Blog- The New Black

When The Internet & Real Life Collide

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:47:29 -0500

It can be a strange feeling when someone you know or meet admits to reading your blog. Thankfully, I can count The Ohio Bloggers Association as a time when meeting bloggers in real life is truly a wonderful thing!

Tuesday I attended a wine tasting and blogger meet up at Wine & Design, a Tremont boutique that is the perfect blend of interior design, home decor, and a wine shop all rolled into one.

The event was hosted by the lovely MissWineOH and we tasted several amazing wines that I would have normally never selected myself. Its always great to taste new (and affordable wines!) I came away with a new favorite Champagne that retails for only $15, The 2010 Monmousseau Champagne. If you are a Champagne lover this is definitely one to try!

Attending an event alone can be a little daunting but meeting these bloggers was a blast! It was great to put faces to the funny, heartwarming, and informative posts I read everyday! Below is a blogroll of attendees in case any readers would like to add some new CLE blogging love to their Google Readers.

Alicia from Poise in Parma

Crystal from Eat Drink Cleveland

Danyell from @chariturbanista

David from Health Insurance Issues with Dave and Again? Really?

Holly from Rust Belt Runner

Jen from Why CLE?

Jill from Thrifty Volunteer and Rick

Jody from The Days Go On

Julie from Wearing Mascara

Kasey from @KaseyCrabtree

Kimberly from SMITTEN…in cleveland

Kristian from Adventures of a trapped 300 pound man and Ohio Festivals

Lindsay from @LMeggas

Maria from The Daily Downward Dog

Nadine from Blog - The New Black and Cleveland City Living

Nidhi from NIDHIZZLE

Raizel from OmStone Aromas

Reanna from Big Shot Dot The I

Sara from Finding The Time

Stuart from @sos_jr

Tracy from Passion for the Possible

Photo Credit C/O Poise in Parma

Cheers to The OBA for hosting a great evening out! I look forward to attending more events, meeting more bloggers, and growing in this fantastic community. Meeting these bloggers in person is great inspiration to continue to add to this little blog. Thanks again to Poise in Parma, Wine and Design, and Miss Wine OH for putting together a classy and fun Tuesday night out!

The Battle Of The Brushes My hair is a constant battle. It is...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:33:26 -0500

The Battle Of The Brushes

My hair is a constant battle. It is all natural and usually has a tendency to grow into a Russell Brand like mess. I am always on the hunt for new ways to improve the look and feel of my hair while also improving the maintenance time. I have thin hair, thought luckily for me a lot of thin hair. However, being thin and delicate it has an inclination to break easily. So my latest investigation is for a new hair brush. I’ve conquered the dryness issue thanks to the amazingness that is Moroccan Hair Oil and now its on to styling tools! What better styling tool to start with then the good old hair brush.

So I have to ask- is it worth it to splurge on a great hair brush like the Mason Pearson pictured above (r) or is it a-ok to stick with my giant Conair Paddle Brush (l)?

The Conair brush does leave something to be desired as it causes a ton of static, but is buying the Rolls Royce of hair brushes the final answer? Do you recommend a middle ground? If so, which one?

A picture is worth a thousand words. Plus, check out those...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:48:26 -0500

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Plus, check out those bangs. 90’s hair was awesomely horrible.

48 Pictures That Perfectly Capture The ’90s

(via alittlespace:bbook)

Sometimes you meet the man of your dreams in a bar

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:14:00 -0500

Sometime or another you’ll meet the man of your dreams when you’re least expecting it.

You’ll meet him not once, but twice. You’ll be out with your girlfriend, your childhood best friend in fact, ready to spend the evening knee deep in drinks, lipstick, and tunes. You’ll be looking for fun and you’ll be looking for attention. A relationship will be the furthest thing from your mind; especially in a city you don’t plan on spending much time in. The floor will be dirty and the DJ will play all your favorite 90’s rap songs.

You’ll see him right away- the first time, and flirt aggressively. He’ll ignore you. You’ll pout over vodka cocktails until someone else asks for your number, you’ll give it to him just to push a dare.

You’ll go home alone- best friend in tow, and forget about both of the men you met.

A few weeks later you’ll end up at the same basement bar with your same best friend ready for round two. The man you flirted with is old news and completely out of your mind until you walk in and see him again, you’ll blush and say hello and wonder if he remembers you (he doesn’t) You’ll drink more, put on more lipstick, dance more, and contemplate bold moves.

Finally, a man with a keen Edward Norton appearance will convince you to go upstairs and chat him up. You’ll pretend to make a phone call to your other best friend in Chicago. You’ll leave a lengthy voice mail about nothing when she doesn’t pick up, just to kill time and work up your nerve.

Just as you are about to give up and head inside, a dead drunk man will fall on his face with a crack loud enough to make your stomach turn. This gives you something to talk to the man about who previously ignored you.

You’ll talk until the bar closes (the drunk will get up and stumble away, just fine). You’ll give him your phone number and wonder whether or not he’ll call. In fact, he will call you and ask for a date later in the week.

He’ll call the next day to ask if he can see you before (and in addition) to your scheduled dinner date claiming he can’t wait to get to know you. You wont know what to say or do since nothing like this has ever happened in your long line of dating. You’ll flip a coin to make a decision. Heads say go. Your coin will turn up heads. You’ll go. In a moment, that coin flip begins the rest of your life.

{ The Sometimes Series is a new essay series by Blog-The New Black. The first story, on love, is brought you by the lovely month of February}

Daily essentials- Winter edition. Back to the grind after...

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:39:10 -0500

Daily essentials- Winter edition.

Back to the grind after vacation. Posts and pictures to come! Have a great Monday!

