A Different View of CLE

Do you ever need a different view of CLE? 

Whether you're a born and raised Clevelander and think you've seen it all, or are stuck in the monotony of your daily commute--there always seems to be a new and different view of CLE, if we pause for reflection and change our standpoint, ever so slightly! My new view came from the age-old Port of Cleveland!

Last weekend, post-Ingenuity Fest,  I snapped these spectacular photos with blustery autumn skies and a slanted sunset. What a totally unbelievable view of the infamous skyline from the Port as opposed to my daily view from the Shoreway.

A Different View of CLE: William G. Mather, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and Great Lakes Science Center

I love the clean and modern lines of the Rock Hall and Science Center against the reflection of times past and the old steamship, William G. Mather.

A Different View of CLE:  South Facing View of Downtown Skyline
and FirstEnergy Stadium

It was almost disorienting to take in this angle of the city and our iconic buildings and landmarks. Growing up with the lake serving as my eternal compass, the city looks entirely different when my point of reference is out of sight.

A Different View of CLE: Cleveland Cliffs leading ashore into the city

Look at those looming clouds against that shiny steel!

 

What new view or  perspective have you recently seen of the city? What's your favorite vantage point of the cityscape? How do you change up your daily routine to see the city with fresh eyes? 

Share your thoughts!

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!

Wordless Wednesday: States United

 Wordless Wednesday: States United 9/11

Image source

Image source

 

                                           United: In Strength, Remembrance, Hope and Love. 9/11

Fall Fashion 2013: What to Wear and Where in CLE

If you're a Clevelander, then you are probably a big fan of the fall season here--Browns games, hearty meals, and beautiful changing leaves. Fall has always been a season I look forward to, not only because of the fun and fabulous foilage, but also for the fall fashion! Layers, boots, scarves, over-sized sweaters...oh my! So wondering what to wear and where in CLE during our (most) fashionable season? Well here are some of my top outfit picks for around town this year. Check out last year's picks here.

What to Wear and Where in CLE: Ohio City - West Side Market and Ohio City Farm

So are you hankering for some fresh seasonal food? A great place to find some fresh farm foods is in Ohio City at the infamous West Side Market and Ohio City Farm--yummy butternut squash or pumpkin raviolis from the Ohio City Pasta stand at the Market are some of my seasonal faves. Cozy foods and apparel! A snuggly mustard sweater, slouchy knit hat, lace-up boots and quilted vest make up the perfect attire to go shopping at the Market. The layers play to the indoor/outdoor shopping you'll be doing and you can pop your fresh produce right into this multipurpose over-sized "Everyday Shopper" bag from the reasonably priced Zara.

JAMinCLE Fall Picks

What to Wear and Where in CLE: Press Wine Bar

Press Wine Bar is a newer restaurant and wine bar in Tremont. Priding itself as the first location in Cleveland to offer "wine on tap," this place has a classy but eco-friendly relaxed feel. Read more about it here. These Tory Burch Cherie Wedges are killer! Typically, loafers are a bit too "stuffy" for my style, but with the unexpected gold plating and tweed addition, these sky-high wedges are anything but! The other pieces are classic shapes and styles but with more of a bohemian vibe. Like that leather wrap bracelet with a stunning orange sapphire (for a cool $2700... I mean a girl can dream, right?) Cozy up with a glass of wine on tap and head out to the back patio in this warm wool blend coat for chilly fall evenings. A CLE venue that blends classy and quirky, with clothes to match the mood.

JAMinCLE Fall Fashion

What to Wear and Where in CLE: The Office

I love the color combo of olive, camel and teal for the fall--a perfect ode to the cooler weather and muted jewel tones. Bring the outdoors right into your office with this awesome, natural looking coffee mug that not only warms up your morning, but your desk decor too!

JAMinCLE Fall Work Wear

What to Wear and  Where in CLE: Mahall's Lanes

Mahall's Lanes is always a fun adventure for the weekend. This gem in Lakewood is a throwback to times past boasting twenty bowling lanes, craft beers served up in mason jars, and an intimate venue to take in lives bands too! I dig this retro bowling bag purse, Lennon-style shades, and comfy boyfriend shirt...sweet staples to carry you throughout the whole season. 

 

JAMinCLE Fall Bowling

What to Wear and Where in CLE: IngenuityFest

IngenuityFest has grown to be quite the fun festival each fall, celebrating CLE's creativity, innovation, arts and technology. The fest takes place at Dock 30 and 32 again this year featuring live music, performances, art, installations, interactive exhibits and more as the warehouses transforms from a vacant industrial space to a giant creative hub abuzz with ideas and acitivities. So what to wear? Well I'm obsessed with these Sperry Top-Sider Lace Up Desert Booties, a new twist on an old classic. I love the simpleness of shape and design of this Aztec-style sweater. The turquoise ring has a similar impact with the setting, a gorgeous "diamond" in the rough. I like design concepts that force you to reconsider the presentation of something familiar and beautiful in a different light. Ingenious!

