Morgan Conservatory: Paper Arts in CLE

Last evening I attended the Morgan Conservatory Annual Benefit and Silent Auction: Opposites Attract.  My mom had a piece in the silent auction and I was so excited to show my support and check out all of the awesome artwork and paper! The month of October is dedicated to celebrating the paper arts, so check out all the other events going on in Cleveland during Octavofest 2013. 

Mom and Me
in front of her calligraphy piece

"The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation is a Cleveland, Ohio non-profit art center dedicated to the production and preservation of hand papermaking and the art of the book." This is their big fundraiser and the whole warehouse/gallery turns into a magical creative space--complete with live music, hand-crafted decorations, food and drink, demos and fab art for a good cause!

As soon as you stepped into the space you could feel the creative and magnetic energy, after all, the benefit this year was rightfully named, Opposites Attract. 

The Morgan Conservatory really embodies the idea of opposites attract. The ominous and rust-belt looking warehouse holds tremendous beauty, revitalization and creative production inside. The shell of the building on E.47th St may look a bit intimidating, but the lush Japanese mulberry trees in the back of the premises serve as the source for the hand papermaking production. Yes, they actually harvest the plant fibers and make their own paper. SO TOTALLY COOL!

During the event you could check out all of the different types of paper that members and artists had created or used in their collection. They even had staff at different stations doing demos to show the step-by-step process of the labor-intensive art of paper making.

We made our rounds checking out all of the ways in which artists used paper. From handmade books, installations, to intricately cut paper, and typography--there were so many different ways people used the paper. And the silent auction allowed you to bid on well-known artists and cool pieces for relatively low prices. Hope I get a call on one of my bids :) The best part is that all of the artists donated their work to raise money to benefit the Morgan and support educational workshops.

So be sure to check out the month long celebration of paper arts in Cleveland! I'll be back at the Morgan next weekend for the Abecedarium and revisit my ABC's. Visit Morgan Conservatory to learn about the process of hand-making paper or other events around town that are part of Octavofest.

Disclosure: My mom is a member of Morgan Conservatory and participating artist in Octavofest. All opinions are entirely my own. And I think she's awesome.

Welcome Fall in CLE: A Trip to Petitti's Garden Center

A Trip to Petitti's Garden Center

It's officially fall here in Northeast Ohio--my favorite season! And what a better way to welcome in the season than with a trip to Petitti Garden Centers. I stopped in at the mega-store out in Avon, but with 9 different retail garden centers in the area, you'll be sure to find one close to your neck of the woods. Visiting the garden center is an insta-mood boost and has become a bit of a tradition for my Mom and me. Not only are the plants at Petitti's grown locally in Northeast Ohio, but the well-known garden center is owned and operated by the local Pettiti family! Ahh, an Italian family affair! :)

If you're a newbie gardener, you can check out the plant finder tool on Petitti's website that allows you to narrow your search according to season, height, light needs and more. You can come prepared, or stroll through the greenhouse to find a flower or plant that jumps out at you! 

Like these rows and rows of fall mums! Look at all those pretty colors--these are some of my faves!

 I love the deep purple and fuchsia colors for fall, like the leafy Coleus.

My  mom was a big fan of these white mums which look like rows of bridal bouquets! :)

Finally, I ended up choosing two of these pretty rust colored mums for the planters. I can't wait to get some local pumpkins to add in the weeks ahead too! So if you're looking for a fun way to spend a fall afternoon, I'd highly recommend a trip to Petitti's to get your fall flowers!

What's your favorite fall flower? What fall gardening tips/recommendations do you have for your fellow Clevelanders? Share your thoughts!

Cleveland.com + DCA Tweetup at Aloft Hotel + WXYZ

Last week, I had the opportunity to go check out the brand new Aloft Hotel that now anchors the progressive development in the East Bank of the Flats.

Aloft Hotel and Ernst & Young Building

Cleveland.com and Downtown Cleveland Alliance--two of Cleveland's biggest CLE supporters-- hosted a Tweetup for CLE's social(media)ites to preview the space. To check out cleveland.com's recap and photos click here.

Visitors and hotel guests were greeted by this awesome take on a check-in desk.

