I Scream You Scream We all Scream!



The last thing my expanding waistline needs is smooth, flavorful, and rich ice cream made from a 12% milk and cream mixture.

Unfortunately, my soul does in fact need it, and put up a really strong argument in favor of the stuff.

So, my soul and I convinced my sweets that we needed a summer mini-date night and headed out to enjoy a marvelous sunset drive in search of the perfect cone.

We found this little gem in Richfield, Ohio. Well worth the scenic drive through the winding roads of the valley! Is there a better way to spend an evening than blasting your favorite songs on your iPod, windows down, with your love, in the summer? Not for this little lady.

Of course, I couldn't choose between the freshest Melt-in-Your-Mouth Banana and the creamy Wish-I-Had-a-Bucket-of-It Butter Pecan. So, as is my tradition with shopping, I had both! One scoop of each please!  Pure genious, I know. I could tell the 16 year old kid felt the same as I shouted my bright idea to her across the counter.  

And, just in case you're wondering. I'm wearing the $1.00 dress I purchased at the Salvation Army last summer. It made me feel very Mad Men.

 Now, if I only had a '57 Chevy.

A girl can dream.

Sigh.

Eat. Rest. Eat More.

I spent the majority of my weekend stuffing my face and I'm not ashamed to say it. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the key to my heart. (Sweets usually work as well.) Luckily, the farmers' market was in full swing after J.M.and I worked our butts off at the gym.

Countryside Farmers' Market at Howe Meadow Akron, Ohio

I really wanted to try one of the delectable fresh pastries, BUT I stayed strong and opted for fresh romaine, organic eggs, and homegrown apples.

Talk about voting at the register!

 I love to chat with the vendors at farmers' markets. They are sweet and kind. I couldn't decide which apples to buy, so the man gave me a taste test.

DING DING DING! Winner winner, apple dinner?

 Scrumptious.

I'll take the Yellow Delicious please!

As we meandered through the market, we stopped briefly (precisely long enough to take this photo) to enjoy the music.

 I totally should have had a harpist at my wedding.

Beautiful.

Believe it or not, the apple didn't fill me up. So, we stopped to dine on the patio in the valley. The weather was absolutely perfecto. The company wasn't so bad either.

Two eggs, toast, home fries, and 3 pieces of bacon later..... we were stuffed (not a small task)!

Guys, I'm going to be honest here. I love the idea of eating organic and local as much as I possibly can. It's best for the local economy, but more importantly, it's best for your health. With that being said, I simply cannot afford to do it on a full time basis. That doesn't mean we can't support our local farmers. There are plenty of distributors in our area that provide deliciously fresh, local, and affordable produce, especially during the summer months. Start by simply shopping for your veggies only and move forward from there!

Take a look at some of the websites below for more information:

Fresh recipes:

Clean Eating

Sweet OnVeg

Local Markets:

Kreiger's Market

Akron General Fresh Market

Shaffer's Market

Sustainable Table

Recipe for Success

Scarves are the easiest way to add color and fun to your look. The best part is, you can find them at vintage stores for literally pennies. Grandmas everywhere are regretting their donations as I speak!

Scarf: Thrifted, Dress: TJ Maxx (really old), Sandals: Target

Can we all agree that a girl can't go wrong with polka dots? And a maxi dress? And black?

Master of the basics.

Style Spotlight

I'm not the only one with some style in this 2 man show.

Simple and chic in his relaxed jeans, pastel blue shirt, and boat shoes.

Love it.



Visit Ohio In Your Own Backyard

Akron and Cleveland residents are super lucky to have the amazing Cuyahoga Valley National Park right in their backyard. There are countless trails for hiking and biking. One of my personal favorites is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Yesterday, I took my bike down to enjoy some solitude and nature watching. Of course,  I brought my camera. You never know what you'll find in the park!

There are several points of interest along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. I entered on the Ira Trailhead located on 3801 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264. However, you can start the towpath wherever you choose. There are 48 Trailheads and 81+ miles to choose from! Oh, and did I mention? Totally FREE!

Just in researching for this post, I found an activity that I would love to try and I think you might too! Click here!

For more in depth information about the Towpath Trail, visit the website. I'm excited to try something new, and I hope you are too. 

Let summer begin!

Music Sets the World on Fire

Music is an enigma.

The enormity of the idea that music is arguably 40,000 years old and people are still able to create unique and original melodies is almost unfathomable.

For me,  music has the ability to agitate my heart, envoke uncannily realistic memories of places and time in my personal history, or envelope my mind in a harmonious hug.

With that said, is it surprising that our culture has an unquenchable thirst for something new to listen to? If you are like myself, you welcome a new favorite song like a breath of fresh air.

Here are a few of my recent favorites....

 This is the best cover I have EVER heard. 

Cross your fingers that he signs a deal...I need him on iTunes!

I'm Sexy and I Know It- Noah Cover

Relax, Take It Easy- MIKA

Big Jet Plane- Angus & Julia Stone

I Won't Give Up- Jason Mraz

Humility and Love- Christopher Young

This Head I Hold- Electric Guest

Stare Into the Sun- Graffiti 6

Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men

 Heartbeat- Childish Gambino