CLE Events: Balance & Brews

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my very first Balance & Brews event as part of Engage! Cleveland's YP Week. Founded by Melissa Klimo-Major, Balance & Brews combines an hour-long, all-levels yoga class with beer! The events take place in local breweries, and include a brewery tour (if you are so inclined). The classes themselves are really fun-- the unusual location paired with Melissa's humor and playlist make for a fun, low-key experience.

Photo credit: Thanks to Balance and Brews' Facebook page for the two pictures on the top.

Balance & Brews is hosting its first ever yoga weekend retreat in Ohio later this month. I'm not quite ready to commit to a whole weekend yet, but its definitely something I would like to try in the near future. They also have a practice and a pint option, which is exactly what it sounds like. And on July 11th, they are hosting a Balance & Brews practice at Great Lakes Brewing Company, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Secondhand Mutts. If you recall, I used to serve on the Board of Directors for Secondhand Mutts, and they continue to hold a very special place in my heart, so naturally, I'm signed up to attend!

I love that fun, active events like these are becoming more common-place in Cleveland. I LUUUUURVE a good detox-retox experience! I'm still looking for an event that pairs yoga with a wine/champagne tasting--- maybe someone will create one soon? Or maybe I should partner with someone to create one?

Jump Back Ball: We Went Back to the Future

This past Saturday, Playhouse Square played host to the 24th annual Jump Back Ball. The theme this year was Back to the Future-- lots of Doc's and Marty's and even one DeLorean. I had a really fun time hanging out with friends and seeing people I don't get to see very often. In fact, I had a little TOO much fun- note to self: Gin + bubbles will result in no good.

This year, I wore a red Badgley Mischka from Rent the Runway, and of course, lots of sparkle. My bracelet is the Stella & Dot Petra and my ring and earrings are from H&M.

And now, some pictures from our evening!

Clockwise from top left: Nick, Dave and Rich; a mini Miami reunion, posing with Jessi and KK, lovely ladies Charity, Lisa and Kelly

Clockwise from top left: Allison, Christina and Charity, selflies with Jessi, Renee (who is one of my favorite instructors at Harness), the adorable Rebecca and Adam.

From left: with Clefashionista Rachel, Prom posing with Nick

Clockwise from top left: Another pic with Kelly and Lisa, the part of the night when things started to go very wrong :) (damn you champagne bar!!), Jessi and Liz, and yet another selfie to round out the night!

Overall, another fun Jump Back Ball! I know that the Playhouse Square Partners team will be thinking of themes for Jump Back Ball 25, and I would love to see a nautical theme (glamor like the Titanic, but without the sinking, or even pirates!!), or a Superheroes and Supervillians theme, or even old Hollywood glamor!

And while I recover from my hangover today, I'm already looking forward to next year!!

Disclosure: I was offered one ticket in exchange for helping spread word about the event. As always, all opinions are my own, and based on my own experience. Thank you for continuing to support posts like this one! 

Go Back…. To the Future

Happy Monday!! Today is a BIG day because its JUMP BACK BALL KICKOFF DAY!!! Its no secret that Jump Back Ball is my most favorite party of the winter-- the thought of it really helps get me through the inevitably bitterly cold February, and honestly, helps me keep my New Years diet on track.

This year was such a great theme, I really doubted that PlayhouseSquare Partners could do better, and then they released the theme for 2015….

I mean, are you kidding me?!?!!? The possibilities with this theme are ENDLESS!!!! So, if you want to participate, you will need to get a Jump on getting tickets (pun intended), and the best place to do it is this evening at Hofbrauhaus anytime between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Last year, Jump Back sold out in 10 days…. DON'T WAIT. You don't want to be that person trying to find tickets on Facebook and Twitter in February.

Jump Back Ball Ticket Kickoff Pricing:

$130 Partners / $165 Non-Partners
Ticket limits apply

Public: 2 Non-Partners tickets per person

Partners*: 2 Partners tickets and 2 Non-Partners tickets per membership 

Ticket prices go up by $15 + shipping/handling on Tuesday.

And, if you bring a new, unused personal care item to do be donated to Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland you will be entered into a raffle to win:

1. Overnight stay at the Wyndham the night of Jump Back Ball
2. VIP upgrade for yourself and a guest
3. Loge tickets to upcoming performances at PlayhouseSquare

See you this evening!!

