Art in the Petit Parc.

This fall marks the first time that I made a collection for the season. I have an incredibly tough time narrowing down fabrics so I usually just buy what I like in small quantities. This time I wanted to try something a little different. So I'm happy to unveil the Simple Hands Fall Collection. I'm obsessed with patterns, shapes, and colors. I found these lovely linens and picked out a few that I hope you like!

You'll be able to come and see them in person next week. I am really excited to announce that I am taking part in this fun event again! Please come and join me and lots of other creative and amazing Cleveland makers for a fun night in Lakewood! Here's the info!

It’s that time again friends! Join us for the 4th Annual Art in the Parc; a celebration of summer and creativity at Chartreuse.  This show and sale is a way to showcase our fellow like-minded artists and designers who support our studio and create fantastic art. Please stop by for a few summer sweets, treats and libations as you peruse the “Art in the Parc.” Some of this years artists include... - Erica-Frazier Young of On the Lookout Jewelry - Alicia Costello of Simple Hands, bowties for all the fellas - Brian Jasinski of Grey Cardigan : illustration & prints - Sara Hoover of Small Screen Designs - Piper Toth of One Sydney Road : home accessories ...to name just a few Please invite your friends, the more the merrier!

September 2013 5 5:30 - 8:30pm

Being A Boy.

This little boy of mine is a huge fan of all wheeled vehicles. Trucks are really high up on the list so we were really excited to hear about the Cleveland Metroparks Touch A Truck event last weekend. Things started out a little rocky with a skeptical and hungry two-year old but once there was food in that belly he was ready to "be the driver!"

I don't know if I can fully explain just how excited he was...horns were blasting, levels were pulled, buttons were pushed. It was a good day. He was serious about his work getting done. Look at that little face!

I think that we got in every single vehicle there was to get in as Oliver declared "I'm the driver" every time. Happiness abounds in this truck heaven and Papa was a good sport to wear the construction hat as directed by the boss.

It was a great way to start off our Sunday. Thanks for having us Metroparks, we'll be back next time! Happy Monday!

Chasing Summer.

Friday afternoon I got home from work to do a little more work and was feeling exhausted and unmotivated. O was napping at the sitter's house, JJ was a work. I got a few things done then imagined our typical evening of cooking dinner and winding down and I just was not interested. Instead I devised a plan in five minutes, packed some clothes and sent a warning message to JJ that I was on my way.

With both boys in the car I turned on the music and we drove off to enjoy some last moments of summer. We found a waterfront restaurant in Fairport Harbor and enjoyed a lakeside meal in the warm sun. Admittedly JJ was wary of my plan but things worked out beautifully.

After dinner we went to the beach to throw rocks and splash in the water. There were lots of other people there hanging out and waiting for the sunset. We played on the playground and just enjoyed some spontaneous fun. It was a good kickoff to the weekend and it's so nice to just have some time with just the three of us.

I hope your weekend was great. Here's to a happy Monday!

Cleveland Flea: August.

Saturday was one of those perfect Cleveland days, the skies were blue and the sun was hot. Little Man slept way in that morning so we knew we were safe to head down to the Cleveland Flea for an extended trip. Things timed up perfectly and we were able to meet up with friends and family to enjoy lunch and a beer on the Sterle's Country House patio. 

The patio was packed with people carrying bags filled with their vintage find, freshly canned food, and jewelry. We played the fun (also known as the very frustrating) ring toss game while O enjoyed a fresh apple from one of the farmers and a grilled pretzel. He made a little friend and the filled his pumpkin bucket with rocks happily while we contemplating making a purchase (see the industrial stools in the first pic).

After some thought and discussion we went back for the stools happy to see that they were still there. We chatted with the vendor about where he got them and how he cleaned them up so nicely. For the price and the cool industrial look, we knew we'd never find something quite like them. Our long term plan is to redo the kitchen and create an island. These will fit perfectly. We got them in the car and was ready to go just in time as O asked, can we go home now? Too much fun. Thanks Cleveland Flea, it was a fun day!

Sunday Funday!

Another post about Sunday, you ask?! This time I'm inviting you to join me! This Sunday, August 11 from 12:00-5:00 I will be joining some really fun local artists, musicians, and entertainers for the 12th Annual Cedar- Fairmount Festival. Some of those people include Grey Cardigan, On the Lookout, and Three Little B's! Come and ride the rocket car and check out the fun in Cleveland Heights! I'd love to see you.

Sunday Brunch.

Nothing completes a weekend of fun quite like a Sunday morning brunch. We were up bright and early as usual watching cartoons and relaxing when I decided that Mr. Bedhead needed a haircut. I chopped off lots of fuzzy curls that had gotten way out of control and now he's looking quite spiffy. And his reward was pancakes.

Katz Club Diner is new around here so we decided to check it out. The shiny diner cars have gone through several transformations over the years but this bright morning breakfast was really a treat. The coffee counter was filled with delicious looking pastries and they serve Rising Star Coffee that is locally roasted and delicious. O went with ice and cherry compote as an appetizer.

Initially we were a bit disappointed that they don't have a children's menu but apparently O was quite hungry and ate almost the entire serving of these delicious pancakes. I had the mushroom hash and JJ had the corned beef hash. Both were really good and more than we could finish. The staff was nice too so that always makes for a good experience. The rest of the sunny day was filled with playing and errands. Hope you had a nice weekend too. Happy Monday!