Category Archives: outdoor

{May 14, 2013}
  lilacs & healthy living!

Good morning! While it is super chilly, and I couldn’t bring myself to wear tights anymore, I sit here with goosebumps awaiting the weeks warmer temps. How aout you guys, did anyone bust out their winterwear this morning? Smart!

One of the things that I LOVE about this time of year are all the amazing flowering trees we have in Northeast Ohio…especially lilacs. The white ones are my favorites, then the super dark purple ones and I would never turn away a bundle of the simple everyday light lavender hue as well.

MORE! →

Posted on May 14, 2013 by charity
Posted in amazing, benefit, bike, community, event, events, flowers, local, love, outdoor, outdoors, race, seasonal, seasons | Leave a comment

{Apr 22, 2013}
  celebrate earth

Hi everybody, happy Monday and even better HAPPY EARTH DAY! What a wild weekend weather-wise don’t you think? Literally Friday it was warm with a spring-like breeze, then Saturday morning we had suspicious white flakes and Sunday while the sun was pretty it was chilly again. Come on CLE weather fairy it’s time to warm things up.

Did you do anything to celebrate Earth Day over the weekend? I mean, besides recycling your wine bottles or picking up friends to go out, carpooling to save on gas. I know that the big festival presented by the Earth Day Coalition was held at the Berea Fairgrounds yesterday, I’m glad they had great weather too.  I believe the celebration of Mother Earth used to be at the zoo but so many people wanted to celebrate they were looking for a larger venue, so that’s cool.

If you took the day off work today to celebrate but now have decided you actually don’t want to do spring yard clean up and you’d rather stay indoors…HGTV is hosting an all day marathon of my personal go-to show Love it or List it! It’s half remodel show, half chartacter development and a game show all rolled into one hour of home improvement fun. If you’ve never seen it, now is the time to check it out.

Yesterday I was in the backyard of our new-ish home when I noticed these little violets trying their best to lift their faces and smile towards the sun to celebrate spring and how happy they are to be nesteled at the edge of our patio. I couldn’t help but smile and be happy that while most of the yard is still a cool shade of gray green, these charmers were a vibrant pop of purple in all their glory.

Happy Earth Day Cleveland. I hope you can get outside and explore your yard, your community, a local park or beach. Find something that makes you thankful it’s almost spring summer in the CLE and be thankful that the Month of May is quickly approaching! Cheers.

Posted on April 22, 2013 by charity
Posted in beauty, celebrate, eco, event, outdoor, outdoors | 1 Comment

{Mar 14, 2013}
  St Patrick’s fun!

It’s almost time! Just few more days until we all drink the green beer, dress in our finest tweed, enjoy the perfect soda bread & butter, do a jig or two, and enjoy a years worth of bagpipe tunes. It’s almost St Patricks Day people!!!

The famous Cleveland St Patricks Day Parade is this Sunday, kicks of at 2pm beginning on East 18th and Superior and continues the fun looping around town. The weather report looks good so far, at least it should be dry. The Boys from County Hell will be performing at House of Blues, Flannery’s AND The Harp. There will be plenty of corn beef served at some of our city’s traditional hot spots including Slyman’s, Corky & Lenny’s and Nate’s Deli and even the not so traditional eateries like Hodge’s (the perfect outdoor hot spot!) or Market Garden Brewery on 25th.

So you got your parade, your music, your corn beef so besides reminding everyone to take the RTA downtown I guess my last little wise words would be don’t forget to wear your green or you might get pinched!

(The image is from the Official Parade fb page by ©2012 Buckeye Photography, Inc)

Posted on March 14, 2013 by charity
Posted in event, events, holiday, holidays, outdoor, outdoors, outside, parade, restaurant, seasonal | 1 Comment

{Feb 22, 2013}
  Friday fun : succulents

Happy Friday CLE! Hope everyone has lots of fun plans on the horizon for another chilly weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I heart  winter (if I didn’t we would have a problem) however with spring fashions, vacation wishes and a few home projects on the horizon I am starting to crave the feeling of spring. Bring it on spring!

