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Welcome to Northside
Hey guys, this will be a short post but I thought I would show off one of my favorite places to go in Ohio.
A week or so ago one of my good friends had a birthday and she chose to celebrate at two bars called The Littlefield and the Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition. The Littlefield has a beautiful outdoor area. Despite the rain it was a wonderful day. They have an extensive bourbon collection and they make signature cocktails as well.
Legacy also offers an outdoor patio (Outdoor bar life can be hard to come by in Ohio and Kentucky). They also offered a variety of food options, mainly hot dogs. Legacy did remind me of the bar, 16 Bit Bar, which is located in Over the Rhine. However, Legacy really dedicated their bar leaning more towards a late 80’s/early 90’s feel. They even have old commercials playing continuously by the bar. It’s definitely a place to invoke some childhood nostalgia.
Tell me what bar or restaurant in Ohio I should check out next!
Those who can’t eat healthy… climb!
I have always had a problem with eating healthy and exercising. I hate doing both. Sure, I would go to the gym occasionally and I do tend to eat a lot of veggies and fruits, but I still would eat a lot of fast food and the gym thing was never a regular affair. Well… I found something I’m kind of in love with. Climbing!
Climbing is technically called bouldering. You don’t use ropes, you only have your hands and feet to balance on. I typically go to a place called Climb Time in Blue Ash, Ohio. Climb Time, does a great job of challenging anywhere from advanced to beginner climbers. The people who work there are extremely friendly and willing to help. They do offer top rope climbing, but for the most part people choose to use their hands and their trusty mat. Believe me, I definitely need a mat.
This is the only form of exercise I’ve ever liked doing. I enjoy going to Climb Time up to three times a week (I would do more but your hands get raw after awhile). Be aware, this activity is not for those who are afraid of heights or those who want long fingernails and beautiful hands. You will get callouses and you will fall. Also you will get bruises from time to time, but it’s so much fun! It’s like climbing a tree when you’re a kid, except this time you have to be much more method and it’s more socially acceptable.
On the picture to my left you will see black tape lines, I believe this wall is about 10 feet off the ground. The black tape represents an easy course, the red would be a harder and different course, each color tape means something different (This was my first day climbing). So the two lowest black tape lines are where you would put your feet, and the arrow looking black tape that’s underneath the tan looking rock is where you’d put your hands, from there you climb using only the black line rocks for your hands and feet. I know that might sound complicated, but once you start you’ll feel compelled to keep going. If you’re a competitive person (Which I tend to be), it’s easy to push yourself to keep climbing through the pain so you can reach the top (Which is the white rock at the top with black tape lines underneath it).
The picture to the right is an intense bouldering wall. If I would get I would say it’s about 16 feet off the ground? I did the black tape path once, but I believe I might have cheated a bit. It’s scary once you’re up there, but disciplining yourself into only using certain foot and hand holds make the exercise that more critical in your work out and your technique.
What’s a type of exercise do you enjoy doing?
Thursday Favorites: Cincinnati Edition
Hey everybody! Sorry for the lack of blogging. Work has been a bit crazy and I’ve been more busy outside of work as well. Can I slightly exaggerate and say that I was doing blog research this whole time? Well, let’s go with that! Today I will be talking about a few of my favorite things I’ve done while I wasn’t blogging. While I do realize I talk about Cincinnati a lot, this time I will be reflecting about food, beer and desserts I enjoy all around the Cincinnati area!
Hello Honey is one of my favorite ice cream places that I’ve never talked about on this blog. It’s adorable, it’s local and they put toasted marshmallows on ice cream guys! They change their flavors from time to time but I really enjoy the seasonal additions. I personally enjoy the salted caramel ice cream. This beauty is located downtown on Vine.
Those who know me, know that I love local breweries, especially MadTree. I’ve only been to this brewery once or twice before but when I headed out there last weekend I was reminded why this place rules. The brewery is massive and they’re always trying out new beers, I liked Suncrest because it reminded me of a smoother version of a Blue Moon. Since it’s getting warmer outside there is cornhole and the patio is the place to be! Not to mention it’s pet friendly and you can buy some cute t-shirts! This brewery is located on Kennedy Avenue, so it’s a bit of a drive for some, but it’s worth it (And yes the guys in that photo were completely photobombing us and it was hilarious to see it after the picture was taken).
