We're going to Kentucky, We're going to the Fair!

We're actually going to the West Side Market!  After a glorious brutal win on Clark fields with Team Arterx, I rushed home to greet Stefanie (sister), Kurt (brother in law) and Chase (nephew) at the apartment. This was the little  guys first viewing of my new place in Lakewood and he was such a big boy walking up the three flights of stairs to get to the space.  After a quick tour we heading towards Ohio City in search of "Big Fish" as Chase kept saying. 1pm on a Saturday at the market is a crazy time to go, but it added to the cultural ambiance of the visit. Recycled Shopping bags in hand Stef and I set out to grab some fresh produce while Kurt and Chase had a learning lesson in fruits and veggies. If you have never heard a 2 year old say "asparagus", I can tell you its absolutely adorable! I grabbed avocados, asparagus, cucumbers and a huge head of cabbage (I'm gonna reattempt cabbage and noodles - wish me luck).

We stepped inside the complex to peruse the over 70 vendors that provide meat, dairy  products, pastries and seafood to the greater CLE area.  Stef had a shopping list so Kurt, Chase and I walked around looking for the "big fish" Chase wanted to see.  We tasted popcorn, tried some beef jerky and of course got a sausage sandwich at Franks.  Stef walked away with some great deals and I snapped some fun pictures.

 Chase and his catch of the day

 Kurt and Chase checking out some seafood

 Kurt also found a favorite at Vera's Bakery

Even though he's not looking at the camera, the propped elbow on my shoulder proves his stud status

Check out the West Side Market here to find out more about this historic working landmark.  

Here's to a great weekend - Cheers Cleveland!  -S

Next Stop ------>  The Root Cafe

The Young and The Restless

I think I have been denying myself my youth lately. After a W on the board for Team Arterx, our team went to the Lincoln Park Pub in Tremont for a few celebratory drinks. We somehow got onto the age game. Everyone on the team is late 20s, early 30s or older. I on the other hand am sitting pretty at 23 yrs of age. "Well, I was born in 1986." A little laughter crawls over the table. J. Byrne reminds me of something I have forgotten lately; an idea that got lost among the bills, grocery shopping and apartment decorating. "Shelley, your like in your prime right now!" You know what, I totally agree.

Lately I have fallen into the pattern of single, working girl/domestic goddess. I rarely go out and have even skipped out on my weekly bottle of wine, due to bills, dates with my Swiffer Wet Jet and the gym. I'm very happy for my accomplishments in life thus far in my life - Graduated from college, found a great job, got a place of my own.... I have followed all the rules, well most of them - I deserve to get out and celebrate once and a while. Which is why I am so glad I went out with my friends in Willoughby on Friday night...

Sarah and I got a few drinks at 1899 in DTW. We had a couple hours by ourselves and than the boys came to meet up with us. All was well in the world and I had a great time! Saturday, as I mentioned was the first Winter Football Game. Unfortunately I was completely exhausted after Friday nights (err mornings) rendezvous til 8am, football and 4 beers, that by the time I got home at 3:45pm today, I passed out til 8.... It was well deserved don't you think??

I had to drag myself out of my warm bed; I only ate chips and guac for the day so I figured food was necessary. Giant Eagle, late night, is like being on the set of a scary movie. Bread looks different under the dark shadows of the store running at half electrical power. The deli, butcher and seafood windows are cleared and blacked out. The rent a cop in aisle 4 makes you feel like you just committed a crime for checking the nutrition facts on 100 calorie popcorn. Luckily, no cart traffic made shopping a breeze and I was able to escape unscathed

So now, here I am watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, eating 100 cal popcorn and wondering why I can't have a secret vampire relationship like Spike and Buffy...

Pop corn, reruns and vampire fantasies on a Saturday night. Maybe I am ready to grow up.

It's Friday I'm In Love

It's 9:43pm on a Friday and I am completely content with staying inside away from the elements. Lately, Friday evenings have become my safe haven where I can actually breathe and relax. My oldest sister Sara, who lives in Colorado, says her favorite relaxation moment during the week is when she comes home from work, has a glass of red wine and makes dinner with Matt, her boyfriend. So relax, crack open a bottle and exhale; because tomorrow is Saturday, and if you're anything like me, you have a packed schedule of family, friends and the great outdoors. Enjoy the evening!