To Everything, There is a Season

Hello again!  I know, it has been a while and I feel like one of the most sporadic bloggers out there.  I spent the last month adjusting to the new job, which is going wonderfully, getting my Cleveland Marathon training back on track, and most importantly, spending time with those I love.

The last time I ran 26.2:  Detroit 2012.

After what seemed to be the winter that went on and on and on and on, it finally feels like springtime in Cleveland.  One thing I have come to appreciate is getting to experience the best of all four seasons.  Summer has it's long days filled with friends an fun.  Fall is for football, pumpkin everything, marathons, and my birthday.  Winter brings Christmas and snowboarding (which I failed to do this year).  However, spring has always been my favorite.  Perhaps it is the warmer weather and everything in bloom.  As a child, it meant the end of the school year.  While I never minded school, I always looked forward to field day in grade school and the dunk tank picnic in high school.  Spring semester of college meant Greek Week, Kappa Delta formal, and sitting outside "studying".  Now, spring is baseball games, patios, new sandals, farmers markets, and the Cleveland Marathon.  It is a season of rebirth and new beginnings.  Happy spring Cleveland!  I will see you at The Jake!! 

What is your favorite season??

Martinis, Etiquette, and a Seance!

This past Friday, I engaged in all three at the Hanna Theater.  Thanks to my dear friend Julie, I was invited to a special social media night to see the Great Lakes Theater production of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, which also included an introduction to making cocktails and an etiquette lesson.

Stirred, not shaken!

Our night began with a demo on how to properly make a martini.  Noel Coward was a huge fan of gin martinis and was often seen waving one towards the stage during a performance of one of his plats.  We learned a classic martini is made of equal parts gin (or vodka) and vermouth, chilled, stirred, and strained into a martini glass.  (Sorry James Bond, shaken not stirred is not the correct way to make a martini).  We were then given the choice to have either a gin or vodka martini garnished with either an olive or lemon.   Of course, I went with gin and a lemon garnish.

Colleen

With our martinis in hand, we then headed upstairs for an etiquette lesson by Colleen Harding of the Cleveland School of Etiquette.  Colleen's lecture focused on proper etiquette at a cocktail party.  She explained the importance of using proper wine glasses with stems, how and when to join in a conversation, and how to appropriately give someone your business card.  As cute and chic as stemless wine glasses may be, if you are going to be in a situation where you are holding your glass, they will cause your wine to warm  quickly from body heat ruining the characteristics of the wine.  Also, did you know it is not proper to hand someone your card initially, if at all.  Colleen pointed out you should only give someone your card if they ask for it.  Remember, you are at a social event, not a poker tournament.  

Hilarious and "spook-tacular"!

We then were given a brief tour and history of the Hanna before showtime.  In 2008, Great Lakes Theater renovated the Hanna to create a more intimate experience for theater goers.  I personally feel there is not a bad seat in the house.  Also, the bar located in the back of the theater is a gift from Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.  Tom did perform for three seasons at the Great Lakes Theater.  

Blithe Spirit tells the story of novelist Charles Condomine who wants to research spirits for a novel he is working on.  Along with his wife Ruth, their friends the Bradmans, and Madame Arcati, they participate in a seance with leads to the spirit of Charles' first wife, Elvira, being summonsed to visit Charles.  Elvira is unhappy to find Charles has remarried and tries to sabotage his marriage to Ruth.  The play itself is comical and very enjoyable.  It is running currently through March 10.  You can save $10 on tickets by using the code: NEO when you purchase tickets online, over the phone (216-241-6000), or at the Playhouse Square box office.

Delish!!

Afterwards, Katie, Julie, Jessica, Chris, Kasey, and Mary head to Cowell & Hubbard for some late night treats.  I ordered the vegan pizza which was topped with a bed of arugula and balsamic.  It was perfect for a late late dinner!  I cannot wait to return and try an entree and cocktail!  Zack Bruell once again did not disappoint!

**Disclaimer: I was invited to attend social media night at Great Lakes Theater.  I was given a ticket and complimentary cocktail in exchange for blogging about my visit.  As always, all opinions are 100% my own**

Best Week Ever!

Ok, maybe not best week ever, but this past week has been the best week of 2013.  Do you ever have a good feeling on Sunday that the upcoming week will be a really good one?  Typically, I am always optimistic about the upcoming week or just a new day in general.  However, there was a point on Sunday where I just had a really good feeling something big was going to happen.

