Wednesday March 13th, 2013 in Fitness, WeddingI get it. I’ve been a bad blogger, again. Sometimes work and planning a wedding just takes precedence.
I’ve also been a bad runner. For the past three years I’ve ran the Cleveland Half Marathon. It’s given me something to look forward to and filled my Saturdays with obligatory long runs and not necessary carb-loading. I’ve also frequented the St. Malachi 5-miler, the Cleveland 10-miler and other various 5Ks that take place in the community.
 St. Malachi 2011. Truth is, I haven’t been doing much running at all this winter. Thank the brisk temps, but I’ve been filling my workout routine with rides, barre class & the occasional cardio at the gym. Running was never just a fad for me, it’s truly my favorite way to blow off steam. The problem is, I’m a baby about running in the cold.
The other problem is, we have a wedding in FOUR MONTHS. I guess that’s not a problem!  But, it makes me more conscious of my free time. I couldn’t justify heading to the Metroparks for a 7-miler that would take up nearly half of my day off when I know my time would be better spent crafting or planning some other portion of the wedding.
Once August hits maybe I’ll be blogging more. I know I’ll be running more. Only time will tell. But I know the time I’m spending away form my laptop will be time (for the most part) well spent!
In the meantime, don’t forget about me.
Or do. Whatever floats your boat!!
Wednesday March 6th, 2013 in Uncategorized, WeddingOur save the dates have been out for a while now. We wanted to incorporate what we love most (sunshine, boating & our pup!).
The front:
The back:
I cropped out a sliver of the bottom of the back so all my stalkers can’t have access to our wedding website. Kidding. Sort of.
Designed by the talented etsy shop new, borrowed & blue.
Sunday March 3rd, 2013 in Fitness When psycle opened almost two years ago, I joined some friends and went for what I thought would be your typical spin class. It was anything but typical.
foursquare tells me I’ve been to psycle 154x. I guess I like my therapy. I call it therapy because the instructors always say: we work from the inside out. They also say: if you come to class to get a fine ass, you’re the ass. Both of these mantras resonate with me because those 55 minutes on the bike are MY 55 minutes. I turn my brain off and let my mind rest while my body moves to the beat of the music. I drank the psycle kool-aid and it tastes oh so good.
After 6 months I even bought spinning shoes. I always thought those were only for the bad ass riders. Those shoes make such a difference! I recommend purchasing shoes for anyone who regularly spins.
When I acquired the shoes I had the confidence to ride in the front row where some of those bad ass riders were. Over the following year and a half, I religiously rode and unknowingly improved my form and focus.
A few weeks ago, one of the veteran riders came up to me and told me he’s noticed how hard I work in class. It was a nice comment from someone who has been riding for decades. On Sunday, the same man came up to me and told me I’m one of the best riders in the studio. I’m not posting this to brag. I actually know this to not be true. But still, I’m posting this because I was truly humbled by his remark and it made me do a little bit of reflecting.
I’ve come a long way inside the walls of that studio. No matter what’s going on outside and in the real world, I know I can always depend on my psycle family to be there.
For those of you who are afraid to try something new, whether it’s a yoga studio or a cooking class, just go for it. I was nervous to go to my first class but I’m glad I didn’t let my nerves deter me from what’s become my favorite way to unwind.
DETOX. RETOX.
Monday February 18th, 2013 in Eats & Drinks, WeekendSince we didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day on Thursday, Dean and I decided to cash in our Groupon to SB 81 Friday night. I had pretty high expectations since we loved Saucy Bistro’s food & patio happy hours (the previous restaurant at the location). All in all, I was disappointed. The martinis hit the spot and the arancini appertizer (mozzy stuffed risotto balls) were delicious. However, it was all downhill from there.
Annoyance number 1 – I had to inquire about the specials and the descriptions were lackluster – (um, you have a lobster special, try to sell it!). That being said, Dean still chose the lobster special because he can never say no to the crustacean & I opted for the tilapia with lobster risotto. My meal was borderline gross. It swam in a pool of an oily/butter mixture that coagulated mid-meal. Dean’s lobster was just so-so and he had to ask for a side of drawn butter.
After being double-charged for our martinis and wine, it’s safe to say we won’t be venturing back which is a shame since it’s around the corner.
Saturday was a productive day for me including a workout at my new favorite barre studio, a stop at Michael’s & an afternoon of wedding crafting with my mom!
 Dying mason jars! Saturday night we headed to one of our best friend’s houses (across the street!) for a taco bar courtesy of the boys and playing with the babeeeey! It’s great to be so close to our friends – all we have to worry about is looking both ways crossing the street!
 Shrimp tacos were amazing! And I love this little nugget, Cora!
Sunday we knocked some more wedding things off our ‘to-do’ list, cuddled with the puppy & enjoyed Sunday supper. That’s how you weekend, folks!
Wednesday February 13th, 2013 in WeddingDean and I (especially me) are not the most loviest-doviest, mushiest & PDA-prone couples out there. Quite the opposite actually…to each their own, right? However, I thought what better week (and year) to give thanks and look forward to the hunky guy I’m marrying in a mere FIVE months!