Disclosure: I was provided with one ticket to Jump Back Ball to help spread the word about the event. I absolutely ADORE this event, and am delighted to have the opportunity to support it. I thank you for your supporting this blog that allows me to do things like this! As always, all opinions are 100% my own. XO

Listening Now: 90's Throwback Playlist

This past weekend, Nick and I met up with Wes and Danielle  at The Flying Monkey for some drinks. Flying Monkey has a TouchTunes jukebox, and I have the TouchTunes app-- the perfect combo for a 90s throwback night.

The playlist (and we were kinda monopolizing the jukebox here-- sorry) included the following:
1. Kiss - Prince
2. The Sign - Ace of Base
3. Tennessee - Arrested Development
4. Boombastic - Shaggy
5. It's Tricky - Run DMC
6. I Got 5 On It - Luniz
7. Too Close - Next
8. Return of the Mack - Mark Morrisson
9. Pony - Ginuwine
10. This is How We Do It - Montell Jordan
11. Whoomp! (There It Is) - Tag Team
12. Regulate - Warren G
13. Set Adrift on Memory Bliss - P.M. Dawn
14. Push It - Salt-N-Pepa
15. Ditty - Paperboy
16. Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

Yeah, we were there a while…..

Anyway, if 90's music is your thing, on May 3, 2014, MOCA is hosting a 90/90s Gay Games Dance Party to celebrate the 90 day countdown to the 2014 Gay Games! More information including a link to purchase tickets available here! I will definitely be there with my dancing shoes on!!

What are some of your favorite jukebox tunes? Please share!! 

Clambake for a Cause

As you know, from time to time, I use my blog to advocate for an organization that is very near and dear to my heart, Secondhand Mutts. I have been a Board Member for Secondhand Mutts since 2011, but have been involved with the rescue as a volunteer essentially since we brought Otto home in 2008. Since that time, Secondhand Mutts has grown tremendously! What I am most proud of as Board Member is that Secondhand Mutts has never shied away from the difficult cases, the overlooked and unwanted dogs.  Ruby was one such story.

Ruby came to Secondhand Mutts blind from diabetes. Through our incredible foster network, we were able to find her a foster home while we assessed her medical issues. Once we found out that her vision-loss was reversible, we decided that we were absolutely going to do everything in our power to restore it! A few weeks ago, Ruby underwent eye surgery, and has now successfully regained vision. In even better news, her foster mom fell so in love that she decided to formally adopt Ruby. That said, Ruby must remain on a daily regimen of insulin and eye drops for the rest of her life. All told, Ruby's rescue cost over $3,500 and she is worth every. singly. penny. I mean, look at this face!

In any case, to defray some of the cost of Ruby's care, and to honor her restored eyesight, Secondhand Mutts is hosting a clambake on October 5th. A single ticket is $45 and includes a clam and chicken dinner, and unlimited beer, wine and soda. Couples can enjoy two tickets for $80! If you're not into clams and just want to drink, you can buy drink-only tickets for $20. To see all the ticket options, and to buy tickets, please go HERE. There will be no tickets sold on site, so these are presale only!

While this is not a dog-friendly event, Ruby will be making a guest appearance to say hello and give thank-you kisses. The clambake is being held at the Pavilion of the West Side Irish American Club which is a covered outdoor facility. So, dress appropriately!!

As a side note, one of my favorite things about clambakes is the opportunity to tap into my outdoor fall wardrobe: skinny jeans, boots, cozy sweater, maybe a puffy vest....

I hope you will attend. Nick and I will definitely be there to support the cause, and I would love to see you in person!! XO

Since I Last Saw You

... I've had a mixed weekend. Some really fun stuff, some relaxation, all good!

Friday, N and I made our way over to the Goodtime III for the Third Annual Roar Along The Shore. We've gone each year since its inception, and each year, it just gets bigger and bigger! The line up of bands was absolutely the best so far, and everyone seemed to be having a really fun time; a testament to Danielle's abilities as a kick-ass party planner!!

Saturday was really low key: Otto had surgery to remove a small tumor on his back. While he's going to be just fine, I was feeling exceptionally maternal so besides a morning walk with Clair, we stayed home and mostly cuddled the pups.