So I had heard about Eli’s for awhile now, but now I’m officially obsessed. This place is fricken fantastic! Not only is your food cheap, it’s mouth wateringly delicious. The mash potatoes melt in your mouth, the pulled pork makes you take huge bites instead of small bites and it’s a bring your own beer location. BYOB! My boyfriend actually took me to this place on on one of our first dates. It was a bit cold then so we didn’t get a chance to eat outside, but since then I’ve gone back and enjoyed some pulled pork on a picnic bench with some MadTree actually. I wish that Eli’s was in a more convenient location (It’s on Riverside Drive), but other than that it’s amazing.
Honorable Mention:
I put Sprout Market & Eatery, which is located in the Mount Adams area, as an honorable mention because while I really enjoyed my meal, I am a hungry girl. The portions, which I should know by now are going to be small for scallops, were too small for me. I left Sprout rather hungry because there wasn’t a whole lot of food there to eat. My friend and I really enjoyed our meals but it felt more like lunch options and less like dinner options. I would highly recommend this eatery for lunch though!
I’m always looking for some new places to review, so please, give me your suggestions! What do you like to do in Cincinnati?
Top Ten Favorite Music Videos
Welcome to top ten Tuesday! I have compiled a list of my favorite music videos for your viewing pleasure. Not all of these videos are based on my favorite bands, but most of them are. Some videos are oldies that make me feel nostalgic or some I quite simply find cool. I find myself coming back to these videos and I can’t help watching them again and again:
Ok, I know this is new but I’m already obsessed with this video and song. Sorry if you’re not a TSwift fan but I seriously love this girl’s tenacity and taste in models. I mean, look at this man. He’s too gorgeous. Sean O’Pry is now number two on my list (Joseph Gordon Levitt will always be my main man) I do like the video, it’s gorgeous and it’s highly entertaining. I am infatuated with the line, “Cause, darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream”. So great! Taylor actually does have an incredible tendency to leave little one liners like that beauty in the majority of her songs. One of my favorite’s is “And you’ve got your demons, and, darling, they all look like me” from the song, “Sad Beautiful Tragic”. She did it again America.
I have a slight obsession with this band, I’ve seen them live twice and own all of their albums. They’re new one is coming out soon too, I should’ve pre-ordered but I’m waiting on Target to slash the prices. I admittingly, have a slight girl crush on Zooey Deschanel and boy crush on M. Ward. This video is so cute and quirky, I love it! When it first came out I freaked out and immediately (I had of course, already bought the cd) bought the music video off of iTunes, which I never ever do. Warning, this will got stuck in your head for days on end.
3. Strokes-Juicebox *Includes some sexually explicit material and swearing*
The Strokes were my favorite band in high school. I have a serious dedication to this song and video, I’ve listened to the song and have seen this video a few million times. You can definitely tell this is a bit of an oldie since Razr Motorolla phones are a thing of the past, but I think it still holds up. For me it was incredibly interesting because it was the first music video I ever saw that portrayed gay relationships.
Gwen is a pretty swell gal. I have a slight girl crush on her as well. She’s pretty amazing both musically and in real life (From what I can gather). I have cried many times watching this video. It’s such an engaging portrayal of young love and new relationships/friendships. I fell in love with the song first but the video makes it even better.
5. She Wants Revenge- Tear You Apart *Explicit Content*
I remember watching this hundreds of times in high school. This song was my jam. It’s done rather well, and while the band isn’t all that famous anymore, I still love to listen to this album from time to time. It’s really off beat and fun to dance to. Plus, if you’re mad or feel frisky, this is something you can easily blare in the car.
6. Carrie Hope Fletcher- The Way We Were
Carrie is so endearing. I watch her Youtube channel, It’s Way Past My Bedtime religiously! She’s an impeccable role model and a huge inspiration to me. I have watched this video a couple hundred times. It’s a really great way to think of break ups and friendships and it also has made me tear up on occasion as well.
7. Twenty One Pilots-Holding Onto You
If you’ve read this blog you know how obsessed I am with this band. If not, check out my concert review at Bogart’s and my review of them at the Forecastle Festival. This band is ridiculously talented. They are my new favorite band, possibly my favorite band of all time. If you haven’t seen them live, you must go! Find where they’re playing by you and see them. They are the most energetic, passionate, entertaining band I’ve ever seen! I cannot describe how happy their shows make me. This video is a particular favorite of mine because the concept is gorgeous and this song gives me chills and excites me each time I play it. Plus, they’re from Ohio. What’s not to love?
