from a dear, dear friend).

5. A career that I love. Coworkers that understand and make me laugh. And the best boss that I’ve had.

6. The ability to not stress over finances.

7. Cleveland sports. Don’t judge…this year I’m really happy and thankful that we are relevant, in more than one sport.

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8. Moments with the family. Sometimes silent, sometimes not.

9. Bubbles. Who doesn’t love some champagne?

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10. Cleveland. My City. My True Love.

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My Oh My

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Charlene Ann

The last two weeks I can’t stop playing all things Tristan Prettyman. She’s been my go-to on some rough days lately. Even when I’m working, she’s my new go-to with a cup of coffee (or a couple cups of coffee…or a mimosa). And when I tweeted at her Friday, I had a bit of a fan girl moment when she responded with this:

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My favorites right now:

Never Say Never (my current anthem). “You set me free.”

Say Anything. “By now I hope you know.”

Quit you. “You got me good. And I can’t quit you.”

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Now Playing

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Charlene Ann

I have to be honest you guys. Really the only thing I’ve been listening to nonstop is the new Taylor Swift album. I’m not kidding. So good. But I have a few other songs I’m playing nonstop. You know, while I shake it off.

Nick Lachey – Falling Slowly. Yes, I realize it’s a former boy band member but Falling Slowly is by far one of my  most favorite songs. The musical Once has become a top 10 for me after seeing it last year at Playhouse Square and this song takes me right back to that. All. The. Feelings.

Ella – Ghost. I heard this first on Sirius and sort of fell in love with the song immediately. It’s a good feel good song, in my opinion.

Tove Lo – Habits. One of the few songs my coworkers also like that I play.

Hozier – Take me to Church. Another song my coworkers like and an artist we love. Plus sometimes I see LeBron James’ commercial when I hear this song.

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One of Those…

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Ever have one of those weeks where it feels as though absolutely nothing is going your way?

Yep. That was me last week. Talk about being in a slump. It felt like from work, to home, to personal life to volunteer work, I couldn’t get into anything and was just absolutely exhausted and over it all. I’m pretty sure I went to bed at 9:30 multiple times (now with that said, my insomnia had me up from 2-5am most mornings so it balanced itself out).

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The upside? I have incredible coworkers who were trying pretty much everything to cheer me up, including: 1. Blaring Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and initiating a dance party (which involved pulling my chair into the middle of the office to join in) and 2. Rapping and dancing to “Drop It Like It’s Hot”. If they wouldn’t kill me, I would post the video of it all going down.

Other things that were helpful during the week? Extra sleep (well as much as I could get), a glass of wine and Grey’s Anatomy, Cavs basketball (you guys…LeBron James plays for us…I’m not sure I’m getting over that anytime soon) and the first snow in CLE. Yes, I’m one of those people that loves the snow and winter and Christmas. Judge. Away.

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How do you break out of a slump?

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Wise Words

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Some days you just need a little boost to get through the day (or in some cases, the week). These ladies are a few that I admire and that I look to for some inspiration occasionally.

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Amy-Poehler

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(yes I know Carrie isn’t a real person but the writing staff at SATC is still fabulous.)

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Who do you look to for a little inspiration during a rough week?

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Extra, Extra!

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Charlene Ann

That’s right – a night out with the Newsies was just what was needed this week. As part of the Broadway Series at Playhouse Square, Newsies came to town and did not disappoint. I can honestly say that this was one of my favorite musicals that I’ve seen. From the singing to the dancing to the story, the musical had everyone in the audience engaged and excited to see what was next.

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When Playhouse Square invited me, I knew that Jess and I would have the perfect, much-needed girls night out. With drinks and small bites at Bin 216 before the media event, we were able to catch up and take in the sights of the Playhouse Square district. As much as I hate how dark it gets at 5pm this time of the year, it does offer the opportunity to really see that gorgeous chandelier lit up!

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We were ready to hop on stage at any moment

We were ready to hop on stage at any moment

The show is based on true events and tells the story of Newsies – yes, news boys – who fought back and stood up for their rights…and the rights of others. You wouldn’t expect it, but the young men become heroes during the show and of course, there’s a love story weaved in. And along the way, the Newsies discover who they are and learn to stay true to their selves…and to each other.

And the good news – there are still some limited tickets to catch the show! Playhouse Square is offering a #SeizeSingleSeats promotion which gets you into the show and provide you with a few extra goodies!

So don’t wait – head over today, grab your Newsies hat and be prepared for another fantastic show at Playhouse Square!

Disclaimer: As a Playhouse Square blogger, I was invited to attend the media night in exchange for posting and promoting Newsies. As always, all opinions are my own.

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The Countdown to JBB Begins

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Charlene Ann

It’s that time of the year. Fall is officially here (or maybe winter? I’m pretty sure I saw a snowflake or two this weekend). Cavs season has started. Christmas decorations are appearing.

And Jump Back Ball tickets are going to be going on sale! Yes, it’s time to start thinking about one of my favorite Cleveland events again. Put on by Playhouse Square, Jump Back Ball gives you the opportunity to support the arts while having a great time with fellow Clevelanders and friends. Last year my friend Jessica attended with me and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite nights of the year (okay, anytime Jess and I hang out we have the best times but that night we were in tears from laughing so hard).

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This year’s event will be Saturday, February 28th (I love how it falls just two days after the ADDY Awards – gives me the perfect little winter weekend!)

And the theme this year? Jump Back to the Future!

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So here are the details so you can mark your calendar to join the upcoming kick-off party (because seriously you need to be there…tickets last year sold in a record 10 days!)

Kickoff Party details:
Tickets will go on-sale on November 10, 5:30-7:30pm at the new Hofbrauhaus Cleveland (located at 1550 Chester Ave.)

Jump Back Ball Ticket Kickoff Pricing:
$130 Partners / $165 Non-Partners
Ticket limits: Public: 2 Non-Partners tickets per person, Partners: 2 Partners tickets and 2 Non-Partners tickets per membership (Also, ticket prices increase by $15 plus handling fees the day after the kickoff.)

ALSO- Bring a new, unused personal care item to do be donated to Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland and be entered into a raffle!

Details at: playhousesquare.org/jumpbackball

Now the big question….what to wear?

Disclosure: I was invited to participate this year again as a Jump Back Ball blogger. In exchange for my blog posts, I am able to receive one free ticket with purchase of one. As always all opinions are my own and JBB has always been a fave event!

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