My favorite spot at Edgewater Park! 

Sunday, believe it or not, I did not partake in anything Cleveland Browns. And I can't say I was unhappy about it because I used the time to get ready for this week. 

This evening, Nick and I made the impromptu decision to take Otto and Clair to Puppypalooza. The Cleveland Indians started this summertime tradition a few years ago, and I absolutely LUUUURRVVEEE this event! It raises money for a great cause, and really, what can be better than catching a baseball game with your best friend right by your side?! It was like a mini boxer-party tonight; there were seriously boxers EVERYWHERE! Clair is probably going to end up on local TV because she walked right up to a camera man and stuck her muzzle RIGHT into this camera! 

A great start to the week so far, and its only going to get better!!

The THIRD Annual Spin for Strays!! Sign up details!!

My support for Secondhand Mutts and my love for pscyle have both been very well documented on this blog. For the past two years, Jenn and Scott Sommers, owners of pscyle, have been amazing champions and supporters of Secondhand Mutts by hosting the annual Spin for Strays fundraiser.

The past two years have been an incredible success, and I hope that this year is no exception. We have changed a few things this year though-- unlike in prior years, the THIRD ANNUAL SPIN FOR STRAYS is being held on a Saturday. This way, no one has to rush in from work, and it doesn't interfere with Friday Happy Hour. We've also timed it so that it doesn't impede Saturday naps, or Saturday evening plans, and still gives riders the opportunity to stick around for a post-ride adult beverage!

The details!
When: Saturday, April 27th, at 4 pm

Where: pscyle: 24945 Detroit Road (between Clague and Columbia Rd. exits on I-90)

Why: This is a donation only ride, with a suggested donation of $15. All proceeds from the event go directly to support the pups at Secondhand Mutts. Also, you will burn a boatload of calories (between 500-800 on average), get sweaty, and have a LOT OF FUN!!!

Who: EVERYONE!!! This is an all levels ride and no prior spin experience is necessary. Its a great time to try spinning if you've never been before, and a ride at pscyle is very different from a lot of other spin classes around town. For one, you ride to the beat of the music... and the music? IS AWESOME!! Jenn will have an incredible and energizing playlist to guide you on your ride. If you've ever wished you were in NYC or LA to experience the celeb-favorite SoulCycle, a psycle class will give you a good inkling of what to expect.

How: sign up here. (alternatively go to pscyletherapy.com, click on schedule, and then click on events to sign up). There are ONLY 32 bikes, so make sure you reserve yours today.


Last year was SUCH a blast--- take a look at some of the pics:

Getting our ride on!

Meeting adoptable pups prior to the ride

Bloggers on bikes

You can view more pictures here.

So, I hope that you join me for this incredible event. Its only an hour of your time, and really, such an incredible cause. Secondhand Mutts has a lot of great dogs available for adoption right now, and while the website is being revamped, you can find them all on petfinder! You can also follow Secondhand Mutts on Facebook for up-to-date info! Hope to see you there!! 

XO 

Happening THIS Weekend (I'm VERY excited)

Its FINALLY here!!! After what seems like an eternity of waiting, Jump Back Ball is FINALLY happening this Saturday!! I have my outfit planned-- the only other thing I have to do is decide which pair of shoes I'm going with (I have two equally comfortable pairs) and how much arm candy I'm going to wear (restraint is overrated).

That said, if you missed out on tickets to Jump Back Ball (or if its just not your thing), there's another awesome event happening this weekend-- Ripple Fest. Hosted by the Foundation for Community Betterment at the 78th St. Studios, the night features some of the City's most beloved and talented comedians (Factory of Sadness? Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video?) and musicians. The fun begins at 6:00 pm on Saturday, and presale tickets, available until 6 pm tonight are ONLY $18!!!! Tickets and more info available HERE!!!

And last, but certainly NOT least, this Sunday is THE OSCARS, and at 7pm, for the first time ever (I'm so excited!!!) I will be joining NewsChannel5 anchor Chris Flanagan and Q102 host Jen Toohey to live chat OSCAR FASHIONS!!!!!!!!!!! As you might have noticed from my all Red Carpet tweets this Awards Season, I absolutely ADORE the Red Carpet, and never shy away from sharing my opinion, so I hope that you will join in the fun (but lets keep it classy)!!