Do you happen to remember when I went on the Queen City Underground Tour? Well, this video was actually taped in Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine brewery district at the historic Mockbee building during 2011. I think I kind of knew this before I went on the tour, but I might have been more preoccupied with the the promise of beer at the time to actually absorb that I was where “Anna Sun” was taped.
Yep, you guessed it, Walk the Moon is from Cincinnati! Ok, I know I’m a bit biased since I grew up here, but they’re an insanely talented bunch. I saw them at Riverbend this summer, and they renewed my love for them again. I hadn’t seen them since the Bunbury Festival, which was also another freaking amazing show, and at the Riverbend concert they played their new song, “Shutup and Dance with Me”. Lovvveee it as well! Want to get ready for a night of fun? Watch this video! I actually know a couple of people in the video as well so it makes me love it even more.
I’m a Katy Perry fan. I like pop music, so sue me. This video is cute and 50’s oriented and it makes me happy. This song (Not really the video as much) makes me want to cry and it’s so relatable! Have you noticed a pattern here? I like sad videos, might be a problem but oh well! Check it out. Plus Matt Dallas, the guy from Kyle XY is in it and he’s adorable. I swear I don’t ALWAYS watch videos for the guys… most of the time.
10. Lucius-Go Home
Lucius is one of my new favorite bands. I saw them twice this year, first at the Tegan and Sara concert as an opening act (Which I neglected to write about for some reason) and at the Forecastle Festival. They really know how to make a catchy song. The first time I ever heard of the band was at the Tegan and Sara concert in May at the Madison Theatre in Northern Kentucky. My friend and I were excited for concert to start and I usually hate opening acts, not this one! I immersed myself into the music within a song or two. Their voices, lyrics and this video are what makes them so distinctive and original.
Want to recommend a song or a video I need to hear/watch? Please leave me an idea in the comments below.
Twenty One Pilots Concert Review
This is the best band I have ever seen live! EVER. Twenty One Pilots is an enthusiastic, talented and daring two man band that is packed with entertainment. I asked a friend to go to Bogart’s (A local music venue in Cincinnati) thinking that the band had some good songs and were a somewhat local band that had reasonable ticket prices. Luckily, my friend is a smart music enthusiast and thought to buy the tickets the moment they were on sale. The concert sold out within a few hours after the tickets were available. Bogart’s had to add another night for the band for disappointed fans that didn’t buy their tickets on time. It led to another sold out night for Twenty One Pilots.
I had heard them on 100.7 The Project, a local radio show, but my first encounter with this rowdy band was at Bunbury this past summer. I had initially stopped and watched the band play for a bit, but within 15 minutes of their set I gave into hunger instead and (Stupidly) went to find a food truck. I missed the moment when a Twenty One Pilots band member climbed the scaffolding and serenaded the audience, but I did manage to see the duo drum off. I felt I had deprived myself, and wanted to see if the band would be as energetic in a closed space. Spoiler: They were.
Twenty one Pilots discussing their Mario Kart skills and character choices.
Twenty One Pilots was formed in 2009 in Columbus Ohio. While there have been members that have joined and left since then, Tyler Joseph has always been a member and founder. It wasn’t until 2011 that current band member Josh Dun joined the group. It’s impressive that a two man band can possess the amount of energy of an orchestra. It was refreshing to see a band that genuinely loved playing and appreciated its fans. I don’t care if I sound biased, this band deserves so much credit.
Each of their songs is different in its own way. There aren’t two songs that sound the same. Their range of different chords and melodies is partially a reason why I love them as much as I do. Their presence however, is what really made me feel like I had a connection to the band. I couldn’t stop smiling.
At one point both band members had a drum off, did flips, played on top of the audience (Yes, you did read that correctly) and decided to converse with us about their amazing behind the scenes management. I couldn’t have been happier with the performance. The stage was visually appealing and the songs were craftily picked to raise the spirits of the crowd little by little. When the concert was over I was sad that I had to go. While I do love concerts, I usually am apt to be happy when things die down. This time I could have stayed for hours. If you get a chance to see this band, please do. You’ll feel incredibly robbed like I did after Bunbury. Sorry about the pictures we were in the balcony and not in the premiere section, the poor man’s section.
Twenty One Pilots playing on the crowd.
