Ohio Fun | Westside Market

I simply had the best time celebrating New Years in Cleveland, Ohio with my sister and her husband's family. One of the last days of our trip, we headed downtown and spent the afternoon at the Westside Market. Y'all, I adore food and fresh ingredients and if you are ever in the Cleveland area, put this on your sightseeing list.

We found out that this popular hot spot has been thriving since it's opening in 1912. Vendors and local restaurants sell their goods weekly and it was a packed house when we visited on a Saturday morning. As if the local produce and goods weren't enough, this market houses unique international items that are difficult to find elsewhere. 

It was a rush weaving around the booths and nibbling on samples and picking up hodge-podge items that we used to create our lunch. The sights and smells are simply glorious! Some of my favorite vendors were: Pierogi Palace (They were closed when we visited but I always go for beef), Ohio City Pasta (need I say more?), Cake Royale (try their cannoli's!), Steve's Gyro's (They sold out when where were there so be sure to jump in line early), and Crepes de Luxe (the best crepes ever!). 

I had never had a savory crepe because I can never resist crepes filled with chocolate and fruit but my Italian style crepe did not disappoint. Also, blood orange soda from Italy? Yes, please! I can't wait to return to Westside Market on my next visit to Ohio! Oh and Go Bucks! (way to roast those Ducks!).

                                                                                                        

It Is Well With My Soul

It is difficult for us to trust. To simply let go of our puny human strength and fully embrace something that we cannot physically see or touch. And yet every fiber of my being chooses to trust that God is sovereign, that He truly is who He says He is and that He is in complete control of it all. 

My precious grandmother passed away last week and I know with all my heart that she is staring into the face of her Savior Jesus and worshiping at His feet. The pastor who spoke at her funeral this weekend sang one of her favorite songs to begin the service, It Is Well With My Soul. A few hours earlier, the song, It Is Well, played as I got ready to tell her goodbye. My grandmother was ready to meet Jesus face to face. She had filled her ninety years to the brim with life. It was well with her soul to see her beloved husband once again. It was well with her soul to be free of her earthly shell and live in perfect peace. 

I realized this morning that as sad as it is to lose a loved one, that I am truly grateful that the Lord called her home when He did. As much as He is involved in the big events in our lives: marriages, births, deaths, I love that He's a part of the little details in our days too. The fact that He is so intimately acquainted with my thoughts, my desires and my heart is beautifully overwhelming. I don't want to spend my life filling it with things or activities that simply make me busy. I want to fill my life with actions and words and prayers that matter. 

Thank you Betty Davis for living your life with purpose. Thank you for pouring truth into your children and your grandchildren. Thank you for passing down your love of gorgeous flowers, your thirst for adventure, your sassy attitude, your desire to dive into a good book and your traveling spirit to me. I love you dearly!

                                                                                                            

New Year Traditions

Growing up, our family never celebrated New Years in a big way; besides lighting a few sparklers, getting to stay up past our bed time and watching the giant peach drop on TV (yep, you read that correctly, Atlanta drops a peach). My sister Bekah and I are just two and a half years apart. She is the butter to my bread, the ketchup to my french fries, the icing on my cupcake and my very best friend. She's been married for a little over two years to an amazing man, Christian, and they moved to Ohio when she became his wife. We intentionally text, send photos, video chat and call each other on a regular basis but there is still a part of my heart that aches to see her on a daily basis. The first New Years after she got married, Drew and I traveled with my parents to go visit her. Now it's become a tradition and I've never looked forward to celebrating New Years more. 

I just got back from a week long stay with her and my heart is so full from the time that we spent together.Bekah married into a family who celebrates New Years in a unique and amazing way and I love being able to be apart of it. Christian's maternal Grandmother is Italian and still has immediate family living in Rome, Italy (I know...I'm already trying to convince his grandmother to take me with her on their next family visit).

All dressed up for New Years

 On New Year's Eve, Christian's grandparents treat all of the extended family to a big dinner at Maggianos. After we stuff ourselves, we head over to his uncle's house and play games until midnight. And when I say everyone plays, I'm talking about the entire family playing "Murder in the Dark"; aunts, uncles, little kids and big kids and Grandma, who are all hard core about winning. It's pretty much the best and if that wasn't fantastic enough, his Aunt Robyn, who is famous in Cleveland for her Buckeyes, lays out a spread of homemade desserts too. 

On New Year's Day, Grandma and Christian's mom make homemade pasta, ravioli with tomato sauce and meatballs that will make your mouth believe that you are in Italy. The rest of the day is usually filled with football watching and more game playing. I just love that they have blended their family's culture with American traditions as well. It's truly a beautiful thing to behold.

Downtown Chagrin Falls, Ohio

New Year's was just fabulous and I'm so blessed to have such an amazing sister. I am counting down the days and saving up my pennies to hopefully be able to make another visit soon! More to come on the fantastic city of Cleveland soon. I'm curious to know what your New Year traditions are and I'd love to hear them!