Life Lyn Style

World Culture Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Adventures with Nick and Sally No Responses »

May 082012

On Saturday, the family headed down to the World Cultural Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. We always try to arrive right at 10AM (or opening time) when we go to events like this. We were running a bit behind, but we were inside and checked in by 10:15AM.

We’ve been to events like this at the museum before. They are always well done.

We started out in the photo booth. Then, volunteers helped get the passports started. We stopped at some of the booths like this Mexican one (where the kids signed up to hit the piñata).

There was an animal encounter with a opossum. Nick and Sally made masks.

They made twirling puppets. These volunteers were so patient with the kids.

They also tried their hand at origami.

Nick picked out Medusa and Sally picked out a lady bug for their face painting. They both sat so still.

They both took a shot at breaking open the piñata.

After the pinata finally was broke open, we let them each grab three pieces of candy. It was almost 11:30AM and time for entertainment in the auditorium. We enjoyed a drumming group and a couple of dancing group. Then, it was time to head home. But, Nick was determined to get all 10 stamps in his passport and Stephen helped him accomplish that while I grabbed a snack. By 12:20AM, we were on the road back home.

It was a great event. When our kids are older and nap time isn’t such a big deal, it will be even more fun to go to things like this.

Thursday workout with Jen the trainer

Exercise No Responses »

May 072012

On Thursday, my partner in crime and I were back at it. We didn’t get to do our trainer workout the week before due to scheduling conflicts.

I warmed up on the spin bike for 10 minutes before the workout.

Our workout:

2 sets of the following:

Band Lunges x length of gym twice
I/Y/T/A Raises 5lb x 10ea way
Bench Pushups x 1:00
Bus Drivers 45lb bar x 40total
Hip Drop Plank 2 x :30sec.
DB Single Arm Row 20lb x 20ea side
Cable Single Arm Triceps Kickback 20lb x 20ea side
Box Squats x 50
Cable Single Arm Shoulder Press 20lb x 15ea side
Cable Standing Side Bends 40lb x 15ea
Cable Good mornings 50lb x 25

This was the longest hour workout ever. Individually, the exercises were all doable. But, collectively, it was a very tough workout.

After our hour was up, I ended with 10 more minutes on the spin bike.

My workouts have been going pretty well. I’m feeling strong!

The Weight of the Nation – Cleveland Screening

Uncategorized No Responses »

May 062012

Wednesday evening, Stephen and I had the opportunity to attend the Cleveland screening of The Weight of the Nation, a HBO documentary that will air May 14th and 15th.

It was held at the Great Lakes Science Center. Stephen walked over from work and we met up outside of the entrance.

The documentary is all about the obesity epidemic. There were posted and facts posted around the reception and theatre.

The amazing food was catered by Chef Rocco Whalen’s Fahrenheit restaurant. It was so nicely done. We got to sample shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, pork and sweet potato, hummus and vegetables and more.

The reception was on the lower level. I took the escalator up to get an overview photo.

I didn’t get a chance to try the smoothies, but I was glad to see a couple of Vitamix blenders.

After the showing of one part of the documentary, there was a panel discussion. One of the panel members was detained at Reagan National and arrived during the discussion.

We were all given bags upon exiting the theatre. It’s an insulated bag with a water bottle, pedometer and other information. Stephen and I took the long way to our car to let the traffic die down and get in a few extra steps.

I learned quite a bit about poverty and how it impacts obesity. I’m looking forward to seeing the remainder of the documentary. It is very well done.

HBO has asked the cable companies to make the documentary available to all subscribers. I’m hoping that all works out and we’ll be able to watch it. It airs at 8PM on May 14th and 15th.

Lake Farmpark with our friends from Italy

Adventures with Nick and Sally No Responses »

May 052012

Our friends are still visiting from Italy. We’re so glad they were able to come for 5 weeks this year. On Wednesday, they met us at Lake Farmpark.

Nick and Sally hung out at the solar tracker while we waited for everyone to gather. The first stop was a wagon ride.

We rode down to see the animals. There were still some babies. But many of them are already growing up.

It was fun to see the girls getting along. Jeanne posed for a photo with the little one. For the first time, I visited the stables. I’m not sure why I didn’t realize they were there sooner. We watched this horse get a bath. He wasn’t thrilled.

Outside we stopped to look at more animals before heading up to the main building. We were a few minutes early for the cow milking, so we stopped in the playroom.

The old kids climbed up the bleachers and waited for the milking. Nick tried it, but the other two weren’t interested.

Little kids that walk together holding hands always makes me smile. Regardless of exhibits, Nick and Sally are most happy with dirt.

The little one has the most beautiful eyes.

It was fun to spend the day with our friends. We ended our outing with dinner at Red Robin. All in all, it was a successful day.

