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jump it back right now!

Jump Back Ball 21 is happening very, very soon. This is the week to buy your tickets to one of Cleveland’s biggest parties, benefiting the iconic PlayhouseSquare organization. There are two main reasons why you should buy your tickets right now — prices will increase this Wednesday, 1/25 and there are less than 60 tickets left!

This year, music will include bands Radioactive on the main stage and the late night party will continue with Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups. Regular price tickets include an array of food (catered by Sammy’s) and an open bar, while VIP tickets will include very VIP food provided by AMP 150. This year, the party will also include a fresh layout that regular Jump Back Ball attendees have never seen.

February 25th will be full of fun and surprises, so make sure to get your tickets right at this minute. Look how much fun I had last year (see below). I believe this is an accurate depiction of the good times you are in for.

Disclosure: I received one free ticket in exchange for blogging about Jump Back Ball 21. These opinions are all me!

HeyTell all the way!

For the past couple weeks I have been basically obsessed with an app called HeyTell. It really isn’t a revolutionary concept, but it has been a very amusing tool. This app is a cross-platform voice messenger that instantly creates conversation without having to text or call a friend a family member. Think of it as a walkie-talkie on steroids.

So why not text someone? Well, let me tell you friends – texting and driving do not mix. That’s a dangerous combination.

Well why not leave a voicemail? If you go this route, you have to call someone and then wait for the beep. Yes, I know that doesn’t sound difficult, but you are wasting a little more time than just leaving a quick HeyTell message.

Not only does this app provide convenience, it provides hours of entertainment via their Voice Changer. This past weekend I probably left 58 messages to friends and family, most of which were in the key of “Alien” at a -30% range. You must try this. I have been giggling since Saturday.

Below you will find a few of my faves from this past weekend. Happy HeyTelling!

This is my voice

I don’t feel so good

KatyPerry

5 days of thanks

I really enjoy long weekends. Especially when they involve holidays that include stuffing your face with stuffing. *Random thought — why is there no restaurant establishment and/or chain named “That’s the Stuff” where all kinds and variations of stuffing are served, 24/7?

It was a very relaxing (yet busy) weekend filled with family and friends that never cease to amaze me. Let’s recap this bullet point style, yo!

Wednesday – XYZ, Luxe, Dragonfly, Speakeasy, Touch and Bier Markt. And that’s how you spend Black Out Hump Day, y’all.
Thursday – Turkey with the Ski’s, wine with the Zones and beers with neighbors at Market Garden Brewery.
Friday – A little dash of Black Friday shopping. Two pairs of Chucks at Famous Footwear – score!
Saturday – Initiate Christmas 2011 in the pad, XYZ dinner, Battery Park Wine Bar shenanigans and a Market Garden Brewery finish.
Sunday – Brunch with Ski’s and some more tree trimming.

Hopefully your holiday weekend was a cornucopia of awesomeness. If not, then make sure you party rock it out this Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa.

under the sea in CLE

Ever since Sea World left the Midwest (aka Aurora, OH), I haven’t been the same. I grew up at that park and have very fond memories with Shamu and the rest of his aquatic crew.

My love for the water has been a consequence of growing up in a family that has always owned boats and other types of watercraft. I would NEVER live in a city that isn’t situated near a large body of water — ever.

While you cannot really snorkel in our great lake, I’ve had the opportunity to view a little under the sea action in places like Hawaii and Brazil. I cannot tell you how much excitement I get when I see that whole new world (cue Little Mermaid reference) that makes up the majority of our planet.

Unfortunately, CLE does not have one facility dedicated to underwater life, other than those found at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Plans for a waterfront aquarium near the Rock Hall once lived on a list of lakefront development concepts, which in my opinion would have been ideal. However, we all know how these grandiose plans and renderings soon become only imaginary dreams that will most likely never see the light of day.

HOWEVER, I am happy to say that CLE will soon see our very own aquarium located right in lovely downtown. Located in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse, The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is scheduled to open in early 2012 and will feature over 40 tanks of fresh and salt water species.

Personally, I am really pumped about the “SeaTube” exhibit, which is literally a tunnel of glass where visitors will walk through providing a more believable underwater experience.

I am thinking (and hoping) companies and individuals will be able to rent the space for private events. Wouldn’t it be great to host a benefit or even your 30th birthday party under the sea!? A boy can only dream…

happy halloween, you guys

I almost forgot the password for WordPress to add this post. That’s how long it’s been since I last blogged. What are you going to do…life has been busy.

In the spirit of Halloween, please enjoy the best, most thrilling song/video ever created by none other than Michael Jackson.