Ballin

Nearly 400 people gathered for the event in Aloft Hotel at WXYZ, the same restaurant owners of ABC in Ohio City and XYZ in Gordon Square, to get a glimpse of the venue and socialize.

Sleek. Exposed duct work. Curved lines. Modern feel. Tons of natural light.

Not only was the interior cool but a deck off the second story offered absolutely incredible views of the architecture and natural beauty in CLE.

Deck entrance

Stellar views from the deck

I love that the Detroit-Superior Bridge and Shoreway Bridge are both visible in this shot.

The views are nostalgic of CLE's industrial past contrasted with the exciting redevelopment. 

  

This recent Crain's Cleveland article does a good job of explaining the history of the Flats and long anticipated revitalization of the area. Not only will the new Aloft hotel offer a comfy place to rest your head, but there are sleek conference rooms that boast fantastic views, access to the newly reopened Waterfront Rapid Line, and foodie favorites too. CLE is the place to see and be!

Conference rooms

Green space next to the conference rooms gives a unique perspective of FirstEnergy Stadium

Soon mixed-use spaces will also open--including more offices, retail, restaurants, bars, and apartments.

Bridging CLE's past & present

What a fun place to host a Tweetup, meet new people, eat, drink, take in terrific views and experience CLE's latest destination! Just another reminder of the positive redevelopment and great things happening in The Land!

26 Things I'd Tell Myself On My Sweet 16

So, two of my blogging beauty gal pals recently wrote posts about things they would have told "their younger selves" Sarah from Our Journey recently wrote this awesome post called "20 Things I Would Tell My 17 Year Old Self" and Katie from Call Me Trouble wrote "25 Things I Know (or Don't) Before I Turn 25" I LOVED their lists and thoughtful advice!

Welp, today is my last day of being 25 and I took the day off work and I'm being a bit nostalgic. I remember the day before my 16 birthday (scoff, a whole decade ago!) and how I literally was going nuts to turn 16 and "be an adult..." Oh, Lil Jessie! So, inspired by these other ladies' posts, here are 26 things I learned the past decade that I wish I could have told myself on my sweet 16:

1. I know you're jazzed about getting your license, but be careful. A garage door opener will prove to be your nemesis (swear to God), you'll wreck your Mom's car, and have some serious issues about reversing for the next 10 years. Don't worry, you'll get a sweet car eventually with a back-up camera and your reversing/parallel parking skills will significantly improve. You'll laugh at this story someday.
2. Be kind to your body, it's beautiful and the only one you get!
3. Liking school and loving to learn IS actually cool. The guy you're dating now and a couple after that will tease you about it, and you'll try to hide your bookworm tendencies. Own it. Being smart IS sexy and eventually you'll believe it and find a man who loves this about you most. 
4. I know you've missed your sister while she's been away at college, but you'll get the chance to live with her again.
   
   

   

   Halloween '10

   It will be fabulous and your relationship will grow closer and it will be some formidable years as a young adult.
   
   
5. Keep writing. You've been writing short stories and poems and essays. Be thankful you've already discovered this passion that will stick with you. Keep writing. It will serve you well in college and in your career. Keep writing.
6. Your family will heal itself. This is a really tough time for you and the whole family, I know. Next year, things will start to get better once Dad has his first surgery. It will be a rollercoaster, but it will get better and your family will heal and become stronger and closer. Which leads me to my next point...
7. Family first. I know you think your friends will always be there for you, but most of them will lose touch with you or grow in other directions or turn out not to be good for you. So appreciate your family and always put them first. Stop being a little wiener.
8. Drink lots of water. It'll make your skin prettier.
9. Your dance moves will only continue to improve...
   
   

   

   From the freshman year lean back belly rub...

   

   To the senior year hair swing raise the roof!