JAMinCLE Fall Weekend Wear

What styles are you digging this fall season?   What will we spot you wearing around town? What are your fall must-haves? For more of my fashion picks and finds, follow me on Pinterest or Polyvore!

Mohican Weekend Part II: A Grape Excursion

Mohican Weekend Part II: A Grape Excursion

So you heard about part I of Mohican Weekend and the fun outdoor adventures we had. Part II is all about the fabulous place we stayed at, Old Vine Cottage at Ryder Family Vineyard.

JMK found this gem on the outskirts of Loudonville and Mohican. Although Mohican offers campgrounds, the Mohican Lodge and cabins, he hit it right on the money with this adorable, picturesque, & quiet getaway! Nestled on 12 acres of rolling vineyards, the backdrop and grounds were beautiful!

Although this place is called "Old Vine Cottage," it is anything but! The "cottage" is a 3 bedroom house with a full kitchen, 2 1/2 baths, giant deck, plenty of space and tons of fun stuff to do. Take a tour of the inside of Old Vine Cottage here. What I really loved though was the privacy and gorgeous vineyards just outside the window! What a view each morning!

Grape Excursion!

Each night we grilled out and had a fire, making for relaxing evenings and peace and quiet.

JMK and his primal fire building skills

On the second night, we had some super clear skies out there in the good ole country, so we built another fire, roasted s'mores and even saw THREE, yes, three shooting stars that night! (I squealed each time one passed and made a wish!)

During the days, we hiked around the 12 acre property and took on some fun activities at Mohican too.

Early morning vineyard photo :)

Strolling through the orchards on the property

The cool thing about this place is that it was bought by a family in 2010 and the adventure unfolded. They saved the property from foreclosure and revitalized the neglected vineyards into a treasure trove of grapes! They're in the process of getting the winery up and running on their property too so it was neat to watch the place evolve and support a family's awesome dream of opening a winery!

Driveway up to the property
Future winery on the left, cottage back right

The house was cozy, friendly, clean, serene and boasted beautiful views. Thanks to the Ryder Family for resurrecting this vineyard and sharing this lovely place with us! We definitely enjoyed the entire stay!

Signing the guest book

Next time you stop at Mohican, consider a stay at this fab find! Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, family fun weekend, or gal pal fun--I highly recommend it, and by then I hope they have vino in full production too! Happy stomping, grape lovers! And keep JAMmin!

Mohican Weekend Part I

These past few weekends have been AWESOME and SUPER BUSY! So a bit of a delay on these posts--I was busy soaking up the final weeks of summer! I had so much fun I have to divide it up into multiple posts.

Part uno:

Saddle up city slickers, I'm taking you to the backwoods of O-H-I-O!

Still reppin CLE even in the country

Follow me along my Mohican Weekend Adventure!

Equestrian Valley Farm

JMK had planned a (rad) weekend full of surprises at Mohican State Park for us to enjoy together, in the middle of nowhere, no distractions, just beautiful scenery, and time for us to (re)connect, relax and take on fun outdoor activities. And it was seriously such a blast!!!

Hiking in Mohican

Mohican Memorial State Forest and Park is home to nearly 5,000 acres of hiking trails, bridle trails, woods, streams, cliffs, caves, camping and cottages. Chyeah...awesome! The park is conveniently located about an hour and a half outside of CLE and an hour outside of C-Bus. It was my first time there, and I was so impressed with the surrounding scenery--who knew a place so close to CLE had such soft rolling hills!? I'd love to go back during the fall when the leaves turn--my favorite! #MidwestIsTheBest

We began our hike here, at Pleasant Hill Lake Dam, and hiked about 4.5 miles around the area.

I must admit, I may be a savvy street navigator, but when it comes to whereabouts in the woods--that's JMK's area of expertise. We took in a scenic hike along the river, through the caves, across covered bridges and up the bluff at the gorge, making it a point to stop and enjoy each view along the way. 

Yes, people, we are in Ohio! Beautiful backdrop!

Overlooking Clear Fork Gorge

 

Gorge-ous photo op :)

There is SO MUCH to discover at Mohican and so many cool places to explore. The scenery is spectacular, and it's just a short drive from the city. 

Need some time to unwind?

If you're an active person who enjoys being outdoors, this is a fun and scenic one-tank trip from Cleveland. Stay tuned for Part II of Mohican Weekend, next up--all about our stay...hint *vineyards!*

Wordless Wednesday: Who Does Everyone Love?

Tomorrow marks the Feast of the Assumption, and beginning of one of my favorite festival weekends in CLE...THE FEAST in Little Italy! Kicking off its 115th year, be sure to stop over between August 15-18th for some of CLE's finest and authentic Italian cuisine and festivities at The Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy! Check out my Feasted: The Feast of the Assumption blog post from last year and Cleveland.com's guide to The Feast of the Assumption here. Cannolis, meatball sandwiches, cavatelli, dancing, music, family, friends, faith and fabulous food! See ya there CLE Italian loves and lovers!

So who does everyone love? Why an Italian Girl, of course!!! :0)
Circa The Feast 2005