Sunday, May 31, 2015

Listening Now: May Playlist

Ack! Its the very last day of May, but still enough time to get in my playlist. Here's what I've been listening to this month (all songs available on Spotify):
1. Say My Name (feat. Zyra) - ODESZA
2. Worship - Years & Years
3. Headlights (feat. Ilsey) - Robin Schulz
4. Stronger - Clean Bandit
5. Modern Love - Coasts
6. St. Patrick - Pvris (this is one of my favorites right now)
7. Cruel - The Veronicas
8. Classic (feat. Powers) - The Knocks
9. Peaches N Cream - Snoop Dogg (!!!)
10. Talking Body - Tove Lo

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Solving a Mystery



Its been about six weeks since we brought Webster home, and here's what we know about him:
1. He LOVES Clair. She is his favorite
2. He LOVES tennis balls. LOVES LOVE LOVES them
3. He's obsessed with smart toys (the dog toys that are rabbits in a hat, turtles in the mama turtle's shell, etc.)
4. He LOVES doggie daycare at The Mutt Hutt
5. He is SUPER snuggly when he's sleepy

But until last Friday, we had one unsolved mystery: WHAT was he mixed with?! We knew he had a lot of boxer--- he boxes. A lot. And he has a lot of other boxer traits, but his nose isn't all smushy like Clair's. We had a few guesses-- German Shepher, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Lab… but there was only one way to be sure…. a doggie DNA test was necessary. So, I did some research and ordered the most popular doggie DNA test, the Wisdom Panel.

For $84.99, they mail you a DNA kit. You swab the inside of your dog's mouth with two different swabs, and you have to be careful to not touch it to any other surfaces. The package itself has holders to help. You let the swabs dry for a couple of minutes, and in the mean time, register your DNA kit. When you're done, you put the swabs in the pre-paid package, and stick it in the mail. Really easy directions, you really can't mess it up. 

Wisdom Panel will then email you when they receive your package. They tell you the complete test will take 2-3 weeks, but in our case, it took just about one. 


And this past Friday, we finally solved our mystery. Our silly puppy is mostly boxer as we suspected, but the second most identifiable DNA is that of Australian Cattle Dog! Definitely explains why he's so active, and why he loves all those smart toys. 

Now, we just have to figure out how big he he's going to get! 

P.S. I post regular pictures of him and Clair on Instagram, so if you would like to see more, follow me there

Monday, May 11, 2015

CLE Shops: Whiskey Grade

This past Friday, Nick and I attended the opening of Ohio City's newest retail offering, Whiskey Grade.  Located at 2515 Jay Ave (very close to the intersection of Jay and W25th), Whisky Grade is one of the most unique stores I've been to lately! Part biker-store, part vintage treasure hunt, this store has plenty for men and women, whether they're into motorcycles or not.

The store has an incredible industrial feel-- matte black paint, chandeliers of varying styles and sizes, and incredibly interesting design details. From the amazing skylight to the real motorcycles that are hoisted up on some pretty high shelves, to the unusual display of children's toys, to the changing room that's actually an old safe, the interiors are absolutely delightful. Masculine with a kick of feminine sass. 


As I mentioned before, the store's primary focus is people who ride motorcycles, so there's an extensive offering of armored leather jackets that will literally save your life. Also in the life-saving category, an array of very cool helmets. On the fashion side, there's a selection of t-shirts, dress-shirts and denim (jeans and jackets) for men.



But if you were to think that ladies had been neglected at this store, you would be wrong. In addition to some to-die-for leather jackets (I seriously cannot stop thinking about them), there is selection of very well priced and well curated vintage apparel and accessories.


I picked up two dresses (one of which I will wear to Solstice), a clutch, and a beaded jacket for a total of $105 (tax included!). Seriously, you cannot beat the amazing deals, and there are only maybe 1-2 of each item, so its not like you're likely to run into someone wearing the same outfit!

I am so excited about this newest addition to Cleveland's retail scene-- I know I will be visiting them frequently. For more pictures, check out Whiskey Grade on Facebook and definitely stop in the store!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Orange You Pretty!

So, I had a photo shoot with photographer extraordinaire Suzanne Price this past Friday. More details to come soon, but I found myself very drawn to the orange + gold + cream combo for the shoot. You can view a sneak preview from the shoot here!


Orange You Pretty!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

CLE Eats: Mason's Creamery

If I had to eat just one thing for the rest of my life, it would be ice cream. I LUUUURRRVE ice cream, and we are so lucky to have so many amazing, local choices here in Cleveland. One of my favorite ice cream shops is Mason's Creamery, located in Ohio City at 44th and Bridge.




My obsession with Mason's Creamery is so great, that I've actually become friends with the owners Jesse and Helen. I'm particularly obsessed with their vegan churros that they make fresh, and basically to order. Hot churros, cold ice cream… seriously, is there anything better? Actually, there is. They also have a churro ice cream sandwich where you pick the ice cream in the middle. IT IS HEAVEN. TRUST ME ON THIS.



Jesse makes all the ice cream in-house in small batches. The flavors change frequently, and there's always an excellent mix of regular ice-cream and vegan options. Some of my favorite flavors include the mexican chocolate, olive oil (yes. olive oil) and buttered popcorn. The olive oil and buttered popcorn come served with a sprinkle of smoked salt--- absolutely amazing. 

So, if you like cool, creamy, delicious treats, hurry over to Mason's Creamery. Check their website for hours-- they are not open on Sunday until the summer. They can also be found at the Cleveland Flea, although without churros, and with a more limited menu (obviously). 


And like the mural on the side of their store, make sure to go over all the time! You will probably see me there!!