Fabulous Food Show

CSA No Responses »

May 042012

I spent most of last weekend at the Fabulous Food Show. I had been to the fall show before. The fall show has been going on for several years. This was the first year for the spring show. Compared to the fall show, I think the crowds were sparse and so was the number of vendors. Don’t get me wrong, there was still some people at the show, but no matter where I wanted to go look around, I never had to wait in any lines. In the fall, there were tons of lines and wall to wall people.

I will say that my experience this time was a bit different since I entered at the Exhibitor Entrance.

I was working at the Fresh Fork CSA booth. I’m so in love with local eats. It was a pleasure learning more about the CSA and talking to attendees about the program. I’m still amazed at how many people have no idea what a CSA is. I also met several existing customers and some folks who just signed up and are anxiously awaiting the season to start. I think the booth looked great!

Stephen had our camera on Saturday while he took the kids to the Great Lakes Science Center. So, all of these photos are from Sunday.

Crystal from Eat, Drink Cleveland stopped by to say hi. She’s a fellow blogger, friend and Fresh Fork customer.

On Sunday, I took a break do see Brian Goodman from Green House Tavern at the Farmer’s Market stage. He was quite entertaining. He grilled some veggie pizza with onion, ramps and asparagus. It was quite tasty.

I must say that my favorite booth was the Vitamix booth. Terri was great at her demos. I had been wanting to purchase one for quite some time. After discussions with Stephen Saturday evening, I was ready to purchase on Sunday.

I actually had several purchases throughout the weekend. I bought a Grill’d Per’fect! Indoor Smokeless Grill. I loved the demo and thought the price was reasonable. I haven’t opened it up yet, but I’m excited to try it soon.

I have used the Vitamix 5 times already. Maybe I’ll try to grill something this weekend.

It was interesting to see the show from an exhibitor point of view. I was amazed at how far people travel to come to the Food Show. I think the Food Network is great at marketing their stars. Many people came from more than 2 hours away to see Bobby Flay or Emeril Lagasse.

I’d probably go to the fall show again, but I think the spring show will need some work to persuade me to attend again.

Adventures of Flat Stanley–part 3, the final installment

Adventures with Nick and Sally, Family 1 Response »

May 032012

April 20 – Flat Stanely went to see the Green Dream at Beachwood Community Center. First, he stopped by the welcome table for a photo. He enjoyed a smoothie sample at one of the booths.

He shared an orange creamsicle cupcake from The Mobile Cupcakery. He stopped by the Junion Achievement booth. They gave him a nice clear bag with handles.

He spun the wheel at the Chick-fil-A booth. He won a free chicken sandwich.

April 21 – He went to a Caring Cubs event at Whole Foods. He learned about eating the colors of the rainbow. He also played a matching game about the food groups.

He really liked the cheese station. He got to make his very own cheese person out of pretzels and cheese.

He painted flowers using celery to make designs. He finished up learning about healthy plates and then drew his own.

April 22 – He went to Earth Fest at the Cleveland Zoo to celebrate Earth Day. He really liked dancing to the accordion music. He stopped by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad booth and found out about their bike and ride options.

He loved the model of the rocket ship at the NASA booth. It was cold and dreary, but Nick and Sally still had fun taking him climbing rocks.

He especially liked trying a green smoothie at the Vitamix booth. He bought me a Vitamix before he left town.

May 2 – With all of the photos printed and put into a book, it was time to pack Flat Stanley in his travel box.

We dropped him off at the post office. He should be visiting my nephew’s classroom by Friday or Monday.

We had a great time having Flat Stanley visit. It was kind of like being on vacation. So, now we’re getting back to reality.

Adventures of Flat Stanley–part 2

Adventures with Nick and Sally, Family No Responses »

May 022012

If you missed part 1, you can read it here.

April 18 – Flat Stanley visited the Mayfield Heights library. He hung out in the display shelf with some friends. He was super excited to find a book all about himself. He checked it out to share with Nick and Sally.

After the library visit, he went to Heinen’s. He picked out more delicious fruit. He really liked riding in the shopping carts.

He also stocked up on carrots and broccoli.

Later that day, he went to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. He was excited to meet Miss Amanda. He ate dinner with us in the break room and played with Sally.

He enjoyed the archeological dig display in the Smead Discovery room. He decided it would be fun to get buried.

April 19 – He went back to the JCC for a kettlebell workout and he did a strength training workout with Jen the trainer.

After nap time, he returned to the JCC for his swim lesson. His favorite skill was the back float. He also loved testing out his plastic bag swim suit.

He was cold when he got out of the water and was happy to wrap up in a dry towel.

After dinner, he headed to Sprit of Clay for some glass work. He made a great glass bead pattern to have fired into a dish.

He checked out the display of utensils and thought about signing up for a class, but it wasn’t going to be offered while he was going to be in town.

Stay tuned for part 3 tomorrow.