One of my favorites from the Stella & Dot spring line!

My week began in the early hours of Sunday when the Notre Dame men's basketball team beat Louisville in 5/OT.  I know, very minor, but I love a close game especially when my team wins.  After maybe 5 or so hours of sleep, I met up with some of the #dirtyrunners for a Sunday morning run.  I will admit, my training for the Cleveland Marathon, has been a bit off, but I felt great after finishing my long run despite falling way behind everyone else for the last few group miles and adding a few more to bring me up to where I should be for training.

Cleveland Rocks!!

While warming up from a chilly run, I set up a Facebook page for one of my latest ventures, becoming  a Stella & Dot stylist!  My good friend Julie has been one and after many conversations, and a little convincing, I signed on!  Afterwards, Brad and I headed to the Great Big Home + Garden Show.  Overall, my favorite part was the garden displays which captured U.S Landmarks.  Some really captured every detail such as the one modeled after Augusta.  As a baseball fan, I was slightly disappointed with the interpretation of Wrigley Field.  They missed the ivy covered wall and to me, it looked like any other baseball field.  After admiring the gardens and deciding we one day will be hot tub owners, we headed to Fat Heads for lunch and beer sampling.  Food wise, I recommend the smokey wings, which are whole chicken wings, rubbed, grilled, then sauced just as I like to make them in the summer.

An ivy-less Wrigley

Augusta.  Felt like we were at the Masters

For the most part, the remainder of the week was somewhat normal.  Brad and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner at The Black Pig where I enjoyed roasted duck and he enjoyed the Ohio Beef entree of steak and short rib, or as Ron Swanson would say, "Turf and Turf".  After dinner, we headed to Great Lakes for dessert.  Aside from tapping the Alberta Clipper, they were offering a tasting of Alberta Clipper, Edmund Fitzgerald, Blackout Stout, and Woodtooth Porter along with a red velvet cupcake, Edmund Fitz ice cream in a chocolate shot glass, and a chocolate covered ginger snap.  In other words, a plate of my favorite treats!!

The way to my heart!

While all the above would make for a pretty awesome, yet normal, week for me, what made this the best week of 2013 so far was a phone call I received on Wednesday morning.  I WAS OFFERED AND I ACCEPTED A LABORATORY CONSULTANT POSITION!!!  I finally found a job that will fit my background, personality, and career aspirations.  Here's to new beginnings on March 4th!!

Celebratory bubbles

**Disclaimer: I was given 2 tickets to the Great Big Home + Garden Show.  All opinions are 100% my own.**

Treat Yo' Self + A Great Big WINNER!

Happy Monday!  First of all, thanks to everyone who entered my Great Big Giveaway!  You can still save $1 purchasing tickets online using the code HUNGRYCLE.  I am looking forward to checking out the Great Big Home + Garden Show this weekend!  For more chances to win, check out Bite Buff and Why? CLE.

Congratulations to TISH who was comment #20: "tweeted again today for another entry. can you tell i am dying to go??"

Winner was chosen using random.org.

Lately, I have been catching up on the series Parks and Recreation.  I know, the show has been on for four seasons, but I haven't seen an episode until this fall when Vice President Biden made a guest appearance.  Since then, between Netfilx and DVDs, I am almost all caught up.  There was an episode during season 4 in which the characters of Tom (Aziz Ansari) and Donna (Rhetta) went on their yearly day of indulgence with the motto "Treat Yo Self"

What I took away from this episode is not to go out and spend frivolously, but to "treat yo'self" on a regular basis.  It could be as simple as taking 10 minutes of "me time" in the middle of the day to just be.  It could be a night out with friends/significant other at your favorite restaurant.  It also could be your daily workout.  So this week, when stress is piling up or life is getting to you, remember to take time and "Treat Yo'Self".

Whether is is simple or over indulgent, what is your favorite way to "Treat Yo'Self"?

**Disclaimer: I was asked to promote the Great Big Home + Garden show on my blog.  In return, I was given a pair of tickets to giveaway, and another for me and a guest to "treat ourselves" at the show.  As always, opinions are 100% my own**

A Great Big Giveaway!

Despite the freezing cold temperatures, spring is in the air at the IX Center.  The fourth annual Great Big Home + Garden Show will be taking place from Saturday, February 2, through Sunday, February 10.