With that said how many of you have ever wanted to make a terrarium? I tell you what, just the little bit of green brings a lot of life to a dining room or end table. The green living plants evoke growth and spring to me. To learn more about making your own terrarium, swing by any of our area greenhouses such as Petitti’s or Gale’s in Westlake for some tips and tricks…don’t forget the rocks and charcoal for good drainage and root growth.

Yesterday I stopped into Home Depot for some teeny tiny brass nuts (crafternoon project to come!) and was immediately welcomed by their just-in shipment of assorted succulents. Perfect to turn every wintery terrarium into springtime bliss. If you have time at lunch or on your way home swing by Home Depot on 117th to get yours while the getting is good. Happy container gardening CLE…happy weekend and to those of you attending the big weekend bash; happy Jump Back Ball!

Posted on February 22, 2013 by charity
Posted in gardening, indoors, outdoor, outdoors, shop, shopping, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

{Jan 25, 2013}
  Winter weekend


Happy Friday CLEV-kids! It’s been the conversation topic of the week…”It’s so cold outside!” Perhaps some of you saw this picture I took yesterday through instagram (@charity216) while lunching at my favorite lunch spot; Pier W but for those of you who didn’t I had to share. The sun was out and we had a window spot which is the best seat in the house. The entire meal I was mesmerized by the flaky chunks of ice and snow that glistened on the lake. The shores of Lake Erie looked like Antarctica glaciers…I wish there were little penguins waddling down Edgewater Beach this time of year…wouldn’t that be so cute? I digress…

Anyhow, I know I’ve said it before but just a reminder on how great Pier W is for a lunch meet up, free parking, lots of sunshine, an amazing view of the city and oh, for all your resolution diet’s…the South Beach Salad is the best! Happy Friday and stay warm friends.

Posted on January 25, 2013 by charity
Posted in amazing, outdoor, outdoors, outside, restaurant | Tagged | Leave a comment

{Nov 1, 2011}
  Absolutely awesome!

Happy November 1st Clev-pals. Where has this year gone? Can you believe we are in the beginning of holiday season? I heart this time of year so very much. The pumpkins, the fall colors, the crunchy leaves, the smell of cinnamon, I can go on and on.

The other day, the sky was blue, the air was crisp and I found myself wandering through a rather quiet Cleveland street. Admiring the sunshine I gazed up and discovered another example of amazing Cleveland artwork…history.

Can you guess where this “absolutley fireproof” building artwork is? Hint, perhaps you’ve had coffee somewhere close by?

And while I’m loving fall, loving November and feeling extra in love with my city, I want to thank you today for taking time out of your day to read this blog. Sometimes you forget to tell people how much you care…so thanks. If I can ever be of help to you don’t hesitate to shout!

Posted on November 1, 2011 by charity
Posted in architecture, art, cleveland, neighborhood, outdoor, outdoors, outside, photo, trivia, vintage | Leave a comment

{Oct 3, 2011}
  Fall (leaf) “peeping”

“Leaf peeping” is an informal term commonly used for those of us who travel to see the stunning fall foliage. (In Japan they also have a similar term called momijigari.)

In spite of the chilly weekend drizzle, the week ahead is supposed to clear up. Thank goodness! The sun will shine, the earth will dry out and the leaves from our tall, strong, Ohio trees will begin to turn. Hey Clevelanders, you up for a bit of “peeping” this weekend? Enjoy!

Posted on October 3, 2011 by charity
Posted in ohio, outdoor, outdoors, outing, outside | 1 Comment

{May 25, 2011}
  Summer yummies!

Morning CLEV! Only a few more work days until we embark on the first summer holiday weekend. Kicking off beach season at a warm & sunny 70 degrees!

Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of attending two new food and spirits tastings/introductions.

The first was the opening of the rather new Washington Place patio. Owner Scott has cleaned it up, added some new landscaping and even carved out a special private table for those romantic outdoor evenings. That evening Scott and his team carved up a pig for the group to enjoy. I must admit that while I determined pig skin is not my thing, deviled eggs made with a touch of bacon fat was, super yummy! We all enjoyed the outdoor barbeque AND the new Washington Place patio. Great job Scott, thanks for introducing us to your new summer patio destination.