The wedding is quickly approaching and Valentine’s Day is Thursday so I’m feeling the love and getting majorly excited for the Big Day.
Let’s recap what’s taken place so far:
 Part of the wedding party! Looking back at what’s already occurred, the bar is set high for the wedding after my engagement party and bridal shower. I’m gonna brag: my mom/soon-to-be MIL & SIL, bridesmaids & friends have amazing taste and are all Pinterest pundits in their own right! Have I mentioned my soon to be sis-in-law/bridesmaid has stepped up as official, unofficial wedding planner? I love her!
So what have we accomplished since the last update? A LOT!
- Photographer & videographer (thank you, Janet!)
- Bridesmaids dresses
- Mother-of-the-bride dress(es)
- Save-the-dates (a post on this later once they are all out the door)
- DJ (hello, Eric!)
- Menu selection – fried perch, anyone? No joke.
- DIY centerpiece pallet pieces (thanks Dad & Dean!)
- DIY centerpiece layout
- Homemade wedding balls (post on this later – easy-peasy crafting)
- A general idea of all the DIY decorating we’ll be doing including: favors, decor, drink stands, etc.
- Tentative honeymoon in Maui
- Wedding list – who am I kidding? This is far from done
- Oh, I even ordered my wedding dress!
 These wedding balls are saving us mucho dinero! I recognize there’s absolutely so much more we need to do. However, I think we’re on track and I have yet to even slightly feel like a bridezilla (and doubt I will). My mantra to staying sane? ONE THING AT A TIME!
Enter rare sappy Alana: I love my man, my family (and in-laws that have felt like family for years), my best friends & everyone else that has touched our lives over the past 5 errr 15 years and can’t wait to catapult ourselves into the rest of our lives! xo.
 Let’s do this, Deano!
Wednesday February 6th, 2013 in Cleveland, Eats & DrinksDid you know that Valentine’s Day is only ONE week away? Well, if you’re still looking for a romantic way to knock the socks off your significant other, Pier W has quite the bubbly event on Febraury 26 at 6:00 p.m. Buy tickets now, give them on Valentine’s Day & avoid all the crowds that come with the holiday for lovahs!
 My mom and I celebrating her 40ish birthday last year at Pier W Added bonus? Travel + Leisure just named Pier W one of America’s Most Romantic Restaurants! Pier W is one of our go-to’s for a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion with our family and friends – here’s the proof! Did I mention they have an AMAZING happy hour?
If you’re interested in wining and dining your loved one this month, The Moët Hennessey Wine Tour of the World is $75 plus tax and gratuity & reservations are required (call 216-228-2250).
Feel free to start drooling now:
1st Course
Long Island Duck, Foie Gras and Black Truffle Ballontine,
Sherry Gelee, Pickled Cornichon, Kumquat Marmalade
Domaine Chandon ~ Etoile Rose ~ Sparkling Wine ~ Sonoma-Napa ~
California N.V.
2nd Course
Fillet of Lemon Sole Veronique, Champagne Grapes,
Braised Celery Vichyssoise, Mushrooms and Turnips
Cloudy Bay ~ Sauvignon Blanc ~ Marlborough ~ New Zealand
2012
3rd Course
Slow Roasted Lamb Crepinette, Baby Beet Coulis, Kalamata Olives,
Endive Cake with Orange Lentils and Smoked Blue Cheese
Newton ~ Claret ~ Napa Valley ~ California
2010
4th Course
Molten Chocolate Cake, Cassis Ice Cream, Dried Cherry and Port
Reduction
Numanthia ~ Tinto De Toro ~ Castilla Y Leon ~ Spain
2008
Sounds fancy, huh?
From the Pier W press release: Kliment Stevoff, the restaurant’s wine director and Level II sommelier, along with Moët Hennessy brand ambassador Rich Buchanan will guide guests through a four-course food and wine pairing. Guests can expect an intimate, tutored event with a promise to leave satisfied and educated.
If you don’t want to attend this dinner, you must be crazy Now go out and make your lady or man feel special – this happens to be a real holiday unlike Sweetest Day!
Question: Do you brave the restaurant crowds on Valentine’s Day? We’ll eat a fancy meal at home or hit a hot spot another weekend (when I was rolling solo, a group of girlfriends and I went out downtown on a Tuesday night – yikes!).
Sunday February 3rd, 2013 in Random thoughtsAll Dean and I needed was three days in the sun. And boy did we luck out with south Florida’s weather last week. We’ve been to Pompano numerous times to visit Dean’s ‘rents and we usually don’t get the best weather (but that never stopped up form sunbathing in sweatshirts).
In a nutshell, we sat on the beach and ate great food, sat on another beach with snacks and cocktails and finally sat on the original beach with a delicious final dinner out with the fam. Not too shabby, huh?
 Fun at Pompano Beach
View from the balcony.  Fort Lauderdale = best people watching.  On the hunt…  For buried treasure. Or, sea glass for the wedding!  Dinner at La Veranda. We’re so lucky to have the luxury to travel on a buddy pass to visit my future in-laws!
Since I’m starting a new adventure (more on that soon), it was a perfect getaway to unplug and hit the reset button.