Adventures of Flat Stanley–part 1

Adventures with Nick and Sally, Family 1 Response »

May 012012

My nephew lives in Maryland. He’s finishing up first grade. His class recently read the book Flat Stanley. In a nutshell, Stanley is flattened by a bulletin board. Since he is now only 1 1/2 inches wide, he fits in an envelope and can travel around the world having adventures. Everyone in my nephew’s class made their own Flat Stanley and sent them off on an adventure. Nick and Sally were glad to have company here in Ohio. Here’s part one of our adventures.

April 14 – Flat Stanley attended a cheese making class at Mayfield Road Creamery. He learned about pressing Havarti cheese and checked out the cheese storage room.

April 15 – Flat Stanley went to church with the family. He listened to band practice and ironed in the play room.

He also played with some tools before making an appearance in Nick’s Sunday school classroom.

After church, he headed to Miles Market. He rode in the cart and picked out some delicious fruit.

April 16 – He visited the JCC playroom and met Miss Deana. After a quick trick there, he went to Beth’s spinning class.

Once he left the J, he stopped at the post office to mail a package. He loves the post office, but he was glad that it wasn’t time for him to leave yet.

April 17 – He headed back to the JCC and was able to do some needed cement work. It was back-breaking and a chair massage was in order once he completed his work.

After his massage, he met Mr. Jerrell. Once he left the JCC, he realized he needed to get an oil change and made a trip to Lube Stop.

After a nap, he decided to build a Lego house.

Stay tuned for more about his Ohio adventures tomorrow.

Foodie Pen Pals–April

Food 1 Response »

Apr 302012

Last month, I participated in “foodie pen pals” for the first time. You can read all about my first month here. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to participate again for April.

This month, I sent a box of goodies to Alison over at Crafty Bake Oven.

In return, I received this box of goodies from Jessica over at Opened Earth.

The chocolate chip cookies were amazing. I don’t usually care for “hard” cookies, but these we so flavorful and tasty. I enjoyed dipping them in milk. I even shared some with my husband.

Everyone enjoyed the peanut butter too. The white chocolate flavor really spruced up PP&J sandwiches over the last week or so. The kids and I have been enjoying snacking on the other items, too. But the peanut butter and cookies are definitely our favorites!

I’ve enjoyed these couple of months participating in the Foodie Penpals. I’m going to be taking May and June off since my schedule is way to crazy, but I’ll be back.

Meanwhile, if you want to participate….

It’s time for some details about Foodie Penpals. It’s open to blog readers and bloggers, so it’s open to everyone.

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions. You can participate in just one month, every month or any other schedule you choose.

-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day business day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! If you aren’t a blogger, you write a short guest post for your pen pal. If you get paired with another reader, you just enjoy your goodies. Either way, remember to thank the sender!

-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!

-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)

If you’re interested in participating for May, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by May 4th as pairings will be emailed on May 5th!

A “Daddy day” at Great Lakes Science Center

Adventures with Nick and Sally, Guest Post No Responses »

Apr 292012

Hi, everyone! This weekend’s adventure with Nick and Sally was to the Great Lakes Science Center, where they took me (their dad) to see all the neat stuff.

I was excited to go. Though I have been to GLSC for various events, I have never really been in the galleries to see the permanent exhibits. Even better, part of the museum has been redone as the NASA Glenn Research Center’s visitor’s center, after budget cuts forced the closure of the original visitor’s center. I have fond memories of numerous school trips to NASA and was looking forward to seeing it again after a few decades away.

Imagine my excitement when, as soon as we walked in the door, I saw a real Apollo capsule on display. This one carried a crew to Skylab, the US’s first space station. Nick has been very much into rockets and space ships lately. I wasn’t sure he understood at first, but he got excited once he had a look inside and saw the seats and controls. Later, he told Lyn, “I saw a real space ship!”

Nick and Sally tolerated a trip into the biomedical engineering section, to humor their Daddy who has worked in that field for some years. They enjoyed it more than they expected. Nick liked working controls to move a dummy’s arm (the exhibit was about using electronics to move paralyzed limbs), and Sally liked playing with a giant DNA model.

Next, we visited the play area on the third floor. Nick enjoyed fixing a play car they had. Sally preferred to drive it.

Uh oh, it looks like Sally needs to make some repairs, too…

On the way out, we passed through the electricity exhibit. Nick asked recently how traffic lights work, so he took a few minutes to investigate.

After too many detours to count, we finally made it out of the exhibit hall and into the main entryway. I breathed a sigh of relief — at this age, lunch and naps are very important things. Suddenly Nick exclaimed, “Daddy, I can see the stairs!” I looked around, seeing an escalator, but no stairs. Eventually I saw what both children had already seen. This escalator had a glass side to show the steps circulating back down to the bottom. The escalator held their attention for longer than many of the exhibits.

Finally, we made it back to our car. The outing was deemed a success by all. We will be returning. We have plenty of museum left to explore.

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