The next little delight I was introduced too was the new boutique spirit called Crav vodka (www.cravspirits.com)  Local entrepreneur Tom Rini (a St Ignatius Grad) shared his story or passion and the learning curve it took to get his own vodka up and running. He told us about the high-quality distillery process and what goes into starting your own vodka line. The tasting was held at Pier W (Love that place!) who’s mixologist whipped up a few lovely cocktails using the new Crav product. The vodka was clean and fresh, not bitter or rubbing alcohol like it could easily be sipped chilled. The vodka is slowly making it’s debut in area bars and restaurants including some of great places like Fahrenheit and Market. Next time you order your summer vodka tonic, specify Crav in your cocktail. Good luck Tom and thank you for having us!

Posted on May 25, 2011 by charity
Posted in bar, chef, drink, entrepreneurs, explore, outdoor, restaurant, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

{Mar 15, 2011}
  Full GREEN ahead.

Hello & happy week of the green, the Irish, the Guinness, the leprechaun and most of all, the week of corned beef and cabbage.

Isn’t St Patricks Day grand? Besides Tribe Opening Day, March 17th truly signifies the coming of spring to many Clevelanders.

Spring and perhaps, skipping school (work), a green tongue due to the ghastly food coloring poured into your pitcher, a crowded RTA ride down to public square and lots of screaming fans of every Northeast Ohio Irish American bagpipe player….men in skirts, swoon!

I just thought I’d share a few of my favorite to-do’s on St Patty’s Day, in case you haven’t already firmed up plans.

Start off your morning with some super yummy raisin soda bread. Blackbird Bakery and Breadsmith make tasty bread and while I am not 100%, I would bet On The Rise and Stone Oven will also mix up a batch or two. This dense bakery is the perfect way to soak up your morning cocktails.

After filling your tummy with a hearty breakfast, hop on the Rapid and head downtown to the annual Cleveland parade. WARNING, this parade is not for the faint of hearts the overwhelming display of public intoxication and green clothing accessories (boas, beads, knee socks, tattoos, crowns, etc.) make people watching half the fun.It is usually pretty “PG” but often turns “R” as the day goes on. (something to consider for all you parents with little ones)

If you need a break while you are downtown there are lots of fun events happening on East 4th. Many of the restaurants are offering lunch specials as well as opening their patios for the reported 60 degree weather. I’m sure it will be super packed, but again, embrace the crowd and celebrate with your fellow Irishmen.

By now you may have had a few libations and are looking for what’s next. Music, music and more music! Live performers will be all over the city that day, and this is the time I get myself out of downtown and find a local pub to “recover” in. The bagpipe and Celtic tunes sound better when accompanied by a stiff Irish coffee.

If you need a sugar injection between the afternoon and the evening hours, the traditional McDonalds Shamrock Shake is a MUST. however, for those of us purists, make sure to request no whip and no cherry. How can they mess with a sure thing?

To close the day wrap up the evening strong at The Harp with the Boys from County Hell. They know how to draw a crowd, to get you up and dancing and to keep everyone going strong. Add a shot or two of Jameson in the mix and you’ll get your third wind for the day.

So with that, enjoy your St. Patrick’s Cleveland. Be safe.

Posted on March 15, 2011 by charity
Posted in adventure, celebrate, holiday, outdoor, parade, party, show | Leave a comment

{Feb 16, 2011}
  Brite Winter Festival : Volunteer?

Hey all you winter loving, hats and mittens wearing, thinsulate and boot warmer fans…this weekend marks another year of the exciting winter celebration; Brite Winter.

The Brite Winter Festival is a celebration of music, fire, games and art in the heart of the Cleveland flats…OUTSIDE in the COLD…Free to all who promise to embrace the cold and help celebrate the lower Cleveland temps.

If sounds fun to you, and you think you’d like to attend…well then why not volunteer? The guys from Brite Winter Festival are in need of a few good men & women to lend a hand to ensure this event complete success. If you might be interested in participating email Jimmy at britevolunteer@gmail.com.

Otherwise, dress warm, hope for mid 30′s and I will see all you winter-loving Clevelanders on Saturday night, the fun kicks off at 5pm! Oh…and if you want to see what the fun is all about…check out this chilly video!

Posted on February 16, 2011 by charity
Posted in adventure, event, explore, outdoor, outdoors, Uncategorized | Leave a comment