Over 650 home, garden, and culinary exhibitors will be on hand to inspire you and give you new ideas to bring new life to your home.  There will be demonstrations, attractions, and the chance to meet celebrities.  Some highlights include:

• A 4,000 square foot Idea Home and 2,000 square foot Dream Basement which will allow visitors to get ideas on how to make their dream home a reality
• The Garden Showcase which will feature 17 U.S. Landmarks
• The Main Stage and The Loretta Paganini Cooking Stage
• The chance to meet:
• Chris Crary (Ohio-native) from Top Chef
• Matt Fish of Melt Bar and Grilled
• Matt Fox from HGTV
• Peter Walsh from TLC's "Clean Sweep"

Tickets are $11.00 (online) for adults, $10.00 for seniors (age 65+), and $5.00 for kids ages 6-12.  Use the code HUNGRYCLE and receive $1 online ticket purchases.  Or, you can WIN 2 tickets from me!  You have until Sunday, January 27th at noon to enter.  Winner will be selected Sunday night and announced Monday morning.  How do you enter?

1. Leave a comment telling me what you what reminds you most of springtime in Cleveland.  
2. Tweet "I want to catch spring fever with @HungryInCLE at @GreatBigShow http://bit.ly/WUazj8"  (You can tweet once daily, leave a comment each time you do so.)

Good luck and maybe I will see you there!!

**Disclaimer:  I was asked to promote The Great Big Home + Garden Show on my blog. In return, I was given two tickets for myself, and two tickets to give away.  All opinions are 100% my own**

Are you Ready for Some Football???

After last night's upsetting BCS National Championship game, you would think football would be the last thing I would be writing about.  However, registration is now open for one of my favorite fundraising events...BvB CLE!!!  

Last year, we raised over $41,000 for the Alzheimer's Association and, despite losing to #TeamBlonde, had fun doing so.  I will once again be taking the field with #TeamBrunette to tackle Alzheimer's and get revenge on #TeamBlonde on June 15!  So how can you get in on the action this year??

1: Registration is now open online.  Remember, only girls can play.  Redheads and all other hues are free agents.  Once again, there is a fundraising goal of $250 and you must attend practices.

2: Come to our Battle of the Bombshells happy hour kickoff this Friday at Around the Corner in Lakewood.  $20 will get you all you can eat and drink from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about BvBCLE, sign up to play or coach, join a committee, and have a fun night out with friends.  There will also be a raffle with many fun prizes, such a s a booze wagon, to win.

3: Not sure you want to gear up and take the field?  There are many opportunities to join various committees.

4: Check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

I was once again asked to be an official blogger for BvBCLE and will be back to "Monday Night Football" posts every other Monday.  I am looking forwards to getting back on the field and helping exceed this year's fundraising goal of $50,000!  

2012 Team Brunette

Something Unpredictable

Saturday is my ten year high school reunion.  Where has the time gone?  Lately, I have been thinking back to a project we did in our senior theology class at Trinity reflecting on our time in high school and where we hoped we would be in the future.  I really wish I knew where this journal was since it would be interesting to compare where I am now to where thought I would be at age seventeen.  I do remember writing about graduating college (did that), working in a research lab (did that and will be back in one hopefully soon), and living in Cleveland (still here) making the most of all the city has to offer (currently doing).  I cannot remember if I said I would be married or if I would have kids.  However, there is one thing I have realized when thinking back on what I wrote, life truly is something unpredictable.

The past ten years for me have been filled with many successes, some failure, and a great deal of self discovery.  While I am currently getting my career back on track, I cannot say I have completely failed at this aspect of my life.  Yes, graduate school was not my cup of tea and I am currently looking for the "perfect" job.  However, I do have successful years of experience and have a better understanding of where I want my career to go in the future.  I knew I would remain active and healthy throughout my twenties, but if someone told me I would be going to my 10 year reunion as a marathon runner, I probably would have laughed at them.  In high school, I was a cheerleader, long jumper, and pole vaulter who considered herself lucky to just barely pass the mile run in gym class.

Visiting Katie in NYC

Most importantly are my personal relationships.  I am still best friends with the same three girls I met freshman year.  We have been through everything from typical high school drama, to going to different colleges, to living in different cities and countries, a wedding, two adorable babies, and all of our successes and failures.  I already know I have a very tough choice picking my maid (or matron) of honor whenever I get engaged.  I have lost friends, had failed relationships, and made horrible decisions in the past ten years, but without those failures, I would not be who I am today.  I have the most loving and supportive boyfriend who truly compliments who I am.  I cannot put into words how excited I am to see where our future takes us.  I am still very close with my family and miss my grandparents more and more each day.