   
   
10. Your empathy is your best quality and worst quality, choose wisely. You have a kind heart and feel for others, but don't let them take advantage of you. You're extraordinarily loyal, but don't lose a sense of self by trying to help others solve their problems. Help others who help themselves.
11. Stop obsessing. Your mind is like a hamster on a wheel, always spinning. Your thought habit of worrying and catastrophizing scenarios in your head are useless. So stop now...
12. Okay, so you didn't listen about worrying about things that will most likely never happen... Now you have to deal with anxiety. And that's okay too. It will not kill you--it may feel like it will in the moment, but I promise the panic attack will subside. "This too shall pass" will become your fateful mantra, so learn to love it and live it. 
13. You'll forgo a high school graduation party in exchange for a trip to NYC to celebrate your graduation and 18th birthday with your sis. Great decision.
    
    
    It will be an adventure and you will meet a guy and it will be a whirlwind romance. Bet you didn't see that coming! But you'll learn a lot and what it feels like to be treated like a lady and develop a special place in your heart for NYC.
14. You'll get big boobs. 
15. Don't lose your sense of humor. Once a goofball, always a goofball. If you can laugh during a difficult situation, you win.
    
    
16. I know you're rolling your eyes at your Dad's advice now, but seriously, the guy's a trained clinical psychologist, and has got some years of life experience. "Push yourself. Don't take anyone's shit. Remember your breathing. Count your blessings. Say your prayers. Keep your spiritual light on."
    
17. You will never grow into your big feet. Sorry to burst your bubble kid, but 5'5 will be as good as it gets. 
18. There will be a monster hurricane that hits New Orleans as you begin your first week of college. It will haunt you and nag you. You'll write a paper about it, and become committed to finding a way to help. You'll get to the chance to go down there and build a house.
    
    
    
    
    It will forever impact you and open your eyes to the tremendous poverty, need, passion and resilience that the people of the Gulf Coast have in our own country. Be thankful.
    

    

    Miss Carolyn here personally knew 44 people
    who died in the storm
    yet had the most jovial spirit of anyone I've ever met.

19. Be authentic. Being yourself will make you far happier than trying to fit in or being someone you're not. It will help you navigate many future interactions and life decisions.
20. Fart jokes and people tripping or falling will still make you laugh 10 years from now. 
21. Trust your intuition. Your gut will prove to be right nearly 9 out of 10 times.
22. Everyone grieves differently, be kind to yourself. Haters gonna hate. This will be a tough lesson for you to learn after you lose one of your best friends but will make you stronger.
    

    

    Remember his love and light and laughter

23. Your Mom always encouraged you to appreciate the simple beauty, the awe of nature, the creativity of art, and the magnificence of ancient architecture. It sounds corny now, but you will come to realize what a wonderful appreciation she passed along to you.
    
    
24. The girl you met on your first day of high school is your homegirl by age 16. She's a good egg and will stick by you through the best of times and worst of times. She'll still be your best friend 10 years later and many more to come.
    
    
25.  You'll start a blog when you're 24. It will revolutionize your world and finally give you another learning challenge post-schooling. You will make amazing friends, push yourself to be more adventurous, satisfy your hunger to begin creative writing again, and have awesome opportunities along the way.
26.  Your journey is unfolding exactly as it should be. Reread that once again. One you believe in this, your entire world will open up. Keep JAMmin!
    
    

Wordless Wednesday: DC Trip in Pics

Let's face it, I'm still reeling from a whirlwind weekend trip to DC from my gal pal, Steph's, bachelorette party. So here's a less wordy highlight recapped in photos... enjoy :)

 

Sweet Treats!


Uniporn Rainho Cupcake.. yeaaah, awesome!

Banana, walnut, cream cheese, strawberry stuffed French Toast

Cucumber vodka mint + pistachio gelato =
winning combo  



Beautiful Blowouts!


Blowout Bar!

T.A., Steph *the honorary bachelorette*, Marie, me with our fab blow outs!

 



Styling and sassy!



 



Sightseeing!

 

Benny!

'Merica loves George!

 

Oh Barry!

 

WWII and Lincoln Memorial

 

Washington Mall & Monument with Marie!

 

 A Sight to See!

Feelin sunny, honey!

Say whaa?

 

We want you!

Epic patio of kickball teams playing flip cup after their game!

 

Wall of Cupcake Napkin Notes

 Definitely lived up every moment in DC with my girls and much needed reunion. Here's to JAMmin!