Happy week, friends!
Friday January 25th, 2013 in Random thoughts**Congrats to Rachel {at} It’s a Hero! You won two tickets to the Great Big Home + Garden Show! Didn’t win? You can still purchase tickets.**
I’ve been called many things over the past 28 years. Spontaneous is rarely one of them. To the dismay of my partner-in-crime, I may or may not annoy him when I ask these type of questions:
- What time exactly is dinner next Sunday?
- What is the plan 3 weeks from Thursday?
- How long until we know what we’re doing this weekend?
- Are we having XX over before we head to the game in two weeks?
- What time are we expected at your parents next month?
So when we we’re told on Tuesday that we could fly standby on Saturday morning to Florida to visit Dean’s parents for a few days, I threw my ‘must-plan-everything’ gene out the window and said HELL YES!
Mind you, the negative 20 windchill may have helped me turn up the spontaneity but this is not normal behavior for me. Normally, I would have already been packed, been eating extra healthy, working out harder and saving some money to head on vacation.
Since I have a week off of work, we’re going to spend (hopefully) three days straight with our toes in the water and asses in the sand!
 Pompano Beach, 2009 So are you a planner or do you like to fly by the seat of your pants every once in awhile?
Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 in Cleveland, Eats & Drinks, Weekend**You have until Thursday night to enter to win tickets to the Great Big Home and Garden Show**
After a relatively low-key Friday and Saturday night in, I was looking forward to Sunday Funday with some of my favorite ladies. Up first, my mom & I were attending the Something White Boutique Bridal Bizarre at 78th Street studios with one of my best buddies and her soon to me mom-in-law. This was the only bridal show I’ve ever been to and I was honestly impressed! I knew it wasn’t going to be the typical tacky taffeta, bright-light disco show due to the location and vendor list. I even walked away with a few ideas for my own wedding and think MacKenzie did too!
Not wanting to head home quite yet, we continued the fun with Alexa at XYZ for a few cocktails and a bit of girl talk.
 Why didn’t I want to go home? Dean was hosting the annual ‘Playoff Party’ with nearly 25 rough and tough men from his work and it was BOYS ONLY until about 4pm. There was no way we were going to pass up the meal the three chefs were slaving over all day: the famous red pasta sauce flavored with everything from Lou’s Sausage to pigs feet to pork ribs. It’s one of my favorite meals!
 Somehow, I failed to snap a photo of the final product and the impressive buffet spread. I guess I could blame Matthew Fox. Trust me when I say it was delicious.
There was even football to watch & squares to gamble on! Very unlike me, I barely watched one snap. That tends to happen when some of your best friends and family are over!
Since I am leaving it to your imaginations to visualize the Italian feast, perhaps I could convince Dean to share the recipe of the blog one day… *fingers crossed!*
Monday January 21st, 2013 in Giveaway, HouseWho needs some extra inspiration (or motivation) to kick off that home project you’ve been meaning to tackle? Or do you an additional boost to finish that one home improvement job that’s been looming over your head? I have the the answer to whet your home-improvement appetite: tickets to the Great Big Home + Garden Show!
The fourth annual show takes place Saturday, Feb. 2 – Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Cleveland I-X Center, and will feature more than 650 exhibitors showcasing the best tips and techniques in cooking, gardening, home improvement and more. Some additional show highlights include:
- Home improvement experts and celebrity guests appearing on The Main Stage throughout the show, such as Professional Organizer Peter Walsh from the hit TLC show “Clean Sweep”; Matt Fish, owner and chef of Melt Bar and Grilled; “Top Chef” participant and Ohio-native Chris Crary; and Matt Fox, co-host of HGTV’s “Room by Room” and host and producer of “Around the House with Matt and Shari.”
- Daily themed cooking demonstrations taking place on the Loretta Paganini Cooking Stage.
- U.S. landmark-themed Showcase Gardens created by Northeast Ohio’s top landscapers.
- A 4,000-square-foot Idea Home, which combines new trends with Craftsman-infused features. This Tuscan-styled ranch will inspire visitors with ways to plan and create their own dream homes from concept to completion.
- The 2,000-square-foot Dream Basement, meeting the desires of the entire family and offering visitors ideas for their own entertainment and recreation areas.
- The Petitti Gardening Stage, featuring daily gardening seminars held by Northeast Ohio landscape experts.
In addition, ticket holders can check out the “Product Runway” fashion show on Feb. 2, or watch cute and furry friends take to The Main Stage during the Q104 Four-Legged Fashion Show on Feb. 9.
You can enter to win two tickets by following the instructions below or purchase your own with the discount code: DAWGDISH. By purchasing tickets online and using the DAWGDISH promo code, you will get $4 off.
Or you can enter to win by…
- Post a comment telling me what your favorite room in your home is.
- Tweet the following message: I want to win tickets to the Great Big Home and Garden Show from @dawgpndgirl! http://bit.ly/102iFZ8 (Leave a comment letting me know you did so)
You can enter via tweet every day until Thursday, January 24 at 11:59pm. Winners will be selected by random & announced January 25, 2013.
Disclosure: I was asked to promote this giveaway. I attended the show last year as a blogger as well.
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