Nikki's wedding day (2008)

Visiting Amanda in Colorado

Where will the next ten years take me?  That question cannot be answered.  I know where I hope it takes me but if I have learned anything in the last ten years, do not expect life to go as planned.  As the words to our class song remind me

Brad and I in Detroit 

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.  I hope you had the time of your life."  

Getting Back on Track

 

I have a slight confession to make.  Since running the Detroit Marathon, I have gotten a little off track with running and working out in general.  After a marathon, I typically take a week off running and get in at least a yoga class, which I did this time.  However, the following week, Super Storm Sandy hit.  I know, I only should have lost two days or so because of the storm.  However I did squeeze in two or three yoga classes.  The next week, I did get some miles in and felt great!  Just my luck, it was that time of year when I get all congested, cannot stop coughing, and my sinuses have a mind of their own.  Stopping mid run and feeling like an elephant is sitting on your lungs is just not fun.  What happened to my “no excuses” mentality I have while training?

From Pinterest

 However, I am proud to say I am back at it and hoping to stay on track. I am finding a balance between running, yoga, and core workouts.  I do have the Run for Regis trail half marathon in January to start training for especially since the farthest I have run on trails is a 10K.  There are also some fun Christmas races over the next few weeks that would be fun to do too.  I just need to sign up with the mentality they are fun runs.  While a PR would be nice, it is also good to just run for fun like I did with the FANtastic 4-miler this past July.  I also should be expecting these in my mailbox sometime soon too!

Yes, I am insane!!

 How do you stay in shape during the “off season”?    

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

May your Thanksgiving be filled with family, friends, good food, good wine, good beer, and many blessings!

Charlene's Top 3 CLE Restaurants

As a part of today's Ohio Blogging Association's All State Blog Swap, I'm happy to introduce you to Charlene from Life in the CLE. Head on over to Charlene's blog to check out my tour of Great Lakes brewery!  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.

One of the things that Stephanie and I have in common (beside both playing on BvBCLE Football Teams), is our love of Cleveland food. My group of friends and I have all decided that we all have our go-to spots and our favorite chefs in town. One of the best things about living in Cleveland? The fact that we have so many great spots in town and so many wonderful chefs. This year, I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to know some of these chefs better and also seeing them show their Cleveland pride while celebrating the West Side Market 100th Birthday.

My top 3 favorites? I selected based on food, atmosphere and staff - all three make a huge difference in a dining experience. My top three are pretty obvious choices but here are my go-to’s in town:

1. The Greenhouse Tavern - Jonathon Saywer. Reasons I love this location: It’s on the gorgeous East 4th Street. GHT has a beautiful rooftop bar where you can enjoy a great view of the city, while enjoying a fabulous mixed cocktail (my favorite is the Smartie). The food is to die for. Seriously. I recently took a client to GHT for dinner and every course, from the special Fifth Quarter to our entrees was cooked perfectly. 
2. SOHO - A newer Ohio City spot, the southern feel touches this Northern girl’s heart (even though I’ve always wanted to move south...specifically Dallas or Austin). A great brunch menu is always important and this one is a favorite. The drinks are fun and when celebrating the WSM100 with friends on a cold, rainy day, the staff went above and beyond to make sure we had warm apple cider with rum. One of my favorite brunch drinks is bourbon & bubbles - two of my faves!
3. Hodge’s Cleveland - Chris Hodgson. This spot has quickly become my home away from home. A great, affordable menu with fun spins on classics, Hodge’s is a place where you are sure to find multiple entrees that you will enjoy. The new fall menu features plenty of seasonal food and I can’t get enough of the new gnocchi dish or the spaghetti squash. If you are looking for a great drink - you cannot go wrong with the Pete Rose. My favorite thing about this restaurant though - it just feels like home. I’ve become friends not just with Chris, but also with his staff. There’s something to be said for a staff that knows your favorite drinks and calls you by name. 

Those are my three go-to’s when I have friends, family or clients in town and want to show them a great evening. What’s yours? 