Pool side- the perfect way to spend a birthday (26!) When from...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:33:12 -0500

Pool side- the perfect way to spend a birthday (26!) When from the north and you’re a winter baby. Happy happy to me!

Saturday travel, in photos (black & gold edition) Nothing...

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:00:05 -0500

Saturday travel, in photos (black & gold edition)

Nothing screams warm weather like a pair of Sperry’s- metallic no less! I was ready to leave CLE’s impending blizzard for Orlando and excited to rock some new shoes. Just in time for the trip (and an early bday present) was this warm weather appropriate sunburst necklace from House of Harlow c/o my lovely bestie Lauryn Effie who was so kind to get it to me knowing I would be away for my actual birthday.

Last but not least- I picked up The Hunger Games for some airplane reading and to say I’m hooked would be an understatement! I know I’m late to the game, but this book is the business! I can’t wait to finish it up when I have some down time (or pool time!)

Flying High Tomorrow morning I’ll be off to Orlando for 8...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:37:00 -0500

Flying High

Tomorrow morning I’ll be off to Orlando for 8 days. The first 4 will be dedicated to my company’s huge national convention, so I’ll be geeking out over marketing/social/PR best practices each day, everyday. The other 4 days I’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day and my BIRTHDAY with my lovely colleagues and even lovelier boyfriend. Other than hitting up each and every Disney Park do you have any recommendations for swanky restaurants, spas, or any must see shopping? Other than Disney World I’m not to familiar with the city. Any tips would be appreciated! Prepare for major Mickey Mouse ear photos to come ;)

Today was a day! I woke up nervous. It’s never good when...

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:13:36 -0500

Today was a day! I woke up nervous. It’s never good when the anxiety starts before you even put your feet on the ground. This evening was exactly what I needed- excessive polka dots, a Cavs win against the Clippers, and some tacos (eaten too quickly for photos, whoops!)

I have some very exciting news to share, but am trying to hold out as not to jinx it. For being the blabber mouth I am this is proving to be quite a difficult feat. Keep your fingers crossed and hopefully I can share soon!

jennyjennybobenny: 6. Teacup Pigs Who Think They Are At Prep...

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:06 -0500

jennyjennybobenny:

6. Teacup Pigs Who Think They Are At Prep School

Mostly native to New England and surrounding areas, teacup pigs who think they are at prep school are known for their delicate little snouts and their elitist attitudes.

(via 25 Animals Who Think They’re People)

All I want is a teacup pig!!! And a baby goat….

i heart cleveland was kind enough to feature me on her blog....

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:24:06 -0500

i heart cleveland was kind enough to feature me on her blog. Check out my post on The Perfect Cleveland Valentine’s Day and let me know what you think.

*Thanks a million to Charity for the opportunity. i heart cleveland is a wonderful blog and it is a pleasure to be featured!*

Politics: Its not something I talk often about on this blog, but...

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:51:56 -0500

Politics: Its not something I talk often about on this blog, but I wanted to share a campaign video for my dear friend Graham Veysey who is running for Congress in Ohio’s 9th District. Not only is the video beautiful and compelling, but it is inspired from Clint Eastwood’s Halftime in Detroit Super Bowl Commercial (quite timely!). Check it out!

Its quite chilly outside which means a hearty meal is in order!...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:36:51 -0500

Its quite chilly outside which means a hearty meal is in order! Risotto for dinner. Adding in some baby portobellos and some squash soon.

Holiday Nails! Getting in the Valentine spirit by rocking some...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:53:05 -0500

Holiday Nails! Getting in the Valentine spirit by rocking some red and pink.

{Zoya’s Barbie and Essie’s Red-y Set Ex}

What I Wore: An Art Opening. This past weekend a friend was in...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:17:00 -0500

What I Wore: An Art Opening.

This past weekend a friend was in town and we had the chance celebrate his first solo show at a local gallery. This is a little preview of a larger post that is coming soon. Enjoy the sneak peak!

{Power Bun, Vintage Fur, H&M shirt, Rag & Bone Jeans, Nine West Heels, Rebecca Minkoff Clutch}

**Also, if you haven’t yet voted for me in The Refinery 29 Next Style Blogger contest, you can by clicking here. Thank you so much to those who’ve already voted!

Super Bowl Sunday chili cook off!

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:55:14 -0500

Super Bowl Sunday chili cook off!

Bulleit Bourbon. Recycled to an olive oil spout.

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:34:06 -0500

Bulleit Bourbon. Recycled to an olive oil spout.

Fur Fridays… Meow.

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:06:54 -0500

Fur Fridays… Meow.

Coachella Dreaming by nnocero featuring heel booties Wal G...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:44:00 -0500

Coachella Dreaming by nnocero featuring heel booties

Wal G flower print dress
£10 - bankfashion.co.uk

KENNY long top
$127 - otteny.com

Printed tank top
allyfashion.com

Paige Denim floral jean shorts
$114 - coggles.com

Sass & Bide metallic shorts
$485 - net-a-porter.com

Sabre vision
$170 - generalpants.com.au

Padded Lace Bandeau
$9.99 - tillys.com

Sperry Top-Sider metallic shoes
$90 - bloomingdales.com

Isabel Marant heel booties
$580 - lagarconne.com

Wide brim hat
$95 - reissonline.com

American Apparel oversized hat
$44 - americanapparel.net

Coachella may still be 2 months away, but I can’t stop daydreaming about its awesomeness. Of course I’ve been brainstorming what I’ll wear nonstop. Here’s a preview… I already own the shades and the jean shorts. Lets see what versions of the rest will be purchased and make their way into my suitcase.

JPC is making me play monopoly. As if I don’t get enough...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:58:18 -0500

JPC is making me play monopoly. As if I don’t get enough real estate thrills through out the day…