Happy Halloween!!!

we like to party

You can't see it here, but there was a live Twitter feed on screen.

It was quite the weekend. It was 100% White Party planning, shopping, cleaning and of course, partying.

A little fluorescent light airplane wall sculpture I slapped up.

I can’t remember if I had the chance to say hello to everyone who came, but I do hope everyone in attendance had a good time. For those who couldn’t make it out, we hope to see you next year! And to the strangers who showed up and did not say hello or thank you, you are def not invited next year. Then again, random party-goers do bring an exciting element to a party.

More airplane decor. LED light included.

I am pretty sure next year’s accent color will be red, so you can start planning your threads now.

One major factor of any party is obvi the music. And each year I think about the handful of songs I REALLY want played so I can go bananas too on the dance floor. Some of said songs were played at this year’s White Party, but I can’t seem to remember if the following tracks happened to get on the list.

I am currently obsessed with these two (newish) soon-to-be hits. Download them. Play them. Dance.

the past two weeks

My life has been hectic, fun, magical, sad, crazy, productive and relaxing over the past couple weeks. It would best be expressed via images and brief descriptions of my fave moments.

An impromptu Tina's visit. Jello shots galore.

Kirk and Yvonne's beautiful wedding in Little Italy. This night also included visits to Mia Bella, Battery Park Wine Bar and my toilet.

A Happy Dog dog that tasted like heaven. Fried egg always included.

I will miss you "Ninja" -- hopefully you are happy with your new owners. Tear.

A very beautiful night at Ingenuity Fest. Moon over CLE!

Another night at Tina's. I am becoming a regular. And that's scary.

more MIA for me

After a fantastic weekend filled with perfect weather and loved ones, I realize I have much to be thankful for. I am in love with just about everything around me and things are looking smashing. Except for the fact that my birthday is just over four months away (and it’s a milestone bday).

I will once again be MIA for the next few days. Tomorrow is my very last day of work as I start a new chapter of my career. But before I get into the new work groove, I will be spending a little time at a lake house and taking a road trip to Milwaukee for my cousin Jenny’s wedding. Labor Day weekend is looking G-double-O-D-good.

Change is good. Life is good. It’s all good.

P.S. If you frequent Little Italy and have not yet taken a trip to Michaelangelo’s, you are missing out. I can safely say that I consumed the best pasta I have ever had in my life. Try the black truffle stuffed Sacchetti with black truffle cream sauce. You will not be disappointed.

boom boom boom

it was quite the holiday weekend. It was everything I could have imagined and more, filled with loved ones, laughter, sun and spirits. One of those long weekends when you think about what life would be like if your job consisted of relaxation, socializing and consuming large amounts of food and alcohol. Wait, that lifestyle is attainable. However, I believe one might call that retirement. Can I retire once I hit the big 3-0?

Naturally, I did not take as many photos as I should have, specifically shots of myself lounging in a kiddie pool floating around the waters of Put-in-Bay. I must recreate that scene ASAP.

Last week I mentioned it was a packed weekend of P’s (parties and Perry’s) via Twitter and Facebook. Please see my evidence below.

: Justin grills some ribs at BZone’s.

: W. 61 St. display.

: The Perry Monument.

: A little Katy Perry.

And this little clip was taken at plum’s bash — yet another P! The more I think about it, the more I realize how I have become more ridiculous with age. Here’s to never taking myself too seriously.

things you should do right now

After an enjoyable three-day weekend filled with friends and festivities, I have some items to add to your to-do list, if you have not checked them off already.

Market Garden Brewery & Distillery – The newest hot spot on W.25th is more than hot. It’s like surface of the sun hot. After food and beverage consumption this past weekend, I suggest you try the mussels, tacos and #1 wheat ale.

Pop Up party – This third installment was held on Friday at Battery Park Wine Bar featured the musical stylings of Graydar. This was my first Pop Up party and I really enjoy the concept. It’s like a pop up shop, but a one night shabang. A legal rave, if you will. Dancing is required.

Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party – Quickly becoming CLE’s party of the year, there is not much to say about this cosmopolitan affair because you really need to go and experience it for yourself. Strolling through the art galleries at 1:30am is reason enough to check this party out!

Edgewater Beach – Yes, many are frightened by our city’s only public beach (it does need some work), but it can be a beautiful place if you give it a chance. Plus, you cannot beat the people watching. Thongs, kite surfers and hookahs, oh my.

SPACES – It’s not an art gallery. It is a forum for artists to explore and experiment their craft. Not only one of the coolest venue’s around, they also host one of the coolest benefit’s every November. Attend the exhibitions, donate, volunteer and enjoy the creative genius!