Let me (re)introduce myself

A little over two years ago I had an idea to start a food blog and wrote my very first post, while not really knowing what I was getting myself into.  I was going to write about a topic I love (food) in a city I love (Cleveland).  Sounds fairly simple, right?  At first, it was.  However, as time went on, I lost my passion for blogging.  I started to feel like it was more of an obligation to write about where I ate and what food event I attended, while the fun of blogging slowly faded and eventually went away.  Every time I started to write, my heart was just not in it.

Recently I started to miss writing and contemplated starting a new blog.  I soon remembered that the word hungry does not only relate to food. Hungry can also be defined as "strongly motivated" and hunger  means "a strong desire."  Both of these definitions fit how I live my life.  I have a hunger to be successful in every aspect of my life whether it is career related, a new running PR, or in my personal relationships.  I am also hungry to live life to the fullest while being the best person I can be.  

I've never been one to limit myself; why should I limit myself to only writing about one topic when I have so many topics I am passionate about?  There will still be food related posts.  They will just be mixed in with future posts about other aspects of my life I am truly passionate about, too.  Here's to wherever this new chapter of "Hungry in Cleveland" will take me!  

Source: Uploaded by user via Stephanie on Pinterest

Monday Night Football: The Wrap-Up

Saturday was the day I have been waiting for since Julie first told me about #BvBCLE...GAME DAY!!  Similar to race days, I knew there was nothing else I could do but show up, play hard, and have fun!  After our team dinner at Deagan's on Wednesday, I knew #TeamBrunette was was excited and ready for game day!  When we arrived at CSU Saturday morning, we were pumped up and ready to play! We took the field and played hard, but fell short.

 (Sidenote:  All pictures are from the BvB CLE facebook page.)  

We run we pass we score!  We play we fight for more!  GO BRUNETTES!!

And she's down!

Defense attack!

Congrats to #TeamBlonde!  They beat us 14-0.  However, the true winner is the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  Together, we raised over $36,000 from this event!

Tackling Alzheimer's

At this time, I would like to thank my #TeamBrunette players and coaches.  I will be back next year ready to play...well...wherever you need me to play!  Also, thank you to everyone who came out to the game or made a donation.  Finally, thank you to everyone involved with planning and organizing this event.  I think, especially for the first year, it was amazing.  I am so happy to have been a part of it!    

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Disclaimer:  I was asked to blog about my experiences as a player for the inaugural BvBCLE flag football game.  I attended my required 4 practices (and a few more) and achieved my $250 fundraising goal (Thank you donors!).  

Tremont Farmers Market

Last night I made my first farmer's market visit of the summer in Tremont.  Every Tuesday from 4-7 on Lincoln Park, local vendors set up at the Tremont Farmer's Market.  From fresh produce, to cheese, to popcorn, there is a little something for everyone.  

Too hot for a label

My first stop, and possibly favorite vendor, was Blaze Gourmet, who sells hot sauce and salsa.  I first discovered them last summer at the Tremont Farmer's Market and was hoping they would be back again.  As most of you probably know, I love hot and spicy food.  I also love to snack on chips and salsa.  While I was at the Fabulous Food Show this past April, I purchased a few jar of Blaze salsa, however they did not have my favorite one available that day.  While I enjoy the Wild Mustang Chipotle Black Bean & Corn and their Raspberry Chipotle, I often need a little more heat.  Enter "The Shocker".  It is hot.. hell yes.  Will it make your eyes tear up a bit...just a bit.  Does it also have flavor...oh yeah!  I have only sampled their hot sauces but will more than likely purchase a few next time I see Blaze set up somewhere.  

Last night's market was also called "Strawberry Fest".  While I missed the demos by Sue Carrara, I did pick up a pint of these lovely (and delicious) strawberries from Morning Dew Orchards in Salem, Ohio.  I also stopped by the APL and wanted to leave with Miss Lola.  Maybe next time.

Lola...from the APL's site

Strawberry fields forever!

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Monday Night Football: We Kicked it with Kenny

From two weeks off, to three days of practice in a row!  Thursday and Saturday were scheduled practiced, while Friday I was up bright and early to join players and coached from both #TeamBlonde and #TeamBrunette to Kick it with Kenny!

Lindsay, Kenny and me

If you missed #BvBCLE last Friday (or if your DVR did not record the last hour like mine did), I will post the video if I can find one.  While the segment was great PR for our game on June 16th at CSU's Krenzler Field, #TeamBrunette had a great practice running drills, plays, and a brief scrimmage against #TeamBlonde.  Kenny even stepped in as QB for #TeamBrunette too on one play.  We are coming together and will be ready to go come game day!    

Game tickets are a $20 donation to the Alzheimer's Association.  I am so close to my $250 goal and would love to reach it by the end of Tuesday (June 5th) to have my jersey personalized.  A huge THANK YOU to those who have donated and helped spread the word.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

**Disclaimer:  I have been asked to blog about my experiences as a player in the inaugural Blondes vs. Brunettes Powderpuff game.  I am required to attend at least 4 practices (done and still attending the last 2) and reach a $250 fundraising goal (almost there).  All opinions are 100% my own!**

Ice Cream Truck Memories

Today I am feeling a bit nostalgic.  It's no secret I love ice cream.  It is also no secret my favorite is Honey Hut and that Cleveland has many other delicious local ice cream shops.  However, I am not about to write about my favorite places and frozen treats around CLE.  

Memories

Memorial Day Weekend for many is the unofficial start to summer.  One of my favorite childhood summer memories would have to be the ice cream truck.  It's familiar jingle coming up my grandparents' street on a hot summer day would have me running (or rollerblading) to the curb, money in hand, ready for a cool refreshing treat.  Would I go with my old standby, The Bubble Play?  Or was I more in a Choco-Taco mood?  Maybe I just wanted a Firecracker Popsicle and spend the rest of the day with a purplish-blue mouth.  Those were the types of decisions I faced during my childhood summers.

Perhaps this is where my love of food trucks began.  I thank my grandpa, Papa, for my love of ice cream.  You can be sure that if I am driving around somewhere this summer and see an ice cream truck, I just may pull over and buy myself a bit of frozen nostalgia.

What was your favorite ice cream truck treat?

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.

We are all runners!

To everyone running the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon...

GOOD LUCK!!  

We have all trained hard to get to race day, no matter the distance.  

To all volunteers...

THANK YOU!!

Your time and talents are greatly appreciated on race day and if I could, I would high-five each of you along the course.

It's race weekend...
LET'S GET READY TO RUN CLEVELAND!!!!  



Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Ready...set...EAT!

As many of you know by now, I will be running the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon on Sunday.  My excitement builds more and more with each passing day as I prepare to run all over the city I love.  It is now time to begin prepping my body for race day through carb loading and hydration, especially with the warmer predicted temps for Sunday.  As wonderful as it may sound, I will not be gorging myself on every carb in site.  Carb loading involves balance and of course an excuse to enjoy some of my favorite foods.  Remember, your body still needs protein and other nutrients for performance and recovery.  Here are some of my prerace favorites!

• Pad Thai.  You have carbs from the noodles, protein from the eggs and peanuts (and if you choose to have chicken or tofu), and veggies.  My favorites include Tea House Noodles and Umami Moto

Instagramed Umami Moto pad thai

• Sushi.  The fish provides protein and omega 3s.  I also love to have edamame as an appetizer which will give me carbs, protein, vitamins, and a little salt to build up electrolytes.  As if I ever need an excuse to visit Pacific East too.
• Pasta.  This is the classic which most people automatically think of.  I would not recommend anything with a heavy cream sauce though.  Head on down to Little Italy and stop in your favorite restaurant.



My Easter cupcakes from Main Street Cupcakes

• Cupcakes.  Just because I love them.  Pre race.  Post race.  Just not during the race.

Hydration is simple...water, Gatorade/Powerade, and coconut water.  I also am allowing myself one beer a day.  Considering my bib number is 312, it is a sign I must have one of these

Goose Island 312

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Monday Night Football Week 7: Namaste

Are you one of those people who always wanted to try yoga but never found that little push to do so?  Maybe you are similar to me and practice every once in a while and want to become more consistent with your practice.  Perhaps you are a dedicated yogi whose practice is ever growing.  No matter which category you possibly fall into, Force Fitness has offered BvBCLE three donation based classes to help us reach out fundraising goal.  All levels are welcomed.  Classes will be held on the following days:

• Wednesday, May 16 at Force Fitness Rocky River 5:45-6:45 p.m.
• Sunday, May 20 at Force Fitness Rocky River 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Sunday, June 10, Force Fitness East 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Hope to see you there!

Get your downward dog on!

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

**Disclaimer:  I have been asked to blog about my experience as a player in the inaugural Blondes vs. Brunettes Powderpuff Football game on June 16th.  I am required to attend at least 4 team practices and reach my fundraising goal of $250.  All opinions are my own.  Go #TeamBrunette!!**

Monday Night Football Week 4: Gear up, Get Psyched!!

I will admit, I could not resist the high school cheerleading flashback with the title...except I only cheered for basketball.  But anyways...I first want to thank everyone who came out the Battle of the Bombshells Happy Hour last week.  Between the raffle tickets and guest bar tending, $1,170 was raised and will be added to the volunteers' (including my own) fundraising efforts.  It was great to finally meet Charlene and Katie in real life and I always love an excuse to hang out with Julie (and finally meet her bf Todd), Nidhi, Kimberly, and Brad.  The next BvB Happy Hour will be May 10th at The Boneyard in Broadview Heights.  More on that in a future MNF post!

Loved this pic Julie...even though you are not in it :(

Over the weekend, I finally received my practice schedule.  As I have mentioned, I am required to attend at least 4 team practices.  I could not be more excited to start either!  I will admit, I don't think I have touched a football since the days of sorority powderpuff in college.  I hope I can still catch.  At least I know I can run!  If you are still on the fence about playing, here are the team practice schedules: 

Team Blonde: 

• April 29 10:30am-12:30pm -Force Fitness 21220 Center Ridge Rd  Rocky River, OH 44116
• May 6 10am-11am -Force Fitness Rocky River
• May 16 7pm-8pm -Force Fitness Rocky River
• May 20 10am-11am -Force Fitness Rocky River
• May 31 7pm-8pm -Force Fitness East location 
  
• June 2 9am-10pm  -Force Fitness East location 
  
• June 7th 6pm-7pm -Force Fitness East location 
  
• June 10th 11am-12pm -Force Fitness East location 

Team Brunette:

April 29 10:30am-12:30pm -Force Fitness 21220 Center Ridge Rd  Rocky River, OH 44116

May 6 11am-12pm -Force Fitness Rocky River

May 16 6pm-7pm -Force Fitness Rocky River

May 20 11am-12pm -Force Fitness Rocky River (a miss for me since it is MARATHON DAY!!)

May 31 6pm-7pm-Force Fitness East location 

June 2 9am-10pm and Car Wash 10am-2pm -Force Fitness East location 

June 7th 7pm-8pm -Force Fitness East location 

June 10th 10am-11am -Force Fitness East location 

FRIDAY is the final day to sign up and play!    Remember, Alzheimer's can develop in anyone at any point in life.  Currently, there are no permanent treatments or cures.  Raising awareness is one way to help fight against this horrible disease.  

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Monday Night Football Week 2: What is Alzheimer's?

Imagine being surrounded by your family in your own home except you have no idea who these people are and where you are.  They keep calling out to you yet you cannot remember who they are or why they would know you.  You feel confused, lost, scared, and alone.  Suddenly, you become agitated and want these people gone.  Are they going to harm you?  Why do they keep trying to get your attention?  Where are you?  In an instant, you recall who you are, where you are, and who these people are that keep calling out to you.  Your family appears to be a mix of fearful, sad, relieved, and confused.  They want to help you but sadly, even their best efforts may not be enough.

That scenario is what I imagine a person suffering from Alzheimer’s struggles with as the disease slowly takes over their life.  Fortunately, I have never had a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s and I cannot fathom what their family and caregivers go through on a daily basis.  I am one of the lucky ones.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 5.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.  It has become the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one in the top 10 causes of death that cannot be prevented or slowed down.  While it is more common in people over 60 with family history, Alzheimer’s can affect anyone. 

Participation in events such as Blondes vs. Brunettes is a fun way to raise awareness and money to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s.  While there are some treatments to make life for people with Alzheimer’s less difficult, there are no treatments to slow down the progression of the disease or prevent it.  Currently, advances are being made daily in Alzheimer’s research to better understand causes and discover better treatment methods.

from http://www.alz.org/research/overview.asp

There is still time to sign up to play, coach, or join a committee.  Also, stop by Around the Corner in Lakewood on April 18 from 6-8 for happy hour.  Finally, if you know someone with Alzheimer’s and need a little extra support, there is a 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900.  Please pass this number on to anyone who may need it.

Until next time…follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.

**Disclaimer: I have been asked to blog about my experiences as a player for the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Chapter's Blondes vs. Brunettes Powderpuff Football game on June 16.  I am required to attend practices and reach a fundraising goal.  All opinions are 100% my own**